The Plot Thickens

[Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010]
Family has been on my mind a lot lately. Perhaps it is because my two oldest sons, who have been out of country, are home for their first visit in nearly a year. Maybe it is because the holiday season seems to be approaching like a runaway locomotive that no one can slow down. Or just maybe it is the farm tours and the pumpkin patches and apple cider festivals that I have attended on the last few weekends that have me feeling all warm, fuzzy, and reflective.

(Thomas now 22, Lucas 21)

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  1. Betsy says:

    Unfortunately there is only by sister and I left of our family. I am fortunate to have 3 children. One daughter lives with us with her son of 12 because of her health issues. I have a daughter with 2 young children and hour away and see her weekly plus plan holidays for all to attend. However, my son and his wife and 2 year old son live in mainland China where my son met his wife while he was teaching English in a university. Last year on Christmas eve we sat down in front of our computer and watched them open their presents with the grandchild running to the computer cam to show us what he got. It was exciting but also sad as I just want them home. Everyone needs to enjoy their families whether they are small or large. Do whatever you can to be together. God bless you and give you a wonderful holiday.

  2. O'Dell says:

    Hi Rene,
    You are right about not having "Rockwell" pictures of many families. I do have to dig deep to find good memories of my childhood, but they are there. I recall helping fix Thanksgiving dinners,getting all dressed up, and eating in our dining room (reserved for special holidays). The aroma of the fresh bread, and stuffed turkey was wonderful..I recall looking out to our field, and seeing the beautiful colored leaves, fall being my favorite time of year. We were a large family, with all our different personalities, seemed like there was always a new baby on the way…life was chaotic at best. These days, with my children grown, and now with 5 little grandchildren, I make sure that we have lots of fun, so they will have good memories of times past, when they are grown. We play games, bake cookies, and watch their favorite movies together. I too, have one son who lives away, and I miss him greatly. But this is what he has chosen for his life and I feel I must let him live his own life. I look forward to seeing the little ones, and when I’m not with them, I’m usually busy making them new dresses,or pajamas..or a needlepoint picture for their rooms. Being a grandma is the best thing ever, for sure!
    so, happy Halloween to you……and all the other bloggers!
    O’Dell

  3. Loretta Hoffman says:

    Rene, You will not believe this, but my son who has married a Brit and now resides in England, showed up at our country home in the middle of September. There are 7 siblings, with the yougest daughter being the central figure of the family. This was the first time they had all been together in 12 years. Tom left to return home yesterday, and now God in His infinite grace and wisdom allowed me to read what you are sharrin. It is such a peaceful feeling just knowing there is another person who understands the many feelings of this blessing.
    Happy Autumn and continue to enjoy the beauty.

  4. Laurel says:

    I want to thank you for this blog. Just 2 weeks ago I had a big fight with my son. I thought we had put a gigantic wedge between us. I have apologized for my actions. The phone conversation still felt a little cool. He is coming home this week end I will get to see if things are better. I think I may share this blog with him.
    Family is important and it is just the 4 of us. No extended family (or very little and not close). I have dreamed that someday we would have a big Christmas with the grandkids and a table full of wonderful goodies.
    Thanks again

    Best of wishes to you and your son Laurel. I want it all to turn out well for the both of you.

  5. Michele Kirkman says:

    Rene’, You are so right about grabbing those precious moments when you can.
    My sweet husband died almost 10 years ago when my son was 16. My son became even more special to me and we have been closer than most moms and sons I know.
    I never want to miss a minute of what is happening im his life.
    Jared got married a year ago and luckily, for me, his bride loves me and understands my son’s and my bond.

    Life is too short and precious to miss any of the moments Rockwell like or not
    Michele

  6. Gary says:

    Thank You Rene’, for sharing precious memories of time spent with Family. We have all spent times like that with our Families, and the places where we spent those times will always have a Special feel about them.
    I also find those feelings well-up when I am in similar places that remind me of bygone times that will live forever in my Heart.
    GodSpeed to Y’all…!
    Gary
    in Tampa

  7. Kris says:

    I was having a horrible day before I read your blog. My spirits lifted, the day got better. It disintegrated again. We need to remember that Rockwell knew these things too. Remember the kid with the hobo bundle on a stick at the soda fountain with the policeman who was going to take him home? We can all go home again. Perhaps that is the essence of the farmgirl experience – the knowledge that we are all tied to a certain life.

  8. Bonnie Ellis says:

    Rene: What you are telling us is to have Joy, no matter what family we didn’t or do have. One son lives in Texas and the other is far away also.No parents or grandparents either. I could be sad because they aren’t around, but that’s what memories and photos are for. This year I am digging out photos from the past and will computerize them so I can give some to my kids and put the rest on my small tree. My heart goes out for those who have lost loved ones. Christmas is about joy, and and joyful remembrance. I wish both for everyone. Thanks for the post.

    Bonnie

  9. Kathy Aubrey says:

    Rene,
    Miss you girl. I am glad that we have seen more of each other this past week. You are part of our family.
    Yesterday I took my mom to the Tri-Cities to meet up with cousins and Aunts and Uncle for lunch. My cousins brought my aunt from Lewiston who has Alzheimer and my Aunt and Uncle from Pasco were there My Aunt will be 90 in May and my mom will be 88 in Jan. We girls kept looking at our parents in amazment saying darn we have good genes. We are very lucky to have longevity in our family and we know that we need to get them together more often. So Family reunion time is coming up next year. We are starting to complile all of our information for a family tree for next reunion.
    love your blog and love ya
    Kath

  10. Raynita says:

    Thanks for sharing these very wise words:)

  11. Debbie says:

    Rene, I cried like a baby then laughed and then cried again when I read your blog today. I have been feeling so overwhelmed with taking care of grandchildren and all the other "stuff" in my life right now. With all the work that needs doing I haven’t been able to just be Grandma. After reading your blog though I am reminded that the time I have with them while they are little is limited. Soon they too will grow into young men and women and I want to cherish every minute of "now" with them while I can. Bless you for your thoughtful and insightful writing. Love you girl.

  12. Diane says:

    All I can say is Wow! What a great blog and perfect timing, the Holiday’s can always stir up family issues. I am going to share this with my family and hope that it gives them the same warm feelings that I have when reading it. I look forward to your blog every week. God bless you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  13. Reba says:

    You have a way with words that expresses exactly what is in my heart. I only have one daughter, but she is living in the States this year. Yeah!! So, we are enjoying Autumn, and will enjoy the Holidays together!! It doesn’t matter much about gifts, just the gift of Each Other!

  14. Betty says:

    I have not spoken with my brother, nor do I anticipate talking with him, since my mother died in 1999. I don’t know what has happened to our little family, but I think the Viet Nam war really messed him up. But fortunately I am still close with my sister and we speak weekly on the phone. I don’t think I ever knew what closeness was in our family and would like to find it some day. I have my own two sons and we are close–which is very good.
    Betty in Pasco

  15. Holly says:

    Dear Rene,
    Truer words were never spoken! What a wonderful post! It seems like a lot of us were touched by your words.
    I was reading a book today, the Christmas List, and I got to thinking about my attitude towards joy. It seems that we (I) look at people and determine my relationship with them by what joy they bring me. After all, who wants to invest in someone that doesn’t want you around!!! But I’ve come to realize that I’m thinking backwards. The question I need to ask myself is "What joy can I bring them?" Not only to I get the gift of giving to someone else, but it’s often doubled by what they give back. And even if they don’t, I’ve been blessed in the process.
    I have such fond memories of family gatherings when I was young, but due to scatterings, deaths and frankly, not wanting to put effort into it, many of those times have slipped away and my kids have not been able to grow up with those same experiences that I had as a kid. We’ve been able to rekindle a few things lately. It’s funny how I dread the effort and inconvenience, yet come away from such a gathering so thankful that I did it. I need to do it more.
    Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful legacy to your children…they obviously think so too!!
    Blessings to you Rene!
    Holly

  16. Kathy Eckholt says:

    My biggest fantasy is to someday have all my sisters living in the same place, kind of a compound sort of thing. Where we can eat breakfast together in our jammies if we want. I live next door to our Mom and one sister lives 45 minutes away, another two hours away, the third six hours away and one 12 hours away. We are quite close, of course we have our squabbles but we all know that we love each other and that is special. But to be able to just chat for no reason and not have to "catch up" on the latest would be so wonderful. We haven’t had a whole family Christmas in years, but I keep hoping someday.

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More Precious Than Gold

[Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010]
Although there have been other places I have visited that have taken me back to days gone by, none compare to my recent trip to Idaho City, Idaho. The old timers there would tell you that the wealth traveled off the mountain during the gold mining days in the mid- to late 1800s. But as a self-proclaimed writer, I would argue that fact. For me, the wealth of that little mining town is in its residents, who not only keep the history alive in the care and keeping of the physical needs of their city but also in the telling of the stories.

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  1. Gary says:

    What a wonderful glimpse of a nostalgic yet still vital Community through your words Rene…
    The "Oral Tradition" of passing down accounts of History is very much a part of rural life, and it is an ancient one; predating written History. It comes from a time when a person’s "word", and it’s truth, could be the difference between social acceptance and banishment, even life or death, and it forms the foundation of our system of jurisprudence. One of the oldest books known, The Holy Bible, began in the Oral Tradition, and was not begun to be put into writing until Moses. Faith is a big component of the tradition, and when I think of Faith, I am humbled by the realization that Abraham and Moses had no written Bible. Whatever Faith I think I have pales in comparison.
    It comes as no surprise that you found great Hope among those people, as Hope is usually hand in hand with Faith, and I bet you felt another thing yet unmentioned about them and their mountain… Love.
    Thank You for this rare glimpse of people living a can-do lifestyle… it’s very re-freshing and Inspiring.
    GodSpeed to Y’all…!
    Gary
    in Tampa

  2. jami says:

    Was fortunate to go there a few years back, it was a wonderful place to visit. The people band together with pride and for security. Living in a rugged place like that you do depend on each other and suport one another. I was blessed to live in one such place for 20 years, I gleened from my neighbors and felt community with them. Places only give the stage, its the people with grit who give it depth. Great writing Rene, love to hear from you!

  3. Julie says:

    I’m feeling a bit homesick at the moment. I’ve recently moved to England, but I’ve lived in Boise, ID for the last 11 years. My grandparents own a cabin near Idaho City and one of my best memories when staying at the cabin is driving into Idaho City for ice cream at Delsa’s. There was also a public swimming pool there when I was a child that was fed by hot springs. Hot spring swimming and ice cream. It doesn’t get any better than that 🙂

  4. Michele says:

    Renee,
    Thanks again for allowing me to travel vicariously through your experiences.As I get to know more of my Farmgirl sisters I wonder" Where have you been all of my life?"
    It is so much easier to live the lifestyle that is right for me when I know there are some out there who understand and applaud it. Even my grown children are often caught up in the popular mentality of having it all. Well., I know I have it all and need nothing more to make me happy but the friendship of my sisters, the recipes, books and philosophies we share and the differences between us that keep me on my toes and keep me open minded
    Michele

  5. Rose says:

    Thank you Rene’ for such a beautiful story. You are truly a gifted writer that has the rare talent of painting a picture with words. We so loved your visit and we all felt like we had known you for years. Thanks again for sharing your experience with us.

  6. CherylK says:

    I’d love to visit Idaho City…the very next time I travel west from Minnesota to Washington (where my sisters live), I believe I’ll make it a point to stop there.

    The farmgirls "make do" philosophy reminds me of the philosphy of a favorite home decorator, Kitty Bartholomew. She always said, "It’s not what you don’t have; it’s what you do with what you DO have!" So true.

  7. Dalyn says:

    Years ago, my family and I spent a wonderful day there…loved it. Seemed like such a magical place to live.

  8. Reba says:

    We went through that area this summer on vacation. Now after reading your blog, I feel like I have had an opportunity to get to know the people. Thank you for your writing (self-proclaimed is being aware of who you are, which I think is great!). I long for a farm in the mountains of western NC or eastern TN. The blog reminds me of those type of people in that area, where my mom and dad are from, community!!

  9. Bruno says:

    Tiffany . Is that not a fabulous find??!! I have a book about utlnziiig found objects to create artists books. One of the projects uses this colorful, square egg carton. I had no idea where to find them until on a trip to Santiago (would love to go again!), they had their eggs for sale in these very cartons! Bring green, orange, yellow . woohooo! Guess what got packed to come home with me~ of course, without the eggs!

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Good-bye Old Friend

[Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010]
I hate goodbyes, even the ones that are just for a little time. I have never been good at them; they seem so final. It is heartbreaking to have to part with anything or anyone that I really enjoy being with. So this past week, when I had to say good bye to some of my veggie gardens, it was a little sad. I always feel a little like a traitor when I have to go and yank the tomato plants out by their roots (these same plants that just weeks ago brought me so much joy) and to till under all the plants that have been so full of life. I cannot help but to think back to what seems like a few moments before, when I was planting the garden. Now, as the chilly air of fall blows up my spine, I have to say good-bye once again.

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  1. nameEileen Pena says:

    I agree it is a sad time of year. I don’t like the next season at all except I am plan on getting new quilting projects done and a newly decorated sewing room. That keeps me going thru the bitter midwest winter. Then before you know it, it is Spring.

  2. Heather Jackson says:

    I so agree with your sentiments! Love your blog!

  3. Christine says:

    I’m the same way. I will miss my vegetable garden and my flowers. I could garden all year long. But living in Indiana we have the seasons that change. Yes my pantry looks wonderful all full of the yummy food that we grew. Will taste so good this winter! As always enjoyed your writings. God Bless

  4. Gary says:

    Excellent idea for a Winter Garden Rene’…!
    I shall try it when I move Home to Tennessee next year…
    meanwhile…
    I shall send this link to my Friend Trudi in Canada, as she will enjoy having a Garden in the Winter.
    Thanks, and…
    GodSpeed to Y’all…!
    Gary
    in Tampa

  5. Clare Deane says:

    I have wanted to have a cold frame for winter for some time now, but I keep procrastinating. I like your thinking though and may get one going after your description of the frame and the winter goodies I can reap. My Mom is canning and drying for the winter and I get to enjoy to share in her bounty, but I live 335 miles from her, so I can’t go to the yard when the urge hits me. I miss not having a garden.

  6. Bonnie ellis says:

    Rene: In Minnesota, saying goodbye to the garden usually means saying goodbye to green. Everything dies, the leaves fall and the snow and cold comes. The only bright side when the holidays are over is that winter is the perfect time to snuggle in and make quilts. But we always look forward to green again in the spring.

  7. Bonnie says:

    Gee, I thought I was the only one who felt this way! You, though, are much more disciplined at keeping records. I will just give in to the frenzy next spring and buy and plant.
    I will definitely miss the warm rich taste of a just picked tomato! You are right. The imposters in the market just won’t cut it. Here’s looking to spring!

  8. Holly says:

    While it’s sad to say good’bye to the garden, I also love being able to tidy it up and put it to rest. I too am looking forward to the rest, and the planning of next years plot! It gives me great comfort to have my freezers and pantry full, knowing that provisions are stored for the winter ahead. Thanks for sharing!! Holly

  9. Phyllis Lloyd says:

    I so understand–had my first, for real garden this year and I am no spring chicken. I also just discovered MaryJane mag and uprooted, what I always suspected and dreamed of, I too am a "Farmgirl". Now I will venture into the world of canning or preserving next year and can not wait. Montana is my home, so I am saying good bye to all those plants too. What a wonderful time I have had and much I will miss the gardent this winter. But how excited I am for the times to come and the chance to learn how deep my "Farmgirl" roots really are. (It really is fun to read and participate in the blogging world, just discovered this too.) Thanks

  10. Tena says:

    Rene
    I enjoyed your article and even have an appointment to change my hair to winter colors tomorrow. I will share the cold frame idea with some friends. Like you, me and many of my friends don’t yet have a greenhouse.

  11. Mary Frantic' Rauch says:

    Gee, I really enjoyed that read about saying goodbyes. I never knew other people thought that way also…My pansies keep saying "not yet please", and my kale and swiss chard say, "will you harvest me for New Year’s Eve as you’ve done a few years in the past?" .. Time will tell. Although I live in Ohio, I am a true deep-south gal in heart and mind…Change of subject:
    When do we get to see pics of the new haircolor that I heard mentioned?

  12. JoEllen says:

    Such sweet words for the plants that have given so much to provide for the cold months ahead! Someday I will be a good gardener like you, but for now its just a few tomato plants and zucchini who love you and produce no matter how much of a novice you are!!! Hardly any sun in our back yard — do we drastically trim our big fir tree to let in more light or be creative and plant raised gardens wherever the sun shines?? I think the latter — I’m planning ahead on how to fix this dilemma. You write so poetically Rene — such a treat to read each week!

    Thank You SOOO much!

  13. Marrina Frederick says:

    Good fall to you Rene,
    AAAAHHHH yes, it’s time to put our freind to bed for the winter.It’s been a VERY fruitful year for the whole garden excepy my zucchini,HA- go figure. I had to get them from girl freinds much to their humor.
    The last couple of years my husband decided he liked gardening, actually the weeding.HA- what a sweetie.He could never figure why I put all the effort into it when I can just go to the store. Silly town boy.After 17 years of this attitude , HE SAW THE LIGHT. OOOOOHHHH God is good.
    I love your blog. A good winter to you.
    Marrina

  14. LisaLu says:

    I too share the sadness, but I also enjoy saving the seeds for next year’s offspring!

    The leaves are changing, apples & cinnamon are calling, and I think a nice cup of tea, with a fire going, and my crochet hook is all I need. Fall is my favorite time to be home with all the comforts. We all need to be thinking of the holidays that are right around the corner….so much to do, so little time……before we know it… spring planting time will be here!
    If I could just figure out how to add more hours to each day, and at least two extra days a week…maybe I could get it all done!

    I just got a craving for persimmon cookies…mmmm!

    Happy Autumn to all!
    LisaLu

  15. Lynn Spang says:

    I am newly aware of maryjanesfarm as my friend of 32 years(can it be?) just gave it to me as a birthday(yes, another one!) gift. What a pleasant surprise! I have lived in a rural area all my life and have by turns taken pleasure in gardening, yard work, crafts, etc. I am always amazed by God’s natural color palette in the spring and fall. Here in the Ohio valley we are at peak conditions for viewing the fall leaves. The crisp temperatures bring favorite pumpkin recipes to mind along with memories of my Mom. Thank you for reminding me of all the best things!

  16. judy says:

    Hi Rene, I too would like a greenhouse. My dad had 2.One was small to start the seeds while it was yet winter. One was big for transplanting/and selling from. The small one was attached to our house in an L-cove in the corner by my bedroom and our livingroom. I’d watch daddy watering his seedlings and he’d squirt me with the waterhose sometimes.Those times are deeply special to me now since we lost Daddy this past Feb. I too would like to build a cold frame. Do you have instructions on here someplace? Thanks! I really enjoy your Blog! Oh ya, I’d like to see(ahem) your new "Doo" too!

  17. Carrie M says:

    Hey Rene-

    I am saying the same sad goodbyes, here in New York. We’ve picked all the tomatoes and melons and peppers. The garden is mostly bare except for some beets that are holding on. We’ve had a week of hard frost in our area that has only slightly scorched us here on our south-facint hill, but the cold is on it’s way.

    However, we are comforted here by the brilliant colors of fall, something that makes us want to hop in our cars and take a ride just to breath the fresh air and take in the scenery! When I was in Washington for farm fair, a young man at the hotel said that he had heard that northeasterners do such things and he had always thought that was a "fable"…I assured him that we really DO go out "leaf-peeking," and we get a lot of leaf-peeking realated tourism, to boot!!

    Where did you get the plans for your cold frame?? I want to build one, even have the windows, but I was unsuccessful last time. Nothing grew!! I have lovely south sun, too 🙁

    Love to all the Prosser ladies!

    carrie

    PS…read your "When Pigs Fly" just before I read this one and am soooooo sorry that is what you had! Your description makes me terrified…enough to maybe go get a shot which I’ve never considered before! Glad you are better 🙂

    Carrie,

    Fall decided to show up here in the last few days as well.. I was afraid we were going straight from Summer to Winter, so I too am enjoying the fall colors. I found great cold frame ideas through goggle. If you are too cold, try digging up the dirt and laying down some plastic inside the frame on the bottom and sides. Poke some holes for water drainage in the bottom and add some rocks for drainage… then fill the dirt back in…. The plastic adds an additional layer of insulation, also re-putty your windows so that cold air is limited.  Let me know how it goes….  We so loved meeting you at farmfair and of course have made you an honorary prosserfarmgirl…..


     

  18. I go through the same thing every year! I hate to take in my garden for the winter, but I do enjoy the break from yardwork and gardening to enjoy indoor activities, such as cooking and craftwork.

  19. Debbie says:

    Rene, Oh so true.But, since this was my 1st garden in many years (we won’t go into HOW MANY!)I actually enjoyed putting my garden to bed for the winter as it is my very first year ever having a compost box. So, I am looking forward to using all that good compost in the spring. I haven’t yet built a cold box (Linda will encourage one soon I am sure) I won’t have any fresh from my garden veggies. But, I did freeze and dry so I am ahead of last year and the many years before. Thank you for all you teach and share with others. You have a generous and giving soul.See you later friend. Debbie

  20. Hi Rene`, I really enjoyed this article and without you knowing it, I’ve been given new hope! We live on the windswept plains which is NOT a place for a garden. Your old window is an idea I NEEDED. Now to find some! My husband is bringing home an old leaky stock tank for a ‘raised bed’ and now I get to add a new form of ‘window box’. Thank you for the inspiration. Shery Jespersen

  21. Catherine says:

    I really enjoyed the article, and made me think of hot beds again to keep cutting my mustard greens longer and arugla. Thanks for taking me to the garden again. Here in Indiana it is getting pretty cold in the middle of Nov.
    Thanks.

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When Pigs Fly

[Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010]
There I was, completely sprawled out on the sofa begging the gods of all things to please stop the room from spinning.

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  1. Janice says:

    I am so gald you are feeling better. Being sick is no fun thing.
    I found your blog and enjoy reading it.
    I live on the east coast. Lots of talk now about the swine flu.
    Always,

  2. Debbie says:

    Rene, you definitely have my sympathy and prayers. I hope that you are feeling much better. I had to smile when you wrote about working while you were not feeling too well. why is it that women, especially Mom’s seem to keep on keepin on when thy should be keepin still? Give your body the rest it needs and then you can get back to writing to us about all you wonderful adventures. Blessings to you, Debbie

  3. So glad you are feeling better, just in time too, our Fall Funky Junk Sisters Show is just around the corner. We are just a hop skip and a jump from you. We hope you can make it! We have doubled the size of the show and we have so many fantastic vendors coming.

    We love your blog and visit it often!

    Linda & Dixie
    The Funky Junk Sisters

  4. Carol McElroy says:

    I am so sorry you became ill after leaving our fair city, and I know Wende was ill as well. I’m so glad you are feeling better. I know sometime I’d rather be sick than have my hubby sick, he complains more thatn I do. Be careful of those flying pigs………Carol

    Carol, Thanks for much. I had the best time in Kansas, you were all the perfect hostesses.. thank you all

  5. bonnie ellis says:

    Take a deep breath Rene and think I’m over it" and enjoy fall. Don’t even think how awful it was. I’m glad you are better! Great maybe. You go girl and enjoy life again. God bless.

    Bonnie Ellis

    🙂

  6. Gary says:

    I’m glad you’re all better now Rene’… it’s miserable being ill, and nothing seems to make it better as fast as we wish.
    You used my fave remedie: Epsom Salts… once a week I enjoy a HOTTT soak in Epsom Salts and WOW do the impurities of the body get drawn out. Just a good foot soak after a long day on my feet makes them feel brand new and tingly.
    GodSpeed as you return to Life…!
    Gary
    in Tampa

    I love the stuff, too…Works every time.

  7. Sandy says:

    I have always loved "when pigs fly" My mom and dad always said it. My dad is now gone and mom is almost 90 and I miss those good old days. It was usually in response to me wanting to do something I probably shouldn’t. My own children think I’m really weird when I say it, but I don’t care. Maybe some day they will miss it too. I love the poster too. I hope your feeling better and just glad you didn’t get it on your trip. Sometimes us moms just forget to slow down and take care of ourselves. We think will do it "when pigs fly" Have a great weekend, pamper yourself.

  8. Grace~katmom says:

    Oh Rene’,
    you poor thing,,,,,I am soooo glad you are on the upswing & feeling better.
    Sending you lots of "feel better soon" hugz,,,,
    We miss you…so get well & hurry on back up this way lil sister #1281….
    sister hugz,
    gracie #472

  9. Suzy says:

    I am so glad you are better! AND envious of you getting to go to the farm weekend. I enjoy your blogs SO much!!!

  10. Lynn says:

    I am so glad you are feeling better! It is no fun being sick. I am glad you got the quiet you needed to heal. I also love "when pigs fly" quote! It always brings a smile and a laugh! Thanks for the laughter!

  11. Karen/Ga. Girl says:

    Rene,
    So glad you are feeling better and as some of the others said glad you didnt get sick during your trip. It was so funny when I got on this morning and started reading your post and it was talking about pigs, the reason I say this is because I very rarely dream but his morning when I woke up I vaguely remember dreaming about 2 baby piglets what about them I dont know but I do remember the 2 babies so when I saw your post I just smiled.
    God has a way of making us slow down if we dont do it ourselves. But I am sure glad you are on the mend. Take care of yourself amd that sweet family! Blessings,Karen

  12. Betty J. says:

    Oh, Rene, my deepest sympathies are with you. Being sick and away from home is the worst thing possible. I’m glad you are on the mend. Flying pigs is not a good sign.

    Betty in Pasco

  13. Mary Ann says:

    Rene,
    I swear the husband and I both had h1n1 in May. We were so sick, we laid on the bed next to each other (not touching, that would have hurt)3 days. We knew we were sick when we were too sick to even be cross with one another. At one point, we wondered if either of us could stand up to let the dog out.

    Glad you are better now!

  14. Michele says:

    Sorry to hear that you have been sooooo sick. I hope you will soon be back to your chipper self.
    Take good care of yourself in the meantime and remember that it is okay to pamper yourself a little bit now and then

  15. Wende says:

    I know exactly how you were feeling. I wonder if WE picked up a bug at the casino. Everything was perfect until Sunday morning. Bed rest and hot tea for three days and "viola" I finally felt normal. Maybe it was the waitress? I know I won’t have her again!

    Can’t thank you enough for your visit and health sacrafice you made to come to KC. We welcome you, and any farmgirl who would like to visit our meetings, anytime and we will spray with Lysol, too.

    Take care,
    WENDE

  16. Heather Hansen says:

    Oh, I feel for you…I’ve had some days like that at work…although I think in my version, I would be rewarded with a trip to The Webster (a knitting shop in Ashland, OR)…or Barnes & Noble…to get a "celebrate getting better" book or some yarn…Glad you are feeling better 🙂

  17. Robin says:

    You aren’t kidding Rene! We just got over the swine flu as well. First my husband, then me (the caregiver), then my daughter…fortunately she wasn’t nearly as bad as we were and my two boys were untouched. I’ve never coughed so hard in my life. I mean literally until I cried. I feel your pain and boy am I glad it’s over. 🙂

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