We have this bush in our side yard just on the edge of the woods. Far Guy uses the twigs for stems of his wood carved flowers.
If you ever walked in the woods you would know it if you brushed up against this bush.
It is about ready to flower. Note the thorn?
It is also called Hawthorn or Maythorn ....but we call it Thornapple.
It was very smoky on Sunday. I took a few photos on our way to have late lunch/early supper with my brothers and their wives on Mother's Day. The meal was good, I had my first margarita of the summer, half strength...I am a light weight.
The Chokecherries are really putting on the blooms, we will have a bumper crop of berries if it doesn't freeze. Hope the bees are active enough to pollinate the flowers!
I mowed at my other baby brothers shop yesterday and our front yard, I am leaving our side yards that are full of Dandys for the bees. I mowed for about ninety minutes. ..that was enough for the day.
Far Guy is busy working on Tilly...something about valves and gaskets...he is feeling pretty good at the moment. Getting a bit stronger everyday.
Far Side
The Marsh Marigolds are blooming.
Tractors are in the fields.
Far Guy saw two rabbits in the yard yesterday so maybe we will have lots of little bunnies running around before long!
The Pin Cherries are in bloom...all signs of Spring here in Minnesota.
We are also getting wild fire smoke from the neighbors up North.
Far Side
I wonder how Mother's Day in heaven is?
We think of our Mother's on this day if they are alive or in heaven.
Far Guy had Doctors appointments Up North so we left right after his Infusion on Thursday and came back late Friday afternoon. He is doing okay.
Guess who else was happy to see us?
Little Elvis had a sleep over with us in our room. He had a small problem last week, he caught a toe nail on something and it bled something fierce...and he traveled throughout the house ...no doubt looking for help...poor boy. Jen asked me if I wanted to take him home...I would like to but I don't think he would be happy here. He doesn't hear anything, hand signals work the best with him...and I am not sure how much he can see.
AND then there is the retriever...
She was so happy to finally get my shoe. Her tail was wagging ninety miles an hour. She enjoys being a shoe thief!
She wasn't the least bit remorseful. However she did give up my shoe...eventually...but would not retrieve the other one. Sadie is quite the dog, Thursday evening she went from person to person for attention. Her own personal round table of attention. She has been shutting herself in the bathroom...she goes in there to drink out of the toilet bowl...yes dogs do that! I am sure her big old tail hits the door and the door partially closes behind her...she isn't brave enough to nose the door open...so we worked on that a bit...with me standing outside the door saying "Sadie nose" and offering a treat through the open part of the door...she nosed it open multiple times. Will she remember...not sure. When she shuts herself in the bathroom she doesn't bark or whine she just waits patiently until someone rescues her. Thats Sadie for you!
Did you know our son in law Andy is a marvelous cook? ...well he is...he made bacon cheeseburgers on the grill, potato rounds in the air fryer and a caprese salad. I miss his cooking and I miss the days off from cooking when he cooks!
Jen is a good cook also...but she does not enjoy cooking like Andy does. She is a marvelous baker! So they make a good team.
It was good to see everyone...we also got to see Adam, Maddie and Andy's Mom!
Far Side
The Lilac buds are expanding. This is a Donald Wyman late blooming lilac
Far Guy saw a Oriole, the grape jelly feeder is out and waiting for them. I saw a Hummingbird, so I quickly made the sugar water for their feeder. Not much is blooming here in the boonies. The Pin Cherries are about to bloom and sunny spots have a few dandys.
Far Side
The Forsythia in town are all blooming.
First of all Far Guy felt a throbbing and some extra pain yesterday...did he or didn't he pass that stone? I heard no screaming, I always felt like I was dying when the stone passed. So we have no idea if it is history or not. He feels much better. The stone might be happy in his bladder ...until it is not. Time will tell.
Our new stove is all hooked up and I was able to conjure up a fairly decent meal of seared salmon and green beans. I am so happy to put the stove saga behind me. I can tell you one thing this stovetop gets way hotter than my last one...I will have to watch things closely not to burn them!
It is a pretty stove. Big sigh of relief that it all worked out!
I had the money earmarked for a vacation...that didn't happen...so instead of a vacation I got a new stove.
When Jen and I were making Spring Break vacation plans, nothing was going right, the cruise we wanted was full and the Mexican Resort we finally chose did not take American Express, flights were difficult to coordinate with our days away...one thing after another...we finally said guess we are not going...good thing too as Far Guy was really sick and was in the hospital during the time frame we were to be gone. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow when plans are not working out.
Far Side
The Oaks are budding out...the ones high in the trees show up nicely against the sky.
Here are some buds close up.
Far Guy's Doctor wanted him to be seen in the ER yesterday, we spent the afternoon there, he had a CAT scan and it was revealed that he has a 3 mm stone about to dump into his bladder....from there he should be able to pass it on out. It all takes time and lots of water. He got some pain meds that seem to take the edge off the pain. One day at a time.
Yesterday the stove guy came and looked over our new stove situation, he had to order some special venting so maybe if the part comes and all goes well we can cook on the new stove tonight!!
Real exciting things happening at our place!
Far Side
Far Guy is having a bout with kidney stones...his first experience. I told him it is worse than labor pains. We will head to the clinic today...to see if they can figure out if it is small enough to pass.
I drink lemonade most all of the time to help dissolve my stones should I have any...I am a stone maker, as are our daughters.
I keep telling Far Guy he will live...
We had beautiful weather yesterday, the evening was perfect 66 degrees and a slight breeze. I sat outside for awhile...heard the Loons calling down on the lake.
I put out a whirly gig.
I got all my new solar lights out ready to replace the non working ones.
Far Side
Out of the last seven days we have been at the clinic's, ER and hospital four days. One day we did a clinic and the hospital, one day we did a clinic and the ER for blood work because his heart rate was high and his blood pressure was really low and he was dizzy, one day was Infusion and an Echo, one day was in the hospital. So three days we got to be at home...Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday were the free days. It could have been worse. ( His Echo was good!) His hospital Doctor stopped by the ER to tell him that good news.
Next week I know he has appointments for two days...so we will see what happens next...always an adventure.
I am mostly done with the big sort upstairs. Big sigh of relief...I have some organizing to do up there and some putting away, dusting and cleaning. I have "stuff" for my siblings to pick up. Progress has been slow but the rainy days helped...not much to do outside yet.
My new stove is still not hooked up...I need an HVAC guy to hook up the downdraft fan...the duct work will be different from my last Jenn-air. We have not used the stove, it still sits where the delivery people set it... JUST in case the stove has to be returned. I have called the HVAC guy twice....the last time I left a message saying if you cannot come let me know. We are making do with the crock pot, air fryer and the microwave. Last night we went to town for supper...it was prom night so lots of good looking kids eating in the same place.
A photo of the clouds one day coming home from town.
I took photos of two lost dogs, one of the dogs was listed on facebook as missing...apparently they are runners. One was quite fierce, the other friendly with one blue eye and one brown eye. Someone isn't taking very good care of their dogs...just saying.
Far Side
We read and discussed Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan.
I enjoyed the bee keeping aspect of the novel, the rest of it was just okay, I give it a six out of ten stars.
Although the book is not about Mad Honey itself. I was curious about it.
A plant by the name of Rhododendron ponticum grows in Nepal and Turkey. The bees gather the nectar from the Rhododendron flowers, the flowers contain a neurotoxin called grayanotoxin that is transferred to the hive and the honey. The honey can be toxic or hallucinogenic depending on the amount ingested. It was most likely the first biological weapon, the Persians left it behind for the Roman army waited a bit and then slaughtered them because they were too sick to fight back.
Who knew? You can legally purchase it in the United States...I saw it for sale on Amazon.
Far Side
I have been celebrating May Day for about 71 years.
It is very simple, you make a small basket out of rolled up paper or a paper cup, decorate it how ever you wish, make a handle, tuck candy or flowers inside the basket. Take them to a neighbor or friends home, hang them on the door or set them by the door, knock on the door and say Happy May Day! Then run away so they cannot catch you and kiss you!
My Mother used to help us make May Baskets and then we would get in the car and drive to all the neighbors delivering baskets. The baskets were held in muffin tins or cake pans for easy transport...it was us kids job to hold the tins and pans steady while she drove. We would deliver the May Baskets and run back to the car.
A neighbor by the name of Jim Mack told me that when he was a little boy...in the 1930's after evening chores his Mom Mary had treats ready (usually cookies) to put in baskets that they made. He would walk down to Far Guy's Grandparents farm, trying to be sneaky and leave the basket unnoticed. He said Far Guy's Grandmother Meade would come out of the house her apron flying running after him. He told me he would never forget that image of her running after him!
It is a great way to celebrate Spring! Far Guy says" No matter how many times he tripped and fell down running away from a girls house...they never caught him with a kiss."
Me and my May Baskets in 1954, that was my dog Frosty in the background. Yes we can still have snow here in Minnesota in May.
Happy Kids that we delivered May Baskets to yesterday...one day late but the kids still smiled!
Last night we went for a Ranger Blue ride to deliver May Baskets to neighbors. We have some to deliver to in town children today. It was a nice evening for a ride.
Only one May Basket had to be hung on a bag from the door.
Opie and Teeter barked at us ...the horses paid no attention.
Fun to see that our area is greening up after the rains.
Hope you all had a fun May Day!
Far Side
I finished the May Baskets last night most will get delivered today and a few tomorrow.
Most everyone guessed correctly! Sheep!
Just like old cars, older men need a bit of a tune up from time to time. Far Guy has too much fluid in his system, so he is getting a bit of help getting rid of it in the hospital. It may just be a 24 hour stay...we have to see if his breathing improves. They are doing a few tests. So it depends on the results.
He is in good hands, I was with him most of yesterday.
Far Side
I have taken over the dining room table with my May Basket project. It is a real putzy project.
We had a quiet day, Far Guy had two naps. I made scalloped potatoes to take over to my baby brothers, he was smoking a brisket...it cooked for 14 hours and then 2 hours resting. It was delicious! We also had veggies and gluten free banana bread to go with ice cream with a chokecherry syrup topping!
It rained in the afternoon and evening and I did a little laundry besides making the paper mess.
Can you guess which animal will be featured on my May Basket this year?
Far Side
This week I made it to the bottom of a crate filled with photographs. My Mom always liked displaying our baby photos, first on the table in the living room, then in a knick knack shelf that was built in at the farm. Later she put them up on the wall. They have been on display in some room or another for over 72 years. One after another she added to the collection; 1951,1954, 1960 and 1966.
Here we all are. We are all about six months old in the photos...just sitting up by ourselves...some better than others.
I took my other baby brothers to him last night. I will take my baby brothers to him today. My Mom also displayed our High School Graduation photos and our Wedding photos. My sister's photo will be added to the ongoing pile of things I have for her.
Far Side
We had rain all day yesterday. No blue skies or jet trails or aircraft sparkling in the sunlight.
April showers bring May flowers or so they say. We are thankful for the rain as everything is real dry here, the chances of wildfire are high. Looks like it may rain a few days.
We ran an errand to town, Far Guy needed some special gasket for his old car Tilly. I needed wanted some different paper for May Baskets. We both accomplished our tasks.
Yes it is May Day next Wednesday...so be thinking what kind of May Basket you can share with a small child, a neighbor or a friend! It doesn't have to be fancy... just fun!
May Day kinda snuck up on me...but I have the whole rainy weekend to putz with paper.
Far Side
The little Butter Butts ( Yellow-rumped Warblers) are here another sure sign of Spring. They brought lots of their friends.
Pretty little things with their splashes of yellow...yes they have yellow butts too.
They prefer the black sunflower seeds.
Yesterday was Far Guy's infusion day. I dropped him off and ran errands, Walmart pick up twice because they forgot my bag with the butter and cheese...they called me when I was at the bank. So Far Guy had to wait for me in the car while I went to the meat market, grocery store for fresh fruit and the pharmacy.
So much for the excitement yesterday.
Far Side
We saw the first Robin in our yard yesterday afternoon... no camera. In the evening I finally got a photo of the Robin sitting high in a tree.
Everyone has had Robins in their yards before us this year. So glad we finally saw one!
Spring might be here.
Far Guy still has a cough and is short of breath. Yes, some of it could be Spring allergy related as he often gets sick in the Spring/early Summer. He takes allergy medication. Bottom line is he is still struggling.
I am exhausted so we make quite the pair.
Far Side
What do the Doctors do best? Add more pills to your diet, he doubled my Potassium and hopes that next weeks blood test is better. Low Potassium makes me so tired. He checked me all out and scratched his head, and ordered more blood tests...guess what I still have low Potassium. I have no doubt that he is a good Doctor, he teaches Medical Students. He is also Far Guy's Primary Care Doctor.
It was great to see the kids: Andy and Jen, Noah and Maddie! AND of course Sadie and Little Elvis! They were very happy to see us and I think Sadie was petted and fussed with for several hours straight!
Jen has a few things coming up in her front garden....looks like her Bleeding Heart made it another year!
The weather was downright warm and sunny in East Grand Forks on Monday afternoon, then it cooled off on Tuesday and rained a bit.
This has been my work area since we have returned home.
Organized chaos. Although last week at one point it was a worse mess.
There is kind of a path to walk through. Good thing we are not expecting company.
I won't guess when I will be done...best laid plans can change.
Far Guy is sick again, coughing and real congested.
Far Side
Oh yes it snowed on Friday morning, off and on all day, huge honking snowflakes in the air, mostly it melted, then it snowed again overnight on Friday night/Saturday morning.
Even Ranger Blue had snow.
Saturday was a quiet day, we went to recycle and to the transfer station with garbage. We were both tired so we had long afternoon naps after putting ribs in the crockpot.
We use our oven sparingly after the idiot repairman didn't know his butt from a hole in the ground. The cooling circulating fan inside the oven worked just fine until he repaired the oven ($400), the next time he came back two months later he said it didn't need to work. Jenn-Air says "The cooling fan runs to help keep the range itself and its critical parts from overheating. The cooling fan is often sold as an assembly. If the fan does not turn freely or has power to it but won't run, it will need to be replaced."
I ordered a new stove after much research. It is not here yet. Our stove is 26 years old...so it is probably time. The stove top works perfectly.
Such is life at our home.
Far Side
Yesterday I picked up my Aunt Judy (she was married to Uncle Dennis who was my Mother's brother, he died a number of years ago) and she and I went to see my Uncle Al. Uncle Al is 7 years older than me and loved the job of rocking babies instead of chopping wood. I was born in September and my Grandmother had twins in November ( My Aunt Karen died a few years ago but Uncle Kenny is still alive and lives in Nebraska. ) So there were three babies to rock, Uncle Al says it was almost a full time job.
So I am the in between kid...in between Al and Kenny. They are the the last surviving members of that family. Uncle Al was diagnosed with Leukemia 6 1/2 years ago, the Doctors bought him a few good years, recently the Doctors reported that the cancer is in his bones so there is nothing medically that can be done for him...enter Hospice to keep him comfortable.
He is in good spirits, taking it one day at a time. His wife Donna is a marvelous caregiver, between her and hospice they hope to keep him at home for the duration of his life. We had a nice visit and talked about many things. We took chicken from KFC for lunch because it is one of Uncle Al's favorite lunches.
I also took him an old picture. He looked at it and said "Is that me and you?" Pretty sure it is! The photo was taken at my Grandparents home and everyone else was way older than him.
Uncle Al and me June of 1952.
Aunt Judy and I had a good visit there and back, she has a really good sense of humor, so it was a giggly girls trip!
It snowed on and off most of yesterday.
Far Side
Thursday is Far Guy's Infusion Day...he made the Nurses giggle so he got more than one stick with the needle.
I had a blood draw, my Potassium is still low. Not sure what my Dr will do about it but he has been informed. I already take two prescription huge honking potassium pills every day.
I picked up the grocery order from Wally World and then headed to the other grocery store for fresh fruits.
Far Guy and I planned the menus for the next week.
Last evening were were invited to my baby brothers and his brides for supper, he did a BBQ Brisket and it was delicious, we also had roasted vegetables, applesauce and I made potato salad. One of my cousins children will be a Veterinarian next year and she was up here shadowing a Vet, and she is staying at my baby brothers this week. We enjoyed a game of Encore after supper.
It was a good day!
Flowers last summer.
Far Side
Our oldest daughter, Trica is 52 today. It has been 16 months since we last saw her. She came for her Grandfathers Funeral but not for her Grandmothers.
Here she is with my Mother about two years ago.
Trica has a life of her own, with very little contact with family members. It is the way she wants it.
We love her daughters and grandchildren very much, of course we cannot fill her shoes but we can hug them all and tell them that they are loved.
Happy Birthday Trica, we all love you!
Mom
Maddie our middle Granddaughter is 26 today! I was privileged to be present at her birth and cut the umbilical cord. I then went with her to the nursery. One time she asked me if she could have been switched at birth...I said " No way, I was with you from the time you were born until you were safely with your Mom."
As I sort through things I wonder why they were kept. I ran into one such item that was a mystery.
Well as it turns out it was kept by my Maternal Great Grandmother, my Maternal Grandparents and my Mother. And now I have it over 100 years later...well...114 years later. Now what do I do with it?
It is a sweet card. Turns out it came from a teacher Esther Strout, who in 1910 was a 19 year old teacher and she boarded with the relatives (August and Elizabeth Anderson) who raised my Grandmother.
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Freddie is on the left and my grandfather (Albert) on the right. The brothers were born in 1901 and 1903 they were 1 year and 7 months apart in age.
Sadly Freddie died of Scarlet Fever on Sept 20 1911.
My Grandfather never spoke of his brother to me. I wonder if my Grandfather got Scarlet Fever also, but he was luckier than his brother. My grandfather also had other siblings a sister born in 1905 and brothers born in 1907 and 1912.
Well now after a bit of research I know why this card was kept. It must have been a remnant that comforted my Great Grandmother Hattie. Something she could just not throw away.
For Not Whispering.
Far Side
We had a quiet day yesterday, Jen and Andy were the highlight of our day. They stopped on their way through for lunch and to drop off Far Guys carving supplies. They helped carry a bunch of stuff to the garage....stuff we store inside for the winter...Round Up, Poison Ivy Killer etc...and some "stuff" that Jen unearthed under the stairs that can be sold at a rummage sale.
I mowed the tall grass East of the house, noticed that the little Lilac there is beginning to show some buds. It was a terribly dusty job...I came inside washed my hair and had a bath in the middle of the day then a nap!
I took a break from working on the big sort. We took paper and plastic to recycle.
Dangles from Piss Popple on the East side of the house blew in on the patio. Spring must be here.
Son In Law Andy is tempting the snow spirits...he put away my electric snow shovel and my regular snow shovel. Last year at this time we had snow on the ground.
Far Side
The yard is in early Spring mode. We need rain badly.
We put out the bird feeders again and have our usual Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and Chickadees. The Junco's are here on and off flying through...so far they have not brought us snow. Far Guy saw a Robin in town, my baby brother had a Robin at his house. As far as I can tell we have one bunny rabbit.
See that patch of tall grass/wildflowers past the trees in the yard...I will mow that in the next few days so it can green up if it rains.
Such is life here in the woods. Yesterday it was 72 F or 23 C eh! It was a very nice day!
I am still muddling through the big sort and Far Guy felt good enough to go out to his garage and transfer tools to his new tool box.
Far Side
