Take Joy....Take Peace

Tagged with questions

2012-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by John at The Simple Life blog with 11 questions so here goes:

What is your favorite place in the world?.......any hiking trail be it on the Continental Divide, the Natchez Trail or even just east of the homeplace along the river.

Who is your favorite person?.....Jesus

I'm happiest when?.....I am holding hands with my best friend/husband, LaVern

Most admired public figure of the past 100 years?....could be several but today I will say Tasha Tudor

My first job was......babysitting but then waitress at A&W on roller skates, outside

I am most at peace when.........I'm at peace every day and takin joy

Who has inspired you the most between 6 and 18 years of age?....my paternal grandmother

I wanted to grow up to be.......a park ranger or cowboy on a ranch in Montana

Favorite movie........can't nail this one down, too many; Forest Gump, Spies Like Us, Pelican Brief, The Replacements, Swiss Family Robinson, Pale Rider, Jumpin Jack Flash, John Wayne and the Cowboys, Flashback, Sleepless in Seattle, Wild America, Somethings Got to Give, Down Periscope.....

Favorite type of music.....again, like all music but enjoy Brule', Anugama and Enya for easy listening

Best life-changing decision made............trusting God for everything in my life

Well, that was thought inspiring and fun. Kind of gets you to look at the priorities in your life! Thanks, John.

Be joyful

2012-02-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Romans 12:12 Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes and never stop praying.

Selling the American Dream (nightmare)

2012-02-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

LaVern's grandmother Burtis lived to be 102 and she still lived at home. She did finally move off the farm in to an apartment in town but not until she was in her late 80s I believe. When she was 100 a few of her grandchildren did a little "mini interview" with her. The thing I remember foremost was the question of during her 100 years and all the changes during that time, what was the single thing that she thought change life the most. Her answer, electricity. The following is a portion out of the book, Surviving Off Off-Grid by Micahel Bunker:
"Think of it. Electricity was easy to sell, and the American dream hinged on it. It was probably one of the easiest sales jobs ever. With electricity in your house and barn you won't have to produce, make, store or buy candles, fat, or kerosene. Imagine walking up and pulling on a chain and having your room flooded with light! Think of getting up at night to go to the restroom, and not having to light a candle or lantern. Then, think of all the things you can do now that it won't be dark all night. Your day can start earlier and end later! Think of all the time you will save! (ching, ching! goes the time bank) And, if you already have power coming to your house to provide electric light, why not think of what a refrigerator will do for you.....and a freezer.....and a washer and dryer, and an iron, and an electric stove. I mean, you already have electricity, why would you deny yourself the good things in life? All of these can be added for a nominal fee, and each (on its own) is relatively cheap to operate. And if you cannot afford them all right now, you can get credit at the store or from the manufacturer. You can pay it off by the month in easy payments. Of course, you'll have to work harder and longer hours, but that should be easy with all that electric light at your fingertips. If it gets to the point where your farm will not support all the new payments you've accrued, you can always get a job in town......but you'll need a car....and insurance.....and your taxes will go up so you can have a nice road to drive on....but then, your wife can get a job too."
Think about when there is a storm and you loose that electricity for a few days.

Spread kindness today

2012-02-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

These boots are made for walkin

2012-02-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

No Excuses. That is the "theme" for this year's Biggest Loser show. How easy it is to make excuses for everything. I can't walk today: I have a big blister on my heel, it is muddy on the road, I don't have enough time now, I have too much to do yet. Excuses. Right then I thought of the show and realized that was exactly what I was doing, making excuses. Not going to get healthy that way. I put my mud boots on, out the door I went and walked my two miles. Despite the mud I enjoyed the fresh air and felt really good when I got home. No excuses, keep going.

Before the rain

2012-02-03T10:36:00.001-08:00

The sky this morning, early, before the rain was beautiful. This photo just doesn't show it but pink, yellow, gold. Truly beautiful. Gave me pause and a thank you to Him.

Groundhogs

2012-02-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

Also known as woodchuck. Been reading up on facts about the groundhog and was surprised that they are the largest member of the squirrel family. Did not know they climb trees and swim. I was discouraged to read the female may have a litter of six! Did not read anywhere about how distructive they can be. We have one(??) in the pole building and this spring I AM going to get him trapped. He has burrowed huge holes in the ground and made a mess. He is down there right close to my garden...........his meals! If I knew for certain his head would poke out today........the live trap would be baited and we'd have a talk about the weather! If a woodchuck could chuck wood how many pounds could he chuck? About 700. (And he is right there with our firewood!!)

Patience

2012-02-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Just breathe

2012-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

A young friend of ours just lost his job. Two children, smaller town so jobs are not plentiful. Has to be stressful even though he knows God has a plan for him. All I can tell him is to take a deep breath, several deep breaths in fact. I have found that deep breathing is a simple way to relieve some of that stress and tension. It is relaxing and slows you down. Open up your lungs to receive the breath of life and the energy that comes with it. Allow it to fill up your body then when you let go of that breath, let go of the tension. Breathe in the love of God and exhale all that no longer serves you. Just breathe.

Motivation for ME

2012-01-30T06:18:00.001-08:00

Howling coyote

2012-01-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

We have been sleeping upstairs (I'll blog about that later) but last night we slept in our bedroom downstairs. 3:00 AM I heard somewhat of a growl. At first when I woke I thought it might be a visiting tomcat but when I heard it again I knew it wasn't. It even woke LaVern up. I silently creeped across the living room to the front door. Silently is probably not the best word to describe the walk on the wood floors that creaked with every step. I look out the front door window and right off our porch by the steps is sitting a coyote....a big coyote. I have no idea why he was there other than we have 3 half grown kittens that sleep on the porch in a box. I watched and the next thing he sat there and let out a low long howl. Creeped me out! I thought about going after a gun but figured he'd hear me for sure so I opened the door to let out my own howl but in a flash he took off. I would not have had a chance to shoot if I wanted to. Never thought I'd see one that close to the house. Next time I may forego opening the door and shoot him through the glass!! Howwwwwwwwwllllllllllll

The wonder of nature

2012-01-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

This morning there was a heavy fog and the pavement was slick. I had an Amish crew to take to their job. We drove slow and ended up crossing country on gravel roads. Beautiful drive I hadn't been on and oh the wonderful scenery and the wildlife that we saw! As the fog lifted and the sun was trying to peek up we enjoyed the sights. Saw a large group of turkeys out on a hill and further down the road a big bald eagle flying with a group of crows! One of my riders mentioned he saw several owls. He wasn't sure what kind but they had the tufts or possibly horns on top of their heads. After I left them off I just started onto the road and 7 bucks came across in front of me. They were separated by quite a bit so I just stopped and watched each one race across the road and jump the fence on the other side. Oh, to have a camera with me. I must remember to take it along in the mornings because just like the bobcat under the bucket, you never know what you might see! The early morning fog itself was worth the drive!

Finished

2012-01-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

550 piece that I actually thought would be hard but it went together quick! Now will pass it on to my Amish neighbor, Lillian, as they like to put puzzles together in the winter as well. When you don't watch TV it makes for time to do puzzles, sew, read, rug hook....and on and on!

Quick, Easy Bisquits

2012-01-24T09:26:00.001-08:00

2 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup 7-up
1/4 cup melted butter

Cut sour cream into the Bisquick mix. Add the 7-up. This makes a soft dough. Sprinkle additional Bisquick on to your cutting board and pat out the dough. Cut into bisquits. Melt the butter in a 9 inch square pan. Add the bisquits and bake at 450. I am guessing the time would be the same for any other bisquit, 12 minutes or so. I did mine in the woodstove oven and didn't have it to 450 (it would heat us right out of the house!) so took about 15-18 minutes. They were really good! I had an 8 inch pan and got 9 bisquits. LaVern gobbled them right up with turkey gravy!!

And so it begins

2012-01-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thrift store Jackpot

2012-01-23T08:34:00.001-08:00

Kitchen trash bag full, $6.00 for all the wool (Pendleton, 4 skirts, 1 pant, 1 coat) plus a wonderful 100% wool sweater, LaVern found a new Lands End coat, sweatshirt and a shirt....and a puzzle. Bag day at the thrift store in Creston. I recycle everything from the wool garments including buttons, zippers (metal ones) tags, waistbands and the linings. Nothing gets tossed! The sweater will be used for mittens (I laid a pair in the picture) hats, slippers or purses! Love the mitten pattern as you can slip your fingers out of the mitten without having to take them off. Then found 40 cent a pound turkeys at Walmart and I have one of those in the wood stove oven cooking. Should have bought them all and just canned some of the meat! I love when I find wool at the thrift stores as it just gets harder and harder as not many wear wool these days. The new wool off the bolt is $25-30 a yard now so thrift store finds are great!!

Wooly slippers

2012-01-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

A surprise package in the mail from a dear friend in Kansas, new slippers...wooly ones! The pattern was in a book and I had them on my "to do" list. I have noticed that the things that I want to make for myself are a long ways down on the list! I was thrilled that my friend made them for me! I have a new appreciation for slippers since we moved to our place and are off grid. When we lived in town with central heat and A/C I never wore slippers. The floors were warm. But here with the wood heat (which I love) WE are warmer but the floors are not. I now wear slippers in the winter! These are all wool so they will be toasty and perfect for curling up with. Slippers are kind of becoming a thing of the past as I don't think they are worn as much as in many years past. Kind of like with a wrist watch, do you still wear one? Most people, if you ask them the time, will take out their cell phone and look at it. I love my new slippers. Thank you, my friend.

Take peace and joy

2012-01-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

Drop Perfectionism

2012-01-17T06:02:00.000-08:00

I think it is one thing to love excellence; it's another thing to drive yourself crazy attempting to be perfect. You may tell yourself nobody is perfect, but do you really believe it? If you are too hard on yourself chances are you will be hard on someone else. Relax. Enjoy the process. I think perfectionism is just another way of trying to control life and I am here to tell you that life is much larger than my limited ideas of what it should be! lol We should all drop our unmet expectations and embrace the serendipities of life. Celebrate the grace of imperfection: a rusty pail, old worn quilt, hooked rug with a crooked row. Striving for excellence motivates us but striving for perfection is going to drag you down. Take joy in the your accomplishments and be inspired to move forward. (don't forget to pay it forward to the next person!!)

Hawaii

2012-01-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

I have never been to Hawaii but I sure enjoy their coffee! My nephew recently married in Hawaii and while my brother and sister in law were there they got us some coffee and sent it. It is good, a bit richer roast than what I am used to but LaVern sure loves it. So with the coffee and the pictures they sent us it was like we had been there! Simple pleasures.

Television

2012-01-09T11:07:00.001-08:00

According to a recent study, 1 in every 3 households have 4 TVs or more!! FOUR! Before I left my real estate job I listed a home (family of 3 kids) that had 7 TVs....one in each bedroom including the parents, one in kitchen, living room and family room. I was astonished to say the least! We have a little 19 inch hooked to an antenna on the roof that we have primarily for the local weather/news. It just is not on during the day. And do you know that when the grandchildren come and stay...........even for weeks at a time...........the TV is not missed nor do we have this one on. I believe the first commerical television was as early as 1920s. Look where we are today!

Take peace

2012-01-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

peace....it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (author unknown...the art is by: www.picturetrail.com/cinnamoncreek

No is an easy word to say

2012-01-08T03:14:00.000-08:00

Didn't come home with the trailer although it was tempting. Great old trailer but a complete restore from frame up. The only reason we didn't come home with it is that the original windows were gone. These trailers always leak and sometime through the years someone had removed the original ones and put in aluminum storms. They did a nice job but for us to restore and sell it just wouldn't work. We'd never find old windows for it. We did however fit Menard's in so that was a good thing. The thing LaVern wanted from Harbor Freight he found on sale at Menard's also so one stop shopping! Hurray! Coyotes were howling in all directions about 4 this AM.

Craigslist

2012-01-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Whose idea was it to come up with Craigslist? I need to find a way to put a block on our laptop and my Kindle so that we can't go on there!! LaVern had to go in to work this morning but he is on his way home and then we are going to Des Moines to look at a 1947 travel trailer! Complete restore of course but getting harder and harder to find them. I'll have pictures if we get it bought! (I'm hoping that we can work Menards and Harbor Freight in on this trip also)

Antique applique

2012-01-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

Saw this appliqued quilt on another blog and it dates to 1845. First I would LOVE to do a quilt like it but am thinking I could maybe make it work in a rug. I wonder the idea behind the design especially dating to that time. Definitely on my to-do list!

Today marks Epiphany

2012-01-06T02:54:00.000-08:00

In the United States, in Colorado around Manitou Springs, Epiphany is marked by the Great Fruitcake Toss. Fruitcakes are thrown, participants dress as kings, fools, etc. and competitions are held for the farthest throw, the most creative projectile device, etc. As with customs in other countries, the fruitcake toss is a sort of festive symbolic leave-taking of the Christmas holidays until next year but with humorous twist, since fruitcake (although the traditional Christmas bread of America) is considered in the United States with a certain degree of derision, and is the source of many jokes. My Amish neighbors celebrate by fasting until noon, the father reads from the Bible and then the afternoon is spent either resting or possibly gathering at a neighbor's for singing. Since I have been up since 3:30 I have been able to read up on how other countries celebrate Ephiphany. Interesting reading even at this hour.

Gratitude

2012-01-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

This morning at sunrise I took a moment to express my gratitude for the moon, stars, the air I breathe, the warm sun on a winter day, birds singing in the distance, the ground I walk on. Simple things that can color your day a brighter shade, if you are aware of them. I need to get back to a daily journal of gratitudes. At the end of the day if I wrote down in the journal six blessings I received during the day before long I would have history of many days filled with gifts from the hand of God. How awesome is that?

My new chair

2012-01-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

New "chair"

"Old" chair

Out with the old and in with the new. Right? I have replaced the recliner with a recumbent bike. Borrowed the bike from one of the sons, it was in their garage! I like it! Much easier on the back. New Year's resolution? No, just an accountability to myself and a niece. Over Christmas I overheard one of LaVern's nieces telling her sister she wanted to lose 30 pounds before spring break. (swimsuit issue, I would guess) Anyway, I told her why didn't we both go at it and encourage each other on Facebook. I have 80 pounds to lose so the "challenge" was on! lol Both of us are very competitive and that is a positive for me. Other positives for me: age, experience and the great outdoors that I love to be in. Negatives for me: age, bad knees and hips, 80# to lose. She is young (late 20's), lives in a city right across the street from one of those big gyms! lol However, she is going to college and works part time and that is HARD to balance especially where meals are concerned. So easy just to "grab and go" and that is tough. We are both giving up sugar and flour. Have you ever tried that? EVERYTHING has sugar and most things we love to eat include flour. But I am finding recipes that work and sharing with her. She also lives close to a Whole Foods grocery store. We stopped there on the way home and I bought several things to try. Got some organic brown rice that is yummy and very reasonable. My biggest weakness would be breads, pasta and Mexican food. I found some spagetti made out of rice...........not rice flour....just rice. Can't wait to try it.

LaVern is moving around a little today and that is a good thing. He says he feels better. Back to chiro tomorrow. I'm heading out for a walk! (will be thinking of my walking partners back there in Oberlin.....get out and walk girls!)

Back pain

2011-12-31T10:48:00.000-08:00

Great plans for this weekend, all the things he was going to get done. LaVern ran the vacumn this morning since the sun was shining brightly. I have heard it said that making the bed and vacumning are the two worse things that you can do for your back. I may have to agree as LaVern sat down to put different shoes on and then when he tried to get up he could barely walk. He is still hobbling around this afternoon his back hurts so bad. He took Ibuprophen, used the heating pad (he thinks its muscular) and I put some mineral ice on his back. No relief yet. He has laid on the floor with his legs up (like our chiropractor told us to do). That gave him some relief until he got back up again. Back pain is just the pits as nothing really helps and it gets depressing after awhile as you can't do anything and nothing relieves the pain. What a way to start the New Year!!

54 years later and he can still rock and roll

2011-12-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

A special tribute for his mother on her 85th birthday. He usually had on a red checkered western shirt in all the old reel movie pictures we watched but we couldn't find a photo of him in that shirt. That would have been great because all these years later........a red checkered western shirt!! "Back then" the accordian was the "cool" instrument to play and several of his friends all took lessons and played. His mother loved it and sang some of the Christmas tunes that he played. Priceless moments to be cherished.

Whew! Holidays are exhausting!

2011-12-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

It seems like the holiday routine is: sleep, get up, eat, play games, eat, sleep (nap) play games, eat (by now we are stuffed) games, sleep. Exhausting! We just finished eating (late) as we went to the candlelight service first. Lots of visiting, laughing.....a happy confluence of family. Hope you all are enjoying your Christmas. We are ours.

LaVern and Carolyn (in a few years)

2011-12-24T05:12:00.000-08:00

My next house!

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Living simply in a small house! This is actually the design that LaVern and I would have used if we had to build. Ours was alittle bigger but I think 500 sq ft is plenty now! This house is made entirely out of repurposed materials. I need to take a picture of a pole shed one of our Amish neighbors just built as it is just what we would build, only with windows. I shouldn't be up early in the morning looking at these things! (LV tells me it causes more work for him! lol)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

A child was born................and they named him Jesus.

My recent Amish adventure

2011-12-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

Bobcat Under a Bucket

On an adventure we went

One cloudy December day.

My neighbor said "I caught one"

And what were we to say.

We had no idea

What we even could do.

It was a bobcat he trapped,

Mad and mean clear through.

The children gathered 'round

As they came to watch the show.

Five girls and two boys

All standing in a row.

"Put a bucket over that bobcat",

I heard one of the men hail.

Then he reached up under that bucket

And touched the cat's tail.

Growling bobcat under a bucket

Two front feet in a trap.

Someone released those booties

And we all jumped back.

The scared bobcat raced off

Into the nearby woods.

Not once did he look back

He'll be gone for good.

The lesson of this story

And let it be one that is told.

A bucket over a bobcat

Is quite a sight to behold!

Shaking my head

2011-12-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

This used purse recently sold at an auction in Dallas for $203,000!!! I know a town where that would have bought 8 single family houses! Or kept 4 families going for a year or better until they could find work. Shakin my head because I just don't understand. (It's not even a "cool" looking bag)

Unplug the Christmas machine

2011-12-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Scale down your activities and you will have more time and peace of mind to enjoy the ones that remain. Don't allow the season to take you on a wild spending spree and keep you exhausted from overcommitted schedules. Instead, look upon it as a time to remember what is important in your life. Keep it simple. Enjoy the moments, those little ones you often overlook. Our world is developing materially at an incredibally fast pace, increasing our need for similar progress in our sense of inner values (HHDL). Look inside yourself this holiday season. Let us all cultivate love, compassion and kindness for one another.

3 Little kittens who lost their mittens

2011-12-08T13:47:00.001-08:00

New "farm" kittens. They seem to want in for some reason when they should be in the barn! Stopped at an Amish farm while out driving a group to work and a little kitten ran up to me from the barn. Don't you want a kitten? "Not this trip", I replied. The next evening here he came with a box and 3 kittens. "THREE", I said. The father proceeded to tell me that the children thought mine would get lonely by itself and if I took two then the one left at home would be lonely so they decided I should have all three!! lol They are fun to watch and all are about the same color. Farm kittens. Yea, right.

Cracks in my table

2011-12-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

I really LOVE the cracks in my table that LaVern made for me. This morning I found another use for them. For those of you who have ever purchased fabric at a store that has the nice big counter with the groove down it and they line up the material and follow the groove with the scissors so a nice straight line is cut. Well, the same holds true for a table with a space between the boards. I lined up the Christmas paper on the bottom edge and followed the crack. Straightest Christmas paper I have ever cut! I'm thinking a really sharp razor blade might work nifty also but wouldn't know where to begin to find one.

This little piggy....went to the freezer

2011-11-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

The boys came down and butchered their hogs for Christmas. They love getting a hog. Can you tell from the smile? It was an all day process with four of us. The boys cut up the hogs, I ground meat and a daughter-in-law wrapped everything for the freezer. I lost count of the number of coolers they took home. Each had lots of ham, roasts, bacon, ribs, porkchops, loin chops and ground meat. We all felt good at the end of the day. Me especially as all the mess was cleaned up!

Hair today...gone tomorrow

2011-11-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

10 year old granddaughter cut 9 inches off my hair and I am sending it in to Pantene for wigs for cancer children and adults. I still have plenty of hair left so maybe I'll grow it out again for them! As long as it doesn't get any more gray hair as they can't take anything over 5% gray! I went in to a beautician and she "straightened" it up for me although it really didn't take much. One of those things on my "bucket list"! I don't miss it a bit, hair is hair. lol

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Helping friends

2011-11-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

Scooping corn on the ear into the grinder which ground it all up. Ervyn is going to feed it to the ducks that he is raising to sell for meat and we will have a couple hogs to feed for about a week. There is another part of the grinder that LaVern needs to look at that will take the corn off the cob and then grind. Ervyn has some organic corn that he wants to sell that way. Getting lots done with the nice weather.

Long awaited table

2011-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

Started 2 years ago and put aside but now finally in the house! Worth the wait! I was gone one weekend and LaVern started it. He built the base thinking I said a 36 inch table when I really wanted a 40 inch. So, discouraged it was put aside and put lower on the "to do" list. I finally encouraged him to just "make do" and put a top on it. No planed, glued or bisquit(?) jointed top, just plain ole rough sawn boards, cracks between boards and knots, too. You can't tell from the picture but the legs are hedge posts with the bark still on them! love, love

Grinding corn

2011-11-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

LaVern got his grinder out and greased it all up and gave it a try. It works! So he went after a load of corn (on the cob) and is coming home to grind corn. He is in his element!

Determination

2011-11-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

We seldom give our dogs "people" food but this morning after I had cooked a ham bone in the pressure cooker I relented and threw the dog a bone. There actually was some left on the bone so I divided the bone and gave each dog a piece. This is our rat terrier Mattie, who at age 14, doesn't have many teeth left and gets soft dog food as she can't chew the hard stuff. She went after that bone with dog gone determination and had it licked clean. I'm not sure what the corgi, Owyn did with his. I saw him go off the deck with it in his mouth but shortly he was back with no bone. They both are laid out on the rug now so I guess they are happy dogs. Baking chocolate chip cookies for LaVern so he'll be happy, too!

Provided

2011-11-16T02:19:00.000-08:00

Last year we fed out some hogs and because corn was so high at the time we were not going to make any money by selling them. We decided to give our sons a hog each for Christmas but they would have to either butcher it themselves or pay their own processing. They all pitched in and butchered their hogs and loved their gift. It worked out great because they were able to do that over Thanksgiving when they had extra days off. We didn't feed any out this year and a couple months ago one of the boys asked if I could find a fat hog he could buy as he sure would like to put one in the freezer again. It helped them tremendously on their grocery bill. I have searched and searched but kept coming up empty. Finally turned it over to the Lord and forgot about it. Instead I have been stock piling groceries when things were on sale planning on giving each family that. I got a call from an Amish fellow needing rides this week for his work crew. It ends up taking about two hours round trip and usually I don't like to do those but thought the extra cash would be great towards those groceries. We visited during the ride and lo and behold I find out one guy has hogs ready. Imagine that. Today I will barter for those hogs and once again the boys will butcher over Thanksgiving. I called them last night and they were thrilled. Wait until Christmas and they get the groceries!! lol Provided just by turning it over to Him. (you got to love the timing)

The best just got better

2011-11-14T04:26:00.000-08:00

The above title is a favorite slogan with advertisers and since the "season" is on it seems the commercials are endless. The Book of Hebrews could use the same slogan or how about this, when Christ came, the best got better. One of my favorite verses, Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never forget you." This shopping season be especially mindful of what you are spending.....a homemade gift is a gift of love.....and you won't have the worry of the credit card bill after the holidays! I love "shopping" during this time even though I'm not out there to buy. It's fun being in the hub bub, the lights, smells and watching other people. Some are happy but most stressed. They really should read Hebrews before going out! Their attitudes would be alot different! March out thinking the best just got better and be reminded of why there is this "season".

Mouse in the house

2011-11-13T04:10:00.000-08:00

I find it very interesting that when I went in to my search engine, Dogpile, and searched the word "mouse" that the entire first page was for the computer mouse. I had to search before I found something about the common house mouse. I guess it's just where we are today. Anyway, there is a new mouse in our house and guess which one!

The trouble with having a laptop, wireless internet and wireless MOUSE is that the mouse gets dropped occasionally......mmmmm....maybe more than that. I know, we can forego the mouse and use the keypad but neither of us likes doing that. And so the mouse is dropped and put back together. After a recent mouse dropping (lolol) I noticed that a few little things were not working properly on the computer. Couldn't use the arrow and keep the sound volumn up, in favorites I couldn't arrow up and click on anything. I said to LaVern that I thought it must be the mouse or else we had a virus. He said the mouse was "working" so we must have a virus. Not sure how long we've had the old mouse so I decided to try that first. It's been a while since I purchased a mouse as I was shocked at the $25 price tag but the mouse came home with me anyway. To make the story short, everything is working properly now with the new mouse in the house.

Celebrating Veteran's Day

2011-11-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Our grandson, Reid. I hope one day he will be an Eagle Scout. Thinking of all our veterans and thanking them.

steaves, stocks, shocks

2011-11-07T03:32:00.000-08:00

Thought you would enjoy seeing my Amish neighbor's shocks of corn. This is the way everyone use to do it and the way the Amish still put up their corn. Last week the scholars (kids in school) had the week off for the fall shredding of the corn. These bundles will be loaded on to a hay wagon and brought up to the barn. From there a shredder will take the corn off and throw it in a wagon and then the stalks will be chopped and blown in to the barn. This will be fed to the cattle and horses. Corn will be used for feed also as well as the cob itself. Interesting to watch the "English" farmer across the road with the huge tractors running through the fields, just after the corn. I'm guessing the shredding will be going strong today since rain coming in tonight. The Amish all go from one farm to the other and help each other shred. Wish I could get pictures of that to show you!

Splitting, splitting, splitting

2011-11-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

We are using the nifty log splitter that I bought at a farm auction for $30.00. It is run from hydraulics on the tractor. We just have it sitting on the ground and then LaVern doesn't have to pick up the really big logs. So far it is working great, even on the BIG oak chunks that we have. As you can see from the above picture we still have plenty of wood to split! LaVern is really "in to" splitting the wood. I sit on the tractor and run the lever and he lines up the wood to be split. He looks the ends all over and then just places it so. I push the lever that moves the splitter and CRACK, nicely split wood. He said it will be dark now when he gets home from work but we could fire up the Coleman lantern and cut a pile tomorrow night. The man just loves splitting wood! It's kind of boring for me but I do like the stacking part!

Time change woes

2011-11-06T01:53:00.000-07:00

"Falling back" with an extra hour of sleep for an adult is.....indescribable. So why is it that for me the time change wreaks havoc? Do I have this internal biological clock (like a rooster) or maybe I'm just a "light sleeper" or could it be stress or I sleep too much during the day (yea, right)? Studies (don't get me started on that subject) have shown that adults need 6~8 hours of sleep a night. Okay. I'm doing that. I go to be at 9 (old time) and get up at 3 AM (old time). So now I'm in bed at 8 and up at 2 AM. That's realistic. Right? Maybe I should try vinegar and honey, it cures everything. Hypnosis? I've tried warm milk. NOT. I've tried lavendar. NOT. Ahh, why bother. Who needs sleep anyway? (yawning)

Parliament

2011-11-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I have a parliament of owls hooting. Yes, a group of owls is called a parliament. And like most parliaments there has been lots of discussion going on but I'm not sure how much, if anything, is being done. Oops...they must have reached a diplomatic agreement because it's quiet now. Do you really give a hoot about any of this?

Praying for someone who is struggling

2011-11-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

When we get caught up in our own problems one of the best ways I have found to forget them is to focus on the struggles and needs of others. I just received word that a dear friend of ours has colon cancer. He will stand firm in his faith but he is still afraid. Prayer always takes me into the presence of God and reminds me of his ability to transform even the most difficult problem into a blessing. While praying for him my headache became more bearable. Praying for him has released God's grace in ways you cannot imagine. 2Corinthians 1:6 When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Encourage someone by praying for them.

Sunday Supper Soup

2011-11-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have lots of soup recipes as during the cold winter months we enjoy a cup (big bowl) of soup. Here is a easy, fast to put together one that can simmer all day and still taste great.
Meatballs:
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tablespoons water
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 tablespoons butter
Soup:
2 cups water
1 can (10 1/2 oz.) condensed beef broth, undiluted
1 can (1 pd, 12 oz.) tomatoes, undrained.....I just used a quart of home canned tomatoes
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup sliced carrots
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 bay leaf
To make the meatballs, combine beef, egg, water, bread crumbs, salt and parsley. Mix lightly, shape into 24 balls. In 5 qt. Dutch oven, melt butter and brown the meatballs, a single layer at a time, on all sides. Drain off fat; remove meatballs and set aside. To make soup, combine ingredients in same Dutch oven. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add meatballs, simmer 20 minutes longer. Yield: 6-8 servings, about 2 qts.

Almost perfect morning

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

It is raining (I wish it were snow) and we have had thunder and lightning. Suppose to get windy alittle later. LaVern took the pickup to work and pulled the car out of the garage so that both vehicles get the free car wash. I fired up the wood cookstove (with my nifty firestarters I made) and I have the meatballs cooking for Sunday Supper Soup (we are calling it Wednesday soup). Next I will stir up some artisian crusty bread and supper is prepared! Rug hooking is calling me for today. The house is clean and vehicles and trailers all put away. We even got the tin put on the east side of the barn and LaVern put his windows in for his workshop located there. My niece lives in Denver and it is 29 degrees and snowing again there. She said maybe another foot of snow for them. Even my friends in NW Kansas are getting some light snow this AM. We are thrilled to have the rain as it is dry. Best go check on the soup and turn the computer off. Need to watch my electricity usage although tomorrow to be sunny so I'm not worried. Hope you are enjoying the weather where ever you are at!

Web cam thought

2011-11-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

I just had a great idea!! Surely there is someone back there in Kansas who loves techno stuff that could get a cheap web cam and mount it there at home and then put it on the web so that I can see your weather!! lol How about it, John?? McCook use to have one but I haven't been able to bring it up. Hmmm....I need to go see where there is one close to us! Later. Peace.

Last minute weather change stuff

2011-11-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Today sunny, high of 70 degrees. Tomorrow rain then snow with a high of 45! lol So I am racing around this morning getting as much done as I can with the sun shining. 3 loads of clothes washed and on the line, trash burned, all the wood boxes full, water tank filled, floors vacumned and LaVern's tools gathered up and put away that were on the porch. We have the porch all opened up now but still have the tin walls to put on. Haven't had to worry about tools getting wet until now. Weather man says 100% chance of rain/snow so I'm going with that. We really need the moisture as it is dry here. Need to look through my soup recipes and find one to make tomorrow along with some homemade bread. I love dreary wet, snowy days!!! Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow. (My niece in Denver is suppose to get another foot of white stuff so I'll have to watch the web cams!!)

Wise words from Dalai Lama

2011-10-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

"It is necessary to help others in our daily lives, merely praying for them isn't enough."

Barn owl

2011-10-31T02:28:00.000-07:00

Common barn owl. Nocturnal. I think the barn owl describes my current sleeping habits. I can hardly stay awake until 9 pm and then am wide awake and get up at 3 AM. I am thinking ahead to this next weekend when the time changes. I will be up at 2 AM...with the owls! I have always been a "morning" person but this is pretty extreme. This is something I go through every year so no big surprise. I was hoping I would outgrow it. I don't take daytime naps. Actually I have never been able to take a nap during the day and not for lack of trying. I have to do "quiet" things when I am up at this hour so as not to wake LaVern and the dogs. Great time to catch up on reading, hand sewing, meditating, surfin the web, writing letters, manicure, look up new recipes, plan my day, dream, pray for others, laugh at myself for being up so early, listen to the owls. Wow, I didn't realize I was getting so much done by getting up early. Maybe it isn't so bad after all. (yawn)

One end to the other

2011-10-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

What a week! I have been going from one end to the other as far as bedtime and sleep. Going to bed at 9 pm and up at 3 AM. Last night it was 12:30 (very rare for me) and up at 4. (couldn't sleep) I am soooooooooo draggin this AM. I had an Amish run last evening and so I was coming through Creston about 9:30. LaVern was at work. He was repairing a ceiling in the kitchen and could only do it at night when the kitchen is closed. So I thought why not get groceries at that hour. Luckily the HyVee stays open until 11 pm and I think there were 3 of us total shopping! ha ha Kind of nice not to hurry down the aisles because people behind you. From there I headed to the dreaded store (wally world) as I had a couple things to buy there. They have these great little flashlights for $3, LED one AAA battery (and it comes with it). We love them because they fit in your pocket, you can hold it in your mouth when you need both hands to do something and they last forever!! Flashlights are a BIG deal when you live off grid and you don't have outside yard lights (which I lOVE) and you come home in the dark. We did have a couple solar motion lights by the house door but they got moved down to the hen house. I never go anywhere without a flashlight and usually my pocket knife. I have another Amish run this AM so best get going. This evening I will go back and pick up the people I drove last night. Tomorrow a farm auction, hopefully with some "junk". Time to get perked up!

I love the Internet

2011-10-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

I do not like the bill I have to pay for the Internet but it sure was FUN this morning to look at a live web cam in Greeley, Colorado and see all the snow my brother is getting hammered with. From what I can see on the trees I would say easy 4 inches already and still snowing! lol I love web cams also. If you want to see some cool ones then look up web cams in Estes Park, CO. They have about 7 of them in different locations all over in the park. Pretty much a white out up there this morning. LOTS of snow! Love it. I finally fired up the wood cook stove this morning. Not really cold in the house but I want to slow cook a chicken breast in the oven today. We are going after a load of firewood when LV gets home from work today.

5:30 AM All still quiet

2011-10-26T03:01:00.000-07:00

There isn't alot going on this early in the morning. My brother in Greeley, CO. is getting snow, 4 to 6 inches! Still "warm" here and no moisture in the air. The nice thing about being up so early is that I can read all the blogs that I follow and emails. I am working on Christmas gifts so I think I will brew myself a cup of tea and do some hand work. Good morning! Rise and shine! It's going to be a great day!

Once again 3 AM...wide a wake

2011-10-26T01:27:00.000-07:00

Red Aurora Borealis

2011-10-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Common name: Northern Lights

8:30 tonight and LaVern was outside. He came running in and told me to quick come outside, forget putting shoes on. The sky above our house and trees was RED. It was amazing! Neither of us had seen anything like it. Millions of stars in the sky and this big red mass that looked like it was shooting up from the ground. We called our neighbor and he said it was the Northern Lights. Not sure if he could see them as he has a big yard light. We called our son, Rainer who lives in the country and he went outside and could see it. Our son, Ross who lives in a big town could not see them because of all the city lights. I think to see red is pretty uncommon and usually it happens at higher altitudes. No matter. The light show at our house was tremendous! Something LaVern and I will remember... and the wonder of it.

Playing possum

2011-10-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

LaVern went to gather the eggs and before I knew it he was in the house loading the pistol! An oppossum was in one of the hen's nest sound asleep. Out we went to the hen house (I followed up LaVern with the 4-10 shotgun) to rid the varmit. His tail was hanging out of the nest. LaVern steps in front of the nest and bang, shoots the pistol. No movement. "Is he playing possum"? I asked. Another shot and this time movement so I knew he'd got him. LaVern is getting better with that pistol. When we had the sick racoon in the yard last year he shot 19 times and the coon was still sittin up. I'm surprised the oppossum was in there as we don't let the hens out until morning to free range. Tonight I am setting my trap in the pole shed with carrots and am going to try to trap that darn groundhog.

3:30 AM spot check

2011-10-23T01:45:00.001-07:00

Money, money, money

2011-10-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Don't you wonder when did money become more important in our society than health, happiness and just personal well-being. When did greed take over our natural human tendencies for peace, self-control or even fulfillment? The way we choose to make money and then spend it is a direct reflection on ourselves. The news is filled with people (50s & older) that have lost their "nest egg" and are not able to get jobs. One single woman said she didn't want to have to move in with her son and his family and burden them. When did the world change that families can't take care of one another? This morning (bizarre as it may seem) I have a strong desire to finally begin to learn how to meditate and I would love to learn yoga. Money is energy. Spend it wisely and spread peace.

Listen....Silent

2011-10-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Cake pops

2011-10-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the loop I guess because I sure didn't know about cake pops. Don't these look like fun? Will have to get them on my list of things to do with the grandchildren! Just google "cake pops" and have fun with all the ideas! A simple thing. Simple joy.

Matches

2011-10-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

We use aLOT of these boxes of matches. I think there is a box or two in the teardrop trailer, another box in the RV, the barn, used to be a couple here in the house (1 or 2 by each stove). Now that the weather has turned a bit cool I decided to fire up one of the stoves. No matches. I looked all over the house and no matches. LaVern finally brought a box in the house so we could have heat. Okay, I thought. No problem. I'll just pick up a few boxes when I go to the grocery store. NOT!! I could not believe the price. I guess it has been a LONG time since I bought a box of matches. $4.35 for a package of three!!! Holy smokes!! (just had to type that) I'll be hoarding my boxes like gold! Didn't buy the three in the grocery store. Should have priced them at Sam's Club. Going to watch for them at auctions. Best keep my stove "fired up" so I don't have to relight it! Matches....a hot item I guess.

Comfort

2011-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life feels overwhelming. There was a shooting in the KS community that we moved from and a 22 year old young man (whom we knew & LV worked with his mother) was killed. Another young man pulled the trigger. Senseless act. Pain. Two families' lives ripped apart forever. When terrible events like this happen one can only seek comfort in a higher power. God is Love, and love is stronger than death. We have to offer our sorrow to that which is greater than ourselves and find the peace that passes understanding. God's Spirit is with us always, no matter what happens. I don't understand why this happened, but I know whom I can trust in the midst of it. Praying these families find peace.

Primitive finds

2011-10-17T06:15:00.001-07:00

Love, love, love. I am sure some of you are wondering, "you are going to do what with that"? (And are shocked that I actually paid money for them!) ha ha On a whim LaVern came home from work Friday and we hooked up our little teardrop trailer, threw some clothes in, loaded the dogs and away we went. We only drove to Shenandoah, about 1 1/2 hours away! lol Stayed overnight in a Walmart parking lot. I am so thankful the dude who started Walmart was a camping enthusiast and they still allow overnight parking there. Saturday AM we went to some friends' house, kindred primitive spirits. They were having an open house and had lots of goodies under a tent outside. It was a beautiful fall day and perfect for this. She gave us a tour of their home. LaVern stepped in and said, "oh, oh.........this is going to cost me money". ha ha She has the look that I am going for. I'm just not quite there yet but these two pieces will give you some idea. From there we started towards Council Bluffs and came upon a small town where LaVern's great great grandfather is buried. He has never been to the grave but his mother and sister had. There was a funeral procession driving out of town so we decided that since we had time we would look up the grave. We drove out of town a ways but didn't see the cemetary so LV went back to the gas station and asked a fellow standing there where the cemetary was. He gave him directions, about 5-6 miles out of town so off we went again. Found the cemetary and started looking for the grave. It was quite a big cemetary and we could not find the grave so LV first called his sister. She gave him the approximate location. Still couldn't find it. So he called his mother and got more directions. Still couldn't find it. Called his mother again. Still couldn't find it. After about two hours of searching we gave up and went on to Council Bluffs. I must have needed a little city shopping as I had a great time (even at Menard's). We shopped and shopped and finally at 3 pm I told LV I had to get something to eat as no lunch. He took me to Olive Garden (my favorite and he will eat there)! After some food we were able to continue on shopping. (I had a big list). Finally at 8 pm we called it quits. LV's eyes were bothering him so instead of driving home we found a Walmart and pulled in. Got some drops for his eyes and called it a day. More shopping on Sunday and then we finally drove home, shopped out and had our fill of city. Later in the evening LV got online and looked up the town where the cemetary is located. Yup, as you may have already guessed.........we were in the wrong cemetary!! There were no signs there stating the name of it so we had no idea we were not in the right cemetary. This one is south and the one we should have been at is north of town in the country. ha ha At least we can say there are no Burtis' buried in the Thurman cemetary south of Tubor. We were determined to find that grave because after all, LV's 85 year old mother found it so why couldn't we!!! Needless to say, we are going back in a couple weeks and finding that grave!

The Rose

2011-10-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

Red rose, red rose

Which is a sweet scent to the nose

So soft and smooth

It makes my heart move.....it soothes the mind and soul (Eve Anderson)

A surpise gift from my darling hubby. Thank you, LaVern. I love you always.

Have you hugged your horse today?

2011-10-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

One of my granddaughters giving her old horse a big ole hug! He deserves it as I think he has been giving rides for nearly 20 years! Priceless.

Crockpot cooking

2011-10-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

I love my crockpot! Haven't used it for a spell since I need for it to be a cool day and I can fire up my wood cook stove. This is the best crockpot, slow cook all day and I'm burning wood we gathered. Suppose to stay cool today and I had a roast to cook. Will add the potatoes, onions and carrots (from the garden) later in the day. I'm painting the ceiling of the porch today and then LaVern can start putting up the tin. TIN??? Can't wait until it is finished and then will post a picture. Hopefully still warm enough we can enjoy sitting out there a few evenings!

Today is a holiday, Sukkot, Feast of Booths. Okay, it was on my calendar and I admit that I had to look this one up. You should do the same. Peace.

Moon and then the fog once again

2011-10-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the night

2011-10-12T03:56:00.001-07:00

This was the moon in Idaho Springs, CO. last night! Awesome!

Happy Columbus Day

2011-10-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

Wind

2011-10-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

Against the wind
I'm still runnin' against the wind
I'm older now but still runnin' against the wind
Well I'm older now and still runnin'
Against the wind
Against the wind
Against the wind

Ya just gotta love these lyrics from a Bob Seger song. (those of you from the hippie era will know him!) I love the wind. (I'm gonna catch some grief from others about that statement. lol) I know, it is miserable to try to do any work or play with the wind blowing 40 mph. But the wind always reminds me of who is in control and that people are unpredicatable and changeable, just like the wind. Wind is essential to nature. Think of all those little seeds that need to be in a different place. We are in our second day of wind, gusts up to 30 mph. My friends in western Kansas are reporting 60 mph but then they are a windy bunch! (luv you guys). I'm still runnin' against the wind.
The wind blows where it wills; and though you hear its sound, yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.~John 3:8

Live for today, take joy in the moment

2011-10-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

Awake 11 P.M

2011-10-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

LaVern has been asleep for hours. I knew we must be approaching a full moon as I am wide awake. I know. Studies by Austrian scientists have shown that sleep patterns are not affected by the phases of the moon. I wonder how many times I have blogged about this? I should have been included in the study cause I could prove them wrong. But I'm going to make the best of it and surf the web for hours and the first of the week go for my full moon walk!! Sleep tight. Good night, moon.

Making the best of it

2011-10-05T03:43:00.000-07:00

Simply changing your attitude can make any circumstance better. By making the best of it the difficulties are easier to cope with. My life has certainly improved by choosing to make the best of whatever comes. Do your best. Trust God with the rest. LaVern tells people that he always picks the line at the grocery store or discount store that ends up being the slowest or one that ends up having a problem. A difficulty, right? Nah. It's a good time to check out all those nifty little gadgets that they have placed there for impulse buying! Or watch the reactions or hear the noises from the people in front of you that are now delayed waiting in line! Groaning, complaining and let's not forget the sighs. Life is simple. I have a choice in everything and I choose just to make the best of it.

Negative thoughts

2011-10-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself thinking negative thoughts? That inner voice within you concentrates on what's wrong and nothing you do or say is good enough. I tell my children (and am still telling them!) such negative dialogue keeps them from doing their best or from trying something new. Think of it as seeing yourself through God's eyes. You are a child of God, beloved and special. I know He encourages me to get up when I fall down and to keep going. So make it easier on yourself, forget the negativity and fill yourself with encouraging thoughts. You'll be surprised of the outcome. (It may not be what you had planned but He has it all under control) Jesus loves you this I know!

That's just the way it is.........but don't you believe them

2011-10-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Standing in the line marking time
Waiting for the welfare dime
'Cause they can't buy a job
The man in the silk suit hurries by
As he catches the poor ladies' eyes
Just for fun he says "get a job"
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
But don't you believe them
They say he little boy you can't go
Where the others go
'Cause you don't look like they do
Said hey old man how can you stand
To think that way
Did you really think about it
Before you made the rules
He said, Son
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
But don't you believe them

Seasonal abundance

2011-09-30T03:21:00.000-07:00

Many of you are enjoying the last of the garden produce. We savor all the fruits and vegetables that are in season as they deliver the best flavor at the lowest price. I think that it is the same with life. Instead of going on an expensive vacation to a distant place, enjoy an hour or two celebrating the seasons at home. Be thankful in whatever weather, relax and enjoy God's seasonal abundance. Gather a fall bouquet, have a picnic, light sparklers, take a deep breath and relax. Just take joy.

Harvesting happiness

2011-09-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

If you are willing to look you will find gifts of happiness all around you. Simple things; a favorite candle, sunshine, birds singing in the morning light, life's little wonders. I don't depend on big events or huge achievements to find my happiness. It comes from the daily blessings that I sometimes take for granted. You are rich if you have food, shelter and good work to do. So harvest some happiness today and enjoy life's simple blessings. Better yet~share those simple gifts with others!! Take joy. Take peace.

Short night~sore throat~take your vitamins

2011-09-29T03:32:00.000-07:00

What a strange night! Acquired a sore throat yesterday evening so went to bed about 9:15 and laid awake until 11. Then I was up at midnight, 2, 4 and finally at 4:30 I just got up for the day. I may have had a little sleep between all those intervals. It will be interesting to see what I get done for today! I take a combination of flaxseed oil, fish oil and a multivitamin so maybe the recovery will be quick. Thinking of that this morning made me realize that I need to fuel my faith with spiritual vitamins; prayer, Bible reading, quiet time with God, meditation. I think when the sun comes out and the darkness of the night leaves that I will go for a long walk. It will nourish my soul and I'll get some extra Vit D!!

Snicker, snicker, snicker

2011-09-28T11:27:00.001-07:00

Every morning I pack a lunch for LaVern to take to work, 5 days a week, all those weeks in a year. I try to put in a surprise once in a while and since he loves chocolate and since Snickers were on sale, today at noon he had a surprise in his lunch!! (snicker, snicker) I included alittle note to tell him how much he is appreciated. He called to thank me AND to tell me that he knows that size Snickers are NOT purchased individually so he knows there are more!! (snicker, snicker) I advised him that they were well hidden so I could spread the joy for alittle longer. (Maybe I'll move them each day to a new hidding spot, snicker, snicker)

The mess

2011-09-26T03:57:00.001-07:00

It's been said that with age and life's experiences you learn and grow wiser. LaVern and I must still be the younger generation, we are not old! Yikes! Enclosed porch being opened up and deck will come off. I can just see it! I hope it is still this fall when I see it! (Love you LaVern)

Native American Day

2011-09-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

In 1968, Ronald Reagan signed a resolution calling for a holiday called American Indian Day, to be held the fourth Friday in September. In 1998, the California Assembly passed AB 1953, which made Native American Day an official state holiday. South Dakota passed a similar resolution in 1990 celebrating the second Monday in October.

Positive thinking

2011-09-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

I can make it happen. I will make it happen. It happened. A watermelon grew from seed that was planted in a cardboard box greenhouse by an eight year old boy as a Cub Scout project. Wish you were here Reid!

Watch your language

2011-09-23T03:38:00.000-07:00

What you say mirrors what you believe. It is easy to be unaware of the "chatter" that runs through your mind when you are busy doing other things. I find myself saying things with my mouth but my mind is somewhere else. I need to slow down and become conscious of my thoughts. I can substitute faith-filled statements for words of disbelief. Think about this: instead of saying "I can't afford" say "God is my source." Positive affirmation: instead of "I can't" say "I will." With the troubling economic times that we are in right now, thoughts of worry fill alot of people's minds and we all need to use the power of praise as a reminder of God's love and care for us. Praise God and pray for one another.

Today's tasks done

2011-09-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

Peanut butter cookies out of the oven
Two loads of clothes hanging on the line
Wool picked out for a new rug
Cowboy cookies stirred and ready to go in the oven
Veneer chiseled off the back of a chair and sanded
Bathroom cleaned
Chickens tended
Sanded, cleaned and repaired a small wash stand
Upstairs "junk" room rearranged
I'd like to go out and work on the mess where we tore down the old garage but my back is hurting something fierce! Kind of been oncoming and I just didn't slow down. Probably didn't help to sit on bleachers most of the day last Friday at the Standbred auction and probably won't help sitting again on bleachers this Saturday at the Maryville, MO. draft horse/mule auction! Oh boy, just had a phone call and I guess I am going to pick up a couple horses and men and take them to MO. at 5 this afternoon so I better go finish those cookies!! Take joy.

Favorite things

2011-09-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Tillie Rose and The Cat

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2011-09-19T07:39:00.001-07:00

I have a dear sister-in-law who lives in Greeley, CO. and works at a preschool. At Christmas she receives all kinds of gift cards, but quite a few for Starbucks, and then when we go out for a visit she treats me to a drink from there. (For me it is really a TREAT). I just heard from another friend that the Pumpkin Spice Latte has made its annual re-appearance and after some extensive browsing on the web I found a recipe that is real close. So, for those of us that live hours away from a Starbucks and those of us on a budget, here is the recipe:

Pumpkin Spice Latte

makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup(???)

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract (yes, that is tablespoons)

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup OR 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee. I actually even tried it with making instant coffee; 1 tsp. to 6 oz. and that was good also)

Directions:

In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. (I brought it to a simmer) Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don't have a blender, don't worry about it - just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk. (Whisk works fine, it will still get foamy)

Pour into a large mug or two mugs (this makes 2 nice size coffee mugs full). Add the espresso or coffee on top. I added about 1/4 cup of coffee per each mug.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg or cinnamon on top. In my opinion, this is a given, not just optional.

I halve the recipe when LaVern isn't home or doesn't want one (which is not too often and he isn't a big fan of pumpkin)

Yummy! Perfect for fall, cool weather. Take joy in simple things.

Frost?

2011-09-15T02:58:00.000-07:00

I think we may have alittle frost this morning. Too dark to see yet, even with the full moon! I was going to fire up the wood cook stove this AM but I'll have to wait for LaVern to rise as I think he wants to clean inside it just a bit. I wonder how many of you will rise and turn on the furnace this morning. I have both wood boxes filled with wood. Will get more stacked on the porch and my kindling wood bucket full. I have been gathering all sorts of candles, mostly tapers, from the thrift store. Going to try making some firestarters by filling paper egg cartons with sawdust and then you pour melted candle wax over those. Break off one egg holder when you need a starter and light it.

My plans today: hitch up the horse to the buggy and run over to my neighbors. If I have time I'll go on in to Diagonal and mail a package. Back home, leave the horse and drive to Creston with the stock trailer. Will do my errands while there and then pick up two Big totes of dry ice. This time of year our Amish neighbors' ice houses are empty so for a few weeks they rely on dry ice to cool their milk until the weather gets cold. We can only get two totes in the trailer so will be making two trips to Creston today. I have lots of recyling to take in so today will be a good day to get that done. Tomorrow's plan: getting up at 5 AM and going to Redding and pick up a horse and two Amish friends. Two more friends are going from our area and I am taking my buggy horse to an Amish buggy horse auction. There will be buyers from all over the country, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and I am certain some really NICE buggy horses. My gelding just isn't traffic safe enough to satisfy me so I'm not going to feed him this winter but look for a different horse. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford a horse from this sale but it will be fun to look. Kinda like window shopping at the mall!

Take Peace

2011-09-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Peace is not the absence of trouble, Peace is the presence of God.

For laughs

2011-09-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

My friend, John posted this on FB and I just had to pass it along. We think kids are exposed to all this unhealthy stuff, but remember this?
Me, behave? Seriously? As a child I saw Tarzan almost naked, Cinderella arrived home after midnight, Pinocchio told lies, Aladdin was a thief, Batman drove over 200 miles an hour, Snow White lived in a house with 7 men, Popeye smoked a pipe and had tattoos, Pac Man ran around to digital music while eating pills that enhanced his performance, and Shaggy and Scooby were mystery solving hippies that always had the munchies. The fault is not mine!