Memories of Growing Up

Most of you may not remember the 50s. It was a great era to grow up in. We lived on a farm and had lots to keep us busy, but we did enjoy keeping up with things. Here are some of my memories from that time.

* Mom washing in a wringer washing machine. She didn't give it up until about 5 years ago. Grandma had no electricity, so she heated water on the woodstove, winter and summer. At one time she did have a wooden washing machine with a handle that was pulled back and forth to wash the clothes. I remember pumping that handle until I thought my arms would fall off.

* We had no clothes dryer or dish washer. These things were luxuries that only rich people could afford. We hung clothes on the line, washed and dried the dishes by hand and ironed all the clothes because they were mostly made of 100% cotton.

* In grade one and two, I attended a one-room school. It was 1/4 mile up the road and we walked. Sometimes we were lucky enough to get a ride from the old farmer who lived down the road from us. If he was coming home from town when school was about to let out, we all got a ride in his ancient pickup truck. We road in the back and never once worried about anyone falling out.

* Music was changing. It was the time of Richie Valens, the Big Bopper, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley and others. And then there was the day the music died in February 1959.

* We listened to the radio. I remember The Shadow, Fibber Magee and Molly, Jack Benny and Burns and Allen. We didn't get a tv until I was about 11 years old.

* We wore poodle skirts, saddle oxfords or white bucks and if we were allowed to go out, we had to be in by 11pm.

* As we got older, we were allowed to go to the drive-in to see a movie. Tuesday was Buck Night and it was a buck a car to get in. It didn't matter how many people were in the car. We used to pack it full. There were no seatbelts so we didn't have to worry about everyone having one.

* When we did get a tv, it was a black and white. Dad told us what we could watch. Gunsmoke, Rawhide, Red Skeleton and Lawrence Welk were favorite shows. On Saturday morning we could watch cartoons for a while. At 6am, Heckle and Jeckle was on and then the rest of the morning was spent watching Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Sky King and The Lone Ranger.

There were many other activities that we enjoyed. In my opinion, the younger generation has missed out on many of these things. I find that sad. We had so much clean, wholesome fun back then. What are your memories of growing up?

Another Look at My Garden

After the rain of yesterday, my garden has changed. Today beautiful iris could be seen in the front flower bed. These are a blue/mauve color. These were not in bloom when I posted the photos of my iris last week.

Peonie buds. This red peonie grows at the side of the house. There is a pink peony right next to it, but the color isn't showing yet. I planted these in 1993 and they've never so much as had a drop of fertilizer. Each year they give beautiful blossoms almost as big as my hand. I will take more photos when they bloom.

These are red Oriental poppy buds. These were a gift from the Earth. About eight years ago, they appeared out of nowhere in the spring. I've had as many as thirty blooms on it, but last year had only three. This year I made sure the roots had lots of air and put a little Mirac*le Grow soil around the roots and then watered. There are fifteen buds this year and they should open soon. I love these and will be sure to take photos when they are in all of their glory.

I posted a photo last week of one heirloom iris that had bloomed. These are the ones that belonged to my maternal grandmother. They look much nicer when they are all blooming at once.

Remember the handmade wooden basket. Well, the other day hubby and I took it to the nursery and found a beautiful gerber daisy that fit in it perfectly. Before putting the plant in the basket, I spray all of the wood with Trem*clad Clear Coat to protect it. I spray all of my garden ornaments with Clear Coat to prevent them from fading and the paint from peeling. They last much longer when they are protected from the elements.

We still have much to do in the yard and I will be posting more photos as it all gets done. Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the beauties that bring my yard alive with color.

This is much what it looked like here all morning and until 2:30 this afternoon. Yeap, pouring rain. We did need it though and it will definitely give the vegetable garden a kick start. The lettuce is doing very well, but the tomatoes needed a good drink. I'm sure that they will begin to grow more now since I had just put fertilizer on them a couple of days ago.

Not much doing around here these days to post about. Just the usual. I picked the boys up from school today and went to their house and made banana milkshakes for them. That was a treat because they don't often get milkshakes. Brandon asked me if I knew how to make a smoothie and I told him I did. He said maybe next time they could have those. That would be a great treat on a hot day. Frozen blueberries make a great smoothie, as do other fruits and the benefit of a smoothie is that you get the real fruit instead of concentrate.

So the next time the boys need a cool drink on a hot day, I'll be busy making smoothies. They're healthier than milkshakes and very refreshing.

Park Photos

The following scenes are all of the park across the street. This is a beautiful place to spend time in any season. We have considered moving several times and this park has always been the reason that we've decided against it. There is so much green space here. I wouldn't want to be boxed in between houses. Wherever I've lived, I've always made sure there was ample space. Mostly I've owned corner lots and still do.

The park looks much like the above picture at the present time. There will be lilacs blooming and I will try and get out to get some photos. However, it's supposed to rain for a few days. I'm not sure the lilacs will still be there.

The park in winter. This is a beautiful walk in the evening or at dawn. The area is a very tranquil setting and though people walk through here, there is never many around at one time.

The park in autumn. A nice place to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the area. The park is definitely a blessing to me.

Things That Make Me Happy

Anni at Hootin' Anni's has tagged me.

According to Anni, I name the person who tagged me, list six things that are unimportant but that make me happy and then tag six people to do the same.

Six unimportant things that make me happy. (Mmm! Not sure they are unimportant but they make me happy.)

1. Spring flowers. This is the time of year when everything is in bloom. The air is filled with the fragrance of lilacs and Lily-of-the-Valley.

2. Gardening. It's great to get outside and play in the dirt. Brandon and Jordan came over after school and we planted beans, cabbage and a border of alyssum in the small flower bed.

3. Sunshine and soft, cool spring breezes.

4. Watching Dakota (puppy) grow and learn. He's losing his puppy teeth. He loves to go out in yard and run in circles, chase his tail and throw stones. It is delightful to watch him enjoy life. We need to take lessons from him.

5. Watching a good movie now and then. I'm not much of a TV watcher, but do love a good movie.

6. The park across the street. There's a lot of green space nearby and a little creek that bubbles and gurgles over rocks and stones. It's a lovely place to take a walk.

Now for six bloggers that I'd like to tag, although anyone can join in.

Mama Bear from Bears in Exile

Mari from My Little Corner of the World

Deb from Riding Free with Deb

Sandy from Sandy's Spot on the Web

Lady Di from Kitty Justice

Mike from Rambling Stuff

If anyone else would like to join in, you're welcome to do so. The more, the merrier.

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a US holiday and we don't celebrate it here, but I would like to wish all of my US friends and readers a Happy Memorial Day. Take time, during your busy day, to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and also those who are now serving their country. Each and every one of them is a true hero.