Red and Round

I have a nice spread of tomatoes here in the house.  We have had a great harvest this year and I couldn't be happier.  They aren't the biggest ones in the world but certainly are a beautiful scarlet red color.  The time has arrived that I must do something with them.  Logically, that would involve canning or freezing them.  Last year, I cooked them down to a sauce consistency with peppers, onions, and herbs.  Then they were frozen in flattened quart baggies.  They were delicious used all during the winter and spring.  I just used the last package a few weeks ago. Now, it's time to preserve this year's bounty.  Lots of work, but soooooo gooooood in meals.  

This afternoon after church and lunch I was so sleepy.  But I have an excuse...I took some antihistamine this morning.  So, after reading a few chapters, my eyes just didn't want to stay open any longer.  Needless to say, I laid down for a nice nap.

We had some beautiful blue skies for awhile today, then some clouds floated in - and now we have overcast skies.  The weather forecast shows 30% chance of rain in our area.  That's ok right now, since yesterday we received a generous two inches which will tide us over quite well for a few days.  And the tomato plants are happily soaking up rain water even as I type.  Slurrrrrp...   

Pounding Away

I've been down with another migraine. GRRRR  Now, please tell me WHY I had another migraine?  Wish I knew the cause of them...then I could make a mint selling tickets to my speeches and could rake in a ton of money selling my books.  My head is still tender - which feels like I've been struck in the back of the head with a hammer. Ouch 

We received just a tad over two INCHES of rain today.  YESSIREE BOB, right here in Drought City.  Saw the rain gauge  with my own two crossed eyes. Had to get confirmation from The Mister that I wasn't seeing migraine double.  That rain just came down like normal rain - like in the olden days.  None of that recent sprinkling spit resembles dew stuff.  Nope, this was RAIN - falling from the dark sky.  Had my two hands replacing the emptied gauge when I realized I didn't have a picture.  Why, no one will believe me! OK, you'll just have to trust me on this one.   

As nice as the rain was, it still didn't explain WHY I had to suffer yet another migraine?  Especially right after I already had one DAYS ago.  Just not fair.  Need to redistribute the wealth - like someone else I know.  I can't find any takers though - but maybe I can just change the laws - like this same person I've heard of...

With blurry eyes, I have not been able to read.  In fact, at the beginning of one of these attacks, my brain doesn't want to function much at all.  There is literally some brain malfunction - I can't think of words, I can't even read labels - words look like Greek.  Why I can't even pronounce fairly simple words.  But that stage only lasts approximately 30 minutes, then I come back to my senses.  I knew it would be too embarrassing to type a blog when I wouldn't know what to say - even if I did, I wouldn't know how to spell the words.  Yep, decided it would be better to lay off the serious stuff until  brain function returns.  Why someone might feel the urge to assist me into a straight jacket so I could be "helped"... The Mister felt like he needed to fix supper - probably not to help me as much as he realized I wouldn't be cooking for a day or so.  He tried...but the squash was squishy, the beans mushy, the meat overcooked, the tea watery, the cucumbers bland.  But he tried...and I lived to breathe another day.  Bless his heart...

Drizzling Around The Middle

We actually got a bit of RAIN today.  That is the wet stuff that occasionally drops from the sky.  Our area must have been in the "absolutely no rain!" section of the country because it seems like weeks since we've gotten our feet wet.  God is in control, He will bless us with rain when He determines - but I was definitely getting worried.  We'll be fine for a few days.  1/4 inch doesn't sound like much but it has the worth of solid gold bricks right now in our scorched area. 

And the temps have really DROPPED.  Really.  It's 68* right now and it's barely after 7pm.  Nope, not complaining, just spewing meteorological data.  Mom has been suffering with an air conditioner that didn't want to pump out cold air and several techies have checked this and that with no improvement.  Today, tech #4 came and cleaned out her unit where mud, leaves, and pollen was clogging the works.  She called to say it is working beautifully now.  I told her she would probably want the hot weather back so she could prove it shoots out cold air.  She answered that she was satisfied with the cool outdoor temperatures.  We're both convinced the hot weather will return soon enough.   

Sweetz popped some of my favorite (and incidentally all wash in cold water) clothes in the washer today and then dried them (a definite no-no).  Must say, I was not very happy.  He knew he was in big trouble so he volunteered to fix supper - and clean the kitchen afterwards.  Doesn't quite make up for the mistake but at least I will talk to him again.  Looks like I will be heading out to buy myself some new blouses.  Pity too, because I really liked these - that are now a size 0.  I don't really want the pitiful clothes that are for sale right now - which will also shrink to size 0 if washed in warm water and dried in the dryer.  Don't like the styles, don't like the fabric, don't like the workmanship.  I can sew - perhaps I should grab some fabric and make my own!  Or lose enough weight to wear these doll size 0 blouses.  Our town doesn't have clothing stores worth a flip, so it will mean a day trip.  Could be fun, except I don't like to shop.  But maybe knowing I have nothing decent to wear will prompt me to rethink that feeling.  Ummm, maybe tomorrow.  Maybe I should take Laundry King to share my misery...and then celebrate with lunch on the town.  Well, perhaps I should check out our own town a bit first - there just might be a clothing store worth a second glance.  


  
  

Shorter Lifespan

Today on the TV I learned that sitting can shorten your life.  Oh dear.  I sit alot.  Should I say good bye now or wait? 

I finished my book this morning before attacking the to-do list for the day.  Then this afternoon I started another one.  Hey, this one grabbed me in just a few paragraphs and it's the first book in a series.  OKAY!! Hard to put down a good book, but there were things that needed to be done first.  So, up from my chair I  popped.  

After taking a quick shower and washing my hair, off I started on my day's excitement. I prepared green beans for canning and got them done.  The pretty jars are now cooling on a towel in my kitchen and will be delicious this winter.  Well, maybe by me but maybe by someone else since I'm supposed to die earlier than my stand-up counterparts.

   
I also made a key lime pie.  We reluctantly let it sit in the fridge for over an hour and then enjoyed a slice.  Didn't take a picture of the pie or the slice but I do have a couple of dirty dessert plates in the sink.  Yeah, there is some pie left - but then I would have to get up from here and that might add time onto my life expectancy. 

The Front of a Front

Somehow I found a ton of energy this afternoon so headed to the backyard about 2:30 to deadhead the butterfly bushes which were getting out of hand and covered with spent blooms.  They looked awful and were really an eyesore - so I grabbed my snippers and clipped off all the old tips.  Takes a bit of effort but the bushes now look so much better.  Nope, I'm not posting any before shots.  Way too embarrassing.  My neighbor has some yard fluff that I think is way over the top so not going to post any after shots either since her birds with flapping wings, chicken 'n chicks, tacky tree decor, tin man hanging, pink flamingos, etc. would be a bit junky in the background. 

When I let the butterfly plants grow larger, they perform a wonderful job of blocking the unsightly scene, but now my plants are slimmer and shorter and thus not quite doing an adequate screening job.  I might have to rethink the idea of  trimming them too much the next time.  Some years she tones down all this yard clutter but this year it seems anything and everything is fair game in the yard - right in my line of view. I don't mention it because I'm afraid she might increase her "beauties".       

Can't believe it, but we are having a bit of thunder rumble and the sky went from sunny to overcast in a matter of minutes.  There appears to be a front coming through NC but is again to be primarily south of us.  That's a bummer.  This has happened several days recently as fronts move through with great fanfare only to give up its precious rain to some other location.  I'm praying we get some rain in our area this time which is so desperately needed. The weather forecast looks promising for precip the next 24 hours.  And I'm still praying.  Sweetz was heading out to water our garden but with the promise of rain, he decided to wait and see if we get anything out of this front. 

Our stargazer lilies are just beginning to bloom and I definitely want to get some pictures of them. Their fragrance is out of this world. And the tiger lilies are in full bloom now too.  Both are exceptionally beautiful.  Wonder if I can head out safely to snap a few pictures before this storm hits us... 

Later...OK, got a decent one of the stargazer lily.   

Stargazer Lily's first bloom this year - a hundred left to open

Our porch cherry tomato plant produces about 8 beauties every day!

Tiger lilies are top heavy but if we were little people, we could look up and see beautiful blooms

   

Found What We Needed

It's like a broken record...I'd flip to something else if I could get my brain around it.  But however you face the thermometer, it's still HOT.  Not a normal hot - but an ultra hot - a steamy hot - a lingering until you wilt hot.  It will get better, right?

I decided I needed to invest in a back-up battery pack for my camera and didn't have the time to order one online so decided a visit to a camera store was the best bet at this point.  This time I drove to Burlington, NC where they have a branch of Camera Corner.  Actually, I never heard of that store, but after doing some extensive internet searching, I found there's a camera store in Burlington.  Since that town is an interesting little town just the right size for some activity, stores, eateries, etc., it was decided to check it out.  They didn't open until 10am this morning, so I had to wait to call to verify if they had one of these battery packs in stock.  Yes, the man said.  WHEW!  Mom wanted to go with me so off we headed.  About halfway there she doubted she turned her coffeepot off.  So, knowing no one had a key to her house, I turned around and headed back to learn that she had, indeed, turned it off.  Better safe than sorry I'd say. Told her I might have to create a check-off list to use before I took her anywhere again - or maybe she should invest in a timer. 

We headed back to Burlington, checked out Camera Corner (I was rather impressed with their inventory and also the helpful staff).  I also bought a "generic" lens cap to replace the one I lost about three weeks ago. 

The new battery pack is now fully charged and the lens cap is protecting the lens --- and I'm relieved once again. 




Mom wanted to shop for some summer pants since all of hers are getting too big.  IMAGINE TOOOOOO BIG!  So, we landed at the Belk HOT parking lot and surely browsed at every item in the store.  Not being a shopaholic, I saundered through quickly then found a seat and played with my smartphone.  By then, she had found a pair of pants she liked but couldn't find a "jacket" or shirt to wear as a jacket.  OK, SwiftShopper to the rescue!  I took the pants and headed out with a mission in mind and nothing would deter me from my destinated result.  FOUND IT too.  Probably was literally the last top in the store as I hustled systematically up one aisle and down the next, scanning left and right with an eye for the perfect top.  Showed her how my choice would go with the pants and gave her several options for tee tops under it. She smiled.  I smiled.  She headed to the fitting room to try them on.  Everything fit, so she bought the pants and the open weave crocheted cardigan plus one of the tees.  Classy is the word I would use to describe the look.  She is a classy lady and those flippy gauzy ruffly sparkly tops are not her look.  Now wish I could find something for myself this easily.  But it wasn't my day today.  And I'm always happy to help her find something that she likes.

We ate lunch at Tea For Two which was delicious as usual.  Then after the shopping tour and prior to heading home, we had a light supper at The Blue Ribbon  Diner. 

Well, I had a light dinner of veggies - she indulged in a huge homemade peach cobbler with ice cream.  And she still weighs 112, soaking wet, while holding a cement block.     

Sizzling in Dixie

Wowwweee, it was a hot one today.  Went up to 100* again, getting so it's a daily event.  Sure don't want to think this is a normal temperature!  I'd take 70's again without hesitation.

I'm heading out somewhere tomorrow to see if I can find a back-up camera battery.  Wish I had thought about it sooner and ordered one online.  DRAT, where WAS my mind??  Oh, maybe it has been cooked with all this heat. 

It's been so hot and dry around here...that the garden, yard, flowerbeds - everything is drying up.  We can't keep everything watered and we sure could use some rain. Not sure how many things we will lose but another day or two of these oven temperatures and things will be getting serious.  Whew, God is really trying to get our attention.     

Fourth of July

Today's the Fourth of July and it's been a great one so far.  Ahh, but a hot one, but that's the joys of summer. 

Sweetz and I went to a community July 4th celebration this afternoon, complete with a hot dog eating contest, free bottled water/snow cones/lemonade/copy of the Constitution/flag/popcorn and a huge water slide.  There were several musical groups, reading of the Declaration of Independence, singing of the National Anthem, and salute to the American flag.  I guess the town's taxes paid for this little shindig but it was nice.

We were able to go in several restored buildings which had a guide in each one.  The first was a small museum of tobacco memorabilia housed in a tobacco factory. 

Another building was a log schoolhouse complete with a teacher in period dress teaching a class to some fascinated pupils. The final outbuilding was a restored tobacco barn with a gentlemen who explained the growth of tobacco from seedling to sale.  All were quite interesting. 

The local mineral club sold bags of "dirt" for $3 which you could wash through a strainer in a running water trough to search for minerals. There were vendors selling the best hot dogs in the state, handmade craft items, as well as volunteers presenting demonstrations on various period activities from wild turkey calls to crocheting.

Our church is sponsoring a Fourth of July cook-out and fireworks beginning at 7pm tonight so I hope I have enough room in my tummy for a hamburger complete with all the trimmings.  There are to be over a dozen ice cream freezers offering some of the best flavors this side of Baskin-Robbins.

My headache, you ask?  It's still with me but should be fading soon as this is the tail end of day 3 and the bottom end of a container of Aleve.  Gotta love OTC meds but a Rx for something more powerful would be even better!  Oh, but maybe I'll never have another migraine...ever...the rest of my life... 

11pm:  We went to our church tonight for cookout, homemade ice cream, and then fireworks.  The kids had a wet slide down a hill plus lots of  other games so they had a ball tonight.  

And The Beat Goes On

Those hammers are still pounding in my brain.  Ouch, ouch, ouch.  Why don't they STOP!! 

Sweetz served supper - guess he deducted (quite aptly) that I wasn't going to budge a toe toward the kitchen.  His night to fix supper...well, he went out and brought a pizza home.  Rough life.  And the veggies remain for another day. I gave mom some of the veggies today and she seemed very appreciative.  She wanted me to go with her on some errands, then to get lunch but I just couldn't leave the confines of my dark house.  Not sure what the neighbors are saying - I'm sure they are madly concerned that I don't have my drapes open...  Sure, sure.  I could die here and it would take the stink of death to get some of them to notice anything.  OK, I'm in a cranky mood.  It's the migraine remember!!!  I warned Sweetz that the grumps are out and anything he does that irritates me a little in the regular life is going to become the major topic of criticism.  Yep, it happened.  That's about the time he decided to grab his car keys and head out the door for some "errands" and to bring home supper.  Fine with me.  That pizza with man in the kitchen... definitely left something to be desired.  I ate one slice. No comments.  Somehow I kept my mouth shut.  Let me tell you, it wasn't easy either.  And the bonus...he brought home a box of Advil Migraine.  Funny man.  Can't take anymore until tomorrow morning - box plainly says no more than two in 24 hours.  Guess that's what it says, can't read that minuscule print very well right now. You'd think the migraine med container would have large print.  Of course not, now explain that to me!  

He's in the Man Cave now.  Good boy, Sweetz. 

I'll be nice in a day or two...   :)    

Hammers Pounding

No hammers pounding in reality, but it sure feels like it.  In my case, it's a migraine that came on while I was in town exchanging my library books. Not sure what brought it on, but it arrived as I was trying to read a sign and noticed I couldn't focus on the letters.  That's the sure sign.  Then I closed my eyes and there it was - the dreaded "light show"which starts as a small loop and then grows brighter and larger, piercing in its intensity while flashing the brightest lights ever known to mankind.  Then the headache arrives shortly thereafter to gnaw through what's left of the brain.  Usually they last three days and I've made it through one.  Can't believe I can concentrate enough to type this - actually working in the dim light with the computer screen dimmed to a lower setting and I'm peeking out of one eye. Ouch

Had so many plans for the day - things to do, but I will slow down and wait for this painful experience to fade.  They will wait.  And I'm thankful I have the opportunity to stay home and nurse the pain til it departs for other shores.  

  

Checked It Out

Saturday afternoon I went to the venue for the wedding I'm to photograph.  Pretty place - rustic with charm oozing from every exposed wooden beam.  Neat place with lots of character and as many suitable spots for pictures. 

It was hot as blazes while I was there getting the 50-cent tour with the owner. I'm praying for a few clouds on the big day so I can get some outdoor shots in the shade.  Yep, there are some trees that provide shade and each location will be utilized to its fullest -anything to prevent the bride's white dress from being one glowing mass. 

We have had two nights in a row of booming thunder and lightning with nary a drop of rain.  Quite a spectacle to watch and hear but everything outside needs water to survive.  Finally, this afternoon we had some clouds glide through and blessed us with a bit of rain -- 1/4 inch in the rain gauge.  MIGHTY nice.  Thank you, Lord!!



    

Another Storm

We had a bad storm last night and we're having another now.  Been working on some organizing and saving photos to CDs.  I would type more but this electrical storm sounds pretty wicked outside.  But I just know you were worried about me so I knew I needed to check in and add a couple of lines... 

Will add more another day to fill in the gaps - need to unplug the computer now.  Hang in there, the morning will arrive again.  And smile while you're waiting for the birds to wake up and sing their morning chorus to greet you.     

You Get Five Minutes

Sweetz had his consult with the gastrointestinal doc this morning at 8:30, so we were up and rambling early this morning.  Upon our arrival, the nurse took him back for his admission workup and gave me 197 pages of medical history forms to complete.  Nope, it wasn't all that bad but there was a form for every little thing.  There goes another tree.  Seems they should have just given me the access to their computer new patient history screens and I could have just typed all the answers in that way.  
Then they took him back to the examination room and I was asked to join him there, with forms and pen in hand...and there I sat at a little desk and finished the forms while first the PA and then the doc make their brief appearances.  I think we spent equal time with the receptionist, the nurse, the PA, and the doc.  AMAZING. Guess that's the new spin on healthcare that we are faced.  Like in the future, what's to stop the healthcare gods making us go to a big clinic, register, complete forms, and take a number to see the next available doc for the allowable five minutes.  But I must say the doc and his staff were nice, no complaints in that area. 

There was a new patient in the waiting room who was cussing and grumbling about the forms she had to complete.  Ended up the nurse took her back to an empty room and proceeded to just ask her the questions.  But the patient still wasn't happy and I could still hear her mouthy exchange going strong even as we were heading out the door.  Whew, somebody needed her mouth washed.  

We grabbed brunch at a nice little cafe and the food was delicious.  Then we backtracked all my stops the day I lost my camera lens cap but apparently no one had found it.  Oh well, looks like I will be buying one at Ritz Camera or online at a site like B&H Photo.  Could be worse - it's just a lens cap.      

Decision of Magnitude

Today was monumental in the passing of ObamaCare here in our country.  Now, it's a tax levied on the citizens to cover all of us and unbelievably the Supreme Court thought it was constitutional.  I'm at a loss for words.  Get out the box of nails. 

A big limb fell from the poplar tree which shades our little greenhouse and landed maybe three feet away.  Ohhh, that was CLOSE.  That limb knocked lots of branches off in and around the area but at least the greenhouse survived unscathed. I harvested some onions today.  Ummm, they sure smell good.  I gave mom some garden veggies today - enough for a couple of meals. 

Speaking of mom, she just called.  Said she had the veggies for supper along with a bit of chicken she had leftover from an earlier supper.  She said it was food fit for a queen!  Glad she's enjoying them.    

Heart Aches

My SIL and nephew have put my brother's Mustang he lovingly restored up for $ale.  My heart is bleeding. 

Mom and I spent the day together - went to Burlington, NC.  It was a beautiful day, kinda hot, but the humidity was reasonable and the clouds were big, white, and fluffy.  We treated ourselves to lunch at a tea room called Tea For Two, an ultra feminine place where we felt pampered which was just what the doctor ordered.  

There is a gift shop next door so we decided to browse for awhile and mom bought herself a couple of things.  I didn't see anything that sparked my buying gene.  Close, but no cigar. 

Since Alamance Crossing was nearby, we headed there to browse a few shops - most of our time was spent in Hobby Lobby.  Walking in is the easy part. Walking out without buying a buggyful of goodies is the challenge.  Bought a few little things I needed to complete a few projects.  And I completed three projects when I got home!!!  Love it when projects are completed.  

We weren't hungry but still weren't ready to head home so we ordered a light dinner at Mimi's Cafe.  Nice place to eat and the wait staff were very nice.  

Well, I survived this giant day of memories.  I can now put this day to rest as well as my head on a pillow soon.  I think next year's anniversary of Wayne's death will be easier.  He wouldn't want me to mope around but would prefer I found something fun to do.  So, that's what I plan.  But thanks, Wayne, for being my big brother for 64 years.  You will be remembered fondly.  Save me a seat!