Catching Up With Myself

The past week proved uncommonly busy with errands and appointments.

I had a second visit scheduled with the chiropractor [and a third with her today.] Jim needed parts and pieces for his tractor restoration projects and also needed to assemble prices on lumber and hardware with the possibility of building several picnic tables for our church.

Along the way he learned that an acquaintance who has been in poor health had decided to sell one of his classic cars, a 1936 Ford. Jim knew his brother was hoping to buy such an item and so long distance negotiations took place.

There was paperwork to deal with and then the car had to be collected and driven here--only a few miles away, but the whole process took way more time in emails, phone calls, and connections

 than one might imagine. 

 With the transfer of funds accomplished, the next step was title reassignment and bill of sale signed and notarized, which needed to be done at the court house, Jim climbed into the driver's seat.  The car rolled quietly to the end of the driveway and stopped--out of gas.  It couldn't have happened in a more convenient place! 
I was along as the spare driver to eventually follow Jim home in our own car.

A quick trip in our car over the hill to the little store at Hardscratch with a can for gas and this time we were really underway.

It was by then past noon so Jim decided we should stop in town for lunch.

As the week progressed we were out for lunch on three different days.

Another of Ivan's classic automobiles.

On Friday morning I took advantage of blue skies and sunshine to peg a load of laundry on the back porch lines. I had thoughts of housework and baking, but became aware that Jim was up to something. When I noticed him at his desk carefully counting out cash I inquired resignedly, 'What have you bought now?'

A neighbor a mile away on the crossroad has had this truck advertised for sale for some time. Jim looked it over and decided it would be ideal for the upcoming trip to haul the vintage Ford out west to his brother. I was initially not enthused, until I realized that other than being 2 wheel drive, the truck has the same instrument panel and interior as one I frequently drove when we lived in Wyoming. 

I was asked to go with Jim while he collected the truck, again so that I could drive our car home.

There ensued one of those ridiculous situations that soak up time .

The owner of the truck couldn't locate the title and other paperwork in the place where it should have been kept.

[We have been there and done that, as the saying goes.]

While we waited the man and his son tore apart desk drawers and rummaged through file folders.

At last, sweating and apologetic, he suggested that Jim take the truck home and he would continue to search for the title.

Arriving home I had the feeling that it wouldn't be wise to start my baking!

10 minutes later the gentleman roared up the lane and triumphantly brandished the title and with considerable relief signed the bill of sale which I had printed.

Another trip to town--to the insurance agency first and then to the courthouse;  a short wait in line, but then a longer wait while the clerk sorted things before we had all 'signed, sealed and delivered!' 

We had lunch at the sandwich shop and Jim decided to pay in impromptu visit on our daughter and son-in-law!

The first of the 'kid-crop, twin bucks.

At home, a message from our neighbor/renters that another of the goats had given birth.

I walked down the lane in the gathering dusk to visit the newest babies.

The second born of the twins was a bit lethargic, not  interested in taking the bottle with her mother's rich  colostsrum.

I was given the little doeling to hold, bundled in a soft towel. I massaged gently behind her long soft ears, stroked her sleek back, talked all sorts of nonsense to her.

Earlier in the week I was present when one of my favorite goats produced triplets!

I am not much help with the urgent details of goat mid-wifery, but I can fetch towels, I can hold a new baby goat, provide an extra pair of hands and an encouraging voice.

Baby Goats grow so fast!

While Jim priced lumber at Lowes, I foraged in the garden center, coming home with two unusual lavenders and a rosemary, Tuscan Blue.

I am quite determined to be successful again with rosemary after the failures of the past several years.

The miniature rose, birthday gift from my son and his lovely wife, was in need of a larger pot.

When I teased it free of the soil I discovered it was three separate plants.

They are in the west window of the upstairs hall until I can decide where they should live outdoors.

I'm considering that they should be treated as container plants.

So--a strangely busy week--vehicles, plants, endless errands, phone conversations, baby goats.

This evening I have built a fire while rain pounded down, thunder rattled and darkness came early.

It will be too wet tomorrow to tackle the garden tasks I had in mind, but I can sow seeds indoors, set the trays in the sunroom windows. 

I can tidy my neglected kitchen, have a look at the sewing projects which have been languishing for several weeks.

I can pull on my boots and wander along the lane, camera in hand, to delight in the changes which daily announce the progress of springtime.

Life is good!