shackhappy

Comfort from the Vet

shackhappy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:24:00 -0500

Dr. Joe, the vet, just called me and we talked about my little Daphne passing away so suddenly. Dr. Joe said that she was in very good shape, weight-wise, and her gums were not pale. Her high fever was indicative of infection, but not life-threatening. He said the only thing he can think of is a tumor of the spleen, that might have ruptured and ended her life. I know that she had an underlying condition, but I certainly could not tell what it may have been. I asked about her gingivitis, but he said it was only a mild case, although all things considered, it may have played its part in her death. He was very consoling, and I'm glad I had the chance to talk to him about her. I see her lying there everywhere I go in the house, subconsciously looking for her. Grief comes and goes between periods of being somber and reflective. I certainly miss her; she was so feisty and opinionated, and remembering the look in her eyes, I know she was happy and active in our lives.

Bon Voyage, my little Daphne

shackhappy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:35:00 -0500

So I took Daphne to the vet's, and all that. I was to give her the antibiotic twice a day, evenly spaced. I gave her one when I got her home, then again at 9:00 p.m. She had a terrible night, throwing herself back and forth, struggling. I kept petting her and lifting her to a more comfortable position. She would open her eyes and look at me, and I could see she was really sick. But the comforting seemed to help her and calm her, and she was able to sleep then for about 1/2 hour or so. But then the discomfort would begin again, and I was up and down all night, until about 5:00 a.m. with her, telling her it would be all right. But privately wondering if things were getting worse for her. Finally, I thought she was sleeping comfortably, and between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., I fell asleep for a few hours. I woke up at 9:00 a.m. sharp to give her the medicine again, and knew immediately, looking at her there at the foot of my bed, that she was gone. I phoned the vet and told them, and they said the vet would get back to me, but he has not done so. I believe that she was a lot sicker than they let on.

I'm coming out of the shock now, and starting to grieve. John helped with the burial, out in the woods where Arnie, Sr. lies and also my little Miss Muffet, the sweetest kitty in the world. I'm sure Arnie, Jr. and Pepper know what's happened, but they are more concerned with living, a good thing. Daphne had her problems, but we believe she had a good life here, though not a long one. She was a Sheltie, and I had cared for her since my mother died. So goodbye, my sweet girl, I know your troubles are over now.

Another Tick-Borne Disease

shackhappy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:23:00 -0500

I could tell something was wrong with my Sheltie dog, Daphne, yesterday, when she couldn't step down to go out. I had to lift her down, and I noticed she was having trouble going potty outside. Last evening, she wouldn't eat her supper, and she NEVER doesn't eat. And then she didn't rise to the occasion of barking when the phone rang.

All night long, she was scritching and scratching around, and seemed to be uncomfortable all night. Her breathing was just panting. This morning, she wasn't able to get up at all. I called the vet and brought her in. She had to be lifted and carried out to the truck. I didn't know what was the matter.

Well, she has anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease, quite serious. It's at least as bad as lyme's disease, and the vet's informed me that both of these diseases are spreading fast. They gave her an injection of dexamethazone (steroid) to make her feel better right away, and an injection of Sub-Q fluid, and she has to take antibiotic (doxycycline) for 21 days. She has a fever of 104 degrees. Hopefully, she will beat this thing. She was carried back in and is resting on a clean rug. She is sleeping all the time. The other dogs were worried and wondering what all this was about, but so far, they are all right, and won't get bitten by any disease-carrying ticks.

My grandson and I are leaving now to go to a barbeque that my son is having over at his house. He's been preparing for days. I know there's good food waiting, and his son is eager to see his dad again. So, off we go.

Snowshoe Baseball

shackhappy — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:10:00 -0500

My grandson arrived about 11:00 Friday night, in the dark. They got lost bringing him here at night, since all the roads look different in the dark, but with cell phone in constant connection, I guided them in. After a late night feast, to bed. Yesterday, I took him shopping and bought him a new stereo headset for his MP-3 player. I had to ask what that thing was that had music in it, and how do you get the music in there?

Then last evening, the whole family turned out to the snowshoe baseball game in Lake Tomahawk, the home of snowshoe baseball. The game begins when the sun goes behind the pine trees. The stands were packed. It was the season finale game, my son was pitching for the visitors (The Over 35-ers). I had to ask, why is he throwing the ball like that? You have to "lift" the ball high in the air and get it to go over the plate. One time the pitcher threw a muskmelon instead of the ball, and when the batter smacked it, it made quite a mess. The players have to shuffle and leap in their snowshoes, but do a remarkable job of it. My son made a diving catch at one point, and all you could see was a tangle of legs, snowshoes, and a cloud of dust. We had to wait until he emerged from it to see what happened. There were some spectacular falls, but on the sawdust-like infield, there appeared to be no injuries. One batter actually struck out, swinging twice and missed both times! The crowd moaned, shaking their heads. That guy will have to dye his hair, grow a mustache, maybe leave town.

The announcer, who sat in a booth high above home plate, also seemed to be the umpire, and called out dolefully, "ball" if it was a ball, but made no other calls. When somebody challenged one of his calls, he announced indignantly that he could SEE the plate. I'm sure there was an umpire; I couldn't see him from where I was sitting. You get 2 strikes and 3 balls, 2 foul balls count as strikes and you're out, the distances between bases is shorter, and the ball is about the size of a muskmelon, 16" diameter. About three times, someone tripped over a cord, and the scoreboard went out. Game halted until connection had been remade. After the completion of every inning, the announcer called out a set of 10 winning numbers of people who bought raffle tickets from somewhere, but the game was free. They must have made a ton of money at the concession stand, which was about as big as the infield. In addition to the everpresent brats, burgers and sodas, they had over 300 pies to sell, all home-made! During the game, people with fishnets (or a curtain rigged on a stick) went along collecting money for the local Food Pantry, and they netted over $700.00 for that organization. All of the monies raised from these activities centered around snowshoe baseball go the various charities in the area.

But the home team pulled it out at the last minute (bottom of the 11th) and won against the visitors (The Over 35-ers). These are the original team who just got older, and the home team are the new guys who replaced them. Can't remember the teams name, but it has something to do with snow removal in the winter. It was 11 to 11 in the 11th inning and someone slammed out a homerun with a man on base. Actually, it was a fumble and a stumble that resulted in a home run. The crowd roared. The tourists loved the game, and laughed a lot at our "jumbotron" scoreboard, and the other folksy ways of the northwoods.

And of course, my grandson got reunited with his dad after the game. It does my heart good to see them together. I wish they could see each other more often. Today, we are heading back up north to spend the afternoon with my daughter, who wants to take us shopping and buy him a birthday present. The weather is beautiful, and will get very warm (high 80's) today. I am keeping my eye on the weather channel to watch the progress of Gustav and hope that things go better this time for coastal residents.

Barack Obama IS me!

shackhappy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:11:00 -0500

Barack Obama is me and I am Barack Obama! The Democratic Convention has been a very emotional experience for me. I have felt teary-eyed with patriotic emotion before, but I have not blubbered through an entire convention like I have this time. John and I both cried like babies, night after night, and we have agreed that it is a response to all the pent-up agony we have felt for the past eight years. And if there was ever any doubt, we now see that Barack Obama and the entire Democratic pantheon is what we have been hungering for. Barack's speech tonight emptied my heart and mind and soul of all that built-up negativity and filled me with everything I have longed to hear. I realize that I am an old, gimpy white woman who lives in a shack in the woods, caring for three odd dogs, a feisty black hen who won't lay eggs, and a garden that's too much for me, but I say again, Barack Obama is ME and I am Barack Obama. Oh beautiful, for spacious skies....

I Want to Blog About Us Democrats

shackhappy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:50:00 -0500

I've been watching the Democratic National Convention, and it's been an emotional experience for me. My heart swells up and I'm crying, but it's a healing that has been a long time coming. Everone in the Party has done a wonderful job bringing us all together, renewing long lost hopes for a better world. Tonight is the big night when Barack accepts the nomination and makes his big speech. I get angry at the media, always, always trying to stir up trouble. Can't they just let us have a respite from their haggling, worrying, nagging, bringing up the negative issues. I know there's the big fight coming, but let us have a few days off to enjoy this, please. I've been sending money to Obama, and do not regret at all that I sent money to Hillary before. Also, I've donated to getting a Congress elected that will get things done for a change. And I've written to Elizabeth Edwards, telling her what an inspiration she has been for our country, as well. Well, my Obama sign is up at the end of my driveway, and John is now doing work for the party.

I haven't seen that snake around since freeing it from the chicken's coop. I've finally decided to name my black hen "Suzie." Not much of a name, I know. It rained all night again, and filled up all the barrels again. This makes me very happy, as they were empty again. Today, I will harvest tomatoes, beans and corn. The greens are mostly past their prime, tough and bitter, so I won't bother with them any more.

I hear a lot of bird calls and animal calls now. It is nice to go outside in the morning, and determine how many and what kinds of bird and animal calls you can identify. The weather has been just great, perfect, though still a little on the dry side.

My grandson is finally coming this weekend for a visit, so I'll take him out Saturday night to the snowshoe baseball game, then Sunday, we are invited to a barbeque party, on Monday, I'll take him shopping for groceries; then the kids can plan the rest of the week with him, and hopefully, we'll all go out for fish fry on his last night of visiting. That's a pretty good visit, I'd say.

Lately, I've come to realize that I've been overcooking my soups, and have been careful not to do so anymore. Here's my latest, greatest Hamburger Vegetable Soup:

In a 1 gallon or larger soup pot, brown l lb. hamburger and 1 medium onion, chopped, in 1 tblspn. olive oil. Crumble burger and stir occasionally. Add 4 beef boullion cubes; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 stalks celery with tops, trimmed and chopped; 8 cups water; 2 cups chopped cabbage; 1 large potato, cubed; 1/2 cup cubed sweet potato (optional); 1/2 cup chopped broccoli; 1/2 cup snipped green beans; 1 clove garlic, sliced thin; 1/4 cup orzo, 1/4 cup red lentils; 1 12-oz. can of V-8 or tomato juice; 1 cup of egg noodles; 2 tsp. salt (add more later if needed); 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper; 1/2 tsp. paprika; 1/2 tsp. white sugar and 1/2 tsp. Season-All or Lawry's Seasoned Salt. Cover and simmer gently for not longer than 15 minutes or until veggies are just tender (I turned off heat in 10-12 minutes; everything was just right).

John's marathon in Paradise - well, it rained a downpour during the race, and he came to a huge puddle at the foot of a hill, next to a gully. Considering what he looked like when he returned, his jump across the puddle did not go well. Although he initially cleared the puddle, the slick clay on the other side proved to be his undoing. He slipped, tripped, flipped over and back into the puddle he went, further slipping down into the gully, headfirst on his back. He jumped up, not even aware of any injuries, and continued the run, much to the astonishment of onlookers, who later claimed he looked like a stunt double in a movie. I tell you, ice does wonders for strains and bruises. He has recovered nicely and did finish the race in good time.

Remarkable Salads and Strange Snakes

shackhappy — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:48:00 -0500

I went into the garden today and was harvesting for quite a while, then came in a made an unusual salad, featuring all home-grown veggies. Lettuce, mustard, chard, pak choi, zucchini, nasturtium, green beans, radish, cuke, onion, green olive (not from garden), slivered almonds, and topped with a dressing of olive oil, lemon vinegar, white sugar and yogurt. It was quite bitter, as I think the greens have almost gone by. I had to toast some bread, with lots of butter, not to have an upset stomach. Of course, I gave all the trimmings to the chicken.

When I returned to her cage with more goodies for her, I was surprised to see a black and grey-flecked garter snake in her cage, with a large arrow-shaped head. The poor stubborn snake was trying to be defensive, but against my big feisty chicken, he would not have prevailed. Why he/she didn't just leave through the chicken wire, I don't know. John came along just then, and offered to rescue the snake, who was already bloodied about the head, but not seriously. He put on a thick glove and reached into the cage. By then the snake was ready to strike at anything, all the time, but John grabbed him and gently pulled him out. He threw him to the side of the cage, where he went right back into his defensive posturing and striking. We checked to see that he was not blinded; he wasn't, so we left them alone. My black hen only was interested in her new salad greens.

John is now on his way to Paradise in the U.P. of Michigan, where he is going to be running a 15 mile marathon tomorrow morning. It is a spectacularly beautiful place, with a kind of miniature Niagara Falls. I don't know the name of the falls there.

And finally, we got rain last night, and it made me so happy to hear it pattering all night long. This morning, the rain barrels are full to the brim. My grandson didn't show up last weekend, and will have to wait until next weekend to visit. I want him to come in time for the last snowshoe baseball game of the season. Hope!

Drought Continues

shackhappy — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:21:00 -0500

Well, it's been a couple of weeks without rain now, and the water tables are going down, down, down. We are 2" below the average rainfall now and dropping. I had to fill the rain barrel up and will water the drooping garden later this afternoon.

I have been having nice salads of lettuces, kale, pak choi, spinach, and chards for a couple of weeks now. So good for a body, and I load them up with all the weird things I like on salads; slivered almonds, green olives, onions, radishes, cukes, tomatoes, cottage cheese, 3 kinds of dressings, grated or shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of sugar. Grapes and/or strawberries, if I have them. These salads are so much food, that I only need a few sesame sticks besides, and it's a complete meal.

My grandson was supposed to arrive today for a week-long visit, but he couldn't make it until next weekend. I had already thawed a turkey breast and a package of bratwursts. I'm cooking the brats now in beer, mustard and onions for two hours in the house, and will put them on the grill later, where they will cook for about 10 minutes to perfection. I am hungry now, just smelling them cooking. I'll probably freeze a few for when he finally gets here. Then I'll have to roast the turkey and freeze it also, until he gets here. I need to bake bread also, so today I'll be busy in the kitchen.

My kids took me out to fish fry last night at the Diamond Inn in Hazelhurst. The food is always good there. I had deep-fried cod that was delicious. I am especially grateful for cod, feeling that it is a blessing to still be able to get this fantastic fish in spite of the depleted stocks. I just wore a t-shirt and jeans to go out. My son and his fiancee have set the date to get married in two months, and the whole fam damily was there to celebrate. As usual, we were all so loud and raucous that we draw stares from other customers. And as usual, I am the first to leave the festivities, as I have been having knife-sharp headaches lately, and I'm usually in bed by 7:30 p.m. just watching television.

So, on with my activities. I have been making good progress in my quest to eliminate "stuff" and "junk" from my house. And I've been grooming the dogs a lot, in what seems a futile attempt to eliminate shedding. But they do look nice in their trimmed summer coats.

A Visitor and a Dream

shackhappy — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:01:00 -0500

My grandson is coming for a visit in four more days, and if I can manage it, I'd like to get the shack cleaned up more and plan some activities for when he's here. My daughter stopped by for a visit. And I still am very sore from when I fell, was that two weeks ago? I can't believe these headaches....

I can just about make it out to the garden to pick beans and pull weeds, that's about it for my efforts. What, oh what, is wrong? When I dust now, the dust is not that grayish color, it's a very fine, dark black. Have they started up another coal plant? I thought I would share another one of my dreams about death and after death....

In this dream, I am tall, very strong, masculine-feeling; after I die, I get picked up somehow by an anhinga, who flies along a big, tropical forest river. Down below, swimming in the river, is a large boa constrictor. The anhinga lands on the snake, and I become transferred into the snake, who crawls onto the land and carries me onto a level plain, a very dry land. The snake stops, opens its mouth, and I run out as fast as I can, sprinting away from the snake. I look back once to see if it is following me; it isn't. The boa says, "don't forget your thanks." I thank the snake for delivering me safely to dry land.

I jog for hours across the hot plain, gradually drawing near to the foothills of mountains. The land gradually rises and I'm going up a long valley that may have been carved smooth by a glacier. The grass is green, sweet-smelling; little flowers dot the landscape. After awhile, I come upon a weather-beaten, ramshackle house on the right and stop running to look at this place. There's a plump, grandmotherly woman sitting on the porch. She has a dishpan on her lap and is peeling and coring apples right in the pan. She wears glasses and has a little bump on her nose. I look at her skeptically and ask, "Is this God's house?"

"Yes, it is," she replies. "Is He here?" I ask. "Why yes, He is. He's out back by the shed, working on the Great Wheel," she says. "Just go around back and you'll see Him. He's expecting you," she smiles.

I'm incredulous. Expecting me? Very curious, I go around the back of the house, and I see a bunch of machinery parked at odd angles back there, and an old gentleman, thin but straight, clad in khaki workpants and flannel shirt, puffing on a pipe, standing near what looks like a giant, overturned wheelbarrow, but fancier, somehow, and highly decorated. The Wheel is turning, and as it turns, sparks are flying off, and shooting into what looks like a void in the scenery, just in front of it. The old gent leans forward, gazing intently at the Wheel; he's holding an old-fashioned oil can and reaches forward with it upside down. Gu-glook, gu-glook, gu-glook, a few drops of oil go into the mechanism. He leans back, takes his pipe out of his mouth. "Hmmm," he says, philosophically.

I stare in disbelief, first at the machine, then at the Old Man and back again. I've always considered myself to be a pretty tough customer, straight-thinking, not easily fooled. But can this really be God? Can this be His house? Can this broken-down piece of equipment really be the Great Wheel of Time, responsible for sending new life to grow on Planet Earth? I'm waiting...for an explanation. I've always had a lot of questions about why things are the way they are on the Earth, and I intend to get answers!

He turns toward me now, and a big smile lights up his face. "So, you made it! You're back," he exclaims joyously, nodding. "How was Mongolia?" "Mongolia?" I stammer, at a loss. Was I supposed to be in Mongolia? I can't explain this. Looking at the Great Wheel, I shake my head slowly and say, "I must have been a half a day late. Or early...." We both turn and stare at the Wheel and contemplate what may have gone wrong. I'm thinking, "So, things could have been a lot better. Or a lot worse..."

"Oh, well," He said, "but you still got all the presents I sent you, didn't you?" I must have look confused. "The gifts?" he said meaningfully. I remembered then. I nodded enthusiastically, smiling. "Yes! Yes, I did. Thank you, thank you very much." He smiled and nodded. "Well, you look a little tired, worn out. I know you have a lot of questions you want to ask Me. And we'll talk, later. Right now, why don't you go uphill a ways, lie down and take a rest. I'll come and get you when supper is ready."

I nodded and turned to walk up the slope. His manner was so comforting that it brought tears to my eyes. Right now, I actually didn't have any questions at all. Up the slope, nestled among the snowy peaks, suddenly feeling the fatigue I wouldn't let myself feel before now, the sweet grasses and herbs of the cool mountain air overwhelmed me and I laid myself down in the soft bed of healing flowers. I was grateful to be back home. "Mongolia!" I whispered, chuckling to myself, as I drifted off to sleep.

Gone for Awhile

shackhappy — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:34:00 -0500

Where to begin? It's been so long since I felt good enough to do anything, but I think I'm beginning to recover...

My chicken had been brooding over a clutch of her eggs, and I gave up trying to feed her outside in her cage area. I decided to be supportive of her efforts to hatch them, though that would be impossible without a rooster around. Maybe she'd get it out of her system, I thought. So I began putting food and water right beside her in her house. She ate or drank only once, just a small amount. Fearful that she would die in the futile effort, I took her eggs away this morning and threw them out. I'm sure they were rotten anyway. Putting fresh food and water in her cage brought her out briefly to eat and drink, but now she's back in her nest. Next time, I'm going to change all her straw and hope for the best. The only other thing I can think of is to get her a companion hen, or sneak in a couple of chicks in the hope she will think they are hers. But that might be a disaster for the chicks(?)

I finally began the mammoth task of weeding the garden this morning, too. While I was so sickly, they became giants. Now I'm pulling them and laying them down around the plants as mulch. The deer have done quite some damage, but I'm even getting a handful of beans here and there. The deer were standing nearby, just in the edge of the woods, while I was tending the garden. I know what they're thinking. I'm going to get out the row covers and protect what's left this evening. And I need to water again.

It's too dry again, even though we had been keeping up to our annual rainfall expectation; now, we are down almost an inch. I have some water left in the back rainbarrels, so I'll use that up today. After that, it's back to using well water. Pepper is actually becoming better at coping with thunderstorms, and doesn't panic too much. But it is still stressful for her.

I went shopping for groceries over the past few days, going to three different stores to take advantage of better prices here or there. But I wonder if the savings were worth it in gas. My grandson is coming for a visit next Saturday, a week from tomorrow, and I have plenty of food bought for him. My daughter is planning some activities for us, and so is my son. It will have been about 1-1/2 years since they saw each other, I think. I am looking forward to seeing him again.

The political situation these days holds me in thrall, not a pleasant sensation. I dream about the election and the candidates just about every night, which is very, very strange. Unprecedented. It's so important, this time, who gets elected. I find it hard to believe the "other side" is so unreasonable and such, well, liars. Has our country become so polarized that we are at odds with each other to such an extent, and is this not the result of extremism on their side? It isn't a good thing. I think this is the result of corporations having too much power. Oh well, my opinions are already well known here.

Semi-Annual Dusting Festival

shackhappy — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:57:00 -0500

I love housework, I just love housework, I really love dusting, especially - NOT. I like it when it's done. Too bad it doesn't last. I still have whatever it is I have - probably a viral infection of the sinuses or ear cavities. I have been waiting for a call back from the doctor, so far nada for 2 days now. I have been doing home remedies, and I believe I am getting better on my own. At least I hope so.

The dusting - ah, the dusting. While I'm at it, I am again bagging up things to be given away. It is a strange feeling to be winding down my life, eliminating all those things that I once thought were essential to my happiness. Now I just look at everything with amazement that I even have this "stuff." My quest now is to get rid of it. I can't believe how it has all become a part of who I am, or who my ego claims I am. I have decided not to panic (which I do everytime I realize that it is all too much for me to cope with), and give myself 9 months to dispose of everything. That's the same amount of time as it takes to make a baby, so it's a realistic timeframe. A "time horizon" as they say nowadays. I'm reading books by Jon Krakauer now, presently "Into Thin Air." I like his writing style.

Suddenly, the garden has no interest for me. While I was too sick to go out there, the deer (and I know who she is and where she lives) has gotten in and eaten all the pole beans to nothing, at least half the bush beans are gone, the peppers are wasted, the raspberries. And the weeds became rampant. I can't do it anymore. If I was well, it would be different. And the mosquitoes and no-see-ums are fierce this year, not to mention the flies. Not even the dogs can go out and enjoy the summer. It's too hot and muggy. Not that it really is, it's just that we prefer cool to cold weather. I probably will have a good harvest anyway.

Today is the last day of July. Merry August to all! September is just around the corner.

Went to Bed, Bumped Her Head....

shackhappy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:04:00 -0500

I saw the doctor on Monday, got tested for lyme's disease and I'm happy to say I do not have it. So therefore, my symptoms are all due to the (sinus infection). Strangely, they prescribed Azithromycin, an antibiotic, for a 5-day course. But there was no test done to see if I had a bacterial infection or a viral infection. I am supposed to go back if I don't get better, though. Yeah, well. Fact is, I was getting a little better every day, anyway. I also had the bloodwork done to see if my thyroid medication is on target. Overall, that has improved. My blood pressure has been improving steadily by means of diet alone, plus what exercize I can manage. My cholesterol readings have improved with supplements and diet only, no meds. I even lost a couple of pounds. My pulse was 72.

Then on to my daughter's; we went to the Hunan Chinese Buffet in her town, and it was delicious (again). As we were leaving, an older Chinese woman came toward me, stopped, and gave me the biggest smile I've gotten from anybody in a long time. I returned the favor and get a warm glow every time I think of her.

Then on to the new Supercenter Walmart that just opened there days ago. It is still jammed with people, and they are buying the store out as fast as they can. Of course, many of them are tourists now. It is vast. We saw a three-wheeled motorcycle in the parking lot that looks somewhat like a snowmobile on wheels. Two wheels in front, and one in back. I wonder what the mileage is on that one. Cool!

Next day, I had my regular chiropractic adjustment, told him about my doctor visit, but he got upset when I showed him my antibiotic, asking if they had given any kind of test to see if the infection was viral or bacterial. He talked me into buying (from him) a probiotic that will at least help keep the biotic life in my gut from being killed off without interfering with the prescribed medication. I'm taking one in the morning, one in the evening, and the antibiotic in the middle of the day.

Yesterday morning, I was sound asleep still, and the phone rang, and Daphne began yapping excitedly to let me know (duh). I launched myself toward the phone, flinging away the covers (or so I thought), being mindful not to step on the dogs, who were circling ambitiously, and reached for the phone while stepping onto the floor, right? Except that my foot was still caught up in the covers and never made it to the floor. The other foot was bent back somewhere and the result was that I fell out of bed on my head, then left side, with head, left arm and shoulder, and left leg all curiously twisted under me. Foot never did make it to the floor. It was one of the ladies from our monthly social, letting me know that tomorrow was "luncheon day." I told her as I lay there in a twisted mess, dogs yapping in my face, that I wasn't coming. I'm okay, but sore, and for an instant, I wanted to blame my innocent doggies for my fall. Why is that? They had nothing to do with it, and in fact, their cushion at the foot of my bed probably saved me from serious injury. I'm not a very nice person, am I?

I made chicken and wild rice soup, followed by split pea soup for John, and took it easy for the rest of the day. I ate three bowls of soup yesterday, plus home-made bread and butter with cheese.

And at the library again, got "Into the Wild" and "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer, "Evangeline" and other poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and some woman's adventure by dogsled in the Arctic (don't remember much about it). It's too buggy/muggy to do much outside, and being this clumsy, I think I just might stay indoors unless I need to go out.

I've made it to the garden, weeded some, and have harvested radishes, spinach, pak choi, lettuce, etc. for my salads. There is scarcely any path left to see between the beds. It is lush and green all over. Today, another salad will be forthcoming.

Summer Doldrums

shackhappy — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:01:00 -0500

I haven't blogged for awhile, and that's because I have nothing to say. I haven't been doing much of anything, keeping the house cleaned, making small progress on getting rid of my stuff. I'm just waiting for Monday so I can go to the doctor. I will be getting tested for Lyme's disease, and also to see how I'm doing on my thyroid medication. I've stopped taking all supplements now, as I suspect anything and everything of causing my present difficulties. I have a list of symptoms as long as my arm. Every bug that bites annoys me. It is so buggy outside that the dogs don't want to go out for very long. They get surrounded by a cloud of mosquitoes very quickly.

I haven't been able to go into the garden at all, even to harvest greens and onions. The once-wide paths are disappearing in the jungle growth, but I remain inside. This is the green time of year that only looks good in pictures. I am already longing for colder weather. Reading a book about Labrador now, and it fascinates me that there is so much there, so many plants, animals, rocks, insects, foul weather and ice bergs moving down the Lab. current.

I have found out that if I sleep in the daytime, it relaxes me so much that I can sleep much better at night, also. This is a new thing. I always had trouble getting enough sleep before. There was some mechanism in my brain that kept jolting me into wakefulness. But the more I rest, the more I can rest, and apparently, this is what I need.

Well, tomorrow the doctor appointment with labwork, then on to see my daughter. We get to go to the new Super Walmart center and see what that is like, and they also have a brand new Arby's we may check out. My grandson is coming for a visit in August, so there's that to look forward to. Must get upstairs and give his bedroom a thorough cleaning.

Good Grief!

shackhappy — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:42:00 -0500

I am feeling so poorly, that I alternate between thinking I have lyme's disease? pneumonia? strep throat? blastomycosis? hunta virus? etc. etc. But enough. I will just have to lie here until I get well again or die. I have a lot of dreams about dying, anyway.

My daughter came and picked me up yesterday and took me shopping. I was groggy, dizzy, and kept running into her with the cart. I didn't need to go shopping, but dogged around behind her at Wally World. She bought me another pair of shoes, a package of socks and two pens. Then took me out to eat at a nearby Chinese Hunan Restaurant. The food was fabulous and I ate a lot! I had taken plant sterols that she bought for me, and after two pills, I immediately gained 6 lbs. I stopped taking them, of course. But since eating the Chinese food, more than enough to fill me up, I had lost 3 of the pounds again. So no more plant sterols. Ater that, she took me to my chiropractor appt.

As soon as I got home, I went right to bed and began to hurt incredibly (from the chiropractor adjustment?). I took some flu/sore throat medication in tea, because my throat was burning from ear to ear. Early this morning, it rained and thundered heavily, and I had to get up to drag Pepper out from behind the chimney, where she thinks she will be safe. It's right under the electrical box, and that is also where the natural gas pipes are located, so if there was a lightning strike, that is the worst possible place to be. If it were not for her silliness, I would just lie there and find great enjoyment from the rolling thunder. I have always enjoyed listening to thunder, but nowadays, I have to worry about her floundering about in the corners, having a heart attack over every little thunder grumble. It ruins my enjoyment.

I went into the garden yesterday to see what has been happening there, and the growth has been incredible. The paths that were once wide between the beds are growing together and everything is very tall and dark green. The rain every other day has been a boon for growing vegetables. I have already harvested green onions, garlic, lettuce, spinach, mustard, chard, pak choi and radishes. (Radishes still small, though.)

John and I are ironing out our differences, and I believe we will soon come to a new agreement that will benefit both of us. It seems we do this every five years or so; become unhappy, bored, lonely, or dissatisfied. Then a new friendship agreement must be found or we would go our separate ways. We have positive things about us that can be saved, so we find it is best to work things out to our mutual benefit. But because I have been feeling so poorly lately, I am ready to make arrangements for in case I die or become gravely ill. We will see what can be done here.

What's Wrong With Me?

shackhappy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0500

I've been fairly sick for awhile now, even called my doctor, and I'm waiting for a call back now, to see if I need to get blood drawn for checking. I may have Lime's Disease, or just a strange summer flu, maybe a goofy sore throat - at least, that's one of my symptoms. There is so much to do around here, and every day I wake up, feeling sickly, and get a panicky feeling that time is slipping away and I'm not getting anything accomplished. I haven't even had the energy to go out into the garden and do what has to be done now; that is, mulching and staking plants up.

Every late afternoon and evening, there's been a doe standing just outside my garden fence, staring at me intently. I walk toward her, talking nicely to her, and she stares and stares, but does not run away. When I get close enough, I peek around the fence, and she sticks her head around the fence too, and we continue looking at each other. She's amazingly tame. I think she may be nibbling on my pea vines there, that have grown right through to the other side. Sometimes she is accompanied by a yearling who does not have a spotted coat anymore, but that one at least, hangs back a bit in the woods.

But something else is bothering me these days - a feeling that I can't shake off. I hate to say it, but since John raged at me some time ago now, I have changed in my feelings towards him. Now I want to leave this place and live somewhere else, away from him. I don't think this is a temporary feeling, but one that is permanent. Maybe I'm just bored. I had a dream the other night, wherein I was looking into a mirror at my soul's reflection, and as I leaned into the glass, I heard my own voice screaming, "I'm lonely!" But then, this is my house and if anyone should be leaving, it's him. I'm on the horns of a dilemna here, that's for sure.

The Benefits of Garden Produce

shackhappy — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:03:00 -0500

I've been watering and weeding daily, and all the veggies are doing good. I ate my first radish yesterday, and they are just the best - what can I say. Tender, crisp, sweet and tangy. But still small, with big tops. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. This year, I am convinced that if I add extra dirt around the plants, they will become bigger. Well, that's my plan. The green onions are ready to pull, spoon mustard is big enough to eat, some lettuce and spinach is also big enough. The tomatoes are getting blossoms, the beans are tall, but fall over when I water them. That worries me. And, as far as I'm concerned, this is still a drought. We get more rain than in previous years, but it needs to rain more to bring up water levels everywhere. Then I wouldn't have to use well water for the garden. I fill the barrel at night, so it gets a chance to warm up to outside temps.

I'm going to make some sort of new supper today, combining pork sausage, peppered gravy mix, refrigerator biscuits, and mashed potatoes. Of course, I'll be tinkering with it to make it my own, eventually. Will blog recipe when it's home-made and to my taste.

I got to talk to both of my brothers yesterday on the telephone, and they are both well and happy. I called my sister on the Fourth and she was happy to hear from me. My daughter has been having a bad time with her multiple sclerosis lately, my son has been enjoying his bass boat on his days off work. I'm going to visit my daughter tomorrow, see if I can help her with anything.

My Chicken's House

shackhappy — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:41:00 -0500

Today was the day I finally got busy on the chicken's yard. I had to shoosh her back into her house and close the door, and she was pecking and scratching at the door to get back out. But I had to have her wait until I was done so she couldn't escape. I cut the end of the cage open with a sidecutters, pulled a sledge up, and using a pitchfork, I dug out all the dirty dirt, old feed and crap that was in the bottom. It had formed quite a hump in there. I dragged all that to the compost bin and forked it in there, two big loads.

Then on to search for new soil and sand for her playpen. There was a broken bag of sand that was once used for weight in the back end of my pickup, I used all that, and some new forest soil nearby that had been dug up by the dogs. It was enough to give her plenty of new diggin's. When all that was in place, I sewed up the end of the cage with sturdy wire, then made her a new milk jug watering device that I cut to size and slid into place, filled with fresh water, and some new feed for a snack. Let her back out and she is fascinated by the new stuff. She promptly buried all her new food with her scratching. She must be looking for worms to eat.

Arnie has been insisting on staying out to watch the garden the last two nights, and he's been kept busy chasing something away. I think it must be raccoons. I've been resetting fenceposts with sturdier posts purchased at Menards, to replace the rotting thick branches I had originally set in place. And I now have thin, multi-branched branches dug in and leaning toward the fence near the pole beans, which already need something to climb on. It promises to be the best garden ever, and some of the corn is even knee-high.

Think I've done enough for now, don't want to wreck my back again already. Tomorrow it is time to weed the garden and find more branches to support the peas and cucumbers. I just might settle down to watch the news and read one of my books.

Thoughts About Our Country's Prospects

shackhappy — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:37:00 -0500

After hearing Bryant Williams telling us last evening that if you want a hybrid car, or a fuel efficient car, you now have to sign up and wait six to eight months before you can get one. The American public responds at last in force! We can thank those who created this mess we are all in for making us change our wasteful habits. The car and oil industries never, never would have changed. They would bilk and milk the public forever, if it was up to them. Hand in hand, they would never have raised fuel efficiency in vehicles.

Now we have the opportunity to make great changes in the country and in the world. And the thought has crossed my mind that we should not be using oil as a COMMODITY. We should be using it as a RESOURCE. Oil is valuable, always was and always will be. The oil industry and the vehicle manufacturers could have put the earth, and the consumer first, instead of their gluttonous greed for profits. They will be just fine. There always will be many, many uses for oil. Let them charge as much as their needs demand. But our opportunity now lies in taking power back into our own hands, demanding vehicles that do not need gas for power. And why should we continue to pollute our air for the sake of corporate profit? We need the air to breathe.

Another thing that gripes me, is that vehicles continue to be made out of heavy steel. Steel rusts. Our roads are covered in salt (another environmental headache) in winter and eventually, the salt wins. No vehicle lasts more than 20 years up here in the North. I saw a show on "How Its Made" the other day; they are making cellos (musical instruments) out of carbon fiber, etc. These are lightweight and virtually indestructible. Why oh why, can't they make vehicles out of lightweight materials that do not rust. It would take much less power to run a lighter-weight vehicle that a heavy steel one. I love my truck, but it will not last much longer. It is 17 years old, and turning into a rust bucket that cannot be saved.

And another thing. Although I am an Obama supporter, I am a little dismayed by his attempting to put religion into our governmental system. As if we don't have enough distractions already. When politics and religion mix, you can be sure of corruption of the religion. When the worse strikes, the better yields. Old Norwegian saying. We don't need government-sponsored religion in the mix. Please, Barack, don't wade into those muddy waters.

It IS Summer!

shackhappy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:42:00 -0500

And I haven't posted lately, because I'm so tired after the marathon gardening effort. I just take care of the business of the day, take long naps in the afternoon, and try to finish up in the evening. Tonight, when watering the garden, I found deer tracks within the fence in both gardens! And last night's foraging by the bear was pretty destructive. He got the suet cake, ruining the suet basket, turned over the circular compost fence and rummaged through that stuff, and dragged the heavy dolly away from the chicken's cage. But even though he might have done damage to it, he did not, contenting himself by digging underneath it. Fortunately, I've got a chicken wire "skirt" running out from the bottom of the cage and when he got to that, he quit. Unless it was a big raccoon, but I can't allow Arnie to stay out at night anymore, guarding the place, because the mosquitoes are voracious and plentiful. This puts the whole gardening effort at great risk.

But the garden is beautiful and thriving, no damage has yet been done, and let's hope it stays this way. I remembered to bring in the suet basket tonight, but left the hummingbird fluid up, because my hummers like to get their morning sips very early, and so far, this feeder has not been bothered. Let's hope it stays this way, too.

Meantime, I've been going back to the chiropractor and my back is beginning to get straightened out again. It sure does need it, but I think I am getting stronger each time I have it fixed up. I have taken more books out of the library and find I am reading one book per week. But today a new shipment of books I bought has arrived via the post office. Five books about crafting: mosaics, aprons, potholders, knitting in the round, and another recipe book. Ah, but the joy - even if I never do any of the projects - the joy of reading about these things and looking at the pictures. Of course, I have every intention of doing the projects, yes, I even have the birdbath I'm going to mosaic sitting in the living room.

And so to sleep, to dream, ah, the joy of living my life, now that I'm retired. I seem to be busier than I ever was when working for the man.

Almost, Almost Finished Planting

shackhappy — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:04:00 -0500

After yesterday's effort, I am pleasantly surprised that the garden is almost, almost finished. I've gotten the one side garden area that is already fenced in planted, and I've had to turn the soil by hand. I planted KY wonder wax pole bean, greyzini zucchini, only-the-lonely nicotiana, patty pan squash, scarlet runner pole bean, and carnival acorn squash. I'm not going to till up that new bed by the asparagus plants - the tiller is not running now, and I'll have to wait until it gets fixed, or turn that soil over by hand. So I'll just put back all the fencing I had taken away from there and just protect the asparagus and bush cherry. I don't need any more garden.

My latest problem is that I'm becoming increasingly dizzy, especially when I get up in the morning. Today has been the worst; I nearly fell a few times. I personally think it's caused by a combination of sinus problems brought on by the vast amounts of pollen floating around now (standing water is covered with yellow dust) and the fact that the gardening is very hard on the back and neck (might get to the chiropractor soon). I'm sure I'll be better later on.

I have only to plant the remaining nicotianas and separate the remaining corn plants and put them in. A new fencepost here and there (purchased at Menards last Thursday), and then only the watering (daily), and mulching (whenever I can), and eternal weeding and hoeing (always). Then I only need to gather sticks for pea supports and make tomato cages from branches. By that time, I'll be eating greens for salads and radishes. The corn may well be knee high by the 4th of July. Everything is booming along.

I need to go into town again - I'm making a list to see what several things I can accomplish. Library books back, drop off things to mail, and pick up something at the grocery store, but I can't remember what. I wish I wasn't so dizzy. Maybe I should call the chiropractor now.

All's Well That Ends Well, I Guess

shackhappy — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:46:00 -0500

By the next morning, I had realized that not one thing that was said to me in hurtful ways had anything to do with me at all. It was just the male animal, trying to be large and in charge, maybe. He was all calmed down by next day, and a little apologetic. He fixed my tiller. Still, it's the first harsh words in 9 years, so I was surprised.

I spent the day in the garden yesterday, weeding, watering, and planting broccolis and brussels sprouts plants. Everything is up and seems to be off to a good start. Thunderstorms passed right by, and I need more water in my barrels. Today, I will try to get the cabbage plants set in, and then I want to put the zucchini plants out. They are threatening to take over the greenhouse. The Roma tomatoes that I kept over winter (what a capital idea!) are huge and covered with blossoms again. I've eaten several Romas already. They seem to be like new for being kept for so long.

But I'm getting tired of trying to find more space for plants, and my back hurts. I get extremely tired and should be getting on with other projects, like working on my porch area. And summer slipped in at 6:59 p.m. last evening. Today's the longest day of the year. Spring was good, we had enough rain for a change. I just hope the rain continues to arrive in a timely way. I feel bad for the people downstream in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota, who got hit hard by floodwaters after the recent deluges.

I figure I have about 3 more days of tilling, fencing and planting left to do before it's all done, well, maybe 4, if you include mowing. Then I will take a break, get some rest, and get on with whatever.

Thursday, June 19, 08

shackhappy — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:55:00 -0500

I'm bogged down with my gardening. I have the new area cleared out from sticks and old fencing, and found the asparagus plants, about 10 of them, hidden in tall grass and surrounded very well by fencing. I pulled all the weeds away from them, needing to crawl into and under the fencing on my belly, and brought in a lot of compost to shovel in and through to surround every plant. I pulled the weeds from around the cherry bush which was also surrounded by chicken wire. I spread out the other compost I had dragged in, then got the tiller running.

Alas, after one pass the tiller coughed and choked up and quit running. I was just praising it too. But considering that it sits outside all year under a tarp, it does need some maintenance. Right now, the gas tank has been drained, but John can't get it back together, and I fear it may need professional help. So I've begun to hand dig the new planting area. And I can't seem to find handy, sturdy poles from among the usual downed trees and branches. I may have to buy some posts.

My daughter was going to come over today, but she has been quite ill lately, and I'm betting she won't come here. She was going to take me out for lunch (something made enjoyable only by her presence). I sat up late last night, making out bills, and put them in the mailbox this morning with the flag up. That way, they are sure to go out today, even if I don't get to town with my girl.

John quarreled with me yesterday and I think he may be planning to leave here and live elsewhere. I don't like mentioning personal problems on my blog, but we haven't had a single fight since we got all the dogs. That was nine years ago, and I'm always telling about my problems on a daily basis, anyway. I think this is a truly personal problem though, and we'll have to see if things get resolved whenever we speak to each other again, if ever. I am starting to cool off and analyze now.

And Here it is Monday Again

shackhappy — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:28:00 -0500

On Saturday, I was invited to a cookout at my son's house. His fiancee had to work all night, so slept the morning away, while he prepared for his guests. There were 7 of us altogether, and while sitting in the yard, talking and partying, I was chewed severely by mosquitoes. But the food, all cooked by him, was fantastic. Burgers done to everyone's liking, potato salad (I and my daughter's husband both made our own versions, both good), cole slaw, and a table full of snackin's that were very tasty. I limited myself to one beer (was it Bud Light with vanilla?), first taste you say "Mmmm, good" after that it's a chore to finish it. I switched to coffee from then on. But I didn't get home until 7:30 p.m. and the dogs were wondering where I'd gone, and they were hungry. My son-in-law wasn't able to attend - he had to work.

I had planted squashes, pole beans and extra eggplants and Roma tomatoes, and the squashes and pole beans are already coming up in the house. I still need to finish mowing the lawn and tilling up the extra bed before too long, but I was groggy Sunday and didn't do one thing. Today, Monday, I'm on my horse and riding, riding, riding. Getting a lot of housework done, when suddenly I began to salivate heavily and realized I was nauseous. It took awhile for this to pass, but I seem to be all right now. Don't think I will be doing the tilling, etc. today, though. Better wait until tomorrow.

So Where Was I?

shackhappy — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:16:00 -0500

We've been rather ill lately, and of course, after eating red round tomatoes in salads I've been having every day this week, we naturally blamed the tomatoes. But then I found out that John's family is all sick with summertime flu, and I think that is what we've got. The queasiness, the body aches and pains, the dizziness, etc.

But all that aside, I am still able to be on my feet and get things done. My garden is all planted, except for the brassicas (still in their rain gutter trays), the only-the-lonely nicotiana (threatening to rise up out of their tray), and something new called Toothache Plant, which is supposed to have a numbing effect (presumably on your toothache). Well, we'll see. I had hot caps made out of gallon milk jugs and placed over all the tomatoes, and already they are booming up through the pour spout. So I've had to take off the ones from the biggest, as they outgrow their temporary shelters.

I'm working on getting the lawn mowed, actually weed wacker style (I don't have a lawn mower), and between bouts of that, I'm clearing away old fencing, posts and sticks from the "more garden" patch I'll need for the pole beans, brassicas, squashes and who knows what else. After hauling in more compost, I'll till that patch (about 10' x 15') and try to truly finish planting. I have the squashes and pole beans planted in trays in the house. As soon as they come up..... And to my surprise, in this old patch, I found about 6 asparagus plants, and a cherry bush of some sort that my daughter had given me. So the deer didn't get everything.

The leaves on all the trees are big and green now, and all this greenery just dazzles my eyes to look at it. Driving into town yesterday to buy the potatoes and eggs for the potato salad, I had trouble keeping my eyes on the road. I also went in to pick up my prescription and take my blood pressure reading at the pharmacy. I'm showing improvement just with diet and supplements that are supposed to help lower blood pressure. I'm right on the border now between "normal" and "prehypertension." In February, when this began, I was in the "hypertension" and "prehypertension" range. And I've weaned myself off of the prescribed medication for that, so I'm doing pretty good there.

I've finished two books now about the shipwreck of the "Essex," one book written about the South Pole by Richard Byrd, and now I'm reading "Last Places" about a trek through Viking travels in the northern latitudes. I haven't worked on my novel for a long time, and I've come to the conclusion that I'm stumped. Primarily for the reason that I need to make up a story part here, not go from my own memories. I can not use my memories, as that would open up a whole new kettle of fish that would befuddle the story. I need inspiration to complete the novel.

And what else? I went to Barack's website and made a small contribution to his campaign. Clicked around on it and found a lot of stuff, but doubt I would ever want to get involved in politics (not that I don't want changes to be made) but, but, but.... guess I just don't want to be involved in all that.

Split Green Peas

shackhappy — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:51:00 -0500

John told me that ever since I've been making him split pea soup (about every third day or so), he has been completely cured of his diverticulosis, which he had suffered from for many years. All I know is I like the taste of the split pea soup. If this would be helpful to anyone who reads this, here's my recipe.

Split Green Pea Soup

Plug in the crockpot and turn it on high. Put in it, 2 cups (l lb.) green split peas and 6 cups of water. Cover and let it cook for about 2 hours. It will froth up and threaten to run over. At that time, I take off the cover, stir it down, and add 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped; and 1 large carrot, chopped small. Add 1 or 2 cups cubed ham and 2 tsps. salt. Stir and cover and let it cook until it threatens to froth over again. By this time, it's usually done (about 3 hours altogether). Or, if you prefer, let it cook on low all day.

Eating about 2 cups of this soup every day, afternoon and evening, is what has cured him.

I've determined that the freezer jam at the bottom of the freezer (dated June of 2006) is not as good-tasting as it should be, if it was freshly made. This has begun a general panic to use up anything that might be remaining at the bottom of the freezer. I guess I made a lot of jam in '06. I had just finished using things from '07, and I see where overproduction is not a good thing. I hate to throw things out, maybe the chicken would like strawberry jam on her bread.

I did start mowing the lawn today, but had not gotten very far, when a low rumble of thunder occurred just as I broke the trimmer string on a hidden branch anyway. It seemed like a good time to go in. Now I'm making soup, pea soup for him, and hamburger soup for me. I've also been making a salad/slaw lately that is very yummy. It's onion, chopped fine, with cabbage, cut fine, and all the usual salad things, like lettuce, romaine, cucumber, tomato, radish, cheese, slivered almonds, carrot sticks, strawberries, and homemade dressing. Latest craze around here is flavored vinegars, of which I have several kinds now.

I have the garden almost all planted now, there is only a small space near the front flower bed, and I am going to till up another garden plot for the brassicas, extra corn, pole beans, summer squash and morning glories. Winter squash will go into another bed with some other pole beans. That will leave July, August and mid-September - yes, that's 90 days left of the growing season. That's when we usually get the first frost, nowadays.

My Garden - Almost Finished

shackhappy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:42:00 -0500

The weather cleared up and turned breezy and cool, so this morning, I got into the garden and have almost finished the planting. Today, I got a bed of greens going. Seafoam and Bright Lights Swiss Chard, Pak Choi, Space and Long Standing Spinach, Red Venture Celery, Red Russian Kale, Oriental Salad Greens, Mixed Spinach, Tatsoi Spoon Mustard, Mixed Lettuces and Chicken and Rabbit Lettuce, and Iceberg Lettuce. Transplanted out the Giant Marconi Peppers and Margaret's Peppers, and finished the bed with Gleam Nasturtium, and Radio Extra Calendula and Neon Calendula. Just a patch of each kind of thing.

The next bed consists of White Icicle Radish, Golden Ball Turnip, Mixed Beets, French Breakfast Radish, Kongo Kohlrabi, Early Scarlet Globe Radish, Early White Vienna Kohlrabi, and finished the bed with 4 Delicious Tomatoes. I tucked in 3 Opalka Tomatoes after the second corn bed, next to the Tarahumara Sunflowers.

I am now running very short on space in the garden, and it will be about all I can do to transplant the brassica into a final bed, which will be crowding the peonies and poppies. Actually, I have those other garden plots that can take the brassicas, the 3 extra Tip Top Tomatoes, 2 more corn types, and then there's the pole beans, more flowers, dill, and 2 kinds of squashes yet. And it surely looks like I will be plowing them up also. I see where the little weeds have come up like an army where I had planted the peas, corn, etc. Everything else that I had planted last week is already up. If only I can keep the weeds down!

I had made a very well-sized and complete map of my garden, and have everything named in their proper place in the map, so I'm glad of that. No mistakes this year! I have come in for lunch, and now I have to wait inside for my doctor to call back with instructions - not that there's anything wrong - but I wanted to change my thyroid medication to what it was before last June. I think it needs to be increased; we'll see what the doc thinks. My chicken noodle soup is all gone, and I just might spend some time making, oh, let's see - hamburger soup - until the doctor's office calls back. Then, back into the garden. Tomorrow the moon changes to the 2nd quarter. Now if only I had a longer growing season. Still need to mow the lawn!

Nice Rain!

shackhappy — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:02:00 -0500

After a couple of windy days, threatening rain, it finally broke loose last night and rained pretty hard all night. Everything is quite drenched around here - all barrels full up. I only have enough room to plant two more long beds in the garden, and probably will be able to get all my corn planted too. But I won't have room to do root crops unless I start using one of the side beds. I am seriously considering winding down the effort in the garden, though. It is getting to be a lot to do, and I haven't even mowed the lawn once yet. That's distressing, as it's raggedy and tall.

And not much else is new around here. It's Sunday, and I haven't done a thing today yet. I better get a move on and start cooking.

Barack Wins It!

shackhappy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:33:00 -0500

The long national nightmare had me feeling really down in despair, but last night a dream was realized when Barack Obama won the Democratic primary. What a fine speech he gave! My eyes were teary and my heart was full. Anybody who reads my blog must know that I originally supported Hillary, with money and my vote in the primary, but as time went by, I soured on her for her vote to give Bush the authority to go to war (I forgave her that, but still..), then later, she kept putting her foot in her mouth, to say the least. Finally, I began not to like her that much, and switched my allegiance to Obama, and I have not regretted that move. Now I will muster what little money I can, and send it to Obama to help his campaign. McCain seemed more like a "Wormtongue" last night; his speech sounded like he was trying to say HE was the real Barack Obama fighting for change, and Barack was the enemy. And although Hillary is my second choice for president, she still gives me the willies for some reason. I slept well last night.

Ah, but the brassicas! They are: bubbles brussels sprouts; nutribud, waltham and green goliath broccolis; mixed cabbages, cabbage babies and point one cabbages; broccoverde; and amazing and snowball cauliflowers. They are doing remarkably well in their rain gutter trays in the greenhouse. Not one has perished. The greenhouse is the place to be! And I love the smell of the greenhouse. Today, I want to finish planting potatoes. These are merely potatoes that sprouted in a bag in the kitchen, forgotten. I have planted other potatoes, but these will be laid on top of the soil in a row, and covered with leaves and straw, so that no light gets through to them. According to the book I read, they will make potatoes all over the place on top of the soil under there, as long as I keep them well covered. And in fall, I will simply remove the straw and leaves and harvest potatoes without digging. We will see. Soon, it will be time to put out the tomato plants, which have become larger and stronger in the greenhouse.

My well water is gradually clearing up, to the point that I have made chicken noodle soup and eaten some, and it is good. I now know where my economic incentive money is going - to the well drilling people! I'll have a few bucks left over, not much, but anything at all is good.

Rest and Recuperation

shackhappy — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:24:00 -0500

I feel seriously bent out of shape now. I finally got the brassicas into new 4' long rain gutter trays, and they are apparently very happy there. The weather has become cool, or perhaps it always was cool, I don't remember any longer. On Saturday eve, I was at the kitchen sink with the water on, doing something, and suddenly, there was a big pop and the pump went off sharply. Fortunately, I always keep extra milk jugs full of water, mostly so they can warm up to room temperature when watering plants. So I was able to keep the dogs watered and make coffee the next morning.

I contented myself to stay indoors and clean house without using any water on Sunday, June 1. On Monday, John called the well driller man, and I went up north to visit my daughter. We went to the Dollar Store by Ace Hardware and bought all sorts of things for $1.00 each, mostly. I was able to find sucrose hummingbird fluid also, and a big suet ball, for $4.00 each. When I got home with all my treasures, the well drilling people were here, already pulling the very heavy pump out to see what was the matter. It turned out to be a shorted out wire, which was quickly replaced and the pump was running fine. They had put a lot of chlorine down the well (I have no idea why they would want to poison my well), but I've not been able to use the water at all yet. I keep running it out into the yard to try to clear up the chlorine, but so far, it still is contaminated. We have been living on bottled water all this time. I'm pretty disgusted, and still have yet to see the bill.

I just got my economic stimulus from the government, and I guess I know where it's going - to pay for the well repairs. The good news is that I got the new hummer fluid just in time. When I went out this morning, the feeder was down to just a few sips. A hummingbird was there at the feeder, waiting for me to fix things up. I took it in the house, using distilled water, rinsed it out and made up the sucrose fluid and got it hung back up. The hummer was right there. These are the ruby-throated hummers. The other day I got a good laugh when a woodpecker was at the hummer's feeder banging away, trying to get some fluid too. The hummers were flying at his butt, poking him with their sharp little beaks, and he kept having to twist and turn to avoid their little attacks.

Well, it's that time again to go to town and get groceries for the month, pay bills. I am so sore and messed up that I will probably have to go back to the chiropractor soon. And yet, my yoga still makes me feel pretty good when I get things all stretched out...

Garden Notes

shackhappy — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:04:00 -0500

I've had to take two days off now, I'm too sore to continue. My butt is sore from bending over and turning soil over. Wednesday, my daughter and I went to a bread outlet store and got a lot of baked goods and specialty items, like hot/sweet mustard, steak sauce, etc. Then we went for lunch, MacDonalds, and it brought back memories of WHY I never go there. Then on to the public library, and I found the book I almost was going to buy (had it in my shopping cart on Amazon). But I've decided to stop buying books because of the price of gas and groceries. I can't afford it anymore, so my library card was updated, and I took out "In the Heart of the Sea - the tragedy of the whaleship Essex" by Nathaniel Philbrick. I'm almost through with it - it is a good book. Of course, then I took out 3 other books as well.

On Thursday, I tried to do more gardening, and managed with much groaning and misery, to transplant several kinds of brassicas into a long tray for their next stay until going into the garden. I have 9 Bubbles Brussels Sprouts, and 9 Nutribud Broccoli and Waltham Broccoli plants in a long tray for their next growing session. The tray is a plastic rain gutter cut in half so it's only 4' long, which makes it more manageable to carry around. The ends can be taped closed, if necessary. I was going to have these plants set out in the garden, but the sun was so hot, that I feared it would scald them, so put them back into the greenhouse. I never dug the trench down the middle of the greenhouse yet, but it can certainly wait a while, since I can walk around in there bent over (like in a tent).

It has not rained much here, and everything was getting bone dry. Last night it finally began, and I was so grateful. A steady, gentle rain fell throughout the night, filling all the rain barrels, and it will rain more again today. That's good, because I am still very sore and need to rest up. I'm going to bake bread and make cupcakes with frosting today.