Gardeningranny

The kitchen is painted-before and after

2010-10-21T08:31:00.003-05:00

I got tired of the off white color in the kitchen, so matched the green in the wallpaper and went from there. I really like it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE

2010-10-17T09:51:00.002-05:00

Today 40 years ago my daughter Susan made me a mom for the first time. She is as beautiful today as she was the day she was born. One of my vivid memories of that day was my Dad coming to the hospital to see his first grandaughter, but did not even come in and see his own daughter, he was just proud to be able to meet Sue. I hope your next 40+ years are just as good as the last 40 have been. Happy Birthday Sue. I love ya

the roof is on

2010-10-17T09:36:00.003-05:00

Been a busy week, but which week in summer is not busy. This weekend my son-in-law Sean along with Logan and Hunter came to put a tin roof on our hog barn. NOW it will not leak and Harlan will have to keep his promises of making homes for the birds and cats along with other projects. I am amazed that they got it done so quickly and it looks great. Both the boys worked hard and deserved that extra scoop or two of ice cream.

Where has the summer gone

2010-09-25T06:14:00.007-05:00

Sunflowers in the Badlands

Yellow Mounds-Badlands

Harlan and I at the Badlands

Buffalo ready for the roundup in Custer State Park

Young White Tail Deer in Custer State Park

Charlie (with the beard) Shaughn and Owen De Leeuw-kids are Thomas and Tessy's boys

Debbie De Leeuw my sister in law

Tessy and Thomas De Leeuw

Heather De Leeuw my niece

Thomas De Leeuw my nephew

The hills are full of the fall colors with the Aspen turning yellow against the green pine trees

Roughlock falls in SD

Harlan at Roughlock Falls

Monarchs getting ready for migration

Early foggy morning at the farm

Spooky

Patchy my kitten

I know I should have posted weeks ago, but summer has become a busy time with gardening, Master Gardeners and keeping up with all the weeds. No excuses-so will get a post out along with a few pictures. The gardens are coming to a close for this season, they were beautiful and so refreshing to work in. I have enlarged them to some degree and next year will really be dong a major overhaul on one garden turning it into a green texture garden with only shades of green and textures of all design. Should prove to be interesting. The vegetable garden was a challenge as we had so much rain that it just did not want to grow and produce as it should of. Right now it is raining again. Something this area does not need as part of Brookings and surrounding areas including my daughter Kathy and her family is under water or being close to being under water. Check her blog at Life with the Lesnars to see the continuing water battles. Harlan and I went to the Black Hills to see my brother Charlie and had alot of fun in such a short few days.

Again sorry for being so tarty in posting and will keep you more updated in the future.

Summer storm

2010-07-17T20:01:00.011-05:00

Just had a summer storm pass through, winds/hail/sun/ rain and just plain weird weather.

More fun with Logan

2010-07-14T21:28:00.003-05:00

Today started hot and so muggy but it ended with sunhine and my fence done. Logan was such a big help and I really enjoyed the time that I spent working with him in my Green Texture Garden. I hope he had as much fun as I did. Thanks Logan

2010 Year 1 for a Green Texture Garden

2010-07-14T20:53:00.012-05:00

One part of my garden is completely shade and I decided to turn it into a Green Texture Garden, all shades of green and textures of leaves and trees. Logan my grandson came over and helped me put up a picket fence and he rebuilt the brick wall in front of it. I planted 13 Hot Nettle plants a pretty silver and green ground cover. Will be adding hostas and other plants yet this summer.

Garden pictures, not just close ups

2010-07-09T17:32:00.017-05:00

Balloon Flower

Rose for my sister Joyce

Circle drive garden

Secret garden for Joyce

Hosta garden

Hot garden by driveway

I have added some pictures of the gardens which the close ups of the flowers come from

neat flower pictures

2010-06-27T18:24:00.015-05:00

When people take flower pictures, they look at the flower head on-so decided to take a different angle-what do you think?

Summer nights 2010

2010-06-26T22:52:00.006-05:00

Hosta after a rain

Calla Lilly after rain

mare amd 3 wk old filly now in our pasture

4:30 and you can feel the storm

Storm coming and it is only 5pm

My angel from Wendy protects my garden.

trees in ditch are just about gone

2010-06-25T09:26:00.002-05:00

We have until the first week of July to get all the trees out of the ditch line, that is 33' from the center of the road towards our property. I got it done, just me myself and I. I do have to take the chain saw out to get the bigger stumps yet cut out. If we do not get them out they will do it for us and charge us. Worked on it earlier this year with the help of Logan, Hunter and Austin, but it is now summer time and they are way too busy. It was getting too hot out (it is almost July weather in June) and besides I had to get a band aid or two on my arm. Yesterday I got all the weeding done in the flower beds and in the garden. Skin So Soft by Avon keept the bugs away. Harlan bought a WORX weed trimmer and it is wonderfl, I even managed to go through a spool of line just a trimming away, Ah summer is fun.

Best buddies

2010-06-21T08:24:00.000-05:00

New pic of Rosey with SAR

2010-06-21T08:10:00.000-05:00

The flowers are so colorful

2010-06-16T21:51:00.010-05:00

After all the rain this past week, we finally get sun so time to weed and weed and weed some more. I took a break to enjoy the flowers that are in blossom and wanted to share them with you.

I refuse to grow old (ha ha)

2010-06-15T21:41:00.003-05:00

After

Before picture

Ok what do you think-Harlan has pled the 5th-so in other words he will not comment

Rain rain go away

2010-06-12T07:37:00.007-05:00

Patchy practicing her climbing skills

Star and Patchey

closer picture of it

see the tail coming down just to the right of the windmill

taken at 2:30am during the downpour, all the thunder and lightening. I did not use a flash

It is way too wet to get in the garden and weede. Thursday we dumped 0.44" of rain out of the rain guage and then that night we got hit with another downpour. I was suprised to dump 2.31" of rain out of the rain guage. No wonder the 460th Ave has 2 areas of wash out. Friday was actually pretty nice, then we had this strange cloud formation come over that set off the pager and the sirens in Brookings. Managed to get some pictures.

All the kittens are gone but Patchy which I really want to keep, I have pictures of her.

2010-06-09T21:54:00.008-05:00

Wyn the stallion

Roy born 4-27-2010

Back at last

2010-06-09T21:42:00.004-05:00

Plant sale pictures

It has been a while since I last did a post and I have heard from several people wondering if I am ok, thanks guys as I know you are reading my blog and do care. I have been extremely busy. Work at the Assisted Living has taken a new direction, I work nights from 7pm to 7am, so do try to get some sleep. The gardens are planted and weeded and weeded and again weeded. Amazing how fast a week will grow vs a vegetable or flower plant. I am using a new hoe called a stirrup how or a shuffle hoe and it really works well, cuts the weeding in half, and I am all for that.

The Brookings Area Master Gardeners had their first and will be annual plant sale, we raised just under $700.00 which will go for scholarships for Master Gardeners and for horticulture students at SDSU. I chaired the committee and had alot of fun getting it up and running.

My daughter Kathy asked me to help her clean apartments again after the college graduation, bonding time over a dirty bathroom-LOL but it was hard work but good money. I can pay off the dentist bill now. I even managed to loose a couple of pounds.

So that is what I have been up to the last month. Now that life has settled down, I will be able to update more often.

The secret garden is taking shape

2010-05-02T18:40:00.006-05:00

A sign of spring

2010-04-28T04:44:00.005-05:00

With the coming of spring you have new life that welcomes you on a sunny morning. Yesterday

morning when I went out to do chores I was greeted by 3 and not the usual 2. Lovey had her foal during the night and was already dried off, eating and running when I came out. A stud colt, he is good size. I am tempted to call him Tank because he is built solid. Wyn the stallion is taking it all in stride and seems pleased to have another one in the pasture. We are lucky that he is such a well natured stallion.

Spring at last

2010-04-23T17:51:00.011-05:00

the rain barrels are over flowing with much needed rain. I am glad that I ran out and took pictures of the flowers before the wind got to them. Enjoy the pictures as spring has come to our little farm.

Grannys new garden buggy

2010-04-23T17:43:00.003-05:00

I am not going through another winter in fear of the snowflake. I spent many nights at Park Place Assisted Living where I work part time, on the recliner due to the snow and that includes 4 nights over Christmas. So I traded in the 2010 for a 2003 GMC Yukon Denali. I will never (knock on wood) get stuck again. I traded a bare bones car for a loaded to the tail pipe SUV. Meet Maggie my new SUV

weekend to work

2010-04-18T04:43:00.002-05:00

Boy is it hard to work a 12 hr shift and then come home and really want to work in the garden. The weather has been so nice and with so much happening this beautiful spring, I hate to come in when it gets dark and the bugs come out. The secret garden is just about cleared and now just have to wait for the soil temperature to get to the point where I know we can safely put out plants. I have made trips to the nursery's and drooled, but it is just a bit too early. There was a thin layer of frost on the car yesterday when I went to work. I have the next 10 days off and I know it will be spent outside. With all this beautiful weather we have to remember to say a prayer of thanks for it as last year it was really a cold wet spring and everything got off to a late start. So if I forget Lord-Thank you now for what will come today.

Morgans First Communion

2010-04-11T06:48:00.018-05:00

I now have the pictures in from my trip to Nebraska where I went to watch Morgan take her first communion. I worked the night before and managed to get in a couple short hours of sleep before I head out. God knew I was tired but He knew I was heading to something very important so I had no problem staying awake. It was a beautiful dress that needed to be altered to fit a very excited 8 year old. The house was filled with Mikes side and we all had such a nice time getting ready for the big day. We were blessed with beautiful weather that made the day even better. Morgan looked so beautiful in her dress as she went up to the alter with Mom and Dad to receive the blessing. Big brother Bry took part by singing in the choir. After the service we all returned to the Farm where Sue had prepared enough food to feed an army and it is a good thing she did as she had a house full. Thank you Sue for putting up with a Mom in the house and letting me share in this very special occasion.

week end of grand kids

2010-04-11T06:45:00.019-05:00

Grandchildren are the greatest help

2010-04-11T06:34:00.002-05:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to have Logan, Hunter and Gracie from Friday to Sunday. Sean is turkey hunting and Kathy and Austin are in Minneapolis for a hockey tournament. Kathy wondered if I was up to 3 kids. I reminded her I raised 3 kids and actually were the kids up to Grandma? We have been having so much fun. Work was fun as we are tearing out the buck thorn scrub trees next to the secret garden behind the house and cleaning up after the tornado of 6 years ago. Give the kids loppers and a small tree saw and you have fun. We are burning all we cut in a small burn pit in the garden and that adds to more fun. One bag of marshmallows left for today. Of course the 4 wheelers have to be run and there is never a shortage of drivers. Grace has the same passion as I do-Rocks. I think we will go rock hunting today. It has been a fun weekend. I found out I do not have near the flex ability at jumping with the basket ball that I used to. The hoop got a good work out. They have helped me feed the horses and are so hoping for a baby while they are here. I have to admit it but I will really miss the laughter and even the mock fights once they are gone. It is so nice to have the house filled with the laughter of kids.

Deer are all over

2010-03-28T05:24:00.002-05:00

On my way home last night a young doe jumped out from he shelter belt to the left of me and right into the left front quarter panel of the car. Big ouch, but could of been worse. It took almost 45 min before the sheriff deputy got there, so now will have to take the car into the body shop this week for estimates and get it repaired. Guess that is what we pay the insurance for. Thank goodness the deer was killed right away, I am a little sore from tensing up but that is all.

LATE ENTRY

2010-03-25T19:44:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY A LITTLE LATE,NOW DOES THAT GET ME OFF THE HOOK???????? LOVE YOUR MOM

Just listen to nature

2010-03-25T07:54:00.002-05:00

I am uptight this morning as I have a big medication test to take this morning at work, as it is a hard test and to be honest us older folks just don't learn as quickly as the kids do. I had just gotten out of the shower when Harlan tapped on the door and said look out the window. There were 4 deer in my secret garden, just nibbling on the plants and enjoying themselves. I felt the tension leave and peace set in. Thanks from above for sending them to me.

It is spring at last

2010-03-23T17:40:00.002-05:00

I love this time of the year, the Robins have returned, the Goldfinches are taking on the bright yellow color and the snow is just about gone. It has been a busy spring for me already. This weekend I went to Surprise NE to attend my grand daughters first communion and we were blessed with such nice warm weather and sunshine. I enjoyed the time with the kids and of course their mom and dad. Then back to reality. Today Harlan and I worked on the yard and cut all the dead branches off the grape vines, raked the garden into one pile and with the help of gas we got a good fire started. It sure looks better and is now all ready for the tiller. I have been taking daily walks around the yard and today found that the tulips were up!! Yes Spring is really here.

Jet Lag is gone

2010-03-08T05:24:00.002-06:00

It is Monday-and finally the jet lag is about gone. I did not have it the first trip to England 2 years ago but I am also 2 years older and time of the flights were different. I am all unpacked, laundry done (does that surprise you Wendy??) and I worked Sat and Sun 12 hr shifts. I have had so many ask how my trip was and all I can answer is great-it was great seeing the family again, the kids, my son and my daughter-in-law. It really did not matter what the weather was outside, we have crappy weather there and get along just fine. We did have many beautiful days and days without rain and did so much and saw so many beautiful buildings and museums. There is no one high-light to the trip-the element of suprise on the kids probably would be the best. They were so darn happy to see their Granny.

It has been busy since I got home. Friday I made pies to take to the Sinai Fire Department Soup/Sandwich/Pie supper fund raiser. What a turn out they had, I got there after I got off work and it was still packed. I stayed to help with the clean up. They raised over $5,000.00 towards their new building.

Today I take a very sick cat to the vet, Spooky our house cat has a bladder problem, he can't go and has stopped eating and drinking. If I don't take him in, we will loose him. He is on antibiotics but it does not seem to help. I did not think I was so attached to that cat, but I am and I am worried about him.

Time to have a second cup of coffee and get on with the day, after all it is 5:30am.

all packed

2010-03-02T15:48:00.002-06:00

I am all packed and ready for the morning bus trip to London where I will catch a flight home. I want to thank John and Wendy for being such good hosts and allowing me the fun of spoiling the kids these past 2 weeks. I have had a chance to get to know them better and to be a part of their lives. I am going to miss them and will have to wait for the next couple of years until I can come back. John and Wendy you can be proud of each of your children, their goals, their dreams and their accomplishments. You can also be proud of yourselves for taking on the task of furthering your education. Thank you for a wonderful time and I sure am going to miss each of you. I love you

2 weeks cant be over yet

2010-03-01T23:34:00.003-06:00

Hard to believe that tomorrow I will be saying bye to 4 grandchildren who I have so enjoyed the chance to become Granny again. How do you look into their faces and not cry, knowing it will be 2-3 years before I will have the chance to come back. The younger ones have already asked me to stay or even better yet to come home to America with me. "I will be real good for you," ya see it is going to be hard to say bye. Gareth has grown into such a nice young man and taken on the responsibility of helping his Mom and Papa with the 3 young girls. The 3 almost triplet girls are so alike and yet so different. Ranging in age from 5-8 they do keep their Mom and Papas hopping, always a head of long hair to comb, and Enya with her wild curl es. The girls have fallen in love with the dolls that I brought them, each sisters in the My Friend Mandy series from the late 1970s. Mandy went to Fiona, Jenny went to Bronwyn and Becky with the wild red curles went to Enay.

Both John and Wendy are very busy with studies from their Universities, and I am so proud of both of them for pursuing their dreams.

Yes tomorrow will be a difficult day, full of hugs and tears, BUT tomorrow really never comes so today I get to walk them to school.

Oxford-the town

2010-02-27T05:42:00.012-06:00

Yesterday John, Wendy and I spent the day in Oxford, seeing the sites and just enjoying the wonderful pastries from the French Market. They are beyond belief in their taste. Too bad I can't take some home with me, but the memories will linger and so will the pounds added.

John and I toured the Oxford Museum of Natural History and saw a dinosaur from Harding SD. We really enjoyed our favorite-Trilobites a arthroped that I think is just too cute. I am enclosing pictures.

We concluded the day by attending a play production that Gareth and Bronwyn were in. What a full day.

We ate lunch in our now favorite pup the Red Lion, I had a traditional British Pie which back in America would be a pot pie.

Enjoy the pictures

London

2010-02-23T15:05:00.017-06:00

Today John and I spent a wonderful day walking about the city of London, playing tourist and really enjoying the day. Weather wise it was overcast but the rain did not come until we were done for the day. The changing of the guard is at 11:30 each morning and we got there in time, getting a good spot and watching the precise movements of the guards as they went through their routine. The flag flying indicated that the Queen was in residence which made it a little more exciting for this American. The royal horse guard was awesome, the horses are perfectly matched in size and color. We went by one of the horse guards, he did not move a muscle and that was both rider and horse. Talk about discipline and training. Big Ben has the most delightful sounds when it strikes the time. We found a cafe that served the best coffee, you could stand a spoon up in it and it was good. All the buildings are so well cared for and the various periods of architecture. I had such a good time from riding the train to the subways. So many new and exciting memories. Thanks John for showing your Mom a wonderful time. Enjoy the pictures.

Headed to London

2010-02-23T00:10:00.003-06:00

John and I will be playing tourist in London today. We have a train to catch and will go to the hub of the city and do a fun walking tour. Camera is ready. Yesterday I got to be Granny on Duty, both John and Wendy had obligations at their colleges so I got to take the girls to school and then pick them up again at 3:00. Supper was a unanimous fish and chips. My hair has been styled in several ways via my new 3 little hair dressers and I am learning the game of Ono. Despite the weather giving us snow and slush the time is passing all too quickly. Will keep you posted on our trip today. Having a great time being Granny.

pictures of Enland 2010 trip

2010-02-21T06:03:00.013-06:00

Sunday morning

2010-02-21T03:38:00.003-06:00

Good morning from across the pond.
Yesterday we took Bronwyn to the Gold Fish Bowl, a huge fish store (3rd largest in the UK) to purchase fish for the beloved Butterfly who died. Butterfly was a gold fish and we had a proper funeral for her. Bronwyn chose 3 guppies, 2 girls and 1 boy and is so delighted with them. Bronwyn is in charge of the feeding and care of the fish. Happy Birthday a little early honey.

We took a walking tour around the neighborhood to St Johns and St Marys Church and Cemetery, the church cemetery is now closed one as it is full, the stones are from the 1800s and some are made from wood. There are walking paths throughout and benches to take a rest. Very peaceful and interesting to walk through.

Last night Shane Szarkowski a friend of Johns and former co-worker at UPD came to visit, we went to the Rusty Bicycle for a brew and quails eggs. I find the quail eggs not to my taste but interesting, they are served boiled with celery salt.

Friday the girls had their day out, we so enjoyed a walking trip to downtown Oxford and a trip to one of the museums. I really felt old when I was shown a picture of my daughter-in-law in the museum ( I thought only old things went in museums-ha ha) Wendy is in her PhD in Archeology and one of the digs she was photographed at is on display. Very impressive Wendy. This museum is several stories tall and you need a map to guide you from display to display. I would highly recommend the Ashmolean Museum to anyone visiting Oxford. Google it and get an idea what we enjoyed. We had lunch at the Red Lion, the coffee is good and strong, nothing like we are served in America. The food here is good.

Today we will be going to the Natural Museum, which shall fill the entire afternoon, it that huge.
Hope you are having a great day, I know I will be.

I made it to England

2010-02-17T07:24:00.002-06:00

I have forgotten how long the plane flight is over the pond. The flight really was smooth, I did manage to get some sleep which helped pass the time. Wendy picked me up and we took the bus to Oxford. The webcam was set up in the garden so all I had to do was smile and start waving as my image was being sent into the house computer. I really thought there would be alot of excited screams. What I got was 3 little faces looking out the patio door in disbelief that their Granny was really there. Gareth is now taller than me and his voice is very deep, he is now a young man. Fiona has hair down to the middle of her waist-she is now shy. She is a very good reader and like to read to me. Bronwyn is my velcro buddy, she loves being by my side and reading to me. Enya has the prettiest long curls and she said I just knew I would come.
John and Wendy are looking good and are very busy with their schooling. Will be posting pictures when John shows me how. Right now we have blue skies something very unusual for this time of the year. I like to think it is because Granny is here.

The count down has begun

2010-02-13T05:09:00.003-06:00

Last night I got to go watch Logan and Hunter play Mitchell in Hockey. They won 5-0, Logan scoring one of the goals. It is fun to watch and as much as you want them to be with you after the game, they do prefer hanging out with their friends. Thant's OK boys I understand.

I have a few minutes before going to work. It is my weekend to work so will be at Park Place Assisted Living from 7am to 7pm. The time usually flies by. Soooo Monday I HAVE to FINISH my packing as I will be leaving Tuesday morning for Minneapolis where I board United to England. I will be there for 2 weeks. I have all my clothes laid out on the suitcase and all I really have to do is roll them up and put them in and weigh the entire bag as I am only limited to 50#. My carry on will have the gifts I am bringing and my camera. oh yes and an extra pair of undies in case they loose my luggage. The kids do not know I am coming but Wendy said that Enya is starting to think Granny is coming. I will be posting to my blog as often as I can and will post pictures so that you can share with me my trip to England. We are going to spend one day in London which will be fascinating. I am bringing my genealogy with so that John can look at it and have a copy. My Moms side is all Welsh/English so will give Wendy and John a list of places I would someday like to visit and take pictures for further trips. I am excited to see the children as it has been almost 2 years. Please follow me on my blog for the next couple of weeks. Next post will more than likely be coming from England.

Another year older

2010-02-06T18:51:00.003-06:00

My birthday is now over, it was a nice day, and I do not mind turning another year. After all age is just a number, what counts is how we feel inside. I got so many phone calls and so many greetings from my Face Book friends and family. Harlan took me out for lunch and then Kathy and Gracie joined us for supper. Kathy gave me a beautiful white gold diamond and amethyst heart necklace, absolutely beautiful, very dainty and delicate Susan gave me a book that took me into spring just looking at the pictures. I now have several of the pages marked for projects that I would like to give a try. John called from England but I missed their call, but I do have those sweet British voices saved on my voice mail. Thanks so much to each of you who remembered me on my fun and special day. May God bless you as He has blessed me.

The next year will be better

2010-02-01T18:42:00.004-06:00

Kathy and Sean with a nice buck

Hunter, Logan, Austin, Gracie in their new home

One year ago tomorrow was a tough day for my daughter Kathy, her husband Sean and their 4 children Logan, Hunter, Austin and Gracie. That was the day that they lost their home and belongings to a fire. What they lost was their home but what they found was what a great communities Brookings, Volga and surrounding areas are. Friends and strangers alike came with donations of money, gift certificates, clothing, furniture, food and just plain "how can we help." Businesses put out donation jars, volunteers came to help sort through the ashes and write down pages and pages of lost inventory what was in each room. Then out of the ashes came a new home that many hands helped to lighten the work. This fall they moved into their new home and the new memories started.

Also this year Kathy was diagnosed with Melanoma but thank God it was caught in time and she is under the care of a Dermatologist who is keeping tabs on her. Kathy also was diagnosed with Graves disease a autoimmune disease that has a tendency to run in families (my side). Then at the start of 2010 Hunter broke a bone in his hand requiring surgery and 2 pins and a cast to the elbow.

Yes a year has about passed and a new "year" can start tomorrow Feb 2, 2010, and I just know it will be better than the past. Through all of this Sean and Kathy have kept a strong relationship, based on love and trust. Their children continue to grow and keep them busy but that is after all what good memories are made of.

Happy Birthday Rosey

2010-01-28T04:22:00.009-06:00

Rosey my best buddy turns 6. She was such a tiny white furry puppy when we picked her out, she was only a couple of weeks old. For some reason I just knew that she was the one. Full of energy from the time we got her, Rosey has never disappointed me, she has a AKC CGC, TDI titles and is also certified in SAR for air scent and is working on her cadaver certification. She is my buddy when I do chores in the barn, is ready to go when I pull out her SAR gear, no matter where I am she is with me. I really feel blessed to have been a part of her life, her training and to be her friend as she is mine.

I so want spring

2010-01-23T04:16:00.003-06:00

It is early in the morning, have been up since 1:30am. Mainly have the drive to work on my mind and did not really sleep that well. At this moment it is still raining out but that can change at any time. They are telling us that we could get up to an inch of rain/ice and then will frost it off with snow. I so want spring. The seed catalogues are coming in and that just makes the want of warm weather and sunshine even more. I just have to be patient and wait as we do every year about this time. I am planning my garden but that only takes a short while, what will I do to fill up the months up until planting time? I guess the older we get the more impatient we become and just want it now. OK will quit my crabbing and be thankful for what we have. We have SD weather but that is not an earth quake or mud slide, so thank you Lord for the rain and the snow and the wind. Spring will come in its own time.

A Frosty January Morning

2010-01-19T11:32:00.010-06:00

It really was such a beautiful morning to take a walk with the camera and capture what God has done for us and to enjoy His beauty. Please take a walk with me in picture and enjoy.

1-18-2010

2010-01-18T18:59:00.002-06:00

Today Mom would of been 85 years old, she was one heck of a grand lady, BUT she hated her age. When we had her 80th birthday she dressed but refused to come down for the party as she did not like the fuss and she was 80. I am glad we had her party as it was the last one we would be able to celebrate with her. Moms best friend was Shirley Cross, friends since before half of my brothers and sisters were born. Today Shirley left this earth and joined Mom in heaven. Shirley fought a tremendous battle with cancer and today she went home and joined her loved ones. Shirley you will be missed as much as I miss Mom. You were like a second Mom to me.

Good luck Hunter Man

2010-01-12T02:12:00.003-06:00

Early in the morning-up for the day, I have to work from 7a to 7p at the assisted living. While I am at work, Hunter will finally get some sleep. He broke his hand a couple of days ago, playing Knee Hockey in the house and since then has been in a lot of pain and given up a lot of sleep. So in less than 12 hours he will be in surgery to have a pin put in to stabilize the bone and a cast put on. Yes now you can get your sleep and be on the mend. Hopefully he will be able to suit up for his hockey games, just not be able to get on the ice and skate. Their team is #1 in the state of SD and that is sure something to be proud of. He may not be able to cheer them on to victory on the ice but I know he will from the side lines. Good luck Hunter it is only going to get better from now on.

England gets snow

2010-01-08T15:27:00.002-06:00

I think evryone on our planet is getting snow. Looks like the kids are enjoying it.

The race is on

2010-01-08T15:17:00.006-06:00

It is so darn cold out, we had a -25 last night. So when I got up to take water to the horses the race was on between he sun dog and the sun to see who could get above the horizon first. I blew out the driveway today but we have not had mail for 3 days and they have not plowed our county road. Maybe tomorrow. Thought you would like to see how fat Lovey is getting with her baby.

fun in the snow with search and rescue

2010-01-01T18:35:00.012-06:00

With it being only a -2 outside, the Brookings K9 Search and Rescue came out for New Years day. We played in the snow and did ground searches, cadaver searches and air scent. Yes we were cold when we came in but it was a great day with the dogs. Rosey is pooped out. I have some pictures of the day.

2009-12-26T13:48:00.005-06:00

2009-12-26T13:42:00.002-06:00

Snow and more snow-

2009-12-26T13:22:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-23T02:31:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-20T12:53:00.007-06:00

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

2009-12-08T20:31:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-08T09:36:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-02T19:37:00.002-06:00

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

I am tired

2009-12-02T19:28:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-27T04:17:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-15T18:12:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-14T22:16:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-08T12:44:00.004-06:00

The last rays of the evening

lazy fall afternoon

2009-11-08T12:38:00.005-06:00

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

2009-11-07T16:31:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-04T21:09:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-02T21:39:00.003-06:00

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

2009-10-28T11:40:00.009-05:00

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

2009-10-28T10:34:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-27T08:01:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to share this beautiful sunrise with everyone.

WHAT...MORE plants

2009-10-26T19:01:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-24T02:20:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-22T04:48:00.003-05:00

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??????????

2009-10-21T05:40:00.001-05:00

Very few comments, does anyone read this??

Off to work I go

2009-10-21T05:32:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-19T01:37:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-18T12:41:00.006-05:00

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

2009-10-17T02:12:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-16T15:01:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-16T13:13:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-14T18:45:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-11T16:27:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-11T02:25:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-10T06:45:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-06T20:50:00.003-05:00

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??

2009-10-06T18:22:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-03T01:48:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-01T11:52:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-01T11:07:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-29T00:12:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-26T09:01:00.002-05:00

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

Football season

2009-09-26T01:05:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-25T13:02:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-25T12:58:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-22T01:44:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-16T15:20:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-13T14:14:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-13T02:16:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-12T02:46:00.002-05:00

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.