Through The Mud Clearly

It is kind of long but worth watching the whole thing.

This song has been going through my head for days! Just thought I would share it.

Apparently last night it was really, really cold outside. I know this because when I got up this morning and went outside I noticed my garden looking rather peculiar. The tomatoes,squash and most of the marigolds had turned to the consistency of mush! Everything was laying on the cold, cold dirt looking oddly sad. They looked just like when you accidentally freeze your lettuce in the refrigerator! I was going to take a couple of pictures but I remembered about 1/2 way through the digging up process...so no pics. Oh well (insert sigh here) now I have more time to prepare the garden for the next planting. The plants are now making a contribution to the compost pile!

Bethany and her manger scene. No words needed.

Enjoy some Johnny Cash!

The other day I went grocery shopping and while at the store I got this hankerin' for lasagna. I don't know why...it just sounded good. However, I am not a big fan of spagetti sauce so I bought all the ingredients except that. Yesterday I made up my own recipe for lasagna using hamburger gravy and cream of mushroom soup as the sauce! I cooked the hamburger, then gravy, which I added to make the sauce. Then I layered the meat sauce, "no boil" noodles, mushroom soup then cheese..repeat. Baked the concoction about 30 minutes. It was really quite tasty! I think I will name it Brown Lasagna.

Here they are working hard on their project.
Still working.
The finished product!
We didn't finish everything I had planned, but we definatley had fun. We voted and their most favorite part was the Turkey Hokey Pokey (which was hilarious). I sent them home with a coloring page and a Thanksgiving word scramble. A very good day!

Going home to take a nap!

On the 4th Sunday of each month I "teach" Sunday School to the 1st and 2nd graders. Today is my turn. The lessons are come in a kit with everything the instructor needs. I usually follow the lesson plan and occasionally add my own twist to it. It is pretty easy and straight forward. This week as I was reviewing the lesson I almost fell asleep! It was BORING! No, the Bible isn't boring...just this particular lesson. So I decided to do something completely different (shhh..don't tell Reverend Roy). I figured since Thanksgiving is almost here I would teach about that. I found a "kid friendly" Thanksgiving story, Bible verses about thankfulness, a fun craft, I thought up a goofy game AND we are doing the Hokey Pokey turkey version. You put your right wing in.... It should be interesting.

Yesterday, while at work I looked out the window and saw an amusing sight. There was a gang of Grackles (birds) loitering in the parking lot. One of them emerged from the group with a cigarette butt in its beak (I kid you not!). One of the other birds ran over and tried to steal it way...what a thug! No pictures though...they were gone when I came back with my camera.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

It has been a while since I have posted anything about my garden. Rest assured it is still growing! I recently expanded it approximately 8 feet, so now it is about 10 x 18. The tomatoes are growing like mad and there are close to 100 of them in various stages of ripening.

I go out there every day and eat some right off the vine! Yum Yum

Squash, beets, lettuce and carrots are out there too. Also a few sunflowers (they have become my trademark).

I have been preparing the soil for the next big planting which will begin in February. After reading Michelle's blog "Steadfast at Home" post titled My Adventures in Tomato Seed Saving I have decided to plant only Heirloom Seeds. I was struck by something she wrote. "But did you know we are losing His creation? We are losing the genetic diversity of his wonderful creation. We are losing varieties of fruit and veggies that were once known and common".
I printed out her post for future reference then I went online and found a few sources for heirloom seeds and placed an order.

I am still looking for the Peacevine tomato seeds Michelle mentioned. "I grew and saved the seed from my first tomato plants ~ the Peacevine Cherry Tomato. I mentioned above that it is known for having a calming effect and this is due to the high amino acid content of tryptophan in the tomato". Couldn't we all use some of that "calming effect" in our lives?!

I am excited about growing heirlooms instead of genetically altered hybrids! And yes, I ordered heirloom sunflower seeds :)

Hey, my friend Sharon has begun to blog! It would be great if you could visit her at www.wordpowercreations.blogspot.com Thanks, I am certain she will appreciate your encouragement, blogger tips and comments!

This morning I felt like being domestic so I whipped up a batch of muffins and took them over to the Wright House. Everyone liked them...the proof being the fact there were none left when I left! Here is the recipe:

Breakfast Oatmeal Muffins
1 cup flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup leftover oatmeal
1 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla (I used Mari's measuring method!)
Although the recipe didn't call for it; I added some cinnamon.

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and baking soda. In another bowl combine oil, eggs, oatmeal, raisins and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients stirring just until moistened. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 18 minutes or until muffins test done. Makes 1 dozen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO2eh6f5Go0

Sorry to make you have to click on the link, I don't know how to put the actual video to my blog. So....how is it done?? Thanks.

I have decided on this one!

Opinions please. I would like to figure out how to remove the pictures on the line and put up my own. Any ideas how to do that? Thanks in advance for any help!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BleT-jK4pjg

Finally. Two of my favorite camp food recipes. Enjoy!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake


Yellow cake mix
1 can pineapple slices
1/2 cup brown sugar
12 maraschino cherries
2 Tbsp butter


Put 1/2 inch of water in the bottom of the dutch oven. Form an aluminum foil 'pan' that is 1/2 inch above the bottom of the dutch oven and wraps over the top edges of the D.O. This will hold the cake. Use a few layers of foil. Mix cake , following package instructions. Drop small bits of butter into your 'pan'. Sprinkle brown sugar over butter. Lay pineapple slices in, covering the bottom. Place a cherry in the hole of each pineapple slice. Pour cake batter over pineapple. Place on coals and add coals to lid to approximate 350 degrees. Cook until a toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean.

We didn't use coals...just put it in the fire!

Dutch Baby Pancake

1/4 c. butter
4 eggs
1 c. flour
1 c. milk

Put butter in Dutch oven in really hot coals to melt. Meanwhile, beat eggs, then beat in flour and milk. Pour mixture into melted butter. Cook 20-25 minutes or until batter has risen up sides of pan and is golden brown. Cut in wedges and serve with confectioners sugar or preserves. Check after about 10 minutes....it could already be done! It was excellent with butter and brown sugar and very easy to make.

I have returned. Took my camera....never even got it out! I did take one picture with my phone but neglected to save it! The weather was great. The food was excellent...everything tastes better outside! The company was good too. I made a Pineapple Upside Down Cake in the dutch oven which was incredibly good. I wish I would have gotten a picture of it. The cake and the dutch oven pancakes (dutch babies) are going onto my list of preferred camping recipes! Marmalade was very cat-like upon my return....I was glad because that means she was well taken care of (I knew she would be) and didn't lack for attention. Of course she could have been aloof because she didn't like the aroma of campfire smoke that permeated me and everything else! I had a great time and can't hardly wait until next year's camping trip!

My cat came in the house this morning with a new plaything. It was a giant sewer roach which; immediately upon entering the house; Marmalade let it go! She then began telling me all about her treasure. Meanwhile, the roach is scurrying about the kitchen looking for a secure place to hide. Marms soon realizes she lost her toy and frantically begins meowing (in her really, really loud voice) and searching all around. As far as I know, the critter is still on the loose! I will be carrying a big stick and opening all the cupboards when I get home tonight. Why, oh why doesn’t Marmalade catch birds like normal cats?!

It is the end of September and the temperature is STILL over 100*. My garden doesn't like this. I would take pictures and show you just how dire the situation is, but I think I will spare you the pain and agony of extremely wilted squash, a dead pumpkin (I already pulled it up and tossed it) and beets that a bird or birds had for lunch today!! The tomatoes however, are doing great. I am not to sad about all of this because I am getting ready to go camping!!!!!! Leaving on Sunday and I am looking forward to making pineapple upside down cake in my dutch oven and other goodies. I am excited about campfire coffee and smelling like that campfire for a few days! I am taking the entire week off work too!!! I will be taking plenty of pictures of my trip and will replant the garden when I return!

Yesterday one of my coworkers found a rusty-orange and white kitty wandering around in the parking lot. He was probably dumped there. One of the supervisors, knowing that I am a cat person, brought him to my office. She asked me to watch him and she would try to find kitty a home by the end of the day; she would take him to the pound after work if a home wasn't found. Of course I said I would watch him until then; but I also made it known that I couldn't take him home. This was about 1pm. After checking out every inch of my office; kitty jumped up on my desk and laid down on my keyboard! A few moments later he had maneuvered his way to my neck and somehow stretched out and went to sleep...purring contentedly. After his nap he inspected the office again, sat in my spare chair, took a bath and another nap. Upon awakening kitty jumped in my lap and onto my shoulder where he perched like a bird! This type of activity went on all afternoon. At 4:45 the supervisor came in and said she had found kitty a home and they would pick him up at 5pm. I was glad to hear it because I don't think I could have let her take him to the pound and I might have had to bring him home with me. I would have named him Rusty!

A few days ago Mari posted a meme (what is a meme?) which contained five words that another blogger chose for her to write about. Mari asked if anyone wanted her to send them five words. I said yes, so here goes:

1. CAT

Well, I've got one! Let me tell you...she is a character. You probably already know this from the several posts I have written about her. I adopted her from the Humane Society about three years ago. Within the first week she almost died from a severe respiratory infection. But, after several Vet visits and medications she pulled through. She has definitely added much to my life. Everybody knows that cats rule and dogs drool! Hey, I like dogs too!


2. DIRT

An interesting word choice Mari. I never actually thought about dirt much until I started gardening. I have found out that not all dirt is created equal! My grandmother had a garden. She had the best dirt ever! Rich, black soil that yielded all kinds of fruits and vegetables. I don't think it started out that way though. Hard work, compost, time and good topsoil helped. I like to garden barefoot except of course when I am using the shovel.



3. FAITH


Just this morning a coworker gave me a container of "double superfine mustard powder". This of course reminded me of the scripture:

The Parable of the
Mustard Seed Jesus told them another parable: . . . (Matt. 13:31-32)
"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

and, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you"Matthew 17:20

I don't know what I am going to do with a can of mustard powder. I think I will keep it in sight to remind me that faith sometimes is small like a mustard seed but can grow into something amazing.

4. ZUCCHINI
What can I say about this vegetable? It grows well. It also make great bread, is delicious sauteed in butter and garlic! Also, it is excellent stuffed with a ground beef and rice mixture and baked. It is great on the grill. Anyone hungry yet?

5. JOY
This word is the reason it took me sooooo long to write this post. Let me explain. I have joy "down in my heart" (part of a song) and I am joyous. But, that joy doesn't often manifest itself on the outside (in my opinion). I remember a long time ago when I was going through an extremely difficult time, my friend told me to be "joyous". My response was "I am joyous; you just can't tell it". (exact words) This made us both go into uncontrollable laughter (and healing) and has been a running joke between us for 30 years! I recently reconnected with her on Facebook and being joyous was one of our first topics of conversation!

So there you have it. My five.

.... The Bumbling Genius. Mr. Genius, if you and Fieldlily ever want to see your beloved shovel again, you must obey the following instructions:

1. DO NOT contact the authorities.

2. On Saturday morning make coffee and send a text message (to you know who) when finished.

3. When shovel arrives; provide a cup of coffee (or 2), creamer and one (1) maple long john acquired from your neighborhood QT to the deliverer of said shovel.

4. Failure to meet these demands could result in.....

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I have been trying to figure out why my carrots aren't growing.....this could be the reason! Marmalade is inside the chicken wire and laying on them! I guess she doesn't like carrots.

Tomatoes, pumpkin, and assorted squash

I was going to play !!FARKLE!! for about 15 minutes or so and then go out to my garden. But Kathy said NO!! Go out and enjoy your garden! So I did. Aren't feet weird?!

This is the true story of Mrs. Chicken. It was a hot, hot summer day in Arizona. Mrs. Chicken was kicked out of her coop....the victim of new decor.

Mrs. Chicken didn't know what to do or where to go. Finally she decided to put on her hat and....cross the road. She found herself in a very nice back yard. There was however, a large cat that seemed very interested in her. Mrs. Chicken was concerned because her mother had always told her that cats and birds were a bad mix.

No worries though. The cat was not interested in Mrs. Chicken.




The owners of the house saw Mrs. Chicken on the back porch and came out to greet her.

Mrs. Chicken told her sad, sad story. The animals listened with great interest and much clucking. It was decided she could stay as long as she wanted. And so the story of Mrs. Chicken ends on a happy note. There will be eggs for breakfast!

The lawn people were here the other day. They mowed, trimmed bushes and repaired the (almost impossible to open) back gate. Now it will be much easier to take the trash out! Marmalade and I went outside after they left. She was hanging out by the newly repaired gate when, suddenly she disappeared. I went over and observed a small space between the gate and the wall. Amazingly, she had managed to get through it! Just as I was about to panic; she came sauntering through the small space and into the yard. I quickly blocked the space. A few minutes later I noticed she was loitering by another area of the fence. Then; you guessed it; she departed through a hole in the fence! I ran (as quickly as one can run with a bad right knee and bone spurs in the left foot) to get my keys and opened the side gate. She was just lying in the dirt next to the hole in the fence. I told her to get back in her yard NOW!!! She reluctantly got up and walked through the gate with me. I then placed a board in front of the hole.
Apparently the yard guys removed all of my “escape prevention systems” and neglected to put them back when they finished working. Anyway, the next morning, knowing the backyard was one again escape proof, I let Marms out. A few minutes later I went out also. She was lying in the garden and I was sitting in a chair pondering why my carrots have not yet started growing. After a short time I noticed two things simultaneously. Marmalade was nowhere to be seen and the board over the hole was flat on the ground!! It probably had blown over in the windstorm the night before. Again I ran for my keys and out the gate. This time I couldn't see her anywhere. I looked everywhere-up/down the street, front yard, neighbor’s yard, checked backyard again…no Marmalade. I went out the gate again. I was just about to call my boss when I saw her. I think she knew she was in big trouble because she immediately ran through the hole and into the backyard. I then put large cement block in front of the hole. There will be no more escapes!!

Remember last year when I was riding the city bus a lot? I wrote several “bus stories” because…I was riding the bus. Today I was reminded about one particular rider. The one I am referring to is the gentleman who I thought could be Tiny Tim’s older brother. You know…Tiny Tim of “Tip Toe Thru The Tulips” fame. He definitely had the hair and the clothes. Anyway, today a young man came into the office. He looked like he could be Mr. Tim’s younger brother; or possibly his son. He had the same hair, facial features and mannerisms. I kept waiting for him to break out the ukulele, but he never did. After his appointment, the probation officer came in my office and said: “did you see that kid that just left?” Yes I did. “Didn’t he look just like Tiny Tim?” “I was waiting for him to play the ukulele”! I then shared my bus story with her. Funny huh.

I couldn't let the deaths of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Senator Ted Kennedy go without mention. Eunice was the champion of the Special Olympics and I am sure her absence will be felt greatly. Ted Kennedy has been a fixture in Washington for as long as I can remember. Although I was not a supporter I feel it is appropriate to honor him and his family. The Kennedy name has endured many triumphs, tragedies and scandal. Although there are more Kennedys in high profile settings, none will ever come close to the "fame" of John, Bobby, John Jr and Ted. Rest in peace senator Kennedy. It is the end on an era.

OK, so anybody who knows me realizes that I am "directionally challenged". Meaning: I get lost or turned around easily. Today I was on my way over to feed the dog and cat when I decided I needed something to eat. I thought Taco Bell sounded good so I turned down Bell Road in search of one. I made a turn into who knows where and encountered a maze of streets leading to unknown locations. No Taco Bell. Well, I wound my way through until I came to a main road. Here, you were only able to go right so I did. Then, thinking I was on the correct path to the Wright house, I made another right. Guess what?? I was back in the same maze of unknown streets. Hummm, I thought, maybe if I just go to the next signal I can get on the right path. By then I had given up on finding a Taco Bell and decided to hit whatever drive-thru came in sight. So anyway, the next signal did little to get me in the right direction. I did however, find a Sonic. Upon leaving the Sonic, I took a wild guess and drove in that direction. It was right!!! Lady was VERY happy to see me. She greeted me as only she can. WooWoo! I made her even happier when I gave her part of my hamburger! I figured she deserved it because she had to wait extra long for her dinner. Sparky was glad to see me too. She is laying as close to the keyboard as she can possibly get...purring contentedly. No more side trips for me....unless I have a navigator.

(I had this ready to post a week ago, but for some reason neglected to publish it)

Actually it was a wasp. A wasp of Biblical proportions! I was in the garden (which at the moment is just dirt and weeds) weeding. Marmalade was by my side observing my every move. Suddenly, this huge insect flew by at an alarming rate of speed! It doubled back and attempted to land on my bare foot. Not wanting to be stung-I foolishly fling a dirt clod at it. Bad idea. This made the giant wasp angry and it flew directly at me..hitting me. The impact made it fall to the ground (probably with a concussion). Now, my cat sees the wasp wriggling on the ground and tries to get it. She lets out her crazy cat meow at bats at the insect. Well, I had to take charge of the situation. I certainly didn't want Marms to get stung! I captured the behemoth between a trowel and a stick. I could actually feel the wasp's vibration on the trowel. Now what? For a second I thought about letting it go, but quickly decided against it. So, I'm standing there with a deranged bee and an almost as deranged cat. I had to kill it. As I am trying to squish the thing, it shoot out a very large stinger! Fortunately it was aim away from me and the cat. Finally, after chopping it into 3 pieces it was dead. I would have taken a picture of it but I need batteries for the camera. Trust me...it was huge! Going to get batteries now.

And now....the results of the foot xray...........Drum roll please! Its bone spurs accompanied by "mild arthritis". There is also a nerve involved but I don't know how yet because I haven't actually seen the Doctor (next month). This information came from the messaging service from Dr's office. What is the recommended treatment you ask? According to WebMD and other Internet sources there are several options. Anti inflammatories, cortisone shots, orthadics (shoe inserts) and "sensible shoes". I already wear sensible shoes so I think I will vote for the inserts!

Or maybe it was a toad. I don't know. More on that later. I was going to write this post last night but the storm knocked out the Internet! Anyway, let me tell you about last night's adventure. It was a dark and stormy night (really). The thunder was booming and the lightening was flashing all around. There was a deluge of rain. It was great...except for one thing. Marmalade is afraid of storms. She gets all wild eyed and hides. Well, this storm lasted at least 30 minutes (still raining this morning)and about half way through I thought about Lady (dog ) who is also afraid of storms. I thought about her because I am pet sitting her and Sparkly Doo Dah (other cat in story) while their owners are away. I was worried about her even though she has a great dog house in her backyard. Well, I knew I had to go over there after the storm, and my cat settled down. Finally, the storm moved on. I found Marmalade scrunched under the microwave cart. After coaxing her out and reassuring her that the worst was over, I got in my car and went to Lady's rescue. It was about 9pm. I expected to encounter the storm somewhere along the way. I didn't. When I got to that part of town everything was as dry as a...desert. No rain , no wind, no storm. I was happy about that. I let Lady in the house while I went outside and moved her dog house . If it did storm later she would be better protected from the elements. When I came in; Lady was snoozing on the carpet and the cat was totally ignoring me. This will change in a couple of days...her owners had only been gone a few hours so she isn't missing them yet! Probably by Monday she will be more social. I stayed for an hour or so. I went to let Lady out and there was a large frog/toad at the door. I think it wanted in (don't worry I didn't bring it in). I opened the door, frog hopped away and Lady refused to get up and go outside. Finally she went out. However, she stood at the door and gave me her "I am very sad please let me in" look. I didn't fall for it though because it was late (waaaaay past my bedtime) and I needed to go home. I went home to find the storm had returned for round two! Marmalade was hiding, lawn chairs were flying around in the backyard, trash cans were falling over, sirens blaring and dogs howling. What a night!

So yesterday I went to my doctor about my neck thing. He said I have several options.
1. Learn to live with it (do nothing)
2. Take an anti- inflammatory religiously…meaning every day whether I need it or not.
3. Go for several weeks or months of physical therapy (3x a week) which may or may not help….or
4. Surgery to block the nerves.

I chose option # 2.
Then I told him about this pain I have been having in my foot. After he examined my foot he said I might have a “wild nerve similar to the one in my neck”. Crazy huh?! He then wrote a prescription for an x-ray which I am having done on Friday. I will keep you posted!

Sorry, no pictures, I have to get batteries for my camera! The other day I cut off Goliath's brothers' head and took it over to Danny and Kathy's' house. Bethany wanted to know why I didn't bring the whole plant. I explained to her that it was huge and I would have to dig it up...a lot of work. I asked her why she wanted the whole thing and her reply..."we could study it". So....the next morning I went outside and dug the stalk up. I put the root end in a plastic bag and put the giant stalk in my car...it barely fit! I then drove over to their house. On the way over I got several strange looks from other drivers. After all its not every day you see an orange car with a big leafy sunflower stalk driving down the road! The big leafy sunflower stalk wasn't driving, I was. Just wanted to clear that up! So, now they have the entire sunflower-in two parts. Last I saw it, it was leaning up against the house on the back porch! I hung out with them for a while..enjoying coffee and donuts. After that , I went to the local Christian bookstore to buy a new bible to replace the one which was stolen. I found one that was exactly what I wanted (NIV LARGE PRINT) and it was even on sale! I also bought a couple of CDs by Casting Crowns. When I got home from my adventure, I noticed the dirty birds were extremely interested in the remaining sunflower. I got my big knife and went out and cut its head off and brought it in. That head is going to my friend Jayne. I then went out to the garden and knock over (with great effort) the remaining two stalks. I now have to dig them out. There is a large hole where I dug out the first one. So, this morning my cat and I go out to the garden to observe the sunflower carcasses. Marmalade spies the hole and jumps in. She fits in it quite nicely! (I said it was a big hole) She peers over the top and every now and then she jumps out and attacks the dirt! I drink coffee. The end.

Or….Some things I have learned about gardening.

Digging a garden is hard work, befriend someone with a rototiller.
Sunflowers don’t like to be transplanted.
Bugs and insects of every kind will visit. Some will stay.

Buy more seeds than you think you need.
Plant more than you think will grow…you can always thin the herd.
The weeds and grass will always grow faster than any plants.

Nobody will voluntarily help you weed.
Throw a garden party. When the guests arrive hand em’ a pair of gloves and a trowel. Say: “SURPRISE it is really a weed pulling party”.
The people who stay are your true friends.

Get more than one tomato plant.
Plant lots of corn. Each stalk only yields two ears! Who knew!!?
Make sure you cover newly planted and young sprouts. I use homemade chicken wire cages.
Birds have very good eyesight and will eat the newly planted and young sprouts if not covered.
If you have a bird problem, get 50 cats! Or just cover your plants.

Marauding ants can be killed with baking soda…just don’t get any on your plants; they will turn brown.
If you think your garden is big enough-its not.

Amazingly your cat will not sit on or eat the plants.

Visit and enjoy your garden at every opportunity.

I did the deed. I slew Goliath. I did it this morning with my bare hands. Goliath is/was my 9 foot sunflower. He(one must assume its a "he" by the name) was named Goliath by my friend Daniel....because "Goliath in the Bible was 9 ft tall" too. Goliath's head is now in a paper bag hanging on a nail in the garage. When he/it dries out, I am going to collect the seeds and plant them next season. I still have 2 more smaller plants to "take care of", but they are not ready just yet. Then the challenge will be to dig up their monstrous stalks. I will take pictures!

So about two weeks ago I planted some more sunflowers and squash. They started poking their heads through the soil a few days ago. I was very happy to see this because I really like sunflowers (maybe you have noticed!). I got home from work yesterday and went out to look at the garden. The plants were nowhere to be seen...just holes where they had been! Those dirty birds have been at it again!!! I don't understand why they eat my plants and not the fresh green grass that also grows in the garden!! Oh well, I should have covered the plants with my chicken wire creations...next planting I will.

Check this video out. This lady knows how to take care of her car AND herself. They sure don't make em' like they used to!

http://growingbolde r.com/media/ technology/ vehicles/ romancing- the-road- 259598.html

I really enjoy the praise and worship at my church. But I enjoy it even more when a certain person is on the drums. We have several drummers, and they all do well... but when this guy drums (which isn't often enough) he brings with him a presence and anointing to the platform. I just want to say way to go Danny, you did/do an excellent job!!

Well...they got all my CDs except for 2 teaching ones. I hope they listen to them and get saved!! They also got my cell phone charger and a pair of shoes I was returning. Still cleaning up glass and now drinking coffee. Hey, I've been up since 2:45 am, I can drink all the coffee I want.


They also took my bible...the one that is all marked up, written in etc...they also had the nerve steal Daniel's mints!!! Unbelievable! Don't worry Daniel, I will get more. :)

Sorry. That is what I said when I found out my car had been broken into. This morning, at 2:45 my phone rang. Now, you and I both know that a phone call in the middle of the night can only be bad news. It was Karen. She said a policeman was outside and "it appears your car may have been broken into". I quickly got dressed and went outside. Sure enough, the policeman was there. The hatchback on the car was wide open and, as I came around to the drivers' side the window had been smashed in. Glass was everywhere!! I said it again...crap!!! Then I apologized to the officer. He laughed and said "no problem, I have heard much worse". After he dusted for prints I was allowed to check for further damages and see if anything was missing. Nothing was. It was just a mess...more so than it usually is. CDs were strewn all over and of course, a bunch of glass. Then I called my insurance and reported the deed. Windshield replacement scheduled and no cost to me...yahooo! I am taking the day off. Hey!!! this is my 100th post!

A few days ago I decided it was time. Time to get out of denial and pull up the corn, squash and cantaloupe as they were done producing. Marmalade and I went to the garden. I put on gloves and she sat in a chair...she is the boss you know.

This is the aftermath. I felt like the name on the can...BRUTE.

But then I turned around and saw the remainder of my garden.....Sunflowers almost ready for harvest...

.....pumpkins....and watermelon (not pictured)

I then planted more corn and squash! Although it was kinda sad to realized my first garden was just about to be history (at least parts of it), I was happy to think that September (and a new growing season) would be here soon and I will be able to plant a whole new variety of vegetables. Oh, by the way; the cantaloupe was very tasty!

And it is really easy!

3 cups shredded zucchini
1 2/3 cup of sugar
2/3 cup oil
2 tsps of vanilla
4 large eggs
3 cups of all purpose flour
2 tsps baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup of walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup of craisins
or
1/2 cup of raisins

Mix together by hand until thoroughly mixed. Don't use mixer if possible. Grease loaf pans on bottom only. Bake at 350 on lower rack in oven for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves.

ENJOY!

This morning, as I was putting on my shoes I noticed there was something in them. Somehow my cat, Marmalade put some of her food in my shoes! How did she do that?? I am thankful that she only eats dry food because having wet cat food in your shoe would be gross! She had to have done this sometime during the night. I'm thinking of setting up a video camera to see what else she is up to when I am sleeping. She is definitely one of a kind!

I have written about this before. You may recognize some of the wording as I am taking it from previous posts. I just wanted to give you a little background, but the most important part is the last paragraph. Feel free to skip over and scroll down to it.


Some of you are aware that with this "irritative cervical radiculopathy" thing that I have (my pain in the neck ). Quite often it causes inflammation in/on my skull and makes it very tender...to the point that even my hair actually hurts. My week has been full of this kind of pain


Testing One Two Three
Posted by Mary Lee Thursday, November 13, 2008
Let me tell you about my latest exciting adventure. It is kind of a long story and it has nothing to do with riding the bus! One morning I woke up and my arms felt like they were on fire..kinda like a severe sunburn. I kept thinking "this is not right" and after about an hour of off/on pain, I drove myself to the ER. I described my symptoms to the triage nurse and within 5 minutes they had me hooked up to an EKG. The nurse kept looking at me then looking at the machine then looking at me really strangely. I'm thinking...this is not good...first I don't have to wait 10 hours to be seen and now the nurse is looking like their might be a problem. She doesn't say anything but leads me to an ER brick..I mean bed. Gives me the fashionable backless gown and tells me she will be right back. Immediately after she goes; the vampires come in for my blood. Three arms later they finally get what they need. The nurse returns with another EKG machine. Apparently the first one wasn't working properly...I think it said I was dead or something like that. It was wrong. After the EKG was completed, she wired me to a cardiac monitor and started an IV. After a while someone came to take me for a chest x-ray then returned me to my room. Soon a Doctor came in. I described my symptoms. He said "weird". He also said it could be a heart problem and they would probably do more tests. About an hour later someone came in an said they were going to move me to another location. He said it is one step closer to going home. He moved me into the hall!! I think they needed the room. A few minutes later the ER Doc came over and said they were going to admit me and keep me overnight for observation. So they moved me to another location in the ER. Once again they hooked me up to the cardiac monitor and also put me on oxygen..somebody came along and took more blood. I was in this room for at least two hours...but it had a TV...I watched the game show network! Later, they come to move me to the observation unit. In preparation for the move they placed a defibrillator unit at the bottom of the bed. I exclaimed..gee I sure hope we don't need that! They laughed and said not to worry, they just needed a portable device to hook into while they moved me. I finally get to my room. I had been at the hospital since 6am and it is now approaching 4pm. Dinner finally showed up about 5:30 pm. I hadn't eaten all day and I was really hungry. Needless to say, the hospital food kinda tasted good...I knew I must be really sick to think that! Right about that time Rita (co-worker) came in for a visit. We chatted for a while and then a different doctor came in. He wanted to know if I had been taken in for a CAT scan. I hadn't. He said he would go find out why because he had ordered one. Rita left about 6:45. Around 7:10 Laurie and Holly (more co-workers) stop in. They stayed until about 8pm when the nurse came to take me in for the test. She drove me to the test area and parked me in the hall. It was a nice view of the door of the x-ray room. I waited there about 15 minutes then they wheeled me in for the test. Five minutes later I was back out in the hall waiting for my driver. Back to my room. Nothing to do but watch TV and listen to sick people. I finally drift off to sleep about 1am only to be awakened at 2:30 by a nurse wanting more blood samples. I could not go back to sleep, nothing on TV but infomercials and home shopping network. Finally breakfast arrives about 8:30. I figure I must be feeling better because everything has no taste. I ate it anyway. About 11am I called Jayne and told her where I was and asked her to come pick up my keys and go feed my cat. She said she would be there asap. About 20 minutes later they took me up to cardiology for an echo stress test. That is where they take an ultrasound of your heart at rest and then when stimulation is added they take another ultrasound. The technicians explained how the test would work..after the at rest test, they would inject a drug equal to six (yes six) cups of coffee and do another ultrasound. I said that it sounded scary to me and I wondered how many days and nights I would be awake! Then the cardiologist came in and asked me if I could walk on the treadmill because he really didn't like administering the caffeine shot. I opted for the treadmill! After that was over he said I needed to have an angiogram. He explained the procedure and told me I would be awake during the whole thing. AWAKE I CAN'T BE AWAKE!!!! He said it would be OK they would give me something so I would not feel a thing. Then they wheeled me off to the Cardiac Cauterization Unit. It was about this time Jayne finally caught up to me. I gave her my spare keys and instructions for Marmalade. Then I realized she really didn't need any direction about how to take care of a cat....she has several of her own!! We chatted for a while and then the nurse came in with a razor. At that time Jayne excused herself and....never mind. At 3:30 they wheeled me into the operating room. At 3:50 it was all over and I really didn't feel a thing! The cardiologist shook my hand and said my heart was just fine and I could be released in a couple of hours. They wheeled me back to my room. I was instructed to not lift my head or move my legs for at least 2 hours. That was hard, but I did it. Around 5:30 dinner was served. It is very hard to eat while laying almost completely flat and not being able to lift your head!!! Fortunately Pastor Sharon came in around that time. She held my glass so I could drink through a straw. Thanks Sharon! She also prayed with me..that was nice. I needed a ride home so Sharon said to call when I got released and someone would come and take me home. Finally around 8pm they told me all tests were negative and I was being released. Great, I said but that still doesn't explain the arm pain. The nurse said "wow that's true" and wandered off. Another nurse returned with my discharge instructions and I was set free. I called Sharon. She sent Tom and Charlotte to pick me up. Tom drove my car home. Charlotte brought me a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup...the best ever!! I got home and my cat spoke to me long and loud! I spent the next couple of days resting...my cat was by my side day and night. I think she missed me. My malady is still a mystery! I told you it was a long story.


I have this bizarre nerve thingy that at times "imitates life threatening conditions" (a quote from my Doctor). Most of the time it is just weird, assorted pains in my head and neck accompanied by swelling and tingling in my joints. This has been going on for years...apparently a chronic condition. Anyway, I said all that to say this: I have had a very difficult couple of weeks with this and when you think of it please pray for me. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Imagine if you will...having the building's printer down the hall in another room. Now, picture yourself having to print labels and certificates using that printer. Both of those things require special paper to get the job done. Before they can be printed you must add this special paper to the printer. Then comes the fun part. You have to hurry back to your computer and push print...all the while hoping no one else prints anything; because if they do, it will print on the special paper. This will make both parties print jobs useless. This happens quite often. I have been asking for a printer for my office ever since we moved to this building over a year ago and the Director always said "no". The other day I was once again taking to my Supervisor about this. I said "since all those people retired there has got to be a few printers not being used, how about letting me have one?" She said she would ask the Director. Later that very same day, I received an email telling me I could have a printer!! I immediately emailed her back asking what I had to do to get the printer here. The response was: "come and get it". Before anyone could change their mind; I zoomed down the street and got my printer!! I then went to my Supervisor's office (the Director just happened to be in her office) and thanked them a bunch. Now everyone wants their own printer!!

Today is Kathy's birthday and I wanted to be the first one in blog land to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Have a great day my friend. I would sing the birthday song but...well, you know. I don't want to spoil the day for you!

There is one of my cantaloupes...almost ripe

Marmalade observing the new corn crop.

Pumpkin

Remember to click pic for an up close view!
Two shots of recently blooming sunflower. Check out the birds on the wires waiting for seeds to form!

No pictures of this, but I am getting ready to plant a new batch of squash. I think the ants pretty much destroyed the plants because now they look like they are dying :(. Of course after planting I will sprinkle coffee grounds and baking soda over the entire garden!

This morning I noticed my squash plants were looking a bit odd. Then I noticed one of the squash had turned black! I discovered they had been invaded by hundreds of ants...the squash hadn't actually turned black; it was just being eaten. This did not make me happy. I turned to the Internet to find a "natural" way to get rid of ants. There were several suggestions and I chose two...I already had the stuff so I didn't have to buy anything. One of the remedies is coffee grounds and the other is black pepper. I ran out and dumped this mornings' coffee grounds on and around the invaders and then sprinkled a healthy dose of pepper all around. Apparently they eat the grounds and explode (so the Internet says). I'm not sure what the pepper does...probably makes them sneeze to death. So anyway, I went back out about 30 minutes later and..no live ants!!!! Mission accomplished. I also learned that baking soda, uncooked grits and instant rice will also do the deed! If you are a kind-hearted soul and don't actually want to kill them, you can sprinkle flour around the plants and the ants won't cross over the flour. Evidently i am not a kind-hearted soul!

Yesterday I was telling Kathy about the strange assortment of insects/bugs in my garden. Many I have never seen before. Well, she wanted me to capture some so she and the children could study them as part of their science lessons. So, I went out there this morning with jar in hand to catch these mysterious creatures. Of course; because I am looking for them; I could not find any! Just the normal everyday "garden variety" bugs. They must have heard I was out to get 'em and left for a 4th of July party in someone else's garden. Sorry Kathy. I will try again in a few days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvH7ySQi37E&feature=email

Enjoy the day!

This is what I saw when I arrived at work this morning
The A/C unit has arrived!!! Happy Happy Joy Joy

Over to the left is a huge crane......

Going up! Please please please don't drop it.

It is too hot to be cooking in the house today, so I

went outside and fired up the grill. It was the perfect

opportunity to try "fresh from the garden" grilled squash.

I picked one, and while the charcoal was burning off, I took

it inside and washed it.


Then I sliced it and added chopped onion and garlic.

I added a bit of butter and wrapped the whole thing

in foil. MMMM sounds good huh! I placed the packet

on the grill along with a salmon fillet. In less than 15

minutes dinner was done! And it was mighty tasty

if I do say so!



One more thing...you can't see it because I forgot

to take a picture of it....but I also added a fresh picked

tomato to the plate.

There is a serious case of global warming here in my office. The ice in my thermal cup is melting faster than Alaska glaciers! A few WEEKS ago (June 3rd to be exact) I wrote about the air conditioning being out....its still out. Yesterday Gilligan from Facilities Maintenance (its his nickname..he looks like the Skipper's little buddy...his other nickname is Scooby; as in Scooby Doo) I think his real name is Richard, came in. He reported "a new unit is to be installed today"(Thursday). Cheers arose from the Security Officer and myself. Then he said: "however a crew was supposed to be here at 6:30am- they never showed so its not gonna happen today..maybe tomorrow, but probably not until next week". Our cheers turned to tears...or maybe it was sweat! I need more ice.

Just wanted to post a better photo of the Sunflowers.

I have made a few changes to my blog. Well, OK I completely revised and updated it. I think this is the one I am going to stick with for a while. I think it is better.

WooHoo!!! Marmalade is feeling better. She is starting to act like her old self...she jumped on my bed in the middle of the night (she hasn't jumped on anything since being injured) so I could pet her. I was happy to do it. This morning she went into the garden..( the other thing she hasn't done)..and tried to catch a big black bee. She is still limping but is on the mend. Yippee!!

Sigh..sigh..big sigh. This morning somehow I stepped on my cat. It all happened so quickly that I don't even know where I stepped on her! She seemed OK..sort limping around a bit, but OK. I apologized profusely but she kept her distance. I, feeling like a very bad pet owner, went to work. When I got home she was barely walking. Feeling like a horrible pet owner; I scooped her up and went to the nearest animal hospital fearing her leg was broken or her hip was dislocated. I told the Dr what happened. She told me not to worry, that everyone steps on their pet at least once. Then, after a careful and thorough examination it was determined there was nothing broken or out of place. She had only sustained some "soft tissue damage". The Vet gave me a mild pain reliever...she called it a "kitty narcotic". I get to squirt it in Marmalade's mouth twice a day for 3 days. She should recover in about a week. I hope she doesn't become addicted to it...I don't want to have to start taking her to Cat-anon meetings!

Yesterday I picked 4 squash from my garden. I gave 2 to Jayne and 2 to Linda. It was really funny because they both said they were going to cook them the same way...on the grill, wrapped in foil with garlic and onion. MMMM sounds good to me. I can hardly wait for more to ripen so I can try it that way too. I also picked 2 tomatoes and will have them with dinner tonight! Oh, and I also have a few cantaloupe (5) on the vine. They are a little shy right now but when they get bigger I will post their pictures!

OK Kathy aka Fieldlilyx, Field Notes, mother of The Traveling Schoolhouse and another up and coming aspiring blogger, and wife of The Bumbling Genius; I can take a hint. What do you think of my new template? Be nice. Any and all comments welcomed :)

This morning Marmalade and I were hanging out in the backyard. Well, actually we were admiring our garden. I was wearing a yellow blouse. Apparently this is an excellent color for attracting hummingbirds. Five of them came fluttering close by. This, of course, sent my cat into a meow and twitch crazily mode! That didn't last long however because the little birds quickly discovered I wasn't a giant, sweet smelling daffodil and darted away. Marmalade calmed down and wandered into the garden to take a nap while I enjoyed a cup of coffee. It was a great morning!

The other night I was laying on the couch enjoying my pre-bedtime nap. Quite suddenly I was awakened by a very loud meow. It was Marmalade (my cat). Those of you that know her can attest to the fact that she is very vocal, but this was beyond vocal! Again, she let out a shrill, ear piercing meow. She was staring at the ceiling. I could see there was a large dark object up there. I thought it was a moth. Turning up the light for a better look; I could see it was not a moth. It was an enormous, gigantic, humongous sewer roach! GROSS...I intensely dislike these creatures. I killed it. As a reward I let Marmalade play with the dead carcass for a few minutes before I scooped it up and flushed it to its final resting place. Marmalade truly is "The Great Furry Hunter!

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting (yes sitting) in my garden pulling weeds. I made a slight move to the left but my knee refused to come with me. I felt a sudden pain in my knee and when I stood up I could barely walk because it wouldn't unbend all the way. I managed to get to a Walgreen's and pick up a pair of crutches then went home and looked up "knee pain" on the information super highway aka the Internet. I decided I had twisted my knee and sat around with an ice pack for a while. It began to feel better after a couple of days so I graduated to one crutch then no crutch. Then, I tried to move something with my leg and the pain was back. I then did what I should have done in the first place and called the doctor. After messing with my knee for a little while, it was determined that I had sprained the knee. I was given a RX for giant sized Ibuprofen pills, advised to continue ice therapy and wear a brace Then the doctor said: "it will take a long time to heal because YOU ARE OLDER and as you age your body doesn't recuperate as quickly as when you WERE young". If I would have had the crutches I would have hit him....instead I just gave him the evil eye! I wonder if I am eligible for the senior discount?!

....there was this plot of dirt. Actually it was a plot of grass first. Some crazy person chose to dig up the grass and planted seeds in the dirt. Those seeds began to grow; and insane, deranged birds decided to feast on the little plants. For their own protection; the crazy person put the little plants in cages. The birds were not happy.

Finally, the day came went the little plants could no longer be contained. They were set free to grow and prosper.

They continue to grow, prosper and bear fruit. Amazingly, the birds have kept their distance!

The garden continues to grow. The crazy person has decided the garden is too small and plans to expand soon.

Look at all the space the crazy person could make into a larger garden.

The crazy person only wants to enlarge to garden another 5 feet. That would make it approximately 10 x 15. Click on the pictures for a better view. Somewhere in the garden a cat is resting.