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

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

Winter brings out my creativity.  Housebound and staying close to the fire, I have been steadily making berets for my girls.  Last night I decided to try a sun bonnet for the upcoming gardening season and I am very pleased with the results - if I could only find a way to put cool air in the crown to keep it a bit cooler.  See, we are never happy - when we are cold, we long for warmth and when we are hot, we long for cool air.  My new projects have brought me a lot of joy and I have loads of new ideas for hat projects for both summer and winter.  I also hope to make the girls some sundresses and jumpers if I can make myself get to it.  I love jumpers on little girls - plain or ruffly they are so feminine and little girly.

My grandchildren from the north finally dug out of the snow and travelled south for a visit.  We had a great time and spent some bonding time together.  I think my heart can rest now for another few weeks when they return.  It isn't only my northern grandchildren that drives me to the brink, but the two that live only 5 miles away cause my heart great turmoil when I don't get a visit for a couple of weeks.  They grow and mature so fast I feel I am missing something very important during the time we are apart.  Yes, I am addicted to being a grandmother.

The full moon was especially pretty last night.  The air was clear and crisp and the moon beams were extra sparkly.  I like to think it was due to the outpouring of love in our little community.  We lost two young girls this week, both due to tragic accidents.  For a change the people of our town expressed kindness and sympathy rather than the hateful attitudes normally displayed.  The loss of two so young is hard to understand, but God is so much wiser.  Knowing he has a plan makes the loss just a tad easier but the loss still leaves a yearning in our hearts.  I wrote earlier on how my heart aches when my grandchildren are away, but I can not fathom the thought of never seeing them again.  My thoughts and prayers have been with the family and friends of these two girls.

 We had a wood cutting party this weekend.  Some of the men and young men gathered for the felling of the trees.  The young men received valuable lessons in the proper way to split wood and everybody that had the desire had a turn.  Before the session was over, most were rather proficient at the task and we now have an abundance of wood and some travelled home with those in need.  My nephew made the comment that he had never had as much fun cutting wood, so I guess the day was a success.  Hubby says we are in for more snow or ice before the winter season is over and I have a feeling he may be correct.  I guess I should restock the freezer with soup fixings because when the weather turns bad we focus on keeping warm and feeding our tummies.

I had to threaten my parents over the icy days not to darken the door or even think about it.  They have a tendency to think they are still 30 years old and can still get around like spring chickens.  Neither can stand very well without support and cannot see more than a foot in front of them, so they were destined for disaster if they had gone out.  All went well, however, and they didn't even lose electricity.  Dad is already wanting spring to arrive so he can get to the garden.  It isn't going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to wish. More and more of his memories are of his childhood at his grandparent's home.  It is surprising what he can remember from way back when, but can't remember what he ate for lunch.  At 87 I am surprised he remembers anything. 

That about catches us up and I really need to get back to my sewing.  Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

A wonderful extended weekend with family and friends!  Good food, good fellowship, and great times.  It has taken me a few days to recover, but that is age not infirmity. 

I thank my daughters for straightening and cleaning after the fact and giving me a chance to recover without all that on my mind.  I so enjoy having the family gather here for Thanksgiving and hopefully they enjoy coming. 

The broke warm and sunny and provided the perfect weather for the kids to enjoy the outside and many to eat on the porch and patio.  The counters and tables were filled with good food and everyone ate their fill.  Dad stayed with us for four hours and went home to sleep it all off and get some rest.  He called to make sure I was going to do it again at Christmas. The man does enjoy his food.  He will celebrate his 87th birthday in January, so each year we are thankful he can still join us in celebration and thanksgiving.  His health has gone down rapidly in the last three years, but he keeps on trucking.  Mom moves a little slower than she once did, but don't we all.  She doesn't look as if she has aged a day. 

I am thankful for my family and the blessings I receive from each and everyone. 

Thoughts and Deeds

I can feel it coming and I am so ready.  It is time for those end of Summer chores in anticipation of the cold, wet days of winter.  No, it isn't fall yet, but in order to enjoy the turning leaves and the cool mornings, there is much outside work to be done.  The mornings are cooler and the late afternoons are conducive to getting those bushes straightened out, cleaning that garden up, planting the fall veggies, and just general maintenance.

I have spent two wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable weeks with friends and family.  A couple of hours of an afternoon in the pool and good conversation brightens my day.  I have wonderful friends and good things have been going on in their lives.  Nothing restores me better than their positive attitudes, their laughter, and the fellowship we share.  Can't wait until the next visit. Thank you my friends.

With the heat and the rain I am much behind in my grass cutting.  I have talked myself out of getting out there just by watching the weather forecast and the potential for rain, but today I can procrastinate no longer.  It must be done and I must do it.  The trick is not to cut the television on and see a weather forecast.  Glenn Burns can sometimes be my friend, but other times he is the devil's advocate leading me to be slovenly in my outdoor chores, but I cannot blame him for the 100 degree temps we have seen of late. 

My banana trees have grown tremendously.  The little information tab stuck in the side of the pot when they were purchased advised the trees could grow as much as 2 feet per week.  Well mine just sat there, adding a few little leaves every week, but not growing at all.  Not knowing what kind of fertilizer a banana tree prefers, about four weeks ago I took the chance and mixed a weak Miracle Gro (all-purpose) solution and doused each tree with a half gallon.  While I anticipated the leaves shrivelling up and turning brown, I was much surprised when they grew about a foot in the first week and then another foot on the second week when they received another half gallon of solution.  The trees tripled in size and the dark green of the leaves are beautiful.  Wish I had become desperate sooner, but hey I am still new at this tropical plant stuff, but I am learning!  Now if I could find the answer to making a Sago grow faster, but I have been told they are slow growers.  We will see, maybe they need a little Miracle Gro solution also.

Earlier in the week I made a visit to the local thrift store and hit the jackpot.  I found a dozen or so books to add to my reading for the fall and winter.  All the books were in great condition and I even found two or three first editions in the batch and all for about 50 cents each.  Not a bad find if I say so myself.  I am working through Grisham's books at the moment, but found a Ludlam, Clancy and Grimes I wanted to read, plus some authors I haven't read before so I am excited to start on those and see if we can become friends. I was so excited I may make another trip next week.  Joy can be found in the strangest places.

I am much excited over my daughter's research into the cause of her eczema and food allergies which she has suffered with since two years old.  An Air Force baby, I had taken her to the base for a well baby check up even though she was prone to head and chest colds.  The base did not have separate waiting rooms for well and sick babies.  In a weeks time she had developed a nasty cold which earned another trip to the based doctor.  A small patch of red had developed under her little nose that wouldn't heal and I was advised she had developed impetigo.  After rounds of cream and antibiotics the patch finally cleared only to have a rash break out on other parts of her little body.  The doctors advised it was heat rash and gave me an ointment.  As soon as I would get one rash cleared another would appear and for the last 34 years my daughter has fought the rash.  Doctor after doctor could not identify the cause so to the allergist she went sometimes with me sometimes with my mother.  Picked, probed, and stuck over and over, we were told she was allergic to food and her diet needed to be rotated as when she would eat something repeatedly she would develop an allergic reaction to it. 
 
Thus has been my daughters life with allergies.  This week she has been researching the causes of her health problems.  Hopefully she has found the answer in the form of Candida albans, a fungal yeast that thrives in the body once it establishes itself and destroys the healthy bacteria that keeps our body's functioning as God designed.  You can link to her site through the link at the bottom of the right hand column of this page.  She is documenting her problems and progress through this adventure in the hope that it may help some other soul that is experiencing like problems.  She as always is in my prayers and I hope she has found the answer.

I have a new grandchild in the form of a 4 month old Maltese.  Bentley is his name and he is a precious addition to our family.  The grandchildren love him dearly.  If they can keep the little bundle of white fur out of the lake he will give them many years of happiness.

Dad felt the hand of God clear the blood clot from his body and it was caught by the age old stint.  He is back in motion and riding his scooter.  He told me yesterday he had cut back the English Ivy off the house that had overgrown the window sills.  He may have been down for months, but he is back at it and going strong.  Maybe God just wanted to keep him out of the garden and the hot sun this year.  I am just glad he is up and about once again and the angel of death has given us a reprieve.  

For the first time in many years I am ready for fall.  The summer has been extremely hot and humid and has hindered my activity and as a result my motivation and thinking.  I look forward to the cooler days of fall.  Well, that about catches me up with our doings, so until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle 

Early Summer

If Summer has just arrived, what would be the appropriate name for the past two weeks of 90+ temperatures and breath taking humidity with no rain?  I know most of Georgia has received some kind of rainfall, but not on my side of the mountain.  I must be in some kind of trough where the rain refuses to fall.  Neighbors on the north and neighbors on the south have gotten good soaking showers while we sit here and swelter as the garden slumps further and further to the ground.  If this is a taste of the rest of the summer, then we are in for a scorcher. 

The only thing thriving is the heat loving pests!  As an outdoor person, I am fighting at the bit to get back outside and piddle in my flowers, herbs, and garden.  Have you noticed that city folks have flower gardens, whereas country folks have flowers and gardens.  Country folks don't have flower gardens, they have vegetable gardens or just plain gardens.  The same applies to the yard.  City folks have a lawn and country folks have a yard.  Country folks cut the grass while city folks calls lawn maintenance to trim the lawn.  When I lived in the city, I was a thing of wonder to my neighbors.  I cut the grass, trimmed the shrubbery, planted my flowers and even put in a few tomato plants.  How was I to know that women in the city didn't do such things.  To each his own!  I do things that bring me joy and I do like to share a smile with others.

I have been on a hiatus from writing for the past few weeks.  No new ideas have poked their way into my sprightly brain until last night and then "Katie" appeared and she is trying to develop into a story line.  We'll see where she goes, but she does not seem to be in a hurry to get put on paper. 

We enjoyed a family get together this weekend with nieces from central Georgia.  As always we had a great time with all the babies and children.  We ate lots of good fish, hush puppies and cole slaw along with hand pattied hamburgers and some delicious hot spicy sausage.  My brother-in-law can find the best of the best in the food line.  His jalapeno ranch dip was just right with the fresh veggies from the garden.  We never even got to the watermelons which are still on ice and just waiting to be cut.  Some homemade ice cream would have gone well with the peach cobbler, but it wasn't really missed either as everyone was stuffed.  We had a lot of laughs as we did the "remember whens" and took home new memories to be shared at a later date.

The kids enjoyed the pool even though the sun was blistering to the adults.  I am already looking forward to Hubby's birthday in July (he'll turn 50 this year) when hopefully they will all return for more good food and fellowship.  Where in the world does the stamina go when you get older?  I can't ever remember the sun bothering me as a child, but it sure takes its toll on me now. 

I have been nostalgic this week.  I think our upcoming class reunion has sparked some memories that were lost in the everyday shuffle of life.  As a child and young adult, almost all of my social activities were centered around our Church and sometimes were extended to a few other kids in our community that attended other churches.  (Another city/country thing - City people live in a neighborhood whereas Country people live in a community.)  I found that classmates are not the only people that have disappeared from my life. Some friends that were really close and I truly loved and enjoyed being with are gone from the area and I have no idea which direction they have taken.  Some of this is my fault as I am typically a home body.  I hate funerals and as weird as it sounds, funerals are a major contact source in this day and time.  I think maybe this year I will have to attend the Reunion at our church and see just how many I can reconnect with, or at least locate, before I have to attend their funeral.

Before this gets too morbid I am signing off.  Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle

It's Here

It is freezing outside! So cold that even my demonic animals are inside by the fire (and it has been gong constantly). The wind is sending daggers of cold right through the body making all barriers useless. The promise of snow later in the week brings a smile to my face until I open the door and slide into the frigid air.

In 1984 we hosted a New Year's Eve party in 4 degree weather. Everyone was gathered around the fire and still froze. Worst party I have ever had the pleasure to attend much less give. At midnight, everyone rushed to their warming vehicles to escape the angry weather making it the shortest party ever for this celebration. Strangely enough it warmed up a great deal with the departure of the guest. Believe me cold doesn't always mean snow, so there was no reason to keep opening and shutting the door to "see if it's snowing".

Well, for those of you who think we must have 3-5 days of freezing temperatures to kill the insects - we should not have any bugs, insects or anything else for the next year or two after this weeks temperatures. Do you think it will drive the armadillos south again?

Those beautiful palms that I refused to put in the ground year before last and now in the ground and will probably perish after this front finishes dumping its icy temps. I look for them to jump out of the ground and run back to Jekyll and the warm soil of the coast. I think it will be safe now to prune the trees and shrubs and shape them up for a beautiful spring. Surely the sap raced down the stems to escape the wintry blasts.

My grandchildren are on the way and I am so happy! I will fill their little tummies with good gooey chocolate pies and fruity strudels. There is so much I need to share with them and I will have only a few days in which to catch up and build memories. I so need to see the sparkle in my daughters eyes and hear her joyful laugh.

I know I have rambled a bit tonight. I lost a most important and longtime friend this New Years. I had things to tell him before he left us and so many things to thank him for before asking God to take special care of him. Life was not always good to our friend, but then God knows that and will grant him peace. Hubby and I spent a day in remembrance and thankfulness for our friend - so many years takes a little bit of time - but we enjoyed the journey and we enjoyed the friend.

Thank you for returning to check on me and my thoughts. They will come back together over the next few days and maybe the writing will be more sensible.

Remember, you can't build a future if you live in the past. Move forward, thank God and be nice!

Happy reading!

Belle

Winter Is Upon Us

The fog moved in last yesterday afternoon and my mind automatically kicked into the "I don't want to" mode. I don't want to go out. I don't want to go shopping. I don't want to feed the chickens. I don't want to go out to eat.

Rain, fog, cold, snow and ice are the triggers for my "I don't want to mode". I am not afraid of any of these weather conditions, it is just a comfort thing for me. Hot tea, warm soup, lap blanket, pillow and a good book or movie - my comfort mode.

It looks like I am in for a comfort winter. The rain seems to go on and on, but I won't complain. We had too many thirsty years to resent the rain now. Hope to see some snow this year, but really don't want to see the ice.

Ice is really beautiful (like the snow) for about 15 minutes. It takes that long to realize there is no water or no electricity - comfy things cease to exist until the ice starts to melt. It has taken several days afterward before electricity is back. The snow is not nearly as bad, but after an hour or so, it is just messy. No, that is why we live in a nice warm climate instead of the icy cold of our northern states.

Our northern neighbors must be much more industrious than us southerners or they were all Boy Scouts. They stay prepared for that snow and icy stuff. Here in the south we are too laid back for winter's special sports. We can mud bog any time of the year and clean up with a hose pipe. No special equipment needed either - or pickup trucks work just fine!

If the winter is as mild as our fall, we don't have anything to worry about. It is suppose to be in the low 60s today and we have hit the middle of December with only 4 frosty days to date. Sounds like spring is around the corner.

Enjoy your Holiday season and here's to wishing each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy, but please stay safe.

Happy reading!

Belle

My Favorite Change of Weather Dish

This week ushered in cooler temperatures and no sunshine. The leaves began to turn and the smell of fall was in the air. I hunger for something warm and comforting.


Hubby and I enjoy chicken and white beans (navy beans) over corn bread. It brings a smile to my face and a tightening my tummy just thinking about it. After cleaning the chicken and placing whole into the crock pot with enough water to come to about two inches of the top I let it cook for about 2 hours with 3 cloves of fresh crushed garlic, a teaspoon of salt, 3 stalks of celery and a large onions. This really gets the juices going. Then I add a bag of navy beans. Let it slow cook for another 2 hours and lift out the chicken and de-bone replacing the juicy meat back into the beans and broth. Add 1 cup of rice and let simmer until the rice is done. Bake a large pan of cornbread and enjoy.

For those on a salt free or low salt diet, use a tablespoon of Mrs. Dash's original blend in place of salt. The garlic melds the flavors without the use of salt, but being from the old south it is hard for me to cook with no salt at all.

This sure makes the transition into cooler weather easier to bear.