Leaves

Leaves, leaves - everywhere.

I can remember years ago that I would practically pick up every leaf that fell. I would rake and rake. I am using my blower to clear walk and deck. Later a grass cutting can chop up what is left.

I am not raking leaves anymore - maybe clean where they have banked up against house.

The wind is blowing on a warm afternoon and the leaves are blowing - maybe some will blow further into the woods. My drive, small yard and the woods are covered with a blanket of leaves. To my aging eyes it looks beautiful.

The front field is being cut and it looks kind of barren. Hope they plant winter wheat and the field will look like a golf course. If they do not it is alright with me. Not my decision.

Monday my son is visiting and bringing my youngest granddaughter. I am looking forward to this time. My middle daughter is visiting on Tuesday and I will take her to lunch for her birthday.

My oldest granddaughter has received a call about a job offer in New York. She has accepted and will start the first of December. This will be another exciting journey for me to follow.

She will share an apartment with a fellow student who graduated with her.

The outside of my windows are filled with Ladybugs. Seems I read somewhere that is good luck. Anyone more knowledgable on this then me?

One Woman just checking in before the weekend.

Fall At Woodhaven

I do not think I remember the leaves being so spectacular. The view from every window in this home is a master piece. Every drive down the country roads is a blessing to my eyes.

I enjoyed my family so much last week and this week has been full and yet I do not feel as though I have accomplished much. Dental appointment, tidying home, Callie's stitches removed, appliance repaired, gutters cleaned, emails that make me smile about my granddaughter's interview's in New York.

A lot going on in this family.

My son will visit in a few days, another daughter will arrive and I will take her to a birthday lunch and a dreaded hair appointment tomorrow.

I have chopped and chopped on my hair and the color is like that of a dead mouse.

So, maybe I will leave looking a little better then when I arrived. Just do not want to leave my country home for this appointment.

My little granddaughters are excited about Halloween. I cannot imagine that these feminine little girls want to be a skeleton and a bat!!

Wherever you are - enjoy this Fall time of the year and hopefully when the time is set back this weekend it will not affect you like it will me.

Instead of getting up at 5:00 am - it will probably be 4:00 and instead of going to bed at 8:00 and meditating it will be 7:00. Some hours - guess since there is just One Woman residing here it really does not matter. Just do not like the long hours of dark - but Spring is around the corner.

Callie has discovered the deer. She chases them away from the house. I have enjoyed having them close but with thoughts of a small garden next Spring - maybe this is good.

A Good Week

The past week has been good!

Time as a family and one-on-one time with my first born.

As time marches on, alone time with one of our children is so rare and special. Two of my daughters have mates and children and when we gather there is not the opportunity to just sit and share or be quiet in each others presence.

The weather has been beautiful and I must add that this morning it is raining. It is suppose to clear later in the day.

Sharing a meal with family, an enjoyable drive to a country restaurant for lunch with my daughter, fire pit is a success, and Miss Callie has turned into a dream dog.

I might add that during my daughter's walking time she spotted the most magnificent stag deer with amazing antlers. Wish I had been near with my camera and surely hope that a hunter does not venture into my woods.

Do not have the words to describe this past week - but - One Woman has a smile on her face.

Morning In The Life Of One Woman

Up at 4:30. Would have stayed in bed until 5:00 - but Callie is barricaded in the utility room and I want to make sure she has not chewed on my cabinets!! Like other things she has chewed on. Will tell her story later.

Let Callie out - stripped my bed linens and put in washing machine. Let Callie on screen porch and fed her. Made zucchini bread and it is in the oven. Made my bed up and put a load of jeans in machine. Went over floors with swifter. Did 30 minutes of Yoga - need to relax. Another load of wash. How can One Woman have so much wash. I love to hang outside and that is out of the question. Need to get out of my pajamas!! Took a bath and went over my hair with a curling iron - if I do this it usually looks presentable. Put on clean jeans and turtle neck - and now breakfast. Cereal with fruit, green tea and 2 slices of the best zucchini bread....in the world.

Callie is barking like a mad dog - Electrician has pulled up and going to reverse the blades on my ceiling fans. I cannot reach them - plus I do not see the switch. It is only 8:20 and I am glad I was dressed. 2 phone calls, finish cleaning kitchen and turn on dishwasher. 9:00 and will turn on computer. I am tired and the day has not begun.

Callie barking and I look out - a neighbor approaching in car. She bought a home I built 12 years ago on this farm. Interesting lady who is a retired, a professor from a University in Rhode Island. Interesting how she found my home. On the Internet. Another story in the future.

She is sharing the New York Times and News Week with me. Starting bringing it to me several weeks ago. I appreciate it as they are 2 of my favorites and I do not subscribe anymore.

Callie news - Saturday was such a rough day with her that I kept having on my mind that I would have to return her to the shelter. She has chewed up 2 leashes, a cable that secured her to dog house, will not share other things she has chewed. Finally I spanked her Saturday and sat down and looked her in the eye and told her she had better stop chewing and realize she has a good home or she was long gone. Who knows - from that moment on she has been calmer, has not chewed and minds me. I felt guilty yesterday with the thoughts that in 2 weeks, surgery twice and in a new home and is adjusting - just like me. Plus she is only 11 months old. In reality a puppy.

So - I will have to buy a cage for her to put in the garage when I am gone for a few hours.

If we were not going into winter it would be no problem.

Also plans are when city home sells I am building a carport for my truck with an enclosed area attached for mower and tools. I can build a pen on this with her doghouse. She will be in a secure area and have shelter when I am not here. All is fine when I am outside and she can run and aware of me. The problem is she is being given a home at a time of year that will soon be winter and her new mistress has never had a dog inside the house. I put her rug by the door and find as long as she can see me in the kitchen or great room area she is fine.

So we are still adjusting. I think I just expected to much from her in a short time - especially since I do not know her past 11 months. I think it was not to pleasant. I will add that she minds very well. Always comes to me when I call and will sit when I tell her - give her a treat.
She is very smart and her mistress is going to be in charge - I think she knows that at the moment.

Her mistress has done well in training many dogs and children in the past. l0l. Just thoughts of can she do it again - or rather does she want to?

Time to unload dishwasher, a few more inside chores - then I want to go outside - the sun is shining. I have a bag of buttercup bulbs to plant and want to walk with Callie in the woods.

After lunch this 3 score, 10 and more -lady needs to rest so will be enjoy her family this late afternoon.

Butternut Squash Soup

My daughter from Tampa will be arriving tomorrow. Granddaughter was suppose to visit also.

But....a call and several interviews in New York will take grandma's time.

For the last couple of hours I have been making butternut squash soup. It is so good and I hoped it would not disappoint this time.

Just tasted it and it is good.

I never follow recipes "exactly". So this is cooked squash, some onion, carrot, celery and garlic.

When all is cooked - the process I do not like is blending in small batches in my old old blender.

Add chicken broth and simmer. I have used cream or milk in the past.

Someone gave me two good size squash weeks ago and I kept looking at them and remembered how difficult they are too cut.

In the past I have cut them in half and baked them like you would a potato with olive oil and scooped out the cooked squash

and added to my other cooked ingredients. This time I tried something different.

Do not laugh - I took a small saw on my work bench and cut the difficult squash. After removing the seeds I cut them in smaller sections like you would a potato and simmered them in water. When they were done the peeling came easily off.

THE SQUASH IN MY PICTURE ARE NOT THE SQUASH I USED. THESE WERE 3 TIMES THIS SIZE. THE SMALLER SIZE - JUST ONE MAKES SEVERAL NICE PORTIONS FOR ME.

Anyway - I have delicious soup.

I also made an oriental salad (this is one of my favorites made with broccoli slaw) and in the morning will bake a turkey breast, zucchini bread and another desert. A gallon of fruit tea is ready. A bottle of wine is chilling.

My little girls may be visiting and spending the night and there are plenty of chips, nuts, crackers and cheese.

Hey the sun shined today and tomorrow promises to be a pleasant day.

So...there are hot dogs and marshmallows on hand in case the fire pit is burning tomorrow evening.

I was told not to cook anything - but - there has to be something to eat at Woodhaven.

If they are not hungry - then I will have something to eat on for a few days!!!

Invisible Woman

I came across an interesting blog the other day. Angela writes about being an invisible woman.

My first thought when reading this is "Angela you are too young to be invisible".

It brought to mind what I have been thinking about myself a lot over the past few years. Being invisible would seem to fluctuate at times. Might be where I am at that moment, dressed or how I feel that particular day.

But as time goes by - I am truly invisible. For most of my adult years I was not invisible. Young career woman, active social life, busy wife, mother, active role in family business, enjoying all the upscale places and travel. A divorce and starting over at age 42 was a new journey.

Life has been changing for a number of years and in most ways I like it.

Freedom is what I call it!! The peace and simplicity I have been experiencing at Woodhaven over the last months has been a long time coming.

Will add that when I moved to the big city almost 3 years ago - I was truly invisible. I made this comment to my son - he always has a witty reply: "there are people who spend a lot of money to go places where they are invisible." Now back in my old homeplace I do see familiar faces from time to time and may not be 100% invisible.

Wondered as time goes on - when do others begin to feel invisible? Also the thought - is my feeling more invisible because I am One Woman.

Who knows!!!

You might enjoy Angela's - October 14th entry. Love her self-portrait with the misplaced heart.

http://angelarecada.blogspot.com/

If you visit Angela - also check out "A Note From Your Mother" - mother being "Mother Earth"

All Is Well

The Aster in my new header was given to me about 25 years ago. I have shared it with many and have moved a clump to 5 different homes. The first of the year when this home was started I brought a piece of this plant and put it by my mailbox. It never disappoints me. It will bloom - almost until snow falls.

I will transplant sections to other areas around my home after it quits blooming.

Most of my plants have been shared with me by special people. Most of these people are no longer here and when I look at this purple Aster I think of the special lady who shared much of her garden with me. Anna Lee, I miss you.

Callie is doing wonderful. Only ---- she does not like me out of her sight. I bought a crate with the thought that if she would tolerate it, then it would be good for times I am not home.

Well, that did not work and I returned it this morning. I keep her on the screen porch, deck and when I am outside she is loose.

I am not an inside dog person. All dogs in the past stayed outdoors unless it was extremely cold.

So....Callie, please be good.

I do not know if I shared that last week I had heart test. 3 hours of tests resulted from a severe panic attack I had a number of weeks ago that unsettled me.

I was at the city home and all of a sudden I became "overwhelmed". Overwhelmed with all that I have done this year. Building, up and down the road, slowly emptying one home and bringing to another - loading my vehicle and unloading with no help. I remember standing and looking at what is left in that home and also the fact that it is for sale in a stressed economy (I know my children - said - do not do this). Anyway I had a panic attack and thought I was having a heart attack.

GOOD NEWS - nothing wrong with my heart. Enough shared on this subject.

Rained again last night and early morning. Lunch time and it has finally stopped.

Continuing to look forward to seeing my first born daughter and first born granddaughter next week.

The happy heart runs with the river, floats on the air, lifts to the music, soars with the eagle, hopes with the prayer
Maya Angelou

Poor Little Callie

When my children were visiting this weekend - my daughter who has a nursing degree - commented "mama, Callie has a hernia".

So first thing this morning I took her to the vet and it was confirmed. She looked so sad when I left her.

This truly saddened me. I feel as though I am mistreating her. I do not think she has had much love in her 11 months.

Just called and she is doing fine and I will pick her up later this afternoon.

Some stitches broke loose from her being neutered - So they say. Only they know what happened?

Good news there will be no charge.

Callie I hope you heal quickly like you did from the procedure one week ago.

When I lost Sadie a year ago I vowed I would never love another little dog like I did her.

Guess it is happening all over again.

Fall Is In The Air

It seems to One Woman that the days were really warm, then weeks of rain and now it is cool enough that I have to have a jacket on early in the morning and always a sweater. Today was a good day and I loved being outdoors in the sunshine.

The leaves are just beginning to turn and I can remember that one year ago at this time I began to have thoughts of building and returning to my country property.

It was a dream that became a reality. It went through several changes. First I was going to build a cabin and just come on weekends. Then as I put more thought into this process I realized I could not constantly be up and down the highway. Could not maintain two homes. I do well at this stage of life to maintain one home and garden.

What materialized was a smaller home then what I occupied in the past and at the moment I love being surrounded by nature and the peacefulness this home saturates me with.

My fire pit is one more item off my to do list. Created from a piece of pipe given to me by my contractor, sitting on stones for ventilation and surrounded it with stones gathered on this property.

I burned it today for the first time and I like it. Sat in my old chair and could feel the warmth of the fire.

My little girls will love gathering wood for it and cooking marshmellows and hot dogs on a stick.

Perfect Evening

Thank you for making a trip from the big city to my small town to take your mom out to dinner. My grandson - thanks to you for leaving the University to make this evening even more special.

Love
Mama and Grandma

Storm Arriving

On a lighter note. Last week I did something I have never done before. As I left a store, I could not find my keys.I thought maybe I have left them in my truck and I carry an extra one in my purse so all will be well.

I was right - there they were in the ignition - horrors - my truck was still running - but door was locked. Good thing it was a quick trip.

Where was my mind? Too much on it "I think".

Anyway, I put a note on my dash - pause - take a deep breath, turn ignition off, remove key - remember.

Sent it to my son and he quickly replied "add - put it in park".

No Tears

My daughter just called that my 4 year old granddaughter had an accident at daycare.

Fell off of some kind of old metal contraption on the playground.

A trip to the emergency room, 4 stitches and the doctor remarked he had never had a child so quiet and calm - while he put in the stitches.

So thankful it was no closer to her eye.

Little girl, grandma is so thankful and proud of you.

He Speaks To My Heart

Birthday time is Friday.

Cards are arriving.

Handwritten on my son's card is the following:

When the sun shines, enjoy it,
When it rains, enjoy it.
All things in life, let them come and let them go. This the secret of life that keeps one from getting upset.
The Buddha says that all things in life and in the world are in constant change, so do not become attached to them.

Gyomay Kubose

Callie news - I was so worried about her yesterday as she would not eat or drink. This morning she is herself. Stitches come out in 10 days.

One Woman experiencing her 70's

Impressive

One Woman is pleased the heat is on in this home. It was so chilly yesterday morning and I discovered the unit would not come on. I would not have turned it on for myself but with these little girls visiting I wanted the home warm. Also was given instructions on how to turn on my gas logs - I had forgotten. So guess I am all set for winter.

Just called the Animal Hospital and I will leave in an hour to take Callie for her surgery.

No reason to postpone it.

Yesterday morning the girls were practicing yoga poses from my instruction book.

I was really impressed as I watched them. But then at ages 4 and 7 you are quite limber.

I have stripped the bedding in guest area and it is being prepared for my daughter from Florida

and my granddaughter who is returning this weekend from London and a 4 month internship.

They will be visiting soon.

Needless to say I am excited about their visit to Woodhaven.

Enough shared this early morning I need to be on my way.

One Woman wonders - is this what your 70's are like?

Weekend News from Woodhaven

One Woman has returned from trip to grocery and a hot dog cooked on a grill for a church fund raiser. They smelled so good as I passed by the corner lot on the way to the grocery. After shopping and a man running after me saying "you left your purse on the counter". Thank you Lord - where is my mind. I stopped at the grilling. They had stopped grilling and all were wrapped in foil under the large grill cover. I kept thinking - I do not need a hot dog - but they sure smell good. A man struck up a conversation with me and I babbled on that I wish they had been on the coals instead of wrapped in foil. I preceded to put my hand over the coals to see if they were still warm (see how fussy I am about my hot dog). He told me they were still hot and just finished cooking. As I stood there contemplating this major decision and about to leave he said "the hot dog is on me". I replied "no way -just do not know if I need something I view unhealthy". He went on to share that he was the new pastor of this church and asked me to please visit. A small church with about 200 members in an area that I know well and know some of the people attending. Anyway to shorten this story, I accepted the delicious hot dog that I loaded with all the fixings and thanked him for the gift.

Now home and excitedly awaiting my weekend guests. My youngest daughter and my two little girls coming for the weekend. We will will go to the pumpkin patch, corn maze and see if we are successful in taking some holiday pictures. Velvet dresses are arriving also. Have a few ideas and will see how this comes out. They are excited about meeting Miss Callie.

Jamie, is bringing games and books for the evening. I am still contemplating a television but truly do not miss it. I stay busy with outdoor chores, computer, reading and writing in my journal.

The one in the city I gave to my son as I did not want to move it and also - if I purchase a television want a smaller and newer model.

Callie is doing great. She has a new home. She sits for a treat, with rolled up paper in my hand she stops jumping on me. I am so surprised at how quick she is learning. I let her loose and she follows me everywhere.

Thinking of scheduling her surgery for next Tuesday. I sure do not need any visitors!!

Enough sharing from One Woman on this beautiful Saturday at noon

She Makes Me Smile

My youngest daughter - wife, mother of my two youngest granddaughter's, writer and editor - never fails to put a smile on her mama's face.

This child was raised as an only child as the others were in high school and college.

Her sense of humor and the way she expresses herself still amazes me.

I think "is this the quiet little girl I raised - in the country - single handed".


Needless to say that mom is proud of her.


http://blondemomblog.com/ Click on The - Southern Humor Post

NEW HEADER - TAKEN AROUND THE CORNER AND DOWN THE ROAD

One Woman entry on a cold October lst morning