BUILDINGS COMiNG DOWN

Michael and I were on the back roads when we came across these buildings.  There is kind of a long story but, first, the buildings are right by the railroad.  Second, there was a fire in the house.  No one did anything to repair the house and no one could live in it.  Slowly it went in worse disrepair.  Finally, the town and railroad company decided the house, barn, and out buildings had to come down.  Sad, but true,

MICHAEL'S POST

I guess Elmer and I  really blew it last week.  We heard from my Mom (Jean) and Anna.  They said if you aren't going to do a good job then don't do the job at all.  When we apologized, they both said MEN.  But Anna did come through when the recipes.

Someone asked how I like my room or apartment.  I like it.  I can have what I want in it.  It's my own place, I can do what I want more or less. This is in my friend's parents house.  He lives with his parents.  So I suppose if I did anything bad, his parents would call my parents.  I don't think my parents really understand why I want it. They think I have it just so I can have things that are not allowed in their house.  But, that's not true.  Yes, I have the computer, DVD, television, etc. that are not allowed in their house, but I can't explain it.  I just need a place of my own for a while.

As my work building is at my parents house, I see them every day.  I usually arrive for breakfast, then go to work.  I also help my Father on the farm.  Sometimes I leave before supper.  Sometimes I stay for supper.  On Sunday, I usually go to church with them - either meet them at church or the house.

I tell them that Thomas left the house, but they said he was married.  When Thomas and Ruth get their new house, Edward will move in his Grandmother's house.  I told them are letting him go - he's not married, but they say that is different.  Anyway, that's parents.

I had to court because, they call them my natural parents, but I do not consider them my parents came up for parole at prison.  Now that I am 18, the judge wanted a statement from me.  I told them about what life had been with them.  I guess the attorneys talked or something, but they did not get a parole. I guess court goes through this every so many years, even when they know they aren't going to let them out.  I told the court Jean and David are my parents now.

As Marilyn said, I got my drivers license.  I don't have a car yet.  I asked her if I could drive her aound last Saturday.  She asked my parents if it was all right and they said yes.  I told her that my parents would have a fit if I had an accident or ticket.  Marilyn said, never mind about your parents fit, worry about her fit if I get an accident or ticket - it's her car.  I didn't get either.

I guess Marilyn wanted to go around where we live, but I wanted to see some of things she had on New York State of Mind.  We went through the clock museum.  Went to the one room school house, but it was closed, but I liked seeing the outside.  I wanted to see the train crossing where she took all the train pictures, so we went there - but no train at the time we were there.

She made me take the back roads.  I thought because she didn't think I was safe on the road, but she said she wanted some pictures.  She let me take a picture of a barn, but it came out lousy, but she likes it.  One place we pulled on a bridge and stopped.  I asked if she was crazy.  She said people seldom use this bridge.  So she took pictures while the car was in the middle of the bridge.  She was right, no one came until we were headed back.  I think the pictures will go on this week or next.  She called me her chauffeur for the day.

When it came to put the post on - everyone has a symbol at the top of the page.  I took a picture of her car.  I guess that's all I have to say.

Be With God,
Michael

BREAKFAST TIME FOR THE SQUiRRELS

There is a gentleman where I live that puts a large amount of food out for squirrels and birds.  I looked out one morning and saw these squirrels enjoying their breakfast and just had to take their pictures.

TREES IN MELTING SNOW

Michael has his drivers license and wanted to drive my car last weekend, so I had him drive me around to take pictures.  Of course, I got his parents okay first as I didn't want any hard feelings with Jean and David.  Here are trees standing in the melting snow last Saturday.

ANNA'S HEARTY VEGETABLE SOUP AND QUICK SOUP

Jean and I asked the men if they put on the recipe last week - they forgot.  We asked if they put on a post for Monday morning.  They forgot.  So here are the recipes that were suppose to have been on last week.  Anna

ANNA'S HEARTY VEGETABLE SOUP

2 qt chicken broth or broth make with soup base
1/2 lb ground beef browned with 1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups chicken pieces, cut up
2 cups chopped cabbage
1 cup chopped celery
2-3 cups sliced carrots
1/2 cup alphabeet noodles (optional)
1/2 cup barley
2 cups left over navy bean soup

Simmer the above until tender.  Add the left over soup just before serving and heat again.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

ANNA'S QUICK SOUP

Cook a big potato for each serving and half of a medim onion until soft.  Add salt, pepper, and butter to taste.  Then add a cup of milk for each serving (or more).  Heat to almost boiling.  You may wish to add a shake or two celery seed or more flavor.  Serve with crackers.

Saturday Morning Sunrise and Moon

Thought this was a beautiful sunrise on Saturday morning and took the pictures of the sunrise and the moon.  Don't get many like that in the winter in Upstate New York.

Marilyn Says :

First of all I want to thank Michael, and Elmer for taking over here.  So far they are doing a great job.  Also want to thank Anna for agreeing to go to the doctors with me.  She knows medicine and would think to ask questions, I might not think of.

This all started last July when I started losing weight.  I thought it was because I was taking Pierre and Bella for walks.  I went from 160 to 130 pounds, which was good because the doctor wanted me to lost weight.  The problem now is, I am still losing weight.

Then, in January, I got an infection is one of breasts.  It really swelled up and became very painful.  So I went to the Doctor's Assistant who gave me some medicine and sent me for an unltra-sound.  She felt a mamogram would be too painful for me.  The unltra-sound came back with nothing wrong.  So when I back again, she gave me the same medicine again.

Between my second and third doctor's assistant visit I got an infection in my ear and down my jaw.  So when I went back the third time, she changed the medicine, ordered blood tests, order ultra-sound to my jaw and wants me to see a surgeon.  Well, I got the blood test.  My insurance will not cover two unltra-sounds so close together even though they are for different things.  I got  afraid to go to the surgeon.  I don't want to know if I have cancer.  So I cancelled the surgeon appointment.

So there is where Anna came in.  A friend suggested that I ask her.  Anna is going with me to the Doctor's Assistant tomorrow.  We will reschedule the general surgeon's appointment - again to which she will go with me.  I asked Anna to come in the room with me at the doctor's assistance and the general surgeon and she agreed - even if the doctor says no.

I am still losing the weight and get weaker. My breast has not healed as it should have.   I have no energy.  Even this is wearing me out.  Anna says there is something wrong somewhere.  She has suggested a couple of teas and things, but doesn't want to go counter act what the doctor is doing until she finds out what is going on.

So that is all I can tell you.  I thank you all for your prayers, encouragements, and thoughts.  I really need them right now.  I felt you should know my problems.

Blessings to you all,
Marilyn

Elmer's Post

Well, I am back.  With Marilyn not feeling well, some of us got together with Michael, he runs a computer, and has access to Marilyn's, we decided to put some things with Michael's work and Marilyn's permission.  So, I am putting on a post today and we will have a receipe on Thursday or Friday.

This is a little different with Michael - I don't have to call him.  I can go to his apartment, sit in a chair and tell him what I want on and he types it on the computer.  Amish are not allowed to use computers. Neither, is Old Order Mennonite.  But Michael was not baptized in the church, so he can use one as long as it is not in his parents home.  Michael says what is funny is that Marilyn can use her computer at Jean and David's home, but he can't.

Anyway, I finally got over the flu.  Anna told you about me and the lady doctor.  She was a nice doctor, and I guess she told me.  At the time, I didn't laugh, but after I thought about it a while she was right and I laughed.  Between the doctor and Anna, I finally recovered.  Anna said I better get used to lady doctor because if our doctor retires, as it looks like he will, she will be talking over.

Marilyn has asked Anna to go to the doctors with her.  This coming Friday, they go to Marilyn's family doctor.  Then they are going to a surgeon doctor at another time.  Anna promised she would go into the room with her, even if the doctor said no.

Marilyn was going to drive and Anna was going to take the driver, but I thought that Marilyn shouldn't drive if she is upset and not feeling well.  So, Anna will take the driver and the driver has agreed to pick up Marilyn and driver her, too.  After doctor and then maybe lunch, the driver will take Marilyn home and bring Anna home.

So, we ask to keep Marilyn in your prayers.

I thank Michael for agreeing to do this.  He said he will do it as long as Marilyn is in sick bay, so we may be doing this again.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer

PIERRE'S - " THE BARK" - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

                                             HAPPY      VALENTINE'S       DAY


It was five years ago today that I met my Mom.  We still remember that evening.  My Mom tells me about it all the time - she remembers too.  I am sorry, I had three owners, but so glad my Mom was the third one.

Mom is still feeling weak and not up to her usual.  Thank you all that are keeping her in your thoughts and prayers.

Hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day.

Love,
Pierre and Marilyn

CANANDAIGUA LAKE BIRDS

These are pictures of birds on Canandaigua Lake from a different location that my previous bird post in January, yet.

MARILYN SAYS:

I have been ill for almost the last month.  Have been for tests and it doesn't seem too serious.  Still it isnt healing.  Then I got a face infection.  Right now, I am taking a medicine  that is strong that takes all the enegy out of me.  So, right now, that is why I haven't had any posts on.

Seems I am spending most of my time going for tests or to the doctors or resting.  My insurance doesn't pay for everything, somethings aren't covered and somethings I don't like what the doctor said.  I go back to my doctor a week from Friday and if I don't get any results, I think I will change  or at least consult another doctor.

Just want you to know why I haven't had any posts on.  I have to take this medicine for three more days and I should get back to myself - I hope.

Marilyn

FARMS IN SNOW

There wasn't much snow, but I did get a few pictures of farms in snow.  Not much snow.  But in snow.

GROUND HOG DAY

                                              HAPPY GROUND HOG DAY

This is one of Randy's pictures that fits the day.

JEAN'S POTATO-SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

JEAN'S POTATO-SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

1 pound bulk pork sausage or ground pork
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup undiluted
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups sliced potatoes
1/2 Tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 1 1/2 quart casserole with nonstick cooking spra.  Set aside.

Brown sausage in large skillet over medium heat 6 minutes, stirring to break up meat; drain fat.

Stir together soup, milk, onion, salt and pepper in medium bowl.

Place half of potatoes in prepared casserole.  Top with half of soup mixture; top with half of sausage.  Repeat layers, ending with sausage.  Dot with butter.

Cover casserole with foil.  Bake 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until potaatoes are tender.  Uncover, sprinkle with cheese.  Return to oven, bake until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.