At the orchard

During my visit to California, we visited the Otow Orchard.  This sign greeted us as we drove down the driveway to the house and barn of the orchard.

The orchard has several varieties of fruit, but our attention that day was drawn to the persimmons and the preservation of the fruit.

The following is a quote from the orchard's website.  Please be sure to click on the link to read further about the hosigaki method of treating the fruit. There is a slideshow there that shows step by step the process. The following is a quote from the website.

"Otow Orchard is renowned for preserving the Japanese art of hoshigaki -- hoshi means dried and gaki is from kaki, the Japanese word for persimmon.

Our fresh persimmons are dried each fall in a slow, patient, hands-on process that usually takes three to six weeks...per persimmon. Each persimmon is hand-peeled, strung onto a rack, and massaged every 3 to 5 days for several weeks. Weather conditions are watched carefully. The result is a transformation into a sugary delicacy that is tender and moist with concentrated persimmon flavor.

Harvest season begins in October and the process is completed by January. "

After the fruit is picked, each persimmon is peeled and a string is tied around the stem.  It is then tied to another persimmon and hung on a rack to begin the drying process.  During the drying period, the fruit is massaged to bring out the sweetness."

This photo shows the final product.  It looks moldy, doesn't it.  It isn't mold; it's sugar.  My question was, "What do you do with it?"  The young man said that it can be cut up and put in salads much like dried cranberries or other dried fruits.  One of the ladies at the farm gave us a sample of the confection.  It was very good.

The thing that impressed me most about this orchard and its owners is that they give regularly to the local food bank.  Angela, the lady who was talking to us, said that they don't give seconds, they give the best that they have.  They truly are giving of the firstfruits of their labor.  Angela also told us that they make sure some of the fruit is soft, so that those who come for food and have few teeth or none at all can enjoy the fruit.
I thought of my giving.  Do I give my best, my firstfruits?  Proverbs 3:9 tells us to honor the Lord with our wealth, with the firstfruits of all our crops.  The Message puts it like this: Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.                                                                                                                  
  I believe the folks at the Otow Orchard are truly doing that, and they are blessed.  I'm so glad I was able to visit their farm and see their faith and good works in action.

Pumpkins, Pomegranates, and Persimmons

Having finally accumulated enough air miles, I flew to California last week for a visit with my "axe-murder" friends, friends I met a few years ago through blogging.  When I first went to California to meet them, I had some friends here in Florida who wondered about my sanity.  It all turned out for the good.  We have become the best of friends.

Three years ago, when I first met  them, they showed me San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.  It was a wonderful week of seeing things I had only read about or seen pictures of.  This time the trip was much more low key.  When my friends moved to the Sacramento area, they bought a home that had several fruit trees in the back yard, one of which was a pomegranate tree.  The only other time I had seen such a tree was in my grandpa's back yard in north Florida.  I remember eating the fruit and liking it very much.  I came home with some of them in my suitcase.

On Sunday afternoon we visited the Otow Orchard, where we saw lots of persimmon trees.  Again, I knew of persimmons, mainly my mother having said that if you ate one before it was ripe, it would make your mouth pucker.  I remember one time being in line at the grocery store, and someone had one with his groceries.  He must not have known what it was, and the cashier didn't know either.  They asked me if I knew what it was, and I said I think it is a persimmon.  The cashier looked up the code for it, and it went through, so I guess I was right.  I will write more about this orchard in another blog post, because there is so much to tell about these fine folks.  Be sure to click the link and read about their farm.

And what would a fall day be without pumpkins.  On the day before I left we visited Apple Hill, an area with many apple orchards...lots to write about there too.  Being fall, there were pumpkins, and that is where I will leave you today.

While I was away

While I was not blogging actively, many things happened.  I hadn't stopped reading blogs.  I just had not been active in commenting or posting.  One day, I read Granny Annie's post.  In that post she mentioned how much she had missed her blogging friends during her absence.  I was sorry to learn that her husband had passed away.  And then, a longtime blogging friend was losing her dear feline friend, Abby.  I realized how much I was missing these virtual friends by not being around.

In June I took a trip to Europe.  I'll post about that trip from time to time.  After the tour that I was on, I traveled on to Estonia.  I had been there in 2003 with a group from my church.  Since then our church and the church in Allika have been in close contact, and from time to time, members of their church have come to Florida to visit us.  One of those ladies has become a good friend.  She has stayed with me both times she has been here.  So, after the tour I was on finished, I traveled on to Estonia to visit Tiina and her family and the church family there.

The header photo on my blog is at Tiina's house.  While I was there, the sun was bright at 4 in the morning, and there was still bright sunlight at 10:30 at night.  Their gardens flourish during these times and everyone loves being outdoors, soaking up the sun, having picnics, and all the things we associate with summer.

Tiina's yard

 

Tiina's yard and garden

 

Tiina in the center, with her sister and mother

Yummy strawberries, fresh from the garden

Then and Now

It wasn't so long ago that Ella could be seen with Hector, the neighbor's cat.  She followed him around and really imitated his every move.  When he licked his paw, she would lick her hand.  When he stretched out in a comfortable position, Ella did too.
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When I was in Virginia  this month, I saw Hector again.  Actually, I see him every time ago.  He's such a good old boy.  He lets the children stroke him and pet him all they want.  There is a new cat in the family now.  And he is friendly like Hector.  I asked Ella's mom if the family had gotten the cat to be there for whenever they didn't have Hector any more.

She said, "No."  They had seen the cat, and her daughter, Ella's friend, begged her mother for the cat.  Mom said that they couldn't get the cat because it would cost too much to feed and take care of two.  The daughter went and got fifteen dollars that she had received for her birthday and said, "Here, Mom."  What could Mom say then?  So they ended up with another cat.

Here are Ella and Hector today.  If you look closely at Hector's right ear, you can see that some of it is missing.  He apparently was a loser in a fight.  He's still the mellow cat, and Ella still loves him.

Back Home in Florida

I thought I might try to post each day in August, but I failed miserably.  I didn't have my computer with me, although I did have a tablet.  I tried a few posts.  They worked, but not as easily as they would have if I had had my laptop with me.

I spent August in Virginia with my daughter and my son and his family.  August is a special month because it is Ella's birth month.  We celebrated her seventh birthday on the fourth.  Actually she had a party with her friends on Saturday, then on Sunday we celebrated as a family.  We had dinner together at a restaurant and then went back to Aunt Sarah's condo for cake and presents.

The last week and a half I spent at David's with Ella.  The summer program that she was in ended before school started, so they asked me if I would mind staying with her.  Well, do you think I minded?  Not one bit.

I'm impressed

Ella's birthday was August 4. She turned seven. This week, since her summer program is over, I'm staying with her during the week while her parents work.

On Monday morning, when she had finished breakfast and done her treatment, she sat right down to write thank you notes. I was not surprised. Rather, i was impressed. How many times have you received a thank you note lately?

Well, I tried to upload a photo, but mobile Blogger says the format isn't supported.  Jpg.....hmmm. oh well, most of you have seen it on Facebook.

A test

I just installed Blogger on my phone and did a quick post. However, it did not publish. Now I'm trying my tablet to see if it does any better.

Just a teaser

 Ella, on Saturday, before her guests arrived for her "My Little Pony" birthday party.

Ella, on Sunday, after a trip to Build * Bear to build this pony.  Yes, there are other items besides bears.  She also has Rudolph the Red Nos*d Reindeer and his girlfriend.  She had a very happy birthday.

The Bella

Well, I was going to try to post a photo of Ella from Facebook, but the link didn't work. (I know why now. On FB I limit who can see my photos to my FB friends.)  When I get home and have access to my own computer, I'll work on getting some photos up.  Ella had a great party on Saturday with five friends who magically turned into "My Little Ponies."  With fancy hair barrettes and "tails" made with flowing ribbons, they pranced around and enjoyed themselves immensely.  Ella's mom made all of the decorations, and is her style, everything was elegantly made.

The center of the table had bowls of daisies because that is what the one particular pony eats.  Everything was fitting with "My Little Pony."

After the girls went home, one little friend remained and spent the night with Ella.  She is her friend from pre-K. Since they don't go to the same elementary school, they don't see each other as often as they would like, so having her spend the night was extra special for both girls.  David said they were out like lights as soon as their heads hit the pillows.

On Sunday, they came to Charlottesville to get a present for Ella fro Build * Bear.  Of course, it was one of the ponies.  We had a good lunch together at Ruby T*esday and then came back to her aunt Sarah's apartment for cake and ice cream and more presents.

She had a wonderful two days of celebrating her seventh year.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying the cooler temperatures here in Charlottesville!

Happy Birthday, Ella

Since Ella's birthday is tomorrow, Sunday, the fourth, we celebrated today with five of her friends.  The theme this year was "My Little Pony."  The decorations were very tastefully done by Ella's mom.  Pink and purple were the main colors.  Each girl had a hair barrette that Sabrina had made, along with tails which they wore all afternoon. 

After playing outside for a while, they came in and did some crafts around a table, then on to the cake and presents.  It was really a lovely afternoon.  I posted pictures on Facebook, and when I have my own computer back and can upload the pictures, I will post them here.

Tomorrow, after church, we are meeting for lunch and then coming back to Sarah's for cake and celebrate some more.

An August Challenge

I saw on Facebook the other day a challenge to blog every day in August.  Well, I'm already a day late in starting.  I have been remiss in posting and visiting friends' blogs.  And I realize I've missed a lot.

My computer is on the DL right now.  I drove up to Virginia over the last three days, stopping the first night in Savannah, and then spent a night with a good friend in North Carolina before coming on to Virginia today. 

I haven't been up since March.  It seems so long ago.  I'm here for Ella's seventh birthday on Sunday.  Can you believe it?  She is growing up so fast...too fast.  Hopefully, I'll get some pictures up so that you can see how tall she is, how pretty she is, and I know you can tell by looking at her how smart she is.

I've had a busy summer, and I'll share some of that in subsequent posts, but for now, good night.  I'll be back soon.

March with Ella

 

Guess Who!

It's been so long since I've posted.  I really have no excuse but that I've spent much more time on that other means of social media.  While I still read posts, I don't comment much, and I feel like I've lost touch.  Looking back to when I started blogging, Ella hadn't been born yet.  When she was, she received the diagnosis of CF that changed our world and how we looked at it.

I have been in Virginia...cold, cold Virginia...since the middle of March.  Ella had a few days' stay in the hospital, then home on IV's for 9 more days.  She has been without her PICC line for over a week, and we are encouraged.

My son and his wife don't want me to talk about the CF very much, so I don't.  We prefer to dwell on the vibrant, vivacious little girl that Ella is.  We share many laughs with her.  We listen to her read with such enthusiasm.  Her teacher said she tests out at a fourth=grade level. (She's in first grade.)

So many of you have followed Ella through the years, and I just wanted to give you a little update.

The cold days are becoming less and less.  Last Sunday we had around four inches of snow in Charlottesville.  Yesterday, Easter Sunday, was rainy and chilly, but it seems the snow was no sooner gone, and the trees were budding.  I admire the daffodils and pansies and other flowers that survive the snow and still hold their heads high.

Soon I'll be heading back to Florida.  I've finally decided (I think) to sell my house and downsize.  For now, I see myself staying in Florida.  At some point I might divide my time, but for now I am happy to come and go.  My children are very welcoming, and I do appreciate that.  I'm thankful that I can come often to see them, and especially, Ella.

HUMOR CAN MAKE A SERIOUS DIFFERENCE

If you've noticed, I've hardly blogged at all, and when I do, it seems it has been about losing someone.  I get these posts in an email from Steve Goodier, at www.LifeSupportSystem.com.
It might be what you need for todeay.

Thomas Watson, former CEO and chairman of IBM, was famous for
putting the word "THINK" on prominent walls of every IBM building.
The tradition has carried on into modern times. Not long ago in a
restroom at IBM's Watson Center, a supervisor placed a "THINK" sign
directly above the sink.

The next day, when he entered the restroom, he glanced at the sign.
Just below it and immediately above the soap dispenser, someone had
carefully lettered another sign that which read: "THOAP!"

How often do you laugh at work? Actually, humor can make a serious
difference. In the workplace, at home, in all areas of life -
looking for a reason to laugh is necessary. A sense of humor helps
us to get through the dull times, cope with the difficult times,
enjoy the good times and manage the scary times.

Case in point: six-year-old Hannah. Hannah encountered one of the
most frightening times of her life when she discovered she had
cancer. Six years old and she might not live. And if she were to
give life a shot, Hannah would have to endure painful, almost
endless medical treatments. At one point she lost all her hair due
to chemicals pumped into her tiny body. On days when she felt strong
enough to get out, she often covered her head.

One day while shopping with her mother, Hannah donned a ball cap
with a fake pony tail sewn into the back. Unless one looked closely,
she looked as if she had a full head of hair. Before long Hannah
noticed a small boy staring at her as if he were trying to figure
out what was slightly off about the girl. She tried to ignore him,
but he followed her around the store. Finally, she ripped off her
cap revealing her shiny, hairless head. In a stern voice she warned,
"This is what happens when you don't eat your vegetables!"

I don't know what became of the boy, but I suspect he is now a
committed vegetarian. As for Hannah, her sense of humor helped get
her through one of life's scariest times.

Memories of A Christmas Past

I've been in Virginia since the day before Thanksgiving, spending time with my son and his family and with my daughter, Sarah.  I've spent some time looking at toys and ideas for Christmas presents for the Bella.  One day when I was in T*rget, I was looking at the bicycles, and my eyes were drawn to this one, and my mind went back to the Christmas of 1949...yes, 1949. 

I was eight.  Santa Claus was still very real to me.  My list for him was long.  On that list was a bicycle and a bride doll and...and...and.  I don't remember what all I had wanted, but Santa did his best to get me what I wanted.

Christmas morning came, and under the tree was a 26 inch Schwinn bike.  My first and only bicycle.  And it was a deluxe edition, a little more deluxe than the one in the photo above.  It had a horn that was battery operated, and it was enclosed on the bike below the handlebars and the seat.  All I had to do was push the button, and the horn sounded.  I don't know if there was a basket on it that morning, but there soon was, and in later years some streamers flowing from the grips on the handlebars.

What surprised me about the bike in the photo above is that there are no hand brakes.  It has coaster brakes, just like mine did 63 years ago. 

There were no training wheels back then.  I just got on and tried and tried until I could ride the bicycle.  The street in the front of our house was like a brick street, but the bricks were not smooth, and I had many scrapes and bruises from the falls that I took as I learned to ride...no knee pads or helmets back then either.

When I looked at the bike in the store, I noticed that it is a "Legacy" bike, made by Schwinn.  With so many brands that have come and gone in the last years, I'm glad there is still a Schwinn bike.

I cherish the memories of that bike.  Unlike so many children today, it was the only bike I ever had or needed.  These days, I find I need and want less and less. I know my parents were so relieved when I realized that they were the Santa, and they could breathe a little more easily. 

I wish to you all a merry Christmas.  May His presence in your life be your present.

Goodbye for Now

Any of you who have known me for any time or who have read this blog know that I spent some time in Haiti teaching missionary kids before I met and married Don and raised a family here in Florida.  Even though I was in Haiti for a relatively short time (three and a half years) I came to love Haiti, its people, and the missionaries that I worked with.

I especially loved the kids, and now we do not have a teacher/pupil relationship, but one of good friends.  After I left Haiti in 1973 and got married and lived here in Bradenton, Don and I entertained many of those families in our home when they happened to be traveling through Florida and had a personal connection with many of them over the years. 

Several of the missionary couples who have retired moved here to Bradenton to live in the Bradenton Missionary Village which was built by Anthony Rossi, the founder of Tropicana Products.  And so over the years I have enjoyed visiting these families and seeing their "kids" when they have come to visit.

This weekend we are meeting together to say goodbye to one of the missionaries, Don Adams.  He and his wife Evelyn lived and worked in Haiti and later Suriname for 38 years before retiring and coming to Bradenton.  While here, he ministered in the jail and in nursing homes.  He was faithful to his family, his friends, and to his Heavenly Father, ministering faithfully until he could no longer do it physically.

We will say goodbye, knowing that we will meet again when God takes us home, or when He returns to take us with him.  As so many have written, it is sad for those left on earth, but wonderful for the one being promoted to glory.

Now I Am Six

It seems that I haven't blogged forever...well, it's true, I haven't.  I am trying to do a post about Ella's sixth birthday, and for some reason I am having difficulty uploading photos.  Oh, well.  Perhaps later.

I drove to Virginia last week to be here for the grand celebration of turning six.  I brought along with me an old-time friend from Haiti so that she could visit with her son and his family who now live in Lynchburg, Virginia.  On the way we stopped in Athens, Georgia to renew acquaintance from fifty years ago.  Sarah and I worked at a camp together in Florida during our college days, and our paths have not crossed since then.

I saw her name one day on Facebook, and we reconnected.  It was lovely visiting with her.  Some physical limitations have made it necessary for her to be in a retirement home, and she is doing well there.  Then, on our way into Virginia, we passed by Gastonia, North Carolina where a retired missionary couple from Haiti live.  I asked my friend, Mary Jane, if she would like to stop and see them.  So we made an unplanned detour and visited for a few minutes with Dr. and Mrs. Dudley Nelson.

After leaving Mary Jane in Lynchburg, I drove on here to Charlottesville to my daughter's home, and then on Saturday we went to Ella's for the party.  Always before her birthdays had been mainly family gatherings or a few neighbors.  This year Ella told her mother that she wanted a real birthday party with girls.

My daughter-in-law outdid herself in planning this party.  It had a gnome theme.  Since I'm having a problem posting photos, perhaps I can get a link in here to the photos that I've posted on Facebook.
Here is a link to the photos.  I hope it works.

I Will Never Leave You

YOU'RE STUCK WITH ME

Even though her toddler was throwing a furious tantrum, (or, as my southern American friends might say, pitching a fit) from the seat of a grocery cart, one mother was unfazed. "You may as well give up on the crying," she said as calmly as if she were soothing her to bed instead of leading her out of the store. "It won't work. You're stuck with me for 18 years."

That little child may not know how lucky she is to be stuck with her for 18 years. Even when she's cranky, out of sorts or otherwise going through a phase, her mother will be there. She's stuck with her. Most relationships that truly matter are built on that kind of sticking-power. And not everyone has someone they can always count on to stick around.

A university instructor posed a riddle to her graduate education class. "What has four legs and leaves?" she asked, hoping the students would realize that by considering alternative meanings to the words "legs" and "leaves" that they could arrive at the solution – a table. However, one woman unexpectedly answered, "My last two boyfriends." Maybe you can relate.

People will leave relationships for any number of reasons. And sometimes we should put certain relationships behind. Not every friendship or romance has a healthy future. Sometimes we bring along so many destructive problems and behaviors that a happy relationship has no chance of long-term survival. Sometimes addictions make staying in a relationship impossible. Sometimes leaving is necessary.

But there's also a time to stick around. Something all relationships of many years have in common is this: every one of them is made up of people who have had plenty of opportunities to bolt or quit, to move out or to move on, but they stuck around. Maybe because they knew that the people they love are not always "lovable" or easy to be with, and that's okay. They want a relationship that matters, one that is important and lasting, and that kind is nurtured by patience and understanding.

Author John Gray sometimes tells about a young mother who asked her visiting brother to get her some pain pills. He forgot and, when her husband returned home, she was upset and in pain – more than a bit crazy. He experienced her anger as a personal assault and exploded in defense. They exchanged harsh words and he headed for the door.

His wife said, "Stop, don't leave. This is when I need you the most! I'm in pain. I've had no sleep. Please listen. You are a fair-weather friend. If I'm sweet, you're okay; but if I'm not, out you go!" And then tearfully, and more subdued, she said, "I'm in pain. I have nothing to give. Please hold me. Don't speak...just hold me." He held her and neither spoke – until she thanked him for being there.

I suspect there will be plenty of other times their relationship will be tested. And I also suspect that every time it goes through a rough patch and survives some sort of adversity, every time they decide that being together is important enough to stick it out and fix what's wrong, then it will change. Maybe not much, but a little. And in time, little by little, that relationship, their "togetherness," will become a thing of beauty; a pearl of great value.

And definitely worth sticking around for.

-- Steve Goodier

As I read this post by Steve Goodier, I immediately was reminded of several Scriptures.

Isaiah 41:10 - International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

¹⁰ So do not fear,^(A) for I am with you;^(B)
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen^(C) you and help^(D) you;
I will uphold you^(E) with my righteous right hand.<sup>(F)


Matthew 28:20</sup>

And surely I am with you^(B) always, to the very end of the age.”<sup>(C)

Hebrews 13:5</sup>
 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”^{[a] 3:5}

__._,_.___

           

.

__,_._,___

A new old drug store

We have a new "old-fashioned" drug store in town.  A step inside will take you back a few years in your memory to the days when fountain drinks, sodas, and milk shakes were all made by hand by the "soda jerk."  This drug store opened a few months ago in east Bradenton.  It is housed in a grand old brick building that used to be a department store.  Western wear was available there.  When Don and I got married, I bought him a pair of cowboy boots from there.

On my way to meet a friend for a movie one day, I decided to visit and see just what was there.  I sat right down at the counter and enjoyed visiting with the "jerk," a likable gentleman from England who has settled here and is working there.  The menu has all sorts of ice cream pleasures and all kinds of fountain drinks.  On their menu, they have a few sandwiches, but the emphasis is on the fountain part.  I had a chicken salad sandwich, a bag of chips, and any drink in the drug store for 6.95...not bad.  I chose a chocolate shake.  Yum!

While sitting on the stool at the counter, I enjoyed admiring the antiques and remembrances from days gone by. The cabinets in the drug store are beautiful.  At the top of the one above is a Stetson hat box.  That reminded me of my daddy who loved to wear hats in the day, and he bought them in Tampa at the Stetson hatters.

This old cash register sits at the end of the counter, again reminiscent of former days.  In a newspaper article about the department store, you can see the photo of it with the gentlemen who owned the store. 

While not functional now, it adds to the atmosphere.

While I was sitting there, the "jerk" was busy making the syrups for the different drinks that they make.  Even the whipped cream is made the old fashioned way.  The cream goes into a canister, then a "bomb" is attached that aerates the cream. 

The counter is made of onyx.  It had originally been in a store here in Bradenton, and the owner obtained it and installed it here.

My mother worked in a drug store all the years that I was in school.  She wasn't a soda jerk, rather put out a hot plate special every day.  In the day, you could get a hot plate, a meat, two vegetables, and rolls for 55 cents.  As I grew up, I ended up working in the drug store too.  I must say that it was not my favorite job.  One thing that was hard was the fact that the ice cream scoops were made for right-handed people, and being left-handed, it was very awkward to scoop hard ice cream. 

I have many fond memories of the drug store where my mother worked.  It was on the ground floor of the professional building in Bradenton.  Lawyers and doctors had their offices in that building, and many of them ate there.  From the time I was in second grade or so, I had to go with my mother to work in the mornings, eat my breakfast there, and then walk to school.  I lived just inside the city limits and was not eligible to ride the bus.  So, in my elementary school years, my mornings were spent there until it was time to get to school.  I got to know some really neat people during those growing up years.  This drug store in east Bradenton is a lovely reminder.  I hope it stays around for a long time.

Trees

I haven't blogged much lately.  Facebook is so much easier, but the first one to comment on my last post about my husband was Carmi, from Written, Inc.  He does a photographic theme each week, and this week's theme is "trees."  How simple can this be?  When I traveled to Virginia in April to visit my children, I had the added plus of its being spring. 

When you live in Florida, you see flowers year-round, but there is something about seeing trees burst into bloom in the spring.  I live too far south in Florida to see dogwood, so my mouth dropped open often during those days I was in Virginia and on my way there, seeing dogwood everywhere.

As I was getting out of the car one day at my son's house, I looked and saw this beautiful sight.  First is the Japanese maple in his yard and then the dogwood, white and pink in the yard next door.  I took out my phone and snapped the photo, and I was quite pleased with it.  Enjoy.  Go over to Carmi's blog and take a look at other entries to this week's theme.