As an adult years go by, become a group of years, often all of them about the same. But to a child every year stands alone, not one is the same as the next. Each is important as a mile stone.
So here it was Halloween and my daughter had a broken wrist with a cast on it, for ten days. After school I took her to have the cast removed. The clinic was an hour away. The cast was taken off and then she was told she would be getting a fresh cast since the swelling was gone. I knew nothing about broken bones then, I too had thought the cast would stay off. So the cast making crew came in, did their thing, and we drove home.
She'd had plans to go trick-or-treating with her group. By the time we returned, it was late, her sister was home with her loot, Halloween was over and done with.
She was so very disappointed to have missed out on the fun of that day. And there is really no way to make up a day like this, ever.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tomatoes Next Year, or Forever the Optimist
I like to eat fresh, home grown tomatoes. We used to grow them here.
The last time was in 2004, with limited success. I had put a couple of plants in the ground, surrounded them with wire cages and they began to grow nicely. Then I left on a three week vacation leaving watering instructions with Michelle. Upon my return I had a tour of the yard, my plants had received good care in my absence. But the tomatoes just weren't growing. They were green scraggly twigs.
Wouldn't you know it, Azi was sticking his head through the wire and pulling the green tomatoes off, and if a branch of plant came with it, so what.
The following year I put the plants in pots too tall for him to reach. By then we'd gotten a mid sized puppy. She could reach and did. I hid the pots behind fencing, with marginal success.
I tried again this year, blocking the pots, but now that we also have a dog the size of a small adult I just got a couple of pieces.
But, but some plants came up by themselves and have grown to the outside by the driveway, and the dogs can't reach. They are ripening and I will harvest them.
Next year my tomatoes will be planted outside the fence, in the side yard.
The last time was in 2004, with limited success. I had put a couple of plants in the ground, surrounded them with wire cages and they began to grow nicely. Then I left on a three week vacation leaving watering instructions with Michelle. Upon my return I had a tour of the yard, my plants had received good care in my absence. But the tomatoes just weren't growing. They were green scraggly twigs.
Wouldn't you know it, Azi was sticking his head through the wire and pulling the green tomatoes off, and if a branch of plant came with it, so what.
The following year I put the plants in pots too tall for him to reach. By then we'd gotten a mid sized puppy. She could reach and did. I hid the pots behind fencing, with marginal success.
I tried again this year, blocking the pots, but now that we also have a dog the size of a small adult I just got a couple of pieces.
But, but some plants came up by themselves and have grown to the outside by the driveway, and the dogs can't reach. They are ripening and I will harvest them.
Next year my tomatoes will be planted outside the fence, in the side yard.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Pigeons
Nope, I did not take any pictures of the pigeons on the power lines tonight, because everyone has seen them and can follow along.
For years I didn't pay any attention to them, or care one way or the other.
They are everywhere. They are called Rats on Wings, Pests, #@&#*.
We've seen them at Saint Peter's Square, in Rome, at Placa de Cataluna in Barcelona, London, San Francisco, even Sacramento.
I began to work at a school in Marysville in 1995 and a large palm tree was next to our class room. It was home to many pigeons and I began to notice their patterns. They were happy on Tuesdays: Popcorn Day. (Sure kid, spill your bag's contents, it will be cleaned up by tomorrow.) I even brought some feed from home and scattered it to see the reaction.
Then Ray worked at a Pest control company that received a call to remove birds from some one's home.
1. Parent birds fly off
2. Destroy the nest
3. Block off the roof
4. Do away with the hatch-lings
Oops! Big problem. Don't want to do that.
Yes, we took on the birds. We learned where to get food, how to feed them in one day.
We raised them, handled them, and they liked us. (OK, they really didn't!) Eventually I even kept the cage open, so they could come and go at will.
It was really kind of neat. They sat on my shoulder and let me walk around with them, never any poop on me. I took them to school and showed them to the students who touched and stroked them. (They took off in one class, but a bit of food enticed them back to me.)
They did fly off eventually. One of them came back once for a brief visit, but that's it.
Some communities have strict codes against feeding them. My cousin, who lived to be one hundred years old, fed them on the sly from her apartment balcony. It was her joy, as her cat had been dead for decades. And who was going to send her to prison?
My brother, living in a care facility, can count on some visitors daily, in spite of those metal spikes outside his third floor windows.
In the last few years we've had them camping out in our palm trees. Children of "My" birds maybe?
Sometimes the dogs will bring one down.
Funny though, I know quite a few of them now. If not by name, but coloring and behavior. The strutting cock, the brown one that took it's time to become assimilated, and flies with the flock now.
But does it really matter if a few people feed them? I think we have very little influence on the well being, or destruction of pigeons.
So, enjoy them if you can.
For years I didn't pay any attention to them, or care one way or the other.
They are everywhere. They are called Rats on Wings, Pests, #@&#*.
We've seen them at Saint Peter's Square, in Rome, at Placa de Cataluna in Barcelona, London, San Francisco, even Sacramento.
I began to work at a school in Marysville in 1995 and a large palm tree was next to our class room. It was home to many pigeons and I began to notice their patterns. They were happy on Tuesdays: Popcorn Day. (Sure kid, spill your bag's contents, it will be cleaned up by tomorrow.) I even brought some feed from home and scattered it to see the reaction.
Then Ray worked at a Pest control company that received a call to remove birds from some one's home.
1. Parent birds fly off
2. Destroy the nest
3. Block off the roof
4. Do away with the hatch-lings
Oops! Big problem. Don't want to do that.
Yes, we took on the birds. We learned where to get food, how to feed them in one day.
We raised them, handled them, and they liked us. (OK, they really didn't!) Eventually I even kept the cage open, so they could come and go at will.
It was really kind of neat. They sat on my shoulder and let me walk around with them, never any poop on me. I took them to school and showed them to the students who touched and stroked them. (They took off in one class, but a bit of food enticed them back to me.)
They did fly off eventually. One of them came back once for a brief visit, but that's it.
Some communities have strict codes against feeding them. My cousin, who lived to be one hundred years old, fed them on the sly from her apartment balcony. It was her joy, as her cat had been dead for decades. And who was going to send her to prison?
My brother, living in a care facility, can count on some visitors daily, in spite of those metal spikes outside his third floor windows.
In the last few years we've had them camping out in our palm trees. Children of "My" birds maybe?
Sometimes the dogs will bring one down.
Funny though, I know quite a few of them now. If not by name, but coloring and behavior. The strutting cock, the brown one that took it's time to become assimilated, and flies with the flock now.
But does it really matter if a few people feed them? I think we have very little influence on the well being, or destruction of pigeons.
So, enjoy them if you can.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Gray Lodge with the Guys
We had another beautiful fall day today. My friends and I took our dogs for a long walk at Gray Lodge. It started out cool, but warmed to the 70's.
Clearly they are not used to posing for the photographer, so this is the best I could do.
We went for lunch and two of the dogs had to acclimate in a strange house. They did well, no snarls.
Azi is tired though, has been sleeping most of the afternoon. Being on the alert is hard work.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Faller Day
The calendar says fall, the weather says summer=faller.
I did some garden cleanup, some baking, some reading, some knitting. A mix of summer and autumn activities.
We are scheduled for a few more. Time to fix the fence, cut the grass and take a long walk at Gray Lodge with Azi and a couple of his friends, and their humans.
So happy I'm not in SoCal where things are truly hot!
I did some garden cleanup, some baking, some reading, some knitting. A mix of summer and autumn activities.
We are scheduled for a few more. Time to fix the fence, cut the grass and take a long walk at Gray Lodge with Azi and a couple of his friends, and their humans.
So happy I'm not in SoCal where things are truly hot!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Well, Dang it, Azi
As I wrote, I love the new desk, and so apparently does Azi.
It sits under the window, an ideal spot for outside watching. Not being shy and not lacking in courage, he took the path from the couch arm to the desk chair to the desk top. He marched along toward the window.
I didn't see him do it, but unfortunately there is clear evidence. He left scratches from his cement sharpened nails. And, yes, they were deep. I wasn't able to make them disappear totally, but did a pretty good repair job. Needless to say I would have to make sure the chair stays tucked in. That's not realistic.
Michelle reminded me that I have a very heavy piece of glass about the right size. We laid it across the top. Most of the wood is covered, all the important paths.
As an added bonus I stuck the coasters I collected on my recent trip, and had the proprietors sign, under the glass. Actually this will make it easier to set a glass or hot cup on the desk.
Yeah, a blessing in disguise. Thanks Beast!
It sits under the window, an ideal spot for outside watching. Not being shy and not lacking in courage, he took the path from the couch arm to the desk chair to the desk top. He marched along toward the window.
I didn't see him do it, but unfortunately there is clear evidence. He left scratches from his cement sharpened nails. And, yes, they were deep. I wasn't able to make them disappear totally, but did a pretty good repair job. Needless to say I would have to make sure the chair stays tucked in. That's not realistic.
Michelle reminded me that I have a very heavy piece of glass about the right size. We laid it across the top. Most of the wood is covered, all the important paths.
As an added bonus I stuck the coasters I collected on my recent trip, and had the proprietors sign, under the glass. Actually this will make it easier to set a glass or hot cup on the desk.
Yeah, a blessing in disguise. Thanks Beast!
Friday, October 19, 2007
My wish
After many years of nasty people living on our short street, we now have a lovely mix of ages and no criminals living here. We appreciate our good fortune. As our neighbors' kids are getting older they spend time playing ball on the street. Ours used to.
I wish we could block of a section of the street and have the dogs run with the kids. The kids would love it.
The dogs would be ecstatic. The energetic sheep dog from across the street would finally have a purpose. Our girls could lick everyone. Azi could get underfoot, tripping kids and beasts alike.
In the end everyone would be smiling, and sleeping well that night.
That's my wish.
I wish we could block of a section of the street and have the dogs run with the kids. The kids would love it.
The dogs would be ecstatic. The energetic sheep dog from across the street would finally have a purpose. Our girls could lick everyone. Azi could get underfoot, tripping kids and beasts alike.
In the end everyone would be smiling, and sleeping well that night.
That's my wish.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
My Cousin
Sad news from home. My cousin died unexpectedly yesterday. Many of the family met up this spring in Germany, and he and I had the opportunity to get reacquainted. He was the oldest of all the siblings and had known our grandfather. He filled me in with some stories about him. He also knew our dad when he was young and carefree, before the advent of wife and kids, and hard times of WWII.
As a university student of theology he would tell me that I read too much, didn't think enough! In the intervening years we rarely met, but kept up with each other through "the family".
I found him delightful, loving to his wife and offspring. I just assumed he'd be there for a long, long time. We will miss him.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Annual Migration of the Birds
It really is autumn!
This morning started out a bit overcast with some drizzle. Midmorning I walked across the street to our mailbox. Once the youngsters head off to school, and the workers leave for their jobs, it is very quiet around here.
So I was a bit surprised to hear a gaggle of geese overhead, followed by a couple more. Flying high, heading south. We live under a major western flyway and this is a twice yearly event, going on over several months. The birds come in to rest and feed on the barren rice fields for a few days and fly on. Depending on the species they come early, or later.
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is the most quiet place I know. Larger than many towns or counties, it is eerily still. I have walked Azi there. Along the long walking path there are mostly song birds, sometimes ducks.
The big birds can be seen by car only, no getting out. It is an amazing sight, thousands of birds on the water, resting and feeding. After rice harvest is complete many of the neighboring fields are open for the birds to feed off of them. Hunting clubs are opened by then as well. Hunters, of course, pay for many of the conservation efforts.
Last year we saw a raccoon by the side of the path. He gave us the:"What do you want? Move on, already!" look.
So, the year's migration has begun!
This morning started out a bit overcast with some drizzle. Midmorning I walked across the street to our mailbox. Once the youngsters head off to school, and the workers leave for their jobs, it is very quiet around here.
So I was a bit surprised to hear a gaggle of geese overhead, followed by a couple more. Flying high, heading south. We live under a major western flyway and this is a twice yearly event, going on over several months. The birds come in to rest and feed on the barren rice fields for a few days and fly on. Depending on the species they come early, or later.
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is the most quiet place I know. Larger than many towns or counties, it is eerily still. I have walked Azi there. Along the long walking path there are mostly song birds, sometimes ducks.
The big birds can be seen by car only, no getting out. It is an amazing sight, thousands of birds on the water, resting and feeding. After rice harvest is complete many of the neighboring fields are open for the birds to feed off of them. Hunting clubs are opened by then as well. Hunters, of course, pay for many of the conservation efforts.
Last year we saw a raccoon by the side of the path. He gave us the:"What do you want? Move on, already!" look.
So, the year's migration has begun!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sierra Adventure
For months my friend's son had planned his mother's surprise birthday party. Rented the hall. Arranged for food, drinks, decor. People came from far and wide, as the saying goes.
My trip was only to be about forty miles long and taking about that long. So I got into some finery and began the drive. The weather was lovely and I was really enjoying the trip.
Close to my destination I noticed the road was extraordinarily rough, although it looked smooth. Ahh, a flat tire! Let me pull over and check it out. As luck would have it the shoulder is about two feet wide there, the road curvy. After a couple hundred feet I could pull over and checked on the damage. Forget damage. The tire was totally shredded.
Not a problem. I'll get on my cell and call AAA. Oh, wait, I rarely get service in those hills. That day was no exception. My next thought was to look at the shoes on my feet, to see how far they would take me.
I was able to hail a truck with an antenna hoping he'd make a call for me. The driver, who works for the water company, gave me a ride to the roadhouse/saloon up the hill. From there I was able to call road service, my family, and the birthday girl to let her know I'd be late. (Someone had already spoiled the surprise)
When the tow driver came to pick me up, he told me he took a guess at coming to the restaurant as he'd been told I would be waiting at a hair salon, he knew there are no salons in those hills. I guess old ladies don't wait at saloons!
So, back to the car, trade out the wheels, sign on the line, an hour later I'm at the party.
A fun party it was, too. I met all the cousins and friends I'd missed up to now, got reacquainted with those I already knew. We partied into the night at her house, after the hall time was over. I was the first one to the house and I noticed a deer. As I was walking toward it to get a closer look, others drove up and the deer bounded off. She really does live in the woods. Lovely.
So on Monday I made my way to the Les Schwab Tire Center, the replacement tire cost 50% of new, although I only had seven thousand miles on it. I'm happy with that though, I thought I'd have to pay full price anyway.
My trip was only to be about forty miles long and taking about that long. So I got into some finery and began the drive. The weather was lovely and I was really enjoying the trip.
Close to my destination I noticed the road was extraordinarily rough, although it looked smooth. Ahh, a flat tire! Let me pull over and check it out. As luck would have it the shoulder is about two feet wide there, the road curvy. After a couple hundred feet I could pull over and checked on the damage. Forget damage. The tire was totally shredded.
Not a problem. I'll get on my cell and call AAA. Oh, wait, I rarely get service in those hills. That day was no exception. My next thought was to look at the shoes on my feet, to see how far they would take me.
I was able to hail a truck with an antenna hoping he'd make a call for me. The driver, who works for the water company, gave me a ride to the roadhouse/saloon up the hill. From there I was able to call road service, my family, and the birthday girl to let her know I'd be late. (Someone had already spoiled the surprise)
When the tow driver came to pick me up, he told me he took a guess at coming to the restaurant as he'd been told I would be waiting at a hair salon, he knew there are no salons in those hills. I guess old ladies don't wait at saloons!
So, back to the car, trade out the wheels, sign on the line, an hour later I'm at the party.
A fun party it was, too. I met all the cousins and friends I'd missed up to now, got reacquainted with those I already knew. We partied into the night at her house, after the hall time was over. I was the first one to the house and I noticed a deer. As I was walking toward it to get a closer look, others drove up and the deer bounded off. She really does live in the woods. Lovely.
So on Monday I made my way to the Les Schwab Tire Center, the replacement tire cost 50% of new, although I only had seven thousand miles on it. I'm happy with that though, I thought I'd have to pay full price anyway.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Oh, Nuts!
Nuts are good for you!
Suppose you take 8oz. of walnut pieces, sprinkle some crushed pepper (yes, the kind put on pizza) a dash of salt, a beaten egg white, half cup of brown sugar. Stir all that well, put on a parchment covered baking sheet. Bake at 350' for ten minutes.
So, so good, but let them cool before eating. Really!
Suppose you take 8oz. of walnut pieces, sprinkle some crushed pepper (yes, the kind put on pizza) a dash of salt, a beaten egg white, half cup of brown sugar. Stir all that well, put on a parchment covered baking sheet. Bake at 350' for ten minutes.
So, so good, but let them cool before eating. Really!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Bread
I make most of the bread I eat. All sorts: whole grain, cheese flavored, white, rolls, pretzels, sweet, filled, twists, on and on.
I rarely get mixes, but yesterday at IKEA I purchased a bread mix, and put it together once I got home. Rye with lingonberry. At $4.00 a bit pricey, but I'll give it a try. It did make a very large loaf, but I'm not impressed. It's very dense, too much rye, and where are the lingonberries?
So I'll stick with my own recipe going forward.
I'm already looking forward to the pretzel rolls that I'll make next, they are best with ham and swiss emmentaler cheese.
I rarely get mixes, but yesterday at IKEA I purchased a bread mix, and put it together once I got home. Rye with lingonberry. At $4.00 a bit pricey, but I'll give it a try. It did make a very large loaf, but I'm not impressed. It's very dense, too much rye, and where are the lingonberries?
So I'll stick with my own recipe going forward.
I'm already looking forward to the pretzel rolls that I'll make next, they are best with ham and swiss emmentaler cheese.
Monday, October 8, 2007
My New Desk
I love my new desk. I started to make it about six weeks ago. I had to stain and varnish the old table top I had.
Then IKEA didn't have the table legs that I had to have, so that added another three weeks. Once they were in stock again, we made a quick dash to Sacramento. I had to prime and paint the legs black and attach them. The attach system is really well thought out. Moving the computer over was kind of fun.
Now my legs fit under the desk and my arms are comfortable on my new, wonderful desk that looks out over my front garden.
Then IKEA didn't have the table legs that I had to have, so that added another three weeks. Once they were in stock again, we made a quick dash to Sacramento. I had to prime and paint the legs black and attach them. The attach system is really well thought out. Moving the computer over was kind of fun.
Now my legs fit under the desk and my arms are comfortable on my new, wonderful desk that looks out over my front garden.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Thelma
I have friends that have a walnut orchard, and Thelma. She's tame, allows herself to be stroked and will pester until she has a treat. She prefers sunflower seeds, but today I tossed her oats and she seemed happy to scratch for those. She also rewards her humans with a steady supply of large eggs. She's not fenced and stays close to the house.
That's Selma!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Rice and Rain
We've had a couple of soaking rains in the past week.
Some of you would think,"Big deal"! But in the agriculture based economy of the Sacramento Valley it is a big deal when rain comes and only a third of the rice has been harvested. We grow some of the best rice here, much of it exported to the Far East.
The fields are a thing of beauty, especially in spring and summer when they are flooded and are of those lovely shades of green.
Now we want the fields dry, so the harvesters can collect, thrash, and haul the produce to the dryers.
Hopefully we have a reprieve for a few days and things will dry out again.
It's just right when the farmers who have worked so hard are able to their crops under the barn roof in time without damage. Besides, it keeps grocery prices stable.
Some of you would think,"Big deal"! But in the agriculture based economy of the Sacramento Valley it is a big deal when rain comes and only a third of the rice has been harvested. We grow some of the best rice here, much of it exported to the Far East.
The fields are a thing of beauty, especially in spring and summer when they are flooded and are of those lovely shades of green.
Now we want the fields dry, so the harvesters can collect, thrash, and haul the produce to the dryers.
Hopefully we have a reprieve for a few days and things will dry out again.
It's just right when the farmers who have worked so hard are able to their crops under the barn roof in time without damage. Besides, it keeps grocery prices stable.
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