Can't keep me down forever

[catjac1975]

Hello from the great beyond............

Actually no I really can't say that. I haven't moved that much.

Holy cannoli have I missed eveybody. I have to say @Nyboy I was very touched that you thought to send me a Christmas card. Was a great feeling to know I wasn't forgotten.

So things have been busy. My wife's health issues have continued to plague her but we've gotten a referral to a specialist at one of the best hospitals in the country so we should get some answers and help soon. She's been off work and I've been picking up the slack. Just doing what needs to be done.

I've since taken a job at the University of Michigan hospital which gives me better hours, and better benefits. This has taken pressure off things at home so its allowed us to make the changes we need to.

My kids are growing like kids do, and we have lost our Golden Retriever over the summer. We gained an English Setter puppy and he's bounding around and being a wonderful addition to the house.

I honestly didn't plant squat last year. Garden was overgrown weeds and needs to be prepped again. It will be but last year it was just too much. Going to keep things reasonable. Right now no started seeds unless they are started outside. I might do a cold frame next year but this year its all greenhouse specials. Couple pumpkins, some pole beans, might dare to try watermelons (though whenever I do its a cool summer so they never ripen up literally 2x I've tried the high all summer long was 78*) and just keep it manageable and not try to put hundreds of quarts of canned goods. I'm learning how to not set myself up to fail. Better to have a very successful garden on a smaller scale than a big mess and its not producing.

My rhubarb has been taking a hit from snails and slugs. I'm less than impressed with it, and may dig it up and start over honestly. Its an unknown variety I got at a small greenhouse who had divided it from his house. Plants are huge, but the stalk colors are very green with minimal red color so not sure on flavor. Its finally big enough to hopefully pick some. Just need to keep the leaves from getting abused and I could harvest it.

My trees are doing very good and I can't wait to show them off. Especially my weeping cherry its really come into its own when it blooms.

I did get 2 Fragrant plum rose bushes for Father's Day and they are amazing!!! HUGE repeat blossoms that are lavender and smell heavenly. Everything you could want in a rose.

Otherwise things are good. Going from 24hr shifts on the road to 12hr shifts in the hospital have done a lot for me and my family. Both physically and mentally.

Been looking at doing a slightly raised bed with some everblooming strawberries, and raspberries and blackberries are on my wish list too. At some point it will happen again just have to plan ahead and know when I can vs going off and figuring Ill make it work.

Anyway I've missed all of you terribly and will be around more. I need TEG.....

I will not ask your business about your wife's illness. However make sure she is checked for Lyme disease. It is often missed. It is rampant around here and a friend was misdiagnosed since last summer with it. A hospital in Maine caught it when her local doctor did not.She has been miserable.

 

[seedcorn]

Welcome back. Without pix, don’t think you have an English setter pup. Prove it.....

 

[Jared77]

Thats him at 6 months old. He's a Ryman type which is an old blood line/type of English setter.

 

[majorcatfish]

very handsome lad....

 

[catjac1975]

Thats him at 6 months old. He's a Ryman type which is an old blood line/type of English setter.

oooooooooo So beautiful.

 

[seedcorn]

Reminds me of Lewellan (spelling) strain.

Beautiful dog. Bet he can run outside... girls should love him.

 

[Carol Dee]

Hey @Jared77 it is really good to see you posting. Sad about the loss of your beloved dog and Congrats on the new fella (Handsome boy) Here is hoping the wife finds answers and is soon on the mend. You really where missed. YEAH for @Nyboy sending Christmas wishes. (He is a sweetie ) You'll love the raised beds. Wish we had done our sooner. We will be seeing you more often

 

[so lucky]

It's great to hear from you again. I was just thinking about your pie crust recipe the other day. Didn't you say you use vodka instead of water? (hic! )
Hopefully you will get some regular free time to work outside now, with the change in jobs. We have missed your enthusiasm and opinions here.

 

[Collector]

Good to see you around again. That a really nice looking dog you have.

 

[Nyboy]

Have you started to train him as a gun dog, or is he going to just be a pet ?