From Bethy's garden to mine to Mikey's!

I decided I’m not letting myself off the hook for those past days (Saturday and Sunday) when I missed writing and posting here on my blog.  I’m convinced that by holding myself accountable and sticking to my goals life will be better.  From the inside there will come a knowing that I’m doing the right thing.  Even if my outward circumstances stay the same I will know that I am doing everything possible to live the life that God wants for me.

So… using that deductive reasoning permission has been granted (by me) to write “make up” posts for Saturday and Sunday.  It’s kind of like handing in your homework late.  Late is better than not at all because the lesson is learned either way and that after all is the goal.  To learn and grow, to become responsible and accountable making discoveries all along the way, which turns us into better, happier people.

I find this whole thing is like gardening in many ways.  We can dig, plant, fertilize, come to know perennial from biennial from annual in order to cultivate the perfect garden but if left unattended weeds begin to take root and garden pests will invade ultimately undoing all our hard work.  But if we stay diligent, doing a little maintenance on a regular basis our garden will flourish and provide a great source of satisfaction and enjoyment.

Once our garden is in order and our plants begin to flourish we can split them up and share them with others just as my sister, Bethy, did when she passed along some Forget-Me-Nots to me.  Then this season I split mine up and passed some along to my son, Michael, to grow in his garden and enjoy.

Since we’re all in this thing called life together we might as well do it the best way we know how sharing and growing.  Anything less is a waste.  I’m not saying we need perfection but that we need consistent effort and when we stray from our path moving back on and then forward is  always allowed.  Yup I believe that handing in our homework late is better than not at all.

"Old Shaders" Watercolor

It’s been a while since I’ve produced a painting to post here on my blog.  I’ve been thinking about painting quite a lot but haven’t motivated myself into the art room for a painting session.   I still have goals for my art, of course, but I have not forced myself into the art room…. that is until tonight.

You see I’ve been listening to Joyce Meyer’s CD series entitled “Healthy Living – Spirit, Soul & Body” on my way to and from work.  Each time I listen I hear some new nugget of wisdom.  Today’s message emphasized that whenever we take action and use God’s gifts we’re living in obedience and faith.  But it’s those times when we don’t feel like it and still take action to use God’s gifts that we’re in true alignment with God’s plan for our lives (this is my interpretation).

“Ouch!” I thought as absorbed this message that felt so directed at me.  I was convicted and ashamed for not forcing myself to do the very things that I feel are my calling.  Both writing and painting are vehicles that help me to sort things out.  The writing provides a way to organize my thoughts and dig deeply through all the emotional baggage I’ve carried around for a lifetime.  The art provides a time to meditate with each stroke of the brush and a way to see the world in a new way.

I find that we humans can be very self-destructive at times and often undermine ourselves.  It’s good that God doesn’t give up on us and speaks through so many different channels until we finally begin to listen.  I feel like I’m beginning to sort things out and when I dragged myself off of the couch tonight and headed up stairs – golly it felt good and right.

Today’s weather was perfect for getting some outdoor things done, but before heading outside I decided to tidy up inside first.  I remember when we were kids every Saturday we cleaned the house – top to bottom.  With seven of us – five of us kids and my parents plus a dog and a cat or two – by the weekend it was time to neaten things up.

Back then I thought it was a pain in the neck to clean every Saturday morning.  Goodness knows I could have filled the morning with some other activity – namely sleeping late and lounging around – but Mumzie had this Saturday morning routine and we all pitched in.  First though we’d devour a bowl of cereal (or two or three), watch a few cartoons and then the cleaning would commence.

My three brothers, Stevie, Patrick and Matthew (also known as “The Boys”) had responsibility for the outside with my Dad; and we – me and Bethy (also known as “The Girls”) were responsible for the inside with my Mother working along side us teaching how to do a really good job.

Nowadays inside and outside is my responsibility and so with my Saturday morning memories as a guide I set about tidying up the inside and then later headed out to the yard and gardens.  Truthfully, I enjoy cleaning, doing laundry, hanging sheets and towels on the line and all kinds of yard work.  I prefer to call it “nesting” and it feels good.  I enjoy creating an oasis, a place where I am surrounded by beauty and where order and a little homey chaos coexist in perfect harmony.

After mowing, weeding and such around mid-day I headed back inside to prepare lunch.  I’m doing better these days eating healthy most of the time with only the occasional binge.  Lunch would include tuna on wheat, strawberries and fresh-brewed iced tea.  I find it’s days like these, stepping off of life’s treadmill, that give me balance and breathing room.  After lunch I headed back outside to dig in the dirt for a few more hours, spreading top soil and relocating plants from one spot to another.

With the day nearly done I headed inside to take a shower, wash away the dirt and any stray ticks that might have jumped aboard.  Afterward I prepared a cocktail and dinner and then with the sun beginning to set I would settle in to watch a campfire late into the evening.  The glow of the fire with flames of bright orange and blue licking the logs, creating all kinds of interesting patterns provided the perfect escape as I rested my weary bones satisfied with a day well-spent.

Poison Ivy early growth... Watch out for it! Itch... scratch!

I’ve heard it said that when your nose itches that you’re going to kiss a fool.  Well, I’m not sure about that but I can say when my nose started to itch yesterday I suspected Poison Ivy might be the culprit having seen no puckered fools in view.

Everything is starting to bloom here in Upstate New York and after a couple weeks of rain (on and off) things are getting lush and that includes some of my country nemeses.  Poison Ivy would be one of my chief nemeses out here in my neck of the woods and I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting and avoiding the stuff.

I remember back in 2000 just after moving into this country home I set out to create gardens all around the house and with flat rocks so plentiful I thought stacking them into those charming walls would give the place a real darling look.   So into the woods I went hauling rocks, stacking and arranging.

It wasn’t until a few days later that I began to itch, a little at first and then more intensely.  I examined my arms for bug bites and found nothing to indicate I’d been bitten.  Not long after my skin began to bubble and blister.  That was my first encounter with Poison Ivy.

Since then I’ve become much more cautious when venturing out into the wilds but with a cat who isn’t so discriminating about where his feet go I’m guessing maybe that’s where my PI infestation came from.  I’ve been known to pick up my little friend for a nuzzle from time-to-time and I’m betting that some of the Poison Ivy’s urushiol oil was transferred first to the cat and then to my nose.

I know that God created everything here on this earth for a reason but I’m still wondering about what God’s plan was for Poison Ivy and other seemingly useless stuff like ticks, black flies and ground hornets.   All these things leave me puzzled at how such an awesomely beautiful place could seem so nonthreatening one minute and then BAM you’re itching, scratching, running and swatting.   It just ain’t right I tell ya… no it ain’t right!

]]> http://www.raineydewey.com/2012/05/10/kissing-a-fool-or-poison-ivy/feed/ 2 http://www.raineydewey.com/2012/05/08/wilson-wilson-is-on-the-scene/ http://www.raineydewey.com/2012/05/08/wilson-wilson-is-on-the-scene/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 14:13:28 +0000 admin http://www.raineydewey.com/?p=9963

"Haah Haah Haah Haah Haah Haah" or is it "H-H-H-H-H?" Either way I think Wilson is hot.

I’m dog-sitting this week for my sister’s dog, Wilson, while they’re away.  Wilson is great company (I knew he would be) and very different from having only cats in the house.  First off Wilson is large, very large, and secondly he actually listens and responds to commands.  Holy cow I’d almost forgotten that certain animals do what you tell them to do (sort of).

Since I’ve had only cats in residence for some time I’ve come to accept the fact that the cats are in charge most of the time.  The only real exception to that rule is when I’m opening a can of cat food or have a little bag of their favorite treats in hand.  Then, and only then, and only for a minute do I possess even the illusion of control.

From the safety of my lap Luvy is very brave!

Luvy and Little Miss have met Wilson before during another of his past visits and I remembered it didn’t take long for Luvy to take a shine to Wilson.  This time is no different.  In spite of the size difference the two have become pals though Luvy most times takes refuge on my lap while curiously examining this big, black creature in his house.

Little Miss avoided Wilson last time and has taken the same tact this time – avoidance with peaceful coexistence.  That approach works too.

To watch this “dance” between Luvy and Wilson is humorous.   One so large, one so small both possessing intense interest in the other.  This morning as I headed out for a short walk with Wilson I’d nearly forgotten that I’d left Luvy outside.  That is until I turned around to discover Luvy following us.  As he curled around my legs I lifted him in my arms and we walked together – me, Wilson and Luvy.   Three so different figuring out how to enjoy one another’s company.  That is indeed a lesson for us all.

Walking the dog included the cat this morning!

Matty, Gracie and Mikey

Oh my how nice.  Michael, Kathy, Grace, Matty and Mikey were here!  It was a gloriously beautiful day.  The sun was shining with a mild spring breeze keeping the black flies at bay.  The sky was clear and the forget-me-nots were blooming with the same vibrant blue of the springtime sky.

My granddaughter Grace was running through the yard all lush and green laughing in that pure joyful, innocent way of a contented child and why not… she’s got love all around her and love spilling forth from her.  That is our Grace.

And, of course, we have our latest blessing in Grace’s twin brothers… Matthew and Michael born last September.  They’re a little more than seven months old now and this is their first visit to my house in Upstate New York.  Matty and Mikey are alert, strong, sweet tempered and they love their big sis, Grace!

How awesome to have my house so full of the sounds of my son’s growing family.  Watching him with his twin sons brings back memories for me.  I’m sure my life was busy back then and “full on” raising my twins, but I don’t remember that part.  I only remember what great kids they were and how I wish I’d been a better more patient mother.

I’m a much more patient grandmother than I was a mother.  My priorities were distorted.  A clean house was more important than it should have been.  My new motto as a grandmother is “if we aren’t catching diseases then the house is clean enough” and it was put up or shut up time as I had a chance to test that new motto of mine as Grace sprinkled kibble in the cat’s water and attempted to feed Luvy his treats from a spoon.   I watched in amusement with my son, Michael asking if it was okay.  “Fine with me,” I said.

Even after the kids headed for home I didn’t rush to clean up the mess.  Instead I grabbed my pillow and blanket and settled in for a long and luxurious nap.  Oh to have the wisdom of the old when you’re young, but it just doesn’t work out that way.  I suppose that’s why we get a chance to make up for our parental shortcomings by being overindulgent grandparents.

Michael claims he doesn’t remember any of the things I now feel guilty about.   I’m glad.  I hope he only remembers the good stuff.  Like running through the grass while laughing with pure joy and contentment spreading love wherever his feet might trod.  Yes… that’s what I hope he remembers!

Gracie and Mikey! Oh he just loves is Sis!

Snickerdoodles! Gotta bake 'em just cos the name is cute!

I always bake cookies when the kids come home or at least I try to.  Michael, Kathy and all my grandkids will be coming tomorrow for an overnight stay so tonight I’m up late baking and have just finished baking a batch of Snickerdoodles and a batch of Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Sometimes I don’t really have the time to bake but I push, stay up late and do it anyway.  I remember when my sons, Jonathan and Michael, were young always baking something.  I recall scanning the Goodhousekeeping Cookbook my Grandmother Flax gave me to see – with the ingredients I had on hand – what I could whip up.  I found a great butter pound cake recipe that way and used it for years – delicious.

As the kids got older baking cookies became my path to acceptance and earned my cookies the label “Rainey Cookies” from their friends.  Jonathan, Michael and their friends would devour my cookies with appreciation.  Through my cookies I came to feel needed and loved.

Jonathan and Michael would sometimes bake cookies while I was at work.  I choose to believe my baking inspired their culinary adventures and more than once a recipe that should have yielded three dozen yielded only a plate full.  I surmise the dough was too much for my young bakers to resist.  I smile as I think of those days.

My life is much different now.  The kids are grown with families of their own and I don’t bake much anymore with just me in the house.  But when word of a visit comes I pull out my recipes, butter, sugar, flour and such and heat up the oven.

As I smell the cookies baking the love is permeiating the house.  “Rainey Cookies all around” I say as I bask in the love of a well-baked cookie.

Believe it or not I didn't eat even one of those Snickerdoodles and ate only one of the Double Chocolate Chip. Holy cow I think that might be a miracle!

The brown monster in the upstairs bathroom!

As you know I’ve been spending a lot of time lately sprucing up the ole’ homestead.  My upstairs bathroom desperately needed to be redone and when I posted the photographs of a seemingly finished bathroom on April 22nd I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t provide full disclosure.

You see just to the right outside of the viewfinder there was this… thing… this unsightly dark-brown toilet with a white toilet seat.  Ugh… There you have it!  I feel better now.  I hate keeping secrets.

I knew, of course, that the brown monster would be replaced in short order so last Friday night I stopped at a nearby Home Depot to pick up a brand-spankin new toilet, white, of course!  I’d done my due diligence investigating online what kinds of toilets were available and read with interest toilet reviews written by previous purchasers of said toilets.  I settled on a Kohler model promising great flushing capability and water conservation properties.  My car was loaded with help from one of Home Depot’s sales associates and then I headed for home with toilet in car!

The plan was set.  We’d replace my old, brown toilet with the new Kohler on Sunday.  Pa (my father) and Conrad (my brother-in-law) consented to bring their expertise to the project.  Determined to be an integral part of the TR process – Toilet Replacement, that is -  I hauled out my Home Repair & Improvement volume the night before.  Flipping to the “Installing a New Toilet” section I read with great interest about gpf (gallons per flush), gravity flow, wax gaskets and adjustable wrenches.  I was more than ready and with two seasoned experts on hand… well what could go wrong!?

Early Sunday morning I grabbed a bucket, some rags, my tool bag, rubber gloves and headed upstairs.  Emptying the water was easily accomplished and so was making several trips bringing my new Kohler upstairs.  By then Ma and Pa had arrived and Pa took over disassembly as I observed.  A short time later Bet and Conrad also arrived and with the full commode brigade on hand replacement commenced.

Everything was going smoothly.  I’d taken my putty knife and removed the old wax gasket.  Then Conrad installed the new wax gasket and new toilet, Pa then attached the tank, Conrad attached the flexible hose and then it was time to turn the water back on, fill the tank and perform a flush test.  With the exception of a minor leak and an adjust to correct the leak all had gone pretty well.  That is until we discovered a crack on the top and inside rim of my brand-spankin new white Kohler!

My heart sank and returning a toilet once it has been installed is not allowed I would find out on Monday.  “Haz-Mat” I was told by the customer service representative at Home Depot… “No returns for Haz-Mat!”

I decided right then that my only recourse would be to contact Kohler hoping they would back their product and conveniently online there is an easy way to contact them and express concerns.  Promptly, I composed a letter stating my status, the status of my toilet and how I’d recruited my 80-year old father (had to do it – maybe sympathy would help the cause) and brother-in-law to help with installation.  I hoped to sound pitiful and stuck, which I was.  Further, I’d hoped that Kohler would make good somehow and today I received an email stating they will replace my toilet at no charge expressing their apology for any inconvenience.

Truthfully, I’m delighted and a little surprised.  I’m delighted that going forward there will only be one crack in my upstairs toilet and surprised that someone does stand behind their product, no butts about it!

My brand spankin' new Kohler!

My work bench on its way to being customized!

Today wasn’t a painting day but I wanted to give you a glimpse at the beginning of my work bench area in the garage. I’ve been having great fun painting stripes, flowers and rag rolling with whatever color paint I have on hand.

It’s amazing what pairings go nicely together. Colors that when used inside were harsh and offensive here seem to sing. Laaaa! What’s more since putting any color on the wall is an improvement I’m free to experiment.

Flowers, dots and irregular rag rolled designs are just the beginning. I’ll keep you posted on the progress as it unfolds. I’ve already got a couple of ideas and I’ll give you a little hint for one idea… plaid! Sounds so cool and though I’m not sure if it can be done I’m sure going to give it a go. The worst that can happen is I’ll just paint over it and start again. What fun I’m having! It should be illegal!

Here's my workbench in the garage. Check out the windowsill... I had lots of fun painting those stripes.

I’ve been doing a lot of painting lately. Ever since I realized that God was calling me to stay put and not move from here (at least for now) I’ve had a paint brush or roller in hand. Not every waking moment but a goodly share of each weekend lately.

Like any home that gets lived in from time-to-time the place could use a good coat of paint to spruce things up. My house is no different and since I’m on a strict budget I thought I’d start by using up supplies I already have on hand.

In my basement there’s no less than twenty half or full gallons of paint in various colors and with that stockpile giving me a good start I grabbed a paint brush. The upstairs bathroom was just the start and now that it is nearly complete I’m motivated and have become a painting fool.

As I paint I’m always thinking about how to put some kind of creative spin on every project. I find it makes things interesting and is a great way to put my original mark on this home. One idea feeds the next and now instead of facing this huge project with dread I’m excited to see what kind of creative technique can be used next.

One ongoing painting project is in my garage where there’s a work bench that is used for potting plants, designing stepping stones and just noodling around. I’m excited to be using up much of the old paint out there. Taking a dingy, dirty space and cleaning it up with a scrub and a coat of paint is a great way to transform an area making it inviting and charming. The cool thing is that two things are getting accomplished. I’m getting rid of junk (as in old paint) and my work area is getting a much needed face lift.

I used to think that if I wasn’t painting (that is with watercolor or oils) or drawing that I couldn’t be truly happy but I have discovered lately that being happy comes when I’m productive and active. I’m still surprised to find that it doesn’t seem to matter what activity is being undertaken so long as I’m accomplishing something. This revelation is freeing me to do many different things without guilt, stress or pressure that I should be doing something else.

As I sit here tonight I feel satisfied with a day well-spent. I also just realize that my body isn’t as sore as it was last weekend and that is a good sign. It’s a sign of muscles getting accustomed to being used. This whole painting thing seems to be good for the mind, body and spirit. What a surprise! Who knew?