Ryan's Birthday!!

September 25 is Ryan's birthday! He turned 6 yesterday, and we are slow getting an entry done for his birthday. He is such a special boy. His smiles and hugs bring joy to everyone around him. His curiosity and attention for details are amazing. He has been able to manipulate the photo library on his grandparent's computer for a couple of years now. We know of no person his age able to understand the strategy and play dominoes, beating the adults who play with him. We have gathered a few photo memories of Ryan from babyhood to the present. What a special person he is and we are so happy to be his grandparents. We know his next year will be as exciting as the last one was!

Green Tomato Pickles

We aren't sure where this recipe came from, but it is very old. We suspect it came from Arline Thompson as she shared so many recipes with us many years ago. You begin by slicing six quarts of green tomatoes, and six onions. The veggies soak over night in a solution of salt and water. In the morning you drain the tomatoes and onions, put them in a kettle, and add 1 1/2 cups of vinegar, 2 1/2 cups of sugar (1/2 brown sugar) and 3 tbsp. of pickling spice tied in a bag. The pickles simmer for a half hour, then they are put into jars and into the canner for five minutes. Voila! Pickles!

The New Walk

Gary has worked really hard this summer on the front of the house. The latest project is the new brick walk which is nearly done. It looks so much nicer than the old cement blocks. He has also raised up and reset all of the shrubs (except the large ones) in front of the house. Things are looking good there. In fact, as we were taking these pictures, a real estate dealer stopped and asked of we were planning to sell it.

We did it!

After a week of looking at cars and riding around in them, we made a decision today and bought one. It is a 2008 Toyota and we brought it home. The Bonneville is gone - off to an auction. I guess after 10 years that is better than off to the scrap heap as most of the old cars went in the Cash for Clunker deals.

This vehicle was purchased primarily for the Florida trip we plan to take this winter. It has lots of cargo space and will be easier on gas than the truck was.

The only other exciting thing in our mundane lives this past week or so is Steve has had a hair cut. The hot spell in August caused his fur to get matted, so he is now a very short haired cat. The weather has been beautiful this week - nothing but sun and nice breezes. We have had a frost, but we covered the veggies that are still growing and the flowers are still in blossom. Gary is creating a brick walk at the front of the house. We will have pictures of that next time.