What a beautiful day we had today!  The sun was shining, the temp was mild (compared to the usual), and there was even a slight breeze to add to our comfort.  It was really nice riding on the 4-wheeler after supper, even though I think I ate enough seeds, or whatever flew into our faces as we passed through the tall grass, to possibly eliminate one meal.  Well, of course, that's a slight exaggeration, but I assure you that our clothes were covered with those little seeds when we got back home.

Today was the first day in a long time that I was alone all day--and even though I already miss Randi, it was nice to have that alone time.  I did go into town, though, to get some ingredients to try to prepare a pastalaya dish that Jan told me about (she even sent the recipe).  Naturally, I didn't get just what I needed for the recipe, but I did get all of that stuff, so my trip was successful.

Before moving here, I had never heard of PASTAlaya--jambalaya, yes, but not pastalaya.  Often here, there are benefit dinners prepared to help someone who is ill with cancer or whatever, and that meal is often a pastalaya.  The first time we saw that (we usually try to buy at least one meal for the benefit dinners), we only got the one meal because neither of us really knew what it was.  It was delicious, that's what it was!  So, when Jan, Jess, and Bec mentioned that, I decided to give it a try.

Sausage is not something I like to eat, but the recipe called for andouille sausage, so I got some; it also called for chicken, which I like, so I definitely got that.  The only thing I think I could have done better was to not cook it quite as long.  The pasta was a little too soft for my tastes, but the flavor was really good.  Sid liked it, and that's what counts when I try new recipes.  We brought a dish of it to Bess and Nathan to try--the recipe said it served from 6-8 people, and I believe it.  (When we brought that to them, Bess had prepared a little dish ofbread pudding for us, too, so we came out on top with this deal.)

Jan went to Mom's yesterday to help her remove her bandages from her procedure.  As much as Mom appreciated that, I think she loved having the visit even more.  Jan was able to help Mom take a really good shower, too, and she said that Mom was oohing and aahing the whole time, just thoroughly enjoying that.  It is very difficult for Mom to bend down to wash her legs and feet and she cannot possibly reach her back, so this was really special.  And, the bandages came off without any problems at all, and Jan indicated that the wound sites were thoroughly healed.  Mom was VERY weak, though, and still in a good bit of pain.  She sees her doctor tomorrow for results of the procedures (both of the last ones); Sandie and Randi will be doing the transporting this time, and I really appreciate not having to return to Lockport quite so soon.  More on this later---

That's it for today, so I'll sign off.  Hope you have a great evening and a super week.  Enjoy the cooler days--I know I am!

HEARTFELT BLESSING:  "To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life."                         --Samuel Johnson

NOTE:  Our lives consist of planting and cultivating and harvesting.  In my part of the country, the sugarcane crop is the livelihood of many people, along with the shipyard and seafood businesses.  In all of these areas, we must plant the seeds of value in our businesses, letting people know that we would love to cultivate them and harvest their business to make our lives better.  What better way to improve our businesses AND our world than to plant seeds of kindness in every thought, word, and deed that we have within us.  WE will get an unbelievable return on this investment.  Go on out and plant those seeds--then, wait for the harvest! You will be blessed!