Woe is Me!

This is my current reality. Sniffles, sneezing, sore throat, clogged sinuses. I don't think it's quite fair since I just had a cold in December. But my cold, along with horrendous winds today, have provided the motivation to stay in and pamper myself. I still have some planting to do, but it will have to wait until the wind is somewhat under 35 mph.

Last week was busy, busy, busy. Gardening here and at Mom's, church stuff on three days/evenings, quilt group, City Council, and to top it off, I helped Cleo at her garage sale on two days. So, rest and recuperate today and then off to Salina tomorrow for an all-day committee meeting. More gardening this week-end? I hope so.

Government Certified -- OLD!!

The envelope arrived over a week ago. I couldn't open it. It sat on the counter for days, mocking me.

And finally, I did. And there it was, the government has certified that I am officially OLD! How has this happened? How is it that I am about to be 65 years old! My father got to 65 years and he was OLD. 65 is so old that neither of my grandfathers even made it that far. And here I am.
Don't get me wrong, I am actually grateful. When I was sick, I wasn't sure I'd see 63, let alone 65 years.
But still.....there is an enormity to it. Now this is not a plea for sympathy; and it is not an invitation for responses pointing out my supposed youth, vigor, or whatever you might dredge up to refute my point. But it certainly does seem like one of the big passages of life.
A bridge that always seemed to be very far away, and here I am stumbling right up to it. Amazing.

Cute Boy, Cute Gizmo

I had more phone issues last week. It went dead when I was talking to Sandy. I called the Cox folks and they re-set my old modem. I wanted a new modem. They said I was now "fixed" in a way that implied I should shut up and go away. I got cranky. They sent me out this very cute boy. He reminded me far too much of my very first love, Cal Wheeler. I almost forgot that I am 64 and not 14 years old.

The really cute boy did all the things that the last Cox boy had done, but.....he gave me a cute and sleek new modem.

I am currently techno-happy.

A Quilter's Week

Despsite spring's arrival, it's been primarily a quilting week. On Tuesday, Donna and I went to lunch at a cute little place in the Delano District.
Then we went on to the monthly quilt guild meeting. Who would think that all of these women are interested in quilting?

Actually, there is an afternoon and an evening section of the quilt guild. Each has 300+ in attendance.
Wednesday we spent all day at a quilting workshop. It wasn't the most enlightening one I've attended, but I guess I did learn one or two things. I am not too excited about the project that I started there; so it may never see a finished state. Donna's project was much more impressive.
Speaking of finished, after 3 years I finally finished the throw that I was making to use at my chair.

However, when I had it artfully arranged over one of the blue chairs, I liked it there. Looks like the old ratty brown blanket will continue to be my throw-of-choice in my reclined state.
Tomorrow, Donna and I are headed for Alden, KS to visit a mongo-quilt shop that Linda reminded me of. In the meantime, I really will be a garderner today after I take Mom to the doctor. Rain tomorrow will make this an optimal gardening day.

Kidney Food

I had to get a new nephrologist because my other one left practice. My new one is rather crabby and told me I'd better get with the program relative to a good-for-the-kidney diet. So, I went on-line and started researching. Not much info was available on oxsalates in food and what to eat. But I did pull out a few lists -- with numerous contradictions among them.
(You'll recognize my pal, Toby, in the phot0.)
So, last time I saw Dr. Crabby, I asked for a referral to a nutritionist top help me out. Yesterday was my appointment. I spent $70 and 2 hours of my time to have this woman mumble around and read my own lists to me! I knew I was in trouble when I walked in and she said, "Hi, what is it you're here for?" She was obviously unprepared, had only a minimal understanding of my calcium-oxsalate situation, and nothing to offer.
We are cautioned not to rely too much on the internet for medical expertise, but sometimes it's the best option!

Mom Nature's Joke

O.K., so maybe it's Mom's joke also! Must have had a jittery finger going. For some reason I have 2 posts with only misspelled titles. Hmmm.....techno mysteries.

I meant to let you know that I'm going back to the garden this afternoon after several days of banishment due to wind and low temperaturs. In anticipation of planting time, I've been gathering up both perennials and annuals, cozying them up next to the house to protect them from low temperatures. In addition to the plants on the front stoop, there are some on the back deck.

However, after giving us days of warm to hot temperatures and warm nights, Mom Nature threw in a couple of cold ones with a "patchy frost" on Wednesday night.


Turns out that my front stoop was one of the "patches" and one flat was sticking out too far. Note the sad little frost nipped guys.

I have some areas that still need their spring cleaning out -- leaves, etc. Then I'm going to start planting perennials. Depending on the forecast, I may be into full planting mode by the week-end. Truly gardening time!

Mom Nayture

Mom Nayture

Easter in Fredonia


We did Easter in Fredonia. My photos didn't do too well for the older folks, did they? Bud, Mom, and Mary were all caught in somewhat unflattering moments. The baby was asleep so didn't get in to the photo. Neither did the dog. The other cousin, Brad,didn't get there with his family because the baby was sick.

The Baconi Motel was significantly better than the rat hole we stayed in when Linda, Josh, Logan, Grandma and I all did the ancester hunt together. But still not exactly a grand destination. I left my pillow there. They can't find it. Boo!

Anyway, I'm back home. The cats are happy again. I've been back in the garden today and best of all......I washed down the back porch, the chairs and the cushions. It's PORCH TIME -- when the wind cooperates.

Befores and Afters

Yesterday was a wonderful day for gardening, despite the wind. I got lots and lots accomplished. One thing I did was dig up daisies and make up pots to take to T. and Linda Campbell. That's what you see above. Below is a photo of what they should look like the 2nd or 3rd year.

Below is a photo of my ugly well that has irritated me for 6 years now. Following the lead of my friend, Georgia, I bought a fake rock to cover it up.

Below is the much more pleasing "after." Of course my rusty water will turn it brown before the end of the summer. But better a brown rock than a brown pipe!

Three of my girls are in Florida right now. I miss being there with them.