Free stuff

Yesterday was a good day.  I talked to all of my kids. Cameron was in some flood warnings due to KC getting 10 inches of rain, but despite living close to (actual feet from) a pond, he did not have any damages, and I am thankful for that.  Yesterday afternoon, Preston called me to tell me that he had a large piece of scaffolding fall on him at work.  He said he was wearing his hard hat, and was hit pretty hard on the shoulder and head, but that the hard hat did its job.  He thinks had he not been wearing it, he might have been killed.  He was shook up, and just called to tell us he loves us.  I am so thankful that he is ok!  Guardian angels working overtime around here.

When I got off work, I met Jim for a little pick up on a project I am doing.  As I was loading said project, I got a text from Saige telling me we were going to have to move, with the top photo.  It looks like a plain old Western Rat snake to me - commonly called a black snake.  I explained to her that it was a harmless snake.  She and I do not see eye to eye on this topic.  The night before, I believe the same snake was crawling on the door when I went out to feed Rocky.  It fell as I opened the door, and I jumped a little because I was not expecting company!  They are good snakes but they do tend to climb around on the house and lay on the deck, in the rocks the previous owners put out for decoration, or in the chicken pen.  We have hundreds of them where we live.  I still prefer a black snake to just about any other variety!  

When Jim and I got home, he was still hanging out on the porch light.  I got a kick out of the fact that he had cobwebs on his nose from crawling around behind those lights (they are constantly covered in cob webs no matter how much we clean them).  He was a cute little fellow - about 5 feet long!  I went out and tapped him with my hand until he got down and crawled away.  I told him to stay off the front of the house!  I am sure he will comply!  I was texting with Colin at the time - about wedding stuff, but I told Colin I missed having him around.  Colin was always my snake wrangler.  He would have taken him down and relocated him.  I don't mind snakes, but I don't really want to grab them or carry them around.  Colin also used to get called by the neighbors, and by grandma to relocate these little dudes.  I tried to teach my kids to not just senselessly murder snakes before you tried to relocate or make sure you knew what you were dealing with.  The fear of them is unnecessary, and they truly do us all a huge service by eating bugs and rodents.  

It also reminded me that I was going to take those porch lights down and paint them  - I really hate brass!  Project for the fall I guess!

I also got this photo from Madison at the same time as the snake photo.  I cracked up.  This girl is a hoot!  And why is she looking like a big kid?  

The project I mentioned above - I bought a 120 gallon fish tank from a woman outside of town-for an extremely cheap price.  As I was talking to her, she told me that if I bought the tank, she would throw in a second tank for free - a fiberglass tank she had used as a saltwater tank.  FREE?  Do I need another tank?  YES = YES I DO!!!  So I had to force Jim to come to town, and haul home the 2 tank stands.  We managed to shove both tanks in my car.  It was extremely tight.  Good thing Jim is good at Tetris!  I am excited about having a tank that is more than double what we have in our living room right now!  Jim was pretty excited about it as well.  I have big plans to make a planted tank, with all new substrate and I have already agreed to some trades with a different lady in town for some aquatic plants.  I have no idea what I am going to do with the second tank.  I told Jim I didn't know if we needed it, but I couldn't resist when she said she would throw it in.  He said he would have done the same thing.  

The tanks had both been in the lady's garage.  Both need to be cleaned and both stands need cleaned and painted.  I told Jim that I was going to set them on the driveway and fill them, no sense doing any work cleaning if they leak!  So far, they are both holding water.  I have a huge undertaking ahead of me, as getting a tank set is a lot of work.  But it is fun work, and I am thrilled with my little score!  I will admit that I am starting to amass quite a collection of tanks, and will probably either sell or give some away.  But only because Harper told me that I was going to end up on the show "Hoarders" if I wasn't careful!  If you know anyone wanting a tank, send them my way!  :)  Or not....maybe I need a tank in my office?  :)  

After we got the tanks home, I then ran to Baldwin because the hardware store there was giving away the rest of their bedding plants for free.  FREE PLANTS - YES PLEASE!  Are they beautiful plants?  No.  Did I load my car full of them with the intention of saving their lives?  You bet your booty I did!  Mallory came over to help me with the apples, but we ended up rescuing and planting so many plants instead!  I ended up with 20 peppers in different varieties, 12 eggplants, some cantaloupe, a couple of cauliflower, and about 6 cucumbers.  I also got a few perineal flower seeds and we planted those as well.  Hello billion dollar water bill, as it is supposed to get really, really hot next week and these plants are going to need water to even have any hope of survival!  

Am I worried about the water bill?  Not actually.  I am worried about the survival of my little friends.  Oh and maybe, if I am successful, about making salsa, and enchilada sauce, and canning food for winter, and if I am lucky, maybe making some pickles!  Am I insane?  Perhaps.  Am I happy?  yep!

As Mallory and I were working in the garden, Jim was erecting some gates on the goat pens.  Why we didn't do this sooner, no clue!   I am so happy about how much easier getting into the goat pens will be now!  No more unwiring panels and then getting head butted while you try to hold them shut and re-wire them!  It is going to save us so much time and energy!  (Thanks Jimmy).  

The weekend looks to be a fair bit of insanity, but it will be fun as well.  I have decided to no longer work at the liquor store, so this weekend marks my last weekend shift there.  I have a couple of weekday evening shifts left, but I am excited about having my weekends back.  I don't work there all that often, but it still eats my weekends up and I am happy to be free to do things with the grandkids!  I do not hate working there - I actually really like it.  It is an easy job, with good bosses.  Now is a good time to get out though, as they are trying to sell it and I just don't know what the future would hold.  I am thankful that they gave me a way to get some extra funds for the last 3 summers, and I will always be happy I had the experience.  Someday, I might start my own drinking club, and the knowledge will come in handy.

 

why ya late for work?

Not what it looks like - I promise!  

I have mentioned that in the mornings, I work around the yard or walk and talk to Grace on the phone.  But this morning, it was raining, so we cancelled our call.  I still had to go out and do chores though.  And I got soaked, and covered in hay!  Since I was already dirty, I decided to do some gardening/weeding.  

I am trying something new this year, and I grew some herbs.  The basil is huge, so a few days back I talked to Master Garden Marni, and she told me that you can dry basil in the microwave in about a minute.  I decided to harvest and dry some basil before work.  

Problem - I did not have my phone, and was not talking to Grace, so I was not keeping track of time.  Second problem - I am easily distracted by plants, gardening, and projects I want to do!  By the time I got inside, and dried my basil in the microwave, and got it put into a jar, I was almost to the time I should be walking out the door, but I was still wet, muddy and covered in hay!  Whoops!

I am not sorry about it!  I am super happy with my little jar of basil.  I have a ton more to harvest!  I also have a ton of tomatoes coming on, and plan to make spaghetti sauce and maybe some pesto with my basil. 

I was late for work, but not very late  - I skipped fixing my hair and wearing shoes.  :)  Luckily, the boss here is easy going.  

Little side note - as excited as I was, as I was walking out the door, it dawned on me that this jar sort of made it look like I had other reasons for being late (and/or not being able to pass a drug screen at work).  So when I got to the office, I did text the people at home who were still sleeping when I left, and tell them it was BASIL!  haha!

The dogs thought I was making breakfast for them.  They should know I don't do breakfast, and so standing there when the microwave is running won't help them!  They will have to wait for Jim to get up if they want people food as a snack!

When summer started, I had these (delusional) ideas about being poolside , swimming, relaxing, gardening my little afternoons away.  The reality is that I have been unable to stay home, have constant errands and craziness that refuses to allow me to be home at all.  Yesterday's errand, I got my wedding haircut.  Then I had to pick up my car from an oil change, then I had a couple of hours and I had to go in to work at the liquor store.  I was happy when, during my couple of hours, the girls come out to swim.  I was also completely amused by Evelyn telling aunt Bubba they had to get out of the water and lay on the deck "to work on their tans for the wedding."  I guess we have all been talking about the wedding, plans, and getting haircuts, working on getting some color a little too much!  

For the record, Aunt Bubba is so sweet with the girls - she hopped out of the water, and worked on her tan, just like Evie told her to!  She loves her nieces!  Evie recently learned how to facetime from her ipad.  Most of us will talk to her for a few minutes, and then when Evelyn suggests that we watch her play something, we politely hang up.  Not Bubba, she indulges Evie.  She is one of the kindest, most patient people ever!  Of course, she does roll her eyes a lot, but still!

This photo popped up on my memories yesterday.  I do not know where we were, I do not know what we were doing, but I love this picture.  These girls drove me crazy when they were this age.  They were constantly dirty, constantly bringing some sort of critter from the barn into my house.  They were impulsive, weird, and they always smelled terrible.  BUT they were the also hilarious, creative, and hard working.  I miss them being this age.  I miss the weirdness and the creativity and the chickens in the living room.  Ok, maybe not the chickens in the living room.  I am happy that they are still friends, even if they aren't as inseparable as they once were.  I think lifelong friends are the absolute best thing in life.  Quincy is growing up - trying to make good choices for herself.  She is at a place of decision making for her future.  It is not easy to decide about the future at 19.  I understand the struggle.  She is a smart, resourceful kid though, and I am 100% sure that no matter what she decides to do, it will be amazing!  

Today's adventures won't leave me home either, but I can't wait to see how it works out - excitement abounds!  

 

Guess what time it is?

Apple time! 

My friend from our old parish always calls me up when their apples are ready.  They seem to ripen earlier than other apples in this part of the country, and sometimes we have been in a kind of craziness because they arrive during fair time.  But this year it seems earlier yet!  Which is fine.  I have time this week to do stuff with them.  I am thankful that my friend always thinks of me and is so generous.  She gave me 2 huge boxes of apples.  Probably equivalent to 2 bushels.  I started thinking about what to do with them - last year I made apple butter, put sliced apples in the freezer and made pie filling.  Some of that stuff we have not finished eating yet.  Also last year, I learned that you can make apple butter without peeling the apples- a huge time saver!   So I decided to make apple sauce with the same sort of method - cut up the apples, boil them to soften, and then put them through the blender to puree the peels.  It worked like a charm!  I made 5 pints of regular apple sauce, and 8 pints of rosy (cinnamon) apple sauce.  I also have apple butter cooking in the crock pot.  I am done with one box!    I have plans to do the same thing with the other box.  Applesauce is something that we all like, and the shelf life for canned appleasuce is fairly long.

I took Harper out to practice driving this evening.  I was excited to see that the elderberries are blooming. I have permission to take some cuttings from the edge of the neighbor's field. (He wants wine). I am planning to put them in the area with my other fruit trees and bushes.  Unfortunately, unless they are blooming, I cannot seem to identify them from the rest of the bushes and grass.  I didn’t cut any tonight- I’m going to have to hike down in a ditch, and I just didn’t have on the right shoes for that nonsense today!  Harper is so vastly different from other kids I have taught to drive. She is actually cautious. And careful.  It is refreshing!  

A few thoughts I have running through my brain - summer time is going by too quickly.  My morning exercise/gardening/pool upkeep time with Grace is now starting in the dark.  I hate how fast time flies by.  I am not ready to think about school/bus driving yet.  No, it is not the worst job, and no I don't hate it, but I like not having my day dissected, and I love my morning conversations with Grace.  I think I also function better when I get up and do some work before going to work.  I do get up and do chores and work in the winter time as well, but it is just not as enjoyable.  Mostly, I think it is because I don't enjoy being out in the dark, and of course, you know how I feel about the cold.  But also, because although I love my husband and I like visiting with him, a girl needs another girl to gossip and gab with!  I am dedicated to visiting with Grace, but not dedicated enough to get up at 4 am in order to have enough time!  :)  

I managed to get the pool back to blue - now to get the clarity back!  The new sand in the filter is making a difference - I am hoping by the end of the week it will all be normal again.  I am not sure what I am doing wrong this year, but it has been a bit more of a struggle!  Last year, the weather was warm enough I probably could have swam even into October - but I broke my shoulder and had surgery and it was just not in the cards.  I hope this year we can use the pool well after school starts.

My nuggets - they had a great time at the library swimming party!  Wrenley even won some passes to the Rolling Hills Zoo.   Evelyn has discovered she can facetime people from her Ipad.  I told her I will only answer once a day - I love you but I can't be facetiming you all day long!  She also quickly figured out that Aunt Bubba is a sucker!  Amusingly, Aunt Bubba told me "this is her 4th time calling - and I don't mind talking to her, but right now she wants me to watch her play Barbies!  Poor aunt Bubba!!

weekend chaos

Jim rigged us up a watering system in the back of his truck. It is so much easier and I am happy he figured out how to make something that works so well.  I was watering tonight when here came Maude.  I guess she wanted to help!  In all actuality, she was in big trouble because we don’t want her down by the road. She knew it too. She sat in the truck and looked very sorry!  She is the funniest dog.  She knows what she’s not supposed to do, but cannot resist.  Examples- running toward the road- as soon as she saw me she stopped and put her head down in shame.  She also likes to get on to the couch. She knows she is not allowed to lay there, but she still gives it a try every chance she gets.  As soon as I say her name she sort of goes flat and slides off.  It’s both maddening and comical.  It’s good that she is cute.   

This evening we had to take Harper’s car over to get the brakes fixed.  Jim drove Harper’s car, and I followed him to give him a ride.  When I was leaving, Carlos jumped into the car with me.  I thought we were just picking up Jim and coming right back, so I let him ride along.  When Jim got in the car, he wanted to run to Tractor supply for some mower part.  Dogs are allowed in tractor supply, but we generally do not take our pets shopping.  Carlos was a very good boy - riding  in the cart like a professional. He got some snacks and seems to like being there!

I do have to confess that I was putting his snacks around him, talking to him and staging a funny pic when this woman came around the corner. It was a tad bit embarrassing.  I did explain it was his first time shopping.  She seemed to understand!  As Jim and I were finishing up for the day and watching a bit of TV Jim asked me if we have officially crossed a line now - taking a dog shopping.  I told him the reality is that we crossed it long ago - we are officially "those people!"  Oh well, we could do worse things I guess.  

I know he is Jim’s little dog, but I love him.  He has a funny personality.  

Ok I think I just love critters.  

Including the 2 legged ones.  This was a sort of odd weekend. I hosted the band boosters and we had a goodbye party/taco night.  We also spent quite a while discussing upcoming events that we need to cover, fundraising since this is a trip year, and electing officers. 

I like the people I serve on this board with, and I really enjoyed visiting with them, eating tacos and drinking margaritas and just having a little time to sit down and discuss things.  The girls were really helpful getting everything cleaned and set up, and Quincy helped entertain Quilling’s kids.  I appreciate their help. 

Madison had to work at the ice cream store, and Andrew called to see if Jim thought they might go fishing.  Jim told him he could go, but that they would have to take the girls because I was hosting a dinner event.  They went fishing - and went out for dinner.  My party went a lot later than I thought it would.  When my guests left, it was 10:30 and Jim wasn’t home yet. I texted to see if they were still fishing.  About 20 minutes later, here they came.  The girls were hungry! And thirsty. Luckily, we had leftover tacos, leftover birthday cake, and popsicles.  That’s how we roll around here- having a second full meal at 11:00.  I did not let them have soda!  (You’re welcome Madison).  

Evelyn and Wrenley had their summer story time swimming party on Sunday night, so we opted to have Sunday lunch.  The girls and I swam while Jim and Andrew fixed some stuff like chainsaws and other power tools.  Daisy and Maude made sure they were doing it correctly!  

So helpful! 

You would never know we have a garage AND a shop - front porch is where its at!  :)  

This girl - she loves power tools, mowers, and anything else that she could get hurt on!  :)  

Took this photo.  My chlorine levels are good, my PH is balanced, my cya is in the right range.  My water is not pretty - and I am not sure why.  As part of the effort, Jim, Quincy and I changed the sand in the filter.  I was worried it would be a lot more difficult than it ended up being.  We got it done, and back together in record time.  I do think the water is clearer than it was, and I did add in more chemicals.  If this doesn't work in a day or 2, I will resort to making a trip to the pool store to see what else I can do.  I feel confident that nothing is living in the water (chlorine level readings are good) and it cannot be any dirtier than the lake, so we just keep swimming in there anyway! It is more important than ever this year since we are all trying to get a little tan for Colin and Spencer's wedding!

Kid stole the donuts, took all the cushions off the couch and made herself at home!  :)  

Colin and Cameron ran down to Tulsa this weekend to visit Preston (and Sunny).  They went to an arena football game.  Cameron sent me this nice photo.  Later, he sent me some more photos and a text that said after the game, they had this area set up for the players to sign autographs.  Colin sat down, and people swarmed him to get his autograph - he said it was hilarious. 

I asked who people thought he was?  
Cameron said he was signing the autographs as "fan."  

I got a good laugh out of it.  These boys - what one doesn't think of the other one does.  At least their fun is generally harmless! 

 A little update on Father Jo Junior (Jo).  He is doing really well.  We have started letting him out of his kennel more, he seems to be doing well with using the litter box, and has definitely made up for lost time on his eating!  He is starting to 'chub up' although his "mommy" thinks we shouldn't mention that.  His eye is better, although I notice if we stop the drops, it gets a little gooey again.  Overall, he is a pretty good boy, and he is well loved.  

Maude doesn't know if she likes Wrenley's undivided attention or not!

Jim said they caught a few fish.  I love that they are trying to teach the girls their hobby!

Although I don't think this girl will ever love anything as much as she likes berries!

I love weekends.  I love my family time and having some down time.  Summer is budget time at work, so down time is critical!  I am thankful for a weekend of fun so I can reset my brain a little bit!  The rest of this month is going to be a lot of stuff.  Looking forward to it, but also knowing that Sunday was our last free day, we had to enjoy it!