Apparently, I mainly take photographs of our dogs, Pippi and Ollie, now. (Trudy is still with us, she is just old and usually sleeping somewhere as far from Ollie as possible because he gets on her nerves.) Ollie visited the groomer for the first time since we adopted him last summer and I think he likes his haircut. I loved his shaggy hair, but I couldn’t maintain it. I amaze myself with what I can stress about these days, even dog grooming. When I carried my shaggy, baby dog into the groomer’s and he began shaking with fear, I started having second thoughts about the whole thing. But, the groomer sat right down on the floor with Ollie and me to discuss options and made us both feel better. I didn’t realize how stressed I had been making myself over trying to keep Ollie’s hair free from mats until he was all cleaned up. I feel both relieved now that he’s groomed and a little silly. My anxiety has been a bit of a problem in general throughout this pregnancy. I worry about way too many things. I think it’s a combination of being older and pregnant during what has been a very stressful time in general and also the higher dose of thyroid medicine I have been on since early on in the pregnancy. Whatever it is, I’m managing, and if getting my dog’s haircut makes me feel better, then great!
Working on small organizational tasks has helped my mental state as well. I organized my spices, which were a disaster, and my new setup is so much better. I’ve also been working on organizing pantry cabinets and our general food storage using glass jars in combination with 2 and 5-gallon buckets paired with gamma seal lids. I’ve used gamma seal lids for decades but I’ve been buying more in bulk and needed to expand. Yesterday, I cleaned out my basement craft closet which was so bad you couldn’t see the floor. I’ve been dreading dealing with it, but it wasn’t so bad. My girls picked up everything and put it on tables for me to sort through so that I didn’t have to do a bunch of bending over. I think I need to buy a keyed lock for that closet to prevent the mess from happening again. I’m sure I contribute, but it’s mostly kids that mess things up in there. Next up, the basement storage room is already a disaster again and I want to get that dealt with.
The strawberries I planted last year have been really productive in recent weeks and that’s been really wonderful. Beatrix and I have been making jam and she even made a batch of homemade strawberry ice cream that was super delicious. She’s been a really good sport about having to do most of the picking. Yesterday, she made and canned jam all by herself using a combination of strawberries and wild black raspberries (at least I think that’s what they are.)
Silas turned ten recently, and all the celebrations surrounding his birthday completely wore him out which isn’t easy to do. I think there were a total of three fishing trips including an overnight camping trip to False Cape State Park. All of his gifts were fishing gear and while he was pretty specific with what he wanted, I was still able to surprise him a little bit with a tackle bag and a wonderful fishing logbook from Alice Cantrell (affiliate link). It’s hard to believe that Silas is ten, isn’t it? Next up we’ll be celebrating Mabel’s 5th birthday. That should be our last big event before our baby is born.
I’ve been reading a lot in recent weeks because I have to spend a couple of hours every day resting in bed. I thought it would be a good idea to tackle some books that have been on my “to read” list for a long time. I read The Scent of Water which was lovely. Many of you have recommended it over the years. Next, I read Wuthering Heights. I was obsessed as a teenager with the movie starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon but never managed to read the book. Well, I did not love it! Heathcliff is so terrible!!! The movie portrayed him in a much more romantic light from what I recall. I don’t think that gothic novels are my thing, or maybe it was just hard to have the scales removed from my eyes regarding Heathcliff. I moved right from Wuthering Heights to The Grapes of Wrath. About a hundred pages in, I realized that I needed an intervention. Someone make me stop reading depressing books! I set The Grapes of Wrath aside for another time and picked up Jan Karon’s Home to Holly Springs, thinking that a return to Father Tim stories might be a good thing for right now. That was just what I needed and now I’m just waiting on the next in the series to arrive. In the meantime, I’m reading Sally Clarkson’s latest book, Awaking Wonder for some homeschooling encouragement. Homeschooling this fall is going to be a challenge and getting prepared has been my chief focus over the past month, in addition to helping Keats get ready to apply to music schools in the fall. I want everything planned and ready before the baby arrives, and I’m getting close. And that, I suppose is the theme of my life right now. I’m 34 weeks pregnant and getting ready to have this baby, all the while feeling disbelief at the fact that I am having a baby!
Have you read the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace? It’s for children and is based on the author’s live who grew up in Mankato, Minnesota.
All the best for you and your family.
Thank you for continuing to write on your blog Ginny. It’s so nice to come here and catch up and see what your family has been up to. You are in my thoughts, wishing you some good rest as you prepare for baby. Sending love!
Hi Ginny,
My baby was born and we are enjoying the blue swaddling blanket we bought from your store! It is so soft!
I highly recommend Anthony Trollope. I discovered him through Aunt Leila’s blog. I have read all of one series and half way through the other. Also have you read Silas Marner or Middlemarch? I have been focusing on spiritual reading late pregnancy and this postpartum. Holy Bread of Eternal Life and a biography of an Benedictine abbess from the 19th century.
God bless you and your unborn and your family!
If you haven’t read [and I doubt it, you must have] anything by Jane Austin read it now. They are funny and calming. The same minor situations in love seem to occur no matter what century we are living in.
Prayers for you to have an easy labor and a quick delivery are going out to you!
Even in college, when I read Wuthering Heights, I thought Heathcliff was someone to run from. Definitely not my favorite character. Yes, quit reading the depressing novels. Time for happy and light. For awhile I was reading a string of WWII historical novels and memoirs and finally realized I needed some lighter and cheerier reading. Wishing you a string of relaxing and calming weeks ahead as you prepare for and welcome that precious baby into this world.
Wishing you every good thing for the coming days, Ginny. I’ve been enjoying Jean Plaidy of late.
Emily xx
We’ve just moved to a farm, and the days have been so full. Reading your blog is my break today, and such a good one. Take good care! Thanks for sharing these glimpses. Love it all.
Ginny love the photos of Silas celebrating his birthday. The picture of Beatrix reading with Mabel is precious. I am reading book one(three more) “The Hesitant Heiress” in the Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall. it is a book that I am enjoying and almost finished with it.
HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY SILAS Have a Blessed year.
Marion
Hi Ginny: I said a prayer for you and your family yesterday at Mass. I’m glad to hear that all is well and preparing for Baby now will help a lot when Baby arrives. I just finished Scent of Water and really liked it. I’ve just started Gore Vidal’s Lincoln and find it very intriguing — It seems Lincoln was not well liked as President-elect/President reminiscent of our current past politics. Here are some authors your might be interested in: Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce novels, Beverley Nichols gardening books, James Michener and finally I secord (or third) Gladys Tabor, Elizabeth Goudge and Miss Read.
Take Good Care, Judith
Hi Ginny;
Beatrix is a budding cook. The jam sounds delicious. Ginny I read a lot of Amish books and find them relaxing. Currently reading The Buggy Spoke Series Book 3 .The final one in the series.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SILAS
James Herriot! Pls tell me you have read him before! He’s so up your alley w the animals!
34 weeks! Oh my gosh that is flying by, at least for us your readers…
Hi Ginny, You are an inspiration about cleaning out things. I am trying to go through a lot of things,including clothes that I no longer want. I am reading A New Song the fifth book in the Mitford series. So far the third book is my favorite. Stay well. God Bless.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SILAS
Marilyn
I also recommend the Alexander Mccall Smith books-gentle humor, beautiful characters. Especially the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series. The Charles Lennox mysteries by Charles Finch, set in Victorian England, are cozy and intriguing enough to keep you turning pages.
A timeless book ‘The Magic Apple Tree’ by Susan Hill – her story of a country year in her Oxfordshire village. Published a couple of decades ago but still an all time favourite I continue to read again and again.
I recall my last couple pregnancies were especially anxiety-inducing (though generally healthy). It’s hard. Take care of yourself.
As others have mentioned, I think the Elizabeth Goudge books are lovely – almost any of them (but Green Dolphin Street remains a favorite).
I second the Elizabeth von Armin books (The Enchanted April is just delightful, and some funny spots in it, too).
Another book you might like now is Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico. It’s about a London charwoman who dreams of going to Paris and buying a designer gown, and about the people she meets and lives she touches on the way. Just a delightful book. An author friend of mine told me about it, and it did not disappoint.
Blessings to you and yours,
Melisa
Yes. Wuthering heights is not a happy book. 🙂 Grapes of Wrath is actually my favorite Steinbeck, but Steinbeck, in general, is not super happy. I second Mss Prim, although I think I remember seeing that on your shelves at some point. My favorite comfort food authors are Elizabeth Berg, Alexander McCall Smith, and Jenny Colgan. They’re just delightful, cozy reads. I really liked the Scent of Water, too. (And of course, Jane. 🙂 )
Aw man, I LOVE Wuthering Heights! It’s one of my favorites :). Then again, I’ve never seen any of the movie versions, so I have nothing to compare it to.
Have you ever read anything by Edith Wharton? She’s one of my favorite novelists (and her books are not the least bit gothic, ha). I’d recommend “The Age of Innocence,” one of her most famous ones. I think you might also like “Brideshead Revisited” by Evelyn Waugh, if you haven’t read that one yet.
Finally – and this might be a long shot, but I’m throwing it out there anyway – “Davita’s Harp” by Chaim Potok is really beautiful as well.
As always, I love your photos. My favorite is the one of Silas, Job, Beatrix and Mabel at the table, as Silas unwraps a present and Mabel is laughing out loud (I think). So much joy!
By the way, I started following you when you had *just* had Job. Crazy to see how tall he is now :).
Wishing you all the best during these last weeks of pregnancy – and afterwards too, of course! Much love.
Hi Bee! Just had to tell you that I read Davita’s Harp and The Age of Innocence per your recommendations and really enjoyed both (I read Ethan Frome years ago). I have a copy of Brideshead Revisited and have been meaning to read it for years! I’ll have to read it this year!
we are in the process of decluttering and packing up a house that we lived in for 16 years (yikes) we are moving from eastern pa to western pa and I will live down the street from my sister.
I think of you often and send you many many healthy vibes for your pregnancy!!
I’ve enjoyed so many of your book recommendations, so hopefully I can return the favor! I second A Gentleman in Moscow. Also Elizabeth Goudge, though she gets a bit weird. The Dean’s Watch is lovely, along with The Rosemary Tree, but I think her best book is Green Dolphin Street. Just do not read the editor’s summary on the back—the dope gives away the biggest surprise of the book!! Other books for pregnancy/postpartum: the James Herriot books; So Big and Giant, by Edna Ferber; PG Wodehouse, especially Right Ho! Jeeves.
Ah, Ginny. I have missed your messages lately but I see you have been very busy. I love your photographs and following your family as they grow. What wonderful life lessons you are teaching them. Take good care of yourself.
We have a labradoodle and I love her fluffy but could not keep up with the matts. We got this tool from Amazon and I highly recommend it.
Safari De-Matting Comb for Dogs (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UXKCNJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_65WYYVME8TF203RJ0CB2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Have you ever read the Thorn Birds?
I discovered a new author – Elizabeth von Arnim. Gardens appear in her books, so you probably would like her. I am reading “An Enchanted April.” There is also a good movie of the book.
My two youngest boys are in the basement workshop a lot, especially in the winter. It was completely trashed by spring. They seem to use tools and then toss them aside instead of putting them where they belong. I couldn’t find even a hammer and it was dangerous to walk in there. I finally gave my youngest (14) the challenge of organizing and cleaning it or else…. It took him a week, but he exceeded my expectations. It is a thing of beauty now. He shows it off to everyone who visits. Now that I know he has the ability, we’re moving on to the garage.
Love it!!
Have you read all the way through the Anne of Green Gables series? I read through many of them during my last two pregnancies and they were perfect. One of the series is now on my top 3 favorite books of all time. It’s been a while, but I really enjoyed SUMMER AT TIFFANY by Marjorie Hart. I remember enjoying it so much, and it was not depressing. 😊
Hi, Ginny. Reading is a necessity for when I have my babies as well. If you liked The Scent of Water you might also like the Dean’s Watch by Elizabeth Goudge. Or Pilgrim’s Inn is also wonderful. Also, Cry of Stone by Michael O’Brian is good.
Happy waiting!
I started reading the Louise Penny murder mystery series this spring.The same characters in a small Quebec village are in every book.There is also an element of art as well.
Have you ever read the books by author Gladys Tabor? They are all about her life in
Connecticut. Showing and raising dogs. Children. Her lovely home called Stillmeadow. I read them over and over again.
You are a lucky girl Ginny.
The novel by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera
The Awakening of Miss Prim, is a lovely story.
Ginny, I can’t believe the Silas is ten…makes me think that I been following your lovely stories for 15yrs or more!? Could that be possible? It all started because of the photos I saw of your kids in some historical trees in Virginia. Your contents are always lovely, I never get tired. You are the only blog that I still read.
Recently read “The Mount of Olives” by Michael V Ivanov, it was not depressing, but moving. It’s a quick read and I may read it again soon.
Hello Ginny!
Funny, I was just thinking about you this morning at Mass!
I recently read, The Betrothed, by Alessandro Manzoni. A bit slow at first but really great. I also have loved, A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles.
I will say a prayer to St. Gerard for you and your baby?
God bless,
Cas B.
Have you ever read the Fairacre series by Miss Read? So gentle and delightful. Not a stressful thing about them. I think you would enjoy them. It’s about a teacher in a small village church school in the Cotswolds. Very soothing.
Beautiful photos!
I also started following about the time Silas was born! 10 years…WOW! Happy belated birthday Silas!
I’ve been organizing too…it helps with the stress. At least I can have control over something even if it’s my pantry.
So excited about the arrival of your new babe. Prayers up for you on a safe and easy delivery.❤️
You sound busy and productive Ginny. I’ve just clicked the link, I’m not sure we have Gamma lids here in England. I’ve never seen them before – good invention!
Silas turning ten dates my time as a reader, I knew I’d been following when Job and Mabel was born, but he was the first. Long time which has whizzed…
Elizabeth Goudge is one of my absolute favorite authors! My most recent reads were “Linnets and Valerians” and “The Little White Horse”, both of which are not depressing stories of and for children. They would be enjoyable during your last weeks of pregnancy. I agree with you about Wuthering Heights. I first read it when I was in 6th grade (!) and I don’t’ think I “got” it.
I was thinking of recommending Elizabeth Goudge! I read “The Dean’s Watch” recently, and that’s a really lovely book to read.
https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Elizabeth-Goudge/The-Deans-Watch–The-Cathedral-Trilogy/20830209
https://bookshop.org/books/the-dean-s-watch-9781598568875/9781598568875
Also “A City of Bells”.
When I was a kid, my granny had a patch of wild strawberries she had transplanted to her garden. We had strawberry shortcake just the once a year since they were so tiny.
Once I was able to move back to the mtns as an adult, I found 2 tiny plants on a roadside hill. I moved them and now have hundreds of plants. They don’t get enough sun, but it is such a delight to enjoy the handfuls of red sunshine.
Enjoy your bounty. And the last weeks of your pregnancy. In native lore, strawberries are the berry of love.
All I remember about Wuthering Heights (from 20 years ago) was a lot of hiking up and down a hill in the rain. Lots of struggling up and down a hill?… I love the Brontes and Jane Austin…but Wuthering Heights? I was disappointed.
We live at a higher elevation in southern Poland so our strawberries haven’t ripened yet, but we have never had so many. We had a long and cold winter, so maybe this has something to do with it. You have inspired me to make ice cream, the kids will love that!
Good luck in the coming weeks! We will pray for you during our family rosary along with all the other pregnant ladies in our life.
Peace be with you!