Makin' Like the Ant . . . and ?Pumpkin Sex??? . . .

Like my Granny, my Grandma and my Mom (and I'm sure their Mothers before them . . .ad infinitim), I've been makin like the ant and preparing for winter. I've always loved canning, preserving and freezing, but never was very enthusiastic about it when I was living in an apartment. I wanted to grow my own and can my own.

SO . . . this year I've been putting up for the winter. So far, I've frozen sweet corn and canned homemade salsa, peach bar-b-que sauce, brandied peach compote, strawberry and grape jelly and cherry and peach preserves. I'd still like to make some homemade apple and pumpkin butter to can, but I'm going to wait until the fall fruits are at my local Farmer's Market. There's a great Market just down the road from me that will have lots of fresh apples and cooking pumpkins in just a few weeks. Yum!

Speaking of pumpkins, I have the largest crop of pumpkin vines and flowers in midwest Indiana. I don't, however, have any pumpkins or even the beginnings of pumpkins. I talked to an agronomist friend who told me that the reason is that I don't have bees to pollinate the plants. He explained that the bees travel from the male pumpkin flower to the female pumpkin flower to pollinate and since I don't have any (bees that is), that hasn't been happening. He told me how to replicate that process by removing a stamen from the male pumpkin blossom, putting that stamen in the female pumpkin blossom and, viola, that would make a "baby" pumpkin. Soooooo, I guess that's what my life has come to -- pumpkin sex!!! Does that make me a pimp?!?!? I'm beginning to think my Dad had the right idea --- just pick the blossoms, batter and deep fry the little suckers, and EAT THEM!!

They Say It's Your Birthday . . .

Yesterday was my birthday. I'm 54 years . . . So far it's been a pretty great experience. I've graduated from college; been married and divorced; had two terrific kids who are intelligent, independent, and adored by their Mother; owned two homes on my own; been to NYC and Disney World; seen more concerts than I can remember.

At 50, I sold almost everything I owned, moved to a city where I knew no one, and started my life over again. I own a cute little home, live within driving distance of both of my children and my four beautiful grandchildren, and I have met many amazing people that I am proud to call my friends.

I have been kissed by my grandson while cuddling in his fire truck bed. I've taken a walk with my granddaughter's little hand holding my finger. I've had one of my twin grandsons climb up and wrap his arms around my neck for a hug and the other smile shyly at me from around the corner of the doorway.

I'm proud of my life and proud of myself for having the courage to live it. I have been showered with blessings too many to count.

I've made it through difficult times. I've lost my Father, a Sister, all four of my Grandparents and several of my high school classmates. I helped my Mother through breast cancer. I lost my best friend to suicide.

AND, I'm not done yet. I haven't been skydiving. I haven't mastered Spanish. I don't have my culinary degree. I haven't been to Paris.

I'm just getting started. I have many, many miles to go before I sleep.

Pre-Birthday Party . . .

Monday, my sister called to say she was going to be in Indy on Tuesday/Wednesday and wondered if I wanted to go to dinner to celebrate my birthday. Of course I did! SO -- my sister, my niece and her husband and my baby boy went to La Piedad in Broad Ripple for some Mexican cuisine. We ate outside on the patio and the food, bubbly and conversation were all sweet delish!! Sorry, no photos of the fam. My sis gave me great gifts, including an antique 78 rpm record of "Over the Rainbow" and We're Off to See the Wizard", which I have already framed and added to my "Wizard" collection.

Thanks for a great evening!

Workin' at "The Luc" . . .

I spent most of Sunday at the new Lucas Oil Stadium -- home of the 2008 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts. I've been hired on as a bartender for the Colts games/concerts schedule/monster truck shows, etc. for 2008/09. I'm really excited! It'll be fun meeting new people while earning a little extra "beer money". What's not to like?!?

After the orientation session, we toured the new stadium. What an incredible place!

The first home game is August 28th. Kenny Chesney is in concert on September 13th. I think this will be an exciting season!

Mexican Food, Comedy and Music! What more could anyone ask for?!?

Whew! Everyone who knows me, knows that I more than pack a weekend with fun stuff to do! After work on Friday, my good bud Donita and I went out for Mexican food. The food was great and it was good to spend some time with Donita and get caught up on all the stuff worth catching up on. Donita wasn't too thrilled with the photo session, however; ya think?!?

Oooooo! I think I'm going to have to pay for this one! Yikes!!

Afterwards, my friend John and I caught the 10:30 show at Crackers Comedy Club in Broad Ripple. Greg Proops was the headliner and he had everyone laughing! Then it was on to OPT's for some tasty libations before calling it a day!

Saturday, I headed to the Indiana State Fair with my daughter and her family and my son-in-law's parents. What a perfect day for the Fair! I love it and look forward to it all year. We enjoyed lots of fair foods, looked at the animals, and the kids had a go at the Midway rides!

Farmer Jackson!

Mia milked a "cow"!

In the evening, I took in some local culture at "Drifty's" in Greenwood. My son's band, "40% Steve", played there and I'm their biggest fan!

My baby boy doing what he loves best!!

The band had the crowd rocking til the wee hours!!

The Band and me!!

A good time was had by all! Fantastic music, tasty drinks, good friends and loving family! Lucky, lucky, lucky me!!

In the Beginning . . .

OK. So -- I'm new to this blog thing and this is my first post. I want to share the things I love (my fam, peeps, etc.), the places I visit, and the things I do. I hope to make new blogpals along the way and have some fun! Here I go!!