tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40303520319608552202024-03-15T21:09:49.569-04:00e-i-e-i-omg! The final chapter?Middle-aged homesteader meets her new reality.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.comBlogger1437125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-30690917838624123772023-07-08T09:00:00.002-04:002023-07-08T09:00:58.643-04:00The fizz has gone flat.<p> I, apparently, have lost my fizz. After numerous attempts to rekindle the blog, I'm throwing in the BGPs. Will I get my fizz back? Let's hope so. Much self-analysis has been going on behind the scenes, with topics such as: living someone else's life, living with ghosts, total deviation from my life plan, days filled with vet visits and repairs to the family home. I have even considered (and am still considering) hiring a shaman to intone through the house bearing bunches of burning sage. None of this has helped with the writer's block.<br /></p><p>So, my little dumplings, I am going to officially put the blog on hold (instead of taking the coward's approach by ignoring it) until such time that I am refizzed.</p><p>Sweezie xoxo</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-58710432110277588382023-02-28T19:58:00.000-05:002023-02-28T19:58:15.745-05:00Fred the dog, Fred the car and a Cacophony of CoyotesWelcome to the suburbs! I will say that I do not miss the gravel trucks one. little. bit. It seems, however, that I've traded them in for a pathological barker: Fred, the dog. Fred and his person live next door during the winter. Fred apparently finds the outdoors either a very dangerous or exciting place. As soon as paws hit the ground, he is barking. Constantly. Without stopping or breathing. Needless to say, this is not a pleasant occurrence, especially at one in the morning until 4ish. Everyone on the street (my sister included), stiffens their upper lip and suffers silently. Obviously, not everyone. Sweeze has arrived. I contacted the HOA president and relayed my dismay - civilly and politely, I may add - and he stepped right up and contacted the owner in Florida. There was a slight lessening of the barkage, but then he was at it for over three hours in the wee hours. Another email was sent. (Background story: neighbor has been here for years and is a lovely woman. While she's in Florida for the winter, her daughter and grandson (and Fred) move in to look after the house.) This time, I spoke to the owner and we figured the late night barkathon was because the grandson got home from his job at one AM, let Fred out and then went to bed. Leaving poor Fred to voice his displeasure until the daughter got up. Honestly, these people must be stone deaf. There were calls and emails and it has been quiet at night. Halleluiah.<div><br /></div><div>My other neighbor across the street is a whirlwind of activity. He is a multitalented fellow who can replace car engines, teach skiing, tackle any repair needed. He is fascinating to watch, as he bounces (almost literally) from one activity to another. His latest project was to install a racing engine into an Audi station wagon. Just because he could. Basically, he took a nice, normal car and created a roaring monster. Now it's varrooom, varrooom all day long. In and out of the driveway, up and down the street. Geez. I told him I have dubbed the Audi "Fred, the car". He thought that was great, but he completely missed the point. He is also a very handy handyman, so I have decided to pick my battles.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only other noises we hear on a fairly regular basis are birdsongs, woodpeckers, the occasional siren, some road noise - faint - and coyotes! Judging by the tracks in the snow (when we actually <br />have snow), we have foxes, bobcats, rabbits galore, deer, moose, and all manner of small critters. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEozwLqsVQFARI-XrY9iut6MHJINFe7S9oxV1D-c7MfMTtqML2OmKa1wbg0UKBtePm4F84wFDGMpdIHkPkPLDpd9On9wMUInm2IlWKFQ6WhWT-UV2WQf-S3r2_kkn7rR0VrEB9gSeY9U0CN86vR0m7Gc4Yz92WIlbD8vv6jC2lMn7Rz4WwF9-ZCx4/s588/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="499" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEozwLqsVQFARI-XrY9iut6MHJINFe7S9oxV1D-c7MfMTtqML2OmKa1wbg0UKBtePm4F84wFDGMpdIHkPkPLDpd9On9wMUInm2IlWKFQ6WhWT-UV2WQf-S3r2_kkn7rR0VrEB9gSeY9U0CN86vR0m7Gc4Yz92WIlbD8vv6jC2lMn7Rz4WwF9-ZCx4/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" width="272" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The good news is that I have managed to sell my house! After all of the frustration dealing with the realtor and (ahem) attorney, I cancelled my contract with the realtor and fired the attorney, deciding to look into what other options I had. Shortly after, I was contacted by the niece of the original owner. She had heard through the local grapevine (one of the things I do not miss about living in a very small town) that I had run into a snag while trying to sell my house. She offered me cash, but it was way too low. Some time elapsed. She offered me a little more. More time elapsed. She offered me just enough to make it reasonable and we closed in record time. I had managed to find a good attorney and her attorney was also great. She didn't want to have inspections, wanted it as-is, badda boom. What a relief. She's happy and I'm happy and now all I have to do is soldier through the estate work. I am nearly ready to lob it back to probate. We hope that there will be something left after the tax department gets their hands on it.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, I must get the furnace replaced, the deck repaired and refinished, the garage doors replaced, and one side of the basement room torn up to remedy the result of a long-term leak. I always said that the Universe manages to come up with the wherewithal to cover emergencies, but it would be so nice to be able to sit back and enjoy a largesse before you have to part with it. Sigh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-16311882810918977402023-02-07T07:14:00.000-05:002023-02-07T07:14:29.455-05:00SuperSweeze<p>What is it they say? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger? Heck. I must be able to take on Arnold at this point. 2022 saw the death of my mother, the challenge of the estate (still ongoing), moving to VT, getting my NY house ready to sell, getting Lyme's and Covid at the same time, getting through that to experience the Covid Rebound, getting through that to be felled by RSV, to finding out that I cannot sell my manufactured house without a motor vehicle title (news to me) in NYS.</p><p>Did I mention the water leak in the parental basement? No? Well, there's that. And the new furnace that is needed before the next heating season? So many 'ands'.</p><p>I do find it helps to give myself a pep talk every morning. Without it, I would just crawl back under the duvet and hide out until the Universe finally takes pity on me. Yes, yes, these are all First World problems, so it's time for the iron-clad BGPs. Wow, that sounds so uncomfortable, doesn't it?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuE4cxit7-HJVisVnZpxyIN9pvXS3eIlLKBS78HpSo0R1E3APYh_8iRoJvnbPPOGuNbR8F4NQndNlXiUWz8bxehLeQkzYYe5ZdFa7K6jOAzYb0EbeqQ_VAVKHpqgPQOzMCHskRtdo3LDXd9SmQMG8j1wvfl3iwqmJACTn_DBm3KnzqgZmnrI6icj6/s2713/IMG_0868.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2270" data-original-width="2713" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuE4cxit7-HJVisVnZpxyIN9pvXS3eIlLKBS78HpSo0R1E3APYh_8iRoJvnbPPOGuNbR8F4NQndNlXiUWz8bxehLeQkzYYe5ZdFa7K6jOAzYb0EbeqQ_VAVKHpqgPQOzMCHskRtdo3LDXd9SmQMG8j1wvfl3iwqmJACTn_DBm3KnzqgZmnrI6icj6/w286-h240/IMG_0868.HEIC" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p>As per my well-established modus operandi, I am trying to attack on all fronts. This is not an ideal method, but it's all me. I am a regular visitor at the bank for ongoing medallion notary stampings (who knew there was such a thing?) I am a regular visitor at the local Staples for printer ink and UPS mailings. I am a regular customer of not one, but two fuel oil companies. I am on the phone way too often with assorted attorneys. I am on a first-name basis with the local wine shop.</p><p>And...I must have a titanium immune system by now, since I have made it through all of the popular and available maladies. (Just kidding - don't jinx me!)</p><p>Dotted amongst all the activities above, I have been slowly, but surely, sorting through all the stuff of a combined 47 years. My father kept every. single. piece. of. paper. that came across his path for the last 60-odd years. I have been greatly enjoying the company of my sister, who lives two doors away. I enjoy beautiful mountain views, glorious sunrises and sunsets. I love Vermont.</p><p>Winter, this year, seems to be suffering from psychosis. We've had more rain that snow and the snow that we have had was heavy and deep. We are now being assaulted by Arctic temps and that is why I am up at 2:30A writing this. There's nothing like the specter of freezing fuel lines in a house that sits empty. I've been trying to platitude myself into serenity, but, so far, it's not working. However, I know that's a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not a trail! Pollyanna Lives!!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMDqgCMLtIolFMwwJgKsSnPJk_YOiV5htDUuzT_Lnd0HEkXAziHgzrKGsUGuvS0sSThd8SRtMlRc6TUfp3HEwvf8c5SrTA7mRIt7Kvjeq3eiOEYhD78KTTtn4Q9WPNRMmZBNGxfSns3BXWF4fDsuPcvMws3fLZ3cDofAzNDI1447C-qRN8NC5XjxT/s4032/IMG_1216.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMDqgCMLtIolFMwwJgKsSnPJk_YOiV5htDUuzT_Lnd0HEkXAziHgzrKGsUGuvS0sSThd8SRtMlRc6TUfp3HEwvf8c5SrTA7mRIt7Kvjeq3eiOEYhD78KTTtn4Q9WPNRMmZBNGxfSns3BXWF4fDsuPcvMws3fLZ3cDofAzNDI1447C-qRN8NC5XjxT/s320/IMG_1216.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-5031992695839158442023-01-18T10:15:00.001-05:002023-01-18T10:15:36.550-05:00Love/Love, Love/Hate, Hate/Hate and the BL Method<p>I find myself faced with very complex relationships in this house. Relationships with objects. Most of my angst is caused by the kitchen appliances. I have always (or 99% of the time) had a gas oven/stove. I am comfortable with gas. I know when the heat is on, I know how high the heat is, I know when it's off. My new-to-me electric stove is showing itself to be a challenge. This kitchen was "modern" in the late 70s/early 80s, with a separate range top and built-in oven. My mother cooked thousands of meals in it. My sister cooked hundreds. I struggle to get through the day.</p><p>My relationship with the oven is what one would refer to as a "love/hate" relationship. I love the fact that I don't have to bend down and haul out bakeware. However, it is a miniscule oven. None of my baking sheets fit. Then, again, it is self-cleaning.</p><p>My range top is a whole other kettle of eels. The heating indicators on the knobs have worn completely off, so I need to guess at the temperature I am setting the burners. The burners are not flat. The stovetop is black and shows <i>everything</i>. I am learning to cook on it via the BL Method. Burn and Learn. Needless to say, it has a four-star hate/hate rating.</p><p>Another appliance that gets my spleen in a state is the washing machine. It's brand new and must have been designed by people with exceptionally long arms and an unending source of patience. I have neither. BUT I have a dryer. This is very convenient in the winter and it's nice to have soft bath towels again, but I will be hanging my clothes outside, come spring. To heck with the HOA.</p><p>All of the hate/hates fall to the wayside, however, because of the garage. I have an actual garage with doors that open and close and with space to park my car. It makes me incredibly giddy every time I tuck the car away. I choose to turn a blind eye to the chaos that is next to it. And in the basement room. And in the den. And in the spare room.</p><p>Coming up in the ongoing saga that is my new life: Covid, Covid rebound (it's a thing - who knew?), Lyme's, RSV, the State of NY, real estate agents, and lawyers. Oy.</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-68722113162474088322022-11-19T04:57:00.002-05:002022-11-19T04:58:58.642-05:00Dorianna Gray<p>Apparently, this move has had more of an effect on me than I realized. In NY, you can use your photograph almost indefinitely on your driver's license. Once you get a reasonably good one taken (not easy) you can hang onto it for decades. This is good and bad, however. If you're pulled over by the police when you're in your 80s and your license still has your 40 y/o visage, there is a good chance they won't believe you are you and will haul to off to the slammer for trying to impersonate a much-younger person.</p><p>Moving to a different state, I had to surrender my 45 y/o portrait and have a new one taken.</p><p>Good grief.</p><p>To say that I went from the first blush of medium age to looking like Al Capone's nana, would not be an understatement. I pointed this out to my sister, expecting loving support and denial. After she laughed to the point of tears, she shared the revelation with the check-out clerk at Job Lots - who had the same reaction.</p><p>Harumph.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmvBvZQY0z6rIphpW6cx58Om_e9GLb05ntyS9FdtKHkXc1ZG_TPZGb7eV1ATB5h9gptQEIvlFMSrLpmgz6UpQIC6ybK4a_llPaq1St0bYVJBDV2cQDt0lU6wvWR2Zyv0R_gKbgJGm9rxJKnRjIzIF9xunsIeETUqFKVmV9ULg-p5s4XoHlYRviS3V/s900/scream.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="669" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmvBvZQY0z6rIphpW6cx58Om_e9GLb05ntyS9FdtKHkXc1ZG_TPZGb7eV1ATB5h9gptQEIvlFMSrLpmgz6UpQIC6ybK4a_llPaq1St0bYVJBDV2cQDt0lU6wvWR2Zyv0R_gKbgJGm9rxJKnRjIzIF9xunsIeETUqFKVmV9ULg-p5s4XoHlYRviS3V/s320/scream.png" width="238" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-77621583227675748752022-11-07T19:24:00.000-05:002022-11-07T19:24:42.844-05:00A$$ Over Teacup or Pop Goes the Sweezie<p> After dithering for weeks about how to segue into the blog after such a long absence, I just decided to jump in.</p><p>So.</p><p>It's been an 'interesting' few months. All members of the family are moved up to Vermont. It went pretty smoothly, given all of the upheavals and disruptions to routines set in cement. Slimmie spent the first three days in the closet of his room (a corner room with cross ventilation, rose-colored carpeting, the sun during the day). His Auntie had bought him a 'cat cave', so he was able to move out of the closet and into the cave. Eventually, he inched down the hall and discovered the cushy chair with a view of the birdfeeder. His horizons widened.</p><p>Officer Peanut and his sidekick, Lovey, have been extremely busy, monitoring the comings and goings of everything and everyone.</p><p>Sweezie? She, like her plants, is starting to spread her leaves and grow.</p><p>There were a few bumps in the road to paradise.</p><p>So many bumps that I now have enough material for this blog to hold me into the next century.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjway86KVN5IlRiRJKIHPcEvk4qfgnNmYpl0DVAU3Z9wBibINbCAXSybbfHjUeUUhczAzKkzkR6NEojwKlOEzvHo0r-Hx31CEZ7nfEJsPVGTecm3-DBCnGewYtqMwyGRdjvIVOUdqPmV2c-gZXjmGP54Ik-8IKeXsErtWQ2gcMYCTwbLHKC-9KXiNB2/s4032/IMG_1148.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjway86KVN5IlRiRJKIHPcEvk4qfgnNmYpl0DVAU3Z9wBibINbCAXSybbfHjUeUUhczAzKkzkR6NEojwKlOEzvHo0r-Hx31CEZ7nfEJsPVGTecm3-DBCnGewYtqMwyGRdjvIVOUdqPmV2c-gZXjmGP54Ik-8IKeXsErtWQ2gcMYCTwbLHKC-9KXiNB2/s320/IMG_1148.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxmKMz_vmmS9ppm31iVKtssxuXExxTw8JJk67Q_jDnNEcp8SJRDumLL05fZvYF3YBfRx6nvv6WBY9568Oy2cu7ZGJRME_Aj99c1qqNLwuR8Iiwx8XX1-n0ppwmio1iY_vf9fidjvKrlpFrpetqzR_lX9aXskzgRMKH_l-OLQSRfPgqSNyNcyEdRzI/s4032/IMG_1065.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxmKMz_vmmS9ppm31iVKtssxuXExxTw8JJk67Q_jDnNEcp8SJRDumLL05fZvYF3YBfRx6nvv6WBY9568Oy2cu7ZGJRME_Aj99c1qqNLwuR8Iiwx8XX1-n0ppwmio1iY_vf9fidjvKrlpFrpetqzR_lX9aXskzgRMKH_l-OLQSRfPgqSNyNcyEdRzI/s320/IMG_1065.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJntYfeSAxE7oLg8q7I0_fCj3MEmn_GpNRqMbhKLk-YQj6Xmud7p0KMpzRafubC_tLdQlgLiahedbU_4PkSFJB-oNJvMDhTRtVvLKFEChmR8krAe3apBIhNwXTnO-APJR8N6LrtAisWV1eO5PbYhp7qllANZX_Y_LHubaDDKSEbTWZFLAwaUrJo8ex/s3829/IMG_1082.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3829" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJntYfeSAxE7oLg8q7I0_fCj3MEmn_GpNRqMbhKLk-YQj6Xmud7p0KMpzRafubC_tLdQlgLiahedbU_4PkSFJB-oNJvMDhTRtVvLKFEChmR8krAe3apBIhNwXTnO-APJR8N6LrtAisWV1eO5PbYhp7qllANZX_Y_LHubaDDKSEbTWZFLAwaUrJo8ex/s320/IMG_1082.HEIC" width="253" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmF-SWpoePJZX95IiaJx9lxAbuFmYQO-JO2MKdALGAYsWWyyszWCAk6nnBNcnQFPtpy3okMTEl_mGadrFXP__bFyAi7dzxGmuOoTbxomGZQYQLxh8XkzuYHZ0Hzwfh7_Us3s3_-UAy24C40GaOfi7EE3Seyq33tDYDQBxWcXSJSnlkgpUSgwzOelZ/s4032/IMG_1096.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmF-SWpoePJZX95IiaJx9lxAbuFmYQO-JO2MKdALGAYsWWyyszWCAk6nnBNcnQFPtpy3okMTEl_mGadrFXP__bFyAi7dzxGmuOoTbxomGZQYQLxh8XkzuYHZ0Hzwfh7_Us3s3_-UAy24C40GaOfi7EE3Seyq33tDYDQBxWcXSJSnlkgpUSgwzOelZ/s320/IMG_1096.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoMIBXodBG2DJYnjZBYf4lGmyf6AglvtyyOeIIHe8Zh6mG2uCnW98WS3JdwOPhdcF5IxztIIXNqVsNYQdBOfEcXdNPdlenrGrhdOscGvwl9Sh91WjFsRsgJYkHNF75r3rUwZ4L5zivZ2u-Nr_PXbFWJSSJ5GGf5wC1wRX_ZLjTIWmhy0kklLrHl71/s4032/IMG_1098.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoMIBXodBG2DJYnjZBYf4lGmyf6AglvtyyOeIIHe8Zh6mG2uCnW98WS3JdwOPhdcF5IxztIIXNqVsNYQdBOfEcXdNPdlenrGrhdOscGvwl9Sh91WjFsRsgJYkHNF75r3rUwZ4L5zivZ2u-Nr_PXbFWJSSJ5GGf5wC1wRX_ZLjTIWmhy0kklLrHl71/s320/IMG_1098.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxisW5gf15AJqoZz329rAjbsYCf_fmtAcs1kKa0AIZ7uXC-Lar1y8L0U4xmAJe-SLBjHdoJactnKw3aYEiPdD-lEI6WwnjOIuvOsPccmn9P0NA0d3SOdki5jxKtGyzr7Z5XOJTy8SDUI8qv0nunJ9lUgWQmT-5iH13WDsF0TGSgICUmv3D-8ttYCvg/s4032/IMG_1109.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxisW5gf15AJqoZz329rAjbsYCf_fmtAcs1kKa0AIZ7uXC-Lar1y8L0U4xmAJe-SLBjHdoJactnKw3aYEiPdD-lEI6WwnjOIuvOsPccmn9P0NA0d3SOdki5jxKtGyzr7Z5XOJTy8SDUI8qv0nunJ9lUgWQmT-5iH13WDsF0TGSgICUmv3D-8ttYCvg/s320/IMG_1109.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>More to come.</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-32129539432208966992022-07-27T11:20:00.000-04:002022-07-27T11:20:38.681-04:00The end of an era.<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9c3bHIplqMKiJOw1UhNyj86SXASZREqUOHxXjAk-k9LJcrru7XgvOlw7X7IzDF073q9JykevX4eSLL8woTiP9b5Ezt85LmZ-k3pEAHetfOiE4Zq3LvzNknwyEa5fbs7Ap6EMvw7BMB3fxCTfWLC2AGJIL_4EM8PfXoTXXCuwrdnDc6_7N6-nZlh0/s3749/IMG_6481.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1742" data-original-width="3749" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9c3bHIplqMKiJOw1UhNyj86SXASZREqUOHxXjAk-k9LJcrru7XgvOlw7X7IzDF073q9JykevX4eSLL8woTiP9b5Ezt85LmZ-k3pEAHetfOiE4Zq3LvzNknwyEa5fbs7Ap6EMvw7BMB3fxCTfWLC2AGJIL_4EM8PfXoTXXCuwrdnDc6_7N6-nZlh0/w400-h186/IMG_6481.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Smith Kids</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>They always were a close family. Right to the end. My mother, Kit (Kathryn), her sister, Josie (Joan) and brother Jim all passed away within the last three months. Mom went first - probably because she was oldest and always first - Josie went early last week and my uncle Jim passed away a few days later. It has been a sobering time.</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-78062429474503224872022-07-05T08:21:00.002-04:002022-07-05T08:21:58.268-04:00Salad, anyone?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUTLDP5L86oeCPTnLffLpko3bZv6at7cV1OaYQtPCj9IJEdsC5yxEiKjw-VTOWUzS85BC9i4-FQcJrMkMwhplMK594KMovMqwD9TC34DYfDP_ZNZNYSG8T24PgYS8gUw_8xu_qZhC8D-1cLBodVAr16HRHZkHfDK3PZbnWlr2z-_p2Ew0H2Wy524x/s4032/IMG_0965.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUTLDP5L86oeCPTnLffLpko3bZv6at7cV1OaYQtPCj9IJEdsC5yxEiKjw-VTOWUzS85BC9i4-FQcJrMkMwhplMK594KMovMqwD9TC34DYfDP_ZNZNYSG8T24PgYS8gUw_8xu_qZhC8D-1cLBodVAr16HRHZkHfDK3PZbnWlr2z-_p2Ew0H2Wy524x/s320/IMG_0965.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This bad boy was in my vegetable box at my favorite farm's share table. It measures 20" across! Good grief! It is now taking up a quarter of my fridge and I am busy researching salad recipes. </p><p>Update on the next phase project - after a disappointing meeting with the local estate appraiser/auctioneer, we now have to sell/donate most of the parental furnishings ourselves. Connie and I had a powwow yesterday and photographed everything, then sat down and tried to come up with fair prices and OBRO alternatives. I am doing the posting and front work, and Connie will do the showing. Why is it that all the interesting 'jobs' that one can add to their resume, come when one doesn't need a resume?</p><p>Meanwhile, my container garden is doing better than any in-ground garden I've planted in the last five years. I may have found my gardening niche!</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-63485902829259483072022-06-27T13:05:00.002-04:002022-06-27T13:05:53.667-04:00The dumpster has landed and other equally exciting news.<p> It's amazing how short a week actually is, when you are under pressure to clean out a house, yard, barn, sheds, etc. in seven days. A neighbor (who bought the farm that was once home to my Jersey cow, Jasmine) had started a roll-off dumpster business, so I tapped him. We also put a dumpster at mom's to deal with the PAPER and all of the 30+ years of "stuff". Luckily (not), we haven't had to deal with rain. At all. Ever. Apparently, all storms have gone west, north and south of us. I am once again very happy to have my rain barrel.</p><p>The heat has ramped up the growth in my assorted and numerous containers.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj8Of8OHngxlS8jTn_FDgiEzKaEnHXrMf8mS_WoI1Fir8QNwR9JFVKJdwIHUlvYkQdmwafEuD872iBcISn5Di5sgNwQkc8N_7_eCEhcJJ6DEr7bOgaJHN5YRP3ISUB6WofmbyRhfXwQBOggpZnkIFWC0bnxD2XP4XL-dK_Da8I65NfhpZ9xfdeS4p/s4032/IMG_0928.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj8Of8OHngxlS8jTn_FDgiEzKaEnHXrMf8mS_WoI1Fir8QNwR9JFVKJdwIHUlvYkQdmwafEuD872iBcISn5Di5sgNwQkc8N_7_eCEhcJJ6DEr7bOgaJHN5YRP3ISUB6WofmbyRhfXwQBOggpZnkIFWC0bnxD2XP4XL-dK_Da8I65NfhpZ9xfdeS4p/s320/IMG_0928.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallions</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8EnNUVf0xv5XJYDO2GuF-2vxPdjz2_5QSlFchOXCGtLrqvg-_VniELk9Fq3LE8vJKThWoF8NaQpjM5Gjt3jbTfTep5_UAQD6fiUe_QD5ogtKINNhRloSyiusfOs3LefZwjBfMGaJdC6fErjQPJtAIRpDIAd7NxKAvp4xMMxo8J6czii9WhWZMRA7/s4032/IMG_0927.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8EnNUVf0xv5XJYDO2GuF-2vxPdjz2_5QSlFchOXCGtLrqvg-_VniELk9Fq3LE8vJKThWoF8NaQpjM5Gjt3jbTfTep5_UAQD6fiUe_QD5ogtKINNhRloSyiusfOs3LefZwjBfMGaJdC6fErjQPJtAIRpDIAd7NxKAvp4xMMxo8J6czii9WhWZMRA7/s320/IMG_0927.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LT-NVd0lOgfA3sQ_1MuLl-5W1Dqcjp-ipSZuSrMWk8wINUsuGeN9UuCS804kq-vO8707oYl2drAUSWboTYuGu50eCMRbVhzoJUbEo9XD5Pn5gByjAg2GDbV2dcZgSIHqJA9ADhrkZfg3PO0bfrY8r66yG9kTIBp_nAD5GS-sBgLJiJVAu2QZuSHO/s4032/IMG_0925.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LT-NVd0lOgfA3sQ_1MuLl-5W1Dqcjp-ipSZuSrMWk8wINUsuGeN9UuCS804kq-vO8707oYl2drAUSWboTYuGu50eCMRbVhzoJUbEo9XD5Pn5gByjAg2GDbV2dcZgSIHqJA9ADhrkZfg3PO0bfrY8r66yG9kTIBp_nAD5GS-sBgLJiJVAu2QZuSHO/s320/IMG_0925.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fxNrzPkY_Ht2kmKHZM0xqDVRzwWSDyxxJMFKmkQCAXUL16P5T7a0lbw5PT-2ni2Ju5vzmwbScPcifVrln5jbNtjmzfPcNFDbdakmXIowOqchsMmB36aB6rQWQ8s-fyDE1ofVWe7EfayIYMfnXvnrVvdLO3F0AlT12aGRFUBrYT4ap7kID4FdnZao/s4032/IMG_0924.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fxNrzPkY_Ht2kmKHZM0xqDVRzwWSDyxxJMFKmkQCAXUL16P5T7a0lbw5PT-2ni2Ju5vzmwbScPcifVrln5jbNtjmzfPcNFDbdakmXIowOqchsMmB36aB6rQWQ8s-fyDE1ofVWe7EfayIYMfnXvnrVvdLO3F0AlT12aGRFUBrYT4ap7kID4FdnZao/s320/IMG_0924.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black cherry tomatoes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97-Uri5uvIot57Qx0LKi3-A_r6Fr9rMszYmd-MMO9-gUyurPsER80v8CzhKIDZpWuQYXASx5B9Tnqaw_Yu0w485EHh-ULtkbN7j91k0dXhzjx0txZX6rNIFXMyQsrFV2EkK00dyApknQ0uHg_F5b3A_8zvmneyEWartupXNfydvLZhwXQO0OMdWEK/s4032/IMG_0923.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97-Uri5uvIot57Qx0LKi3-A_r6Fr9rMszYmd-MMO9-gUyurPsER80v8CzhKIDZpWuQYXASx5B9Tnqaw_Yu0w485EHh-ULtkbN7j91k0dXhzjx0txZX6rNIFXMyQsrFV2EkK00dyApknQ0uHg_F5b3A_8zvmneyEWartupXNfydvLZhwXQO0OMdWEK/s320/IMG_0923.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some big tomato</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hhp30PxMti18Yqtq1wlThbTLTGK8ARLGUi0tmh69KHnVDiYsF3AuZoQkx-ytvo8F6_QJ-_lB5W1PmHWMdHsRgw-QPDBei6LVCjm2MuyNEaXXGm040PgWCB0dLZIU7miqJHqvcrbGD_tNjtvtJzw_SYZKXxnZaaAczOaYmZn1gDUtgKRaFqlgqHYs/s4032/IMG_0922.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hhp30PxMti18Yqtq1wlThbTLTGK8ARLGUi0tmh69KHnVDiYsF3AuZoQkx-ytvo8F6_QJ-_lB5W1PmHWMdHsRgw-QPDBei6LVCjm2MuyNEaXXGm040PgWCB0dLZIU7miqJHqvcrbGD_tNjtvtJzw_SYZKXxnZaaAczOaYmZn1gDUtgKRaFqlgqHYs/s320/IMG_0922.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana peppers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My tiny cilantro plant has morphed into a cilantro tree, as they do, the parsley is rampant, as is the thyme and oregano. The rosemary is holding her own in a corner of the purple planter.<div><br /></div><div>I have been restocking my free pile on a daily basis, but it is getting a bit onerous, as people insist that they need to me list everything available. I do not have the time or inclination to do so. There is a real frenzy for canning jars - I have given away at least five dozen and there are many, many more to go. Apparently, an intervention was needed some time ago.<br /><p>In non-moving news, this year's spring Assist (across the road) List was way longer than years past. I am sure that it's due to my fairly non-stop driving at all hours of the day and the bliss of retirement. It stands at: 12 turtle assists (11 red eared sliders and 1 small-thank goodness-snapping turtle); 4 adult geese assists across the main thoroughfare, 5 goose family assists across same, and one hair-raising gosling assist across the same damn road that could have gone badly. Jr. was separated from his family and there was a lot of 60 mph+ traffic. There weren't enough breaks in the flow to safely herd him across, so I managed to catch him and darted (okay, not exactly darted - havent done that in years - but I did achieve a fairly fast shuffle) to the other side, where I was attacked by his irate parents. Harumph. All I got for my trouble was goose poo down my shirt and a case of the wheezes. Still....baby goose.</p><p>Not many specifics on the move, other than I am hoping to clear out everything I am not taking by the end of July. Serendipity stepped in when my friend, Rosie, said that she was buying a house and needed to furnish it. Yaaasss! In a nutshell, I am moving from my little farm out in the sticks, to a house that is almost three times as big as this one, in an... xburb of a town in southern VT. While the house is large, the land is small and I will have neighbors I can see for the first time in 16 years. I will be bringing my container garden with me since there is not enough light for a garden at mom's, and the deck is huge. The plans, at present, include getting the house ready for sale over the winter and then starting a hunt for a piece of property in the general area, where Connie and I will build our little tiny house complex. Fingers crossed. Of course, this is not an ideal time to move into a large house that is heated with fuel oil. I see many layers of sweaters in our near future.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGurjsDwIEdwQ3C42Qd6AK2qUTob1hkAcDiJzLmRLLp7zcOacLMMP0BOg6Bf3yUMQi411hbCjlkYqU7gAt5YlBmQZ_SXfCERVk8gNDBzpNcAoSG1etxgG6iI-CcOcdW1qP-w21IeNKCm4fS55GWoyVWHaTdHD1XYR0ETzjFVUXOzpX79W4HEYIqbOT/s4032/IMG_0898.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGurjsDwIEdwQ3C42Qd6AK2qUTob1hkAcDiJzLmRLLp7zcOacLMMP0BOg6Bf3yUMQi411hbCjlkYqU7gAt5YlBmQZ_SXfCERVk8gNDBzpNcAoSG1etxgG6iI-CcOcdW1qP-w21IeNKCm4fS55GWoyVWHaTdHD1XYR0ETzjFVUXOzpX79W4HEYIqbOT/s320/IMG_0898.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut is not impressed with<br />the news of living in sweaters</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-63859188633776201082022-06-02T10:29:00.000-04:002022-06-05T10:13:30.183-04:00I may have gotten a little carried away.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0VTDzj1fAXHfvl6AVuic6jVgwE5fJHAWy7gtVxDIIosISoWCJiekXgkwe5jUWLNJ_1rOBenR19mkoIZpd-dUREi8APTLzlpebWvSvKklnEbzKKzOsR3nwGUQ7l-E7c6P1SyP1MqktdWxhJ_Wxrta8u27kIHOMaqJ85GIuh9ahCdyAN7fLFoNv33s/s4032/IMG_0855.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0VTDzj1fAXHfvl6AVuic6jVgwE5fJHAWy7gtVxDIIosISoWCJiekXgkwe5jUWLNJ_1rOBenR19mkoIZpd-dUREi8APTLzlpebWvSvKklnEbzKKzOsR3nwGUQ7l-E7c6P1SyP1MqktdWxhJ_Wxrta8u27kIHOMaqJ85GIuh9ahCdyAN7fLFoNv33s/s320/IMG_0855.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>Realizing that I may be leaving my garden when it is in full production, has propelled me into putting 99% of it in containers. Just a few, I said. Just the basics, I said. Above is the 'herb garden'. Lovely. My deck now looks like this:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dzRQCNubwObp4H44MyaqNNXwkOE8ffChB2LaVsJ_KOdeezrMfojJKRUQq-QszKSemcrI4ZnwfDVJztJ-ZJzWscIvB76cugpw8rZYdXLVocWPvpH9IV4cXooYA5qhqxwZqmQ45CwoZhAH1w39vDZTx-ijJAjaG11sAFtr25v3NEFE880-VFH4u6ej/s4032/IMG_0880.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dzRQCNubwObp4H44MyaqNNXwkOE8ffChB2LaVsJ_KOdeezrMfojJKRUQq-QszKSemcrI4ZnwfDVJztJ-ZJzWscIvB76cugpw8rZYdXLVocWPvpH9IV4cXooYA5qhqxwZqmQ45CwoZhAH1w39vDZTx-ijJAjaG11sAFtr25v3NEFE880-VFH4u6ej/s320/IMG_0880.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOL9eZAOc7iHJ4zLmnx8Iwwi0fXh8VDK2-1nVE4_025X9AD_EjEkBVa4oXlSebCL2r3WVjSKkyTm5fwhleXBOy6rysgtUemmCc3YPHbnG9oDlk_5lpsX2A29qiQyFNlZKCYokHt0ESjxFN3EO-iAKBc4U8A3Y2Dy7J8c0MdyliJbLQj3fbBKWDZBz/s4032/IMG_0882.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOL9eZAOc7iHJ4zLmnx8Iwwi0fXh8VDK2-1nVE4_025X9AD_EjEkBVa4oXlSebCL2r3WVjSKkyTm5fwhleXBOy6rysgtUemmCc3YPHbnG9oDlk_5lpsX2A29qiQyFNlZKCYokHt0ESjxFN3EO-iAKBc4U8A3Y2Dy7J8c0MdyliJbLQj3fbBKWDZBz/s320/IMG_0882.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiTx6THwxVNP_FboLbnJJQoYAtelvSVvhDZqozpVtMTYpOdI7VcVAqFesp-CtBytOBsuAEykwTLgu3vIkDJbOBCWsZm8pzfnx1DXQxpdKfL9_rQu_lA27eZ-iMxtm1og_lYCngNE1neu3O13g-Px0mmg2ANqMbzH6bcIWClafrgoxQI6lhnmYgbW6/s4032/IMG_0883.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiTx6THwxVNP_FboLbnJJQoYAtelvSVvhDZqozpVtMTYpOdI7VcVAqFesp-CtBytOBsuAEykwTLgu3vIkDJbOBCWsZm8pzfnx1DXQxpdKfL9_rQu_lA27eZ-iMxtm1og_lYCngNE1neu3O13g-Px0mmg2ANqMbzH6bcIWClafrgoxQI6lhnmYgbW6/s320/IMG_0883.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>And that is only a sample. I have, at last count, 27 containers. It's a good thing I have friends with trucks. I did put five tomatoes, spring peas and kohlrabi into the actual garden. I also have lots of flowers planted just because. Then, three days ago, I was looking out the front door, drinking in all the green-ness and saw THREE rabbits on the wrong side of the electric net fencing - that is, inside. I shooed them out and realized they scampered - unimpeded - through the netting. After a lot of trouble shooting, the problem seems to be that the outside electrical outlet is kaput. I rummaged through my garden stuff and came up with a full bag of dried blood meal (ugh). However, desperate times and all. I sprinkled it liberally around the inside perimeter of the fence and crossed my fingers. Day two saw no damage. Day three saw the disappearance of all my kohlrabis. I put row cloth on the peas and am going to have to put up a temporary fence inside my fence until I can replace the outlet. If it would stop raining, I might get a chance. </p><p>Weatherwise, we seem to have jumped past May, June and July and have landed in August. Hot, hot, hot and humid, humid, humid. My least favorite weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwEfKGQLhARLzRQtQ3AtmWaA6TF1yS81_axzPNpeoPZ1y0nBei7cFddL_C0QNz1hDyqFyYX3IzKuFQvekYGyDh7IykR5xTodDkA_IiqL287Yq7BO3Wd2itq1Nc4wHSdOp8tkJj2nH5KgZXDwgGchNyd6nMxiXVeudvGer830eU3KinapSTUMg2Mif/s2713/IMG_0868.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2270" data-original-width="2713" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwEfKGQLhARLzRQtQ3AtmWaA6TF1yS81_axzPNpeoPZ1y0nBei7cFddL_C0QNz1hDyqFyYX3IzKuFQvekYGyDh7IykR5xTodDkA_IiqL287Yq7BO3Wd2itq1Nc4wHSdOp8tkJj2nH5KgZXDwgGchNyd6nMxiXVeudvGer830eU3KinapSTUMg2Mif/s320/IMG_0868.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52suQAG6k6alNAN6va3RFV8NDAtjB0h6J2x_ubxfYKG0glCpsOsi0BP2qjClpmyIUT4YgekmhjocK3iWkVrNanEdtA-FUFtnYsz5EFlOjFoHmFRt1mVrrsHkL0TaQQB87LnC2yPwMqL-IWdhLdiyp26KIgBVEBKvpQaPlmzvKRxSWzwd7PAwxOEJi/s4032/IMG_0872.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52suQAG6k6alNAN6va3RFV8NDAtjB0h6J2x_ubxfYKG0glCpsOsi0BP2qjClpmyIUT4YgekmhjocK3iWkVrNanEdtA-FUFtnYsz5EFlOjFoHmFRt1mVrrsHkL0TaQQB87LnC2yPwMqL-IWdhLdiyp26KIgBVEBKvpQaPlmzvKRxSWzwd7PAwxOEJi/s320/IMG_0872.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-eUqPFzuQNk5qPQB9hOQJRqMI1brF_yXqxt_geLF57N88F-se1CK6lRbTlNQzgbPZPOqGnUl0Q6Z0Gz9Pse4oK3CNcUtxBwlhgonudf4A9TpZioP2Lbd974GfstfuJX91epiHj7NFoS8NHs2WAxAIVfPFdLHOHJWr3Zj17_diOvu0QJcAqVc8qiW/s4032/IMG_0866.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-eUqPFzuQNk5qPQB9hOQJRqMI1brF_yXqxt_geLF57N88F-se1CK6lRbTlNQzgbPZPOqGnUl0Q6Z0Gz9Pse4oK3CNcUtxBwlhgonudf4A9TpZioP2Lbd974GfstfuJX91epiHj7NFoS8NHs2WAxAIVfPFdLHOHJWr3Zj17_diOvu0QJcAqVc8qiW/s320/IMG_0866.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>At least I don't have fur. I will say that the hot weather, liberally interspersed with the numerous thunderstorms has made everything grow like mad. And how is this for a thing of beauty:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkJiyQ2CPzPxhr4g6VRoezM4NZjM81X4J4-kKTn_be9ipmK1MQIj9s1od_oQsqtdOEd6lYll8L45pzrBlzK1vfdgJ-fifJoi9Acdnppu6yUAqqyirCMZk_awm2let7r6F0Pk27INW5am1fPTNsqLhNEErLbeez05-YNhuaRiQcC1U5ZxBEwNLMni1/s4032/IMG_0884.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkJiyQ2CPzPxhr4g6VRoezM4NZjM81X4J4-kKTn_be9ipmK1MQIj9s1od_oQsqtdOEd6lYll8L45pzrBlzK1vfdgJ-fifJoi9Acdnppu6yUAqqyirCMZk_awm2let7r6F0Pk27INW5am1fPTNsqLhNEErLbeez05-YNhuaRiQcC1U5ZxBEwNLMni1/s320/IMG_0884.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecO2t6N0Y1-Q8shhmR8QWeKvDxXGkHstORNT9sNnrhKRRq0_w_OFdnL7tmI7FJ-1fsgweILBm90xhEbF7pDYOAoXFr63jFO7HiYJIRZfOEBPyDdxyxU4m3QrTOo4S2_3OBp1LF4RbQHtV_yfQT6YHV1v2MunXLiKW5zBzb7iPbgo8J8MzpDygpBon/s4032/IMG_0886.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecO2t6N0Y1-Q8shhmR8QWeKvDxXGkHstORNT9sNnrhKRRq0_w_OFdnL7tmI7FJ-1fsgweILBm90xhEbF7pDYOAoXFr63jFO7HiYJIRZfOEBPyDdxyxU4m3QrTOo4S2_3OBp1LF4RbQHtV_yfQT6YHV1v2MunXLiKW5zBzb7iPbgo8J8MzpDygpBon/s320/IMG_0886.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>This is the azalea that grows next to my friend, Zirel's front deck. When I came up the driveway to pick her up, I almost drove into the woods, I was so bedazzled. Nature is a wonderful thing.</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-75888109081379921572022-05-22T15:58:00.003-04:002022-05-22T15:58:43.428-04:00Cha-cha-changes!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsArbRmts8vQXa3faDFIj1wkLkKTnHKuJEKhIqABDi81GLPYmtdwop5_fciWKvYKQ0JvuMkNKnkPwdbKctw7k52Xqd2-WlQVsAw7zRggPjfFUmHd26FxchecQsx2KSyAmIIUm8HhV9_bQwITFaRgXwwBcto5_mT1pwsrmbPKMyKNgLe8q6wWmpORo/s4032/IMG_0858.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsArbRmts8vQXa3faDFIj1wkLkKTnHKuJEKhIqABDi81GLPYmtdwop5_fciWKvYKQ0JvuMkNKnkPwdbKctw7k52Xqd2-WlQVsAw7zRggPjfFUmHd26FxchecQsx2KSyAmIIUm8HhV9_bQwITFaRgXwwBcto5_mT1pwsrmbPKMyKNgLe8q6wWmpORo/s320/IMG_0858.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZBEXDv7ag38EtkRCAcB2ej_AsW_B94BFHyEHxRt8jYHJzT2YJwM07EN0wbqUQEkonEHzJ3yWKA05Do2u5tgOgTD4GPTBUBqnHFxDOjVj5CeQD1wo5KONInRqmGKSkbqZioqy5oNOecFbaGCsPzApwLeHlcR9MGSEqz2sJDS4gNaO21I4_CFATA9E/s4032/IMG_0859.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZBEXDv7ag38EtkRCAcB2ej_AsW_B94BFHyEHxRt8jYHJzT2YJwM07EN0wbqUQEkonEHzJ3yWKA05Do2u5tgOgTD4GPTBUBqnHFxDOjVj5CeQD1wo5KONInRqmGKSkbqZioqy5oNOecFbaGCsPzApwLeHlcR9MGSEqz2sJDS4gNaO21I4_CFATA9E/s320/IMG_0859.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>What is that saying? The only thing constant is change? My little family is gearing up for a big one. Due to lots of factors, The Sisters have decided that we should move north to the parental house in Vermont. There is much to be done in order to get it ready to sell and we did not want to leave it vacant (even though my sister lives two houses away - another plus!). As you can see, Officer Peanut is practicing neighborhood watch. We had the occasion to stay overnight (sans Slimmie) and it was quite the experience. If Slimmie wasn't such a siren in the car, we could ease our entire pack into the move, but it would be too traumatizing for all of us.</p><p>That said, I still have to deal with clearing out my house and selling it - and it's totally skewed my gardening efforts. I opted for containers - I don't want to leave vege behind. There is no set date at this point, but it will probably be towards the end of the summer. With gas prices rising with no end in sight, I will not miss all of the driving.</p><p>Stay tuned.</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-76603138367768260782022-05-02T21:47:00.000-04:002022-05-02T21:47:08.706-04:00Lots of this and lots of that.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsxKP8R6MajCaWf0WXE8de_tj9X-PfOPrEmPJUm0kQBHW1zIKXPiCI81grMJxbJNRw8VK_n8S_xbXUmCAYQaM19f9dI1L5HMaZT89Mqzkd0W9o-VYVo2_91WECGQntEXQDAjQMdbWPivBozOrB3xRQfuMgFKTftgi_fHNRSF5xbBV91O8YuBQHUEl/s1023/IMG_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsxKP8R6MajCaWf0WXE8de_tj9X-PfOPrEmPJUm0kQBHW1zIKXPiCI81grMJxbJNRw8VK_n8S_xbXUmCAYQaM19f9dI1L5HMaZT89Mqzkd0W9o-VYVo2_91WECGQntEXQDAjQMdbWPivBozOrB3xRQfuMgFKTftgi_fHNRSF5xbBV91O8YuBQHUEl/s320/IMG_0820.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>As spring seems to refuse to assert herself, I doggedly keep starting seeds and accumulating plants. My lemon tree looks longingly out of the window, wondering if she'll ever feel the soft breezes through her leaves (me, too). All my window sills are full. My dining room table is carpeted in green sprouts. I've turned off the furnace and added a few dozen fleece blankets to the dog beds. I refuse to turn the heat on past April 30.<p></p><p>After last October, when I discovered a tick a week for four weeks attached to various parts of my body. I find myself hesitating when having to venture off the deck. It's amazing that something so small can strike fear into something so large (damn pandemic pounds...)</p><p>My favorite farm store has opened. My sister is experiencing an open schedule and freedom to do what she wants, when she wants, for the first time in seven years. We are beginning to organize the parental home, although we can't get further in than the garage. It doesn't seem right. This is not too much of a problem, as the garage is full of 35+ years of flotsam - Dad saved everything. We are starting at the bottom and then moving up.</p><p>Meanwhile, I am still finding myself getting the wellies on to go out and shut the chicken coop. Of all the crew, I miss the chickens the most. I do get to go and visit them and they are living the chicken dream, bless their hearts.</p><p>I am wading into the territory of estate lawyers. I am the executor of my parents' will, so...hi ho. Luckily, the house was deeded to my sisters and me, so it should (fingers crossed) be less involved.</p><p>Connie and I made our way to the Peace Pagoda, one of 3 (or 4?) in the United States. Sunday was the Flower Festival, celebrating the birth of Buddha. It was a glorious day and just what we needed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyVvr61z-TsEIc6e-zqY1QY0vWgngHRSPSuOBld5h7dwSLrjFpkMgTEJqLZ99IO4QZ0VQ7Q7EHNq0os2NCPcB1najgPVEh7kiALHPnxawPzqxrGtOvv3VeL5HaM_SUC-EuweRlkD0Fpar521IxSRLf2OM2MPjJKGg_EBm09jnfLsSDGS1SLm-AMKE/s2981/IMG_0847.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2981" data-original-width="2952" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyVvr61z-TsEIc6e-zqY1QY0vWgngHRSPSuOBld5h7dwSLrjFpkMgTEJqLZ99IO4QZ0VQ7Q7EHNq0os2NCPcB1najgPVEh7kiALHPnxawPzqxrGtOvv3VeL5HaM_SUC-EuweRlkD0Fpar521IxSRLf2OM2MPjJKGg_EBm09jnfLsSDGS1SLm-AMKE/s320/IMG_0847.HEIC" width="317" /></a></div><br /><p>P.S. It finally happened. I overheard a conversation where the ratio of words to "like" was, like, 1:1. I was so fascinated and mesmerized by hearing "like" every other word, that I couldn't really tell you what was being said. Like. You know?</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-38632708678655135222022-04-20T09:49:00.002-04:002022-04-20T09:49:21.521-04:00Mom. 1923-2022. Still not long enough.<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujG9cEVW_33klvZPoalcFEqoQ0zKIPMLIdrljPSmVzWpLjW8fEFHa_bZaSnMsY0aVhtdzWo6JZ_GO_d_0TVnSKLlMhH_6oOmlG_VgGPpTklHJrEg165gbMBD32ktXvq5zBbbB5berZ3TfuvqpPeGCgLzjwLhVi68qHGGkDfy2x3dDHId0kRwZQ77A/s1198/IMG_3602.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujG9cEVW_33klvZPoalcFEqoQ0zKIPMLIdrljPSmVzWpLjW8fEFHa_bZaSnMsY0aVhtdzWo6JZ_GO_d_0TVnSKLlMhH_6oOmlG_VgGPpTklHJrEg165gbMBD32ktXvq5zBbbB5berZ3TfuvqpPeGCgLzjwLhVi68qHGGkDfy2x3dDHId0kRwZQ77A/s320/IMG_3602.heic" width="195" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a beauty.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Mom passed on to her next adventure on April 9th. It was both expected and a shock. The three of us are feeling rather untethered from reality at the moment, but we are so very lucky to have had so much time with her and to have so many wonderful memories. And to have each other.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ni4W27tWMDVKRkSnmSSHPILZ9AM_OSVVpmU1tA1RvQS__YyOUTfaUO8-njnd3f62gr6zAx7A391TWZLYwXu1imjc43NYbtfh_UMoo-1WZpVbPLOnn5Iqj9aBofsLAHoSjECvUYtRhNQy8iYO5iYnWYAMXnUX40wmSilAv5R6OebIW4-0cGupGgEt/s640/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="640" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ni4W27tWMDVKRkSnmSSHPILZ9AM_OSVVpmU1tA1RvQS__YyOUTfaUO8-njnd3f62gr6zAx7A391TWZLYwXu1imjc43NYbtfh_UMoo-1WZpVbPLOnn5Iqj9aBofsLAHoSjECvUYtRhNQy8iYO5iYnWYAMXnUX40wmSilAv5R6OebIW4-0cGupGgEt/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite photo of the two of us.<br />Wish I could remember why we were laughing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-68456359162619001432022-04-05T06:43:00.000-04:002022-04-05T06:43:13.100-04:00Still here. More or less.<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBeYkwu5cwQZ8PS63HJtc-rj5MkitiHSQpMGYXrB-yDvpdodVfkCZeBPhbb9HXX3RQla6_FEC-C_O0XYiWed9nLd19PyRNFlZaYq5wLxky_dTmRC_app9qK7mt0wPQq4ymBJnoAdI7EeFGQbrG10JXOHjzgfxQ_C2oDTcCPKJbb5Hcy52FE7Qn6h_/s958/thumbnail_IMG_1141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="825" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBeYkwu5cwQZ8PS63HJtc-rj5MkitiHSQpMGYXrB-yDvpdodVfkCZeBPhbb9HXX3RQla6_FEC-C_O0XYiWed9nLd19PyRNFlZaYq5wLxky_dTmRC_app9qK7mt0wPQq4ymBJnoAdI7EeFGQbrG10JXOHjzgfxQ_C2oDTcCPKJbb5Hcy52FE7Qn6h_/s320/thumbnail_IMG_1141.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite photographs<br />of my mother</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mother is on her way out of this life and onto another adventure. From her long, one-sided conversations that seem to take up all of her time, she's going to have to work hard to straighten everyone out. I'll be off-line for a while - until we've seen her safely off.</div><p></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-84157513431740506482022-03-22T16:15:00.000-04:002022-03-22T16:15:39.198-04:00Thar she blows!<p> It's been gloriously warmish and sunny over the past few days. So, so difficult to keep from running amok with spring fever. I've started more seeds - flowers this time - three kinds of sunflowers, sweet peas, zinnias, and balloon flowers. I allowed myself to be thrown under the power of the poppies in the Bakers Creek catalog. There should be a warning label on that catalog.</p><p>Of course, our forecast calls for ice, sleet and snow tomorrow, into Thursday. Le sigh. However, today the sun is out full-tilt, but it has gotten pretty nippy. I was out with the garden cart earlier, starting on the megajob of hauling out a few (hundred) loads of chicken flotsam from the coop and looking forward to a cozy fire in the fireplace, when a hellish dry wind whipped up and distributed most of a cart load in every direction for miles (my neighbors can thank me for the free fertilizer). It's one of those dangerous zero-humidity high winds that can take a spark and create an inferno. I'm hoping none of my neighbors decided to burn their Christmas trees today. There's a steady wind, but there are also gusts that are strong enough to blow the hair off your head (especially if it's loosely attached...) No fire for us tonight.</p><p>I had forgotten to keep track of my Defensive Driving discount on my auto insurance and was shocked into action when I received notice that my monthly bill was going up. I signed up for the AARP course because, as a member, I get a discounted rate. The downside is that you are constantly made to feel that you have one foot in the grave and are a danger to all on the road. Fergodsake. They give you little pop quizzes to judge your level of decrepitude - totally bogus. I answered all of them correctly and was treated to dire warnings that I need to see my GP about my declining mental and physical health. The nerve. Quite frankly, the only interesting nugget of information that I came out with at the end of the (brainfreezingly long) course was that tires have a shelf life of six years and you should ask your mechanic how old they are before buying them.</p><p>Speaking of cognitive health, I am taking a Spanish course online. I know I am getting better at it because I am no longer answering in Anglo-Dutch-Spanish. This reminds me of the time I went fly fishing with a girlfriend off the banks on Long Island, many moons ago. We completely missed the LARGE no-fishing sign and were merrily casting away, when a F and G officer swaggered up to arrest us. Probably not to arrest us, but he looked a bit menacing. When he pointed out the sign, I started babbling in a mixture of Dutch/Spanish, nodding and smiling. P followed suit, without the babbling. He slowed his speech down to mono-syllables and upped the volume - NO FISHY HERE. I babbled some more, both of us nodding and smiling, and we scampered back to P's car. La phew.</p><p>For those of you who requested it, here is The Table:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIqPhGB4FAA-ZJcUrGIdmWSWS-to7iwLjUttLWMEN6H4cSyTAQm6tKv0Fo45aTrUkCntnC5legeqYR4zdqzPC_-QGhcLdTv4n2g8hSxgXmODIC_77ieJbojvvWojVMnnGra-g5I-Rbj3okLlN0_KhRJbc6y6T6fkhBZcwLne7JfYAGStSXWES7pFj/s3629/IMG_0803.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3629" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIqPhGB4FAA-ZJcUrGIdmWSWS-to7iwLjUttLWMEN6H4cSyTAQm6tKv0Fo45aTrUkCntnC5legeqYR4zdqzPC_-QGhcLdTv4n2g8hSxgXmODIC_77ieJbojvvWojVMnnGra-g5I-Rbj3okLlN0_KhRJbc6y6T6fkhBZcwLne7JfYAGStSXWES7pFj/s320/IMG_0803.HEIC" width="267" /></a></div><p>It is presently, as you can clearly see, the hub of my garden-planning/seed-starting activity.</p><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-70328283533491043262022-03-18T11:42:00.000-04:002022-03-18T11:42:52.997-04:00Spring is coming in on a musical note.<p> I am basking in the glory of birdsong this morning. Robins are everywhere, I have heard the all-important-to-spring redwing blackbirds, and today I heard my first bluebird. O frabjous day! I also noticed that the red squirrel has been chewing on the opening to the bluebird house. Bloody rodents.</p><p>The back deck has received its first brooming and I hope there is time for it to dry before the rain starts tomorrow. Both dogs are comatose, having spent a good half hour racing through the sheep paddocks, enjoying the space and smells. </p><p>I am contemplating a gluten free Irish soda bread for Sunday dinner with my sister and mother. Speaking of which/whom (mother) things are definitely on the downward slide. It seems like someone flipped the dementia switch and there is very little conversing with her now. There's a lot of back and forth to VT now and I'm trying to support my sister as much as possible. Mom is going into comfort care at home and I am very grateful that Vermont has such a great elder care set-up and that my sister is such a rare gem.</p><p>Meanwhile, I've been starting seeds and just standing outside, taking deep breaths. And trying not to think of ticks.</p><p>Another entry into my wacko life journal - yesterday, when I went to drop off Mom's tax info, I aimed my key fob at the door to unlock it and, instead of hearing the usual beep, I heard a Canada goose honk. Pause. Tried again, same thing. But it was all in the timing - I looked up to see two geese flying overhead. It made me think that Subaru should offer various animal sounds on their remote devices. You could recreate an entire jungle in a parking garage!</p><p>My Irish wish to you all:</p><p>May the wind be always at your back and up your nose, and may your blessings outweigh your woes.</p><p>(Sometimes I just kill myself...)</p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-69448389940810643112022-03-04T16:45:00.000-05:002022-03-04T16:45:23.886-05:00Note to self: Act your age<p> My wifi mysteriously went out a week ago and it's taken until today to solve the problem. Let's not even consider how many hours of phone-hold time were involved. At least Verizon has bearable hold music. Or should that be bare-ably music... In any event - here I am!</p><p>Not much of any significance has been going on. There has been some knitting.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqOxP9SRbH_RgXL9Lx9n2pMA0fvaAMR6aa-OaWRFJGVv_YgXAbc0T2InIEZQowYz6zylDfsAjFmpLLQNtk_iYWsLZ-8YgVQZeYGAZb-FDkNjbI_Ev1PGswpQ1poYS6UEeJwfDkvox-lU4tWefltJ7Q1OIYdu9wwYw67DDSGkrrUoawaiqFKTyAEfAn=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqOxP9SRbH_RgXL9Lx9n2pMA0fvaAMR6aa-OaWRFJGVv_YgXAbc0T2InIEZQowYz6zylDfsAjFmpLLQNtk_iYWsLZ-8YgVQZeYGAZb-FDkNjbI_Ev1PGswpQ1poYS6UEeJwfDkvox-lU4tWefltJ7Q1OIYdu9wwYw67DDSGkrrUoawaiqFKTyAEfAn=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matchy-matchy!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One pair down and another on the needles.</p><p>There has been cooking.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjQ1h2MJimThXysZjezkOa6DeST_MAnFeY4QrEnzLh6x2juo7elwoQAG7Q4YZi0twuFS4CmV-2KlcTmpjxHVXvrhM7jLJ5rqAYudMl0F_ZdS8vRXcodQbgevjm7DMpZANYmzLTZa1YB6-1RffBEFSXyZzfuzssF8nIMbSzrY3fuZUQ4sYsc9a37JXg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjQ1h2MJimThXysZjezkOa6DeST_MAnFeY4QrEnzLh6x2juo7elwoQAG7Q4YZi0twuFS4CmV-2KlcTmpjxHVXvrhM7jLJ5rqAYudMl0F_ZdS8vRXcodQbgevjm7DMpZANYmzLTZa1YB6-1RffBEFSXyZzfuzssF8nIMbSzrY3fuZUQ4sYsc9a37JXg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauteed mushrooms, onions<br />and spinach</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaRjL40fc5kdtLH9CC6ZZ-Yf-scrEtOPwMkrjqPIVKxmZojTwA6IUDZ21JsM0heEtoxOLUJM731CJXoJTkjIBsLggm38Wt6XYVz6-qHxx8GPA5ckxro3csk_zriEcly2uI02th3-N-3TqXCpfqYMbdgYq9Hpji0CipsGH4B-ggehm7yB66ZMKk__Lu=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaRjL40fc5kdtLH9CC6ZZ-Yf-scrEtOPwMkrjqPIVKxmZojTwA6IUDZ21JsM0heEtoxOLUJM731CJXoJTkjIBsLggm38Wt6XYVz6-qHxx8GPA5ckxro3csk_zriEcly2uI02th3-N-3TqXCpfqYMbdgYq9Hpji0CipsGH4B-ggehm7yB66ZMKk__Lu=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a polenta base</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>There has been a lot of driving.</p><p>There has been Mom-sitting. This also gives me more time with my middle sis, so all is good. But, crikey! Just shoot me before I hit 90. The lifestyle is so slow, it goes backwards.</p><p>I have also been working on little projects/chores/niggly bits. I repaired the squirrel damage (for now) to my squirrel proof bird feeder (an oxymoron, if I ever heard one), I repaired the coop hen door, just in time for their exodus. I started pepper and scallion seeds and am gearing up to start some early kale.</p><p>Speaking of kale - there will be something new in the garden! If these babies come to be, I will be pinning a blue ribbon from the county fair on my lapel.,</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCf6PT1hL7BnMGDJP2gfKrStyzNB2sIL94RP6cu432hFuI61bLNhHJT4v2WEt07M9KrS__MYq4MReKBam2_0o3qc9DGnqRJTSepDc6PIyCxOr5xUjDLc-ZrzGB_G4NbSTXW9nf9GxZRCwAupBYn1q7KxT_YlT2hCQpgRmq6YLShzQBZfvl9XsjgjHd=s480" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCf6PT1hL7BnMGDJP2gfKrStyzNB2sIL94RP6cu432hFuI61bLNhHJT4v2WEt07M9KrS__MYq4MReKBam2_0o3qc9DGnqRJTSepDc6PIyCxOr5xUjDLc-ZrzGB_G4NbSTXW9nf9GxZRCwAupBYn1q7KxT_YlT2hCQpgRmq6YLShzQBZfvl9XsjgjHd=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Rareseeds.com</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Oh, man, I can hardly wait to plant this! Think of the salads! I could feed the town - town, heck. With enough of these, I could feed the state. Especially since I doubt most of my neighbors would eat kale.</p>Since I was so wound up about my burst of get-er-done energy, I decided to tackle one job that has been on my list for far too long - tightening the legs on my dining room table. The dang thing has been heaving and leaning in a most alarming manner for months. I rooted around in my tools (organizing and downsizing of same is still on the list) and got my wrench kit. Then I flipped the table on its side. Oy. Then I flipped it on its top/back. Oy VEY. I crept around all four corners, tightening bolts and whinging and whining, then realized I had to put it right side up. This is no sissy table. This is a bespoke (sorry, couldn't help myself) table built from Mexican door parts, with neato drawers for napkins. It weighs a TON. I managed to ignore it for a while, lying on it's back/top like a big pine turtle. I vacuumed around it, made a cup of tea, did some knitting, but there was no getting around it (literally and figuratively). It had to be righted. I was having my neighbor over for dinner and it's the only dining surface in the house. I doubted he would take to a picnic on the floor with the dogs. At 88, it's not feasible to get up and down without help. Heck, at my age, I have enough trouble myself. So.... I pulled up my BGP and woman-handled it to its side, then braced a leg with my foot and heaved. I managed it, but SweetLouise. I do tend to forget that I am not 30. Or 40. Or 50. You get the picture. In my mind, I am ageless and invincible. But that is the only place where those two qualities reside.<div><br /></div><div>I administered Ibuprofen and adult liquids before bed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-36354781807772921902022-02-20T10:36:00.001-05:002022-02-20T10:36:32.010-05:00The power of prose.<p>Yesterday, we were hit with high winds and a snow squall and it made me nostalgic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifQwX7B6ki0ugToH-aNnK9Hwmaw6O3BderMayBEjDWss93zplF_YEtynzuedsRJX02CWGh_BNILgSKVwhXVOjplQnC2YPfRKpZ1yLpSWQWmlLG4yVIP96MLY-UFFMKpICE4VXRn_5kyT8w5yYORmsvrzGFsCmG9isNPhthZDf8MD3kQDKy2vs3JjpC=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifQwX7B6ki0ugToH-aNnK9Hwmaw6O3BderMayBEjDWss93zplF_YEtynzuedsRJX02CWGh_BNILgSKVwhXVOjplQnC2YPfRKpZ1yLpSWQWmlLG4yVIP96MLY-UFFMKpICE4VXRn_5kyT8w5yYORmsvrzGFsCmG9isNPhthZDf8MD3kQDKy2vs3JjpC=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p>Way back in the day, on the cusp of my move from Ohio to the Netherlands, I had rented a room from a friend while my crated belongings steamed their way east. She had a Victorian monster in the original settlement of Cleveland - Ohio City, on the Cuyahoga River. This was one of those neighborhoods that was just beginning to rise from decay to decadence. It wasn't even half way there at the time. I sat in my garret room, surrounded by an alarming array of antiques and collectibles (alarming because a- they weren't mine, b- they were mostly fragile and c- I'm not known for my graceful movements), spending my remaining stateside days reading. I happened to be reading <i>A Year in Provence</i> by Peter Mayle, while a blizzard raged outside. About halfway through the book, I was overcome with a desire to dine on baguettes and Brie, washed down with a nice fruity (French) wine. When I say 'overcome', I mean it. I pulled on boots, hat, scarf, gloves, wool coat, and fought my way blindly through the snow until I reached the <a href="http://westsidemarket.org/" target="_blank">West Side Market</a>, some 12 blocks away (including a bridge). Let me say, here, that I miss that market something fierce. Of course, the market was less glitzy when I was a customer, but it was like having a little pocket of Europe in your backyard. </p><p>I got my baguette, my cheese and a cheap bottle of vino and battled my way back. I finished the book, sitting on the floor with my repast. Heaven. </p><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-84630947403449083952022-02-15T15:01:00.000-05:002022-02-15T15:01:07.862-05:00Good grief. Valentine's Day.<p>For most of my life, I have experienced Valentine's Day much as Charlie Brown experienced kicking that football. Hope snatched away, right in mid-kick. (Wah, wah, wah...) Forget a sweetie pie, I've got friends who love me (you know who you are...xoxoxo). To make this VaDa (to differentiate the day from the disease), even more special, I found out I was the victim of IT (unfortunately, NOT interterrestrial travel, but Identity Theft.) I would have much preferred the former.</p><p>I suppose I should be happy that the perpetrator is not the sharpest tack in the box. He/she opened a checking account online with another bank, in my name. Fortunately for me, they had checks issued to my home address. I have spent the greater part of today going from that bank, to my bank, and burning up the phone lines to all three credit bureaus. I also reported the fraud to Federal Trade Commission and have tried to contact a human at the Social Security Agency. After three tries, holding for 45 minutes each go-around, I gave up for now. I'll tackle it early in the morning and hope to get a jump on the 500 million people they service. It grates my fanny that this happened, but it was only a matter of time. I am seriously considering life as a Luddite. </p><p>On a sunnier note, we celebrated VaDa early and this is what made it special:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie16rFKPrTlVg8kaMbOkNHW_yfLx7iLMlLR9xY0aP5lVc4DOS3lew_oP56wYR2r04mxrIu_gC0quP0YJYo_QyIdpOkVBHN50v-37Qmn4x-HVv26xVwhMPJhfr7SQTqx9z6__kheK6cKblRaRX-0ThWFaK67lrtG_QE_725PTidLzODHad9seM2r4zi=s2848" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="2669" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie16rFKPrTlVg8kaMbOkNHW_yfLx7iLMlLR9xY0aP5lVc4DOS3lew_oP56wYR2r04mxrIu_gC0quP0YJYo_QyIdpOkVBHN50v-37Qmn4x-HVv26xVwhMPJhfr7SQTqx9z6__kheK6cKblRaRX-0ThWFaK67lrtG_QE_725PTidLzODHad9seM2r4zi=s320" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resplendent in her VD outfit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>My youngest sis and her son came up from The City to spend the weekend with Mom. At 98, we celebrate every day and every occasion.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so looking forward to Farch. At least if it is less icy than January/February. If it's not, it can go someplace else. Just when I think I'm making headway on the ice accumulation, we get a spell of warmish weather, followed immediately by frigid weather. I bet we have well over two inches of ice under the latest layer. There was a lot of tree damage during the last ice storm and it looks like i may have to wait until April to clean up the branches.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiemWe483Kmj-nPu4tjVM-aSPV1KF3WZM1-iuXYeUfTNBTutia_d-nTHwFXeYl6EHBq6CU3M4C8DytKZKLL9sfe5aO0Qdxw_2OcWEPK3H6rPWy8C4G9otpbyeBWOmhOJvpgK04sigOxuDq5siDCKqURiucs7UOYqDdsR_cktejnsounpzo4oAlV3y6r=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiemWe483Kmj-nPu4tjVM-aSPV1KF3WZM1-iuXYeUfTNBTutia_d-nTHwFXeYl6EHBq6CU3M4C8DytKZKLL9sfe5aO0Qdxw_2OcWEPK3H6rPWy8C4G9otpbyeBWOmhOJvpgK04sigOxuDq5siDCKqURiucs7UOYqDdsR_cktejnsounpzo4oAlV3y6r=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv_qwKU5m2R8oorP9zCyU7tueKomo8p6NfQN0Ha9JWvtPL21hjC-YqC_KA5b8HyFHZ8OR4hE0bKBu7SWzdJTuWazpF_412Zbi4pUnZ9rkBfmZ4uU0lOsB5sHlFWfnxRxvWYAwR5janrxA0Puui_pfa8hTHzdOla4vIYebV_wrLcWSJHdGRy65rKaFz=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv_qwKU5m2R8oorP9zCyU7tueKomo8p6NfQN0Ha9JWvtPL21hjC-YqC_KA5b8HyFHZ8OR4hE0bKBu7SWzdJTuWazpF_412Zbi4pUnZ9rkBfmZ4uU0lOsB5sHlFWfnxRxvWYAwR5janrxA0Puui_pfa8hTHzdOla4vIYebV_wrLcWSJHdGRy65rKaFz=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>I have the grid paper, garden journal, garden notebook and seed collection out on the dining room table. I am ready for green things!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-9l6yTloowmBskjCpIMgJ8aBzKNgT7iE0Sb2d6OPLi6WA_HXOONaovbBFfNTs_bFNc6524j0JAbw_Cn8rYl6pM6C5S7tpbqPlXG_oYAdeOG5mQ2yyAR_J1ZxlZ2SazHKhOHR6b43iECkJRl_KHiEGuxU4SNqNF-zia69Kp3QRsiAj76Zb97mTbD9M=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-9l6yTloowmBskjCpIMgJ8aBzKNgT7iE0Sb2d6OPLi6WA_HXOONaovbBFfNTs_bFNc6524j0JAbw_Cn8rYl6pM6C5S7tpbqPlXG_oYAdeOG5mQ2yyAR_J1ZxlZ2SazHKhOHR6b43iECkJRl_KHiEGuxU4SNqNF-zia69Kp3QRsiAj76Zb97mTbD9M=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-33675415818079381782022-01-27T12:01:00.001-05:002022-01-27T12:01:15.202-05:00The end of an era.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT-DZZtFx1CtJ60XUyjelracqXlhq21BWg66-XcOzelmIgZKF-QYKWVox7p5KhdWLN7zVDTr_clAOnmE2HUyzeZcravHQfjqDUKDPYz4OQiCZtsMScZLE7klJbKvOHH2Rvm5TwcD0m7ZmtHNh6skSJJSXJjFX_O-BzYq6ch_WC4aCFBPYPJSh11VmO=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT-DZZtFx1CtJ60XUyjelracqXlhq21BWg66-XcOzelmIgZKF-QYKWVox7p5KhdWLN7zVDTr_clAOnmE2HUyzeZcravHQfjqDUKDPYz4OQiCZtsMScZLE7klJbKvOHH2Rvm5TwcD0m7ZmtHNh6skSJJSXJjFX_O-BzYq6ch_WC4aCFBPYPJSh11VmO=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk64lkuGpj7wMDOf4L5C2fi6xuEvp_FOHsU0Nwe_pczTsdnWynrA9UhNRZVowsQQ70GEv3pUmW2l4It7BChNKiyDjCKG_jP_iggoEfUCJ8VTEIEFmmYMaq68lolIOXikx15muyEfJFWT7aqGteRVnT9KmYALq4PJcT6X2_VSYlcp4UAd51U08XUiNr=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk64lkuGpj7wMDOf4L5C2fi6xuEvp_FOHsU0Nwe_pczTsdnWynrA9UhNRZVowsQQ70GEv3pUmW2l4It7BChNKiyDjCKG_jP_iggoEfUCJ8VTEIEFmmYMaq68lolIOXikx15muyEfJFWT7aqGteRVnT9KmYALq4PJcT6X2_VSYlcp4UAd51U08XUiNr=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moment he realized he had been<br />duped.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Linden left for his new home last Tuesday morning. My shearer, Joe, came with his gooseneck trailer and loaded up the remaining hay and my boy. Linden, sweet as he is, does not cooperate. So, I had a big pan of "Waldorf" salad (chopped apple with some romaine lettuce) to lead him down the right path. He would plant his butt, then I would waggle the bowl under his nose, we would go a few more yards. Rinse, repeat. We finally got him loaded, all cozy with the 80 bales of hay, and off he went. I stood by the barn and bawled for twenty minutes. Everything seems so quiet and empty now. I realized that this is the first time in almost 14 years that there has not been a sheep on this place. I am consoled by the vision of Linden tucked in a barn, cozied up with his new flock.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a good thing, too. We have had Arctic temps both day and night. I can't believe I feel like celebrating when the thermometer shows double digits above zero. There is ice everywhere and I finally cleared out the carport so that I can tuck my car under cover. We've had high winds, rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow. I have brought out all my seeds and am in the process of sorting through them. Now that I have over an acre and a half of fenced in ground, I might attempt winter squash this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've finished a pair of socks, knitted a few more catnip mice, and have started on a glorious alpaca yarn cowl for my sister. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfPqJUAQBHH1g1awW_KhySnGuncIJH-ObJs7swVDhFMb2vA8Cro3G8qCg9kdET1nhZjtYs1h7A4MtCifQ7lmUmNkrGEtw09xFT7H_7cdjaSqlwzN-q4hm_GGP1nwy2OvahirCn0JQiL7wIZC9Fgvo75Anzi1lxvc-pW8P5aVpsRO2pltL7LJnaF09I=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfPqJUAQBHH1g1awW_KhySnGuncIJH-ObJs7swVDhFMb2vA8Cro3G8qCg9kdET1nhZjtYs1h7A4MtCifQ7lmUmNkrGEtw09xFT7H_7cdjaSqlwzN-q4hm_GGP1nwy2OvahirCn0JQiL7wIZC9Fgvo75Anzi1lxvc-pW8P5aVpsRO2pltL7LJnaF09I=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm trying to emulate my friend, <a href="https://self-sufficientsam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sam</a>, and get myself whipped into gear to finish a few of the hundreds of projects in various stages of completion (or not). Then there is the stack of books that I need to crack open. </div><div><br /></div><div>With this gloomy winter weather so far, it's nice to know there are bright spots waiting in the wings.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2Skxes5LlwMDDWM2ATVPxwdtc8Z9jvaYxKKzg9hHVt9smO4HyXkk-hbXUY_no5sZej7pOQnb-enxpIOCYqGQSURSDX2ukJf-lSr729xEr_0A_NQOG61Ui5ynL9WuqnDjoeC9_1w6cQxECtRKgizWCL_9BFBLqosuuU5a8BpjIv1ocI3YdzZjBKjEA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2Skxes5LlwMDDWM2ATVPxwdtc8Z9jvaYxKKzg9hHVt9smO4HyXkk-hbXUY_no5sZej7pOQnb-enxpIOCYqGQSURSDX2ukJf-lSr729xEr_0A_NQOG61Ui5ynL9WuqnDjoeC9_1w6cQxECtRKgizWCL_9BFBLqosuuU5a8BpjIv1ocI3YdzZjBKjEA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /> </div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-71692987798048757332022-01-08T06:56:00.002-05:002022-01-08T06:56:47.441-05:00I seem to be afflicted with AAOCKD.<p> (Or more commonly known as ACK!)</p><p>Yes, I'm afraid it's true. As the earth completes another go-around of the sun and I inch (if only) towards decrepitude, I have found that I am afflicted with Advanced Age Obsessive Compulsive Knitting Disorder. I'm sure you already knew that, but I am slow on the upswing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGdfD9IZusMvbYIFAfXIRnaTUk3IuwSztevUpcB-br5cS8deEqG5IZ8MKRmAuvJ_UmJDtSLg7UnzbPhXl5OhzsR73iPZUT7W4GvSLIxyc5kBs-jSNt4mFQLFa37Osy4AbNTXKndizh1D3T37UEU2LqkczuRRs__X5MxxO22fC4-RDUJE894wHXiA9h=s3061" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3061" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGdfD9IZusMvbYIFAfXIRnaTUk3IuwSztevUpcB-br5cS8deEqG5IZ8MKRmAuvJ_UmJDtSLg7UnzbPhXl5OhzsR73iPZUT7W4GvSLIxyc5kBs-jSNt4mFQLFa37Osy4AbNTXKndizh1D3T37UEU2LqkczuRRs__X5MxxO22fC4-RDUJE894wHXiA9h=s320" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p>I stumbled upon a pattern for a catnip mouse toy and....have made about 20. I even tried to refocus by starting on a pair of socks. I made it to the heel, then knit two more cat toys. Good gawd. I will say they are Slimmie and Sadie Mae approved (a friend's lovely cat), so it's easy to justify the knitting of them. Unfortunately, I only have one cat and I have made them for every cat I know. If you all have a cat that is partial to catnip, send me an email. I will be obsessing on these for a while. Until the next shiny object comes along.</p><p>Winter was rather late in arriving, but it's making up for lost time. We have had rain and fog, now snow and ice. There have been some spectacular sunsets (no filters, honestly.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwHCAKhiN3I4-LfLUWU1A1EVL2YhMHGzdCal2uIzxB7qLf2GOCGo7hB37VXrUOag9BMc1kORRAmPPIQZuiy682E098aHbmbWy9iRZz4a_tunJE1lenxpHtuW1UdD5eyR4GHcavtS6roQsdS3LJZlHoyk-yp-XXcyq7QG4PW9qOt6SofwMbE98SXqzK=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwHCAKhiN3I4-LfLUWU1A1EVL2YhMHGzdCal2uIzxB7qLf2GOCGo7hB37VXrUOag9BMc1kORRAmPPIQZuiy682E098aHbmbWy9iRZz4a_tunJE1lenxpHtuW1UdD5eyR4GHcavtS6roQsdS3LJZlHoyk-yp-XXcyq7QG4PW9qOt6SofwMbE98SXqzK=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqf5LeMW8ny8Km81AJ5KBoBUYL7mbyxNc4P4ztf2sBFeKv4Bl74gyRKmvtXHEDke6Xpz5KpGXBNCHPXDBOVlhR44T8k06XMxH5FEuNJHsPmlzNl6W7tXpptX-oILM94PggsaH78zsTckMxQZo3jvn5aXdbW6LTouel-NmVALESa95TOlz8rYkrIOvi=s3326" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3326" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqf5LeMW8ny8Km81AJ5KBoBUYL7mbyxNc4P4ztf2sBFeKv4Bl74gyRKmvtXHEDke6Xpz5KpGXBNCHPXDBOVlhR44T8k06XMxH5FEuNJHsPmlzNl6W7tXpptX-oILM94PggsaH78zsTckMxQZo3jvn5aXdbW6LTouel-NmVALESa95TOlz8rYkrIOvi=s320" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p>This morning, I have watched the temperature fall from 6 degrees F, to - presently - 1 degree F. They are predicting freezing rain tomorrow, which is just peachy, as I have to drive to the city to pick up a friend at the airport and then transport her to VT. It's a good thing I learned to drive on the south shore of Lake Erie. I am fairly adept at wintering on the road.</p><p>I am embracing the cold with a song in my heart because....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQEvcp0dooe7SYK0zvA4UtphrQE5W2oxCLLf9vt-caXWA-14EV7MCGm6L4tVssNrBYwt1b0--BLwRMFmHY41xaqCyqmSWfqMjyJPSY5eCb9rMqvq0kChCR5dVDCFdTwLnO7BVoeRPjx-1ygKPpB_pogaIgGnKkiwdM-DNspu2nUBfhLoEB-I0e6Jlw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQEvcp0dooe7SYK0zvA4UtphrQE5W2oxCLLf9vt-caXWA-14EV7MCGm6L4tVssNrBYwt1b0--BLwRMFmHY41xaqCyqmSWfqMjyJPSY5eCb9rMqvq0kChCR5dVDCFdTwLnO7BVoeRPjx-1ygKPpB_pogaIgGnKkiwdM-DNspu2nUBfhLoEB-I0e6Jlw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq8Wu1gLN9CEJRjmYimRnTQOSEo2f5rnF_j3devWpr82yRl7sdeHg_3InZ6cGlMBrV1uRpzVcD23BoL-shNjjZft5Oe8pw5hn4yngDqMlTxv8BX_LdpnEWf5Jfm1GYfmC0YX60C32hrnYxy_jiC7Lz32Ga2t6uukI1NkugrMQlzUNFPVPOeprj-yBK=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq8Wu1gLN9CEJRjmYimRnTQOSEo2f5rnF_j3devWpr82yRl7sdeHg_3InZ6cGlMBrV1uRpzVcD23BoL-shNjjZft5Oe8pw5hn4yngDqMlTxv8BX_LdpnEWf5Jfm1GYfmC0YX60C32hrnYxy_jiC7Lz32Ga2t6uukI1NkugrMQlzUNFPVPOeprj-yBK=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p>Is this not the most beautiful lap blanket EVER??? I tell you, besides the outstanding skill of the creator of this gem, the colors are fabulous. I dare you to not have your spirits lifted at the mere sight of it! Sam, you are such a dear. I love it to death and refuse to share it with any of the kids.</p><p>Some randomness from the past few weeks:</p><p>Linden is going to his new home (fingers crossed) early Tuesday morning. The fellow that shears my sheep is going to foster him with his little flock until he either finds a new home or passes to the rainbow fields. I am so happy for him. And it will be way better for his waistline, as I have been doling out a steady supply of guilt grahams.</p><p>The kids got some fantastic gifties from their Auntie C. Peanut got quite possessive with the stuffie skunk and I had to pull out the back-up skunk to keep peace on the homestead.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-zvIQoTitMaG1pAFnAtk3b--8JmrHKXcZL50uBP-iLlFhf98hm6QBSOFZdbawUynT2laEOKHF9J-7lbHAIXGAUhh0DJ2upvyQi6bMgmYshLUB_rVDnl1Ltyk0uDG16gGfWgYH4w3sTL7xXfuoq9XbjquHNcfV-atHsmF4EpnVSeLeVS4OQqUvGSIC=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-zvIQoTitMaG1pAFnAtk3b--8JmrHKXcZL50uBP-iLlFhf98hm6QBSOFZdbawUynT2laEOKHF9J-7lbHAIXGAUhh0DJ2upvyQi6bMgmYshLUB_rVDnl1Ltyk0uDG16gGfWgYH4w3sTL7xXfuoq9XbjquHNcfV-atHsmF4EpnVSeLeVS4OQqUvGSIC=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL the toys are HIS</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I cleaned out and organized the freezer in my fridge.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifZY4e0yrj5gXgxJ5m0iX7Etxp8Gml2doKIPrHvrtK2MvapDvTVA5cjMGURxxS9rttLVWz9twr7bM9CO9J6JdgGu6JXts0Bq59rd0GOWZ3DZm546z4ozGsXS-Zj4ZYgMW-AAvSr9cBpmCV52yLPMQra_Qzs96EOvx8ZIFgCqGifa-FtFDdUT8dDOH7=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifZY4e0yrj5gXgxJ5m0iX7Etxp8Gml2doKIPrHvrtK2MvapDvTVA5cjMGURxxS9rttLVWz9twr7bM9CO9J6JdgGu6JXts0Bq59rd0GOWZ3DZm546z4ozGsXS-Zj4ZYgMW-AAvSr9cBpmCV52yLPMQra_Qzs96EOvx8ZIFgCqGifa-FtFDdUT8dDOH7=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><p>I rediscovered carrot rice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUpGxe7NHyt40qx2DgfOzczrHe1IRLjtr5Rm8RRSwskZ6laWxdKbEkB2oCsQ8KCeiJe25j9OMwBod05VCI_2pMDASYIIgDwErs3344f0p--Dn-vyHeFN38xVwURKsvgdShdeZCQnBuiECLxhQ6L14xuDFHJwMIm7SWnYHVc2o80IClR2XhdyEk_hK3=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUpGxe7NHyt40qx2DgfOzczrHe1IRLjtr5Rm8RRSwskZ6laWxdKbEkB2oCsQ8KCeiJe25j9OMwBod05VCI_2pMDASYIIgDwErs3344f0p--Dn-vyHeFN38xVwURKsvgdShdeZCQnBuiECLxhQ6L14xuDFHJwMIm7SWnYHVc2o80IClR2XhdyEk_hK3=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>2022 is gearing up to be a highly exciting year. Snort.</p></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-568722227216598592021-12-14T06:43:00.000-05:002021-12-14T06:43:50.801-05:00Going full hygge <p> I've given up trying to figure out the weather. Once again, it will be a Winter of All Jackets. Rain, vest, down, windbreaker. In an effort to lift my mood, I have pulled out all the stops on the hygge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ_OqCW9yjp_jWTIdMZdb_lTYjYlz8LuEjE3Ex1jBt-0E4kJ79YkzbFgev6MWOVFORdiohR9IE4a1zRrm_MQGX_fj4kElu6z3QIDYFtKK6ELw3c5nMhlgz43C3KrNBq5TJEN_TOlmVC9U-J1xDtGQlFod_K5JzX3yfgNQuMOsilaq8It2tDBwbbzT8=s3674" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3674" data-original-width="2996" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ_OqCW9yjp_jWTIdMZdb_lTYjYlz8LuEjE3Ex1jBt-0E4kJ79YkzbFgev6MWOVFORdiohR9IE4a1zRrm_MQGX_fj4kElu6z3QIDYFtKK6ELw3c5nMhlgz43C3KrNBq5TJEN_TOlmVC9U-J1xDtGQlFod_K5JzX3yfgNQuMOsilaq8It2tDBwbbzT8=s320" width="261" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pups were all for it. Lovey on top,<br />PB in the princess bed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigxCrMGzdzFk89XxbZ8mNziArBp54U_FPxu70wpQe3lGsAdRAwxdDvwS7Ge0hM4fJ5GoXbNnYRBTvPzvcLtQM3EymdvJf4_LGKrt5PmY1H7LWmPPr-6J7GMK3gld_2y-Jy_p2Wlwvj96vnVLy6li407ceZlwYU8Z2JRlZe6IBlWbAo4aw-6SRiuB53=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigxCrMGzdzFk89XxbZ8mNziArBp54U_FPxu70wpQe3lGsAdRAwxdDvwS7Ge0hM4fJ5GoXbNnYRBTvPzvcLtQM3EymdvJf4_LGKrt5PmY1H7LWmPPr-6J7GMK3gld_2y-Jy_p2Wlwvj96vnVLy6li407ceZlwYU8Z2JRlZe6IBlWbAo4aw-6SRiuB53=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipxGLxe5ST6MTIRIR88Lr3SXehHCTjgk7A4iMWiGL5SYgHCRKsIyhXp30IBapS8IwL9ABDB8510aruaOAWHRsGyCggpsK1h-DALsUpRFvf1mqXxOS_ThFCF9DdC1JM8iPD2wWpTKO-Tm8SBDak2Sr_wjzOpCy45frs104MoBhHWtU1iItW44q19mdv=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipxGLxe5ST6MTIRIR88Lr3SXehHCTjgk7A4iMWiGL5SYgHCRKsIyhXp30IBapS8IwL9ABDB8510aruaOAWHRsGyCggpsK1h-DALsUpRFvf1mqXxOS_ThFCF9DdC1JM8iPD2wWpTKO-Tm8SBDak2Sr_wjzOpCy45frs104MoBhHWtU1iItW44q19mdv=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix0F1NKaXp5GCNgJtObXyJB0Y2MB3rIWlqE93yKAPu-z2GOcW9PwyfYn5a_-txVP2T6AAuBnaOzHy3LoT4TTdO6AJFAbb-IeyL66QpDe2lhDU6GH6fImIwjV1cXOAUkExRqKJ03ny0CgKUmxB_viUp-hkn__Ct-8NhWV-ruclwX1Bv7eq6m0Hw59-e=s3782" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3782" data-original-width="2818" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix0F1NKaXp5GCNgJtObXyJB0Y2MB3rIWlqE93yKAPu-z2GOcW9PwyfYn5a_-txVP2T6AAuBnaOzHy3LoT4TTdO6AJFAbb-IeyL66QpDe2lhDU6GH6fImIwjV1cXOAUkExRqKJ03ny0CgKUmxB_viUp-hkn__Ct-8NhWV-ruclwX1Bv7eq6m0Hw59-e=s320" width="238" /></a></div>Although I am no longer canning and preserving like a 1930 prairie housewife, I did manage to put up some applesauce from a wonderful mix of heirloom varieties that Marianne gave me.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQjS8cZEUu1mWznZF8aGrx4_H8WPQzLp2FFG6258wbc6BBD_fpuaypLbUgtLbtZ7jNyaD2qh4-No0DvjmVBx4lJYpTjlWg7L20YIA7ryR-8lDi-L7gt6cU8PZP3Vo6gV720TO5EXNb2DO0aVQXYWzsS8e_-S9ua0wueAfalldoisfvek5jt2mZyeBR=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQjS8cZEUu1mWznZF8aGrx4_H8WPQzLp2FFG6258wbc6BBD_fpuaypLbUgtLbtZ7jNyaD2qh4-No0DvjmVBx4lJYpTjlWg7L20YIA7ryR-8lDi-L7gt6cU8PZP3Vo6gV720TO5EXNb2DO0aVQXYWzsS8e_-S9ua0wueAfalldoisfvek5jt2mZyeBR=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><p>I have also been cooking up comfort foods, like mushroom rice. There is a local business that grows the most amazing mushrooms - the concoction below has shiitake, lions mane and chestnut.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKnoGFoRC_z4XnfZBMBn7BGG9tSR8LpgYZl_wVndUfU-z19Piy8dSPyUeqxOEqPoZtli3NHW4MQwhUDeRv3sLOyVxz4x5Ct4DgGvTY8UA7PY_1AaAt5-Rx9GBDRMH0nlHS0DPOh6WUauL1P2PATXGv81kQsYn3l4vsoorb4yB9mDdjGpt1Y1H0n9r3=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKnoGFoRC_z4XnfZBMBn7BGG9tSR8LpgYZl_wVndUfU-z19Piy8dSPyUeqxOEqPoZtli3NHW4MQwhUDeRv3sLOyVxz4x5Ct4DgGvTY8UA7PY_1AaAt5-Rx9GBDRMH0nlHS0DPOh6WUauL1P2PATXGv81kQsYn3l4vsoorb4yB9mDdjGpt1Y1H0n9r3=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br />I've been doing a little knitting, but have been concentrating mostly on a big clear out. I am girding my loins for a foray into the laundry/tool/garden/storage room. My plan is to get rid of at least one third of what's in there, so that I can stop cringing every time I open the door.<br /><p>Apria was finally buried a week ago, Sunday. It was, unfortunately, as ungracious as I had hoped it wouldn't be. (Sorry for the convoluted syntax.) It broke my heart and I wept copious tears. I think I totally unnerved the excavation guy. When I asked him if I could write him a check, he said he would send me a bill and got out of there as fast as someone driving a large earth-moving piece of equipment could manage. I haven't gotten the bill yet, which is like having the sword of Damocles hanging over your head.</p><p>Meanwhile...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUXTDYjWaIMPPFX7M65_3JG4sZgMqzzzkxVbsG4fqSnTMLiNhFkkZ_mRbsdBmItU4cJ9WNW428cXUijaFetk4HHjZ4S9lxIBXnhmvWeox2BJap8trQNv-OIN4CMlKi4V6XJO_ZoAsjpk5Fu-o0xeZhIuMe3-6zG1TTLQI9g0AHqDsJz8TfYZyZcnNo=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUXTDYjWaIMPPFX7M65_3JG4sZgMqzzzkxVbsG4fqSnTMLiNhFkkZ_mRbsdBmItU4cJ9WNW428cXUijaFetk4HHjZ4S9lxIBXnhmvWeox2BJap8trQNv-OIN4CMlKi4V6XJO_ZoAsjpk5Fu-o0xeZhIuMe3-6zG1TTLQI9g0AHqDsJz8TfYZyZcnNo=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>...a sweet, older gentleman sheep is looking for a cozy retirement home. He seems to be adjusting to the loss of Apria, but he is lonely. Winter is never a good time to rehome a sheep or any other livestock. He comes with his own hay and can be transported, so fingers crossed.</p></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-11959088045318447012021-12-04T06:22:00.000-05:002021-12-04T06:22:03.326-05:00So complicated on every level<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8x5kMcXt58PfaRkfZcjz6FIZpt2gSC0VAgcVH2oy4z_18c2MHQ7LV7HY0KJ-lsiSRCN9xdEUOgw0SxlzI9kLTnUqlB43Bz0s-ChW5GyRikiTAI8L3Owa3ziAYEUI6MgHydD2-PxGruwNkUgUokSrwANoYvM3-2cLnU-LmgzZGLzF0hj9YpA47W1Xw=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8x5kMcXt58PfaRkfZcjz6FIZpt2gSC0VAgcVH2oy4z_18c2MHQ7LV7HY0KJ-lsiSRCN9xdEUOgw0SxlzI9kLTnUqlB43Bz0s-ChW5GyRikiTAI8L3Owa3ziAYEUI6MgHydD2-PxGruwNkUgUokSrwANoYvM3-2cLnU-LmgzZGLzF0hj9YpA47W1Xw=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bless your heart, you good, good<br />girl</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On Sunday, Apria cushed (llama speak for settled in a bundle on the ground), gazing into the distance. By Monday she had passed away, before I could get a vet to the farm. She was in her early 20s and I had hoped for another five or so years with her. It was not to be. I think that her blindness, oncoming deafness and challenged dentifrice just wore her out. </p><p>As if that wasn't bad enough, the process of removing her and giving her a decent burial has been somewhere between planning military maneuvers and juggling with swords. It is a nightmare which, I hope, is over today. I'm not holding my breath. So far, I've had to cut trees down, remove a section of fence and I'm on the phone with farmers, excavators and loggers - leaving messages and waiting (and waiting) for return calls. My neighbor and I managed to get four of the five trees that needed to be removed (all are pines and all are dying) cut down but the fifth needed a professional. Enter Dreamboat Arborist, Llew. He cut the tree down last evening as the sun was setting, climbing up the tree in near-darkness. I have yet to see the excavator, but I hope he'll be here today to see what equipment will be needed. A farmer friend has offered a spot behind his barn for her final resting place. Now, if all the many pieces of this gawd-awful puzzle would just fall into place, Linden and I can get some peace of mind. </p><p>Then, there is Linden. I need to find him a home where he can live out the rest of his retirement years. My only other option is to add a companion animal to the farm, but, frankly, my heart just isn't in it. Neither is my pocketbook. Fingers crossed that this lovely girl can finally be released to her next adventure, or go to the place where llamas gather. Linden and I could use some rest, too.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-61771089978863187342021-11-28T09:27:00.003-05:002021-11-28T15:32:45.597-05:00Tsking and tut-tutting and curmudgeonly moments. The War and Peace version.<p>Thanksgiving Day was overcast but a typical fall day. I met up with my friend, Rosie, and we took a mesmerizing stroll through a wetland reserve in Bennington. I got to try out my new app that identifies plants - watercress! (none of which is shown...)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiye-rh2vrJzNUj9YWm64kwZupOiWIYDAMOHHT7Erid4RLFMSrv-fom5u-sob1zxQjlc0VJZZxoCx2vqOngll8ZcbD4Uu_WJIxuUAPygNo6a-vxnoAUhC583-mv0gfSvhlkM4kBOaPArdvAW021q7hGyT-X5CvnlWpndcglIDmIh0EWF60ez6t2UhTw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiye-rh2vrJzNUj9YWm64kwZupOiWIYDAMOHHT7Erid4RLFMSrv-fom5u-sob1zxQjlc0VJZZxoCx2vqOngll8ZcbD4Uu_WJIxuUAPygNo6a-vxnoAUhC583-mv0gfSvhlkM4kBOaPArdvAW021q7hGyT-X5CvnlWpndcglIDmIh0EWF60ez6t2UhTw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ-kApoEbjY2TBixdaZKZaklaqc8BeN02mB9zjeDuivjiEnuhmVgCXkFIU19rSr13xl0kIecBK0_WKczlLzfoR2zHERSCKpNG2tuG2gv96Q3WFTYxjnXpbBqNsLLgCglJKyc8hHc88faS7eESlzym1rqw_Y6t2_STGuqotxdPNTqbhP-PuXYx8AM3W=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ-kApoEbjY2TBixdaZKZaklaqc8BeN02mB9zjeDuivjiEnuhmVgCXkFIU19rSr13xl0kIecBK0_WKczlLzfoR2zHERSCKpNG2tuG2gv96Q3WFTYxjnXpbBqNsLLgCglJKyc8hHc88faS7eESlzym1rqw_Y6t2_STGuqotxdPNTqbhP-PuXYx8AM3W=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmVZFp1fE4ROXLLUILLz3TjNy6JHQm2dYzyrh6jbeNFkSVFjtXDMXU5WYJnEuNcZ6zS0K4gu2olCoEOlRuPFrdICAiOxQ2tcWdT-xj9-N-e06Q8VMSdYhK8cenOee6SiSAo90EJ6hHPqEaaiLI8BxO9h8c2cbfCbeA7k3JtLVlqwdun_MMF7230yn=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmVZFp1fE4ROXLLUILLz3TjNy6JHQm2dYzyrh6jbeNFkSVFjtXDMXU5WYJnEuNcZ6zS0K4gu2olCoEOlRuPFrdICAiOxQ2tcWdT-xj9-N-e06Q8VMSdYhK8cenOee6SiSAo90EJ6hHPqEaaiLI8BxO9h8c2cbfCbeA7k3JtLVlqwdun_MMF7230yn=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmnXK6us7VbhPTEzYRpl61DRiHhCl3TH4lprOBR6Fk10q_r7SdEwWDYc4-a5Xyat4obC3meq2KZax43l0lQDhtDxCEKefVa3jQhkcNPjumaaHneK_t7hEkPSB2uLYuBDYIOBEM9fCAf_yYirYCGG2m7a7REtUlhmDHKvxSTtcqEOzLQ9_T5ZlZnGJF=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmnXK6us7VbhPTEzYRpl61DRiHhCl3TH4lprOBR6Fk10q_r7SdEwWDYc4-a5Xyat4obC3meq2KZax43l0lQDhtDxCEKefVa3jQhkcNPjumaaHneK_t7hEkPSB2uLYuBDYIOBEM9fCAf_yYirYCGG2m7a7REtUlhmDHKvxSTtcqEOzLQ9_T5ZlZnGJF=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ7Abb7YIJK74WWOK6jecxe7vWjZdCUHY8woCoqikmSsQFxpUFrwCxHFH7z3lGy86WRLm69Q9aFH_Jh8F_V7ZzQyXH3DaHERzxb7jcVkipCea9VHD39c82dQKBoeATH0XZQBYg0j-XQ5w2y1d2EAAbgmi9ZRqaeP3C0sZCrKTxKKGS6vEinLxGeiRJ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ7Abb7YIJK74WWOK6jecxe7vWjZdCUHY8woCoqikmSsQFxpUFrwCxHFH7z3lGy86WRLm69Q9aFH_Jh8F_V7ZzQyXH3DaHERzxb7jcVkipCea9VHD39c82dQKBoeATH0XZQBYg0j-XQ5w2y1d2EAAbgmi9ZRqaeP3C0sZCrKTxKKGS6vEinLxGeiRJ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was magical (except for the litter strewn about the grounds - insert tut-tut and tsk-tsk). Fresh from the forest primeval, we tottered to mom's for a wonderful dinner.<div><br /></div><div>Then, "black" Friday. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0AeqCAXQVG6tDxHJ8cFX794MrTxk2EH6--Dfbm-_b780lHJRHXJdm40AK4NNObaS-ZBGTisUPbQCdp3VdmQ9H6sF3xfN-PqTwKAo2mrnlRgYuEb5dJhexFPpWQKfgQuIJJuBha3g1JQyMuZoewOwmQkR1foPX1wJi7nLhGZbaUM4vgpz7r0O6xTMq=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3016" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0AeqCAXQVG6tDxHJ8cFX794MrTxk2EH6--Dfbm-_b780lHJRHXJdm40AK4NNObaS-ZBGTisUPbQCdp3VdmQ9H6sF3xfN-PqTwKAo2mrnlRgYuEb5dJhexFPpWQKfgQuIJJuBha3g1JQyMuZoewOwmQkR1foPX1wJi7nLhGZbaUM4vgpz7r0O6xTMq=s320" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div>Turned into "white" Saturday.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0NDuCj9ShxYaQhE9VIEtXHmOSuHkpLYxsAXXlQ589ANtL5QbYcR_ITSu91ylI-Ft2ZO0WyBhz2hYwqBhP3FekSE8DvPrabqsgKeEpy_PjnoJnvQrpl_2a2OEuoeKgb78ezT4RU-e1jjyj6lr2BotDXDBuk8P1sBgxSOUWDZcd7eHwBo3mkZz0ZOsy=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0NDuCj9ShxYaQhE9VIEtXHmOSuHkpLYxsAXXlQ589ANtL5QbYcR_ITSu91ylI-Ft2ZO0WyBhz2hYwqBhP3FekSE8DvPrabqsgKeEpy_PjnoJnvQrpl_2a2OEuoeKgb78ezT4RU-e1jjyj6lr2BotDXDBuk8P1sBgxSOUWDZcd7eHwBo3mkZz0ZOsy=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><p>No pussy-footing about this winter. BAM! From zero to 8 inches overnight. There was a lot of tut-tutting and tsk-tsking, as I had to locate boots, gloves and winter coat. I did have the presence of mind to haul out the snow shovel. Having apparently morphed into a frugal old lady, I did toy with the idea that I would shovel out my driveway by hand. That was until I viewed the Hoover Dam of snow piled up at the end of the drive by the town's snow plow. I am now, officially, a frugal, old, kvetching, curmudgeonly old lady.</p><p>The snow plow guy was called and I did a half-hearted job shoveling pathways until I realized that I had to reach the driveway in order to pay the plow guy. There were many breaks. There was more than one thought about apartment living in the south.</p><p>Job done(ish). We hunkered in for the night. This morning, sticking my nose out from underneath my self-made weighted blanket (fleece sheets+fleece blanket+down blanket+down comforter) I immediately got frostbite. After shivering into robe and slippers and re-covering dogs, I found that the furnace (just serviced this past Tuesday) was not on. Nor would it turn on. A call to the furnace guy got me their new emergency set up consisting of some unfortunate guy who asked me a hundred questions - most of which were beside the point. When he requested my email address, I snapped. "No way, sonny! You have no business with my email address! I will not have you sending me spam and promotions that I do not want or need!" There was a pause. "Okay, ma'am (curmudgeon). It is not mandatory. A technician will contact you shortly." I harumphed and went to get wool socks.</p><p>An hour later, with no call from the technician, I was working myself up for another telephone tirade when the dog alarm went off. It was pitch black and the fleece curtains were drawn. I shuffled to the window and could make out a small, white sedan in the driveway. WTH?! Gripping my robe against the cold, I opened the door and saw a dark figure trudging up the path, holding what looked like a pan. The figure said "Shelly?" I said, NO. I am NOT Shelly and who the heck are you? What he had actually said was, "Chilly?" It was the son of the local fuel/furnace guy who had serviced the furnace earlier. Sheesh. An old lady with bed-head hair and eyeglasses askew, surrounded by yapping dogs. I can only imagine.</p><p>Wonder what I will morph into next - Pippi Longstocking's grandmother?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje1Fr9pCKZrqmTJy2aW5LTFJHYWEuIfKDtIi99ayz8-N7oUQS1yycQISVF4K3WhdX58N76Y7VLk3_ZDaJfwDWVeXGqQZ-gTLFwCEuY0eTr-UbYuxEapbk2Kf3VSoKKmenxjZ1uXxZAd6SH-KD0_YBQp-gu_Roxw9hwbHnFrxe9iDJp_qRa5WelLQ83=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje1Fr9pCKZrqmTJy2aW5LTFJHYWEuIfKDtIi99ayz8-N7oUQS1yycQISVF4K3WhdX58N76Y7VLk3_ZDaJfwDWVeXGqQZ-gTLFwCEuY0eTr-UbYuxEapbk2Kf3VSoKKmenxjZ1uXxZAd6SH-KD0_YBQp-gu_Roxw9hwbHnFrxe9iDJp_qRa5WelLQ83=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut takes the Oreo sleeping position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>P.S. I was in such a snit that I forgot to add that he did - finally - fix the furnace. In an effort to make nice after my crusty beginning, I gave him a cup of coffee. I always forget that my coffee is S.T.R.O.N.G. I swear his hair was standing on end when he left. Probably thought I was trying to poison him. </p></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030352031960855220.post-87912837363261289322021-11-20T05:45:00.000-05:002021-11-20T05:45:44.932-05:00Fun with food and bunny burnout.<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgub1MEVUEGrMmhiEafHmCIgtJo2tz_UbpkGWzeuY47OYVE_cJcnFJoxzQxRzGBZgt4FooLJ8_UTJyie3wpA4yQEb97zueRCl5JzjPTNLxVg4T1OS3IgGM92mObItFMRtyUMqJL8ts-baZ_ZtpuYTm8NEWFzYsONYH40basFMnR9PVyDeVWB-PRpbVU=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgub1MEVUEGrMmhiEafHmCIgtJo2tz_UbpkGWzeuY47OYVE_cJcnFJoxzQxRzGBZgt4FooLJ8_UTJyie3wpA4yQEb97zueRCl5JzjPTNLxVg4T1OS3IgGM92mObItFMRtyUMqJL8ts-baZ_ZtpuYTm8NEWFzYsONYH40basFMnR9PVyDeVWB-PRpbVU=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratuitous Lovey pic.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>It must be getting on winter, as I find myself back in the kitchen again. There has been a long dry spell (if you don't count the wine/whine) on the epicurean front. And let's not forget the creative dry spell. I've had a heart to heart with the BGPs and we have decided that I need to buckle down and post more often than once a month.</p><p>I recently discovered Molly's Magic Potatoes (aka Peruvian blue fingerlings) at my favorite farm store. There has been no looking back. I've had them boiled with butter, mashed with garlic, roasted with O/O and I am not close to being tired of them. I even made a shepherd's pie with a blue potato top for dinner with my neighbor. Unfortunately, he was scandalized, being a good soul but with absolutely no gustatory imagination. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyvxtoZ50e8YpmbQcN0BwBPzF7scdHjTuAyb-ZX0aarQJxyQwjtqXREPF_sJ2A9Km0OvxM2QbCIAN6KC18RJlLktLtakd6eCnznE3_MEy-CcmE_cddQVqYosCN_DAjLi5lzdPWW9-NOE4V0ZiRVPEFKmRP5Iz9LkCqqf26ifop_8NOv4LXHxN-nU9f=s4024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4024" data-original-width="2955" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyvxtoZ50e8YpmbQcN0BwBPzF7scdHjTuAyb-ZX0aarQJxyQwjtqXREPF_sJ2A9Km0OvxM2QbCIAN6KC18RJlLktLtakd6eCnznE3_MEy-CcmE_cddQVqYosCN_DAjLi5lzdPWW9-NOE4V0ZiRVPEFKmRP5Iz9LkCqqf26ifop_8NOv4LXHxN-nU9f=s320" width="235" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they gorgeous!?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Then, in the wee hours of the morning - a dangerous time for someone with access to the internet - I purchased a seasonal (as in Autumn/Winter) baking pan.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Ur3uxkQDrSdSZr6vOKqxh-RD9X7uOkUzUsPUxL57bTKDIGlHKJZaibHDLZOWqIitROcwQurlErWHyLxFz-ncPQNRGvSQ4MFgQdYIFBajpQzU8gLRMBlnhBEn6jKBfVhs6r-SivBZWROabvyeS3MHKERut7natTuSzyJlG5sjZQfptjcnKM3xv9Y7=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Ur3uxkQDrSdSZr6vOKqxh-RD9X7uOkUzUsPUxL57bTKDIGlHKJZaibHDLZOWqIitROcwQurlErWHyLxFz-ncPQNRGvSQ4MFgQdYIFBajpQzU8gLRMBlnhBEn6jKBfVhs6r-SivBZWROabvyeS3MHKERut7natTuSzyJlG5sjZQfptjcnKM3xv9Y7=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad, if you don't mind pocking<br />on your pumpkins...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So far, I've baked a GF sweet cornbread loaf, two pumpkin spice loaves and the GF banana bread you see here. My only issue with this pan is that the top (bottom) of the loaf rises and you have to trim if off, if you don't want your lovely loaf listing to port.<div><br /></div><div>Not pictured (it looked like a hot mess and, if I wanted to show you a hot mess, I would have included a selfie) is a new favorite salad - Arugula, wild rice and sweet potato. As per usual, I didn't have 50% of the ingredients called for in the recipe, but I made it my own and it was delish!<br /><div><br /></div><div>I have officially reached the end of this year's bunny production. While I certainly appreciate the fact that they are popular with the parents/grandparents of my acquaintance, they are very tedious to knit and assemble. Not to mention, hard on my hands.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcpu1DNvgoKydqdsh0LNblA18xr7ZS3vDaHSL3iINJt7OZFDVsxvHeES_MmNMTnHt7JW7c3fR0awQR2zszUQR40nyPhi288ximX2LiLluTzcINWwtw1_h1-wL_z2FJ7stlvOrQ6Qo_JW6qvLdy64SS75Fq4Cx-qco2zxe3fXBdFDqD6z6oTBylaSA5=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcpu1DNvgoKydqdsh0LNblA18xr7ZS3vDaHSL3iINJt7OZFDVsxvHeES_MmNMTnHt7JW7c3fR0awQR2zszUQR40nyPhi288ximX2LiLluTzcINWwtw1_h1-wL_z2FJ7stlvOrQ6Qo_JW6qvLdy64SS75Fq4Cx-qco2zxe3fXBdFDqD6z6oTBylaSA5=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next-to-last lot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Besides, the holiday season approacheth and I need to get cracking! I also need to relearn how to build a fire in the fireplace. I have been looking forward to cozy wood fires all summer (call me crazy) and had laid out the perfect (I thought) ingredients for my first one a week ago, when the temperatures took a plunge. What I had forgotten is that one side of my glass doors had shattered a year ago. I did everything I used to do and managed to generate enough smoke to set off the smoke detector and drive the dogs under their blankets. The house smelled like a campsite for days. The chimney is clean, the flue was open. Any suggestions from you campfire gals and guys out there?</div><div><br /></div><div>Falling temps have also lit a fire under my BGPs to get things outside battened down and plugged in. The deck is cleared off, bird feeders at the ready, rain barrels emptied, Llama/sheep water bucket cleaned and plugged in. I'm not sure if I am going to get the garden finished - we have had rain or snow almost every other day. Plus, I'm a little gun-shy after finding another well-embedded tick, the fifth one in a month! It does make me want to never set foot outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm harvesting the last of my Swiss chard and arugula - there is still kale until the deer discover it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPao2p2fqhMs7V7wVlFx2V4UgV16ECa4Jeiqh8N4rh2sHADq8h5uzahgFD_Yr5AshbCjQ0Hds6MsQoTPR0u1oc7pm2QnqkeQdHgufLx5hn3bRhfMfjjHnCgXKNXNFLAhspZsjzqUwAkLFViSk4HBxC4tqtMVrzDfoVsjldMHMbwscr9_mzYcFJaT6m=s3618" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3618" data-original-width="2998" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPao2p2fqhMs7V7wVlFx2V4UgV16ECa4Jeiqh8N4rh2sHADq8h5uzahgFD_Yr5AshbCjQ0Hds6MsQoTPR0u1oc7pm2QnqkeQdHgufLx5hn3bRhfMfjjHnCgXKNXNFLAhspZsjzqUwAkLFViSk4HBxC4tqtMVrzDfoVsjldMHMbwscr9_mzYcFJaT6m=s320" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div>I've gotten some of the major things crossed off my list - snow guards on all the vents on the roof, fuel tank enclosure replaced (although that is not quite done and deserves a post of its own), hay in the barn. I need to do some work in the chicken coop and set up the winter feeder for the llama/sheep. I have lots of projects inside to keep me occupied this winter (both fun and not-so-much); there is a stack of books with my name on them; a full freezer; bionic hips. What more can I ask for?</div><div><p><br /></p></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573143203599624833noreply@blogger.com18