African Cactus

When I first met Hubby I was impressed by his love of everything desert(He likes desserts too). So for our first Christmas I gave him an Indian pot and for his birthday I gave him a cactus plant. The plant was about 24 inches tall and I got it from Frank's Nursery. Over the years it has grown. Every summer we take it outside and every fall we bring it back in. Three times now it has been necessary to cut it back to 24 inches( really we just start some 24 inch pieces over again) because we couldn't get it through the door anymore. We have a dolly with wheels and it takes both of us to wheel it in and out. During the summer it gets water but never during its winter days.

Christmas Cactus

Every summer I take all the houseplants which can possibly go outside,outside. The only things I leave indoors are the African Violets and the Snake plants. I have taken the violets outside to repot them and then left them outside but I wait until late summer when there is more shade. I always take my Christmas Cactus outside. I left some of them near the Impatiens and so now one of my cactus plants always has Impatiens blooming in it. Impatiens are what is called a tender perennial, like geranium, so they will bloom all year round without a frost. The special thing about putting my Christmas Cactus outside is that when I bring it in, it always goes into full bloom. I have learned in order to start a new cactus, you must break off some pieces and then let them harden a few days before you plant them.

Claude Du Bois

When we were out in the Napa Valley of California last year we stopped at the Claude du Bois wineries. We joined their wine club and so they just sent us our fall selection. Usually we drink Two Buck Chuck(It is Charles Shaw from Trader Joe's) but this is special. Of course Hubby can't have alcohol while he is on the codeine so I am drinking the cheap wine until he is well enough to open the good stuff.

Happy Thanksgiving

We certainly have a lot to be thankful for! Hubby is doing very well. He even made my coffee for me this morning. He is a very good patient and takes care of himself. I try to be a good nurse.(My mother named me Margaret because St. Margaret was converted by her nurse and Mom wanted me to be a nurse. ) Mostly I keep his laundry clean and change his towels and wash clothes every day and sometimes get him a cup of tea or pudding or something. I ordered Thanksgiving dinner from Bob Evans and picked it up last night. I am keeping it in the back of the car where it is good and cold. Dinner includes Turkey breast, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, beans, pumpkin bread, herb butter, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and topping, along with instructions on how to heat it up. Dinner will be at 4PM. Martha picked up my Mother and they went to my brother and sister-in-laws for dinner. So it will be a nice quiet dinner for Hubby and I.

Hubby is Home

Hubby is home and recovering nicely. The surgery went very well and now he can relax and heal.

Hubby

Hubby is going to the hospital tomorrow for surgery. He should be there for 1 to 2 days. Cancer is always a big scare even though we know we have caught it early and it should be no problem. Please keep him in your prayers.

Saving at Joann's

Today Mary and I went to Joann's to save lots of money. Hubby blanches when I come home and say, "Boy, did I save lots of money!" I wrap the children and grandchildren's presents in pillow slips which I make. Today holiday flannel was on sale so I bought it for next years Christmas. I really love that store. When I retired my fellow workers gave me a generous gift certificate to Joann's. Mary says she has so many projects to do but even she admitted I have a much larger list. I even have a doll house in the basement(really it is Mary's) that I have wanted to decorate but haven't got around to. I even thought it would be fun to try weaving but I must admit that would be unlikely. I would love to try painting ceramics but have no interest in scrapbook making. I really love most crafts but not cooking.