05 June, 2020 - Sun Dogs & Muffins
Dear, Mom -
Sigh. I have not got any of the creative projects done that I hoped I would by now. I have a list, believe you me! I still have to finish my friend Aaron's baby's 1 year birthday quilt, carve two spoons no later than the end of August, make a set of Korean "Stop-Go" greeting cards, etc. Those are at the top of the list. There are definitely more things than that. I think all the time I have been putting into getting the yard in shape for the summer has taken all my will power to get creative when I have some down time.
I was going to get the mower out and get the yard down before the rain, but the rain beat me to it. I went inside because I had a feeling it was going to start pouring. I was right. In about 15 minutes, it was really coming down, then *THUNDER CLAP*! Poor Elsa the dog ran into the kitchen with me and hid between my leg and the cupboard. She is very sensitive to loud noises like that. Especially anything that sounds like an explosion, gun, firework, or mower. Luckily for her, she was easily distracted because I was making some dinner and muffins. Food is a great tactic to get her mind off of most anything. I wish it worked more around the 4th of July. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this year she is going to have to be sedated through most of the night. We were supposed to go camping this year to get her out of the city and all the loud pops and bangs. I don't think that will be the case as most of the campgrounds are closed due to the virus that is going around. I had booked the whole week surrounding the 4th of July off of work so Elsa dog wouldn't have to suffer. People in our neighborhood are relentless for about a month with setting all kinds of things off. There is no consideration for wildlife, pets, or veterans. It's a waste of money, in my opinion. I don't have anything against some sparklers for the kids and some fountains, but all the loud bombs and literal firecrackers sound too much like warfare It is hard on animals and people who've experienced war. Anyway, it's a sensitive subject since I have to see animals suffer every year because of other people's lack of compassion for their neighbors.
So, the rain was really coming down and then the sun was out while it was raining; a sun dog! There have been so many crazy weather anomalies lately. I love to see the sun through the rain. It's so pretty. I remember that used to happen in Milton-Freewater a lot. Hmm.
After the storm rolled through, I got a video call from Kim and Ward. It was so nice to hear from them. It had been a long time. We talked for over an hour. I decided I would go get Kim a flat of strawberries from over on Sauvie Island tomorrow so she can make jam. It is just across the bridge and a couple miles north from my house. My neighbor's parents live out there and she goes out there every morning to feed her miniature horses. She had picked up a flat of berries and brought me a pint. They aren't Hood strawberries, but Sweet Sunrise. I wasn't familiar with that variety, but they are super sweet and juicy. I put some in my muffins. They will make fantastic jam.
I guess this variety of berry in fairly new, developed by the agriculture center down in Corvallis (or something close to that). The berries are "large...with a deep red color throughout, this newer variety is popular for eating fresh when ripe in the early season." All I know is that I like a berry; red, blue, white, green, purple...I like them all!
I think that is all for tonight, mom. If I make it out to the island tomorrow to get berries, I will take some pictures of the farm I go to and the surroundings. It is really pretty out there. If I could, I would have a house on that island where you could live with me. It is the type of place that would always give you a satisfying look out the window. It is mainly all farm land and quiet. It has lots of migratory birds come through, too, so it is a wildlife refuge, as well. If wishes were horses then beggars would ride...and all that.
I love you very much, mom. I hope I can see you soon. Mostly, I want to be able to give you a big hug and smooch. Until then ---MWAH---Sally
Sigh. I have not got any of the creative projects done that I hoped I would by now. I have a list, believe you me! I still have to finish my friend Aaron's baby's 1 year birthday quilt, carve two spoons no later than the end of August, make a set of Korean "Stop-Go" greeting cards, etc. Those are at the top of the list. There are definitely more things than that. I think all the time I have been putting into getting the yard in shape for the summer has taken all my will power to get creative when I have some down time.
I was going to get the mower out and get the yard down before the rain, but the rain beat me to it. I went inside because I had a feeling it was going to start pouring. I was right. In about 15 minutes, it was really coming down, then *THUNDER CLAP*! Poor Elsa the dog ran into the kitchen with me and hid between my leg and the cupboard. She is very sensitive to loud noises like that. Especially anything that sounds like an explosion, gun, firework, or mower. Luckily for her, she was easily distracted because I was making some dinner and muffins. Food is a great tactic to get her mind off of most anything. I wish it worked more around the 4th of July. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this year she is going to have to be sedated through most of the night. We were supposed to go camping this year to get her out of the city and all the loud pops and bangs. I don't think that will be the case as most of the campgrounds are closed due to the virus that is going around. I had booked the whole week surrounding the 4th of July off of work so Elsa dog wouldn't have to suffer. People in our neighborhood are relentless for about a month with setting all kinds of things off. There is no consideration for wildlife, pets, or veterans. It's a waste of money, in my opinion. I don't have anything against some sparklers for the kids and some fountains, but all the loud bombs and literal firecrackers sound too much like warfare It is hard on animals and people who've experienced war. Anyway, it's a sensitive subject since I have to see animals suffer every year because of other people's lack of compassion for their neighbors.
So, the rain was really coming down and then the sun was out while it was raining; a sun dog! There have been so many crazy weather anomalies lately. I love to see the sun through the rain. It's so pretty. I remember that used to happen in Milton-Freewater a lot. Hmm.
After the storm rolled through, I got a video call from Kim and Ward. It was so nice to hear from them. It had been a long time. We talked for over an hour. I decided I would go get Kim a flat of strawberries from over on Sauvie Island tomorrow so she can make jam. It is just across the bridge and a couple miles north from my house. My neighbor's parents live out there and she goes out there every morning to feed her miniature horses. She had picked up a flat of berries and brought me a pint. They aren't Hood strawberries, but Sweet Sunrise. I wasn't familiar with that variety, but they are super sweet and juicy. I put some in my muffins. They will make fantastic jam.
I guess this variety of berry in fairly new, developed by the agriculture center down in Corvallis (or something close to that). The berries are "large...with a deep red color throughout, this newer variety is popular for eating fresh when ripe in the early season." All I know is that I like a berry; red, blue, white, green, purple...I like them all!
I think that is all for tonight, mom. If I make it out to the island tomorrow to get berries, I will take some pictures of the farm I go to and the surroundings. It is really pretty out there. If I could, I would have a house on that island where you could live with me. It is the type of place that would always give you a satisfying look out the window. It is mainly all farm land and quiet. It has lots of migratory birds come through, too, so it is a wildlife refuge, as well. If wishes were horses then beggars would ride...and all that.
I love you very much, mom. I hope I can see you soon. Mostly, I want to be able to give you a big hug and smooch. Until then ---MWAH---Sally
Comments