Where Is Calgon When You Need It?

Been a wild couple of weeks around these parts. So insane i haven't even gotten to go pick up my runner duckies yet.  Am missing one of the good parts, but it can't be helped.  Speaking of which, you all know what an avid sports fan i am....not.  I want to name these guys after famous runners, but am having trouble thinking of any, besides Jesse Owens, that is.  What was that Joyner lady's name?  That is the only other one i can think of.  Any help and contribution to the naming of the new duckies would be greatly appreciated.

Immediately following my 48 hours of vice, we had our Sweet City Cousin come visit for a week, and had to bring the hay in.  But you know all that.  I am just going for the effect here, so you will realize how wild it has been.  Then we had the big family family reunion last weekend.  Much to tell as Uncle Randy and his Lovely Bride were there this year, am saving that one for when i have a large cup of coffee and a couple of hours spare.  Will require pictures in order to be fully appreciated.  You will just have to wait.  Trust me, it will be worth it. 

Today we are trying to get Ellie May off on her Big Adventure.  Her girl scout troop has been working toward a trip to Disneyworld the last couple of years, and they leave this Saturday.  I have to get her up north today to meet up with the Sweet City Cousin and her family, as my Most Amazing Woman in the World Sister-in-law is the troop leader and organizer of this event. 

Ellie had a good start in scouting before we moved out here, but we couldn't find a troop in these parts that was a good "fit."  Ellie would attend troop functions when she went to visit SCC, and over the course of a couple of years, became part of the troop.  They are really kind and lenient with her, she makes a lot of the campouts, and we do what we can from here on community service, cookie sales, etc.  Apparently she makes up for all the absence when she is there by working double hard. 

Anyway, we are buzzing around trying to get her ready to go.  Mixed blessing is that she is not a shopper.  Fabulous in the Grande Scheme of things, but a real pain when we have to have a bathing suit and shorts that are suitable for something besides life on the farm.  Think we are about to get her lined out, though.

In the midst of this, the local produce guy called and said he had the first box of canning tomatoes ready for me this season.  Bad timing, but have to take them, or he will start calling someone else....

Then an acquaintance of ours scored some cherry and sweet tomatoes, so i am running those through the dehydrator while i am blanching, skinning and prepping others for the crock pots.

At the same time, am prepping and packaging snacks for the girls road trip, have 5 1/2 pounds of home made beef jerky, five batches of frozen cookie dough to slice and bake, muffins, and marshmallow chocolate cheerio bars.  Thought i made something else....hope i think of it in the next three hours.......

So imagine what a wrench it is in the system when Becky (Ren's progeny, and taking her place as "The Cranky One,") thought the grass looked greener and got her head stuck in the gate.  Bottom rungs.  No clue HOW she did it.  Couldn't find the camera, so that is another one for Whirled Peas.  Had to find tools, and then alter the gate.  In the meantime, my tomato salsa became sauce.  Gonna be Becky sauce if she doesn't straighten up!!

Sound like fun?

Couldn't be half as much fun as Paul Adeen is having.  He is currently Cruise Director for the Big Smokes World Scooter Tour 2011, in charge of fending off paparazzi and groupies, and fetching pie. 

Will explain that one when i have that cup of coffee.   In the meantime, Aloha, Paul, been thinkin' of ya.  You will reap your reward in heaven--you are a better man than i am!!!!!