A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That

I'd like to say that I was vacationing somewhere exotic, but the truth is, I've been right here in my little town. Somewhere between six kids, eleven hens, running boys to soccer every night of the week, the beginning of karate, and being on town council, I ran out of time. And energy.

And, as if I haven't been busy enough, I've been canning when I can. The day before my surgery I made another batch of pickled watermelon rinds and this week I made some triple-citrus marmalade. The marmalade was so very simple. And it's tasty, too. I don't know why I've never made it before.

I am recovering nicely from my surgeries. The podiatrist released me from his care yesterday. And told me I could go running right away. But, well, I'm still under my GYN's care for another five weeks (although he said I could run within days of the surgery, I think I will call to make sure he really meant that). And, my knee is acting up. It's funny how great it felt last week when I was on narcotics. The afternoon of my surgery I told Joe I felt so good I wanted to go for a run. He looked at me and very sternly said, "You. are. NOT. going. to. run." Glad I listened. I don't think a drugged-up person can make rational decisions and I'm sure I would have gotten hit by a car or something had I left the house without adult supervision.

And in other news:

• A certain little boy turns three tomorrow. THREE! And the birthday present I ordered for him last week is not coming. It was the last one in stock and I got an email this week telling me it is damaged. I have nothing to give him. I walked around Wal-Mart last night and saw nothing. There are no toy stores in this area at all. Tomorrow morning I will take him to the next county to the Toys 'R Us and hope I find something. Since my account was already debited, I told them to send it when it comes in stock for Christmas. (And Spenser will be getting one of these, too.)
• My father had an appointment with his oncologist last week, and he is in "complete remission." This was a total surprise to us. Now, this does not mean his cancer is cured, but it's taking a break from his body. He was diagnosed 7 1/2 years ago (just months before Krissy died) and was told it was incurable. He had chemo four years ago and was in an 85% remission then. It's the power of prayer, I tell ya.
• My favorite snack lately (besides sweet peppers from my garden with ranch dressing) is almond butter on graham crackers. I can't get enough.
• I have sewing on my mind. It has been a long time since I've sewn. I'm thinking new fall skirts. I have the perfect fall tablecloth waiting to be worn.
• I'll have to update you on my hens soon. We're getting lots of eggs. (See sidebar.)