The Apple Tree is in Full Bloom...

These days,  one moment the sun is out and the next minute it is raining,  or hailing.  It is Spring in Kitsap County,  and all the newly budded trees,  flowers,   anything green  is becoming greener by the minute!

I've planted my first crop of carrots, radishes,  and lettuce.   Ken planted peas beyond the chicken house and pen.   I have herb starts,  as well as cucumbers under the light in our plant nursery growing big enough to get a good start when it is time to transplant into the garden.  I will be planting more starts of peppers,  eggplant,  zucchini,  and cilantro today and adding them to the nursery.

AND, the apple tree is in full bloom!   I am adding a photo of it here.   The lilac bushes are loaded with blooms too.    Can't wait to smell that wonderful fragrant scent in the air!  I love these spring days .   Each and every one is precious and memorable.  Living each moment    and savoring each is important these days to me.  My days of feeling really good are limited until I get that new kidney. I constantly keep smiling and stay positive.   I have no other choice.   I thank God every day for the good things and good people who surround me.   These gardens are paradise in spring and summer. I love every minute of it. I love you,  Kenneth Kaiser.

Winter Apocalypse

Tree boughs from the huge fir trees
are hanging low; loaded with heavy snow.  Birds are thankful for the bird feeder, flitting back and forth to feed from their hiding places in the firs.  We've been snowed and frozen in for 2 days.  Waiting for the big thaw from our Winter storms, snow and ice!  Mail has only been delivered one day this week and, if not for the internet and cable and of course the power,  we would surely not feel comfortable with being snowed in!
Ventured out today.  I've uploaded some snow pics.   it's not advisable to be out on the roads without chains or 4wheel drive.  Well another day finds us in full melt.  It looks and feels like it is raining from the huge fir trees.  Power went out early this morning and came back on in 3 hours.  We are fortunate to have our power back on so quickly and hope that we dont lose it again.

Wintertime in Kitsap County, Washington

All the excitement from the holidays is over, though we have tried to stretch it as far as possible! The days are grey and dismal with a few peeps from the sun now and then and lots of gentle rain included!

Some of our favorite birds are still visiting the bird feeder; the ones that winter in our area. Thank God for that little bit of cheer in otherwise dim, winter days.

I really suppose I should be starting my 3x weekly trips to Olympic Gym to get my body in shape for my upcoming kidney transplant. It could take a 2 to 5 year wait without a live donor. Sometimes I feel like the 'little engine that could' slowly moving forward, never mind the feelings of fatigue and illness. No matter what, I try to keep that 'glass is half full' attitude. It doesn't seem to be hard to do that most of the time, except that it seems so slow sometimes.

My daily regimen includes 9 hours on a computerized 'night cycler' while I sleep at night. It is amazing that it is this that keeps me alive, keeps me wanting that glass to be half full. If I can keep up this attitude, the winter will be fading to a lovely, lively Spring, a new spring in my life!

I was honored to watch my wonderful Son graduate from Southern Methodist University in Dallas on the 17th of December,2011. I am so proud of his work, his inspiration, and curiosity for learning, and his stamina to finish. It only took him 16 years taking a few credits per semester! Next comes the graduate work and who knows where his future will take him.

My lovely daughter, son in law and two grandsons made us feel so welcomed during our visit to Texas. I am so proud of both of my beautiful children.

I got to see my sweet grandaughter and her husband too.. She is growing up and settling into her work and relationship so wonderously.

Last, but not least, by any means, is my wonderful, loving, nurturing partner, Ken Kaiser! No one has made me feel more loved than him as he is always by my side, no matter what my cross is to bear. Thank you so much God, for my wonderful family and my loving friends! This life would never be complete without each and every one!

Happy Winter Days to all! xoxo

Fall and the rainy season are arriving.....Harvest Moon

As I sat on the bench in our front yard under the fir and alder trees, a squirrel scampers from tree to tree, teasing our blue healer, husky mix, Babe. Leaves blow and swirl around in the cool air as the sun steams through the branches on the trees. Now, along comes Poe, our other dog, a sister to Babe. Poe growls and bullies Babe to get her to do what she wants. I yell at Poe to stop being so bossy. Time seems to slip away as I daydream in PEACE and enjoy my surroundings and all the animals that form creation in our 2-1/2 acre yard. My late planted garden has sprouts of mesclun, radishes, and carrots peeking through. I am only hoping we get to harvest before the sun disappears and the rainy season starts. I gaze into the beautiful blue gazing ball in this part of the yard, reflecting all manner of shapes and lighting around it. I've always loved gazing balls, but prefer the reflective ones so much more -- a symbol of the reflection of our thoughts and feelings surrounding us. I hear we have about one more week of this lovely weather, but who knows; the weather man certainly doesn't, or doesn't seem to, anyway. For now the fall air is so refreshing with the promise of a beautiful and colorful season. I breathe it all in and am thankful.