It All Starts After 50

This beautiful picture is taken in Pennsylvania where I grew up and spent all but the last four years of my life.  It was taken last fall, but oh, isn't it beautiful? 

This past week has not been an easy one for me.  E became violently ill last Wednesday morning and has not been well since.  He had violent tremors and was ice cold and then he started vomiting.  The vomiting only lasted about three hours but the cold and the aftermath has been frightening.  He is totally spacey and exhausted.  He had a tremendous fever with this too.  It almost sounds like malaria, but I know it can't be right.We drove to the garden centre today, and barely got in the door when he had to come home.  I drove spectacularly though.  Grinning here in spite of myself.

E and I had a long talk and have decided that it will not be worth it for me to get my qualified teacher status in this country.  There is such a glut of teachers here and I am not one from the European Union.  I would have to find a school to hire me as an unqualified teacher, and then sponsor me to get my qualifications and generally pay for most of it too.  What school would do that when there are thousands of British teachers look for jobs and they are all qualified?  So I have accepted that bitter pill.  I don't blame the government for setting up those rules.  I think a country should take care of its own citizens first.  I can gain citizenship now, but I need the £655 to do so.  Anyone out there with the ££££ to help me do this?  Nah, I didn't think so.  So this week has been one of stark reality and adjustment.  My goal now is a much more modest one of getting my driving license over here.  I sure would love to get that sorted.  I really would.  Sigh.

I planted Calendula seeds today.  I saw on Gardener's World several weeks ago that one can make a wonderful cream with it that heals.  The comfrey was finally planted out on the side of the garage that nothing but weeds grow in.  I figure it might as well have a beneficial plant growing there as anything else.  I gave up chitting potatoes and and finally planted them, and the sugar snap peas.  I was so very excited to see the seeds at the garden centre, as I haven't seen them over here before.  The borage still needs to go into the ground.  Maybe after work one evening for that.  I planted the Bee Balm (bergomot) today and it seems quite chuffed to be in the garden at last.  The sweetpeas were transplanted into larger pots today too. 

Just when I thought everything was clicking on along, I heard a huge crash and realised that for the third time now, Willow has knocked over the pots with all of the cone flower seedlings in them.  There is dirt and seedlings all over the oriental rug.  I swore like a sailor, and now have to clean it up . . . . again!  I don't know what her problem is with those seedlings.  Do you know that she pulled all of my sweetpeas out of the pots too?  Doesn't eat them, just pulls them out of the pots.  She's a vindictive little sod, she is.  It's time for her to eat by her estimation and I'm busy typing on this computer.  After all the profanity, she has decided to go right back down the steps and eat kibble for a while. 

Sorry this entry isn't all sweetness and light.  Life is what happens while we are making plans.  It can't always be a bed of roses.  I just need to move out of this blue funk and get on with it.  Better yet, get Mr. Hoover out and start vacuuming up dirt again.  I'm ready to just skip the damned cone flowers.  Gggrrrr!!!!!

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this

• #10 Comment from beckiepainton 
  28/04/08 17:08 | Permalink

  I always imagined Pensylvannia to be dark with castles all over the place!Too much tv for me i think.Beckie x
• #9 Comment from astoriasand 
  25/04/08 11:01 | Permalink

  Catching up after my absece Susie on all the postings I follow.Phew it takes some doing after a break!!I am so sorry to read Ed has been so ill.I pray things soon get much better for you both.You have had a lot to contend with of late it sounds.Drat Willow what is she like.LOL!! Though I do have to chuckle at her she is so mischievous but funny with it I find.Or is it the way you tell us LOL!! I love Calendulars  my Father used to grow hundreds.A bunch for the teacher we took every day.Good luck with all your planting.I hope nothing sprouts from your carpets this summer LOL!!Take Care Prayers being said for you and yours.God Bless Kath astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES
• #8 Comment from lanurseprn 
  25/04/08 06:45 | Permalink

  I am late in visiting. I love that picture! It looks like it could be England. I was surprised when you said it was here.
  Hope E feels better by now. If not...get him to a Doc. I've been fighting something for over a MONTH! Don't wait.
  Sorry about your teaching. I know you must be disappointed. I think your goal of getting your drivers license is a good one. Good luck!
  Pam
• #7 Comment from lindaggeorge 
  24/04/08 22:33 | Permalink

  My cats like to destroy all plant life in the house. What are Cone Flowers?
  
  Hope you feel more cheery soon. If I win the lottery I will pay for your citizenship.
  
  Linda x.
• #6 Comment from oddb0dkins 
  21/04/08 21:46 | Permalink

  I think Willow is just seeking attention. ;O)
  Such a shame about your teaching job, but they say these things happen for a reason. Who knows, maybe something good will come of it.
  
  B. x