Pounding and sawing and hauling oh my

I need to distract myself from two guys taking down some of my ceilings in order to get new pipes in place.  The old ones are 82 years old and they have started problems.  I already have a man scheduled to do the fix-up work, the plaster, the drywall, and the painting.  He is coming tonight to look over the project. Hopefully, the WaterWorks will be gone along with the troubled old pipes .

I have some lovely BQ country pork ribs in the crockpot which will be served over thin noodles for dinner, along with a salad. That Kroger meat run yesterday is serving us well.

I don't want to look at the powder room, they have been in there for hours.  It makes my stomach churn.  I like things running smoothly with no surprises.  Guess that request is out the window.

The guys have accomplished the new pipes and boy were the 82 year old pipes a rusty mess.  So, we are good to go but now every room in the house must be cleaned due to the grinding and the fall out.  Oh well, it could have been worse.  We could have called a different company and had to deal with the sales' pitch for things we did not need.  WaterWorks has integrity.

Many Branches

I feel like the Pioneer Woman must feel when she is out living in the middle of nowhere. She does find ways to entertain herself and others just as I did today.  I actually got excited about spending half an hour in Kroger just in the meat and produce parts of the store this morning.  Andy had the get away car washed and got me an iced capp at Tim Hortons and by then I was ready to be picked up and eager to get home to cooking. The Kroger meat department at Graceland is a hidden gem.  Their meat department is pristine and inviting and today I walked right in and filled my cart with wonderful things.  They had the little fillet steaks, bacon wrapped, two for eight dollars which is a bargain.  Nate, my grandson, works outside all day and he starts off every morning with steak and eggs.  (By the way, he leaves the kitchen looking like he had never been there which I totally appreciate.) 

Tomorrow, WaterWorks hopefully completes its job of new pipes for the Mother-In-Law Suite.  They have cut holes in three rooms so far and then that will be left to be repaired and painted.  Construction is destruction as I well know. But, those pipes are 82 years old and we knew it was coming sooner than later.  I am going with the flow, not getting excited or worried about what will be.  It is what it is and it has to be done.  We love this home and will do pretty much anything to keep it up and pretty.

Tonight we are having corn on the cob and salmon.  I have a lot of choices since my Kroger run, but that's the one that appeals to me today.  It is easy and delicious.

We were so lucky to have three year old Madeleine spend an over-night Saturday.  Her mother had to call to have her come home because no one wanted to release her.  She is such a joy. Mike and Beth made a tent for her to sleep in, but Mike ended up having to sleep in the tent and Madeleine slept in the bed with Beth.  Who would have ever thought Mike would be so besotted with a child? Well, we all are.

Thursday Bella gets dental surgery, Friday I get my hair done, Saturday Beth, Mike, Andy and I are going to an open house couples shower in Cincinnati.

I hope you are all well and happy and hanging in there with interesting ways to keep you entertained...TV news will not be one of them.

Waiting like birds in the wilderness

Like birds in the wilderness here we sit waiting for WaterWorks to come to fix some pipes in one of the bathrooms.  Is this the period of time when things begin breaking one by one?  One Christmas in our other house ten things broke in a very short period of time: the sweeper, the dishwasher and on and on.  I hope this is not a sign of what is to come, although, hell is breaking loose all around us according to the news. Next Saturday we are to venture down to Cincinnati to a couples shower for Andrew and Brittany. Guests come in groups at two-hour spans but still our group will be at least (with) 20 people.  I have not been near that many people since January.  I may be becoming a recluse.  I love the couple who have postponed their wedding and parties three times so far, but I am not looking forward to the chances we are taking.

On a happy note, the weather has been glorious.  It's a true summer this year with no great temperature changes or awful storms. And, it is still summer for more than a month.

I have not cooked today due to waiting for the plumbers.  I don't want to be in the middle of something and have to hike to the second floor or the basement or wherever the warren of pipes lead. I don't want to know how it works, I just want it to work.

Mike is excited, tonight we may have an overnight guest if she can work it in her schedule; Madeleine may be packing her bag as we speak for a sleepover at Many Branches. (She's three and says white milk frustrates her.) She should try waiting for plumbers.

Summer beauty

The beauty of summer.    Really, is there anything prettier?...well, yes, when the bacon is added.  Andy and I enjoy the basil leaves instead of lettuce.  It adds another dimension of flavor.

I am thinking of a trip to Amish country in Plain City.  I like so many of their products like baby beets, their deli cases filled with wonderful choices at reasonable prices and their bread, and their dried pasta selection is incredible.  I checked to see and they are open today.  Beth is wanting to step out and that may be the answer...a trip to Amish country. (I am thinking. I am convincing myself to take a ride.)Oh, yes, there will be sweet corn and tomato stands along the way. That does it.   We are going!

waxing nostalgic two

Once I get a memory in my head it leads to many others waiting in the shadows. If you have read the blog before this you will know a page out of my past, but just a small one. I only spent two or three years in the little town and then my father had saved his money and bought a large 50-acre farm with a wonderful farmhouse, a cottage, and a glorious barn for way under $1000.  In the distance was a long, low chicken house. (My niece Nancy gave me the watercolor shown at the bottom of this essay of this wonderful place.) Wonderful once my mother and father got ahold of it and turned a disaster into a beautiful space.  I remember weekends were always spent there in the brambles and neglect and then on Sunday going back to our other place to work hard on the jobs and to look forward to the weekend of work ahead. Then, after a year, it was done up and in we moved. The wonderful town of Malta/McConnelsville was a delightful experience with kind people and a tight knit community. I don't remember a mean person in all the years we spent there. He sold that place when I was in college for $13,000.  That was a bargain.

I was just finishing up my 7th grade and wanted to take a Saturday in Zanesville before we left for good.  I needed to make a purchase.  I had saved my money, but it didn't cost a lot anyway, I needed my first bra and my parents were not into introducing me to the private things of life.  I had to deal with those problems myself.  I could do it because I was brave enough to fire my babysitter at the age of five and watch myself so that I would not have to suffer another witch like the one cast upon me. So off we went for the last shopping time in Zanesville.  I headed for the Five and Dime to buy a bra...the smallest they had by the way.  They are called training bras now and many girls get them way before 7th grade. The price tag read 69 cents and then it was mine. I wore it every day with pleasure even though I didn't really need it.

                                                                    

Waxing nostalgic

When Andy and I were in our lawyer's office hashing out the details of our will, we also discussed kids and schools--all the normal things people chit-chat about.  The lawyer was trying to come up with a number that he should send to his son, a Freshman, every month as an allowance.  He did not know if he should give him $500. or $600. dollars a month. Laughing and hiccupping, both he and Andy became concerned about my reaction even though Andy had an idea why I found those numbers so ludicrous. When I was a Freshman at Otterbein I had no allowance, everything was included in the price my father had to pay; room, food...the usual. How he paid it I have no idea.  Oh, he had a job, he always had a job and so did my mother.  Other people at Otterbein seemed to have money for bits and bobs, but I did not.  So I wrote to my mother and asked if she could possibly send me two dollars a week.  She was so good to me and I now appreciate that amount of money that she sent every single week until I was finished with that part of my life. I also had $11. dollars a month for working in one of the professor's office typing and filing.  We were poor and I never realized it because my parents worked hard and made a living for the four of us...a family of four. I never felt left out and I knew instinctively what the limits were for me as far as asking for money or anything connected with money. Having written that, every Saturday as a child, our outing was to Zanesville for shopping where I was allowed to spend a dime in the Five and Dime store.  One day I wanted an extra item and threw a fit that I still remember and insisted on items costing twenty-five cents. I got my way but I am still sorry about that. I remember worrying about Mother finding her way to the stores, Zanesville seemed so big to me when actually everything was on one main street.  There were two big department stores with walnut cases and sale's ladies in black dresses and pearls. Webers and Binzes (sic). That's not the correct spelling of that store.  But, they were mighty fine, well-run establishments. I am just saying you never know when conversations about money can trigger memories both good and bad.  Mine, luckily, have always been good. I wish I could tell my parents thank you.  I never said it enough and it is now too late.  Think about it.

Busy day

I am moving up my monthly maintenance program today before they close everything down again.  I read that California is closing the businesses that just opened in an effort to stop the spread, so I imagine that we won't be far behind. Columbus always waits to see a program fail and then it sets it in motion here. Bella's vet could not operate on her because her assistant tested positive for the virus.  They tested that same person a few days later and the test was negative...same person, same test, different results, but it set the entire vet hospital in an uproar and dozens of animals paid the price of not getting the operations that they needed.  So, I am going to try to get everything done, safely, today, and then hunker down for another siege.

The family has been eating well I must say.  Every day I look for something special to cook.  Beef is so expensive that I usually opt for another meat, fish, or chicken...or pasta.  They all love pasta and I have so many varieties on hand.  Same for rice.  The pantry is full.  I think today it will be a special touch on mac & cheese.  I usually put pepperoni in. But today (the cooked together)Bob Evans zesty (hot) sausage is the star with, chopped onions, bell pepper, cilantro, drained chili peppers chopped, Jack cheese, cherry tomatoes, sriracha, cumin, and chili powder cooked and added to the prepared mac and cheese. Whew!  Let's see how that turns out. I should probably tell you this after I make it to see if it turns out, but like Columbus, we forge ahead into possible disaster. 

Chili Onion Crunch was the talk at the salon today.  It's from Trader Joe's and I look forward to trying it.

Splash

Andy was in the pool at 7:30 this morning and for good reason.  Another 90 degrees today. I have been hanging out on the seasonal porch reading the fourth book by Kate Fritzroy.  The first two I read one day each.  The third, I did not like and stopped, and the fourth Provence Starlight I like so far.  I read light books for total enjoyment now days.  Never anything heavy for me. Andy, on the other hand, is still into heavy and still taking classes at OSU even now.  He misses the interaction of the students and teachers, however. You would have to beat me with a stick to get me to do what he is doing, I can tell you that!

I wanted to show you the picture of the Brussel sprouts dish that I found this morning and am hoping to try very soon. It's a dip with sprouts and Hidden Valley seasoning mix made into a dip.  Well, the sprouts are roasted and then dipped into the mixture.  I adore Hidden Valley Ranch mix and now Hidden Valley Ranch spicy seasoning mix.  It is a must try. But, they would not allow the picture.

Sweet corn fried rice

I have fried rice and a plethora of sweet corn off the cob, so I combined it all and lucked out with a delicious dish laced with roasted red peppers.  Nate is enjoying it now.

I picked up the Wednesday Dispatch and Cook's Corner has lost its name and what is left is banal, lacking in the feel of the old version of Cook's Corner that many of us have enjoyed on Wednesdays for years. With a cup of coffee and a cozy place to sit, reading that section of the dispatch inspired cooks in Columbus to get into their kitchens to rattle those pots and pans. Many times I would run into a recipe that I had to try on the spot not even finishing the Corner until later in the day or even the next morning.  My mind says move on, but there have been so many losses and changes since the start of a promising new year, that giving up another pleasure is getting damn tiresome! At least no one set it on fire or dragged it to embarrassment, but it is gone nonetheless and we are left with the uninspired.

We had a lusty rain last evening and it whipped the geraniums into oblivion.  I've been deadheading most of the morning. It was hard on the mint, but you can't kill that stuff.

We are well and happy and glad to still be kicking. I am thinking when this is over we might have a blow out party and invite everyone we know.  It keeps me going thinking about the fun of getting strangers together with family. Mixing it up.  Who knows, it could be fun. (We know a lot of people...)

Shrimp burgers

For lunch today I fixed beautiful to look at and delicious to taste shrimp burgers with a slice of tomato and a bouquet of basil leaves with a tad of mayo...all on a brioche bun that was soft as silk. Our herbs are jumping out of the pots this year, I think because we are watering in the morning and evening during this 90 degree heat.  They are happy making us happy.

Andy has been in the pool today and he also found my pool chair float, so it is in the pool waiting for me.  Maybe we will all go in when everyone gets home.  I have not cooked dinner, just don't feel like it tonight. I am eager to find out if the guys working outside had to wear masks outside while working. It will be one difficult task if they had to do this.  They have little contact with anyone, so maybe not.  The rest of us stick to the rules and I am ready to keep staying home and so is Andy.

Bella has a dental operation on Monday.  Since I lost two dogs within four months I am feeling skittish.  Did you know the Yorkie breed is known for dental problems?  Dr. Nicole told me I would be surprised at how many Yorkies are running around with no teeth at all. Bella has had 12 pulled to date and Monday there are some more on the agenda.  My dogs have always liked getting into cars.  It is so crazy because nothing good happens to them as a result of getting into the car...it's the vet or grooming neither of which appealed to our dogs.  I think, however, Bella, the least clever and sweetest has learned her lesson and now resists when the leash comes out.

Note: The operation did not happen.  The virus struck the vet (animal) hospital and all must test negative before opening again. Will it ever end?


Have a lovely weekend and stay safe.

Stepping out

Andy and I are stepping out this morning.  We are going to Carfagna's for supplies for the 4th.  Not a big day, but Matt and his little family are coming over for a swim and cookout. I don't actually like cooking out but I love the results.  Food tastes so much better from outdoors on the grill with briquettes and smoke and sizzle. YUM. I can usually find someone to do the grilling while I enjoy the results with pleasure. I look forward to seeing what Carfagna's have to offer this morning.

I am going to get one of those large Italian loaves of bread to do it up with pizza toppings. Then get the usual grilling meat.  Also, I want to get some ready-made items to make the day really easy for everyone...especially me since I am entertaining deficient now days it seems. I am totally out of practice.

There are items in that small Italian grocery that I can't find anyplace else, so it is a treat out for me today.  We have a couple of other places to go but those are stay in the car errands.

Note: Just returned; it was not as much fun as I thought it would be. crowded, restrictive, rushed

It's a lovely day today and Andy has watered the flowers and vegetables already.  Monica and her crew are coming so I am a happy woman. Having said that a new car lease is in the works.  It is time to select a new car and I loath the process.  I hate tramping around in the hot parking lots listening to the speel of the equally hot and tired salesperson. Now days a person has to be alert so as not to sign something that hurts at the end of the lease. Shoot.  I wish I had not thought of that fresh hell to come.