Progress. Today I purchased window blinds and as soon as John or Wendy helps me install them on my two windows I can take down the muslin fabric I taped over them for privacy. Besides these, the second order I made to LL Bean came. One, insulated winter jacket for everyday. Two, non-slip, insulated, waterproof, sneakers. And, thirdly, non-slip, insulated, waterproof, Helen Mirren RED (you know, Retired Extremely Dangerous) boots...

Now, all I need is the white dress to go with them.

Wendy was busy vacuuming the house like she was killing snakes when I got home from shopping in Quakertown. It wasn't about cleaning though since, later, I found out that the cats and dogs all have fleas so she was trying to rid the premises of these little visitors. She had some topical stuff that gets them off the animals, so I used that on Toby and she used it on the other two kitties. It is thought that they may have come from the former owners' old dog that lived with them. None of Boldings' animals have had any fleas for over a decade; nor, has Toby ever had them. I just hope they are gone a.s.a.p.

Sometimes I wonder what Toby thinks. Dragging him 2800 miles across the USA to live on a porch with three dogs or out in complete freedom. He actually gets along with the dogs just fine. It's the other cats that mess with his mind.

Jam-packed activity here.

This morning John drove Keoni to a train station where Keoni did a Hollywood sprint to catch the train. Yes, it really did leave at 6:51 a.m! A successful boarding took him to orchestra practice in Philly's center city. The solo train trip was a first for him this second PYO practice. Later in the morning Wendy and John drove with Aidan to purchase his full-size cello; also, city center. The four managed some sort of cosmic (or comic?) convergence for lunch.

Keoni took another train to his violin lesson and wound up on West Butler instead of East Butler but somehow managed to reverse his mistake and arrive at his lesson late, but in luck that Mr. de Pasquale's next lesson was a cancel so they went right ahead anyway and were only half way through when I got there to pick up Keoni. I was invited into the lesson in the friendliest manner, and was duly impressed with what was taking place. de Pasquale has a deep wealth of understanding, experience, and a congenial way of fine-tuning Keoni's technique. It was wonderful to watch and listen. Remarkable, too, was how much de Pasquale reminded me of Phil. Keoni has had the same impression.

So what was happening in my day? It may sound mundane, but my contributions were the family laundry and shopping my favorite route along the farm markets on Allentown Road. We have a goodly stock of our own fresh food in the kitchen again after the extra work of the school gardening that took up this week's mornings. Wendy seems to have shed the worst of her cold. The best part of the day was Keoni's lesson, and later at home Aidan trying out five different bows for the cello. Who knew bows could sound so very different.

Ah, but weariness caught up with me and Keoni who fell asleep sprawled across his bed when we got home. I was so glad to hear Wendy, John and Aidan had eaten along the way. Later, I went by myself to a little Italian restaurant not too far away and had a satisfying plate of spaghetti and a salad. Enjoyed the comfort of the food and service. Nice.

It is raining again this evening. I think that there will be some cooler weather behind it.

This was the last day of Wendy's volunteer week in the garden at Aidan'a elementary school. I helped her the last three days of her week since she was under the weather with her cold. It was pleasant and I enjoyed the shared work.

As you can easily see, the garden is fading away in the fall weather, though it was plenty warm today. It had a good yield from the summer volunteers keeping it going. The school utilized a lot of watermelon, toatoes and sweet corn. Extra went to a local food bank. There are a few beets coming up and a lot of bell peppers yet to mature.

Now that the septic system is complete a fence will be installed fairly soon at our Rhapsody Ridge home. It is hoped it will be possible to cover a couple of acres to let the dogs free to take care of the back of the house on around the barn and beyond a bit. So far, they have been good with chickens back in Tucson. I hope that continues since we all enjoy the eggs from these five hens. Wendy wants to get some trees in, too.

Aidan had his cello seating test in orchestra practice this evening. When he came in the door after he and Wendy got home he was glowing and said it went well and he made lots of new friends. Seating results are not yet known.

Neighbor Joe sees his great-granddaughter off to school in the mornings and waits for her to get off the bus in the afternoon as one of us does for Aidan, too; usually Wendy.

Neighbor Joe waiting for great-granddaughter Kristin.

This evening I ordered a winter jacket and waterproof, warm shoes and boots from LL Bean. Seems crazy after all these years in a hot climate. I was taking sister Jeanenne's advice to Wendy and John about getting the snow shovel before the first snow or they are all sold out, and getting warm stuff before my teeth chatter.

Thats all for tonight...hope all is well wherever you are.

Weather Report: Superlative.

Ah, but the sniffles have arrived. Aidan first; now Wendy. Who's next?

Doodads. Do dis do dat. That's what I've been doing a lot today. Reframed a picture, caulked the toilets in two baths and tub where they meet the floor in the grandmother/grandsons' bath and the "powder room". It has been cool for several days so that the floor got dry from the condensate running off the outside of the toilet tanks during the hot, humid weather. My caulking isn't pretty, but hey! I saved two floors. Then, there was the computer stuff to catch up, a couple of phone calls to mend details and papers that needed a sort. Hohum stuff maybe, but it is curious how satisfying sometimes.

The water that comes into the plumbing here is icy cold straight out of the ground. Great to have a refreshing glass of water without ice cubes. I have learned there should be some sort of holding tank and that is missing. So, the water is whatever temp it is down in the well. There are two wells and nowhere near enough faucets. Wendy runs all over the place with about 150 feet of hose. I understand hose bibs are on the list for new plumbing.

Keoni took his first ever business cards to the gig last Saturday...

Front and back

This afternoon, Neighbor Joe came by with his wife Dot on his John Deere electric cart. He brought along Hickory nut samples and Black Walnut samples. He was telling Wendy about them and thought he'd come by with proof of their existence. There is one walnut tree on this property, for sure. More on Joe's. He also said this September was the latest they'd ever baled hay. This was due to so much rain.

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Shoutout to the SWs...finished another crochet muffler and part of a hat for the older grandson this evening.


Wendy takes the dogs for walks often throughout the day. Now and then, she has seen wild turkeys. Today she brought home a feather one had left behind...

For a few days we heard lots of guns shots going on constantly. A barrage, then, quiet followed by more of the same. Then, Sunday, I saw a little home made sign along the road about a half or three quarters mile away. It said Turkey Shoot. I hadn't thought about those marksmanship contests for many years. I wonder if they give out dressed wild turkey prizes? or frozen domestics? Monday was quiet again.

I wish the horrible use of weaponry in that Naval yard yesterday hadn't happened. Our culture takes hideous wounds, our people's hearts are breaking, our lost souls went to rest too soon.

Aidan was doing his homework this afternoon. He drew a grand piano and printed his spelling words on its raised top.

Later, at supper, he spelled all the words out loud for his dad while we dined on a ragout of spare parts from the weekend meals and frozen this and that. The afternoon snack granola bars that I made for the boys were gone but for two and a half of them while I was on the phone sorting out some detail. Aidan got out the tape measure so I could measure him. That food must be doing some good because he is now five feet one inch. He says, "And, I'm only ten years old!"

While there is plenty of music here, there are also breaks...such as, football...

I contemplated the pasture occupants...

Austen and T-Bone

Yesterday, was Sunday. I was disappointed to find out that the choir mentioned on Trinity UCC's web site actually doesn't exist anymore. Ah, too bad. I like it there, otherwise.

My clothing in folded piles in my bedroom still lacks a clothing wardrobe. Somehow, I can't make myself get one of those 500 lb. affairs of manufactured wood and laminate that comes in cardboard boxes that have to be carried upstairs by strong people. Then assembled. Aaaggghhh. Wendy and John just finished the doors on the IKEA one that is in Keoni's room after nearly a month of several work sessions. It looks handsome, but I'm afraid it will fall through the floor into the dining room.

I now own a sweater, corduroy pants, long sleeve shirts and wool socks. Who knew a year ago that would be a necessity?

Every day Toby increases his range a bit closer to the barn.

Weather Report: Fall came back.

Swiff, swiff, swift went the swiffer duster yesterday as I dusted up those fuzzies everywhere in the house. I have one of those long handled dusters that really makes it go...swiftly. I spilt the wet mop swiffers all down the basement stairs so they were messed up. Still, another cleaning day happened.  It is becoming more like a home now.

Wendy unloaded what were, I believe, the last of the moving boxes. She scheduled a veteran's benefit organization to come pick up a lot of stuff that is not going to fit into this house. Less is more!!!

Keoni had a mega music day today, orchestra, lesson and a gig all went well.  He picked up another gig for tomorrow; play for someone's terminally ill mother her favorite song, "Edelweiss". This will be in a town not too far away, North Wales. Aidan had his cello lesson and felt very good about it since his teacher Mrs. D (for de Pasquale) helped prepare him for the orchestra seating test that will happen at next Friday evening's practice. She will give him an extra lesson on Thursday, too. Nice to see him feel good about it again after a not-so-happy orchestra practice that he had last night. It is a lot different than Tucson Junior Strings and he didn't feel confident about it after last night's practice.

We came for music and it is happening.

Ah, it's happening...every day there is a little more color in the woods. The chrysanthemums are blooming, too. They always remind me of Aunt Christine. She had so many colors of them. Our collection of them is modest by comparison, but satisfying anyway.

About the time I took this Wendy was putting Austen and T-Bone out in the pasture together...

If you've followed the blog you'll know T-Bone is the goat with Austen.

And Toby, my orange tomcat was having a stand-off with Jasper, the barn cat...

They didn't yowl so much this time. Maybe it'll work out after all.

Today's great experience was lunch with three men; Dick, Dave and Dennis. I got lots and lots of lowdown on public transportation, day trips, weekend trips, museums, historical sites, plays, cities, art, factories, and the weather; the Telford general area doesn't get hurricanes and tornadoes, but the area surrounding us does. It was a treat sitting at a table with my generation for awhile. I love the other generations, don't get me wrong, just a comforting moment there.

Yesterday it was sweat city here as that blast of summer swooped back in to remind us of what she can do. I found a post office in a little building about 2 miles away. Got excellent and immediate service as no other customers were around. It's like the old Cortaro, AZ Post Office a few decades ago with the two ladies who ran it and lived in the back. Their Christmas cookies were memorable as was the service with few to no other customers around while I mailed off the packages to family and friends.

 Aidan and I played basketball on the screen porch while it poured down rain...

We used an old soccer ball and one of his mom's empty flower pots. He got five to my four baskets.

I took Wendy to the Lansdale train station to go meet John for his work's annual employee bash. (Didn't we just do that at the zoo?) Sig.com treats their employees really well.

Keoni and Nathan, a new school friend, went to a football game. Nathan drives. He is also in the PYO (Philly Youth Orchestra) that Keoni just auditioned for and got into this past weekend. Nathan plays trumpet. The football game was rained out, so they went and had ice cream at what is becoming my favorite ice cream place and it is waaaaayyy too close to us.

Just heard from Valerie who said that Sonja is bringing Dimetrios home from the hospital now. Thanks to all sending their love and prayers for recovery for him and relief for his family. We wish Sonja, in particular, a solid night's sleep as she recovers from the hospital world they lived in for awhile.

The house is quiet now except for Harvey the turtle's waterfall in his aquarium. John and Wendy just arrived home. It is time for rest.

Weather report: 90 degrees and the trees are turning.

That was this afternoon.

I am now officially a Pennsylvanian with a driver's license, a car license and a voting registration to prove it. The best part of this official business was going to a "tag" place to get the car license in an old business building/residence where the official was a congenial woman who had all the electronics to make my car license happen. She went back to a corner closet that she unlocked and chose a PA plate for my Subaru. It took awhile to get all the details into the system and presently a man came in with a grizzled face, straw cowboy hat, pony tail and she introduced him as Willie Nelson, her husband. Except for a little more meat on his bones, he sure did look like Willie. I said, "Do you sing?" and, sure enough, he did, "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain", and, yes, that almost passed for Willie, too. Turns out he is a courier for her business. He was singing "On the Road Again" as he left. I said I didn't know you get a concert when you get a license. She also sold teddy bears.

I had a late breakfast at the Dam' Good Cafe, and the pumpkin pancakes were Damn Good.

I came home with some of the shopping for myself that was sorely needed. I have a small, comfortable desk chair now, a hang-from-the-door shoe caddy that doesn't work (I'll think of something), a second set of sheets, and a coat/hat, umbrella tree to replace the now displaced door hook for my robe. And, I found something to send to Dimetrios.

The six half gallons of Pennview Farms milk didn't make it to Wednesday, so I got seven of them this time.

Aidan is playing his cello practices on a full-sized cello that sounds pretty dam' darn good. He has grown so much these past 8 or 9 months that the 1/2 size is no longer big enough for him. He'll try some more cellos, but this one is great to hear.

Keoni has been mixing music from my piano and his violin most of the evening. He played it back for me from his mother's computer. He has a real gig on Saturday.

Wendy and John are back home from their parents thing at Aidan's school and dinner out, and I am finished for this day.

Eagles were ahead of the Redskins this Monday night when I put down the crochet and followed Aidan upstairs to go to our respective rooms. I won't last long writing tonight.

My auto insurance company has provided prolonged entertainment. Person after person in the company has struggled with the transfer of my auto insurance to PA, and the termination of my Arizona condo insurance and the traded-in Hyundai, both of which were sold the week of July 15th. Once in awhile I call the company to see the status and reassure myself that I am not paying for insurance in Arizona on policies that no longer exist. Each phone interaction I wonder if the polite person speaking is going to be THE ONE who succeeds clearing up the company confusion. Then, the cycle repeats a few days or weeks later.

I got all ready to go to the PA licensing place this morning, but a check online showed that it is not open on Mondays. Helped out with the laundry instead and harassed my insurance company.

There was a rash of texting this afternoon as emails arrived in family mail boxes. Both Aidan and Keoni made it into their respective Philadelphia youth orchestras they auditioned for on the weekend. Go Keoni and Aidan!!!

The school year is now rolling along for them, their music scene is expanding. That lends itself to a pleasant hum in the household. There are rough spots, but overall it is satisfying to see things starting to click.

Petsmart doesn't stock cat food for indoor/outdoor cats. Toby seems to be both. He likes his cubby hole in the porch cat tree and his food there when he is not outside.

Quitting time...

The neighbor made hay bales from his winnowed grass on Saturday. More than a sight to see, it was a smell to smell. Technology doesn't let us send such fine aromas. Fall is near. Mid-week promises a warm day, but it's doubtful it can last.

Here is a shout-out to Eliana, Keoni and Aidan's cousin in Tucson: Congratulations on becoming part of Tucson Junior Strings AND Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra! You rock. Hope you have a wonderful violin season all through this fall and coming year. Go Eli!

On Friday late afternoon we met John in the city for family sushi (no, I didn't suddenly overcome my  sushi aversion, I ate Chinese) and afterwards we found our way to Bryn Mawr College where Aidan auditioned for PRYSM (Philadelphia Region Youth String Music--I think they thought of the acronym and then the name).

Aidan in new shirt, trousers, and his brother's tie in our drive ready to go to Philly.

At Bryn Mawr College checking in for the audition.

Aidan and proud mother.

A few minutes to practice Sonata in E Minor, Op. 14, No. 5 by Vivaldi.

It was fortunate for us that Keoni had stayed at Bryn Mawr college last summer for one of his music camps because we'd have wandered all over wondering which building to go to. Turned out he knew the campus well. He says there are no urinals.

Saturday Keoni had an audition, too, at about 1 p.m. in the city center. I'll have to fill in the exact name of his piece later. I think he went to bed.

Neither one knows the results yet though both felt good about what they played and were smiling afterward.

Since the loss of the mare Celis might leave the remaining mare Austen frantic for companionship since the two were pretty much joined at the hip, Wendy decided to get a horse boarder in. That turned into a fiasco since the new boarder had liberally lied about everything. The poor horse, a pinto, was given to this owner by someone who also had lied about a great deal. In the end, the former owner took responsibility and the pinto is gone as of this morning. Took some concerted action by Wendy and John to make this happen. Sort of sad in a way since the pinto was nice, but had serious health issues. I believe the new situation he went to is a retirement. Austen, it turns out, was pretty good with the changes and was happily grazing in the pasture at dusk.

It is great relief to know from calls and messages from Val, Tim and Sonja that Dimetyrios is starting to mend. The lung is slowly inflating again, and he looks much better than on Friday, Sonja and Val reported this evening. I made a mistake on the provenance of the posted picture of him. Tim was the one who took it and was giving him his bath. Valerie sent it along to me. I understand Dimetrios is very thin now even for his usual long, skinny frame, but he ate a lot of supper tonight. He will be in the UU Hospital for awhile yet.

I returned to one of the little churches today, Trinity UCC in Telford, that had felt the best so far out of my explorations. The first time I went the service included a blue grass band playing wonderful old tunes. I didn't want to go too far away since winter's roadway will be a challenge I am sure. 

Made a Sunday dinner of hamburger from Hendrick's Farm where they raise the meat they sell. Stuffed bell peppers from Frankenfield Farm with it; plus, used their great tomatoes to make it all look good. The milk from the farm stand half gallon bottles is really a winner. All like it and so do I. Thinking about it, I'll go get a glass of it before I hit the hay. 

Today, Wendy and I received a sweet picture of Dimetrios from Valerie who was with him at the hospital in Salt Lake City helping him with a bath and then he went to sleep. He looks so much like Sonja lying there asleep...

He isn't ready to come home yet, but he is out of ICU. We are all grateful for that, and sending him and all there lots of love. I'll be thinking of Dimetrios as I fall asleep and saying thanks that he is my great-grandson...saying thanks for all who bring love and friendship into my life.

Here the light is changing and it is crisp out tonight. No fan on for sleeping.

My new China-made desk is in place after some false starts on rearranging the corner it is in. Stuffing it was the main occupation of the day.

Keoni and Aidan were home with a day off school for Rosh Hashanah. There was music in the house all day long; even I got a small bit in on the piano again. I have missed it.

Aidan and his dad are watching the Broncos and Ravens going at it. Time for me to go call Toby in and give him his treat.

It is now legal when we use the toilets. The new septic system passed final inspection this morning. Chopped straw and grass seed was blown all over the now smoothed out excavations. The chickens are happily scratching it up and eating the seeds though there is way too much area for them to  do any serious damage. One of the pullets is laying huge eggs and they have double yolks. All five of the chickens are now laying. Yolks are orange from all the green grass and weeds. Plus, all the other bugs and caterpillars they eat.

Active day on the local roads. Entering the realm of my known areas are three farmer's markets along the close-by Allentown Road. And even better, the main food shopping can be done at them; at least while the season lasts. I did this shopping today gps-less! Even found another meat-selling farm with minimal verbal directions. I deposited $10.50 for returnable, half-gallon milk bottles to bring home three gallons of homogenized milk from one market. Total of $25.50. Next time when I take back the washed empties it will be $2.50 per half gallon--$15 for three gallons of grass-fed cows' milk. Not officially organic, but hey! it may last us until next Wednesday.

My new secretary-type desk arrived in a box via Fed Ex this morning. Yea! Tomorrow, the boys are home so we can lug it up to my room and install the legs and whatever else needs assembly; though with the size of the box it it appears to be mostly assembled. Looking forward to seeing more of my floor appear as I load it with stuff.

Picked up Keoni after his school let out and we went to buy him a gismo at a music shop in Lansdale that will enable him to record from my piano to his mother's computer so he can Garage Band that and his violin recording he's doing with his iPhone. Kind of a way to photoshop music.

Sitting outside shucking corn in the late afternoon has become almost a ritual. None of us can get enough of Frankenfield's amazing corn.

Toby came over to say hello while I was outside. He pretty much stays outdoors all day and has been ruling the roost with the barn cats. He still is pretty tense about it all, but absolutely won't stay in as long as he can wedge his way out the porch screen door. He comes when called and trots right in for a treat; then, leaves right away. John put a chunk of firewood against the screen door that will keep him in for tonight.

Good night...

Weather Report: Dense fog with a touch of brown leaves.

Upon awakening the view from one of my windows revealed brown leaves blowing through the air. I don't know what kind of tree was shedding them. The hot, humid days are nearing an end.

When John makes the early morning coffee I can smell it brewing all the way into my room even with the door closed. I think that is what rouses me some mornings.

Wendy was moving Austen to pasture when I stepped onto the back porch...

Wendy and Austen

It is the close of the day this Labor Day of 2013. I see the paper was full of labor related articles; unions struggle for membership, women still haven't reached equity in the workplace and can't have it all, the minimum wage is still $7.25 an hour, fast food workers are striking today.

Yet, there was a foggy morning, rain, sun and a late thunderstorm. There was music in the house nearly all day. There were games to be played, meals to eat, labors of household and barn life and sometimes dust fuzzies needed watching.

Locusts are scratching out their cadences. I am sleepy...

A couple of days ago, New York City was far from mind when Wendy asked if I'd like to go along with her, Keoni and Aidan. Unlike the months-long planning leading to our NYC trip 15 months ago putting this in motion was a matter of minutes; not even hours. How our lives have changed.

Living now in this somewhat rural setting, it has been more a thought of the mind that we are so close to  Philly and NYC rather than an experienced place handy in consciousness. As John says, "Hard to get my head around how close we are to New York." He stayed home to do some work, and wound up putting away 30 bales of hay the new boarder delivered ahead of her horse. Big glitch.

Saturday began with about an hour car trip to Trenton NJ where we caught the Amtrak to Penn Station in NYC...

Which train is it?

Got the right train!

Of course, it was all new to us, so my glitch moments were my departing the Turnpike at the wrong place, parking (how do we get into the lot), and the Amtrak conductor who thought we were picking up a handicapped person. He put us in the empty dining car to expedite the train leaving the station quickly. He said he didn't want send us to the coach seats because we wouldn't want to look in those cars occupied by people who'd come all the way from Florida.

Penn Station is an easy walk to the Empire State Building where Wendy wanted to take Aidan...

Now here is the reason we went to NYC in the first place...

Keoni and Caroline are Interlochen friends.

Caroline and her mother met us on the corner next to the Empire State Building. Keoni, Caroline and her mother went on their walking tour while Wendy, Aidan and I went on our own tour that started with some NY pizza!!! Yea. Then, of course, the great building.

Going up!

Looking down.

The Statue of Liberty was a hazy silhouette in the distance on this humid day. Closer below us were the best views. Enjoyed seeing the many trees and shrubbery living on rooftops all over the city the most.

Aidan found another solution to The Statue of Liberty shot.

We saw an example of parallel parking in NYC.

We met Keoni next...

The meeting spot.

Lindy's was the next destination...

Yes, it is true, Lindy's really is the Mindy's in Damon Runyon's stories of the Guys and Dolls, and Bloodhounds of Broadway.

Their cheesecake gives NY its claim on greatness.

With plenty of time left the two blocks of street fair beckoned.

After that my footsore condition reached the verbal stage so I went into Saint Francis of Assissi Church a half block from Penn Station while Wendy, Keoni and Aidan ventured further. There was a service beginning in the church! I was handed a bulletin and discovered the service was mostly songs. It was a great moment singing there among the parishioners, the glittering gold trim everywhere, led by an operatic voice and masterful pianist whom I couldn't see.

I was glad for a rest time beyond relieving footsoreness to hold Dimetrios, one of my beloved great-grandsons, in the light of love. We heard via a cell phone call he'd been hospitalized with breathing problems. He is improving today. Please keep him and family close to your hearts. We all love him.

Close to journey's end a few steps from Penn Station...

The golden man.

The train, the car and home 12 hours later.