The Poke Test

I made M&M bars when Jett was visiting.  He told me they were the best ever - even better than some he had at the bookstore.  I felt that was quite a compliment!!  He loves them best when they are fresh out of the oven (I agree).  Later in the day he wanted another bar and asked if they were warm.  I told him they were not  but I could warm them in the microwave.  That would be fine.  After warming them Jett tested to see if they were soft by doing "the poke test".  He poked his finger in the bar and when saw his imprint and it felt  "gooey"  he was ready to eat it.  Everyone has a system I suppose. 

                                                       Jett enjoying the M&M bar

You Can "Call Him a Cowboy Because We Have Seen Him Ride"!!

Grandpop and Jett have been singing Conway Twitty's song, Don't Call Him a Cowboy Until You See Him Ride.  Well, Jett proved he can be called a "cowboy" because he can ride!

Grammy's New Dog

Grammy has a new dog (again).  So far, this one seems so sweet natured and will be able to stay.  "Dawg" as he is named was at the Senior Citizens building.  After no one claimed him Grammy decided she would bring him home.  Wondering how she would "load" him, she opened the door and he just climbed in by himself.  After arriving at her house, she opened the door and he just politely jumped out.  Everyone is trying to decide what kind of dog he is and how old.  A Doberman mix is what several people think. Regardless, Grammy is very happy with Dawg and he seems to be just what she wants.  That's what matters!

                                                                 Meet Dawg

                                             Jett and Dawg had a fun time playing together.

The Aprons

Amberlea, Melodi and I have aprons that match that we use when we make holiday candy and treats.  Now the grandkids have aprons.  Melodi found 5 of the cutest aprons for the kids to wear like we do.  A very nice feature - they are specially coated so spills can be wiped off.  How cute everyone will be with the aprons and I know the holiday treats will be even more delicious this year!

                                                               The " big girl" aprons

                                                                     The kids' aprons

                                                             How they look side by side

The Christmas Ornament

Bryan, Melodi and the kids brought us a Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas ornament from Germany.  See the red barn with the animals around it and some hanging down.  Thank you all for this darling ornament.  It will have a special place on our tree!  This ornament will join several other ornaments that have special meaning  - ones  made by our girls when they were young,  from students while I was teaching, momentos from our trips and others that I put on our tree yearly.

Grammy's New Pressure Tank

This past Monday Grammy  had no water and she was terribly upset.  She imagined  problems with the pump, water well, all kinds of things.  Mel went down and checked to make sure electricity was going to the pump and well.  Sure enough it was so we needed an expert to check what was wrong.  I called Jerry and he was able to stop by and check it.  The pressure tank was the problem.  The "bladder" inside the tank had split.  He said he would get another one and install it.  That afternoon he did.  Mel and I went down to "assist".  It didn't take long for the new one to be installed and Grammy  had water!  How thrilled she was!!

Watch for a later post - Mel was already thinking of what he could do with the old pressure tank -  he is so creative!  Who knows it may be a water feeder for the cats or storage for something.  I am confidant he will make practical use of it.

                             Jerry & Mel with the new pressure tank -  ( Jerry has tape in his mouth)

                                              Jerry sawing the PVC pipe to fit for the well

Mel & Jerry setting the tank in the wellhouse

                         
                                         The old pressure tank - stay tuned for its new purpose

                                                                                                         

Time to Begin Gardening!

The almanac says that it is now time to plant onions, radishes, cabbage, early snow peas, lettuce and spinach.  So Mel & I decided we had better get busy planting!!  I planted these in my gardening boxes behind the house and we also planted some more in the garden at the barn.  Yum! Yum!  There is nothing like the taste of fresh veggies out of the garden.