2011 Year End

Over this past year I have blogged about the things going on in my life - my chickens, rabbits, garden, pets, cooking, sewing - just a little of everything.  So doing a recap isn't really necessary.

It has been a good year with all its ups and downs.  Hubby and I are healthy and able to function and as we get older that pretty much says it all.  Hubby has now lost about 80 pounds which is a big plus and I have gained about 8 (all while what I consider dieting).  "Mama always said" it would all catch up with me - for so many years I weighed 112 pounds and at 5'8" I was really thin!  It didn't happen at 40 like "Mama always said," but it did happen!  I feel the aches and pains of the good times of my life and the bad times of my life.  I make no excuses - I am what I am and God loves me even though I am not perfect. 

I started the year trying to increase my chicken flock.  I hatched and babied those little balls of fluff for weeks.  I had 32 biddies for a while, then the dogs came and demolished about half.  then the snakes came and demolished the other half.  Sick at heart I replaced the little ones with lovely Barred Rocks.  These ladies are so gentle and loving and fit right in to our little flock.  Matilda, my old Rhode Island Red hen, accepted them aboard while maintaining her position as the head of the pecking order. 

I have a special pair of Grays that are so beautiful.  I hatched them and raised them separately from the rest of the flock.  I will lose the beautiful rooster this week when he goes to the sale barn.  The rooster's name is Ming Ming and the hen is Tuck.  The oldest granddaughter named them as soon as they hatched and even though the sexes don't reflect the names - it is what it is.  Ming Ming tried to flog the older of the youngest granddaughter last week and then yesterday tried to flog the youngest granddaughter.  Ming Ming is too young as yet to have dangerous spurs, but his spurs are rapidly growing and with his temperment, he has to go.  The grandchildren love to play outside and I won't tolerate an agressive animal.

In the Spring, the oldest granddaughter decided she wanted a rabbit, so hubby added not one but three to the menagerie.  Lost one of those within two weeks but replace her with a fostor from Atlanta that was someone's pet.  Now down to two and they run loose in the barn and are very content until the neighbors dogs come snooping.  I really wish people would raise their pets not to get into other peoples business.

I had a fruitful early garden and filled the freezer up while enjoying all the fresh vegetables throughout the summer.  I don't can much anymore, but may have to reconsider with the coming season.  Hubby has already turned loads of leaves and mulch back into the soil in anticipation of the upcoming planting season. 

The youngest granddaughters and I planted trash can potatoes, but we waited a little too long to plant and only harvested a couple of handfuls of small spuds.  They will be great with a pot of green beans though, so all is not lost and the experiment was good for us all.  Plan to try the trash can pototoes again in early March.

This fall has brought my deer back.  They enjoy the huge acorn crop we have behind the house and will graze on the nuts for at least an hour a day and sometime longer.  I manged to get some good pictures of them last week and where there were only three, a new beauty joined them.  One day and young buck stepped in to enjoy the fare.  I cringe every time I hear a shot behind the house, as I fear a hunter as downed one of my babies.

I retired this year and was happy to do so.  I really enjoy staying at home and diddling with my cooking, sewing, animals, and garden.  I could keep working and Hubby and I could stash the dollars toward future travel, but I watch so many that save and save and then are unable to do the things they saved to do.  I wrote about my cataract sugery in an earlier blog, but I am still pleased with my much improved sight.

I spend loads of time with my youngest granddaughters and enjoy every minute.  I am bowled over by my oldest grand children every time they visit.  Living north of Atlanta, I only see them every six weeks or so and they change so fast.  Phone calls are just not the same.  They are both so bright and talented!

My parents are aging fast and it hurts my heart to see them struggle to perform even the most routine tasks.  They were both so active and energetic during their younger years. 

I experienced losses and gaines during the year which is part of living. I have seen new little ones come into the world, couples pledging solemn vows to each other before God, and have seen close friends and family lose the ones they love.  I have contemplated the whys of life and am still uncertain that I have accomplished what I am suppose to accomplish. 

Cleaning is calling, so until next time . . .

Happy New Year and
Happy reading!

Belle

November Catchup

I am backing up a bit since my writing time has been limited this month so please be patient.  The first weekend of the month was my baby sister's birthday.  I know that some of you will find a great deal of humor in that sentence as a normal 60 year old woman doesn't usually refer to her younger sister as her "baby sister", but I do, I did, and I will.  I am not normal.  Sis and I were escorted to the "Fox" by her oldest son and a friend after a delightful dinner at Brio's where we were treated to an outstanding meal, great service, lots of fun and laughter. 

The "Fox' is unique, beautiful, awe inspiring and down right fun!  It takes to back to an era of glamour and richness no longer found among the great building of Atlanta.  The Fox just IS!  We were treated to a wonderful romantic comedy "Mama Mia!" which we thoroughly enjoyed.  The cast gave a great performance and the music was outstanding.  

The middle of the month was the quarterly Harmon family get together.  We met at Southern Pit Barbecue and since our group was so large they had to split us up - they don't do reservations - so all of us didn't get to visit but I so enjoyed the time spent with those of us that were able to sit together.  Next time we will make sure we get a space that can handle all us youngun's.  I met cousins I had not as yet met and enjoyed the visit with cousins I hadn't seen in a while.  Can't wait until February when hopefully more will join the group.  Would love to see the Louisiana cousin and the Minnesota cousin. 
 
Hubby and I are lucky enough to host Thanksgiving for the families.  It is such a treat for us to have everyone together at our home and enjoy all the great food they bring to share.  Dad even had a good visit with everyone for a while before getting tired and heading home.  Didn't get all of us in one picture this year, but we did manage to get a pic of everyone during the day.  Lot's of good food and many laughs throughout the day! 

The Dahlonega kids come in for Thanksgiving usually spend a few extra days with me.  It is a pleasant week for everyone.  My oldest grandchildren are growing so fast that I am afraid they will soon not fit on my lap. 

During the afternoon and early evening everyone got their game plans finalized and were soon off to early Black Friday shopping at 9:00 pm.  The deals were astounding and they all were ready to spend to save.  The different groups kept us apprised of their progress and I think everyone got pretty much everything they aimed for, mainly electronics and bicycles.  Then spent hours standing in line before getting home in the early dawn hours. 

I have spent the last few days recovering from a wonderfully full week and weekend and getting ready to head into the Christmas season.  This week I felt the first twinges that I always feel when Christmas nears.  Time to get the decorations out and get started. 

I hope all my reader friends enjoyed the day of Thanksgiving as much as I did.  Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Strange visitors

Deep into the reading of Inadmissible Evidence by Philip Friedman, a most unpleasant odor hit my nostrils and for a minute all thought and comprehension was focused on that horrible smell.   It took less than a minute for my brain to comprehend the source of this odor and I immediately threw the book and ran to shut the windows.  A beautiful but deadly (to the senses) skunk had sprayed its wares somewhere around my porch.  Hubby, with a huge smile on his face, slowly rose from his chair and found his flashlight as he headed for the door.  The puppies had not as yet been hit by the smell, as always, if Daddy was going out, that is where they were needed.   

The puppies came alive and I allowed them to join the outside activity, hoping against all odds that they would not locate said beauty and come in needing many baths which I knew would do no good.  After a quick turn around the yard and house hubby returned having not located anything.  We both settled back to our reading when something caught my eye at the door.  I quickly glanced about for the puppies and found them settled before the fire snoozing.  Again dumping my book I checked the porch and there drinking out of the puppies water bowl was a semi grown opossum.  He didn't seem to be in a hurry and drank his fill before turning to look up at me as Hubby opened the door.  He started to come in for a visit, but Hubby stomped his foot and the little rascal trotted off, straight under the hot tub. 

With flashlight and net, Hubby attempted to relocate our visitor to no avail.  He balled up tightly and was not about to leave his sanctuary.  Unreachable and not causing any harm we left him for the night determined to move him in the morning light.  Earlier in the day I had spent a good bit of time watching several deer play and graze in back of the house.  It was a day filled with wildlife! 

The next afternoon I cringed as the shots rang out behind the house, hoping that the hunter was a bad shot and had missed my friends.  Yesterday, there was a beautiful, if malodorous, dead skunk on the side of the road.  So is life -- here today and gone tomorrow. 

Enjoy life while it is available.  Whether wildlife or human, we are here for only a short time as was those that went before us and none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow here on earth.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Fall 2011

A most beautiful fall with warm breezy days and cool nights.  Tonight we will have our first freeze of this winter season.  This week has been full of wonder - my wonder roses are blooming and my beautiful long stems have the best buds and blooms of the year.  I know they will be gone on the morrow if I don't get out and cut them this afternoon, but I do hate to cut my flowers. 

The turning leaves are at their peak and the woods are a palette of earthy tones.  Beautiful!  The deer are enjoying a bountiful harvest of acorns in the back and I have certainly enjoyed watching them munch the little nuts.

The winter will be cold and drab, but the spring will come again in all its spendor and warmth.  Time for soup, a warm fire and my lap blanket.

Have a blessed week and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Trash Can Potatoes

The youngest two granddaughters and I have a fall project going that has turned into a Nanna project - they check on the plants and I do the work.  We found an unused plastic/rubber 40 gallon trashcan; drilled some holes in the bottom; put in 6 inches of garden soil; and added a dozen potatoe eyes and covered with another couple of inches of soil.

The girls took off to Florida and Nanna has steadily added a little soil every 3 or 4 days.  The plants are now close to the top of the garbage can and very healthy looking. The dirt is about half way up the inside of the can and more will be added today.  Around the middle of December, the trash can will be turned upside down and should be full of potatoes.  You will definitely get an update on this one. 

The girls are very excited and have enjoyed seeing the rapid growth of the plants. 
Hopefully we will all enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Happy Reading!
Belle

Disappointment

Wrote a couple of weeks ago that hubby had purchased a Toshiba laptop and I was enjoying it immensely, then on Friday in the middle of a huge project it crashed.  I had worked on a training manual all week and finally got the finishing touches on it and thank goodness saved the thing on my thumb drive.  Traversed to the kitchen to get dinner started and 30 minutes later returned to the message - crash dump file created! - call system administrator or technical support.  I did - call technical support, that is - and followed the technician's directions.  I was ready to box and ship this sucker right back, however he got me up and running in a matter of 90 minutes.  Is the machine damaged - I don't know.  Will it happen again - I don't know this either.  So far all is well and I am still saving to the thumb drive.  I think after the power source going out in my desktop I will always save to the thumb drive.  I will always have access to my files. 

Hubby took the desktop in and they replaced the power source so I am not with a computer if something goes wrong. 

I am watching carefully for any sign of trouble on the laptop so hopefully I will be able to react quickly if a problem is present.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Free Patterns for your Sewing and Crafts

Sometimes I get tunnel vision and return over and over to the same websites and never venture out into the great web space in the sky, but on occasion someone will recommend a site and I will travel over and have a look.  What a delightful surprise when I visited All Free Sewing!  So many ideas, patterns and directions for construction.  Not just one line of patterns, but a whole array of ideas and projects with simple to follow instructions.  In the process of subscribing to their weekly emails, I encountered a whole line of free recipes, crafts, sewing and much more. 

If you have a minute give them a look at www.allfreesewing.com.

The Man Has a Message

Take a minute to visit:

http://www.ministryandmagicofmiketurner.com

Changes - Not Just The Weather

I have always considered myself computer savvy - not an expert by any means, but I can get around pretty well as an operator and can do some light trouble shooting.  About a month ago, my power source started to go out.  How did I know it was the power source - I don't know I just did.  And how did I know it was about a month ago - I did a backup on the day the trouble started.  Okay, that was the only smart thing I did.  I did not back the computer up and run it down to Bestech and get a new power source installed  - no I just went right on piddling with my system until last Sunday when I could piddle no more!  The computer wouldn't even blink an eye at me - no grinding of gears, or whistling of motors - just nothing.  I believe we can get too comfortable with our routine and God just shakes the limb a little to either make us grip the limb or change our position.

Hubby has been talking of getting a laptop, so he says we'll just go get a laptop.  Oh!  Just go get a laptop.  Husband are so definitive in their thinking.  We did and I have now spent the last 8 days getting the printer drivers (the  printer is out of date and it took me forever to find the drivers for the Windows 7) installed, looking for files I had saved to the thumb drive and trying to restore a backup from an old WindowsXP to a new Windows 7 - it don't work.  Luckily, once the power source is replaced in the old computer, I should be good to go on the files. 

Not much is different with the Windows 7 but the design and I am sure the inner workings are a bit undated.  I enjoy it a great deal.  The laptop itself takes some getting use to since the mouse pad is super touchy and I zoom in and out with knowing how I did it or why or I end up way up the page and really mess up my spreadsheets.  I attached my other mouse for ease of use, but I really want to learn to operate this baby like it was built to operate.

If you add on and take away, something gets loss.  That is like disconnecting all the bells and whistles on a new car rather than getting to know the car and why those extras are so special.  BUT, I am learning and rather enjoying the process.  The thing I miss most are all my little bookmarks of my favorites on the Internet.  I have a routine every morning of cranking the "puter" up and checking all the local papers on line and then I hit the obits of the local funeral homes.  I know that sounds rather morbid, but I have to make sure I made it through the night!

So many changes and important events are developing right now and nosy old me has to read up on everything.  Then on to Face Book so I can catch all my friends and their doings for the day and then I try to write a little every day  don't always make it but, I try.  Everything I write doesn't make it to the Blog though, so don't be judging by what is on here - some of that stuff is old and I really need to do some rewrites!

Friday was a most enjoyable day with my youngest grandchildren - special lunch and then to the park.  I will miss them this week as they are on fall break and I won't get to see them everyday, but it will give me some catchup time.  I have certainly neglected my major housecleaning this summer as I played with the girls all summer. 

As the trees have started shedding their coats, we covered the pool this weekend until the leaves are gone.  It looks so desolate when it is covered.  Hubby said he would take the cover off later in the year, but I couldn't keep up with all the leaves - I dip - they fall, I dip - they fall.  After Thanksgiving I will mulch most of them for the shrubbery and the rest will go on the garden for next spring's planting.  I have to burn that garden spot off first - did that last year and it took care of most of the pests this year.  Since we plant an early garden, we miss the pests that like the hot days of mid to late summer.  I fair better also as I can not work in the heat.

My maternal first cousins get together every three months to keep in touch.  For one reason or another, I have missed the first two get togethers so I am so looking forward to seeing the crew in November.  The first of us died a year ago and her husband wanted to get to know her cousins better and suggested this as a way of keeping in touch and his asking questions and learning our personalities.  I liked the man when I first met him and I like him even more for caring enough to make an effort.  I have two cousins who are a great distance from us and we don't get to visit so often, but then there are cousins just up the road that we don't see so often either. 

I told a good friend the other day - we are just trying to live.  I know that isn't quite right, but it pretty much describes our comings, goings, or just staying home.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Lost one pound last week, 
Gained two pounds this week!

Praying for someone is good
Praying with someone is better!

It is cool outside and it is barbeque time! 

Remember when . . .

When I went to school our first day of the school year would either be the Tuesday after Labor Day or the Friday after Labor Day.  It also signalled the end of summer and the beginning of those wonderful fall mornings.  We always needed sweaters for our trip to school and had them wrapped around our waists on the trip back home.  After the long hot summers of middle Georgia, we welcomed the cool morning temperatures.  Many years have past since the calendar and the weather matched my school day memories, but I do believe we are getting back on track this year.  Forecasts call for cooler days in the coming week and the mornings have already began with cooler temperatures.

Rain is coming and my dead grass and garden are jumping with anticipation - or is that me hopping around getting ready?  I hope that we receive enough to nourish the roots through our upcoming winter so my plants will flourish in the Spring.  March, April and May are my revitalized months;  welcomed with anticipation that yes, I did survive another cold bleak winter.  September, October and November are my getting prepared to rest months and finish all my summer chores.  I love these six months more than any other.   I don't function well in the heat of summer nor the cold of winter.  I will be sorry to see the pool close for the year.  the kids have progressed greatly this summer in their swimming abilities and their diving is getting is much better.

I am looking forward to a fall filled with sewing for my girls and keeping the fall garden going.  Hope it provides as well as the summer garden.  We have been eating good!

A last summer trip from my grandchildren to the north, this weekend has been filled with bonding, eating and swimming.  A fun Labor Day weekend with lots of hugs for Nanna. 

As our world turns and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Free to be me . . .

Cataract Surgery

First of all, I have the most terrific sister and brother-in-law.  They picked me up earlyTuesday morning to take me for cataract surgery.  Let me tell you, I am not a stranger to being cut on and various parts of my body removed, fixed, and replaced.  I can handle all that - but the thought of never seeing again terrifies me.  I can do without hearing the crap that comes out of intelligent mouths, but the thought of never seeing my girls eyes sparkle or see my grandson wiggle his eyebrows at me and smile is beyond my comprehension.  So needless to say I was a bit on the nervous side.  Sis and Bro were right there with me with all the comforting words and gestures. 

I didn't have a long wait before I was called back to my out patient room and given my darling attire for the morning.  My nurse was a friend from High School and we chit chatted a bit then down to business.  Eye drops in the case of this surgery is the key to it all.  I think I experienced a total of 5 different types of drops all with their own little agenda and these little diamonds must go in every 30 minutes or an hour.  We did the drop regimen and then a very pleasant young man picked me up in a neat chair bed.  We zipped down the halls to the operating room and there I was met by another friendly group of nurses and doctors who explained all the steps and tried to make me comfortable. 

I was not asleep for any of this procedure and I am so glad I got to see from the inside out.  The nurse advised she was giving me some happy drugs via the IV pigtail; the Doctor put a little drop in my eye and then moved a ominous looking machine over my face; and instructed me to watch the lights.  I then watched the little "razor" move across my eye and cut away the old crusted lens and its casing all the while a beautiful array of colors played across my eye.  A new lens was dropped in, a patch taped over the eye and the adhesive sheet was removed from my face and it was all over.  A cup of coffee and muffins from the nurses and a chicken sandwich from Sis and Bro were waiting on me in the room.  I consumed most of both, but did share a muffin with Bro, got dressed and sat and waited to go home.

Easy as pie!  When the patch was removed I wanted to shout with joy.  I could see again and everything looked so clean and new.  I could actually see the leaves on the trees, not a green fuzzy glob.  This week i am getting the left eye done and then the depth perception will clear even more and I will be able to walk with fumbling around.  Can't wait!

Until next time  . . .

Happy Reading!
Belle

I Can See

I will write more in depth later - but cataract surgery went very well and I Can See
. . . the leaves on the trees
. . . the small print on the television
. . . the flowers in my yard
. . . the billboard verbiage
and oh so much more!

Sewing

As I have posted before, I have been sewing since I could thread a needle.  I guess that was a test, Grandmother said I could learn to sew when I could thread the needle.  Good test!  I cut me a short piece of string, grabbed a needle and tried for hours to get that blasted thread through the eye of that needle.  You turn your head to the right and then the left, hang your tongue out of the side of the mouth and focus.  Now at 60, I still have to concentrate to get those needles threaded.  But don't cheat - don't use a needle threader; threading the needle is part of the process and you can't skip any steps.

I got my own first sewing machine for Christmas in 1969.  My Mom's old Necchi had done me proud, but to have my own was fantastic.  I wore that machine out many years ago and took over Mom's Necchi and have been through many hand me down machines since then.  I have hinted, told, begged and pleaded for a new machine to no avail.  Hubby don't take hints and his motto is if you want it, go get it so that is just what I did!

I ask Hubby to take me to Jo Ann's in Macon to take a look.  I had done my research on line and found the machine I wanted.  Hubby was astounded at the machine available and the cost of same.  He carefully guided me away from those $3500 machines by Viking and kept me steered toward the Singer's that had the Sale Signs taped to them.  He was so funny!  He made a comment about the Husquvarna machine and the saleslady told him "it will sew your clothes and cut your grass"! 

I got my Singer Curvy (which was on sale at a terrific price - $300 off) and headed home.  At my age, it takes a lot to get the heart pounding, but I did have that spark of excitement.  Hubby wanted to stop and eat on the way home, I wanted to go home and sew!  We ate.  I unboxed that beauty and read the two books of instructions, popped in the DVD and went through the tutorial and plugged her in.  Lights started blinking and a horrible whistle started blowing and I sat and watched it thinking it was warming up.  I don't think in this day and age anything has to "warm up" but I calmly waited and waited and waited.  I finally cut the machine off, unplugged everything, grabbed the book and started over.  No change.  I stomped my foot, I yelled at the machine, and then boxed it right back up. 

The kind people exchanged the machine with no problem expressing their sympathy and showed nothing but kindness.  The new machine did exactly as the books and DVD said it would and I have been sewing happily along.  Sometimes there is a bad apple in the bunch and stuff happens.  It is in the manner of the resolution that makes a difference in a satisfied customer and a unsatisfied customer. 

I made four pillows for the youngest granddaughters yesterday and have another set for my oldest granddaughter to make.  I don't have much time with her so she will have to make hers with her Mom.  I bought some patterns to make up some jumpers for my girls and my neighbor came over with loads of sewing.  I love to sew for her because she enjoys what I make for her. 

Lot's to do so I must get at it!  Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Sight is a Blessed Thing

For the last three years I thought I was going blind.  It probably started a good bit before that, but I started paying attention when everything over 20 feet in front of me was blurred.  I could not drive at night due to the lights from other vehicles blinding me, but what a light show the reflectors and signs made.  A halo of lights blinking and dancing were all I could see which really distorted my sight.  A doctor was recommended as off I went.  The doctor advised I definitely needed glasses for both reading and distance and prescribed some pretty potent glasses, then sent me to his assistant that handled glasses.  As I left I made an appointment for the next year.  A couple of weeks later I received a call to come for a fitting for the glasses and WOW!  I could really see.  I was so excited I could see without any blurring.

The first month I could see fine, then gradually over the next month I was right back where I started.  That little niggling of fear crept in and I honestly thought I was going blind.  When my next appointment came up, I saw a different doctor.  She advised there had indeed been a tremendous change in my eyes.  she did several tests, couldn't find anything wrong (her words "there is definitely something wrong, but I don't know what it is"), prescribed new glasses and made me an appointment for the next year.

Repeat.  The first month I could see great, then my vision digressed rapidly.  Enough is enough and off I went to another Eye Clinic.  I went by the old doctor's office and filled out a request for my records to be sent to the new doctor.  They still haven't received the records and it has been two months. 

The nurse at the new doctor's office did all those little test they do for pressure, etc., and then I saw the doc.  He shined his little light in my eyes and told me I had cataracts and I wouldn't be able to see until they were removed.  He also advised that changing glasses wouldn't do me any good.  Okay - he saw this with a penlight.  We discussed my history and he explained the processes of the surgery.  Returning me to his nurse who advised she new I had cataracts when she did my preliminary exam and test.  She did some more test, I completed some paperwork and she scheduled my surgery.

This is a perfect example of competent versus incompetent.  I should have insisted on more tests or gone to another doctor after the first doctor's visit.  I have come to realize that I can not put my trust in doctors to take care of my infirmities. 

So next two weeks will see me going unblind and I will soon be able to see again.  I might miss the light show, but at least I will be able to drive once again.  Keep me in your prayers and I will be able to see you soon!

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

It is so easy to remind people to "judge not" when they are talking about you, then have an entirely different view when you are talking about others.

Memories

The residents and former residents of our little county have started a Memory page on Facebook that has gone wild!  It is so fun to read the comments on this page and see the old pictures.  The cars, hairstyles, clothes, all bring back memories.

To you young folks out there - memories are a picture of your past.  The happier the memory, the more beautiful the picture!

Rainy Days and Discoveries

It has been a while since we had a real good rainy day.  Yesterday was one of those days and after I remembered how to act on a rainy day, it was so relaxing.  Rainy days are for doing absolutely nothing!  Just plop down, put on your most comfortable clothes, say no to housework and cooking and enjoy - a movie, a book, or a nap.  The laundry called me early, but one look at the overcast skies and the slow drizzling rain and I plopped. 

I started a new author, John Sandford.  I picked up one of his "Prey" books and was taken to the Twin Cities of Minnesota and a group of Indians bent on revenge.  A good read needing only a hot cup of coffee and a honey bun to get me through my morning.  Thank goodness I had a pot of vegetable soup in the fridge made earlier in the week and perfect for rainy days.  The phone didn't ring, no visitors came knocking, and even the pups were quiet and happy to snooze on their bean bag. 

Hubby came in for a late lunch.  After taking care of a little business, he too settled down for a short nap.  We have taken spontaneous trips over the years and are in the mood for another excursion.  Biloxi is calling, but that is quite a ride for a short weekend so that was put on hold for a month or so.  We decided on a new restaurant for this weekend and found a diamond in Steve's Steak and Seafood.

Steve's is located in a strip mall in Macon on Arkwright.  Just below Carreba's and Outback, this gentleman has secrets.  Neither of us tried the steaks, but hubby ordered "all you can eat" catfish for $12.95 and was pleasantly surprised with the results.  They were tender, delicious and very flavorful.  The couple at the adjourning table ordered crab legs and he advised they were delicious as well.  My grilled shrimp were seasoned and cooked perfectly.  The real potato fries and unsweetened cole slaw made a delightful dinner.  A good recommendation for good food and excellent service and Steve came out to make sure the food was up to par.  A trip back soon to try the steaks and crab legs.

Off to do Saturday chores, so until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

It was absolutely wonderful!  I had a week with all my grandchildren and it was the best vacation I have had in a long time.  I can't wait to do that again and hopefully the older two can return for a few extra days before the summer is out.  I learned new things about the personalities of these kids and each one of these four always have something new to surprise me with.

Sunday was my daughter's birthday and we had a wonderful cookout and swim party.  Lot's of fun with family and friends!  Even my 87 year old Dad got in the action, but we couldn't get him in the pool.  He did enjoy some delicious barbecue and Brunswick stew though and even some of those delicious friend green tomatoes!  Sis and hubby got in on the action too.  Mom must have been hiding from the camera.  I can't find a shot of her anywhere! 

 

A local church had a good fireworks display around 10:00 so we all trekked over and watched the sparkles and listened to the booms.   We were even serenaded by the "3 J's" (my daughter-in-law,daughter, and other daughter).  It was a fun filled day. 

When my daughter was a toddler and terrified of fireworks she ask that we don't do the fireworks for her birthday anymore.  On Monday night after their return north this same daughter was taking her children to town to watch the fireworks. 

I hope that you had an enjoyable July fourth weekend and celebrated our declaration of independence with much joy and thankfulness. 

Now on to more work, play and daily living!

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!

Belle

Rabbits and Chickens!

I know N O T H I N G about rabbits! But, I am learning fast! Pick them up by the nape of the neck or you will get clawed badly!  They eat and drink constantly! 

Never thought I would have to learn to sex a rabbit, but dang if these little fellows are a bit tricky,  I started with three of these little balls of fur and lost one - I didn't know what the heck I was doing and had no idea this beauty was pregnant, but I quickly found out you can't keep males and females together.  In all honesty, this little lady was pregnant when I bought her and I had no idea!  I now know you palpitate the sides of a female to determine pregnancy and never keep the males and females together except during the very short breeding process.  It doesn't take long as the sole purpose of male bunnies is to eat and make babies!  

I now know I have all males and will continue in this vein for just a while.  I need to change my hutch setup to accommodate both sexes and keep from losing anymore due to my stupidity!   Things are looking up though and I have learned much in the past 3 weeks about these wonderful little animals.  Their main diet consist of hay and fresh veggies - my bunnies favor celery tops and lettuce (they prefer iceberg but will eat Romain).  They also like ripe tomatoes, but also enjoy any green stuff from the garden.  I fear during the winter I will have to supplement the fresh garden stuff with some veggie pellets, but for now they are happy.  They are emptying the water containers regularly as we have had many days of 90+ temperatures which has really taken a toll on their fur covered bodies.

The "half" grown chickens are doing well.  Mid morning they all get a misting with the water hose and enjoy playing in the rain as long as the water flow isn't too strong.  The mist they enjoy, a washing they don't like!  I a having to dig the plastic eggs out again to stop an "egg eater."  The oyster shells are suppose to stop that, but I have one that attacks the egg as soon as the hen leaves the nest!  I think I have identified the culprit and if the plastic egg doesn't work, she will be separated from the flock for a while.  A hungry little bugger, she eats six or seven eggs a day! 

The neighbor's rooster is still eating as many of my tomatoes as I am and he has learned to "sneak" into the garden through the woods.  He and I fight on a daily basis!  The deer found my cantaloupe and have stripped the vines on many plants.  I can identify that hoof print and so I can't blame the rabbits or rooster for that one.  As some of you know I have rehabbed a couple of deer.  I can only hope that one of them has come back for a visit, but I sure wish they wouldn't eat my veggies.  They cleared a half a row of green beans before the cantaloupe came up but all the plants seem to have survived. 

I have a dozen eggs in the incubator that a mother hen left.  I am hoping they all hatch and they weren't left too long.  Some great person left a dog that was no longer wanted at my nephew's house and he scared the chickens off the nest.  Not vicious, just curious, he had to investigate and the hen ran off.  With luck I can call my nephew to come get 12 new biddies in the next few days! 

Life in the country is never boring and always filled with something going on!  Lot's of work, but so rewarding!

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Winds

Winds,  hard, fast, destructive, have become a dangerous part of our summer storms.  As a little girl, I remember sitting on the couch with our Nannie, a Bible on her lap, waiting for the afternoon thunderstorms to pass.  The stove was cut off as was the television and the iron was unplugged.  I remember the continuous lightening strikes and the rumbling thunder, but not the wind.  Yes, the lightening was frightening and sometimes we lost power, but somehow that was expected of a summer storm.

The strong winds are something new and very frightening.  They come from nowhere and disappear just as fast into nothingness.  The leave trees down, limbs broken and a real mess everywhere.  Yesterday, amidst the thanks to God for the afternoon shower, I received a call that a very large tree had blown over onto my nephew' house.  It is something we all dread and look to happen, but don't really expect.  It was a huge tree but when it broke, it fell on the front corner of the house and did little structural damage.  A few pieces of decking will have to be replaced and some moulding, but overall the problem would be getting the huge tree down - off the house.  I am just grateful his wife and child were not injured, but they were scared to death!

About two months ago a tornado ripped through our county west to east leaving a path of destruction we have not seen to date.  Houses, brick and stick, were literally blown away in the winds and in its place death and destruction were left.  It takes a little time to recuperate and realize that every wind storm will not leave the same death and destruction the tornado left. 

We are looking for more storms this afternoon and while we need the rain, how I long for those afternoon thunderstorms of the past with lots of rumbling thunder, but no gusting, harsh winds.  I am thankful for whatever we get at this point as far as precipitation goes.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle
r

Cynicism Aside

I just returned from a "Help!" call from my Dad after just posting my little Father's Day piece.  Dad had "fallen and couldn't get up" and he called for company.  I should have gone for an engineering degree, but alas I only have a sometimes good daughter degree instead. 

My Dad has always been a small built man, not weighing much at all.  Several years ago he had a stroke that paralyzed his right side and left his leg and arm pretty much useless.  Being sedentary not only effected his weight, but also his psyche.  Never a man to sit still, dad now has no choice. He rests in his chair and watches the boob tube and lives in his memories.  He is now a large man and I cannot lift him.

On a real good day he can manage to get on his hover round and trek off to the garden or down the drive to the front yard where he tries to "weed eat" around the front fence.  More times than none he ends up on his bottom and has to call for help.  These times the family has learned to accept and someone is always available to get him up and back to the house.  There is no restricting my Dad and so we repeat the process so he can experience what little happiness he can get "piddling" outside.

Twice in the last month I have been called to get him up from in the house. As he will not go to the doctor we can only assume he is having some mini strokes and passing out.  Usually one of the "men folk" are close by or can turn loose and come get him up.  It is all taken in good humor and mostly he laughs it off.  I had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with him this afternoon while he rested on the floor and we had a nice visit until someone could make it to assist.  (Friday afternoon is Mom's afternoon at the beauty shop and to visit with her friends.)

He so wanted to be back in his chair before she got home and he made it by just a few minutes.  I don't take the time to visit as I should and I know I will be sorry one day.  Not all of our conversations are pleasant, but today was a real delight and I enjoyed my visit with Dad.  Maybe I will get back over a spend more time with him, but then again most visits are not as pleasant. Spontaneity is the secret and that is never planned - it just happens.  So, Happy Father's Day Dad!

Until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Update on Me

Mid spring temperatures hovered daily in the low to mid 90s and the rain failed to quench the thirsty ground surrounding my drooping and withered plants.  I am so glad I followed the desires of my heart in planting an early garden as it appears those that planted later will do without.  The Roma II green beans have supplied our table with meal after meal of delicious beans with a few gallons for the freezer.  The zucchini has laughed at the lack of water and continues to burst forth with blooms and fruit.  It is has been a joy to share the abundance with friends and neighbors who are no longer able to garden or just don't have time. 

We have enjoyed radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers, red potatoes and okra to date and are looking forward to the late planted cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumbers to grace our table soon.  Hubby has watered every other day for the last few weeks to keep the plants alive and this weeks rain was a blessing. 

It isn't even summer yet and the sweltering temperatures have kept me in the pool on a regular basis.  Even though I have had to fight the wasp with every trip, I have thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon cool offs.  The plants and grass don't have enough water in them to sustain the wasps and even though I really don't feel like sharing, the little devils insist on getting a drink the minute I splash the surface.  Wasp stings don't bother me so much, but the little ones are not happy about the fearsome stings.  Last week granddaughter number two told me it was time to get out of the water because I looked like a raisin.  Little does she realize that has absolutely nothing to do with the water - it has a lot to do with my age, but I wasn't telling her that!

Speaking of which - I really got a lift when the same granddaughter ask me on Thursday what I had done.  I ask what she meant and she says "Yesterday you looked old, but today you look young and beautiful!"  A perfect lift to my day!  Yes, I am perfectly aware that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but I can gloat for just a little while.

As most of you know I am a seamstress.  I have been sewing since I was eight or nine years old.  I started learning at my grandmother's knee on a quilt top and it has progressed over the years to one thing and then another.  The five years I worked "taking in sewing" has probably been the most fulfilling and joyful of my entire working life.  It is so fulfilling to take a flat piece of material and turn it into something useful and beautiful.  I have made my own clothes for many years and clothed my children until they learned about "labels" and refused to wear the garments I made for them.  This came to mind as a result of a most pleasant visit this week from a friend of 15 to 20 years.  I was showing her my sun bonnets and aprons which I have turned out in droves and she had the most puzzling look on her face.  I ask what was wrong and she admitted that she didn't know that I sewed.  Well, there you go!  I thought this friend know all about me and here I surprised her with a very important part of what makes me - me!  She told me I could make good money sewing for people.  I had to laugh as I had one dress hanging behind her that was in process for a neighbor and another two boxes of material waiting to be cut and sewed.  Yes, taking in sewing is a lucrative business and one I thoroughly enjoy.

In all honesty, sewing is so intricately a part of me that I guess I take it for granted.  I have gone years without picking up a needle and thread, then I start a project and another and another like I am possessed. 
It is the one job that I have undertaking that was a labor of love and joy. 

A piece of advice for all you mothers of daughters - teach them to sew!  If you don't know how, make sure they take a class in sewing either at school or at you local community recreation department. 

Closing for now so until until next time . . .

Happy Reading!
Belle

Another Father's Day

I know the title sounds rather cynical which I guess I must have intended as it just seemed to type itself.  I don't mean any disrespect to any Father out there in the netherworld.  It seems to me that we are always celebrating some special day on a continuous basis.  I recently received an email that attributed all the special occasions to the "greeting card" companies to boost lagging sales.  Secretaries Day, Administrative Assistants Day, Armed Forces Day, Civic Holiday, all have a need to be celebrated and acknowledged.

I want to ask - who needs a special day to honor their father. or their mother, or their grandparents?  My grandparents are dead, but I certainly didn't need a special day to let them know I loved and treasured them.  My parents are still alive and though not in good health are able to get around a bit.  I talk to them every week, but only see them once in a while.  My relationship with my children is much like mine with my parents.  We all have life to live and goodness, don't you think your parents know how you feel about them and whether or not they were good parents?

Anyway, a good father is hard to find and I do appreciate the fact that my father was a hardworking, church going man.  I admire the fathers of my grandchildren and thank God for providing good stable men to raise these little ones. 

This is a big Thank You to all the Dad's who are struggling to make a good home and provide for the little ones.  May your day be blessed with smiles and much love!

My garden is so thirsty I am not sure even a shower of Gatorade would help!

Turning Sixty

The trumpets didn't sound, the band didn't play, there wasn't even a big party, but I did turn sixty on Saturday.  It was a most comforting weekend filled with surprises, lots of laughs, great hugs and lots of juicy kisses. 

I visited or talked to most of my family and friends over the weekend and spent two lazy days of being spoiled!  Mu daughter in law baked my favorite brownies and my special friend brought me a cake topped with a little old gray haired lady soaking up the sun and the cutest glasses she decorated.  She even painted the sunbathing lady's hair silver to match mine! 

I enjoyed the fruits of my life though my children, grandchildren, husband and friends.  I have not accomplished all I had intended, but I am not through yet! 

Thank you all for remembering me on my birthday and making it such a memorable occasion. 

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

The "Wonder" Rose

I am pretty much a plant and flower nut.  I love not only roses, but blooming and non blooming plants.  when my daughter asked what I would like for Mother's Day, I said "a knockout rose."  There is not one in my limited rose garden and I think the profuse blooming of this rose is so beautiful.  It is the rose that keeps on giving.

Roses take an extraordinary amount of time to keep them beautiful and healthy.  During the hot days of summer my outdoor time is limited so I have been hesitant in expanding the rose garden.  My daughter went well beyond my request and furnished me with the "original" knock rose and also the rather new variety called the "Sunny Knockout."  The Sunny Knockout is a more compact variety with just as many blooms in a beautiful soft lemon color. 

I did a little research on these roses before planting.  I found they are practically maintenance free (my kind of plant) and they are resistant to all the ills that normally attack the rose - drought resistant, pest resistant, etc.
These little jewels also clean themselves which means no dead heading!  I think I have found the perfect addition to my little garden!

We will see if they can live through this dry period with extreme heat and make it to the start of summer when things are suppose to get back to normal. I am anxious to see the buds and blooms of this little plant so I can compare to my established beauties.  The Sunny Knockout is suppose to be really fragrant.  That is a big plus in my book.

Time will tell and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." anonymous

Congratulations to the 499 graduating seniors of Griffin High School and Spalding High School! 

Great job of hanging in there and getting the job done!

Sauteed Greens Beans

I have a prolific crop of green beans/string beans this year.  My friend Mike shared some Roma II seeds and I got three good 20+ feet rows.  These are a bush bean which I usually don't grow, but these jewels have really changed my mind.  Tasty, easy to snap and produces like crazy even with the lack of rain.

Since I am not crazy about green beans boiled down to mush, I have been experimenting with a few ways of cooking these beans.  I have settled on one in which the flavor can be adjusted by the seasoning.  In a large dutch oven, fry 3 slices of bacon (I have tried both pork and beef bacon with great results), add the beans a handful at a time stirring to turn and coat well with the grease from the bacon.  Season to taste - I add a little salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion.  Do not add water.  Cover and reduce heat to medium low.  The beans cook in their own juice, remain crispy and are full of flavor.  Try your favorite seasoning. 

Also have an over abundance of zucchini.  Any recipes are welcome as I have tried just about everything.  My favorite so far is a Paul Dean recipe for stuffed zucchini made with spinach.  Also really like scrambled sausage with zucchini and tomatoes.  Would love to receive your favorite!

I Miss My Granddaddy!

A couple of months ago Hubby and I were at the Buggytown Auction when several cages of rabbits came up for bid.  I made the statement that I would like to have some rabbits and I got "The Look" - you know the one that says "have you lost your mind?"  Well, I let it drop and we came home with a couple of chickens instead.  I haven't mentioned those cute little balls of fur that can be cuddled like no chicken ever could and I went on about my business.

On Friday afternoon I was talking to my granddaughter in Dahlonega about her upcoming visit and things we would like to do. Hubby comes in and the little one asked to speak to him.  She wanted a rabbit - a brown rabbit!  I thought to myself as I listened to them talk that she was wishing in the wind.  After about thirty minutes of haggling back and forth over money and upkeep, hubby handed me the phone after which we said our goodbyes.  Hubby advised me we were going to the sale barn to get some rabbits.  My three granddaughters have far surpassed me in manipulating their PawPaw - even from 150 miles away they have more influence!

Off to Buggytown Auction we went and home we came 4 hours later with 5 chickens and 3 rabbits.  They all spent the night in the "keeper" pen, but I knew that was not to be their new home.  Off to Tractor supply we went for wire, feed and a bottle waterer.  By Saturday afternoon those little bunnies had a wonderful home and plenty of feed and water and have really settled in nicely.  The youngest two granddaughters had to come see the new "pets" and make sure they were settled in okay.  After two days of multiple visits and all the moving, they have had a quiet day to adjust and rest just in time for the older two grandchildren to arrive mid week. 

Rabbits do make good pets, but when I said we were finally going to have some good rabbit stew, my daughter in law looked at me like I was delirious.  She vowed never to eat any rabbit and neither would the girls.  She'll never know the difference as I will fry those offspring in a heartbeat and tell them it is chicken.  Nothing is better on cold wet winter nights than a pot of rabbit stew!

Next I would like to add a couple of Pygmy goats to my menagerie, but the middle granddaughter is begging for a horse.  That I do believe will be Pawpaw's waterloo and he has said he will never have another horse.  We will see!

Until next time. . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Alabama

Hubby and I travelled to Alabama over the weekend for the wedding of a dear cousin and his lovely bride.  We met a lot of terrific people whose company we enjoyed all weekend.  The food at both the rehearsal dinner and the reception was exceptional.  The bride and groom entertained through all the festivities and still managed time for each other.  A lot of good memories were established by this unique pair.  Their love for each other, their God, their family and their friends was expressed throughout the rehearsal, wedding and reception.  I came home feeling blessed to have witnessed the occasion.

Mother's Day was bittersweet as I was not with either of my children as hubby and I travelled home.  Spoke with both though and I know as they know they are very much loved and have given me great joy.  I feel blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and daughter-in-law.  They are both good mothers, wives and daughters.  The same applies to my son and son-in-law.  I know I have the love of my family and I can think of no greater gift on Mother's day. 

I received a most delightful tub of Impatiens from my youngest granddaughters.  Impatiens is my most favorite summer flowers.  Also known as jewel leaf, this is one of my favorite herbs as it has both aesthetic and medicinal value.  Whether the girls realized the double value of their gift is doubtful, but that tub sure made me smile!

Before I close this little note I feel the need to ask for prayers for the people of Alabama.  The tornado damage is very widespread in this state as we witnessed through our drive through central and north Alabama.  I have been told that the southern parts of the state were damaged much worse than the areas I saw.  An insurance adjuster I spoke with during my stay said the damage was more like the results of a hurricane.  Recovery is still on going and many people are still homeless and doing without. 

Until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Perspective

Many times I am childlike in my thoughts. 

I have seen the many pictures of the damage caused by the recent tornados and after the initial shock and the roads were cleared, I visited some of the disaster sites.  However, until a friend sent me a video made from a plane did I ponder the significance of the human race in relation to this storm.  The people in the video appeared to be equivalent to the ants on a glorified anthill and the storm path nothing more than a boot kick along the surface of the earth.

The sight brought to mind how truly unimportant we are in the whole scheme of things and all those material possessions may make us feel better and puff up with pride, but in actuality they have little value in the overall picture.  I grieve with my fellow human beings and I pray for the safety of those left without homes, families, and friends.  Very seldom do we witness the physical power of our mighty God and it is a frightening thing.  The Bible tells us that our God is one of love, but also advises us not to provoke Him to anger. 

I do not pretend to understand the purpose of the storms, but I do see so much love, sharing, concern and joy in the people of our community that has been hidden behind a hard shell of protection.  Sometimes we all have to have a slap in the face to wake us up to the needs of others.

God told man to go forth and be fruitful and multiply and man surely did that.  But the Bible also says that he counts the hairs on our head and so I know he has me in his hands as he does my fellow ant people. 

I have come closer to understanding the fear, the loss, and the grief of those people who suffer through the hurricanes, the tsunamis, the earthquakes, the floods. 

Glads

Email received recently

Belle,
I planted glads a few weeks ago and they haven't come up.  My friends are already sprouting.  what could be the problem?
Uphappy

Dig them up and replant - you probably planted them upside down and they will sprout to the center of the earth.  No, glad bulbs can be tricky.  Make sure the web side is down and the crown up.  Plant is fertile soil theat has been well worked - soil should be loose and not compacted. 

Good luck!

Two weeks ago a very thoughtful neighbor gifted me with 20 biddies.  It was an unsolicited and  wonderful surprise from this man with a heart of gold.

Several weeks ago a neighbors dog killed ten of my laying hens and a rooster.  These are pets that I raised and nurtured for over a year.  The dog's owner offered to pay me for the hens, but having no idea the value to put on my friends, I told them no.  I replaced my Rhode Island Reds with a few Barred Rock hens that were already laying. 

My gift arrived.  A mixture of Rhode Island Red, Red Sexlink and Big Reds, these little biddies became my focus of attention for days.  I wanted to make sure they were safe, warm and well fed and watered.  The little ones settled in quickly.  On Saturday I went out to check their feed and water only to find a 6 foot black snake had eaten seven of my little ones.  My heart fell.  Sunday was a repeat only this four footer only ate three before being caught.  I still have 10 little ones which during the week have relaxed once again and are happily running up and down their pen.  In a couple of weeks they will be too big for the snakes to swallow and I can stop worrying so much.

I think this may have been the reason my egg production dropped from four a day to two a day.  I have some well fed snakes in my area.  The coyote pups have been born also.  I hear their cries late at night and in the early morning in the woods behind the barn.  I am waiting on them also as I know they will be coming my way in search of food. 

I don't think I shall get too attached to the biddies or the new chickens.  Mother Nature is not kind to my heart.  And yes, I know all about the survival instinct, but I still don't like it.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

The past can't be changed; 
learn from it
leave it alone
and move forward!

Faith

"Help me to believe what I know"  Dr. Dilday

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."  Matthew 21:22


Strengthen my faith O Lord, that I may be free to do thy work! 


"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."  1Corinthians 2:5

Wow!

I witnessed a wonderful light show put on by our heavenly Father.  It was such a sight!  The sound effects were outstanding and intimidating.  The lights went out just as the performance started enabling us to get the full benefit of the show without distraction.  The little ones were a bit frightened and had to have some extra attention, but while hubby slept through it all I watched as the show was exhibited through each and every window.

I am sorry for all the damage done by the high winds - that is actually my least favorite thing about a storm. I can hear it but I can't see it - just the effects of its might.  A full bodied storm test all my senses - sight, smell, hearing, taste and feel.  Last night's storm would be considered full bodied.

The crisp bright morning displayed a washed and clean world.  Even the pollen was gone even though I know it will be back. 

I remember the storms of my childhood and can't remember but one or two times that I was actually awed and frightened by the storms.  I cannot remember any of the magnitude that we have experienced in the last few years even though part of that may be because of the extensive media coverage now available.  In the fifties and early sixties I was only aware of the damage done to my house and maybe a neighbor or two.  With today's advancements in television I can see the devastation for miles around.

As with a concert, I enjoyed it while it lasted, but have no desire to see the same thing again too soon.  I hope God has finished with his spring cleaning and now I will get back to mine.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Pet Peeves

Irritating little things, tree tag blossoms are everywhere.  Filled with pollen, these little tags can make a huge mess!

Wet mail caused by a leaking mailbox caused by a young man with a ball bat.

Long winded story tellers.

People who have been there and done that no matter where or what it is you are about to do.

Indecisive people - "I'm hungry", "What do you want to eat?", "It doesn't matter, you decide." , "That really isn's what I wanted.".

Spring Cleaning

I am not a housekeeper!  I hate house work - vacuuming, dusting, mopping, scrubbing.  So when it is time for spring cleaning I do a thorough job hoping it will last till I just can't take it anymore and do a little more. 

A fireplace produces so much more dust and grime than the heater and the grime is hard to remove from windows and picture glass.  I use dishwasher liquid for cutting the greasy grime on glass.  A quarter cup in  a gallon of water will clean most anything without streaking.  To disinfect as you clean add a quarter cup of bleach to the water in addition to the dishwasher liquid.  I haven't found a brand yet that causes any chemical reaction and your glass will be clean and disinfected.  This works on walls also, but make sure the paint will withstand the wash. 

I have taken out the drawers of all the cabinets and cleaned.  My aunt used to clean, then seal the drawers with a quick coat of varnish - a friend also does this as part of her spring routine.  I am not that dedicated, but I do not like dust, dirt and grime.  A Q-tip for the corners of picture glass gets the little dust motes that try to run and hide.  Q-tips are also good for cleaning the crevices of picture frames and corners of drawers and cabinets.

A large mounted white tail dominates the fireplace.  His ears gather dust as does his neck and antlers.  I am not aware of any solution to clean the ole boy, so he just gets a good dusting.  If any of you know of a way to clean him without damaging his pelt, I would love to hear from you. 

Break time is over, so back to work I go.  Enjoyed the visit and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Asparagus

Okay, so my asparagus is slow in producing, but it is early and I have gotten more than 2 dozen healthy shoots off the 12 crowns I put in last year.  I knew it would be a slow process and the 3rd year is the first year of usable production.  Due to my elevated anticipation, I was hoping for at least 2 dozen shoots to devour a week and am therefore let down.  However, with the past few days rain and more on the horizan followed by some bright warm sunshine, I may yet meet my anticipated harvest.

A New Series

A new idea is niggling at my thoughts.  Madame Rose and Lady Lily along with old lady Hydrangea, wise old Jewel Leaf and perky Miss Petunia have all got something up their foliage.  Keep eyes and ears open for a new series in the making!

Gardening - Vegetable and Fauna

Onions look great, potatoes are shooting straight up, squash and beans look terrific! According to the two or three Almanacs Dad insist we go by for planting, the first week of April will see tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in the ground. Hope to find some healthy broccoli to add to the mix this year. I would love some limas, but I hate to shell them so they will continue to come from the grocery store.


Have you tried the Cherokee Purple tomato? A real tasty treat - meaty, acidic and full of flavor. Next to my all time favorite, the Rutger, the Purple is my favorite.


Added a Japanese Maple to my garden this week along with a Butterfly Bush. I love flowering shrubs. The banana trees came back with several additional babies along the sides. I cut the slips off before the first freeze and potted those - I managed to get seven - which grew well in my dining room this winter. Now I have several to share. I think I will leave the Sago palms in their containers this year. They do not do well at all in our cold temperatures and I don't like to keep digging them up and then replanting. I will see how they fair over the summer and decide in the fall. I have been told they do well in containers year round.

I need to move a couple of Forsythia which should be safe to do now that the blooms have dropped. Like the azalea, the Forsythia does not like to be "handled" until right after the blooms drop. I have found they refuse to bloom if you wait until summer or fall to prune or relocate, so that is another project for the weekend or the first of the week.

My Easter Lilies are very proficient this year and have multiplied several times over. The same is true of my Hostas. I read last week that after they break the ground, they can be dug,separated, and replanted. Since mine are so thick I think this will be an additional project. This to do list should get me through the week and back into planting the following week.

The pollen is so thick right now, I can't work outside too long. I am hoping for rain over the weekend to bring relief to these allergies.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Need more sun bonnets - the dozen I had made are gone!

Days like today
Make winter worth it!

75 degrees with light winds

So many words
So little to say!

Today will be just another memory of your past come tomorrow.
Will it be pleasant or regretfull?

I just read that we are what we have lived with . . .
No wonder I am so screwed up!

Rainy days and rainy nights - so damn depressing!

When life throws you curve balls,
remember to get out of the way!

Being nice ain't working - I'm gonna be myself!
Some people need to think before they speak.

Needed - little arms around my neck and one big strong young man arm!

Saying goodbye to my 2:00 am rooster
Blessings to the new owners!

I went to a funeral a couple of weeks ago for a man in our community.  I really don't remember much about him, but his children are or once were an important part of my life.  I consider this man's son and his wife an uncle and aunt.  The two middle children are there on the edge of my memory, but nothing memorial about our relationship.  The youngest was my first playmate at the age of around 3 or 4.

Living in the country in the 50s was a lonely existence, especially for small children.  Things changed as we got older, but our nearest neighbor was one mile away and my playmate was two miles away.  Our mother's got us together when they could and even though I don't remember much about our play I do remember the friend.  Her parents split before the start of school - their divorce was another first for me.  So I didn't run into my friend again until junior high school.  I was a little taken aback that she seemed not to know me.  This continued through high school.

At the funeral I realized she really didn't remember me in school.  As I walked up to offer my condolences, I advised she probably wouldn't remember me, but . . .  Her response was of course I remember you!  You were my first playmate and I haven't seen you in 55 years.  Well, that explains it - through the last 6 years in school, she didn't know who I was and didn't remember.

Finding old friends is such an eye opener!

Happy reading!
Belle

Root Crops

Did you know onions are to be planted on the "dark of the moon"?  Well, Monday is the day and my sets are ready to go!  Can't wait for sweet onion slices on big fat hamburgers!

Potatoes, red and russet, will go in the ground on in Monday also.  It will be a busy day!  Those little eyes are "scabbing"  over right now.  The scabbing process helps ensure healthy eyes that don't rot once in the ground.  Potatoes take around 90 to 120 days to mature so I will probably get in two crops this year.  I just love these early springs, but I am not foolish enough to start above ground crops as yet.  I do believe we might have a frost or two before this winter is officially over.

I did get my greens planted last week and can already taste those fresh turnip greens and a large slice of cornbread, but the pot lickker is this best part.

Until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle