The Love Offering

You would think from all Mr.'s proud carrying on about his wife (me) and bean canning that I'd given birth to his first male child, heir apparent to his kingdom.  He seems to have a new lease on life, one that includes a future for his garden produce.

He has told the canning story to all of his friends, at least all of those he's seen in the last couple of days.  He's bragged about me, which is nice.  It seems I've attained some kind of special status in his world as a 'citified' woman who has now crossed over into the world of 'country'.  That's so special.

I will admit that I've had a bit of personal satisfaction looking at those five quarts of beans which still decorate the top of my kitchen counter.  I also realize, when trying to be realistic about this whole adventure, that more will be expected.  It isn't something that I can call 'completed'.  I may look at it as a small accomplishment in my life as it is certainly the first and only time that I've ever considered canning anything.   However, I do believe Mr. sees it as crossing over and becoming the woman he wants to see decorating the kitchen... one who will continue what has been started into infinity.

So... all of this pride and all these kind and caring words have resulted in a love gift.  Yes... Mr. brought me a present... really.  I'll bet you have some idea of what it is.   As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so here it is...

Ah, doesn't that give you a warm fuzzy feeling?  I can dig that pressure cooker and all those supplies out and have another round of rip roaring fun.  Tah Dah.

The Big Day

 Mr. spent the morning around the house to give me a little help with the official start of my green bean canning career.  I think he decided this day would never come as he had all the beans snapped and ready to go when I got home from a meeting last night.  Ah, thanks Hubby!  Sweet baby.

So... I did get busy this morning and get those beans underway.  I got out the instructions that I'd gotten when attending the canning workshop last summer.  I felt much better knowing that I'd been taught how to do this and had instructions to keep me on task and doing it right.

I did manage to get them all ready and the pressure cooker ready to go.
At this point, Mr. left me on my own to deal with the pressure cooker.   However, it wasn't long until I realized that something wasn't right.  There was about as much steam coming from the handle area of the cooker as from the vent in the top.  I really questioned what to do now.  If I turned them off, then what would I do with them.   I hated to go through all of that getting them ready and then have it not work.

I called Mr. on his cell and he returned.  He's done this before, as I've heard many many times.  At this point, I was glad to know that.

As a back-up plan, or perhaps the main plan, I picked up my phone and dialed the green bean canning emergency hotline.  Yep... have one of those.  I called Janice, my wonderful OSU Extension Educator.  I knew she was the one who would have all the answers.  After all, it was Hubby and her workshop that had gotten me into this mess.  Now, it would be up to them to save me.  Save me from a canning woe!!!

The calm cool voice of experience coming over the phone line gave me hope of salvaging all this hard work.  She said that she would bring me a pressure cooker.  She would BRING me a pressure cooker... a home call.  Gotta love that!!!  Here in the middle of my canning emergency, there was help coming to my door in the way of experienced help coming from the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.  Come, Janice, come!!!

Now Mr. and Janice and I gathered around the pressure cooker, which now actually managed to pressurize.  Behold, the jiggly thing jiggled.  It was working!!   I must admit that I felt much better having Janice in the kitchen as knew she had all the answers if things started going wrong again.

I'd love to show you a nice picture of Janice grinning at me, but she yelled when I snapped her picture, so will give her a break and not post it today.  She was smiling and very patient with her new green bean canning student.

About the time Snappy took Janice's picture, he also decided to take Mr.'s picture.  Now doesn't this man look happy with that pressure cooker.  He is so proud of his wife and her venture into the world of doing something with all that garden stuff.

At last the beans are cooling on the towels.  I'm awaiting some popping sounds, but haven't heard any of those yet.  They are still pretty hot, so I imagine it will be a bit before I hear the beautiful sealing sounds.  I will say that I went to a lot of work for five quarts of beans.  

Mr. proudly told Janice that he was going to bring in more green beans tomorrow.  'Uh, Mr.!!!  What did you say??  Tomorrow?!'   Now let's not get carried away.  I'll bet I can make it through the winter with just five quarts of green beans.  Well, perhaps not.  I sure hope canning gets easier as one gains experience.  Tah Dah

Love My Men

For a number of days I've been fighting another battle with pesky squirrels.  I don't know why I seem to be blessed with critter problems every few years.  This is one of those times.  Son Right Back has been working on the problem.  I really thought I knew where they were getting in, but he didn't agree.  He did seal up one place I'd found along the bottom of the eaves, but that didn't seem to take care of the problem.  Those pesky little things managed to get another place on the edge of the siding loose, and I could actually see their little heads peaking out from the guest bedroom window.  

After church today, Mr. went outside to try to find another place where the squirrels could get in.  He announced that he had found the place.    

It was almost perfect timing that had Right Back appearing on the scene to get a 'squirrel update'.  I told him about what Mr. had found and set off to try to find it.   Mr. quickly showed up on the scene and pointed out the offending hole.   The decision was made to repair this place first, then they would move to the real problem.  I ran inside for Snappy, my sweet little camera.  We just had to get a picture of my men at work.  Men working make fine pictures.   Go, Right Back, go! 

Mr. decided that holding the ladder might be a good idea.  No objections from Right Back were heard, so I headed down into the neighbor's yard for a little more of a distance picture... down the hill.

Back up the hill I came and thought I'd pester Mr. a bit with the camera.  I don't think he wanted me to take anymore pictures.   It looks like he has been playing in the dirt.  Okay, I get the message and will retreat with Snappy.  I've done enough,

 Just so I don't leave any of my men out of the pictures, here is Man Cat Pumpkin.  He's working too, I think.   He must be on mouse patrol.  We sure don't want any of those pesky critters either.   Isn't he cute?   He has been around for years.  Sweet baby!

Green Bean Devotional

I've been searching for a devotional to give at our retired teachers' meeting today.  I normally am prepared and ready to go, but I just hadn't  found the thing in my mind that seems right for today.  I've been all over the Internet looking.  I finally threw up my hands and mentioned to God that I was going to need a little help here and would just push back from the Internet and packaged devotionals to ask if He had any plan for me.

I was trying to get around and get dressed and letting my mind be open to His ideas.  Then it hit me: My green bean struggle.

I thought about that huge box of beans still sitting in my kitchen floor.  I cooked a big pot of them last night, and you can hardly tell that I even took any out.  The bean box seems as big as ever.  Also, Mr. announced last night that he had found the little jiggly thing for the pressure cooker.  I have to tell you that I had a hard time smiling.  I'm conflicted.  I don't want to can, yet I do want to can.  That's conflicted.

I also remember what Mr. said to me about all those beans.  He said that he wanted me to tell him when I want to start on those beans.  He also said that he has done this many times before and would help me with every step all the way though.   Actually, I just smiled at him and considered if our marriage would survive him in the kitchen in my way while I try to can beans.

It hit me this morning that the big box of beans is rather like lots of other things in life.  We are sailing along happily doing our own thing when some big issue is presented to us.  It is something we have to deal with one way or the other.  Usually, we don't like it very much.  Those kind of things don't go away by themselves.  They stay, uninvited and unappreciated.

Then I remembered all of God's promises to us that He will be with us in all our troubles.  He says that He will get us through it, be with us all the way, and He knows what to do about everything.  That's really all there is to say.

Now I'm going to have to revise my perspective on this whole green bean issue.  First, I'm going to have to stop complaining about those beans and the fact that I'm going to have to take action to do something about them.  I'm going to have to trust that Mr. can help get me through this and that the outcome will be pleasing.  I'm going to have to look at the end as a goal and not the middle as a hurdle.  I will not speak any more negative words into the situation, but trust that God will be with me in all this.  He has already given me a bit of perspective and adjusted the idea of this little issue of green beans.  I think it will work.
Tah Dah

The Green Bean Fairy

I had other plans for my blog this morning, and then this happened.  It was the sight that met me when I returned home from a meeting yesterday evening.  As you can plainly see, it is a box of freshly picked green beans.  I want to state the obvious as want you to be sure and know that I consider it a BIG box of freshly picked green beans.

You may be getting near to the point of wishing I wouldn't even mention green beans.  You know how I feel and that I thought I'd escaped the possibility of canning when Mr. announced that ice had gotten them and the garden was dead.   He had told me that he could pick a few and would be bringing them in sometime.  I'd expected a FEW.   This, in my estimation, is far more than a few.

I hate to admit how I felt when I saw this box sitting on my kitchen floor.  My mind grasped at one last straw... the little jiggly thing for the pressure cooker that Mr. still hasn't found.  No jiggly thing, no canning.   However, he announced that he was going to really have to get serious and look for that jiggly thing.  I have a strong suspicion that I'm doomed.  Really.  

Mr. was so proud of this love offering.  Oh, I know it isn't a love offering to me.  It's a love of all the labor he has done and a kind of just reward thing. It's a pride and fuzzy warm feeling that he gets from seeing all that fruit of his labor.  I can relate to that.  Even picking them had to be tedious.  I can imagine tedious.  My wifely duty was to be awed and appropriately elated.  I tried.  Really.

My blog is about finding humor along the way.  Life isn't always humorous.  It is what it is, and sometimes it is difficult to find a little humor, especially when subjects get serious.  This, however, is one of those times that laughing about what is going on may help me to escape with a shred of my current sanity.  I'm sure I'll look back on this little adventure with some kind of smile.  I hope, if Mr. finds that jiggly thing, that I can take a little bit of pride in the fact that we managed to can a few vegetables.  At any rate,  I imagine I'm in for another little adventure.   Tah Dah

Apple Pie and Hearts

It may not be the most beautiful pie on the planet, but it has two things in its favor: It's made with apples from the ranch, and I made it with my own two little hands.  Both gain points in my favor.  The only thing that would make it better would be a homemade crust.  Personally, I think Pillsbury and I did fine together. It's Mr. that is all about homemade crust, and I think he can forgive a little by just getting the pie.

I actually made two of these this past week.  The first one brought such delight that I tried another one the following day.  The first pie had to be cut into six pieces.  That pretty much meant the plate was empty.  No leftovers.  Sad.  So, what is a person to do but make another one?  Trust me, that gained me more points with Mr.  Pie makes his heart happy and his taste buds dance with joy.  That's good.

Mr. is also starting to learn that using my oven is a sign of fall.  When the summer heat goes down, the kitchen oven can go on.  That means comfort food.  All those wonderful items I've avoided cooking during the summer are now possibilities.  Roast with all the trimmings!  That's one.  Pie!  That's two.  It doesn't get any better than that.  The smells fill the house.  Even when you begin not to notice them, someone (usually Mr.)  comes in the door and says, 'Boy, the house sure smells good!'  That's praise enough.  It makes the heart sing.  Perhaps I'm just easily amused, but I certainly do like it, and so does Mr.           Tah Dah.

The Buzz Around Town

Big things seem to be happening in our small town... right now.  The word is out that a movie is being filmed here.  Now that is a big something happening.   Ben Affleck has been spotted.  There has been a shoot at a local church, and another site is being readied for downtown tomorrow.

I wonder how many have wandered around  hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the stars or perhaps even be nabbed for an extra in the movie.  That might really be a fun thing to know that you had a little tiny part and to cling to hope that it wouldn't get cut.

I've asked around, but it seems the name of the movie is secret at this point.  It is simply called 'Untitled'.
I resisted the urge to go driving by the church today, but I may have to see about a little tour of town tomorrow, if that is even possible.  I'm sure this is suppose to be exciting for everyone, and it is rather a fun thing to think that your town is going to be in the movie.  It looks like only time will tell the specifics as to who, what, and the title of the movie.  Sure!  I'll go see it.

Mystery Taters

Mr. decided to dig some potatoes yesterday.   He has been talking about that garden again.  The green beans are not happy, but there are some potatoes that can be eaten, so Mr. happily brought them to the kitchen.  We have guests, and a roast is in the making.  Of course, potatoes go with roast.

A few 'wows' came with the crazy looking potato that graced the center of the pile.  I mentioned that I should  get the camera and let everyone see these funny potatoes.   It was suggested that I get a dollar bill out to use for size comparison as a dollar is about six inches I was told.  I didn't measure it, but figured it was a good idea.   MK and JR offered to help in the staging, so each took a corner to  help you see.

We aren't sure what this is, but it might qualify for some kind of suspended alien.   It certainly looks like a very strange being.   Thank you, MK, for your assistance.  Don't let it get away!

Now, this one really looks like a little alien.  Star Wars, perhaps.  We aren't sure.

Ah, a little baby tater... perhaps a cheeping chicken... maybe. 

Just in case you missed the first one, here it is again.   Lovely, isn't it?  I sure hope I haven't driven my readers to tater envy.  They certainly are mystery taters.

Conflicting Thoughts and a Freeze

I was very happy with myself earlier this morning.  You might say that I was basking in the successful feeling of getting a post ready for my blog.  I was nearing the finish line when it happened:  The dreaded blank white screen.  Oh, no!!!   Where is the edit button to undo?  There is none.  Gone is gone.  GONE.  What had I done?  I didn’t mean to hit a delete button.  I really don’t know what happened, but I do know that only blank space leered at me from my computer screen.  I saw nothing.  It was gone.

Being at times a tenacious person, I am going to begin again.  I know it won’t be the same, but I shall try my best to recreate the post I had going earlier in the morning.  So, we begin.....

I woke this morning to another chill in the house. I’d gotten up and was clutching my first cup of coffee, feeling its warmth.  Mr. was rousing from his sleep and mumbling something about checking his windshield.  It was a mystery to me why he would put that first on his ‘to do’ list, but he seemed quite anxious to see about it.  I can’t say I saw any reason for such concern.  The only time I remember worrying about the condition of my windshield was when I’d have to scrape it before going to work.  

I decided it must be another one of his country ways.  I know he believes in reading signs of things.  I figured his windshield must somehow be related to something important.  Actually, I think he has rubbed off on me a bit as I found myself listening to a persimmon report from one of his friends.  It seems they had opened a persimmon and found a shovel image on the seed.  Of course, a shovel would be needed if it was a bad winter with lots of snow.  It’s a sign.  

It was then that Mr. came though the kitchen on his way to check out his windshield.   He was on a mission.  I could see those signs:  purposeful walk, eyes forward, no hesitation, opening the back door, leaving it open....’Ah, close the door!’  I clutched my nice warm coffee and hoped the storm door would keep in the heat until Mr. returned.  

The wait wasn’t long.  He faced me and made the announcement: There is ice on the windshield.  ‘Ice?’, I said.  ‘You’re kidding me, right?’   I knew better, but I’d said it anyway.

I’m sure there are times that Mr. must find me wanting in understanding this whole sign process.  I don’t always connect the dots of realization as quickly as I might if I were a country girl.  This city girl just didn’t get it.   That’s when he made the second announcement: The garden is gone!  

With only one cup of coffee in me, I wonder in amazement how I was able to muster up the look of shock and horror followed by a deep sigh of distress at his news.  I knew he had worked hard on that garden and was expecting a fresh fall crop of green beans in a few days.  He’d mentioned them on more than one occasion.  This expectant gardener had just seen his crop and all his hard work go down the drain, so to speak.

I was feeling a little conflicted here.  I really did feel sorry for him.  It may even be a wifely duty to feel sorry for him and share his loss.  On the other hand, I knew the hunt for the little jiggly thing for the pressure cooker could be put on  hold. No jiggly thing equals no canning.  No beans (Do you see where I’m going with this?) equals no canning. 

At this point, he put on the show of accepting what life and the weather brought his way.   It’s just what happens sometimes.  He just needed ten more days and those beans would have been ready to pick.  

He left, but that conflicting feeling remained.  I was a little sad for him, but I was perhaps a little relieved that I might not be spending hours in the kitchen trying to can those beans.   I hate to admit it, but I was almost feeling a little blessed and perhaps a smidge smug.

That’s when It happened.  I’d reread my lovely post thinking it was not a bad way to start the day.   I was just a few words from the end when the screen went blank.  As I lingered in the moment, I saw the sign.  This time I didn’t need anyone to help me connect the dots.  I’d not been really ‘feeling’ his moment as he watched his hard work rendered useless. Now it was gone, as was my hour of work on my post.  Equally gone.

So, Dear Reader, I leave you with that.  Take it for what it is worth.  I’ll bet you are smiling.  I am too.

First Chill

There is a definite chill in the air this morning.  It is the thing that I can only dream about during the summer.

In a little act of celebration, I turned the central heat/air off the other day.  It has remained a silent lifeless thing.  I like that.  It isn't spending my money, and I'm quite content with the whole idea of a day without that utility cost.  It really isn't a big deal, just a little thought that makes me happy.

However, Mr. has complained that the house is cold.  I checked the thermostat reading.  He may be right as it is showing 66 degrees in the house.  I call that good sleeping.   A nice crisp temperature and a good warm bed make for a nice night.  That's my thought on the matter.   I did manage to knit my eyebrows together and give Mr. a look when he mentioned the cold house.  I told him that I didn't think ranchers minded the cold.  After all, what was all that ice chopping in the winter talk if they were at all concerned about cold.  He assured me that he had given up early morning ice chopping and elected to do his work later in the day when the sun is out.   I said that I was sorry I'd been so far off in my thinking.

The fact remains that I'm sitting here huddled up in my winter wooly robe.  It isn't really wool, but I thought that little phrase sounded warm and cozy.   I'm having to think warm thoughts as it is, I hate to admit, a tad chilly in the house.  I suppose I'm going to have to consider moving the little switch on the thermostat from off to on.  It is almost like giving up on a goal.  I don't think I'm ready.   I'm going to have to do a little mental preparation before I can do it.  Either that, or I'm going to have to get colder.

I don't think I have much more to say on the subject.  I was just sitting here thinking, you see.  I was feeling that first chill of the fall and thinking how I would have enjoyed just a little taste of this in August.  I guess it is true that we must wait for each thing in season.  Ah, there might be a good thought in that.

Stepping Into The Past

It was 1904, and the family gathered in the studio to capture a moment in time.  Portraits were a serious business, and no one would mention 'Say cheese!' to those gathered and looking appropriately serious for the occasion.  Even the baby is sitting quite still and seeming to 'feel' the moment.

I can only guess at the home activities which preceded the trip.  Getting three of the male species into suits, one girl into a dress, and the baby into his little outfit must have been interesting.   The mother, of course, would be about making herself look fresh and ready for the picture too. I wonder how much ironing she had to do with the old fashioned non electric beast of an iron.  I'm sure they were all excited at the prospect of having a family photo made.  Perhaps I shouldn't speak for the young boys.  They might not be as enthusiastic about donning those suits.

However, there they are, seated in the studio in 1904, respectfully clad in their finest.  Perhaps a few pictures were taken to ensure there was one very good photo.  Click, click, click, and the family is captured in living black and white.

I don't remember seeing this photo until recently.  It is one of those treasures found during my new genealogy quest.  I was absolutely thrilled to get it and find that the adults are my paternal grandparents.  The baby is my father.  It is almost an awesome feeling to look at the faces and realize that for one brief moment I can look at them all just as they were in that one moment in time.  It's like meeting them. It's gathering with their little group and being thankful that they took the time to make their way to the studio for that family portrait.  I'm also thankful that the picture was cared for through the years and that I can now have it.   It's like stepping into the past and sharing something quite precious with my ancestors.