Without Further Adieu

I absolutely cannot believe that it has been a week already since The Garden Walk.

Summer is so fleeting.

I've been decompressing this week.

Wandering around, not sure what to do with myself, and yet not wanting to do anything.

It's been a busy week, and actually Wednesday and Friday were the only days I didn't have bushels of things to do.

I've come to the conclusion that I just have to have a project.

'Taint happy otherwise.

Let me just say that your comments have had me rolling.

I must have read them all three or four times!

And let me just say again - those other gardens were really wonderful. I do believe that the homeowners did do all the work themselves. They were a marvel.

Exactly one week ago to this minute - I was not yet dressed, and roaming aimlessly around the yard looking for weeds I'd missed.

I'd hoped so hard that I would have looked nice for the walk, but it's not in my cards to be one of those non-sweaty, perfumed, put together people.

I'm beginning to accept that.

It was so humid, there was no point in fixing my hair.

At precisely 9am, a car pulled up and these smiling faces emerged.

Kelly, Jade and Brenda.

I just couldn't have asked for a better start to the Garden Walk than this trio.

Jade reminded me SO much of me at that age. I'm not kidding, I looked just like that.

She seemed like the kind of little girl I would just love to have around here. She wanted to hold the ducks, and loved the chickens. I just wanted to put an apron on her and roll pie dough.

Kelly brought me a tray of the most beautiful cookies I've ever laid my eyes on. She made these ya'll. Kelly, promise you'll come and show me how! And look at how she decorated the tray!

She also brought me bacon.

She's my new BFF.

The cookies were too cute to eat, but eat them I did, and in fact, I had to take a quick pic while there was some left. It was the only nutrition I had that day, so Kelly, I thank you!

I absolutely had a ball talking to everyone.

These two ladies were a hoot.

I could have yakked with them until dusk.

Debra, Jennifer and ? -I'm so sorry, I didn't remember your name.

Debra is a blog reader, and she liked meeting the chickens.

Thanks for coming!

Here's Cathy Jo.

I couldn't get over how smooth her hair was on such a humid day.

It was so great meeting her.

We'd emailed a bit back and forth.

Here's Cathy Jo with the friend that she'd come with.

Two more ladies that I would love to know better.

I think their names are Carolyn and MaryAnne.

I gave away so many starts of a plant called Perilla.

I told them not come back and fuss at me when it over took their yards.

This is Debbie, she's the mother of a girl I used to work with at Pier One-Erika -

She's a blog reader and a true gardener.

So great meeting her.

Jan and Kara - I didn't get or I just don't remember the little boys name, but they were so much fun to talk to.

So much fun.

I still have theses two tied up in the basement....

No, no, no, no....there is no room left. I have Shannan and her family down there.

Ok, now - that is just creepy, so I'll stop.

This is Marilyn and Kim.

This is the Marilyn of Marilyn's Pies in Hobart.

I bowed to her when I found that out.

Oh my goodness was she cute and sweet.

Kim had a smile that lit up the whole garden.

I suppose now is a good time to tell you that my neighbors had a big fight right about this time.

They are quite a distance away - not like right next door - 300' or so down the road. Sound seems to travel out here. It was ugly, and embarrassing. The woman I was talking to at the moment looked at me - and I just said 'Oh I forgot to ask them not to fight today'

Sadness, really - breaks my heart to think of a home having so much turmoil.

Just when I thought it couldn't get no betta - here come 'da bus!

I was in a whirlwind of excitement. I watched it unload.

I don't know why I had the reaction I did, but I got so tickled and excited that I wanted to give everyone hugs.

I enjoyed them thoroughly.

A few of the bus gals emailed me and said my garden was their favorite.

It's probably because they didn't get hugs at the other garden.

I wanted on that bus.

I hopped on, signed some autographs (joke) and took a photo.

You can see how I completely captivate an audience.

I heard that the stars in Branson do this - get on the tour busses and sign autographs and meet the fans. It just seemed fittin'.

Let's talk about Smoking Lady now.

I must preface this story by saying - I'm sorry if you smoke and I offend you.

It's not my intent.

You must understand that cigarettes claimed the life of my mother, and so I just have this 'thing' about smoking. That and I seem to be allergic to it - as I get an incredibly sore throat, and if I'm exposed for more than a half an hour or so, I get an upper respiratory infection.

Plus, I just can't stand the smell - just can't stand it.

Smelling a cigarette in the garden is kinda like having someone poop in the punchbowl, or laying in a hammock and find a scorpion - it's just not pleasant.

Being the non-confrontational person that I am, I just stewed in my juices for a while.

OK friends, the tour is almost over - I'm not going to post pictures of the garden again, since you've seen it so much here - did I get a photo of the vintage aprons on the clothesline? Nope. Did I get a picture of the 'outpost' set up with quilt and blanket, vintage binoculars and bird books? Nope again. Did I get a picture of the table set? Well, shuck the corn, no I didn't.

Apologies.

I did however get a picture of the Ant Farm Glenco made.

It's the cutest thing ever - and it's sitting on a big ant hill on the nature trail.

Here's a photo of the nature trail. I'll take you on a guided tour very soon. I've been picking blackberries lately - it's so serene out there.

Glenco made a sign - we are calling it Milkweed Way - during the walk I noticed he'd put another sign up there too - I don't like that - but I didn't say anything - yet. I'm coming to realize that sometimes it's just smarter to keep your mouth shut.

Like when he started weedwacking during the walk.

There were only a couple people here, and he'd just repaired the weed wacker, so I guess he wanted to try it out.

My first thought was 'Who gave you crack?' - and then, I just thought - let it go Jayme, let it go. It only lasted a couple of minutes. Not worth the fuss.

This was my little bee display that I'd set up. It had my 'Adventures In Beekeeping' with some photos, my bee suit and tools. That darn bee suit scared me silly a few times when I'd catch it out of the corner of my eye early in the morning. It's a bit Grim Reaperish.

If there ever was a truer portrait of what I look like on a daily basis - I've not seen it.

I put my Billy Bob teeth in for Terry Smutniak's benefit, and I was laughing so hard, I couldn't keep them in right.

All in all, I had a fabulous time. People were very complimentary about the garden, some saying it was their favorite. A 'real' garden is what I heard alot.

Even though I don't garden for other's benefit - it's just an extension of my soul - it was nice to hear the compliments.

I put out a frame with photos and the house story.

I wanted to encourage people to never give up on their dreams.

My good friend Laurie stopped by right before the walk was over.

I call her LuLu.

It blessed me. She said she wanted to see it all 'staged'. She really gets me.

Did you think I'd forget about Fake Accent Lady?

Perish the thought!

I'm running this gal in the ground.

She actually took a blanket and laid down in someone's garden on the Walk and was asked to leave. She fussed at someone for talking on a cellphone during the Walk.

She didn't do that here - but only did this:

Like I said - I do believe it was a fake accent and that her head was cold on one side.

Bless her heart though- she's given me some blog fodder, and I constantly go around now saying "I can just feel it"

My next post will be about my day with the Farm Girl from the Flower Patch.

Can't wait to share her with you.

In A Tizzy

Good Morning!

I'm sitting here in a bit of a tizzy, not knowing what to do first.

I have so much to tell you, and I'm not sure how or where to start.

The thing about blogging, if you don't get it right out there, the story loses it's shine, and it's hard to write about it.

I need to tell you about Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday!

Each day has it's own dysfunction, wonder and fun.

Now that's a lot of blogging, and a lot of drivel.

This is going to be a long post-so for those of you that are kind enough to read it all, I thank you. For those of you who aren't - I totally understand!

You will need drink refills.

I'm just sayin'.

I know you are all riveted to your chairs, dying to hear about the Garden Walk - especially Fake Accent Lady - and the bus load of the nicest people I've ever met. With all this build up, I sure hope you won't be disappointed!

I need to tell you the Coop Happenings!

Bumblefoot, broodiness, impacted crops, new hatchlings, etc....

Seriously, never a dull moment.

And of course, my day with the Flower Patch Farmgirl.

Where do I start? Where, I ask you? Do I blog the whole derned week at once? Or do I try to do nice little cohesive blogs about everything individually?

It's 10am on Wednesday morning, and I'm sitting here in my bra and pajama pants.

Yep.

Aaron is on summer break, so here's only here a few days a week now.

It's so unusual that I find myself alone.

I'm a bit scattered, as usual.

You'll get a big insight into my personality when Shannan shares her Tastee Top story.

I think I'll tell you a wee bit about Thursday night, and then about Friday night - and then I'll do a blog next about Saturday and Sunday (the Walk), then I'll tell you about Tuesday (Flower Patch Farmgirl) and THEN I'll tell you about Monday.

And then I'll be plum worn out and close the blog, k?

Thursday - July something or another...2010

After receiving the 'Nod' from Terry, I felt free and happy.

It was raining on and off all day, so I just hung up the trowel for the day and went to the library, looking for my next big project, my new 'thang' and some info on goats.

6pm was the Appreciation Dinner at Gardens on the Prairie in Lowell, IN.

If you've never gone - you need to go.

I mean, go. Like in drive two hours if you have to - plan a day of it - just go.

It's so lovely there! I find the staff very helpful, Wayne is fabulous and there is just so much to see, so much to be inspired from and he has a great selection of everything.

Love that place.

And it's just a stone's throw from me, so you can visit me as well!

The ladies from the Garden Club not only garden well, they can throw down some grub.

It was reeeeallllly hot and humid, which makes it hard for me to eat, but I forced down two chicken legs, some corn pudding and dessert. I didn't want to appear rude.

It was fun talking with all the other home owners, and hearing there tales of preparing for the Garden Walk. One gal in particular reminded me so much of me, and said she'd need medication to get through it. One homeowner had a lovely sundress on and appeared so calm and collected.

I wonder what that's like?

I brought my camera to the event, but really didn't take many pictures.

Did I mention it was hot?

Humid?

I was tired, and busy talking.

We toured the Garden Center, and I became incredibly inspired, and do now, in fact, plan on planting twice as much - I think - I mean - I want to -

It's hard to see the fabulosity of Gardens on the Prairie and not walk away wanting to grow something.

Friday - July something or another 2010

The day started out early, and happy.

I was out in the yard by 6am, happily deadheading, final weeding, and beginning to stage things for the Big Show.

Aaron showed up at 7:30am ready to work, blesshislittleheart.

I was so proud of my attitude, and felt like 'this will be such a great example for Aaron - of handling stress".

My friend Sue showed up about 9ish to see if she could help.

God knows the right help to send.

Sue is very laid back, and was a great counterbalance to my frenzy.

Oh, I didn't tell you that I was in a frenzy by 9am?

Just a little one. It was short lived.

I thought I'd be all done by about 1pm, and I could languish in the bathtub and moisturize my leathery skin, perfume and pamper myself for the Pre-Walk where all the homeowners and the Garden Club members get a sneak peek of the gardens. I wanted to show up there like I'd been vacationing in the Caribbean, not slaving in NW Indiana. I wanted a sundress, and a hairdo and a calm collected demeanor.

Do you know that expectations can get you in a lot of trouble?

Selah.

Sue left about 1pm, and I thought - well, I'm just about done.

I just have to.....oh, and I just have to....and oh, ya, that - well let me just....

3:00pm

Aaron is on the computer messing with pictures.

Glen's on the couch watching DVR'd "How It's Made".

The Worm Farm needs to be carried out.

Now, I know none of you ever feel like this - like people should just be up knowing you need help, and standing in line to help you - I mean, they just know all that needs to be done, and should just do it. Right?

So, being the stubborn cuss that I am, I carry the worm farm out the house m'self. And I'm not too quiet about it. It's not that heavy, it's just awkward, and then you have the fear that 5,000 moist, wiggly, red worms could possibly spill all over you.

I pulled my back, or my butt muscle, or something. But ding dang it, I got that Worm Farm where I wanted it.

And then I cried.

And then I came in the house crying 'Why won't anyone help me? This is my final hour! Don't you realize how much still needs to be done? Why have you abandoned me?"

And of course they came to my aid. I did feel better once I released all the tension.

There was no languishing in the tub.

There was no moisturizing.

There was no perfuming.

I think I took a shower, honestly, at this point, I'm not sure.

My hair was tied in a bandana.

There may have been lipstick involved.

I was limping.

6pm.

We (me, Glenco and Aaron) were at Garden #1

I'm holding on to Glen so I can sorta stand up.

Fabulous garden, beautiful lawn, lovely home. Wow.

Garden #2

Again, limping - sweating -

An incredibly lovely home, mainly shade, immaculate new home, perfectly thought out beds - I feel my teeth bucking.

Oh Lord have mercy. I have a blue snap together pool in my yard.

I'm Garden # 3

I'm dying a thousand deaths as Wayne Gruber of Gardens on the Prairie tours my garden.

It's kinda like having Martha Stewart for supper.

He tells me he loves my garden and that I'm eccentric.

He's being very kind - or is it sympathy? I'm not sure.

He wants my photo by the camper and me holding a chicken.

This is normal for me - apparently - he finds it eccentric.

Maybe he meant eclectic. That sounds better doesn't it?

When I think eccentric, I think of a crazy lady in a shift gown painting bowling balls and feeding numerous cats.

Wait-maybe he did mean eccentric.

Garden #4

A gorgeous yard on a lake. A veggie garden to die for.

My tomatoes have blossom rot.

My zinnias in the veggie garden are mummified.

Why did I do this?

My teeth are still bucking.

Garden #5 is the Gardens on the Prairie which we saw on Thursday.

Garden #6

Ok - after seeing this garden, I can easily eat an apple through a picket fence.

Is this a joke?

I'm starting to feel like Carrie at the prom.

I can't imagine the time and money involved in this estate garden.

Weeds would shake at the root even thinking about invading this place.

I have to sit down.

My butt muscle is killing me.

Garden #7

I had a really hard time getting out of the car.

Where's my walker Pa? I'm crippled.

Then I manage to hobble to the garden.

Stick a fork in me.

I'm done.

A saltbox house that is perfect in every stinkin' single way.

Woods, shade, perfection.

I really want to know how people get things so perfectly manicured and clean.

How???

I'm going shopping for overalls as soon as I leave here.

There's chicken poo all over my house.

And a green baby pool with ducks in it.

A rabbit that's gone feral and is digging holes.

And a snap together big blue pool.

I didn't sleep much that night.

I really did worry.

My garden is so - how shall we say - um - not perfect.

All the crap is still behind the garage.

I have more creeping charlie in the lawn than grass blades. It almost doesn't need cutting.

Darn you, Lowell Garden Club!

Darn you Terry Smutniak!

Next post:

Saturday and Sunday - July something or another.

The Garden Walk

The Bus

The Fake Accent Lady, Smoking Lady and Fighting Neighbors.

What A Day

Read our thoughts:

The Coop Keeper: Oh, I hope that big flap of fat isn't showing on my arm.

Flower Patch Farm Girl: How close is she gonna get that chicken to my face?

It's gonna take a week to tell you about all the fun, and show you all the photos.

Suffice it to say, there weren't any hives.

There weren't any awkward silences.

There were laughs.

There was love.

There were new friendships being birthed.

She's all that and a bag of chips.

Stop the Presses

I know ya'll are so waiting for my big Garden Walk post, which will seriously take like three posts to tell it all - from Fake Accent Lady to Fighting Neighbors to Smoking Lady to The Bus - etc etc.....

Today I have spent the day cleaning because she is coming over tomorrow. I was nice enough to put a very flattering photo of her on my blog, and she's chosen an unflattering one of me for her blog. The lighting wasn't right, and the angle was bad. My lack of sunscreen is quite evident.

Didn't find out til just a day or two ago (I've lost track of time) She's one of my very favorite bloggers, and well, here's our banter via email from the last day or so.....

drivel alert - drivel alert - drivel alert - drivel alert - drivel alert - drivel alert - drivel alert

July 10, 20106:18 PMFrom: FPFG (Flower Patch Farmgirl)To: The Coop Keeper (TCK)
Subject: Don't have a heart attack

Are you scared yet?

This is very last minute, but what does your Tuesday look like?

Would you be at all interested in company for part of the afternoon? Or does that thought make you hivey? You have to be honest, Smarty Marty.

If this doesn't work, we'll figure something else out. Just thought I'd run it past you!

-Shanny Bo


July 10, 20106:23 PMFrom: TCKTo: FPFGRe: Don't have a heart attack


Shanny Bo

(do you like your new nickname?)

I'm sitting here now, catching up on facebook - the garden walk ended an hour and half ago - for today anyhow - oh my gosh I had a ball - met a few people that read the blog - SO freaking fun! One gal actually brought me bacon! How fun is that!?

Tuesday sounds fine and perfect! I'm taking Aaron out for breakfast that day, but we'll be home - who all shall be with you? I want to make sure I prepare - will you have lunch with me?

The garden will still be weedfree - so it's a good time to come! LOL NOW, I might not let you upstairs in the house - oh dear, ok, I'm getting nervous, but in a very good I can't wait to meet you way - so - come on over!

The weird thing - right now - I don't know what to do with myself. I need to water a little, and push the mower in the back yard a little - collect eggs - make sure the girls have water - stuff like that - but I feel like the pressure is off - and it's a good feeling - but a weird feeling -

: < >


July 10, 20107:14 PMFrom: FPFGTo: TCKRe: Don't have a heart attack

Oooh...Hoorah! I'm so glad you're not hive-riddled.

And I'm SO happy to hear that today went so well! To know you is to love you. That's what they all say. (You didn't know???!)

I'm trying to twist my mom's arm into coming up from Ohio on Monday, so she will likely be with me. And maybe Calvin and Ruby, but definitely NOT Silas.

Oh Lord have mercy, he is a handful. A really cute handful, but still. So I will happily take advantage of Cory's "relaxed" schedule and leave Silo with his daddy.

Two questions:

1. What would be a good arrival time?
2. What is your exact address?
3. What can I bring?
4. Promise me you won't stress and over-vacuum.
5. I am totally fine with not seeing the upstairs. I sort of dread when people ask for "the tour", because our upstairs is mostly disastrous.
6. What can I bring?
7. Promise me you won't stress.
8. My floor is covered in sticky rice right now, if that helps take the pressure off.
9. I just remembered how much you value a really clean home and now I'm nervous about the day that you come to my house.
10. I don't know how to count.
11. I don't know the difference between a question and a statement.

xoxo,
Gossip Girl

ps- Did you see that new Big Brother-ish show with all of the old bachelors/bachelorettes that's coming on in August?? I'm so all over it.

July 10, 20109:05 PMFrom: TCKTo: FPFGRe: Don't have a heart attack

Oh Shannahan - I might get all 'Misery' up on you and break your legs and just keep you here forever - cause:

1. You are adorable.

2. You make me laugh out loud - and not too many people can do that ...

3. I really need some help around here.

4. I love you heaps.

5. I'm scary in real life.

Of course I'll be over vacuuming and stressing and freaking, and cleaning the hot upstairs - it's ok, cause that is just WHO I am. You'll be disappointed in the 'real' house - the blog makes it look all wonderful and nice, and it's just a small house that smells of musty basement.

By the time you get here, I'll be an old woman (think of the photo) standing in the driveway with one flower. LOL - that's not really funny, but I'm just tired enough to think it is....

OK....

Arrival time - it don't make me no never mind. Anytime. You know I'm up early - I'll just be so happy to see you. I so hope your mom will come - please tell her I said so. I have baby animals that need her love.

Bring you (and no beets) I really can't think of anything you need to bring hon - what will the kids eat? I can plan on lunch, or just snacks - I suppose it will depend on what time you get here....

I can't promise I won't stress - in fact, this will be so perfect, cause I was just thinking today, what shall I stress about this week? : < >

Your rice dilemma does take the pressure off - but I trump you with smelly guineas on the enclosed front porch, and a yard sale chair sitting in an awkward place, and spider webs everywhere and windows that haven't been washed in a coons age - and a newly found wasp nest in a rotted bedroom window.

I'm not nearly as hard on anyone as I am on myself. Please don't stress WHEN I come to see you, which will be soon.

I have no answer for 10 and 11 - those are your issues.

Oh Shanny BO - I'm super excited to meet you and hope we will have engaging banter in real life. I met some people from the blog today, and it was INCREDIBLY fun - such fun peeps - so I'm thinking we'll be good, plus, I just talk alot, and even talk more when I'm nervous, and I know I"m going to be super nervous to meet you, cause I really like the online you. Plus, I may scare your children since I think they are adorable. I once told my girlfriend's four year old that I wanted to cut her up and eat her with a fork. It frightened her - I didn't mean it literally, but ....well........

You are still coming over right?

: < >

Are you talking about the Bachelor Pad? OMG - I'm so all over it. I've given up being embarrassed by watching such drivel - I can't look away.

July 12, 20107:53 AMFrom: FPFGTo: TCKRe: Don't have a heart attack


Well, I'm all abuzz over here. My mom is due to arrive here later today, so ready or not, here we cooooo-ooooome!

I imagine we'll leave here sometime around 9:00 ...which would put us to your place around 11.

I do not want you to be feeling like you have to feed us lunch! I could always pick subs or something up on the way over?? Let me know what you are thinking but I forbid you from thinking you have to do anything involved. We are EASY to please.

We'll probably plan to head back out around 3.

Or is that too long???

Ugh. I'm getting hivey!

Just kidding.

And woman, I had BETTER see vacuum lines in your carpets... that's all I'm saying. I'd better see 'em.

xo
Bo Bo

July 12, 20109:40 AMFrom: TCKTo: FPFGRe: Don't have a heart attack


Oh Ma Goodness - I'm so excited. So.

So glad your momma is coming!!!!

Guess what? I just woke up. Heavens, it felt so indulgent. The chickens aren't too happy about it, but they'll get over it. I hope I have enough eggs to give you and mom some, I've been giving alot away lately, and I'm not sure what's in the fridge.....

Speaking of eggs - do you like cucumber sandwiches? I love them and thought they'd be good since I have cucumbers ready in the garden, but the kiddos probably wouldn't like them much - are they coming with?

Do you like coffee? I thought I could roast you some beans today. Oh and make sure there is room in your car for the junk I have for you!

Let's see. OK - well this is my plan - I'm going to clean today - which seriously, I would be doing with or without you. I like cleaning. And it realllly needs it since I've been outside all the time lately - I am nervous about you seeing the house, cause that is how I am.

Depending on how tired I am, or how in or uninspired I am - I will plan a nice little lunch here for us - or I will treat you guys to the Tastee Top down the road - they have good bacon cheeseburgers!

Oh Bo Bo - I think we will be fine and talk non-stop - or we will be awkward and you will leave at 11:30. Time will tell!

Looking SO forward to your visit!!!!!!!! You do know that I'm taking pictures to blog about it right!?

I have to go vacuum now, the driveway looks dirty.

Marty



July 12, 20109:07 AMFrom: FPFGTo: TCKRe: Don't have a heart attack


I am SO pumped to see you!!! I already know I love you.

And I like the Tastee Top idea. (I also like cuke sandwiches...) But I mostly like the idea of you crossing that one thing off your list and who doesn't like a bacon cheeseburger?? But no way in Hidey Ho am I letting you treat! I just won't do it.

So here's the deal - We're coming. With 2 biggish kids. And a mama. And we will dine out. And I'll leave room for the junk. And we'll have a BALL! And of course, I'm taking pics, too. Duh.

Also - JJ's coming here on Wed. Holy Schmoly! I'm a lucky girl with a lucky week. And I'm so excited for mom to meet the both of you!

ps - My mom and I are both not coffee drinkers. The only coffee nut around here is Corco...but he doesn't count.

pss- He does count, I guess, but I'm mad at him right now... ;)


July 12, 201010:18 AMFrom: TCKTo: FPFGRe: Don't have a heart attack


Oh my oh my!~ I'm excited.

OK - no coffee beans for the bodofyous - but I'll send some for The Corkinator - and hopefully you won't still be mad at him (don't you hate that? I was mad at Glenco on Sat night). Do you have a grinder?

OK the Tastee Top it is! It's a cute place and they have pickanic benches out there, but it's also close enough to where we could come back here and still eat warm food. We could have a pickanic out in the outpost, or in the Squirrel - I'll have plenty sweet mint infused tea to drink and some sort of sweetness - a pie perhaps? A grunt? A betty? Or Shanny's favorite - a cobbler? Now if one was to make a cobbler for you - would one put sour cherries, raspberries, rhubarb or blueberries in it?

I will have to deal with guilt over not making you lunch. But given the fact that I'm crippled from yard work at the moment, and that my hands will work to the bone vacuuming today - I suppose it's only right that we eat out - and the kids will probably like it better. And I'm so treating. Just get that thought RIGHT out of your head.

I'm frightened for Calvini. I might frighten him. I have a cat named Calvin. I can't wait until they meet. I can't assure you that Rubilicious will not be traumatized.

Lucky you getting to see Jen tomorrow too!!!

I can't wait for the day that all the farmgirls are united. What a day that will be.

I'm going to go clean the toilet now. Please notice how clean it is when you visit.

Thank you.

July 12, 2010
10:22 AM
From: TCK
To: FPFG
Re: Don't have a heart attack


almost forgot! The kids can play in the Blue Lagoonif you want them to! Just pack their suits - it's about 3ish -4ish feet deep. I have floaty rafts.

xo

July 12, 20103:38 PMFrom: FPFGTo: TCKRe: Don't have a heart attack


I'll have them bring their suits! And as for the other question? Raspberries or sour cherries, but really, any fruit'll do.

Woot woot! We're coming, alright.


July 12, 20105:15 PMFrom: TCKTo: FPFGRe: Don't have a heart attack


Just back in from hitching up the wagon and going to town. I got some popsicles for the chitlins and ice cream for our cobbler. I'll surprise you with a flayva.

I'm so totally not stressed, it's crazy. Having such a fabulous day. Looking so forward to your visit! The garden already has weeds in it and I don't give a hoot! I actually just stopped at the garden center, believeitornot, as I'm already planning a new bed. I just needs me some money, and lots of it. I want to plant more trees.

Well - there ya go - you'll be here and gone before you know it - and what a tale we'll both have to tell.

Be careful driving.

Do you need detailed directions? Are you really going to ask ME for them?

Wear your seatbelt.

Tell your mother I might freak her out with how excited I'll be.

Two baby chickens hatched today under the brood machine AKA Phyllis. I'm so excited for Calvy and Rubles. They will have baby chickens. A good photo op, no?

OK - I have to go wipe things. Exactly how tall are you? Do I need to wipe the top of my fridge?

hugs a plenty

me