birthday

Today I turned 54 years old. I had a really nice birthday with my family, well, part of my family, my grandchildren and their parents, my children. I received phone calls, cards, face book messages, and post on my wall, and emails and text messages. It is amazing how many ways a person can get in touch with you if they wish to do so.
I am very tired tonight. It was a long day. I am glad God gave me the last two years of extra time with my family.

Take care . . .

Diane

Pears and fall

I found a recipe for a ginger pear cake that sounds yummy and reminded me of my brother's pear tree that was heavy laden with fruit. Just Sunday my bro had advised me that I may have as many as I want because he wasn't going to use the pears. I will be canning pears, making pear preserves, and baking pear cake. I will let you know how this turns out in a later post.
This is the last day of September. The temperatures are going down at night and not as high during the day. I hope to keep the house warm by cooking extra and not having to use a heater until November.
Until next month. . .
take care

Diane

Autumn

Autumn is here, the tree leaves have started changing color. Several local civic groups have been having festivals. The fairs are on their way next. I doubt that I will have the energy to go to the state fair, as I haven't in several years. I have been to one festival, though stayed only a short time. Wasn't to much of a drive to get to "Flatwoods Festival"didn't make it to Silk Hope "Old Fashioned Farmers' Day". Julie has won tickets to "Hart's Pumpkin Festival", hopefully, I will be able to take her, if not her mom will after work.
I love the autumn atmosphere. The heat and humidity takes a cool break. Outdoors becomes nice for walks with the grandkids.
I love to cook soup and stews and not worry about heating up the kitchen. I can bake to my hearts' content delicious goodies for my sweet grandchildren.
I am so blessed to be here on this great planet Earth to enjoy nature's beauty and bounty and with the best people I know, my family.

Thanks kids,
Love,
Diane

A New Grandbaby

September 1, 2010 was the date of the birth of my newest grandbaby. I now have 8 grandkids. I am so very blessed to be alive to be able to be a part of their lives.
I was looking after the 5 at their home while their mother, my daughter, went to the birth center, as a regular checkup date to discover she was 8cm dialated when she arrived at @ 9am. Willow Eve Poe arrive @ 6pm. Baby and mother and all the family are doing very well.

Blessings,

Diane

Last of August, tomorrow September

Wow! This month went by fast! I really do not know where it went. I have been anxiously waiting the arrival of new grandbaby. Due date of 24Aug2010 has come and gone. She will get her on her very own birthday, no doubt.
Lily will be eight on Friday and would like a new pair of shoes, size 2 1/2. That's where I am headed, to the shoe store.

Later,

Diane

Rain Finally!

Last night we finally got a good rain. Maybe the small garden that I have will now be able to grow and produce. Tomatoes and peppers have been shrinking in the heat.
Mama always said if you start watering them, you have to keep on watering them all summer. They start to depend on it and their root system doesn't go as deep as if you do not water and then the root system is deep and your tomatoes will continue until frost. A very small seed can grow to such a huge plant or tree. This never ceases to amaze me. Nature does most of the planting for you. You may gather the bounty if you forage at the right time of year.

Simple Life

I love the Down-to-Earth blog and forum. Rhonda Jean has had some very helpful postings, she is a very cool lady. She lives in an area of Australia where she can garden most all year. I guess if a person has a greenhouse or an atrium they can garden all year anywhere they live.
I have always loved the four seasons, but, I've been thinking a little less heat in summer and a little less cold in winter would even things out. Maybe I would really like a change to an even year climate of just right temperature and just right rainfall.
Meanwhile, I live my simple life where my roots are and take each day as it comes and am thankful for the pleasure of simple things. The beauty of the sunrise and the sunset can never be overemphasized. The hugs from grandchildren and expressions in their faces whenever we get together, it truly is amazing. I know I am blessed. In August Gretel's baby girl is to be born and I get to look after all the other children while she is busy. Her children are so well mannered and helpful looking after each other, it is great fun for me to visit and read them books and tell them tales of long ago. They make me feel so loved.
Yes I have a simple life filled with simple pleasures that I would not trade for all the riches in the world. I AM BLESSED.

Diane