Garden Time

I have returned from the Catskill Mountains with renewed respect for winding, hairpin, "S" turns, narrow bridges and high elevation roads. But having said that, I return with a tremendous sense of breathtaking beauty. I called it the "ohh, ah" ride. I could visualize the feelings of the settlers when they first viewed the long valleys and continuous mountains from atop. Every where you look you will not only see another mountain but a valley in every direction. They call you to come explore and see crystal streams, fertle farmland and quaint villages. All in all, it was a fine trip. The fact that there wasn't any heat or hot water in our motel or that it took us an hour and a half in the dark of the night on 14 miles of winding steep roads to find it will soon fade. It was very good to get back in my own bed.

We had a delightful parade here in Hartford on Memorial Day along with a church bar-b-que. I joined Gloria and Emory with my take-out chicken and then went downtown to sit along the road to watch the parade. It was my first here so I was pleasantly surprised to find the parade to be long and enjoyable. Of course, I love a parade. Years past, my grandchildren and I made our own parade. We marched with our various "instruments" and made our own music. Around and around the house we went. It was lots of fun.

There were three Jones boys, Pete's grandson's, in the band. Trumpet, sax and clarinet. I felt nostalgic as I watched Dylan with his trumpet. Watching Travis in the Patrick Henry band for several years was one of my greatest joys. Now he is preparing for Airborne School with the 101st Airborne in GA. The grands are all growing up and creating their own lives. I have 3 HS graduations to go to this year. I won't be able to attend one of my grandson's grad since it is the same day as my VA granddaughters.

Homesteading is taking a lot of my time as well as my energy. I find my muscles and joints complaining daily. I have the veggies in except for "6 tires of potatoes". I have been experimenting with different bread recipes too. I just made a goat cheese/black pepper bread that is really good. The sour corn rye was good too. My friend Wendy sent a suggestion for a fig and fennel bread which I am eager to try. My sister, Gloria, her daughter and granddaughter are planning a gigantic yard sale this coming weekend. We have a tent. Good thing since it looks like rain for Sat. It is lots of work, I hope it pays off. We certainly have an ideal location for exposure.

I wish you all sunshine, music and dancing in your lives. Hope the pictures load.