I tried to check in here a couple of days ago and found, to my surprise, a password was needed! Melissa had sent it to me, but since I had 106 e-mails come in (when I finally got back on the computer) I deleted everything related to the forum (both sites) thinking I could get all the info on the site. I couldn't believe I had been gone that long! I'm glad to have avoided the hassle that went on here.

Thanks, Melissa, for sending the password again. We are all doing well, but I decided to spring clean the house while we wait for the ground to dry up enough to start the garden. My parents are coming up today to spend a week, so I called off school for two weeks so we could clean before they get here.

The weather is beautiful, though we still get into the 30s at night. Last year the last of the snow melted April 22. This year we had two snowstorms after that date. Tom hauled a bunch of stuff off to the dump (mostly all the old ceiling plaster and stuff the recycle people wouldn't take) and said he still saw some snow here and there. That was Saturday, May 4.

I have the kitchen table piled high with mending--I have gotten way behind on that. The sewing machine is now fixed, so I'll get at it sometime soon. Melissa, mending is probably my least favourite chore. I actually enjoy cleaning bathtubs:o)

Nathanael got a speedometer/odometer for his bike. He put in over 22 miles Saturday afternoon. That boy would rather ride a bike 20 miles than walk 1 mile! Whenever we go for a hike, he always asks if he can bring his bike! Even lifting the thing over fences doesn't bother him, just so he doesn't have to walk. He dug up the bed I plan to put herbs in (pronounce the 'h' here in Canada), and also dug a new plot where I plan to put in raspberries.

Josiah's favourite activity lately is to ride his bike to the old dump and look for old bottles. He also brings back anything the girls might like to use in their playhouse.

Sarah is still the chicken girl. Our five hens all come running every time they see her come out. They all have names and personalities, and the two that aren't laying are currently under her protection to keep them from becoming stew. They free range for most of their food, so I don't mind extending their lives a little while.

Elijah is an expert at riding with no hands, but Tom raised his seat and handlebars to match his height. Not being used to this, he took a nasty spill and scraped the left side of his body, from the ankle up to his mouth.

Benjamin is his same ornery self. No amount of persuasion, however pleasant or painful, will help him do what he should, when he should, unless he wants to. But he is lovable and charming and is learning to enjoy his work (drying breakfast dishes and emptying trash cans).

Abby is delightful and funny. Last night at supper, Tom was reminding the children to empty their mouths before talking. Abby said, "Daddy, I can sing 'Jesus Loves the Little Children' with my mouth full of water." Tom said, "Abby, if you do that I'll put you on TV and get $1000."

Baby Number Seven is kicking away. I am getting heavier, and feeling heavier. I miss digging and mowing, but have been restricted from such activities since I have more problems with my back during pregnancy. I do what I can, and the children have all been very good about doing what I can't. I am still having trouble with my iron level, and there are days when I cannot lift my head off the pillow without a lot of dizziness. I also have extremely low blood pressure (88 over something last we checked), so that accounts for some of the dizziness. We are working on getting these worked out, and there has been a lot of improvement.

I guess I'd better get back to cleaning. Melissa, I will try to get on here more often. I miss you, too!

-- Cathy N. (eastern Ontario) (homekeeper86@sympatico.ca), May 08, 2002

Answers

Cathy!! I was just thinking about you yesterday and wondering how you and the "new little one" are doing!! so good to hear from you. Sounds like you have been busy. Also sounds like you have wonderful children. Mommy and daddy must have done a great job with them! Take care and don't stay away so long (I should talk!)

-- Barb in Ky. (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), May 08, 2002.

Let's just not talk about the "fun" we ahd while you were away!! I don't think my heart can take it!!!!

Glad you are all doing OK...check in again soon!!

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), May 08, 2002.

Cathy -- glad to hear you made it here! When is the little one due, BTW??? It sounds as though you're in the home stretch!

As an ex-Ontarian, I can vouch for the spring there -- it's generally a lot earlier -- but down by Kingston you'll get the effect of the ST Lawrence, too, I would think. I was talking to my Dad who lives in Muskoka, and he was telling me how beautiful it was there -- they were out sitting on the deck in shorts. He was laughing at me because Calgary was victim to a snowstorm on Sunday night/Monday ALL DAY, and we got over a foot of the white stuff. Weather patterns do appear to be changing!

-- Tracy (trimmer31@hotmail.com), May 08, 2002.