Wax on, wax off...

Yesterday morning, I spent a couple of hours screening the rocks out of the soil in part of my raised bed garden. The remaining soil is so nice, a perfect planting medium. It is definitely worth the effort.

The process to remove the rocks is like a day at the gym. It reminded me yesterday of the Karate Kid movie, where daily chores turn into a miracle workout regime. I am so ready to enter the karate tournament, or maybe I will be after I finish the job today.

Or maybe I will just enter some of the fruits of my labor at the County Fair. I am pretty pleased with the lettuce. I will be harvesting some of it this weekend. And you can see one of the remaining blueberries. I was surprised to find one left. There are none left now... mmmmm.

The kale, collards and spinach are turning into food. They will keep growing even as the days cool off. In fact, that is their preference. I have a few things that will succumb, but Kevin is building me a pvc and visqueen cover to help hold the warmth in and prevent an early frost from taking out the gourds and cilantro. I am not sure about the sweet potatoes, but I didn't plant them for harvest... just for looks. They are a pretty plant. I thought about digging them up and putting them in a pot in the house, but I think the roots would eventually bust through and escape through the bottom as the little potatoes grow into big ones.

Anyway, I need to go do my stretching before my morning workout. Wax on, wax off... wax on, wax off. Just call me Farmer Ali.

My mother's diamond jubilee

This is my favorite photo of me and my mother. It lives on my refrigerator. We were sitting on my sister's front porch about 12 years ago. I like it because it is one of the few photos that people actually comment on how much we look alike. Mostly people think I look like my dad (whoo hoo!).

Today is another great birthday. Most of the women in my family were born in August. Today is my mother's 75th birthday. Doesn't she look  lot younger? She is in great health... has always taken good care of herself. She taught all of us (and still is) about good healthy foods, exercise, and passion for living.

My mom grew up in Richmond, Virgina on Northumberland Drive. We used to visit there a lot when I was growing up. She married my dad, and had me in 1959. I love that photo of her and I when I was just a couple of months old.

Now she and her husband, Don, live just outside of Philadelphia in a cool little house in Chester Springs. I would have really liked to have surprised her with a visit today. Sigh...

Our family, and with the help of a few friends, made mom a movie for her birthday. It is so stupid it is funny, and we had fun thinking about her the whole day that we took to make it.

So mom, I hope you had a GREAT DAY celebrating. Happy Birthday!

Sour Cream Lemon Pie

Mmmm, my favorite!

Birthdays for me have never been the shy, reserved type. I am an "over-the-top-shout-out-to-the-world" type birthday girl.

But today has been a little unusual for me. I usually celebrate all month, but this year it has just been today. Perhaps because my youngest just entered college... and maybe because my middle child is still trying to discover who he is, or whatever... really, I think it is because I am 49, and I am reserving myself until the big blowout I am expecting to make next year!

Meanwhile, an extraordinary thing has happened. All day long, I have had phone calls, or stop-overs, from friends and family wishing me a happy day (starting at 6 this morning from Beth who forgot the time difference from Florida to Idaho... which is okay, I needed to get up anyway). What a great thing to have so many people call and wish happiness! I can't think of a better gift than that.

So Happy Birthday, Me... for having the good sense for having such a cool family and such great friends. I truly am a lucky girl.

Birthdays have always been important to me. I love to celebrate them, even if they are not my own (but of course I love to celebrate mine!).

While I was in Boise up in Maegan's room, she decided it was a good time to give me my birthday presents: one from her and one that she brought back from my sister, Sam, in Virginia. I have always had an affinity for dolphins... they are my totem... and Maegan gave me some lovely 24K gold dolphin earrings.

Sam, knowing how much I love her ChomChom bags, gave me this gorgeous black bag... the one I am pretty sure I told her was really pretty the last time I was out visiting. She loves me!

My birthday is not until tomorrow. Today would have been my Grandma Boyd's birthday. I always felt like we were very much alike, she and I, if for no other reason than astrologically, we are very closely aligned.

My grandmother was an amazing woman, very adventurous when she was young. She was a nurse, and didn't let rules sway her from what she wanted to do. In the early 30s, she and her friend went hitchhiking around the country together. How brave was that back then!!!!! Back then, nurses lived in dorms at the hospital and were overseen by head nurses. They were not allowed to cut their hair in the bob-style. I guess it was considered too risque for a nurse. She, of course, did it anyway. She told me she would pin it up under her nurses' cap so no one would know.

She met my grandfather and they married when she was about 30. He was a career navy man, and spent many years away from his family, leaving her to tend to her four boys. My dad was the oldest of those boys. 

The navy recruited my grandmother, who was living in Parksley in Accommack County on the eastern shore of Virginia. (My dad used to always say "I'm just an old country lawyer from Accommack County.) She was the only registered nurse, and since that was where the wounded first arrived from Europe, it was her job to train the women there to tend to the wounded until they were able to be transported to hospitals or home. In my opinion, she should have gotten a medal for her efforts.

She had to leave the boys at home while she traveled. My dad always talked lovingly about Agnes, the woman who cared for the boys while my grandmother was away. (I may not have all the facts right, but I know I am close). My dad wanted to name me Agnes. I am very happy my mother vetoed that request. My dad used to tell the story, and he would start crying when he did, about when he joined the navy and was stationed in Morocco, he got an old, dried up peanut butter sandwich that Agnes had sent him in a care package.

But I digress, this is about my grandmother. After the war, my grandparents moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. We visited with them when I was 13. My sister can imitate my grandma perfectly. She used to rub our arms and say "My My".

After my grandfather died, Grandma (her name was Helen Grey Boyer Boyd... Maegan is named after her... Maegan Grey Ward) moved to Kentucky to be closer to my Uncle Frank. I visited her there a couple of times. The only great grandchild she ever lived to see was Byron. He and I visited her in the nursing home when he was about 1 1/2.

Grandma died about 2 weeks after Maegan was born. I know my father told her in the hospital about her birth and that I had named Maegan after her. She was a great lady, and I miss her even now. Happy Birthday Grandma!

An interesting day

I was surprised today by how emotional I got when it came time to check Miss Maegan into her dorm. I had to leave and let her do it herself, because I was very close to losing it and embarrassing her as well as myself.

I don't know where that all came from. I have been feeling really excited about her new adventure at school, and this little episode completely blind-sided me.

But when it came time to actually moving her in, I had recomposed and all went well. Byron and I left her to fix up her room and visited her again later in the afternoon, and she had it all set up.

Byron and I decided it was a good time to go chill and have a beer together in downtown Boise. He is excited because he and his friend, Tyler, found a really nice place to rent very close to campus that is comfortable and more his style. We went to see it after we had dinner with Maegan on campus. He and his buddy are moving in tonight. I wish I could see it all set up. That'll be next trip, which I don't imagine will be all too long away.

Boise bound

I don't have any photos for this posting because it is hard to take photos and drive. And I drove for 7 1/2 hours today. Not my favorite thing to do at all. But Maegan and I managed to fit all her stuff in her little mazda and, just short of killing ourselves, arrived safely in Boise. It was truly the longest drive ever, and my brain is not functioning properly yet, but a good night's sleep will cure that. 

We are staying at Byron's house tonight, and we can check Maegs into the dorm tomorrow morning around 9. We just found out that her roommate won't be around until tomorrow afternoon, so Maegs gets the pick of everything in her room. She is stoked about that.

Once she is checked in, and maybe after a couple of quick photos, I plan on making myself scarce. Byron and I plan on hanging out together all day, and then I catch a plane home tomorrow night. Thank god I don't have to drive myself back! I think I would have to check myself into a dorm room before I could bring myself to get back into that car.

Maegan plans on selling the car down here. I encouraged that whole idea so I could fly home.

More tomorrow on the college bound young lady...

It is so hard to follow up a good blog posting…

But I will give it a shot.

I am having a great time, once again, with all the kids home. Maegs got home from Virginia after visiting my family for 5 weeks. And Byron arrived for a few days just yesterday. With all the bustle of activity here, and on top of that, all the planning for all the Propst going away parties, I have been a little on the busy side.

I seem to make time every morning to sift my garden soil. And I am so pleased with the progress of the veggies growing in my garden, particularly the luscious looking lettuce leaves.

Meanwhile, the cutest cat in the world is stalking me from the crabapple tree.

Old Habits: easy to make, hard to break

In about 2 weeks, my friend, Kent, is transferring from one mental institution to another. 

Even though I have known for about a month that he was going, somehow the heart of that fact did not hit me until today.

It is easier to provide the support a mental patient needs when they atleast reside close by. It will be difficult to give him his weekly/monthly visits when he is so far away, especially in some remote part of the world called Nebraska. And even more particularly: Peru, Nebraska. Who on earth would move there? But I suppose when you have mental issues, a quiet, unassuming place would be an ideal setting to spend some serious years getting healthy.

So Kent, this is for you. Today. When I am sure you are having more fun than me, and I just want you to know that I am pouting.

Public Transportation

We have an amazing resource right here in Kootenai County, and today was my day to go on a little exploration. I didn't get any photos, because my public transportation adventure was enough with a bicycle and bags without adding camera to the mix. So you will just have to go to the CityLink website and see photos and get info.

The bus system is FREE! And there are three different routes to choose from, so you can practically get anywhere. So here goes the tale of my fun day:

With an appointment in Hayden at noon, I had to hurry down on my bike to catch the bus at the Super One in Post Falls. I had looked in advance to see how this was going to work, and I knew a little bike riding would expedite getting to my appointment, but I was nervous about how to put my bike on the bus. Turns out there was another person with a bike (a little kid, of course, teaching the scared lady how to do it) and it really was a piece of cake.

So my bike was loaded and I hopped into the bus and off we went towards Hayden, going by way of WalMart, then up Highway 41, over to Ramsey via Prairie, and then up to the Hayden Super One, where I got off and road to my appointment on Prairie Avenue. On the bus were the maps of all the routes, and I quickly discovered that I could have gone another way and never had to use my bike, but that is what this trip was all about.

After my appointment, I decided I could use a little exercise, so I pedaled myself down the bike trail that runs along Highway 95 to Coeur d'Alene. I was doing well, despite a wicked headwind, until I got to the corner of Appleway and 95. The trail ends, and I needed to get over by the hospital to make a delivery. That was the part I didn't like, and do not recommend. Don't cross Highway 90 on 95 on the wrong side of the road with that crazy on-coming traffic. I had visions of a car tossing me over the edge, but I made it safely (and thankfully) down to the lights at Ironwood, and continued on my way.

The City Link hub is at Riverstone. So after dropping off my little package to my friend at one of the Physical Therapy offices, I headed on down to catch my return ride home to Post Falls. I got there with about 5 minutes to spare before my ride arrived. Luckily, too, because there would have been an 1 1/2 wait between buses (at which time I would have called Kevin to come and get me, because as I mentioned before, I battled some heavy headwinds from Hayden to CDA, and had no intention of riding all the way to Post Falls today). So obviously, trips on the bus can be enhanced with a little prior planning.

Now that I was a veteran bike loader, I was back onboard and heading to the spot where I was picked up earlier. I easily unloaded my bike, and hopped on, immediately heading home. It took 30 minutes from Riverstone to my front door... not bad I think.

I highly recommend checking out this great, economical way of getting around. In fact I challenge you to go and take a little ride, just for the adventure of it all.

It's looking like a garden…

It is really handy being married to a man who knows how to build stuff. We were able to put this gorgeous fence around my garden today to protect it from wild animals (like Jack). The gate is leaning a little, but we will fix that later.

I picked up a few herbs at the farmer's market yesterday and planted them in their bed. As happy as I am to see little seeds sprouting, there is nothing like having an instant plant in the garden. I put in parsely, sage, rosemary, and tarragon (plus purple basil and one other one, I can't remember off the top of my head).

Meanwhile, we have food growing. The gourds have sprouted. I don't really expect anything from them since they got such a late start, but you just never know. I planted a sprouted sweet potato that Maegan never ate, and it is really growing, plus kale, collards, cilantro, and lettuce... all up. The cool crops should do well into a light frost.

I feel like I have accomplished a lot since that old boat left (remember the boat? I know, easy to forget). Just wait until we can actually eat some of this food!

Dance of the Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are such funny creatures. They are so full of energy, they appear to be such happy creatures. Perhaps that is why you find so many hummingbird feeders around. People just seem happier when they can sit and watch the action of these little speedy birds.

Now these folks aren't quite so speedy, but they certainly are funny, full of energy, and seem to be happy creatures most of the time, especially when they are savoring a fine bottle of wine, or maybe a robust beer on a hot summer day. 

And man, haven't we had a hot summer. Not that I am complaining... not at all! My garden is actually growing. I even have some tomatoes (still green, but there is time). 

And last night, because of the hot, sultry day, we were able to witness a spectacular light show in the sky as we sat on a patio in Rathdrum and watched a thunderstorm roll across the prairie. What a great thing to share with good friends.

The dirt biker

This was a really fun series of shots to get. I actually laid almost underneath the bike jump to catch Shane as he soared over me (it's okay mom, I wasn't actually right underneath and never in any danger). I love the blue sky backdrop.

This was at the recreation park on the very top of Christmas Hill in St. Maries. Beautiful views, it was a beautiful day, and Shane was showing off!

The coup de gras

I now have $20.50 plus a crying towel (which believe me I am using) a tissue, a life saver, some green tea, and a couple of canadian coins... and I am pretty sure they meet or exceed the value of american ones right now.

It is late, I am going to bed, and hoping the tooth fairy takes some of this money to give poor kids who have lost their teeth.

It's not enough...

I am now up to $19.50 and a life saver and a green tea bag. Do I have a complex?... hmmm....

I am afraid to go in the bathroom.

Okay, I give...

But only if I can find a good plastic surgeon for $16.75, the amount now in my jar.

I think I can no longer fool myself that folks think I am in my twenties... 

... hopefully they see me somewhere around thirty-five...

...one can only hope.

Enough already

Okay, this is really starting to piss me off! Someone left $10 in the pot. Now I am totally self-conscious... Everyone has always said I still look in my twenties. I guess it just isn't true anymore.

Big sigh...

Subtlety

Paranoia sets in when you walk into your bathroom to discover someone has contributed to your face lift fund... I think I know who it was. Are you trying to send me a message, or is the fact that you only put in a dollar mean that I really don't need to save in haste...

You know who you are. I love you anyway.

Broken down houses in St. Maries

The stories these houses could tell us...

Some of them seem to have some dark secrets. They house critters of the wild now instead of wild backwoods folk.

And they have a beauty all their own.

I was in St. Maries for a photo shoot for my neighbor's soon-to-be senior son. He wanted his photos in various places around the St. Joe river, and he took me and all my camera equipment back these old, rutty trails on a four-wheeler. Other than my back reminding me of the bumpy ride, we had a blast!

I got some great shots of him, but often digressed with various shots of old buildings, cool wild blooms and wildlife. It was a gorgeous afternoon, and I am now convinced that photography is the direction I want to continue.