JULY update

Some of you haven't seen my new marlin blue car - rides much better than the Jeep, but since I've driven it only about 100 miles due to eyes and chest issues, how would I know????  HollySue thinks so.

I donated my wind torn flag to the local cub scout troop who gave it a respectful and touching burning ceremony.  I was in tears thinking how much dad did to preserve and protect its meaning to us.

The Howells climbers increased in last weeks when Katie, Drew, Derek and Brayden joined the previous members of Gloria, Brady, Brook, Sunshine and Justin in climbing up to famous Saddle Rock.  Hopefully this group will continue to expand and others make their try.

 While some of family were here the weather really cooperated for our activities.  And so did the raspberries!  They were are the peak of their production and it really was great to have so much help bringing in the crops.  They also helped make many bottles of jam to take home for "lickin good eatin" during next year.  Berries are just about done now only some of another variety are still producing for cereal, yogurt and raspberry pies for

friends.  The apricot tree was loaded with millions of blossoms when I returned in April, but then most were frozen.  So Holly got a few down for me yesterday and I found a few more this morning to eat with my yogurt so there will be not apricot jam, or nectar bottled this year.  I will not choose to give last year's supply away to every Tom, Dick and Harry from now on.

Holly and I are eating a lot of our home grown spinach, kale, her cherry tomatoes and her peas.

Grand kids and siblings helped Holy with her beautification project under the deck.  We'd donated most of the "farm treasurers" that dad and I used as decor in that area, but they were rusting and looking bad and we found others who had a nice use for them and hauled them away, yea!  We need a truck.


She had a challenging week (last) as she was back on the days testing team working with the new organic line of fish.  She had to get up at 5:00 most mornings, but one day it was 3:00 a.m. and she was spent everyday she came home.  Her friends want her to join them on days when the product is perfected and ready to go into production.  Not sure what she'll do yet but they'll have to twist her arm for sure I think.

I've had to deal with all sorts of techno problems last and this week which has been stressing me out big time.
MSN issues with possible hacking, changing passwords, which affected my iPhone connecting to computer, routers competing with each other causing Holly and I problems, printer issues and downloading photos easily like I used to.    Iieeeeeeeeoowwww,  I'm ready to go back to 2 party phone lines, Royal typewriters, and snail mail.........

When Justin and Jesse got on roof to check out how rest of the gutters were compared to the short one I cleaned out they found some were filled with sludge and leaves and some were not.  They covered the area under the Japanese maple and trimmed the branches with metal covers.  That tree is going to get a severe haircut this fall.  But Justin reported that the tiles were wearing and in crevices did not look good at all.  So I called Roger to get name of his roofer and Steve came over and check it out last week.

I guess I shouldn't have purchased that new car as roof is in bad shape.  It was guaranteed for 15 years and its coming up on 19 years soon. He said I was fortunate as this house really gets the brunt of storms and weather compared to where others are situated.  Six vents are bad as well.  He was up there a long time measuring it as it's a very large roof, but this was the house dad and I planned and built.  Next time I'll build a much smaller one, ha!

I'm awaiting the gutter/window man now to see what shape the gutters are in.  There was also some living room wall damage near curved top window that needs repair asap.

I'm so thankful for all the help this crew gave Holly and me on "Mom's Honey Do List" while I did lots of resting, reading and recovery work in the lounge chair.  HollySue was so nice to order one of these cute Tees for sibs and me - surprised me.

Got my new lenses -far sight is fabulous - can see better than in a looooooong time, but still trying to get used to the bi and trifocals.

Thanks for all your reminders and encouragement about drinking more (just had a drink) and I've started to keep cups and several glasses of various liquids out and around to remind me to do it.

Have good days and bad days with chest and still can't lift or pull or walk quickly without pain and shortness of breath.  Have docs appt next week and am going to see about finding a new doctor a well.

Glad that Haedyn is recovering well.  Too bad he and I can't share blood - his flows too fast and mine flows too slowly.....