Missing in action

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I have posted. Being summer, the garden has taken most of my time. There have been tons of beans to can, cabbage to freeze, beets to pickle, pickles to pickle, corn to cut, tomatoes to juice and lots of other good stuff. I haven't taken any more pictures, but, there are jars full of stuff sitting everywhere right now, needing to find permanent homes. I tried making ketchup and chili base this year. That was a new thing. Also made more bean with bacon soup. This is handy when I am not home and John has to go to work.

We took a day off and visited the Pittsburgh Zoo with McKayla. She was so much fun to watch. She didn't want to take time to watch any one animal for very long, she wanted to run to every exhibit. We finally got her to slow down and enjoy the walk. We were all tired after trekking thru twice.

We have had family visiting for the Phillips reunion. They have all gone home now, and back to their daily routines. Now it is our turn for vacation. We will go to Kidron on Saturday, then leave for vacation the first of next week. We are just driving to train spots. John wants to go ride trains.

Kidron...our yearly trip to the farm auction in Amish country. Only they have more than just farm equipment. They have anything you can imagine. Last year we bought the cider press up there. We have gone to this sale since I was a little girl. We used to cover up with blankets in the back of Dad's truck and sleep all the way up. We sure hoped it didn't rain. Some years all that was purchased was breakfast at the restaurant (best breakfast in the world). This year my list includes oil lamps and oil from Lehman's hardware. Can't find any around here, so, I will stock up while there. Lehman's is the non-electric store in the middle of amish country. Takes a day just to look at everything. Loads of fun, and it is air-conditioned!!!!!!!

We are looking forward to good homemade ice cream, lots of it, while we are there.

I will try to post pictures of vacation in a timely manner.