It's Good!

It's so good to reunite with old friends -- even if they are your daughter's friends! Dawnee and her family came for a visit Saturday. I haven't seen her in probably 10 years, but other than us getting older it was back to old times. . .

Probably her most memorable statement while here was : Every thing is in the same place as it was before! (Dawnee, why change perfection? Besides, if I move things I'll forget where they are!)

Collin and Caitlyn are the most adorable little creatures! They loved the outdoors, going to the barn, riding on the tractor, swinging, and sometimes, when he wasn't too rough, playing with Tug. What was really funny about them, it was as if they had been here before! They went directly to the bedroom where the boys' toys are! I mean, right there! I loved having them here. . .

Of course, I had to bribe Dawnee to come with the promise of apple butter. I even made an extra batch so she could take as much as she wanted. Thanks for coming, and bringing your family. They are precious. . . oh, yeah, and Sydney, too, I guess, if he has to be!

On Sunday, Sarah came up and fixed lunch, assisted (?) by her daddy and his friend Ray. Then we went to the maple tree. It was really cool, so we built a fire in the chiminea (sp) and roasted hot dogs and made smores. That was so much fun! Being outside with family and friends, leaves dancing around, and eating! Why do "dogs" taste better cooked over fire? They just lips and butt-holes, they should taste the same. But they don't!

And then today, my mother's cousin came in from New York. Actually, he had been all over the country showing/training labs. . .and he stopped here for coffee and cake. . . I swear, I think he can smell a pie baking all the way from Kentucky to New York! Several times I have baked pies, and thought of him, and I'll be dern if he doesn't show up at the door! I mean, the pie is coming out of the oven and he's here! It's spooky!!!

But I love talking to Francis. He is so into genealogy; he knows more dead people personally than I do live ones! He's traced the Keenan family back to Ireland and has written a genealogy book. There's so much detail into writing that type of book, what with having to verify every date, name, etc. But it is fun to get it out and read. . . My grandfather Bates always said not to go back too far or we'd be kin to a democrat!

It's a joke around here to say "damn Keenan". That goes back generations! (and here it's pronounced Ke - nan, with the emphasis on the "nan". Rich folks put the emphasis on the first syllable; poor people on the last syllable.

Anyway, it was good connecting with the "long lost". . . now, if I could just get Jifner to come home for a visit!!!!! luv, mom/mrt

Submit Your Entry!

We have received about a dozen entries into "name that Cookie" contest. . . So far Uncle Duck is ahead with Elisabeth Rose. . . Mama and I both like it! You can submit more than one entry if you want. . . Cassie has entered a half dozen times. Actually, my favorite is "MRT Jr.". . . not really.

Other names are: Cassandra Keenan, Rebecca Ruth, Skylar Adelle -- those are the most popular. Elisabeth Rose is the best, according to Mama.

Little Boys are doing fine; some problems at school but they are being addressed. They have email addresses now, so I get to write them every day, but I also have to send them a letter each week with a dollar each. Ashton gets his dollar, too. I love them little fellers!

Made plum jelly yesterday and sewed. Gotta get a new sewing machine. The "teeth" are worn out on mine. Have to hold off tho because have to get house fixed and a spouse a new vehicle. . .

Guess that's all for now! luv, mom/mrt

Contest

This should be fun! Everybody gets a chance to name "Cookie", our little girl to be born in January. Let's see what we come up with! Tell everybody; we need suggestions! If your suggestion is chosen, you win! luv, mom/mrt

More Canning

I thought I was done. Used the last of my quart jars, all 9, and put up tomato juice. Gathered up some relish jars and canned 18 of applesauce. Bought a dozen pints today for jelly; spouse brought home jalapeno peppers. Got another 5-gal. bucket of apples (to freeze!). Then I'm done???

Talked to my boys in SC. They want me to visit so guess I'll go sometime this month. When I get the canning done -- again. I have a DR appointment and to play at a couple of churches before I can visit.

Sold my wrecked car (98 Malibu) to the insurance co. today. Spouse hit a deer last week and totaled it. It's gone, Jifner! Towing company is supposed to pick it up tomorrow. No word on house repairs (thanks to Ike)yet.

Made an applesauce cake today; it is goooddddd! Had to make caramel glaze, which added no calories, and it is, if possible, as good as blackberry jam cake.

Guess that's all. . . luv, mom/mrt

I had. . .

I had a really nice conversation with myself and tried to post it, but I don't know where it went. . .So, that's all. . . luv, mom/mrt