Back at it.

 It's been a week since we returned from vacation, and we've been busy catching up and visiting. 

These fall-blooming irises survived the freeze well.

We were pleased to find that even though there were some freezes while we were gone, most of our plants weren't affected too much. That means I was able to get a few more ripe tomatoes off the vines, although it has been a stiff competition between me and the bugs. 

Among other things,
we found Aunt Wilma's Avon necklace. 

Shortly after we got back from the Poconos, my sister and her husband from Maine arrived for a week's visit. It's been a few years since the four of us sisters have been together, and we have enjoyed seeing each other. For a couple of days, we were sorting keepsakes and papers from our parents and other relatives. The work was tedious at times, but special all the same. It was curious sometimes to hear the different stories about various relatives or try to guess why our parents or grandparents saved certain items. 

At the end of one of our sorting sessions, I had a special memento for my sisters. I had Ward make totes with old license plates from my parents' cars. I was lucky that I happened to have ones that had dates of significance to my family. Also, they were made from oak from my uncle's farm, adding another bit of nostalgia.

Last weekend, we went to my FIL's house for a cookout with Ward's family. The weather cooperated, and a good time was had by all. The next night, we had all of my family over for supper. Both events had littles, who always provide a lot of entertainment. 

The anemones are still going strong.

In the meantime, we're trying to move forward with getting our stovetop fixed (it's been a saga) and the outdoor drainage around Ward's shop taken care of. 

I guess that's about it for now.

Until next time...