IN Carmel

Today's work will include loading the car meaning that the dining room will be unloaded among other places.  It usually doesn't take very long to find places in the car for everything.  The best part is that all is safe from the rain which wasn't the case when we traveled by truck.  This is an easy do.  Then it's off to the north tomorrow with an overnight at Sun Prairie, Wis. just outside of Madison.  It's such a cute little town.  We have spent time at their library, community garden spot, Goodwill, and the Catholic Thrift Store finding lots of great bargains.     There were moments of texting yesterday to the Michigan family as they made the trek toward Copper Harbor.  There were pictures of the Mackinaw Bridge, great breakfast rolls at the  Hill Top Restaurant, and of course a picture of the three boys sitting on the stone boat at Kearsarge, Mi.  All yearly traditions.   The rain continued overnight and I think I ...

 The Michigan Russell's are on the way to the UP with kayaks and canoe and bikes and all the rest of the stuff they usually take. There is a trailer load with stuff on top of the trailer as well as the car. This will be a blast of a vacation for them and their grandparents.   Adam sent me pictures of them crossing over the bridge around 6 am.  They usually arrive early afternoon at the campsite.  We'll pack tomorrow and leave Sun.  overnight at Madison, overnight with Leslie and Dennis, and arrive Tues.  It's the old folk's way of getting to Copper Harbor.  It works for us.   The rain continues today.  My goodness, it's wet.   I see no change coming in the weather.  I must add the temperature is wonderful.  I took a picture of a new perennial called Cardinal Flower blooming a bright red   There is one red stalk but many to come in the years ahead is the goal. .  This year the roots are sleeping, ne...

 Yes...one day closer to our Sunday leave Indiana day.  We managed to get the two middle seats in the van removed.  That is such a hassle and those seats are HEAVY.  With those gone, the space in the van makes packing so much easier.  And we do use all the space.  We needed a lamp in the tent and once again Goodwill came through with a perfect $2.30 lamp.  Wed. is Sr. 30% off day.  A few more things to collect but I would say at least 90% or more is here and ready to move.  I once made a list.  It's stored in my head for now.   This morning once again there was a visit with the animals along with breakfast on the patio.  Birds were eating at the suet and Peter made his appearance.  Peter is that small little brown dot about mid-way a bit to the right in the first photo.   Our big visit yesterday was with the roofing company.  We had a lot of hail damage so a new roof is coming and the siding on the hous...

 Birthday Day Review.  The day started with a Birthday Text from Eric and cards on the breakfast table from Doug. I checked the garden and did a little "fluffing" of the garden. The computer brought an      e-card from Judy.  Then off to the IU Cancer Center for my last visit with PT Denise.  She has been one of my many rocks through all my visits.  I've graduated.  But before I saw Denise I once again was greeted by the two ladies who see all the folks who come through the door at IU North for radiation and chemo.  They are a blessing.  We joked and talked and laughed as we usually do.  Then who should be at my elbow but Angie, my church friend.  Angie is a mother of 4 who after months of chemo is now doing radiation.  She had just finished her daily session.  She's been through so much and can still smile with a super attitude.  After PT  the ladies at the front desk handed me a Birthday Balloon ...

 The answer is that we're working on READY.  The ready refers to camping.  It's a two-week plus a day away from it all, almost.  We have access to a grocery store but the plan is to be quiet for those days avoiding what can be avoided.  So food is packed and ready for the Oddesey moving van.   Last night for supper the wonderful little cabbage was chopped and buttered and a little water added and then microwaved.  I can add that to the slowly growing list of food that is not objectionable.  Onions were harvested and braided and hung to dry.  I hope that works.   Yesterday's visit with the radiation oncologist was a good one with the next appointment being six months away.  I stopped at Rosie's again to celebrate with friends and bought myself a birthday gift.  That should be no surprise.  It's a tropical milkweed plant with interesting flowers.  Last summer monarchs found this plant at Rosie's and laid many,...

Our little vegetable garden is being productive.  We've had cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, cabbage, and onions with our latest contribution being squash..  I should say my latest, not our latest..   Squash is eaten only by one of us so it's not an our thing. Yesterday for supper I microwaved the squash.  Scooped out the inside and added a bit of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, and then gave it all the food processor grind which took care of some seeds.  Woo...delicious for sure.  It was really moist which is a necessity at this point.  Next time I think I'll skip the brown sugar since my diabetic number is not so good.  There is natural sugar in squash.  I'll take advantage.  Green tomatoes will probably turn red while in Michigan.   We spent the morning at church and once again sang with the choir.  Then it was time to talk again with many friends.  Some garden visits and once again I added hand pollination wit...

 The far west is experiencing a drought and we have some moisture to share.  Clouds and rain make for time spent in the house..  The pictures today are of three different colors that I think show a bit of versatility when it comes to daylilies.  There must be thousands of combinations.   So far these beauties have escaped the deer.  I did another deer spray last evening to be sure the rain hasn't washed off what was sprayed a few days ago.  Our little Peter Rabbit is munching away on a few things but so far I'm saying there are enough flowers for all. So far I've found a tiny zinnia and a few cosmos and a few weeds have made a tasty meal or two.  The bunny is so small so food is a  necessity to make it in the world.  So far carrots are not on the menu. Some summers we have added a Floopsie and Moppsie to the Peter family.   Bread and bowl for some reason proved to take a bit of extra energy so Saturday afternoon was f...