Tuesday, August 28, 2012




Watermelon Rind Pickles

I always feel so frugal when I make these crisp little pickles.  Using the part of the watermelon that usually goes into a landfill or at best into a compost bin satisfies my soul.  And they are like candy: sweet, tart, and delicious!  When their lids go "pop" it is one of my favorite tunes.  As I work on them I pray for the folks on my prayer list, especially my daughter Stefanie who is in the hospital right now 850 miles away.  She will be OK, but I still worry and pray.  Stef and I used to make gallons of apple butter together when we lived close.  I especially miss her when the canning kettle comes out.  We connect by phone, facebook and blogs and keep up with what's up with kids, what's on the stove, and what's on the needles/hook.  It's not the same as being together, but it is the best we can do right now.

Monday, August 20, 2012

On The Needles (OTN)




I am working on the Long Stitch Wrap from Lacy Little Knits by Iris Schreier worked in Schmutzerella Yarns Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde, a gift of yarn from my DD Stefanie.  I LOVE the colors.  They just scream “fiesta time”.  I may not have enough yarn, so I think I will begin working the two front parts of the wrap at the same time.  I will have a cool neck scarf if there isn’t enough for the shrug. :)



Thursday, August 16, 2012

Supposing him to be the gardener...


Today began with tea and ended with wine at Beth's house.  Beth is a woman full of spirit.  She is an amazing gardener, something I really respect.  After all, one of God's first creations was a garden, and of course Mary, supposing him to be the gardener....  Beth also interprets dreams and hears and understands what I don't say when I am talking.  We sat on her porch surrounded by plants, hummingbirds, butterflies, goldfinches and the sounds of summer insects in the trees.  It was like being surrounded by Eden.  Thank you God for the gift of Beth in my life and the gift of sitting outside on a beautiful summer day.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012


Crickhollow Sabbath

We arrived Sunday afternoon having had a wonderful Sunday morning.  I actually made it through the entire service.  My strength returns a little more every day.   The silence here is wonderful.  Mieke alerted us to a young mountain lion in the driveway.  She was sleek and beautiful and wondered at the invaders in the glass house.  Sunday night Shireen and I went out to watch the Perseids.  There were not a lot of meteors before the sky hazed over, but we saw one very large impressive one, and several small.  It was enjoyable just sitting out in the dark and listening to the night sounds of the country.  Monday morning was cooler than it has been in months.  Bob and Shireen left for work and school and I settled into Sabbath enjoying the cool morning and a cup of tea.  Sleep helped my recovery throughout the day with naps, and I finished off my Sabbath with water prayer in our little endless pool and soaking in a hot tub.  Heavenly!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Recovery

My life has been on hold since recently fighting a life threatening infection.  It started so small.  I thought it was a bite, or a pimple, but within hours it began to spread and grow.  I began to run a very high temp and my DH took me to the hospital.  Before they could figure out what to do my body had gone septic.  When a priest calls in another priest to make her last confession, you know she is in trouble. My beloved husband never left my side and prayers supported me from across the country.  Well, they brought in an amazing surgeon who cut deep into the by then huge cellulitis and found the pockets of infection that had been hiding from the CT scans.  I didn't lose any important body bits and after more than a week on very strong IV antibiotics I was able to go home.  This all started July 2nd and I still don't have my stamina back.  I am assured that it will come back, though.  Meanwhile I rest, pray, write, work part time, and ponder how quickly life can throw a curve ball.  Here is a poem I wrote for my surgeon Dr. Charles M. Jones, III.




Potter/Surgeon

He stands,
strong hands working
pushing wedging
as the raw earth surrenders
her will to his.

He sits
wheel’s soft nocturne
accompanies his fixed gaze
careful hands touch shape
build graceful curves
reaching from earth to heaven
and the Spirit smiles

He stands
strong hands probing
pushing finding
life taking infection and disease.

He sits
adagio for pump and knife
in a sterile field
careful hands touch shape
graceful curves
as sleeping women
dream of lover’s hands
and bodies restored
and the Spirit comforts.

There is love here
in the shaping of clay and flesh
in the songs of whirring wheel and pump
in the strong and tender hands
in the compassionate eyes
of a man who knows
the indwelling Spirit’s voice