It Takes a Village.....

Oh yes, we've all heard that saying haven't we?? "It takes a village to raise a child"! Well, I thought of this last week when I fell, to me it went something like this...It takes a village to raise an old lady...ha! ha!  I'd had a few things going on in my life...like an infection and was on antibiotics for that. Then last Monday I had went to a doctor to see if I was a candidate for cataract surgery. (which I am) But it took about 6 hours and I was just worn out when I got home. I figured the combination is what made me so weak I just couldn't stand and went down. I have a life alert watch, which I pushed and asked them to notify my neighbor/caregiver and the firemen (to get me up!!) They all came and I went to the hospital for fear I might have hurt myself...(I know they say I've shrunk a couple inches in my old age, but it's still a ways to fall...) smile... It was very painful to have the x-rays..trying to roll around on that hard, cold table...ugggg But the results came back in my favor. I had no broken bones... Yeah!!! But, I was still very tired and sore. So I stayed in the hospital for 3 days and then got to come home to my loving dog "Rusty"!! This is where the village comes into play. My neighbor Krystal was here everyday.. taking care of Rusty, running to the hospital to see me and bring me clothes etc... And my other neighbor Kelly came over and let Rusty out too. And others helped along the way...that is mine and Rusty's village.. How blessed am I??? Unbelievably blessed!!When I went in for my check up yesterday, my doctor said he read up and found out that the antibiotic I was on causes weakness in MS patients.. who knew?? It is a new founded discovery. Now, had I not gotten worn out like I did, I probably would have been fine on that drug. The best part was that antibiotic worked!!

Don't you love my flower?? I thought they were tiger lilies, but was told these are much prettier than the old tiger lilies as they were plain without the spots! Learn something new everyday!!!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying some of this summer's warmth.  It has been 'hot' here, but hopefully we'll get a little rain tonight and it'll cool things off.

Please join me in prayers for our country..

Bye for now..

It's Summer...or is it? It was Spring or was it?/

Hello there.. Sorry it's been a whole month since I've put up a post. Yep, spring is gone and summer is here! Well, at least that is what the calendar says!! But I wonder sometimes. Our spring had record highs into the 100 degrees!! I'm still shocked by those days. I miss my cool spring rains and temperatures. But, here we are into summer and we've been having lower temps and rain! Actually, we're having flooding in the area....then tonight it has been pouring, with lots of lightening..sad I feel so bad for those who are evacuating their homes due to the flooding.

As you can see by my picture I've had lots of birds at my feeders this year. A couple nights ago there were 8 mourning doves out there eating. I couldn't hardly believe my eyes!! I guess they know a good place when they see it...ha! ha! I'm even getting Cardinals again. We put out some seed that they like. I always wonder....how do they know when you change the food?? God must have given the some superior senses!! 

I know it's really hard to tell, but there is one dove on the deck railing, 4 at the first feeder, 2 at the other feed and one by the wheel barrow! Eight....can you believe it??

There was even this bunny rabbit at the pan eating the seed. (I think it was eating the corn). It looks like it's hiding here. smile...

My son was playing this weekend at a couple different places.  They were both outside. This was the first one where they played around 3 or so. Then they jumped in their vehicles and headed off to the next one a few hours away..ha! It was a busy day for them. His wife went with him, they stayed overnight last night, then drove into the city this morning. It was soooo nice to see them. Randy is the lead guitarist and is on the right side in the red plaid  shit. He loves his music! One of these days I will share a video. (I just need to figure out how to do it.)

My daughter Brenda is going through some medical issues and I would really appreciate prayers for her. I just hope she'll feel the comfort and love that only our God can provide.

Thank you again for all your good thoughts coming our way and try to enjoy yourselves where ever you are on this planet that we all call home..

Bye for now...

Off for a haircut..

Our American flag flies high, and I always love to photograph it when we drive by! 

The other day, we headed across the river to get Tom's haircut. (See that single boat out there cruising up the river?)

Doesn't he look handsome??

Yes siree bob, that is a whole lot of cream on that banana cream pie!!! smile...

But now look at Tom's Raisin cream pie, that is really a high meringue...lol (That is what this restaurant is known for.) Actually, its a truck stop. It has been around for sixty plus years. I remember stopping there back when my older brother was a teenager. (His girlfriend was a waitress there...lol) Tom and Karen had a hot beef and I had a club sandwich. (I brought three fourths of my pie and half of my sandwich home!) Tom and I finished it up for supper...lol Do you ever buy things when you eat out, with the intentions of bringing part of it home for later???

As we were leaving, Tom noticed this old Model T. We asked the waitress if she knew who owned it. She pointed him out and said he'd love to talk about his car...lol I asked him if we could take some pictures, he said "Sure as long as you don't take the car.." smile...

 

What a cool car, from the headlights, to the windshield wipers, the spare tire, and finally to the 'rumble seat' in the back. You probably can't see them, but there were steps on the bumper and the rear fender, you'd use to get into the rumble seat!! So awesome!!

 

Just another reason to love summertime!

How Hot Is It??

Yesterday and today were very hot! Yep, that's how summer begins in Iowa!! Look at this poor robin..I think he was panting.

I'm always amazed at the fact that things (weeds and or grass) grow from the cracks in the cement. Unbelievable! How does that happen?? I've yet to figure it out!

Yesterday we went out for a bite to eat at one of the drive thru's...one we hadn't been to in years!! (It wasn't as good as we remembered it), but we had been saying every time we drove by, we've got to stop and get a bite there sometime! So we parked under a shade tree (see the shadow of the tree on the pavement?) It was nice to get out of the heat.

Actually there was a DQ next door, and next time that's where we'll eat...lol

Tom spotted this older man riding his bike around across the street up and down by the car wash. Then he sander ed across the busy street and pulled under the shade tree, opposite us. Tom said, 'oh, he's going to have a cigarette!' And sure enough, he sat on his bike and smoked his cigarette. I tried so hard to get a picture of him either taking a drag or blowing the smoke out. But I didn't do very good. I thought it was funny, when that little girl drove by on her pretty pink bike. Both ends of the spectrum...young and old alike love to ride their bikes on a summer day. Do any of you still ride a bike?? Another day, I will share a 'true' story about Tom deciding to ride a bike again...until then......shot time...good night!

Summer, Yucca and Roses

The other day we stopped by the bank and as we were pulling out, I spotted these lovely roses. So of course...snap...snap...snap went my camera..smile..  They were so pretty.

Do you remember these umbrella trees (that's what I call them since they are shaped like an umbrella?) We drove by them and I thought their still very pretty! Also, it shows how 'green' it is here.

 Here are some more flowers from the bank. Not sure who their gardener is but they certainly do a wonderful job!! Since their pretty now, they will just flourish this summer.

 



Tom went out this morning and took this picture of one of the blooming yucca plants. They are so pretty.

I cut the picture to get a close up of one of the blooms.

 

Today, we had a 'hot' summer (tomorrow) day. It was 88 degrees and is to be that hot again tomorrow!! I know summer officially begins tomorrow, but it was having a good start at it today!! smile..

 

My daughter was in Charlotte, NC at a rugby game..and it was terribly hot there too..

 

And my son is playing with his band in a town south of here, in this heat!!

 

What is your weather like where you are as you approach the first day of summer?? 

Hotter than Hot!

How many of you remember this old song?? "Up the lazy river in the noon day sun....the hazy..crazy river in the noon day sun" (or something like that)  smile... Well this is how it was today...looking up the river.. it was noon and it was hazy...smile... We had gone to the doctor again today..seems to be becoming a nasty habit..ha.. However, tomorrow our friend is coming to clean the house and visit with us. She is always so sweet! Hopefully, we can have a nice day without seeing anymore doctors..

Yesterday, after Tom's annual heart doctor appointment, we stopped and had a 50 cent ice cream cone at Burger King! We had considered going to the DQ, but instead of $1 for two cones I'm sure we'd have had to pay close to $5! This tasted so good on another HOT day! We have had a heat index of over 100 degrees everyday and is to continue through most of the weekend! Hard to believe September and Labor Day are almost here...where has the summer gone?? Or..maybe it's still here..ha..

 

What kind of a week have you been having?? I'd love to hear... Well, I'm to take my shot...

more as it happens here in the city................

Tomatoes and Sweet Corn...

Look! Look! Look! Finally, our first tomato of the season! smile... Since there are lots of green ones on the vine, along with our 'hot' weather I'll bet there'll be lots of red ones real soon!

 

Tom and "Rusty" went down to the garden this morning and he took a sack instead of just his shirt...lol as I thought there would be more than usual. And of course look at all of them! (Kind of nice to be right...smile...) 

So now you can see what Tom did with his tomatoes....smile.. He made  BLT's and sweet corn! Now to me that is definitely "summer's finest" meal!! I always hated to stand and fry bacon, (I even bought one of those gadgets you put in the microwave for your bacon!) But it's never the same as fried bacon! smile... Do you like this BLT's??

Tom got this picture of some of our cherry tomatoes...he said it was so hard to see them through the camera lenses. I suppose with the sun being so bright it can be very difficult. But look at all those green ones, just waiting to ripen! And I see some little yellow flowers, meaning there are more coming! yeah!! smile.. 

 

 

We bought some corn at this local stand. These people have been selling their produce on the main drag, and their always glad to see us! He waved at me and shook Tom's hand..smile.. When we pulled up to their stand, there weren't any other customers. Seemed they came in droves right after we got there! smile..

 

Now do you see that big cabbage?? Isn't that amazing? What would you do with something that big?? smile... Would it be sour kraut?? (yuck--I am not a fan of it!) However, I know there are lots of people who really love it! I like it in soup, and in casseroles, but especially in coleslaw...however can you imagine shredding all that cabbage...ha..ha... Now you know why I didn't tell Tom to buy it...toooo much work! smile...!

 

Hope you're having a blessed SONday!

 

more as it happens in the city.....

Once in a Blue Moon

 

Yes, tonight look up! And you may see a Blue Moon! (My daughter took this one last night...pretty isn't it??)  The night of August 20/21 is a Seasonal Blue Moon. Enjoy this new moon tonight! We will not see a blue moon again until 2015.

 

 

When we went to the doctors the other day...we spotted this deer 'limping' across the road. I felt so bad for it. He must have been hit. sad.... That's the problem when there is wild life in the city. Hopefully he will heal and do well in the future.

 

 

I took this as we were crossing the Missouri river today... to get Tom's hair cut. Lucky us, when we pulled up to his shop, his last customer pulled out! Since I was staying in the van, and it was 'hot' and I was in the sun, Tom turned it around and backed in so I'd be in the shade...smile... He is so sweet... While I waited I read some of this amazing book. smile.. I see Susan is coming to Iowa City...so close...yet so far away for me..sad... That would be so cool to meet her and to have her sign my book. However, I'm still holding out for her to come to our city!!! smile...

 

 

When we came home, I took this picture of our 'Naked Lady', looks like they are about done for the year. But at least they came back up again this year!

 

I saw a humming bird out my window this afternoon...almost like he was trying to come in and visit us..smile.. Course my camera wasn't turned on...darn, I would have loved to have gotten a photo of him/her! It was very HOT today as I said before, the temperature was only 89...but due to the dew points it felt like 98! Yikes...that would have been too warm for me to be out in!!! Tom, however went out after supper and watered the plants, and the birds.. They will be very happy to have a fresh drink!

 

How has your week been going? We have more doctors appointments this week...so will keep you posted..ha..ha.. just what you want to read about!! 

 

more as it happens here in the city.....

In the Good Ole Summertime...

Remember my cousin Glendena and her husband who came to visit us last year?? Her and I spent many a summer together when we were teenagers at her home in Missouri! Her husband restored this John Deere tractor and they drive it in their  hometown parade every year! As hot as it was this year, I'm sure they really appreciated the umbrella! smile.... Have any of you been in a parade?? I think it would be so fun!! I was suppose to be in our local one, when one of our ladies had a Red Hat convertible...but it was way to "hot" for this Red Hatter who has MS...sad.... 

Do you remember this beautiful flower that he made for me?? Glendena told him he needed Red Hat colors...red and purple! smile... Isn't it just the neatest lawn ornament you've ever seen??

Yesterday, it took us awhile to get up and get going, but finally around noon we headed out in our opressive heat. We went to Chilies for lunch as I had a free coupon for this dessert!! (Sorry I forgot to take a before picture....but it was amazing!!) I love Chilies...we usually get the Bottomless Soup and Salad, they also give you chips and dip. So....you never go away hungry...lol

Next we went to a store to get Rusty some new treats. We finally found some that are made in the USA instead of China, so we like to give him one of those every day. Then off to WalMart to get Tom some treats (lol) peppermint candies! However, when we came in the door...there were some Hostess Twinkies and Cup Cakes! My favorite are the cupcakes, so I got my 'treat' too...smile... 

Then off to Sam's Club...to restock our supplies! Boy, I'm not sure how Tom got everything into the van...especially in the heat! And we have to remember, every time (expect for the restaurant)  he had to get my scooter in and out of the van! Bless his heart! But for me it was so nice to get out and about, it's been a long time! smile...

Today was just kind of  a laid back one...which was good since it was another 90 degree day!! Summer is definitely here! My prayers are with all those suffering from this heat throughout the country.....

more as it happens here in the city.................

Fireflies in the Garden and.....

Today I was outside and saw these pretty flowers! You know me...I love...love...love all of them. These sit in a barrel off our back porch...smile... Tom was busy the last couple days..watering the yard, as the yard people had put some fertilizer or something on it and it had to be watered within 48 hours! Of course we had  had a few sprinkles of rain but not enough...(sad) Yesterday, after watering the lower level, he mowed the yard. It always looks soooo nice when he gets done. But it is a long and tedious job for him. One he enjoys however. I worked a little in the house...cleaning up the kitchen. Have you ever used an "Eraser"? My friend told me about them and how they take care of everything! smile... so we bought them and 'finally' I used one yesterday. They are amazing....I tried it on the refrigerator, counter tops and other dirty items in the kitchen...smile...

Later in the afternoon we went for a ride and got us a "Dilly Bar" at the Dairy Queen...remember those? We hadn't had one in years......so that was a nice treat on a lovely 'summer' afternoon. We drove down by the river, I have other photos..I will share maybe tomorrow. But loved this one..shows so much summer activity. Campers, Riverboat Casino, boaters...the Veterans Bridge...sun going down on a lazy river....smile...

We've been seeing lightening bugs...flying around in the yard and garden in the evening. However, I was 'not' able to catch them in my lense...sad... Don't you just love them though?? Are they lighting up your back yard?? Did you ever catch them and put them in a jar?? One of the fun things we use to do as kids.... (couldn't you just see Tom running around out there trying to catch them for me????...smile...) That's why I didn't ask...as he would have tried..

He did however check out his garden yesterday and the deer have been wrecking havoc with the plants..sad... One day it was fine, the next they had nibbled the tops off the tomato plants and destroyed the green peppers... He  sprayed coyote urine on strips of material  and put a radio in one of his sheds down there. Hopefully, this will   discourage them from feasting on our plants... I hope if you have a garden you are not plagued with these creatures....

Good news...I had a call from my doctor...and the test I took last week came back "normal"..We are very happy with that news!! smile...

Hope you are all enjoying some summer weather this weekend...we're having rain...(of course---after Tom watered...but at least he got the yard mowed...and all of God's water is wonderful for the lawn, flowers and garden...) But this will be one more Farmers Market we will miss due to weather...sad.... Have a blessed weekend...

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

May 31, 1939: Jack and Paul took me to the doctor. He says the baby should be here by tomorrow. Jack and I worked in garden. Took sick at midnight. Having pains. Jack went after Mama at 4 o'clock.

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more as it happens here in the city............

Happy First Day of Summer!

Well, "Happy First Day of Summer" to all of you! How are you enjoying this day? I thought our sun out in our back yard would be a perfect  photo to greet the summer!!! smile....

Our morning started with clouds and rain...so it was another Farmers Market day that we missed! sad... 

Remember I told you Tom made chili yesterday? We tried it out last night...just to be sure it was eatable...lol Of course it was delicious...and had it for lunch today. When I was telling my daughter Brenda yesterday about it...fear struck her voice as she remembered how Tom 'use' to make it! HOT-HOT-HOT smile..   When he originally got the 'Chili' Cookbook...he found this recipe and made it just like it stated!  It called for something like 4 Tablespoons of chili pepper and red hot chili and red medium chili, he now has it down to like 1/2 tsp each...ha... He learnt a lesson..how great recipes can be but you have to tweak it for your family! smile... So I let Brenda know if she were here she would agree that the chili now...was 'yummy'...smile...

While we were having lunch I kept hearing a bird singing away...so I opened the door to hear the song. Tom and I looked out and we both saw some activity in the house. So we are just sure there are babies in it once again this year!! We shall keep watch, and hopefully catch a shot of them!!

I've been wanting to tell you about our little Rusty...he is such a good boy....and so helpful to me. If I should drop something on the floor..he will pick it up and bring it to me! Whether it's a pencil, sock, paper or many other items...he is amazing! Today...he went to the groomers and got all prettied up! smile... or should I say..he looks so 'handsome'!!! He even got a fourth of July kerchief! He has been sleeping since he got home...when he goes visiting he is pooped when he gets home...smile...

How did you spend your first day of summer???

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

February 19, 1939: Jack got up at five this morning. It was warm at first today and then it really got cold. I slept this afternoon. I tried the stove out by baking a cake. It burned on top.

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more as it happens here in the city...................