Spent most of our evening in the basement here in St. Louis, but the worst has blown over.  We are getting a TON of rain now, though, just what we don't need.  Praying for the other states affected...Liz.

I just finished 'The Girls Who Went Away' by Ann Fessler.  It's about pregnant, unmarried girls in the '50's and how many were forced into adopting their babies out.  The case studies are sad but fascinating.  Not exactly an easy read, but very interesting...Liz.

bw, the whole name of the breadmaker is Zojirushi.  It makes a 2-pound, rectangular loaf and has two paddles.  It says it also makes cakes and jam, lol.  You can see why I want the manual!  I already have a $5.00 yard sale breadmaker that I love (and whose name is much easier to spell!) but this is supposed to be one of ...

Today I bought a Zoji bread maker at Goodwill for $15.00!  It's an older model, but in perfect, nearly unused condition.  The tutorial is upopened, in the box, but no manual.  I'm going to see if I can get a copy of the manual online.  I have a week to return it if there's anything wrong with it or I change my mind ...

Picked a fourth bunch of asparagus yesterday, off 3rd year plantings.  First batch of rhubarb is nearly ready, loves this rain!  The grapes have bloomed as well as the apple trees we just planted - have a few years before we'll see any fruit off of them, but they're growing beautifully...Liz

These are all lovely pictures, Jay, thank you so much for sharing!  The colors are so striking!  Liz.

A quick recipe I sort of made up for fast lunches was to take whatever frozen vegetables I had, just a mix of what you like and saute them in a bit of oil or butter.  Then add whatever else you like or have on hand - a bit of fresh onion and/or potato is always good.  But just frozen veggies will do.  Next, add a can of any kind of ...

Seven inches of snow and counting so we had comfort food tonight - yes, yes, too much starch, but every so often.... We had biscuits and gravy, bacon and fried potatoes...Liz.

Test - unable to post.... Oh, yay!  I've been trying to get back at you guys for days! Yes, I found out that much furniture bought online comes in several flat boxes, which dh will only go so far with .  I'm still hoping to find something on Craigslist and yard sales are starting up, so maybe that will bring something that I ...

Wow, that's a big step!  Have you spoken to your adult children about the possibility yet?  Liz