Here's to you!

This one's for you, birthday boy! Have you ever known someone who is more selfless than you can describe? Someone who genuinely wants what is best for all people, regardless of what they wear, look like, or believe? I do. And despite his appearance, he is 85 years young today. For the past 85 years, our world has been better because of my grandfather. He's the one that, no matter how late, will always be there to help out at the church because it needs to be done. He's the one that goes to the grocery twice a day and collects their unsellable food to make sure that the hungry of the area won't be, at least today. He's the one, even if he doesn't know how to load it, will work to fix the dishwasher when my grandmother asks. He's the one who would give you the shirt off his back if he knew that you needed it more than he did. And no matter what, his sense of humor and his wonderful attitude are what keep him looking like he's in his 60s. I hope you stay forever young! Happy 85!

Suzie ...Homemaker

So, those of you who know me pretty well, especially when I was in college, know that I was born to serve one purpose in my life. No Kelly, it was not to be the most inappropriate person ever. I am a born and bread homemaker. This is most likely due in large part to the fact that my homemaker grandmother practically raised me throughout my entire childhood, and would I let her, continue to do so to this day. However, the time has come for me to step out on my own two Suzie Homemaker shoes. I described in my last post our grand undertaking of building and planting our own food production source (i.e., the massive garden in our backyard). For this post, I've decided to include pictures of everything that we have planted (and is now growing!) as well as the project that I finished this morning. Enjoy!

Standing at the foot of the garden looking at the other fence.

Watermelons

Turnips

Strawberries

Okra in front, cucumbers (with some pickles) in the back

Squash and zucchini (get ready for some bread!)

Jalapeno and banana peppers

Cherry tomatoes and sweet peppers

Onions in front and carrots in the back

Beefsteak tomatoes

Big Boy tomatoes

Better boy tomatoes

Early Girl tomatoes

Spinach (after I thinned it out)

Bibb lettuce (after I thinned)

Green and Red leaf lettuce (after I thinned)

Green leaf and head lettuce (after I thinned)

Black eyed peas (hopefully we'll get more than one sprout)

Sugar snap peas

Green beans

Lima beans (maybe they just don't like me)

More sweet peppers

Cilantro and Sweet basil

Chives and Parsley

Peppermint

Rosemary and Oregano

More cilantro, chives, and hot peppers

More chives, ancho peppers, and snap peas

My front flower bed that I finally finished today! Woo Hoo! No more dragging plants out of the garage to be watered and back in because it's too cold for them!

Happy Spring almost summer everyone!