Reading Again

Just finished "Growth of the Soil" by Knut Hamsun
a long book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
On these long past (I hope) hot days would sit for several hours reading...
My son emailed me and said I might enjoy it and Amazon's used books always offers
a good price.

Once again I read "Elizabeth von Arnim - The Solitary Summer."
Love the way she described her flower beds and because of reading once again I had to order
Sweet Peas.  I am struggling to get them to survive with the hot weather.  I want them to survive
with a passion :).
She shares that a garden would be lovely with just this one flower.
and "nature herself is untidy, and in a garden she ought to come first."

Have ordered several others that my son recommended, usually buy used from Amazon.

After reading Nan's post from "Letters from a Hill Farm"  I have ordered "Home Cooking"
by Laurie Colwin.
Vowed to order no more cook books and have decreased the many I had to just a few favorites.

After reading Nan's comments and some of the Author words, I have to have this book as the words she shared are my words.
"Unlike most people who love to to go out "I love to stay at home."
"My idea of happiness is a vacation at home, morning, my coffee and wander outside to view my garden."

I have to confess that I  have always loved to read cook books, at times in the past I would read them like you would a novel,
Page after page for some reason I enjoyed and would always pick up a new idea.
In the past would even take them on the plane to read (now I no longer travel :)

The way I have been for 40 years started at an old farm house, soon to be solo  I remodeled and
a new life began for me and my youngest daughter at that time.   The life I had always yearned for was beginning.
For this one a childhood of living in apartment buildings in Detroit, a marriage with 5 children,
4 I gave birth too and one from his other marriage,  20 years moved quickly with working, many obstacles and then freedom to become me.

Enough shared on this beautiful sunny day.  Gentle breeze blowing, have spent time on screen porch
reading and so nice to enjoy this porch.
With not many cool days have not been able to enjoy this porch for weeks...

I smile
just received instagram photo of my youngest granddaughter, sitting on the sand, looking at the ocean
playing her Ukulele :)

Maybe I should have gone with Jamie....

Appreciation and the Nightmare

"I think for every human being
being appreciative for daily life
is the key.

Through appreciation for everything
you are able to expand so much as a human being,
with your heart, and spirit and mind"

Sanchez Mora

The nightmare yesterday
not being able to connect to AOL.
it had disappeared....
For 6 hours talked to 6 different people,
many could not understand, 2 hung up on me
and finally with a kind person guiding me
 connected to AOL Gold.
I learn through Google
I have 4 weeks free and then a $3.99 charge per month.
Helper did not share this ?

New site is totally different
and I like things to remain the same
and over my lifetime
nothing remained the same.

So will investigate after a few days
a decision of what I will do.

I do need to not stay on computer so much
but it is very important to me along with my reading.
gardening and camera.

Can do without the television :)

Was pleased with such a horrible day
that I had cooked the day before
so had something to eat

Cabbage with onions, carrots, celery and polish sausage
and my favorite corn bread.

A wonderful cooler morning, in the 60's and to continue for a few days.

Thankful for so much in my life and realize I have to take the stressful events more calmly :)

Successful

Was determined this early morning, so careful with chair and step stool to assist me,  put the phone
close by
I did it.

Was able to do yoga on the mat this morning
it felt so good
have been doing on bed every morning
but love returning to doing it on the floor.

Picked some herbs yesterday
placed in the kitchen
love the scent.

Calling for rain
not a drop so far
hoping it rains
or I will have to water.

First 6 months of this year
not good health months

Arthritus still there
but moving slowly
use cane a lot
and much seems better at the present time.

So thankful
hoping it lasts......

Peaceful

Early morning
it was 6:00 and Soybean field looks good that early in the morning.
Try to capture image of deer that visit in the evening
but so far unsuccessful.

I sit in my chair
this is where I read, pray, meditate and am reminded  of all I have to be thankful for -  as I look out this window.
Area surrrounded by books and on the right my computer with camera sitting on the desk.
Now television to the left - but rarely turn on....

Bought marinated mozzarella balls with olives at Kroger
so good - just 3 for lunch - a favorite cheese of mine.
Continue to find new and interesting items in this store as they continue to reorganize.

Purchased my Turnip Green seeds, want to find some more inexpensive containers.  A new
"somewhat junk shop" opened near by and may find something there :)

Welcome a little cooler weather
but need rain.

Happiness is

Happiness is opening the big box and finding a color you love and taking cushions to screen porch
take off the old torn ones that I have been covering with a sheet
and find they fit perfectly and look beautiful...

So pleased with new cushions for 50 year old Meadow Craft chair.
I contacted them many times for sale on these cushions and always so expensive, like $200 or more.
No way.

Amazon had the set for $79.   In the past the cushions had been recovered, to do this again and cannot find anyone would be much more then this.   I just kept covering them with material :)

The chair and sofa on screen porches of homes of the past for over 60 years.   Meadow Craft furniture is wonderful, heavy iron pieces
and could not and would not  buy at this time
but wanted new cushions on the quality iron frames.

May buy for sofa, cushions fine but if matched the chair I would feel like I had new
furniture.

Gift of Green Beans, Yellow Squash and Zuchinni

Friend brought by enough for this one of Green Beans, Yellow Squash and Zuchinni
They are simmering
and googled about herbs in my green beans, said to add Basil and garlic, just did and smells
wonderful. Also small potatoe's my Laurie introduced me too

squash simmering and added a little cheese.  Did fry 3 pieces of bacon to chop on beans and squash,
a real country lunch...  Now wish I had corn bread but do not feel like making
it has been a long day when you get up at 4:30 and a quick trip to local small town.  New York Times is waiting by my chair and afternoon will be reading time.

So welcome is the high 80's early morning but 90's now...

Going  upstairs to storage room for ice cube trays.   So much not growing this year
but I do have herbs and forgot to  freeze them last year.   Chop (after washing) my basil, thyme, dill, rosemary, mint
wash, chop, place in cubes, add water and freeze.   Last Winter had not done and did  not like using herbs from little cans at market

In the past would hang from rafters in shed or attic, no such rafters available in this cottage.  The first
couple of years after moving back to the country did tie some together and hang from  drying rack in the storage room.  Sure smelled nice in that room.   Might still do some that way if energy hangs around.


Have to grow turnip greens and gathering some large containers.   At the store the size of leaves
are huge and I pick when really small (so good)   They can be planted next month :)

It is wonderful to be able to cook and bake some.  Last few years such flares of Sjogrens and arthritis, a couple of falls and times like I am experiencing I do not take for granted.

The Difference and Waldorf Salad

Mom is up by 5:00 and headed to the market at 8:15, uses the small cell phone to call daughter
and tells her where she is going.  Jamie shares, most still resting and getting up. :)  Quick trip for mom  and the temperature
already a steamy 91 degrees.

Thinking of a Waldorf Salad, have not made in a long time.  Have apples, celery, walnuts, raisins, mayo, yogurt and honey on hand and bought
some purple seedless grapes.

With the heat it will be a salad days.  Bought some sliced turkey and beef pastrami.  Thinking of making a small amount of my pimento cheese, so all set for the long inside hot weekend.   Miss my garden and would love a fresh home grown tomato.

Free coupon for this RX Bar, if you want to gain pounds (would like 5 lbs)  this looks great, lot of calories and good
ingredients - but - loaded with cashews and almonds - which I cannot chew well.   Next trip
may check to see if one without all of these nuts.

The Way It Is

Near 100 degree days
continues.

First time in a long time baking one of my favorite breads - Zucchini and I think what makes it special
is I add a small can of crushed pineapple.  Posted recipe in the past, I am ashamed I never kept a list
of where so many recipes were posted.

Help promised to arrive at 7:00 did not.  This is the way it is but never in the past.

Inside, but much I want to do outside.  Want to prepare pots for turnip green seeds,
At the market they are such a large size and I like them small.  I do not need to be outside
in this kind of weather - but want too....

I miss my garden :(


An orchid I bought a year ago, tag said Paph.Raisin Pie
Just googled information.  I noticed the unusual bloom when I purchased.  Now hoping it will bloom again.  Doing everything correctly.

Very Hot Outside

Week continues with 100 degree weather.
This morning quick trip to market at 8:00 and home.

Making a Taco Salad, fresh mixed greens, black beans and meat simmering for topping to begin
Sliced tomato, avocado and decided to make the fresh salsa that I made years ago.  At that time I would can several dozen jars, this will keep in frig for a week or two, but will be gone in several days.   Even good to add to my scrambled egg.

Chopped tomato, chili's, onion and green pepper, add a small amount of white vinegar.
No cilantro on hand.   But will be good on top of salad with some good grated cheese.  Do not like the
store bought salsa.   Handed two ripe tomato's this morning :)
So corn chips on hand and do have a store bought red pepper dip.   So this one has something to eat
for today and tomorrow.

I remember when canning at the old farm house, my son would eat a pint jar at one sitting.
He loved this....

Yesterday was the appointment for cortisone shots in shoulders.   I always feel like I am having
poison injected into my body but the pain relief is almost immediate.

Book arrived I bought used on Amazon, a recommendation from my son.   Hot inside days
good for reading, going through piles of papers and a lot of ironing up on the loft.   I always
loved ironing on rainy days and wondering about doing it on these steamy days, but somewhat cool inside with ceiling fans whirling and 2 floor fans.

What We Are Made Of

All that we are
is a result of what we have thought.

It is founded on our thoughts,
it is made up
our thoughts.

We live in a world of our own making.

Scott Darnell

Early morning I read this and copied

Now I must confess that all of my life this one thought she could do almost anything snd everything.
Now realizing since 80's began there is much I would like to do and now cannot.
But I still try and trying to be wise so I do not injure myself....
Difficult to accept
but it is happening.....

He needed something around him
so yesterday in between showers
found a sale tropical plant at Lowe's.

Would like it to grow really big and give him some shade :)

By the Woods - Looking for Energy

Morning sunflower under bird feeder

Many flowers still not blooming, may be the continual dampness by the woods.
I have yearned for Sweet Peas, ordered seeds, mixture of colors, feeding and watering
and finally a bloom.   Hoping they spread, remember so well the vines in the grandmother's garden.

Once again trying this drink, in the blender early morning, blueberries, strawberries, cherries,
1/2 banana, almond milk, manuka honey and flax seeds.  Just a small amount of each and
half the scoop of Green Vibrance.   Split it between 2 glasses, one for breakfast and the other later
with Ensure.

Heat and Ultra Sound

So hot

Deer in field in front eating the soybeans

When Jamie
was expecting my two youngest granddaughter's she listened to this CD all the time.
When visiting her I heard the music, wonderful and she bought me the CD
Cannot find
want my oldest granddaughter to have for my first  great grandchild a boy due in December
Out of date but Amazon had a few

so bought me another one and sent Jessica one :)

Yesterday and a new Tomato

Yesterday, so much taken care of,
plumber arrived and new faucets installed in kitchen, no more catching water in bottles for Callie
and plants.
Grass man arrived, oh my the lawn looks so nice and one who helps in garden and woods
arrived for 2 hours.   Seems a continual burning pile of limbs that fall from old tree's.
A busy morning and moving very slow.

I was so tired when everyone left by 11:00 and so thankful to have all of this done.

A special blogger friend sent me this book.  She is part of a group study, nothing like that local.
I thank Mary....

I read, underlined and came to the conclusion, I am doing most suggested.  Have not fully
accepted what is going on in this ancient body,  but better then I was.   Therapist, knows me well and he shares, you have always been
very independent, doing everything yourself (miss cutting my grass now 2 years) and that has dramatically changed, please accept you
now need help and a lot you can no longer do like in the past, please move slower and do not fall.   He knows me well.

The Sunday New York Times had an interesting article on being cremated (my choice, ashes
in these gardens)   Titled "The Way I Want To Be Dead"

Jamie's fatherinlaws shared a special tomato, oh my so good

going to do research, not planting anything but if I find seeds will plant next year :)

Indigo Rose - sent for seeds and may experiment and plant a few when they arrive as investigation

tells me I can plant again this month - will see.

Usually tomato's sometimes not that good, but this one - oh my - good.

Hot weather continues and told front field will be sprayed today, hopefully will get rid of

a new type of weed that is invading  the Soybean field.

So many errands today and thinking of someone to go with me.

Never would have considered this a year ago :(

Warm Day Approaching

So nice to have air conditioner on again and some things we take for granted.
Now faucet continues to leak, washer replaced twice, so now the whole thing replaced
Nothing last like in the past, everything in this cottage is a little over 8 years old and a lot
has been replaced.

Finally grass cut today, new help so good, but mower broke 10 days ago and then he went on
vacation :(

Several friends bring me things from their gardens, when they bake and oh wonderful eggs.
A small amount is enough for two meals for this one.   Will use balance of Swiss Chard and
Kale and a small zucchini in my stir fry.

This morning a fritata with some Swiss Chard and Kale.
Thank you always Anne and Lana.

Time for breakfast
and a new day begins

Need to rest more today then busy yesterday with two 15 year olds helping me, good help
but needed to stay with them on a very hot day....

Waiiting for A/C man

Cooler outside then in this cottage :)
Reminds me of when I remodeled the old farm house 40 years ago.
Between me and the outside were large sheets of plastic, no air but we made it.

3 hours later
it is on - a small battery shut the unit down.   Mail just arrive, the battery for camera arrived and
Arthur the therapist my encourager just pulled in the drive.

Weary, will stop and heat up my spaghetti made yesterday, it was so good.
Purchased at the market last week - pretty good

Image sent to grandma of Caity catching a fish and I smile, she through it back in the water.
Good girl...

enough shared at the moment....

So Now

Yes now the 14 month old air unit has stopped, was told they were always available, been calling
3 1/2 hours on his cell phone, all fans whirling and have another small one upstairs on the loft
and will soon bring downstairs - only 85 in this cottage and at night will cool some.
I smile and think this is the way for my son in that far away land of Thailand.

Might as well share it all, battery in my 9 month old camera stopped.  I thought it would last
longer at a $45 for the Lithium.   It  is arriving tomorrow, love my camera...

One of my young granddaughter's spent the night with me Friday, arrived early as she had spent
the night with a friend who once lived in her area but now a neighbor of mine,
She really slept a long time but I knew a night with a friend that most likely that had been up
most of the night.   She kept commenting how pretty it was here by the woods and so quiet and peaceful.
Oh how pretty she looked and I almost cried, wasn't yesterday that she and her younger sister's
were tiny, time wish you would slow down;
We had a wonderful time and she shared about her mission trip to Mexico at an orphanage
She had never witnessed this poverty before and realizes more her blessings

and her sister on visits to the

country seems like yesterday..

So life continues through her 80's,  hopefully grass cut tomorrow as the one that does

this has been on vacation.   Still so much I would like to do but cannot risk falling,

but the desire is still there.

Spaghetti today, seemed I was craving it and covered with mushrooms, my basil

and wonderful old cheese I shredded on my meal.

So good..

Theraphist has returned and continually told how good I am doing, now I do not think so

as mobility not like I want but accepting as nothing else I can do

Glad Everything Begins Again

My computer crashed on the 4th,  Finally reached Verizon and not good for me to go through
all of their instructions that I must follow.   Result another bad jet pack that connects me to the
internet.  So new one received yesterday and spent another hour activating.  I was told it would
activate immediatly and it did not without lengthy instructions.  I never get accustomed to these problems and some of the family do not understand this experience for their aging mother who
is on the computer for so much and when it goes down it really upsets me.    I read, write, find information, stay in touch with family, buy a lot from Amazon,
instead of television I look at the news on the computer.   They texted, instagram and FB, mom does not.     Enough shared.
My excellent new doctor commented, some do not understand that the computer is a big part of your world....

I am happy and pleased to be online again and read 50 old emails.
Daughter returned from  N.Y. visiting my happy expecting granddaughter, my soninlaw
returned safely from China,  Receiving my almost daily emails from son in Thailand.

My Beth spent 4th with me and I made salmon croquettes, black eyed peas, mashed potato's,
peach pie and should have made corn bread.

My Jamie, covered with Poison Ivy, her mama knows well, when returning to the country
had it every year and needed shot and pills. She looks like I now look with the easily bruised thin skin that is continually bumped and cut.  It is the way it is and appreciate now the many years of beautiful skin :)

One of my granddaughter's will soon arrive to spend the day and night, so pleased am I.
We will go to lunch and look in a small local shop.  I want her to tell me about her mission trip to Mexico.

My youngest granddaughter is wearing a boot, injured 2 toes, oh my something continually
happening..


So now breakfast of waffle and fruit, day begins and may dead head some lillies.

Daily Dharma

Today from Trycycle


When we become truly ourselves,, we become a swinging door,
and we bcome truly independent of, and at the same time,
dependent upon everything.

Without air we cannot breathe.
Each of us in the midst of myriads of worlds.


Roshi

The Results of Cooking

I rarely like food in restaurants
Because of this
yesterday my kitchen was a mess.

I picked up ribs from the local market.
When I was out of my car the scent of grilling was so enticing

Bought 2 slabs, one to freeze and one to eat on several days.
Was hoping to see my Beth this weekend
but daily rain and no one wants to drive to the country, on the interstate in the rain.

Rain yesterday, today and some due daily for a week.

Arriving home I began, by memory, making Texas Baked beans.  Used 1/3 of the ground meat
as this was a portion of the original recipe.   Meat browning and started adding chopped tomato, chopped onion, celery,
green pepper, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, mustard and medium can of baked beans.
Simmered in old cast iron skillet for over an hour.
The smell while it is simmering is wonderful.

Then since I like my Cole slaw the best but can no longer hold a 1/2 head of cabbage and use the old fashion grater (like my mother did until 80) I used my small 4 cup work bowl from Cuisinart.
1/4 head of green cabbage, small portion of red cabbage, some onion, carrot and green pepper, a few red radishes
salt and pepper.
When chopped. like my mother did added - a little sugar and tossed with a little mayo.

Kitchen a mess - but worth it

My sweet tea made and corn bread would have made it perfect - but too tired to make.

Now fresh Peaches and Apples on my counter and want to make a small apple cake a friend shared with me
and a simple Peach pie that she made.  Fresh peaches sliced in precooked pie shell  (she made her crust) and cover
with peach jello that had been prepared with 1cup of sugar and 1 cup of boiling water.
It was so good.
You can add whip cream or ice cream..

Hoping
Beth can visit her mom on 4th of July
if no rain....

Jamie sent a picture of flower arrangement she made - posted on instagram - could not copy
but my Jamie, you could do this as a business :)  Hoping her poison ivy is better :(

Laurie called
home  to Tampa from N.Y. 3:00 in the morning, oh my - rest my child....

Jimmy, wish you were here...

Smiling

Received this early morning
picture of my oldest granddaughter in New York
and her mom - my oldest daughter.
Taken on their visit to the museum..

Recognize Edward Hopper......