Wow!

It's been a long time since I've posted. Too long, in fact. 
Not even certain where to begin. So much has happened and yet? Either I can't recall most of it or else it's no longer significant. Anyhow, I'm still knitting/sewing/scrapping and living life in general. 

I'm on an academic school year schedule. Due to snow and cold the school year was extended to the end of June. It begins again tomorrow. Short summer. The days are getting shorter and it feels like fall. I noticed the clouds look "puffy", they're fall clouds.

It's canning season so I'm in full canning mode: peaches, corn, green beans and tomatoes...lots and lots of tomatoes. Three bushels of tomatoes. We have canned whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, salsa, pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Next up will be pickles and applesauce and the canning kitchen will be closed for another year. 

I can't believe it's only been a few weeks since we opened the pool, did a little planting and now we're gearing up to winterize. For now, we're going to enjoy the warmth (although it's been a bit too warm) and anticipate crisp air, sweater weather, pumpkin everything and the beauty fall.

Open letter to felines

Dear cats, we need to have a chat about the rules of mouse war. 

When mouse enters the house, it is YOUR duty to kill or otherwise murder said mouse. I know it sounds drastic and a bit messy but it MUST be done!
You see? Your caretaker does not like mice. I know of a few mice who have made a fortune and are rather cute however, the live mice models are not as cute or funny and they are not welcome.

Aurora, I know you are a pedigree white persian. You knew Calico and Pumpkin so you should know they never played with their opponents. When they went for the kill, they nailed it! Please think before you act.

Scamper, you were found out doors, orphaned. You should know mice are a food source therefore there should be no playing.

Here are a few rules of mouse war engagement:
Thou shall not play or bat mouse around the living room.
Thou shall not chase mouse into yarn bags. While yarn is great fun for you this is especially distressing for your human caretaker.
Thou shall not be distracted by the school bus stopping at the top of the driveway distracting you from said mouse. THAT is not your concern, that concern belongs to Mr. Bettis. Please keep in mind, you are not a dog.
Thou shall not take a bath while said mouse plays dead. While you are concerned about your fluffy coat, no one cares and mouse skitters under the couch. Not good.
Thou shall not engage in mouse war for longer than 5 minutes (1 hour is too long)
When said human caretaker must take the snow shovel and broom to (ahem) take care of mouse removal, this upsets your care taker and remember, she's the one who fills the food dishes.

I know you're tired after an hour of doing? Well? Pretty much nothing, the human caretaker is stressed from sitting on the kitchen table shouting, screaming, screeching and otherwise trying to get you to do your job.
Coming to me for pets is not going to happen right now. You have lost the war this time. There are no rewards.

I expect you to adhere to the rules.

Respectfully,
your caretaker who tolerates (and ignores) your incessant meowing for more food when the dish is 3/4 full