Watermelon Woman

Thankful

watermelonpatch — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:22:02 +0000

I cannot let Thanksgiving pass without saying how thankful I am for being alive. And more than just alive–living a full life and cancer-free after almost 3 years from my diagnosis. We had a great dinner and conversation yesterday with family and friends. Today, Friday, I may have to go to a store although I usually stay as far away as possible on Black Friday. I hate the crowds so much.

More turkey and pumpkin pie tonight since I didn’t cook the Thanksgiving meal and have no leftovers. Turkey is cooked, pies made. Only the dressing (cornbread) to make. I cooked my own pumpkins for the pies and am also making soup.

I finished a quilt top and once I decide what backing to use, will be machine quilting. The quilt is for visits from my grandson. It has dinosaurs, tigers, giraffes and even Popeye squares. It was fun and an easy project. I will photograph when it is done.

Winter Garden

watermelonpatch — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:17:58 +0000

Year-round gardening is not so unusual here in Northern California. I now have spinach, collards, swiss chard, leeks, sweet peas, and scarlett-runner beans. So much better than weeds! I added several bags of chicken droppings before planting and it seemed to help the growth. The carrots were from a past years so the seeds may be too old. Ah well.

I am babysitting today for my son and wife. My grandson is 7 months old now. And darling, of course.

Drive!

watermelonpatch — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:41:02 +0000

Oy. I have been involved in two fender-benders both within ten days time. Both my error. Driving forty years with not a ticket, much less an accident and then wham. I sincerely hope it is not a trend. No injuries given this was a right turn from a full stop.

Otherwise, work has been stress-filled. Speaking engagement, vendors, tech issues, blah, blah, and blah. I think I need another vacation.

It is looking like I will get a few Meyer Lemons from my tree this year. Great news for sure. Happy Harvest time to all.

Fall comes early

watermelonpatch — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:42:04 +0000

The local weather has been sadly cool for most of the summer. Not a complaint, just observation. Now, a few days before Fall begins on the 23rd, the weather is cool in the morning and evening, even if there is a good warmth during the day. My favorite time of the year. September is my birthday month, so I celebrate the life I am still able to enjoy despite cancer. Each day is a gift.

The family went on a cruise this past summer. A new experience that I am not likely to repeat. I loved seeing the glaciers in Alaska and visiting cities, but cruising just isn’t my style.

My precious grandson is growing so fast! Already 5 months old. A true delight.

Waiting yet again for my latest blood work. I don’t get anxious until I have taken the test. I want to know immediately what it says but have to wait 3-4, until the doctor sends an email. Waiting is not easy.

I miss my son who has taken off again to work in Japan. He really likes it there and has picked up quite a bit of language skills which serves him well. Sigh.

June?

watermelonpatch — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:56:50 +0000

Saturday it rained for most of the day. Today, I made it to the farmer’s market before any rain started. Should start anytime now. We have already broken many rain records in the area. We do expect some sunshine later in the week.

I’ve managed to get the yard weeded with a little help. I tire more easily these days but I managed to finally get my tomatoes planted and staked and the roses dead-headed. The artichokes I planted several weeks ago have survived both snail attacks and rain. In fact, it seems that artichokes like the type of weather we have been having.

The birds seem to be more numerous this year and the hummingbirds are showing up to feast on the flower nectar.

Back to work tomorrow. Sigh.

Graduation, etc

watermelonpatch — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:58:01 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Round-Up Time

Besides being in love with my new grandchild, I am extremely proud of my son’s completion of his graduate degree this month. With the diploma in hand, I expect him to fly off to somewhere far, far away. Maybe Hong Kong or Japan. Sad for me, happy for him.

A third big event comes via my spouse. He has decided to retire this December. He just received his 40-year service, so I think it is the right choice. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Last, I can report that my last summer’s volunteer cherry tomato plant has a million blossoms on it. It has survived winter rain and cold and come out on the other side. I expect to have cherry tomatoes in my salad in another month. I’ve named the plant Maggie.

Finally Spring is here!

watermelonpatch — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:31:30 +0000

Although a bit windy today, it may get up to 70 degrees today and perhaps into the 80′s by the weekend! The weeds in the back are enormous now. A ton of work is needed to clear it all out and plant veggies. I have a few sweet peas (deep purple) and maybe some Scarlett runners (no blossoms yet).

The best spring gift is the arrival of my grandson! Both mom and baby are doing great and I am in love with him already. I can see both my son and daughter-in-law in the baby. He is gaining weight and sleeping more.

Countdown

watermelonpatch — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 21:10:59 +0000

There is a lot of counting download at my place. Counting down until I can plant some tomatoes in the ground, pick the first rose bouquet, as well plant other veggies. But the most exciting countdown is for the arrival of my first grandson. He is due April 8th. My daughter-in-law is ready. I confess I have mixed emotions about becoming a grandparent. I’m not sure I feel old enough, yet I am so excited to welcome a new baby.

Snowed you

watermelonpatch — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:23:49 +0000

The week included being snowed in and rain. It was very tiring driving to the lake with drenching rain for several hours. Once at the lake, our non-4×4 car couldn’t make it up the hill without putting on the chains. Driving all week with noisy chains was headache-producing.

That the was the only real bad situation for the week. I was able to finish 3 books, watch 3 movies and generally relax and catch up on sleep.

Back to work on Tuesday. There is so much to do with lots of projects. One more day to just not think about it.

The weather was cold but the snow made everything soft and beautiful.

Daylight Savings Changeover

watermelonpatch — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:16:24 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Generally, springing forward for daylight savings is a unmitigated chore. My sleep patterns are disrupted and I spend multiple days not able to sleep at night and waking up groggy and grumpy. For reasons unknown, I haven’t had those annoying symptoms this Spring (I know it isn’t Spring yet, you get my point though?).

I can look out my window and see a neighbor’s tree of unknown species, blooming out in magenta blossoms. Not my favorite color, but is definitely a sign.

Our rat (s?) are back. They are in the roof or between the walls, but there must be holes around because they are eating the dog food. This morning I surprised a very big (mama?) rat and had to listen to her squeeks for a very long time. The pest man cometh.

We will try to take a couple of days and drive to the snowy place we love. Weather Channel says snow/rain all next week but that could change. It does mean chains and warm clothing. It is always harder to figure out what bulky clothing that I will really need. Work has been a zoo so if I can finish up a couple of projects, I’m happy to not think about my “second home” for a while.