For Crying Out Loud

Or not, as the case may be.

The weather here has just been gorgeous. This is my favorite time of year and this year has been especially favored. The weather has been in the 50's, so cool, but not too cold. The cool weather helps the flowers to last longer, so the display has been spectacular. And we have had very few April Showers. I suppose this isn't so good for the plants, but it has been really nice.

I heard on the radio yesterday (don't tell Daddy) that Cleveland averages only 60 cloud-free days per year. The radio guy was afraid that we were using them all up now and wouldn't have any left for the summer. He also said Cleveland was the 4th cloudiest city in the US. Nice to know I'm not totally crazy, but then, I suppose I have gotten used to it.

I made a rhubarb pineapple pie for Feast last night. It was a big hit, though I wasn't happy with the bottom crust. It got all mushy. Anyway, I used one fresh pineapple (nothing can touch them for taste!) and about a pound of rhubarb from the garden, 3/4 cup of sugar, bit of cinnamon and some flour to thicken it. I think I need to find a better thickener, maybe tapioca? (I read, but didn't save an article on the right thickener to use for which type of pie and why. Now I wish I had saved it, but I probably wouldn't be able to find it!) Then I put on a crumble topping. Next time, I think I should prebake the pie crust and maybe even cook the filling on the stove top to prevent the soggy bottom crust. When served, we added just a little dollop of whipped cream. Yummmmmmm!

I went to the Clinic for chemo on Thursday, but flunked the blood test again. I know Dr. Pelley tells me not to worry, but I can't help but feel that I am failing at something here. I know there is nothing I can do or eat that will increase my white blood cell count, but it still feels as though I am somehow deficient. And also as though I am not getting the full benefit of the medication, though he reassures me otherwise.

Daddy is all but finished with school. He has one more test, but not a final, next Wednesday, then clinicals on Thursday and Friday. Then he is done. What a relief for him. He is much more relaxed.

I've been trying to find out what kind of clematis we planted in our front yard a few years ago so I know how to prune it, but I think we have some sort of a problem with it. It dies back totally and it isn't supposed to. So instead of getting big and showy, it is sort of whimpy. Wish me luck in my search.