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Oh. Looks like everyone is gone. I'm a little under the weather. Guess I'll just sit and watch the butterflies for awhile.
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Mornin', MIchaela. Tell me about the butterflies? Which flowers are they visiting most often? How many varieties can you pick out? The other evening, we were out on another geocaching adventure in the hinterlands. A bbumblebee buzzed past about six times with the deepest buzz I've ever heard. I wondered what he was up to. So, what can you discern from watching the butterflies?
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Thanks for the chicken soup, Abby. As for the butterflies, they're tired today. Especially the blue ones, though they are beautiful. I love watching dragonflies. They shine in the sun. Great soup. Did you make the noodles yourself?
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No, I bought it at Jane's health food store close to my home. I think you would really like her as she is so nice. The area where I live in Omaha used to be a small town and her business is in that district.
There are a couple of restaurants and diners as well as a hardware store, used book store, post office, library, floral shops, store selling crafts, beauty shops.
Also there are dentist offices and a doctor's offices nearby.
The area was decling a few years back when the Hobby Center, and Sprague's Pharmacy, went out as well as the Ben Franklin's.
Yes, we have a Walgreens which are equated to anywhere USA. But is not right on the main strip.
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The library that is near my home has meant a lot to my family through the years. I hope Dangermom comes here as she may relate to this as she is a librarian.
My mom had a little difficulty reading when she was in grade school. Her mother encouraged her to read a lot of books from the library. Her fluency increased greatly. Her mother asked her to demonstrate for a neighbor who had a struggling child and was so amazed at her progress. Her mother attested to the gains that had come by doing reading for leisure.
So when I was growing up, my mom always had myself and my brother and sister in the reading program over the Summer. If you read ten books, during the school year they would send a paper rolled up like a scroll with a ribon around it. I always felt extra special when the day that they handed them out at school.
One year though, I balked at reading these books. I was also in a Summer School program and one of the classes was reading at our desks. I would usually just stare at the books. My mother became concerned that I was illiterate and asked me to read something for her. I was proficient enough for her satisfaction. The real reason for my reluctance was that my brother reached the level of myopia where he needed glasses and I overhead someone say that the cause may have been due to eye strain.
This was a small and quaint library for many years. I have an aunt who has worked as a librarian. She always frequented the same library as we did as she lives in the area. When a large new library went up further West, she said that money should have gone towards our library. My aunt would refer to our library as the step-sister(in the cinderella sense of the word). Then, when a new Mayor of Omaha who had grown up in our part of town took office, a proposal to expand the library went into place. The library was expanded keeping much of the character and charm of the original design.
The first day my aunt stepped into this long awaited expansion, she was teary eyed.
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There were three painted ladies by the porch today on the yellow zinnias. What beautiful butterflies with their orange wings with black blotches and white spots on the upper side, and a combination of pink, brown, olive, black and white underneath. I am going to study up on butterfly gardening to attract more of these flying flowers or jewels of the sky to my garden next summer.
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I have been exceedingly cranky. I love seeing my family, but all the details of getting ready for them overwhelm me. I thought if I started a week ahead of schedule, I'd be ok, but I got caught in the time crunch. Last night just before midnight we were putting away groceries when Ryan dropped a watermelon on the driveway and decided to deliver it to the kitchen anyway. Juice and seeds all the way up the stairs and across the white carpet. Nothing short of shampooing the carpet would do it. So the dilemna. Clean the carpet on the Sabbath, or get up at some unearthly hour on Monday and hope it will be halfway dry by the time the family starts arriving in the afternoon. I was tempted to do it today, but quickly put things into perspective. Still, I'm tired and cranky. I think I need some of those painted ladies. Oh, wait . . . I think I see one now. How kind our Father in Heaven is to have created a world with wonders and beauties for days like this. I love the swing, and today there's a breeze blowing. Did you hear the thunder during the night?
Libraries have changed so much. I loved the univeristy library with all its computers and thousands of books, its elevators and floors of tables. But better yet, I loved the quaint children's library of my childhood. Down the sidewalk, down the staircase and into the world of small tables, deep quiet, stereoscopes, and the smell of old books. It was so lovely.
Does anyone know when Sarcare will be back from her trip? I hope she's having a wonderful time.
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Ooooh one of my dream jobs has to be a Librarian, but I want to own the library too--- and have it filled with all types of magical wonders and lots of big cushy pillows and lots of little hide-a-ways for reading . I would be in the center giving suggestions to what you should read---tell me your problems and I would advise you the best book to read to make your troubles go away !!! OH what a dream --- now I dream if I can just fine time to sit down myself and do a little reading once again . I have had the new Harry Potter since day 1 but until I get my list completed I can not begin--so it still sits--- sometimes I wish I would never given myself the rule never read novels on Sunday --- but it has been a good rule for me -- because I am an all or nothing type of reader--so I must truly make space for it in my life -- because once I enter the book I am in another world!!! Sorry you are feeling down --- cranky I know --- lots of company I know --- mine just left -- but I love it too !!! Here have nice rainbow sherbet/lemonade float-- it's a little lighter and tangier than a root beer float--- enjoy --- it will cool and calm you . Put your feet up a minute too and close your eyes, the crickets are just beginning to sing and soon someone else will be here to visit with---- I've got run but I'm leaving you the sherbet floats stuff so serve it as they come along.
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Michaela, we'll be over at five? or six? in the morning to help you clean the carpet. Is the reunion lasting all week? Mine begins next week from the 8-14. I know OmeGa's house is always hopping with family dropping in since they live nearby. I don't think Sarcare said how long she'd be away, but she'll probably come home relaxed and ready to give her all to another semester of study or teaching. I think our porch populace must be hanging out in some air-conditioned library for the hottest days of summer. But air-conditioning can't hold a candle to this rainbow float. Mmmm, thanks, Meg.
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quote: Ryan dropped a watermelon on the driveway and decided to deliver it to the kitchen anyway.
M: I had to laugh. My youngest stepped in driveway grease one day, and not knowing what to do, walked through the house with his shoes on to ask his mom. Over the new floor. He was about 12 at the time, old enough to know better. Naturally, both of us got blamed, "because he's just like you!" It's much easier to laugh about it after the scars heal a few years...
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OmeGa- maybe one day you can bring a Georgia peach dessert here!
Michaela, I am sorry about your carpet. You are a better example than me. This morning I woke up and found out that some type of animal did #2 all over my rear windshield. So I did spend part of my day cleaning up that mess. I just couldn't stand the thought of driving w/that brown goop all over the back of my car.
I also had an experience yesterday that reminded me of you and your son. I was helping out an event that educated parents who have children w/a certain syndrome. While the parents were in the educational sessions, the volunteers hung out/assisted the children. In this condition, some of the children have autistic-like tendancies. So one of the young boys I was helping, about 10 or so, LOVED ELEVATORS! After we went swimming, all he wanted to do was go up and down the elevator. We spent about 30 minutes literally going up and down the elevator. He was the cutest little doorman and would offer to push the floor for each hotel guest who got on the elevator. He would get off on a floor, make me get off and then he would push the button -either up or down- again. And then we would go for another elevator ride. Until the next floor. It was so hard to get this young guy away from the elevator. I was still in my wet bathing suit/covered up w/wet shorts and shirt. I was freezing. In order for me to go change, I had to promise this young guy another elevator ride after I changed. While I changed, his mom got him dressed. And of course, then I had to keep my promise. 10-15 more minutes of riding in the elevator. And of course, it was just as difficult for me to coax him away from the elevator.
Anyway, this gave me a glimpse into this family's shoes. They do have a sweet and polite boy, but that whole love of the elevator must be hard at times.
I don't know if Ryan likes elevators, but during my elevator ride, I did think of you and remember the challenges/joys you have shared. In addition to the shoes of the family of this boy, I did think of your shoes.
Edit: it is a good thing OmeGA had us kick off our shoes to relax!
Well, Saturday was National Cheesecake Day. Maybe I can make some belated cheesecake to celebrate!
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I did not know it was national cheesecake day, Nita! I shall have to get some soon to have a belated celebration. You are so sweet to go up and down the elevator for 30 minutes. It sounds like he was very happy camper!
OmeGa, I would love to go to the library you described. I too have a tendency to be an all or nothing reader if I have a book that is a real escape. I do not currently have any fiction books that I am interested in reading. I read the first book in the Mitford Series several months ago, which I was given for my birthday. They could not find two and three and so I start up again on book three. It was not that I did not have enough character development or background to pick up from there but the book did not seem to have the same draw for me. I think that I have visited with that mythical North Carolina town enough for now but maybe I will want to return in the future. From my co-worker, the plot gets a lot better in the later books. He said the first book was slow with all the character development. The character development and all the background was one of the things that I relished about the first book.
Michaela, I know getting ready for family can be so much work. When family comes, it is all so worth it!!!
I think Sarcare should be back anyday now!
Meadowbee, I am brining some clippings for you and anybody who desires of flowers that are sure to draw butterflies! Posts: 3434 | Registered: Feb 2005
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One hour to go. Still got to dust and vacuum. The shampooing didn't happen (hope no one dies). Got to get the bed set up in the basement and the sleeping bags, get the little pools and the yard toys out - - - and wouldn't you know it, it's starting to get cloudy outside. Do we have a praying graemlin here somewhere?
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Hope you are not too tired to enjoy your company ---- I do seem to have people come and stay with me often --- I don't clean as much as I use to before they come -- I straigthen and dust,have clean sheets and towels and maybe spot mop if I need too --- it is after they leave and aafter all the cooking and eating that has gone on that I need to really clean !!!!! So relax , enjoy them and clean later!!!! I turn into a cooking fool when company comes-- I gotta stop that and maybe they won't come so much ---lol ---- no I really enjoy being a favorite bed and breakfast spot ( most of the time) --- not really --lol ---- a spot is always ready for you on YOUR PORCH when you need a break-- but enjoy those little hugs and kisses while you can. I'll be making homemade GA Peach fritters for all y'all real soon -- my peaches just need a little more time to get ripe.
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Well since 2 will only make one for me and you I'll make sure I have some boiled peanuts on hand for the others ---- now that is a yummy treat -- good old salted boiled green peanuts boiled till they are so soft you can eat the shell and all !!!! and spit them over the porch railings when you get a tough one --- don't worry, I 'll be back to clean up-- my Mom always made us clean them up the next morning--- it was fun to crawl among the bushes and find the shells and the wonderful little lizards and some baby frogs !!! I see a few fireflies out already --- and that sure is a big ole moon tonight---lets sing Moon River, that so nice and easy and dreamy-- takes all the worries right off your back....
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Let me just finish sweeping up a few crumbs out here and then I'll swing a little and rest from a fun day of shopping. There are great sales on summer wear right now. I bought three pairs of capris and eight shirts today. My favorite is the pink denim capris. I've always had navy, black, khaki, just basic colors. I'm wearing these pink capris till the frost is on the pumpkin!
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I got a cute pair of capris from my sister for my birthday.
Tomorrow is my step-niece's birthday. She will be 17. I know I speak about her from time to time because I think she is such a wonderful girl. She has been active in choir and cheer-leading in high school. According to her, there is something for everyone at her high school. Her observation is that there are not people sitting alone in the cafeteria. She informed me there is a lot of love in that school. That is so good to hear!
What can I do to help OmeGa? Show me what to do and I will try very hard!!
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Hi, Abby, I think OmeGa and Nita have polished off those peach fritters without us. We can practice patience waiting for more peaches to ripen. If we want to go pick some fresh corn, we could turn out lots of corn fritters. But the crispy peach ones sound more appealing tonight. I don't like frying food --splattering grease and all. So I've got peach cobbler on the menu at next week's reunion; it's my mom's recipe. That makes it all the better.
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Well, I will harvest some corn for everybody. We are known for our corn in NE lol. When I was in Pennsylvania, some of the members had a nice meal for us after a conference that included corn on the cob. A lot of people started putting their cobs on my plate as sort of a prank when my attention would be drawn away. I do like corn but really!
There is no substitute for corn fresh from the field. That is when it is the sweetest!
Well, I am game for some of those corn fritters.
I am also very fond of corn bread. mmmmmmmm It is so good with chilli.
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Hi !!! I went to the farmers market and got some PEACHES!!! so here they are --- still warm so be careful and if you don't mind helping Abby there is a bucket of homemade icecream over by the steps, I just can't carry everything --- --- we might could save the corn till later -- it is too hot tonight and after all this baking all I want is another fritter with some ice cream !!!
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ahhhh..... it feels good to sit and put my feet up now---- well isn't anyone else going to party??? -- oh well if I have to sit here and eat them all I can --- you gotta do what you gotta do -----
waste not want not/ or is it waste not waist not!!!???!!! Posts: 682 | Registered: Jun 2005
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Corn fritters it is then. Late in the fall, we'll host a chili and cornbread shindig out here. I wonder if MIchaela has a chiminea or fire pit we can bring up on the porch for warmth and ambience. I always like having something to look forward to, so I'm glad to have the chance to mark a date on the calendar. I'm turning in pretty soon now. It's been a productive day. Hey, OmeGa, I almost missed you. And you're fritters, too. No, no thanks, don't care for any. Folks are gonna think all we do out here is EAT! And that's just not true. WE do lots of other things, too. Like uh well, sweeping and picking up plates and forks... Where's Abby, I know she'll help out.
quote: I know hard things don't go away, I think its just the heat and stuff getting to me. I need a "real" vacation. One that takes me out of my life and puts me somewhere else-----only I don't want it somewhere else like Africa or tropics, Egypt and hot sand, Iraq and heat and war and bullets and bombs, city slums, garbage dumps, homeless shelters, under the bridge campouts, London subways, highways with a broken down car and no money to fix it or buy a tank of gas. Soooooo, since I know what I don't want, I am better off at home in my life that somewhere else. I just miss that front porch swing at both our grandmothers homes, I want to swing and read a good book and have a glass of lemonade with a soft cooling rain falling on everything, do you ever miss those days??? I think it would be a sisters retreat to get to stay at a little house with a big porch and a swing and rocking chairs and spend a few days together getting to know more about each others life since we were all girls growing up in the same family. I hope we can do that sometimes in the future.
Wow, I am going to tell my sister to come to the Nauvoo porch, I feel remiss that I have never invited her or told her of Nauvoo . When I got this email from her, I was so surprised that she said these same things that are in my heart; and that is what makes this porch so nice. It is a true retreat!! We all need it in our busy, hectic lives, thought y'all might see and feel it the same way too . Oh look there is a couple of little hummingbirds over by the hydrangias. Posts: 682 | Registered: Jun 2005
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Same here, OmeGa. And I also hope Michaela doesn't think she's got a band of squatters to deal with on her porch. We seem to be taking it over since she's busy with her family reunion. If we keep the flowerbeds weeded, maybe she won't mind. Tell your sister we'll get the lemonade ready any time she wants to join us, won't you?
Posts: 4056 | Registered: Apr 2005
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AAAHHHHH . . . How nice to be back on the porch swing. I see a few fritter crumbs. Looks like my friends have been making good use of the porch while I've been "reunioning." I hoped I'd have a chance to come sit a bit during the week, but it was wall-to-wall relatives in my computer room.
Oh, what a lovely week I've had. I wish I could have included you all - - - introduced you to my family, taken you to the hills to roast hot dogs and ride the four-wheelers, included you in the crazy chaos that is our traditional family water fight. We had two birthdays in two different parks, went to a play, and of course sat on the swings and talked, talked, talked. The littlest of the little are all three years old now, though next year we'll have a newborn again Our family loves children. Every last little one of 'em. They are the family treasures.
The worst part of the week was finding out about the "buffalo hump." I couldn't deny it. Over the past several weeks each time I looked in the mirror I was distressed to realize how much I was beginning to look like my mother (when she was much older than me.) I kept trying to stand up straight, but it didn't make much difference. I looked more and more like a turtle under a shell. So one night I was talking to my son (dental student) and he mentioned my buffalo hump. BUFFALO HUMP?! How dreadfully unflattering! He said it's from the prednisone I've had to take for my RA. At least now I know there's a name for it. And some hope too. If Remicaide works for me, I'll likely be able to stop taking prednisone. Buffaloe hump, indeed! I am NOT a buffalo! Hmmmmph!
The best part of the week. The day my daughter went to the temple to receive her endowments. It was a RARE event when nearly all the family were together (one sister and her husband stayed home to watch over Ryan.) Everything was perfect. And to make it even more memorable, the rest of the family all carried names belonging to my great-great-grandfather's family. Afterward, we had the blessing of serving as proxies for him and his wife as they were sealed to one another, then each of their children ( the same number males and females as our own children) were sealed to them. We didn't plan it. I had been inspired to do some family research a few weeks ago, and it just all fell together. It was remarkable and almost too lovely for words.
One week. One white carpet with watermelon stains. Treasured little children. Talking, laughter, hugs - - - so close to heaven I could almost taste it. Sort of like this leftover fritter .
Tomorrow, back to the real world. Clean the house. Throw out the junk food. Start sorting through the photos and savoring the memories.
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I was just catching my breath. Today I've been cleaning up and fighting post-party depression. Want to see my scrapbook?
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A depression scrapbook. Now there's a novel idea . No, actually, I'm filling the albums with reunion photos, and doing a couple of tiny albums for a couple of tiny people who live far, far away. I'm not likely to see them again for another year, and I want them to remember what a happy time we had.
Hey, who's got my favorite checkered pillow? Gonna have to have a pillow fight if somebody doesn't fess up.
I picked the first bell pepper out of the garden today. Tasty it was.
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not really --lol ---- a spot is always ready for you on YOUR PORCH when you need a break-- but enjoy those little hugs and kisses while you can. I'll be making homemade GA Peach fritters for all y'all real soon -- my peaches just need a little more time to get ripe.
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