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.