March 2020

In Utah, March came in like a Lion - very cold and bitter.  But on the plus side, it went out like a lamb, lots of warmth and sunshine.  The first weekend, we managed to see a Broadway Across America play, "Dear Evan Hansen".  We are lucky that our tickets were for the first week of the play.  The next week, on Wednesday, the 11th, the governor implemented a "Stay at Home" for all of Utah, due to the Covid 19 epidemic.  Then 2 days later, the county mayor activaticed a county wide "Stay Home"order, till the end of March, then it was extended to the end of April.

Since Dave and I are over 60, we qualified to free lunches from the County Senior Center, (a bit help for us).  Of course I had my pantry and freezer well stocked with garden items.  And, I always stocked up on goods when there's a case lot sale, or anytime there's a great buy.  So we were'nt worried.  But I was so shocked how people were panic buying, and clearing shelves.  Especially toliet paper - what gives?  Being a senior, we were give special hours and days set aside at grocery stores that we could shop, before the stores opened, (to allow us not to be exposed to the herds of people rushing in and also being exposed to the virus, since the eldery are most likely to get the virus).  We go about every 2 or 3 weeks, mostly for fresh fruits and vegetables, (like lettuce, mushrooms, bananas, etc.)  Prices have gone up so high, that we've been thankful for our food storage.

Dave's been working from home since the 11th.  It's nice to have him close by.  I've been helping little Autumn with her home schooling Monday through Thursday, (it's all on the internet).  On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday her mom and dad are at home, so she spends her time with them.

Dave's follow up doctor visit was a tele-comute, computer visit, and all was well.  So, he was released and told if the symptoms return, to make an appointment, and they would most like do a rescope of this throat.

Our fruit trees are starting to bud out, and the daffodils are in full bloom.  Another week or so, I will have to spray the dormant oil on the fruit trees, and get the garden beds ready for spring planting.  It will be so nice to finally start working outdoors.  The neighbor boy, (Riley), noticed me raking up the tree leaves, (the end of the month), from under the fruit trees and he asked me if I was going to be able to hire him to mow again this year.  He's getting anxious to mow again and start making money.  Everyone is getting anxious for life to return back to normal.

Here's hoping your life is starting to return to normal, and your family is healthy.

Happy Spring !

February 2020

February started out with a LOT of snow.  The first Monday, we had 12 inches of snow at our house.  Most of the schools, goverment buldings, and a lot of businesses were closed for the day.  Over 150 accidents on the freeway were reported before 10 AM.  It was a cold wintery day.  But by the next week it warmed up and was all forgotten.  We got tickets to go see Jeanne Robertson, (a very funny, southern humor comedian).  We went with Rusty and Robin Scheerer.  Dinner before the show, and a good time with lots of laughs.  We celebrated Valentine's Day quietly with dinner at a local restaurant, and Dave sent me 2 dozen roses.
On the 18th, Dave saw the doctor for his throat, it turns out that the muscles the constrict and relax as you swallow were not working properly, (it's called dysphagia).  They said they would have to do surgery, (they would put a scope down his throat to his esophagus, then insert a balloon.  Blow up the balloon and deflat it a couple of times and it would get the muscles back in working order).  Two days later he went in as an outpatient.  While the surgeon was in with the scope, he noticed that Dave had acid reflux and an extremely bad ulcer.  Dave said he didn't feel any acid or problems.  The surgeon said, "Those are the patients that have the worse problems and need the most help".  They put him on medication for the acid reflux and ulcers.  So far, it's been a couple weeks, and he's doing just fine.
On the  24th, Dave got a call from his nephew, (Max), telling him that Bruce, (Dave's brother), was in the hospital in Vegas.  He fell at home, and it was a couple of days before anyone found him, he was very dehydrated.  At first it was diganosted as a stroke.  We drove to Vegas on Thursday, by that time, they had ruled out a stroke and done a spinal tap, and found out he had viral meningitis.  They put Bruce on strong viral medications.  He had a physical therapist, a speech therapist, an infectist disease doctor, a medical doctor, and a case worker.  When we got there, Bruce could barely speak, (it was very slurred), and he couldn't even feed himself.  Dave had to feed him.  He couldn't get out of bed, or sit up on his on.  Dave was the only person he knew.  By the time we left on Saturday afternoon, he was finally able to talk, and they were able to get him up in a chair for a few hours.  They said he would be in the hospital for at least another week, and then go to a rehab facility, (to learn how to walk, and etc.).
While we were there, Dave developed a bad cough and mild fever.  We would have stayed longer, but I told Dave he needed to get home and see our insta care doctor, (I suspected he had broncitis again).  It turned out he had influenza B.  Even though we both had the flu shot last October, it didn't protect against the B bug.  So, Dave was back on medication and order to stay home from work for a couple of days.  Luckily, I kept my distance, and washed my hands often for the whole week that he was sick, and so far, I haven't gotten it, (fingers crossed).  It's been quit a month. but we've survived.  We're ready for spring and warm weather.

January 2020

January was a rather calm and quiet month.  Our temperatures were in the 40's for most of the month, with a few light snow flurries, (only totaling to an inch for the whole month).  I look out the kitchen window towards my garden area, and I am already starting to get the itch to plant.  It keep waiting for Spring to come and warmer times.  Dave has been having trouble swallowing, he tries to eat, and starts choking, like he has a blockage in his throat.  He went to the doctor the middle of January and a barium xray was done.  They found some abnormalities, so next month he's scheduled to see a gastrendrologist.  I'm a little worried, but hoping for the best.  We did get to one Broadway Across America play this month, (Fiddler On The Roof).  This is Dave's favorite, and he really enjoyed it.

For the last 5 or 6 years, I have been wanting and sort of planning on getting an additional set of cabinets installed in the kitchen.  I need the additional storage, and counter top space.  At the end of this month, I was finally able to get the accomplished.  Dave called the guy who finished off our basement 9 years ago, and after picking out the cabinet and top, (we managed to get as close to the original as possible), it was finally installed in just a couple of days.  I am really happy with the extra space.  And it makes a big difference in the kitchen.  Now I can bake and not feel so cramped.  I really love it.  My next wish list project is to add a pergolo over the deck, to help cut down on the searing hot summer sun.  Well, our weather forecast is calling for much more snow and colder weather next month - brrr.  Trevor, Audra, and Autumn are still living with us, but they are now starting to look at apartments.  They really like this area, and want to stay close by, so Autumn can stay in the same school.  I am really going to my little Autumn.  She has been a real ray of sunshine in our home.  Here's to staying warm next month, and hoping the kids find a place they like real soon.

October to December 2019

October saw cooler temps start to set in very early, (we even saw some night time frost very early).  I was working very quickly to get my garden cleared out, cleaned up, and ready for winter.  I covered the beds with plastic the first week and a half to save my produce.  I ended up putting boxes of tomatoes, tomatillos, potatoes, and onions in the garage to several weeks.  We have our first killing frost on the 9th of October, and I was lucky enough to have all the produce cleared out of the garden by the 8th.  On Saturday the 12th, Dave and I left for Orlando, Florida for a week.  We spent the week just relaxing by the pool, reading, and visiting the area.  On our anniversary, we had dinner at a nice seafood buffet place that we like to visit, (all you can eat lobsters - Dave's favorite).  We returned home on Friday.  We were able to take in a Broadway Across American play, (Miss Saigon), the next day.  Autumn got to do Trick or Treating at school.  She went as Little Bo Peep.  It was a cool raining day, and I picked her up in the car, after school.  We were talking about her day, and she said, "I love Halloween."  I said, "Do you like it better than Christmas?"  She said, "Nope".  I asked, "Better than your birthday?".  She replied, "Nope.  But it's better than Ground Hog's Day."  I had the hardest time to keep her from seeing me laugh as I was driving home.  She has such a quick wit.

November, we started seeing snow, and very cold temps.  It was as it winter decided to come early.  On Friday, (the 8th), I watched Autumn for Trevor and Audra, (she was off from school).  I took her with me to the Senior Citizens Center, for their Veteran's Day Lunch and program.  In Riverton, we have 12 silver star recipients, (they are of course older veterans).  Autumn got her picture taken with one of the heroes that day.  Thanksgiving days saw a big snow storm, (12 inches over night).  Audra, Trevor, and Autumn spent the day with Audra's family celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, (since they were all together).  I made a pumpkin chocolate chip bundt cake with caramel cream cheese icing for her to take.  She said it was a big hit, and she only had 2 little slices to bring home.  Made my heart feel good that they liked it.  I knew that cake tasted good, since I spooned out enough batter and baked 1 cupcake to taste test it, (and it was a good homemade recipe.  Dave and I stayed home all weekend and just relaxed.  We didn't even go out on the icy roads.

December came in with more snow, and really felt like Christmas very early.  Dave and I went to a Christmas party with some friends, (a group of 12), for dinner and a white elephant gift exchange.  We also saw our final BAA musical "The Christmas Story.  Dave's company party was held the 13th, and it was very nicely done, but so bitterly cold outside.  They had a catered dinner, with entertainment, and prizes.  We have now entered the 7th month of Trevor and Audra living downstairs, and it looks like they will probably be with us for a couple more months.  Trevor started a new job, (with a company the builds decks for new home construction) in November.  Audra only works at her CNA job at Sandy Hospice a couple days a month now, and she started working at Starbucks a couple days a week.  They are still trying to save to get into an apartment, but with the drastic cut in income, it's going to be a long journey.  We still have a few bumps trying to mesh with 2 families under one roof.  We've had a few bumps, but for the most part we have learned how to work around things, and are getting better at living together.

Here's hoping 2020 is a better year for everyone, (including our family and friends).  I'm already starting to think about my garden and what I'll plant next year.  I hope the best to come for our country, and the world as a whole.  Dave and I have a big trip planned for next year, and we're now looking forward to his retirement in a couple years.  So I guess things are on track.

July to September 2019

July was a hot and dry month.  Thank goodness for our drip line system in the garden, I was able to give the garden an extra watering during the very hot days without getting the leaves wet, giving out garden a boost.  We saw more than 20 days of temps in the 100s.  We started the month as usual going to the Riverton City's annual 4th of July community breakfast.  Since Trevor had to work that day, we took Audra and Autumn with us.  They enjoyed the food, and stayed afterward to participate in the carnival rides and the vendor booths.  Dave and I came home to the cool comfort of the air conditioned house.  Dave's former boss, (Rusty), threw his annual swim party this month, and it was a relief from the heat to sit under his shade trees and enjoy to pool, while visiting with friends I haven't seen for quite awhile.  He had about 50 people in attendance.  I guess the heat brought most of them out to enjoy the cool pool, on a Saturday afternoon.  The 24th, we enjoyed the "Pioneer Day" fireworks and grilled out on our deck.  Then, the next day, we flew out to Minneapolis to visit our friends, (David and Janice), to enjoy their city's festivities.  We enjoyed a riverboat cruising, visiting local restaurants, and the grand finale of fireworks on Sunday the 28th.  We spent the evenings playing cards, laughing, and catching up on what's been going on in our lives.  Then back home on Monday the 29th.  July saw the start of our garden producing.  Autumn learned how to pulled weeds, and pick ripe strawberries, lettuce, herbs, and cucumbers.  After that, there was a safe ripe strawberry during her visit to the garden.

August was another hot and very dry month.  It also meant time for the county fair, and exhibits.  This year I entered 3 items in the "Home Arts" division.

I made a loaf of my white bread, and won the "High Blue" ribbon.  I had to actually ask what was the difference between the blue ribbon and the high blue ribbon.  The judge said a blue ribbon would be an A, and a high blue would be an A+.
Then I won the "Sweepstakes" award,  The best of all entries in the "Home Arts Division" over all entries.

I also entered a jar of my pickled beets, and won a blue ribbon.
Then I won the "Judges Choice" ribbon.  This means the judges thought that of all the canned goods entered, mine was the best.

I took a chance and entered my apricot jam, and also got a blue ribbon.

This year my entry was 3 entries = 5 ribbons.  I was so happy, and Dave was so proud of me.  I think his smile was bigger than mine.










Trevor received his Associates Degree in the mail, and we are so proud of him for finishing the task he set for himself.  Opal, (the cat the was rehomed to us), is becoming more and more attached to us and very loving.  Her prior owner said she didn't like to be held, but she is becoming more and more of a "hold me a little and hug me" cat.  The last week of the month, Dave and I drove down to Sedona for a spend a very relaxing week just doing very little.

We had this cute little cabin, and we would walk over to the pool every morning.  Swim and enjoy the pool until it got too hot.  Then return back to the cabin to the comfort of our air conditioning and read, watch TV, sleep, just enjoy the afternoon until dinner time.  Some days we cooked a little dinner, a couple days we ate out.  We had no agenda, we just lived day to day.  It was an enjoyable way to end the month.






We returned drove home on Friday the 30th to avoid the holiday traffic.  And it was a good thing we did.  There was so much traffic the closer we got to home.  We also returned to a garden that suddenly decided to produce abundantly while we were gone.

September was again another hot and dry month.  This summer was the second hottest driest month on record for our state, and it sure felt like it.  I picked a lot of raspberries from our bushes, (after 5 years they were finally producing).  Autumn and Dave ate a few handfuls, I made raspberry cinnamon rolls, and the rest I froze to use later.  I learned not to let Autumn help pick green beans, she would eat as many as she picked.  That girl loved raw green beans.  And now that she has seen how they grow from a seed to a full sized bean, she loves green beans on her plate. Trevor, Audra, and Autumn went to Oregon for a week and brought me back a couple bags of blackberries that they picked from the farm of Trevor's friend, (where they were staying).  I had enough to get 2 pint jars of the most delicious jam from them.  I put 1 pint jar back, thinking this will be next year's fair entry.  But, the first jar is gone and we've opened the second jar.  Our friend, (Dave A), gave me a small amount of apricots from his tree and I was able to get 2 more jars of jam for my pantry.  Our peach tree produced really well, and I made 5 jars of jam, froze a couple bags, supplied the neighbors with some, and we've eaten our share.  I also was give a box of peaches, pears, and nectarines, so I made 5 jars of fruit cocktail.  It turned out really good, Dave says it's better then the canned stuff.  I spent quite a lot of time canning green beans from the garden - I got 16 quarts in the pantry to replenish my supply.  Autumn has eaten her weight in small yellow tomatoes this year.  She gets so excited everyday when she goes out to the garden and sees new ripe tomatoes ready to pick, or new cucumbers.  And she's just dying for the carrots to be ready to harvest.  One day when we were in the garden she told me, "I know why the cucumbers have little flowers and the squash have big flowers.  It's cause the cucumbers are little and the squash are bigger".  And she's right.  We had 5 beautiful big butternut squash year, planted from seeds I saved last year.  And all my cucumbers were from seeds I saved as well.  My tomatillos were leftover seeds from a couple years ago, and I just threw them in the ground, and thought "What the heck, let's see if they grow."  We have a huge box and now we have a couple bags of tomatillo sauce in the freezer.  So our garden has been good to us this year.  And Audra's box that I let her use, was also productive.  I also have shared so produce with them, and they have enjoyed the freshness from the garden.  I will have much more work to get accomplished before fall and winter approach, but it's been a busy life around the house. 

Autumn has started school, just up the street from our house, (she's in the 2nd grade).  I walk her to school most days, and I'm there waiting for her at the school when she gets out to walk her home.  She loves the school and her teacher, and tells me all about it.  It makes me smile to hear her tell about her day.  On the evening of the 16th, the school had a "Color Run".  Her mom couldn't go, so I went with Autumn.  She had a blast run the course and getting sprayed with colors.

2019 County Fair - 3 entries = 5 ribbons

This year for the County Fair I decided to submit 3 entries, homemade Apricot Jam, Pickled Beets, and White Bread.  And Guess what?   I came home with 5 ribbons.

My white bread won HIGH BLUE and the SWEEPSTAKES ribbon.  Quite a big surprise for me.  I think Dave's smile was as big as mine on this one.  Blue is quite an honor, but High Blue is almost impossible to imagine, let alone the Home Arts Food Division Sweepstakes ribbon.

My pickles beets was the BLUE ribbon and JUDGE'S CHOICE for Home Arts Food Division.  I was quite honored that the judges though my little jar of beets was the best entry in all the categories of the home arts food entries.  Once again, Dave's smile was as big as mine.  A by-stander ask Dave, "Do you want me to take a picture with you in it also?  You're pretty happy."  Dave laughed, and said, 'No, They're her ribbons."

My apricot jam also won BLUE ribbon for the jam division.  I was again very happy, for the win.  I had gotten the apricots from a friend, and they were tiny and only enough for 1 jar,  and an little leftover, but still it turned out good.

So, if you ever think, I could never do that - DON'T.  A few years ago, I would have never entered anything in any kind of competition.  Then after lots of practice making bread, I drove over to the fair, (without telling anyone), and entered a loaf of bread and a cross stitching that I made.  Both won 2nd place on my first try.  It gave me the confidence to keep trying.  And with each try I got better at my entries.  I even took a couple of Blue and Red ribbons at the State Fair.  And you can do it also.

Congratulations Trevor !

A couple weeks ago, a large envelope arrived in the mail addressed to Trevor from the college.  I knew immediately what it was.  I ran into the house and got Trevor.  I said, "There's something you might want to open".  He smiled, and said, "Oh, I know what this is."  I answered, "Me too".  He opened it up, and showed me his new diploma that he earned in May.  The first thing he said was, "I thought it would be as big as the envelope".  I laughed, and said, "No, the next one will be bigger."  We are SO PROUD of his sticking it out.  Going to school full tiime, working, (sometimes working 2 jobs), taking care of his wife and daughter.  CONGRATULATIONS, Trevor.  On to bigger and better things.  Love you, grandma and grandpa.