Needed - Brain Transplant

Happy Belated Easter Friends,

Would you  believe I had an Easter post ready  to go and forgot to post it?   Yup!!  Totally forgot about it. No excuse either as we were home that entire  day.   My brain needs to be replaced.  It's too bad we don't have Velcro body parts so when one thing fails, we just undo the Velcro and replace the part.  Simple!

I really thought when I posted by in January that I could do  something a little more frequently than twice a year.   So much for those plans.   I told a very dear friend one day when she asked why I don't post more frequently that I just don't have anything new or interesting to post about.  But I'll try to be more faithful.

By the way, the photo in the header of this  blog was taken when we were in Sorento, Italy about 8 years ago.   I loved that city and the view was fantastic.  Our daughter and son-in-law took us on a cruise around Italy.  it was a fantastic trip and we enjoyed every minute of it.   I would love to do more of those trips, but traveling is way too hard for Mr. D and me these days.  So, those of you still in good health, do your  traveling now while you can.   There will come a day when you  can't do it anymore.

Thanks so much for reading this blog.   I welcome comments and look forward to them.   

Until next time,

Mary

Deep Freeze

Hi Friends,

Remember me?   It's been so long that I would not blame you if you didn't remember.    A very dear friend has told me I need to post over here more frequently......last post was at least 6 months ago.  I guess that isn't very "frequent" is it?   I wish I could say with confidence that I will be more faithful this time around, but my back isn't any better, so that means I can't sit very long at a time.   But I'll do what I can.   Mario is already mad at me because I have neglected his blog too.   

We're headed into the deep freeze.  Temp will only be a high of 3 above tomorrow.   Tonight we'll be -15 with a wind chill of -30 below.   Brrrrrr!    I'm not really complaining (yes I am) as out East they are getting a Noreaster and that certainly doesn't sound like fun either.  We're being paid back for the super good days in November and December where the temperature was more fall like than winter.   We have had 12 inches of snow so far this winter.  It all fell during our first snowstorm of the season.   I'm not complaining because the southern states really got hit hard during that same storm.   This sure has been a strange winter.

How are things at your house.  I plan on getting around tonight and tomorrow to visit a few blogs and catch up on your news.   I have missed you all. 
There is something about bloggers - they are all so friendly. 

I'm signing off for tonight, with the hopes of seeing you again soon.

Until next time,

Mary
  

April Showers Will Bring May Flowers - RIGHT?

Hi Dear Readers,

I know, it's been awhile again since I last posted.   Part of it was because I just couldn't get into the mood.   But after a dear friend kicked me in the butt to get me moving, here I am.  

We FINALLY are having some rain.   Had a nice shower last night that lasted about 3 hours of steady, soaking rain.   Now it's mostly drizzle, which is better than nothing.   I know some areas are sick of rain and have had way too much.  Wisconsin, on the other hand, is 2 inches behind so far this year because of not much snowfall this winter and no rain so far this spring, except for last night and mist/drizzle today.  There is a burning ban for the entire state - no camp fires, no smoking outside where there are leaves, etc.  

We had a nice week last week - lots of sunshine and temps hovering near 60 most days.   It's been a teaser, just enough to let us know summer will come to Wisconsin eventually. 

The picture above is our northern variety Magnolia tree.  It's not as pretty as other years, for some reason - maybe no moisture when it needed it.   

A week ago we had a circus in our yard - there were 4 men running around with various pieces of yard equipment.   The crew came into thatch the yard, do fall cleanup that never got done in the fall as it snowed too soon, trimmed some bushes, etc.   Now our yard looks nice except for the tree in this coming picture.

This tree has been slowly getting worse each year. This year most of the smaller branches under the big globe on top are almost dead.   Mr. D was going to have the cleanup crew cut it down, but I held him at bay until we can figure out and line up someone to clean up the mess, haul in some new dirt, move rocks, and plant something new.   Neither one of us should be doing that kind of thing anymore.   One thing always leads to another it  seems.  The joys of owning a home.   

Will close for today, and try hard to blog again soon without waiting a month or two before I do.   Thanks for putting up with me.   I know it makes it hard to follow my blog.  I really suggest getting posts via email so you won't waste time searching for a new post when there isn't one.  There is a link in the side bar and it's easy to do.  It should save you time in the long run.   

Now I'm to go around and visit.

Mary


  

Piece Of Cake

Hello Friends,

As you all predicted, the surgery was a piece of cake.   The only aftermath visible was a hand that was black and blue.   The poor nurse had trouble finding a vein, but with the help  of two other nurses, they managed.  The fun wasn't over.  When they went to discharge me and removed the IV, a blood vessel burst and my hand turned black and blue.    Standard instructions were to go home and put ice and pressure on it and keep the hand elevated.   By the next day, it was really spreading.  So, off to the emergency room to have it looked at.    Then I was sent home with a brace and told to wear it when up and moving around as I had fragile skin.    If that is the worse thing that ever happens to me, it's a "piece of cake."    ha ha

Well, the calendar says it's Spring.  If that is the case, then why are our friends out East getting another serious snowstorm?   We have lucked out and have had temperatures in the low 40's with lots of sunshine, so I'm not complaining.

Our Northern type of Magnolia tree has buds on it, and I suspect in another 2-3 weeks, maybe it will sprout blooms.    We'll hope that March doesn't go "out like a Lion" and bless us with a few inches of snow. Stay tuned for that one. 

Happy Spring everyone.

Mary

It Could Be Worse

Hi Friends,

It seems I'm becoming a once-a-month poster!     I had good intentions a month ago, but good intentions don't go far if you don't put forth the effort.   Maybe I'll be better between now and the next post.  (ha ha - we can hope anyway).

Have you ever had to give yourself a good "talking to" about something?   I had to do that today after sitting here feeling sorry for myself.

On Friday I have to have a small, recurring cyst removed.   It should be a simple, routine surgery and one that won't be very invasive.   But I'm a little apprehensive about the surgery as I have never had surgery before other than on a bone spur on my foot years ago.  

I had to remind myself that our daughter has had two hips and two knees replaced before the age of 40 due to Rheumetoid Arthritis, and Mr. D has had open heart surgery and half of his stomach removed due to ulcers.    What on earth am I complaining about or worried about!  Having a cyst removed should be a "piece of cake."   

I'm now feeling better about the situation and will stop thinking about it.   Why do we do these things to ourselves?

March came in like a lamb.  Does that mean it will go out like a lion?   Probably in Wisconsin anyway.   We got about 3 inches of snow today, making a total of maybe 15 inches for the winter.   So it will be interesting to see what the Ides of March brings.  

Mary

Time Flies - Stop The Clock

Hi Friends,

Sorry I've been missing for over a month - one whole month!   Wish I could say it was because we were on some fabulous trip or we've moved to a warmer climate.  Truth be told - it was none of those things.   I just wasn't in the mood to write anything and had nothing of interest to say!   A dear friend tells me I won't have any readers left or grow any if I don't write more frequently.   She is right---I know that--- but still didn't do anything about it.

Presently I'm thinking about our friends out East and West.   Horrible weather is and has been happening in both places.    I can't even imagine dealing with the amount of snow that the East Coast has had.   Then there is all the rain, flooding, mud slides, etc., on the West Coast.   Our hearts really go out to anyone living in those areas.   Since Mario has an active Twitter account and is friends with lots of dogs and cats all over the world actually, several are located in the parts of the US that are getting extreme weather.   We always worry about them and feel better when we'be had a tweet from someone indicating they are okay.

I did spend some of that time playing around with various programs on the internet that help you create pictures or fancy them up.   That has been fun and I've learned a lot.   The header at the top of the page was originally created by me and then run through one of those programs to give it a little character.    One can spend hours doing that type of thing.

Our winter has been mild this year.   Yes, we've had a few days where the temperatures were below 0, but on a whole they have been in the teens and 20's.   We are lacking in snow this year, which will not be a good thing for the farmers our gardeners.  I have loved having a winter without  much snow, but I know it is needed.   After last year's extreme weather, we are not complaining about what we have this year.

I hope all is well with you and your families.   I am going to try to post something more frequently now.   Yes, I have said that before and then not followed through.   But I'm going to try hard.

Now that I've bent your ear with a page full of nothing, I'll say "until next time."

Mary

Brain Freeze

Hi Friends,

Along with a good portion of the US, Wisconsin is in a deep freeze this  week. The start of the school day on Monday was delayed in our city by 2 hours.   With the wind chill dropping to -45 tonight, it wouldn't surprise me if there would be a delay tomorrow morning too.   It's only January 6th!

Monday morning Mr. D and I decided I would drive him to his water exercise class at the CP Center so he wouldn't have to walk out to a cold car.   Then I would go back and pick him up after the his class.  He, in turn, would drive a friend and myself to a local restaurant for lunch where my friend and I were meeting the remainder of our Group.  Easy peasy - right!

Mr. D and I got in the car, I backed up to let the car idle a couple of minutes outside of the garage.   Asked Mr. D to get my sunglasses out of the glove compartment, which he did.   I quickly put them on.   I was about ready to back up when it suddenly dawned on me that the right lens must have a big smudge on it because it was a little blurry.   I took the glasses off and grabbed a tissue to wipe the lens with - --------WHOOPS -  there was only a lens in one half of the glass.  The other was an empty circle!!!!    The lens had fallen out somewhere and I didn't even see that.   

We laughed so hard.   I was so positive that the lens had a big smudge on it!!!   Joke was on me.

Now I need to make a trip to get my glasses fixed, but it's  too darn cold to run anymore errands than those that are necessary.

Ha ha - I've told a couple of  friends about that incident, and we've had some good laughs over it.   It has to be brain freeze - wouldn't you agree?

Mary

New Year 2015

Happy New Year Friends,

How can it possibly be 2015 already when it  seems like yesterday that we rolled over to 2001.  Yikes, that also means I'm 15 years older.    I remember my dad saying that he would never live to see 2000, but he did.   He did pass away the next summer, but he made it to 2000 in pretty good health too.

The picture above is a house on the street behind us.    It doesn't show up that well in a picture, but it was beautiful seeing it for real.     With all the lights in the trees, it really lit up our back yards.  It was great.   I'm happy I don't have to pay their light bill!

We had a wonderful Christmas with our daughter and son-in-law, and the weather cooperated so they could spend Christmas Eve with us after leaving work at 3:00.    It is always a worry with the weather.   One never knows if we'll have snow, sleet and freezing rain, or blue skies!     We lucked out this year with no moisture in the air.  

Winter has set in with a roar.  We've had snow for the past two days - a total of about 5 inches, with a layer of sleet mixed in.   Now the wind is out of Canada (as it is with a good share of the US) and our wind chill is like -35 for most of this next week.   I am very thankful for a nice warm house and will try to stay in it for much of the week except for a couple of appointments and maybe our water exercise class at the CP Center.

We hope you have a most wonderful, healthy, and happy 2015.

Until next time,

Mary

Merry Christmas

Hi All,

Sorry I've been missing again, but hopefully after the holidays I can settle down and post on a more regular basis.   It's been a busy time of year, as you all well know.   

Weather permitting, our daughter and son-in-law will arrive after work tomorrow in time to have dinner with us.   They stay overnight here and leave for SIL's family after they cook us omelets for breakfast. Yes, that's right - they will cook the omelets.   How's that for service.   They surprised us with that last year, so I asked them if they would like to do it again this year and we'll have the ingredients.   It's a real treat for us.

The above photo was our Christmas card this year, so feel free to take a copy if you wish.

We hope you and your family have a most wonderful Christmas and a very happy, healthy 2015.

Someone's Asleep At The Switch

Hi,

The scene above was actually taken last year about this same time, but it looks exactly the same way this morning after getting 2 inches of snow topped off by a little sleet last night.    Our long range weather forecast is predicting more snow than normal and colder than normal temperatures.  Oh goody!!!!  A repeat of last year.   At least we don't live in Buffalo, NY - I can't even imagine how they begin to clean up from that much snow.   I should not complain about the snow we have received so far.  But last winter went on forever, and I'm not  looking forward to this one being a long one either.

How careful are you when you open US Mail?   Do you check the name on the envelope before opening?   We don't and probably should, but 98% of the time the mail is ours.   Not the case yesterday.

An envelope appeared in our box from a major auto insurance company in Jersey City, NJ.   Mr. D didn't think anything of it because we get a  lot of junk mail.   After he opened it, he realized it was delivered to the wrong address.   That has happened before as now and then we get mail belonging to a neighbor.

The funny part is that the envelope was being sent to someone in Jersey City, NJ - the same city that it was mailed from.  Somehow it ended up in Wisconsin!  WHAT!  Someone was obviously asleep at the switch.  in fact, apparently more than one person was asleep to get this far!

Monday I'll be calling the company that mailed it out so they can do the paper work for their client all over again.   Then I plan on taking it  to the post office.  I know this sounds anal, but the Post Office would never know they made this kind of mistake if they are not told about it.   Even our carrier didn't catch it - the name was totally different, street totally different, and city totally different.

Mistakes do happen, but this was a big one that no one caught it.   What do you think - am I doing the right thing by taking it to the post office?   If I give it back to the carrier, he could very easily just throw it away.  No one would ever know.  When i worked, I always appreciated it if someone called a mistake to my attention so I learned from it and was more careful the next time around.

Until next time,


Mary

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Friends,

I'm way overdue for a post, and unfortunately December probably will be the same.   The older I get, the slower I move!    If I get any slower, a snail will pass me by.  he he   In fact, I think I saw one run by me this morning.

Winter has arrived early here.   We've had about 5 inches of snow so far (most of which melted last week then was topped off by rain, turning into freezing rain, with a thin layer of snow.    This is way way too early.    I have a feeling that this is going to be another rough winter, and I know other parts of the country are experiencing bad weather too.  We'll be getting another inch tonight into tomorrow - just in time for us to drive to our daughter's house about 45 miles away.  Joy!

We have much to be thankful for this season.  We have reasonably good health compared to some, are able to live independently in our own house, have plenty of food, warm clothing, heat, and  many friends (local and online on Twitter, and in the blog world).,  Also a wonderful companion in our cat, Mario, who is  always ready for  a lap or a snuggle.   I'm feeling extra thankful because yesterday we took a few out-grown winter clothes to donate to the homeless shelter.  Nothing like visiting there to put things in perspective.   The smiles on their faces said it all - but of course there was a big Thank you with the smiles.   They were so very appreciative.  

We will be spending Thanksgiving Day at our daughter's.  Her husband loves doing the Thanksgiving Day meal, and his mother and I love it.   Kim helps him - they are both good cooks..   We are so grateful to have them.

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Safe travels if you have to travel somewhere.   I'll try to do another couple of posts before Christmas.  It's a goal!!!   I have also missed reading your blogs, so I have much news to catch up on.  

Until next time,

Mary

The Tale Of The Not-So-Smart Clock

Hi,

Saturday night was the annual Fall, turn-your-clock-back night.  Mr. D and I made a big production of going around to the many clocks we have in the house and setting them at the proper time.   

I happen to have a smart alarm clock by my bed.  In the spring it didn't automatically change like it should have - it had to be manually set.   After getting the instruction book out and following the procedure exactly on how  to set Time Zone, I set the clock to Zone 3, which is what the book said for Wisconsin.   It should have gone off - right?   Wrong!

For some reason it didn't adjust, and had to be reset it manually--- again.   Mumbling under my breath "just  give me an old fashioned wind-up clock any day!" ha ha - I think it's time to retire this one even though it isn't more than 5 years old, if that.   Ha ha -  maybe it will accidentally drop on the concrete, brake, and we can blame Mario!  (poor kitty will tell you he gets blamed for everything).  

Does your smart clock work, or  do you still have a "dumb" clock?    Have "dumb-smart clock" - am willing to trade for "dumb clock"!

Until next time,

Mary

Happy Halloween

Hi Everyone,

It's a very spooky halloween this year.  The wind is howling down from Canada at 50 MPH and the temp is 38.  Snow flurries are expected off and on today.   brrrrr!   We feel sorry for the children tonight as they make the rounds of the neighborhood for trick or treat.   I remember the days of walking our daughter around the neighborhood - sometimes in the rain, wind, and a little snow one time.   Not fun!

This is also "exchange leaves" day in the neighborhood.   Our yard was cleaned up last Saturday, but now is full of leaves from those up the street!   it's a good thing Mr. B will come one last time for cleanup.   We so appreciate him.  

Sorry I've been missing again for a month this time.  I always have good intentions, but then my brain goes dead on what to write about and/or my back is tired of sitting at the desk.   Maybe there is hope this month.   I'll try.

Since I'm such a hap-hazard poster, you might want to follow via email - that way you'll get a message when there is a new post.

Hope all is well with each of you and you haven't blown away yet!

Until next time,

Mary

Great Weekend

Hi Everyone,

Isn't that photo of the hummingbird great?   Our daughter's mother-in-law took that picture from her kitchen window, which I think is amazing.    She took the one below too:

Bev kindly gave me permission to use these lovely photos in my blog.

We had such a good Sunday.   Our son-in-law's mom, Bev (the family photographer) invited both her sons and families to their house yesterday for lunch. Bev and Steve have two sons - both married (one to our daughter).   Both sets of in-laws were invited yesterday (we're one of the fortunate in-laws).   We had food in abundance and it was such a good time. We are so fortunate to be considered part of their family.

After two weeks of perfect weather (lots of sunshine, temps between 72 and 78 daytime and no humidity) things changed today.  Fall is here.  We had rain today and only a high of 55.   This entire week will be below normal fall temperatures.   I'm not complaining because I'll take this any day over 90's and humidity.    I'm just hoping it doesn't mean an early winter.

Sorry I've been missing for so long again.  I'm trying to rectify that.   Now to go around and visit - my favorite part.

Until next time,

Mary

Childhood Revisited - Part I

Hi Friends,

Yup - that's me.   I sure have no idea how old I was, and my mother passed away a few years ago, so I can't ask her.   I'm guessing I'm 3 or 4 maybe.  What is your guess?

Last spring a cousin sent me a brown mailing envelope containing many photos that she thought I'd appreciate having.   This was not one of them, but by and by I'll be sharing them with you.   One of my Mother's sisters passed away a couple of years after my mother, and the cousin was still dispensing of things.  It was so thoughtful of her to give me a folder full of pictures.

I'm having fun reliving my younger years and thought I'd talk about them here because I'm sure many of you can relate.

My mother and I were very poor, and yet I see that picture must have been taken in a photographer's studio.   I know my mother didn't have the money for such, so apparently one of her sister's must have paid for it.   

Most all of my dresses were "hand-me-downs" from a cousin or made for me out of "gunnie sack" or more commonly known as feed sack fabric!  Yes, that's right!  Apparently various feed items would come in those sacks.   Sometimes for animals on the farm.   he he - very stylish!  But they were usually a good cotton fabric and quite often had pretty, dainty flowers printed all over.   However I got a new dress, it was a real treat. I would prance around and feel like a princess! 

Probably most of you are not quite old enough to have had clothing made out of Gunnie Sacks or Feed Sacks.   But I'll bet most of you are familiar with "hand-me-downs."   It was like getting a new dress to me.  


Those were simpler times back then.   Sometimes I miss those carefree days of youth.  ha ha - but then I'd have to grow up all over again.   Nah - guess I'll stay this age.

Until next time,

Mary

Remembering 9/11

Photo taken from Google Images and  RoadSide America's Webside

Dear Friends,

Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?    I was at work in an office downtown in our small city in the midwest - far away from where this horrific incident happened.   But it left a big impact on me that day.   My office mate and I didn't have the radio on that day, but someone came in and asked us if we had heard.  We immediately headed for our conference room to watch TV.

One by one people trickled into the conference room.   I got there just in time to see the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower.   Our conference room was dead quiet even with about 25 people huddled around the small TV in disbelief.   I remember thinking "I wonder if the world is coming to an end!"   It was downright scary.    My second thought was "I just want to go home and be with family."  But since the work day was only about an hour old, I could not do that.   We tried hard to keep the office running, man the phones, and do whatever was important to get done.  But, no one's heart was really in it that day.  We were just going thru the motions thinking of those poor people who were trapped, killed or injured in that horrific event.   That was one time where I really appreciated the media's overkill on a subject -  it was needed for that event.  We were able to catch up on all the news in the evening after work.

Mario's good blogging friend Cathy Keisha wrote a wonderful, first-hand post of what it was like for her Pop who worked in one of the Twin Towers.  I think you will find her post very interesting and worthwhile reading, if you have not already done so.

A couple of years after 9/11 our city decided to have a replica built of the original Twin Towers in a park located downtown for all to see and remember.    Roadside America's Website wrote a very nice article  along with the picture.   I think you'll find it interesting.   Every year a memorial service is held there on 9/11 to remember the event and honor those who perished. 

I hope and pray that we will never have to witness an event like that ever again.  But we'll have to remain on the alert forever.

What was the impact on you of this event?

Mary

Goodbye Muggies!

Streptocarpella

Dear Friends,
It's a glorious day in Wisconsin.   The temp is hovering in the low 7o's, there is no humidity (worth mentioning anyway), and a light breeze.  The windows are open and one can hear birds singing.   Days don't come any better than this.   It's a welcome relief after almost 2 weeks of high heat and high humidity.   And the best part is that I don't hurt anywhere! Humidity and Arthritis don't get along at all.  In fact, I hurt much less in the winter than in the summer when the humidity is with us.

What is everyone doing for the long weekend coming up?  For over 25 years we camped with a group of friends, and I do miss that on the holiday weekends. But, I don't miss all the work that goes with it.   It was getting to be too much for Mr. D. and me.   Maybe we'll go out there for a day trip to visit for a couple of hours.   Will see if it is going to rain or not.

The Streptocarpella plant pictured above is blooming it's little heart out this year.   Every year I get two baskets for each side of our patio.   It is a plant that likes mostly shade with a little filtered sun peeking through.  Our patio seems to be the perfect spot for it.   This is the first year that I haven't had a hummingbird visit every night.   Or at least, I haven't seen one.   The hummers do like the plant and I have missed seeing them this year.   

We hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend.  For us living in the northern states, it usually signals the end of summer (although we do have many nice days ahead of us in Sept and Oct.)

Until next time,

Mary

A Helping Hand

Sunset over the Bay of Green Bay on Lake Michigan

Hi Friends,

Hopefully you all are having a great week.   I can't believe that it's almost the of August.   It seems the older I get, the faster time moves.  Some days it's over in a "wooooosh!"   

A couple of days ago I had two dentist appointments.  Yup  - you read it right - two.  I'm being fitted for partial plates (replacing teeth).   Tuesday morning my regular dentist played around with one of my plates, glued it back in my mouth with Fixident, and sent me on my way.   By 3:00, I was grinding my teeth and really irritating one side.   Well, to make a long story short, I called the dentist back and was able to get in again Tuesday afternoon.   More adjustments made, so I went on my merry way.

I decided to stop at Walgreens as I had a couple of coupons that were to expire. I loaded up on stuff, went thru the check out counter, and another passing customer in the next line said to me "Can I help you to your car with the packages?"    She could see I was loaded down and dealing with a cane.  Of course my car was right outside the door, so I didn't have far to walk.  But I decided to take her up on her offer.

Bless you Peggy Sue - you were a bright spot in my day.  I thanked her profusely and told her I'd write about her kindness in my blog (without names). Then she said, oh, you can use my name - it's Peggy Sue - and I don't mind if you publish my name.

So Thank You to Peggy Sue (reminds me of the song Peggy Sue, which has been going thru my head) for helping an old lady with her packages. What an angel you were.   Such a nice lady.   Goes to show us that kindness is not by any means dead yet. Sometimes you find it where you least expect it.

Hopefully your day has been blessed with an unexpected kind deed - or you have blessed someone elses day with a kind deed.

Until next time,

Mary

One special lady - Aunt Ruthie

Ruth Williamson, 86

Dear Friends,

My family has almost reached the end of another era this summer.

I think I've mentioned before that my mother was 2nd from the oldest in a family of 7 girls, 2 boys, and 3 infants that passed away before they had a chance at life.   

Aunt Ruthie passed away on July 7, 2014 at the age of 86 after about a 3-month battle with stomach Cancer.   She was my mother's second-from-the-youngest sister.   There is now one sister remaining, Aunt Lillian, and no brothers!  Almost the end of an era!

I always felt especially close to Aunt Ruthie (we are only 11 years apart in age).   She and her husband and two children had a farm in Cross Plains, WI - which is only about 10 miles from the City of Madison, WI, where I grew up.

After my parents passed on, Aunt Ruthie and I became extra close.  Whenever we were in Madison, we would meet somewhere for lunch and/or visit her in her home.   She was my contact and only source of news of the family, and I'm really missing her.

I'm so thankful that our daughter and son-in-law drove Mr. D and I down to Cross Plains at the end of June so we could visit with her and her daughter-in-law and son one more time.  We enjoyed the visit so much, and so did she.    

Rest in peace Aunt Ruthie.   I'm thankful you are no longer in pain, are with your beloved husband and so many of your brothers and sisters once again. 

Until we meet again........

Love,

Mary

Where Are The Cows?

Hi Friends,

Wisconsin has long been known as the Dairy State. One could take a ride down any country road and usually see cows out in the pasture.   There was always something peaceful about that scene, and it was so very typical Wisconsin.

I think I've mentioned before, that I was born on a farm.   My mother left there before I turned 1 year old, but all her brothers and sisters had farms. Spending time on a farm visiting was how I grew up. I always wanted to be in the barn with the dog, cats, and cows.  

We spent a week of driving back and forth to our daughter/son-in-law's house about 2 weeks ago taking care of their two cats.  They live about 45 minutes from us and we enjoy driving the back roads to get there.  I began to notice there were no cows in any pasture along the way.   Where are the cows?  I noticed the same situation when we drove to Oshkosh on the I-system also a couple of weeks ago.  Where are the cows?

I have since learned that the corporation farmers keep their cows in those huge barns round the clock. Those poor cows never get to graze in the meadow in the fresh air or feel the sunshine on their backs. The reason is that the cows give better milk production when they remain inside rather than free roaming - or so I hear.   How very sad for them! 

There are not very many small, independent farmers left these days.  Those that we did go by are also keeping their cows inside the barns - or so it seems. I realize you need to make a profit on a farm to stay in business. Farm equipment is not cheap and the farm is your only means of support.  You can't always depend on the weather to give you a good crop season either to help make up the cash flow or feed your own animals.   But couldn't there be a happy medium in still letting the cows out to pasture some of the time?   I guess this is the way of the future, but once again is it for the better??

Thanks for putting up with my rant. I still think it's sad, and I think I'll try Goat's Milk! Most small farmers work very hard for a living, and with animals to feed and cows to milk, getting away on vacation is next to impossible.    Do you see cows in the pasture in your state?   Or do you have any information on this subject and/or wish to make comments?   I welcome them for another perspective.   

Oh, the new header picture at the top of my blog was taken in our daughter's back yard.  Her husband has a green thumb for working with flowers and I couldn't resist getting a picture of the beautiful Hollyhocks.

Hope you are having a good week.

Mary