Happy Birthday Tim!

Happy Birthday to my multi talented hubby. Here he is playing the wedding singer! Be sure to wish him a happy birthday! He blogs at Applehead.

Love Abounds in this House

The Midwife

World War Two has always been a time period that fascinated me. Though the political and economic changes are interesting enough, what I really enjoy are the stories of people. The experiences of those who lived through this time were not only turning points in their own lives, they were turning points in the whole culture in many respects. 

As a woman and a mother, I also find stories of birth and mothering particularly interesting. So, when I was asked to review a copy of The Midwife, stories of a midwife in London post-WWII, I was pretty certain I would like this book. 

I was not disappointed. The author served the poor population of the London Docklands. Her stories of the people and her experiences make you laugh, make you cry, and sometimes are just outright shocking. 

I was touched and amazed by the woman you birthed twenty-five babies. The twenty-fifth of whom was born at 28 weeks gestation. It survived, with out a hospital stay. The story of the prostitute, and the women she lived with both appalled and saddened me. The antics of one of the older nuns at the convent where the author lived are simply hilarious.  

The Midwife is an entertaining read. It is full of insight into the lives of those living in the slums of London after World War II. There are stories of sadness and loss, but also stories of those who, despite their circumstances were able thrive and create happy homes for their families. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

No More Brace Face

snow? SNOW!

You've got to be kidding me. There are actually flurries flying outside right now. Did I mention how sick of snow I was this winter? A little snow is good. This year I felt like I was living in Northeast Ohio again, too much snow!

It is officially spring, and I have no desire to see that white flaky stuff for another seven months. Go away!

In case you've wondered where I've been the last two weeks, I've been here, just keeping my head above water with the various responsibilities and activities we have right now. Just a few highlights to catch you up. 

-Animals

Two calves have been born. The first one had a little trouble getting started, but Papaw says she is looking good now. The second gave Mamaw and Papaw a scare too, for a different reason. His momma hid him. With the cold weather Papaw wanted to be sure he was doing ok, and searched to whole pasture to no avail. We still don't know where she had him, but he was with momma this morning at feeding time. 

We were supposed to get 50 chicks last week. You know when the weather was warm and nice. The hatchery had a short hatch, so our chicks should be here this week now. You know when it is cold and nasty. 

Desert (goat) had two bucklings last night while I was at work. Don't ask me why, but she had them out in the muddy shed yard instead of three feet away in the nice warm shed. They were still wet and a little cold when I got home. I dried them off and laid them in the hay in the shed. I had forgotten that Desert is a very protective mom. She went in the shed with the kids, gave me the evil eye and started stomping her foot at me. I thought it'd be best to just leave them all alone at that point. 

-Work

I wore a pedometer to work on Sunday. I walked two and half miles while I was at work. I'm hoping that one of the side effects of working will be losing weight. :)

Work really is going fairly well. Most days I can actually say that is enjoyable to be there interacting with adults and making some money. It does make things very busy, and time pressed at home. It has been adjustment for all of us, but over all I think it is worthwhile. 

-The Garden

Peas, lettuce, radish, beets, chard, carrots, strawberries, grapes, and asparagus have been planted. But not by me. I did manage to help with the cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and rhubarb. I'm feeling like a slacker. The seedlings need thinning and the weeds are sprouting up about as fast as the seedlings, but it has been too wet to get into the garden.

I checked my garden notebook and saw that I put beans in mid April the last two years. Just around the corner, if the snow stops. 

- The Family

Jeff and Gail (Tim's parents) are on their way here. The kids are very excited. Other than that the kids have eyes only for the Wii.  

I think that catches you up on the highlights. It is still snowing, and I am pouting, but I have to go fold laundry and get ready for work.