This time it's applesauce

36 apples- all of which had to be peeled, cored and sliced before being dumped into my LARGE Dutch oven, with 2 cups of apple juice, some cinnamon, allspice and cloves, then, simmered for at least an hour.  Once tender, a large portion of the goop had to be pressed through Bruce's Grandmother's Foley Mixer, before being returned to the larger chunks of cooked apple.  I had Bruce test the batch for taste and consistency, and made adjustments based on his advice.  The hot applesauce was, then, spooned into clean jars, new lids tightened, before being immersed in a hot water bath for 25 minutes.  All that work... hours of work... for 2 quart jars, and 4 pint jars.  *sighs* 

Flowers of Fall

Sunflowers will forever remind me of September- however, I'm now adding a few more flowers into this Fall category.

Asters.

They are everywhere this time of year, and so bright and pretty.

And Coneflower!  I found this one hiding in my Butterfly Garden!  

but I still think my favorite... is Sunflowers.

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to me!
I'm now 53!
I'm grateful I got this far-
Life's been good to Merrydee!

Ok... poetry is NOT my forte! :)  but the sentiment is true enough. While there are things in my life I'd like changed (i.e. kids living closer- unlimited money source, absence of aches and pains, etc) for the most part things are pretty close to perfect.  I'm living where I want to live, and the way I want to live, working at a job I love (this year anyway :) surrounded by people I love (thank God for Internet and cell phones!).  I am happy.  And that's a pretty wonderful accomplishment for 53 years.

I had a wonderful birthday.  Bruce and the kids went out of their way to make it special. Bruce bought me flowers and wine, and the table was beautiful!

We had snow crab for dinner!  with fresh corn on the cob from our garden, and rice pilaf!  It was an adventure trying to get the meat out of the crab legs!  Bruce and I both commented on how much effort was involved in so little result! but it was delicious, and fun!

Per family tradition, I got wonderful "under the plate" gifts! So many, that Bruce had to use 3 towels to hide the plate!!! (handknit socks from the Farmer's Market, wine, candy, kitchen utensils, bubble bath, etc.)

All three kids sent thoughtful, "I know who you are" gifts, as well as all three of my sisters!  Friends and extended family sent lovely sentiments and wishes via the internet. I even got an "oh my goodness, you REALLY should NOT have given me that much" gift from a friend who knows who he is! *stares pointedly at Frank and shakes a finger!*

So, I felt very loved, and appreciated.  Thank you all SO much!  You're all the main reason I am so grateful for my life.

Here's to the next 53! 

*smiles*

Fishing

On a warm, Sunday evening, Bruce convinced me to put the canoe in the water and go fishing.  He did this,  KNOWING that I would bring my camera along, and subject him to numerous candid shots.  What can I say? The man is a trooper (or a glutton for punishment).

The water was calm- the air cool.  Seemed like the perfect time to catch a few perch, or bass, or maybe even Pike.

Bruce got the poles ready.

We started fishing.

I really enjoyed casting, and watching my cool lure wiggle through the water. Good thing, too... because I wasn't getting any bites.

My attention turned to the Osprey, flying overhead.  He wasn't having any better luck than Bruce and I.

I noticed the Great Blue Heron wasn't catching anything either.

But with scenery like this... who cares if you actually get a fish on your line or not?  We were out there for relaxation, anyway... and that is easy to come by out here. 

Eventually, the air grew cooler as the sun went down, and we headed back to shore without either of us getting a single nibble on our lines.  Oh well.  Just more incentive to get out there and try again.

Happy Birthday, Bruce

 

Bruce's REAL birthday, was Sept. 1- Wednesday.  I wished him Happy Birthday, and took him out to dinner

 My sister and brother-in-law sent him these LUSCIOUS chocolate dipped strawberries! which went a long ways in making the day special.

(Man! they were GOOD!) but other than that, we were waiting to celebrate when Cade came home for Labor Day Weekend. 

We expected Cade on Friday morning, but I received a call Thurs. afternoon telling me that Cade's car had broken down.  The mechanic said it was the wheel bearings.

"Can it be driven?" I asked. Cade informed me he'd already asked, and the guy said "Sure! Although, you run the risk of the back tires locking up... OR, they might just fall off.  Of course, they COULD catch on fire." *sighs*  Of course, we told him not to come.  It just wasn't worth taking a chance.

BUT Friday morning, at 6:45 am, I got a text from Cade.

  His friends were driving to Canada and would drop him off in Sandpoint, if I could drive up and pick him up!  OF COURSE, I could!!!  Woohoo! :)

Typical college kid... he was exhausted when he got home- so he took a nap. 

ALL of us were just glad to have him HOME! :)

Bruce had a great birthday celebration in the gazebo. Soy Sauce Chicken, cucumbers in sour cream (with cucumbers, and onions from our garden), homemade French bread and cowboy beans!  And of course, a French Silk pie for dessert!

We broke out a bottle of wine that Bruce loves....  It all tasted so good!

And after dinner, there were gifts...

The kids and I all chipped in cash to be used ONLY for the last two golf clubs Bruce needs to complete his set!  I think there may even be enough to buy him lunch while he's in Missoula picking out just the right clubs!

I hope Bruce felt special. I hope he could feel the love and admiration we feel for him. He is a very special man, and we feel so very grateful he's ours. He is very loved.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bruce!