Got started with breakfast early today as it was raining again so Norman could not go for his walk.By the time breakfast was done the rain had stopped so I went to work on the hosta bed and got that all cleaned up, I pruned the Josie lilac and the Love Struck rose,  Then I went to work on the side rock garden and got as far as the hellebores when it was time to stop for the morning break.  Ten o’clock and got dinner started.  I boiled the parsnips and steamed the broccoli,then put it into the warmer and got the potatoes ands ham into the oven.  Joe called to say they were on their way up so I got the table ready and called my sister.  We had a wonderful visit and Joe arrived at 11:45.  It was so great to see them, Joe, Holly, Landen, Laura, and Luke.  We walked around the farm so they could see the damage done by the ice storm and how we had been working on cleaning everything up and showed them what we needed their help with.  We had dinner at 1 and then got to work outside.  Norman, Joe and Landen started by pulling down the tree tops that were hung up in the trees.  What a job that was, they had to use the chain saw and cut some of the trees they were tangled in and then cut up the downed trees and piled up the brush so Norman can take them to the burn barrel when he gets the gas for the tractor.  Then they went to the Hickory grove and picked up the rest of the downed trees there and Landen took the chain saw and cut up all the large pieces of wood.  Luke and I planted the 8 lettuce plants I got and some of the onion sets and planted them in the corner of the flower boxes where I just can’t get flowers to grow well.  I think the lettuce will like the spot as lettuce likes a cool spot.  Laura, Holly and I finished up the rock garden and got that all cleaned up then we dug up the last of the parsnips that we wintered over.  They grew well all winter and look great.  Holly got a couple and I did too now I just hope they are as sweet as the ones we brought home from Florida, these were from Michigan.  Then we joined the men in the Hickory grove picking up sticks and piling them up.  At 3 I called it done for the day but I still had the daffodils to dig up and transplant so Luke and I did that and the girls kept picking up the downed branches.  At four I limped into the house and got my gardening clothes off and flopped into my big chair.  Everyone else joined me and we visited a little longer before loading up the car and saying good by to the family.  I was a long day but very fun.  We enjoyed the kids and can’t believe all the work they did.  It would have taken a week for us to do all that alone.  I didn’t get any pictures today as the time got away from me so first thing tomorrow I’ll get some pictures for you.  Tomorrow is Sunday so I spend the morning writing my family letters.  After dinner I want to finish the grapes and start weeding the kitchen garden so Norman can till it this Monday afternoon.  Joe and family are coming up again next week end and we will start planting and burning much of this wood we have picked up today.  Tired tonight but very happy!! Have a great day.