Mom and Dad have been here for a week and time is flying by! I find myself wishing I could force the clock to drag its heels, but it keeps on marching steadily along. I never imagined the incredible harvest that would seemingly drop from the sky into my kitchen. First the giant squash, then the corn and apples. The same day a friend gave me a plethora of zucchini. Pineapple Sage and Thyme from the neighbor girl drying in the window and blowing with the breeze just add to the never ending kitchen activity. Then yesterday, I was given ten more boxes (that's 400-450 more pounds) of apples besides the 8 boxes (320-360 lbs) that I already had. Just to do the math, I'm going to be processing some where between 720-810 pounds of apples depending on the weight of the boxes.
Despite the sudden assault of fruits and vegetables on my kitchen, we have also enjoyed a variety of other activities. The boys carved "walking sticks" for my parents to help them navigate the rocky, hilly trails. Every day we manage to put in a hike or two. It's a good thing, too, because I can't seem to stop serving up lots of good food! The boys also took my mom (and their cat) out for a boat ride. Mom enjoyed most of it (except for the mishap getting out of the boat)!
Yesterday, we went to town and enjoyed some sight seeing. The day before that, I took Dad to some "country Gospel" type church meeting. It is NOT my style of music, but I knew my dad would like it. As I look back on the week, I find myself wondering where it went and just what else we did!
They also joke that they feel like "The Walton's Grandparents" who work right along with the family. The kids are quite elated Dad has been doing all of the dishes. He also helped them get a load of fire wood. Mom cleaned the bathrooms today and has also taken over the laundry. Today we all worked diligently on apples.
The men (my husband and eldest son) have been out all day up a mountain looking for elk. I got up with them at 4 am to make them a hearty breakfast. I had to do a double take when I came out of my bedroom, because my 18 year old was decked out in cammo and had black face paint on. I fed them, prayed with them and sent them off with a blessing. It's a good thing I have my parents here and the ton of food screaming to be processed. Worrying about them (my men) running around with bows in Lion and Grizzly country does me no good. I just have to put my trust in God, otherwise I'd have flown over the coo coo nest by now. With boyish fervor and giddy anticipation they shouldered their supplies and disappeared long before light.
Well, good night John Boy.
