Onward We Go

70 this morning, foggy as can be. The heat has not been as bad as predicted; in the upper 80's instead of the mid-90's. Very humid, with a few afternoon showers each day. Excellent growing weather.

And that's the weather report for the week! I am grateful for the rain, and the fog and heavy dew have also contributed moisture, so we are making up for our July deficit.

We put up another 20 quarts of applesauce the other day, and more tomato juice. I made peach and raspberry jam with the peaches from my son's house. They had quite a bit of bad in them so jam seemed the safest idea. Larry dug the carrots and got quite a lot, so Saturday I'll be getting those in the freezer. He also has another huge lot of tomatoes ready but those too will have to wait til Saturday as I have booth work today. More juice, I think, since we are well stocked on all other tomato products.

Other than that, life goes on as usual here, nothing exciting to report. I've been painting furniture again and have three pieces in progress. Larry is working on a Hoosier-style cabinet, trying to repair the roll-up door, He's had good results repairing these in the past, so we shall see.

The explosion in Afghanistan has made us all so sad, hasn't it? And frustrated. What response can the US make now that we're leaving that war-ravaged place? I am heartbroken for all the families who lost their Marine yesterday. It's beyond bearable. I can only hope and pray our country will think hard before getting involved in such a war again. 

But there are good things in this world too. I enjoy reading posts from Humans of New York on Facebook, which tells the stories of some of the remarkable people who inhabit that city. I am sure any place in America could tell similar stories about its people. Which gives me hope for the future. There are good people everywhere, despite news that makes us think otherwise. I think of all those who rush to help in emergencies, and not just the paid first responders--just ordinary people who see a need and jump in to help. God bless them all.

I was so happy to read all of my cousin Julie's reports about her mother, my Aunt Grace's 100th birthday. They live in England and I had really wanted to be there for this big event, but Covid put the squash to that plan. But it looks like Aunt Grace had a lovely day--week, actually, as she had visitors all week. And of course got her card from the Queen! Stealing my cousin's photo here. Isn't Grace lovely?

Well, off to pack the van, so til next time, stay well, and enjoy this day, and pray for our military people everywhere.

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

Covid Journal, Day 8: Aunt Grace, An inspiration

39 this morning, but the sun heated things up a bit. A pretty day.

I asked my cousin Julie in England if I could share her news about her mother, my Aunt Grace (who was my mother's sister).

If you recall, two of my sisters and I went to England this summer to see Aunt Grace and celebrate her 98th birthday. This is what Julie had to say about how Aunt Grace is coping with the coronavirus threat:

Aunt Grace, being her usual feisty self!
At 98 plus years, she still lives alone and manages quite well.

"Happy Mother’s Mum!

What a very different one it is too! No taking gifts and cards; no stopping by for tea and cake!

I have had a cold this last week (no cough!). Pretty sure it’s not the virus, but to be on the safe side I’m keeping out of everyone’s way as much as possible, and that includes Mum of course. We delivered essential shopping to her door earlier this week, and I am exchanging many phone calls each day, but it’s not the same. She decided to go into ‘self isolation’ about 2 weeks ago, stopping all visitors except me, typical that I should then get a cold, but I don’t remember the last time I gave her a hug, let alone a kiss...or even sat near her, so I’m hopeful I haven’t passed this on! She is of course of the WW2 generation that learnt how to deal with a crisis, and her 6 months of ‘social distancing’ when she had TB in the 1940’s and her 5 weeks of isolation in the fever hospital when she contracted scarlet fever in the early 1930’s, means this is not a totally new experience. She is bearing up very well.

When I told her I was going to post this she said to give you all her love and hopes you stay safe and well."

What an inspiration Aunt Grace is. She has seen many things in her life, from the death of her father when she was just a girl, to scarlet fever and TB, World War II...she is a walking history book. Now here she is, facing this newest threat with a smile on her face.

I think this might be a good time to sit down and write an old-fashioned letter to her. And I will hope that I will be able to return to England for her 100th birthday.

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

Finally, Home and Back to the Blog

What a time we had! My two weeks and a bit more in England were filled to the brim with adventure and excitement, and even some family visits.

So let's start with the family. One of the main reasons my sisters Judy and Theresa and I went to England was to be there for our Aunt Grace's 98th birthday. We also met up with these two:

Those who read my cousin's blog By Stargoose and Hanglands may recognize the men in this mug shot as my cousins John Hagger, author of the Stargoose blog, and his brother Les who is often his tramping companion. We spent a nice afternoon with them. More about that in another post.

And here we are with our lovely aunt. She was determined that she would fix and serve our tea, and she did!

Our cousins Julie and Bob were also on hand for the celebration.

There was a lovely cake, and Aunt Grace had such fun opening her gifts. I brought her chocolates, a card and the "Birthday Girl" badge you see in the above photo. She loved it.

We had a good conversation with Julie, our English family historian and genealogist, and I was glad to catch up with cousin Bob and all the news of his family.

It's funny how even though it might be a few years between visits, we can pick right up where we left off with our English family. I only wish the ocean was not such a big pond to get across beause it would be so nice to see them--and the many others we missed this time--more often. But as my mother often said, if wishes were horses, we'd all be riding. So I am grateful for the time I get to spend with them. And I plan to go back for Aunt Grace's 100th birthday, when I am sure she will still be serving the tea!

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