Gardening!!

For the last four years we have not had a garden. The first 2 years we had temperature highs of 120 every day for 3+ months. Not good for plants!!!

We watered a every day. NOT good. Plants didn't grow. Even the WEEDS didn't grow!

Last year we had frosts until the middle if May. Too late to plant.

This year we are trying another way to have a garden.

POTS!!!

It's amazing what you can grow in pots.

We have radishes, basil, two kinds, parsley, chard, japaleno pepper, garlic, tomatoes, and I think that's it. We had to put the tomato plant into a bigger pot because it was holding too much water and was drowning.

The herbs are wonderful. I have never had fresh herbs before and I go out everyday at least once and take a leaf off every herb plant.

YUMMMMMO!!!

I for one think it is a good way to have a garden. It gives us fresh food and makes a really wonderful curb appeal space.

Later, Linda

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day!  My dad passed in1990. I know this is natural but some things just make us teary eyed. 

 My dad loved baseball. In fact he was announcer for the LAAngels that eventually became the California Angels. And in the summer months we would go with him to games--and sit in the press box. Right behind home plate. 

So when we took Nonie to see the Texas Rangers play it threw me off because we were at first base 10 rows up. Then it hit me. The last time I had been to a game I sat in the press box. There's a lot of difference from behind home plate and looking at first base. 

Nonie loved baseball. She played one summer. Jerry and I went once to watch her. It was right after dad passed. It brought tears to my eyes because I knew he would have enjoyed watching her and would never get the chance. 

I don't know if I ever made another game of hers. And that's not good. But I know that we have a good relationship as Nana and Nonie. 

Later,Linda 

Baby Sitting!!

Today we are baby sitting with out grand-dog BELLA!

Bella is a rescue. She and her sister were found on the side of a road. I don't know about the sister but Bella is a runner. She was in the yard running and Sarah got in her way so she just jumped Sarah and kept right on going.

This is Van. Rose and Tyler found him in the Walmart parking lot. Just running around looking for something or someone. Right now he's hot!!! He's a hot dog!!! I love it.

And then there is Rose and Charlie who live in Edmond and we also have the two girls who live in Washington DC.

We don't get to babysit these. Because they live too far away. I don't like this but what can you do when the parent's work takes them so far away.

Now I know why mom's don't like for their kids to move away.

What am I saying???

They didn't move away-------we did.

Our only granddaughter was not even a year old when we went to Tunisia for 5 years.

And we moved to Farmington NM when she was 15 and stayed for 6 years. I made sure that I was home for the summers so I could have some time with the because by then Nonie was working all summer in OKC.

And here they are then and now. Front row is David Ray and Tyler our Dave's sons. Then Andrew our Lynn's son and at the back the Princess Nonie. Nonie couldn't be here for this Labor Day celebration so the boys did their best to recreate the picture for me. I love it.
Thank you guys for doing this for me.

Later, Linda

Smokin' Joes!!! Yummmmo!

Last night we went with the Friday Night Dinner Ride group. There were 10 of us from Duncan and 13 from OKC. The place is so cute. 

Old oil company signs everywhere. Old barn wood on the walks. There were two long benches against the walls. Looked like old pew benches. 

But the thing was the smiles on all the crew. Smiles everywhere AND they took the time to ask if everything was alright!  

But the best was the bathroom---well the Ladies anyway. I have been in men's rooms but that's a story for another time. 

This is the Ladies. And the mirror is made out if a socket. Cute!  They painted the concrete floor a pretty cerulean blue. Soothing and matches well with the mustard yellow walls. You know the kind if mustard with a little of the crushed seeds in it. 

What else can you ask for. Ambience, good happy wait crew, and excellent food. 

Later,Linda 

Friends!! Wonderful!!

Long years ago I worked four months at Hagger slacks. All I can say is women who work in factoryies have my complete admiration. That is the hardest and most nerve wracking experience I ever went through. I had people looking down my neck all day long. I had to quit because we were going on vacation and I couldn't back out. The bills got caught up and I quit. All in all it was not a good experience. 

But then there was Louise!!

A platinum blonde with a sassy attitude. Just what I needed!!

I don't know when this picture was taken but they still look like this.

Left to right daughter Donna. Middle is Louise. And on the right is Carla. 

On Louise's birthday this year they all got together and came to Duncan and found us again. 

This is them in 2014. Beautiful, confident women. Thank you for coming back into our lives. 

Giving up or Giving in?

Sometimes in life we have to let go of things that mean a lot to us. Sometimes we do this because it is the right thing to do. Or so we think.

Do we give up what is in it's essence something that fills our soul with joy? Or do we only give up those things that don't really mean anything to us.

So, What's the difference.

I made a decision today to give up something that fills me with wonder and excitement. joy and peace, love and understanding. Because it is the right thing to do. I feel good about my decision.

Does that mean that I won't feel those tugging's of the heart that call me to go. The longing to be where I can't be will fill me with sorrow and tears. It is the honorable thing to do.

Would I feel the same way if I didn't really care about going or staying?

I don't think so. I would have a sense of being let down, but not the gut wrenching feeling that I have now.

It is the right thing to do.

More later, Linda

Today is May 31!!!!

Today is May 31st and it's 9am and FOGGY!!

Not a British fog, but one that is soft and cool.  I can't get over this cool weather. About 4 years ago by this time it was already over 100 in the daytime and in the 80's at night. That's the summer of 120 days for most of the summer.

We stayed in the house.

May 31st is also a time for me to take stock in what is going on and what I need to do.  When the kids were home it was the time that the swimming pools opened and they wanted to go. Time to make plans for getting that done and working the huge garden that we had. Planning for the canning time--new jars and lids. Vinegar for the pickles and sugar for the jams.

So what are my plans for the rest of the year??

I plan to make Jerry's life as good for him as I can. Keep him happy and not depressed. Some days that's not easy. Today he can't find his wallet. No wallet he can't drive because his driver's license is in his wallet.

I plan to FINALLY get 10 facials on my datebook.

I plan to take a big deep breath and enjoy!

Later, Linda