Hot Hot Hot

It's been so hot this past week! We had temps in the upper 90's for several days, and one day made it to 101 degrees! Even with the air on, it was warm in the house. We escaped to the cabin for a couple of days, hoping it might be a little cooler, but it wasn't by much. We took a little window fan with us, and that helped. I found the white noise of it to be soothing and ended up sleeping in until 9:30 AM, something that rarely happens.

It was pretty gorgeous up there. The lake at dusk was amazing to look at, and the frogs and loons were loud. We found a new radio station to listen to, a classic country one out of Aitken. I grilled some weiners and we made chili dogs with lentil chili I brought from home. We met the new neighbors ... he was a former FBI/now PI Guy ... I wonder if they will end up being friends to hang out with, which could be nice.

We did a little frugal landscaping by moving ferns around to different sides the cabin. It seems that the ferns do well up there, the hosta could do better if not for the deer chewing them down. We're trying a new granular product to discourage them. And if that doesn't work, maybe we just give up on the hosta.

I'm finding that I like a little routine up at the cabin, too. When Bruce mows, I weed. When we're out in the boat and Bruce fishes, I read. Of course, coffee and Sudoku in the early morning are always good. And watching an episode or two of Fargo or Alfred Hitchcock Presents on DVD before bed is good, too.

Now home, and I am working on my hot tub/bubble spa. Initially getting the pH and total alkalinity levels adjusted can be a pain, but when it's done it will be lovely! We set it up in the screen porch again this year, so no seed droppings or bugs to deal with.

Next up ... rhubarb dessert ...

The News

There's not a lot of new news to report, except that the hummingbird feeder has been found! This was the first year in quite a while that I've hung one out, so I wondered if they would even think it worth their while to check out our yard. But there she was (I think she was a she, I should really read up on them) this morning. I'm hoping she will now spread the news to family and friends.

And the yard smells so good with all the lilac blooms!

We've been exploring the neighborhood in the late afternoon or early evening, usually walking for a good hour. Deephaven is so lovely, and has many wooded areas that give the feeling of walking through a thick forest. I continue to be amazed at how little I actually know of the area, considering that we've lived in this house for almost thirty years! But it's always better late than never, I suppose, and maybe I'm at a time of my life that I'm really able to take notice of all the beautiful little details and appreciate them.

Something New

We drove up north to the lake for a night so that Bruce could work on the boat. He actually took the motor apart to replace some parts which I think was pretty bold of him, but he had studied some instructional videos on youtube before we left and it turned out just fine.

We took the boat out for a little cruise along the shore so we could check out the repaired motor and look at the other lake homes, then did a little fishing off the dock. Bruce caught some nice sized bass, but let them go. There usually seems to be plenty of bass biting off our dock, which then makes you feel like you're a pro at fishing. All good.

We also went out for supper at the Twin Pines Resort where they had a special of 1/4 broasted chicken and salad bar for $10.95.

Then drove home to a street full of lilacs and hosta gone wild.

Today I went shopping at Aldis, and found some Asian inspired veggie burgers that looked interesting. They also had some plants there, so I nabbed a little Basil plant. Also, a hanging plant hanger that I'm going use for my Hummingbird feeder. I love Aldis!

It seemed like a good time to try out the little, red patio grill that Bruce gave me for Christmas, so I grilled some corn on the cob in foil and the new veggie burgers. They turned out well! And then while I was at it,  browned up some pineapple slices and added some leftover coleslaw to the buns.

Yums.

Kind of fun to try something new.

Busy Mother's Day Week

As I was making the mandarin orange jello to compliment our Mother's Day Supper (and to add color to all the delicious deli salads that were so white with mayo!), I had a memory of my Grandma Johnson. During one visit to Newman Grove when I was young, I remember seeing her make a jello salad early one morning, to take with her to work. She was employed at the little town hospital as a cook, and she could save time by making the jello at home before she worked her shift! What a great memory to pop into my head, although I don't think that would fly in this day and age.

For this year's Mother's Day, we had grilled steaks (No Name Steaks, of course), potato/macaroni/coleslaw salads, mandarin orange jello, steamed asparagus, potato chips, raspberry lemonade, and Key Lime Pie for dessert. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies. Delicious.

I decided to wear my mother's ring in honor of the day. All of my babies were out of town, but I did get to hear from them all and that was so nice.

I think Mom liked her gifts.

Mark took Mom to see Dad before they came over for supper, and brought him a Michelob Golden Light beer that they could thicken up for him to drink. It was good and cold, Dad said.

Mom has been having problems with one of her legs being swollen and painful, so we've been in and out of the clinic for X-rays and ultrasounds. The good news is that she doesn't have a fracture or blood clot, the not so good news is that her leg is still bothering her. We'll go back again to the clinic for more follow up. Bruce mentioned that It would have been difficult to fit all of these appointments in if I were still working, and he is so right!

We've also been beautifying the gardens this week. The weather has been warm and sunny, and everything is so lush. We had to look around awhile, but finally found some cocoa bean mulch, and then spread it around the hosta and flowers along side the garage and front walk. Last night when I was drifting off to sleep, I could smell the cocoa bean mulch as the breeze blew in the window over our bed. Nice.

Finally, I've been working on a wedding photo album. It's been so great to see all of the photos, and arrange them in the album. I know that so many things are online these days, but there is just something satisfying about holding a book in your hands, and turning the pages.

I just realized that the week is barely half over! More busyness to come, I'm sure.