Coq au Vin

Goofy rooster!

I let the chickens out to wander the yard before we left on our Adventure Thursday morning and they continued their roaming after our return. On one of my trips back outside to retrieve belongings from my van, that silly rooster decided to follow me onto the back porch and threaten my existence. (He really is an idiot...) He was between me and the picnic table when he jumped off the ground, puffed up his feathers, and made a fool of himself. I plucked a small log from the woodpile outside the back door and turned to face him. He took one look at the chunk of wood in my hand and hopped into the air again. This time in an effort to get off of the porch and away from me as quickly as possible. Ha ha! I'm not sure why he runs from the guys and thinks I'm an easy target. He obviously doesn't know who owns the soup pot.

The Grand(kid) Adventure

Yesterday was wildly successful!

We didn't go on many field trips this summer, but after pending the lovely days of Tuesday and Wednesday cooped up inside the nursing home with my friend, I knew I couldn't spend another gorgeous summer-like day inside. We had to go out and I knew just where. The Birdsong Trail at Mendon Ponds Park! I filled seven ziplock bags with sunflower seeds and we set off on a Grand(kid) Adventure. Uncle Joe came along and we met Aunt Bethany on the way.

There is nothing in all the world quite like the tiny claws of a small song bird clutching one's finger, except perhaps the first moment they fly directly toward one's face en route to the fingertips.

I am incredibly blessed each and every time I am able to share this experience with someone I love and I was not disappointed yesterday. These kids are hooked!

I'd originally intended to walk the trail, but after two hours we'd barely stepped out on the trail. If walking isn't your thing, the birds don't mind meeting you at the starting point. (This is Bethany.)

One of our nature lovers... Grandchild Number Two. I had no doubt this child would be enthralled and I was right.

I was unsure how Simon would respond. I knew he would love the adventure of being in the woods, but I wasn't certain if he would be patient and quiet enough to entice a bird into his hand, but the birds were very cooperative yesterday and he caught the "bug" too. He was just as pleased to have a bird land on his fingers as his brother and sister.





And then I have a nature lover of my own. Bugs, birds, and history. Joe could have stayed all day and we almost did. We arrived at noon and didn't go home until 3:30 pm.

It was so much fun and so satisfying that I'm almost ready for winter. But not quite.

Planning an Adventure

I spent the last two gorgeous sunny days sitting inside with my friend at work. Tomorrow is forecast to be an equally beautiful day. I'm planning an adventure with my trio of grandchildren; an outing to feed the birds. I'm hoping at least one of them will be patient enough to entice a chickadee to eat out of his/her hand.

Wish me luck tomorrow, because unless I find an available friend, it's looking like I'll be at it alone. If all else fails we'll have a nice walk in the woods and maybe we'll discover where the wood fairies live. Could be an interesting day...

American Adventure

Remember the car show I went to a couple weeks ago?  (this one) Well, the organizer and owner of East Coast Hot Rod is a friend and he, along with another friend, are on an American Adventure. I don't know much about the race but John and Alan have participated for several years now. The other day my husband made a donation so John could upgrade to a different car, and we somehow got named as THE sponsor. Hey, that's cool.

So, John brought the car over to show us on Sunday afternoon. James got a ride, but I was content to just take pictures. Nice, eh?

A Battle Lost

It's one of those sad kind of weeks. There will be two funerals, one for our friend Doug and one for the 21 year old daughter of a friend and former church member. DeAnna was in the teen group at church with my two youngest children. Heroin stole her away much too young.

It's been a years long fight for this young woman, and not a secret struggle. She'd been to rehab, had long stints of being clean, and relapses. She'd made at least two narrow escapes. In the end the monster of drug addiction won the battle for her life. She wasn't any older than Hannah.

Please pray for the family left behind, her parents and an older sister. I can only imagine the ache inside.

Hearing His Voice

Yesterday Rachel and I went to feed the chickadees and take pictures on the Bird Song Trail at Mendon Ponds. Today we went to a women's conference at her church.

It feels like it's been a long time since I heard God talking to me. I often know what I should be hearing and sometimes I know what I should be doing, but actually "hearing" Him speak? That hasn't happened in quite some time. Until today. I heard Him today. And I realized I've been hearing him before today too, I just wasn't certain exactly what He was saying.

Each morning I check my "On This Day" app on Facebook. It was a quick check this morning. Just a few minutes to see this post from six years ago. "The true test of our spiritual life is in exhibiting the power to descend from the mountain. If we only have the power to go up, something is wrong.... We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength." -Oswald Chambers.  I considered sharing, but I was in a hurry and I didn't. I was amazed to hear one of the speakers read the entire devotional when she shared. Had the part about "descending the mountain" not caught my attention earlier, I'd have missed hearing it altogether.

Then there was my sister, who leaned over and whispered something about the painful experiences of life changing us for the better. And she hadn't read my blog from yesterday... The first two speakers had both faced the terribly painful life experience of losing a child. The agony of loss and the faithfulness of Christ had brought them out today to share the gift of hope with the rest of us. Grief has left these gentle mothers soft and tender. (Angie Smith, and Mindy Sauer)

Perhaps not finally, I also heard God's still soft voice in the mention of Romans 8:37, which I had left in response to a friend's request for a favorite scripture verse just yesterday. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

I should have taken notes at the conference today, but I was too busy listening, wiping tears from my eyes, and trying to tuck some treasures away in my heart. I'm sure there are pieces I missed or have already forgotten, but I also know that God repeats Himself more than once when He wants us to hear His voice. I'm already wondering what He'll have to say tomorrow.

September

As September slips away, I am once again grateful, not only for all it has given, but that which it has taken as well, because in the losing there is often great gain.

My heart is fuller for the gift of children. September made me a mom, blessed me with two beautiful grandchildren, and gave me a second son in law.

September left us grieving us on 9-11, and my heart aching as it ushered my dad into eternity in 2009. It also left it softer and more tender. More aware.

How does a heart that has never grieved find compassion for the hurting? How does a soul who has never been ill find love and understanding for those who are sick?

September has brought both heartache and pain, and joy and gladness, and I am forever grateful.

Farewell to another sweet September...

Pretty Stones and Apple Pies

I wasn't entirely sure I wanted a gray and drizzly day, but it turned out to be a good one in spite of the lack of sunshine and blue skies. I got up just a little late, but Uncle Joe and Grandpa were downstairs to keep an eye on The Trio while I took a quick shower. While I sipped my morning brew and scrolled Facebook, I made the wonderful discovery that today is National Coffee Day. What could be better on a gray autumn day than coffee? Pie, maybe?

I sent the kids out to find "pretty stones" in the driveway and they returned a little while later with pockets bulging. They didn't know I'd purchased two lovely bags of polished rocks from the Dollar Tree and scattered them about on Saturday afternoon. They were quite delighted by their find and spent a bit of time sitting at the table sorting and classifying. A successful plan implemented. I must remember this trick next summer.

While the grandkids looked at their treasures, I started about baking. First a loaf of banana bread. Aubrey opted to help. She wore an apron, chopped walnuts, and stirred the batter. Once the bread was in the oven, I started on pies. "What do you love doing so much you'd do it for free?" (A line from a movie we recently watched.) Perhaps my answer is baking pies. I was blessed to discover my apple peeler/corer/slicer hiding in the cabinet with my pots and pans. It made short work of what is the longest, most tedious part of apple pies, and the kids loved eating the "apple ropes" that piled up on the table when I turned the crank.

There are now five apple pies cooling on the counter, just waiting for someone to love them. At least two have homes (well, three if I count the one that's staying here... ) and I am conjuring up recipients for the others

Corncobs and Cucumbers

Corncobs and cucumbers are what I fed my little flock of chickens this afternoon. (I have twelve again... at least for now.) "Corncobs and Cucumbers" could also be a book about my father who left us for heaven seven short years ago today.

When I was a little girl my dad grew an incredible garden. There were all kinds of vegetables and we learned to love everything he grew, except for perhaps turnips. They apparently weren't profitable because I only recall him growing them once. However, he never grew a garden without sweet corn and cucumbers. It seems like we ate buttered, salted sweet corn and sliced cucumbers every night during the summer.

Long after Dad stopped growing a garden, there continued to be corn on the cob for supper, because Dad loved it so much that he found a farm stand where he could stop on a regular basis, ensuring his continual corn consumption. And cucumbers? Oh, yes! There were almost always cucumbers too.

I think, perhaps, if I should ever publish a book in his honor, "Corncobs and Cucumbers" would be a great title.
:0)

Feeling the Heartbeat

I found myself profoundly sad this past Sunday and into yesterday. Sometimes even what should have been expected can take us by surprise.

Two years ago we were attending a church here in town. During that time a friend from our previous church fellowship fell seriously ill. His body was ravaged by pancreatitis and he spent six months in the hospital fighting for his life. There were many tears shed and countless prayers uttered on his behalf, and because He is a God of miracles, our friend Doug lived another year and ten months before succumbing to cancer this past Saturday.

He wasn't the pastor or assistant pastor, but Doug was, in so many ways ,the heartbeat of Calvary Chapel Webster. He was the kind of guy who always had a hug and word of encouragement, and he never failed to be ready and willing to pray with anyone in need. He loved to prepare and serve meals, to work in the church cafe and coffee shop, and love on people. The last time I saw him, he motioned for me to come closer. I thought he was going to ask a question or tell me something, but instead he wrapped me in one of those Doug Hugs. He wasn't afraid to let any of us know we were loved.

This weekend is the adult retreat at The Castle in Franklin, Pennsylvania, the place where Doug so loved to serve. We won't be there this year, but we were last October. I remember being relieved to have him there, tired though he was, doing what he loved so much, working in the kitchen and blessing the socks off the rest of us.

His suffering has ended, but his passing leaves a gigantic hole. I pray that those of us who are left behind this time around will learn from his example, and if each of us can love even one other person like Doug loved all of us, the world will be a better place.

I'm still feeling a little teary, but then again, tomorrow will mark the seventh anniversary of my dad's passing too. It's just a little harder this year than some of the past ones...

Chicken Soup, Because

I'd planned to bake a few pies today, but after my morning appointment and a stroll around the shopping plaza, I opted to make chicken soup instead. Autumn made me think of soup, and though it was a warm sunny afternoon, by the time we ate it was cool, dark, and rainy. Perfect.

I couldn't decide which of my ladies would be most tasty, so I picked up a big package of chicken thighs from Wegmans. Garlic. Onion. Mushrooms. Celery. Carrots. My kitchen smelled absolutely yummy with chicken baking and vegetable sauteing.

The chickens knocked at the door, but when I inquired, I found they had no interest in helping with the soup. "You've got to be kidding me!" said the first chicken. She was not impressed in the least. In fact, I thought I heard her say something about my intelligence, but I can't be entirely sure. Her look is telling though.

The Car Show

I spent the morning wandering from one place to another; BJ's, Saver's, the new Super Walmart,... the East Coast Hot Rod car show... I had my camera along.

Nice, eh? (I'm practicing my Canadian, just in case I go back anytime soon.)

My Friend Flossie

My sister and I went to visit our brother today. We had taken him out for a drive, returned him to the residence, and were on our way home again when I looked over at her and wondered why she was flossing her teeth as she was driving.

"Rachel," I said, "You shouldn't be flossing your teeth while you drive..."

"I'm not," she replied, "I'm trying to get this necklace out of my hair." (A recurring problem with said necklace.)

I was relieved at the time, but now that I am home and rethinking it, that doesn't sound safe either.

She dropped the offending chain into the console of the car. "It looked at first like you were flossing your teeth." I told her.

"I don't have any floss in my car," she told me. "I used it all up."

Well, that's a relief...

My Favorite Broom

It was a busy day with The Trio. Since I wasn't home Monday-Wednesday, I decided to catch up on some housework. Or try to. Silly me. I got to one room, the kitchen, several times over. And I did two loads of laundry. The clothes, sheets, and towels are washed, clean, and folded. Well, the clothes and towels are. The sheets need to be put back on the bed. No sense folding them.

We've taken to keeping the chickens in while the kids are here, that way I don't need to worry about the silly rooster chasing the kids. I let the birds out when Leta came but Simon stayed in the sandbox until the chickens had made their way up into the yard. He looked rather wary when he climbed out of the sand and found the rooster watching him from the opposite side. "Don't run," I told him, and I took my broom over to escort him safely to the porch. Gotta love that broom!

Tired and Cranky

I am beyond tired and probably fighting something that wants to make my eyes ache. I was already cranky this morning when I found a cold and empty coffee pot on the kitchen counter. (so sad...) I solved the problem by making a fresh, hot pot and poured some into My Favorite coffee cup along with a dab of French Vanilla creamer.

While my morning coffee brewed, I checked my computer and ordered myself a lunch at Panera Bread. I picked it up on my way to see my favorite chiropractor. I had time between leaving his office and getting to work, so I called my favorite Hannah and chatted with her for a few minutes. Daughters are a nice thing to have. I arrived at work with enough time to change from street clothes into my work clothes. Good thing I changed because my boss made a visit after lunch.

It was a long and sleepy afternoon, but it was also my short day. I got home while it was daylight and even collected today's offering of eggs. We have more than we can eat at the moment, so I decided to use several in a bread pudding this evening. They're small so I beat up six instead of four. I added raisins and sprinkled the dish with cinnamon and nutmeg. It baked for an hour and came out sicky sweet and not looking like any bread pudding I've made previous. It does help if one actually adds the eggs... Maybe it will be funny tomorrow.

North of the Border

Yesterday morning (which seems like just yesterday on one hand and a long time ago on the other), I hopped into my vehicle with my overnight bag and headed for Canada. I crossed the border without incident and arrived at my destination just a little over three hours after leaving home. Somewhere between Fort Erie and Niagara Falls I called my husband for clarification on directions and discovered my phone was a bit persnickety in a foreign country. (Did you know Canadians are foreign? Ha ha! Or maybe we are... :0) )

My bloggy friend Linda made us a delicious lunch and we had a wonderful visit. It was our first face to face meeting, and the first time I've gone to another country to meet one of my friends. The time flew by and it was soon time for me to go. I did not turn around and head for home. That wouldn't be any fun. Instead I headed for the home of my (husband's) cousin Tracy and her husband Jim. We shared dinner, pie and ice cream, and talked until the wee hours of the morning, whereupon we decided if I was to arrive at work on time today, it might be a good idea to go to bed.

I left Tracy's at about 8:15 am and headed back toward Rochester. Three hours later I was at work and on time. It was a nice, but very short and slightly tiring trip. I think if I do it again, I'd like to have a little more time to meander. There are a lot of things to see and do in the Niagara Region.

No photos of me and Tracy. We were just too tired. But there are a few nice ones of Linda and me.

Starship Applepies

It's pie baking season. The apples are ready and the air has a certain crispness (not to be confused with "Christmas"). I spent the afternoon in the kitchen. My new kitchen is beautiful, but I don't know where anything is anymore. I felt a little bit discombobulated. I have no clue whether or not I kept my apple peeler/slicer. If I did keep it, Where I put it is a mystery.

Tomorrow I am going on a journey. I am taking apple pies and going to meet my friend Linda for lunch. After my time with Linda, I will meet up with my husband's cousin Tracy. If things work out, I will see a childhood friend as well. It's a long drive. I just might stay overnight with Tracy and drive back in time for work on Tuesday morning. Guess I should pack an overnight bag, just in case.

This and That

My job interview on Monday went well and I loved looking into four year old faces that surrounded me. They asked my name, and then told me "No, it's not! What's your name?"because Martha is the name of the woman who runs the daycare. I'd thought I wanted a full time position, but I've been rethinking. I decided perhaps part time would be better.

I left the other Martha a message on Tuesday afternoon. She left me a message today. Now I have to let her know what days and hours will work for me. What can I commit to?

Since I want to save a couple of days for the grand darlings and myself, I'm thinking I might keep Thursdays and Fridays free. The pay at the daycare is less than I am making now, but I'll save 40 minutes a day in drive time. I think I could get used to that.


Yesterday my sister Rachel and I meandered the back roads of Newark, NY, and today I am off to wander the Pultneyville garage sales.

Leaf Collections and a Long Walk

The trio was here for the morning. I was surprised to walk into the kitchen and find an extensive leaf collection littering my island table. Have I told you they like collecting?

I never cease to be amazed (and sometimes dismayed) at the assortment of items and where the young scientists decide to lay out their treasure, but being a good grandmother, rather than object, like I would have had I caught them sooner, I picked up my camera to record the joyous occasion.

I find it interesting how personality shows up in something as simple as organization. Simon's leaves were a large and random assortment while Lucas laid his smaller collection out in rows. They were quite pleased that I bothered to record their activity. I hope it doesn't encourage them too much. Maybe I need to find them a spot in the barn for all their rocks, leaves, and feathers.





In an attempt to stay active, I took another walk down the road this afternoon. It's a mile and a half one way, and just over a mile the other. Today I took my camera and was distracted by bees in the goldenrod at the edge of my own property. In spite of my attention deficit, I did make it down the road and back again in a decent amount of time.  On my way home a large dog spoke to me from within his invisible enclosure. I named him Guardian and will call him Guard for short, even though I don't have a clue who he belongs to. I think it's a good name.