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Sunday, August 30, 2015

Oh Dear!

They often come, but not by dirt road travel! Something spooked them and they ran across and up into the woods nearby.
My poor full zoom photos doesn't give the thrill of what I saw coming over the lake's spillway bridge at 7AM this morning. 
There was a person hiding - see him?
They must have sensed his movement to where he's standing.
(There is a home behind the woods.)

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Life is Good

The local delivery truck arrived bringing the Mister's new power recliner; I baked another peach pie; tomatoes from our daughter's garden. Life is good when we've reached 80 years - well almost, I don't hit that pinnacle until next March.
AHHHHhhhhh...
MADE IN AMERICA!!!
They even took away the old recliner. It was still usable after 24 years! Saggy and no power to recline, but in very good shape! 

Friday, August 28, 2015

Today...

I simply cannot let a year go by without posting a photo of my laundry hanging out. It is something that I love to do - yes - really! That is because I get a wonderful sense of accomplishment every time I complete this "chore." I think it must be due to having to carry it out it all through my young years with six children and by always helping my mother doing it before then. I know all the tricks about laundry, to be sure. There is NOTHING...I repeat NOTHING like bringing clothes in from the line that feel so clean and smell so good!

In the 80's I completed it even when I only had one hand operational. I used my teeth. Now I pull it off it by returning from town with it all washed at the laundromat and then by putting the basket on the lawn chair by the carport pillar and using a step stool to reach the line. It is my achievement of the day.

I don't care whether people see what we wear. I just let it all hang out - literally.

 On a bittersweet note, the summer is ending. My beautiful Seedum are turning pink. They will be maroon before long.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Then There Were Six

I've posted some of these old ones before, but to complete the series, this will do it.
No more Mae West vests - two big brothers...
Six and The Mister
The Loft Crowd
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Then the six produced ten, then of the ten there came seven, then one of the seven produced one and the production will continue. Ok - I'm moving on....

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

When There Were Only Three

It wasn't hard to keep our kids cool in the hot weather in 1958.
In 1960 A larger pool was needed.
Grandma always had her camera ready and this is the exact one she used for many years. 
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Grandma caught the monkeys in her tree.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Peach Pie Monday

Last week when we went again to the farm stand for more corn, I also picked up some peaches. I was hoping to bite into one and have the juice run down my arm and dribble off my chin like it did in the "good old days." Back then my dad would bring home bushels-full of them from the farms for canning and jam making. I don't do that anymore like Mom and Grandma in the past, but I did learn how, and put up my own for many years.

But! I changed my mind. I decided I had just enough peaches for a pie, and I thought correctly. Another trip is in order, now for more. I want to feel the dribble.

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Peach pie for lunch! With a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream on top.
Recipe:

Peach Pie
Ingredients
    • pastry for a double-crust 9-inch pie 
    • 5 cups fresh peaches, sliced 
    • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 cup sugar 
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 
    • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • dash of nutmeg 
    • 2 tablespoons butter 
    • 2 tablespoons sugar 
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
  2. Stir together flour, 1 cup sugar, and cinnamon and set aside. 
  3. Wash, peel, and slice fresh peaches.
  4. Add lemon juice. 
  5. Mix together peaches with the combined dry ingredients. 
  6. Turn into pastry-lined pie pan and dot with butter. 
  7. Cover with top crust, cut slits in it, seal the edges. 
  8. Sprinkle top with 2 tablespoons of sugar. 
  9. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through the slits in the crust. 

Sunday, August 23, 2015

When There Were Only Four

 Me and my chicken-eaters at Grandma's house. 1962


The children didn't need bathing suits and didn't even mind the Mae West Vests, either! It was a visit to the lake in 1964 when Uncle Paul was building the first dock.

Our oldest daughter was waiting for the cabin to be built. She's standing in the back right corner which is my current bedroom.
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Saturday, August 22, 2015

Green


I love green!

The Mister and my brother planted the majestic Spruce trees many years ago. 

Times were different then. All the kids played at the bottom of the spillway. Today other parents say, "It's too dangerous!" I say, "Stop being so overprotective."


click to see the fun kids had way back then...

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

U. S. Made!

They just don't make them like that anymore!  My dad bought new tires in 1934 to travel safely on his honeymoon with his bride in August. This old ad tells it well.

He is the guy leaning on the fender and in the top circle. 
Print becomes sharper if image is enlarged with just a click

It took me quite a while to scan this old page that was saved from the Saturday Evening Post, issued on April 7, 1934. My scanner is only designed to accommodate 8"x11" paper. This page was much larger. It's a KEEPER!

Monday, August 17, 2015

Rebellion

After several suggestions, and not only from my blogging friends, to bring my cell phone along with me when I take a walk...well it won't happen. I will not be encumbered with a phone! I grew up without one in my pocket and I'll continue to be obstinate about it. I absolutely HATE it when I see people in the grocery store using the phone as they go along with their cart. What the heck is so important that you have to be on a phone ALL the time? I just don't get it. AND don't get me started about driving and texting......Makes me sick! SICK!
gmr

Yes, I know you would say it is sensible to carry one in case I fell and couldn't get up - or what if a bear appeared? Ha! I'd much rather feel free - of all the extra stuff of today. I've done my job, and brought up my kids to the best of my ability without any of us carrying a phone. I have friends. Once in a while we talk on our phones. I'd much rather communicate in person or through the e-mail system and internet.

Told you I am rebellious and will be until my end. In the meantime, no phone in my pocket when I go for a stroll. NO! Thank goodness there is no law that I have to carry one. I would be a criminal for sure.

Yes, I have one - for when I travel so I can easily call AAA in case of a breakdown or flat tire. My phone cost $12.99 and I got 400 minutes to use within 14 months all for $99.99. I will NEVER use even half of those minutes, but I will be safe on the road. I don't care one click about having a status symbol in my pocket. My phone isn't sparkly, or pink or silver. It's black. Plain black and no case. So, I'm up-to-date and not out of touch with the real world, am I? I even know my number so I can call me. And sometimes I don't answer the house landline. Why? Just because I don't feel like talking.


Sunday, August 16, 2015

Peaceful Day


My cane and I took a loooong walk today. Of course, I had to stop and catch my breath many times, especially when going uphill. I also had a special spot in mind where I could sit for a while and found it. The walk downhill was just as difficult because of the terrain, but I'm DETERMINED not to fall again ever! The woods up and behind the cabin were silent. Not a bird, a bug nor any other critter was to be seen or heard! It was a strange journey. The thought did pass through my mind that I could beat off a bear with my cane if I came upon one. Silly me. The woodland floor is covered with many varieties of fern.  Dew drops fell from the trees as I went along through the dense canopy. The wet gentle contact on my head and neck was nice.  I didn't take my camera nor any means of communication along; felt a bit daring–felt great! I even plucked a few wild blackberries as I traveled the ridge. The cup was carried in my pocket as I had hoped to collect something! In the long ago past I used to go on walks through the wood and have found wonderful things to behold. Today I concentrated more on my steps, but it still felt nice to be alone, secluded and at peace with all that was around me.  

Upon return I just sat on the porch swing and dried out with a tall glass of electrolyte water. My sneakers were put on the porch rail to dry in the early morning sun..... socks too. This is the life!

Maybe the next time I'll bring my camera along for the ride.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Published 1973

We are a family of porch-sitters! This old newspaper article was saved by my mother and framed. It hangs by the front door of Cabin Tranquillity's porch.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Tranquillity - - no matter how little effort it takes”
THE MOTTO OF A TRUE PORCH SITTER
By Robert K. Irwin–published 7/2/73 The Sun Bulletin, Binghamton, NY

   You’re a member of the great American be-doing-something-constructive-all-the-time generation, right?
   For example: you’ve probably tried golf, tennis, fishing, camping, swimming, boating, water-skiing, bicycling, sailing, and even croquet, right?
   Why not try a little good old-fashioned front-porch sitting this summer?
   Front-porch sitting is an art that few mastered even at the tranquil turn of the century. Even few have mastered it in these frantic times. The first requisite for serious porch-sitting is comfortable clothes–soft, neither warm nor cool and pliable. 
   Second, you must have a comfortable chair. Any old comfortable chair is not good enough. The best for marathon porch-sitting are overstuffed, the kind you sink into and can’t get out of. Use of a hammock is viewed by purists as cheating.
   Next, you should have a proper porch.
   Any old porch can do, but the best porches meet these requisites:
   First, it mush have a roof. Porch-sitting is no fun in the rain.
   Second, it must be open on all three sides, to let the zephyrs of summer in and out. Some like their porches screened, but purists don’t. 
   Third, a set of clear-voiced wind chimes are essential, since they break monotony. If you are a music lover, a record or tape player is essential. Radios are out, since they break in with un-tranquilizing commercials.
   A lethargic pooch and a lap-sitting cat are essential for animal lovers since they provide companionship without distraction.
   There are two schools of thought on the use of drink. One side argues that fine beers and wines, even an occasional tonic drink enhance tranquillity. Opponents argue that it distracts from serious contemplation.
   Running to the refrigerator is a problem, so serious drinking sitters work by the pitcher, magnum or six-pack.
   The most important part of prize-winning porch-sitting, however, is not what you do, but what you take pains to avoid doing.
   A former champion porch sitter recently won laurels by watching a lawnmower disappear in his rank, unmowed front lawn. 
   Another champion, who happened to work nights, watched the moon set every consecutive night for nine months, even when the orb was obscured by fog and vapors.
   Another ribbon winner simultaneously watched the raising of six families of birds in his front yard this spring without so much as turning his head.
   If you are an aspiring porch sitter do not let these tales of glory discourage you. It takes years of practice to learn the talents these layabouts have developed. The best porch sitters all advise fledgling sluggards to begin modestly and work up slowly to the peak of their abilities. 
   Begin with five minutes, empty-handed, on a day with sparkling weather. As you discover your undeveloped talent for doing absolutely nothing, increase the time spent on your porch until you have learned a feeling of mild indulgence for those around you who spend most of their lives rushing from place to place to have fun. 

   Then you will know you have become a member of that least-populous of groups–true porch sitters. And remember, the true porch sitters’ motto is “tranquillity–no matter how little effort it takes.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

We are a true family of porch sitters!
Great Uncle John


My Offspring 2013
Where did he go? He was there a minute ago!


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Friday, August 14, 2015

Country Road Treat


Have you ever wanted to go for a short ride on a country road just to view the fields? Well we did this morning. Really! I said, "Let's go see the farmfields," so we did. This produce farm has a casual and lovely flowerbed. I love simple. And......we found some freshly picked corn to have for supper! What a marvelous place to stop. See what they have by clicking on the link below. 

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Click on link below to see what is ready so far...