Harvest time

OK, not for most things, but our rhubarb is ready. John got a scrumptious strawberry rhubarb pie first thing this morning. And now there are several bags ready to go in the freezer. Most people don't care for rhubarb, but it makes some mighty tasty treats. When I was a kid we would sit with a stalk of rhubarb and the salt shaker and eat until we had tummy aches. But it was soooooo good.

We have been busy bees this morning. We put peas, onions, garlic, spinach, lettuce, beets, and radishes in the garden. The grapes are planted behind the garage, and the blueberries went in the middle of the front yard. John says we are running out of room in the backyard. I'll find a space. . .

I was so excited to see the first little sprous of potatoes pushing up through the ground. What a crazy thing to get excited about, but I just love having that fresh food in the summer. I think we are headed to the greenhouse now to get some cabbage and broccoli. They like the cooler weather. What can I plant next???? I want a lemon tree, but I think that will have to wait until I get the greenhouse.

The sun is shining, the wind is blowing and I have been outside all day. I replanted some of my herbs. The sage, thyme and oregano made it thru the winter, but I put some others in pots. I mowed the lawn, well most of it. The mower was acting funny, so before I really had a problems I quit. I cleaned the strawberry patch. They are looking great. The raspberries we planted last year are also doing well.

Hopefully tonight we can plant the blueberries and grapes.

The guys are at the flea market again this week. I hope he doesn't bring anything home today. The only thing I want are some lemons. I am kinda hooked on fresh lemonade right now. The ones in the grocery store today were not much bigger that a half dollar.

Since the guys are gone, Sarah is on her way out so that we can go to the diner. Beallsville has the best little hometown diner around. The food is all homecooked and tastes fantastic. This is actually one of my favorite places to go.

Toys

Well, my new toy finally got a permanent place on the island yesterday. John and John hooked up a wall plug for me. (great guys) It has already been doing some major work in the kitchen. I love it. This thing really has some power!!! The guys are sure that I will put it to the test.

Then there is John's new toy. OK, why does my toy involve work and his will be fun? Not necessarily lots of fun getting it fixed up, but it will be when he is finished. This truck had been stored for at least 40 years. He is so excited to have it back. His father had been on of the owners when John was very little. Will take a while to get fixed, but I'm sure that he will get it done.

Enrichment meeting on Tuesday was great. We had a therapist come and talk to us about depression. Gee!! It really makes you take a good hard look at yourself. She was great. Depression is a serious medical illness that many women suffer from. It isn't something that you can just "snap out of". Why do we think we need to be wonderwoman? Why do we compare ourselves to others? We should be happy with what we are. Yes, things in our life happen that cause us to wonder why. Make the best of what you have. If you think you suffer from depression, please get some help. They have wonderful meds now that can just take the edge off, without becoming addicted. Find someone to talk to. We had food made from peanut butter for our refreshments. Lorrie would have loved it.

Off to the cannery this weekend. I'm not sure what I am after, but I know it isn't as much before. I have a great deal stocked up, and still need more room. It is always fun to go and fill up those big cans of good food stuff.

The sun is shining, the rain has stopped and by Saturday we are suppossed to have 82 degree weather. That sure is going to help my new trees, blueberries, and grapes. It is so hard to have to wait on all the good stuff that they will produce.

Well, I have tried to do my best to stay away from too much computer. The arm is still a problem, but . . . I go see my massage therapist on Tuesday. I'm sure it will feel better by Wednesday. He is just great. He always reminds me that there will be pain the day of, but feel much better later.

Easter was good. Lots of food and family.

Finally got to take Janet to Pearl Valley (for great cheese) and to the Baltic Mill for tons of bulk goodies. We made a quick day of it since she was actually taking the morning off and things appeared to be getting busy. We had tons of fun.

Spent all of Saturday at the Amish consignment auction. There are always tons of things that I would like to have, not necessarily need. Tried to buy a small greenhouse, but it went for more than I had budgeted. We think we are still going to get one. John still wants tomatoes all year long. I will do some pricing this week.

We planted to fruit trees last night. We had 2 apple, cherry, nectarine, peach, pear. It is a shame you have to wait so long for them to produce any yummies. The grapes will go in this week, also, along with garlic, onions, and maybe some cabbage and broccoli.

Happy Easter

I have finished the baking for tomorrow's Easter Dinner. The family always gets together at my parents home for Easter, acutally all the holiday dinners. My job is always bread (rolls) and dessert. This time there are wheat rolls, blackberry pie (Dad's favorite), mini cheesecakes, banana vanilla wafer pudding stuff, and chocolate peanut butter easter eggs. Sarah is supposed to be making whoopie pies to go along with all the other sweet stuff.

We will enjoy spending the day with family, eating, playing games, eating, sleeping, eating, eating, etc.

My kind of toy

I know, I know, I'm not supposed to be sitting at the computer, but. . . my new "toy" came today. Luckily John was home this afternoon when my newest "toy" was delivered. I purchased a 'new' kitchenaid mixer. OK, lots bigger than my old one. It doesn't even fit under the kitchen counter. We have to make some other plans, but it is great. Nice shiny red. It has a huge mixing bowl and way bigger motor. John says I can really crank stuff out now. He has also informed me that the next one he buys will be the Hobart floor mixer. ha ha

I also got the attachment for grinding, slicing, and shredding stuff, and making pasta. I can't wait for him to wake up today so that I can try it. Such simple things make me happy.

I'll try to get pictures.

Spring is here

Thanks to all for the prayers for Sherry. She is doing great, physically. Emotionally it will take a while to sort thru everything, but she is alive.

Spring has sprung and I am ready to plant a garden. OK, only the potatoes so far, but I sure am anxious. I have noticed driving along the roads, that many homes that have never had plowed up yards, are making garden space. I'm sure that they are concerned about economics like most. I can't wait to see how the summer progresses. Will they become beautiful gardens full of produce or ugly spots full of weeds. Kind of like us. Do we do all that we need to to nurish, fertilize and tend ourselves and make us grow beautiful? Do we become lazy and just let those ugly weeds take over our lives?

Yesterday was a great day. We were able to make a trip to the temple in Columbus. Started out a very rainy, humdrum morning, but by the time we got there the sun was shining and it was gorgeous. It was nice to be able to relax and just be grateful for all the blessings in my life.

Posts will probably be few for the next couple of weeks. I have tendonitis, AGAIN. I have been told to stay away from the computer, and other chores that uses my arm too much. Yea, right!!! This is my right arm. What do they expect? I go to therapy next week and they will determine if it warrants seeing an orthopedic guy. Sure hope not. And we are not doing the shots!!! Hopefully the rest will help. But, just in case we are seeing the neurosurgeon for my regular MRI and followup. All this because of a broken neck 28 years ago, this month.