Posted in Sunday Report

Weekly Wrap-up

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

There’s nothing like a trip to Rural King to get you in the Spring planting mood. Monday morning I bought an excessive amount of seeds for both early starts and my countertop garden, and grabbed up a houseplant.

Casey got his pressure washer delivered and my back porch has been transformed.

Check out my new raised beds. He’s tilling them today and we’ll get a load of soil next week.

I spent a lot of last week following up on what I’d spent the week before thinking/stewing about. In the last decade, we’ve all seen families torn apart by politics/religion, and one of them was my birth family. You know, if you’ve been paying attention, that after the last election I turned it off, changed my habit of living in the internet world of “news”, but one can hardly avoid the fact that he’s started a war. I don’t know if that’s why, or is it something else, but many americans are beginning to see him in a different light.

So it was that a couple of the estranged-ers reached out to me (after 10 years!), a little embarrassed and even ashamed, kind of like they woke up… I have grieved losing these dearly-loved people, and once I was sure that they were sincere, my family and I opened our circle. We stepped back and made room for more Love. We are Family and we’ll do whatever it takes to hold each other up, to help us get through.

I hope we’ve reached a tipping point somehow and more and more of us come together to repair what has been so tragically broken in our country and in our hearts.

Looking ahead…

We’re expecting a hard freeze Monday and Tuesday, so we’re preparing some covers for our roses. We’ve lost the first buds for the last two years! But my lovely forsythia have got their blooming done…

I don’t care if the Irish like it or not, I’m having corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes on St. Paddy’s Day. This year, I’m adding a new dessert: Lucky Charms Treat Bars, which should be magically delicious.

Then there’s Ostara, the Vernal Equinox, the #1 day of Spring. That involves quiche, green salads, baked bread.

Hope Springs Eternal…I hope…

Peace

Posted in Sunday Report

Short, but sweet…

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

It’s been rainy, gloomy, bleak week here at the Acres. I’ve been grappling with my Self, sorting out and expanding my point-of-view — Changing my Mind. Of course, I change my mind like some people change their underwear, but that’s an ADHD thing. What I’m talking about here is a shift in perspective. It’s bewildering at first, and I mourn the loss of my old way of thinking, but I’m kinda excited to see how this all plays out.

What the hell is she talking about, you ask? I don’t know, but I spent so much time Thinking this week that I have nothing else to report.

But I do have something here to make you smile. From 2020, it’s our Camp Sonnystone video. Enjoy!

Peace

Posted in Sunday Report

Marching into March

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

We’re back, since Friday, from our Birthday Trip! Despite the lack of co-operation from the weatherman down in WDW, we had a great week of celebration.

Upon our arrival home, we were thrilled to be greeted by warm temperatures and sunshine, with bits and bobbles of green popping up here and budding snowdrops ready for bloom. I managed to get a little cleaning-up done in the Peace/Bird Garden, but paused as I consider a complete revamp of the plantings. The deer are uncontrollably attracted to eat my Garden Phlox; though I’ve used hot pepper spray and pepper, that doesn’t last and inevitably the beautiful flowers are eaten. I’m considering moving them into the back fenced Edible Garden, and then put the coneflower here and maybe the liatris and salvia over there — that will give me plenty to think about as we roller-coaster through this very whimsical first month of meteorological Spring.

before
after

Casey is scheduled for a hernia repair on April 6, so I am trying to get every little bit of moving and lifting out of him before the procedure. He is more excited about getting a new pressure washer to blast the green off of our yellow house, but I’m stoked for new raised garden beds. There’s something for everyone.

I’ll be starting up my garden blog again this year! First Day of Spring is the 20th this year and we’ll celebrate Ostara and Welcome Glad Spring at Growing Every Season 2.

In addition to resuming the garden blog, I’m compiling a group of poems that I found while going through my personal effects in the attic. Some of the best are from my high school days (“The Prisoner of 2228 Dusseldorf Drive”), and my college days (There’s a jazz band), but most need some editing and recalibration. I’ll let you know when they’ll be published over at Souvenirs – aka Rave on, Madwoman.

I might be over-extending myself, but I’d like to edit the All My Ancestors -Climbing the Family Tree blog posts and check into getting them printed. Let’s just say I’m very enthusiastically embracing all of my writing outlets this year.

In the meantime, it’s a pretty day

and I’m headed outside to

Breathe in Peace

and Breathe out Love,

and blow off the weight of the warring world.

Peace, dear readers…

Posted in A Very Disney Birthday

Birthday Day

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

I could start a list of all that I’m thankful for, but it would never end and I’d probably forget something. I’m grateful for every day I’m given. For many people, 73 is old, so I appreciate that I’m still able to do everything I always have, just a little slower. I never thought I’d get this fat, but I’m out here rockin’ it!

On this anniversary of my birth, I’m happy, and that’s about as good as it gets here on Earth in the 21st century.

Here’s what we were up to yesterday…Casey surprised me with a Birthday Window!!! We went to Beak and Barrel for some provisions (meh) and rode TRON with the lights and new music (fantastic).

This morning we let it warm up a little, then headed over to EPCOT, where we rode My Most Favorite Ride, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and did a Lorcana card scavenger hunt…and other stuff…

We’re headed over to Raglan Road for some Irish song and dance, bundled up for 40degrees like we’re not in Florida. But, hey, it’s 17degrees back at Sonnystone. I’ll cope.

Peace

Posted in Sunday Report

Birthday Week

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

It’s the 11th birthday of my #4 grandie! I am not there to celebrate with her, but she will have fun with her friends!

In other grandie-related news, my Emma placed 6th in the all-Ireland dance competition!

We are getting ready to move over to the resort. Today the high will be 80 and we’ll do Magic Kingdom.   

Tomorrow, the high will be 59!!!  Lows to hit the high 30s! Good thing we didn’t come here for the weather! 

Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!

Peace

Posted in Sunday Report

Cake Pops…& birthdays

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Samantha came by yesterday to help me make cake pops. They turned out tasty, but not too pretty, and we had a lot of fun. My baby grandie will turn 11 next week! I’ll be out of town, so this was our Party…

Nova won 1st Place at her Speech Competition last week! Go, Nova!

My New Yorkers are in Ireland, competing in the All Ireland competition, so I’m sending Radiant Beams of Supportive Vibrations to them as they dance.

There’s a convergence of Holy Days this week – Tuesday is Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year, and Ramadan starts at sunset. Oh, I guess Ash Wednesday is the real Holy Day, and Ramadan goes on for a month, but New Year and Mardi Gras are serious Party Days. Bring on the Jambalaya and Hurricanes…and Spring Rolls.

On Thursday I’m meeting up with Dee to see the USI play, “Almost, Maine”. It looks like another good one.

On Friday morning, we’re setting out for Disney World, where I’ll be spending my Birthday #73 week. Arriving on the 22nd, we’ve got Lightning Lanes for TRON that evening, our first time to ride it with the lights on. It’s a great ride, a little short, but the lights should enhance the experience.

To celebrate my actual birthdate, 2/23, we’re spending our day at Epcot, browsing the Arts Festival activities, and riding the Best Ride Ever-Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. That evening I’d like to get over to Raglan Road so I can have some tribute songs and dances.

The next morning we’ll rope-drop Hollywood Studios and snag Slinky Dog, another of my favorites, and one that I missed riding last trip. We’ll be sure to visit the Tune-in Lounge and The Brown Derby Lounge later in the day, and to check the queue lines for Rise of the Resistance.

Our final day will be at Animal Kingdom, saying hello to the animals at the Safari, and riding Avatar: Flight of Passage. There’s a new “ride” there – Zootopia: Zoogether – under the Tree of Life, where A Bug’s Life used to show; we’ll be on hand for that. In the past, we’ve been able to snag a table at the Nomad Lounge overlooking the river to watch the character boats float by, waving and smiling, and we’ll try to do that again.

A couple of the days are predicted to barely reach 70, but that sounds Great! It’s been a while since I needed a jacket there, and I’m looking forward to it. All sun, no rain – who could ask for more?

I get a little carried away when I’m planning, but I’m flexible when there are unexpected diversions. We always have fun just being together, and if you know me at all, you know that I love celebrating my birthday. It comes at a time of year that needs light and laughter, and I always take advantage of it. I’ll take you along next week and we’ll celebrate together!

Peace

Posted in Sunday Report

Tiger Radio…& the Epilogue

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Last week, we broke up the monotony of winter with a couple of doctor and dentist appointments–high fliers. In other news, we’re finishing up/cleaning up Project Purge and Look what I found amongst my mementos:

It’s from 1965, our favorite local radio station, WJPS, Tiger Radio coming at us from Tiger Square in Downtown Evansville. If you’re an Evillian, you remember. The week ending August 7 shows Rolling Stones’ Satisfaction at number 1. Herman’s Hermits Hen-er-ee the 8th is number 3. >cue flashback<

Casey wanted to take advantage of the snow, so my Valentine’s Day present arrived early:

Looking out the upstairs window…

I try not to carry on about how great he is because it sounds like bragging, but I sure can’t take any credit (other than being smart enough to marry him). He’s just one of those Nice Guys that are so scarce these days. Actually, they were scarce in those days, too–47 years ago.

I’m sad to leave behind Robert Horatio and the gang, but they will stay in my heart. Thanks for following along!

Part 5 – Epilogue

If you enjoy my stories of shirt-tail relatives, you might also like the tales of my direct ancestors over at All My Ancestors – Climbing the Family Trees.

One week from today, we’ll celebrate Samantha’s 11th and my 73rd birthdays with the Jrs at the restaurant of Their Choice (they’ll make me choose)…

Two weeks from today, Casey and will be checking in at PoP Century in Disney World, ready for Birthday Week. We’ll take you along!

In the meantime, we are glued to the Winter Olympics. Olympic games, whichever season, always unite us in front of the TV, a bit unusual around these parts.

Hope you have a good week, folks!

Peace

Posted in Family Stories, Sunday Report

Weekly Wrap-up & Part 4

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Oh, my. We Evillians are not accustomed to snow that comes to stay and this 12-inches of accumulation is intimidating as it thrives on these ridiculously low temperatures. I’ve lost all sense of what day it is and the kids have been out of school all week, so they must feel the same. I’ve ventured into the outdoors a couple of times to pick up essentials, but mostly we’ve continued clearing un-essentials from the attic. Since the trash guys couldn’t do any pick-up this week, we’re filling up the shed with weeks of throw-aways. There’s another large collection for charities waiting until we can get out and about.

With all this snow, the birdfeeders are in constant use with never less than 50 birds in the mornings and evenings.

We have to chase off the blackbirds if they start bullying, but under the current circumstances, we’ve no choice but to leave everything available to everyone. I’ve tried to get you some pictures or videos, but the sunshine causes a glare that even the smart phone can’t fix.

Inside, my plants keep me company.

I’ve got several basils growing on the kitchen countertop.

Writing is another excellent distraction from the cold and glare, and I’m keeping up. On Thursday, I published Part 4 of the Robert Horatio Story over on Family Stories blog. We’re almost to the end and I’m going to miss those folks. The final episode, Part 5, will be published this coming Thursday.

Part 4 -1898-1901

I hear we’re supposed to have some melt this week, but with lows in the 20s, that doesn’t sound so great. I still have a Lot of boxes to sort through, so it’s as good a time as any to stay home. Seems like the whole USA is under a blanket of sh***y weather and there’s no place to run. I must confess that these archives are making me feel a bit on the old side, and some recollections aren’t so rosy, but my gratitude persists.

February is Birthday Month and as soon as I dig out from under these memory boxes, we’re going to start celebrating. I do like a pre-celebration celebration, don’t you? Until then, take care of yourself!

Peace

Posted in Sunday Report

The Purge is on! & Part 3

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

Snowbound today- looks like 9 inches and still coming down. It’s a lightweight kind of precipitation that can be “easily” blown, so Casey says. He actually misses driving the plows in this kind of weather, or at least waxes nostalgic about it. Though I warn him that he’s an old man now, he will have our driveway cleared asap. Not right now, though, as it is still accumulating.

Inside, all snug and warm, is a big mess that I’ve made going through attic boxes. I’ve reduced so far from 19 boxes to 9. We’ve mostly moved out of what is technically my kids’ stuff and on to what is “our” stuff, and it should be easy to do away with.

There are some Great Stories to tell, memories that were triggered (in a good way), and I can hardly wait to get it all done and cleaned up so I can write them down.

Part 3 of The Robert Horatio Walker story moves us through those years when Robert and his kin were raising their children, years that all parents experience, but I doubt they hoarded their offspring’s mementos. I do wish they’d taken more pictures!

Part 3 – 1869-1898

Remember, you can always subscribe to this blog (or any of my blogs), over there on the sidebar, and receive an email every time I post. I know you don’t want to miss out.

This storm is a booger, isn’t it? I’m thinking warm soup, fuzzy socks and sweat pants, work on more attic boxes. Hope you’re cozy in your neck of the woods.

Peace

Posted in All My Ancestors

Tales of my shirt-tail relatives: Part 2

Posted on by Jo Mayne Casey

It’s cooold out there and we had a dusting of snow last night that has outlined the gardens and walkways. We’re hunkered down tending the fire, keeping warm.

We’re on a mission to clean the excess out of our attic. Back in the far corner there are boxes of keepsakes that we placed there 22 years ago, full of my kids’ drawings and report cards, birthday cards, and who knows what that I would annually gather up and stuff in a big manila envelope with the year written on the outside. If they haven’t disintegrated, there should be about 18 years of mementos that I need to >sob< throw away. This will be a challenge, and we may end up just re-boxing it all.

I hope you’re enjoying the Family Stories . The Robert Horatio Walker series is being posted every Thursday through February 5 and re-blogged here through February 8.

Part 2 – 1861-1869

I’ll let you know what kinds of relics I uncover in the attic.

Bundle up! Pass around the warm hugs!

Peace