Looks like KY is getting snow in April

OK, ya'll. It has literally been years since I have posted anything on my blog. Today, I'm sitting in the recliner, having a cup of coffee and listening to the birds sing and the roosters crow across the street. Yes, I have my window open and all is well. My BIL tilled the garden yesterday but I don't dare plant anything yet. Why, you might ask? Well, Beau Dodson, local weatherman, has predicted snow. Yep that is right. Late April. Hmmm. My pawpaw trees were blooming earlier this year and got nipped by cold weather. Now they have put out a few more blossoms, which will get nipped again. These trees are several years old, and I hope to grow one pawpaw before I die. I'm thinking I might have to invest in smudgepots. Yea, that's it Smudgepots, and have my hubby man them all night. Sounds like a plan.

Straw bale gardening

Embarking on a new adventure. I decided to try straw bale gardening this year. Why, you might ask? Last year's traditional garden did not produce as I had hoped. We have a new spot that is in a low spot. ALL the rain from the neighboring hillside washes across the garden. We tried reroute get the water, but, during downpours, it didn't help. I started reading and came across straw bale gardening. What a concept. So, I asked the hubby to get some straw bales for my garden adventure. He was not so fond of the idea but did it anyway. Now I have 16 straw bales across the back fence. I noticed that the bales are not exactly like they are supposed to be. Per instructions 1) position bales so that the strings are around the sides of the bales, NOT on top. Check 2) straw in bale should be vertical so the water and fertilizer will be pulled into the bale and excess water drains out the bottom of the bale. What? Mine are the opposite. So back to google. I found a post that stated, even if the straw in the bale is not position right, still keep the strings around the sides of the bales. Ok, I have been fertilizing and watering the bales per instructions. I have been checking the temperature of the bales with a meat thermometer. My bales still have not reached 120 degrees like post stated. So, back to google. I found yet another post, where she was conditioning her bales in February as well. She said she took a rod and poked holes in the bales prior to fertilizing and watering. Why reinvent the wheel. I poked holes in mine, fertile days and watered in hopes to get the temp up to 120 degrees. I will update the post as I live and learn. I haven't kept track of the amount I have spent thus far. I will try and go back and get this data. Benefits of straw bale gardening for me -> they are raised, making it easier on this seniors knees and back. There is supposed to be less weeding (I actually love to get my hands in the soul, it's like an antidepressant). No tilling required. My hubby should like that.

We have a sign.

Rex put his construction sign Across a The Way a couple days ago. Trusses are supposed to arrive today. Guess what? Raining. Yep, that's right. Snow, rain, whatever to delay construction.

Across The Way

My lot is still sitting there untouched. Snow is still on the ground. There has been some melting today. Oh me, hurry up spring.

Maybe next week

Glenn talked to our contractor yesterday. He may get started next week. (Weather permitting). We have missed every winter storm so far this year. Maybe the one predicted for next week will miss also. I'm anxious to get started.

Still no construction

The contractor dropped by last week and brought some paperwork. He said he got tied up on a job in Paducah and he should be getting to us soon. I'm ready to get this behind us. However, it will be spring break soon and I should have more time to do some of the little things. On a separate note, I am looking for a new church. I went to Community Fellowship in Hickory last Sunday. This may be my new church family. Prayers for guidance.

New house update.

I'm still sitting in my house looking 'across the way' at a vacant lot. No construction yet. It is freezing cold now so I'm not about the concrete slab. I think it needs to be above freezing to por concrete. But, my husband and I have both been sick so I'm not sure we would have felt like doing anything with the house. My 'Pinterest' boards are full of ideas. The plan itself has been decided and can't be changed (trusses have been ordered). The exterior colors were picked long ago and I haven't changed my mind on that. I've found the cutest cabinet knobs that have the craftsman flair. Can't wait to order them. I've been going back and forth on the backsplash. I don't want these really cute tiles that stick out from the wall. That seems like a cleaning nightmare. I'm leaning toward a stenciled design that also has a craftsman look. I thought I wanted a solid door but found a really cue door at Lowes. It's a crafstman door with a small window at the top and the grids are silver. Hopefully construction will start soon and I will post a progress report.

Post frame home

We are getting ready to embark on a new adventure. My husband and I are selling our home that we built when we first married. Over the years we remodeled and added on several times. Now we need a home all on one level. So, like many older folks, we have decided to downsize. Our youngest son will be buying our house and we will be building across the way. It has been a process trying to pick a plan and gather bids for everything. We have decided on a post frame metal building with concrete floors. We have selected Rex Gilbert to build the shell of the building. He expects to start sometime next week. So the adventure begins. More posts to follow.

Sept 12

My husband and I visited Destin last month. I met a lady at The Blue Giraffe and she made the prettiest jewelry using sea glass. That has my wheels turning. I would love to make jewelry. So, I invested in a few things and made some simple bracelets last night. Probably just another craze in this life of mine.

Good morning yall. I have been spending a lot of time looking into the world of aromatherapy and herbal medicine. I am a pharmacist but still feel lacking in this area. I went to a conference, some years ago, about the use of phytomedical and alternative therapies. Constance Grauds was one of the speakers and I became intrigued by what she knew. She has studied with shamen from the Amazon rainforest and I would like to do that someday. I corresponded with her about taking some kind of course to become an herbal specialist. She told me there were no official courses that would train me any more than what I received from my pharmacy education. So with that knowledge in hand, I plan to research the world of aromatherapy.

9-11-2013 Sitting here with my granddaughter watching Babyfirst. I'm still waiting to see if I get approved for disability. If it took me this long to fill their prescription, someone would be yelling. I have found a wonderful facebook friend, The Cynical Pharmacist. Love the post. Some of them are so true. I can remember stooping behind the counter just to vent a silent vent before presenting myself with a smiling face. Only another pharmacist knows what I'm talking about. I was told by the district manager that 20% of my customers should be grumps or I wasn't doing my job right. Hmmmm. I worked with and independent pharmacist and was amazed my all his happy customers. If there was an abusive customer he told them to hit the door. Wish I had worked for an independent my whole career. I know if I am forced to work for a chain again that my lack of patience and nerves would get me fired the first day.

I will be getting another grandchild in December. Another little girl. I have been so fortunate to be able to babysit Leah for the last two years. She has started dance classes. She's the cutest little girl on the dance floor. (But then I might be a little partial). I have been having a very hard time giving up the past. I enjoy being a pharmacist and would have done that till I dropped dead in the pharmacy. But, God had other plans, and being the sinning human that I am, I wanted to do things my way. I have been seeing a therapist to help work out some of these issues. My internist (whose mother has similar eye issues and was a surgical tech at Lourdes ((hmmm, funny how things work out)) )suggested that I see a therapist for "pain management". Well....I finally agreed with the doubts that she could help. So, I started seeing Judith Ervin LCSW.... I had a really bad attitude going into the first appointment, but quickly changed my demeanor. Needless to say, I have benefited greatly from these appointments. She has helped me changed the way my thoughts were going. I have to accept where I am today and make the necessary changes in my life, to deal with what has been dealt me today. So, I am trying, and doing a much better job of it. I still want to go back and pick up the old me. I guess it is the greedy sinner...wanting to make the big bucks so I can buy things that I think I need (but actually just want). So, I digress, my life as it is today..... I plan to walk in the 5K Color Run in Memphis this October. That should be interesting. The couch potato that I am. But notice I said WALK. My foot still bothers me where I fell down the steps and fractured my metatarsal. But, where there is a will there is a way. If I have to crawl across the line, I will. Several others from my church will be running/walking as well. So, I guess they could carry me. He ain't heavy, he's my brother. I also started a knitted baby blanket for the new bundle of joy. I have been informed by Leah that the new baby's name will be Mao. We have been watching BabyFirst and they have a program called Mia, Mao. It is a clamation of two kittens. It really is quite cute. They have a catchy little song that goes with the program. It is stuck in my head FOREVER. John informed me one day this week that they were thinking about naming the baby, Mia. What a coincidence. Also....I almost forgot. John has been working on making me a farm table that will seat 12. Will, update on that later.

We are nearing the end of 2012. All-in-all it hasn't been a bad year. Lots of things to look forward to in the coming year. Another vacation to Tybee Island, with the family, There will be about 27 of us. What a crew. I have became a Pinterest addict. I just love to see what other people are doing with their talents. I have two pugs once again. I had to put my faithful companion, Boscoe, to sleep in Jan of 2012. Several months ago, I got a call from a friend wanting to know if I would be willing to provide a home for a rescue pug. I said yes, now I have my first black pug, Lily. She is so sweet and a bit hyperactive. She sleeps under my desk when I am in my office. Never leaves my side. I smile when I look down at her. She has a lot of the same mannerisms that Boscoe had. Maybe I'm just looking for the similarities. My other pug, collectively I call them 'my girls', is trying to let her know that she is the boss. I guess we'll see. My fawn pug, Zizia, is very small, but a lot of pug in a little package. I have lots of things I would like to accomplish in 2013, but will go in the direction that my Lord chooses for me to go. Thy will be done.

Men's Retreat

This weekend was the Men's Retreat for our church. This was the first year they had a retreat and all-in-all it turned out great. We have a great bunch of men at our church. Now to move on to planning the Women's Retreat for March of next year.

Pinterest

I haven't visited my blog in some time. I have been sitting at home taking care of my granddaughter while her parents are at work. Not such a bad job. I was introduced to a new addication (new to me) called Pinterest. I love to see what other people create. I like to think that someday, I will follow through on all those "pins" I think are worthy of trying. I have been working on the 2012 Women's Retreat for our church. One more week, then I will move onto something else. I think I'm going to make a real effort to have a pretty, weed-free garden this year. We'll see.

A beautiful day

Today is a beautiful day in western Kentucky. Others on the east coast are not as fortunate. My prayers are with you.

Tomorrow's the big day

This time tomorrow I should have another grandchild. There is absolutely nothing like it. I have waited a long time for this. John and Rachel should be holding little Leah tomorrow. She is breech so she will be born by c-section. She also was estimated at 9 pounds 6 ounces last week.
I have had eye surgery and am still recovering very slowly. Not as fast as I would like, but everything happens in God's time and not ours. I am not supposed to be picking up anything heavier than 10 pounds. So....Leah.....10 pounds is the maximum you can gain. Glenn said he would be glad to hold her for me. Not the same.

Annie Jr

I haven't posted in some time. Actually I forgot my password. That's what happens as you get older. You start forgetting things. I have been working on a remodelling the house these last few months. We actually started the project before the big "ice storm". Then we had to use some weekends to clean up after that. Now, it seems, that we have so many other things to do. What was to be a quick project has turned into a loooong project. But, that's OK. I want to do it right. Finishing drywall can take a long time. (expecially if you want the walls to be smooth). Glenn and I went to see Micah last week in his first Broadway production of Annie Jr. He got the part of Sandy the dog. I thought he stole the show. (I guess all Nanas feel that way). He was so cute and he has no fear of getting up in front of a large crowd and performing. We are going to keep the grandchildren next week while Jamie takes a group of his youth to Jonathan Creek. I'm looking forward to that. I know Jamie will have fun with his group and we will have fun with the grandchildren. Later in the month Glenn and I will be headed to Amelia Island. We have never been there and are looking forward to the short trip. Of course, I will be in continuing education seminars, and he will be will my sister Debbie and her husband Roger, enjoying the ocean. We are also planning our fall trip to the mountains. We couldn't get the Cozy Bear View this year because someone had already booked it. The nerve.....that is the cabin we have been staying at for years. Anyway that forced us to look for another cabin. Hopefully we have made a wise choice. Glenn is supposed to call and book the cabin today. We have such a good time just relaxing and doing nothing.

My Heart Aches

Tuesday, John called me at work to let me know that he and Rachel had just been to their doctor's appointment. They did not hear a heartbeat on the baby. She was scheduled for a D&C the next day. My heart aches as I know theirs does.

Gypsy

I was on my way home from work Friday afternoon when I received a call from John. Their dog, Gypsy, had been hit by a car. They had to have her put down. Rachel was devastated. I feel so sorry for her because I know how I felt when my loving little pug "Winchester" was hit and killed one evening. The person did not even have the nerve to stop and tell me about it. I had to find him on the street. I think God has given some people a special heart when it comes to animals. Where would we be without man's best friend.
Gypsy was a rescue dog and they only had her for a couple months, but she left her mark on their hearts. We will miss you, Gypsy.