Welcome June...

Well-hidden Robin's Nest

What a lovely way to start the new month. I planted basil plants in one of my raised beds, and some onions in another on Saturday. Yesterday Andy and Shelly shared some of their bell pepper plants with me. Because I'm unable to kneel at this point, I haven't even cleaned up my raised beds from last year. (I know. I'm embarrassed to admit it.) 

So, my plan was to plant a few herbs in one of the beds, and then purchase more gorgeous tomatoes from a local grower for canning. The addition of pepper plants was a nice change of plans, and I'll likely plant a tomato plant or two just for fresh eating over the summer. 

I also learned that one of the "old ways" to preserve tomatoes so they're like fresh-picked all winter is to store them completely covered in clean ash. I may try a small box like that to see if it really works. I'm planning to just save the wood ash from our fire pit for the experiment.

While I was planting, I noticed a robin that stayed fairly close to me the entire time. She'd chirp at me and fly from one perch to another, but never too far away. Once I finished planting the basil and onions, I got on the riding mower to cut the lawn. Usually Handsome and I would do that job together, but he's had serious back issues for the past week and wasn't up to bouncing around on the tractor...so I did it alone. 

As I was mowing, I notice the robin disappear into the honeysuckle bush near the garden. Aha! That's why she was agitated. When I finished mowing, I went over to the bush and confirmed my suspicions. She has a nest in the bush and there are four perfect eggs in it. I was careful not to disturb a single leaf, but took this photograph to share with you. 

After I went back into the farmhouse, I saw that she'd returned to her nest to sit on her eggs. Now that I know, I'll do my best not to disturb her until her babies fledge.

Farmhouse Strawberry Scones

I made homemade scones to go with Sunday breakfast. I saw some gorgeous strawberries at the store on Saturday, and although I hadn't planned to purchase more than the couple things on my list, a box of those lovelies came home with me. 

Rather than just eat them on cereal, I decided to make my favorite scone recipe, adding some of the cut up fruit. They did turn out just as I'd hoped. I had one, Handsome had two, and the rest were gifted.

Family Time with Niece and Great-Nephew

A really nice surprise was that my niece, Stephanie was in Sheboygan with her son for his soccer tournament. She called to see if they could stop to visit on their way home. 

Stephanie is learning to knit with the help of my Florida friend, Ann! Ann now lives in the retirement village where Steph is the Director (of the whole operation!), and I think it's wonderful that she and Ann share this pastime. 

Of course, I went through my yarn and knitting needle inventory, and shared an assortment with her. I also gave her one of my travel totes so she can keep her project supplies together for easy location and transport. She was pretty tickled when she left. I did tell her that I'll come up soon to sit and knit with both Ann and her - and any others who get together for the weekly knit day that Ann organized for the residents.

When Steph and her son left, some of the scones went home with her. She was also kind enough to drop off a couple with my mom and stepdad on her way home. 

I'll be baking again today, and then I have an MRI this afternoon to see exactly what's going on with my knee. I'll know more about the results when I meet with my orthopedist on Wednesday. I'll be glad when the procedure today is behind me. I sure hope they play music while I'm inside the tunnel. 

I'm hoping it's not what the doctor thinks it is either. If it's, in fact, a torn meniscus, that will mean surgery. I'm sure you can understand why I'm not anxious for yet another surgery. I'm pretty sick of doctors and hospitals - even the good ones. I just want this resolved so I can walk normally again. Wish me luck!