Snow and more snow-

I am already tired of winter. I went into work Wednesday early so I could spend the night and not get stuck at home in the blizzard that was to hit. Well this is Saturday and I just got home. We are more than knee deep in falling snow. Then to add to the mixture wind and you can imagine the drifts that are on the roads. I made it to Kathy's house, got stuck and had Harlan pick me up. Good thing he had a 4 wheel drive pick up. We will celebrate Christmas with Kathy and Sean and kids this evening. Harlan got me a beautiful totally computerized sewing machine. It is awesome. I now have to learn how to use it. Will add more later but wanted to post pictures of our snow. Remember we are surrounded by trees so no drifting.

Merry Christmas-Christmas is in the heart

It is 2:30am, and as with older folks, I can't sleep an entire night. It is the 23rd of Dec and tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Everyone is glued to their weather reports as we are to have the storm of the decade to start later in the day. I do have to work the 24th and 25th at the Assisted Living, so my suitcase is already packed with enough uniforms and a pair of PJ's as I will be spending Wednesday night, Thursday and possibly Friday night there. Yes I will miss being with my loved ones during the holiday season, but we can celebrate when the roads are safe and our getting together will be in happiness and not in sadness due to someone being lost or injured due to trying to get out in the storm. Christmas is in the heart and I will be spending it with folks who may not have families near by. So I will have fun and make their Christmas as fun as possible. I may feel like one of the residents when I finally get out of there and the roads are passable but I will be able to go to my daughter Kathy's for gift opening and one big whopping meal that she will have prepared. Harlan will be on the home place keeping up with the snow plowing and making sure that the horses have enough food and water. Thanks Honey. Sue will be in Nebraska tending her flock by day and night as they have lambs due to be born. She sent Mike and the kids on to Wisconsin to visit Mikes parents. Keep Rod (Mikes dad) in prayer as he is suffering from the later stages of cancer. Kathy and family will be with Sean's folks for Christmas Eve and I do hope they do not try to drive home until the roads are passable. John and family of course are in England. The cell phones will be kept hopping as we will all be wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. I would like to wish each of you the love and laughter from family and friends and that the real meaning of Christmas be experienced not only at this time of the year but for all time. Merry Christmas and may the new year be a good one for you and your family.

Busy time of the year

Out doors seems to be getting ready for the Christmas holiday with a frosty look all its own. It is hard to believe that Christmas will be celebrated this coming week. I am just about ready with some last minute sewing AND ALL the wrapping. I hope from our home to yours that your Christmas will be filled with the laughter and love of friends and family. We will be celebrating with both families this year. I work the 24th and 25th at the assisted living and will celebrate Christmas evening with Kathy and family. Then on the 26th Harlan's kids and grand kids will be up to complete the celebration. Will of course be missing Sue and family in Nebraska, they are expecting new lambs this time of the year and cant get away and John and family in England celebrating there. May the real reason for Christmas sing out in your hearts now and for the coming year.

Merry Christmas to all.

Let it sew... let it sew... as it snows

Got the bee to start sewing, has nothing to do with the calendar says I have only 16 days till Christmas, but you just HAVE to be in the mood to sew. I cut out 7 pair of jammie bottoms this afternoon and already have 2 completed and under the tree. Plan on sewing all day tomorrow as it is snowing up a good storm outside and we are to have high winds and below normal wind chills. Good time to sew.

Off I go into the wild blue wonder

With the biggest help of my favorite daughter-in-law Wendy who lives in England I was able to obtain a very reasonable priced round trip ticket to England in February. I am so darn excited, I have not seen the kids in almost 2 years and now it is within 2 months. Now once I get through the Christmas holidays I am going to focus on getting ready for my trip. I will be gone for 2 weeks and I know they will fly by as they did the last time I went. It will be considerably colder when I go this time but nothing compared to here. Will be able to post on my blog while I am there which will be fun.

Kathys deer

Now you have a idea how nice the deer was that we just butchered. Thanks Kathy

I am tired

I am so tired, yesterday and today Harlan and I butchered a deer that my daughter shot. A nice 4x4, her first. The weather was just perfect for hanging a deer to age it. Thus yesterday was the start of the mess in the kitchen. We got it all cut off the bone, steaks and roasts in the freezer. Today we ground pork and the deer meat, then mixed it together and reground it. We put up 27# of burger in the freezer. We also made three big sticks of summer sausage from the meat. That is curing in the refrig and will be baked tomorrow.

Now you know why no update for a few days. Now I am just relaxing after a hot bath, catching up on the computer and will head to bed in a short while as I have to work a 12 hr shift tomorrow.

Thanks Kathy for the deer.

The thanksgiving stuffing is now on the waist

At this time yesterday the kitchen was busy with baking, getting the turkey ready for the oven and last minute picking up. Jim and Jody (Harlan's brother-in-law and nephew) shared the meal with us, so it was just the 4 of us for a nice quiet Thanksgiving meal. Of course besides the turkey and stuffing I made sour cream whipped potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, home made cream corn, Gran muffins, cranberry's, jello salad, orange sherbet salad and the relish tray. Jim brought the orange sherbet salad and herring. Of course the after dinner stuffing was the pumpkin pie and bars. Now to walk off the pounds that were put on. I tried a new pumpkin bar and it really was good.
PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BARS
1 cup flour 1 tsp allspice 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 5 TBSP soft butter 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts 1 can solid pack pumpkin 8oz cream cheese 2 eggs lightly beaten 1/4 cup sugar
Combine flour and brown sugar in medium bowl, cut in butter till crumb mixture (remove 1/4 cup for topping) Press remaining mixture into bottom of 8x8 pan. Pat down and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool. Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl. Beat until fairly smooth and pour over baked crust. Sprinkle with reserve crumb topping. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees, Cool and refrigerate overnight.
LET ME KNOW HOW YOU LIKE THIS

To all who could not have dinner with us, I hope each of you had a happy Thanksgiving.

Bragging Rights

Promised a picture of Rosey and I getting our TDI certificate. She sure has made me proud with her ability to learn a new task and take it on as if it is second hand. She is one remarkable dog and I feel so luck to have her as my partner.

Congratulations Rosey

Today Rosey and I went to Canton SD for TDI testing. TDI stands for Therapy Dogs International and is an organization of dogs and handlers that once certified go into nursing homes, hospitals, schools, assisted living and actually any place that therapy of a dog is needed. The test took about 20 minutes and was general practical skills that would be practiced while you are in the public and doing a visit. She had to know general dog obedience, was able to be examined by a stranger, would not run from loud noises, was able to walk around people using wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes etc. We passed with flying colors. Once we get all the paperwork sent in and that includes a signature from the vet we can start our visits.

Congratulations to Dakotas Yellow Prairie Rose, CGC, TDI.

Pictures will follow when she gets her badge and bandanna.

fall pictures

The last rays of the evening

lazy fall afternoon

Just a couple of pictures, Rosey is tired after doing a cadaver "find Joe" search in the yard. There is still some beauty found outside in the late fall day. Have to work tonight so a quiet afternoon. Enjoy the pictures.

Yup more planting

What a beautiful fall day. Kathy didn't get the shrubs I gave her planted and she didn't know where to put them, so I brought them home and stuck them in the ground. I bought spring bulbs, tulips, daffodils, alliums, crocus plus a lot more. I had about 300 bulbs to plant and believe it or not they are planted. My flower beds look like I was drilling for oil. Now I just hope that the squirrels do not find them. In the spring I will have to get some pictures and post them.

I finally have my computer back, windows did an update and a virus came with it that did not get caught and crashed my computer. It cost me almost $300.00 to get it fixed. Something I was not counting on this time of the year. It seems that it is always something.

Fishing in the evening

We had such a beautiful day to go fishing. We went up to Oakwood to do a little shore fishing. We caught a nice meal of walleyes, 1 perch and 1 sucker which gave a good fight and was fun to catch. I must admit it gave both Harlan and I a good laugh. Not only was it fun to just enjoy the nice weather and fishing but the sunset was beyond belief. We had a great time and will be back there soon. Yes Logan you are my good luck charm as every time you called I caught a fish.

I am getting old

I guess one tale tell sign that you are getting older is when your kids are taller than you are. But the real test of time is when the grand kids are taller than you and make sure that you know it. Logan who is almost 13 is now taller than his Granny. I went over tonight with my hunting parka, bibs and a vest, all in the latest 4D pattern. He tried them on right away and they fit. Right now I think I am #1 on his list as he has hunting clothes for this hunting season. Now when each of the grand kids tower over me I will be happy as I come from a family of short people and it is nice when you can get some height. Good luck hunting Logan.

Dump pictures and the tressures

Even a potatoe digger in the dump

found treasures-grinding stone, lid to a cook stove

next year's work

future planters, yesterdays cookware

the center to the iron bed

spokes to a iron bed that will be in the garden next year.

the last picture is of what has been cleared of junk.

On my Soap Box

When we moved into our place in the country on the first walk into the woods we found out that the woods behind and to the north of the house had been used as a dumping site. So for the last 4+ years we have been hauling out 5 gallon pails at a time to the garbage can. This morning I made my walk out with the pail and realized that I am making headway in this endeavor. I can now walk 20 or so yards into the woods before I hit the garbage line. I really don't mind doing it as it is something that needs to be done for safety and for eye appeal. The first year we moved in Rosey cut the artery in her leg from running in the woods, that was scarey and an emergency trip to see Dr Woody.

When I go out I always look for a treasure, and I have found them. I found a grinding stone that has been well used and now decorates the garden. I have found old iron bed frames that will be in the garden next year as a decoration. Today I found 2 old enamel roasters. I plan on filling them with dirt and using them in my garden next to the parts of the old cook stove. But for the most part it goes into the garbage can waiting for the haulers on Wednesday morning.

Will I ever get it done, hopefully but I have to be realistic. It does give me something to do and it gives me a great sence of pride knowing that I am making the woods and our little environment a little safer to walk in.

Life on the farm-early morning

Just wanted to share this beautiful sunrise with everyone.

WHAT...MORE plants

Shame on me, but I can not resist a good sale, and it was a good sale. Lowes was clearanceing out their perennials for $ 1.00 to $1.50 each. So I bought about 40 pots. I was brave and did not sneak them in to be planted as I am so famous for doing. I picked up some beautiful red knock out shrub roses, variegated sedum, batchelor buttons, coreaposis, and a lot more. I did share some with Kathy as I did owe her for the laundry soap she picked up for me. It took a while but they are all planted and hopefully they will survive the winter. I said I would not start a new flower bed.................but I did. It is on a knoll by the barn and will look pretty with some flowering plants. OK no more, will not buy until spring, I promise.

My sister, my best friend

It has been 2 years since I felt the strong hands of my sister Joyce. 2 years since the Lord said you are so tired, come home and rest and I shall have you drink from the living water and you shall be well and spend eternity with me. look here are your Mom and Dad waiting and brother Bill.
Your hands were strong in what ever you did, from the back rubs to ease the tension of the day to the enduring hours of knitting or crocheting such beautiful afghan's. Your hands were strong when they held you in an embrace that said hello glad you came. Your hands were beautiful as they were strong, and oh how you loved rings-kind of a legacy.

I miss you sis, we had such a beautiful relationship for 59 years, we were 1 year, 1 week, and 1 day apart and how I loved you. I can lift my head high and say we never had a fight. Your strength has been an inspiration to me. Knowing the battle you fought against cancer has given me the determination and strength to get through. You said God put you on earth to teach people how to die and you sure did teach us that life and living is so important. First you had the love of God, you relied on him to guide you and didn't mind sharing that love. You had the love of life and the zest to enjoy it. You were caring, compassionate and always put others in front of yourself.

I miss you sis, but one day we will be together in a place more wonderful than what you left behind. Until then I love and miss you Joyce.

2/13/1948-10/24-2007

Joyce Margaret De Leeuw Hughes

Posted by Mary D at 2:02 AM

New Job

First off it is nice to see a comment, so I do know someone is readying my ramblings.
My first day at Park Place Assisted Living was an absolute blast, I left wanting to run and buy more scrubs to wear. These folks are so much fun and it is great to just be yourself and not have to worry about looking silly or stupid. Many of the residents lived at Sun Chase at one time or another and that is where my Mom lived so many remembered her. Yesterday I got started in the kitchen, everyone has an assigned task for the day ie kitchen-meds-baths/laundry and you rotate but all pitch in together as a team to help get each task done. The staff are friendly and helpful and a lot of fun. It will be a challenge learning each new face and name but given time will know not only them but their families etc. I have always enjoyed working with the elderly so I feel right at home. I will be working every 3rd weekend and then PRN as someone wants the day off or calls in sick. They said I should get more than my share of hours. Yes it does beat making donuts at 3:15 am. I will stay on at Caseys until I see how my hours at Park Place come in. So off to work in just a little while. Each of you have a good day.

????????? is anyone out there??????????

Very few comments, does anyone read this??

Off to work I go

Today I start floor orientation at Park Place assisted living. Today and tomorrow I will be working from 8am-2pm. Next week on Th/Fr I will work from 2pm-1am. So before I go this morning I have to run out and do horse chores, but that only takes a few minutes. I have packed a lunch, but will have to remember to take it. It will be nice to be working again in an assisted living as I so enjoyed Prairie Crossing and would still be there but the facility closed. Was fun to go out and buy scrubs to wear, they are very comfortable to wear. There are beds for 30 at Park Place so have a lot of names and faces to learn. The pay is a lot more than I was making at Caseys so will be able to pay off some bills quicker. Will keep you posted as to how my orientation days are going. Tonight I have a KEEP (Kidney Early Evaluation and Prevention) test in Sioux Falls. Since I donated a kidney 8 years ago I need to do a yearly check up on it and these tests are free and sent to my physician.

So off to work I go..................

It takes a village

It was said the other day on TV that it takes a village to raise a child, but the village is now gone. It was reflecting that our "village" our family unit has become so mobile and so far spread apart that the family unit we had as a child growing up is no longer in existence for this generation of children growing up. Where we had Grandma and Grandpa almost next door and cousins to play with enough to make up a good baseball or football team. Sundays were reserved for church and then to Grandmas house for dinner. Conversation was over coffee and maybe the telephone party line, sharing the latest happenings in the family and neighborhood. Movies were at the drive in or the local theater, now they are recorded to watch later when you are not so busy. This is how it was when I was growing up. God first, family second, neighbors third and friends last. Gardens were shared as was the harvest. Canning was done together and shared equally. What does this generation have-I pods instead of AM radio, cell phones for on the go, texting instead of voice conversations, Instant Messaging/Blogs/are your link now to the world and email has replaced the time old letter and postage stamp. Do I miss it...I sure do. I miss the personalization that a conversation over a cup of coffee, a phone call to hear a loved ones voice vs a beeping message on the phone that you have a text message. I do feel left out when it comes to the old fashioned family gatherings. Our lives have become way too hectic and time consumed. Our grandchildren are missing out on real value of family gatherings, neighborhood football and cousins. We have become way too mobile and have lost the old fashioned touch. I am glad that I am in the fall of my life and I have the wonderful memories of my childhood to carry me though this electronic age. Nothing will never replace the knock on the door for coffee and shared company or the ring of the phone to say hi.

Finally Fall

Took a nice walk in the woods with the camera

It is such a beautiful day so Rosey and I went for a walk in the woods and around the edge of the property by the corn fields. The colors are still pretty, but we are loosing a lot of the leaves and it wont be long before it is really winter. Wyn the stallion has come back home. There was some loud discussion between the mare and stallion as to who was boss, the mare won. Enjoy the pictures.

Happy Birthday Sue

39 years ago today I became a Mom for the first time. Susan Annie Morrison (now Littlefield) came into the world at 4:55pm weighing 7# 4oz and 19" long. She had light fuzzy hair and a little angelic face that made any Mom smile. It is hard to describe the feelings of becoming a Mom for the first time, it is something that must be experienced to totally understand it. I was so excited and proud to show her off, my Dad had to come up to see his first grand daughter first hand standing by the nursery window just beaming. A lot has changed in birthing since my first one came into this world. Dads were not allowed in the delivery room, there were no epidurals for pain and you stay in in the hospital at least 3 days and the baby was in your room for feeding time only. But what has not changed is the fact that when your baby is born you become a Mom. In the 39 years I have been Sue's Mom, I have watched her grow to become a beautiful, successful business woman and a mom of her own. Happy Birthday Sue. I love you,

Nature and all her suprises

harlan called me over to look out our picture window in the kitchen, this is what we say, there were 3 of them all together. They stayed for about a half hr

Catching up on fall housekeeping

Now that it is a little cooler outside I have turned my attention to working in the house and getting into the corners...good bye spiders and their webs. All the cupboards have been washed down with Murphy Soap and the floors have been steamed and now are shinning with a coat of wax. I have been at it for 2 days and the progress is really showing. Will knock off soon and take it easy as I do have to work Caseys tomorrow and Sun. But the weekends there are getting shorter and shorter. It will be so nice to be off for some weekends. Anyone want their house cleaned??? I am on a roll. Closets are next.

Lovey the Minature Horse

Snapped a couple pictures of Lovey in our pasture this morning, as you can see the snow is gone for now. All I have to do is tap her grain pan and she comes a running. Lovey is due to have a foal in the spring so will keep you posted. My England grand kids really were excited to see pictures of the horse I have been talking about. Lovey does not belong to me, but to the neighbor down a mile. She lives with us and I do all the chores. I have the best of both worlds a horse to look after and none of the bills.

Home

Well Rosey and I are home after a wonderful 3 day seminar. We both learned a ton of information and I have started her with some useful training. For a old gal she catches on (me??)

We are in our first winter storm watch and suppose to get 5 or more inches tonight. I gather winter is here. I can remember when Sue came home from the hospital and we had such a beautiful Indian summer to celebrate, leaves of all colors on the trees and a nice fall warmth. Happy birthday Sue on this coming Saturday. Gads is it possible you are now reaching the holding stage??

SAR Weekend

It has been such a fun/fact/high energy weekend. Rosey and I have been at Midway Camp between Volga and Brookings for a Search and Rescue seminar. She did very good on her air scent find. We then worked with her on HRD (human remains detection.) This is where she really took a spotlight. The instructors are from Madison WI and were calling Rosey a natural when it came to HRD. She even found the grave dirt hidden in a jar in a dresser drawer. Now I have my work cut out for getting her fine tuned. We were also taken up by CAP (Civil Air Patrol), a half hour flight over Brookings. In case we would ever be called out on an actual search and it is across the state, CAP will fly both Rosey and I to the scene. I thought that it would be an easy ride but didnt figure on her falling asleep. So flying will not be a problem in the future. It has been a good learning experience and yet I still have today to finish up on with more lectures. By the way the pictures of Rosey, she is wearing Mutt Muffs a headset designed for dogs while flying. She had no problems wearing them.

This will be a busy weekend

Last night I was at Midway Camp with the Brookings County Search and Rescue for a all weekend seminar. We had a terrific 4 hr seminar on human remains detection. Today Rosey and I will be back for an all day outdoor practice/training for Air Scent, HRD, tracking/trailing. Since Rosey is certified in air scent, I am particularly interested in HRD. Of course to make this weekend even more fun we got a good solid inch of snow (wet) so dry clothes are packed.

Kitchen is CLOSED to canning/freezing

10 quarts of applesauce is done and the lids are pinging the sound that they are sealed. I am officially done until next year. It has been a good harvest for which we say a prayer of thanks.

Applesauce anyone??

This is it (I hope) the last of the canning-am making cinnamon applesauce. Should get a good
6-8 quarts canned. Then I can clean off the counters and try to get back to normal messes. We are suppose to get a freeze in day or so and I am actually cheering on the weatherman hoping it comes so I can finally be done with the garden. I am not going to bring any plants in for the winter. They are cheap enough in the stores in the spring and I don't have the mess. Now what am I going to do with my free time? Don't worry I will find something.

PS way to go Vikings last night a terrific game.

Done Canning

I can now say I am done canning. I put up 3 more quarts of tomatoes last night and that is it. I have enough to get us through a pretty hard winter. Also froze onions and dehydrated some. The harvest season is starting to wind down. The only thing I have left is apples to freeze and those I can do a little every day. Both freezers and shelves are getting full and it is a good feeling. For winter activities I will be up in the sewing room most of the time.

Yesterday I went to the barn and put up plastic over the windows that have been long gone. It is alot warmer in there without the cold wind blowing through it and I am sure the horse will notice it. I still have to clean out her box stall full of cut wood, and should do that before we have a foot of snow.

I am sure my brother Charlie is remembering today as the anniversary of his hunting accident where he lost his arm. That was 38 years ago.

Mom-my Master Gardener-my friend

Today marks the 4th anniversary of Mom's passing to the most beautiful gardens in Heaven ever created. I appreciate my Mom even more now that I do not have her around. I treasure her wisdom, the teaching of so many daily activities from ironing to canning and above all the love of a garden. Her gnarled hands are a testimony to all the loving deeds this beautiful woman did for others, she believed in giving and give she did. She taught us the love of our Savior and to love one another. Miss you and love you Mom.

Raspberries

Went over to Penny's yesterday and picked raspberries (20 cups) and apples. Jam is on the stove, it tastes so darn good. (I might share.) Will be making apple cider at the Master Gardener meeting tonight. Judy McLaughlin and I are hosting it. Tomorrow will be putting up more apples for pies to put in the freezer. Yes we did get a light frost so that is going to put a halt to most of my harvest. I do enjoy it and feel blessed that God provided us with so much to eat, share and enjoy.

Time for bed

It is only a little after midnight and I just finished 19 quarts of canned tomatoes. I really am not that tired and it has been a long day. I wonder if canning is becoming a lost art or will the next generation want to learn? Who knows. Anyway this winter the fall harvest will taste mighty good.

tomatoes again

Picked 2 bu of tomatoes and they are now in the final stage, but I am afraid the kitchen mess is terminal. Tomorrow is another day and I can clean it up. I should get about 18 quarts of tomatoes canned yet tonight. The tomatoes canning got interrupted by a quick trip to Minneapolis MN to do a auto dealer trade. Both Harlan and I went, it is fun and a nice way to spend time together. We do these every now and then where we take a vehicle to another dealer and pick up another one and bring it back. We are suppose to get a frost tonight, guess that will put an end to the garden-kinda....I still have 60 hills of potatoes to dig. But that is another day.

kittens anyone

these moms are tired of nursing kittens so they can go anytime. They all carry the Manx gene.

Football season

After I get off work this morning I will be picking up Austin and heading to Flandreau for a football game. I have to remember to bring my camera so I can get some shots of him playing. Friday afternoon Harlan and I went to Logans first game, he is the kicker and does a darn good job of getting the ball into the air. Now to figure how to get the pictures from the camera to the computer.

Welcome Lovey-Dovey

Joan our neighbor brought up a 10 yr old miniature mare who will be foaling in the spring. She will be staying with us this winter which means I get the fun of having a foal here on the farm. She is just a sweetie and living up to her name. In a week the stallion will join here so she will have company. It is fun going out to give her a scoop of grain in the morning and evening. She greets you, knowing darn well what she gets her grain. I enjoy it.

Freezing potatoes this time

Years ago I had a bumper crop of potatoes and figured out a way to freeze potatoes without them turning black. So Harlan peeled 40# of white potatoes and they are now cooking on the stove. Once done they go into the sealer machine which sucks out the air and into the freezer they go. This winter I just have to pull out a quart of already sliced and cooked potatoes and throw them into the frying pan ready to fry up. I have 60 hills of potatoes waiting yet to be dug so will be doing some more freezing. A good project for a rainy day. By the way I did 7.5 quarts of tomatoes again the other day. One of these days I will be able to get up to the sewing machine and start making quilts and doll clothes and jamies.

BOW is the ultimate high

This weekend I went to BOW (Becoming Outdoor Women) which was held at the Methodist Church Camp at Ponsette. Friday, Saturday and Sunday there were over 60 women enjoying classes, the wonderful food and a beautiful fall like weekend. They come from all over the state and many from other states. I took Boating Basics and yes I learned how to back up a boat and put a boat and trailer in the water ready to launch. I took Back Yards Gone Wild where we learned to identify native plants and how to use them in the landscaping. Camping was another course where we learned the ways to make a camp fire, pitch a tent and how to survive in the woods. The last course was Treats for the Tweeters. I made a wreath to hang outside and it was filled with all sorts of edible flowers and seeds for the birds. Then a hummingbird feeder was made from a glass pop bottle and copper wire. That turned out really neat. The Conservation Offices put on a wild game feed and if it is edible we had it, and that included Mountain Lion which tastes like pork and is very good. Terri Stratton my cousin from MN came and this will probably not be her last time. Next year it will be at Outlaw Ranch in the Hills. There were a lot of laughs, good conversation, boating in the water in the evening, and so many memories.

what more jelly

I picked a 5 gallon pail of golden crab apples and they are now in the drip stage. One of these days I will get my kitchen back and cleaned. But then it will be time to start the sewing.

Crazy old lady

Went to work this morning, we are getting busier than ever so putting in more hours. Came home and had coffee with Harlan. THEN I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to start cleaning the barn. The sheep left yesterday until next spring. The barn has not been cleaned since we moved in. I started and it really was coming up easy. Harlan came out to help me and within 4 hours the barn was cleaned. We opened all the doors to circulate the air. Joan my neighbor (who owns the sheep) will come down later this week and we will lay a good bed of straw down for bedding. Win the stallion and a new mare that they are buying will be here soon. It will be nice to have the horse back. Win is a miniature and just as sweet and can be. I think he may stay the winter which is fine with us. But we got a dirty job out of the way. Later today I will be going horse back riding with Joan and Bob. Am I a glutton for sore muscles? Will find out.

Good bye dear friend

I check our old home paper on line frequently, keeps me caught up with the news even tho we have been gone for 20 some years. That is how I found out that our neighbor Grandma Vi
(Violet Strand) had passed away. Vi became the Grandma to my kids when we moved to Lindstrom MN when Kathy was just starting Kindergarten. Age does not matter between friends and that is what Vi and I became, close friends. When we had the chimney fire, Vi was right there to answer the door and take in 3 frighten kids and get them back to sleep. The memories of her wading though knee to hip deep snow to spend Thanksgiving with us because there was no way she was going to drive to her family to spend the holiday. We would hike and ski the woods we so dearly loved. Even tho we had to move to Texas and then back to MN and then to SD we kept in contact. The last years were not kind to Vi as she came down with Alzheimer's like so many have and so many of us will. All of our secrets, the memories we shared became locked away. Good bye dear friend, you taught me so much and I loved you as if you were my Mom.

New plants

I answered an ad and will be getting new prennials for the garden today. Slowly my garden is taking shape. We really need the rain. Will have to do some deep watering this afternoon after I get everything planted. Next year should really show the results of all the hard work and planting of this year. I am hoping that the sedum will take off and cover alot of the bare ground in the shade gardens. Mom used to say the First year they sleep, the Second year they creep and the Third year they leap. Which is about right for prennials. It usually takes about 3 years before they are looking good.

I am working a 4 day shift at Caseys, so back to setting an alarm.

It is canning season

First Judy (a girlfriend)_ and I made 41 jars of apple jelly, apple mint jelly, apple cinnamon jelly, so today I canned 11.5 quarts of tomatoes. Strange how gratifying it is to look at all the shelves with canned food on them. Mom used to sit at the bottom of the steps and just admire her work, I understand now what she was thinking. Thanks for teaching me Mom.

it is fall

My favorite time of the year. The leaves are starting their gradual turn of color. The garden is winding down, hopefully we will get tomatoes as the black corn bugs are beating me to the pickings. They are even eating the green tomatoes. I think it is due to the lack of moisture. Yesterday I met with 3 other Master Gardeners and we will be re-vamping the Native Prairie Garden at McCory Gardens. It will be a big undertaking but once done will be something to be proud of. This Saturday I will be working with a large group of Master Gardeners and 4-H kids at the county extension office. We have set out a landscaping plan and it will start coming together Saturday when the big machines come in and they lay the new landscaping curbing. We have some really neat ideas that will feature a water feature and water barrels. Come and check it out once it is all done.

we are home, anyone miss me???

Branson, MO to Brookings SD (actually Sinai) in one day 600+ miles on the GoldWing. We went down to Branson MO to just take a few days off and enjoy some shows and the beautiful scenery. We of course went to Dixie Stampede-highly recommend to anyone heading there. Do not recommend seeing Tony Roi a Elvis tribute-he is in love with his movements and they were less then desirable. But do go to the Mall as they have free shows of upcoming stars and they work their hearts out for the tips. Johnny Rogers is really one that will not be performing for free much longer. The weather was cool, some rain and of course the food was top notch. So now I am home to reality. Tomorrow I have an eye apt to recheck the eye surgery-and yes it is still doing wonderful. Laundry is caught up and now have to catch up on my computer.

Glad to be home.

Stomping Grapes

I have 2 SD Valient grape vines. I picked 18# of grapes yesterday, Harlan helped me wash and stem them. I cooked them down to a concentrate. 1 quart of concentrate will equal a gallon of sweetened grape juice. I put 7 quarts in the freezer. They are wonderful mixed with Sprite. No purple feet, just purple fingers.

Master Gardener

Mom was a Master Gardener, even if she did not take the course. It is something that she always wanted to accomplish in her life, like her bucket list. Mom just crossed it off your list, I have taken the course, passed and completed the 50 hours of volunteer work. I am now a
MASTER GARDENER WITH SD SDSU

sewing all day

Last night Harlan and I went to Kathy and Seans for supper, nummy chicken and all the trimmings. Even got to help Hunter with homework. I wonder how he did on the spelling test as I quizzed him. It has been many years since I did the homework routine.

My daughter Kathy is in a wedding coming up and needed the bridesmaid dress hemmed. So all day today I reunited with my sewing room and got it hemmed. Now to have her come over and make sure that everything is just right. The dress is really a pretty shade of chocolate brown and ice blue.

So that was my day.

Amazing I can really see

This afternoon I had laser surgery called a YAG procedure on my right eye to remove a secondary cataract that had grown over the lens implant from past cataract surgery. It was for the most part painless and it is amazing how clear my vision is now. Before the only way I could describe it was to put baby oil on your eye and look through it. The sunset sure looked pretty tonight.

Home again

What a fun but quick trip back to MN. Terri Stratton my cousin hosted the annual family picnic at 7 mile creek park. It was so good to see those who I have not seen for a year, give and receive tons of hugs. 2 new diamond rings were being shown, Britney Mott and Chad Strattons new fiance. More to add to the family. The food was really good and I think we made more than a trip or two to refill our plates. Too bad everyone lives so far away, would be fun to have a couple a year. Maybe do something in the winter-anyone interested??? I spent the night at my Aunti Auds place. Just like old times when I would come over for the weekend and just visit. She is really like a mom to me. At 82 she is doing quite well. Then on to Gaylord where I surprised my Moms best friend Shirley Cross. We grew up with Shirleys kids so it was nice to find Lynn home visiting his mom. Keep shirley in prayer as she is battling the big C and is putting up one heck of a good fight. Now I am home, unloaded the car and just sitting. It is nice to go but it is nice to be home. Keep me in your prayes for tomorrow as I have the YAG procedure on my right eye to remove scar tissue that has developed on the lens that was put in when they took the cataract out.

A quick trip

Headed to Minnesota after work for a family picnic. Will be fun to see Auntie Aud, many of my cousins and nieces and nephews. Will spend the night as I got up at 12:30 this morning and it will make for a very long day and will play it safe and find some place to hit the sack. Plan on seeing Karen and Roger on my way over, a great place for a cup of coffee and a break in the drive. If I can figure out how to connect my camera to the computer I will be able to post some pictures. But one step at a time as I am still learning this Blog.

Oh my aching back

My dear friend Ida Slocum gave me 2 huge trays of Sedum to put in my shade garden. I bet I dug 20 or more holes in my garden to water and plant these new plants. They have seemed to take the transplant pretty well, of course water from the rain barrel helps. Next year they should come in an spread to a soft green carpet that will give my garden an entire new look. I can understand fully how Mom would sit back and look at what she had accomplished when she gardened. It does give a bit of pride to see the color and texture being grouped together in what was once a bit of scrappy grass/lawn.

Congratulations to my favorite daughter-in-law

"A Synthesis of Antiquarian Observation and Archaeological Excavation at Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire"Wow that is a mouthful. This is Wendy's first published book!
Paperback: 71 pages
Publisher: British Archaeological Reports (1 Aug 2009)
ISBN-10: 1407305182
ISBN-13: 978-1407305189

Congratulations Wendy, there has been a lot of long hours and hard work put into getting your book done. Congratulations to John, Gareth, Fiona, Bronwyn and Enya for being such a good support system to Wendy. I am so very proud of each and every one of you.

It is not even 2am yet

Of course I never sleep the night before I have to bake donuts, so am up early, bath is done and now to write something in my blog. Went to McCory Gardens for the garden party, I put in 4.75 hours as a Master Gardener. I had miscalculated my hours last week, counting some continuing education hours towards the volunteer hours. So after re-figuring it out I shall have my 50 hour obligation in as of Tuesday the 25th. This is such a nice feeling. I became a Master Gardener for 2 reasons, the first is because I so enjoy gardening and want to learn more and the second is because of Mom, who always wanted to become one but never was able. So here is to you Mom, we are now Master Gardeners. Today after work and cleaning my 2 contracts, I plan to plant sedum in the shade gardens. It should fill it in so nicely. Thanks Ida for all the sedum. I should have plenty to share next year. So that should be my day in a nutshell.

Too bad the camera would not pick up the total picture, we had a tripple rainbow over the cornfield. Absolutely beautiful. I was out there as it was misting out trying to get pictures. So far 0.23" rain

I do want to wish my Great Niece Allie a very happy second birthday.

another rainy day

The kids all have blogs so decided that I would start one, like the old fashioned journal. Yesterday was a productive day, Harlan and I hauled 4 trailer loads to the burn pile in the pasture. We trimmed the lower branches of the pine trees to the north and started cutting down large buckthorn as their berries are about ready to rippen. It will be an ongoing battle with the buckthorn, but gives me something to tear out and creat new gardens and lawn for Harlan to mow. Right now it is raining, so probbly won't get much done outside, but the rain barrels will be filled