Book Club 2026: July

 We had Book Club yesterday.  It was The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.

It was a great read...the best so far this year.  I give it a 9.5 out of a 10.  I rated it that way because I wanted the book to continue on and on.  I was sad when I came to the last pages. 

All the gals liked the book. 

Thursday we were back to "normal"  Far Guy went to his weekly Infusion and I went to Aldi for fruit,  to Walmart for my pickup order, then to Hugos for the stuff Aldi and Walmart did not have ( it is Summertime and the tourists are buying lots of groceries)  then to the Post Office.  Far Guy messaged me as I was leaving the Post Office so I picked him up and we went to the Meat Market and to the bank. 

I only like going to town once a week especially in the Summertime.  It was a busy day. 

What's Cooking?  Cheesburgers and corn. 

Minnesota weather:  High 82F or 28C  Low was 62F or 17C

Far Side

Screen Door

 Son in Law Andy was going to be in our area on Tuesday with his pickup.   Our screen door had seen better days...so I picked out a new one...Andy picked it up and brought it over and installed it.  What a deal...he also brought us a rack of ribs....which are delicious! 

I need to get some paint to get rid of the green..our other storm/screen door was green. The color is Sandstone... hope I can find something that matches. 

Thankful to have a son in law who is handy and a wonderful cook!

Far Side

Tomato

The Yellow Pear Tomato sure took off when we had that warm weather.

It is half way up the garage.  Yes it is planted in a stock tank and surrounded by a dog kennel to keep the deer away.

There are flowers and even a few tiny tomatoes started.

I had a busy day on Tuesday...time to clean the bathroom really good...laundry and put some bread to bake along with a few other things that never show.

What's Cooking?  Lasagna that was in the freezer.   One of these days I will have to really cook.

Minnesota Weather:  Rainy  High  80F or 27C.  Low was 60F or 16C.

Far Guy had more of a rough day on Tuesday...forward progress is slow.

Far Side

 

Blanket Flowers

 The Gaillardia or Blanket Flowers join the Daisies in bloom in the Wild Gardens. 

They reseed freely. 

They even grow on the sandy area where the big greenhouse was once upon a time. 

I mowed some more yesterday...I am done for a few days now.  

What's Cooking?  Freezer meals...Spaghetti for Far Guy and Vegetable Beef Soup for me.

 Minnesota Weather: After Supper it was stormy.  High was 89F or 32C  Low was 65F or 18C.

Far Guy is gaining a bit of strength every day, yesterday he sat outside a bit. 

Far Side

Daisy

 The Daisies along the rocks are still doing well.

So nice that I can enjoy them from the inside!

I mowed the lawn yesterday, Far Guy rested while I was outside.   The lawn looks better...I dumped the rain gauge too it said 3 inches...that was for a week plus. 

One of my favorite photos of Chance.  I have a similar photo of him on the calendar for July. 

We had a quiet afternoon watching TV...House of Dragon and Grey's Anatomy.

What's cooking?  Omelettes with ham and cheese.

Minnesota weather: Humid... High 86F or 30C  Low was 63F or 17C.

Far Side

Books

 I have been reading quite a bit...when Far Guy first got sick I wanted to do quiet things so he could rest. 

I had some Debbie Macomber books as part of the Rose Harbor Series.  I read the two previous books in the series last Summer.

It was light reading...a bit of fluff. 

I now have 59 books on my list and the books are stacked up under the TV.  My goal is to get it under 50 books.  It doesn't help that my Sister was trying to get rid of three big bags of books...I took one bag and selected a few to donate to our local little library.   I have not added the ones I kept to read to my total yet....she said sticking her head in the sand. 

Presently I am reading a Sanda Dallas book The Diary of Mattie Spenser that is a very enjoyable read.

Oh yes Jen gave me a book...The Day of The Bonanza it is about the Bonanza Farms in North Dakota. I have not counted that one either. 

Far Guy is napping often and resting...I am encouraging him to stay upright more.  He has lots of sleep to get caught up on after being in the hospital.

What's Cooking?  I rescued a chicken hotdish from the freezer, then I made green beans that Far Guy will eat and peaches from the freezer. 

Man Green Beans

Fry up some bacon until it is crisp then cut it into small pieces.  Drain most of the grease out of the pan then add a can of french style green beans and about a tablespoon plus of vinegar.  My Mom used to make it with fried onions in with the bacon...I do not. 

Minnesota weather:  It rained several times in the afternoon on July 4th.  High 77F or 25C  Low was 62F or 17C.

Far Side

Home

 We are home resting and taking it easy.  No big plans just relaxing...

Happy 4th of July!

Far Side

GERD and other crap

 Far Guy is being released from the hospital today and we will begin the trek back to our home in the woods. He needs to work at getting stronger…which means lots of walking!

I had a procedure called a EGD/EUS or a Esophagogastroduodenscopy with Endoscopic Ultrasound on June 17th.

I have GERD and some stomach ulcers and something on my pancreas...everything was biopsied and we are waiting on those test results.   They found the “something else”on my pancreas quite by accident on the MRI that I had for my back problem.  The Gastroenterologist's impression is that I should have MRI's every three months depending on the biopsy results.  He also said it is possible that my RA has gone nuts and attacked my pancreas. 

In the meantime my back problem has been diagnosed yet again ( facet joints and nerves are inflamed)..I am having test injections for a Medial Branch Block in late July and late August...thirty days apart for Medicare purposes. If it works then the real procedure may take place sometime in the Fall. 

  My Primary Care Doctors thinks I may have some other Autoimmune Disease....and he would not venture a guess as to which one.  I have an appointment with a Neurologist in September and I am on the wait list.

 Far Guy took really good care of me.  I am still recovering from the procedure. I was having lots of stomach/pancreas pain.  I could not sleep through that pain.  Everyday gets a bit better but I now have new pain (upper between the shoulder blades pain) that joins my lower back pain.

Biopsy results are taking a really long time. 

Finally got biopsy results this week it is a SD IPMN or side duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and I should come back in three months for an MRI or sooner if new symptoms develop.

Clouds in June.

Far Side

Hark! Back! Issue #12

June 30 Update: Far Guy was admitted to the hospital in Grand Forks ND on Tuesday afternoon, he has a lung infection…perhaps by the time you read this he will be much improved and out of the hospital. 

July 1 st 9 pm update Well he is improved but not ready to be discharged yet he is very tired, I spent most of the day with him. His breathing is better, he is still getting IV  antibiotics. 

April 30,2008

An Old Recipe Box

I have an old recipe box. I paid a whopping 84 cents for it at KaMeapART a long time ago. The price sticker is still on the inside cover.  It was manufactured by Ohio Art of Bryan Ohio.  Imagine that something that wasn't manufactured in China....it may be collectible.  It has seen better days...kinda like me.  This recipe box is tin, it is a funny goldy/yellow color and has daisies on the top and a pot of daisies on the front. I have lots of other recipe boxes some tin, some wood and some a heavy cardboard.  I just keep tucking recipes into this old one.

What is on the inside is what is important. A very disorganized bunch of recipes, the favorites are toward the front. When I am in a pinch for an idea nine times out of ten...this is where the recipe will come from. Over the years I have collected recipes from friends and noted on the recipe who it was from.  Some are on recipe cards and some are on scraps and bits of paper.  Some are handed down from one person to another...tried and true.

Arvilla's Pie Crust (Arvilla got this recipe from Emma Lyons who used to cook at Doc's.)

5 Cups flour

2 tsp salt

2 Cups lard

1 Cup cold water

Mix with your hands and a fork...makes 12 shells

On the scrap of paper there appears a quote "Savor Every Moment, Take Joy In Every Day" I recall that day over coffee when I asked Arvilla for her famous melt in your mouth pie crust recipe.  She said "You can do it kid"  well I saved the recipe for too long without trying it...because if I have a question there is no one to call.  It's funny how a little slip of paper can bring you to tears.  Arvilla died last Saturday:(

**********

Arvilla was a wonderful neighbor and friend, I still miss her friendship. 

Last week at the Fly In a relative shared with me that at the Father's Day Fireman's Picnic someone made the best apple pie with the flakiest crust...so flaky they must have used lard.  Made me smile and think of Arvilla.  Possibly it was her recipe. 

The scrap of paper remains in my recipe box. I wrote at Arvilla's a long time ago.

48 years

 My baby brother and his bride celebrate 48 years of wedded bliss today!  

I found this photo amongst my Mother's photos.

My baby brother is making a kissing motion that has his bride laughing:)  They must have been dancing!

Happy 48th Anniversary!  I hope they dance a little today!

Far Side

Hark! Back! Issue #11

 March 25, 2008

"Charlie"

Revenge is sweet but embarrassing for teenage girls.

In retaliation for the huge rejection by "Pearl" the cockatiel I purchased "Charlie" a male parakeet.

Charlie loved me, he was my rock and roll bird. He loved the oldies and would bee bop in time with the music and sing his heart out.  "Please Mister Postman" was his very favorite song, he liked the version by The Shirelles the best, although versions by The Carpenters, The Beatles or The Marvelettes were acceptable. 

Charlie had one small problem, he would spread his wings, rub himself on his perch or on the bell of his mirror...making the most delightful sounds and he would sing on and on...

The girls were teenagers and they found my wonderful Charlie an embarrassment.  They would announce their displeasure. "M O T H E R your bird is doing it again."  "Mother, I would appreciate it if you could control your bird."  "Do you know how embarrassing he is?"  "I am having friends over and he is SO disgusting."  "Is that all he ever does?" 

They would announce their displeasure with us quite loudly and quite often giving Charlie the female attention he so desired....which in turn would excite him even more. So I usually had to apologize to their friends and explain that I was the owner of an oversexed avian and it was all my fault.  

Playing "Please Mister Postman" would jerk him back to reality and he would become  a rock and roll star once more, it seemed that bee bopping to the music stopped all avian sexual activity:)

***********

Charlie was a hoot...I adored that little bird.   He lived a good long time with us and then was rehomed with a Vet Tech gal when Far Guy retired from the Military and we moved all our belongings into storage and bought a camper.

The teenagers a long time ago.

Far Side

A little pink

 The Showy Lady's Slippers are in full bloom.

They can be found in the roadside ditches for another week or so then they will be gone for another year. 

Such a perfect flower.   It is Minnesota's State Flower.

Far Guy has a cold.  He thought it started as allergies late Thursday..but it is a full blown "man cold"  I am keeping two eyes on him.   He has begun the medication prescribed by his Pulmonologist.  

Minnesota Weather:  It rained.  High 73F or 23C  Low was 67F or 19C.  We are supposed to warm up into the 80's F this week.  I like the 70's F  the best. 

What's Cooking Lately:  Spaghetti, Pizza, Eggs...nothing very exciting.

Far Side

FLY IN

 My sister, Julie hosted a Fly In at her airport.  It was scheduled by her husband well before he died.  My sister did not feel right about cancelling it. The FLY IN must go on!

It was a beautiful day for flying. 

About thirty planes landed to enjoy a picnic of burgers, brats, beans, coleslaw, chips and desserts

Planes landed and took off all evening.

You may notice a horse..Julie has a horse and he is not bothered by planes landing and taking off.  

Here he is waiting to cross the runway to get to some good grazing.  I wonder what he is saying...hurry up most likely. 

Little kids were playing games.

and smiling

We could have taken this one home with us...she is so darn cute...but alas her Mom our niece Rachael loves her very much. 

Far Side

Planes Overhead

 Our brother in law, Dean who died suddenly and unexpectedly last February was laid to rest this past week. 

High on the hill his final resting place is next to my parents. 

Dean was a pilot with many friends.  A number of planes did numerous fly overs singly and then during the committal service three planes flew overhead in the missing man formation.  As the graveside service continued they flew in circles just far away to be heard and then they were gone as the service ended. 

Little kids and big kids need to eat...Saki made sushi and other goodies.  Saki, Tyler and Henry did not make the trip from Japan last Winter for the funeral. 

It was hard for my sister to wait until all the family could be present....but it helps to give closure to other family members. 

Far Side

Health Happenings

 Our appointments UP North happened last week.  

Far Guy had a Pet Scan and blood work.   His Oncology Doctor said "My beautiful friend your breast cancer is cured!"   The thyroid nodule that is benign they are watching and it has not grown in size since the last Pet Scan.  Far Guy is to follow up with his Endocrinologist  in October.  So that was all great news!  We were truly blessed with an excellent Cancer Doctor and good treatment to have the breast cancer cured within a year!!

Meanwhile...I had a procedure with the Gastroenterologist.  Waiting on the results. 

Far Side

Yellow Lady's Slippers

 The Lady's Slippers along the driveway are in bloom.  I believe there are four blooms.  You cannot get real close because of the Poison Ivy!

The sun was very bright at noon when I took the photos with my cell phone.   I was running errands...checking on/playing with dogs, getting the mail, taking the garbage out and checking on she who sees robins first (knee surgery).   I picked a good time to be out and about as it rained quite hard later in the afternoon.

Far Side

Oh little fawns!

 We have a Mama deer that has twins.

They are great entertainment!  Sometimes they wander in the yard alone and other times their Mama is with them.

They are curious about our bird baths. 

We also have a fat old Raccoon that has been visiting the yard.   Thankfully no skunks yet..or bear:)

Far Side

Hark! Back! #10

 March 29, 2008

Aisles of Life

Today I captured this moment in time.

My other baby brother walking his baby daughter down the aisle.  One final walk, just the two of them, into the church and in fifteen minutes their lives are both changed.  The Bride to a new life with her Groom.  My other baby brother and his wife to an empty nest...they are all alone after twenty eight years.

I remember when Far Guy and I became empty nesters. It had its perks...the telephone is always for you and you can watch whatever you want on TV.  But it is still a change and a BIG one...

I think of all the Momma birds and how they nurture and care for their baby birds.  Then when they know the time is right they kick them out of the nest with a fly or die attitude.  They did their job in a matter of weeks.  We as parents take our jobs seriously also, it just takes years...

It was a lovely wedding.  My other baby brother looked quite handsome in his "Monkey Suit"  The Bride was beautiful and smiling, she was fairly nervous but excited to walk down the aisle and begin her new married life.

Our Grandchildren were in attendance and two of them were intrigued.  They wanted to see "The Kiss" I allowed them to stand up on the back of the pew for a better view...Adam said "Ewww, I am never doing that!" Madison said "Do you have to kiss?  I don't think my Mom ever kissed my Dad."

Oh the aisles of life these little ones have yet to walk:)

**********

Good memory of the day Megan married Frank..they now have four children and are still happily married. 

Madison (Maddie) was about 10 years old and she is now happily married with four children of her own.

Adam was 6 years old and he will be getting married this Fall. 

Hark ! Back! Issue #9

March 06, 2008

Old Sayings

Things I have not heard in awhile.

 "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."  Then why does it rain and make perfectly good mud puddles to splash in?

"Were you born in a barn?"  I don't recall but I think it was a hospital.

"Clean your plate, don't you know there are children starving all over the world?"  Well, send them the crummy leftovers. 

"Be sure to wear clean underwear."  Like it is going to matter if you are in a really bad accident. What will they say?  Yup, she is deader than a doornail, but land sakes alive she had clean underwear.

"Children should be seen and not heard"  This is one that really sticks in my craw.  If you have children why in the world would you want to ignore what they are saying?

"Don't count your chickens before they are hatched."  No excess dreaming about what could be.

"Don't put the cart before the horse."  Free thinking is not encouraged.

"Let sleeping dogs lie."  If you shut up and don't mention the problem again...it will mysteriously disappear.

"A watched pot never boils."  Will it boil faster if you cook blindfolded? 

"Don't stir the pot." Whoopee...count me in with a really big spoon!

"Good things come to those who wait."  then why do bad things happen to good people?  Were they too impatient? 

"Only the good die young."  So that means old people aren't so good anymore?

"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."  Hey, it is a good day when you wake up on the right side of the grass:)

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I will add one.  Sometimes when people ask "how are you? "  I reply "Finer than frog's hair"  Well frogs don't have hair so that could be a clue that I am not going to share how I feel...but thanks for asking.

Far Side

Happy Father's Day!

 We remember our Fathers on this special day.  

Far Guy's Dad, Far Guy and Far Guy's sister photo taken in the Summer of 1950.

My Dad, my baby brother and me in the Fall of 1954...note how attentive I am.

My Dad with my sister and my other baby brother in the Spring of 1967.

My husband is also a great Dad!!

Trica, Far Guy and Jen at the Needles in South Dakota Summer of 1978.

Happy Father's Day!

Far Side

3

 This spunky little gal is 3!  Hard to believe as she is growing up so fast. 

Here she is with her Mom...she looks a lot like her Mom.

Here she is hiding behind her drink cup with Uncle Andy:) This photo was taken one day before her birthday!  She had a pizza party in the evening but we missed that part...still good to see her! Andy made her breakfast...a dipping egg, bacon and toast and of course chocolate milk and she ordered pepperoni pizza for the evening.

Her person is Auntie Jen but she adores Andy also...he can hold her little feet in his hands and she straightens up to touch the ceiling...again and again...fun stuff!

Happy Birthday Peach!  We love you!

Great Grandma

Minnesota Weather Friday: Rain and a bit of hail.  High 63 F or 17C  Low 47F or 8C.

What's cooking: A chicken hotdish...shredded baked chicken breasts, stovetop stuffing, cream of chicken soup, some sour cream and a bit of chicken broth. Yummy!

Hark! Back! Issue #8

 January 09, 2008

Ironing

I gave up ironing about ten years ago when Far Guy retired from the Military.  Up until that time I would do the ironing twice a week.  I would double starch his uniforms...that is a chore I gladly gave up.  However it did relieve some of my frustrations with him over the years,  If I was upset with him...I would just imagine him in his uniform as I ironed it. 

 I just don't use pillowcases or tablecloths that require ironing. The ironing board is stashed away behind the washer/dryer in the furnace room, if for some reason my sister in law Jan visits, I have to drag it out and dust it off before she uses it.  Then there is the old iron, I think it might be an antique.  It used to be a steam iron, it isn't steamy anymore...and at one time it had a short in the plug, so Far Guy replaced the plug with a much larger one and used a lot of electrical tape to insure that I was not electrocuted while ironing...he is very thoughtful!

I do not purchase clothing that needs ironing,  Far Guy does not pay attention to types of fabric and has a thing for really wild cotton Summer shirts. I have learned that if I hang his shirts up when they are still a bit damp...they don't need to be ironed either...and if I overdry them, I just rewash and try again...those shirts are really clean.

I learned to iron when I was about ten  seven years old.  I used to love to help my Mother sprinkle clothing, roll it into a tube and put it into a plastic bag. If you didn't get to the ironing the next day it was placed in the freezer so the clothing would not mold.  My Mother still has a pile of clothing waiting on the ironing board to be ironed...and she still irons...sometime I miss the smell of fresh laundry as it is being ironed...then I remember that I am liberated:)

*************

Here I am ironing in 1958 when I was seven years old.

Photo taken in the kitchen of the farm house where I grew up. 

I still have the hidden away ironing board should it be needed.  My sister in law Jan died a few years back so no need to get it out for her anymore.  I traded Jen an old rotary dial phone for a new iron and threw my old one in the garbage.  When we packed up my Mother's apartment when she went into the Nursing Home she still had clothing on her ironing board to be ironed.  I am still hanging up damp clothing to dry instead of ironing!

Far Side

Hark Back! Issue #7

February 7,  2008

SHRIMP

The first time I was invited to my future in laws for supper they served deep fried shrimp. It was the first time in my life that I had eaten shrimp... Far Guy had to point that out in front of God and everyone...not to eat the tails...as I was unsuccessfully trying to chew them up.  I was a little embarrassed.

What happened next was not the least but embarrassing to me...but my future Mother In Law was horrified. 

During the quite formal meal complete with linen tablecloth, china and the good silver...their Chihuahua named "Muggy" decided that he did not like me and proceeded to take a dump on my foot.  Suddenly there was this stinky dog poop smell permeating the room...and my foot felt warm...my embarrassment about the shrimp was forgotten...and the poor dog had to be chained up to the clothesline outside. 

A few years later on our Wedding Day "Muggy" tried to get even again...he had been sent to the basement because there were a number of people in the house...he ran up and down the wooden steps so much that he pulled out a toenail and bled all over...apparently his timing was just a little off...because everyone was only a few minutes late for the ceremony...that "shrimpy" little dog with a big attitude had tried his best:)

*****

Good memories of a very faithful dog who eventually came to accept me and to love me too!

The old photo was taken with a Swinger Camera...Muggy is sitting in the favorite/warmest spot in that house.

Far Side

Tomato

Our Yellow Pear Tomato is really growing!  It has flowers.

It sure likes the sunny spot next to one of the garages. 

We have a very busy week with many doctor appointments...six over a couple of days. 

We are both tired of Doctors. Do this... do that... hurry up and wait. 

Far Side
 

Late Lilac

 I mowed the yard and one other area on Monday.  The weeds in the rocks near the house needed some attention.  

Daisies are allowed along the edge until they look scraggly or someone is an overachiever when trimming:)

The Late Lilac is in full bloom.  Funny that the deer don't eat them too.

We took Tilly out for a cruise to A & W for lunch.  

What's cooking? Ribs, salad and raspberries. 

Minnesota weather: High 77F or 25C     Low 46 F or 8C

Far Side