Windy, Rain...50º

The wind woke me about 4am and I was sure that it must be snowing, much to my surprise it is fairly warm outside with a light rain...The perfect growing weather...Soooo many shades of green with flower blooms mixed in.

Yesterday morning I checked flower boxes downtown, killed a few weeds then went down the street to help with the "Mule Days" boxes in front of Joseph Foods...Back home to get ready for a walk and then on to Lostine and the play.

The Music Man was very enjoyable, 3 hours long, it sped by, singing and dancing, all done by local talent...People we know from the entire County...How fun is that to see your neighbors on stage playing a part so unlike their real life and doing a great job...Pat and I arrived at 1:30 thinking we were early...All of the main seating area was already full, but we found seats in the back that gave us a good view of the entire stage...It played to a full house yesterday, as it had for all 5 previous performances.

Plans for today are to finish my essay for Katey and take breaks outside scattering seeds and maybe spreading some chips to cover plantings that didn't make it through the winter...Talked to both kids this morning on FaceTime, Rusty in Noonan, Georgia and Bobi at home in Tigard, Oregon...  Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

Music Man & Blooming Orchid...33º--Sunny

Last performance of the "Music Man" held at Providence Academy in Lostine at 2pm today...It's a must see from what I hear so will fit my schedule around it.

Yard sales on the agenda yesterday, only made one small purchase, then went for a walk...Back home I wrote and rested, fixed dinner and wrote some more...My favorite past time is wandering around the yard, checking to see what is peeking through the ground or what new bloom has opened.

Rusty called from Atlanta as he waited for his luggage at the airport...Bobi checked in when they got back home from their beach get-a-way...Check her blog http://bobbi-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/ for the full story.

Since February 18th, I've kept a close eye on my orchid after it produced a new plant...I watered it and fertilized it on a regular basis and for over a month now I've watched a flower bud grow and finally yesterday it opened enough that I could get a photo...Enjoy the sunshine....  OWAV:)

  

Early Morning...30º

Awake at 3am, toss and turn until 4am then up to start the day...Coffee in hand I check for scrabble, girls are at the coast for a little retreat, no scrabble...Rusty headed for the Redmond airport and a plane to Georgia...I get serious about writing, due in a few days...I've taken Katey's prompt to try my hand at a lyrical style and using familiar material I write in mostly short, choppy, sentences repeating a phrase "sun shines" throughout... Only important events are mentioned leaving the audience to fill in the blanks...Now I find myself doing the same style, here in my blog.

Yesterday morning was cold, especially after so many nice warm days...But after all it is still April and we expect this kind of weather...My friend Donna came by to pick up "forget-me-not" starts and after a short visit with her I drove to Debbie's for a look at her mostly dead raspberry patch...Don't know what has happened to it, looks like it will have to be replanted...Could be the mulch she used, maybe contained pesticides???

Then off to the lake and a walk with Pat as we try to keep these "mature bodies" in some kind of shape, or maybe we walk more for the laughter and words that dominate the walk...Back home, I replant pansies on the deck while Herb mows Pam's lawn and feeds animals for John...Then Herb and I have dinner and settle in for the afternoon of reading.

Yard sales are on the agenda today...Hugs to All.... OWAV:)

Rain overnight, Sunny...34º

Forsythia on the fence

Sun in the east with fog shrouded mountains to the west...Might be a nice morning after a rainy day yesterday...I worked outside yesterday pm in a warm rain, planting gladiola bulbs, lilies and sweet peas, then pruned lilacs until the rain chased me inside...Later in the day Pat and I braved the cold wind and rain (to wet for our walk) and drove to Alder Slope Nursery...We checked out what is available and I bought more pansies as I managed to kill the ones I bought earlier...Not sure if it was the hot sun on the deck, too much fertilizer or what but they look pretty sick!..So will try again...Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

Puttering...48º--Cloudy

View through the apricot tree

Black clouds all around us last night, looked like rain when I went to bed and was sure we would be awakened by wind and a thunder clap late in the night...It didn't happen, still it threatens rain, the clouds hanging low over the mountains.

It was a pretty lazy day yesterday, leftovers for dinner, time on the deck reading...A 2 mile walk with Pat.

While I was out yesterday morning, digging a few dandelions, thistles or quack grass I snapped photo's of buds and blooms as the flower gardens "spring" to life...Below are two of my favorites.

Fern Peony about to burst into bloom

Daffodil Bunch

Partly Cloudy, Possible Rain...49º

I looked back through April 2011 temperatures, this morning, seems they averaged in the 30's (morning) most of the month with rain and snow being the norm...I described a raging blizzard on the 28th of April, a few daffodils blooming and covered with snow...Looks like our temperatures are going to cool for the rest of this month with rain showers in the forecast...We can always use the rain and the cooler temps will keep the daffodils in bloom for a longer time...We have had many wonderful, warm days this year and I enjoyed each of them...I have already spent 4 afternoons on the deck and April isn't over yet.

Pat and I got our walk in early and attended yesterdays meetings...I spent time in the flower gardens pulling the hundreds of volunteer maple trees that sprout from seed every spring...Will continue to clean beds and cut down old growth this morning, maybe spread mulch and add some fertilizer...The daffodils seem to double overnight and the grape hyacinth are adding their special color to the mix...Spring my favorite time of the year...Hugs to All....  OWAV:)

Routine...50º

Not much happening at 109 Barton Heights today, Herb and I are back to our normal routine, mundane tasks preparing for spring...Then I soak up sun on the deck and he more comfortable inside in his easy chair...We have leftovers for dinner.

Today Pat and I will try to fit in a walk early before write group...Then meet the rest of our group at Cloud Nine for another writing session and lunch...Mule Days meeting tonight...Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

High Temps....6am...50º

First Rhubarb Pie of 2012

Another warm, sunny day yesterday...Made potato salad and rhubarb pie for dinner while Herb and Rusty worked outside.

Mid afternoon we went to friends house where we got a load of llama manure...Then home to sit on the deck and later BBQ'd burgers to complete our dinner...Rusty is headed home this morning, his car is loaded and he is having rhubarb pie for breakfast.

Herb will start unloading llama manure this morning in the cool of the day, no hurry as it will rest in a pile until next year and I will use up the well aged stuff from last year...Pat and I will walk about 10am.

Bobi celebrates her milestone 50th Birthday today...Takes me back to a scared teenager (19 years old) and a quick afternoon trip to the hospital with my sister-in-law Marlene driving....Only forty five minutes in the hospital before she was born, a scrawny five pounder, who soon became the light of our life and filled our hearts with joy...Love from Mom and Dad to you our first born...HAPPY BIRTHDAY...OWAV:)

Sunny Sunday...41º

Temperatures in the mid 70's for a few days, time spent on the deck already...Under the leafless trees we jockey for shade from the tree trunks...Herb and Rusty both have sunburned necks after working on the fence and pruning the rest of the trees...Not usual for this time of year in Wallowa County...We take what we get and enjoy soaking up the sun...Herb BBQ'd steaks and I sautéed mushroom, steamed fresh asparagus, made a salad, brought out the warm rolls and we again ate like royalty.

More puttering and planting for me today and a trip for a load of llama poop while Rusty is here to help..He leaves tomorrow, has a few days in Bend, then flies out on Saturday for Georgia, for two weeks... On to Philadelphia for another week or two, then back to Bend.

I watched the last episode of the 2010 "Downton Abbey" last night, and have ordered the 2011 series which will arrive in about a week...I've enjoyed the British actors, especially the dowager matriarch...I find it all much like a soap-opera with the lives of the "Family" upstairs and the "Servants" downstairs all separated yet intertwined with each other...Both factions have their nasty, devious people that are typical of all classes, rich and poor alike.

Think we will have burgers and potato salad for dinner today and rhubarb (compliments of LeaAnn) dessert...Soooo I must leave the computer and get busy in the kitchen...Enjoy your day, hugs to all....  OWAV:)

Spring in Walla Walla...40º

Leaving Joseph early morning Pat and I had a beautiful drive to Elgin...Everything was newly washed from the spring rains and more shades of green than the imagination can grasp...Snow banks remain as we pass Spout Springs, wind over Tollgate before dropping into the Walla Walla Valley with its patchwork of wheat fields and vineyards...The temperature is in the 60's and every bush and tree is in full bloom...We shop for an hour, then arrived at LeaAnn's for a quick tour of her lovely gardens and vineyard.

Della & Pat

Pat & LeaAnn

After a leisurely lunch, we check out the local chocolate shop and a couple of boutiques before Pats dental appointment...While she spends the next hour gripping the arms of the dental chair I do a quick trip through Grocery Outlet...Back to the dentist office and with a good report on her teeth we stop at Andy's for fresh veggies and "bulk" items before we start our return trip to Joseph.

Two more stops near Wallowa where Pat picks up packages of grass-fed beef from two farms for her and Brian to taste test before they buy a side of beef come fall...A brief stop to see Amy as we've heard so much about her family home in our memoir class...After an eleven hour day we arrive back in Joseph, weary but rejuvenated, we are already planning the next trip!

In my absence, while I played, Herb has done laundry, vacuumed and repaired a section of the north fence...Rusty is home from the river and looking for plane tickets to Georgia where he may be spending the month of May...It doesn't take me long to work the scrabble games and call it a day.

Up early this morning I have planting and digging on the agenda, along with food to prepare for the weekend...The sourdough starter is about to overflow on the kitchen counter--Guess I better start a batch of bread....So goes life on Barton Heights...Hugs to All....  OWAV:)

Road Trip...41º

Greeting

Pat has a dental appointment in Walla Walla today, rescheduled from a month ago when a winter storm made traveling a little iffy...Today looks like partly cloudy, maybe rain showers and Walla Walla should be ablaze with trees in bloom...I love going to WW or lewiston this time of year...Their season is about a month ahead of us and I can bask in the colors and smells and know that spring is on its way here in Wallowa County...It will be a fun-filled day, lots of conversation, laughs and shopping.

Yesterday I planted yellow and purple onion sets, bought on half price sale...Also planted pansies in a wooden planter on the deck for a color-spot as you come in the back door...Over the weekend I must get more new peonies planted and do some cleanup and mulching in flower beds as perennials are starting to push their way through...Have more pruning to do and major work on the "bed" if I get gladiolas planted there.

Had a great walk at the lake yesterday, lots of uphill, then a leisurely walk back along the river for a change of scenery...Back home for a dinner of chicken, baked potatoes and salad...Late evening another episode of "Downton Abby" with only one left...It will be continued this fall on PBS....Must get moving now....Hugs to All.....   OWAV:)

This and That....38º

Baked one large chocolate sheet cake yesterday, some to share and some to eat...Since I no longer give blood at the local blood drives twice a year I usually furnish treats for the other people who so generously donate...I would give but my veins do not cooperate, not only are they hard to find but then they roll or collapse...Hopefully my homemade treats are enjoyed...Bobi says they only get store-bought cookies in Portland, where she donates... Like the schools homemade goodies are forbidden because of the one crackpot (demented person) out there who could poison a bunch of people.

Pat and I walked yesterday, started out on Barton Heights, walked to the school track, twice around the track and back to B.H., a two mile walk with ups and downs...Pat's doctor said we had to work up a sweat, I did, not so sure about her...Today I will probably meet her at the lake and we will do the powerhouse road for a two mile trek.

The DVD's of "Downton Abbey" arrived yesterday at the Joseph Library, so I watched three episodes yesterday and will finish watching an episode or two each night until finished...This series has been shown for the last two years on PBS's Masterpiece Theater...I'm enjoying them and hope to get DVD's for other Masterpiece presentations, for future enjoyment...Hugs to All....  OWAV:)

LaGrande...36º

Trip to LaGrande yesterday...Herb had new glasses waiting for him and the greenhouses were calling me...It was a lovely ride through the newly greened up fields of the Wallowa Valley, willows sporting oranges and yellows before they turn to summer green....The Wallowa River rushing through the canyon but no where near flood stage...Then on to the fields of Union County where mint, winter wheat and grasses are grown...LaGrande is know for its trees and they didn't disappoint us as flowering plums and crabapples were in full bloom and underneath the trees were hundreds of daffodils nodding their yellow heads...We did our usual shopping, had lunch and stopped at the relative new "Kauffmans Market" in Island City, run the Amish community out of Cove...They have a small restaurant featuring homemade soup, sandwiches and pie...Bulk foods and grass fed beef are also for sale...Might have to stop for lunch next time we are out that way.

I bought two new peonies...Begonias and pansies for the deck and 50 gladiola bulbs to plant in the "Garden Bed" and hope that the liquid deer fence will protect them...Also we found a Santa Rosa Plum tree to plant...Our old one has not produced much fruit the last few years and we really miss the wonderful plum jam that I make from this delicious fruit.

One of my favorite spring flowers is Pasque, "Pulsatilla" blooming now and so far with the deer fence the four legged critters are leaving it alone...Hugs to All....OWAV:)

Spring Bulbs...36º

Noticed yesterday that my first Daffodils are blooming along with other bulbs, such as Crocus and Glories of the Snow...The daffodils have been carefully planted (over 10000 of them) and now they have naturalized over the years...The smaller bulbs were usually included for free along with other plants I've ordered so were planted in small bunches and now they are also multiplying, adding color and sparkle to the flower gardens.

Glories of the Snow

Giant Crocus

The first Daffodils 2012

Soon to come are Grape Hyacinths and Forget Me Knots for a carpet of blue...Add the yellow of the daffodils and it is a sight to behold...I planted two new peonies yesterday, a purchase I had almost forgotten about...They were nicely sprouted and now reside in a small bed with other peonies and poppies, bloom time June.

Walked with Pat after noon, then came home to fix dinner around the pork roast that had been in the oven since 11am...Herb peeled potatoes while I made a salad and a berry pie...Rusty arrived just in time to whip cream for the pie and soon John and Pam joined us for another Sunday dinner....Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

4am Stars shining....34º

Yesterday one early yard sale...Added another glass pyrex bread pan to my collection and a small cup with a garden scene painted on it, bought it just because I liked it...Pat didn't need my help so I came home, started spaghetti sauce for dinner, then worked in the garden spreading straw and manure...Late afternoon on such a beautiful day I headed outside and pruned on the bush apricot tree and old fashioned lilac...Read until bedtime.

Talked to Bob and Ci during the day, Ci had been at Jr swim lessons where she is learning how to instruct 5 years olds to swim...Then they were on their way to an afternoon swim meet...Rusty is at Fishers and will come to Joseph today...Must get some cleaning and cooking done...Herb has already started the laundry...6AM.....Hugs to all....  OWAV:)

Gardening....38º

Yesterday I spent some time in the vegetable garden, planted lettuce and started building more layers on the spot where we will plant potatoes...Last fall Herb had chopped leaves from our maple trees and piled them because it was too windy to add them to the garden...Using a fork I now added the leaves to the plot, spread more straw, then spread a bag of alfalfa pellets and a wheelbarrow load of decomposed llama manure...About mid May we will cover this bed with newspaper, lay seed potatoes on top, cover with straw, throw on decomposed manure, hope the rain comes to wet it all down or (water with a sprinkler) and wait for the potatoes to sprout...Add more straw as needed to keep the new potatoes covered from the sun...Harvest late fall after the vines have died down...Also you can "rob" new potatoes in the summer...After the potatoes are harvested we will plant garlic in the Pre prepared bed under the potatoes.

Must get moving, I'm helping Pat at her friends house with a yard sale and might even find a bargain or two for myself...Hugs to All....  OWAV:)

Library Books....32º

I mentioned the Sage Library System in a previous blog and have continued to use it for the past 3 months...Included are books, audio books, ebooks,videos and DVD's, they are ordered on line using a number and password...Books can come from libraries within a 250+ mile radius, taking a week or more to arrive at your local library...(Joseph for me) and are checked out to you for a 3 week period and renewable for another 3 weeks...Used to be I would hear about a new book, wait for it to come out in paperback or keep checking the local library for a copy...My book budget is rather small although I do like to patronize our local Book Loft when I can afford a new book...But the Sage System has opened up a vast new world for me...Knowing the books may take two weeks to arrive I keep a running list of new or old books that catch my eye...I have 3 books on order now and just finished "Below Stairs", have the movie "Piano" waiting and just checked Sage and I have a movie and a book in transit...So if the rain comes this weekend you will find me being entertained with something new and exciting as I continue to tap into the "Library in the Sky"...Hugs to All..  OWAV:)

Sun...sprinkle overnight....37º

Spring Crocus with a Bee

It was an incredibly beautiful day outside yesterday...Pat and I couldn't wait until afternoon to walk so we started about 10am and trekked our way from Wallowa Lake Lodge to the power station at the end of the road...Two miles in glorious sunshine, very little traffic...A spring day at its best...A brief visit to her cabin, a bowl of fresh asparagus soup to bring home and enjoy, back to Barton Heights to fix our dinner of meatloaf, potato salad and greens...Late afternoon we got the promised rain shower but no more than a sprinkle with a breeze...Sun is out again this morning.

I have Sorority tonight and our annual Birthday Party...Gifts are brought by all, then redistributed usually playing some kind of game so everyone goes home with a special gift...Maybe I will make a batch of sourdough and take a loaf along with jam and pickles for my gift...Always well received and not something that has to be dusted.

Talked to both kids yesterday, Ci is busy with school and play practice, Bobi is helping scout for costumes at Value Village (resale store) and madly knitting on her sock of the month project...She is also logging miles in her daily walk...Rusty alway working on car repairs either his own or jobs for others as LTW doesn't have any projects coming up in the US...He will be back in Joseph, Monday for another volunteer trip for the FS with John and crew....Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

More Sunshine, Rain??...41º

Write Group and Garden Club almost overlapped each other yesterday...Instead of coming home from Enterprise I stayed after lunch, shopped for a short time at Soroptomists, then Safeway where I couldn't resist buying a half price Easter Lily...At 2pm I joined the GC at a home overlooking Enterprise and the Wallowa Mountains...Carolyn has a small green house and when I see what is growing I again think about having one...Then she starts talking about heating mats, grow lights, replanting, constant temperature worries...No, I like raising what we can and buying other less hardy fruits and vegetables from Imnaha or Walla Walla...I have a tiny green house where I jump start a few planters to add color to the deck for summer...That will do.

After Easter Lily

Today will be spent at home and since we are out of leftovers I must do some cooking...Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

Onions Planted....41º

I haven't colored Easter Eggs for several years but I still hard cook a dozen for eating plain for breakfast or of course our favorite deviled eggs as a snack anytime...Easy directions for eggs is:..Take a large sauce pan, make a single layer of eggs, mine holds 1 dozen, cover with water...Bring just to a boil over medium heat...Turn burner off (electric stove) and leave eggs on the burner, time for 15 minutes, drain, add cold water and ice to pan, let sit in sink until eggs are cold...Crack and peel, lay on paper towels to drain, put in ziplock with dry paper towel and refrigerate...Later on you can make deviled eggs, eat hard boiled eggs or make potato salad...Recipe for deviled eggs, mash eggs with fork, stir in small amount of mayo, diced onion, sweet pickle relish, salt, pepper, garlic to taste...Sprinkle with paprika and parsley.

Deviled Eggs

The weather was so warm yesterday morning, I decided to plant onions (Walla Walla Sweets) that I purchased in LaGrande...50 little onions starts in a bundle, I put them all in one short row, close together...This way we can have scallions early on when I thin the row  and later on large onions for slicing...It is early to plant but decided to take a chance and I think I will get a row of lettuce started and maybe we will have fresh greens along with our onions.

Pat and I walked, late afternoon...Team 3 met for dinner and discussion of our writing projects...We always have lively discussions over Katey's critiques and end up prodding each other to work harder getting to the real story instead of skipping over the difficult parts...Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

Sunday Routine...37º

Herb had the laundry done early yesterday, hanging bedclothes on the outside lines to dry...  We slept like "the dead" last night, anesthetized with a fragrance that no one has been able to capture in an aerosol can or a scented candle...A scent that transports me back to my childhood and guarantees pleasant dreams.

Pam stopped by for a visit after her morning hike, we caught up on news of family and friends.

I spent the morning in the kitchen cooking, slicing and dicing, potatoes, onions and hard boiled eggs for our first potato salad of the year...Herb grilled steaks, I added a green salad, and rolls...We invited John and Tate to join us, late afternoon.

I got my critique back from Katey so I have time to review it for this afternoons session of "Team 3" at the Chinese restaurant "Happy Gardens" in Enterprise.

I have an 8am dental appointment in Enterprise today and a busy week coming up...Team 3 today, Write Group and Garden Club tomorrow....Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

Get your tickets now for Peter Pan at the Elgin Opera House...Three shows per weekend for the next three weeks.

Pat, Pam and I took in the show yesterday, after a beautiful drive through Minam Canyon to Elgin...It is a wonderful show, with incredible costuming and sets to compliment the enthusiastic cast...We enjoyed it immensely and think you will also... HAPPY EASTER TO ALL...  OWAV:)

                           Call or text 541-663-6324 or email tickets@elginoperahouse.com

Good Reads...19º

Cold and clear this morning with a promise of sun at least part of the day...Snow is still lingering on the ground hating to give up winters icy grip...I think of the crocus blossoms buried under the snow and wonder how they are surviving...Herb is on his way this morning to have the studded snow tires removed before Mondays deadline.

Reading Material

We have a couple of choices for this months "Book Group"...Two Old Women, short book, jr high level, a good story, about two elderly women in Alaska, left behind, by their tribe, to die, because they are becoming a burden...The other choice is "Below Stairs" a story about English servants for large country manors...This is about a cook's apprentice and is the basis for the recent PBS series, "Downton Abbey"...It is also a quick read and I'm enjoying both books...Also on my chair side table is "Fields and Pastures New", about a Veterinarian starting his practice, similar to "James Herriot" stories...Hugs to All...  OWAV:)

PS...Check in tomorrow and read about "Peter Pan", it opened last night at the Elgin Opera House...Pam, Pat and I are going to today's matinee.

Eye Appointments...25º

Snow Storm

The forecast was right on for a change...The storm started about 6am on Wednesday morning piling up over 6 inches of heavy wet snow by 10am...At times we felt as if we were trapped in a giant snow globe as hugh fluttery flakes fell to the ground surrounding us  in a magical world...As the sun came out, snow melting, Herb shoveled most of the walks...Then I needing some fresh air and exercise finished the shoveling and met Pat at "Red Horse Coffee Traders"...A small bakery/cafe/coffee shop recently opened in Joseph...Snow melting, water flooding the gutters, we waded our way inside where we enjoyed a mocha and quiche..The "Red Horse" has plans to expand their menu and add outdoor seating in the summer.

I love baking on a snowy day be it winter or spring...My latest batch of sourdough.

Yummy

Yesterday morning Herb and I left for LaGrande at 6am for our 8:30 eye appointments...As usual it was a full day...Two hours checking our eyes, both of us with no change, always a relief to hear that...Moving right along we go to BiMart, Natures Pantry, Looking Glass Books, have lunch at Bear Mountain Pizza, then on to Grocery Outlet and Pendleton Grain Growers...Good thing that is the last stop as we now have a loaded car as we head back to Wallow County, stopped in Lostine to sign our taxes...It was a pleasant day weather wise and the roads good both ways...Hugs to all...  OWAV:)

Snowing...30º

Last night was a balmy 45º when our committee left the mule days meeting at 8pm...Snow is falling this morning, don't know if we will get the 2-4 inches that has been predicted... MD meeting was productive but moves at a snails pace, but at least it's moving.

I'm typing a little tentatively this morning, reason; After write group yesterday Pat and I had some errands to run...First stop was FT house where I needed to pick up a book...Now I've talked about how in my mature years I exit a car much slower...I did well on the exit but my hand didn't move quick enough as I shut the car door, catching my finger between the door and the car...Quickly opened the door, removed finger, shut the door, grabbed a kleenex out of my pocket and wrapped the numb and bleeding finger, retrieved the book and back out to the car...I quietly said to Pat, "I kind of mashed my finger in the car door." She took one look at my now white face and said, "Della, get out right now and back into FT, you need ice on that finger!"...I did as told...finger wrapped in ice, I managed to swallow a couple of advil and really wasn't in a lot of pain...Pat finished our errands while I sat in the car...I was doing fine, she a nervous wreck!..She delivered me to my house, made sure that Herb was there to take care of me before she left for home...What a friend!

So the finger will take time to heal, looks like I will loose the nail but it could have been much worse...So I count my blessing...Pat and I had planned to walk this morning before she does her volunteer stint at the library, but with the snow coming down we might have to check our the new bakery/coffee shop that has opened on main street...Hugs to all  OWAV:)

Back in the Groove...26º

Up at 4:30am, no scrabble games to do, so I prepared the Garden Club mailing and sent it out announcing our meeting for next week...It is easy to get itchy about digging in the dirt when the weather is warm...Yesterday after Pat and I walked, found me in the vegetable garden admiring the 1 inch shoots of garlic that are showing and the nubbins of rhubarb poking their heads through...I broke open a bail of straw and covered walkways to keep down the weeds and cover the mud...Then cut down the old stalks of asparagus to make way for the new crop, but I left the mulch in place as it is too early for them to sprout, only to get frozen...On the next warm day I will trim raspberry canes as we continue trying to establish a new short row for fresh berries and jam...Snow is forecast for tonight and tomorrow, not a welcome sight but know it will melt fast...Studded snow tires will be taken off next week.

Niece Sue called last night after seeing a picture of Herb and I in a hearing aid advertisement...She said we must be famous, making the paper!..I don't think that qualifies as famous but we were more popular with our "kids" on their recent visit...They were both pleased that their Dad could hear and take part in our conversations without the "puzzled expressions" and "huh's" of before, also he could hear and add to conversations from another room and it even made sense :)...After wearing "Aids" for almost 3 months he is ready to call for an appointment to have some fine tuning done because the "rattling" of a newspaper and the "scream" of my blow dryer is not pleasant for him...He continues to wear them religiously, putting them on every morning and wearing them all day even when it is just me he has to listen to...I think that is very commendable.

On with my day, write group is on the agenda this morning and a Mule Days meeting tonight....Hugs to all...  OWAV:)

Really Quiet and Sunny...25º

Rusty is on his way back to his home in Bend, to return in a couple of weeks...So now our house is really quiet except for the sound of the washing machine as Herb starts the laundry of towels and sheets, a welcome task when it includes a weeks visit from "The Kids".''

Yesterday was another cold and windy day so I put a beef roast in the oven on low and started a double batch of sourdough bread...Finished my essay...Mid afternoon found Rusty and I outside to do more pruning, then I inside to finish dinner prep and Herb out helping Rusty...One of the major projects of spring done!

John and Tate came for dinner as Becky is on her way back to Salem for another month of school...One more year to go...Our "Girls" are settling back into their routine in Portland.

For the first time I put all the ingredients for sourdough bread in my Bosch mixer turned it on low and let it "knead" for 6 minutes, added a little more flour so it wasn't sticky and let it raise...Yesterday's sourdough bread rose higher and wider than any other giving us a pan of rolls for dinner and 4-1# loaves...Breakfast is calling me so hugs to all.... OWAV:)

Quiet Reigns...32º

I awake to the quiet, listen for sounds from upstairs, then remember the girls are gone...Herb is up and Rusty soon will be....Coffee and scrabble comes first for me, then on to exporting photos and setting up for my blog...Herb has started his weekly ritual of washing sheets and earlier said he might hang them outside...Well maybe not, it is now snowing, really coming down on this day, April 1, typical Wallowa County Spring.

Amazing

Yesterday started out warm but windy...Pat and I walked at the lake, less wind there...Back home I was itching to get outside...The garlic has poked its head through the ground as well as the rhubarb...Raking off some of the mulch, it appears that all 12 rows of garlic (about 200 plants) are searching for sunlight...Leaving the garden area I wander around the yard picking up branches, trash etc when the crocus catch my eye...I must get photo's.

Sign of Spring

Afternoon found Rusty and Herb out pruning more trees and me trying to finish my monthly essay to send winging into cyberspace this morning, for Katey's critique...I fixed hamburger steak with grilled onions and mushrooms, green salad and sourdough biscuits for our dinner...Then I spent HOURS trying to merge Rusty into the family photo...He is now there but the technique is very amateurish...Hugs to all...  OWAV:)

Merged Photo