Good bye 2008 ~ For many it was a sorry year, but for us, it was, basically a very good year. We went to Haiti last winter and it was the trip of my life, thus far and I look forward to going back next month. That started the year and we ended with the birth of our fourth grandson, Levi, who was born December 18th. So everything in between often paled in comparison. Our church denomination celebrated its 300th Anniversary in 2008 and it was a good Annual Conference in Richmond. The year ended for me in the basement of the home of a Sister in Christ while a group of us played dominoes. We pretty much laughed out the old year in to the new. It was a good way to end the year. Thanks to my youngest, I have discovered and come to love the writings of Patrick Taylor. Good Irishman he is. Thanks to keeping old addresses I was also able to find and reconnect with my closest cousin ever, who is hoping to come back to Canada from Ireland this year. Hurrah! Once she arrives there's a trip to Canada in the wind.
So what of 2009? Well, I started by cleaning out areas of clutter in the dining room, filling up a whole trashbag. Not a bad start. I decanted some herbal meds today and we have plenty to eat for supper. Better than 90% of the rest of the world. I have a journal to begin for this year and I'm really praying to be diligent enough to keep it. New year resolutions are rarely kept, but a few of mine for this year are: to be more positive in thought; to be more polite and kind and to study my Bible more faithfully. Not a bad start. Of course, you can add in all the lose weight and get fit and all those things that I "plan" to do, but know from past years it takes some planning and effort. We'll see. We already begin the year with a good lot of "busy-ness". Every weekend in January is taken and the first weekend of February I'll be in Haiti. I do have a few weeks off from there, but then we're headed to Indiana for a Disaster Trip in April ~ San Diego looms in June, and, if Beth immigrates, I'll be headed to Canada sometime. I have a feeling the year will go quickly. Ah, so I'll be closer to heaven than last year, so.
I thought I ought to do a bloggy for the new year and I guess this is it. May all my dear readers be blessed this year and while the economics of our nation appear to be in greater peril than in 2008, we must remember that money can't buy it all. Let us all learn more of working together for the common good of all. God bless us every one.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sometimes
Sometimes I feel like screaming "this is not fair". Today is one of those days. We just spent a wonderful weekend with our oldest and youngest grandsons for their birthdays. It was a good weekend. On Saturday I was able to buy Luke his first Michael Crichton novel. Jurassic Park, no less. I remember when I bought that in hard back and read it. Great book. Then came the movie and I insisted that Rex read the novel before attending the movie. It was a great mother/son moment when we went to see that movie together after both having read the book. I can't wait for luke to finish it.To have that grandmother/grandson moment! He's only 8 years old, but loves the written word, so I have no doubt he will finish it. Then today.. today.. I learn that Michael Crichton has succumbed to that dreaded disease ... cancer .... at 66 years old. All the news reports say, "unexpectedly". How sad. I understand there is a last novel being held because he was ill. It'll be a best seller no doubt.
Sometimes I want to spit over death by disease, but cancer is the worst. It is no respecter of persons ~ race, sex, age... doesn't matter. It can strike children, teens, and on up to the aged. Doesn't matter. Cancer has to have erupted from the pit of hell to destroy those whom it touches. Only God can give peace to the soul stricken with this dis-ease. Thankfully, we have made great advances over the years. No longer is a diagnosis of cancer a death sentence, but it sure is a time stopper. Normality stops to make room for hospital gowns, tests upon tests, surgeries and chemical cocktails meant to poison the cells that have gone awry and kill them, lest they spread. The statistics proclaim 1 in 10 will be affected with cancer. One in ten? That means 10 of every 100. Well, that stands about true. In our church over the last few years there've been... let's see.... at least ten and two are currently in treatment, neither aged. Both with much to live for. I'm sure Michael Crichton had much yet to live for.
So, that's it.. I just needed to get that off my chest... More, something happier perhaps, later.
Sometimes I want to spit over death by disease, but cancer is the worst. It is no respecter of persons ~ race, sex, age... doesn't matter. It can strike children, teens, and on up to the aged. Doesn't matter. Cancer has to have erupted from the pit of hell to destroy those whom it touches. Only God can give peace to the soul stricken with this dis-ease. Thankfully, we have made great advances over the years. No longer is a diagnosis of cancer a death sentence, but it sure is a time stopper. Normality stops to make room for hospital gowns, tests upon tests, surgeries and chemical cocktails meant to poison the cells that have gone awry and kill them, lest they spread. The statistics proclaim 1 in 10 will be affected with cancer. One in ten? That means 10 of every 100. Well, that stands about true. In our church over the last few years there've been... let's see.... at least ten and two are currently in treatment, neither aged. Both with much to live for. I'm sure Michael Crichton had much yet to live for.
So, that's it.. I just needed to get that off my chest... More, something happier perhaps, later.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Fall
Well dear readers, fall has come ~ for this year, in more ways than one!! Seems the economy is in free-fall and everyone is feeling a bit out of control of late. I can tell you that our retirement is all but gone and I warned our oldest son that he'll probably be providing the retirement house for his parents.. (Thankfully he didn't mind that.) I don't think the election will make much difference, unfortunately, but that's another topic for another time.
I've been spending the last few weeks in a free-fall of my own. On Sept. 17th our dear friend and brother, Pastor Geordany Joseph from LaJeune Haiti arrived. What joy to have him here with us for the last weeks. He is such a delight and has such a firm grasp on how the church "ought" to be. He brought with him letters for me from my "sons" (fre' mwen) and "daughter" (si' mwen) and some pictures and gifts. Of course, this old woman cried for those loved ones so far away. Since then we have been running quite a bit to get him into as many churches and homes as possible. Feeding the children is his first priority. One of the orphans is sick with malnutrition as I write :( Second priority is getting the new orphanage building finished, then a school. There is so much to do there and little money to do it with. He has received some help here, which I praise the Lord for. He wants us to come to his wedding in December, so we planned to do that until we saw the air fares. It'd cost us over 2000 just for the flights. Somehow I don't see that happening. BUT, there is agroup being formed to go the first part of Feb and I'll be on that plane, Lord willing. The fares drop substantially after Christmas. I had so hoped to be in that wedding though... What a joy to be included, and Pastor wanted the husband to act as a witness. Oh well, maybe God will have us go yet. Today the husband took Pastor for an eye exam. They discovered cateracts. He'll have them done at a clinic in Haiti (much to our chagrin), but there is no $$ for that kind of thing here. Monday we'll take him to the dentist. We want him to be as healthy as possible when he leaves to go home. I know he's homesick though. His betrothed texts and calls daily, as does the orphanage. I can't wait to meet her. I need to sharpen my creole, though.. We were able to set up a bank account here so that funds can be more readily available to him. That is great news and makes life much easier in the long run. Of course, now we must get the word out to churches to send funds to us instead of Haiti. We'll just deposit them in his account and he can draw them out down there via his own bank in Cap Haitien. Before he had to pay a premium to get American money.
On a sadder note, a dear sister and friend was found to have colon cancer on the 17th of September. Lisa was diagnosed with diverticulitis six months ago, but that's not what it was. We are all pretty disgusted that no follow up was made, but that's too typical. She is only 42 with a ten year old at home. Her fight will be long and tiring, but we are praying that God will heal her totally. HE is in that business, I know.
On the church end... the year is winding down. It's been a busy one. DIstrict Conference begins in just a few short weeks. I usually enjoy District Conference ~ we'll see this year. I have one more year on the Board and then will be off. I doubt I'll be re-elected the following year, but I've been fooled before... I've enjoyed my time on the Ministry Commission. The local church is puttering along well. We are praying that the Springs campaign will revive them to better and more willingly serve their Master.
Standing Committee is already pulling its hair out preparing for next Annual Conference in CA. I'm looking forward to going (I'd love to get a bunch of folks to go early on the train), but I'm not looking forward to the nasty business. What will become of our denomination I do not know. I know that not a few are getting tired of the battering. That does not bode well. On the upside, if the economy goes down the tubes it may solidify us more closely to the Word of God and the person/diety of Jesus. One can only hope.
So, for now, it's a lovely, fall day and I have clothes to hang out and ironing to do. I'll close and get my womens-work done so I can start on the important stuff... LOL
Til next time... keep the Faith that was given to you by Christ Jesus
I've been spending the last few weeks in a free-fall of my own. On Sept. 17th our dear friend and brother, Pastor Geordany Joseph from LaJeune Haiti arrived. What joy to have him here with us for the last weeks. He is such a delight and has such a firm grasp on how the church "ought" to be. He brought with him letters for me from my "sons" (fre' mwen) and "daughter" (si' mwen) and some pictures and gifts. Of course, this old woman cried for those loved ones so far away. Since then we have been running quite a bit to get him into as many churches and homes as possible. Feeding the children is his first priority. One of the orphans is sick with malnutrition as I write :( Second priority is getting the new orphanage building finished, then a school. There is so much to do there and little money to do it with. He has received some help here, which I praise the Lord for. He wants us to come to his wedding in December, so we planned to do that until we saw the air fares. It'd cost us over 2000 just for the flights. Somehow I don't see that happening. BUT, there is agroup being formed to go the first part of Feb and I'll be on that plane, Lord willing. The fares drop substantially after Christmas. I had so hoped to be in that wedding though... What a joy to be included, and Pastor wanted the husband to act as a witness. Oh well, maybe God will have us go yet. Today the husband took Pastor for an eye exam. They discovered cateracts. He'll have them done at a clinic in Haiti (much to our chagrin), but there is no $$ for that kind of thing here. Monday we'll take him to the dentist. We want him to be as healthy as possible when he leaves to go home. I know he's homesick though. His betrothed texts and calls daily, as does the orphanage. I can't wait to meet her. I need to sharpen my creole, though.. We were able to set up a bank account here so that funds can be more readily available to him. That is great news and makes life much easier in the long run. Of course, now we must get the word out to churches to send funds to us instead of Haiti. We'll just deposit them in his account and he can draw them out down there via his own bank in Cap Haitien. Before he had to pay a premium to get American money.
On a sadder note, a dear sister and friend was found to have colon cancer on the 17th of September. Lisa was diagnosed with diverticulitis six months ago, but that's not what it was. We are all pretty disgusted that no follow up was made, but that's too typical. She is only 42 with a ten year old at home. Her fight will be long and tiring, but we are praying that God will heal her totally. HE is in that business, I know.
On the church end... the year is winding down. It's been a busy one. DIstrict Conference begins in just a few short weeks. I usually enjoy District Conference ~ we'll see this year. I have one more year on the Board and then will be off. I doubt I'll be re-elected the following year, but I've been fooled before... I've enjoyed my time on the Ministry Commission. The local church is puttering along well. We are praying that the Springs campaign will revive them to better and more willingly serve their Master.
Standing Committee is already pulling its hair out preparing for next Annual Conference in CA. I'm looking forward to going (I'd love to get a bunch of folks to go early on the train), but I'm not looking forward to the nasty business. What will become of our denomination I do not know. I know that not a few are getting tired of the battering. That does not bode well. On the upside, if the economy goes down the tubes it may solidify us more closely to the Word of God and the person/diety of Jesus. One can only hope.
So, for now, it's a lovely, fall day and I have clothes to hang out and ironing to do. I'll close and get my womens-work done so I can start on the important stuff... LOL
Til next time... keep the Faith that was given to you by Christ Jesus
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Just another Thursday
I had said that I would do better with writing my blogs. It's been a coupla weeks now, so time for another. It seems the days fly like the wind, ever faster and faster. But, that's life after 50 I guess.
The summer is quickly coming to a close. While the days are still hot and steamy the nights are cooler and more comfortable. The almanac calls for a harsh winter and I wouldn't be surprised. The garden is just about done. Just a few tomatoes here and there and a few beans drying on the vine for me to shell. God is so good to send us such good food from the work of my dear Henry's hands. I was going to say "our" hands, but in reality, I've had little to do with it. I'm not good in the heat at all.
Life on the croft is good this time of year. Our pantry is full and our time is well spent ministering to those whom we love. The only thing I wish was different was that I wish I had a maid and a cook and then I'd be set. But, that's not going to happen, so I need to be a better manager of my time. (Of course, here I sit in front of the computer...)
This blog will be a bit rambling, as I've no bones to pick, no ideas to discuss ~ it's just busy-ness. Through my life I've had a lot of friends. Some were truer than others and two were lost to circumstances, but by and large I have alot of friends. Nancy has been my friend since I was 7. She moved into the neighborhood just prior to the first subdivision being built. She and I hit it off pretty good considering we didn't go to the same school in the early days. We spent alot of time together ~ she with me on the farm and I with her in her basement playing dress-ups. We still honor one another's birthdays.. Hers November 23rd. Trisha has been my friend since first grade. (Kindergarten was just for city kids back then.) We don't keep in touch much, but we know we'll always "be there". Her birthday? January 1. Funny how those things stick with you. As the years moved on there was Patty, who I still keep in touch with pretty regularly. Then as an adult there was Dotty. I'll never forget Dotty, though I have no clue where she is now, or even if she's still with us. She kept me safe in a time when I wasn't. Then there was Sandy. Sandy and I went through some times together. She was one of the photographers at Justins' wedding. She was pregnant with her first child when I was pregnant with my last. After her came Joyce. Joyce and I are buddies still and talk on the phone at least once a month or more. We were once enemies, but God fixed that all up with a Love Feast and we never have had a harsh word since. After Joyce came Carol up in WV and we are still friends as well. Then came Brenda who I still keep in touch with. During my friendship with Carol I found a new friend. The first friend I ever lost to a disagreement. We had different ideas on child rearing and it destroyed our relationship. I'm sorry that happened, but there was nothing I could do.. Believe me I tried. She was the first friend I'd ever lost. Until that time I had remained friends with all that I had ever been friends with.... many unnamed on this list. It was devastating to me and my family. Recovery was slow and it still stings when I think of it. From that time, in my 40's, friendships came slower, just due to my husband's new call and my wariness, I guess. It was not until coming here that I started developing new friendships ~ Lisa, Dee, Carole, Pam, Carol, Crystal, Beth, Charlotte, Lisa, Joan, Toni, Diane..... and others. They are still with me and what fun we have!! During the years I've made some internet friends ~ Kelly, Jenni, Katie, Joan, Jean, Kimberly, Joanie and many, many others. All I've kept in touch with pretty much, save one ~ who is another friend lost to the fires of disagreement and irreconcilable differences. All these people... not acquaintences who I just spend some time with and move on, but friends. People who respond to me and love me "anyway". I guess the loss of two in 52 years isn't bad, is it?
So, over the years I have been so blessed to have so many friends that I can call on, visit, lean on and be there for. Some people can only say they've have a few friends over the years. I've had many and I am so very thankful. For those of you who have put up with me, I am ever grateful, as I am a task, I know. So, maybe that's what this blog is about. Saying "thanks" for the memories and "thanks" for the love and to say while I'm blessed beyond measure, I'm sorry for the losses.
'Til next time :)
The summer is quickly coming to a close. While the days are still hot and steamy the nights are cooler and more comfortable. The almanac calls for a harsh winter and I wouldn't be surprised. The garden is just about done. Just a few tomatoes here and there and a few beans drying on the vine for me to shell. God is so good to send us such good food from the work of my dear Henry's hands. I was going to say "our" hands, but in reality, I've had little to do with it. I'm not good in the heat at all.
Life on the croft is good this time of year. Our pantry is full and our time is well spent ministering to those whom we love. The only thing I wish was different was that I wish I had a maid and a cook and then I'd be set. But, that's not going to happen, so I need to be a better manager of my time. (Of course, here I sit in front of the computer...)
This blog will be a bit rambling, as I've no bones to pick, no ideas to discuss ~ it's just busy-ness. Through my life I've had a lot of friends. Some were truer than others and two were lost to circumstances, but by and large I have alot of friends. Nancy has been my friend since I was 7. She moved into the neighborhood just prior to the first subdivision being built. She and I hit it off pretty good considering we didn't go to the same school in the early days. We spent alot of time together ~ she with me on the farm and I with her in her basement playing dress-ups. We still honor one another's birthdays.. Hers November 23rd. Trisha has been my friend since first grade. (Kindergarten was just for city kids back then.) We don't keep in touch much, but we know we'll always "be there". Her birthday? January 1. Funny how those things stick with you. As the years moved on there was Patty, who I still keep in touch with pretty regularly. Then as an adult there was Dotty. I'll never forget Dotty, though I have no clue where she is now, or even if she's still with us. She kept me safe in a time when I wasn't. Then there was Sandy. Sandy and I went through some times together. She was one of the photographers at Justins' wedding. She was pregnant with her first child when I was pregnant with my last. After her came Joyce. Joyce and I are buddies still and talk on the phone at least once a month or more. We were once enemies, but God fixed that all up with a Love Feast and we never have had a harsh word since. After Joyce came Carol up in WV and we are still friends as well. Then came Brenda who I still keep in touch with. During my friendship with Carol I found a new friend. The first friend I ever lost to a disagreement. We had different ideas on child rearing and it destroyed our relationship. I'm sorry that happened, but there was nothing I could do.. Believe me I tried. She was the first friend I'd ever lost. Until that time I had remained friends with all that I had ever been friends with.... many unnamed on this list. It was devastating to me and my family. Recovery was slow and it still stings when I think of it. From that time, in my 40's, friendships came slower, just due to my husband's new call and my wariness, I guess. It was not until coming here that I started developing new friendships ~ Lisa, Dee, Carole, Pam, Carol, Crystal, Beth, Charlotte, Lisa, Joan, Toni, Diane..... and others. They are still with me and what fun we have!! During the years I've made some internet friends ~ Kelly, Jenni, Katie, Joan, Jean, Kimberly, Joanie and many, many others. All I've kept in touch with pretty much, save one ~ who is another friend lost to the fires of disagreement and irreconcilable differences. All these people... not acquaintences who I just spend some time with and move on, but friends. People who respond to me and love me "anyway". I guess the loss of two in 52 years isn't bad, is it?
So, over the years I have been so blessed to have so many friends that I can call on, visit, lean on and be there for. Some people can only say they've have a few friends over the years. I've had many and I am so very thankful. For those of you who have put up with me, I am ever grateful, as I am a task, I know. So, maybe that's what this blog is about. Saying "thanks" for the memories and "thanks" for the love and to say while I'm blessed beyond measure, I'm sorry for the losses.
'Til next time :)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Banner Day
Well, dear readers, it's been a long time since I wrote on this blog. Primarily because I lost interest for a while, which is a story unto itself. I closed this blog to all but closest family some months ago in response to something/one. I did it as a gesture of peace, as the Bible says that we are to do what we can do to make peace, but my action didn't make peace anyway, so? After these months of being "private" I decided to go "public" again. So, those that want to read, can and those that don't like what I have to say... well, don't read the blog and for heavens sake, don't forward it to your friends and neighbors saying "guess who said what". Good grief. Grow up!
So, with that thought in mind, I'm trying to think about what this summer has wrought. Well, I'm much healthier than I was this time last year and we've had many happy moments in 2008 thus far! I've made some new friends and am getting ready to teach a new Sunday School class. Lots of other little stuff is going on as well, but 'm too lazy to list it all.
We did have Luke and Blake for a week the first part of August and what a joy that was! Those boys are so much fun to have around. I only wish Jacob could have been part of the fun as well, but... Having the grandchildren without the parents allow for a lot of "what happens at Grandma's and Grandpa's stays at Grandma's and Grandpa's" stuff. Little of it stays "private", but I'd like to think they'll be special memories attached that will last a lifetime.
Speaking of lifetimes... My brother found out some interesting information about our family these last weeks. It's disheartening to find out that the name you've carried all your life and the history you've pointed to as yours... well, isn't. We found that our ancestors joined up with another unrelated family and took their name in the early 1800's. Don't know why, but they did. With that came some freedom though. It explains why we all have such distinctive British/Irish characteristics. It would appear that all four sides of my parenthood were Irish for the most part with a bit of british sprinkled in on my grandmother's side ~ and even that's a maybe. I have a feeling he hitched a boat from the Island to Britian and caught the ship there.
Another lifetime moment occurred just last night. I enlisted my youngest, and most willing daughter-in-love to help me re-do a room in the house. In her great wisdom *hi, Julie* she suggested doing the hall closet first. Now, those of you that have been in my home know that the hall closet is under the stairs and scary at best, as I stuffed a bunch of stuff in there when we moved in. So last night we tackled the closet. Inside a foot locker I re-discovered the baby blankets from Rex along with a bunch of old pictures from way long ago and some from not so way long ago. Lots of memories of baby Rexy flooded the mind. They were sweet and great reminders of a good and much younger time. After cleaning out the mess, getting a stack of trash and a stack of Goodwill stuff and finding my long, lost CD's, we all went out for Kline's Custard. YES! It was worth the work.
So,it's a lazy Sunday afternoon and I'm going in to have a nice cup of tea now. I'll try to do better at keeping up, but no promises. I just promise you can read them if you want without asking "permission".
All for now.... Keep Christ at the center.... later
So, with that thought in mind, I'm trying to think about what this summer has wrought. Well, I'm much healthier than I was this time last year and we've had many happy moments in 2008 thus far! I've made some new friends and am getting ready to teach a new Sunday School class. Lots of other little stuff is going on as well, but 'm too lazy to list it all.
We did have Luke and Blake for a week the first part of August and what a joy that was! Those boys are so much fun to have around. I only wish Jacob could have been part of the fun as well, but... Having the grandchildren without the parents allow for a lot of "what happens at Grandma's and Grandpa's stays at Grandma's and Grandpa's" stuff. Little of it stays "private", but I'd like to think they'll be special memories attached that will last a lifetime.
Speaking of lifetimes... My brother found out some interesting information about our family these last weeks. It's disheartening to find out that the name you've carried all your life and the history you've pointed to as yours... well, isn't. We found that our ancestors joined up with another unrelated family and took their name in the early 1800's. Don't know why, but they did. With that came some freedom though. It explains why we all have such distinctive British/Irish characteristics. It would appear that all four sides of my parenthood were Irish for the most part with a bit of british sprinkled in on my grandmother's side ~ and even that's a maybe. I have a feeling he hitched a boat from the Island to Britian and caught the ship there.
Another lifetime moment occurred just last night. I enlisted my youngest, and most willing daughter-in-love to help me re-do a room in the house. In her great wisdom *hi, Julie* she suggested doing the hall closet first. Now, those of you that have been in my home know that the hall closet is under the stairs and scary at best, as I stuffed a bunch of stuff in there when we moved in. So last night we tackled the closet. Inside a foot locker I re-discovered the baby blankets from Rex along with a bunch of old pictures from way long ago and some from not so way long ago. Lots of memories of baby Rexy flooded the mind. They were sweet and great reminders of a good and much younger time. After cleaning out the mess, getting a stack of trash and a stack of Goodwill stuff and finding my long, lost CD's, we all went out for Kline's Custard. YES! It was worth the work.
So,it's a lazy Sunday afternoon and I'm going in to have a nice cup of tea now. I'll try to do better at keeping up, but no promises. I just promise you can read them if you want without asking "permission".
All for now.... Keep Christ at the center.... later
Friday, May 30, 2008
Spring memories
Well dear readers, spring came this year with a sweet smell! This is the first year in recent memory that spring has felt like true spring. Yes, the allergies have gone nutty, but that's par for the course. Yet, there's been a typical spring-like weather for the last coupla months to allow summer to come more quietly and with more serenity. Time seems to fly, as do my years, but nevertheless, something about this spring has been, well, sweet.
For the last several days I've been picking strawberries in the small patch out back. I've been eating on them, gladly, and tonight put a small bag in the freezer to savor later. I love strawberries, but I love growing my own even more. They are sweeter than the store bought and have a more memorable taste. They remind me of years long past in antiquity when food tasted more like food than cardboard. As I capped them this evening, I could not resist the temptation to snack on one or two, even though supper is just recently eaten. I do love that fruit. A few days ago when I first started checking the berries for ripeness, I noticed that something was eating my strawberries. That just won't do, so I got on the intertron and attempted to find a natural something to deter those insects, (I assume). So, with some info, I took down my little brown jug of "Super Tonic", which contains vinegar, horseradish, onion, garlic, cayenne and ginger, mixed a splash of that with a bit of Dawn dishwashing liquid and water and headed to the garden with my sprayer. While it hasn't completely stopped the occasional munch, it's certainly deterred it, so I go out and spray each evening. Anything for the strawberries :)
Next to the berries is my russian sage. Boy, that has bloomed so heavily this year and the bumblebees love it. They have been thick on the bush this year and it's so soothing to watch them light on blossom to blossom, then heading over to the blooming comfrey. Yes, spring is beautiful this year.
My miniature sour cherry tree is heavy laden this year as well. I can't wait to get that handful of cherries. Someday I hope to have enough for a cherry pudding, but it'll be a while yet. The tree is only two years old. Last year I got one, lone cherry and it was good! The elderberries have spread this year, so I expect to have more than a few of those this year. Last year there were only a few, so I'm praying for the second year to be a boon year.
I think not having a late frost this year helped to make everything just rich and full. I even picked my first rose of the season this year. My favorite natural scent and it's rich in my little rose bush this year.
The peonies are about to pop, too. Were it not for the pesky ants, I'd fill my home with their blossoms, as the scent is heavy and sweet.
Finally, the husband has been mowing hay today. It's the first time we've mowed for hay on this place. But, with it being $5. for a small square bale, we figured we ought to make our own. So the husband brought down the old farm equipment from Mom Elseas and mowed today. It was like watching an old movie as I watched him on the tractor with hat and sunglasses in the 80+ sun. Some of my fondest memories of our younger days were him on the tractor in the hay. I'm sure I won't enjoy it quite so much when it comes time to load it. I think he plans on doing that by hand, so I'll be dead tired and ache like a toothache after that. I doubt dad's old baler will do the job anymore. They used to get aggravated with it back in the 80's and it's 20 years later now. But, we shall see, I'm sure.
Nevertheless, haymaking and spring time go hand in hand.
So, that's it, dear reader, just some talking about the garden and the warmth of the sun. I"m another year older, since my last blog, but don't feel it most of the time. Mostly I just wonder how time slipped by so quickly.
Til next time..
For the last several days I've been picking strawberries in the small patch out back. I've been eating on them, gladly, and tonight put a small bag in the freezer to savor later. I love strawberries, but I love growing my own even more. They are sweeter than the store bought and have a more memorable taste. They remind me of years long past in antiquity when food tasted more like food than cardboard. As I capped them this evening, I could not resist the temptation to snack on one or two, even though supper is just recently eaten. I do love that fruit. A few days ago when I first started checking the berries for ripeness, I noticed that something was eating my strawberries. That just won't do, so I got on the intertron and attempted to find a natural something to deter those insects, (I assume). So, with some info, I took down my little brown jug of "Super Tonic", which contains vinegar, horseradish, onion, garlic, cayenne and ginger, mixed a splash of that with a bit of Dawn dishwashing liquid and water and headed to the garden with my sprayer. While it hasn't completely stopped the occasional munch, it's certainly deterred it, so I go out and spray each evening. Anything for the strawberries :)
Next to the berries is my russian sage. Boy, that has bloomed so heavily this year and the bumblebees love it. They have been thick on the bush this year and it's so soothing to watch them light on blossom to blossom, then heading over to the blooming comfrey. Yes, spring is beautiful this year.
My miniature sour cherry tree is heavy laden this year as well. I can't wait to get that handful of cherries. Someday I hope to have enough for a cherry pudding, but it'll be a while yet. The tree is only two years old. Last year I got one, lone cherry and it was good! The elderberries have spread this year, so I expect to have more than a few of those this year. Last year there were only a few, so I'm praying for the second year to be a boon year.
I think not having a late frost this year helped to make everything just rich and full. I even picked my first rose of the season this year. My favorite natural scent and it's rich in my little rose bush this year.
The peonies are about to pop, too. Were it not for the pesky ants, I'd fill my home with their blossoms, as the scent is heavy and sweet.
Finally, the husband has been mowing hay today. It's the first time we've mowed for hay on this place. But, with it being $5. for a small square bale, we figured we ought to make our own. So the husband brought down the old farm equipment from Mom Elseas and mowed today. It was like watching an old movie as I watched him on the tractor with hat and sunglasses in the 80+ sun. Some of my fondest memories of our younger days were him on the tractor in the hay. I'm sure I won't enjoy it quite so much when it comes time to load it. I think he plans on doing that by hand, so I'll be dead tired and ache like a toothache after that. I doubt dad's old baler will do the job anymore. They used to get aggravated with it back in the 80's and it's 20 years later now. But, we shall see, I'm sure.
Nevertheless, haymaking and spring time go hand in hand.
So, that's it, dear reader, just some talking about the garden and the warmth of the sun. I"m another year older, since my last blog, but don't feel it most of the time. Mostly I just wonder how time slipped by so quickly.
Til next time..
Monday, April 14, 2008
Well I said
there'd be more to come, but alas, I've lost the energy for it. Much of what occurred is really of no interest to anyone here an I've just filed everything into the heart and soul and will keep it safely tucked. Another couple is leaving Thursday to visit the orphanage and do some painting. I wish I were with them, but the old budget prevents that adventure for the time being.
So, on to other things that bend the mind. This Saturday was a day to tuck into "me" for later savoring. All the children were here with their spouses and children for the "Wedding Supper" of the eldest. Missy was married in October ~ just she and her sweetie ~ so we put off the celebration in Virginia for a later, more convenient time. The weather was stupendous and it was wonderful to watch my boys sparring one another to jump off the porch or race or do all the other silly little competitive things they were unable to do as children. (Justin was 9 years Rex's senior, so competition was a bit one sided.) The new son-in-law attempted to make his place by getting into the competition. Rather than finding his "spot", his wife stopped the fun over his grass-stained jeans. Forgive me for laughing, but it was too funny. It was so good to see Jake wanting to set his place in the family. Artie made his mark long ago, so sat in the house with the "girls" and stayed out of "trouble", or was it "stayed out of the fun"? The husband and I sat on the swing and laughed at the antics. Luke, at 7, wanted so bad to be a part, but realized soon enough it wasn't worth a broken leg... or was it his father that took note of that danger? So he, Blake and Jacob took turns running around the lawn and played until they were hot, sweating and just a bit tired. Of course, the little boys wanted their time on the farm, so I took them out to love on the goats and for Jacob to chase the chickens. What IS IT about that boy and the chickens? It was a wonderful time and no one really cared about the manure ridden shoes. After all, to come to Mee-Mee and Poppies is to visit "tha fawm". All too soon it was time to wash up, clean up and head to the church for the Supper. Why did we think it had to be an "event"? A cook out at home would have been all the more wonderful and the clean up would've been optional. But, with our wonderful caterer the food was scruptious. Appetizers were meatballs, which everyone loved. The pictures of Luke piling them into his mouth are comical and will make for a few laughs as we look at them. Also was a plate of cheese and crackers and, scallops wrapped in bacon. Yummy! Who needed the sit down meal after that? Chicken and ham with scalloped potatoes, greenbeans, pasta salad and bread with a cheese cake buffet to end it all? We were all stuffed. But that didn't stop the brother competition. Pictures exist of races up and down the fellowship hall with laughter abounding. What craziness? But, the smiles on my own face tell the tale well enough. It was a full day.
But, it didn't end there. While the children went "out", the grand parents and grand children went home and went for another walk and playtime at the house. The wind got up and colder air descended, so the evening walk was cut short. How those boys love to run, run and run through the fields with those precious goats following them. It's so much fun to watch and makes me feel young again. I sure do wish they were all closer, so we could do this more often than once or twice a year!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor Blake was so tired he just wanted to go to bed, but his father didn't want to stay over, so we had to explain he was going home instead. That brought some "nos" and "tears" and other outbursts, but when his momma and daddy came in, he was almost ready to go ~ though he put it off as long as possible. Jacob stayed the night, so he was able to crash, thoughbeit, not too early. His mom and dad came back here early and visited with us a bit. Missy and Jake saved that for Sunday when the went to church and had lunch with their daddy and younger bro and sis-in-law. I, on the other hand, had "business" to take care of, so missed my own church service and lunch with the children. Sometimes that happens, much to my sorrow.
So, I'd love to say this'll happen again soon, but history says it won't really. Who knows when? I'd love for all the children to come home for a long weekend all together over a holiday weekend, like Memorial Day or the like. Some time when the temps are warm and the grass is green. It'd be so much fun for the children and... so much fun for the mom... But, one can dream, can't one?
Until next time...
So, on to other things that bend the mind. This Saturday was a day to tuck into "me" for later savoring. All the children were here with their spouses and children for the "Wedding Supper" of the eldest. Missy was married in October ~ just she and her sweetie ~ so we put off the celebration in Virginia for a later, more convenient time. The weather was stupendous and it was wonderful to watch my boys sparring one another to jump off the porch or race or do all the other silly little competitive things they were unable to do as children. (Justin was 9 years Rex's senior, so competition was a bit one sided.) The new son-in-law attempted to make his place by getting into the competition. Rather than finding his "spot", his wife stopped the fun over his grass-stained jeans. Forgive me for laughing, but it was too funny. It was so good to see Jake wanting to set his place in the family. Artie made his mark long ago, so sat in the house with the "girls" and stayed out of "trouble", or was it "stayed out of the fun"? The husband and I sat on the swing and laughed at the antics. Luke, at 7, wanted so bad to be a part, but realized soon enough it wasn't worth a broken leg... or was it his father that took note of that danger? So he, Blake and Jacob took turns running around the lawn and played until they were hot, sweating and just a bit tired. Of course, the little boys wanted their time on the farm, so I took them out to love on the goats and for Jacob to chase the chickens. What IS IT about that boy and the chickens? It was a wonderful time and no one really cared about the manure ridden shoes. After all, to come to Mee-Mee and Poppies is to visit "tha fawm". All too soon it was time to wash up, clean up and head to the church for the Supper. Why did we think it had to be an "event"? A cook out at home would have been all the more wonderful and the clean up would've been optional. But, with our wonderful caterer the food was scruptious. Appetizers were meatballs, which everyone loved. The pictures of Luke piling them into his mouth are comical and will make for a few laughs as we look at them. Also was a plate of cheese and crackers and, scallops wrapped in bacon. Yummy! Who needed the sit down meal after that? Chicken and ham with scalloped potatoes, greenbeans, pasta salad and bread with a cheese cake buffet to end it all? We were all stuffed. But that didn't stop the brother competition. Pictures exist of races up and down the fellowship hall with laughter abounding. What craziness? But, the smiles on my own face tell the tale well enough. It was a full day.
But, it didn't end there. While the children went "out", the grand parents and grand children went home and went for another walk and playtime at the house. The wind got up and colder air descended, so the evening walk was cut short. How those boys love to run, run and run through the fields with those precious goats following them. It's so much fun to watch and makes me feel young again. I sure do wish they were all closer, so we could do this more often than once or twice a year!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor Blake was so tired he just wanted to go to bed, but his father didn't want to stay over
So, I'd love to say this'll happen again soon, but history says it won't really. Who knows when? I'd love for all the children to come home for a long weekend all together over a holiday weekend, like Memorial Day or the like. Some time when the temps are warm and the grass is green. It'd be so much fun for the children and... so much fun for the mom... But, one can dream, can't one?
Until next time...
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