Even as a little girl I remember thinking these flower pots that Aunt Konnie had were so neat but for some reason I never thought to ask about them. Out of the blue while visiting Uncle Jerry and Aunt Konnie, Uncle Jerry told me they were made by his Grandmother and her sister. He said they would hitch up the horses and go down to the river to collect rocks and bring them back to the house and build these beautiful pots. They are unique and one of a kind and had to have taken a lot of hard work and patience to make. I’m glad that they are still there and that they get used. What a wonderful piece of family history for Uncle Jerry!
I’ve pumped a lot of water with this old hand pump. The water comes out so nice and cold. Most times a frog would come out too! The water isn’t fit to drink but we always used it to water flowers. It’s fun to watch kids pump it now. They are fascinated with seeing the water come and they think it’s fun. I’m thankful we don’t have to rely on these old pumps for our water anymore – especially in the dead of winter! I’m also thankful there are still some around. A little glimpse into the past.
Drew and I spent last Saturday outside. All day. I worked on trying to clean up outdoor furniture cushions. I’m afraid they’re on their last leg but I’ll get one more year out of them anyway. Until we get a roof over the pergola there’s no sense in worrying about getting new ones. My patio furniture is old, hand me downs from my sister actually, but they are in good shape and I plan on keeping them but at some point new cushions will be in order. So, for now I scrubbed them in a mixture of warm water, Borax and dish soap. At least they smell clean even if they don’t look the best!
The rest of my day was spent watching Drew play while I worked on some baby hats for the new grandbaby, doing chores, and trying to start a fire in the fire ring. We never did get that fire going. It is fun to watch Drew play. His imagination is amazing and he loves being outside. He can spend hours with his Tonka trucks, his sandbox and a bunch of rocks. Or even without the trucks. Just give him a bucket and he’s happy. Although his choice of “toy” at the moment is the wheelbarrow. He goes around picking up sticks and pulling weeds and hauling them to the ditch in his wheelbarrow. He thinks he’s playing – I’m thrilled to have sticks picked up and the weeds gone!
For years Eric said he was going to Iowa State. All his clothes are red and gold. Grandma made him an Iowa State quilt. His bedroom is done up in Iowa State. Then, this past year he changed his mind and was going to UNI. Then, at the last minute he decided on Iowa. He applied and was accepted at all three but decided Iowa offered everything he wanted. I know he made the right decision but it’s still a little strange to think of him as an Iowa Hawkeye!
