Around Our House…

Around our house we’ve been working with fruits and vegetables again!  Didn’t we just finish doing that a few weeks ago?  Yes, I believe we did, but duty calls, once again!  That’s what happens when you plant a fall garden!

Ed and I managed to salvage plenty of pears off our trees, even though the squirrels stole more than their fair share!  It seemed a shame to let our pears waste (although some did), so Ed and I tried our hand at canning pears–twice!  You might say–we had “sweet success”.  I wasn’t quite prepared for the stickiness of the whole process–we only used 14 cups of sugar to make the syrup for those fourteen quarts of pears, and this recipe was for a “medium syrup”!  I shudder to think how much sugar is in “heavy syrup’!!!  We wanted to can “pear halves”, but quickly discovered that our giant pears would not fit through the openings of our jars!  Oops!  We settled for one quart of halves, and the rest of the jars are filled with pear slices.  They will come in handy for future cobblers!

About the time Ed and I were canning the last of our pears, the peas were getting ready to be picked! The fun never ends around here, does it?

The bushes are loaded with peas, but thankfully all of the peas don’t mature at one time. This makes the pea-picking chore last for a while. I picked peas for the second time this morning, and here’s what I found…

It took me about twenty minutes to pick those peas, and about 2 1/2 hours to shell them!  In case you are curious, the peas on the left are called “pink eyes”, and are similar to “black-eyed peas”.  The green peas on the right are called “brown crowder” and although the peas are green when shelled, they turn brown when cooked.  These are our favorites!  Best of all, these peas were grown with seed saved from our spring crop–free peas!

“The girls” continue to bless us with four to five eggs each day.  As of yesterday, our egg count is up to 224.  One particular hen still acts “possessive” over the eggs, and always hops into the chicken house whenever I’m gathering the eggs.  She watches every move that I make!

These hens are quite friendly and affectionate–in fact, sometimes they can be a bit overwhelming now that they weigh three to four pounds each!   The other day, while I was bent over their water container, one silly hen decided to hop upon my back!  Another day, I squatted down among my girls and received many “chicken kisses” on my thighs and torso!  Have you ever been kissed by a chicken???

Not a day goes by that those silly girls don’t make me smile 🙂  In fact, they make me smile so much, I’ve asked Ed about enlarging their coop!  Stay tuned for details concerning a renovation…

Let’s “Fall” Into The Hodgepodge…

It’s officially fall, so let’s get down to business with the first Hodgepodge of the new season.  Joyce has some fun questions lined up for us this week!  Don’t forget, you can join in the fun simply by clicking Joyce’s button at the top of this post!

1. The Wednesday Hodgepodge this week falls on John Chapman’s birth date. He’s more famously known as Johnny Appleseed…what’s your favorite variety of apple?

I’m not really picky about what kind of apples I eat.  I usually buy Red Delicious or Macintosh or Gala…

One of my favorite fall activities at school, used to be when our class graphed our favorite apples.  The teacher brought in four different varieties of apples, and let each child sample them all, along with some caramel dip, of course!  Afterward, we’d take a poll of how many students liked which apple best, then we’d make our graph on a huge piece of chart paper.  It was a tasty and fun math lesson for all!

2. When did you last say ‘ick’?

I don’t remember when I last said “ick” or if I ever did.  I usually say something more like “gross” or “eeew”, and the last time I said this was while picking up rotten pears from under our trees last weekend.

3. Do you think there’s a generation gap? Explain.

Yes, I do think there’s a generation gap, and I believe it happens due to the difference in age and life-experience.  People in different stages of life view things in different ways, and have different interests and circumstances in their lives.

For instance, Ed and I can identify with the phases of life that each of our adult children are going through, having already lived them.  They, on the other hand, have no idea what it’s like to be a senior citizen.  They don’t understand how we think and feel–but they will, eventually.  The other day I told our 27 year old that in five years he won’t be the same person that he is today because we’re all constantly evolving.  I can still remember every “A-ha” moment I’ve ever had–at least for the time being!

Likewise, there’s a gap between Ed/I, and our own parents, too.  My own parents have been deceased for years, but more recently we’ve watched as Ed’s mama has had to experience dealing with a sick spouse, then lose him.  We’ve seen her gradually lose her independence and ability to function, then experience what it’s like to be unable to live in her own home anymore.  We can feel pain and sympathy for her, but we’ll never truly understand until we’ve been there.

4. What’s on your computer screen saver? Do you leave it alone or change it often?

I don’t have a screen saver on either one of my computers.  I put them in sleep mode when I’m not using them.

5. If you had the attention of the entire world for two minutes, what would you say?

Turn from your wicked ways and turn to God–the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!

6. Four fashion trends to try this fall are-brocade/jacquard (fancy printed fabrics), peplum, lace, and printed pants…which of these four would you be most likely to wear?

Well, I think at my age, with my figure, my best bet would be something made out of brocade/jacquard.  Several years ago, I had a red dress made from this fabric, and I liked it a lot.

7. What can make your bad day better?

Seeing Ed come home at the end of the day is always a ray of sunshine!  I often think how sad it would be not to have that to look forward to.  Also, a candlelight bath, with some soft music playing or an opportunity to sit beside the ocean are guaranteed to lower my stress level and make me forget my troubles–at least for a while.

Random:  

When will bag boys learn how to properly bag and load groceries?  I bought two strawberry shortcakes, at two different supermarkets, this summer.  The cakes were lovely when I paid for them, but when I got home with them, they looked like a disaster because the bag boys placed my cakes on their ends in the bags!  Whatever happened to common sense?

More Tales From A Simple Woman’s Daybook…

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…it is still dark!  Ed got up early and left for work before his alarm went off, but he neglected to turn his alarm off.   Grrrr…  By the time I fumbled around to find the correct button to turn it off, I was fully awake, so here I am at 7:01 a.m.!

I am thinking… “Dancing With The Stars” is going to have its best season ever!  Those “all-stars” were really entertaining last night!  There are so many good couples, it’s going to be difficult to pick just one to root for.

I am thankful…to have been blessed with such a kind and loving husband, three healthy children who grew up to be God-fearing, compassionate, productive adults, and last, but definitely not least, I’m thankful for our three healthy, beautiful grandchildren.  Wow, how was that for a run-on sentence?

In the kitchen…last night I cooked chicken and dumplings, fresh peas from the garden, and made a fresh pear cobbler for dessert.  Don’t I sound like a little “Susie Homemaker”?  LOL

I am wearing…a pink nightgown, after all it’s only 7 o’clock!

I am creating…some new ornaments for my Halloween tree.  Here’s a peek at what I’ve made so far:

I am going…to go and get my hair cut in a little while.  I’m very happy about that because my hair has been driving me crazy for over a week, and I hate that feeling!

I am wondering…who is going to win the presidential election–and I’m praying a lot about it, too.

I am reading…Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks At Fifty”.  I’ve been reading this book all summer, but actually it’s quite interesting.  Jimmy’s led a “colorful” (and quite interesting) life, but I’ve been surprised to discover how smart he is.  I’d have finished his book by now, except I took a break to read the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy.  Yes, (gasp) I read those books, because I was curious to see what all of the hype was about!  I actually found myself quite intrigued by the characters and the story line, and boy did I learn some new things!

I am hoping (and praying)… my son-in-law gets to go back to work soon.  He’s laid off from his job at the moment, due to a problem with his employer’s contract.

Also for my brother-in-law ( who’s been very ill) to continue to get better.  He’s been in ICU, suffering with pneumonia and an abscess in his lung.  This is his third major illness in the past few years, and he’s only 55.

I am looking forward to...being able to spend more time outside.  The heat and mosquitoes have kept me a prisoner in my home for far too long!

I am learning…that my outlook on life is changing as I am growing older.  I’m realizing just how short life really is!

Around the house…it looks like I’ll be doing some more canning and freezing soon.  Some of the peas are almost ready!  Ed and I canned a few pears over the weekend.

I am pondering…about all of the turmoil going on in the world today, and wondering what the next four years will bring for our country.

A favorite quote for today…“We don’t live in a world of reality, we live in a world of perceptions”  Gerald J. Simmons

One of my favorite things…having the option to take a nap in the afternoons!  I love being retired.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  finish making those ornaments, do a little more canning, and drag out the outside fall/Halloween decorations.

A peek into my day…would probably be boring to some, but I’m content!

A Photo:

We have a nice fall crop of volunteer zinnias in our garden.  The butterflies have really been enjoying them!

Thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting “The Simple Woman’s Daybook”.

More About Me On Monday…

Hello, first Monday of autumn! It’s a crisp, cool morning here, and fall is truly in the air. I watched all weekend as the leaves fell like rain. Now, if only someone would please tell the mosquitoes around here that summer is officially here and it’s time for them to leave!

The weekend around here was a busy one. Ed and I got up early on Saturday morning, and did our “coupon shopping”.  We do this on a regular basis.  I had five coupons for “$5.00 off twenty-five dollars or more”, and we used them all!  It’s really sad the small amount of items it takes to equal twenty-five dollars now. They fit in a hand-held basket most of the time! When I first began using those coupons, a couple of years ago, I could buy a lot more for $25.00!  Of course, toilet paper didn’t cost seven dollars a package back then!

After doing our “coupon thing”, Ed and I raced back home so we could babysit our grandsons for the rest of the day.  Their parents were going on an afternoon “date”. Chase, the youngest, will be nine months old this week, and his brother, Cade, will be four in December. It’s a trip down “memory lane” watching those two boys together.  They remind me so much of our sons, since their age difference is about the same.  After the boys went home, I realized how much difference twenty-five years has made in my life–I was tired and went to bed at nine-thirty!

The rest of our weekend was spent enjoying the wonderful fall weather outside. All too soon, the weekend was over.  Speaking of the weekend being over–it’s time to participate in Heather’s Monday meme!  Here are her questions:

1. What room in the house do you try your hardest to keep clean?

The kitchen, although it’s a never-ending job, and sometimes it doesn’t stay clean long!

2. How do you describe your blog to someone you just met?

I write my thoughts on the past, present, and future–along with a couple of memes thrown in for fun.

3. What was your lie from last week? (If you didn’t play last week, What was your favorite cartoon you watched as a kid?)

My lie was “I enjoy the side effects of growing older”.  Imagine that!

4. What is your favorite kind of salad? (post a recipe if you got one)

I really like “the zalads” at Zaxbys.

My question for you is…

5.  Do you use coupons?

Thursday’s Thoughts ~ Are We Better Off?

How well I remember the care-free days of my youth!  Back in those days I rarely watched the news or even cared about who was running for president.  I didn’t know anything about monetizing debt, labor unions, hyperinflation, or lobbyists.  I never worried about tomorrow, because tomorrow would take care of itself (or so I thought).

I woke up a few years ago, and realized that Ed and I are old–and getting older by the minute.  Tomorrow hadn’t taken care of itself, and our time was quickly running out.  It was way past time to get out of debt and get ready for Ed’s impending retirement.  This realization hit me hard, but once I set my mind to something, I’m determined.  I stopped spending, and started paying more on our debts!

As I began to stop spending, and pay off our debts, I began to take notice of the national debt, and what a mess our country is in!  I began to learn about politics and quickly realized that some crazy things have been–and still are–going on.  Our country simply can’t continue to travel in the direction it’s  going, and survive.   It’s time to stop the madness!

Ed and I watch the news together now, and discuss what’s happening in the world, and here at home.  We both know our country is in trouble, and we’ve tried hard to get ready to face whatever lies ahead.  When I say that Ed and I watch the news, I mean we really watch the news. We watch mainstream media, conservative news, and more recently, The Blaze tv.  It’s amazing how much difference there is in what we see on the different channels!   Folks, if you’re only watching the mainstream media for news, you are not getting the entire story of what’s really going on in our country!

The question is being asked, “Are we better off than we were four years ago?”  I don’t know about you, but my answer is a resounding “NO”!  My husband hasn’t had a cost of living raise in three years.  (Actually he hasn’t had a raise of ANY kind in three years, due to poor economic conditions.)  Unfortunately, the cost of living is not the same as it was three years ago!  Of course, we’ve taken it all in stride, and been thankful that he has a job, when so many others don’t.  However, “taking it all in stride” doesn’t help pay our ever-increasing grocery bill or fill our tanks with that high-priced gasoline!  We’ve had to tighten our belts substantially.

Next take the issue of health care!  It’s so disgusting, I hate to even go there.  Four years ago, our insurance paid for me to see necessary “specialists”, and covered all of my required medications, except for a small co-pay.  These days I can no longer afford to see “specialists” because our insurance no longer pays for them, and several of my medications aren’t  covered at all by our insurance.  I’m currently under the care of a local doctor (general practice), and our out-of-pocket expenses for medications run about $150 dollars a month.  Oh, and our health insurance policy costs us more than ever before–about 25% more!

Our youngest son, a high school honor graduate, worked and went to school to earn a bachelor’s degree.  He was a responsible young man who lived at home, worked days, and attended classes at night.  He used his salary to pay his own way through college, but guess what?!  Since he graduated from college, several years ago, he’s been unable to find a job in his field of study–and he’s not alone, many others have suffered the same fate.  

When I look all around me, it saddens me to see all of the empty buildings where businesses once thrived.   This summer, two new businesses opened in our small town.  They’ve both already closed. I’ve also watched surviving businesses continue to reduce their inventories.  Even the “ever popular” Wal-mart has greatly reduced their inventory from what it was just a few years ago.  Our dollar stores have become stocked with more groceries than anything else, because that’s all most people can afford!

What about “Fast and Furious”?  How about the recent attack on our ambassador to Libya?  The secret service prostitution scandal?  So many lies, so much cover-up!   I hope eventually the truth will come out.

In closing, I’d like to share these recent statistics, which really caught my attention.

(1) Middle class income has decreased $3, 960 since 2008.  (2) Gas prices have risen 107%  since 2008!  (3) Home values are down 11%  (4) The cost of health insurance is up 23% since 2008.  (5) College tuition is up 25% since 2008.  (6) The number of Americans on food stamps has changed from 32 million to 47 million, since 2008–a rise of 46%!  (7) Our federal debt has risen 51% under our current administration, and perhaps worst of all, (8) our rate of competitiveness in the world has dropped from #1 down to #7.

Need I say more?  No!  In my opinion, there is absolutely, positively no way we are better off than we were four years ago.

Number Ninety-Four, Really?

It’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that we’ve been doing this meme for ninety-four Wednesdays, and I don’t think I’ve missed a single one.  It’s still just as much fun for me now, as it was ninety-three weeks ago.  Way to go, Joyce!

1. What’s the best and worst thing  about growing older?

The best thing about growing older is having the knowledge that I’ve gained through life’s experiences.  Now, if I could only go back through my youth again, armed with this knowledge!

The worst thing about growing older is seeing and feeling my body going through the aging process, and realizing that my time here on earth is quickly running out.

2. Autumn arrives this week in the Northern Hemisphere…what one thing do you love most about the fall season?

The weather.  I love cool crisp mornings and slightly chilly evenings, although it will probably be a while before we get those here.  The cooler weather makes being outside much more enjoyable.

3. Speaking of fall…pumpkin seems to be flavoring everything these days-are you a fan? What’s your favorite pumpkin flavored food or beverage?

No, I’m not really a fan of pumpkin, except for pumpkin scented candles.

4. Since we’re on the subject of fall…what’s the worst fall you’ve ever taken?

I remember it like it was just yesterday, but it was back in 1991!  It was my first year working as a paraprofessional, and my classroom was one of eight that were located  in  mobile homes behind the school.  It was a long walk to get anywhere!  One day I decided to leave the sidewalk (our classroom was the last one, at the end of the sidewalk) and take a shortcut down the hilly embankment behind the classrooms.  My foot slipped on some loose rocks, and what followed wasn’t a pretty sight!  I skinned both hands and knees, and of course I quickly got up and checked to see if anyone was looking!  I never took the shortcut again.

5. If you could own a prop from any film what would you choose?

I’m going to say the old car from the movie “Rainman”, a 1949  Buick Roadmaster.  That car played such a prominent role in the film, and I actually liked it, too.

6. What’s the most interesting word you’ve read or learned in the past week?

“Open-ended quantitative easing”–a monetary policy with disastrous consequences predicted!  Our dollars will soon be worth even less than they already are.  People, get your wheelbarrows ready, eventually it will take a wheelbarrow full of our worthless money just to buy that loaf of bread that we need!

7. When was the last time you locked yourself out of your house, car, or office? Was it a big deal?

I still remember this like it was yesterday, too!  It was in the spring of 2006 and I was babysitting for twins, in their home.  I’d taken the girls to town with me, and we’d just arrived back at their house.  The girls were about eight or nine months old at the time, and were strapped in their car seats in the back seat.  I got out of the car, and somehow managed to hit the lock button instead of the unlock button, not realizing it until I closed the car door–with the keys and the babies still inside!  It’s a long story, but I eventually got a locksmith to come and unlock the car–after about an hour and several frantic phone calls!  Fortunately, it wasn’t a hot day, and the babies were fine.  I’d have busted out the window of my car otherwise.

Random:  

The other day I was thinking about how much I like and enjoy the  friends that I’ve met through blogging.  It’s been interesting to catch a glimpse into the lives of people from all walks of life, who are located in all parts of the country, and I’ve learned so many new things!  I’m always sad when someone decides to stop blogging.  I’ll most likely never meet any of my blogging friends, but they still hold a special place in my heart.  Modern technology is truly amazing, isn’t it?

Speaking of special blogging friends, I wasn’t able to access Joyce’s blog yesterday to wish her Happy Birthday.  I know it’s a day late, Joyce, but this is for you…

Random Thoughts On A Rainy Tuesday…

I woke up to clouds and rain this morning.  After braving the sprinkles to feed the animals, I sat down at my computer to write a post.  It’s an hour later, and I still haven’t settled on a single subject to write on!  Too many things are rattling around in this brain of mine, so I’m just going to “go with it” and write what’s on my mind…

I’m currently in the midst of breaking in a new pillow.  This means I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in over a week!  My pillow has been a very important part of my life since I suffered with a herniated disc in my neck about ten years ago.  I’ve tried all kinds of pillows–from polyester fiberfill to memory foam, but about eight years ago I settled on feather pillows from pacificcoast.com.  The problem comes whenever it’s time to replace my pillow–usually about every four years.  It takes me a couple of weeks to get used to a new pillow.  In the meantime, I toss and turn, and sometimes have a stiff neck, along with a headache.

Speaking of headaches…I went to the grocery store yesterday!  If you don’t have a headache when you go in, you’ll definitely have one when you come out!  The “sale prices” are a joke these days.  The other day I paid one dollar and thirteen cents for one apple!  Unbelievable!  This past weekend I spent seventy dollars on pet food, at Wal-mart, and it won’t even last a month!

“My girls” are continuing to keep us (and our children’s families) well-supplied with eggs.  I’m keeping a total of the eggs they’ve given us, and as of yesterday, their total was 177 eggs–since the end of July.  Recently, I realized my chickens can see me whenever I’m standing near my kitchen window.  I kept noticing they’d be “excited” every time I looked out of the window at them.  Then I noticed they were only “excited”  when I was close to the window.  Their eyesight must be very good!

Sometime during the next few days, I hope I’ll be in the garden picking peas again.  I don’t ever remember picking peas in the fall before.  Mine and Ed’s parents never planted fall gardens, with the exception of some mustard or turnip greens.  I’m enjoying having something fresh to eat this time of the year, too, instead of just during the spring and summer.  In fact, I think it would be neat to have a small greenhouse, and be able to grow things year-round.  With the rising prices of food, I  just might have to look into this option!

Ed and I were feeding the goldfish the other day, when we caught a glimpse of many new fish in the pond.  In the fall, it’s always exciting to see the fry that hatched in the spring.  The babies always stay hidden until they grow large enough not to be eaten by older fish, which is usually in the fall.  Ed looked at me and casually asked, “Could you eat these if you had to?”  Ha!  Ed really knows how to spoil the moment.

Now that the weather is cooling off, I’m beginning to get concerned about how I’m going to stay warm in the fall and winter.  I’m still wearing sleeveless sundresses most of the time, due to these pesky health issues of mine.  These sleeveless dresses just aren’t going to fly when the temperatures  begin to drop!  Ed suggested that I find some thigh-high socks and a sweater!  He’s so funny!  I’ve ordered some longer dresses with sleeves.  I just hope these dresses fit when they arrive!  I’d really love to be able to wear slacks again.  Perhaps one of these days…

Hello Monday…

Another weekend has come and gone, and once again it’s time to join Heather for a little Monday fun.  Here are this week’s questions:

1. Has reading a book ever changed your life? Which one and why, if yes?

I’m not sure it was a “life changer”, but there is one book that sure made my life a little easier!  Once upon a time, when I was a young mother,  I relied heavily on the book Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care.  If I had a question, I could just look it up!  I used it with all three of my children.  There’s a wealth of knowledge in that book!

2. What was your favorite game to play as a child?

I always enjoyed playing jacks and pickup sticks.  Does anyone else remember those games?!

3. What person in history would you most like to meet?

I’m not much of a history buff, but my favorite past president was Ronald Reagan.  I would have liked to have met him.

4. Tell us two truths and a lie about yourself…

(1) I’m very disturbed by current events happening all around the world, and in our own country.  (2) I love spending time beside the ocean.  (3) I enjoy the side effects of growing older.

Here’s my question for you:

5.  Does it make you sad or does it make you mad whenever you see someone burning an American flag?  

Weekend wrap up:

It was a beautiful weekend here.  The weather has cooled down into the mid-eighties, which makes it a lot more pleasant to be outside.  Unfortunately, the mosquitoes are still unbearable!  How long do those insects live anyway???  The pests bite me even when I’m wearing insect repellent!

Ed and I combined a bit of shopping with a bit of pleasure over the weekend.  We needed to replenish our supply of pet foods, so we headed toward the coast to do our shopping.  We had a picnic beside the pier at St. Simon’s Island, and soaked up a last bit of summer before heading on to do our shopping!  It makes my day every time I see this…

Our Fall Gardening Experience–So Far!

Our fall garden, growing in the middle of our old spring garden

It’s now mid-September, and Ed and I are in the middle of our first fall gardening experience.  I must say, it’s been entirely different from our spring experience!  Of course, one thing hasn’t changed–those L-O-N-G rows! (Look closely and you will see Ed at the far end of the rows, in front of the corn!)  At least there are only 3 1/2 rows this time around, instead of the dozen or so that we planted back in the spring!  Less rows equals less work!

The first thing we’ve noticed is that our plants have grown slower this time around.  The seeds sprouted just as quickly as in the spring, but the growth following the sprouting has been slower.  Cooler nights, perhaps?  I never realized it would be this way!

Back in the spring we were plagued by lack of rainfall, so we had to constantly water everything.  Dragging nearly two-hundred feet of water hose got old in a hurry!  Meanwhile, our fall garden has been constantly flooded by heavy rainfall!  Some seeds rotted in the ground instead of sprouting, while other young plants simply rotted at the stem after sprouting.  One can always irrigate, but there’s no way to counter too much rainfall!  We lost our entire crop of fall potatoes, with the exception of four plants!  Most of our green beans didn’t make it either–and we planted those twice!

This past spring, we were invaded by hundreds of grasshoppers, thrips, and squash bugs.  A few of these insects are still around, but most of our fall crop damage has been caused by caterpillars.  We have no less than three different kinds of caterpillars munching on our garden plants daily!  Those pesky caterpillars seem to be resistant to our garden sprays and dusts, too.

We planted a few pumpkin plants, but those quickly died.  Our three squash bushes have been holding on, but look terrible–thanks to a few squash bugs, some mold, and those pesky caterpillars.  So far we’ve harvested a total of three squash off of the bushes.  Our cucumber bushes are sort of pitiful looking, too, but they’re still hanging on.

Our corn looks awful, and it’s doubtful if we will get any ears off those stalks.  The caterpillars had a “field day” with our corn.  They burrowed themselves down into the middle of the plants and feasted on the fodder before we realized they were even there!  The result was many stalks of corn with long shredded leaves.  It’s a sad sight.

There is a bit of good news, however!  The peas and butter beans seem to be doing okay, in spite of a few “holy” leaves.  One row of peas actually has little peas on it already.  We have a couple of nice-sized tomato plants with blossoms, and three surviving cabbage plants–even though they, too, have a few “holy” leaves!  Perhaps we’ll get to sample a few more fresh vegetables before frost falls in just a few more weeks!  I’m hoping 🙂

Our carrots are up and doing well, and on Tuesday of this week,  Ed planted some greens for the second time.  Our first crop of turnips drowned.  I’m hoping to have some fresh mustard or turnip greens for Thanksgiving.

Ed and I have discovered that there is one advantage to growing a fall garden though.  Even though the seeds and plants grow slower–so do the weeds.  It takes a little less effort to stay ahead of the weeds and grass.  In addition, even though the pesky caterpillars love to eat holes in our garden plants–they help eat the weeds, too!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge For September 12…

Is it just me, or is time flying by for anybody else?   Sometimes I get a knot in the pit of my stomach when I realize just how quickly time is passing.  Speaking of time–it’s Wednesday and that means it’s time for “The Hodgepodge”!  Here are Joyce’s questions for this week:

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? The NFL is back in action along with all the college teams. Are you a fan? Who do you root for? If you’re not a fan what do you do while the rest of America watches Saturday, Sunday, Monday night, and now Thursday night games?

No, I’m not a fan of football at all!  I can be a good sport, if others want to watch, but I’ll be on the computer or doing something else to distract my attention from the game.

2. What’s something I’ll always find in your closet?

Too much stuff!  I desperately need to do some fall cleaning.

3. Share one of your earliest memories.

I remember sticking a bobby pin into an electrical outlet when I was very young.  Let’s just say “It made a “shocking” impression on me!”

4. What circus act best describes your week so far?

I don’t know…perhaps a tight rope walker.  Tension has been pretty high for a while.

5. What’s a food you disliked as a child but you love now?

Turnip greens.

6. Describe your summer in three words.

Several phrases come to mind such as–rain and mosquitoes, hot and steamy, ups and downs, but I’m going to go with uncomfortable and unforgettable.

7. Where were you on September 11, 2001? Will you do anything special to mark the day this year?

I was working in a first grade classroom at our local elementary school.  I still remember a co-worker stopping me in the hall and telling me what had happened.  When the children finally went out for recess at 10:30, I turned on the television and couldn’t believe my eyes…  No, I will not be doing anything special to mark the day, but I’ll never forget .

Random:

We’re enjoying a little break from the rain and heat this week.  The high’s for the next couple of days will only be in the mid-eighties, along with some  gentle breezes.   That’s still warm, but so much better than the nineties!  It feels good to be able to enjoy a little time outside.  Bring on fall!