Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Homestead Improvements, Bulldog et al

A little ditty about Bulldog Man……..
Surgery was the 11th of June, picture of neck after surgery.


Today, 23rd of June, picture of neck healing nicely, with Durabond peeling and falling off from around the incision.



My days consist of taking care of Bulldog Man, and making sure he gets his medications on time; and since he’s not allowed to lift, push, or pull anything over 10 pounds, raise his hands over his head, or drive…… I make sure to keep an eye on him so he doesn’t accidentally do what he’s not suppose to. 

Sound easy right???? 

Not with Bulldog Man…….he likes to do things himself without help unless he asks for it.  I think it has something to do with that stubborn streak which runs on the male side of his family……..LOL

*****
Garden Updates
After harvesting all the onions, I cleaned out the raised bed, and prepared it for planting red potatoes.  Each potato seed was cut in half before planting in the soil.  Several tires were also cleaned out and planted with red potatoes.  In a couple of months we should have a nice stash of red potatoes to harvest and put away for winter meals.




Speaking of potatoes, 2 weeks ago, I harvested all my Yukon potatoes because the over abundance of rain destroyed the potato garden.  The other night I made a pot of Yukon Gold potatoes with fresh picked green beans, onions, black forest ham chunks, butter, salt and pepper to taste, and homemade vegetable broth.  This quick and easy meal came out really good; Bulldog Man gives it 4 paws up!!!



Here’s my 2nd green bean harvest from my garden.  These beans were added to the meal indicated above.



The cucumbers seeds planted in two large planters are finally taking off, climbing, and attaching to the feedlot panel used as a trellis.  I also see a few dinky cucumbers starting to grow.




*****
About a month and a half, I planted flower seeds in my flower beds around the front door to attract bees, and butterflies.  These flowers are starting to bloom. 




The sunflowers are starting to really take off.  After dealing with all the rain we had in May and June, and the birds digging up the sunflower seeds, we finally have sunflowers growing.  Yes, you heard right……the birds were digging up the sunflower seeds I had planted, and ate them. 
Sunflowers are growing in the garden bed along with tons of weeds, and grass.

*****
Not too long ago, I learned how to crochet from watching videos off of the internet and you tube.   I’m not a professional at crocheting at all; my first projects were small, making several dish cloths, and a toilet paper roll cover.  Bulldog Man had asked me to make an afghan for him later on.  Instead of waiting, I went ahead and started making his afghan; it took me about 6 weeks, working on it only part time.

Last night, I finished his afghan and presented it to him.  Here it is folks, the completed afghan I made for Bulldog Man. 

He can use the afghan in any direction.



He loves it, errors and all, and purchased me a bag to hold all of my needles, yarn, and notes for future projects.    


Do you crochet, knit, or have a hobby you do in your spare time?
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30 comments

  1. Wow! Bulldog Man, your garden, your flowers, your cooking and your crocheting all look fantastic! Your posts are always full of lots of interesting things and pictures. :o) Fun to read.

    I think you are now officially a crocheter! That afghan for your hubby was quite the accomplishment. He'll appreciate it even more (if possible) come winter time.

    My mom was an expert crocheter, but I never caught on to it. Now I can do the basics, but can't really read and follow a pattern. I started knitting in college (probably to avoid studying) and that was my main handwork love until I stumbled onto quilting in 1994. I still like knitting and do a bit of it, because it's relaxing for me, but I think quilting is my true love.

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    1. Mama Pea,

      It's nice to see Bulldog Man doing better.
      Thank you Sweetie, I try to be up beat and interesting with my posts, sometimes it doesn't work though :-( I'm so happy to hear you enjoy reading my babble!

      I may just be officially a crocheter however, I don't like reading or following patterns....I just make whatever tickles my fancy.
      As for knitting, I tried and couldn't pick it up. May have to try again. I can understand why you picked up knitting to avoid studying.....who likes to study school work any way??
      You make gorgeous quilts, I so love your work. I wish I had your patience to quilt.

      Delete
  2. Aww that is cool! Congrats on the Afghan! I like the colors!

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    1. M.E.,

      Thank you Sweetie, I tried.....this was my first big project. Granted the ends are not all straight but the afghan works :-) Bulldog Man requested the colors in camo.

      Delete
  3. dearest Sweet Sandy - you are going to have grow eyes in the back of your head to keep an eye on the BullDogMan - you just know that in a day or two he is going to be all "well, i'm better. so i can go and lift heavy things." - you just know it! but this is exactly the time of healing, when we think we are all healed but we aren't! i had such a hard time when jam got bonked in the head trying to make him just take it easy for 2 weeks. stay on him Sandy! if he doesn't listen - send him up here to us. we'll tie him a chair but promise to feed him and make sure he has enough water - bahahahahha!

    i am sooo glad that you are getting more potatoes planted - i am sure that they will really take off and in just a few months you'll be able to enjoy them! that delicious meal you made is very similar to what we call "boiled dinner" up here. everyone makes boiled dinner on sunday and if you go and visit people after church, you absolutely have to have some of their boiled dinner. then you go to the next house - more boiled dinner. you get the idea! by 6pm sunday you are so full of boiled dinner that all you can do is unzip your pants and climb on the couch and moan. although most people don't mind if you unzip your pants while eating their boiled dinner - bahahahah! but yours look delicious and must have tasted so good with your own potatoes and beans - yummeh!

    your flowers and tiny cukes look fantastic!

    but that afghan - TO DIE FOR! i so want to learn to crochet and i just haven't gotten to it yet so i will need some lessons from you!

    is it bad if i know that i have already asked for my christmas present - bahahahahahah! no really - i want one!

    sending much love to you and BDMand and the crew! stay on him Sandy, and if he won't behave - tie him to a chair! bahahahahahaha! xoxoxo

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    1. Sweet Kymber,

      I've got eyes in every direction on my head. He doesn't have a choice, I'm watching him like a hawk. You know how guys are.....they think their invincible.

      How on earth did Jam get bonked in the head? Yes, Jam and Bulldog Man are so much a like. They keep going, they're like the energizer bunny.......
      I told Bulldog Man if he doesn't listen I'm going to send him through the mail up to you and Jam. Where he will have to sit in a time out chair, Bahahahahahahahah!!!!

      I'm happy we planted more potatoes, they will take off, and we will have a nice stash for our pantry. Girlie, we make all kinds of different boiled dinners because they're delicious and quick and easy to make. The potatoes, green beans, onions, ham, broth, salt and pepper was delicious and we had left overs for the next day.

      The flowers and cukes are popping out continuously, I need to stay on top of the cukes for canning and making pickles. Can't let them go to long because then they're not crunchy.

      This was my first large crochet project making Bulldog Man the afghan. He requested one, and thought I would make it over the next year or so. Nope, I surprised him in a matter of weeks. Staying up late when he goes to bed, and working on it when he went to work. When we had all that rain, I worked inside and every time I took a break for work, I would pull out the blanket and work on it. I would love to make another but I just don't have the time right now to dedicate to it.

      Sending love and hugs to you both.
      Your Friend,
      Sandy

      P.S. Bulldog Man is on notice.......you may get a very large package in the mail, lol...


      Delete
  4. Well now he is doing well and what a fine nurse you are I am sure. I understand the stubborn man thing don't tell My Hero that:) You taught yourself to crochet I am impressed and that is a beautiful afghan. Take care of yourself too OK don't forget. Hug B

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    1. Buttons,

      Yes, Bulldog Man is doing well. I make sure he doesn't do anything he's not suppose to do. I believe every man has a bit of a stubborn strong willed streak in them, lol........

      Thank you, the afghan was my first big project, I think I didn't pretty good for a beginner.

      I promise to take care of myself too, thank you sweet friend.
      Hugs,
      Sandy

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  5. Prayers for continued healing for Bulldog Man.

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    1. Rev. Paul,

      Thank you so very much for your prayers and warm thoughts on my husbands recovery.

      Delete
  6. I knew BDM would try to bounce right back, keep your eyes on him sis! I wish I had your patience I don't seem to have any.....maybe that's why you don't give up on the garden, can take care of your family and crochet. The blanket is very nice! Pretty colors too. Me on the other hand I need to find my patience seem to have misplaced them! I have been slacking last couple of days at work, only been working half days (12 hours). I did cook Monday night smoked sausages, grilled corn on cob and tomato & cucumber salad with sesame ginger dressing. Then I had to watch Housewives OC. Before you know it the night is long and 4:45 am comes early again. I need to figure out how to get 30 hours into a 24 hour day LOL. Send me whatever vitamins your taking, I NEED them 😴

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kim,

      I have to keep my eye's on him all the time, lol.......
      Note.............I have eye's all over my head and he can't get away with anything, lol.......

      I'm determined to have a nice vegetable producing garden, that is why I don't give up. The weather won't break me, even if that means I have to replant.

      Thank you, the blanket was a big project.....and turned out nice I think.

      You have patience my sweet sister, there's just only so much stuff one person can put up with. Remember this too will pass......take a deep breath!!!

      Slacking......you.....never!!! You only worked 12 hours a day, wow I'm impressed. Usually you're working 15+ hours a day.

      Smoked sausages, corn, and a nice tomato and cucumber salad....sounds amazing girlie. So you had to get your Housewives fix!!!! I don't think anyone can get 30 hours into 24 when it comes to work.....or anything.

      One a day menopause vitamins........I don't think you're going through menopause yet!!!

      Delete
  7. WOW we are int he same boat. I spend most of my day taking care of the Mrs. Who wanted me to thank you for the card again and says she will send a thank you card back as soon as she can write again. Mrs. PP can't drive, not lift and can't seem to go more than an hour up before she must lay down again and I have to wake her up every four hours for her pills.

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    Replies
    1. PP,
      Please tell Mrs PP she's very welcome, and not to worry about sending a thank you card.

      Yes sir, we both are in the same boat. Our loved ones had surgery, and both are recovering at home. And both are only allowed to do the bare minimum, NO LIFTING!!!!! NO PUSHING!!!!! NO PULLING!!!!! NO DRIVING!!!! Their both taking meds, which means were up every couple of hours making sure our loved one takes the medication on time. We both are nurses, cooks, aids, chauffeurs, and spouses at the same time, lol........
      Here's to both of our spouses speedy recovery.
      Hugs to you and Mrs. PP
      Your Friend,
      Sandy

      Delete
  8. First let me congratulate you on doing a afghan as a beginner! It is a beauty.

    I have missed out so much on blog reading for several weeks now. I hope to get back in the groove.

    Hope DH's recovery keeps moving along.,

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    1. Glenda,

      Thank you sweetie, this was my very first large project. As a beginner, I think I did okay.....granted there might be an error or two......LOL

      Remember taking care of yourself, and family comes first. You'll get back to reading blogs when it's convenient for you :-)

      Bulldog Man's recovery does keep moving along.
      Thanks,
      Sandy

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  9. I'm interested in your potato planting this time of year. I guess this is what they call "summer potatoes"? Are your seed potatoes ones you grew yourself or did you buy them? When will you harvest these? Inquiring Minds Want To Know..... LOL

    Great job on the afghan, I'm like you, I almost always tackle something big when I learn a new skill, because that's the reason I wanted to learn how, and seems like small things I don't need or want are just a waste of time...

    Hope Bulldog Man gets well soon, it's really hard to take care of a recovering man. I have a friend whose husband fell off a grain elevator and broke a bunch of things. When not fully recovered he was outside repairing the mailbox, on crutches.... Sheesh.

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    1. IIene,

      For the past 3 years I've been planting potatoes this time of year. Actually a little earlier however these storms we've been having cause me to harvest my Yukon Golds early. I went ahead and replanted several tires and a large raised bed with red potatoes the other day. I make sure to water the potatoes and keep them cool when it gets hot during the summer. This seems to help them along. The red potatoes I just planted were bought as seeds from a nursery. I will harvest these babies in a couple of months after the tops (green leaves) of the potatoes start to die off. Then store the potatoes in a cool place inside my home for using throughout the rest of the year.

      Thank you, I thought I did pretty good for a beginner on the afghan. I don't mind making certain small things like dish clothes because we all know we can use plenty of those in our kitchen.

      It is very hard to take care of a recovering man. They're strong willed and determined not to sit around the house and do nothing as instructed by the doctor. I won't let my husband do any work because we don't want him doing something to cause him to become a quadriplegic. He needs to heal, then have additional surgeries. My husband is a disabled military Vet., and I'm going to make sure he's well taken care of.

      I'm sorry to hear about your friends husband, he needs to be careful!!!

      Delete
  10. Congratulations on your crocheting, Sandy. I knit from time to time, and have for years. It's good to hear your hubby is recuperating well. Your summer sounds like the one I had last year. I hope you are both resting well now.

    I also agree with Ilene about your potatoes. We have tried replanting our spring potatoes for a fall crop, but not this early. You're the only other person I've known to do the same. We have a few volunteers that need to be dug now, and when the cabbage is finished, I think I will replant them in that spot. The few we have grown in the fall keep much better over the winter than the spring crop does. They stay much crisper and don't sprout out near as quickly.

    Thanks for the update and motivation to get the potatoes ready. Blessings.

    Fern

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    1. Fern, and Frank,

      Thank you, for a beginner, I actually enjoy crocheting. Knitting is interesting, and trust me I've tried but can't seem to get the hang of it. I need to try again!!!

      This summer is going to be a hard and busy summer for me. I'm so happy to see my husband recuperating nicely. Your summer last year must have been very busy for you, and hard on Frank not being able to do what he's used to doing himself. Having to take medications every couple of hours makes it difficult for both of us to get a good night sleep.....that's when naps come in handy.

      I've planted potatoes the last 3 years in the spring for a fall harvest. This year, the heavy rain and flooding messed with the potatoes so I harvested the Yukon Gold early. Since the YG potatoes didn't get to go full term, I was only able to harvest a small batch. A couple of days ago, I replanted red potato seeds. These seeds should produce some nice potatoes for a fall harvest. Once the potatoes start growing, I try to keep them cool (including the foliage on top) since potatoes don't really like too much heat. I water them in the early morning and late evening and have a great harvest each year.

      Your welcome Sweetie!
      Blessing to you and Frank,
      Sandy

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  11. So glad Bulldog Man is healing. I can't even imagine trying to keep my husband from doing stuff. Flowers are absolutely beautiful & so is that afghan! But my favorite is those potatoes with green beans, one of my favorite dishes.

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    1. DFW,

      Thank you, I'm glad he's healing too :-)
      Trust me, it's very hard trying to keep a good man from doing stuff around the house. My first big project with crocheting was the afghan, I think it came out nice. OMG.......the potatoes with green beans are to die for :-)

      Delete
  12. I can't believe you just started to crochet! That is quite an accomplishment! Looks like your garden has survived no matter what storms, rain, floods, or pestilence you've gone through. Glad that Bulldog Man is healing quickly - he sure is in good hands... :)

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    1. Susan,

      I was going to take a crochet class in town but they wanted a fortune for the class so decided to teach myself by watching video's on the internet/youtube.
      Thank you, this was my very first large project with crocheting. Granted it's not a perfect afghan and has an error or two.... I can say I tried :-)
      With everything we've gone through with this garden this year, I am determined to come out with some nice harvests on vegetables/fruit even if it kills me :-)

      Thank you, Bulldog Man is healing nicely.

      Delete
  13. I knew it wasn't going to be easy to keep your Bulldog down. I hate to say I told you so!!
    I remember the days when we would have a yummy meal of fresh green beans, and potatoes. I told Tim we didn't realise just how easy gardening was when we lived in the Midwest. It takes a whole lot more effort here with the cooler weather and short summer season.

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    1. Kimberly,

      It's never easy to keep Bulldog Man down.....he's very stubborn, lol.....
      Fresh green beans and potatoes make for a great lite meal. I may have to can beans and potatoes together. Gardening up north takes a lot of work. It is much easier to garden in the Midwest once you're past all the severe storms and tornadoes.

      Delete
  14. You're a good wife, Sandy. Bulldog Man is a lucky fellow indeed.

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    1. Harry,

      Thank you my friend! I try to treat my man exactly how I would like to be treated. Can you tell he's spoiled, lol......

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  15. Your crocheting is beautiful! You're a natural. :) Sounds like you've done a great job taking care of Bulldog Man. That's what marriage should be about, taking care of one another.

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    1. Leigh,

      I wouldn't of thought crocheting would be something I would pickup through the internet. It's a very relaxing craft, I so look forward to making items to wear for the winter. Maybe I'll make some homemade Christmas gifts for the grand kiddo's.

      It is what a marriage is all about being there for one another, and taking care of each other. A marriage is always a work in progress too.

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