That Detroit Airport

Hello,

While waiting for the next flight that was to leave in two hours, I did some serious walking, visited with Leroy while wondering how we could still talk after spending so much time together, and read my magazine. Leroy finished his book and started on the magazine that I had finished.

We approached the desk when a worker came to it. We showed her our paperwork to get on this flight. “This flight is full with only one empty seat. Would you like to volunteer to go on a later flight?” she wanted to know.

I then explained that the last person had told us we could not volunteer again today. “Oh, yes you can,” she emphatically stated, “You could get a $400 additional flight voucher.

We decided to discuss it and get back to her in a few minutes. I was planning on working and I could still do that. Since I am the only one working in the night I was not comfortable missing at the last minute. Leroy had taken the day off.

He went back up and told her he would volunteer to be bumped for the later flight. She said, “We will wait till the last minute as someone else might not show.”

I am still amazed at how many people fly through Detroit to get to Cedar Rapids.

Before the flight the agent came over and gave me a seat on the flight, stating that Leroy might still get on and we might even sit together. I got on the plane and she said, “Are you leaving him?” and laughed.

At the very last minute a guy got on and sat down beside me. I knew then that I would not see Leroy again until almost 9:00.

Paula

In the airport longer

Hello,

We found our new gate, course nothing was happening as we had about three hours to wait. In the meantime that young guy told us he had asked for a meal voucher and the agent was looking for us. We got the voucher. Leroy managed to eat without spending more, but I almost spent half again as much.

Back at the waiting area they asked for people to volunteer to go on a flight that left about two hours later as this flight was full. Leroy and I decided we could wait another two hours so we volunteered for the $400 vouchers. We might get on, but would not know until the last minute. I planned to be at work, but could come late as my co worker would not leave until 5:30. It seemed that we might get on when a man meandered into the area and went on. Because Leroy was not working on this day it seemed fine that he could be the one who waited while I would head on. Again at the very last minute a woman sauntered up without any cares and loaded. We were both staying!

Another official worker woman came up to the desk and the agent asked if she would get our vouchers for us. When she checked our names she said, “You were not officially booked for this flight so I cannot give you a voucher.”

Crushed, not on the plane, and no compensation! That young guy was gone as apparently he had a seat secured, probably the last one available.

When the agent came up our helper talked to him. She seemed to be the boss. She told him that she could not write a voucher for us, when he said, “They volunteered.”

“They volunteered? How much did your offer them?” she wanted to know.

Upon learning the amount she said, “They will be here a long time, I will give them $600.”

She then proceeded to print copious amounts of paper which she stapled and handed to us with instructions, including the fact that we could get no more vouchers today.

If we had not volunteered we would not have been on the flight and we would not have gotten any bonus from it, just more wait time. Blessings rain down in the midst of annoyances!

Paula

In the Airport

Hello,

As we were getting off the plane, we learned that a younger guy, perhaps in his 20’s or 30’s also wanted to make the connection to Cedar Rapids. Inching our way down the aisle behind him, he told us that he would check with the gate agent about the status and catch up with us to let us know what was what. Did he think because he was younger, he would be faster?

We almost immediately found the departure board, learning our gate number; as anticipated it was about as far away as one could be. I saw a person who looked as if they worked here so I inquired about the fastest way to get to our far gate. “Go on the tram and get off at the first stop and walk straight ahead then turn right.” They helpfully said. The tram was overhead and we got on, before we left that other CR person got on. He asked our last name so he could tell the gate agent that we were coming. As the tram doors opened he took off with Leroy right behind him and I brought up the rear.

I have to admit that I was not as fast as those guys, but when I took the moving walkways I came close. “Excuse me, excuse me” became my favorite words for much of this journey. We were moving so fast that I was starting to feel breathless, but I could still talk. Leroy would turn to see if I were there. “Just keep going,” I told him.

We stormed up to the gate only to see that the door was closed. I sank into a seat wondering why I thought I needed changes of clothes or pajamas or other such nonsense. One of the hardest things is trying to move fast with a suitcase hanging off the end of your arms. Wheels help, but they are not the total answer.

The kid ahead of us got a printout for another flight that he could get on. We got the same slip, or I assume it was the same, however it must be noted that he was ahead of us. It talked about a flight at 12:30 or one at 8:10. We were all optimistic about getting on the 12:30 flight. How many people could want to go to Cedar Rapids, IA?

Paula

Trip Home

Hello,

We got up at the early hour of 4:00 am EDT. We were at the Metro in plenty of time to catch the first train to the airport arriving with extra time. For reasons that I do not know about, my boarding pass, that we had printed at Sarah’s house, had printed on it that I was TSA Prechk. The first person I saw wanted me to go in a different line than Leroy. When he started to move with me, she asked, “Are you together?”

At our positive response she said, “You can stay in this line because you, pointing at Leroy, cannot go in the precheck line.” Addressing me she continued, “You do not have to take off your jacket or shoes.”

I had forgotten about taking off my shoes when in the CR airport. The attendant told me I must it would only be for someone 75 or older. Do you suppose the computer thinks I have aged almost ten years?

Anyway I liked not taking off my shoes even though I had already undone the double knots in the ties.

We were so early we could have almost gone on the earlier flight that was going to Detroit. Later we started wishing we had done that. Our flight boarded on time, but we sat on the runway as something had to be fixed with the water line. Our connection was only 30 minutes in Detroit and we used at least ten or fifteen minutes getting that water fixed. I kept telling myself that it was not something we could control and we would figure it out. Also surely there was more than one flight per day to Cedar Rapids. The flight was uneventful, but we were sitting in the 20^th row. They did announce that people who had more time should stay in their seats and let others with close connection times depart first. That worked for the people closest to us, but those far forward people just went about getting their bags and moving off at their own speed. All of this time I am thinking about how to find the tram, running at top speed while hanging on to two bags. My adrenaline was working just fine as I could feel my heart speed up.

Paula

Tourists

Stephen took Natalie to daycare. Leroy and I walked Lexi to school, stopping in the precise place that she wanted us to. It was close to the building, but not in the building. We then came back home, gathered up things we wanted to take on our trek to the city center. Those things included a map, metro passes, money, courage, and expectations. Even though we had been here before it has been a while so the map gave security, metro passes allowed us to speed cheaply to our destination, money was added to the passes so we could get back home, courage is what I always need when striking out from memory and instructions., and expectations added that bit of edge to it all.

We did experience something new when we got on the transfer metro car, it did not go anywhere, but sat with the doors open. Someone did announce that we would sit for a while as there was some problem up the way. It took about five to ten minutes. When we told Stephen about it at night, he informed us that we have now had the complete metro experience as often he hears people complaining because they had to wait somewhere along the line.

As we got off the metro and were getting our street bearings a homeless man (I know he was homeless because his sign said so.) asked if we needed help. He was quick to spot the unsure, or maybe he even recognizes many people from daily exposure. He graciously told us how to go and it dovetailed nicely with what I had been thinking. We thanked him and headed off for a pleasant walk in the cool air.

Our first and most important destination was the MLK memorial which we had not yet seen. It impressed both of us. We were once again struck by the sensitivity and perceptiveness of this man. What gifts he was given to see the whole picture beyond just himself.

From there we saw mostly repeat monuments, but they were nice to revisit. That included the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War, Vietnam War, Vietnam women’s, and World War II. Another new one was the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was not so spectacular, but well done with the signatures in stone along with the printed translation. That translation was need for understanding some of them. They are grouped so those from a state are displayed together.

Leroy and I felt like a couple old people as my foot was bothering me and his hip was bothering him. We had to sit more than once because of that.

I think one of the honor flights must have been visiting as there were a number of even older guys, many in wheel chairs at the WWII memorial. When we came by on the return walk there were military from several countries in full dress uniform. Leroy recognized some of them.  That guy knows so many different types of things. It seemed there was to be some type of ceremony.

After all that walking, Leroy and I came home rather than go to a museum as we had originally planned. Besides it was time to go pick up Lexi from school. Where did the time go?

Paula

In DC

We are in DC. Our landlady rolled out of bed at the early hour and drove us to the airport in plenty of time. We were a bit mystified when we got to the gate area as there was no sign of our airline going to Detroit even though it was stated on the general board. Some people were already in the chairs so we sat too. Even at the recommended boarding time no workers were on the scene. Finally the flight crew came and that seemed like a good sign even though they also just ended up standing around. Someone finally came, but even then no signs turned on and we were actually boarded by being marked by hand on a chart.  It was late, but we still had enough time for the layover to find our next plane. I mean, “How big can the Detroit airport be?”

Then before we left the ground, the pilot announced that we would have to wait because they needed to de-ice the plane. It still seemed that time would all work out because we would have 45 minutes to make the connection.

After landing we were taxing around the building when the plane stopped rather abruptly. In a bit another plane could be seen going in front of us. Do those pilots just keep an eye out for others as they move around on the ground? Then we got to the gate and the pilot announced that there were emergency vehicles in the way. He would call the tower for an alternate gate. That took a little bit more time. He also commented as he started to move that emergency vehicles looked as if they were also leaving, but we kept moving. At the new gate we had to wait for the ground crew to get in place to do all of that work that they do.

My bag had been plane sided so I waited for that while Leroy went out to look for the next plane. Course it was about as far from this spot as you could be and still be in the airport. We were in Terminal C6 and we needed to get to A78. We started following signs and moving at the great Bradway walk speed with a little extra push. When we were about half way there I noticed that there is a tram in this airport. We had enough time to use the bathroom before we flopped into seats in the waiting area. “When we come back, I am going to figure out how and where to catch that tram,” I panted.

On the return trip we only have about 30 min. in the schedule. It seems like a miss if we are delayed on the first flight. We leave later and get back earlier. We are counting on being early enough that I can go to work. And then we are going to use the city buses to get to our house. Hopefully they abide by their schedules.

Lexi was quite excited to see us when we picked her up after school. We knew to bring our picture ID’s which they copied. Lexi went with us to pick up two year old Natalie who has not seen us in person since last Christmas. As it turned out Natalie saw me first and she just produced a bit grin. That webcam is a great invention for helping memory. As we were leaving, after once again have the ID’s copied, Natalie went into my arms, not eagerly or closely, but comfortably.

Paula

Packing

Hello,

I still have not packed. It is so hard to decide what clothes will feel comfortable. Then, there is my feet and how to comfortably shoe them. If it is too hot the Morton’s neuroma lets me know that it is still around. On the other hand it might be too cool for sandals all of the time. We only do carry on so it is a trick to get all needed things in especially if packing shoes. I figure that I can borrow some clothes from Sarah even if she is in South Africa. I am fortunate to have girls the same size that I am. Makes packing a little easier. No one has my foot size.

Yesterday we again went to the garden and helped to strip it of most of the tomato vines. There were enough tomatoes that I once again canned four pints and froze a small amount. Now I am done with that. Beans are also done. Yesterday I picked and pulled the rest of the green beans. We froze them because I created room in the freezer. I am not sure how many it was, but I would guess it was easily more than seven pints. We are well supplied for the winter. I love that save, well taken care of feeling.

We are getting a ride to the airport with our landlord as we need to be there earlier than the buses run. On the return trip we will indeed use the bus. Hopefully our plane will be on time, if not we will have to wait an hour at the airport. I did remind Leroy that was how it worked in Bratislava too. I believe we have gotten away from the waiting mentality. We must put a positive spin on it and contemplate life and the gifts we have.

This morning I visited with Nora. She called because her mother had a question about making cinnamon rolls. In the past Nora has just grinned while on the phone. Today she was talking so much that I thought for sure it was her older sister. It was great to have this time together.  Thank you to all those who contributed to this great technology that allows us to connect so easily.

Paula

Packing

Hello,

I still have not packed. It is so hard to decide what clothes will feel comfortable. Then, there is my feet and how to comfortably shoe them. If it is too hot the Morton’s neuroma lets me know that it is still around. On the other hand it might be too cool for sandals all of the time. We only do carry on so it is a trick to get all needed things in especially if packing shoes. I figure that I can borrow some clothes from Sarah even if she is in South Africa. I am fortunate to have girls the same size that I am. Makes packing a little easier. No one has my foot size.

Yesterday we again went to the garden and helped to strip it of most of the tomato vines. There were enough tomatoes that I once again canned four pints and froze a small amount. Now I am done with that. Beans are also done. Yesterday I picked and pulled the rest of the green beans. We froze them because I created room in the freezer. I am not sure how many it was, but I would guess it was easily more than seven pints. We are well supplied for the winter. I love that save, well taken care of feeling.

We are getting a ride to the airport with our landlord as we need to be there earlier than the buses run. On the return trip we will indeed use the bus. Hopefully our plane will be on time, if not we will have to wait an hour at the airport. I did remind Leroy that was how it worked in Bratislava too. I believe we have gotten away from the waiting mentality. We must put a positive spin on it and contemplate life and the gifts we have.

This morning I visited with Nora. She called because her mother had a question about making cinnamon rolls. In the past Nora has just grinned while on the phone. Today she was talking so much that I thought for sure it was her older sister. It was great to have this time together.  Thank you to all those who contributed to this great technology that allows us to connect so easily.

Paula

Garden Work

Hello,

I went to the garden late morning to pick more green beans and some tomatoes. With those tomatoes I was able to can another six quarts. I pulled up one row of green beans, stripping the plants of all edible beans as I did so. There are more beans than Leroy and I can eat before we leave for DC. I might even try to put some in the freezer. I can now take out some of the stuff I bought for granola as I know it will not be too hot in the attic and I can store it there. We have been so blessed with good food this year.

I will pick Leroy up at work and we will head to the Ely garden where he will stand on the ladder and pick some apples. The rest of the apples we hope will be still there when we come back from DC. However if not, not. We have had a great supply of apples.

It looks like I once again missed the low gas prices. How does that happen? At least the garden is more predictable.

I picked 12 great peppers when I was last at the Ely garden. Even though I gave two to the generous garden supplier, I think we will not finish eating all of them so I will also try to freeze some of them. I like to put them in many dishes. It is great to have that convenient supply of chopped veggies to put in a dish.

I talked with another neighbor this morning on my way to the garden. I am so happy to see people out and about as I am walking around. She was raking leaves. She was not into gardening, but said that she works in a place where they have a garden for children. The children are small so all they do is water, but that is a challenge. I am happy that they are getting the exposure. There may be some future gardeners there.

Paula

Bus Pass

Hello,

I now have a “City Bus Pass 10 Ride Elderly”. How on earth did I ever get to be classified as elderly? I have gradually slipped into feeling comfortable with the designation of senior, but elderly seems a bit more advanced. Leroy and I are going to try to use the buses to get back to our house from the airport. I feel saddened because we have gotten so far away from public transportation. It is almost hard to believe that I was so comfortable on it in Slovakia and could navigate with ease around Bratislava. What a waste of skill and talent.

Unfortunately the schedules are not so convenient for being at ones destination in a timely manner. I saw a large number of people at the bus station because it was a time when all the buses come in and people can make transfers. In Slovakia, however the number of people at such a spot would have tripled that crowd. It is a vicious circle. The buses do not run so much so not so many people ride. If more people rode they could provide better service.

I might be just giving a donation to the buses, but so be it I would like to encourage them to be efficient. I may just ride them a few times. Leroy also got the same ticket, but he is more likely to use it in the cold days. Although he tells me that it does not work so well with his work times.

I rode my bike the two miles to this spot so on the way home I stopped at the garden to see if I could find some green tomatoes for my neighbor. I realized just as I came to the garden that I had forgotten to put on my bike bags. My jacket had deep pockets so I filled them up. Then when I was riding it all seemed to hang from my neck causing strain and pain. But I got home and deposited the tomatoes on my neighbor’s front step where I hope he finds them. I have visited with this neighbor, but I only know his first name and have no real way of contacting him.

Paula

Chores Done

Hello,

I made my list and I’m checking things off. I have picked beans this morning in the cool crisp air. If we expected another week of nice weather we could pick once more. I have enough that I can can some pints. It is on the list.

Also on my list was reading email and writing some emails to

specific people. Crossed off. Now I am writing “the” email. Soon it will be off the list.

Then there is: take pictures off camera and put camera with pile of things that we will take to Sarah’s house. Exercise is on the list as is deliver the rest of the neighborhood newsletters. Then there is spend time with God and sew a tuck in my bra that is in perfect condition except is too big. Have I lost weight since I bought it? How does God fit in this picture? Oh that is right, God is in all of life, no matter what it is. Sometimes that concept is hard to accept or believe.

I should dust, but it is not on the list and I will not do it. I also should put on the list: read and relax a bit. Oh then there is soak my feet. I have a corn that is complaining so I am trying to get it softened up for extraction. I talk about soaking my feet much more frequently than I manage to remember to do it. It has to be on the list. Now it is.

On yesterday’s list was: put the comforter on the bed. Last night was blissful sleeping in the warm bed, especially because Leroy got in bed first and warmed up the bed, in a cool room. It is a great time of year.

Paula

Plants

Hello,

All large house plants are now inside. I was going to bring the small ones in this morning but it was so much warmer out that I just left them on the porch and deck to enjoy a few more days of the outdoors. They are debugged as much I can see anyway, pruned, and watered lightly. I expect to take clippings from the impatiens and the coleus. If I do not get that done before our trip my landlady assures me that she will do it for me. I did so enjoy those plants last year as the impatiens bloomed almost all winter and the coleus added another color to the environment.

Leroy again went to the community garden last night and pulled up all the cucumber vines. He took the garden cart over because it is easier to haul a large load such a distance. He almost filled both of our yard waste containers that will be picked up on Wednesday. Sunday afternoon we will probably again work in the garden. Then we need to work in the garden in Ely. I will go there after work on Thursday. For sure I will pick the last of the peppers. Maybe I will even pull a few weeds and tired plants.

Leroy and I have been asked to be in charge of the community garden next summer. Will we be here? Who knows? I think we are expecting to be here by the way we talk. However, our lives have changed on short notice from time to time so it might be something different.

My co worker did indeed show me how to get the book I borrowed from the library onto the Kindle. More of that learning. As she kindly said, “It probably would have been easier for you if it was your own and you were setting it up from the beginning.” I love kindness.

Paula

Learning, Learning

Hello,

I have borrowed the kindle fire from the library so I can learn something about it. I have learned quite a lot about it, but not what happened to the books that I borrowed from the library or the one that Leroy downloaded. It is as good as being in a vault at Fort Knox. For all I know it might even be more difficult to find those books than an entrance to the fort. I can do lots of things with this device, but apparently not borrow a book and read it. I will ask one of my co workers tomorrow. She has a Kindle and she surely knows what has happened.

Leroy had trouble watching a DVD that he got from Brian. The first disc would not work. I remember this happened before to a different disc. The problem is that he made if full screen and then the instructions are hidden from view. Once that was corrected all was fine. Play was there for all to use, just momentarily out of sight.

I do feel that I do know some things in spite of burning those apples yesterday. The pan still looks quite abused. Leroy assures me that he will work on it from time to time when he is feeling strong. I like this pan otherwise I might just eliminate it from our collection. It is the only one that is this size. Course I use it frequently.

I am going to work on debugging those house plants. It was quite cool this morning so I know that killing cold is coming soon. Or is it just teasing us once again?

Leroy tells me that he was quite sleepy during church. I was happy to be in the soprano section of the choir and not sitting by him. I suspect he probably did take a short nap. I did not have to poke him. Or even know about it and feel embarrassed.

Paula

What's Happening!

Hello,

Because of a special event at the museum, last night or yesterday Leroy spent a long day at work, from 8:00am to about 12:00am. He told me he would be home about midnight. I woke at 12:22 to learn that he was not yet home. I realized that I might not know until morning if anything were wrong or if it was just later than he thought it would be. I didn’t worry too much as I rolled over and almost slipped back to sleep when I heard the door open. It was great to have him arrive safely. He rode his bike as usual. I was a bit concerned about that because I do think there are more likely drunk drivers in the night hours. He reported that it was no problem.

I am still picking tomatoes, picking peppers, and watching soybeans. I even managed to pick enough tomatoes to can four quarts. I was saddened when I opened the canner and found that one of the jars had broken. Generally I do not use nonofficial canning jars, but someone gave me some and because I wanted to save these tomatoes I used them. I thought it would not matter so much when it was not in the pressure cooker. We buried those tomatoes this morning in the flower bed so hopefully they will contribute to the health of the soil.

I am starting to get my house plants ready to come indoors. We will be gone at the end of the month and it does not seem prudent to leave them out on their own with frost possible. It is the end of October after all. Getting the plants ready means picking off leaves, spiders, webs, and other hitchhikers. I have brought in three of plants. The others I have started to look through. Usually more webs show up if there are still spiders in residence. I like my plants, but they do crowd our living space here. I have the two big Christmas cactus that I will hopefully take to the school library and then collect when blossoms are set. Today I was wondering if I should see about selling one of them especially because I have no room for two in this apartment. Decisions, decisions!

Paula

Walking

Hello,

Leroy and I did our usual walk to church for a total of two miles. Then in the afternoon we participated in the crop walk which we believe to be 3K or about a mile and a half one direction. The crop walk started with cool temps and overcast sky. It was a good day to walk with a bit of head cover as well as gloves or hands in pockets. We headed out at a brisk pace. At the half way or turn around point it started to sprinkle which quickly became a bit more serious rain. Our walking companion had a small umbrella that she raised with a hint of flair. A few other umbrellas popped up. Some people just turned around and did not make it the entire way. That is fine as it was an unpleasant, cold wet rain rather than a warm summer refresher. Leroy and I ran (ok, ok just jogged) intermittently on that return trip. We were the first to make it back and we had even traveled the entire way. I think we made quite good time as it was only a 40 minute trek. I congratulated us as being not bad for people who do not run regularly and who are over 64 years. I even felt quite good.

I had been concerned about this walk because on Saturday my big toe started hurting when I walked. It seemed somewhat better Sunday morning. For some reason at the end of running it was fine. I must have hurt it and it healed? Miracles still happen.

Paula

Vacation Time

Hello,

Leroy is getting ready to use the rest of his vacation time. Two weeks feels so like so little when he has been used to four. It certainly narrows our options. Once in a while he complains because all we do with time off is to visit our children. There are many other places we would like to go, but hopefully there is still time in our lives. We had thought to fly out to Salt Lake on Thanksgiving Day, but Miriam called today to ask if we could come on Tuesday before because she and the girls have Wednesday off. We would not be flying back home until the Tuesday after because of the flying expense. Unfortunately all of them will be occupied on Monday, so not visiting with us. But Leroy and I can fend for ourselves.  Now we just have to decide if this is what we want to do.

On the 22^nd of October we will be heading to DC to help Stephen with the girls there as Sarah will be in South Africa. We will get to see her for a little bit on the weekend as she comes home on Saturday. How tired will she be? I would think quite a bit. But then maybe we can be some help with this and that.

At Christmas time, weather permitting, we might go up to visit with Brian, but only on the weekend if Leroy is not working on the Saturday. Leroy’s job is possibly over at the end of December, but he is once again hoping for an extension, certainly there is work to do. It is just a question of finding the money to pay him.

Maybe someday we can take a “real” vacation. I am not sure we know how to handle that. It has been quite a while. But then I forgot about the traveling around that we did the last time we were between jobs. That included a nice view of some beautiful spots in the western US. I was looking at National Wildlife magazine with advertisements of trips that they organize. I was ready to sign on the dotted line. Now where is the money for that?

Paula

Four Quarts

Hello,

I got four full quarts of tomatoes canned yesterday. I decided to puree them in the blender before putting them in the jars. That went fairly well, but sometimes I did not have them in the blender just right and they would not get down to the blades. A wooden spoon helped me out of that dilemma. Last night as Leroy was washing dishes he commented, “Something took a bike out of this wooden spoon.”

“Oh no,” I exclaimed when I saw the spoon, “We have wood in one of our jars of tomatoes.”

“It is probably ok,” Leroy said soothingly, “it is just cellulose. Surely that is good for us.”

If you ever eat at my house I promise not to use one of these jars of tomatoes. Leroy and I will consume them all. So if we don’t make it sometime you will know it is because of a piece of wooden spoon in our innards. At least it was clean wood.

I rode my bike to a store today. I could tell it has been a number of days since I have ridden because the seat felt uncomfortable. How did that happen? I will have to get out some more before the weather causes me to forget about the bike. My new helmet went for its maiden voyage. After adjustments it felt quite comfortable. I am having a hard time thinking of throwing my old helmet away because it is not broken as Leroy’s was. But then it is seven years old and the felt pads no longer work. It is time.

Paula

A day off

Hello,

I am not moving so fast on this unexpected day off. It should not be unexpected because I know I am working Saturday. When that happens I do not work on Tuesday, but somehow it slipped my mind until my co-worker commented that she would not see me. Grateful for the heads up otherwise I would probably be at work and then just coming home.

In spite of taking it easy I went to the garden this morning. Not to pull weeds or any of that type of work, but to harvest things. Leroy and one other person were at the garden last night for just that harvesting, but I wondered if some things had been missed. Indeed, I picked several tomatoes including some very large ones, hidden in the mass of leaves and vines. I even found two nice cucumbers along with one chili pepper. I cut off a few leaves of the strangest chard I have ever seen, one kale leaf, and two broccoli leaves. The broccoli leaves are an experiment to see if they are good. They look so much like kale why wouldn’t they be good tasting and good for you? I shook some of the soybeans and they rattled in the pod so I picked a small number. I figure Friday is going to be soybean harvesting day. We are blessed indeed by this garden. Leroy even picked four more green beans last night. Oh than there is the exquisite small pumpkin that I brought home because the vine had died. I could not leave it to perish with the others I saw being attacked by various insects.

Now what to do with all these tomatoes? I am out of quart canning jars. I do have some gifts of pint jars that I might use if I can find a good salsa recipe. Then there are the random “blue” jars that I have been avoiding because I wonder if they are too old to use. I will figure out something. I have been creating many dishes with tomatoes and that can continue. Leroy and I eat like kings.

Paula