Sewing Project

Several months ago my friend Cathy made a couple of skirts for her granddaughter and posted about them. They were really cute and she told me they were easy. So I asked her to send me the pattern. And, she did - six months later ( I might be exaggerating a bit). Since I had the day off work today, I decided to make a couple of skirts. One for Hannah and one for Gracie. I had a hard time picking out fabric because I wanted them to be able to wear them this fall and into early winter too. When I saw this fabric, it reminded me of western - cowboy - horses, and Hannah loves horses, so I decided to try it for the skirts.

Gracie and Hannah's skirts.

Hannah's Skirt

Gracie's Skirt

Thanks Cathy for sending the pattern. These were a lot of fun to make. I wish I knew where to buy them a cowboy hat (cheap). I'll take them over to them this Thursday evening after work.

Now I need to get busy and make some bibs for baby Bella. Lori tells me she is starting her on "real baby food" - homemade!

All is well . . .

I made it through the night without any mishaps - although there were a lot of strange noises I wasn't sure about. It's a beautiful fall day and I am loving being home - I think I could get use to this. I planned to sleep in this morning, but I was wide awake at 5:30 a.m. So I got up and started my day. By 7:00 a.m. all the bathrooms were scrubbed, laundry was going, I took the trash out to the street for pick-up, and fed, watered, and played with all the animals. I do need to fill the bird feeders later this morning.

This little kitty is solid black. Isn't it cute? The last litter produced a solid gray kitty.

Group picture. I couldn't get a picture with them all looking at me. There are two black kitties and four striped. Four boys and two girls. And, they are all up for adoption. Hope some of you can help me out here. As soon as Bootsie weens these kittens, she is going to see Dr. Putman. Although it is fun having kittens.

Here are our three cats enjoying their breakfast. Bootsie and two of her babies from the last litter, Big Foot and Tiger. We found homes for two of the kittens, but these two didn't have a home. Bob, became attached to them, but decided that he should find a home, so he put them in a cage and went to Walmart hoping to find someone in the parking lot that wanted a nice kitten. Well, he changed his mind when he got to Walmart. So he went in to the store and bought more cat food and brought both of the boys home with him. So, now we have three cats and that's our limit. They have visited Dr. Putman, so all is well there. They love living in the barn and they play in the chicken yard with the chickens. Maybe that's why Bootsie moved her kittens to one of the chicken's nesting boxes in the hen house. Could it be the cats think they are chickens?

Hide 'n Seek

I've been out of town for a few days, so when I returned home today, I wanted to check on all our pets, gather the eggs, and work in the flower beds. The dogs were easy to check on because all three of them were wagging their tails and wanting attention. They are such sweet dogs. And, so good! They stay on the property and appear to stay out of trouble while we are gone. At least they haven't been caught being naughty. No call from the dog catcher, and no injured dogs from playing in the busy road in front of our house.

Last week, Bob told me that Bootsie (our adopted barn cat who now has six kittens) had moved her kittens again. She just isn't happy with people disturbing her and the kittens so she keeps moving them all over in the barn. Bob was down in the basement of the barn where the chickens roost and nesting boxes are located. He kept hearing meows, so he started investigating. He found two of the kittens on the floor of the chicken house. They had fallen from the main floor of the barn through a whole in the floor. They were fine because they had landed on a pile of hay (lucky for them). Bob took them upstairs and found the old cat carrier and put hay in it and put all six kittens in it and put it over in a secluded corner and then placed a board over the whole in the floor, so if the kittens ventured out, they wouldn't fall through to the basement. Today when I went to the barn to check on the kittens (I really wanted to just play with them) I checked the entire first floor of the barn looking everywhere, but no kittens. I was afraid that maybe something had gotten into the barn and something might have happened to those little kitties. But I kept looking, but no luck.

Then I went downstairs to the basement of the barn to check on the chickens and gather the eggs, and when I checked inside one of the nesting boxes, there were four little eyes looking back at me. Two of the little kittens were in the nesting box. Bootsie must have moved the kittens to the basement, but there were only two. I checked all the nesting boxes and gathered the eggs and then went over to check inside of a wooden box that was hanging from the wall in the chicken house and there were the other four little kittens. I went and gathered the two little adventurous kittens and put them in with the other four kittens. They are the cutest little kittens and so sweet. They love to be held. Bootsie, Big Foot, and Tiger all went out into the chicken yard with me to check on the chickens. The chickens seemed to be fine with no casualties since the raccoon was taken care of by Punkin a couple weeks ago.

We thought we had lost our banty chicken to the raccoon, but Bob found her nesting over in the small barn. We should have ten banty eggs hatching any day now - but I won't be checking to see when they hatch, because that little banty is mean.

As I walked out of the basement barn door, my faithful dogs were sitting there waiting for me.

I wish I knew the dogs were out on the front porch right now, because there are noises out there and I'm not sure what it might be. The dogs are in the back room sleeping. Maybe I'll go let them outside to do some investigation.

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

I guess the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" is a true statement. At least it worked at our garage and barn sale this past weekend. Bob spent quit a bit of time cleaning out the barn and gluing chairs and tables back together and I spent just as much time going through every room in the house and the back unfinished "catch-all" room. We cleaned and organized everything, borrowed six tables from the church, priced every item. We had a great time visiting with all the neighbors that came by. And when it was all said and done we totaled up the money and made $1,050. I'd say that was worth all the work we put into it. We're going to have another one next spring and hopefully get rid of all the extra stuff we don't need or use that I couldn't bare to part with this time.

Blueberries and Raspberries

Sunday, Bob and I decided to go and pick blueberries. The weather was perfect - sunny with a cool breeze. We picked 53 pounds of berries. Bob went back today and picked another 39 pounds. We washed and bagged a good part of them to freeze, but left a box out for us to eat fresh.

The bushes were loaded and it was easy picking.

Bob's been a picker since he could walk - in fact when he was a toddler, he took his favorite blanket with him to pick green beans and remembered he had left it in the field when they were on their way home. He cried and cried, but his mom would not turn around and go back to get it. I'm told she was thankful he forgot it.

The berries were nice and big.

We received a recipe from the berry farm - "Grandma Hafner's Fresh Blueberry Pie" and we decided to try it. Bob is making two baked crusts. One for us and one for me to take to work.


Before I left for work, I (with Bob' help) put the pie together. I whipped cream cheese and a little cool whip together and spread on the bottom and sides of the baked shell.

Then we followed the recipe for the filling.

Grandma Hafner's Fresh Blueberry Pie

3 cups fresh blueberries

2/3 cup water

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 T lemon juice

1 baked pie crust

Mix 1 cup blueberries, water, cornstarch, and sugar together in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. The blueberries will burst and the mixture will become dark purple. When thick, remove from heat, add the lemon juice and the 2 cups of remaining blueberries, and pour into baked pie shell. Cool for at least 2 hours. Serve with whipped cream.

The office staff enjoyed the pie I took and so did I!

When I came home from work today, there were ten quarts of raspberries waiting for me. Our raspberry bushes are doing great this year. We have three different varieties; June berries - Taylor and Purple Royal, and the ever-bearer is Fall Red.

I'm glad I didn't say, "I told you so!"

Bob thought it would be fun to let one of the chickens hatch little chicks. Once this hen started sitting or setting (I don't know which one to use), she was not very friendly. She would squawk and peck at you if you came near her. Bob didn't care what she did, he would pick her up to see if any of the chicks had hatched. One morning when he went to the barn to feed and water the chickens and to check on the setting hen, she was especially spatty and fussy, but Bob picked her up anyway and four little chicks fell from under her wings. She had two little yellow chicks and two black.

When I found out about the chicks, I thought we should bring them into the house and bring in the washtub for them to grow-up in. Bob wouldn't hear any of that. He said hens have had chicks in barns for many years and somehow they survive without being raised in a kitchen. The hen is very protective and if any of the other hens or roosters come close, she lets them have it. She has even pulled some feathers out of a hen that got to close.

The chicks do just what their mother does. When she scratches at the food on the ground, they copy her. It's so cute. And when she calls them, they come running and get under her wings. The chicks have been getting through the fence and the mother hen has a fit. When I saw this, I of course told Bob we should definitely bring them in the house till they got older. Nope. That didn't happen.

On Monday evening, Bob went out to gather the eggs and make sure all the chickens were inside. All but the mother hen was in the chicken house. She was huddled outside with all four baby chicks underneath her. It was beginning to rain, so Bob didn't think he should just leave her there, so he braved the pecking and gathered the hen and her chicks and took them inside and put them in one of the nesting boxes.

The next evening, once again the mother hen was outside with her baby chicks underneath her. It wasn't raining, so Bob decided to let her stay there. The next morning when Bob checked on them, they were all running around in the fenced in pen.

That evening when Bob went out to gather the eggs, the mother hen was inside in the highest nesting box - just sitting there. Bob looked all around for the little chicks, but he couldn't find them. When he came in he told me that either a snake or the cats must have eaten the chicks because he couldn't find them anywhere. That's when I wanted to say, "See I told you so" but I didn't. It was really sad to hear about those little chicks because they were so cute - and seemed to be quite happy.

Once again in the morning, Bob went out to feed the chickens and out in the chicken yard was the mother hen and all four chicks. They must have been underneath her in that top nesting box. How did they get there? They can't fly yet. I wonder if they got on the mother hen's back and she flew up there with them?

I was so thankful that they were safe. They are so cute.


We also have a strawberry patch this year. Here grandpa and Madeline are picking strawberries for our supper. The strawberries are really good - very sweet. I wish there were enough to freeze or make jam. Bob says next year we should have plenty. We've been sharing this year's crop with the deer. They seem to like them as much as we do. Bob will probably have to fence the strawberry patch.

Our three dogs just can't get enough attention. And, if they see Bob petting one of the other dogs, they become jealous and come running wanting attention too. They are such good dogs. Yesterday, I got a call on my cell phone while I was at work - and I was able to find my phone, in the bottomless pit of a purse I carry before it stopped ringing. It was the county clerk's office telling me that Punkin Doodles - and I was thinking, oh, great, Punkin has gotten out in the road and has been hit by a car - dog license expires the end of the month. I let her know that I had the renewal license and check on my dining room table ready to bring in.

Grandpa and Madeline went to the barn to check on the chickens and play with the cats. That's right, cats. Bootsie had kittens and we had homes for all four and then one of the families didn't want to wait six weeks for them, so they got some elsewhere. So, we couldn't find homes for the two leftovers and Bob has named them so there's no way he's going to give them away. Madeline asked grandpa if she could have the one she is holding and he said sure. Then she said her mom said she could have it, but it had to live at his house. She named it Oreo - grandpa calls it Patches. I hope the cat doesn't get too confused with his names. The other kitten he named big foot because it has seven toes on each foot. We have got to take all three cats and Checotah in to be fixed. I do not want more animals. Enough is enough!!!

Bob wanted a picture of us in front of the barn before he shaved off his beard. I refused to let him catch a chicken to hold for the picture - he wasn't happy about it either.

May Birthday Celebrations

The end of May we had a birthday celebration for Bob, Lisa, and Matthew. Ryan made grilled vegetable kabob's which were a big hit. Matthew is getting the vegetables on the sticks.


Ryan cut the vegetables up the night before and then marinated them in Italian salad dressing.


We must have made over 50 of these and I thought there would be quite a few left-over, but there wasn't one left.


The menu: hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, pickled okra, fresh lemonade, angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream, chocolate cake, fruit pizza, and maple walnut ice cream.


Lisa's parents, James, John, Seth, and his girlfriend came over too. John liked the homemade ice cream Bob made.

Hannah just enjoyed picking at the pizza.

Gracie had an earache so Shannon is holding her with a blanket wrapped around her. It was really cold and windy!

I should have taken more pictures of everyone, but I was busy making sure everyone had enough food to eat.

Celebration Done - Beard Gone!

Last weekend, the Roosevelt SDA Church held it 150th year celebration. Bob has been growing a beard since December in hopes of looking like the pioneers 150 years ago. I certainly think he accomplished his goal. He wore his grandfathers bow-tie, hat, and carried his cane. I purchased an 1800's hat from an antique store and bought fabric and a pattern and made my dress to match the hat.

Just as promised, as soon as the celebration was over, Bob shaved off that beard!!!

One step at a time . . .

Almost there . . .

The members told Bob today that he looks 15 to 20 years younger without that beard.

What do you think?

Sunday Morning Update

Mom is still sleeping (8:05 a.m. central time). Her breakfast is here, but I don't want to wake her up she's sleeping so soundly. Natalie spent the night with her. She said that around 3:00 a.m. her fever broke and her hospital gown was soaked. She had the nurse come in and change her gown. I arrived shortly before 7:30 a.m. and Natalie went back to the motel to clean-up and get packed. I haven't decided for sure if I'll ride back with he girls and catch a flight to Buffalo (where my car is parked) or stay and fly out of OKC. I'll wait to talk with the doctor before making my final decision.

I'll keep you posted.

Some Good News

Today started off with a report that was anything but good. Mom refused to eat breakfast and continued on her ornery stage performance. When the physical therapist came in and wanted her to sit up, she fussed and refused - however, with a little encouragement and because she didn't have the strength to do what she wanted, the physical therapist won! However, mom took her hand and patted the therapist until she got to the upper part of the arm and then she pinched her. The therapist was a good sport about it and we had a good laugh. Mom had to dangle her legs over the side of the bed and then she had to raise each one ten times - which mom did with no problem. After the therapist left, mom took a little nap. When she woke up her sweet side came out and she was thanking us for being there and telling us how much she appreciated us. She ate chocolate pudding for lunch and enjoyed it very much. I spent quite some time asking her questions about her dad, mother, grandparents, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren and she knew the answers. We were all amazed. Shortly after lunch, the girls and I went over to Francie's house (my cousin) for lunch and then took a drive past our old house and grandma's old house before heading back for the hospital. While we were gone, Donnie, Velie, and Robert were visiting mom/grandma at the hospital. When we arrived back at the hospital we were surprised to find out she was being moved from ICU to a private room. That's good news! We heard from the nurse that the CT scan that was taken this morning didn't show any significant change. The doctor said that mom is on a roller coaster and if mom doesn't get pneumonia, or an infection, she'll have a good chance of recovery - however a long one.

Mom has just been moved to her new room and is comfortable and waiting for her supper. She has a new telephone number so give us a call on our cell phone for the new number.

Saturday Morning Update

The doctor came in Friday night around 10:00 p.m. I had just left. The doctor had already been in to see her this morning when I arrived around 7:30 a.m. He said she wasn't doing well and had ordered another CT scan. She has just gotten back to her room from the scan. She wouldn't eat any breakfast this morning and is being very ornery telling me that she wants to be in a real hospital and then she told me that she wanted Donnie not me - to call Donnie and tell him to get here NOW! She told the nurses this morning that she wanted a nurse and when they told her they were her nurses, she told them she wanted real nurses not them. She is very demanding telling the nurse that she wants a blanket - lots of them. The doctor did say that her waving her hand around and kicking her feet and telling everyone what to do is a good thing. Better than her just laying in bed doing nothing. She doesn't look good and tells me that she hurts all over. I did mention to the doctor that I was from New York and was planning on going home Sunday night - he said I shouldn't leave for a few days. He doesn't see her improving. The doctor said he would get back with me as soon as he sees the CT scan.

Once again, I can't get on the internet in her room, so I have to go to the waiting room to update. Francie, Natalie, and Kristen are up here now, so I feel I can leave the room to do updates. I'll update again when I have any new news.



I'll wait to make a decision as to when I leave until Sunday evening.

Friday Update

I have been unable to access the internet today until now. All week I have been able to use the internet in mom's room, but today it was unavailable. The nurses checked to find out why I couldn't get online and found out that the service isn't available in ICU. Hum . . . I used it Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Anyway I'm able to use it in the waiting room. I didn't want to leave mom to come out to blog, but all visitors are required to leave ICU from 6:30 to 7:30 am and pm. So here I am.

Francie, Natalie, and Kristen arrived in Oklahoma City early this morning and got a few hours of sleep in the motel before heading over to the hospital. I arrived at 7:30 a.m. and thought mom looked better. The swelling in her face looked better and she was alert and talking a little to me. I fed her breakfast, grits and milk, and she seemed to be having difficulty clearing her throat. The nurse tried to put a suction tube down her throat and mom would have none of that. So a respiratory therapist came and gave her a breathing treatment which helped. The physician assistant came in and changed her bandage and removed the draining tube. Mom's incision is about 4 inches long. The doctor invited us to take a look at the CT scan that was taken yesterday. He said it looked good but once again mentioned his concern about the brusing in the brain. He said that she has about a 50 percent chance of making it, but if he was betting, he would bet on her. Mom ate lunch; tomato soup, milk, and a little cranberry juice. She didn't seem as sleepy today as yesterday. But after lunch she started having tremors on the left side of her face. She is unable to move her left arm or hand and her left hand is quite swollen. The doctor wanted the nurses to help mom get up today and sit in a chair, so shortly after lunch the nurses helped her up and she sat in a chair for a few hours. The tremors seemed to become more severe so the nurse contacted the doctor. They believe it might be seizures and have given her anti-seizure medication. She has been moved back into her bed, but continues having the seizures and is asleep and is not responding to my questions as she did in the past. Because of the seizures she was unable to have supper.

Your continued prayers will be appreciated.

Thursday afternoon update

Mom ate a little lemon pudding and drank some milk for lunch today. She has been sleeping most of the day except when we try to talk to her and bother her. She immediately falls back asleep. They are taking her now to get the CT scan. We had a good lunch that a couple from the church brought up to us. Francie (my cousin) is here. She took care of mom while I ran to her house to shower and change clothes.

Doctor's Report

I fed mom breakfast this morning. She ate a little cream of wheat, drank some milk and a sip of orange juice before falling back to sleep.

The doctor came in to see her. He ordered another scan of the brain. The right side of her head is very swollen and there has been no drainage. She has lost some of her grip in her left hand which the doctor contributes to the bruising in the brain. He wasn't too encouraging as to her progress so far. He requested that he talk to Rachael and fortunately I was able to reach her on her cell phone. The doctor doesn't see her improving. I'm very worried about her.

The nurse just now took her temperature and it is down a little.

Natalie and Francie are leaving today to come to Oklahom City to be with grandma.

We both made it through the night

The night went by rather quickly with not much sleep for either one of us. The room is so cold, I can hardly stand it. Mom is running a fever, but is able to answer questions correctly every hour. The doctor ordered a chest x-ray which they came and did around 5:00 a.m. Many of her I-V's have been removed which should make her more comfortable. She keeps asking when she can go home. Her nurse said she is doing pretty good. The nurses here are wonderful. They are so sweet to mom - treating her with love, respect, and care. The doctor will be in sometime this morning. I'll wait to go to Francie's (my cousin) house to clean up until after the doctor comes in. I don't want to miss him.

I slept (napped) in a semi-reclining chair with several blankets.

I'm spending the night

I'm going to spend the night at the hospital. My mom's blood pressure is high now and the nurse just gave her something to help bring it down. She was a little confused a little while ago, answering the nurses questions, "where are you?" "India" She didn't know the year, or month, and didn't know who I was. But, since the nurse has asked her questions again, and she answered them correctly. She keeps calling out for someone to help her, and then says she wants to go home. She's asking where Donnie is. She says she can't stand it.

Poor mom, I wish there was something I could do for her.

A couple of church members came up just a little while ago and several of the members will be bringing lunch and supper to the hospital for the family the next few days. I thought that was really thoughtful of them.

Mom's room is really cold. I'm freezing. I'm going to try and get a little sleep, but I'll post if there is any change.

Update

Grandma is back in her room in ICU. Her coloring is good. She woke up and knows that she has had the surgery and knows who we are. She's sleeping now.

Waiting

We were told to go to the ICU waiting room and a nurse would be out to talk to us. We've been waiting for at least a half hour. No nurse. Wondering what's going on.

Doctor's Report

The surgery is over and grandma is in recovery. The report wasn't as good as I had hoped. But, she made it through the surgery. He is concerned about the expanding of the brain. But most of all, his concern is with the bruising she has on the brain. He said she would be in the hospital for weeks and then go to rehab. He is concerned about her age and the severe bruising on the brain - he even mentioned that she might not make it but he is hopeful.

Update

Just received word that she is doing well - still in surgery - might be another hour.

No news

It's 5:10 p.m. central time - we've heard no news.

Update

4:50 p.m. central time - no new news.

Just taken into surgery

4:25 central time mom was taken into surgery. The doctor said it should take about 45 minutes to an hour. A little bit different time frame than what the other doctor told us.

Still Waiting

The anesthesiologist just came in and talked to us - the doctor should be here in a few minutes. The surgery will take about an hour and a half then she will be in recovery for about an hour. They will come out to the waiting room and keep us updated.

Update

Mom is in the pre-op room. She was dizzy when she arrived here and her heart rate dropped. She complained that she was going to pass out. She seems to be resting now.

Just a few thoughts

Last night (Tuesday evening) grandma ate stewed tomatoes, roll and butter, and drank milk. She was alert all day and very chatty.

Today, she isn't doing anything but sleeping. She is hurting all over (she says).

Just a little over an hour before the scheduled surgery. Donnie, Velie, and Robert are all here. Donnie is reading over the paperwork that has to be completed and signed.

Prayers please.

12:30 p.m. update

The nurse just came in and took grandma's vitals. They are fine. The nurse woke her up and asked her her name, where she was, and what year it is, and she was able to answer them all. She immediately fell back asleep and is sleeping now.

Update on Grandma Annie

This morning when I arrived at the hospital, my mom was still sleeping. She is still sleeping - talking to us when we ask questions, saying she justs wants to go home. She says she doesn't feel well. She had a fever last night. I spoke with the doctor this morning and asked for the surgery to be scheduled for today. He scheduled it for 3:15 p.m. today. My brother has agreed for her to have the surgery and says he will sign the papers this afternoon. It's so sad to see mom just laying there not wanting to talk or visit. I'll update throughout the day.

I'm in Oklahoma City

Grandma Annie

My mom and me.

Grandma Annie and Francie (my cousin)


Monday around 5:15 p.m. I received a call from my cousin telling me that my mom had been in a car accident and was in the intensive care unit with bleeding on her brain. Soon after arriving at home, Rachael and Lori had made arrangements for me to fly to OKC. I left at 1:30 a.m. to drive to the airport and catch my flight. I had a connecting flight in Chicago. I arrived in OKC around 9:30 a.m. I'm now at the hospital with my mom. She's pretty spunky but her injuries are quite serious and she is scheduled for surgery today at 2:30 p.m. Rachael has spoken with the neurologist so I'm thankful for that.

You're Not Going To Believe This . . .

We've been having a wonderful time visiting Moscow.  We have the absolute best tour guide, host, and entertainer - all in one.   Today, Tami taught us how to use gypsy cabs which is another term for  hitch-hiking.  I would never hitch-hike in the states, but in Moscow, it's O.K. You just stand on the side of the road and stick your hand out and a car soon pulls over and you agree on the price and everyone jumps in and off you go to your destination.   Jack loves hitch-hiking and spent some time this evening (I should say, wee hours of the morning) talking to his dad, grandma and grandpa about our adventures.  

Today was Victory Day here in Russia.  A time when they celebrate and honor the end of World War II and those that served in the military.  It is a tradition to honor the World War IIveter veterans by giving them a flower and the children gave white tulips to one of the soldiers they met. Victory Park was packed with people.  Each adult held tightly the little hand of an assigned child.  To get to the park we took the subway - Chris drove and met us there.  The flowers were beautiful at the park and we enjoyed walking around.  The children especially enjoyed climbing all over the war tanks that were on display.  There was a beautiful display of fireworks to end the day of celebrations.  

And, that's when we realized that this was a once in a life time event to attend, because the crowd was overwhelming.  There were thousands and thousands of people.  We held tightly to the children's hands and stayed close together.  Chris had driven the car and parked there, so we divided up the gang into two groups - those that would ride in the family car and the other group that would hitch-hike home.  Tina and Chris took the little girls and headed for the car.  It took them quite a long time to get through the crowd - having to walk through a tunnel under the street - once on the other side they were ushered by uniformed police wearing helmets and holding a club to another area - an area they didn't want to go because it was in the opposite direction of the car.  Since they had children with them, the police allowed them to climb over the fence rather than go around in a different direction.  Chris climbed over the fence and the kids climbed through the spaces between the bars of the fence.  Tina had a little problem deciding how she was going to get over the fence and decided to try the way the children did it hoping she wouldn't get stuck.  She made it just fine!  The second group that consisted of Tami, Rachael, Jack, and me were pushed and shoved along with the other thousands of people to find another way home.  The subways had been closed because of the large crowd.  You could tell that people weren't sure what they were going to do.  The streets were lined with police - you weren't allowed to cross the street.  Finally, Tami noticed a bus that was going in the direction we needed to go, so we got on.  The bus was packed with not even standing room available before the driver finally took off.  Before reaching the designated destination, the bus stopped and everyone was ordered off.  Following along once again with the crowd (still thousands) and streets lined with police.  The police were making people go around a block rather than go across the street and fortunately, Tami, was able to convince one of the police officers that we had to go across the street and he let all four of us go.  As soon as we were able, we stepped out into the street and - yes, we hitch-hiked at 11:45 p.m.  

When we arrived home, Chris and the rest of the gang still weren't home and we didn't have a key to the apartment.  To make things worse, Rachael and Tami needed a "potty".  I suggested using the large bush in the front of the apartment building, but they both shook their head at that idea.  So I suggested that they knock on the door of the apartment that had lights on - which they thought was a good idea - only to be disappointed by no one answering the door.  So we walked about a mile to a little coffee shop.  Fortunately when Chris and the gang got home and realized that we hadn't made it home yet, he called and we begged for him to come and pick us up at the coffee shop.  

Soon everyone was home and having a great time talking about the adventures of the day.  It's now 2:15 a.m. and almost everyone has gone to bed.  Tina and I are still up but I think that's going to change real soon - as soon as I post this.  I'll probably need to edit this later. . . 

Tami put a few pictures on here for me, and I accidentally deleted some of them.  I'm not sure how.  We have lots of pictures and I'm sure Tami and Rachael will be posting pictures just as soon as we all get a little sleep.

This and That

While I was in Michigan spoiling my newborn granddaughter, Isabella, our barn cat had four kittens. Bob had moved the large oval shaped washtub (the one that had been home to Liesel, Tina's dog, while we were waiting for Tina to come and start the spoiling process) also the washtub was home to twelve baby chicks last summer - both times the washtub was housed in my kitchen - this time Bob placed it in the perfect spot in the barn and put hay in the bottom and a quilt on top so Bootsey (the barn cat) would have a nice place to have her babies. Bootsey was not pleased with our selection of a birthing room and chose her own on the second story of the hay loft in the larger of our two barns. In order for us to see the kittens we have to climb up a very old ladder into the hay loft and then up to the next loft above that.

Here is Bob on the first loft level(yes, he still has that beard - until the middle of June).

Bootsey isn't too pleased that we are spoiling her new babies. She knows that after we get tired of them we'll give them back to her and then she'll have to settle them all down again.

Kittens are just so cute. Three of them are tiger stripped and one is solid gray with blue eyes. Their eyes have just opened.

Aren't they just adorable? We have homes for two of them but we need good homes for the other two. We had homes for all four before they were born and then the family that wanted two of them got restless and went to the humane society and got two cats.

This is Bootsey's choice of a birthing room.



Finally, signs of spring.

Hannah and Matthew came over this past Sabbath to play with the kittens and Hannah picked me a bouquet of daffodils which now brighten my dining room table.

I made this purse, and I'm so disappointed that this picture doesn't show the pleats. The purse has pleats on the front and back of the purse that took me three hours to pleat and stitch.

It's much bigger than I thought it would be.

On the inside I made a hanging pocket with a zipper for my camera and cell phone.

Shannon and Madeline came over on Sunday and we had a great time together. Shannon made a purse for herself and I made one for a friend at work. My batteries were dead so I couldn't take a picture.

Bob has started working in the garden already - he has planted strawberry plants, three more rows of raspberry plants, onions, and potatoes. We have 20 gallons of maple syrup this year from the sap Bob gathered in March.

I'm going to try and take some maple syrup to Russia for Tamara and her family. I'm not quite sure how to pack it. Any ideas?