Housewife, 54

 And almost half gone now, as well! It has been an interesting couple of weeks since I posted last... or maybe not... It was nice to have DS the Younger here for a few days.  Yes, his girlfriend is lovely and everyone got along just fine.  They spent their first day mostly with an old school friend of DS, so I got my Friday to recover from my week of daycare, as I enjoy.  The rest of the weekend was spent mostly at DS the Elder's home, which is on a lake, and so very holiday-like.  DS the younger did help me with a couple of little chores, but we had shocking hot weather so not too much.  He did dig up all my potatoes (which we promptly enjoyed a few of at dinner) and it took both boys to get my fire detectors in order. DS the Younger and Friend Helpers digging the potatoes! Sons, being helpful and checking smoke detectors.. Uncle reading one of his favorite childhood books to nephew.  Also his favorite: The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord Short...

Here it is, almost the first day of spring and there is NO hint of spring anywhere around. Winter didn't really begin here until late January, so I guess we still have to have the full 3 months for winter, whenever.....We have had gloomy days, snow storms, snow showers, warmer weather and rain, flooding... and then snow again!  I am just sick of it! The dogs are confined inside, and most days their only outside time is to toilet - and then I have to let them go out on the deck!   It is the only place that isn't muddy!  And with Afghan Hounds, MUD is to be avoided at all costs.  Fortunately, the week that I had to go down to Dad's, we had snow so they could access their kennel and they stayed clean.  Lucky Jim!  And when I did get home after being away for 4 days, Elvis was not matted and it took me just an hour to comb him out. I won't be so lucky the next time I groom him..... Whenever that might be....  You see, I have done something really stup...

HOT- HOT- HOT - the weather, that is. Last week we had several days over 100F and the rest were in the upper 90's.  BLAH.  All week there were "chances for thunderstorms" but even though we could see the storm clouds coming close, they always faded away or passed us without leaving a drop.  I have been watering my gardens at least once a day - flowers, berry canes, and vegetables.  Now I am beginning to water the trees!  The lawn was gone weeks ago.  There is not a single green lawn to be found in our neighborhood, and that is odd for Illinois! Another storm, passing us by, but what a show! Not only is the weather outside miserable, being inside is more comfortable but still oppressive.  I have so many things that I had planned to do this summer, and I am not making much progress..... However, I have done a few things.  In my last edition, I shared an excellent experience with showing Elvis.  We have continued to show and had som...