The last three afghans are finished as of this evening.  Pam said one of these afghans was number 100 of those she has made.  These will delivered to Pammie tomorrow afternoon.  She sure has been one very busy lady and I’m happy to take over the edging for her.  I’m ready for more !!

The family of Miss Daisy has indeed grown to four.  How many more members will join her?

Monday Jay started mowing the front yard.

I took over and finished it up.

The results were very satisfying.

I started working on the afghans again and as of this afternoon I have a total of four done.

I will start number five this evening.

Saturday afternoon started with this beautiful bouquet of flowers brought to us by Darlene and Micheal.  They had called earlier in the week to ask us out for dinner Saturday to celebrate our 34th ( on the 20th) and their Eighth anniversary (on the 25th).  They had also picked up a bag of afghans that needed edging from Pammie’s house on the way through for me to work on.  We ended up in Davison, Michigan at the Italia Gardens.  Mike and Dar had never been there before so it was a treat for them.  The food was excellent, the service was more than satisfactory and so it was a great celebration.  We all ate too much and waddling seemed the best way to make it back to the van.  Back home we chatted for a while then our company had to leave for home.

This morning I was up early and got a jump on the morning routine.  Yesterday’s clothes were folded, today the laundry done, bird cages cleaned, and even managed to finish the first of the six afghans Pam sent me.

Next a quick look at the back yard sent me into the garage for the tractor/mower. 

The back hadn’t been cut in a while so there was some slowing down when the grass/weeds got to thick.  That was why I chose to do the back first.  It was warm work and the arms are a little darker then before but as you can see it looks better now.

I stopped for lunch then—BLTs yummy.  Jay went with me to Conlee’s to fill up the gas cans in preparation for tomorrow.  I had pretty well made up my mind that this was enough for today. 

I did take time to check on my lily on the berm however and she waved back!

With a bowl of cereal for breakfast, then the sandwich Jay made for lunch, I think I’m elected to do supper.  So I close for now but I’ll be back!

You know how they say if you wake up early in the morning, then lay there for more than half an hour awake thinking of what you have to do that you should get up and do it.  That was me this morning. I laid there thinking about the tomatoes from Jay’s cheater plant.  Then about the two freezer that needed defrosting.  Then the wild bird seed I was going to have to buy and put in coffee cans for the time when I wouldn’t be able to go and get it because of my ankle.  So I hauled myself out of bed and started my day.

Now there didn’t look like many tomatoes in that basket.  In fact it was only two cups and I certainly wasn’t going to make just one batch of soup.  Down in the food room I had some no salt tomatoes we had canned so I added them to the raw ones.  I ended up with a triple bath of Herb Tomato soup which will go into containers to be frozen for a later time. 

Next it was the first freezer.  I packed as much as I could into the second freezer and the rest into two coolers with ice packs.  I put the furniture dolly under the unit and was ready to roll it out onto to the garage apron.  Now I have done this before but it seems that a year or two makes a difference in one’s ability to do things.  I finally got it out side, propped the door open and collapsed for a few minutes before moving on. 

It was off to Otisville Glass ( they carry seed, feed, salt and hardware items also) for the wild bird seed.  Then to Denny’s market for plastic container to freeze my soup in. 

Back home to make tuna salad sandwiches to go with the soup for lunch when Jay came in from dialysis. 
After lunch I went back down the the mud room, which is right off the garage and part of the basement, to sweep up the floor before moving the freezer back in. 
I washed out the freezer and rinsed it down then waited for it to dry out some.

While I waited I put the wild bird seed in coffee cans for storage.  Then it was set the dolly under the freezer, tighten the belt to hold it on, and move it back in.  I must admit It was a little lighter without the ice in it and I found it easier to move.  I plugged it in set the temperature and came up here to talk with you a bit. 

On the way in I noticed the hosta (spg?) plants in bloom on the berm.  These along was another bush full of flowers seemed to be enjoying the sunshine today. 

Well my friend it is time to go see if the freezer is working so I can start loading everything in there so I can defrost the other one tomorrow morning.  Have a good one.   

Some where around 9:30 this morning I pulled into the Blueberry Lane parking lot.  Not too many people there yet and the owner showed me to an area just off the parking lot to save a lot of walking.  The bushes were heavy with both large and small berries.  I had figured that I’d need eight pounds to make two batches of jam and some pie filling.  The sky was overcast and there was a breeze. So except for a couple of times during the picking when the rain misted the air it was really quite pleasant.  Seeing that I have parchment thin skin on my arms I have to wear long sleeves or put up with scratches and punctures from the branches.  This meant the weather was great because I didn’t get overheated while picking.  I set my sights on a bucket and a half of berries before I quit.

This is what you see when you go to pay for your berries.  My labor weighed out at nine and one third pounds so I had more than enough for my project.
The three mile drive back home was spent planning the order of the two things I was going to can.  I finally ended up measuring the berries into different bowls and then started with the pie filling.  I certainly wasn’t going to run short like we did with the cherries. 

I determined that I had enough to can five and a half pints of pie filling using Clear Jel as my thickening agent which allowed me to can it.  My hubby found that little gem last year after reading about it for about three or four years. 

I next tackled the jam (Sure Jell’s recipe) and ended up with 17 1/2-8 oz jars with one not quite full to go in the fridge.

Not a bad day’s work for any old lady who don’t like to pick any more!

Now we will have to see what is up next on the canning agenda!

An unexpected dinner invitation for yesterday made our 34th anniversary a special day.  We spent the day with friends we met when we first moved up here almost nine years ago.  Edna was then the mail carrier on our route.  We would also see her when she work the polls on election days.  Husband Bob was a member of the Lion’s Club club so they would work the on several civic doings in the area.  Now they, retired like us, are plagued with health issues and hampered by restrictions that make maintaining daily duties somewhat harder then before. So when time spent together can be arranged it makes for a good day. 

Going to Edna’s house is an exciting experience because she, like hubby Bob, is a collector of many different things.  So to gaze around at all her many treasures is a treat unto itself.  Bob, a retired policeman, has many reminders of his work.  There are figurines, statues, and all sorts of things with a policeman theme around their home.  One thing that caught my attention was a talking cookie jar called a Cookie Cop. 

When you lift his head he says, “Stop. move away from the cookie jar” in a very commanding voice.  Just what a house inhabited by chubby oldsters need to re-enforce dietary limits.  Edna explained how she had bought a few of the jars because several people had remark on hers.  I asked if I might purchase one from her but she refused.  But after dinner, before we left, she gave me one to take home—“saying smile and think of me every time you hear the warning” and believe me we certainly will.  Thank you Edna and Bob for a lovely dinner, enjoyable conversation, a loaf of home made banana bread, and of course the smile making Cookie Cop.

On the way home a stop at McDaniel’s Farm market determined today’s agenda.

With only one jar of pickled beets left in the food room it was time to turn our thoughts to making more.  We picked up a half of a bushel with the promise of another half as soon they get them in from the field.  So this morning I’m going to wake the hubby to get jars up, assemble the spices, and make the liquid for pickling while I start washing, blanching to remove the skins, and preparing them for cooking.  It will take the better part of the day but heck we ain’t going nowhere!!

A glance out the french doors informed me that the sibling of Miss Daisy and her baby sister has arrived in the morning rain.

Molly was out on there on the deck step keeping them company.  When I went out to take the picture I noticed another bud developing on the plant.  It looks like I will soon have a whole family out there. 

When we were out at Meijer’s the other day I picked up two new flags and a chrome flagpole for the ‘front door’ area of the dome.  I noticed that there were very few sewed together designs any more so I had to pick up printed ones instead. 

So this is the latest, and I think, charming little message to hang outside our door.  They kinda remind remind me of Jay and I.  You know round and fluffy!!

This invitation is one of many hand written by Pammie of Pammie Place some 34 years ago.  This wedding was the second one for both the bride and groom.  He was marrying four people that day—the youngest being 2 years old.  The bride made her’s, the bride maids, and the baby daughter’s dresses.  She also did a decorative stitch the some men’s jackets to make them similar in design.  The wedding was in her parent’s back yard.  Everyone brought a dish to pass and the bride’s middle brother was tending the bar in the garage.  The bride’s Aunt Doris provided the marble table that the couple was married over as well as helping to serve after the ceremony.  The oldest brother’s wife and her daughters made the wedding cake.  Yes it was a real home style wedding with chairs borrowed from the funeral home and family members working together to make it a memorable day and indeed it was.

In the picture from left to right are:
Pamela my very dear friend
Peggy my sweet sister-in-law (Dan’s wife)
Myself
Cindy my daughter (at my knees)
Jay
Les my youngest son (in front)
Dan my middle brother
Wes my oldest son
Tony Dobry officiating, he was the Mayor of Sterling Height and Peggy’s father.
The lovely white haired lady sitting with her back to you was my grandmother Mable Miller. 
There were two doves on the wire overhead, a jet flew over in the middle of the ceremony and daughter Cindy decided she wanted to be held demonstrating her wishes at the top of her voice with tears streaming down her face.  But despite it all Tony kept talking and we were finally wed.
He obviously did a good job because it has lasted 34 years.

A final picture of Jay and I doing one of the things we love to do!  As a matter of fact it still is!

OK a good three days here in Mommas Corner!  Thursday a trip to the personal physician’s office resulted in a good bill of health as far as the rib went.  I’m good to go on the surgery!

Friday morning a call to the Orthopedic surgeon’s office put me on the schedule for surgery on the left foot and ankle.  As of this time I’m scheduled for August 22.  With the stipulation that if a three hour block comes up before I will be considered for that spot.  So yesterday I took the truck in for an oil change and did some grocery shopping to stock up on canned vegetables for the recovery time. 

I will continue to locate and can fruit right up to the surgery date.  You can’t tell Mother Nature to wait up on ripening the things we need so we have to hustle.

When the doorbell rang this morning a nice gentleman handed me this beautiful Schefflera (Umbrella Tree)  sent from Les, Anne. and Courtney to celebrate our anniversary tomorrow.  More on that in the post.  I have one of these plants that belonged to my mother that is still doing well and one that I had that has pretty well had it so I can retire mine and add the new one in it’s place.  Thank you for the replacement children, it is gorgeous.

A call this morning from Edna (my retired mail carrier) asking if Jay and I would like to come to dinner with her and hubby Bob.  We decided on Sunday so I’m excited about making a dessert and a salad for it.  As I was talking with her I was remembering my post about not having outside contacts any more and that made the invitation twice as sweet . 

The day is gray but quite warm so I’m sitting here in a cool house visiting with you as the clothes in the dryer are calling to me.  I swear I heard them crying out through the closed door that overnight was long enough to sit in the dark and that if I didn’t get them out soon they will permanently wrinkle and no amount of ironing will cure the problem. 

I also see the grass and weeds out back trying to imitate a hay field so I should get the tractor out mow some today or tomorrow. 

Miss Yellow Daisy and her baby sister seem to have another sibling starting to open up between them so I’ll have to get the camera out soon and introduce the new arrival to you.

I have to work on Sunday’s post so I’ll close for now.  As my grandson sez See ya!

A warm 80 degrees on the thermometer tucked in the corner of the front porch!  A glance out the french doors revealed new visitors to the steps by our deck. 
A smile begins to grow on my face as I discover that Miss Yellow Daisy and her baby sister have chosen our little garden to appear in.  I have never had yellow daisies around the dome so how they got here will remain a mystery. But I’m sure I will welcome them every day that they decide to visit.

The Butterfly bush has finally grown higher than the stake beside it that reminds me not to run over it with the mower again.  In the Spring while mowing I took it down to the ground.  I was sure I was going to have to go buy another one to replace it but after a few weeks I spied little green leaves growing among the brown stems of last year’s plant.  So now it is a little behind in the growth cycle but valiantly trying to catch up.

I have a pot of Mushroom/Barley soup on the stove.  Don’t get too excited it is from a box not scratch.  Just waiting for Jay to get out of dialysis.  I figure a little soup, a ham/Swiss cheese sandwich, and a lettuce/pineapple salad should put some legs under him after the session.  I have oven fried chicken planned for supper so that is an easy dish.  Haven’t figured out anything else to go with it but I have a few rice dishes by Knorr to chose from.  I’ll tell you I’m a real non gourmet when it comes to cooking.  I think I could live happily on fruit and toast.  ( That is with a little chocolate and cashews thrown in!)

As I type I’m listening to the Best Of Bread album and remembering days when I was younger and had a happier outlook on life.  Not that I’m unhappy now but it seems that laughter, the ability to relish what is ahead tomorrow, and knowing that I will be creating new memories not relying on old ones is an important part of my life that has started slipping through the cracks.  I struggle to be light and humorous now when it came most naturally in years past.  I guess an attitude adjustment is sorely needed—not to mention a swift kick in the ass that someone else is going to have to give me because I can’t reach that far!!!  Bear with me I’m going to work on the sour puss and place my teeth out for a little sunshine ( I mean smile more—you wouldn’t like to see my teeth out believe me). 

I guess I miss my oldest brother who never ended a call without a good joke or two.  Or it could be the old women thing—I miss my family and friends.  I think my choice of lifestyle has contributed to the situation.  I mean I’m happy to spending time in my own corner but I really need to interact with others around me.  I guess I’m going to have to go visit someone.  Just sit, have coffee, and share laughter with another human.

I gotta have a plan! 

Back on March 26, I made a statement that I would commit to some physical improvements in preparation for my next surgery.
(See below)

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A Big Order On An Empty Plate!

The trip to Dr. Fortin’s office yesterday gave me good news and some information on what my next step will be.  The good news was that my progress with healing is ahead of what he had expected me to accomplish.  The information on swelling was that it can take 6 to 9 months to return to normal.  So the swelling is actually normal.  I have a rash on my foot however that I will check with my personal physician to determine treatment.  My next appointment with Dr. Fortin is June 24th.  At that time we will discuss the surgery on my left ankle if all went according to expectations.  My personal goal is to lose 30 pounds or more, exercise with hand weights, and ride the stationary bike.  This is to strengthen myself to allow me to move quicker after the next surgery.  This is I realize quite an large size order for someone who loves to eat, finds exercise boring, and thinks 73 year olds should be able to do whatever they want.  I know there will be setbacks but I have three months to accomplish it. 

Well my friends I am here today to proclaim I’m full of shit up to my eyeballs!
I have not lost the 30 pounds. Nor have I picked the hand weights over three times.  I have climbed on the bike about four times and then not for very long.  True be told I never committed long enough to encounter the setbacks I was so worried about. 

Now this coming week I see my personal physician to determine if my rib is healed enough to go forward with the surgery on my left foot.  I so want to get that process started.  But I will know about that on Thursday the 17th. 

I not proud of my confession but I feel a little better getting it off my chest. 

Life is not perfect—neither am I.  But you got to admit I’m honest!!!!