Yesterday, I had just started my photographs for the day when I was told that a little mother that I knew had to go into the hospital leaving 6 little children (one a newborn) and their dad at home.
So I began the meals on wheels starting with home made pizza for lunch (I had just finished another batch of pizza bianca so there was plenty) and from then on the day turned a little bit busy. Camera House and The Writing has had to sit in the back seat for a bit.
I kept one very small round bale of the wet hay. I had the men push it into the barn where I tore it apart, salted the big swathes of hay and hung it all over the barn to dry. This is a short sentence for quite a big job. All the animals are loving the wet hay though. The pigs usually eat hay like reluctant 10 year olds eating brussel sprouts, but when I threw them some wet hay they gobbled it up – which is good as this needs to be eaten pronto.
We have very high winds forecast here for today, so last night after I had fed the children their dinner, (Home made, home grown meat loaf with some of mamas home made ketchup, sweet potato and potato mash with garlic and piles of peas, I do love feeding children good food) I went out to batten down the hatches and shift the sheep in so they could come into the barn if they chose. Mama chose! At least it was warm.
The night was a little wild, the bad weather comes in later today, they say. Maybe they are wrong.
Such a short visit today but it is always lovely to sit down for a chat with you. No matter how fleeting.
Have a lovely day.
your friend, celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
71 responses to “Meals on Wheels”
However capable a father is, six children including a newborn and worry for one’s beloved stretch anyone’s abilities! Well, he did have one less worry! Am highly amused at your mealoaf including garlic [oh yes, mine always does] which made it taste good without the children quite realizing what they were eating. Wonder whether they had encountered sweet potato/potato mash either [yummy!]. Thank God their grandmother is en route: you would not be able to help on a longterm basis but so great you were there! Weather: possibility of tornadoes in November: crazy – hope none came down and certainly not near the farmy!! Hope Chgo John is safely home also and not en route from Michigan!!!!! The warning stretches all the way: had a look!!
Oh my god! I’ve just read about the terrible damage from the tornadoes in your area. I do hope you are all safe! XO
I also just read of the terrible weather in Mid Illinois and hope that you and your neighbors are all safe. I’m sure all of your readers will be worrying until we hear that you are safe and unharmed.
Have spent the last 20 minutes watching videos and twister paths. Am seriously worried and praying. And how!! I do not know your exact location, except it is 100 miles S of Chicago – well Peoria, Pontiac and Washington are simply too close! Hope the Higher Powers keep everyone on the farmy safe . . . biggest hugs, Celi!
all over now, we are off tornado watch, our farm only had extreme high winds.. everyone is safe now, c
Was just on the phone to a good gf telling her nothing more wonderful could happen than my going back to the computer and seeing a comment from you . . . am not a Catholic, but have honestly just crossed myself!! all well . . .
Love you heaps!! c
I’m happy to hear this – what I saw on the news reports of where the tornado’s hit was awful. Terrible for those affected.
some big bad winds here, I got a small hit as well but all is well now.. c
Good neighbours are usually thin on the ground in the city, but country – there’s always plenty of good neighbours to pitch in here is Australia.
Australians are great in times of tragedy and/or disaster relief.
I’m lucky to have one very special neighbour (who lives in the flat opposite me). She bakes, shops & does a whole lot more when I am ill or unable to walk. Fortunately there are times when I can help her too, so the caring and sharing is mutual.
The important thing is, for people in need, to reach out and Ask (for help) when they’re isolated. Many people don’t know how to connect with strangers and ask for help. They feel you should be independent and look after yourself.
Glad to hear you are able to help this family, C.
OMG…so glad you are OK. Tears flowing just knowing you were in such danger. Am watching all the damage on tv right now….. How close are you to where the tornado hit? Such devastation…hard to believe. Are you in Washington County? Do you have a storm shelter?
Stay safe.
Central Illinois… we are fine.. c
Once again you amaze me, but I should be used to your good works by now… Hope you and yours are safe and warm!
Glad to read that the worst of the storms missed you. It grew very dark here and it rained enough to flood our back yards but that was it — luckily. Later, around 3:00, the sun came out and it was beautiful — and then the winds came. It’s not often you hear winds howling like that here, in the City.
It’s wonderful how you’re helping that family, Celi. Mom needs to concentrate on getting well, not whether her kids are fed and cared for.
AND you still find time to share time with us all.
You are awesome Celi!
🙂 Mandy xo
A little behind on posts but it sounds as though the USA is experiencing a bit of bad weather… we have been having the big hail storms doing untold damage… but when a golf ball and bigger stone is driven from so high and pushed by wind it sure does do damage… so far none for us, but know so many that have been hammered.,…
The world needs more women like you.
Practical help and comfort food, just what the doctor ordered! Celi, you are a living angel!
You’re a kind soul, darling, bless you. How hard for her to be taken to hospital with six small ones at home – I hope she’s on the mend.. x
What a wonderful thing for you to help the family out. I know that when I came home from surgery, the nicest thing a friend and neighbor did for me was to organize a rotating meals on wheels amongst neighbors to help my husband and me out for a bit. Each person brought a fully prepped dinner large enough for lunch the next day.
Is it my imagination or is that kitten getting cuter every day?
You have a big heart, Miss C. I’m sure that little mama is happy to have you nearby to help provide sustenance for her family so she can concentrate on getting better soon.