Farmall Country

My Fair Project

2010-05-24T09:29:00.002-04:00

A few years ago, David bought me a book with 200 different crochet squares. This is my first project using it. I had to adapt the hour glass squares - the pattern in the book was more like a step pyramid. I haven't totally decided how I'm going to put them together, but I'm thinking four sections with these top nine blocks. Each section bordered with a complementary color and then sewn together. Hopefully I will have it done by fair time.

Spring Sweater

2010-05-06T10:48:00.002-04:00

This is my first attempt at making a sweater. The collar ended up larger that it was supposed to be, but all in all it turned out okay. It's really supposed to go over a sleeveless top, but it was too cold this day, and I didn't want to wait.

Branching Out

2010-02-11T12:57:00.003-05:00

I've been crocheting afghans and scarfs for about as long as I can remember. It's time to try some new things. Here are a pair of fingerless gloves I made from a pattern in the Nov/Dec 09 issue of "Crochet Today." Totally impratical for NE Ohio, but I love them!

A Winter Wonderland

2010-01-08T09:32:00.004-05:00

As I opened my door last night and saw the porch light reflecting on the snow, it struck me that it looked like someone had dusted my front yard with diamond dust. So beautiful. So magical. The quiet of a snow covered world is so peaceful

2010-01-08T09:29:00.010-05:00

Without winter were would we be? Without the freezing temperatures, many of our plants would not be able to flower. What would it be like if we all had weather like Arizona, Southern California or Florida? I suspect there would be more hunger and thirst as those regions don't have the moisture to raise enough crops to feed us.

2010-01-08T09:27:00.006-05:00

Have your ever watched kids or dogs in the snow? Absolute joy!

2010-01-08T09:24:00.005-05:00

Just some things that caught my eye- young trees popping up through the snow, deer tracks, a small elm.

My First Quilt

2009-11-07T13:07:00.004-05:00

It took me 3+ years, but I finished it. The piecing was done by machine, the quilting by hand.

I can see each mistake, but I'm happy with it. I already have ideas for two more where I am a little more creative. We'll see how long it takes me to start on those.

A Busy Labor Day Weekend!

2009-09-08T08:43:00.002-04:00

Well, I think we are ready for winter. This weekend after freezing 40 quart bags of corn, we started making tomato sauce. I haven't transferred the sauce to freezer bags yet, but I'd guess we made about 6 galllons to add to the 6 gallons we already have. We already have plenty of green beans and diced tomatoes in the freezer. I didn't take pictures of the tomato process - but have posted pictures of what it took to do the corn.

2009-09-08T08:39:00.002-04:00

10 dozen ears of corn and 10 dozen husks.

2009-09-08T08:33:00.002-04:00

One turkey fryer and one husband good with a knife

2009-09-08T08:19:00.004-04:00

Hot bath and cold bath. All this equals 40 qt bags of corn in the freezer

My Blackeyed Susans

2009-08-28T08:13:00.004-04:00

I love, love, love these flowers. We had them at our 1st house on Arcadia, transplanted one to Tallmadge Road when we moved there, then by the time we moved to Johnnycake, we had enough to plant several. They are along my drive and here in front. They are gorgeous!

Perseverance

2009-08-21T13:52:00.009-04:00

While sitting on the porch last week, I looked down to see a bug hauling a dead spider across the deck. At one point the bug set the spider down, walked on for a bit (I assume to check his bearings), then came back. It soon became apparent that the bug wanted to take the spider underneath. He tried just pulling him down, but that didn't work so good. The spider was pulled back out and the bug went below. I can only guess at what was happening - maybe he had to move his stuff around to make room for this new aquisition. There were many trips up and down, with several attempts to move that spider. Eventually he accomplished his task. Imagine - I have a whole world under my feet! And people wonder why I don't get bored!

Disking the Garden

2009-05-25T12:17:00.003-04:00

Nothing says new life and hope for the future like planting seeds in the garden. You nurture them (okay, Chet does), pray for rain and before you know it you are up to your you know what in tomatoes. I even got to drive the tractor while Chet sprayed!

Women in History

2009-04-01T08:26:00.006-04:00

What a fun night I had! I went to a program presented by a group called Women In History" from Lakewood Ohio. They do history re-enactments. Last night's program was about "Crazy Bet" Elizabeth Van Lew and Mary Elizabeth Bowser from Richmond, Virginia. "Crazy Bet" was the daughter of a successful business man and Mary Elizabeth was one of their slaves. After her father died, "Crazy Bet" freed her slaves and Mary Elizabeth's family stayed in her employ. "Crazy Bet" became a spy for the Union and eventually recruited Mary Elizabeth - she "loaned" her to Mrs. Jefferson Davis (the wife of the president of the Confederacy.) In the Davis household Mary Elizabeth was able to get many of the Confederacy's plans. How did we not learn about this in school! It was really entertaining. The group is a non-profit and have around 90 characters they do - and yes they travel! If you are interested in more info, their web site is http://www.womeninhistoryohio.com/

Spring Time

2009-03-28T09:29:00.006-04:00

As I was laying in bed this morning, I kept hearing a soft "knock knock" coming from somewhere. At first I thought maybe someone was at the door. I got up to look, and no, there wasn't anyone at the door. I made coffee, checked the computer, ate breakfast. I kept hearing this soft, "knock knock", "knock knock." There weren't any branches thumping against the windows. The back door wasn't ajar. I finally zeroed in on the guest bedroom, and low and behold, someone did want in!

The Eternal Question

2009-02-27T08:40:00.002-05:00

I help teach 6th grade CCD, which in our diocese studies the Bible. As such, we talk about alot of people who have had great tragedy in their lives. The question comes up over and over about why God allows evil, why He doesn't feed the hungry, why He doesn't make us all do good. The easy answers are that we have Free Will and that God works through us. Though the answers are easy to say, they are not so easy to understand. In Bible study we are reading the Acts of the Apostles and last night we read about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Paul). One of our discussion questions was "Why does God sometimes use periods of darkness to bring a person into a different and better period of life?" In our group we have a women who has been a widow for many years, another who was widowed this past year, a man who is struggling with raising an autistic child and another women who was struck with MS in her first year of med school. As I was listening to their stories I was struck by the image of a metal worker of old fashioning a sword. They would heat the metal, work it, and then cool it. This process would be repeated over and over. Each time the metal was heated and cooled, it became stronger, more resilient. Each time it was worked, it became finer, sharper. And I thought, that is what bad times do to us.

Full Moon

2009-02-10T06:30:00.003-05:00

Okay, it doesn't look as pretty as it did in person, but this is the moon peeking through the trees.

February Thaw

2009-02-10T06:24:00.002-05:00

I don't know why, but since we have moved here I have seen more beautiful sunrises and sunsets and if I have my camera, I can't help taking a picture. This is the sun setting out back over the melting snow.

More images of Winter

2009-02-10T06:16:00.003-05:00

They're flying south, shouldn't they be flying north by now?

Little bird feet in the snow

Images of winter

2009-02-10T05:59:00.005-05:00

It might be kind of hard to tell what you are looking at, but this is from the deer digging up our yard looking for something to eat. Chet put hay out for them, but they apparently would rather dig. It's not that they don't like hay. I've seen them at the neighbor's getting into the hay he has stored for his cows. It must be that whole illicit pleasures thing, though I didn't know it applied to deer.

2009-01-26T08:58:00.003-05:00

To everything there is a season,

a time for every purpose under the sun.

A time to be born and a time to die;

a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

a time to kill and a time to heal ...

a time to weep and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn and a time to dance ...

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to lose and a time to seek;

a time to rend and a time to sew;

a time to keep silent and a time to speak;

a time to love and a time to hate;

a time for war and a time for peace.

ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Don't wish your life away,
But enjoy whatver today brings
This season will soon be a memory
And a new one will begin

Inauguration Day 2009

2009-01-20T08:03:00.002-05:00

Today is an historic day and not just because we have our first black president. All inaugurations are historic. We should be proud our system of government. Yes, mistakes are made and there are things we disagree with. BUT, our candidates campaign, we vote and we have a new leader. All should wish our new president well because if he succeeds, we succeed. Whether we voted for him or not (I didn't) we should treat him and the office with respect. I believe that most politicians are trying to do what they think best for our country. It's okay to disagree - there is just a way to do it. I fervently pray that God grants President Obama wisdom, courage and kindness.

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-10T16:03:00.004-05:00

We've had about 10 inches of snow fall since last night. People complain - but I love it. This is the first real snow we've had all year. 75% of the battle in learning to love it is attitude. If you keep telling yourself that you are going to hate it - you will! (that is true about most things.) The other 25% is just getting out. If you keep yourself all cooped up of course when you go out you are going to freeze(and learn to hate winter in the process). You do have to dress for it. When I have on my hat, boots, gators (one of the best gifts I've ever gotten) and scarf I stay plenty warm and I see things I would miss from inside. And of course, my extra warm Big Bear Socks!

2009-01-10T15:56:00.011-05:00

The best things in life might not always be free - but they are often cheap. I love watching the birds. See the Blue Jay on the feeder? He and his buddies have been real hogs this year. I've filled that feeder twice today already.

We have

woodpeckers come to the feeders, too. Nature is the original recyler. Here a dead tree stump provides a home for bugs, which in turn provdes food for the woodpeckers

Go out and Play!

2009-01-10T15:52:00.003-05:00

Molly knows how to enjoy the season!

My Favorite Card This Yead

2009-01-02T06:59:00.001-05:00

It may not be lions laying down with lambs, but I love it!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T12:40:00.003-05:00

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles-

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-

little bite-size pieces of perfection

that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you,

holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person,

an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them,

but then an entire life to forget them.

Wishing you the very best for 2009!!

Christmas at the Shallenberger's

2008-12-26T16:08:00.005-05:00

Holidays at our house are pretty quiet - but napping on the floor is just to much of a temptation.

2008-12-26T16:06:00.001-05:00

This is Molly's reaction to Chet playing with the new Cow clock that Dad got from Santa

2008-12-26T16:02:00.004-05:00

Chet, Dad, David, Mom and Carl checking out their new stuff

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T19:42:00.003-05:00

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

I cherish each of you and wish the blessings of this season for you. May God keep you safe as you travel today, and in the year to come. May we recognize through good times and bad that which is important: faith, family, friends. Until we can meet again,
God Bless,

THE Tree

2008-12-23T07:04:00.002-05:00

Every year people can't wait to see Mom & Dad's Tree and it didn't disappoint. It's kind of hard to get the whole thing in a picture

Annual Shallenberger Family & Friends Gathering

2008-12-23T06:42:00.009-05:00

Once again we all got together at Mom and Dad's house for the holidays. Here are a few pictures, but I didn't get everyone that was there. I'm good with the camera at first, but then I just get to busy having fun to think of it!

Bub explaining to Pam & Morgan whats good to eat

Tom, Doug, Mom, Patty and Jen.

Pam holding the newest member of the family, James III, "Trip"

Mom with the younger crowd, Eric, Karen, Dave (following in Dad's footsteps) and Cody.

Going home again

2008-12-12T16:23:00.003-05:00

I had a great time and am really glad I went, but I'm glad to be back home.

Cozumel

2008-12-12T16:15:00.003-05:00

We had lunch and Margaritas at Poncho's and Kathy found out that yes, she does like Mexican food. Kathy and Terry "shopped till they dropped" , Bev and I "shopped till we got bored of that!" But I did find a few things to purchase

Our Waiters

2008-12-12T16:05:00.005-05:00

Our waiters made the trip special - I think they especially liked Terry!

2008-12-12T15:54:00.003-05:00

The natural spring - I forget the word for it - at Progresso was beautiful. The three pillars represents three stars

Progresso

2008-12-12T15:41:00.002-05:00

Our guides for Progresso were Victor and David. Victor was especially interesting - he is 73 years old and was born in a Mayan Village. He has been a guide since he was at least 25 (when a group from Richmond VA that he had spent two weeks with paid for him to come to the US for the first time). That's Bev and I up on the top stair of the Temple.

My ship Mates

2008-12-12T15:36:00.003-05:00

Bev, Kathy, Terry

"Fun day at Sea"

2008-12-12T15:27:00.002-05:00

Arrival in Mobile

2008-12-12T15:15:00.004-05:00

My Cruise

2008-12-05T06:39:00.002-05:00

Kathy and I leave for Mobile today, where we will meet up with Bev and Terry. Our cruise sets sail tomorrow. People keep asking where we are going, so this is it. I will be back in a week and will post pictures then.

My Grandmother's dishes

2008-11-27T10:32:00.003-05:00

These are my grandmother's dishes. The story is that they were a give away at the movie theater in Chicago were my mother is from. My mother and her 5 siblings wanted to give them to their mother as a gift. I have a complete set of 12: 12 plates, salad bowls, cups, saucers, dessert bowls and 12 of each of two smaller plates. There are also two platters, a gravy bowl, a covered dish and an oval serving dish. While I am sure they enjoyed the movies they saw, it must have taken even 6 children quite some time to earn all of this. Did they keep it a secret from their mother until they had them all? Did they have to save up the admission to the movie? I don't know. But I am struck by the devotion they had for their mother to stick with it. We don't have many things from either the Oberts or the Cushings to pass down, but that's okay. For one, it makes the few things we do have more precious. More importantly, it isn't the things that are precious at all - it is the stories connected with them.

2008-11-26T06:14:00.002-05:00

Our good friends Tom and Patty came over to play cards Saturday night - not surprisingly the deck of cards were never opened. They make us laugh and laugh. Everyone needs a friend who can do that. As long as you laugh life can't get too bad. Thanks for being in our lives!

2008-11-22T10:02:00.003-05:00

I got a new camera to take on my cruise. Chet very graciously sat for portraits while I tried it out and checked the different settings. I think it takes great indoor pictures don't you? I can't wait to try it outside. Now I no longer have to borrow Chet's camera.

Happy Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T06:17:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all who have served, and those who continue to do so

Playhouse Square

2008-11-08T08:55:00.002-05:00

Went to the Palace Theater in Playhouse Square, Cleveland, Thursday night to see Johnny Mathias. There's nothing like those old playhouses for sound. It was the first time I had been there. I didn't realize that Cleveland has the second largest theater district in the WORLD. It didn't say where the first is. Ohio, State, Palace and Allen theaters are all in the Star Plaza (and you thought the multiplex was a modern invention.) And the Hanna theater is nearby. Of course, there are also lots of restaurants and clubs. It is a very beautiful place with lots of people around. I was going to try to take pictures, but decided postcards were the better option

2008-11-02T17:55:00.005-05:00

I just found out that the following song by Lynard Skynard reminds my son of...Me! I take it as a complement:

"Mama told me when I was young
come sit beside me, my only son

And listen closely to what I say.

And if you do this

It will help you some sunny day.

Take your time... don't live too fast,

Troubles will come and they will pass.

Go find a woman and you'll find love,

And don't forget son,

There is someone up above.

And be a simple kind of man.

Be something you love and understand.

Be a simple kind of man.

Won't you do this for me son, If you can?

Forget your lust for the rich man's gold

All that you need is in your soul,

And you can do this if you try.

All that I want for you my son,

Is to be satisfied.

Boy, don’t you worry... you'll find yourself.

Follow you heart and nothing else.

And you can do this if you try.

All I want for you my son,Is to be satisfied.

A concession to old(er) age

2008-11-01T15:43:00.002-04:00

I was having trouble with my wrist hurting after doing needlework for extended periods of time, so I went out and bought this stand. I LOVE it! I wish I had gotten one YEARS ago! I can embroider so much more quickly with it - and my wrist no longer hurts! I am excited to try other projects with it - including the wall hanging I made a year ago that is waiting to be quilted (my first attempt). I definitely recommend one of these to anyone who likes to do hand work.

Fall in Ohio

2008-10-13T19:13:00.002-04:00

I know there are a lot of pretty places in the world, but it just doesn't get prettier than Ohio in the Fall. Just took these shots of the sun setting and the moon rising. Sorry for the blurry pictures - not my best - but I think it still gets the idea across

I love Fall

2008-10-05T15:06:00.001-04:00

We start to prepare for winter

2008-10-05T15:02:00.002-04:00

The Harvest is collected

And the fields are put to rest

Flowers start to produce seed

2008-10-05T14:59:00.002-04:00

And put out their best colors

2008-10-05T14:56:00.006-04:00

I love Fall

2008-10-05T14:43:00.005-04:00

I love the way it looks, I love the way if feels, I love the way it smells

Finally Got Him!

2008-09-17T13:48:00.003-04:00

I have been trying to get this guys picture for over a year and I finally did it! Saw him feeding on my flowers while I was grinding the tomatoes. They sure are hungry creatures. I fill up my feeder about twice a week now, plus they have all the flowers to go to.

Saucing tomatoes

2008-09-17T13:43:00.002-04:00

I took the day off today to make tomato sauce and Carl came over to help. His idea of helping was picking 3 more buckets while I cleaned the 4 buckets Chet had already picked! He did also cut them all up for me. I now have a turkey roaster full of sauce that is cooling, my three large pots are on the stove with more simmering, and I still have more to go. Oh, and those three buckets of tomatoes Carl picked? They are sitting on the front porch waiting their turn.

A Good Investment

2008-09-17T13:31:00.004-04:00

Hurricane Ike made it's way through Ohio Sunday afternoon and night. We didn't get much rain, but the wind really blew. Chet and I spent the evening on the porch listening to it howl - and listening to trees crack. There wasn't much else we could do because the lights went out about 6:45pm. Fortunately after we moved here we bought this little baby.

Chet charged her up and I was able clean up from dinner. When we went to bed, we turned it off. Got up a little early Monday morning so we could charge it up again to get the water hot for our showers. I didn't expect to have to go through the process again when I got home from work - but the lights were still out. In fact, it wasn't until I got home on Tuesday that I discovered that the electric had come back on around four - which was a surprise because OH Edison had said that our area would be back on by Sunday evening. This is the longest we've ever had to use the generator - boy am I glad we have it!

This year's steer

2008-08-31T09:08:00.002-04:00

This is the steer we bought at the fair. He was raised by Matt Hoover. Last year we bought his sister Meghan's steer, so that work out well. Matt and Meghan have been a big help to us. Meghan has been walking Mom and Dad's dog a couple times a week and Matt has been helping Chet with the garden. Weeding, picking beans and even stacking wood. This is the same Matt who wanted to know how the manure spreader worked. They are real good kids and we thank them for all they have done.

Officially a Portage Countian

2008-08-21T08:28:00.008-04:00

The fair is a BIG DEAL in Portage County. Schools that dare to start before the fair is over set themselves up for controversy. After 28 years, I am officially a Portage County resident having my first fair entry. My afghan took second place!

2008-08-13T06:30:00.002-04:00

This is a fountain that Chet's crew built on a job. I've never loaded a video, so wanted to see if it would work. I think its very pretty.

"Summer time and the living is easy"

2008-08-08T06:07:00.004-04:00

You'll just have to take my word for it that it is Chet relaxing in the hammock. I didn't dare get any closer!

Different Strokes

2008-08-03T17:46:00.004-04:00

Chet is the proud owner of 1/2 of a Manure spreader. The Hoovers down the road own the other half. They have the means to fill it, and we have the space to empty it. There is one problem - it's the wrong color. I suspect it will have to have a paint job in the not too distant future. Ken and Matt (11) came down to admire it and Matt put in his request that when Chet bring it down, he use the tractor rather than the truck so he could see how it works. Chet obliged this afternoon. I never would have guessed that a bunch of guys would get excited over such a piece of equipment. One good thing from my perspective. I shouldn't have to help unstick the dump truck from the gardens anymore

2008-07-24T14:27:00.001-04:00

Okay Katy - we'll see what I get.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.EVERYBODY PLAY! I want to see what memories are out there!

Visiting with Mar

2008-07-20T15:30:00.008-04:00

Marsha came to visit and we had a wonderful time. We went to see Kent State's Fashion Museum (where we didn't take any pictures so I downloaded this from their website.) Then we drove up to see the city of Hudson, which is one of the oldest settlements in this area (know as the Western Reserve) and is the home of The Western Reserve Academy. We just walked around a little and saw some of the beautiful homes, which are currently being lived in. Hudson has a very strict zoning code to preserve it's historical nature. Lest you think I'm terribly conceited, Chet was using our digital for work, so Mar was taking the pictures, hence there are more photos of me than her.

Porthouse Theater

2008-07-20T15:27:00.003-04:00

Here we are outside Porthouse Theater waiting to see "Alice" with my friends Kathy and Deb. Porthouse is celebrating it's 40th year this year.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway

2008-07-20T15:19:00.003-04:00

Here we are on the Cuyahoga Scenic railroad. The picture of the trees is of a Blue Heron Rookery where I learned that most of the Blue Herons in this area nest. If you look at the picture for the largest nest, that is an Eagle's nest. When the Eagles began making their nest, the ranger's weren't sure how it would affect the Blue Herons, but they seem to be getting along just fine

Hale Farm and Village

2008-07-20T14:59:00.005-04:00

After the railroad ride, we went to Hale Farm and village, which is a living museum. The gardener was quite a character and introduced us to Richard the rooster and his wife (the roosters' wife)

This is an example of something they might have school groups do to learn about how log cabins were made

Flowers

2008-07-14T18:25:00.007-04:00

Since everyone is posting pictures of their flowers (well, Katy & Riss), I decided to post some of mine

I'm not usually a geranium person, but I was really struck by the intensity of these. It doesn't really come through in the picture, but they are just barely rimmed in black which give them a velvet look.

These Lilies were here when we moved. The previous owner had taken cuttings from her mother's house. We told her she could come and get some, but she hasn't yet.

The Cosmos are just starting to come on. When you have a whole bed of them they remind me of butterflies. I had them at our old house, but had to pull them up because David was allergic to them.

The Blackeyed Susans also just started. I love these - they are so cheerful. And, they are so typically Ohio flowers. Once you have started them you can completely ignore them and no only will they continue to bloom no matter the weather, but they will multiply and flourish.

Our Babies

2008-07-05T16:35:00.006-04:00

I have been enjoying watching Mom and Dad feed their babies all spring. They are finally big enough to get a picture. It can't be much longer before Mom kicks them out - it's hard to believe there is room for them! I hope I get to watch them learn to fly. They are so funny hopping around trying to get off of the ground.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T10:07:00.002-04:00

232 years ago this experiment called the United States of America was launched. I would ask us all to stop listening to the negative views out there and concentrate, at least for a day on all the positive things we have going. No we are not perfect, but we have built in our system ways to seek redress. Yes, we can be a bit self centered at times, but we are always willing to extend ourselves to others in time of need. We have hard economic times, but there is no reason for anyone in this country to starve. We are concerned about climate change and running out of fuel - but many are out there searching for alternatives. This country gives people freedom to be creative. They might fail, but they might make a fortune. Like it or not, it is the possibility of profit that gives that incentive. There are many in this country who are prejuidiced against one group or another - but we are one of (if not THE) most tolerant countries in the world. We might not like you, but generally we will leave you alone. No, it's not always been that way, but we can't redo the past, we can only move forward. Do we have things to fix? Of course. But for the most, we want to fix them. Accuse me of wearing rose colored glasses if you will, but I think most people want to do what is right and do the best job they are capable of. Each of us sees things from our own perspective - which can make us disagree on how something should be accomplished. That doesn't make one or the other bad, or evil, just different. The truth is, it is through the compromises that the best solution is found. If you study the Constitutional Congress, you will see that the final document had something in it that each delegate could object to. But the whole was what was important. If everyone had agreed from the start, the document that came about would have been less powerful. So, I'll get off my soap box and just say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

Summer Time

2008-06-08T16:13:00.003-04:00

Clothes on the line represent summer to me. I love to hang up my clothes for many reasons. It's cheaper, I can do more laundry in a shorter period of time, its better for the environment and gentler on the clothes. But its more than that. I look forward to that first warm, dry Saturday when I can hang my first load. All my dogs have known when I start for the door, basket in hand, we are going to have some "quality" time. I throw a ball, place a pin, grab another piece, the cycle repeats. I look at the insects around me, observe the birds in the air. When the boys were babes, I'd wonder at the smallness of their clothes - and yes - I used cloth diapers and hung them on the line, though by then most people were using disposables. When September comes, I am starting to get tired of hauling basket after basket outside, though I still hang up my clothes inside during the winter. But never fail, that first beautiful day, I am in my back yard hanging up my clothes. Many newer housing developments have deed restrictions excluding clotheslines. I could never live in a neighborhood like that. And who knows, with global warming and sky high energy prices, maybe I am ahead rather than behing the curve. Maybe they will start requiring homes to have a place to hang their clothes. I think it might be a good idea.

Presenting Liz and Kyle Asher

2008-05-29T06:25:00.005-04:00

Here's to many joyful years ahead

Random Shots

2008-05-29T06:22:00.002-04:00

2008-05-29T06:13:00.008-04:00

I didn't get many pictures, either. I don't have one of David at all! Hope to fill out what I don't have with ones others took. I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know my GREAT nieces and nephew.

2008-05-09T09:29:00.002-04:00

I have often accused Carl of having his car look like he lived in it, but this is a new one. He has a large red bag in which he puts his laundry. It was sitting in the passenger seat this morning when he was leaving for work. A very young police office from a local jurisdiction (which shall remain unnamed) pulled him over. Carl was trying to figure out what was wrong, because he didn't think he had done anything. The officer pulled him over because he couldn't identify the object in the car with him - he thought he might have a dead body. He was gracious enough to say he wouldn't run his plates or cite him for any violations.

This is the house that Ground Hog built

2008-04-22T06:21:00.003-04:00

Mr. Ground Hog has made a nice home for himself in our back yard. We try to visit him every day, but when he is outside when we approach he runs for his door. When we come knocking, he never answers. Molly has tried to fit herself into his door, but hasn't gotten all the way in yet. So instead she drops her tennis balls into his home. Not sure what her thinking is - maybe she thinks he'll come out to give them back to her.

2008-04-22T06:13:00.005-04:00

This is Ground Hogs back door. I know for a fact that there are 2 tennis balls down it, but I suspect there are many more.

This is a newly excavated front door. Two tennis balsl have been dropped down it so far.

I wonder what Mr. Ground Hog thinks when the tennis balls come plopping down on his head. Like Chicken Little does he think the sky is falling? Does he think they are gifts from heaven and use them to decorate his home? Or does he know that Molly is the source, and think she is trying to knock him out so she can come into his home and steal his stuff?!

2008-04-22T06:08:00.003-04:00

With groundhog excavating under it, some day this tree is going to fall. I would like to be there, because I can just imagine the tennis balls go flying when it does

2008-04-18T06:10:00.002-04:00

It fascinates me when the moon can be seen in the daylight. It looks so close that we should be able to ride up and visit. We had visitors here the night before I took this picture. Chet had taken Molly out for a walk. Just a few moments after he left, he called me and told me to come out, but be very quiet. There were 8 deer in the back - does and fawns. We watched them for about 5 minutes, just grazing. Occasionally they would look up at us. Chet & Molly continued their walk, carefully skirting around the side of the yard. You could see the deer pick up their heads in a more alert stance. One of the does finally decided that they had gotten too close and started to run - the rest followed. It was a sight to see them all run off. Of course, I didn't have my camera with me, but I will try to catch them next time.

2008-04-13T17:05:00.009-04:00

Bob and Nancy have been teaching 6th grade CCD for approximately 14 years - they had David in their second year. (for those of you who don't know, that's Catholic Sunday School.) Bob couldn't do it the first half of this year, so Nancy asked if I would help her out. Feeling totally out of my element, I agreed. Well, this is truly a good group of kids. Nancy did most of the work, and once Bob came back he was in charge of ornery-ness. I just put my 2 cents worth in now and again. I was surprised that they asked if I would help out again next year - and even more surprised that I agreed.

2008-04-02T09:00:00.002-04:00

It doesn't matter how long you've had them, or how many you have had, every time a dog does something, you always go "aww - how cute" None dog people just look at you like, yeah, right. After Sassy passed away, Molly has change some of her habits - including where she sleeps. She used to sleep next to the bed - now she sleeps in the closet. She had gone in there before when it was storming, so perhaps she just feels safe there.

Carl's New Digs

2008-03-29T15:10:00.002-04:00

The lower half of this duplex is Carl's new apartment. I think he will enjoy the lake (pond) behind him this summer.

On the Road Again

2008-03-24T06:13:00.002-04:00

Since she didn't post it, I will. Due to a change in medication my friend Bev went without her license for 8 months - 6 months medical suspension and 2 months to get the paperwork through to get it back. Now she has her license and is back on the road. Watch out Portage County!

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T08:20:00.000-04:00

Steph Italian Adventure

2008-03-23T08:12:00.002-04:00

My new link is to my friend Stepahnie's new blog that will chronicle her time in Italy. Kate- you especially should enjoy it. It's been a long time coming and she deserves this.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T06:22:00.002-04:00

May you always have work for your hands to do.

May your pockets hold always a coin or two.

May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Really Low Clouds

2008-03-16T14:38:00.002-04:00

To me, fog is very mysterious. When I see fog that looks like layers of blankets moving though trees, it makes me think of the Civil War - I don't know why. When Molly and I went out to walk yesterday morning in this fog, the outside world seemed so far away, yet the chatter of the birds in the trees was so clear. I imagine when shrouded by fog that the heavens have come down to be among us. I find it very sacred.

2008-03-09T14:26:00.002-04:00

It was so cool this morning to wake up and see the tracks the deer had made in the snow.

Sledding Fun

2008-03-09T14:15:00.005-04:00

Eric and Clay brought their buddy Nick over to enjoy the snow. It's not quite packed enough to get going in the yard - no problem - they just use the driveway!

2008-03-09T14:12:00.002-04:00

This is Bub's idea of keeping an eye on the boys

2008-03-08T09:17:00.001-05:00

Molly takes that ball everywhere - at least she didn't lose it.

She finally decided just to follow in Chet's tracks.

These tractors are waiting for summer to do their work

Finally some snow to shout about

2008-03-08T09:12:00.003-05:00

Maybe it would have been better in January or February, but we'll enjoy it just the same! Carl bought me the gators one year for Christmas and this is the first time I've needed them in two years.

2008-03-03T08:18:00.002-05:00

Why is it when you do these posts, you lay them out how you want them to look, it never turns out that way once you "publish" them. I had the pictures on the last post next to each other with the words centered. Oh well. guess it doesn't matter.

2008-03-03T08:08:00.002-05:00

I can't count how many things I have made over the years - and only once have I kept something for myself. So, I decided it was time to think of me! This is an afghan I just finished for my "Guest Bedroom" (currently Molly uses it the most). I have also started a wall hanging - but that's going to have to wait because I have some other things I have to make to give away!

Last Night's Sunset

2008-02-25T06:15:00.003-05:00

I was watching a show on "How the World Was Made" on the History channel when I looked up and saw this glorious sight out my back window. Just had to go take a picture.

Happy Birthday Chet!

2008-01-24T08:12:00.000-05:00

2008-01-24T05:53:00.001-05:00

Can you find him in this picture?