An end

Our lives have been so busy lately. So many things we've done and want to share. However, today is a turning point for us. Today was John's last day going to work. For the next few months, he will be on vacation, so many vacation days we didn't use. He will use them now.

Today, the girls and I attended John's farewell luncheon with his co-workers. Those people who have shared the same building with John for the last nine years. The people he calls friend. It was heart warming to hear all the wonderful things people had to say about him; but I've know for a couple of decades how wonderful he is.

Starting tomorrow he will no longer put on his uniform then drive to work. I will not trip over his work boots in the foyer. There will be no more every other Monday off. So many changes are coming to our little family. So many things will be different. One will stay the same: we will all be together.

Strawberries!

Sunday, we finally made it to Cottle Farms to pick strawberries. We have talked about going for a few years now, but never quite made it. But Sunday was the day.

We picked a gallon of strawberries and three of us refrained from eating any while we were picking. John couldn't resist eating a small one. I admit standing in the middle of all those plants with that wonderful fragrance it was difficult to refrain from eating them.

Sunday night John cut some of the strawberries for strawberry shortcake. They were delicious! But we still had a little over two quarts left. John asked what we were going to do with them all. Well. I've been wanting to try canning/preserving for awhile and saw this as my chance.

Tuesday, the girls and I made strawberry jam. We had a few snags along the way: too small a sauce pan being used, and a small fire under the burn when the strawberries boiled over. I did move the pot of strawberries to another burner before the flames erupted, so the jam did not burn. And no real harm was done to the stove. By the time we got home from taekwondo that night, John had already eaten half a jar. It is delicious! I think I'm going to have to make more.

However, before we make more I am going to make a few purchases. I'm going to get an actual canning pot with tongs made for jars. And I am going to need a few more jars too, because we plan to give a few jars away.

Allergy testing

Last week I went back to the ENT for a follow-up. The doctor decided we should schedule allergy testing to see just what is going on inside me. Today was the day.

The testing started okay. The first part was putting drops (60) on my arms. That went okay, but itched in a few places. Next came the needles. There was somewhere around 35 (I don't remember the exact number, except it wasn't the 73 some doctors want).

I think she was halfway through the shots when I started getting nauseous. My right hand (shots were in my right arm) started tingling to the point I couldn't bend my fingers. They started fanning me, gave me a cold rag, then some liquid Claritin before I left. It scared me a bit. I thought I was going to pass out luckily I didn't.

The final result is I am allergic to three types of trees, seven molds, three weeds, one grass, dust mites and cockroach mix (in other words their body parts and poo). Awesome. I am starting allergy shots next week.

Ew!

This week has been a total bust! Sunday night both Chloe and I were hit with the stomach bug. Evil thing it is. Horrific barely begins to describe it.

Then Tuesday morning we woke to our master bathroom besieged by hot water. One of the faucets broke and let the water flow. And it flowed right out the bathroom in the master bedroom and closet.

What happened next? That very night the stomach bug found both John and Jesse. The entire house was down.

Now, Friday, we are all beginning to feel more like ourselves. It has been a long ride, longer for Chloe and I, but I think we are finally at the end. And honestly, I hope we don't get that again for quite awhile.

A new look!

Jesse was suppose to have her braces taken off on April 5th. However, last week the orthodontist office called to see if we wanted to bump the date a bit. It seems many people did not take spring break into account when making appointments so they canceled.

She has been enjoying the freedom: DOTS, gummies, caramel, etc.

We've been doing a bit of college research for Jesse over the weekend. Looks like she'll be applying to a couple of places south of us. South, as in Florida. {sigh} So far away...and not in-state. Oh well. We also did some investigating on what she needs for application. Her portfolio is a high priority over the next few years.

Chloe is already thinking she'll attend USC for business so she can run the dairy goat farm successfully. I have been looking for a local goat farm to see if she can do some volunteer work, but so far I haven't found the right fit. We are not giving up though.

Chloe's crochet work over the last year(ish)

Happy birthday, Dad