A Tribute to the Linemen

The weather is at its worst.

Everyone has stocked up on supplies

to stay home

and weather the storm.

Rain,

Thunder,Lightning,Hail,

Tornadoes,

Sleet, Dangerous windchills

Blizzard conditions

No travel advised!

The sun goes down

Everyone snuggles in; cozy, protected, and warm.
 

In the Lineman's home,the phone rings.

He struggles from a deep sleep.
 He knows this call is for him.

He goes happily when he gets the call.
Out of his warm bed, away from his sleeping family.
He is called into the dark and the worst of the storm.

The Lineman responds.

He will do his job while we all sleep.
This is the work he loves.

Prolapse

Before you read any further, here is a warning: This post is not for the squeamish. It is a little observation about the day-t0-day ailments faced here on the little hobby farm.

I went out to tend the pretty ladies on Monday morning. One of the girls was in a bit of distress. She had a messy bottom and was straining. Since there was no school that day, I had a fair bit of running to do with the boys, so the little red hen had to wait.

Later in the afternoon I had time to research "egg binding" and "prolapse" in the world of chickens. (It should be noted that I have had a red hen prolapse in the past, and that did not end well for her.)

I brought our girl in, cleaned her up and managed (look away here if you are squeamish) to extract the egg and reduce the prolapse. I hope this "fix" holds, but suspect that the next time she needs to lay an egg, this could happen again. If so, she will need to be dispatched. I hope she is well now, she's a nice hen!

Lots of glamour here on the farm!

Letting It Be

Look at this beautiful plant!

This little plant came to my home last year after the holidays were over. It was on "Clearance" at the local grocery store where I like to shop. The price? Five bucks. It was dressed in gaudy golden paper, but looked plain and lonely. Since I have a fondness for the "Christmas Cactus", as they are commonly referred to, I bought it and brought it home.

Every spring, I throw my houseplants outside, dump a little water on them, and let them spend the summer in the WILD. I give them protection from the elements, I give them nourishment, but I let them do their own thing.

When the frost threatens, the houseplants get to come back inside. To my surprise, this little cactus had grown a lot. Even more exciting than that (to me, at least), it had tons of little tiny blossoms on the ends of all its' branches!

Each day the blossoms got larger. Finally, it bloomed! It was beautiful!

I found out a few things about the plant:

1) It is a Thanksgiving Cactus, because it blooms around Thanksgiving time.

2) There is more than one variety of the plant in the pot, as there are different colors of blooms.

3) If I provide the care it needs, I am rewarded.

The whole blooming cycle of this plant got me thinking. It is a good reminder. I don't need to try and control every little thing. Things can turn out perfectly and beautifully, if I just provide the basics and have faith that things happen how they are supposed to.

I think it is a good reminder to me, especially in light of the upcoming holiday season!

Putting it out there!

Putting it out into the universe. That's what I did recently. It came back, it came back big. It's good to remember now and again to set a goal, to state a goal, and to make it happen. It's all too easy to become mired down in the routine.

Once things started happening, it again became apparent that I am unorganized. VERY unorganized. I am going to make an effort beginning now, to become the organized person that I think I am. 2011 will be here soon and it's time to shake off the routine and to become purposeful. It feels good when things run well and I have had little glimpses of organization which have inspired me.

I suppose that I will get sucked into the winter doldrums soon. I will long to hibernate and just wake up when the brutal winter is over. It started early this year, but it is a good excuse to get some indoor work taken care of. This brings me back to the O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-A-T-I-O-N of my existence. I'll let you know how that goes!

First Buck

This year marked another milestone for the youngest in the family. He passed his gun safety class this year and was up in a tree in Grand Marais for the MN Deer Opener today. His older brother has had tremendous luck in deer hunting and so far has two deer to his credit. The younger boy has the desire and the motivation, but to date has come up empty.

My husband spent all week last week in Danbury in search of a deer and saw n-o-t-h-i-n-g. The oldest son was bragging about his hunting skills and challenging the youngest.

Today, opening day, the home phone rang at about 9:15 a.m. GUESS who got his first buck?! YES, the youngest was able to bring down a nice, Grand Marais, little 9 point buck. I am sorry I missed it, but the oldest texted the photo attached to this post!

Bye Bye Snake Eyes

On Sunday, it was time. Poor old Snake Eyes knew it was the end. Sadly, I said good bye to him. Who really knew that it was possible to get attached to a grumpy ol' rooster? I will miss him, even though he sometimes made me mad! Good ol' Snake Eyes :>

While it was time for an ending, it was also time for a beginning. Sunday was the day I found the first new egg in the chicken coop. The pretty ladies are officially turning from pullets to hens. So far, I have had a new egg per day in the coop.

The Eagle

Yesterday was the anniversary of my brother's funeral 15 years ago.
As we left the church and followed the hearse to the cemetery, I remember noticing a bald eagle circling above the highway in the cold,steel grey sky. The memory of that eagle soaring above the procession has always stayed with me.

On that day, the first snowflakes of the year began to tumble through the air while we were at the cemetery. I was pregnant with my first child. His wife was pregnant with their son. I remember the hot tears on my face and the cold air outside.( For some reason, all the important people that have passed from my life have had funerals on very cold days.)

Fast forward to the present. I was out walking one of my little dog "clients" yesterday. As we walked, IN TOWN, I noticed something above me. I looked up and it was an EAGLE. The majestic bird passed over my head, it was flying low. As I looked up, it seemed to meet my gaze, (maybe it was just looking at the little dog), but I prefer to think that it was a memorial, a reminder, a communication? I stopped and my whole body got goosebumps. I could not help it, but I cried. I watched as the big bird circled slowly away through a clear, sunny blue sky.

I really am not a big believer in the "after life" anymore. But, sometimes, there are signs that just maybe there is something. I always hope for a sign...yesterday's was hard to ignore.

Hey, little brother, you are always with us, it's your favorite time of year. We still miss you.

The Circle

Soon fall will arrive. It has been a busy summer with strength training, baseball, jobs, new business, and baby chick-raising. The transitions happen, summer activities end, baby chicks grow. My new pullets have moved into the coop with the existing flock. In order for this to happen, there were some maintenance duties to take care of with the old guys. I had to rid them of parasites internal and external in hopes that everyone with "start clean". To this end, I decided that my son and I would bathe the old birds, which was an adventure in itself. While doing this, I discovered something "yucky" on my old rooster, Snake-eyes. It looked to be a big weird cystic thing. I cleaned it up and hoped for the best. Yesterday, weeks after the bath, I caught old Snake-eyes expecting to see him healed and ready for winter. What I found instead was an even bigger bulge on his backside and I have decided that it is a tumor and it IS what will hasten his demise.

I have noticed that his son, the new rooster (as yet unamed) has become bolder of late. Now I realize it will soon be the changing of the guard. The younger rooster will take over the flock and the older one, Snake eyes will slowly fade. We have had our differences, Old Snake-eyes and I, but it is sad to think of the coop without his beautiful glossy greenish black plumage and his clear, loud, crow. I am gonna make him comfortable until it is time. You are a good rooster Snakey.

Lucy's Love Story (guest blog post by my dad!)

Love Story:
The usual Summer flocks and families of geese inhabited our lake. We watched them grow and learn to forage, and eventually fly as they became stronger.
We couldn't help notice one lone goose, by her self all Summer. About 3 weeks ago, all geese flew to the cornfields to eat and gain weight for the Fall fly away. Except the one loner, she decided to stay on our dock , forage around the shore and eat grass on our frontage.We gave her the name 'Lucy".

Everyday she would sit on the dock, in the sun, rest, swim and eat, it became pitiful to watch as we feared she was injured. (That was not the case,as we investigated)The next problem.would be that she stayed until lake froze and would be trapped.

Yesterday afternoon, a lone gander showed up and Lucy swam out to meet him! They swam together off into the cattails, hopefully to a successful life and migration. There is a GOD!
M

I love this story. I am happy that dad emailed me this note and I hope it's ok with him that I posted it! He has photos of this goose sitting on the dock and I am waiting for him to send one to me to include in this blog post! Enjoy!

Remembering

So much for trying to write a little something every day.

This summer has been extraordinarily busy. However, I am remiss as I did not mention my brother, Steve, on what would have been his 45th birthday. August 12th. I stopped, paused, and remembered, though as I always do. How could he have been gone for almost 15 years? Where did those years go?

Brother, Son, Father, Friend, Dad

Your body has been away for almost 15 years, my dear little brother, but your spirit stays here with us. I still miss you and think of you each and every day. I carry you in my heart and was lucky to have you in my life, even if only for 30 years. With lots of love, your big sister.

Stormy Weather

This summer has had its share of stormy weather. The way that the storm clouds build in the late afternoon is one of my favorite sights. The giant towers of clouds billowing above the landscape is mesmerizing to me. In my travels around the countryside in the evening, I like to look at the farms, the lush green cornfields and the giant piles of clouds.

Busy Dizzy Busy

This summer has been exceptionally busy.

There has been very little time to stop and smell the roses. As I run around delivering the boys here and there, back at home the gardens continue to grow and quietly "do their thing". I am looking forward to homegrown tomatoes!

The baby chicks get larger every day. They are just now getting their adult feathers. They are a very pretty, comical batch of birds.

I like to spend some time writing, so I am going to try again to make entries on a daily basis. We will see how that goes~

New Beginnings

On Monday, my new batch of chicks arrived! Of course, Monday was really not the ideal in terms of baby bird weather. It was windy and raining, but at least it was not cold.

I had forgotten how much I love to get a new box of chicks. How exciting it was to open it for the first time! This new batch is exceptionally beautiful! They were chirping and standing around just waiting to be let out into the big, wide world!

Twenty seven new, fluffy chicks!

Sunsets

One of my favorite things about where I live is the beautiful sunsets. Almost every night the sky is fantastic. Springtime really seems to bring some especially beautiful skies in the west.

While a sunset ends a day, it also brings a promise of the sunrise in the morning. The possibility of each new day is really amazing if you stop to ponder it. What will you do with your new day? How will you spend it? And what will you think of and be proud of, or grateful for when the next sunset paints that western horizon?

Let the Gardening season begin!

Today was very productive. There has been lots of yard work going on around here, much of it in an effort to expand and protect gardens. My raised vegetable bed is sporting some very fine new fence panels to keep the darn rabbits out. My vine gardens have been doubled in size thanks to the purchase of a new (used) roto-tiller at the end of the season last year.

Two seasons ago, I experimented with landscape fabric covering the entire garden. It worked very well in keeping the weeds down. Last year, I made the mistake of buying the cheaper fabric and the weeds blasted right through it. SO, this year, I bought the 10 year fabric and finished installing it all. I planted everything in both gardens. I have 2 spaces left in which I want to plant some pumpkins, but have finally used up the pumpkin seeds which I had laying around. I am going to have to go get another package!

Today has gone according to plan (so far). The beginning of the day was sunny and gorgeous. This afternoon feels like a storm is on the way. The temps have fallen and the sky has clouded up. This gives me a perfect excuse to finally finish some "indoor" work. In my humble opinion though, indoor work is not nearly as much fun as OUTDOOR work. I am going to get on with my domestic duties, so I will be ready to get back outside tomorrow!

Coming Out of the Fog

This morning was shrouded in fog. As the fog lifted to a clear, beautiful May morning, I started thinking about the past few months. For some reason, I have been in a big fog also.

Today begins my journey to break out of the fog. It will start with the return to self-discipline: exercise and diet. I have been on auto pilot for way too long and it is NOT serving me well. I have always felt best when I keep my "appointment" with caring for me. Lately, I have been merely getting through the day. I have not been paying attention to my diet or exercise and I am really beginning to pay the price for my laziness. UGH!

Out of the fog, into life!

Living in a Little World

Much to my surprise, I got an email from my very dearest friend yesterday. Well, actually, it shouldn't have been a surprise, because the night before, I had thought of her. It happens to us all the time, whenever we have a thought of one another....BOOM.....a contact comes through! It seems like some kind of telepathic communication! She and I have always had this odd gift, so like I said, I should not have been surprised to get the email.

She is a very generous friend. She has been making it her practice of late to give "experiences" when it it time to give someone a gift. That is why she contacted me. Of course, she knew of "THE birthday" in April, and she has arranged a little surprise for that. It will be fun and fabulous to see her again, although, it made me realize how much my life has SHRUNKEN.

When a person gets busy with everyone around her, and arranging things for everybody else, they tend to forget to make sure that their own world doesn't get so "little". Guilty!

I hope to use this year to live a larger life. We'll see how it goes! Thanks, dear friend, for opening my eyes again.

When the Conditions Are Right

The weather has taken a turn for the worse, or should I say we've gone backwards? It is cold and rainy. This is a good news/bad news turn of events. It is good news for the "cold weather crops", such as the peas and the spinach in my garden. As the name suggests, they thrive in these cool conditions.

The bad news is that this weather is taking it's toll on the many young bluebirds along the bluebird trails. The youngsters are not old enough to leave the nest and the cold wet weather is killing them. Murph and I have been working trying to save them, but really, there is only so much you can do. I came up with the idea to use the heat packs we use during hunting season. These have worked great to warm up the nests and helped a couple of them during the frosty weekend that just passed. Murph stated that he liked the idea, but that he would not be using these heat packs. I gave him one on Sunday, just in case. He called me this morning to tell me how he used one and it seemed to have saved an nest of young fledglings. The little guys (5 of them, I think), warmed up and flew away. At any rate, many of the nests will fail and we are sure to lose many bluebird chicks. The bluebirds, however, will not give up and will lay another clutch of eggs. That is their job this time of year. This first batch of eggs were just too darn early. The warm weather fooled us all.

Murph is teaching me, and I am teaching him.

Monday, Monday

It is time to get back into the weekday routine: school, baseball, packing lunches, running around, collapsing into bed, and then getting up really early to do it all again. At least this is a "4 day week"!

The weekend went by quickly. The oldest kid ran in his first 5K, and loved it. His friend wiped out at the finish line, so as I gawked at that, I missed getting a picture of my kid crossing the line! (Of course). In fact, the oldest came through wearing something other than what he started in, so I missed him COMPLETELY. I became worried watching people straggle in and finally a woman walked across the line stating that she was LAST! I didn't think that my kid would be last so I went off into the crowd to find him.

I found him and his very bandaged friend under the picnic shelter. The friend was wearing shorts and a t shirt and he had goose bumps all over and his skin was a shade of light blue. I took both the 5kers to the car to warm up. It was a good run, they had fun. I am afraid that the kid is going to want to make this a HABIT!!! :)

Even more connections

I am always amazed by connections. I got a nice phone call today in regards to inviting my oldest in for a job interview. The woman who will be interviewing him became an acquaintance of our family through our doing business at her establishment.

The details are not important, but the connection is what has me thinking today. Dad and Mom really were RIGHT. You always need to mind the way you present yourself, even if you are JUST going to the store! You never know who you will make contact with, who is watching, or who's path you may cross.

Always be good to people. It pays off, if not now, perhaps later.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that this all works out!

Friends

I was pulled a bit off track this week by recent activity on Facebook. I have recently connected with the BEST friends I had in high school so MANY years ago. It seems funny that part of the reason I avoided social networking for so long is that I was trying to avoid the past.

Making contact with these ladies has given my heart a little lift. We are planning to reunite the second week of July. I am excited about it, and yet, a little nervous. Where in the world do you begin after so long? Perhaps you start in the present and work backwards? Who knows?

Friday Sigh

Another Friday has arrived. Friday feels like a nice, long exhalation.

It was a fun day. It's Arbor Day. In keeping with the "holiday", I planted another Honeycrisp apple tree along with some little spruce that the Nursery was giving away today. Had lots of fun working in the yard. Oh, had to dump water on all the new trees, as the storm which was predicted for yesterday never did arrive.

I sat out on the front porch this evening. The wind had died down and the sun was out. The sounds of spring were everywhere. The frogs and the birds were all singing. It really is amazing how much glorious "noise" spring brings with it.

The Storm is Brewing

So far, it has been a very dry spring. Today, however, there is a pretty good chance of thunderstorms. The wind is raging, the clouds are building. I have to say that I love a good thunderstorm, so I am hoping that we get one!

It's nice to be safe and dry inside and to listen to the wind blowing. The feeling of the thunder booming and shaking the house is scary, but exciting. The lightning is mesmerizing to me. When the storm ends the cool, fresh air that follows makes the whole world feel clean.

Grandmoms!

Today, I am thinking of Grandmas. For starters, I will write a little about my Paternal Grandmother, Happy Bottom. (that's a joke that I don't know if she ever got....)

All around my yard today are things that remind me of her, most especially my beautiful Bleeding Heart plant. I am including a photo of it. Grandma had so many of those in her backyard. I vividly remember going with Gram when she cut a bouquet of bleeding hearts to carry across the street to Grandpa's grave. She did that often. It chokes me up now just thinking of it and it happened so many years ago. Grandpa died while they both were quite young and Grandma never re-married, nor did she ever even date.

Gram was a great old-fashioned lady. She never even drove a car. ( I suppose that was a man's duty.)

Recently, I acquired a couple of Gram's Hummel figurines. Now, Hummels, really never meant that much to me. I knew of them, but the never really struck a chord with me. However, I unwrapped these figurines and there are two that really will be my tribute to Gram. They are a young boy and a young girl. Both have gardening tools. I look at them and they make me happy.

I also unwrapped some of Gram's glassware. What happened next was extraordinary. The glassware, or the paper in which it was wrapped smelled like Gram's house! Believe it, or not, I sat for a while, smelling the glassware and thinking of Gram.

I love to garden. Thanks, Gram

I love to bake. Thanks again, Gram

I love to take care of my home and family.

Thanks, Gram!

I miss you.

Writer's Block!

Ha. Well, it didn't take too long to run out of witty things to say. I just could not come up with a topic today.

I think I will just mention the beautiful, early spring we are enjoying now. I spent some happy time out on the riding mower today chopping down the dandelions in the boys' baseball field in front of the house.

Baseball is ramping up here, pretty soon it will be in full swing. I think that the travel games start next week! Summer is stampeding it's way here, I for one, can't wait!

Connections

As Monday mornings go, this one got off to a happy start!

Of all things, one of my high school friends found another one of our friends on Facebook. Yes, Facebook. I doubted the that Facebook would EVER be useful to me, since I really wasn't looking for anyone. Yet, now, that I have been able to communicate with several of the ladies (notice, I refrained from saying GIRLS) that were my friends way back then, I am happy that I joined the social network.

I really didn't think I harbored any nostalgia at all for high school. All in all, I wasted the experience by being focused on the wrong stuff. I don't really want to expand on that mistake so I am not going to write about that any more right now!

At any rate, just hearing from these long lost friends makes my heart soar! Granted there are lots of people that I didn't really feel connected to in high school, however, making the connection again with the special, REAL friends feels good. I look forward to catching up with them after all these years!

Here's to friends!

April Showers

Rain, glorious rain! It is late in the day and it looks like we may finally get some much-needed rain. It has started. Here's hoping for a nice, gentle, all-night soak! This parched landscape needs a nice sip of water. I am happy that I was able to run around the yard and apply some lawn food and weed killer, although if all the weeds die, I am not sure if I will have any green stuff on this so-called lawn.

In spite of the spring drought, it seems that all the gardens are one month ahead of what their "normal" bloom times are! Many of the flowers that usually bloom in May are already in bloom.

This spring has been GRAND! Even rain on a weekend is ok......

The Bluebird of Happiness

Today is truly a "Bluebird Day"! I have heard the expression used to describe a day with perfect weather. Today sure is that! No wind, clear, blue sky, and comfortable temperatures. This, coupled with the fact that I made my first venture out to check the bluebird trail that I am tending this year is what makes that description so true!

The nest box in my yard (pictured here) now has FIVE eggs, as do most of the nest boxes along the trail. All totalled, there are 44 eggs on the trail!

Last year, I met my friend, Murph, who introduced me to the fun of "Bluebirding". Murph is seventy years old and wildly passionate about this bluebird hobby! In fact, it's part of his trail that I am tending. He is legendary in the county where we live and I am fortunate to know him. He works hard and truth be told, he is hard to keep up with. I hope that I am like Murph when I grow up! It's nice to see a mature person in great shape with hobbies that keep him busy!

Like my dad used to say when we were kids: "May the Bluebird of happiness fly up your nose!" Today, I am pretty sure one did! tee hee! :>

Fear of the Unknown

Part of the reason we are apprehensive of something new is the fear of the unknown.

I know that I am a creature of habit, I like to know what to expect, and I love to have some control, (ok--lots of control) of the situation and the outcome.

Yesterday, the dogs and I went out on our usual morning walk. They didn't notice that I hung my jacket on a post on our driveway. The reason, of course, was that the day was far too beautiful to be all bundled up on a walk. ( Oh, and that I was to lazy to walk back up to the house to put the jacket away.) Anyway, we went on our merry way. When we returned to the driveway, both dogs were startled to see the jacket hanging on the post. They approached it with caution. Once they got all the information they needed (sniff, touch, look, listen), they began wagging their tails again and got on with their busy day.

I have been researching some options that I may write about later. Yesterday was a big information gathering day for me. I have to say I have been dreading a decision because, yes, I did not have enough information to satisfy myself. I found myself being fearful of moving ahead. Yesterday, I approached the situation with caution (and trepidation). I was able to gather the information that I needed (much like the dogs...sniff, touch, look, listen, oh and ask).

I can honestly say that I have the answers I need and feel ready to decide. I feel more confident and calm about this. I know I am being a bit cryptic, but that is how it's gotta be for now.

Time to Tickle the Tomatoes!

We live in what I think is the windiest part of the world. Actually, it probably isn't, but it sure can feel like it sometimes.

In my quest to create a fabulous vegetable garden and also to help me anticipate spring during the Minnesota winter, I like to start most of my plants from seed. Often when the seeds have sprouted I will put them outdoors so they can bask in the sunshine, only to have the wind SHRED them to pieces.

One winter, I was reading about tomatoes. In the article there were instructions on how to toughen up your plants before they went outside. The technique involves brushing your hand across the seedlings a couple times a day. This gets them ready to be out in the wind. Well, I did it and I am a believer in "tickling the tomatoes".

Life can throw us some storms. I like to think that our experiences are like the "tickle" that I mentioned for my tomatoes. If we have experience, we can weather the wind when it decides to blow against us.

The Gift of an Early Spring

Spring really is one of my favorite seasons of the year.

This year, Spring P O U N C E D on us. It caught me by surprise! I am still sort of dazed by it all.

After a winter that was a return to an actual "historic" Minnesota winter complete with piles of snow, Spring arrived and chased it all away in record time.

So, I am out in the garden already. The ground is dry, but with a little water, TLC, and continued sunshine I am hoping for the best gardens I have had yet.

I am going to count this early Spring as a birthday gift! And, speaking of gifts, this picture is some tulips in my garden. I had forgotten all about them and seeing them this spring in all their glorious color is a special pleasure!

Sisterhood

There really is nothing like a sisterhood network.

I have turned 30 and that was no big deal. Sometime after that, I turned 40. Right around that birthday, I had two small children and was too busy to worry about it. Then came 50. ACK! I was dreading it like no other birthday. EVER.

There were some angels in my life though. They were looking after me. Good friends, women who understood what 50 was going to feel like. One woman had already "survived" her transition into the fifties and one woman who will entering the half century mark in a couple of years.

Both of these friends eased my passage into this age. Both listened, understood, and gave me the gift of their friendship, understanding, and time. After my visits with them, I felt better. They cared, they helped, they listened. Both went out of their way to make time for me.

Women and men approach these things differently. Since I am the lone woman in my household, sometimes I don't feel understood. To have had these ladies make this day special will never be forgotten. I think I accept this now, feel settled, and can look ahead.

Thanks, you two will never know what a difference you made. OH WAIT! Yes you will, I am going to be sure to tell you.

ZAP

ZAP! Could it really be that easy?

Since I consider my birthday the official start of my personal New Year, I spend the time leading up to the big day reflecting.

This year, I have come up with a list of things that are irritating or inefficient, or just plain in my way.

The very first thing on the list was the way my big dog carried on anytime I went near my chicken coop. The barking, the frenzy of it all was just taking all enjoyment away from tending to my hens!

So, I bought myself a little gift, a remote training collar. YES! Now for those who are not familiar with a training collar, you are able to give your dog a warning when he is doing something wrong. If he ignores your warning, you are able to deliver an electrical stimulation. This collar has a range of electrical corrections ranging on a scale of 1-10. PERFECT solution for problem #1. The dog is very smart and learned within the first 5 minutes! The electrical correction does not even need to be delivered, he hears the tone, he changes course!

Starting this year, I am going to try and listen for a "tone" when I am about to make a move or decision. Just like my dog, if I hear the "tone" I am going to pause and consider my actions before charging ahead.

I am going to do my best this year to avoid the necessity of the ZAP!

This Side of the Dirt

Ok, well, I survived the big 5-0 yesterday, mostly like pretending it wasn't happening. It was pretty much a normal day around here. But this morning, I realized that in the days before my birthday, I was going to take some time to plan what I thought would be the perfect day. When yesterday was over, I realized that I ended up doing what I always do anyway....does that mean that I am living my perfect life? Is it the way things are supposed to be right now? I suppose so.

The title for today's entry comes from my discussion with my husband before my 50th birthday arrived. He commented "Well, at least you are this side of the dirt!" Uh huh, can't argue that.

But speaking of this side of the dirt, the peas that I planted a week ago are also this side of the dirt! AND, right now, we are FINALLY getting a much-needed spring rain. Things are good, yes, even when you are looking at them through 50 year old eyes. (visually corrected with no-line bifocals)

Goin' FIFTY

Decided to start it early, 3 am to be exact. Woke up and couldn't fall asleep again. What will this day bring, besides being eligible to join our local Senior Center....? *sigh*