Checking In With This and That...and a Question????

Wow, it's the end of August and all through Maine, we are still waiting for summer to arrive.  The summer days have been few and far between.  Our gardens have been producing, but not like years past.  Out of 52 tomato plants, we have one tomato that looks like it will ripen.  None of our winter squash produced and there is only one pumpkin in the pumpkin patch.  We managed to can close to 100 quarts of green beans and 10 pints of pesto.  We froze 30 quarts of broccoli and 5 gallons of cheesy cream-of-broccoli soup.  Everything else is producing in small quanities.  I'm so blessed that our gardens did so well last year.  I still have enough tomato's, applesauce, corn and cauliflower to see us through another winter. 

I've been silent for awhile and miss being creative.  I think those of us who have that creative streak, really lose a part of ourselves and become off-balance when we deny ourselves that outlet for too long.  Sometimes it's not by choice though and I have found myself flat on my back this past month with some medical issues.  I was wondering how many of my wonderful followers experience auto-immune issues?   I've just started researching these disorders and they are truly far reaching.

This year I have been diagnosed with osteo-arthritis, fibromyalgia, crohn's disease and severe anemia...while I am still working with doctors to figure all this out and treat out-breaks and pain, I find it's wearing me down in spirit and keeping me from doing all that I love.  My quilting, gardening, knitting, scrapping and even caring for my grandest daughters. 

I don't want to use this blog to complain or to air my medical issues, but I am wondering if any of you have similiar issues and have words of wisdom for me.  If so, I would appreciate all insight and help.

On another note, Trixies pups are ready for their forever homes and already two of them have found the very best homes.  Here is a picture of the group taken last week.  I sure am going to miss them when they are gone - but I'm sure there will be more puppies in our future!

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and good wishes. I truly am blessed to have found such a community of wonderful people! 

Puppies, Challenges and This and/or That...

Good Morning Everyone! Hope this Sunday finds you all well and enjoying a nice summer day. Hot and muggy in Maine. This time of year finds me up to my elbows in garden produce. I have canned 61 quarts of green beans so far. Hopefully will be able to get at least 90 quarts before the season is over. We've had a bit of help in the harvesting - not exactly welcome help.

These two spotted lamb deer belong to a very, very large doe who has been helping herself to our gardens.  $160 later, we have a 7 foot fence around our gardens.  I know what you are all thinking...you can buy a lot of green beans for $160.  But, those of you who have tasted produce, straight from the garden, understand.  We should get our first taste of broccoli this week and be harvesting our garlic.  Cucumbers are almost ready to be made into pickles!  Tomorrow I will be making Pesto for the freezer!

Trixie, my 'shorky', has done a fantastic job with her pups.  They are now 6 weeks old and still not quite a pound each.  They will definitely be small little bundles of fur.  They are jumping out of their box now, and you never know where you will find them.  Teeth are coming in and they are chewing on everything and everyone.  My Grandest Daughters, Lexi and Anna, sure love playing with puppies.  This little one passed out cold, after coming in from outside.

As you can see, this pup is definitely a yorky - and looks just like Daddy Rascal.  These five pups are probably the most loving puppies I have ever raised.  I think it helps that they are constantly being held and played with.  Not just by us - but the other dogs all jump in and take turns washing faces and snuggling.  We definitely have a "pack" atmosphere. 

This little girl is the smallest of the litter.  She is only 15 ounces at 6 weeks - and looks just like her mama, Trixie.  Here's a picture of her Mama:

As you can see, Trixie is a pretty special girl.  She's definitely a one-of-a-kind!

The Creative Sisters Monday Challenge - Summer Themed, anything goes - is still open.  If we get 30 entries we will go a surprise give-away!  So, show your creativity and link up your project.

Well, that's about it from me here in Cornville.  I wanted to let you all know what I was up to - and why I haven't been real active lately.  Gardens, Puppies and Grand-daughters will keep you busy!  I promise - some creative inspiration will be coming soon!!!