End of year checkup ...

December is the time of year that is both anticipated and dreaded. The anticipated part of the month is all the well-known, happy celebrations. The dreaded part: taking Samson to the vet for his yearly checkup. Usually, it's such an effort to get him there that I feel like I need a checkup too. This year was different. Getting him there was easy. As you can tell by the rapid wagging of his tail, he was anxious to see who was opening the door. The vet gets in the floor with him for the checkup because putting him on the table makes him VERY anxious and defensive. This visit was stressful in that he needed four shots, a stool sample and a blood-draw. His toenails were also clipped. He hates that more than the shots I believe. He's lost five pounds, which is great. He has a few small tumors but nothing that can't wait a while. He's had two surgeries for tumors in the past three years. I'd rather him not have anymore if at all possible for a while. Overall, he appears well and happy.

In anticipation of his high stress level, I gave him acepromazine. The vet tech told me to give it to him one hour before his appointment time. That one hour was not long enough. He was full of  vim and vigor for the entire evaluation. Unfortunately, on the way home, it took affect. The photo below is what he was like when I was trying to get him out of the car at about 5 PM to go into the house. It only got worse. I couldn't get him to comprehend what he needed to do. I couldn't pick him up. I felt helpless. I wanted to cry. I came into the house and got several blankets because it was bitter cold. I covered him very well so he wouldn't get cold. The acepromazine lowers body temperature and that worried me. I'd given him the pill at 2:30 PM. At 7 PM he was still out of it and sound asleep in the car. I went out every 30 mins to check on him. Finally, at about 9 PM I got a pocket full of jerky and headed to the car. I couldn't leave him there all night and I wanted to prepare myself for the night. I gently woke him and let him get a sniff of the jerky. My prayer was answered and it was working! Whoo-hoo! I helped him out of the Blazer. I broke very small pieces of the jerky off and tossed them, one by one, a few feet ahead of him. He'd make his way to the jerky, stop to eat it and plop down for a rest. That happened six times before we made it to the top of the ramp. Finally, after about 20 mins, we were in the house and he was on the couch under his blanket and snoring. I didn't feel comfortable not keeping an eye on him so I put the ottoman by him on the couch and I slept in the recliner. I checked on him several times throughout the night. It was the next evening before he began to stir. That pill definitely has a 24-hour effect. Unless he has another surgery, I will never again give him that sedative. ha

We made it through the checkup of 2013 and will not give it another thought until the postman delivers the reminder card for December 2014.

Random 5 Friday

I'm joining Nancy at A Rural Journal for Random 5 Friday.

 

1. A few weeks ago, I met up with some family members for dinner at Bob Evans. My cousin (back row, center), her husband and her granddaughter (in front) was passing through and made an overnight stop to visit. The ones in the red vest, mauve pullover and black cardigan and I (in the wheelchair) grew up within a few hundred yards of each other in Plum Hollow. We were more like sisters than cousins. The visit brought lots of good memories to surface. I wish children could grow up like we did back then.

 

2. The pump went out on my septic tank. After 3 weeks and thus far $1,084, I have a temporary fix. When the pump went out, it caused electrical problems. The pump was replaced and the electrical problem has been temporarily fixed. At least I can wash clothes and take way-too-long showers and 40-gallon baths now. The latter two are on the very short list of luxuries I enjoy. I abuse them whenever I can.

 

3.  I'm getting pretty good at spinning fiber. It's quite enjoyable, relaxing and productive.

 

4. My favorite thing when it snows is watching my dog. He licks it for a bit then digs in with his teeth and eats it as he does food. I've never seen a dog enjoy snow as he does. He won't go outside if it's raining though. Forget it. Not happening.

 

5.  I think I'd like to have one of those single-serving Keurig coffee makers. I have a perfectly good Cuisinart 12-cup coffee maker that I've had for years and it will probably last a few more. I just can't decide what to do.

Marshall University Plane Crash

Forty-three years ago. November 14, 1970. A dark, foggy, cold, rainy night in Wayne County, West Virginia. Seventy-five souls perished in the worst single air tragedy in NCAA sports history.  Almost the entire Marshall University football team, coaches, flight crew, and many fans lost their lives that night when the plane carrying them home from a 17-14 loss to East Carolina University crashed into a hillside.

Our community was and forever will be heartbroken at the event that is forever seared into our memories. I was seven years old at the time. I recall watching the news with my parents. I had no idea what was happening but I knew it was bad.



This is a photo of the Memorial Student Center Fountain that stands in memory of those victims. Every year, on November 14, a memorial service is held at this fountain. There are speakers, many who are children of those parents who perished, and the laying of a ceremonial wreath. The water to the fountain is turned off from the end of the ceremony until Spring the next year.

 

The fountain is more than 13 feet high and weighs 6,500 pounds. There are 75 points encircling the top of the fountain. One for each life that was lost. There is also a bronze plaque inscribed:

"They shall live on in the hearts of their families and friends forever, and this memorial records their loss to the university and to the community."

There also is a memorial that overlooks the area where the plane crashed into the hillside: 

Here is a youtube clip from the movie "We Are Marshall" starring Matthew McConaughey that was made in 2006. It's a scene of a pre-game speech the first season after the crash. I did not make this youtube video.

If you are in Huntington, West Virginia for any length of time, you will also shout:

We are ...

MARSHALL!!

It's snowing ...

I awoke this morning to a blanket of about 1.5 inches of heavy, wet snow. This was my view when I opened the back door:

 

As you can see, I was not prepared for snow. I've not put away a few pots of dead flowers and soil. It's supposed to be in the 60s by weekend so I'll do it then. I also have not dug out my snow shovel nor have I purchased pet-safe de-icer.

 

I had an appointment at 9:30 in the City this morning. I left in plenty of time. Here are a few photos of the drive:

 

 

The sun was doing it's best to give some warmth but the clouds were doing their best to prevent it. Unfortunately, the clouds won. They skies closed and it's been cold and damp all day. I returned home about noon and crawled into bed with Samson, Miss Cleo and Mister. We all slept for about two hours. ha I didn't sleep that long last night for some reason.

 

Hope your day is sunny, dry and happy.

Indoor beauty

I love flowers. During the winter months, I really miss those beautiful blooms. I purchased an African Violet several months ago while at Kroger. I really thought I was wasting my money because it was not in good condition. I do have a green thumb, so I took a chance and purchased it. This is the third time it's bloomed since June and has tripled in size. I love it.

 

This is my "Thanksgiving" cactus. I believe it might think it's a "Halloween" cactus. One or both of my cats got hold of it, resulting in tiny little teeth marks all over it. It's small in size because of the cats chewing on it but it blooms for me every year. This year, for some reason, it is in bloom right now. Three of the buds opened on October 27. There are several small buds in various growth stages.

 

The cactus won't bloom again this year like the violet. I'll probably get an Amaryllis or some other winter blooming plant to enjoy in addition.

 

I'm already feeling a bit "enclosed" although inclement weather has only just begun. 

Camp and Cottage Living Giveaway

Head on over to Camp and Cottage Living today for a giveaway tomorrow! While you're there, read her blog. Her posts and photos are beautiful. I've just started reading her blog and I'm truly enjoying it.

If I don't win ... I hope you do ... haha.

May your day be filled with blessings!

Random 5 Friday

I'm joining A Rural Journal with Random 5 Friday.

 

1. The West Virginia weather is beautiful today but the colors of the trees are nothing this year like they were in the 2004 photo, above. This is my front yard.

 

2. One of my cousins I grew up with notified me yesterday they'll be passing through tomorrow. She and her husband will have their 5-year-old granddaughter with them. I'm looking forward to the family gathering. Not sure how Bob Evans restaurant will feel about it. :-)

 

3.  Next week will be my annual dog-sitting week for my cousin. She and her sister go to the Smokies for 8 days every October. I think next year I'm going to go alone if no one wants to go along. My heart has always been right there, for some reason.

 

4.  Covert Affairs began mid-season last night. I'll be watching the DVR tonight. I have such a difficult time watching live TV now. I find myself trying to fast forward through the commercials. It really has spoiled me. I've barely seen a commercial in a year!

 

5.  I've been practicing daily with spinning. I've learned that the alpaca fiber I received with the spindles is not a good fiber for beginners. I ordered a sample pack of various fibers with which to learn. I'm anxious to get started.

 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Chilly mornings ...

 

Miss Cleo has been with me since July 2003. She was just a weeks-old baby in poor health when she found me. Ten years later, she still wants to be right with me. I sit on the couch, Indian-style, hopping from one URL to the other and drinking coffee on these mornings that seems colder with each one passing. Her furry self keeps my leg warm but I'm afraid I'll have to soon use a blanket. Sigh ... it's coming folks ... time to turn on the furnace.

Drop Spinning

I received two drop spindles I ordered to learn to spin this beautiful fiber I won. I don't know what one I'll like, top whorl or bottom whorl, so I ordered one of each since they're quite cheap. I read several articles on the difference between the two and it's actually just a matter of preference. I'll decide my preference when I figure out how to perform this task.  I'm anxious to learn. I like the creative process and really think, if I can figure all this out, I'll enjoy it. Along with the two spindles, I received a big portion of alpaca fiber. It's just amazing. If I had a sweater made out of this soft, silky, divine fiber, I'd never take it off. It's a caramel color. I also received a photo of the alpaca that grew the fiber. I loved that. He lives in Wyoming. haha

I Won!

I won some beautifully painted merino/tussah silk fiber from Three Waters Farm via Phat Fiber Sample Box. I'm so excited!! I now MUST learn to spin fiber! I have another 4 oz braid of fiber waiting for spinning and now with this beautiful combination of colors, I have no choice. I'm so anxious to learn but have just kept putting it off. I'm looking online for a drop spindle. If you have any suggestions, please leave them for me. I'm in need of all the help I can get.

 

 

The color is called Lilac Road on the box and Purple Road on the tag. Both names are fitting although I never thought of these as colors of autumn. Along with the gold and rust and olive shades fading from one to the other, the blue and lilac and purple are perfect for the season.

 

This is the Etsy shop and Facebook page information if you're interested. She offers beautifully painted fiber and a variety of scented all natural goat's milk soap. The owner is a very nice lady. Stop in for a visit if you've time.



The Pink Scarf Project

This is a re-posting of a prior post. :-) The end of the Pink Scarf Project is drawing nigh. Please consider purchasing or making a pink scarf and donate it to this great cause.

***************************

Whether you've been affected or not by breast cancer, I ask you to consider contributing a pink scarf, whether handmade or purchased to The Pink Scarf Project. Vicki at 2 Bags Full is hosting this endeavor and putting unimaginable effort and creativity into making this a beautiful and meaningful way to say "you're not alone". I know firsthand how one simple act of kindness can bring a lifetime of gratitude and appreciation and warm memories for years to come.

I've meant to do this for The Pink Scarf Project for quite a while but never took time to really look into it. Today, I did that and I want to pass on the information to you and ask that you take time to hand someone a smile and a gift that will last a lifetime. Recently, my cousin (9 girl cousins grew up in Plum Hollow, same as sisters) was diagnosed with breast cancer as her daddy (my momma's brother, a daddy to me too) lay in a hospital dying. It was difficult for us all. She caught it early, due to a series of events only God could orchestrate, and had a lumpectomy. Of course, we never know what tomorrow will bring but I am so grateful to God that she is well today.

If you don't want to take time to read through the post, here's the gist: purchase, crochet, weave, knit, whatever art you prefer to make a neck scarf for a breast cancer patient/survivor. The color is pink. Other colors are acceptable with it, but it should be predominantly a shade of pink. That, after all, is the color that symbolizes breast cancer. I've included below the mailing address for the scarves. I ask, at some point before you mail your scarf, that you read the entire post and view the beautiful photos that Vicki has painstakingly staged for this spectacular event.

A special address for these donations has been created:

"Pink Scarf Project"

311 West Main Street

Grayson, Ky 41143 

(Please note that this address is for scarf donations only.)

 

Thank you for joining in ...

 

 

 

 

The Healing Field

Once again, I took my 6-year-old friend, Aubrey, to the Healing Field at a local cemetery. Each flag represents a life taken due to the 9/11 tragedy in 2001. She and I have lunch and talk about what happened and how it happened. We pray for those who were and are still affected by the act and the deaths of so many people. Last year was our first year to do this. She and I plan to do it yearly as long as we can.

I worked at the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers on that dreadful day. Government offices were closed and most went home or gathered with loved ones. I went home and was glued to the television. I watched what those people on the screen were going through, in total disbelief. I sat there, wishing I wasn't alone, praying for those people and the safety of the United States of America.

I'm probably more fearful today of what might come our way than even on that day. Maybe because before 11 September 2001, I was so sure it was impossible that something like that could ever happen here.

Our beautiful country needs prayers now ... more than ever. We all need to pray that the future generations will be able to enjoy the freedoms and liberties and joy of living in the United States of America that make this country so great.

Beauty ...

This Swallowtail butterfly just didn't want to leave the verbena. It hung around about 20 minutes when I was photographing it. I've seen it several times over the past few days. Such delicate beauty. I could watch it flit and flutter and glide for hours.

 

 

 

{{Sigh}} ...

It's been an exhausting day ...

 

 

What a day ...

This day is amazing! If you're having the same kind of weather ... get out and enjoy it!

And the thunder rolls ...

It's Random 5 Friday at Nancy's place.


1. What a day it's been. I started cutting grass before 9 AM. It was hard to breathe even at that time of morning. The humidity was high. It was hazy and, in spots, looked smoky.

2. I took a few breaks because I didn't want to dehydrate myself. Finally finished the grass at about 4:30. The wind blew grass and dirt all over me. That's not good when you're sweaty 'cause it sticks to the skin. I hosed myself off before I came inside and headed straight for the shower. By the time I got out of the shower, thunder was booming, wind blowing, Samson was a nervous wreck and the rain was pouring. Just in time. :-)

 

3.  I got an automated call from the power company. Tuesday the power will be out from 8 AM until 2 PM for maintenance. I've never received a call like that before but I'm appreciative they were considerate. I'll plan accordingly.

 

4.  Since I returned to Plum Hollow in 2004. I've wanted to get chickens and goats. Thus far, I have neither. My close friend of mine has chickens now. Silkies. Very pretty little fowl. I don't want Silkies but it's made me look more closely at getting chickens. Just a few ...

 

 

5. I'm participating in The Pink Scarf Project hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full. I haven't decided if I'm going to use some pink yarn I already have or use this great project as an excuse to purchase something new and beautiful and pink ... hmmm. Please take time to read my post below or click the link above to read about The Pink Scarf Project. I sincerely hope you will participate in making or purchasing a pink scarf for this worthy project.

 

Have a great weekend!



Pink Scarf Project

Whether you've been affected or not by breast cancer, I ask you to consider contributing a pink scarf, whether handmade or purchased to The Pink Scarf Project. Vicki at 2 Bags Full is hosting this endeavor and putting unimaginable effort and creativity into making this a beautiful and meaningful way to say "you're not alone". I know firsthand how one simple act of kindness can bring a lifetime of gratitude and appreciation and warm memories for years to come.

I've meant to do this for The Pink Scarf Project for quite a while but never took time to really look into it. Today, I did that and I want to pass on the information to you and ask that you take time to hand someone a smile and a gift that will last a lifetime. Recently, my cousin (9 girl cousins grew up in Plum Hollow, same as sisters) was diagnosed with breast cancer as her daddy (my momma's brother, a daddy to me too) lay in a hospital dying. It was difficult for us all. She caught it early, due to a series of events only God could orchestrate, and had a lumpectomy. Of course, we never know what tomorrow will bring but I am so grateful to God that she is well today.

If you don't want to take time to read through the post, here's the gist: purchase, crochet, weave, knit, whatever art you prefer to make a neck scarf for a breast cancer patient/survivor. The color is pink. Other colors are acceptable with it, but it should be predominantly a shade of pink. That, after all, is the color that symbolizes breast cancer. I've included below the mailing address for the scarves. I ask, at some point before you mail your scarf, that you read the entire post and view the beautiful photos that Vicki has painstakingly staged for this spectacular event.

A special address for these donations has been created:

"Pink Scarf Project"

311 West Main Street

Grayson, Ky 41143 

(Please note that this address is for scarf donations only.)

 

Thank you for joining in ...

 

 

 

 

 

Like a heat wave ...

No rain and 90-plus degrees until the weekend ... think I'm complaining? Nope ... I'm just enjoying it all ...

Sunday Stillness

 

I'm linking with Janice at He Cares for You for Sunday Stillness. Stop by and visit her blog. It's quite nice. Whether you know the Lord or not, we all need a little peace and love in life and He can provide that if we allow. We are created by God Almighty. I think of Him as I think of oxygen: I cannot actually see him, as I cannot see oxygen but I need him as desperately as I need oxygen.

 

Job 12:7-9 - But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?

Random 5 Friday

It's Random 5 Friday at Nancy's Journal!

1. The Norfolk Southern coal train is passing by my house right now. This means that it will make its return trip at approximately 2 AM. I thought I'd never sleep through the train when I first moved back here. When I was growing up, it had stopped running. It started up again around 1979 but not on such a strict schedule as it does now. The coal mine a few miles from my home will be producing for decades to come, if allowed.

2. The low-hanging clouds proved the weather conditions yesterday. Steamy, hot and sweaty day.

3. I ran into an old friend while grocery shopping yesterday. We hadn't seen each other in about 18 years. We both stopped shopping, made our purchases and headed across the street for a Mexican lunch. The restaurant just happened to be a favorite of us both. We had such an enjoyable three hours. Now I have to finish shopping this evening. ha

4. Samson, my dog, was sick through the night. We had to get up several times for him to go out to eat some grass. He has acid reflux. I got online around 3 AM to search for remedies. I didn't see any "natural" remedies but I see that some people give their dogs Prilosec and similar prescription meds. Has anyone any experience with a dog having acid reflux? Any suggestions are appreciated.

5. I've not watched the news in about a week and have no idea what is going on in the world. That's a terrible thing to say even though it's true. Sometimes, I have to take a break from it all.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Hop on over to Nancy's Journal and join in on Random 5 Friday.

Hodgepodge

When a summer morning has low-hanging clouds like this, it's a sure sign that day will be a scorcher. I went outside near midnight and it was way too hot and humid for me.

 

These wildflowers grow along the highway rather heavily. They're a solid mass for miles. I remember the first season they began to grow along our roadsides. My granny and I were sitting on her front porch and she pointed them out, asking if I'd seen them before. That was spring 1982. I had not. She and I decided a bird had dropped us something new to enjoy while solving the problems of the world, while sitting in the swing of her front porch. It's a poor-quality photo. This bunch of flowers is probably 90-100 feet from where I was when I snapped the photo.

 

The rain stopped for a bit. The flowers were looking a little water-logged but have perked up in a few hours of sunshine. These are purple verbena. The striped and solid blooms are both from the same plant.

 



This little fellow was out with his family last evening eating some of that sweet clover.

 

Another storm came upon us last night. Severe winds. Heavy rains. It's been feast or famine here for the past year. Last summer was drought; this summer floods. I'm happy with whatever the day brings. Happy to live through it and see what the next day brings. I hope this day brings you joy. 

 

 



Monday, Monday ...

 

My African Violet is blooming. I love this flower. I don't love how tiny cat hairs and dust attaches to its leaves. I have an old small toothbrush that I sometimes give them a light brush. It's obvious I've not done that in a while. ha 

 



Bee balm. Reminds me of a raggedy rooster comb. I love the color. The yellow flower behind is one I don't know the name of. It's pretty and bright. I'll get a better photo and maybe someone can let me know. It's the only flower I've been so stumped on. One told me it was evening primrose but I know that is not correct. Its blooms open during the day.

I've been bombarded with hummingbirds this year. Seems like they particularly love the pink verbena. I have another that is purple and white but they're not quite so eager for it. Look at its little toes in this photo. They're so tiny. She hung out with me for a while.

I can't express the relief I felt when I looked at Weather Bug radar and saw no precipitation in the skies for this day. The sun is shining right now and is predicted to shine all day. Hallelujah! I'll be outside cleaning up what I can by picking up tree branches and debris that the rains and winds have scattered about. Then. Then I have massage therapy (not as chic as it sounds ... the kind I get is painful) and chiropractic adjustment. This weekly session keeps me moving. I've not been for a few weeks because I've had a UTI and I'm really feeling rough.

Wishing you a great Monday!

Why?

Why would someone take a kitten less than 6 weeks old, weighing 1.7 pounds with an injury to its little mouth and toss it out? It's infuriating to me when people mistreat animals. If you don't want baby animals ... spay or neuter your adult animals! I found this tiny, hungry baby under my aunt's porch on Wednesday morning. It appeared it had been trying to shelter itself from the pouring rain and in fear. It was terribly frightened and confused. I had to literally sit on the porch ramp and entice the kitty to come out. I got milk and crumbled bread into it. Poor little thing. Its hunger was stronger than its fear. It lapped up the milk and consumed the bread that was really soaked but didn't seem to know what to do with the bread that needed to be chewed. After consuming a little, I picked it up. I was afraid if it ate too much at once, it might get sick. It hissed at me but it wasn't feral, just scared. I saw the injury on its right upper lip, put it in the carrier and went to my house. I changed my clothes and took it to the vet. I have no desire for another animal; I have more than enough. I didn't have the extra funds to vet this one but I can't let it go without care. The whole time I'm driving to the vet (about 17 miles) I'm thinking: "Lord, help me find this baby a home. I cannot keep it." I wouldn't mind having outside cats but the traffic on the road about 70 feet from my house is heavy and fast. All outside animals have eventually been killed by a vehicle.

I got antibiotics and wormer for the otherwise healthy kitty. I was dreading having to care for it (it's too young to determine gender yet) because I knew I'd get attached and it would be more difficult to find it a home. I sat the carrier on the ground and opened the Blazer door. A woman looking in her car trunk caught my eye. I'd seen her inside with a little boy and two small dogs. My response to the thought running through my mind was: 'you're crazy if you think she'll want a kitten with those little dogs.' I ignored my thought and went over to her and said, "You wouldn't happen to want a sweet little kitten, would you?" She said, "My son wants a kitten." I've since laughed at what the look on my face must've been. Shock and awe, to say the least. ha She came to where I'd sat the carrier down; asked me a few questions about the health of the kitten and the medicine involved. There was a little hesitancy but it dissolved when I told her I didn't want money for the medicine or the vet visit. I could tell she was budgeted on her money but still took care of her animals. I'd not have offered her the kitten but it was obvious she loved animals as much as I. So, happily I drove home, thanking God for giving me the courage to ask her and for giving a little boy a much-desired kitten. It probably would have been just as easy for the original owner to do the same instead of tossing it out on the side of the road.

Random 5 Friday

 

The Healing Fields - Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, West Virginia - September 11, 2012

 



It's Random 5 Friday with Nancy at A Rural Journal. Join in and share your Random 5!

1.  It's rained every day for over a week here in West Virginia. The ground is so saturated, I'm fearful of a tree splitting my house down the middle. Just 30 feet or so from my bed is over an acre of hillside with 60-foot-plus tall trees of all varieties. Makes me nervous. Some nights I've slept in the spare bed because I get it on my mind that a tree will land on me. ha

2. I didn't get to see fireworks yesterday but our little town is having festivities tomorrow evening with free food, live music and fireworks. If the rain allows, I'll be there to see people I've not seen in years.

3. I had an enjoyable lunch today. Honeywheat bread, garden-fresh tomato and cucumber slices and a little mayonnaise with a side of cheese-its and bottled water. I love tomato and cucumber sandwiches.

4. Have you tried the water enhancers? There are a variety of brands. I love all those flavors. Sometimes, after several bottles of plain water, I need something with a little flavor. Just a drop of two of the enhancer makes a great addition. They're a little expensive. MiO is $3.47 at Walmart for a 24-serving bottle. I went to Big Lots a few days ago. They had orange, blueberry lemonade and berry pomegranate flavors for $1.20 each. I bought three of each flavor for myself and three of each flavor for my cousin in central Virginia. She loves it as well as I. Since I'm mailing her a package anyway, I thought I'd share my stash with her.

5.  The sun is showing its beautiful rays as I type this. That's a sign that I'm going to go out and finish transplanting some flowers and probably cut some grass. The humidity is 65%. That's down some from earlier today. Humid days make me useless.

I wish you a great weekend! Hop on over to Nancy's A Rural Journal and join in on Random 5 Friday!

Independence Day

I've always felt blessed

by God

that I have the privilege

of living in the

United States of America.

God Bless the USA!

 

 

This is Plum Hollow

Plum Hollow. I grew up here. Moved away from here. Moved back here. I like it here. I don't plan on spending the rest of my life here. I hold memories of every emotion with just the mention of Plum Hollow.

In the cow pasture overlooking Plum Hollow. My grandparents, Burl (1905-1963) and Lucy (1906-1986), owned many acres here. The original farmhouse, where my mother grew up, was razed in 1990. The home in the foreground is my uncle's; the background is my aunt's; to the right, beyond the photo is another aunt's house and to the left just past the gigantic hemlocks, is my humble abode.

 

 

I was near the tree in this photo when I took the overlook of Plum Hollow.

 

One of my favorite memories: Granny's cellar. This is where I'd sneak in and grab a pint of canned blackberries when I knew the supply was getting low. I loved Granny's cellar. I helped her clean it every summer in preparation for the new canning season. Green beans, kraut, corn, tomatoes, tomato juice, berries, potatoes, and on and on. I remember when my cousins and I, as children, were able to crawl up on the rock wall of the cellar porch and sit by ourselves. We felt so "big". My Granny. She loved me as much as I love her.

The postman ...

... is actually a postwoman. She and I talk flowers a lot and gardening of all kinds. I purchased a different mailbox at a rummage sale last summer. It opens in the front and the back. I love that. I've put it right by my front porch and I can just reach in and get the mail without having to leave my porch. Perfect for me. But ... for the past year, the mailbox has been propped up with two cinderblocks. What an eyesore. I've had this plan for it since I purchased it but just hadn't gotten to it. Finally, the whiskey barrel I mentioned in an earlier post found its new home. So, with sweat tickling my head (I HATE that feeling when my hair gets sweaty), I marked that task from my to-do list. It was terribly hot and humid yesterday. I'm not complaining at all because I do love hot weather. Most of the time, when I have something physically demanding to do, I try to do it during the morning or evening hours.

 

There is a bright green sweet potato vine on the left, the lavender color is the bloom of a small double bloom petunia, the yellow and orange blooms are small zinnias. In front of the zinnias, a momma and baby bird figurine that I've had for many years and just behind the birdhouse, to the right, you can barely see the black knight sweet potato vine. Hopefully, it will look nice in three weeks or so. I have the intent to change it with the seasons. We'll see ...

As you can see by the bare spot in the grass (caused by the 2 cu ft bag of garden soil I had laying there for a week before I got to it) and the bit under the porch, I still have lots to do. It's gotten more difficult as I get older and I've had to accept that it will probably never been what I'd like. The only one to do it is me and I'm not moving so fast anymore. ha My shoulders and back scream in protest but I've found they scream in protest when I lounge on the couch too. ha

Enjoy your day as best as you can ...

Random 5 Friday

It's Friday. Summer's first day. I'm participating in Nancy's Random 5 Friday at A Rural Journal. Come join us!

1. I was awake when summer solstice of 2013 arrived at 1:04 AM. What a beautiful arrival it was! The moon was so bright, crisp and clear, a porch light wasn't even needed to see while outdoors. There were actually shadows from the moon beams.

2.  I've made a conscious decision to enjoy each day of this summer as much as I possibly can. Hopefully, I won't forget that decision. I have so much to do with home and land upkeep, as everyone does, it seems I'm in a perpetual state of sweat and dirt. I'd like to go to East Tennessee (where I've felt a belonging since I was a child) or just take my dog for a walk.

3. Today, I am planting flowers for a friend at her house. She and her husband help me out once in a while, and I like to return the favor if possible. Then I will finish cutting the grass and hopefully power wash my aunt's porch.

4. I love listening to Spring peepers. Their call, which sounds almost like a baby chic but much louder, makes me smile. And watching lightening bugs.

5. I drink an average of 40 16.9-ounce bottles of water a week. Yes. I recycle.

 

Wishing you a bright and cheery summer!

It's cooler ...

... Inside and out! It's been a nice 75 degrees today. The sun is beautiful and the sky is as blue as it can be with just a few fluffy clouds passing by.

The A/C man came near noon. A part with a "contact" burned out. I wondered for a bit about how much this would cost but then I thought ... doesn't really matter ... what is worrying going to help? ha My windows are still open. The breeze is so nice and every once in a while, I get a whiff of the last of the honeysuckle blooming nearby. When it's 100 degrees out there, I won't care how much that part costs as long as it's "contacting" and I'm not sweltering.

My Evening Primrose, aka 9 o'clocks, are blooming. Nature is amazing. You can almost set your watch by these flowers. They open at precisely 9 o'clock each evening. I also have mirabilis jalapas aka marvel of Peru, more commonly known as 4 o'clocks. They've not yet bloomed. The early Spring was so chilly and damp my flowers didn't sprout until very late this year. I'm hoping they have time to bloom for a while. My chrysanthemums are very late this year. They're only about 6" tall.

This bee was having a ball jumping from bloom to bloom. He likes flowers as much as I!

Rainy days and woes ...

I went out on Sunday to purchase a whiskey barrel planter. I looked online but the ones I liked were either out of stock or not big enough. The only one within 75 miles of my home was in Ohio at Tractor Supply. The sales associate said he'd hold it for me until I got there, so off I went. When I got home, my air conditioner was blowing warm air. I had the same problem last summer. I cleaned the unit like the repair man showed me to do every 6 months or so. That, unfortunately, isn't the issue. It's clean as a whistle and still blowin' warm. Ugh. Yesterday was 89 degrees in my house. I can't hear anything other than fans circulating hot air.

Today, although it's only 10:37 AM, is fairly cool. It's raining. I hope it rains all day but it's not predicted. I'm on the schedule of the air conditioning repair company. Wednesday is possible; Thursday is probable. My furry friends and I are having an uncomfortable time. I'd prefer to just sit around and do nothing all day. Peruse blogland. But I won't do that. After each task, I stop for a swig or two of water and spend a few minutes drying in the wind of the tornado fans. I am fortunate we're not in a heat wave right now. And I close my eyes and remember the chill of this day ...

Enjoy your day ...

Another peaceful morning ...

 

The weather is going to be ugly later in the day. Supposed to rain for the next three days. My back yard needs mowed terribly. It's the only part of the almost-three acres I mow weekly that I put off. I'm really regretting that now. I should have just gotten it all done on one day but that humidity was zapping me of energy. On a lighter note: this is a beautiful morning with a cool, mild breeze.

 

 

 

I pulled some radishes while I was outside. I don't like them when they're too big. These are quite hot. I don't remember them being that way before but I like spicy hot.

 

Wishing you a beautiful Lord's day.