Really? This is happening again...

                   
"You can become the person that you choose to be."

These are some powerful words.

I woke this morning mad at myself for feeling this way. This way being that feeling I get called 'panic' I've had now for the past five days. Really? This is happening to me again? I don't want it! I don't want to accept it! The last time I felt this way was over thirty years ago.

I ask myself, why is it happening to me again? How can I make it all go away, forever? I've been to the Doctors. My heart is fine. My thyroid is good. I think my hormones are just being a little finicky because of all these female problems going on. So come on! Is this fear of what is to come? Do I fear the surgery? No I don't think so. I think my fear is all about how things will get done around here when I am not able to do them.  I think my fear is my animals won't have the care from anyone else as good as they would from me. (me thinking stupid) I think my fear is knowing that my house will get much deeper with clutter and dirt than I can handle. (really? who cares?)

All this fear is 'bullshit!" I know it! And you know it! So why can't I control it?

The first thing I do this morning is I get on the internet and begin searching the web for answers. I'm reading about ways to control one's panic when it begins. I come across this article and begin reading that there are steps I can take to get myself under control. These are:

Step one.  Relax (easier said than done)
Step two.  Stop negative thinking. (It's that damn self conscience who's doing it)
Step three. Use coping statements. (Okay, now this is something I can remember in time of panic)
Step four.  Accept your feelings. (Now this is more like it. Who else is going to accept that you're nuts?)

So now that I have all the answers I must put them to work. I will do my best to look as though nothing is bothering me. I will do my best to go about my daily chores as though I haven't a care in the world. And I will do my best to not work myself up into a major, blown out PANIC ATTACK.

The one thing that truely hit me about all that she wrote is these ten words:
 "you can become the person you choose to be". By Pati McDermott CHT (certified hypnotherapist)

Powerful, beautiful, and meaningful words.

This will be my coping statement.

Just writing about it has helped. This is not easy for me or anyone who suffers with panic attacks. Just getting through each day the best we can is all we ask for. Pray for us and understand we pray all the time to feel and be "the person we choose to be", but better.

Blessings,
Gail

Thrift store finds

Yesterday was mostly spent on the road again over to Eugene and back. I did manage an hour to spend looking around at St. Vincent's in Oakridge. I found a few items I thought I could use with my Civil war persona.

  A small jewelry box for my earrings and brooches. A mug for drinking water, a plate, a basket for essentials, ribbon will be used on an outfit or maybe a hat and the flower frog, because I collect them. I also picked up a great gallon jug for my homemade wine, and a small bowl for use in the kitchen. Best thing about it was I only spent $10. (Senior discount day)
 
There were a few other things I thought about getting but I ended up putting back. Now I wish I had purchased them because I want to make some craft things I found on Pinterest. But I'm going back over again next Thursday, so I plan to see if they are still available for purchase.
 
I like stopping as it helps to break up the long drive and gives me a chance to shop out of town. Today, I'm catching up on laundry, cleaning out chicken coops and enjoying the warm sunshine.

Spring brings Honey Do's

With Spring comes repair. I have been saying "Honey,we need a new roof" for three years now and hubby finally caved in. Only because he woke up to a drip in the bedroom over my dresser and hoping the ceiling doesn't cave in. Last year we had pots down on the kitchen floor catching water. Boy was that fun. Amazing how long it can take my dh to wake up.

So off to Home Depot a few days back, and hubby and a friend of ours are up on the roof.

 

 

As you can see, we are having to strip down to the nitty gritty. The roof had two layers of very old and brittle shingles. This house was built in 1959, so you can imagine what we've dealt with the last few years. Every wind we'd get, there'd be more shingles on the ground. Hubby would walk around, pick them up and go up on the roof and reattach them. I'd just sit there shaking my head.

 

So needless to say, I am tickled pink to finally be getting a new roof.

 

The guys will be working it in sections due to our weather. Today it's pretty windy so no roofing is getting done. We are expecting more rain and snow, so part of the roof has been retiled and the other part has tar paper down.

 

 

This will be the finished look. Kinda looks like old cobblestone.

 

 But don't worry hubby, once the roof is finished, I have plenty more honey do's to do. There's the greenhouse to get finished, the chicken coop needs a window, we need to finish the trim in the bathroom, our walls need repainted, we need a few trees cut back.........

 

 Well, you get the picture.

 

Traveling to Eugene

One of the nice things about traveling back and forth to Eugene is that I get to see all these beautiful rivers, lakes and cool stuff along the way. With Spring officially here, all the rivers are up and running fast from all the snow melt.

I enjoyed stopping along the way and listening to the water rushing along. Don't you just love how it sounds? I could spend hours just sitting there and enjoying the music it brings to my ears. It takes all the stress and worries away, at least for a little while.

The lake looks inviting even though it would be too cold for swimming, maybe just a little fishing, if I find the time. You can still see some snow across the backside, but Spring is definitely here as you begin seeing a lot more ducks flying in to stay.

I really liked the rustic patina of this as I passed under it, so on my way home I pulled over to get a shot of it. Plus it gave me another excuse to enjoy the river beside it a little more.

So as things begin to bloom with Spring in the air, I hope to be able to get more pictures of my trips I'll be making this Summer back and forth to Eugene. It makes life a little more pleasant for what I have to deal with right now.

I hope next time to find a spot to pull over and take pictures where there are oodles of beautiful ferns and the trees look awesome.

Sewing days are back

My hubby found this wardrobe chest from the 20's or early 30's that I am going to use to display my civil war clothing in. He only paid $40 for it! These things are going for hundreds on ebay. It is in fine shape too. A tiny spot of mold on one inside drawer, but not much damage otherwise. Even though the handles are not civil war, I thought I would cover them over with a lace hankie or petticoat or something. It will make for keeping my clothing together in one place easier.

I doubt I will participate much this year, but want to get my wardrobe stocked up for when I am able to reenact again. I have been super busy sewing up a storm the last few days. With the warm sunshine outside but still cool breeze, I find myself wanting to get my creative juices flowing. Weird, I know, but I am enjoying it. 

I've put together another work dress (just needs hemmed). A small headpiece to cover the hair, and on the ironing board I am pinning up a hem on a pleated petticoat. The material for the hem looks uneven because it is. I choose to use what material I have on hand so I make it work however I need to. And two more panels of material were needed to complete the width and it wasn't as long. But it all worked out fine.
I also made an apron and split drawers I forgot to take a picture of.

There is really a lot of clothing women of that era wore. So I need to have extra to change into on the really hot Summer days of reenacting.

I have to tell you though, making or even reading these patterns are not an easy task. Yesterday I spent half my time tearing out what I had stitched in wrong. Plus with so much fabric in some of these pieces, you really have quite a time keeping your material from bunching or pulling on the machine.

But, I'm really not complaining because I am doing something I enjoy. Sewing. Now I wouldn't mind a lesson from someone who has been making period clothing for awhile, though.

Gluten Free Lasagna

My first attempt at gluten free was a cauliflower casserole. Two words for it.....pure yuck! So that went out to our chickens this morning and they didn't seem to mind it at all.

For this evenings dinner I decided to try a lasagna without using actual pasta. Instead I made it with sliced zucchini. I first sauteed some onion and browned some Italian sweet sausage. Added some red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, garlic and Italian seasoning and a bit of tomato puree. In a casserole dish I layered sliced zucchini, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese and repeat. Then I placed what I had in the fridge, some cheddar cheese and Parmesan on top and baked it all at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

I'm here to say the chickens will not be getting any leftovers.This turned out so well that if all my gluten free dishes continue to be this easy and delicious, I won't be feeling as though I'm missing out on anything.

There are many recipes I have been looking over on Pinterest. So if you are new to gluten free,like I am, check out what other people have tried. If you are like me you will find some you know you will be making again and again, and then there will be those you hope to never lay your taste buds on never again.

Surprise from Old Man Winter

Just when I'm beginning to think that we might have an early Spring, I get a slap in the face from old man Winter. He came in strong today with several inches of snow and gusty winds and a white out so bad that I had to cancel my Dr. appointments in town today. I initially set out to my appt and got about 1/2 mile down the road. It was so bad trying to see where the road was and not slipping off into a ditch that I pulled into the church parking lot and called and cancelled my appointments. It is not worth it to me to risk my life driving in conditions such as that. 
So back home I dove into reading a delicious book (the kind you don't share with dh) and drinking some hot cocoa. Bliss. 
Hope your day is going well. 

New Beginnings

Well yesterday I was up at 6am and out the door at 7 on my way over to Eugene to finally get my foot in the door of the Uro/Gyno I will be seeing. It was a four hour trip through fog, snow, slush and rain but pretty just the same. Lots of mountains, pines, lakes and rivers. If only I had had the time to stop and take pictures, but not the case since it was my first trip over. I did not want to be late. No I ended up getting there 2 and 1/2 hours before my scheduled appointment.

So first thing I did was get some much needed caffeine and protein in my stomach. Then I spent about an hour shopping and exploring Target. Haven't been in one in at least 6 years.

I soon went back to the Dr.s office with hopes of maybe getting in a bit early. No such luck. When I finally met with the Nurse Practitioner I was what you might say "totally confused". Did I tell you, I had not slept one wink the night before. So needless to say, I was very tired, cranky and really just wanted the first visit over with so I could just get the appointment with the Dr. herself to get my surgery date scheduled and get back over the mountain before dark. Wasn't going to happen.

I was given a thorough exam, shown and explained why I must do certain things long before the Dr. will even consider surgery. I am totally overwhelmed by this point.

Here's the kicker......I must begin living gluten free. You say, "not the end of the world". I say, "where do I begin?" On top of that I will be traveling back and forth each month for the next four months straight having specific tests done on my bladder. Who knew so much would be involved with preparing for this surgery? I'm talking bladder and hysterectomy. The nurse said it was the only way before the Dr. would even think about doing it. She must see how my bladder lays, where other organs are sitting, where things should or should not be and how they are actually functioning.

So now that I have learned what I need to do to begin my lifelong journey, I have spent today researching books to read, blogs that have gluten free recipes and such. My best blog so far is glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com. She really tells you how to begin, what to begin with and also has recipes galore. Just reading what I have read so far has taken some of the overwhelming feeling away from me. I almost wish I had stayed a vegetarian all the many years ago.

Oh well, this is what my life is to be, so its time to get my head out of my you know what, quit with my pitty party, and make the most of my remaining years on this earth.

I think my biggest worry is not learning how to eat without gluten (not that it won't be hard because it will), but the fact that once I have the surgery, I am not allowed to lift, move, or pull anything over 5 pounds for 3 whole months! This will be my biggest challange of all. How does one really live like that? The nurse said this is why many women choose not to have the surgery. I choose surgery. I do not choose to live smelling of urine all the time. I do not choose to live in this unbearable pain, not able to get out of bed or the recliner most days. I choose surgery. Even knowing weight limit will always be a problem, I choose surgery.

So now I begin a new way of eating (after 58 years), learning how my body tolerates what I put in it and doing the exercises I was given to do, all so that I am in the best shape possible for the much needed surgery. I can only pray that I can do this. I must do this.

Sorry for such a long, miserable, complaining post. I had to get this off my chest. On top of all this my computer took a dump and I am using my dh computer which keeps interrupting my writing. Ugh!

Well enough of this. I will certainly pray for strength to help me do this, for a positive attitude to help me get through this and for the sense it's going to take to make me continue to do this to better my health for years to come. And believe me, only the Lord knows how much I need him now.

to new beginnings,
Gail

p.s. sending out hugs and prayers to any other ladies who may be going through this particular problem.

Outfitted Chickens

I just had to share when a friend of mine's neighbor decided the days here in Klamath are just too darn cold for her hens. So she took it upon herself to do the next best thing which was knit them a sweater.

What do you think? These girls are looking pretty snazzy in their new outfits. And the funny thing is, they don't look as though they mind one bit.

I wonder what their beds look like? You think they might acctually have feather beds? lol

Rasta Hat

I have been looking on line for the big slouchy hats that I've seen people wear. Most of what I found were not as slouchy as I was wanting. After mentioning this to my daughter, miss smarty pants finds exactly what I was looking for. It's not called 'slouchy', it is called Rasta. Who knew?

Anyway I looked through several patterns she emailed me, and came up with this particular one to try. I just used what yarn I had laying around but I really think some fun colors would do this justice.

Isn't it cute? I can't wait to try one with some really vibrant colors. It was super easy to do which is good since I'm really a novice to crochet. This particular pattern came from CrochetN'Crafts.

This is a real popular style with the young kids today. But for me, its a great way to cover my hair that may need a washing or when I just feel like dressing kinda funky.

Give it a try if your looking for a fun, quick and easy project.

I took the plunge

I did. After hearing that I will probably not have surgery now until possibly July my spirits have been really down. So why not lift them, forget about vanity and take the plunge. So if you remember I bought color to put on my hair awhile back and was contemplating either to color or let it continue to gray. Well here's my answer.

from this

to this

 If I remember correctly I think this color of brunette is what I looked like in high school. One thing I have been lucky with is being able to color my hair in reds, burgundy, blonde or brunette and it goes okay with my skin tone.
Well I must confess, I do feel a little better. Even if its for a little while.

Going Gray and Vanity

How many of you have started to go gray and want to, but get that terrible 'skunk' look going on and just don't have the ump to keep going? I have been doing this now for several years. Is this what you call vane?

When do you know when you're ready to go gray? When should you go gray? I mean I've seen people in their early twenties gray and tell myself they should color their hair, they just look so old. (vane) Then there is wanting to stay looking young. But when the wrinkles are all over the place shouldn't one try to look more their age?

Some day I'd hope to have hair that looks like the pics above. I have been carrying the last picture in my wallet for about four years now. Each time I get the top of my head  half way with gray, I go ahead and color it. I think it is because I haven't seen my true color since I was in my twenties. I'm now fifty eight.  I'm not sure with all the colors I have going on in my hair at this time, I could ever get to one of these looks. My hair now has browns, blonde and a hint of red along with the gray. I'm also afraid of  what a 'shock' it could be to have this color done by a hair stylist.  I've even thought of just bleaching out completely and than letting it go gray. It's just so harsh on your hair.

What have you done? How did you proceed?  Yes I'm vane. I need help. Should I or shouldn't I?  Fact is I went out yesterday and bought a darker color to put on my hair! What to do? Should I color it myself, or should I go see a stylist and let them decide? 

With being housebound and all, I figured now would be a good time to make this transition. I mean I won't be out in public for any one to see the 'skunk' me. What short time I may need to be, I could always wear a scarf or do my usual and pull it into a ponytail or wear a hat. (vane) We all know that having 'good hair' days makes us feel better, and I could really use some good vibes right about now.

Please help. I'm so vane I could use some advice. Just don't tell me to go out and get one of those pink or purple hair dos some of the ladies think looks good. Ugh!

Thanks to Karen.........

..... I am finally able to put pictures on my blog again! You ask, "how did you get it working?", well I paid attention to Karen over at My Desert Cottage. She says many of her clients that she's heard from have been unable to post pictures and the fix to that is we should STOP using Internet Explorer. So I have spent the last hour upgrading my computer over to Google Chrome, tried out a couple of changes, and tada! I can post pics again. Thank you Karen.

                                                            

So many things I have been putting on hold until I can get my surgery done. One was not messing with this computer stuff, but I have so missed blogging. And after visiting Karen's blog I just could not put off fixing this issue any longer. Thank you Karen.

Originally my surgery was scheduled for Jan 2, then Jan 16 now it's on hold until I hear from a specialist over in Eugene. She happens to be a Uro/Gyno and  I'm told I could be looking at 2 to 3 months before I even get my first initial visit with her. So instead of moping I have decided to do some baking. I mean, it is still Winter time around here and we must have those homey, yummy smells coming from our kitchen. So,  I pulled out my Favorite Oregon Recipes cookbook and found this recipe for peanut butter cookies. Hope you'll give it a try.

                                               Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda

Cream shortening, sugars, and peanut butter. Add eggs and vanilla and beat well. Add sifted flour, salt, baking soda; mix well. Roll into small balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press down with tines of fork. Bake at 375 degrees  8-10 minutes.  Makes 4 dozen.

I had'nt made these in many years, which is really stupid on my part. These are really tasty and especially yummy right out of the oven. Now I'm not moping any more. Enjoy.

Karen, I just wanted to say Thank You.
                                           

House bound

I've been house bound now since late November. It is just too hard to do much walking around when you feel as if all your innards will fall out your bottom. On Jan 2,  I will be having my surgery so I will be very busy resting and recuperating in the new year. At least for the first few months of it.

Have you made your New Year resolutions yet? I have so many plans in my head and have been writing them all down. To begin with I hope to find a better way of being self sufficient. I first hope to get the greenhouse that we began this Summer, finished. Get all the many galvanized containers up into the corral area where I plan to have all my gardening next to the greenhouse.  Hoping I can grow lots more veggies and even plant more fruit trees. I wish to learn how to use a steam canner. That way I can store more for emergencies, eat healthier, and spend less in the grocery store. I would like to learn how to cook meals with fresh produce rather than store bought out of a can or box. I would like to learn how to crochet other than a single or double stitch. I hope to learn how to use herbs for healing and in cooking. I wish to keep using natural and organic products. 

So as far as New Year wishes go, mine are not the regular 'hope to lose 20 pounds' , although I may keep that one, but to improve on how we spend our money and what is really more important to our survival in case of any kind of emergency.

Yeah, the world did'nt end on Dec 21, but we all know that times are tough for so many and the future does look somewhat bleak. We so need to start looking out more for each other and pray that our future will still be there for the younger generation and that we find peace in our hearts in the troubled times ahead.

So I intend to do my part by doing what I know best by planting a garden and canning veggies and sharing with our neighbors and friends. I have coop issues to fix, will need to replace some laying hens so I keep the eggs coming in, I hope to build more shelves for the surplus supplies I hope we will be able to put up. I am thinking of raising a couple small milk goats and maybe some rabbits, but still trying to get hubby on board with that, plus I would need to learn how to raise them.  I would love to go solar but cost wise I don't think we can do much. I plan to put out a couple more rain barrels but with spigots so it will be easier to transfer the water about.

As you can see, I have had lots of time on my hands while waiting for surgery and will have plenty more time to think of all the things I wish to do next year. I am usually pretty busy shoveling snow and hauling in firewood for the stove, but that has been taken over by my newly retired husband. Hope he doesn't burn out too soon on keeping what chores need done through this Winter. Maybe I'll suprise him with a new smaller figure some time in the Summer of 2013. One can only wish, right? Besides, I don't expect I'll see many gourmet dishes coming my way for the next few weeks. He'll probably try to get me to eat bologna sandwiches. LOL

So here's to hoping all your wishes and resolutions come true for the new year. But mostly I wish everyone good health, happiness and love.

Merry Christmas

My Wish From You

This year is the first time in my adult life that I will not be decorating for Christmas. This does make me somewhat sad but I am counting on all my blogging friends to make my wish come true.

Here's my wish.
I wish that each of you will continue to post many pictures of your holiday decorations and continue to share your dessert recipes, your craft ideas and your wonderful stories. Now that wasn't so bad to ask, was it? I know I have never been dissapointed in anyone. I always look forward to seeing the many beautiful blogs and the great ideas and decor so many of you share with all of us.

You see, this is my favorite Holiday I look forward to. Only because it makes so many people smile when they see all the beautiful lights, smell all the wonderful smells of pine or cinnamon, the many desserts and yummy dishes that are made. The sound of the Christmas music and the delight of the children seeing Santa. People reaching out to their neighbor, maybe speaking for the first time in a year. This is a Holiday that brings out so much love in everyone who believes. You get what I'm trying to say.

I would rather be sharing my fudge recipe with a friend, baking loaves of bread to give to a neighbor, wrapping a secret gift for someone in need, making that special something for someone I love. But this year brings me in another place. One where you can't think of much else other than the pain you are in, disappointed because everything you try to do puts you in more pain, and asking yourself when will this end?

The reason I write this is because I do not have the energy to figure out how to repair my computer at this time and also knowing I will be taking a break for a few months to recuperate. You see, I will be rather busy having what I believe they call the big H (hysterectomy). So I will not be able to endulge in all the fun activities and shopping I would much rather be doing. I won't be making the tons of candy and desserts I so love to give. I won't be able to help the charities I so love to give to. Lately the most Christmas enjoyment I have been getting is lying in bed watching all the great old Christmas stories on tv.

As I write this my body is telling me I have sat up long enough. I just wanted to let you know that once my spirit and health is back, I will fix my computer problem and be back in the blogging world.

Until then, may you all have a Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year.

God bless you all,
Gail

 

Help.. I'm at a loss

I am at a loss as to what to do. I tried to post pics yesterday and was hit with a "you are at your limit and need to upgrade storage". Yet when I go into my currant plan, it shows I have only used 52% for Picasa and 0% for the drive and gmail.

I am not a computer geek so after trying to research how to fix the problem, I deleted Picasa and am still at an impasse. Not working. As much as I love blogging, I do not wish to purchase additional storage especially when it shows I have'nt even used up the free one offered.

Have any of you been in this situation? Any suggestions on how to rectify my mess?

Until I figure out how to deal with this, I'm afraid I can no longer blog since pics are so much what we all enjoy.

Please, someone rescue me. Or at least steer me in the right direction.

Thanks,

Gail

Total Darkness

                               Have you ever been in total darkness?
            Like when you are deep into a cave and your light goes out?

it would probably look something like this

I received a call from our electric company yesterday saying they would be shutting down the grid to thousands of customers homes in our area. This was to upgrade the system to be able to handle emergencies better. Well this was to take place at 11pm last night and last until 4am this morning.

I told my husband of this and decided to shut down my computer and unplug it around 6:30pm. Since he was still working on his computer, he asked I keep the power on. So eventually I went off to bed only to be awakened by my hubby at 11:30pm with him asking me "Did you shut down the computer because it's now completely dark?" 

                                          HELLO !!!!!!!
                              Wake me up?
                                     From a deep sleep?
                                           Into pitch black?
                                 What was he thinking?
                          Oh my Gosh..... I am now in panic mode.
                 I cannot breath, I cannot see anything.
                                         What's going on?
I am trying to get my senses about me. Am I awake? Am I dreaming? I know I am breathing really hard right now, trying to figure things out.  I soon hear my hubby sound asleep, snoring as if nothing in the world is wrong.
               I can't breath. I am feeling as though someone has buried me alive. There is no light anywhere, the air is being sucked out of my space.

I am like this for what feels like forever, only just minutes have passed and suddenly my hand is reaching over to my bedside table and suddenly finds a flashlight. (I keep one there all the time, duh), I grab it, jump up out of bed, turn it on and proceed to the bathroom. After relieving myself (thankfully not any sooner) and now with light in hand, I walk back to the bedroom, open the blinds and stare up at the stars.
                               Thank you God.
                                   I can breathe again.

With all the darkness, everything around me seems to be gone, but there is still light up above. I have Hope.

And here, just when I thought I was becoming a fairly good "Prepper", it turns out that I was totally not prepared for this.

Is it because I truely fear the total darkness?
Or because I was woken up so unexpectantly? I dare say, a little of both.

You ask yourself, how do I prepare for something like this if it were to happen again?

                                     Are your ready?


              Lock the damn husband out of the bedroom.
 
                                 That's how I'd do it.

                                   How about you?

Happy Birthday!

my beautiful Mother, Dorothy

            Mother, I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday today. I know you say it's just another day, but that's where you're wrong. You are 90 years young today, that's not just any day, that's this day.

Hope you have a very enjoyable time with all the kids and grandkids today. Wish I could have been able to join in the fun. Sending you all my love and hugs and kisses too. You mean the world to me and I hope you are around for many more years to come.

       Love you always and forever,
            You're daughter,
                   Gail
          

Slow cooker soup

I have to admit, I am a lover of potatoes. Any way, any how, I could eat them for most every meal. Dad always said "you got potatoes growing out of your ears." I would always touch my ears to feel for them.  Well Dad, if your looking down on me (and I know you are), you would see that today like many others, I just had to put together this yummy Creamy Potato Soup. I've made lots of potatoe soup in my days, but this recipe I found on Allrecipes.com is definately a keeper. What I really like about it too is that you can through everything in a crock pot and let it cook all day.

 

First you soften up an onion by frying in a pan with bacon bits.

Then you dice up a bunch of potatoes.

Then you put the bacon and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add the potatoes, chicken broth, water, salt, dill weed, and ground white pepper.

Set your cooker to 6 to 8 hours, then mix all purpose flour with half and half, add to the soup, add evaporated milk and let it all cook together for another 30 minutes

before serving.

Let me tell you, this makes one really yummy soup. I just wish I had made some

corn bread muffins to go along with it.

 

For dessert, I made a double layer German Chocolate cake. I have'nt had one of

these in a very long time.

 

I just love when dinner comes together in a simple way. One pot clean up, too.

 

 

 

Little blessings

My newest additions to the Banty family. One was born on Oct.10, two born Oct 23, the other on the 24th. I still have three mommas sitting on eight more eggs. With the weather cooled off the past few days, I'm thankful to have good mommas who keep taking turns keeping the little ones warm.

They seem to be doing very well so far. They learn how to eat and drink two days after birth. Amazing to me. They even have their feathers pretty fast too. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get more hens this time. The last batch had two roosters that I gave away.

While walking back down the path to the house I spotted that the rocks looked weird along the driveway. I thought someone had put some on top of what was there until I zoomed in with my camera lens to see that it was only some quail basking in the sunshine.
Don't you just love nature?

 

 

We have had plenty of rabbits, deer and all kinds of birds, some of which is the first time I've seen them around here. Although we do have one bird, not sure which, that puts out this terrible loud screech all day long. I could do without that one.

With snow on the ground the mice have been showing up inside the coops only to drive my hens crazy. I've trapped a couple of those blessed beasts out of the baby chick area to release outside. Stray cats have found a way into the barn to eat my cats food. They don't seem to mind. What's a few more mouths to feed, right? Guess they don't have taste buds for mice. Hmmmm.

I've only had to haul off one skunk this year. (They sure are pretty) It was a bugger though to get out of the cage to release far away from here. Sure am thankful to have not gotten sprayed.

Just another day in my neck of the woods.

I sure do love the country life. Never a dull moment. Times are good.

blessings,
Gail