Last night when the wind was furiously blowing and it was raining I thought we were going to wake up to some nasty weather today. But when I got up at barely dawn, the sun was starting to shine and it was very peaceful and still. Now that it's midmorning the sun is shining brightly and it's just beautiful. OK, it's cold too. But, it is November so we should be expecting cold. I'd rather not, but that's the way the seasons go.
Is it just me or are the stores pushing Christmas shopping at us earlier and earlier? The decorations are out by Halloween and the Christmas music is blaring away all too soon. Now I love Christmas but could we at least wait until AFTER Thanksgiving for all that? If I'm going to do any shopping for Christmas I'll do it anyway, even if the festive music isn't playing and the aisles are not stuffed with decorations.
Speaking of shopping, Russ and I have to make a trip to Sam's Club today. We need to stock up on "stuff". We always come out of there with more "stuff" than we went in for. And a bigger bill.
My pal and shadow, Harley, wants attention right now. He has put his "fluffy", his favorite tuggy toy, on my laptop several times now. I need to play with the baby now.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
This and That on Monday
Today is Monday and is starting out very calmly. With the time change the dogs have wanted to get up earlier. After all their body clocks work right on the correct time whether mine does or not! Harley starts licking my nose at 6 on the dot. We were making it to 7 before the time change but when it's breakfast time for them they want it now!
Sunday was a nice day. Had a good morning at church. We have the best Sunday School class and the best teachers with Jane and Joe. They put forth a lot of effort and everyone should attend our class. We can always find a bigger room!! And we have fun, too. We're not a bunch of old geezers in there that are stoic and quiet. No, not us. Actually, sometimes I think we get a little out of hand just like kids in a classroom. But that's what makes our class fun. We laugh, we cry and just love each other! And there is such wonderful support among us.
We grabbed a quick lunch at Burger King because it was getting late and then came home to relax and read and nap.
The farmer who plants our crops was picking soy beans yesterday so it was really dusty outside. We had planned to be outdoors in the afternoon but we would have needed masks! And now the house needs to be power washed. But the beans are off now and when the dogs run in the field I'll be able to see them. Can't hide from me now!!
The leaves are nearly gone from all the trees around here. We went to Amish country Friday and the foliage was still somewhat pretty just an hour south. There were a lot of people around town though. I like shopping but there are too many stores, including shops in the flea market, that have too many items made in China. Now who wants to go to Amish country and buy goods from China?! I bought some little baskets from an Amish lady and her husband who made them and actually write their name and address on the bottom. They have a beautiful wastebasket that has the swing top but I'll wait until the pup gets a little older! I also saw some "Amish made" quilts that a man had for sale. As I looked at the stitching I didn't think the quilt was Amish made unless there are Amish in India, where the tag said the quilt was made!
It's time to get busy on my Monday morning and get something accomplished. I've been chair bound for most of the time for so many weeks that I've become a chair potato and find it hard to get anything started much less get it finished!
Have a good day!
Sunday was a nice day. Had a good morning at church. We have the best Sunday School class and the best teachers with Jane and Joe. They put forth a lot of effort and everyone should attend our class. We can always find a bigger room!! And we have fun, too. We're not a bunch of old geezers in there that are stoic and quiet. No, not us. Actually, sometimes I think we get a little out of hand just like kids in a classroom. But that's what makes our class fun. We laugh, we cry and just love each other! And there is such wonderful support among us.
We grabbed a quick lunch at Burger King because it was getting late and then came home to relax and read and nap.
The farmer who plants our crops was picking soy beans yesterday so it was really dusty outside. We had planned to be outdoors in the afternoon but we would have needed masks! And now the house needs to be power washed. But the beans are off now and when the dogs run in the field I'll be able to see them. Can't hide from me now!!
The leaves are nearly gone from all the trees around here. We went to Amish country Friday and the foliage was still somewhat pretty just an hour south. There were a lot of people around town though. I like shopping but there are too many stores, including shops in the flea market, that have too many items made in China. Now who wants to go to Amish country and buy goods from China?! I bought some little baskets from an Amish lady and her husband who made them and actually write their name and address on the bottom. They have a beautiful wastebasket that has the swing top but I'll wait until the pup gets a little older! I also saw some "Amish made" quilts that a man had for sale. As I looked at the stitching I didn't think the quilt was Amish made unless there are Amish in India, where the tag said the quilt was made!
It's time to get busy on my Monday morning and get something accomplished. I've been chair bound for most of the time for so many weeks that I've become a chair potato and find it hard to get anything started much less get it finished!
Have a good day!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Dog Feathers
Back in 1967 Russ and I bought a Great Dane puppy. Her name was Bridget. She was a really big puppy too. When we brought her home at six weeks old she was already bigger than my miniature poodle, Pierre. Bridget grew so fast you could almost see her getting taller by the minute.
As most puppies are, Bridget was quite the chewer. Anything left on the floor was fair game to her. We learned to put our shoes, socks, clothes, toys and anything else up high enough so she couldn't reach it. We did lose a few things along the way though.
Once when I was getting dinner I put the food on the table and went to get Russ and the kids to eat. Kristin was only two and Jeff was four. We sat down at the table and I started to fill plates when I noticed the roast was gone. I knew I put it on the table because the plate was there. Oh, cripe! Bridget! I went into the living room and there she was enjoying our roast. We ate vegetarian that night.
We had a faux leather swivel rocker that was my favorite chair. While we were gone to I don't remember where Bridget had a good time with my chair. I came home to find the arm of the chair completely un-upholstered.
Right down to the wood frame. I did get the chair reupholstered and Bridget was restricted from it's presence.
Another time we were at a holiday gathering at my sister's house. Since we had cows to feed in the late afternoon Russ came home to do that. He came in the house to change into his coveralls to go to the barn. Bridget had been in the family room while we were gone. We had a huge, oversized, overstuffed pillow that my mom had given me. This pillow was heavy and stuffed with real feathers and was old. You can see this coming, right? Russ walked in the door and was greeted by feathers everywhere. It was like a snowstorm in there. Feathers were even sticking to the rough plaster of the ceiling. They were on pictures and anything else they could cling to. It was so bad that Russ got a 55 gallon steel drum to put them when he cleaned them up. And he filled it up, pressed it down as much as possible and the drum was still filled to capacity. My brother-in-law had come with Russ so at least he had some help containing the feathers. You know how it is when you try to sweep feathers. They just want to fly everywhere. The two of them got most of the feathers swept up and the rest went into the vacuum cleaner when I got home. Too bad I didn't get to see the feather storm. But I did find feathers for many months afterward.
After that Bridget we made sure Bridget was where there wasn't anything to really destroy. But that's the way dogs are. They just want to have fun! We still talk about the feather storm.
As most puppies are, Bridget was quite the chewer. Anything left on the floor was fair game to her. We learned to put our shoes, socks, clothes, toys and anything else up high enough so she couldn't reach it. We did lose a few things along the way though.
Once when I was getting dinner I put the food on the table and went to get Russ and the kids to eat. Kristin was only two and Jeff was four. We sat down at the table and I started to fill plates when I noticed the roast was gone. I knew I put it on the table because the plate was there. Oh, cripe! Bridget! I went into the living room and there she was enjoying our roast. We ate vegetarian that night.
We had a faux leather swivel rocker that was my favorite chair. While we were gone to I don't remember where Bridget had a good time with my chair. I came home to find the arm of the chair completely un-upholstered.
Right down to the wood frame. I did get the chair reupholstered and Bridget was restricted from it's presence.
Another time we were at a holiday gathering at my sister's house. Since we had cows to feed in the late afternoon Russ came home to do that. He came in the house to change into his coveralls to go to the barn. Bridget had been in the family room while we were gone. We had a huge, oversized, overstuffed pillow that my mom had given me. This pillow was heavy and stuffed with real feathers and was old. You can see this coming, right? Russ walked in the door and was greeted by feathers everywhere. It was like a snowstorm in there. Feathers were even sticking to the rough plaster of the ceiling. They were on pictures and anything else they could cling to. It was so bad that Russ got a 55 gallon steel drum to put them when he cleaned them up. And he filled it up, pressed it down as much as possible and the drum was still filled to capacity. My brother-in-law had come with Russ so at least he had some help containing the feathers. You know how it is when you try to sweep feathers. They just want to fly everywhere. The two of them got most of the feathers swept up and the rest went into the vacuum cleaner when I got home. Too bad I didn't get to see the feather storm. But I did find feathers for many months afterward.
After that Bridget we made sure Bridget was where there wasn't anything to really destroy. But that's the way dogs are. They just want to have fun! We still talk about the feather storm.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
RE-ELECTION TIME
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. TIME TO GO AND VOTE. NOVEMBER 8 IS THE BIG DAY!! RUSS IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION SO HE WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF YOUR VOTE. HE HAS DONE AN AMAZING JOB FOR THE TOWNSHIP FOR OVER 23 YEARS AND HAS SERVED AS A VERY DEDICATED TRUSTEE. WITH RUSS REED YOU CAN'T GO WRONG! AND ALSO--EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER. WE ALL KNOW THAT!
PLEASE VISIT RUSS' WEBSITE AT
https://sites.google.com/site/electrussreed/
copy and paste this URL
PLEASE VISIT RUSS' WEBSITE AT
https://sites.google.com/site/electrussreed/
copy and paste this URL
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Just Thinking: Cow In The Water Trough, What'll I Do?
Just Thinking: Cow In The Water Trough, What'll I Do?: You never know what surprises await you on a farm when you have livestock. Sometimes you just can't believe your eyes. One beautiful, wa...
Friday, October 7, 2011
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
It's another beautiful day here on Mt. Zion Rd. and over Ohio. How lucky can we be?!
I would love to have this weather year round but God and Mother Nature do not see it that way. That isn't the way Ohio is supposed to be! I love the way the air smells with the scent of autumn leaves and drying plants.
The stitches came out of my foot today and I was looking forward to being able to walk more. The doctor said he didn't want me putting to much stress on "that foot" so don't go plan on walking anywhere! So much for that. I ask him did he know how many craft shows were this weekend?? Like the Prairie Peddler and a big show in Hartville. Of course he didn't know about them him being a man and all. So much for that too! Well, that's one way of saving some money by not buying stuff I don't need anyway! I just recycle my crafty items. Put them away for a while and then find them again like they were something new.
Maybe I'll vacuum out my car. It really needs it because it's a mess in there. I don't know how we accumulate all that dirt with only two people using the car. And I also need to organize the maps and CD's. I suddenly have a lot of CD cases with no CD's and wonder where they have all gone. I think someone doesn't care for all my gospel tapes and has hidden them somewhere.
Well, I'm off to enjoy the sunshine and let the dogs have their run of the yard. They have to be kept in the pen most of the time since they are small and I don't trust the coyotes around here. They aren't usually around in the daytime, but then, you never know..........
Have a Blessed Day!
I would love to have this weather year round but God and Mother Nature do not see it that way. That isn't the way Ohio is supposed to be! I love the way the air smells with the scent of autumn leaves and drying plants.
The stitches came out of my foot today and I was looking forward to being able to walk more. The doctor said he didn't want me putting to much stress on "that foot" so don't go plan on walking anywhere! So much for that. I ask him did he know how many craft shows were this weekend?? Like the Prairie Peddler and a big show in Hartville. Of course he didn't know about them him being a man and all. So much for that too! Well, that's one way of saving some money by not buying stuff I don't need anyway! I just recycle my crafty items. Put them away for a while and then find them again like they were something new.
Maybe I'll vacuum out my car. It really needs it because it's a mess in there. I don't know how we accumulate all that dirt with only two people using the car. And I also need to organize the maps and CD's. I suddenly have a lot of CD cases with no CD's and wonder where they have all gone. I think someone doesn't care for all my gospel tapes and has hidden them somewhere.
Well, I'm off to enjoy the sunshine and let the dogs have their run of the yard. They have to be kept in the pen most of the time since they are small and I don't trust the coyotes around here. They aren't usually around in the daytime, but then, you never know..........
Have a Blessed Day!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Perfect
The sun is shining. It's warm. Everything is so beautiful today. What more could anyone want? We are blessed.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
WONDERFUL DAY
This was a wonderful day. The kind of day I would love to have every day of the year. OK, maybe a little rain thrown in now and then because we need it. I have been so tired of being housebound with my bum foot that my dear husband took me for a drive today. First we zigzagged our way east to Brewster to stop at Shearer's snack outlet store. We HAD to stock up on their potato chips that we just love. And also some Shapers and butter braid pretzels. You can buy seconds and thirds for a lot less than the grocery stores. And lots of times we can't find that brand in our stores. We get them in three pound plastic bags and put them in the freezer to use as needed. Then we went to The Amish Door for lunch. They have raised their prices a lot! But the food is still great. I had a one trip to the salad bar and some of their pumpkin roll. Russ had a trail bologna sandwich and peach pie. That was very good and we certainly didn't leave hungry! I really, really wanted to go to the bakery and get some of their heavenly apple fritters and some other pastries to bring home but I talked myself out of that since my jeans are a little tight to snap!! And so are Russ'. No pastries needed here. And we did get those potato chips......
Next we went to Trail to Troyer's Meats for sandwich size trail bologna and a little hot pepper cheese for Russ. Years ago we used to take cattle there to be made into trail bologna which we then sold. We always did it in January and February when it was pretty certain that the weather would be cold enough to keep the meat very cold in our garage because a whole bull gives you a LOT of trail bologna!! Russ worked at the steel mill at the time so he sold the meat quickly and we didn't have to worry about it spoiling.
Then we meandered on some back roads, ended up in Berlin and found that the flea market was open on Wednesday in September and October. Knowing full well that it probably wasn't a good idea to walk around much I went into the flea market anyway and walked around very slowly for about an hour. I can't believe I didn't buy anything!! Not even books!
After all that we were tired and I thought I should be getting off my foot since it was starting to get really uncomfortable. But it was so wonderful to get out of the house and enjoy this lovely, perfect day. Thank you Lord for your blessings!
Next we went to Trail to Troyer's Meats for sandwich size trail bologna and a little hot pepper cheese for Russ. Years ago we used to take cattle there to be made into trail bologna which we then sold. We always did it in January and February when it was pretty certain that the weather would be cold enough to keep the meat very cold in our garage because a whole bull gives you a LOT of trail bologna!! Russ worked at the steel mill at the time so he sold the meat quickly and we didn't have to worry about it spoiling.
Then we meandered on some back roads, ended up in Berlin and found that the flea market was open on Wednesday in September and October. Knowing full well that it probably wasn't a good idea to walk around much I went into the flea market anyway and walked around very slowly for about an hour. I can't believe I didn't buy anything!! Not even books!
After all that we were tired and I thought I should be getting off my foot since it was starting to get really uncomfortable. But it was so wonderful to get out of the house and enjoy this lovely, perfect day. Thank you Lord for your blessings!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Another Day
Here it is, another day with no sunshine yet this morning. I am so looking forward to the beautiful, sunshiny, crisp fall days. Hopefully, I will be able to walk through the crunchy leaves. We don't have any in our yard since we don't have enough trees yet but the woods offer plenty. I know Harley would enjoy a romp in the leaves. He enjoys any kind of romp!
I'm hoping to get the stitches out of my foot this Friday. They are getting very annoying. If you have had surgery you know how those stitches get tight and burn and itch and pull your skin. It's not painful, just uncomfortable. And, of course, I can't go out and just walk around anywhere I want because I'm not supposed to be on my foot too much. And another thing, I will be so glad to wear a nice shoe. I have been wearing my Crocs-which I do like- but I'm getting tired of them. They are the only thing that is near the same height as the cast boot I'm wearing. Oh well, what can you expect when you have bunion surgery?
All this sitting around has given me some time to play around with my photos on the laptop and try to get some of them organized. About a year ago our computer crashed and we thought we lost everything. But my daughter-in-law's brother was able to retrieve it all from the hard drive. Somehow I have multiple copies of all my photos and they were all scrambled into different albums. I can never find what I want when I want to upload a picture. And I had a chance to add some new ones as well.
Being chairbound after a surgery isn't fun but I guess it's not such a bad thing either. I don't get out of fixing meals though. That just doesn't happen!!
Have a wonderful day!
I'm hoping to get the stitches out of my foot this Friday. They are getting very annoying. If you have had surgery you know how those stitches get tight and burn and itch and pull your skin. It's not painful, just uncomfortable. And, of course, I can't go out and just walk around anywhere I want because I'm not supposed to be on my foot too much. And another thing, I will be so glad to wear a nice shoe. I have been wearing my Crocs-which I do like- but I'm getting tired of them. They are the only thing that is near the same height as the cast boot I'm wearing. Oh well, what can you expect when you have bunion surgery?
All this sitting around has given me some time to play around with my photos on the laptop and try to get some of them organized. About a year ago our computer crashed and we thought we lost everything. But my daughter-in-law's brother was able to retrieve it all from the hard drive. Somehow I have multiple copies of all my photos and they were all scrambled into different albums. I can never find what I want when I want to upload a picture. And I had a chance to add some new ones as well.
Being chairbound after a surgery isn't fun but I guess it's not such a bad thing either. I don't get out of fixing meals though. That just doesn't happen!!
Have a wonderful day!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Harley's Chew Toy
This is my just one year old Dachshund, Harley. He's such a lovable stinker. Harley is a wire haired doxie and has a different personality than other Dachshunds. He's a clown,an imp, an instigator and a few other similar adjectives would describe him. He does love his chew toys, especially the tuggy ones. And he loves to fetch. Trouble is this doxie pup has lots more energy than his mom. He is also my shadow causing me to trip over him on lots of occasions. Or step on him. Why he doesn't get out of the way I don't understand. But I don't know what I'd do without my little guy. Chewy or not.
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| Boy, I can really shred this! And make lots of | little pieces. |
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| HUH? What shredded paper? You think I did this? |
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| No one's looking. Here I go again. |
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| Oops. I think Mom's looking again. Shhh...... |
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| Uhoh, here comes Mom. Am I in trouble or what?? |
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sunday Morning
Today started out so pretty. The sun was shining and the clouds were puffy and sky-blue pink. My dogs were on the back deck enjoying the sunshine while I made some beef barley stew. Actually, I browned a half pound of hamburger and opened some cans of onion soup, stewed tomatoes, mixed vegetables and added a little quick cooking barley. So all of that is in the little crock pot cooking up for lunch.
I also changed the sheets on my bed and put all new litter in the cat box. Now I know I should be in church this morning. I didn't want to go with my foot all booted up and achy. However, I think I have been on my foot too long in just the 45 minutes it took me to make the stew and do the other things. Yesterday I stayed off my foot most of the day. That is to say I slept most of the day. That's the only way I just can't do something. I sit here and look at all the stuff that needs doing and get myself in a dither. But all that stuff will just have to wait. It's not life threatening. Or health threatening for that matter! And it isn't anything I can have my kids do since it would require too many questions about what should I do with this and that and all of that drives me batty. I'm getting to old to deal with all that. If I knew what to do with "it" I would have probably already done it!
The Amish have work frolics and help each other get needed work done. I'm thinking of doing that with my family and inviting them all to clean up outside. The Native Plants have grown to mammoth proportions. Next spring I'm sure there will be lots more little native plants that have reproduced. IF I have a work frolic maybe I can lure the kids with food and have them clean up the flower beds. If they would all show up it would take them a couple of hours at most. That is something to think about!
Last night I started the Jerry Eicher series The Adams County Trilogy. I was fortunate to find all three at a used book shop at the Hartville Flea Market. There is a Christian book store vendor that is there permanently and I always stop and see what he has to offer. I should sell some of my books to him but I hate to part with them! There are some new books out of series I've started but they will have to wait until I have a little more ready cash to buy them. I have quite a few books stashed to read about half of which are not Amish fiction. I Do read other things too. But right now I'm going to play a computer game and then, well, I don't know what I'll do. Sleep??
I also changed the sheets on my bed and put all new litter in the cat box. Now I know I should be in church this morning. I didn't want to go with my foot all booted up and achy. However, I think I have been on my foot too long in just the 45 minutes it took me to make the stew and do the other things. Yesterday I stayed off my foot most of the day. That is to say I slept most of the day. That's the only way I just can't do something. I sit here and look at all the stuff that needs doing and get myself in a dither. But all that stuff will just have to wait. It's not life threatening. Or health threatening for that matter! And it isn't anything I can have my kids do since it would require too many questions about what should I do with this and that and all of that drives me batty. I'm getting to old to deal with all that. If I knew what to do with "it" I would have probably already done it!
The Amish have work frolics and help each other get needed work done. I'm thinking of doing that with my family and inviting them all to clean up outside. The Native Plants have grown to mammoth proportions. Next spring I'm sure there will be lots more little native plants that have reproduced. IF I have a work frolic maybe I can lure the kids with food and have them clean up the flower beds. If they would all show up it would take them a couple of hours at most. That is something to think about!
Last night I started the Jerry Eicher series The Adams County Trilogy. I was fortunate to find all three at a used book shop at the Hartville Flea Market. There is a Christian book store vendor that is there permanently and I always stop and see what he has to offer. I should sell some of my books to him but I hate to part with them! There are some new books out of series I've started but they will have to wait until I have a little more ready cash to buy them. I have quite a few books stashed to read about half of which are not Amish fiction. I Do read other things too. But right now I'm going to play a computer game and then, well, I don't know what I'll do. Sleep??
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Starting a New Book
Today I'm starting a new book. Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. Our Sunday school class is going to use this book for our classes this fall and everyone was asked to read it to be prepared. I've only read a few chapters of the book and it's already interesting.
It's about a little boy who was very sick and almost died and his account of being in Heaven and seeing Jesus. My husband has already read the book and said it is worth the read.
I'm usually reading Amish fiction. I'm just addicted and don't know why. When I finish my "required" reading I'm going to start on some new Amish fiction with an author I haven't read as yet. I also love Ann Gabhart's Shaker stories. I find it very interesting how the Shaker's lived but wouldn't have wanted any part of it. Even though I love the Amish fiction, I don't think I'd be a very good Amish person either. First of all it would be very difficult for me to be "submissive" to my husband at all times. And to a bishop and deacons dictating my life as woman. I'm too independent and outspoken for that. But I still like reading about it. I think many of the New Order Amish are a bit more lenient with their rules and regulations from what I see when we visit Amish Country here in Ohio.
We'll be visiting Amish Country soon when the leaves are in their full array of color. We like taking the back roads and avoiding all the other tourist traffic on the main drags. We have ended up in some strange places doing that but it's a lot of fun. We have been on roads barely wide enough for our small car and see buggy wheel tracks at the very edges of the road. Occasionally the road just ends and we're at someone's farm. We try to quietly turn around and leave. Although if people are outside we may chat a bit with them. Most of the Amish are very friendly people but don't care to be tourist attractions. And I don't blame them.
I'll be looking forward to my fall trip. Hopefully we'll have great weather.
It's about a little boy who was very sick and almost died and his account of being in Heaven and seeing Jesus. My husband has already read the book and said it is worth the read.
I'm usually reading Amish fiction. I'm just addicted and don't know why. When I finish my "required" reading I'm going to start on some new Amish fiction with an author I haven't read as yet. I also love Ann Gabhart's Shaker stories. I find it very interesting how the Shaker's lived but wouldn't have wanted any part of it. Even though I love the Amish fiction, I don't think I'd be a very good Amish person either. First of all it would be very difficult for me to be "submissive" to my husband at all times. And to a bishop and deacons dictating my life as woman. I'm too independent and outspoken for that. But I still like reading about it. I think many of the New Order Amish are a bit more lenient with their rules and regulations from what I see when we visit Amish Country here in Ohio.
We'll be visiting Amish Country soon when the leaves are in their full array of color. We like taking the back roads and avoiding all the other tourist traffic on the main drags. We have ended up in some strange places doing that but it's a lot of fun. We have been on roads barely wide enough for our small car and see buggy wheel tracks at the very edges of the road. Occasionally the road just ends and we're at someone's farm. We try to quietly turn around and leave. Although if people are outside we may chat a bit with them. Most of the Amish are very friendly people but don't care to be tourist attractions. And I don't blame them.
I'll be looking forward to my fall trip. Hopefully we'll have great weather.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Ruth and Lane
Today my friend is burying her husband. He had Parkinson's disease for a very long time. About 18 years I think. She has been taking very good care of him for many of those years when he became unable to care for himself.
It was a sad thing to see him lose his talents. He was a wonderful pianist, organist and hairdresser. And was very good at many other things.
For the last year or so he has had to be in a nursing home because Ruth couldn't care for him at home any longer. It's a sad loss for the family, for friends and for our church.
Rest in Peace, Lane. Your body is whole now and you can play a resounding song in Heaven.
It was a sad thing to see him lose his talents. He was a wonderful pianist, organist and hairdresser. And was very good at many other things.
For the last year or so he has had to be in a nursing home because Ruth couldn't care for him at home any longer. It's a sad loss for the family, for friends and for our church.
Rest in Peace, Lane. Your body is whole now and you can play a resounding song in Heaven.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sleepy Day
Today was a good day to sleep. It was a rainy, dreary day and I'm using that as an excuse for my all afternoon nap. Actually, I think I still have some pain meds in my system from foot surgery last Thursday. That's as good an excuse as any.
My foot surgery went well but I did pop a stitch somewhere along the line from the surgery center to home. I bled a lot so I had to go back to the doctor the next day and get my dressing changed and some steri strips on the incision. It's OK now but it's really sore. Having a bunion removed is no picnic. And it's annoying to have to hobble around. I guess I should be grateful that I can put weight on my foot since I was told before surgery it could be a week, or worst case scenario six weeks, before I could put any weight on my foot. So I should not be complaining!
Since our Molly died today Russ had to bury her. We have several older dogs in the family that aren't doing so well so Jeff got the neighbor's backhoe and dug a long trench in case any of them go to the Rainbow Bridge when the ground is frozen. I know it sounds strange but we do what we have to do.
I'm still not exactly awake but am having coffee to try and wake me up a little. My favorite show, Dancing With the Stars is on tonight and I want to watch it all.
My foot surgery went well but I did pop a stitch somewhere along the line from the surgery center to home. I bled a lot so I had to go back to the doctor the next day and get my dressing changed and some steri strips on the incision. It's OK now but it's really sore. Having a bunion removed is no picnic. And it's annoying to have to hobble around. I guess I should be grateful that I can put weight on my foot since I was told before surgery it could be a week, or worst case scenario six weeks, before I could put any weight on my foot. So I should not be complaining!
Since our Molly died today Russ had to bury her. We have several older dogs in the family that aren't doing so well so Jeff got the neighbor's backhoe and dug a long trench in case any of them go to the Rainbow Bridge when the ground is frozen. I know it sounds strange but we do what we have to do.
I'm still not exactly awake but am having coffee to try and wake me up a little. My favorite show, Dancing With the Stars is on tonight and I want to watch it all.
Our Molly
After the Boston lady told me "no" I went ahead and adopted Tico, a chihuahua, from Chihuahua Rescue and Transport. Then the Boston lady called and said she had the Perfect dog for us and we decided to go ahead and take her.
Russ had wanted a Boston since he had one when he was a kid. Her name was Smudge. Our dog was already called Molly so we kept the name since she knew it so well. We never knew how old she really was.
Molly went on a trip to Florida with us, along with Tico and Shelley who was a Boston mix and died about 4 years ago. She was a perfect traveler and enjoyed the beach.
Molly loved kids and would sit forever and be petted. And she loved babies.
The other dogs know that someone is missing today and are looking for her. Daddy will bury her in the pet cemetery when it stops raining. She will be waiting on the Rainbow Bridge for us along with all the other loved pets that have gone on before her. The Rainbow Bridge is very full.
Rest in Peace our dear Molly.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Brrrr
Brrrr. It's a chilly 38 degrees this morning and I had to break down and turn on the gas fireplace. All of us are grateful for the warmth because the house felt more like a refrigerator this morning. I'm surprised my Himalyan cat, Basilio, isn't laying in front of the fire. He loves laying on his back right next to the glass door. It doesn't get hot enough to burn but puts out plenty of heat.
On the good side, the sun is shining and I hope it will keep doing that the rest of the day.
On the down side the cold and damp is not so great. Arthritis is not my friend!! Yesterday every joint ached so much that I had to spend most of the day in bed. But then I got to read, which is good. I love reading in bed and having the dogs and a cat or two surrounding me. It's very peaceful and relaxing and comforting. So I guess one bad thing equals one good thing.
When God closes one door he opens another.
My wonderful little sister has gotten me hooked on Words With Friends on Facebook. Now we are avid Scrabble players and have been since we could spell. Our mom and our late sister, Joyce, were also avid players. We are serious players, too. We only play simple words or three letter words when we have no other choice. And trust me we look and look. And we LIKE getting the Q, X and Z and other high scoring letters. We'll find somewhere to put them, trust me! Mom could play Scrabble into her late eighties but then dementia took over too much and she just couldn't place the letters correctly. That was a sad day.
Today will be "catch up" day since I left chores undone the day before yesterday. I really need a maid!
On the good side, the sun is shining and I hope it will keep doing that the rest of the day.
On the down side the cold and damp is not so great. Arthritis is not my friend!! Yesterday every joint ached so much that I had to spend most of the day in bed. But then I got to read, which is good. I love reading in bed and having the dogs and a cat or two surrounding me. It's very peaceful and relaxing and comforting. So I guess one bad thing equals one good thing.
When God closes one door he opens another.
My wonderful little sister has gotten me hooked on Words With Friends on Facebook. Now we are avid Scrabble players and have been since we could spell. Our mom and our late sister, Joyce, were also avid players. We are serious players, too. We only play simple words or three letter words when we have no other choice. And trust me we look and look. And we LIKE getting the Q, X and Z and other high scoring letters. We'll find somewhere to put them, trust me! Mom could play Scrabble into her late eighties but then dementia took over too much and she just couldn't place the letters correctly. That was a sad day.
Today will be "catch up" day since I left chores undone the day before yesterday. I really need a maid!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tired and Remembering
Today has been a busy day. I just had to do some cleaning. With a houseful of pets there is always cleaning. I don't know how the cat litter gets spread so far about but it does. I use Arm and Hammer Essentials in the upstairs cat litter box and it really sticks to their feet. But it smells good. And the dogs, well, they're just dogs doing their own things.
I'm watching the TV special about Jacqueline Kennedy in her own words. It's somewhat interesting. I remember back in the day when she was first lady I thought she was really wonderful. I loved her clothes and hair and demeanor. My mother-in-law was a real Jackie Kennedy fanatic. She could have been a real stalker. I remember seeing Jack Kennedy when he was campaigning for president. I worked downtown on the sixth floor of a building near where he was going to speak. My boss came out and told me to go ahead and go down there and try to get close enough to see him. What a wonderful memory to have. I can still see him in front of Mansfield's old courthouse. He was very handsome and very, very tan. I couldn't vote then but I would have voted for him. I was only 19 and he was very handsome! Never mind the issues. Did we have issues back then?
It's a nice memory anyway.
I'm watching the TV special about Jacqueline Kennedy in her own words. It's somewhat interesting. I remember back in the day when she was first lady I thought she was really wonderful. I loved her clothes and hair and demeanor. My mother-in-law was a real Jackie Kennedy fanatic. She could have been a real stalker. I remember seeing Jack Kennedy when he was campaigning for president. I worked downtown on the sixth floor of a building near where he was going to speak. My boss came out and told me to go ahead and go down there and try to get close enough to see him. What a wonderful memory to have. I can still see him in front of Mansfield's old courthouse. He was very handsome and very, very tan. I couldn't vote then but I would have voted for him. I was only 19 and he was very handsome! Never mind the issues. Did we have issues back then?
It's a nice memory anyway.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Foggy Morning
It was a really foggy morning here in Mansfield. At least out here in the country. I could hardly see beyond the deck and the dogs were actually damp when I let them back in! It's not raining again but it's in the forecast. I'll be glad to see some sunshine soon.
Last night we went to our daughter's house for our youngest granddaughter's birthday dinner. Her birthday was actually on the 3rd but Mom and Dad were out of town working and Zandalee was at Lake Erie with her sister and her sister's friend. It's hard to believe the "baby" is 8 already and she's so grown up being the youngest of five with two teenage sisters. All of the grandchildren are growing up so fast which, of course, makes me age so fast! We have great grandchildren a little younger though but they are already in school which is so hard to comprehend since they were only little babies yesterday.
Zandalee's daddy made us shish-ka-bobs for dinner. Zandalee's choice. They were very good. And so was that chocolate cake and mint brownie ice cream! That button on the jeans isn't getting any looser!
Today I have decided to clean off my desk. I moved my small desk right next to the kitchen so everything I use it for would be handier. AND I vowed at the time I would not let it become a littered mess. Well, now it's pretty messy and to make things worse my Himalayan cat likes to spread himself out all over the mess and add some of his long hair just to make things a little worse. I think I'll scrape everything off into a box and sort and pitch. Mostly pitch, I hope.
When I look around I see all the cleaning I should do but always think of a reason to do something else. What I really need to do is get rid of most of the "chatzkees". I know that's not how to spell that word meaning cute clutter of stuff but you know what I mean. I like how it looks but hate, hate, hate dusting it!
Time to get out of the recliner, off the computer and get to work on that desk.
Last night we went to our daughter's house for our youngest granddaughter's birthday dinner. Her birthday was actually on the 3rd but Mom and Dad were out of town working and Zandalee was at Lake Erie with her sister and her sister's friend. It's hard to believe the "baby" is 8 already and she's so grown up being the youngest of five with two teenage sisters. All of the grandchildren are growing up so fast which, of course, makes me age so fast! We have great grandchildren a little younger though but they are already in school which is so hard to comprehend since they were only little babies yesterday.
Zandalee's daddy made us shish-ka-bobs for dinner. Zandalee's choice. They were very good. And so was that chocolate cake and mint brownie ice cream! That button on the jeans isn't getting any looser!
Today I have decided to clean off my desk. I moved my small desk right next to the kitchen so everything I use it for would be handier. AND I vowed at the time I would not let it become a littered mess. Well, now it's pretty messy and to make things worse my Himalayan cat likes to spread himself out all over the mess and add some of his long hair just to make things a little worse. I think I'll scrape everything off into a box and sort and pitch. Mostly pitch, I hope.
When I look around I see all the cleaning I should do but always think of a reason to do something else. What I really need to do is get rid of most of the "chatzkees". I know that's not how to spell that word meaning cute clutter of stuff but you know what I mean. I like how it looks but hate, hate, hate dusting it!
Time to get out of the recliner, off the computer and get to work on that desk.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fall in the Air
There is a touch of fall in the air. It's wonderful to have cooler weather after all the heat we've had. Today was a cloudy, partly sunny day and breezy. The kind of day you put your lightweight sweatshirt on when you go out. I'm not crazy about having snow arrive anytime soon but I love the fall weather. The nights are crisp and cool and the days so sunny. The smell of fallen leaves is so pleasant I wish someone could bottle it! I love the woods this time of year.
I have been watching the deer enjoying the soybeans all around our house. And the birds are clamoring for seeds even though they are abundant in the fields. I have a small wild area behind the house just for birds and other critters and there are many varieties of seed there. They can feed themselves to their little hearts content. The hummingbirds are fewer now. I didn't have as many as I usually do but then I only put out two feeders this year. I go through more than 50 pounds of sugar if I put out more. And I get tired of filling the feeders all the time.
Coyotes are pretty populous around here and I really don't care to see them. I have too many little dogs and cats that they would find very tasty. And a small hawk swooped down the other day and snatched a dove from the bird bath. We have a lot to see from the windows in our house.
Soon the buzzards will be leaving for a warmer winter home. I always know spring is near when I see them around March 12. Almost every year it's the same. I'll miss seeing them warming their wings on top of the old silo that is across the road from our house. They sit there in a circle around the top of the silo with their wings spread enjoying the sun. I have never pinpointed a date when I don't see them until spring but it's usually in November.
Soon the leaves will be in their glory of color and it will be time to take our fall drive. We usually go to southern Ohio for that trip. We head out on the back roads that sometimes aren't much more than an old lane but that's where the beauty is. I'm already looking forward to that. I love Fall.
I have been watching the deer enjoying the soybeans all around our house. And the birds are clamoring for seeds even though they are abundant in the fields. I have a small wild area behind the house just for birds and other critters and there are many varieties of seed there. They can feed themselves to their little hearts content. The hummingbirds are fewer now. I didn't have as many as I usually do but then I only put out two feeders this year. I go through more than 50 pounds of sugar if I put out more. And I get tired of filling the feeders all the time.
Coyotes are pretty populous around here and I really don't care to see them. I have too many little dogs and cats that they would find very tasty. And a small hawk swooped down the other day and snatched a dove from the bird bath. We have a lot to see from the windows in our house.
Soon the buzzards will be leaving for a warmer winter home. I always know spring is near when I see them around March 12. Almost every year it's the same. I'll miss seeing them warming their wings on top of the old silo that is across the road from our house. They sit there in a circle around the top of the silo with their wings spread enjoying the sun. I have never pinpointed a date when I don't see them until spring but it's usually in November.
Soon the leaves will be in their glory of color and it will be time to take our fall drive. We usually go to southern Ohio for that trip. We head out on the back roads that sometimes aren't much more than an old lane but that's where the beauty is. I'm already looking forward to that. I love Fall.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Hate having my picture taken
My little Chiwowie when he was feeling lots better, not blind and diabetic. He has always been a very shy little guy. We rescued him from Chihuahua Rescue and Transport. He was a very sad looking little boy when he arrived here and has been by my side ever since. I highly reccommend rescuing. It's a very satisfying thing to do to know you have helped a little dog or cat in need.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
It's a quiet Sunday morning, so far, after a noisy, stormy night. There was a lot of thunder and lightning. Sometimes the lightning seemed as though it was coming right through the window. The dogs all sleep with me so they were as close as they could get! I couldn't sleep with all the noise so I got up and got some milk and cookies and shared with the dogs. I know. Silly. But it did calm them down and we got back to sleep after a couple of hours.
At least we aren't having the storms that some unfortunate people in the south are having. And the east is still trying to get put back together. My daughter-in-law's family lives in Rutland, Vt. and they are having a big mess. She was there just before the storms hit and was glad to get away from there before she got stranded. My prayers go out to all the people who are having to put up with all the inconveniences and hardships after the hurricane and tropical storms. And also all of the driest areas where there are fires. I count myself very lucky to have so much.
This is a holiday weekend and we have nothing planned. Except maybe go to Sam's Club on Monday when it might not be so busy. We live such an exciting life. But that's just they way we are now. Maybe I'll get my son to grill some steaks. And if we're very lucky it will be nice enough to go out on his pontoon boat. We haven't been out all summer and they haven't been out as much as they would like to have been. It really wasn't a very nice summer. Either too hot or too stormy. Or everyone is working.
I see that it's only going to be in the 60's most of the week. That is a little cool but I'll be glad to see this heat leave. Now I can get outside and get a little work done on the flower beds. I can't believe how awful they are this year. They have never been so bad in the seven years we have lived here. The "native plants" have grown amazingly well but so have all my perennials. Some of the weeds actually look nice. I have one blooming out there with the cutest flowers that I have never seen before. Interesting. I think I'll just leave it there and see what happens. But some of the others have just got to go. I'll be getting my shovel out and doing a lot of digging.
See I need to get all this done before Sept. 22 when I have foot surgery. I don't know what I'll be able to do after that. I am not looking forward to it. If it's not one thing, it's another! Hopefully, it will be a quick recovery. Hubby is going to have to be in charge for a least a couple of days. That should be interesting. I'm the one that get's up early with the dogs and feeds them, gives my diabetic, Tico, his shot. And also feed some loudly meowing cats. Wonder if Russ will feed me?
At least we aren't having the storms that some unfortunate people in the south are having. And the east is still trying to get put back together. My daughter-in-law's family lives in Rutland, Vt. and they are having a big mess. She was there just before the storms hit and was glad to get away from there before she got stranded. My prayers go out to all the people who are having to put up with all the inconveniences and hardships after the hurricane and tropical storms. And also all of the driest areas where there are fires. I count myself very lucky to have so much.
This is a holiday weekend and we have nothing planned. Except maybe go to Sam's Club on Monday when it might not be so busy. We live such an exciting life. But that's just they way we are now. Maybe I'll get my son to grill some steaks. And if we're very lucky it will be nice enough to go out on his pontoon boat. We haven't been out all summer and they haven't been out as much as they would like to have been. It really wasn't a very nice summer. Either too hot or too stormy. Or everyone is working.
I see that it's only going to be in the 60's most of the week. That is a little cool but I'll be glad to see this heat leave. Now I can get outside and get a little work done on the flower beds. I can't believe how awful they are this year. They have never been so bad in the seven years we have lived here. The "native plants" have grown amazingly well but so have all my perennials. Some of the weeds actually look nice. I have one blooming out there with the cutest flowers that I have never seen before. Interesting. I think I'll just leave it there and see what happens. But some of the others have just got to go. I'll be getting my shovel out and doing a lot of digging.
See I need to get all this done before Sept. 22 when I have foot surgery. I don't know what I'll be able to do after that. I am not looking forward to it. If it's not one thing, it's another! Hopefully, it will be a quick recovery. Hubby is going to have to be in charge for a least a couple of days. That should be interesting. I'm the one that get's up early with the dogs and feeds them, gives my diabetic, Tico, his shot. And also feed some loudly meowing cats. Wonder if Russ will feed me?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Yesterday was a staycation day for us. We went to Put In Bay. But first we stopped at Jolly Rogers in Port Clinton for perch. We can't miss having perch when we go to the lake!
It rained on us for a little while on the way up but then the sun came out and it was a very nice day. I always enjoy the ferry trip to the island. It's very relaxing and I wish it was farther away. We ride around on a golf cart and enjoy looking at all the neat houses up there on the waterfront. We aren't drinkers and there is a bar about every other shop on the street so we don't go there. And things are expensive and I don't need any more souvenirs or logo shirts so we don't go in the shops much. I'm making it sound like a boring day but it's nice to do nothing sometimes. We were only there a couple of hours though because we had to catch the ferry to get home so I could give my Chihuahua his insulin shot without being too late.
So now today is a work day. Laundry for one thing. And rearranging some furniture. I need to make some new spaces for my houseplants that have been outdoors all summer. The big ones are going in the basement for the winter since they take up a lot of space. They like the basement anyway. I have a lot of plants and some should get pitched. But then when it comes right down to it I can't throw them out!
My thoughts aren't very interesting today. But every day can't be exciting when there are lots of things to catch up on. Let me see.... I think I'll put the couch over here and move this chair there.........................
It rained on us for a little while on the way up but then the sun came out and it was a very nice day. I always enjoy the ferry trip to the island. It's very relaxing and I wish it was farther away. We ride around on a golf cart and enjoy looking at all the neat houses up there on the waterfront. We aren't drinkers and there is a bar about every other shop on the street so we don't go there. And things are expensive and I don't need any more souvenirs or logo shirts so we don't go in the shops much. I'm making it sound like a boring day but it's nice to do nothing sometimes. We were only there a couple of hours though because we had to catch the ferry to get home so I could give my Chihuahua his insulin shot without being too late.
So now today is a work day. Laundry for one thing. And rearranging some furniture. I need to make some new spaces for my houseplants that have been outdoors all summer. The big ones are going in the basement for the winter since they take up a lot of space. They like the basement anyway. I have a lot of plants and some should get pitched. But then when it comes right down to it I can't throw them out!
My thoughts aren't very interesting today. But every day can't be exciting when there are lots of things to catch up on. Let me see.... I think I'll put the couch over here and move this chair there.........................
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Lazy Today
Today is one of those days when I'm just not very happy with myself. I have just been lazy. That's what happens when I go overboard the day before. I don't know why I just can't pace myself. Do others do that? And to top it off, I had trouble sleeping because I was "too tired". That just doesn't make sense!
There are so many things around here that need doing before cold weather sets in. Hopefully that won't be for a while yet. Some of our shrubs are taking over and need trimming. I can't see the birdfeeders. I like watching the birds in the winter. I was also hoping to move some succulents and make another small rock garden. That may have to wait until spring. I don't think I have it in me to heft the large rocks around right now. Anyway, it will give me more time to plan it properly instead of just putting something in the spot I have picked out.
My granddaughter Zandalee's eighth birthday is coming up September 3. She is going with her older sister Zoe and Zoe's friend's family to their Lake Erie cabin over the weekend. That will be a real treat for her. She likes to hang out with the big girls. Zandalee is the baby of my daughter's five children and her oldest will be 20 in December. How did that happen??!! And when? It seems only yesterday they were babies. Of course, it seems only yesterday that our first child was born, too. Now he's 47! Our family has someone with a birthday almost every month with most of them being in January, February and March.
Last night I finished my latest Ann Gabhart book, The Blessed. I read them so fast and then am sorry to see the story end. I love Ann's Shaker books and this was the fifth one. They can all be read on their own though even though some of the characters are repeated. I ordered some new books of series I'm reading of Amish fiction. I can't wait for them to arrive now. It's always a big decision which one I will read first. One of them is by another favorite author who lives in the area, Paul Gaus. He writes Amish mysteries that take place around Millersburg and other places in Holmes County. I have been waiting for a long time for a new one to come out. Finally!! I like getting out my map of highways and byways of Amish country to find some of the locations his stories take place. Some are just a crossroads.
Since I'm getting older I don't like reading anything too deep and thought provoking so that's why I stick to fiction. Our Sunday school class is going to use the book Heaven Is For Real for a discussion this fall. I haven't read it yet but have heard good things about it so I'm looking forward to that.
It's a good thing I call this blog Just Thinking because it certainly isn't about anything of any great importance! I just enjoy putting thoughts to paper sometimes. I especially like having a page with fish to feed! It doesn't take a lot to please me most of the time. If you are reading this, please feed my fish.
There are so many things around here that need doing before cold weather sets in. Hopefully that won't be for a while yet. Some of our shrubs are taking over and need trimming. I can't see the birdfeeders. I like watching the birds in the winter. I was also hoping to move some succulents and make another small rock garden. That may have to wait until spring. I don't think I have it in me to heft the large rocks around right now. Anyway, it will give me more time to plan it properly instead of just putting something in the spot I have picked out.
My granddaughter Zandalee's eighth birthday is coming up September 3. She is going with her older sister Zoe and Zoe's friend's family to their Lake Erie cabin over the weekend. That will be a real treat for her. She likes to hang out with the big girls. Zandalee is the baby of my daughter's five children and her oldest will be 20 in December. How did that happen??!! And when? It seems only yesterday they were babies. Of course, it seems only yesterday that our first child was born, too. Now he's 47! Our family has someone with a birthday almost every month with most of them being in January, February and March.
Last night I finished my latest Ann Gabhart book, The Blessed. I read them so fast and then am sorry to see the story end. I love Ann's Shaker books and this was the fifth one. They can all be read on their own though even though some of the characters are repeated. I ordered some new books of series I'm reading of Amish fiction. I can't wait for them to arrive now. It's always a big decision which one I will read first. One of them is by another favorite author who lives in the area, Paul Gaus. He writes Amish mysteries that take place around Millersburg and other places in Holmes County. I have been waiting for a long time for a new one to come out. Finally!! I like getting out my map of highways and byways of Amish country to find some of the locations his stories take place. Some are just a crossroads.
Since I'm getting older I don't like reading anything too deep and thought provoking so that's why I stick to fiction. Our Sunday school class is going to use the book Heaven Is For Real for a discussion this fall. I haven't read it yet but have heard good things about it so I'm looking forward to that.
It's a good thing I call this blog Just Thinking because it certainly isn't about anything of any great importance! I just enjoy putting thoughts to paper sometimes. I especially like having a page with fish to feed! It doesn't take a lot to please me most of the time. If you are reading this, please feed my fish.
Monday, August 29, 2011
My goodness, it's only noon and I am already worn out. I'm getting too old to do all this housework! I guess I could use a housekeeper. Of course, when you have five dogs and three cats in the house you are just going to have hair and dirt. No way around it! I love my tile and hardwood floors BUT running the Hoover Floormate over them still takes time and energy. But I did get the dogs and cats on purpose so I shouldn't be complaining. I'm glad my husband helps out some.
I have delegated the job of cleaning the smooth top range to Russ. You can't boil a teakettle on that thing without it making some kind of ring or something. And the teakettle, or pots or whatever, are clean when I start out. I knew I should have gotten a gas range!
At least it's nice and cool today. A good day to do housework, if it has to be done. Now that I have sat down I think I'm going to have to shut the door because there is quite a breeze coming in there.
Hopefully I can convince Russ to drive to Lake Erie sometime this week. We haven't gotten to go to Kelley's Island or Put In Bay yet this summer and that is usually our staycation. It's not so crowded now either. Kelley's Island is more peaceful but there is more to do and see at Put In Bay. I love the leisurely ferry trip to the islands too. The Jet Express is fun but it's expensive. I also just love the Marblehead Lighthouse. It's one of my favorite places to go. It's very lovely there and I love sitting on the rocks and just looking at the Lake and hearing the waves gently washing over them. We were there in July with our daughter and granddaughter and I actually (finally) climbed to the top of the lighthouse. There are 77 narrow steps in a narrow stairway but it was well worth the climb.
A funny thing happened while we were at the Lighthouse. Our daughter, Kristin, was wading around in the water and trying to get our granddaughter, Zandalee, to come out and wade with her. Zandalee said no because she didn't want to get wet. The lake was pretty choppy that day and the waves were higher than usual. Kristin assured her she wouldn't get wet because the waves weren't that high and just then a large wave came crashing in and got Kristin soaking wet! We had a good laugh at that. Kristin had on a long sundress which was just dripping. So when we got ready to leave we got a blanket out of the car and she took off her dress and wrapped in the blanket. She was driving so we held her dress out the window to dry. I'm sure we looked pretty funny going down the road with her dress ballooning out the window! We were half way home when her dress was dry enough to put back on.
We're babysitting our granddog, Winston, this week. He's an old, blind in one eye and a little senile Pekingese. All my dogs have their noses in a snit because of it. Winston is used to getting his own way since he's King Dog at home. And when he gets to sleep on the bed TOO that is almost too much to ask of my group! But Winston loves his grandma and vise versa so he gets spoiled here. I love sending the grandkids home spoiled!
Well, back to work. Housework never ends...........
I have delegated the job of cleaning the smooth top range to Russ. You can't boil a teakettle on that thing without it making some kind of ring or something. And the teakettle, or pots or whatever, are clean when I start out. I knew I should have gotten a gas range!
At least it's nice and cool today. A good day to do housework, if it has to be done. Now that I have sat down I think I'm going to have to shut the door because there is quite a breeze coming in there.
Hopefully I can convince Russ to drive to Lake Erie sometime this week. We haven't gotten to go to Kelley's Island or Put In Bay yet this summer and that is usually our staycation. It's not so crowded now either. Kelley's Island is more peaceful but there is more to do and see at Put In Bay. I love the leisurely ferry trip to the islands too. The Jet Express is fun but it's expensive. I also just love the Marblehead Lighthouse. It's one of my favorite places to go. It's very lovely there and I love sitting on the rocks and just looking at the Lake and hearing the waves gently washing over them. We were there in July with our daughter and granddaughter and I actually (finally) climbed to the top of the lighthouse. There are 77 narrow steps in a narrow stairway but it was well worth the climb.
A funny thing happened while we were at the Lighthouse. Our daughter, Kristin, was wading around in the water and trying to get our granddaughter, Zandalee, to come out and wade with her. Zandalee said no because she didn't want to get wet. The lake was pretty choppy that day and the waves were higher than usual. Kristin assured her she wouldn't get wet because the waves weren't that high and just then a large wave came crashing in and got Kristin soaking wet! We had a good laugh at that. Kristin had on a long sundress which was just dripping. So when we got ready to leave we got a blanket out of the car and she took off her dress and wrapped in the blanket. She was driving so we held her dress out the window to dry. I'm sure we looked pretty funny going down the road with her dress ballooning out the window! We were half way home when her dress was dry enough to put back on.
We're babysitting our granddog, Winston, this week. He's an old, blind in one eye and a little senile Pekingese. All my dogs have their noses in a snit because of it. Winston is used to getting his own way since he's King Dog at home. And when he gets to sleep on the bed TOO that is almost too much to ask of my group! But Winston loves his grandma and vise versa so he gets spoiled here. I love sending the grandkids home spoiled!
Well, back to work. Housework never ends...........
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday Morning Thoughts
Last night we got together with our group of friends. When we were younger we had a card club when we used to stay up until 2 or 3 AM playing Euchre. We always had lots of snacks and lots of gossip and lots of laughing. Now we're all lots older and can barely make it until 11PM!! We still call ourselves card club but we never play cards anymore. Maybe all of us can't remember how to play!
Anyway, we had a picnic supper last night at our neighbor's. I have known Dean and Jan since high school and graduated with them 50 years ago. We had a great dinner and, best of all, homemade ice cream. Jan makes the best ice cream. And we also had Texas sheet cake for dessert. What a treat! Of course, I ate too much and my jeans were getting a little snug. I thought I'd have to loosen the button!
Speaking of loosening the button of my jeans, I'm going to have to start shutting my mouth sooner at the dinner table. I've gained a few pounds. I lost a lot of weight so I'm not going to go back to being really fat again. I'm certainly not thin but lots thinner than I used to be. Too many homemade cookies over the winter when I had a baking frenzy going on! Cookies two or three times a week. Can't be having that.
If I would get around and exercise more it would help. But the old annoying back pain and a foot injury from falling has kept me way less active than usual. I normally spend summer out in my gardens. I love rock gardens and had created a couple last summer. No problem hefting the rocks around then. I wanted to make a big succulent garden this summer but that didn't happen. Maybe later this fall I can at least get it started. But I'm having foot surgery September 22 and will be out of commission for a few weeks after that. Which is just really aggravating!
I have lots of books to read while being laid up after surgery. Lots of Amish fiction. I don't know why but I just am addicted to reading that. There are so many authors now. Some are great and some are mediocre. I visited the Christian used book store at the Hartville Flea Market last week and stocked up. And I have some new books to get that are being released in early September that I will get from Christian Book.com. Ok, maybe being laid up won't be so bad after all. I can lay on the bed with my dogs snuggled around me and read to my heart's content while, hopefully, my husband will take care of the housework.
It's has started out as a pretty dreary Sunday morning but the sun is starting to peek out from under the gray clouds. Maybe it will turn out to be a nice day after all. I wonder if the dreariness has spread all the way over to Ohio from the hurricane along the coast. They are really being blasted over there. I hope everyone will be safe and not lose too much of their homes. It looks like the beaches are being destroyed. But, you know what, I'd love to be there and see the high waves crashing in. I just wouldn't want to blow away! All we can do is pray for the people to be safe.
Anyway, we had a picnic supper last night at our neighbor's. I have known Dean and Jan since high school and graduated with them 50 years ago. We had a great dinner and, best of all, homemade ice cream. Jan makes the best ice cream. And we also had Texas sheet cake for dessert. What a treat! Of course, I ate too much and my jeans were getting a little snug. I thought I'd have to loosen the button!
Speaking of loosening the button of my jeans, I'm going to have to start shutting my mouth sooner at the dinner table. I've gained a few pounds. I lost a lot of weight so I'm not going to go back to being really fat again. I'm certainly not thin but lots thinner than I used to be. Too many homemade cookies over the winter when I had a baking frenzy going on! Cookies two or three times a week. Can't be having that.
If I would get around and exercise more it would help. But the old annoying back pain and a foot injury from falling has kept me way less active than usual. I normally spend summer out in my gardens. I love rock gardens and had created a couple last summer. No problem hefting the rocks around then. I wanted to make a big succulent garden this summer but that didn't happen. Maybe later this fall I can at least get it started. But I'm having foot surgery September 22 and will be out of commission for a few weeks after that. Which is just really aggravating!
I have lots of books to read while being laid up after surgery. Lots of Amish fiction. I don't know why but I just am addicted to reading that. There are so many authors now. Some are great and some are mediocre. I visited the Christian used book store at the Hartville Flea Market last week and stocked up. And I have some new books to get that are being released in early September that I will get from Christian Book.com. Ok, maybe being laid up won't be so bad after all. I can lay on the bed with my dogs snuggled around me and read to my heart's content while, hopefully, my husband will take care of the housework.
It's has started out as a pretty dreary Sunday morning but the sun is starting to peek out from under the gray clouds. Maybe it will turn out to be a nice day after all. I wonder if the dreariness has spread all the way over to Ohio from the hurricane along the coast. They are really being blasted over there. I hope everyone will be safe and not lose too much of their homes. It looks like the beaches are being destroyed. But, you know what, I'd love to be there and see the high waves crashing in. I just wouldn't want to blow away! All we can do is pray for the people to be safe.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Weeds or Native Plants?
Having just come in from pulling up lots of weeds in a very small space I'm wondering now why I just don't let the "native plants" have their way! There's a very nice looking ground cover growing all over the place. It is flat and covers the bare spots and even gets pretty little flowers. Problem is it also covers everything else. I have lots and lots of sedums growing and would like to be able to see them. So up comes the pretty native ground cover.
And then there are the grasses. Ornamental grasses are pretty expensive for people on a tight budget and I love them. So why don't I just let the native grasses take over? They don't look so bad when they have gotten very large and have nice tassels on them.
Thistles! I have spent the last few years battling the thistles around here. They weren't so bad before I started feeding the finches thistle seed. That was a big mistake! I didn't realize the Niger thistle was't sterilized. Now when you see them they look really nice when they are blooming their pretty yellow flowers. And they don't have the same kind of stems and leaves that the field thistles have. You know, the ones with the purple flowers. Those are pretty too. But they all tend to run rampant and not stay anyplace that you'd want them too. We have pulled and dug out the roots and have spent lots of money on weed killer and the thistles are still winning!
Most of those pesky little native plants come out easily when you pull on them in the right direction. And some have roots that go to heaven knows where. Like dandelions. The roots are deeper than my shovel for goodness sake!
I just noticed the other day that my nice mound of dianthus was missing and my husband had been mowing it off. He thought they were weeds. I just can't win.
And then there are the grasses. Ornamental grasses are pretty expensive for people on a tight budget and I love them. So why don't I just let the native grasses take over? They don't look so bad when they have gotten very large and have nice tassels on them.
Thistles! I have spent the last few years battling the thistles around here. They weren't so bad before I started feeding the finches thistle seed. That was a big mistake! I didn't realize the Niger thistle was't sterilized. Now when you see them they look really nice when they are blooming their pretty yellow flowers. And they don't have the same kind of stems and leaves that the field thistles have. You know, the ones with the purple flowers. Those are pretty too. But they all tend to run rampant and not stay anyplace that you'd want them too. We have pulled and dug out the roots and have spent lots of money on weed killer and the thistles are still winning!
Most of those pesky little native plants come out easily when you pull on them in the right direction. And some have roots that go to heaven knows where. Like dandelions. The roots are deeper than my shovel for goodness sake!
I just noticed the other day that my nice mound of dianthus was missing and my husband had been mowing it off. He thought they were weeds. I just can't win.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Just Thinking
As I sit here in my recliner by the bay window overlooking the back of the farm I was realizing that summer is almost over. The sun is hanging low creating beautiful patterns on the trees in the woods and on the fields. There aren't any deer grazing in the soybean fields now but we have a doe with triplets and a doe with twins that frequently are munching away on the beans. The scenery is lovely all times of the year.
School started yesterday so the grandkids won't be popping in during the day. They always have to stop for snacks to keep them going on their hikes! It's not that far from their houses to ours. But Grandma and Grandpa always have the favorite York peppermint patties on hand or other treats. I don't think school should start until after Labor Day. The summer goes by too quickly for the kids as it is.
Since I love to go on drives this is the time to go. Lake Erie and the islands are not so busy now with seasonal traffic. Amish Country is the same way. Except for October at the height of the fall foliage colors. That is a time to avoid Holmes County on the weekends. We like taking the really back roads and not having a clue as to where we are. It's like stepping back in time. And on some occasions we have ended up at a farm at the end of what we thought was a road! The people are usually very gracious though and not used to having strange cars arriving at their door!
It's wonderful going to Put In Bay or Kelley's Island too. Some people wouldn't like it much with not a lot going on. But older people can enjoy it to their heart's content. I just love going to the Lake. I would love to have a home there.
I'm looking forward to having a wonderful fall. Summer hasn't been much fun for us this year. Spring was so wet and cool and then summer got so hot we couldn't stand going out in the heat. And my husband and I both fell and were out of commission for about a month. I will look forward to my fall day trips.
Sometimes we don't go as far as we used to because of the gas prices but we still like to do something.
The sun has hidden behind a cloud for now. My chihuahua Tico is sleeping beside me. He's old now and blind and diabetic. But he gets around amazingly well. He's a rescue that knew only heartache before he was taken in by Chihuahua Rescue and Transport and then to our home. But since then he has lived a good life and is really spoiled. Like all the babies. Now we are all going to go back and lay on the bed and read our newest book by Ann Gabhart, the fifth of her Shaker series.
School started yesterday so the grandkids won't be popping in during the day. They always have to stop for snacks to keep them going on their hikes! It's not that far from their houses to ours. But Grandma and Grandpa always have the favorite York peppermint patties on hand or other treats. I don't think school should start until after Labor Day. The summer goes by too quickly for the kids as it is.
Since I love to go on drives this is the time to go. Lake Erie and the islands are not so busy now with seasonal traffic. Amish Country is the same way. Except for October at the height of the fall foliage colors. That is a time to avoid Holmes County on the weekends. We like taking the really back roads and not having a clue as to where we are. It's like stepping back in time. And on some occasions we have ended up at a farm at the end of what we thought was a road! The people are usually very gracious though and not used to having strange cars arriving at their door!
It's wonderful going to Put In Bay or Kelley's Island too. Some people wouldn't like it much with not a lot going on. But older people can enjoy it to their heart's content. I just love going to the Lake. I would love to have a home there.
I'm looking forward to having a wonderful fall. Summer hasn't been much fun for us this year. Spring was so wet and cool and then summer got so hot we couldn't stand going out in the heat. And my husband and I both fell and were out of commission for about a month. I will look forward to my fall day trips.
Sometimes we don't go as far as we used to because of the gas prices but we still like to do something.
The sun has hidden behind a cloud for now. My chihuahua Tico is sleeping beside me. He's old now and blind and diabetic. But he gets around amazingly well. He's a rescue that knew only heartache before he was taken in by Chihuahua Rescue and Transport and then to our home. But since then he has lived a good life and is really spoiled. Like all the babies. Now we are all going to go back and lay on the bed and read our newest book by Ann Gabhart, the fifth of her Shaker series.
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