Nudged

A sweet comment by Judy at Apron Strings  has nudged me back to blogging.  Thanks, Judy!  I have been feeling much better which means I've been busy!  Work, sewing, family reunion, gardening, church, dog sitting for neighbors.  All the usual fun summer activities.  For Independence Day we went to the San Jose Giants baseball game and saw fireworks at the stadium afterword.  It was a great game and terrific fireworks.  They have an awesome BBQ before hand.  Great family fun.

I changed the way I do a few things at work which has helped my shoulder quite a bit.  I have finished some sewing projects and there are pictures but, of course, I depend on my DSSD to download them into my ancient computer and that hasn't happened yet.  The tomatoes are doing great but none are ripe yet, we've had a couple of meals with the green beans, tonight we had a zucchini, squash look terrible, onions are good and I keep picking the potatoes to early.

We went to Wasco, CA for a one day family reunion.  We drove down to Harris Ranch and spent the night there then continued on to my DSH's aunt's house for the big get together.  They have a huge farm so it is a big change for us city slickers.  His aunt sent us home with almonds, walnuts, old sewing patterns and books!

Tendinitis and Bursitis

Today I went to physical therapy for my shoulder.  I have tendinitis and bursitis in my left shoulder from incorrectly using my left arm while working.  Shame one me.  It feels like I have an ice pick through my shoulder.  I have been taking a muscle relaxant for three nights which helped quite a bit.  I iced my shoulder once but since I was kind of dopey, I left the ice on too long and now my skin hurts too.  That feels just like a bad bruise.  Duh!  I'm on the mend now which is good.  It is amazing how cranky one gets when one is in constant pain, 24/7!  I'm so glad I have lots of help at home. Thanks DSH and DSSD!  I had lots of offers from other family members and friends but with two live-in helpers, it wasn't really necessary for all the troops to jump in.  My shoulder is taped up to limit movement which feels very good.  Hopefully, life will be back to normal soon!

Brisket: A New Way To Tenderize

She looks cute, sweet, cuddly, adorable and Innocent doesn't she?  But, in reality she is a thief and a glutton.

Here is her willing accomplice.

I got home this afternoon to find my brisket on the floor with bites out of it and the meat wrapper torn up and strewn about the kitchen floor.  The floor needed to be mopped anyway (what with all the rain we've been having and the muddy paw prints).  How did a small 30 pound dog get the meat off the counter with no chair or stool near by?  That's what I'd like to know.

I know you all want to know if I washed it off and cooked it to eat anyway.

Yes, I did.

Long Time - No Blogging

Time just flies by, doesn't it?  I have sewing projects to show and a garden planted.  It has finally warmed up here in CA.  This *global warming* crap isn't working for me.  It has been COLD.  Anyway, I have completed a maroon skirt and a plaid jumper.  I have a top and skirt outfit completed except for the hem and I am in the middle of a blouse to go with the maroon skirt.  There is progress but no pictures.  I have worn the outfits to church and it has been too cold and rainy to have a photo shoot. (I'm a wimp!)

Last Saturday I practically ruined myself digging weeds, turning in compost then planting all the veggies purchased the same day as the weeding (what was I thinking?)  DSH told his DSD to go get a pizza since it was past dinner time and I was still planting AND it started raining again while I was working.  No drought this year!  I planted onions, red potatoes, lots of tomatoes, squash, lettuce and green beans and one bell pepper.  DSSD started watermelon from seed and planted them too!  Oh, and we also have a gopher. :(

How does one get rid of a gopher?

He Is Risen!

Last weedend we attempted to tame what is

affectionaltely called "the jungle".

The truck was put to good use.Rope was tied to the back hitch.Then around the half dead and overgrown bushes.Then yank!  it was out!More bushes.Much better!  There are still lots of weed to get out and the fence needs to be replaced.  It is falling down. And, the dead tree that can't be seen from this angle still needs to be removed.  (I can't find the picture of it)  Sigh, will it ever end?  I am so thankful we have a house and we are still working to pay for it!

Happy Easter!

Spring Has Sprung

Our Japanese Maple is getting leaves!

Our apricot tree has been pruned and now it is budding. 

Bailey needs a window so she doesn't have to look under the gate!

Surprise Afternoon Off

All my patients cancelled for this afternoon.  This is the first time in seven years that has happened!  I am enjoying the time at home but it will hurt on the next paycheck!  I weeded the side yard.  It was a jungle from all the rain (thank you, Lord).  Now I will catch up on blogs and then I will sew.  Tonight is church.

More when I have another picture or two.