Quiet Saturday

51°f/10.5°C, overcast then rain later, leftovers from the hurricane whose name the newscaster have a terrible time pronouncing.

It was a stay- home day today as we waited for the rain. We had considered a run to Spencer for the Black Walnut Festival, but honestly? We were both just tired. So I did housework in the morning, and mucked about in the kitchen for the rest of the day. I canned the last two gallon cans of beans that were given to us, and did a few black beans because there was room in the canner. Then I priced things for the booth. 

I did get outside a bit and planted some small mums in planters, tidied up the porch, and enjoyed coffee on the porch before the rain started. It was just a really nice day.

We still have a few tomatoes from one Amish Paste plant in the garden that I protected from the deer with netting. Larry picked them and we have ripened them inside. There are a half dozen more in the fridge--a blessing, really, at this time of year.

I picked a couple yellow squash, and then a few flowers too, as the rain would have beaten them down. And anyway, who doesn't enjoy fresh flowers in the house?

The porch decorations make me happy.

More flowers...

Just too pretty! And very fragrant.

Last night's sunset.

A spooky picture i took on the way home from town yesterday.

Near Ravenswoid, a farmer has started harvesting his corn.

We went over the river to see if gas was cheaper at an Ohio station, since Ohio has suspended its gas tax, but I guess that station isn't bothering to lower their prices! I snapped this of a barge passing under the bridge as we drove it.

And now, a question: tomorrow evening there are two things I want to do, and I am so torn! So, which would you do?

A. Go to the John Prine Tribute at a Charleston brewery, featuring some good friends 

Or

B. Go to the WV Artisan Market and practice the Broom Dance with a local yoga group? I am a terrible dancer, but I love this dance! And they are going to do it at our next open mic.

So, which would you choose? Decisions, decisions.

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.

Friday Catch-Up

43°f, clear and dry. Our perfect Autumn weather continues.

We had some early morning visitors again. This turkey flock seems to show up every morning around 8:30, regular as clockwork. There are 12 in the group, and I think they may be this year's poultry, along with their parents.

Larry doesn't hunt turkey; we're both content just to watch them.

Breakfast today: English muffins spread with avocado, then topped with cheese, fried egg, tomato, and sour cream, along with coffee and tomato juice. Would have been prettier with some chives or parsley sprinkled on top!

Yesterday I buckled down and did a bunch of ebay listings, including these lovely milk glass goblets and several vintage paint-by-number pictures.

This one sold almost immediately. 

I also listed some crewel embroidery pictures I have debated about keeping, but in the end decided to list them. Need to downsize, I keep reminding myself!

 

While sorting out a tote we'd stored away a couple years ago, I found this fairy lamp. Prices for these are crazy right now; when I had this in my booth, it was priced at $15; now this type sells for around $80. Fads are so unpredictable. 

I have so many pretty plates stashed away! So a few of them got listed yesterday.

There are 6 of these, just so pretty,

But this little Limoges plate is my favorite of this bunch.

I worked outside in my flowerbeds for a bit, and was happy to see that the lettuce and kale I planted last week in tubs on the deck has already come up. I hope I can keep it going through at least part of the winter. I couldn't resist a pic of the hydrangea, still showing off.

Here a new bloom is getting ready to open:

this one is further along,

still further,

and past blooming, but still pretty to me.

Granddaughter Hannah has wanted one of these Tiffany-style lamps. They are another surprising fad among young people. I found this one for her at Goodwill the other day, in perfect condition. It really is pretty when lit up.

I fiddled around with YouTube long enough yesterday to learn how to blur faces, so here is the video of Ed Light at open mic:

And finally, relax time in my favorite evening dress. Not my usual plain style, but it's linen and so comfy. Another Goodwill find!

All for today. I need to get outside in the gardens, then we will be off to the farmer's market for eggs. Have a good day, friends.

All is Well

52°f/11°C, clear and sunny. Another gorgeous fall day on tap!

Well, the well is fixed. Thank goodness. Mr. Kay, the well man, came as promised. At first it sounded dire---he was afraid our pump had burned up. Pulling out a pump that is 730 feet down a narrow hole is a huge job. We had to do it once before, and it took days and many, many dollars to replace that pump. I cringe to think what it would cost today.

The problem was a water leak. We knew we had a small leak. Larry tried several times to fix it, and we contacted several plumbers, but none would come out to fix it. I guess that leak suddenly got much worse, splitting the pipe underground.  But we are all good now, and I was happy to have to pay only $325 for the repair. Whew. 

Barb, we did have water on hand. We keep about 10 gallons in the cellar, plus the Berkey water filter holds a gallon or more, and we had a couple buckets of rain water on the deck, so we managed to get through the day pretty well. But my shower this morning sure felt good!

Other good news is that Sarah is doing well, just very tired ftom physical therapy and of course healing. Her Mom messaged me this morning with an update, and thinks Sarah may go home today to continue her recovery.

Poor Larry had to miss the open mic to help the well guy, and wouldn't you know it was one of the best yet! Such a range of talent, and several newcomers, like a guy who played ragtime guitar, a young man who sang a few songs, and the most amazing jug band guy who showed up with a wild contraption and brought down the house. I have a video of him, but before I can pist it i need to figure out how to blur faces, because I caught a couple children in the video and don't want to pist their faces.

It was an absolute blast, and I was exhausted when I got home, but exhilarated too. I told the story of Wicked Jack, one of my favorites and perfect for this time of year. Here is a link to a version of the same tale.  I have never recorded it myself, but i wish I had thought to have someone do so last night. Oh well.