Rhubarb Scare

We had a rhubarb scare awhile ago. They said if it froze, the poison from the poisonous leaves would go right down the stems and you didn't dare eat it or die. Then we found out if you cut it all down and let it grow back up it would be ok. Or a few smart people really covered their rhubarb well and it was fine. We had some very hard frosts which did poison a lot of rhubarb. My daughter brought me some last week and I made a delicious cake this morning out of it. Sure glad it is ok now.

Much Rain

We are really getting the rain now. Almost every day it rains but we need it. There is a half inch in the rain gauge right not. It is supposed to shower off and on all afternoon. Also more rain expected tonight. However, we are very fortunate that we aren't in the southern states as Oklahoma and Missouri really got it again. We need rain but not storms.

Swing Sets and Slides

Since this picture was taken my great grandchildren have received a new complete swing set with a slide like this one. I think they are playing on their cousin's slide right here. It was such a beautiful day they could play outside without coats but now it is cold and rainy again. However, next week is supposed to be nice and warm, in the 70's so they will have great fun outside.

Second Hand Clothes

We have a neat little store in our town called Treasure Hunting. I decided I could use some new clothes for Spring so of course I went shopping in the usual stores such as Kohls. Then I was passing this little store and decided to go in and see just what they might have. They had all kinds of very nice, hardly used clothes in my size. I found some I just love and got 4 pieces for the price I paid for one blouse at Kohls, even after all the discounts. I am going to shop there more often.

Divorced

Guest post written by my buddy Keith Kramer

My husband and I just got divorced a few weeks ago. I knew this day would be coming for a while now, especially since neither one of us have been happy for quite some time. When he first moved out my daughter came to stay with me for a few weeks just to keep me company and make sure I was okay. She knows that I have a fear of being alone. I knew she would have to go back home eventually being since she has kids and a husband to take care of and all. She told me I could come stay with them for as long as I needed, but I think I need to get used to living alone. She called me one day last week and told me she was having Manteno alarm systems come out in the next couple of days to install a new security system. I must say that since they have installed it, it does help my anxiety and I feel safer knowing that I have them. I have been sleeping better too.

Cold/Severe Weather

We are having sustained high winds for at least the 4th day, maybe more. It is sustained at 20-30 with gusts to 45 mph. The tornadoes went around us and for that we are very thankful. However, we feel really bad for all those who lost their homes this weekend. It is hard to imagine how you would feel or what you would do if that happened. It is terrible thing. It is only 37 degrees also this morning with light rain off and on and they said we might even see snow flurries. Isn't that something although we have had heavy snow in the middle of April in years past.

Pella Iowa Tulip Festival

I believe the Pella, Iowa Tulip Festival is about May 1st. However, not only did the tulips up as usual, but with the warm weather, they grew so fast and are now in full bloom. Pella has hundreds of tulips in bloom normally for their Festival but I think they will be all done blooming by the first of May. That is a shame as so many people go there each year, many by bus, to see all the beautiful tulips. They will still be able to see the parade with people in authentic Dutch costumes, wooden shoes and all, marching down the street, washing the street as they go and followed by the Queen and her escorts. It is a fun time.

Birthday Celebration and Easter

Saturday we had a combination Birthday party for our grandson who turned 26 and a delicious Easter dinner. Then it was a ball watching the great grandchildren open their Easter baskets. They paraded all around the house and it was fun to watch them enjoying themselves so much. With 2 two year olds and 2 four year olds, it was plenty noisy but its only a little while and enjoyed watching them. Great Grammy (me) was plenty tired by 4 o'clock so went home to take a nap:0). A great time was had by all.

Spartan Race

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spartan Race for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you been trying some of these new high powered exercising plans like my grandsons have been doing and been disappointed in the results you are achieving.  Well, now is the time to really push yourself and get into the   Spartan Race for a real test and very real results, plus a great deal of fun at the same time.  It's really different and will give you the greatest challenge of your life.  Have you ever tried the different muddy races?  Get off the couch and get out there and push yourself to the limits.  Build up your body as never before.  In the olden days they were called Spartans because they were tough and isn't it about time you got tough and tried something new.  Your whole family can take part, making it even more fun.  You want to check this out and sign up for one of the muddy races and test yourself and see what you are made of.  At http://www.spartanrace.com//sp you can get all your questions answered.   They do have a big range all the way from beginner to hard core warriors and marathon runners so you can find your place to start and go for it.  Soon you will see the   at the end.  Don't put it off, get going.

Passion Play

Here it is Palm Sunday and next Sunday is Easter already. And we have had a wonderful winter with warmer than normal temperatures, very little snow and Spring is about a month early. The tulips are all in bloom, the lilacs have flowers ready to open and the Hyacinths are beautiful already. The neighbor mowed the lawn, unheard of this early in the year here. It is 73 degrees, about 20 degrees above normal and we love it. I took a one day bus trip with my sister yesterday to a beautiful passion play in Minneapolis. It really started off the Easter season right. Jesus is risen and one of these days he is going to return and take those home to Heaven with him that have given their heart to him and are living and looking for him.