First Sign of Autumn

We are still rather green for this time of the year thanks to the rain we received in August and September and the rather cooler temperatures. We've had a rather nice entry into the next season. One of the very first signs of fall in my little corner of the world happens to be when the Tupelos (a variety of gum tree) start to turn purple. This tree is on the front of our property. Oh! I see some yellow across the road!

I look out the bathroom window every morning looking for signs of color in our pear trees. They are dropping a few leaves, but still have no 'color.'

I have signs of spring in my yard too. The small greenery between the border and the soaker hose are baby bluebonnets! They will be beautiful in the spring when they bloom.

Fabric Stash Closet

I cleaned it today. Not completely straightened out yet. There will be no new photos! But this is what it looked like when I first loaded it up. I have more fabric now...imagine that! ;o) Less batting and polyfil stuffing.

September is Almost Gone!

Where has this year gone?! I haven't accomplished anything. Quilt still in the frame...since April 2007. I want it out, but don't want to sit and finish...just have three rows to go. I did get the ironing (yuck) completed so I can see the quilt again. I tend to drape DH's shirts over the quilt frame as I take them out of the dryer fully intending to attack them before the day is over. I don't think I've ironed since before we went on the cruise. LOL It's a good thing that he has some perm-press shirts hanging in his closet. My philosophy is...he was ironing his own shirts before we married...if he gets down to his white t-shirts, he can start ironing again. ;o) I ironed...but only because I purchased a blouse on clearance at Dillard's that has to be ironed. The quilt frame is cleared off. I need to tilt it to a working position and "git 'er done." Perhaps tomorrow.

That blouse from Dillard's...I gave $14 for it. I didn't pay any attention to the original price until I cut the tags off. $59!!! That is fifty-nine dollars!!!! For a blouse!!! Made from cotton with buttons up the front!!! What is this world coming to when a b l o u s e costs that much money?! No wonder I made those blouses a few years back...

I also haven't gotten to ride my new bike either! It's almost one month old, and I've only put 38 miles on it. After riding that day, Hurricane Ike did his thing. Then I worked a 40-hour week at the public library while the librarian was on vacation. (Small town, one-person library.) It nearly killed me. It's been five years since I put in a 40-hour work week...at least one outside the home that actually paid. This past week I have had a monster cold. I spent most of the week sleeping. Thursday was a good day; Friday was horrible - again.

On the positive side, I have been knitting a second sock...to match the one I finished last spring. As soon as it is completed, I'll make a run to the library for some audio books...she got some new ones in...then get back on the quilt. The temp this morning was 60 degrees! I may need it to add to the covers on my bed!

Son Has Power

How do I know? He left a comment on my Scuppernong Jelly post that he'll take some jelly along with the salsa! LOL

He finally gets to sleep under an air conditioner!! Praise the Lord!

Son and Friends are Safe

They lost a tree in the front yard and I think he said the fence in the back. But, nothing hit the house. They will go over to 'their' house later today to check for damage. With no electricity and no way to recharge the cell phone battery, I'm trying very hard not to call him too often!

Scuppernong Jelly

My "baby" brother, Joey, gave me a batch of scuppernong grapes. This is the result. BTW, here in Texas we say "scuppanog." This stuff is so delicious. We've had buttered toast (homemade bread) the last two mornings for breakfast just so that we can give it a good thick smear of jelly.

I tried to show how clear this jelly is, but my photographic skills are just not at that level.

In case you don't know what a scuppernong grape is, here's a website:

http://southernfood.about.com/library/weekly/aa091998.htm

Joey in 1964:

Ike Update

The little girls left with James' parents and headed north. The grown "kids" are going to hunker down in the parents' home. I will be on pins and needles until it is all over!

Blessed

One of the songs I have on this blog is Martina McBride's Blessed. http://www.martina-mcbride.com/lyrics/blessed.shtml

Jonathan, my 24-year old son, called while I was cooking supper. He shared his enthusiasm for my bike with me (confessed that my gravel driveway was squirrelly for a motorcycle rider). He also shared his hurricane Ike plans...as long as it continues on its current path and intensity, he and his friends will hunker down with James' parents. That ought to be an exciting adventure! James and Sarah with their three little girls, Jonathan, two birds, and I don't know how many dogs! It could turn out to be quite a circus!

Then, after the supper dishes have been cleared away, I sat down here and listened to Blessed. And, I am.

I Have a New Toy!

Look at the bike, not the person with helmet hair and no makeup!! (Don't worry, I ride with long sleeves.) That's Sam's bike in the background. Don't they look good together?

Saturday, Sam and I went to American Eagle Harley in Corinth Texas (great deal!) for my new bike. I've been looking at second hand...somewhat smaller bikes, but this is what he picked. Took it out for the first time this morning and rode over 30 something miles...had to wait to get insurance on it.

Our driveway is steep (to me on the bike anyway) and gravel. Once I conquer the sheer fear of maneuvering down it...I'll be alright. And, I have to be mindful of the heel shifter. I put my heel down on it right to start and started off down the driveway in 2nd gear...well...not really down the driveway. I took a detour into the yard first. Stopped. Got off. Sam got off his bike, walked over and turned mine around...put it back where I started. I got on it...and did it right that time. Coming home from the 'other' direction. I overshot the driveway! LOL Stopped. Put it in neutral and duck-walked it backwards...oh, Sam got off his to help me keep mine upright. He asked, "Want me to take it up for you?" Anyway, that's what I heard. I said, "Sure." Well, he turned it into the driveway...just where it starts. Got off. Damn! (Oops...darn...well, never mind. I'm a Harley chick, and I can cuss now.) I got on it and rode it up the drive. Eventually (LOL) stopped it where he wanted it to be so that he could get them both in the garage. Mine goes sideways in front of my car (Sam made a gadget that can be moved and placed on the garage floor beside the bike...when I pull my car into the garage very very slowly and lightly bump it - the gadget not the bike - I apply the brakes and stop...so far so good). Sam's bike goes between the car and the pickup.

He'll be out of town tomorrow, so no riding...then I sub at the high school Wednesday. I really need to ride every day to keep my courage up! The last big bike I rode was over 25 years ago...Ron's (first husband's) Honda 750...and I never rode it very far - just from our home to my parents' or the other way around...five or so miles.

You know, remembering, foot brake-clutch-shifter to first or neutral-handbreak- left foot down when stopping is rather taxing on one's brain! Are you praying for me?! If not, would you please?!