Friday Foto Friends #89

I am happy to be sharing fotos once again with Debbie and many others. Debbie is from the blog Breathing in Grace.

I don't have many new photos this week, but what I do have show summer at it's peak.

Sunflowers! Just this week starting to show their blooms.

 I love how their little faces follow the sun.

 Last week only mommy came to visit. The other evening she brought this little with her.

 She was spooked when I raised the blinds to get the photos. She and babe didn't hang around. I feel lucky to have been visited.

 I don't remember if I ever introduced you to Walter. He was given to me by my BF. He is 5 ft tall. Exactly my height. He brings charm into my little patch of whatnot garden. I keep hoping for his mate Beatrice to show up.

Wednesday Hodgepodge #315

How is it possible that it is Wednesday already? I know for sure it is, because it is time for the Hodgepodge.

1. We've reached edition number 315 here in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So tell us, what were you doing at 3:15 yesterday? Is that typical? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being low and 10 being high) what's your energy level usually like at 3:15 PM?

Hmmm 3:15 yesterday. I went down for the mail. The mailbox is 1/4 mile away. Very long story behind it's placement. No mail yet. She is always late on Mondays. Back home I put the finishing touches on dinner. That is pretty normal. I try to have dinner early, because (and this answers the next part of the question) if I don't start it early I don't make dinner. I am wiped out by 2 PM. By 3:15 I am ready for bed. I rate my energy level at 1. 

2. A frisbee, a tantrum, a towel, a party, a punch, or a curveball...which have you most recently thrown or had thrown at/for you? Elaborate.

There is at least one tantrum around here each day. It can't be avoided. Enough on that.  Maybe a curve ball. But, I am not sure why other than to say... I haven't thrown or caught a Frisbee or towel lately....I haven't been partying, or punched or been punched.

3. What are three things that would help you right now. Tell us how or why.

1.  A vacation alone would help me, because there is always someone around me. I can not remember the last time I was alone. Grocery shopping doesn't count. I need time alone. 

2.  If I were given that time I would get on an Amtrak and have it take me somewhere. Anywhere. Then I would turn around and come home. I just want the experience of a train trip as an adult. Or even a vacation in a hotel where I can hole up in my room. I could choose to leave it or not, to talk to people or not. It sounds divine.So the second thing would be the dollars for a train ticket or hotel room. Neither are in my budget just now.

3.  A good surprise. I love good surprises. The surprise brings joy. Usually a good laugh and smiles. I like to laugh and smile a lot. Good surprises bring excitement.But, only if the surprise is a happy good one.

4. Do you think you're strong? Why or why not? What makes you strong?

Physically strong? No, I am not. I think I can maybe lift 25 pounds. The kitty litter bag is 35#, and I really struggle with it.

Emotionally strong? Right now, in this season of my life I have to be. I have learned to lean only on myself and God. No one can do this for me.

I have to be strong. I don't have a choice. God has put me here in this situation for a reason. Someday I might know why, or maybe never know, but it is where He wants me. Just knowing that gives me strength from day to day.
5. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What's your favorite book set sometime in the past?

I kind of sort of like historical fiction. However, I don't like a lot of descriptive narration in a book. I find that this type of fiction has way to much for my taste. Such as: I would prefer a woman's dress to be described as blue with ruffles and a touch of lace at the wrist . Instead what I often find is a 2 page description of the dress. I page ahead when I come across that.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Two weeks ago I had the two cats into the vet for a check-up. Neither one seemed quite right. Ozzy turned 17 in June, and Boo will be 9 in October.

Ozzy is tiny, weighing in at 4 pounds. Normal for her. She is experiencing signs that are normal for an aged kitty. Snotty eyes, and nose, and UTIs. Easy fixes, but they are coming more often. All she does is sleep now. I even have to wake her to eat.

Boo on the other hand is sick. She has diabetes! From last fall until 2 weeks ago she had lost 5 pounds. That is 1/3 of her total body weight. Today she and I go back to the vet so I can learn how to give her insulin injections. I am more than a bit nervous. We return to the vet each week for 4 weeks so he can test her glucose and make any necessary adjustments in the insulin dose. It's not like with humans where we can test each morning.

Ozzy Girl. Tiny little thing that she is.

Boo Baby. Can you tell she hate to have her picture taken?

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Friday Foto Friends #881

One of my special pleasures is sharing my photos. I am glad and honored to share with you all on Friday Foto Friends.

An evening visitor. She comes in and eats her way through the garden. Fortunately, I didn't get anything planted this year, and we can just enjoy her company.

 One of our resident bunnies. In 26 years living here this is the first time we have even seen bunnies. Now they are everywhere. But they are so gosh darn cute.

An evening snack. I think she is going to be adding to the bunny population. She looks sort of chubby.

 The blackberries are coming along. About a month to go. With the heat we are having this summer it should be a good crop. These are wild. I will have to race the birds for them.

 Just because I really like this photo.

Wednesday Hodgepodge #314

I am glad to be joining in for the fun with the 314th Hodgepodge this week.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 314

1. Growing up, were you close to your grandparents? Tell us one or two specific things you remember about them.

My mom's mother lived with us when I was a very small child. What I remember is a very stern German woman who would speak in German when she got angry. Which was most of the time. She got mad at my mom, moved out, and went to live with friends.  Eventually she went to Colorado to live with my aunt.  On my father's side the grandparents only made an appearance once a year at Christmas. He would drive her over and wait in the car while she brought the gifts into my brother and me (or is it I? I can never remember). 

2. What's an item you were attached to as a child? What happened to it?

I had a ratty old blanket with silk around the edge. I carried that thing with me everywhere. I was like Linus that way. I think my mom had to wait til I was sleeping, and pry it out of my arms just to wash it. I think it probably just disintegrated over time.

I also had a doll. A Thumbalina doll. She has a knob on her back that if you turned she would move her legs like a baby. I think she got lost somewhere in a move. I am now looking for one. But, lordy she is expensive! The lowest price I have seen was $50 and the highest was $175. She was from the mid 60's and made by Ideal. If you have one or know of one that you would be willing to sell please let me know.
3. When you look out your window, do you see the forest or the trees (literally and figuratively)? Explain.

Living in the middle of 10 acres that are trees I do see the trees. Hard not to. Figuratively, I often get so focused on the work at hand that that is all I see. I think for me it is a defense mechanism.

4. Do you like sour candies? Which of the 'sour' foods listed below would you say is your favorite?

I do like a sour candy once in a while. I guess my favorite would be a green apple taste.

grapefruit, Greek yogurt, tart cherries, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, buttermilk, or kumquats 

I love grapefruit with a bit of salt. This summer I am really into making fresh lemonade. and I love sour kraut with pork ribs. I have never had a kumquat. 

Have you ever eaten a kumquat? What's your favorite dish containing one of the sour foods on the list

I have never eaten a kumquat. I probably never will just because of the name.

5. July 1st marked the mid point of 2017. In fifteen words or less, tell us how it's going so far.

Fortunately, 2017 has been pretty mild compared to last year. Last year brought the first signs of my husband's dementia and hallucinations.  I have researched and am in overload, and have spoken with his doctor to the point of becoming a pest. I don't know if I am dealing with it any better, but I do have better understanding. I mean how do you deal with a hallucination that never goes away, but only gets worse. This latest one has been going one for a couple of months now. There is a big story involved.  If it weren't so sad I would laugh.
6. Insert your own random thought here.

A conversation with my son:
Him:  Mom, do you have any of Grandma's jewelry?

Me:     Yep, I have all of it.
Him:  Did she have any rings?
Me:    No, unfortunately she never wore rings. Why?
Him:  Mom! Why do you think I would be asking about rings?

Me:     Well, Kiddo I am sure I won't know until you tell me.

    My photo is in the dictionary by the word dense. Yes, yes it is a true fact.  He and his GF have been together 5 years. He is going to give her a ring. I am beyond thrilled. She is the best of the best. They are so good together.

An evening visitor

 Mommy bunny. In the 26 years we have lived here this is the first time we have ever seen bunnies. And have we seen bunnies! I think mommy looks like she will be bringing more into the flock. Are rabbit families called a flock? I have seen 3 different sizes of bunnies recently.

 Just because.

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If it's Friday it must be time for Foto Friends #86

Last Thursday I met up with my cousin, and we went and visited an old family friend. This lovely woman is 95 and just as sharp as she was when I was growing up. She and my mom grew up across the street from each other. When D married she and her husband bought property on a lake and opened a resort. They also rented boats and motors. He has been gone a while now, but D is still there. She doesn't rent out anything now, but loved sharing our memories with us.

It was a wonderful place that I have so many memories of.  My family, which consisted of my mom, brother, and myself would go to the lake with my uncle, aunt, and cousin.  We would bring the cane poles, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets. Yes, us and all of the accouterments for the day went in the little VW bug.  We got some really strange looks form other drivers.

 

I would love to show you D's sweet face, but I forgot to ask permission. I don't know how she would feel about it. You will have to settle for photos of the lake.

Everything about the lake was as I remembered. The boat house was even the same color. There are a few more weeds than 30 years ago, but that just makes for good fishing.

We had a wonderful visit, but time passed quickly and soon it was time for us to leave. We left with promises of not staying away for so long, and also of promises of a boat and motor next time we/I come. A fishing licence is on my must buy list.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 312

The time really does  fly by. Especially during the summer months. To me the 4th of July has always signified the middle of summer. I know technically it isn't, but it feels that way.
 I now go to Hodgepodge celebrating the 4th of July.
I could not get the Hodgepodge symbol to my blog this morning. Sorry about that.
Here we go-

1. When and where were the best fireworks you've ever seen? Speaking of fireworks...do you know your hot buttons? The things people can say and/or do to set you off? When was the last time someone pushed one of your hot buttons?
I think the best fireworks I ever saw had to have been in 1986. My son was 2 years old, and it was the first time he had seen fireworks. He was thrilled and amazed and excited the way only a child can be. Of course, when it was all over he was heartbroken, but we moved past that. Then he wanted to know how they were made and why they disappeared. 
My HOT BUTTONS are pushed when I am told I can't do something. Not anything illegal just something I want to do. I don't think I should have to ask permission to do what I want so being told no is a real button pusher. I see red when I am called an idiot. 
I get very angry/upset when I see a parent mistreating a child. If they do this in public I wonder what it must be like at home. I have stepped in before things got out of hand. Animals left in hot cars.
2. Have you hosted any outdoor summer parties this year? Attended any? What makes for a great outdoor party?
I have not hosted any parties this summer. It seems as if our hosting days are over. I was just missing that activity yesterday. In August I will be a guest/ host at a family party. My BFF's dad and step mom are coming into town. Yes, I am an official non-family family member. Her dad is very, very special to me. I knew him in high school, but didn't meet my friend til a year after. Strange but true my own family is having a reunion and I won't be attending.

3. What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom is pretty much what our Founding Father's thought it was. I want to be able to go where I want and when. I want to be able to speak my opinion and  not be  fearful.  I want to believe in God and practice my religion without fear.  I want to be able to have conversations with like minded people, and with those of different opinions.

4. July is National Cell Phone Courtesy month...what annoys you most about people's cell phone habits?
I really hate to see people driving while talking on their phone. Holding it up to their ear. I talk and drive, but I either use the speaker part of the phone or a headset. It takes less concentration this way. Concentration I can use for my driving. Holding the phone means driving one handed and not paying as close attention to the activity on the road.

5. What's your current summer anthem?
I'm not sure I understand what is required here. So I will go with music. One of my favorite songs of the summer is "Drift Away", by Dobie Gray.
You may listen to it here I hope:
https://youtu.be/gr_eVcCAUXo
If by anthem it means how I am living my summer it is by trying to stay cool. Brief periods outside, longer periods in the A/C. Flea market, garage sales and back into the a/c car.
6.  Insert your own random thought here.
I never thought of myself as being the blonde that blonde jokes come from. However, the consensus is that I truly am. What a shock. Here is why.
 I have tried to be a vegetable gardener, but have failed miserably. After several tries I gave up, and only grow flowers. I have much better luck. 
I was with my BFF at a nursery while she purchased plants for her garden. I started talking to the Master Gardener about my vegetable growing problem. 
 He asked all sorts of questions. How much did I water, what nutrients did I give my plants, did I make sure to weed. I answered just fine right up until he asked if my vegetable plants got flowers. I answered yes and I always made sure to dead head them. Wrong answer!! And there is my problem. I guess everyone in the world knows that you don't dead head vegetable plants, because that is where the vegetable comes from. 
I became blonde in just those few moments. However, that day at the garden center I did give some comedy relief to anyone who happened to overhear our conversation. Oh, and everyone my BFF called to tell the the story. 
I really don't mind, but I think I will color my hair red.

And what would my hodgepodge be without a photo.

This was taken at Limestone Lake in Minnesota.  We used to go there fishing and for picnics. The husband and wife who owned the area had a resort and rented out boats and motors. The wife grew up across the street from my mom and uncle. The Mr. has gone gone a while now, but Mrs. is still there at 95. She doesn't rent out anything now. I had the privilege of visiting with her last Thursday, and am making plans to go back. This time to fish and to visit some more.