Wow. This is my newest great nephew, Aiden Michael. He was in no hurry to be born...due date was June 12th. They finally induced labor at 3 AM on Tuesday and he was finally taken by C-Section after a LOT of hours of hard labor (that could not get him down the birth canal). He was born just before midnight, came in weighing 7 lbs. 13 oz. There was a little issue with wet lung (common with C-Section babies) and they kept giving him treatments and suctioning him and he just kept hanging in there like a champ. This morning they took him off the oxygen and he and little mama are doing fine.
Here he is today.
I went down to the hospital to be with my sister and wound up in the birthing room while my niece was still trying to push him down the canal. Things sure have changed since I had my son in 1971... lol. I was at her left leg and my sister at her right, as the doula tried and tried to get that baby the traditional way. When the contractions would come, we would lift her feet and legs up and give her a strong base to push against. Today, after 4 hours of that, I feel like I got run over by a truck. My shoulders and back hurt, my legs hurt from all that standing (not to mention the walk from the ER entrance to the OB unit, which felt like 10 miles!!). I didn't get home til almost 2 AM and then had to get up and be at the dr at 10 AM for my final knee injection.
I was about 3 sheets to the wind. lol
Tonight I am exhausted and cannot believe that I am still awake. After the doc shot the voodoo juice into my knee joint, I got in the car and came straight back home. Generally I run errands or do a little shopping or something, since I've made the drive to the city. Not today. No way, Jose.
The days I get this shot, my activities are limited. I can walk around, but can't do anything like yard work or gardening or vacuuming. So, once I got home and had some lunch, I went out back and did a little weeding with my newly sharpened hoe. That worked like a charm in the sweet potato bed, as well as the okra and carrots. It got pretty hot today, high 80's and humid, so I was sweating like a pig in no time. I gathered one egg, topped off the girls' water bowls, and wandered around the garden a little. Then I came in and the air conditioning had just kicked on, so once I sat down, that was pretty much it. lol
I opened a jar of home canned/grown okra, tomato and onions and heated it up and had it for lunch. God I love that combination ! I puttered around on the computer, took yesterdays laundry off the clothesline [finally] and straightened up the bedroom a little while I unpacked the last of the stuff from the trip and put the suitcases away. I started trying to think of what to make for supper (something meatless), and decided on Aglio y Olio (Angel hair pasta with a garlic and olive oil dressing, chopped fresh parsley and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.) I went out to the garden and picked a big bowl of fresh greens of all sorts to make a salad. We didn't eat until after 7 o'clock, because when the Irishman got home from work, he went out to pick cherries and blueberries. But when we did eat finally...O.M.G.
It was really good. Here's a closer look at the pasta:
So simple, and so good. One of our [many] favorites. lol
Okay. I guess I should get to bed. I have a meeting tomorrow afternoon regarding the retreat I'm cooking for in August. I plan to spend the morning mulching those sweet taters and maybe making a decision about whether I am gonna use the wire tomato cages this year. last year I didn't--I just staked them with bamboo poles. It worked okay, but not as good as the cages. BUT--when the 'maters were done for the season, it was a lot easier cleaning up and pulling the stakes than wrestling those stupid cages. Not sure what I'll do...but, I'll decide one way or another. In the meantime, have a great solstice everyone!!
Namaste.
And here's my handsome husband with his great nephew, Ethan. This child was the star of the weekend show. lol I don't think I've seen a happier baby in my life.
It was a good weekend, even though I had a couple of moments of my own. I won't go into detail about it here, but suffice it to say that when you hurt someone I love through your selfish inconsiderateness...you do NOT win points where I am concerned. The end.
The countryside was beautiful. I told the Irishman that I always thought I liked southern Wisconsin more than northern, but I have changed my mind. The area north of Chippewa Falls is breathtakingly beautiful. Here's a picture (s) of the Chippewa River at a little town called Jims Falls:
The little campground was very nice, the cabins were cozy and clean. The bed was surprisingly comfortable (even for me) and we had a good time there.
This was our cabin. #2
The great room
The Kitchen
The bedrooms.
The cabin and deck.
Kudos to the folks at the Mallard Resort. It was a nice place to stay.
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Back to our regularly scheduled programming. lol The Irishman is at work, the dogs are over their missing-us-ness, and the cats are almost ready to speak to us again. lol The chicken coop is cleaned and refilled and refreshed. The Garden is in dire need of weeding. Things have grown SO much in 5 days!!! I have one load of post vacation laundry washed and hung out to dry and the second load is almost ready. Then I have to drive to the city because my niece is in labor today and my sister is coming unhinged from lack of sleep. lol Not sure what I am supposed to do besides offer moral support, but I'll be there for a little while.
The drive home yesterday was about 9 hours, a little less. I am tired and achy, but mostly good. I am going to fix my sweetie some chicken fajitas for supper along with some home canned pintos and tortilla chips and salsa. It's about 85 today, a little hot, but not bad. Should dry the laundry nicely, as there's a good breeze whipping along.
The major house cleaning that hasn't been done in 5 days will have to wait until tomorrow. We got babies need birthin', Miss Scarlet !!
It is really good to be home.
Namaste.
Miss Caylee--always on duty.
This will be my last blog post for a few days...we are leaving on our most excellent adventure first thing in the morning. We are packed, the arrangements and list of things to do to care for the critters is in place. I have printed out the directions to the Mallard Resort at Chippewa Falls, I have gassed up and oil changed the car. I have gathered up the funds we'll need, the food we'll need, the food we don't really need but will have anyway-(Brownies)- The trail mix is made. 2 gallon water jugs are in the freezer, and will be our freezing component on the way down and drinking water while we're there. The laundry is all done up and the suitcases are packed. The books are packed (I can't travel without books--can you ??) . I will be without a computer for 4.5 days. It will be heavenly, lol.
We are waiting to see if the promised storms are coming, but it doesn't look like we're getting any of it. We could use a little rain...it was 97 here today. It's been in the 90's 3 days in a row. If none comes, we'll water before we leave. I cleaned house today, and we cleaned and filled the chicken coop and the birds cage and the cats and the dogs. And so I think we're all ready.
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Today the Irishman and I celebrate 21 years together. It's been a beautiful journey, not without it's hardships, and certainly not without it's miracles and joy as well. I feel blessed. I also celebrated 23 years sober and clean today. Another milestone. And the former wouldn't have been possible without the latter.
We worked around here and got a lot done in spite of the 97 degree heat. It was horrid. You could barely breathe out there. Tonight we went to a newer rather upscale Indian restaurant for supper. The food was splendid, the service was impeccable and we had a great time. We came home to get the suitcases packed..and now the dogs are REALLY suspicious. They know something's up...and they don't like it. Miss Caylee is following me around room to room, not letting me out of her sight. The other 2 dogs are flanking the Irishman or sleeping in here on my feet. They're not used to one of us not being here and I'm a little worried. I'm sure they'll be fine...but will I ?? lol
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I'm tired and it's an early one tomorrow. I went down for my knee injection this morning early and have been up since 6 AM. That wouldn't be any big deal, but I haven't been sleeping well. Oh well. Hopefully I'll get in there and get some shut eye tonight.
I hope everyone has a grand time while I'm away. Don't work too hard. Don't forget to be kind.
Namaste.
Early this morning...the light was just so beautiful, and this is one pretty cat. Little ChiChi. Click to biggify and see her in all her splendor.
It's been a strange kind of a day. Nothing bad. Nothing extraordinary. I had to cancel my company yesterday because I have come down with a cold and am coughing like crazy. Had a tiny bit of a fever and a sore throat. Did not want to risk getting that 6 month old baby sick. Or anyone else...I was so looking forward to having them here. I went to town today and bought coffee and went by the drugstore and then just came home. I've been laying around reading and sitting outside some since it was so gorgeous today. PLUS it's supposed to rain the next 2 days, so I figured I'd better enjoy it while I could. I made some salty popcorn (because my body was crying for salt) and took it out to the rocking chairs and ate and shared some with the dogs while I read.
I kinda wanted to hit the Farmers Market, but when I drove by, it just looked like too much work to find a place to park and browse all those craft tents. There's not much available in the way of produce or fruit...the weather has seen to that. And really, I was a little more worn out than I realized. I actually went to bed last night about 11, which is crazy early for me. So I was up at 5:30. sigh...But my body is acting up. One of the many gifts of chronic pain is that it beats up your immune system. I cannot believe I got sick again. This needs to stop. :(
The Irishman is gone to a speaker meeting tonight. Tomorrow is the big assembly and he will be gone all day tomorrow too. He wanted to go with him tonight, but I am coughing too much. I told him I hate it when people cough all the way through a speaker, and I really don't want to be one of those people. lol I have some beautiful piano and guitar music playing, and it's very peaceful in here. He'll be leaving early early tomorrow morning, around 6 I think.
I'm going to spend part of the day doing a couple of big chores and then just hang out and listen to the rain. The worst one is the 30 gallon aquarium needs cleaning, so I figure a rainy day is the perfect time for that. It will take several hours to get it done right. Yuck. And then I'll clean the birdcage--nowhere near as big a job. Trying to get lists made and menus made for the time in Wisconsin next week. Making a big list for the boy of what all needs to be done while we're gone, to care for the critters. Making a flexible menu/food list for the trip, so we don't wind up eating lots of bad food the whole time we're there. No offense to my husband's family, but I am not eating bratwurst and hot dogs. We just don't eat like that, lol. So...I'll be making some simple meals around quinoa and vegetables, grilled chicken and fish, salad and fruits. I'll take eggs and granola and rice milk. And bread. And peanut butter. And that should be good. The cabins we are staying in have a full kitchen and refrigerator and stove. And coffee pot, I think. And my SIL said something about new teflon cookware (OMG) so I will have to take a few key pieces of my own stainless steel pots and pans and of course, a cast iron skillet. You probably think I'm crazy...we're only going Thur-Mon. We'll be home Mon evening. LOL But it is 11 meals...
The weather looks like nights in the high 50's and low 60's and daytime temps in the mid to high 70's. I might even take enough of my dried veggies to make a small pot of soup. That would be easy and nutritious. I'm sure my husband will be sneaking a brat or two...lol. But I just can't eat those sausage/wiener kinds of things.
Wednesday is our anniversary. We talked about maybe going somewhere and I think that will just be too hard. I got a lovely anonymous gift and card in the mail today, that said " Annie, for you from a Facebook friend, paying it forward." It was a gift card to a local Indian restaurant, not the one we usually go to, but a newer fancier one. So...I'm thinking we should use it for our anniversary dinner on Wednesday night. Perfect gift, perfect timing. I will also celebrate 23 years sober that same day. And the Irishman and I have been loving each other for 21 years that day. God is good.
Okay, think I'll go back and read a bit more and maybe even get my jammies on. It is 8:30. I thought it was odd, I was feeling so worn out, then I remembered that I've been up since 5:30 ...that's 15 hours out of 24, so maybe not so odd after all. I won't be going to bed yet, but I'm winding down...lol
Hope you're all having a great weekend...
Namaste.
A tangle of roses (that really smell like roses !!!) , honeysuckle, irises and peonies. (Click to biggify). Working out in the yard today was heady.
Things are looking really great out there. Well, except that until today, I haven't been able to mow for 2 weeks, and the incessant rains make that imperative. SO the yard has been looking really raggedy again and the weeds are growing up around the road/edge of the property.like crazy. And we are trying to keep things looking halfway decent because our neighbors have their property listed for sale...sigh. But it's nigh on impossible.
That said...today I tackled it, once my son got the mower running again. The Irishman bought a new part (which it turns out wasn't needed--my son is a farm boy, and everyone knows that farm boys are masters of the jury-rig.) He came out of the garage and told me he had fixed it, with duct tape. It was a cable that the mister was sure was defective, but the boy said, no, it just needed some re-training. lol He also finished up the repairs on my wheelbarrow. The reason he was home and able to do these things (including 2 loads of his laundry that he hung out on the line ) was because his truck died on his way to work and wouldn't start again. So, he worked on that and got it fixed and it was too late to go, since he was working about an hour and a half north of here. Worked out pretty good for ME. lol
I used the weed eater for about an hour, until my shoulders started hurting. I managed to get about 2/3 of the stuff done that needed it. Then I took the mower and got all the front, the strip between the honeysuckle and the blackberries that borders the road, and all of the side yard done. I also cleaned the chicken coop out and scrubbed and refilled both their water dishes. This wet weather has made a muddy mess of the chicken run. At that point, I was whooped. The humidity was terrible today and I was not only exhausted, but overheated-and wringing wet. A good detox plan? lol I was sweating like the mayor at election time. If the weather cooperates, I should be able to finish the back tomorrow after my dr appt. I am trying to get it done A) Before it rains again and the stuff grows sky high and B)I have some family coming up on Friday and I would like for the place to look halfway decent. My sister-in-law emailed me and said "NO CLEANING!!!!" and I emailed her back "AS IF !!!" lol My niece from Floriduh is coming with them and bringing baby Reef.
We had our family reunion Sunday and it was a pretty good turnout. Some people missing, and some people there that are usually missing. lol It was a good time and the weather was unusually cool, which was a blessing. Still warm enough for those intrepid children to play on the beach and in the water some, and yet cool enough for us old ones to be comfortable. It maybe hit 70. Lots of love, lots of tots, lots of food, and lots of laughs. Here's a picture of us cousins...I was trying to figure out, I think maybe 7 missing.
I'm the 4th one in from the right, in the purple print shirt. The old white haired one. lol
My beautiful family...
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I am sitting here with an icepack on my knee, and should be heading to bed. I have some tea brewing that needs to be put in the pitcher and sweetened before I go to bed. I came in and stirred up a simple spaghetti for supper, with both black and green olives, carrots, onions, bell peppers and garlic in it. Patrick said it was excellent, served over angel hair pasta. I had to take a shower before I could cook, so we didn't eat until after 7:30, which is late for us. It's almost 1 AM now, and I have to be and att'em and at the dr at 9.
Our rivers down here are flooding and they have had to evacuate people and it is a real mess. We really need for this rain to stop for awhile. We are safe up here, though our little creeks are going over their banks, but there is no danger for us. The Mighty Mississippi is a force to be reckoned with...
Okay...I'm gonna make like a banana and SPLIT ! lol
Namaste.
This is the first peony of the season. It's a short season, and full of ants. LOL
Well...we closed out the month of May with a BANG! around these parts. 5 tornadoes in various areas, all where I had family and where I live. 10 miles from me a high school was hit, and all around me varying amounts of damage, from demolished houses to ripped off roofs to uprooted trees to thrown around patio furniture. Whew. It came from across the river and headed straight for us. We personally had about a half hour of crazy winds and lightning and rain...the bulk of it sailed over us and went straight to Gillespie. That was the tornado portion of the program. It had already been raining and blowing some. And afterwards it continued raining like hell and blowing like crazy. But there's no mistaking those tornadic winds from , well, WIND. It sounds like a freight train. It feels like nothing you've felt before..it has an energy all it's own. And then BLAM! it's over. Leaving decimated buildings, overturned cars, and broken pink plastic flamingos in it's wake. So far, there doesn't appear to be any fatalities this time. Thank Goodness. Oklahoma got hit again too last night. Mother Nature is on a rampage lately.
It's eerily quiet right now. Every single animal I own is outside. (Well, not the bird, but he's even quiet). I think they're all suffering from a bit of cabin fever from the past few weeks of rain rain and more rain. This time of year, the cats especially take more to the great outdoors. They all turn into wild things, and you can find them stalking the garden or sleeping under a lush bush. They love the heat, laying up in the shade or where ever their little hearts desire. They are cats, after all.
Sometimes they like to supervise. Other times they just want to stay in your way. lol
Tomorrow is the family reunion. I am making bbq country ribs and Asian slaw and some kind of dessert. I just talked to my sis and she's making her world famous peach cake, so maybe I'll do something with blackberries or strawberries. I don't know. I was also supposed to go to a grad party, but it's an hour and a half from here, and I just don't think I have the energy to do that and make the food and make the drive tomorrow there and back (2.5 hours each way). arrgghhhh...I'm pretty sure I'll see the little one tomorrow, so I'll just bring her card and gift then. And that reminds me that I have to get the gift wrapped and card made for my baby brother, who turned 52 today !!! I just called down and talked to him. He's in heaven--rocking his baby grandson to sleep. They came up for 2 weeks from Florida, and he's crazy for that baby. lol
We will be going to Wisconsin in 2 weeks for the family reunion for my husbands family. More for Fathers Day, really...but we'll be gathering and camping at a little place with cabins. It will be fun. I am trying to figure out what all I need to take...and have to call my SIL and find out for sure, because my husband is absolutely no help when it comes to that stuff. He's talked to her at least 3 times since I asked him to get the info from her (she's the one that set it up...who knows the facts). I should have just called her in the first place. LOL He's been making these trips by himself for the last few years...I need to go this time. My son is going to look after the animals, so I can go.
Well...here's a couple of more pictures of my beautiful flowers...it occurred to me that I haven't taken one shot of our wild roses, which are so beautiful this year-loaded with flowers and fragrant as all get out. I should go do that...
Wild Roses
And more wild roses
And Budding Hollyhocks
A Garden Update--Edamame !
And the salad bed.
And just to show you how different things were this time last year, here are snow peas:
And here are snow peas.
And I did not plant early last year, like lots of people did...but I sure planted earlier than I did this year. Weather and all. You know...sigh.
Walking around outside taking those rose pictures, I got an even better idea of just how much rain we got last night. I was sloshing and schlurrping through the grass. And there are standing puddles of water on the lawn, where the ground is so saturated it just can't even absorb any more. All I can say (once again)-- is thank God for raised beds ! Otherwise I suspect all my plants would be rotting at the roots.
Okay. I'm outta here. Lots to do, and the Irishman was hinting at going to a movie (matinee) this afternoon. Probably won't, but I'd better get busy anyway. Lots to do....
Have a grand weekend all. And Beth---love and extra lovey hugs coming your way.
Namaste.
This is a shot of the edamame. Looking good...the little plants are about 2 inches high. woohoo !
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I've been derailed. I had a plan. I had a list. I've been very disciplined this morning, getting all kinds of house work done. Vacuuming, washing and changing slipcovers. Cleaned off the table. Made the bed. Emptied a couple of things out into the compost. Rearranged some things. A couple of more things to do, and then get the tart made for the potluck and then jump into the shower.
And then the phone rings. And BOOM! Everything has changed.
Well, maybe not EVERYTHING. But, the potluck is cancelled due to threat of heavy thunderstorms/tornado watches. The facilitator lives across the river, and she didn't want to have to risk the drive home in bad weather. I surely understand that. And I hadn't made any food yet, anyway. But now...I'm useless. I don't want to finish the stuff I have started, I just want to take a nap. That could be due to the huge lunch I just ate, lol.. Suddenly, the deadline is gone and I just went limp. lol
I'm pitiful. By huge lunch: I opened a jar of my home canned okra, tomatoes and onion, heated it up with a little butter and some black pepper and ate it out of a bowl with a buttered homemade hamburger bun. O.M.G. If you don't like okra, or breaded tomatoes--this dish is not for you. This is something I started canning at the end of the season when I had just little bits of okra or tomatoes coming in, and I just love it. I use the mixture in soups a lot, but when it's just me here, I eat it just like this. Yum. I only used about 1/2 to 2/3 of the pint jar. But I'm full. This batch was so sweet...from the tomatoes, I guess. And it had lots of okra in it.
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I should go finish vacuuming the master bathroom floor and at least clean off the kitchen island. Even if I don't do anything else. I am debating whether to go ahead and make that tart, so that I'll at least have made it once and tried it, before springing it on unsuspecting folks. lol I didn't have anything else planned for supper anyway. Last night I marinated chicken breasts in a lemon and honey and herb concoction, then grilled them and served them on a big bed of greens, garnished with pickled beets and hard boiled eggs (both courtesy of Honeysuckle Hill). It was awesome. I even toasted some home made garlic and herb croutons from a chunk of leftover baguette. Maybe I'll go ahead and make the tart. Might as well, right ?'
The other night, at the MD bbq we went to, a lovely woman named Jean had made these little "crackers" out of Parmesan cheese. That's right. Nothing but Parmesan cheese. She said she heaped little piles of the coarsely shredded cheese on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and stuck 'em in the oven. She served them with a dip made of goat cheese, honey and fresh rosemary. LOTS of fresh rosemary. Of course I got the recipe. It was stupendous ! I might make some of those too. After all, I brought some of the dip home. lol
The Irishman is working OT tomorrow, so I'll have another free day to get the rest of the housework done. I didn't do anything the past few days but work outside when I could, and the heat and humidity have been atrocious. Today was that --"oops, I've passed the point of decency" place where I HAD to vacuum up the dog hair. Of course, with the weather , the dogs are all shedding like crazy. Ai yi yi...
Yesterday I potted up herbs for my back deck. Rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, cilantro, lemon balm. I might go back to the plant lady and get some ginger mint form here. I loved the smell of it. Not sure what I could use it for, but..probably anything I want, right ?
lol One of the sisters gave me an Anise Hyssop yesterday, and said it had gotten too big and leggy for her to sell. I found a spot for it at one end of my hosta bed, near the steps and planted it DEEP and staked it up. I will start pinching the tops as soon as it has a chance to establish itself and get over transplant shock. I also finally got those leftover tomato plants in the dirt, and they looked very perky and happy this morning. But I'm telling you...it was so hot and humid yesterday, I was sweating like a madman. I kept taking little breaks and coming in for rest and water, but wow. I did all this after I went to the doc and got my 2nd Hyalgan shot in my right knee. I very awkwardly made sure to only use my left leg to push that spade into the ground. And the ground is still pretty wet, so it was easy digging. I also gathered up all the used plastic pots and seed starter (4 and 6 pack thingees) and got them all into a big box and in my trunk to take to the sisters for use in the plant sale they're having and for next year when they start this crazy business all over again. It cleaned things up remarkably here. lol
Okay. I'm off to finish...something. I really did get quite a lot of other stuff done today, so...we'll see how it goes. It's 3 PM already...
Namaste.
