Really--Nice showers

Just thought I'd let you all know how happy I am to see the beautiful rain, falling from the sky. We had our first nice soaker on Monday p.m. Then again that night. Ged and Banj. had come to visit me, and I told them they should have come much earlier. Then we had another soaker Tues. night and early morning. Well, Wednesday it has been raining off and on all day. Still another nice soaker. Oh, how wonderful. Already the grass looks greener.

Evonne's had to pick Kyrna up at the NWA airport, so they all stopped about 2:15. Kyrna took doughnuts along from Canada. Had a cup of coffee with them and boy were they good.

It cooled off a lot today. Only up to 78o. We've had over 100 for a number of weeks. Almost need a jacket- but I refuse to get carried away over one day. Fall is on the way though. School starts next Monday and soon our Osage Gardens will look beautiful.















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Summer Vacation

No, I'm not crazy or even near going there. It is summer time, and summer time is for vacations. Well, I've decided to take one. I'm going to what you see in the picture. I'll probably stay a few weeks, because this terrible weather is suppose to even get worse next week.

So why be here, when I can go somewhere, where the breeze is cool--the scenery is green and the nights are cold? That all comes with the travel package.

Had to wait a few days, since last night we had a big, wonderful neighborhood party. All of the Osage Gardens, Terrace and the Heights were invited, plus all the neighbors across the street. It was a big deal--Tents- Live music--balloons--flags of all sizes--popcorn--ice cream--prizes--hot dogs and hamburgers--Pop of all flavors and lots of fun. The staff and employees all worked so hard on it. And the rain withheld for the evening and again all day today.

School starts around here on Aug.15. Cindy wants me to come out to Garfield and spent a few days with the kids. Last time I played WI games with them for 2 days. Was that ever nice.

I've not been a big fan of sunflowers-but earlier this spring the residence planted about seven planters with seeds. They are short, but they are blooming. The blooms also are small in size, but do you know what ?--they are BEAUTIFUL, and add so much to the gardens.

I've been filling the hummingbirds feeders lately. Earlier I saw one, and now they come all the time and drink and drink. They don't just flutter by for a quick sip, but really fill up. Also keep the bird bath full. Used every day and need a refill.

Well, if you need me, I'll have my cell right next to me. I'll just stay cool and feed. Love Mom

Baseball

If it were not for TV, baseball-basketball and golf, I'd dpppppppppump the thing in the trash. You know? There is very little worth watching any more. Of course there is still Jeopardy--Wheel Of Fortune--News--Church programs from Pensicola Fl.--etc.

I can get all of the Cardinals games on channel 39. They just finished loosing 2games to 1 against the Cincinati-Reds. Tonight they don't play but I will be able to watch the Twins instead. Then Tues. they play a few games against the NY Mets. I'm glad I can sit in the cool living room instead of playing out in the heat and moisture.

I had my eyes tested. My left eye needs more adjustment than the right. Picked out a new frame. Hope you all like them.

Went to see dad this morning. He was doing well. We had a cup of coffee together-he smiled and laughed some. Ready for bed before the hour was up, so I just left.

Stay cool.

Heat

The result of this heat is even affecting us at the Gardens. We don't supply the world with food, but we do supply our little world her with beauty. We have a sprinkler system, but also do a lot of water can watering on all the annual planted plants.

It has been in the upper 80's and upper 90's for the last number of weeks now with no relieve in sight. I do under stand we are already in the "Dog Days" (what ever that may tell us) but even the nights start out in the morning in the lower 80's.

I'm really not complaining for I never had it so good as here. If I'm cold I turn the temp. up. If I'm hot I turn it down. Don't have to worry what the electric bill will be.

Really, it is all very pretty yet. We have tables and chairs on the garden patio, which I sit at often drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the goings on. The other day it was so cute. A baby robin was learning to fly. He had big intentions, but each timed he tried to make it , the furtherest he could make it off the ground, was about 12". By now I'm sure he's accomplished the trick.

The garden is doing well. We got about 8 ripe strawberries this year. (first year planting). The squash-tomatoes and peppers are all blooming and getting produce on. We did get a late start with the planting, because we didn't get stuff in the ground before all the rain in Mar. The neighbor did and you should see his garden. Beautiful.

All is going well. Will go see dad again tomorrow. He had a wonderful birthday week.

What is it?

Boy- do I have a lot to be thankful this week.

Ged has been very sick but is recovering nicely. Thanks for good surgeons.

Evonne came and gave me a hair cut for the summer, and gave me a perm. A good one also.

The flowers and vegetables in the court made it through the oppressive heat this week.

No bad news from any of the family.

I could hear a lot better than the week before, because a a big gift from my dear sister in law.

Our health is holding-etc-etc.

But last night a prayer was answered when it lighting -- thundered and rained. Boy--does rain make a difference on things instead of watering. Every thing looks so good this morning.

Nothing else world shaking. Love you all.

HELP

Something is going on in the garden. Two days ago we planted 4 pepper and 4 squash and 4 tomato plants. In the evening after supper I checked the garden and flowers and all was well.

In the morning I checked the garden and flowers again. Guess what? All the leaves on 2 of the peppers where chopped off and lying on the ground. Not eaten, mind you, just chopped off.

Last night I covered the 4 pepper plants with plastic containers. This morning, guess what? 3 of the squash plants were stripped of their leaves and lying on the ground, uneaten. What is going on?

We put a wooden pencil by the tomatoes plants we set out this week so the wind wouldn't crack them off. We had one pencil left over so staked it to 1 of the squash. That one wasn't touched. May have to try putting a pencil by each plant, and wait and see if it works.

Some residents think it is the bird-some say squirrels- others say a bug. I say--let the night shift stay out there at night and keep watch over the garden. It only happens at night. Got any idea? The plants aren't dead, so they will come back but sets the garden back that much more.

Vacation

I'm getting very excited about the upcoming few weeks.. I've ever gotten another canker sore. I'm already packing. In that way, if Cindy decides to leave earlier, I'll be ready. I know that won't happen though. She works on Thursday yet.

I am sure I will lose sleep over all my important decisions, about what to do before hand and what I should pack. I plan to visit a few friends, plus relatives. Lois even wants to go to Allen Neb. to see Joyce French. Henrietta wants to take me to Sheldon to some new -big greenhouse. Lyde Vande Stowe wants to have coffee with me also. She had another back operation and hasn't been working for some time. I believe she is planning on retiring. I plan to see Wally's lot in Maurice. I know it is close to dad and Mon's plot. Also want to see Viola's and Nellies resting places.

Then -I can't wait to see the Altena's and all the graduation celebrations. That of course is the high point of the whole vacation. Plan to pester them for a few weeks. (Sorry I mean days.) Must see all her new painted rooms. Of course I'm anxious to see all of them also.

If I enjoy everything as much as I did the trip to Bellville, Il. ,I will be a total wreck in a few days. That was so nice. But I know I will. I already have a mind set.

Must close and go to the church services. See everyone soon. "Are We There Yet"