Last week was pretty busy with work. It’s getting to the end of the month so I’m struggling with trying to get things done.

At least the weather has been nice. Today was especially nice with the time visiting with family.

Still not much news about my garden producing – lots of blooms, small tomatoes, and things but nothing edible just yet. I’ve got to get my herbs dried (hopefully soon) so that I’ve got them ready to store away. It’s on the list of things to do soon.

Best wishes and take care!

I hope everything is going well there.

Much too cool right now for this time of year - I can’t help but wonder if maybe we’ll have to pay for all this nice weather with some really hot stuff. It is July after all…On the plus side, the fairs and events seem to be doing really well.

Not much yet from my garden. I belong to a local community supported agriculture farm (CSA) where I buy a share at the beginning of the year (my choice was an every other week option). Now every other week I pick up a variety of fruits and veggies. It’s been a very nice addition and it’s helping me to eat healthier so that’s a good thing. This past week, I picked up a box with cauliflower, strawberries, sweet peas, beans, beets, lettuce, and garlic chives. I’m having quite a time figuring out how to use all the stuff which is a nice challenge.

I went to see the new Harry Potter movie yesterday. It’s a good movie but it’s not the same as the book. Lots of laughs in it and the most important storylines in the book seem to be there – it’s just different though.

Well, I need to get a few more things done around here – there’s never enough time on the weekends!

Best wishes and take care!

A man was annoyed when his wife told him that a car had backed into her, damaging a fender, and that she hadn't gotten the license number. "What kind of car was he driving?" the husband asked. "I don't know," she said. "I never can tell one car from another." At that, the man decided the time had come for a learning course, and for the next few days, whenever they were driving, he made her name each car they passed until he was satisfied that she could recognize every make.It worked.
About a week later she bounded in with a pleased expression on her face. "Darling," she said. "I hit a Buick!"

Hi,

I can hardly wait until my garden starts to produce…I did get some lettuce from it but now it seems to be a wait and see. At least with the rains, I haven’t had to water it. I’ve been working on drying some of my basil, parsley, mint, and other herbs. I’m not sure how exactly I’ll use it all but I keep thinking at least it’s a step in the right direction.

More layoffs in the area here…US Cellular and a few other employers have laid off quite a few full-time people. The story in the area is that they’ve hired part-timers because they don’t have to pay benefits and can pay them less per hour. It’s sad…

It is Farmers Appreciation Day here – lots of festivities and a parade today. Last night they set off fireworks – which drove my dog a bit crazy (she’s not a fan of loud or unexpected noises). I have to go set up a booth this morning for work and check on it through the day. This morning, after I do the first set up I’ll head into the office for awhile.

Well, I’d better go and get ready for the day…

Best wishes and take care!

From an e-mail sent to me...

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not makingmy bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .... I will.I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers,or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding andcompassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before theirhair could turn silver.As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.I've even earned the right to be wrong.So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become.

I am not going to live forever,but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

Interesting thoughts...still working on getting there though...