tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67124684313813105762024-03-14T09:39:24.065-05:00Coming Home Againcwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-1997255885889862492010-05-05T13:00:00.006-05:002010-05-05T13:43:11.506-05:00Spring on the Prairie<div>Life in an old farmhouse out on the prairie follows the seasons. During winter, quiet days and long, snow filled nights fill up the calendar. We bundle up and hunker down around the fire to enjoy a good book and a cup of cocoa. We don't travel very far or very fast. Spring days are just the opposite though. The sun shines longer and warmer every day spurring us to get busy again. Spring has definitely sprung around here lately. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467857328236433986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoHQXncFfjwnYpBL8YVbjbjv4Ma0mar87LGMciFGou-d_vkiv0KNhocXTuxtdH83SiojUocI0HXl1RyyBh-mqheTkyNtTRZuVXHpkaIGL-iBUq9_S5iSre3iPcWfwOKw4TJ-W160qxApQ/s320/Spring+Windmills.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I just love the greening of the prairie when <span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Spring</span> finally arrives. I don't, however, love all the work that accompanies it. This year has been especially hectic. Last spring we were gearing up for our "faux" move. The spring before that we were actually moving. For the past 2 years, our lives have been in such turmoil that many things have gone undone. The warmer weather is allowing me to begin tackling some long awaited projects. </div><div><br /> </div><div>In the spring I always like to give everything a good cleaning. In addition to the house, I thoroughly clean my barn. That means dragging everything out of the barn, washing and disinfecting everything possible. I even wipe down and spray the walls of the barn. </div><div><br /> </div><div>We have also been cleaning out the flower beds which apparently had not been done for years. The mowing has begun. That is a real chore. Our yard is more than an acre, and I am having to mow it with a push mower! Hopefully the riding mower will be working again soon. (That is a funny story I will save for another day.)</div><div><br /> </div><div>I have started trying to clean out the garage too. I am ashamed to admit that it is packed so tightly that it is almost impassable. When my husband finally returned home last fall after his cross-country work tour last summer, he brought back everything we had in storage. We put most of the boxes in the garage. Unfortunately it was soon too cold to unpack them, so they sat there all winter. I am now trying to unpack all of them. What boxes we didn't put in the garage, we put on the sunporch, which is also a mass of boxes now. I am trying to get those unpacked and sorted as well. </div><div><br /> </div><div>Recently we opened up the second floor of the house and moved our bedroom there from the first floor. That entailed the two of us carrying all our bedroom furniture back up a tiny flight of stairs. There was lots of grunting and groaning, and even a little yelling near the end, but we finally got it done.<br /></div><div>And as if all that wasn't enough to keep me busy, I have also been trying to get enrolled in school for the fall semester. I am looking forward to finishing what I started oh so long ago. </div><div><br /> </div><div>The long, dull days of winter are certainly over. I am on the go practically from dawn to dusk now. For the moment, I am enjoying the renewed pace of life. Pretty soon though, I will probably be longing to return to those lazy winter days of warm fires and good books. </div><div><br /> </div><div>Hope your fields are filled with flowers. Blessings. </div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-7732046877105379862010-03-31T13:27:00.012-05:002010-03-31T13:59:51.285-05:00Ugly Duckling MakeoverI found this<strong> <span style="font-family:verdana;">hideous</span></strong> gameboard at the thrift store. I almost walked right by it, but something told me that there was still hope for this ugly duckling. After all, it was only 75 cents, so I didn't have much to lose.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454868306232079186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bPuznTXHk7sAb_IXBr5Zc6YCVHBo0KBQ9vLqCB51vZNHSA0x0zQ3YemHRtbY2NrAVwKMYzmhKz0xv8N_UVxUgtk1VbuavNyshGs8pmcn4MnnwbtQq4Mp9XjxaZ5vs74Kuxeh3P0wzOPp/s320/Red+Gameboard+Makeover+Undone.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>I started by sanding the board all over to make it easier to paint.<br /></div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454873598223041282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ16GXu_kpJTgB35s7mC0_9hFQSMa_v24BzheQ2-hk8k8HV9xzX2GRYxtA3p6V4K-5RMu2M3ZLh30XndUrPhV44mKq8R40qOePawaKK2KcGBTn54ua8IGDN8dYd9AaS-jPcmQ6wHLGtYK/s320/Red+Gameboard+Makeover+Black.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Then I painted all the blue squares black and painted the background cream.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454871755633163346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHF4QJ1BoQicqPl3aTvAgdrBw2KeyYDoHN8u7NM5SxckYW8mj16OZYsgL0JeRMbP9hZ3v-1gflGtg-DMZQu5qRB7BrguXnraks6V4W9se1EIq8AF5RSwIjvMfhfhD6TMJarQSA2EVGY3a/s320/Red+Gameboard+Makeover+Paint.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Next I painted the board red. It took 3 coats. Two were burgundy and the top coat was barn red. The last thing was to stencil stars, black and cream, all over the board. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454870259865962466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMd_fmdkdb6DcouitK_DDexKpLNsC8IxxSb0_8ivPOpM45-jV_S0PZvFO_Wgu0hyMcZqR4LKZitCosCoCLpCEFumcIWyaNDMc3bysqJjX5uum3FW-QrUaDfa7NiuafszedBmUGCTt4G9g/s320/Red+Gameboard+Done.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Then I placed it on top of my china hutch along with my other thrift store treasures including, Pfaltzgraff dishes, chippy paint birdhouse, and large mirror. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454869003810821858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeRoNIXJpi3zQh_Qr9r3tGutyrMmPeSJythelAhaiHRlLKGXsWGqoEV7Y36pOMRhgAMdoJyspn35VS_b1s34Y_hN47rtIeLc7uQ0gBYr_sEESOA9FxfuAgv4Qlt6_rElMvzrrY-PcmOMU/s320/Red+Gameboard+Cabinet.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>I would say it was 75 cents well spent. </p><p>Blessings. </p>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-14142037627028067532010-03-28T08:41:00.006-05:002010-03-28T08:50:44.918-05:00As the deer panteth..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqYhYbQipPZH2N9y-R_KOAikD-ZuX1cMhBnLH3SRa_vyTBgJsscAWAVljwyOaU94u1nirshgCqHpeDVmvfrOWeG91e7Mw0AupKlzO9ovluZGGU5RjVUt8xDB7GKN0mryUNPZUV5Go9iOd/s1600/DSC02238.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453680869397579314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqYhYbQipPZH2N9y-R_KOAikD-ZuX1cMhBnLH3SRa_vyTBgJsscAWAVljwyOaU94u1nirshgCqHpeDVmvfrOWeG91e7Mw0AupKlzO9ovluZGGU5RjVUt8xDB7GKN0mryUNPZUV5Go9iOd/s400/DSC02238.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.-- Psalms 42:1</strong></span></div><div></div><br /><div>Blessings to you on this Palm Sunday. </div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-88065511287371086282010-03-10T13:44:00.008-06:002010-03-10T14:29:30.620-06:00Freezing Fog and the promise of spring<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9hu4WhAR7p60fc6YGwNjRd6feFhgVQWLZ-8folt42Yh1TpRB705JB2_PWDVspwUwDl0FKt58VD68VbB7Yiwa6EeHT4ZVIk38wKLjCi3ld5ef0kIeNSOqPKoDfezEYtez34Pjv7CjhGNt/s1600-h/Freezing+Fog+Tree.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447099650247483154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9hu4WhAR7p60fc6YGwNjRd6feFhgVQWLZ-8folt42Yh1TpRB705JB2_PWDVspwUwDl0FKt58VD68VbB7Yiwa6EeHT4ZVIk38wKLjCi3ld5ef0kIeNSOqPKoDfezEYtez34Pjv7CjhGNt/s320/Freezing+Fog+Tree.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last month we awakened to find that freezing fog had descended upon our little farm. It may be the most unusual weather phenomenon of all. It covers almost everything with a fine coat of ice which looks like a heavy frost, but different. Each tiny ice crystal seems to freeze individually, stacking up on top of each other. What amazes me most is how they appear to defy gravity. I can't even find the words to describe how they build on top of each other. You will have to enlarge the photo of the leaves to see what I am poorly attempting to describe.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447100428419362066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5mHndkxRoi9X5FIB-8LBkNkGBAUYH3k10CgxP3r-Gf3jPfhQtntqgV1T704RdQflTuONgGcNPiC5WbafbZ2PcfXrh6N_NyeAA03R_Mi8fPpn8NY6BSL0exqLieeWyhIqmdCzcC_9vIwI/s320/Freezing+Fog+Leaves.JPG" border="0" /> While the freezing fog may be beautiful to look at, it is treacherous to drive in. That is why I am happy to say that I think winter may be done here. Woo-hoo!! The snow has finally, completely melted. This is a glorious day. We have had snow on the ground here in our little corner of the prairie since December 1st, 2009. The craziest thing is that the weather is not supposed to be like that here, because I don't live that far north. It just so happens that I moved to this area just in time to experience two of the coldest winters in more than a century.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I am pretty sure it is over though. I actually heard some birds singing when I was walking the dog. The dog was so surprised that she just stopped and looked to see where the birds were at. Then we both just stood in the field for a few minutes quietly enjoying the hint of spring's sweetness whispering to us. I can hardly wait for the beautiful wildflowers and grasses to return to the prairie. But for now, I will just settle for seeing the sunshine peeking through the curtains beckoning me to return outside, because it holds a promise that the fields will spring to life again soon. </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447103541306259682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQtAE2HP1OwEUgfqOx0bNOBfoyNqzhwZG-xWV-q7CuEq4WWrJckXPOn5xgC_3JHL5B9hv_BIV3Zbv946WOryytQla8IdKmAFLl_tI1xAdv4rxMHgSWr69IEhDykso4OrMocFzjsNEI680/s320/Prairie+Wildflowers.JPG" border="0" /></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-21746065366530498242010-02-23T13:13:00.012-06:002010-02-23T13:53:52.558-06:00Sweet little Rooster<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7GDY00Mr7pmqYk1sATZ8wRQzE6JyWixIySaaz0Jxlotj-Q0cw8QOaR6Vxj1xcB7bj7yt-r3Gr6bzPXueqLBfh0WFUC8vBbkLBU8eQo8BMp9erq3Cxn6og_ElEF1e6MVyXySGwUznECKY/s1600-h/Welcome+Sign.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441523660932323282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7GDY00Mr7pmqYk1sATZ8wRQzE6JyWixIySaaz0Jxlotj-Q0cw8QOaR6Vxj1xcB7bj7yt-r3Gr6bzPXueqLBfh0WFUC8vBbkLBU8eQo8BMp9erq3Cxn6og_ElEF1e6MVyXySGwUznECKY/s320/Welcome+Sign.JPG" border="0" /></a> I would like to welcome the newest rooster to our kitchen. He arrived around Valentine's Day, and I have been trying to find just the right spot for him since then. He really is rather cute.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441521174827443714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmD0nqwIhReY4I9C4ZpU6tCJ4Xj794QwMAibseOkEKWojpz8eCig8Af46gFcRwIbvCvepzP0DOIY_6_pSX9ivi0AtpvYnLfXgmmVyyncrppGWIYRm6xwAxTYAw0lTfegbBqVlfC0dKcF-/s320/Black+Rooster+head.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>He helps out in the kitchen by holding a recipe when I am cooking.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441526438647226034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VH-F6hkYp6cF48ja_PUBt0Ec2a6y_cRbv3APNxnLrKQOBjDqfxxPwNkO5_hKArWr5sUvHGRGsxG0zVRV4-UN4zbvDQz01AESjLP5VTAY2vI58LRTDxhCqgmlmmQpSuv02MNEOdrYFgr2/s320/Black+Rooster+Recipe.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Most of the time he just stands around looking handsome though. </div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441526976808380642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EzFGb8lhzZwki96eJySxtNfptVtRJunhdxqc5lRuD6KtPe9pD8XXfu9TYRnrUPo8gfRhANR3hl4Q3WrCqwI6BnBL3SBVmoLtXEU7tFMEpT9Uzk5Hq_8egs-RKv3S09lT_tvbvBuTebLr/s320/Black+Rooster+Ribbon.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>He seemed so happy here at first. Then yesterday he started complaining . It seems that he doesn't like the darling ribbon I tied on him. I think it is because the other new fellow in the kitchen makes fun of him whenever I leave the room. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441521519576372050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJWukzfV-1_KAZ9gJAeHwnDtZkdXsrLmY5CRdyMuAUaVmbmPta6c51ZO8vtYJ23ROZiJaCFQWTxeAe6BaHG_2xOqKbeam0j-zSSO-hcSGKpIZFrtyoklMVu_V5wEa5r84d-l9iJ2mX02s/s320/Black+Rooster+clock.JPG" border="0" /> <div>I hope the teasing stops soon, but you know how roosters are. </div><div></div><div>Blessings. </div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-12909656316637197652010-02-16T12:42:00.008-06:002010-02-16T13:30:01.735-06:00WINTERIt snowed again last night. It wasn't much, just enough to be annoying, again. This winter seems long already, and we aren't even done with it.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><div>Back in October, winter started whispering to us. The nights became longer, and the days became cooler. We knew winter would arrive soon. In November, winter stopped whispering and started knocking. The north wind began rattling the doors and windows with her power. In the mornings, the frost was so thick that it looked like snow. </div><br /><div></div><div>Then on December 1st, winter showed her real fury with a nasty snowstorm. The weather warmed for a few days afterwards and it looked like the snow would melt. The sun was only teasing us though, and the snow never completely disappeared. Piles of it lingered in the shadows by the tractor barn, just like last year. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438920593336113426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpz-zUETq3yWSbaCVhFxDUqAYy7vtBHueao_P_207kb2yoH4Eiwb-VivLIb7PtRhijiBxacifStOykI7whtsXl0zY-7jIHj3HSud_vwCgFPEvoqRZo8Z4Lv8BTxUdGNyGCzZ82x3G6BGzs/s320/Winter+10+Tractor.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>On Christmas day, winter gave us a really big surprise with the largest single day snowfall in my part of the prairie in <strong>RECORDED HISTORY</strong>. It just built upon what was already here. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438921511489270514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKH9KgUYc_3VoW98UXC4av7LgX-LZ3Dtf_U3xwQeeoocXOJvZZ7hChbDVESggUj3LRDKh9ufEg7Un5-OfRQ6-p_x20crGpaiAjZHzm9_4oH3_BIRerK86SNYzwv5vXpXBNZJbPLXB4aug/s320/Winter+10+Pinecones.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>January brought a record ice storm to accompany our normal snow. The weather forecasters were calling for about 1/10 of an inch of ice, which really isn't much. I didn't believe them though, and got ready for something worse. Thank goodness I did, because we ended up with <em><strong>ONE INCH OF ICE</strong> </em>covering everything. Tens of thousands of homes in our region were without electricity. Since we live out on a lonely section of the prairie, there was no rush to restore electrical services in our area. We actually were part of the last 1/2 of 1% of people to get their electricity restored. I knew the break to our house was bad too when I looked outside and there were<strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> 9</span></strong> electrical trucks lined up working to restore our power. Yikes!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438922641506864514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzwoTW9ggRcZ05Z7wte1UJ4xeh1TN-ulU3QvJKPdRBW295yXcATdcNH0YoOCN7e0FU4-631yh0GMVYKpGqQUzsl9bzncWBZBd1mQeVeRtdQVl19dlzxRLyDf4H7gOXY3OpdsH6rfrDxt7/s320/Winter+10+Ice.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>What can I say about February. The snow just seems to keep coming. Thankfully we didn't get the several feet of snow that was dumped on the east coast all at once. Instead we have gotten our snow strung out over several months of unending grayness. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438923588836626546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmWqe565lxeJiByxJCTWxWaBpcOsuVUWPa9qfkgDZoIoiKpMZC7PigO_1S92x5aiUi8OkuDZ2bzI3_s_auF2SDWCf-T-Ry5QWuVETyAAES5G8NvSBq_O9ReRhnYBfWTw4Z8-bJGHmxzrV/s320/Winter+10+Farm.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Truth is, I actually like winter, but this just might be too much of a good thing, even for me. Oh, did I mention that there is snow in the forecast for this weekend?! May you be blessed with warm, sunny days wherever you are. </div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-72380567410689239962010-01-25T14:32:00.006-06:002010-01-25T14:44:10.102-06:00Late night cards and other forgetful thingsImagine that late one night you are busy boxing up a package to mail first thing the next morning. Suddenly you realize that you don't have a birthday card to mail with it. The nearest store is 2o miles away and closed at that time of night anyway. What do you do?<br /><div></div><br /><div>I grabbed some paper and ribbon and set to work. This is what I came up with. The picture isn't as clear as I wish it was, but you get the idea. I hope the recipient liked it, or at least appreciates the effort.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Blessings.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430780117077402530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFDpTu3CVbP7lzLIieToyUj663ALlxBeIiQ6KAFkbSN-4b7IZbp0WrjBFd8j3x8sY2VLZBSlJkpDj3-2r8zttoDkOTS3GVVA4Brd9mGYn7BRr7J7EZH5UA-GOtPA-uCGdEdoiPiqkQ-iv/s320/2010+K+birthday.jpg" border="0" /></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-33204010717165825412010-01-16T19:41:00.006-06:002010-01-16T20:30:30.311-06:00Cold house... warm hearts!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpstvqir04XlkvZtbpRUIooWEwdak-9OI1iNuEIbcnap_t4V7LUeF4ug38XXjnHrCHGGK-9LVzMQrJUAM2ydFHFQSrAwKlcSLB2cezIf1RDsF59dkxwQzlnEF11Md8EhOwGjSvhGp2sDCM/s1600-h/Heavenward.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427525699088197138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpstvqir04XlkvZtbpRUIooWEwdak-9OI1iNuEIbcnap_t4V7LUeF4ug38XXjnHrCHGGK-9LVzMQrJUAM2ydFHFQSrAwKlcSLB2cezIf1RDsF59dkxwQzlnEF11Md8EhOwGjSvhGp2sDCM/s400/Heavenward.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><em>Tears </em></strong></span>roll down my face as I sit on my comfortable couch in my safe home watching the images of the horror in Haiti. I am simply overwhelmed by the raw emotion of the victims. I feel their grief as they share the stories of the loved ones they have lost, and I recognize how truly blessed I am to be who I am and to live how I do. </div><br /><div></div><div>These precious human beings enduring the unimaginable have touched my soul. I can not sit idly by and simply watch them suffer. I have to <strong><em>help</em></strong>. My husband and I have decided to give until it <strong><em>hurts</em></strong>, literally. </div><br /><div></div><div>We are going to cut our heating budget in half this month and donate the remainder to charities assisting earthquake victims in Haiti. </div><br /><div></div><div>The weather here has been milder recently, which means the temperatures have been hovering around the freezing mark during the day and staying above zero overnight. That is a January heat wave in my neighborhood. </div><br /><div></div><div>We heat our home with a pellet stove and normally use about two bags of pellets a day. That keeps our house in the upper 50 degree range. For the rest of the month we are going to use only one bag of pellets a day. That will drop the temperature in the house to the lower 50s. </div><br /><div>I am already wearing 3 layers of clothes anyway, so I will just put on a 4th one. </div><div></div><br /><div>I don't actually even mind, because the joy I feel from knowing that we can make a difference means so much more to me than any slight discomfort I might feel in the coming weeks. </div><br /><div></div>So if you want to feel good too, I encourage your family to give until it hurts too! There are many wonderful groups helping in Haiti right now. Please donate to one of them. Every donation can make a difference. Water purification tablets only cost a few pennies each, so every <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>DIME </strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;">can truly save a life. </span><br /><br />Here are links to the agencies we are donating to. I have personally seen both of these charities in action where I live following other natural disasters. They are truly angels ministering in the midst of suffering.<br /><br />Convoy of Hope: <a href="http://www.convoyofhope.org/">http://www.convoyofhope.org/</a><br /><br /><br />United Methodist Committee on Relief: <a href="http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/emergencies/ongoing/haitiearthquake/">http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/emergencies/ongoing/haitiearthquake/</a><br /><br /><br />Blessings to you.cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-13365419711819817842010-01-04T15:11:00.004-06:002010-01-04T15:19:35.749-06:00Happy New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7LF2C7Qkl3aStWeR9m34-XeUcwSr9XuS8jYizz9EtQjzSRJlagkyOVzz2uTpEvfNA3c4FMOmiz-xd2cDXkqS_tw3ubRQ3-9weJFft2T5XEsNxCQsIQLtBLv9lylDxSr-5cA9ezjGCgJg/s1600-h/Icicles+on+rock+barn.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422997162499063138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7LF2C7Qkl3aStWeR9m34-XeUcwSr9XuS8jYizz9EtQjzSRJlagkyOVzz2uTpEvfNA3c4FMOmiz-xd2cDXkqS_tw3ubRQ3-9weJFft2T5XEsNxCQsIQLtBLv9lylDxSr-5cA9ezjGCgJg/s400/Icicles+on+rock+barn.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Thank you to all the sweet bloggers who dropped by and left me a note while I was absent. I appreciate your kind words. I am sorry to have been gone so long. I kept intending to get back to blogland, but life got in the way. Nothing terrible happened, just lots of little changes and inconveniences all at once, which seemed to overwhelm me. I will update you on everything when I can. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Happy 2010 to everyone</span>.</strong></em> I hope your new year is getting off to a great start. Soon I will be dropping by your blogs to give you my well wishes in person. Until then, blessings to all of you.</div><br /><div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-53375165255117044582009-10-23T15:56:00.012-05:002009-10-26T16:58:36.339-05:00Awesome Autumn Outdoor DisplaysHere are some photos of the outdoor autumn displays at Silver Dollar City a few years ago.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbyH-TwhClDdXEeVKUqa-IGXiyQs6AvjKmv_95ARhyphenhyphenA0ZTOJVAoC-j5ezGef7rcy5bi7AYk0WyAghQbqdSeNx8vG-uI33ejy8e_A4o3KBH2upexAn2oo2-y27Ev8V7UdYO5UAlWE8SV8B/s1600-h/SDC+Fall+Scarecrows+03.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397028924207268914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbyH-TwhClDdXEeVKUqa-IGXiyQs6AvjKmv_95ARhyphenhyphenA0ZTOJVAoC-j5ezGef7rcy5bi7AYk0WyAghQbqdSeNx8vG-uI33ejy8e_A4o3KBH2upexAn2oo2-y27Ev8V7UdYO5UAlWE8SV8B/s320/SDC+Fall+Scarecrows+03.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Silver Dollar City is one of our favorite places to visit in the fall.<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLuqgjjSRuqQlNAqdEmwIJ0Uk6g1QrUG7Ru4idVxZ0ocmuf3ss_NEHEyIOtskp7HJaeTkeZaeS9XKi5XcatmJdf1_ub1_axOywIMqXGMNADhuESnkpCqaok7Uw-8MTbMbzXvSwWq25mYp/s1600-h/SDC+Fall+Entrance.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397026836668246802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLuqgjjSRuqQlNAqdEmwIJ0Uk6g1QrUG7Ru4idVxZ0ocmuf3ss_NEHEyIOtskp7HJaeTkeZaeS9XKi5XcatmJdf1_ub1_axOywIMqXGMNADhuESnkpCqaok7Uw-8MTbMbzXvSwWq25mYp/s320/SDC+Fall+Entrance.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The park is nestled in the rolling hills of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_vEHLwKEpj34Zs7r8EcwztKe22pzg-sbvim6O2ROeu2xYyBALU9j7AYKzLqkb44_flTDkRIcu2VHBAC-S83K5Pe-VbgMJ4cj1J-oB9CW4PV5INV__vhBRuGCYWKRcijnZyuVNZu25Jxx/s1600-h/SDC+Fall+Scarecrows.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397025857236244594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_vEHLwKEpj34Zs7r8EcwztKe22pzg-sbvim6O2ROeu2xYyBALU9j7AYKzLqkb44_flTDkRIcu2VHBAC-S83K5Pe-VbgMJ4cj1J-oB9CW4PV5INV__vhBRuGCYWKRcijnZyuVNZu25Jxx/s320/SDC+Fall+Scarecrows.JPG" border="0" /></a> The park staff always does a terrific job of getting the place all dressed up for fall. </div><div> </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397027935326983058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyceFmvJ_jbrFfrQ50kpNDFfcZZfOIbHUiVSqLucDlo0XZMkmXvM8AIJxdh58qJX3b6iCQzyVK2bLj8vXZXxYifnpkbEURjEEFX4XWtCRloqmP4sqBuoAVXKBs6sytwdBMBZasHSB0WkLy/s320/SDC+Mums.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I always dream of my yard looking like this.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xl8SAxCYcw1WccaMp2yn5UJi2wTrp2GGdknJGq9ZDLSclUEsLaU_mM6ujVMWe3vD5hCEgwvFECsWxvozKhtaXrk8Aep6SAfN6pAN7CSvJYdGpxThNfemFrR0C8phB5L0j3XV9Jnopih5/s1600-h/SCD+Fall+Scarecrows+02.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397024809148313906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xl8SAxCYcw1WccaMp2yn5UJi2wTrp2GGdknJGq9ZDLSclUEsLaU_mM6ujVMWe3vD5hCEgwvFECsWxvozKhtaXrk8Aep6SAfN6pAN7CSvJYdGpxThNfemFrR0C8phB5L0j3XV9Jnopih5/s320/SCD+Fall+Scarecrows+02.JPG" border="0" /></a> It never does, but I remind myself there is always next year.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397029999546190530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhN2VarUQGFLKsdGu0zeForAeMj7anYbvJbqLdoUJanyVz8msXTzNsrCCngiD7ThXDn0hdnV8XcnGnDtpn9eAsYAUrWFBMixA4tFDHAHiZKZFoQ9V5lWzmkaWmXr9iv_5vHw2m1jjYwl8c/s320/SDC+Fall+Topiary.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div> Hopefully, these photos will inspire you too. Blessings to you. </div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-40128277032581162652009-10-21T09:00:00.007-05:002009-10-21T09:30:33.226-05:00Autumn SunsetI am participating in Wordless Wednesday this week. Thank you to our hostess Heather over at <a href="http://simplyheathersblog.blogspot.com/">http://simplyheathersblog.blogspot.com/</a>. To see more participants, pay her a visit. <br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395055595696680722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx_284MnQ3Jjl22oL2ZyDVNhjw7d1nslhXtCY6RaRLSAtYdMYk1q7P91j-kdZfbuSTOfMVNZECaKxN4hexYWaeRFazKZBSIN4-0e7nTB4sdsPYyNS30tY-QsbSQYujZ-hZwWrmSIvvi1m/s400/Sunset+3.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395056925356583122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUGCpL4JxqtnzCYbLIy_OwSHoCfFvIVQemb1vCJC__tKFFE4fL9XT5Xmj1IM_Zt4kNfHiJm6T3hlX1xPY-d0FnYmU96hRN5y1a_FK55vpNnqGX5sHOknDNQlTMrPTFERL8mewC27mCUaw/s400/Sunset+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395056928237067058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclW_-D1j_dqLEsKVd0XUxf4_ICg0b_CNcI18kHFin6uymnv2QMnBy18W2yzGF06xGKmhiPpyeF88EhDx6qv1MIKHJYHsnALlT-BMrUqoeFQjAzAkWh7mqAV1Vy-gOVLmO3WEY3QjBZsoL/s400/Sunset+1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395055590878289634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHLld8u55l6yLs0b_7j0Og1T0SnZbE_Rpk_MNHC7hzQZVed0WtWc6XJNBPwCRjuEKGbpspnMIuJrbsiKNVVyUka7fyUF7hJ3TYBBpx9ajs_pbUmdQIgLmu8JGU7BwGnx9gUeqDInc8U9L/s400/Sunset+4.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395054342683568850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigSEsYDd-OL8BfRavW6A2nUwPoRXB1kLtICpP2KdS45EYoG0viEhZ_hDpMp8lslOLUkweqO6pm2Ymz0Rfa7Ba17Mj2Pb0Hj0kOAWECbJ8jmbEG2eYOlpkJeMzH5oXpyaF9XcFTlDFwFvF/s400/Sunset+5.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395054341918247538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Hbe5QSkVZV1g7nHc4IMXo3FO2c1j4zfuAM-jFq455ITKDWCNBrwajNwYQAA_OTPCQwHiJN5DMYSCrJCt6sZXIQueBtapR0NBuGrGCTu4_ajFJEzWYOKb81CH7rAgqge4C_QapHClfmqn/s400/Sunset+6.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p>Blessings. </p>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-57582630982735793252009-10-20T10:15:00.009-05:002009-10-20T10:45:07.439-05:00How many cats?How many cats can you fit into a basket? Just how many cats can crawl in there to snuggle, sleep, wrestle, and even give each other a bath? Do you have a guess? <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394702380800777346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkB-ygl9kXmN63xQQVHGzfXAeb2mnri4S1zx9EYweGZWKl2h3lhUooG7WN-kKWFUYon00eldeLZbJcsMlrSSwuXO6F2p1-jK9MHSbM3SF2pidVPDhWaUm2tgSG4QY8r4qTTJnz8fk0cvl2/s320/Basket.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>One, you think.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394705600576110770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK2eV3lqRrGMZVNs5-6M6RxDazN-6LUtqgEQnCI8ecKEH1PiAIo9mAYv1efOm405M60w0j59WYHmPDv2nECjoE0xBd0V0jhHOM1zHqR1m6-OIvCKDy8QsW4Iz3tZsGta4RXPEuOTQ4cKY/s320/Basket+cat+Princess.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394705590726384978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQgu5vlfO_6swrUXKQ4dTfM2tUI3w7CT9pnEAgoXcKtIURrYpmKOo2TztbFvS3ILBtb4VXxPQvbbtyGFk3M1hPZwSnfCS6L6WYDFxZ1J4_0e5D_NXfZGbUIyCwWbJ6UJnORHxd2i2PsPF/s320/Basket+cat+panda.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div></div><br /><div>Two, maybe.<br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394704212034635154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfo4cWhnhadKkGCtVfFwaqgABM9ZZknr-lFsI566TmiqGM2fQYMD82BZouE81DpwFSrdqyvu5XhHdYwDu5KXGhM4Rev_CQomWg6XweVg-mXe1QWuAMd7tsGktrRTuOWRmooFFNrlStwMH/s320/Basket+cat+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Three. Now you have figured it out!</div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394703189651215554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbKc2VgSqrmK04-7yRPJoyVCNj5wwdDHXBkrs2EV2ATl-ktlROpwru6zT_dVgBvFxfiULeSShLQxwSb_3F3c6bJX7TQ4cLuyMDjA5Y-Hu2gzerBuwIMtPKIEyr9abbcNxoELv4Ox3jxrt/s320/Basket+cat+family.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>You can tell the cats to get out of that basket, but they will ignore you.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394705611452397522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvfGZtPC42c9ARazS-8NWKm_06IS9enm0BqyY1Ob0MFjNUNOnQTmqanijC89a-iEAgSgAkyOKOYRPc4fsBFdmO02a4u5zRL8Ly_tWBww13LtFJgt4Xj_QXfez2PRnIsnSK_BHC5WWAreq/s320/Basket+cat+panda+large.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>You can explain to the cats where you got that basket and why you like it, but they won't listen.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394706829759633426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO20raT5C469LjZGmMORJQNCo2az-rLmP7YqkIMrq801GSdiJEcrrz4qFP-8HP-87CRGAyGKlBsOKEpmNXRmcBgUutgxV9SL-4ywsjTDwlStBH_T9Ag2Ks4JRNGsIh2DLkU4JIsHFdHyd/s320/Basket+cat+family+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Or.........you can accept the fact that they look really cute in that basket, and just marvel at their appreciation for antiques. At least they have good taste.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Furry blessings to you. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-49820677659076551322009-10-19T09:54:00.008-05:002009-10-19T14:08:04.195-05:00Rich Dessert at a Thrifty Price<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXMsK4PF_KX-CO0zyGiJndqSt1UwvEMGBjp6x5JDq32CH977ZYMZx1lu1SqnFj7q4e961F89-Hw9jYHXaWjeyQpi482SiNl2pyM4-MsQN8KoO0Pe1durQDeiIj-8Ne6yEkB4SN84LVtil/s1600-h/Bread+Pudding+on+plate.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394325546406128866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXMsK4PF_KX-CO0zyGiJndqSt1UwvEMGBjp6x5JDq32CH977ZYMZx1lu1SqnFj7q4e961F89-Hw9jYHXaWjeyQpi482SiNl2pyM4-MsQN8KoO0Pe1durQDeiIj-8Ne6yEkB4SN84LVtil/s320/Bread+Pudding+on+plate.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was frugal, when frugal wasn’t cool. I don’t like to waste anything, but I especially don’t like to waste food. There are just too many hungry people in this world for me to feel comfortable throwing away edible food. This belief has meant that occasionally I have to find creative ways to use what we have on hand before it is ruined.<br /><br />Years ago I had a freezer full of hot dog and hamburger buns. They had been on sale for fractions of a cent each at the day old bread store. I bought lots of them during that summer and stuck them in the freezer. When autumn rolled around, I still had a freezer full of buns. I figured we wouldn't be barbecuing much anymore, so I had to find another way to use up our abundance of frozen buns.<br /><br />I stumbled upon a recipe for Bread Pudding in one of my cookbooks. The recipe originally called for a loaf of french bread, but I decided to make a bun substitution. In my mind, hot dog buns are alot like french bread, just smaller and softer, so I adapted the recipe. It also calls for a whiskey sauce, but since I don't drink alcohol, I adapted that too.<br /><br />My family loved it! In fact they like it better than traditional bread pudding, because my version is much lighter. I will warn you though, this is a very rich tasting dessert. It is not low calorie either.<br /><br />Here is the recipe:<br /><br /><strong>1 pound hot dog or hamburger buns</strong><br /><strong>1 quart milk</strong><br /><strong>3 eggs, beaten slightly</strong><br /><strong>1 1/2 cups sugar</strong><br /><strong>1 cup raisins</strong><br /><strong>2 tablespoons vanilla</strong><br /><strong>3 tablespoons butter, melted</strong><br /><br /><br />Break bread into chunks, and put in a large bowl. Add milk, and let soak for 10 minutes. Crush with spoon until well blended. Add eggs, sugar, raisins, and vanilla. Pour butter into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Spoon pudding into pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until pudding is firm. Let mixture cool. Then pour sweet sauce on top.<br /><br />Sweet Sauce:<br /><br /><strong>1/2 cup butter</strong><br /><strong>1 cup sugar</strong><br /><strong>1/2 cup milk</strong><br /><br />Combine butter, sugar, and milk in a saucepan. Cook on medium until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394325555111334674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP72q1w8AVq3t97-9oIm-gZK_NgZGknrl1-Q6tgPIxTho5uQ8etAxXv16GbBmc1vWEVobKHIpXlrHKxlXBzJFEnpYuWq66LC2wg7Cb8w3cMxVpNL2sxSOg8B5SLJTwqD6a0BKdj9KfKtdm/s320/Bread+Pudding.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />During the holidays it is fun to substitute, craisins (dried cranberries), for the raisins. It gives the pudding a pretty holiday look. Enjoy!<br /><div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-25467223858214197482009-10-14T14:06:00.006-05:002009-10-14T14:41:39.778-05:00Are you ready?<span style="color:#333333;">What a crazy couple of weeks it has been here on the farm. It all started when I decided to clean the carpets downstairs, which required us to empty all the furniture out of the computer room. We had to drag everything into the kitchen so we could get to the carpets in the computer room. Yes, I did actually mean the plural, as in "carpets". There are two carpets stacked on top of each other in there. The house is a rental, so we don't question why things are the way they are, we just ignore them and go on. Once we cleaned the top carpet, we had to carry it upstairs to a bedroom.Then we had to clean the bottom carpet and the rest of the house. Believe me this was a several day project.<br /></span><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">Once the carpets were dry, and I could reassemble the computer room, we discovered there was something wrong with the internet, so I couldn't get back to blogland. Boy was I unhappy and grouchy! </span></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392541077728145986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOJzZKguHgUJlWQjoRT1FvnOmL-maA4Dzq3WmtBXKcpOhSpyYJwT-54m6W0CRX-rnjtATTmkeLqNb0V-eUWhRP2VksRgW2NXy7aDA4Vsqw-bpxYSdgQ6cvCWMBwmYPr7VIB5zpjUx1v5G/s400/Icicle.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">When we finally got that fixed, we realized that fall had ended and winter had arrived. This wouldn't have been so startling except for the fact that fall had only been here for a few weeks to begin with. It is already COLD out on the prairie. Winter has arrived about a month and a half earlier than we expected. We got our first frost recently, and it was so heavy it looked like snow. Then a couple of days ago, it began to sleet. I have been working frantically trying to get the house winterized. A more than century old house with little insulation out on the windswept prairie can get colder than you can even imagine during the winter. We learned this the hard way last year. Now I am busy covering over windows and closing up the top floor as we prepare to live in the just the bottom floor of our house. I am hoping to avoid those GIGANTIC energy bills we had last year. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;">The big dilemma right now is ..... snow blower versus snow blade. The snow here was a huge shock to us last year. We were totally unprepared for the pounding we took from the weather. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">Here is what I wrote about it earlier this year:</span></div><br /><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#990000;">Winter is hard on the prairie. This was our first winter this far north so we had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be the worst winter here in 30 years! The first snow fell on November 30th. It basically never left for many months. It almost melted a few days later, but it never completely vanished. Then the really nasty part of winter arrived. The temperatures fell and the snow storms began appearing every 2 to 3 days. Our driveway became impassable before Christmas. Going anywhere required me to dig our car out of a snowbank, then shovel a path to the cornfield. Next I had to shovel a path out of the cornfield back to the driveway to actually reach the road. Finally we had to just leave our cars at the end of the driveway and walk the quarter mile to the house through the drifted snow carrying our groceries and other purchases. Eventually that didn't work because our cars wouldn't even start when the temperature fell to (-25) and the windchill was (-40)! </span></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">Now you can see why I have been nearly frantic about winter arriving a month and a half early! I am determined to not be trapped and frozen all winter long again, and I don't want to be shoveling snow at 2o degrees below again either. So we are trying to decide if it is best to buy a snow blower that you push or a snow blade that you put on your lawn mower. Part of our dilemma is the fact that we don't want to spend too much money for something that we may only use for one season. My husband's employer is so unpredictable that by next winter we could be living somewhere deep in the heart of Texas, hence an expensive snow blower would just be a waste of money and something else taking up space in the garage. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;">If you have ever purchased or used a snow blower or a snow blade, I could use your help. Please give me your opinion on which you think works best and any particular brands that work well or should be avoided. Thanks. Hopefully I will be done covering windows and moving to the warmer part of the house soon, so I can return to blogland. In the meantime, blessings to you and I hope you are staying warm wherever you are. </span></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-89240282041185763212009-09-30T08:49:00.011-05:002009-09-30T10:44:39.446-05:00Following the TrailI am sorry that I have been absent from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">blogland</span> for a little while now. I have certainly missed reading <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">your</span> stories and seeing your beautiful photographs. I just have been so busy down on the farm. Having boxes stacked all around the house makes me feel stressed, so I have been trying to get more of them unpacked. We have also been trying to complete some preparations for winter. The weather forecaster here actually warned us of a possible frost last night! But mostly I have been working on a genealogy project. Once I get started, I don't want to stop. <div><div></div><br /><div>My genealogy search actually began many years ago. It was my freshman year of college, and I had to write a paper about three generations of my family for my American History class. This meant that I had to leave my big city university and travel back, deep into the Ozark Mountains to interview my father and grandmother. I had a long list of questions prepared to ask them. I already knew what many of their answers would be, but some of them surprised me. We kept running into one road block though. There was one particular relative that no one knew much about. He was a tall, dark, handsome, quiet young man who just showed up in a rural Ozarks community one day. His surname was my maiden name. No one knew where he had come from originally or even who he really was. My father and I decided that we would make researching him our summer project. Unfortunately, that never happened. <strong>My father died</strong> just a few short weeks later. In my grief, I packed away my notes and forgot about them. It was just too painful to remember. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387272836937198354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 367px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHxq9RvzqniEe0Loqo5IbEDNq1Gk3VAMtthPvnaWrKAI3rWUqfdXQ6Yt2WxKQms_WptsdC8Xwd6OZH1IvF3Aa4l7oZ9oSA8Jbpm2oV19JPWJDqEfU35yDrtyOCYA0yc1b9_y6x58LCBXv/s400/William+A+Woods+and+Bessie+McCallister+bench+edited.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Time passed. I moved frequently. My boxes got moved thousands of miles. Some got lost. Eventually the notes disappeared. </div><br /><div></div><div>Years later I attended a genealogy workshop at work. I discovered that the husband of another lady there had relatives from the same isolated Ozarks village who had the same last name as mine. We were long lost cousins! This was the catalyst I needed. The time had come for me to begin my genealogy search. I went home and looked for those notes. They were nowhere to be found. Eventually I gave up again. </div><br /><div></div><div>Then when we moved the next time , I opened up a long ago packed box and guess what I saw. Inside was that old, tattered notebook filled with yellowing pages of genealogy information. I have no idea how it got in there. As I reread my hastily scribbled notes I saw my grandmother's sweet smile, and I heard the depth of my father's laughter. For that moment, they were with me again. </div><br /><div></div><div>Their clues started me down a path of learning where I had come from. I soon realized that my ancestors were simply ordinary people living ordinary lives but with extraordinary courage and passion. I discovered my beautiful great-great aunt who died far too young while in childbirth, and her devoted husband who died shortly thereafter simply from grief. I found my great-great grandfathers who fought in the same Civil War battle, on opposite sides. And I learned about the widowed, middle aged great-great-great-grandmother of mine with a house full of kids, who pulled up stakes and settled land in her own name with nothing more than her two bare hands and her sharp wit. I saw how the threads of their individual lives had been woven together to create a family. <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>My family</strong>.</span> </div><br /><div></div><div>Today their examples guide me. Their courage inspires me. And their love surrounds me. Their stories have become <strong>M<span style="font-size:130%;">y story</span>.</strong> In finding them, I am finding pieces of myself. </div><br /><div></div><div>And there is still so much more to discover. I have yet to solve the mystery of who the tall, dark, handsome, quiet young man really was. So, if I go missing from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">blogland</span> for awhile again, don't worry. I am probably just walking with my great-great grandfather down a "Trail of Tears". I will be listening and learning from his story of how a people can endure the unendurable and find life and joy on the other side. There is still so much for him to teach me. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387272843887139506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 398px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScm4sYvKW9krtcGu0j6fObqRfY8Zjrb2R0g92Zz1SQMUQMYaOhPlrxy2NFB_1oSv7YwA4BdCWHFvRAzy7NZtaA2qp8U2ry7mmjH6EEnidM9JYwjmOeZioxOF6qezogdMWg7u5_UicRNND/s400/William+A+Woods+and+Bessie+McCallister+couch+edited.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>If you have never looked for your story in the past before, I encourage you to begin today. Your ancestors have left you clues. Simply follow their trail. </div><div></div><br />(P.S. <strong>The photos are my parents.)</strong><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Blessings to you. </div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-89744853530440475022009-09-23T16:57:00.011-05:002009-09-23T17:35:43.448-05:00Barn kittens gone wildIn my humble opinion, there are few things in life cuter than kittens. These are photos of a litter we had on the farm in the past. We have some new kitties right now, but they are not quite ready for their debut with the paparazzi.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384786810978304130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqk1OV0UdIt9qNW3E_GL7liAmNJOiCVQNcL9nmPvg4gPzeyjNXbu13l7FfwsA_W7YSjmGyWFfUNmupEmzV03l55OXxvEZLdYdyAhx6K2FK9tG5F2Lm9cJE6LhFrM6P6_EjdE71Revlzulo/s400/Barn+kittens+3+in+door.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384786819025287154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WnMLn4S_oQGDLGBckdOihsi9I2dGwtCONjxGdjPmzOPuyG0Q70yNp-AHqzmI_9z-4nhkGWYvAwy4OBcDxiZSPunIiAzz1AyslGbC4qFKxK83MKwPKlnDYKQt_kmbjaWYsb9MJU_C1apF/s400/Barn+kittens+2+in+door.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384786824272787970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5kW20WHaZoARXA1cz1HhTDPSm-70mYPj0s_NMO19u30t3vS41vH4g93L6ukR2GBnxtiTC577pFKnjKaRdIV2P01vnSbBFjbiQBtZ9tWf3CFEpi3qPVuP-N-Om7dxKoxaBIOZX5zTkFTe/s400/Barn+kitten+1+in+door.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>Cats are a blessing on the farm because they cut down on the rodents, plus they are just so darn cute! I love to pick up the kittens and cuddle them because it is like holding a tiny puff of fur with big, beautiful, blue eyes. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384792635584515266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpfw5Xg65M6rzvHA1UQUANOG8VDwX2BfvDtDJmWi4KH230Owtfp2PR86btFEGHDfoLaiUkroR8AhgzPIvodEWDKB2aMtX3KIQuAM32fTSY_4F-dnY7d2q-yky48TskgbjZydIYiTpWLP9/s400/Barn+kitten+little+bit.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div><div></div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384788308246492802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacKuDTTvUiWvy2sv_XNUML8JMsWIzPCxI3QahcehZvKF0Dvv4x-0yEuUOzXbpXS0IixLboU1uj33ohrPEo9fUHbGWc6eDSrUZDLDdT8LSwbtoY2la0tl-I0HbU4t_wKQH7qrz1eYDSCgz/s400/Barn+kittens+2+and+mom.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>I even enjoy watching them make their mischief. They are constantly climbing into places they shouldn't be or wrestling with each other. The litter in these photos decided they should move from the barn into a storage shed so that they could be closer to the yard to play with dogs, and closer to the house with the people who snuggle you and give you kitty treats. Pretty smart kitties wouldn't you say!</div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384789238407938082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizZJAUtGfqdFum5RZziw1DBRwRFpFRzGhU4hIHXUjmCMqdb9WEUotgP8BIpnIU6F4f8DUepnDkPp-8Z-2OKIssCOTg0oVnmyiQKY6Sl2jacB0C5irBgltPlJS5vcDEqEQOmxHVGX1nKbw/s400/Barn+kittens+wrestling+mom.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384789235092655602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0lJzFATcuNbQ4UKDGHddsNuClvzJzdFtTOvvwqGq1SR_2eR1UE8m8BdpHm6Ijke-unl8KajVIKL7ONwR7d2Kk5KrJ_4x1Bl6cUwZkcaQpephC0kkDu9Uwa6AUMrJGNOgpMhE-As_qShS/s400/Barn+kittens+wrestling.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384788297496122546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxXhcjbjq2jBRhYn2NputKdENBwsUDBDNwVf9OMdsXQc4THTzeVyl8pSx62PhqDq3vGZ_h1ENhX1ZZpTrmLGC_n1gSqkzBfY_qD5vuDPOnbe7HlkjQOevPq85Hdoj39SeSSzsz3UudQ8l/s400/Barn+kitten+hanging+on+door.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384788292671847874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUhvHv1KQ8raE-Pg9LVXQzwMsBgEPMgituwSLb5-3ccSiioYBq2SHUGJdZhVRgY5J7mKXUBRmNsDSGjMmFnyAQiSELXuy0uUgIAblMKAGg5ni1JAV8qz4I3guY22JzwPn3-tKaYpKLKVX/s400/Barn+kitten+peeking.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Life just seems right when there are kittens on the farm. </div></div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-58147743430770663692009-09-18T15:10:00.016-05:002009-09-18T19:25:16.656-05:00Fall fun in my neighborhood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyhuz6Qpv6bPoQUDrE0JKzkPGL8aRUyChyphenhyphenGb4WJr4-61wHfZRV5-PP8ZT29O3tcNzA5CIPgFZ9WeLBEpECv6aQWoDa6woAPJw9p2nYtgMC-dmQe77L0GpsV83lMagVX5_-_h17KCrlFcY/s1600-h/Neighbors+Fall+orange+mum.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382917234658105874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyhuz6Qpv6bPoQUDrE0JKzkPGL8aRUyChyphenhyphenGb4WJr4-61wHfZRV5-PP8ZT29O3tcNzA5CIPgFZ9WeLBEpECv6aQWoDa6woAPJw9p2nYtgMC-dmQe77L0GpsV83lMagVX5_-_h17KCrlFcY/s400/Neighbors+Fall+orange+mum.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are some photographs of fun fall displays at the neighbors. These are country neighbors, which means that they don't live right next door, just somewhere in the area. In the country, you are just so glad to have anyone near you that even folks living miles away count as neighbors.<br /></span></div><div><br /><div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382921413774025378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNI_9qrjQMvEPYQItWvJ6BLbI_7TINceGy87xuSkYdODjeVMpBOiLX0gGcIew1CIg5QgZxZf3nJmwKfu-LlD63zETpxj5yClsieazHzf7udH81tkM1o5ySHOz1kbLdrdr2Gv69dwo_0M8/s400/Neighbors+fall+apples.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Many years ago, long before we arrived on the prairie, our neighbors started selling fruits and vegetables retail to the public. Through the years their business has grown. They no longer have just a roadside stand. In fact, we refer to them as the "Disneyland of Agriculture." Any way you can think of for having fun on the farm is available there. Kids can pick apples, go on a hayride, wander through a cornmaze, feed farm animals, and even play on a playground. Meanwhile, adults can get an apple donut or fritter hot from the bakery or drink some cider so sweet that you will swear someone just stuck a straw in an apple. Best of all, for the ladies there is shopping, lots of it. They have a giant warehouse filled to the rafters with country style seasonal home decor. Anything you might need for fall decorating is available here. (Guess where all my extra pocket change gets spent this time of year.)</span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382912627547458946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJQjzkZmdtUdHBDDU-loLl7N4qRqJ1Xre3oubuo8gUlpMvLQMUBbDjMZkx40Drx9SGLAeF3mG23Huu_5GRm1a8eMJr4IIMhS_dO6H4Kv7UXusE1P3RUu1mqM1J223aRGwaDTszNUBEk7t/s400/Neighbors+Fall+Display+6.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382911666771590434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgEbAOJlLgkRV-882Xtw1VFUQXRUttGlb8Xsx8HeUOLUQ21rHye7A-bBXdfyZqxH9QRApP2ZmHdj2F-EpHVitMAeCNRaWjkoWNDegTemyXgmIMaiuEuCoXrBo_juGdrGcOJZNqi5Q51WP/s400/Neighbors+Fall+Display+4.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382912622350962290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fol6LBLMakwcoAlWgQPWr_B9QsAiEiIDhMsQGLcNfEWti1R7nTDMCp-CYvQt4TfuQ-SkNgJ7N9hqZUSuKyT6D7cHbt5uipDeGCne-DGBluqxAVxl89dad4QSQTgnQNmVHwBaLrNDj2l6/s400/Neighbors+Fall+Display+5.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The designers here do a wonderful job displaying the merchandise and decorating the store. I just love browsing the building and looking for decorating ideas. They are so nice that they don't even mind if I bring my camera along, so I took a few photos recently. I am sorry that the photos aren't clearer. Unfortunately they don't capture the true beauty of this place either. It is packed with wonderful merchandise</span>. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382913587778125442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYkVjj0OOEDvXBeAt6YuHzlKRpzWP1e5WqubmScP1Z_z998Buj-tMx3Yun48NLN9wlOSsi-8H8QNqZJjQIMRd0YlbXX4fZxYHH2c_BdknDWU2sbJuZS4hIwL031zIkU_ULZgyR4Q-pRGz/s400/Neighbors+Fall+Display+7.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382910702649287474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIbvJJO6i6TQQfxSU8dpxzaUNvHYpD8olleVXMfefxZDAtsbJ8SuJkUOx36zDUK9g5BD2ZyhLHl06v4m-Q6bTAdkcMDjrJ0wWqjVK2abSq8ISra9ywZy6s98kMu8pGVVQngUagtzkeJpl/s400/Neighbors+Fall+Display+1.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I admit that I go over there at least once (sometimes twice) a week to see what is new. You see, they even have a clearance area which often has wonderful items at a fraction of their retail cost. It is like getting things at thrift store prices, except all of it is new.<br /></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382910711564960866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUNhBMT4MKw9KwqdnhwvfpTHnd5t0hb8gQErGEfwH_oSw5Z6DgN-2dpTzFm3gMDOQHcCw-Ogvftx95xlroREzTufDOSQVaHbSaDzqcDcPLWcNJRgZk7AHVNU9yKwAi-DHbNpA_zbcOxyk/s400/Neighbors+Fall+Display+2.JPG" border="0" /> <div><span style="font-size:130%;">I wish all of you could visit there with me. We would have a fun day eating our way through the bakery and cafe, then shopping until our carts were overflowing. If I ever win the lottery, I will fly all of you in and we will have a grand day in my neighborhood. Blessings to you and enjoy the weekend.</span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382911661162309346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlkhYebByovREJ-GYLQuA6XnEZremMAj8xIpIUb8kXaKLdV9zCIJGwRDviL05RgKdLkUDzSf4cUfATLnOMZlxtP-HOVYQpnhi7z1K9sS4TuEYg9KyvcEoHLWIZau2BQ04dPnTm67KxTcA/s400/Neighbors+Fall+Display+3.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-46197318985476711122009-09-17T10:40:00.016-05:002009-09-17T11:26:06.000-05:00Foggy sunset on the Prairie<div><div><div>Now don't get me wrong, I will always be a little mountain girl. I grew up in the beautiful rolling hills of the Ozarks surrounded by giant trees and abundant water. That will always be my vision of what heaven must look like. The lush greenery of forest and field there brings joy to my soul, but the sunsets just can't match those of the prairie.<br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382469902300630498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZHgNRB3XiH_vTRVwLcTtQ7Ao2Ok2JQszXTxdgNWJNjm3wsePHQpyTW3KXlw9Eo3BrCrFg9s4voHH55-pyqMcNEbUFIX2XrN9hsOd9axnQ5EJLLQ8lUslBaJxCZjYyfwtwvzMzmV-Abct/s400/Sunset+fog+1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Here the sky is huge and unobstructed. Almost every night it seems ablaze as the sun creeps below the horizon for its' nightly rest. Vivid pinks and peaches burst forth and cast a rosy hue on all that they touch. It seems like each evening is a masterpiece waiting to be born. It is especially beautiful when the fog is rolling in. A hush seems to fall upon the world as it slips into a restful slumber. I marvel anew at God's handiwork.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382471019096762866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SJz5uhYMgNNBl0atuOhHx2IJ52vBBmVj2byhhfNkO4ZzQ3eJxUgYFcPTX6Tv0-HYyajzcGOUrnLO9ppEfmaOOdZujHJdF0Ms-1Gci1eHZzgoXT4fQOPw6wjca9SnYVnix7brbM738f8n/s400/Sunset+fog+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>I encourage you to make time today to recognize the beauty in your midst wherever it may be. </div></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382471728575629954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluNIYKmO2a7xLDo8QhEYZf05iONMVogjQH27p1YwPR9cr4RSRxxeWh5f-_BNVXidsulQEGowfxpM3qk2YrkShZSMsBq6FGPbmFAyw4_Jnjki8IsHtzqxHkzoJ4nu6enR4vfm1ZH_AtJGy/s400/Sunset+fog+3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382472455646910866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYumysdCH-sXq_2_eXaLdvJMernd8E7pTieCXrnBdVweh4tPKdtncnE2KxT57qzBIXP70ZCPcq_QsFtAz7YCpwt3b5QBxUwc_V-rBNUmmX-YxYLMlFTjcnqZgPrlX1kaT7bGZS_G1Ksls/s400/Sunset+fog+4.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Blessings to you.</p></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-22670114107736394782009-09-14T16:04:00.022-05:002009-09-14T17:40:59.786-05:00Thrifty FindsToday dear hubby and I went <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">thrifting</span>. This can be fun or not, depending on how fast he gets hungry and tired. I agreed to stop for breakfast before we began, so it turned out to be a fairly good day, especially because I got some great bargains.<br /><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>At our first thrift stop I got some napkins in fall colors. They appear to be brand new and were only $1.00 each. We hit the jackpot at our next thrift store though. I found a beautiful basket, which I think is handmade.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381445264918709554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gf5j4_FWxxDwtN_RH-Y7qbs3zFl8_whsLfVYlMCmB_F1BBaLuRFCUy7HRrB2YksY_Dh7sC1Hqs06GYw6AeKjwPvcNowi-M2vJszLkwiX372bpmFUEB4ZECTQ17HktSv-py6wJ0fxGOeI/s320/Thrift+basket.JPG" border="0" /><br />I also got this cute little pumpkin.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381445270895540530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Aoor2vccdLtY5i4IYm7n6GpsiV9Lly6rsA3ON71u49nscldLnQHf7hBP9PTalp12S8K09sFa9KJtiBz_Cw4vGXgjK1eUdf6jIZjc02tEn6f5OZdU1zgw2zKO-p7CmcoFNRIgw6kYpKtZ/s320/Thrift+pumpkin.JPG" border="0" /> But the real find of the day was this old sewing box full of vintage goodies. Look what I found inside. (These photos show only a fraction of the contents.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381445826913568626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk1mzJ3882xm6SYv9nsXZw9pegFEfG6knSslwPVwOPZhGqijWqH0UoEoK6xHEmf6AIo7lDhnZXAEIgs4L_pAaN-ZB3uVFnz_fv-V8NB5zVOQkEt_snnqlga5l9z4iuxVdyRvNGBpysUBa/s320/Thrift+sewing+basket.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>There are vintage scissors which will be beautiful for decorating.....<br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381448655707634306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaQXE-Md-T7wI0O8pPh718ift5mYPsRolo331NDcvVD3Ec84l5BqctfnsDl1NMsudW0FfE5G1yd8pzK1VGR5MCSnxttka7THuz5SbP06VfND9l_HRTvhB42HUED5RtTiEYvM-uwmiACm0/s320/Thrift+scissors.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>And wonderful old thimbles.....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381449140307494706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIY_W2U7I5UCKyS055Ie2pAM_KdLJmQHAhwG7RzZHwGTNOZ-56W0GQ2CShE1eLWDqpSxey2aXfAEF7G4xZmoh78gTYpokaE8rS45AwmKEDyK8JaQNHbplksDoZdtwRwP3xeTHalz7qKwQ/s320/Thrift+thimbles.JPG" border="0" /> I also found buttons inside. Loose buttons......<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381451154178394450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFp8BnvJ39YBZolq2JlcuQ4CUq7KPXVq0c7-zQp1_W_y-00dGzd08MOurDuTamYtN-razkHJBCYT8UEQ0TVGk3aNzkNY_BfEYbtkDWEr8sBIyB-gSGev0bq7Ijupbzf68lsne48cml-VQ/s320/Thrift+loose+buttons.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />And buttons on cards......</div></div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381447360977310434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXvSU9bBQ9s-4sqLVZty6tdvyJfN1Q_6bHiuDbAgy5KhnFJGAbQE7wdoBfDTC_ch11k9dZNbWkhyRlkw_C7cOD98F6QZlGlImhaz1GPyTndd9LuyU1sHrpT9opBK5JhZsmtbjNgzS5E09/s320/Thrift+buttons+on+cards.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>There are many cards of old hooks and eyes......</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381447366831526370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqJ18UYMFKsFkmM3wCyWxQm-ZNXvxXLrUWXiaiHIFF4HWfWLlmA6llEIxC-gKGEhKbEqnh9DCTmr0WY1nE_hSHXMIiR3VBEq11no-kQy39Gs16KhgPGIsswy7LuB66xCOoKp6x54uAn_J/s320/Thrift+Hooks.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>And snazzy old snaps.....</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381452080339246018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOurq5RjBUHQvKSL6_PO4D0XZzdKb1yKRZ5bwBw-ObJ-RJDE_A_za9MJhTmdvpPcTV-YzTTKCqaGqybxJrvpRx4YPtC1rD9UbNxv1SzUEFFGC-fZkmeVwE-6Y5oJeDS7P9LsiTycmDQ1Ol/s320/Thrift+snaps.JPG" border="0" /> <div>I found lots of thread on spools and cones.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381453471287376226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHsvuARqfV9wzGaC1xafiEtVCteI4eJavajEFBSRQyrrLYffaiFc7v2SSlxKuRdX0KZjW647RY8pcnn3KEIY_qrCjQA3icRDNnpr3v2hyphenhyphenZKymBvGxuUffr2KYQye2LqWGUETRbsgxq4du/s320/Thrift+spool.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>The sewing basket contained a box of bobbins.....</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381447346776440658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflhnszpHzzYyv5DJU5m0fk-r6bZHrLeceEgEfZEZlRzbBhjR1KuhkTOb8i5ZbckpzgCIvS0mILahqpxu0mf2MWbfS2nDP7lx8U89irOLLCffEwpgj9hxouswb80NvETKiSyV2oT3A93cZ/s320/Thrift+bobbin+box.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I also found rolls of ribbon, packages of needles, and boxes of vintage Singer sewing machine attachments! There was even a roll of litmus paper included in case I need to do any scientific experiments. (Don't you just wonder what that was doing in there.) </div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>The most amazing thing is that all this sewing goodness only cost me $2.50. My total for the sewing box, pumpkin, and handmade basket was only $4.18 including tax. On the way to the car my husband asked me if I shouldn't go back and just hand over more cash to the store because he thought buying that much stuff for such a low price might be immoral.<br /><br /><br />I was feeling so good about my new treasures that I didn't really even mind what happened next. I asked hubby to drive us to the other Goodwill store in town. We made our way through traffic and headed to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GW</span>. All of a sudden my husband flipped on his blinker and headed to the turn lane. I started yelling at him that this wasn't the way to the thrift store. He sheepishly grinned and apologized, admitting that he had forgotten about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">GW</span> when he saw the meat market and thought about all that meat inside there. "Not yet", I scolded him. "We have to finish finding the bargains. Then you can buy some beef." What is it with men and food! I can thrift store shop all day long and never once stop to eat. That just slows me down and might make me miss a bargain.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So my husband drove on to the last thrift store. We found a few things there including a pottery bowl for $1.49 and a new book of children's stories for $1.00. While we were shopping I overheard another married couple having a heated conversation. The wife was trying to explain to her husband that thrift stores were not like garage sales and you couldn't negotiate the price with the cashiers. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>I snickered and got in line to check out. The wife got in line behind me. Just when I reached the register, the husband comes racing up to the register and cuts me off. He asks the cashier to ring him up. I just looked at the cashier and smiled indicating that I didn't care that he had cut in front of me. But then the man wouldn't give the cashier the merchandise. He just wanted to hold up the stuff and tell her how much he thought it should cost. She nicely took the merchandise from the man, rang it up and bagged it. When she gets done and tells the man the total, it turns out he doesn't have any money. He turns to his wife, who is politely waiting behind me in line and yells out, "Honey, come up here. They need to ring up your stuff too, and you need to pay for everything." Now his wife is really mad, because now everyone knows she is with him. She rips into him about being a line cutter and not paying attention to anyone around him . It was seriously all I could do not to laugh out loud. I told the lady to just go ahead of me and not worry because I wasn't in that big of a hurry anyway. I looked at my husband, and he just smiled because he knew we were on our way to buy beef soon. </div><br /><div></div><div>That poor man was clearly a novice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">thrifter</span>. He still has lots to learn. I wish his wife good luck and lots of patience. I wondered though, should I tell her that in the future a hot donut and the promise of some red meat can make the day much better for both husband and wife. </div><br /><div></div><div>Blessings to you and happy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">thrifting</span>. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-59552865248230094562009-09-11T08:57:00.010-05:002009-09-11T09:48:16.907-05:00Patriot Day 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwv9fOS2S4KfrCS_Xt9ZvSd8MZJjHDiUhpcuCUi4aPNM_7j7k6tjwFLg3rrl-i6xSXo8SS1ISyMgn5y1S86dYxbYi9zeQzG-WpAtQxE2tWfWmjqNvYfybP8m-VhAd2ck8sMYv3WbBRhtH/s1600-h/Bradford,+IL+Festival+Summer+2008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380212884390374482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwv9fOS2S4KfrCS_Xt9ZvSd8MZJjHDiUhpcuCUi4aPNM_7j7k6tjwFLg3rrl-i6xSXo8SS1ISyMgn5y1S86dYxbYi9zeQzG-WpAtQxE2tWfWmjqNvYfybP8m-VhAd2ck8sMYv3WbBRhtH/s320/Bradford,+IL+Festival+Summer+2008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>May we all pause for a moment today to remember those who died on that horrible day eight years ago, both soldiers and civilians. May we also honor those who continue to serve their fellow <span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><strong>Americans</strong></span> whether they be in our hometowns or in a distant desert. May we remember those who have sacrificed their lives for us by living lives worthy of their sacrifice. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And may we never forget that regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic class, or political preference, we <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Americans</span> </span></strong>are all in this together. May our words and our deeds reflect a belief that in working together we can become a stronger nation and just perhaps, build a better world. May God continue to bless the <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000099;">United States</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">of America.</span> </span></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-17494258182834248852009-09-09T00:05:00.004-05:002009-09-09T06:52:07.053-05:00Ode to SummerToday I am participating in Wordless Wednesday. To see more photos visit our hostess Heather at <a href="http://simplyheathersblog.blogspot.com/">http://simplyheathersblog.blogspot.com/</a>. Enjoy.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379260849349826850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1NLKgP9c8M3HUBAYfGy7_H3KWkLajGQ-g0pBMDDo9m5QABIGNY2sGs7ZYIgLZ-PHAkcMAQv1tBTNR3StcB-58sM10jCql6HsKRYPRBo1MjYTbf09dTlYoqNDct4_3ALqK-Iu6dq7V7VI/s320/WW+Vase+Bug.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379260856712157362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeQLQTCSgggVrJmmjsO-oZQjzCEdXUyl6mgGVGNSwXmi7Y3Y4UlpC7bv1hHasffxF94NmwyWnVks6VdeH-7ykDTL8dd8KRmEA2l6wRt0ZycAf2oKiPmm-BOhIQgBbGL1O-vQhEOj0SSf4/s320/WW+Pink+flower.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379263636421676818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bZm5wkCMDAfZFZ4NpzeIn32LqtPYM-73iyN9kWsF7fZTd8MbHvQiJcepo1WVwffiw76yYi9cRhMq7LrExs0r2l9vokZyHQDXPfgy8IXX2MCllIHBlLWsQrUnOHWnzuKbkQAXdwqLdicv/s320/Butterflies+at+home.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379264422287644722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9b8fjGz7zIeWd4U7zh4h6bN1CTxmDfxaY6xbpO-n7fgaUiCo6d-X5R056b6LRoutAifl_mRArQDggQJRC0lEsgkSmBEHg_rtzK8anufHB0YKbWhyphenhyphen9JE6yUgi7x6Fq3vmCV4DwZmcpOSC/s320/WW+Orange+Flower+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379260844804245778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZLYRMl8ksohsjzTYV2qv-TV2B3YShg3qVknqF2ZaNXdEiIXqf4_qIitoDtS7VbWeXXdz8UBfbLpTZi9WT9nYTT2lNQ0v5soHEjNtCORwZmv4jttVW6LST8AntrUkDAST9GyXNud91RH/s320/WW+Orange+Flower.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379267638267079202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WAXgYf5ocgrR1M1JP8CQFp27iOCFpDTQGqGsZAcb2lreOZB47z7sZUYhoe1w7ZZIdsJLvN7E0aFmVGffbJ2apKjSeHTwcIIO3D64Zi9qGGWJfm9cMzrbWOufeqsewIKhdP4oYd8dnsMn/s320/WW+Purple+Coneflower.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379265423095153906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtmIg74CJ2EPZxp-iqhPUhzlh72ZXLxOkksO7PTr7nrcG1XHhmWMLGYXec2rIGCWnX7VR6b1nj8unh3uN8GNQ1qqRIr4_6kngBeqbfIDY8HdZUgNdzP5D4vieM-s92cOfOAnZ-a5WXSj4/s320/WW+Purple+Flower.JPG" border="0" /></p>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-60405112604635813692009-09-03T07:37:00.005-05:002009-09-03T07:51:11.982-05:00On the Road Again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c9UI7hh8opFfnefxWSGPgihemmCo1je-QtaRaUsf870XAgsYUGirbHdsEp7IDJKv5vF2rgFj7HtYgfIV6M026kFDqDmU0qq9lqQCZYwEGNDxNfGkujQ0mw92sglHiKzLoHmmqm9VCYgf/s1600-h/Eagleburger+Field+Tractor.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377222224412906866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c9UI7hh8opFfnefxWSGPgihemmCo1je-QtaRaUsf870XAgsYUGirbHdsEp7IDJKv5vF2rgFj7HtYgfIV6M026kFDqDmU0qq9lqQCZYwEGNDxNfGkujQ0mw92sglHiKzLoHmmqm9VCYgf/s320/Eagleburger+Field+Tractor.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello. I am sorry I have not been out and about in blogland much lately. I probably won't be for a few more days either. We are in the process of moving the rest of our stuff from the Ozarks to the prairie. I'll tell you about it when we finally get it all home and unpacked.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>Unfortunately the tractor in the photo is not ours, so it won't be coming with us. I'm not sure who it actually belongs to. It was just sitting in the field of our home back in the Ozarks. Our landlord said a friend of his just left it there one day and never came back for it. I wish it was mine though!</div><div></div><div>Blessings to you. </div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-64727279352116430232009-08-27T21:52:00.020-05:002009-09-03T07:51:35.645-05:00Vintage Roosters Gone WildToday I am participating in the Rooster Party being hosted by Barb of Bella Vista at <a href="http://barbsgoodlife.blogspot.com/">http://barbsgoodlife.blogspot.com/</a> . I should probably inform you before we begin that this is a coed farm, so you are going to see some hens mixed in with the roosters.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Let's start our tour in the dining room. Here is the fellow that started all this rooster craziness. Originally he belonged to my maternal grandmother. I loved him so much that eventually he made his way to my house and has been very happy here ever since. I don't have many things that belonged to my grandmother, so Mister Rooster is very special to me. That is why I couldn't let him be lonely, so I had to start collecting more roosters. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375002498743348450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYG-NyrV0JVtBBCDjofekvb3AtFgOBXGJcGX8A2bd8TfW2lTjFaG4MjVoznPOlOXLjw9UmiMFWixGOZHkLhTiGCekOiV4MWtSl-iZAhsNrRymQ8VIgny0aeg0l7MiM2782w_ra-IlNjrN/s320/Rooster+figure+grandma.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375002508233116610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEiGjKM_Lmv0jpaSZVtUJK6yEOzF42OxRIEgGF8T6A2OfeNi5Ws6Sy-syA4muIbzUUJyPhsKoypJCm0A5r4h7gjuTab5KcMgOOWHT0T0rJ6E8uIwTKYU6qbEz6oLwoHsGulTo-GwyRGVQ/s320/Rooster+figure+pears.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><br /><div>Here are a few of Mister Rooster's little buddies. These were all picked up at garage sales or thrift stores through the years. You can tell by their chips and cracks that they are vintage, and I don't mind a little imperfection. </div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375017526249832290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83NqVbJSuQDgfSoZUvJiYAHq_RcrdOb5c1Xi6CWnG3CI8lIFUmoyWbFdV6pT00rzJB3PYvsmGODlclxU2QG_Olm2t2Qy1FAnK_rRc9EpE904hVp6KSMpfTipkuADhyphenhyphentu0Y7vQ9sw7sPPi/s320/Rooster+Shaker+Brown.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375017520821924242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9XIOfnUM9UY2BoJdIkOAhelDaWHa_q-WLdlw0JCkDlQ6JdOSbBqP2LdCeaOJy9hlttR3Dv1tNuLtraljcVLCM_EsbPQtwlBoNkjwFE0dAxY4wd_XZJ35qgA5FRD6icvcUp_D5CC3p9wJ/s320/Rooster+Shakers+White.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Grandma's rooster has some fancier friends he can look up to as well. This piece came from Hobby Lobby (on clearance of course).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375010171872459826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH26qPS6QAwDgcGeDIblaHdmnQ2CekWkgF4xicNyyqhCucSmZMUhE-osImEig5V3oSUwseJ0e0H5gJq3NGwoFsoNVFDQfhu3BFR8FcHI1Eiyw8tuoSrE4-enAfLw0tWvBh8sIbvCkBFS_9/s320/Rooster+ceramic.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>I even found a set of 4 Warren Kimble rooster plates and a matching cream pitcher at Goodwill.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015212019837154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHoQDEiyyW21BnTQs23tJPf-GZQsXU2M-_d3aT4oQbAspr8KKY3jWrJrXvQnrV33HEZYKw8buMEs28nay8dtWLfHIefE2u5zYGZ5AdkvrNd1CrxQuc3EwTpd2fYAJo2ZpRVifNUIwqqCz/s320/Rooster+plate+red.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015222668893650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcPGQiv-Epv2OgSk7QIJYlKv8Z6KjSFyXeVKj-t_-vepzr4bko9gP6vyeQ1pUMffM9bHeMPN_ePsUmPCHeCfUDMgVJEZc43y7ZTr32JjkNFfdtVQktdyidEDMNWfISpjUzRz1gTtpYcQQ/s320/Rooster+plate+green.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015234332446386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQCoKedggnlyhR_5FuvuLtc6-NMOVdm3fa1lWvkIGaswWzZCD8Dt7QMvmLJB5SkA1_H1sEB-nxVeQqjYbhqlqrCu0iR7__s96LzzW_ELnb20CdaFPkCobXdQVvPgcWQ5X3ZfrQeVTbWP7/s320/Rooster+plate+brown.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015242980675858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F_UwjduYdapVk6sEN-qf-J-AViVm96SqNlDtxPtTJWQdzlYgBAkI19p1054DgIHqX__jAVldU7WVeTFGwqTtxgfxk_OjkYpprCkFry5VeZokTIyNmtb9jL3vStgCGBv_rrMdYndYi9b3/s320/Rooster+plate+blue.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015251429598786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKynR_6BzK-jD4uUSC_HZ6iBPbtc6-FnHfFYl_BOlZ68vvM1-P49LBTEORwrMbnChh_5Q2UFFIODXK29tQ-US6IeQ87Sn6mCCX4FgGKjDN3t6Y7Rj_U4scJt9Id3XAUZ8VdDZPfSw6Ye5/s320/Rooster+creamer.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Just last week, my husband spotted this Metlox Poppy Trail rooster bowl at the thrift store. I couldn't pass it up at only 99 cents! </div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375011461090657282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQVbkvookX0NC2mfk37EAVxa7m84AiLZbsdSdlRDYPCskkBL9b7Wkr4EUYqnoTwrqI7AI8_0fWkPIJ32T151TBQY5AgAHEMyngYSIPy9tDoR7QY8rjrcOh4SDP_RVF4Um1dFa1anxhMuI/s320/Rooster+bowl+metlox.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I bought these prints at the thrift store. I still can hardly believe they were only $3.50 each.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375008838340052770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ63AhSMMV7PTpSXs7ocEzEioPCcYZC99JSYhtI4Ai6L6-gaWtNKyHuaSMK5h3ZQOfJ9znLLeQKHtmIOLDcrH6wOEmN3YsZChE7b7DAJpIG2GRJ-HfG121sgJagjbPrFjkC_0pHHW8z_qB/s320/Rooster+print.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375008825829692946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnymojA-BSvkjxMRhWK9vz9w0ASPCE5Pz3lKh1ArtF-kF4GclB36zDWbwe7CxGw7geQWIuOY_yRl2BKKAw0UGhmGJTNdBMrELenxVXvVy8hbHCbzd2G8zon86kDbuKtfNT_UdUX1u8Ff6/s320/Rooster+(Hen)+Print.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>This rooster banner welcomes you into our kitchen.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375007073934803266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nwjXYNM0vAtqcqhxTS-PuihvHBt7vo81hDVBteBNBgZ43EPYW-67NxtEQxVJrRAP3OsdXGjvaPVAKr90RvgbVzErStMbX_Ndi-4WYNgNYclIuKbwfBreX0GDmHgiJOFCdhzWBrK5Am2R/s320/Rooster+banner.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>When my rooster hand soap dispenser broke, I put a stopper into the hole because I just couldn't bear to part with it and it's darling crackled finish.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375006489760335442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnUlMpez0gQjbwWcLGUu3FyTt6J45kExhVBc7h8PF41LA4egoCPbDGom6xa_mnC9Aiu4tRc7nqK5kFT6HGfYFtcYw372IkF1xEFS1SGz5Tk0lPEAUUSssibHqke-tgTILbmFZkRBuS88B/s320/Rooster+crackle.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>I located this rooster and hen hanging rack at a salvage store. It was originally designed to hang a valance on, but I thought it would be lots more fun to hang my vintage metal and wood treasures from it. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375005357725764786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqlMYH0D2eYJPlQOwPr5U1ZJOQpZ1UqTf8h4K-iNL6gG_VRIhYshcM3ybYX-7-u50Bodb0CYC4OndS0_hPNnzNhyphenhyphenyVjhyphenhyphenEfy-xjkmmHcHJQsO7J_dJaa8EQg2kVduA-CR4VIw1uiTMBWQ/s320/Rooster+Rack.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>That is all the roosters roosting inside, but you can't leave until you see this rooster sign out by the corn field. Isn't it cute!</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375004435906273874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oXCO4ZKDPmOYLAhfyc37RLb12SLl_qVIUBJST6A2eD3Tda0SEv56dDP5xZyC8rPydSG5O7XdRzXgsWlivuGyCtPiC4TbAlBIvwDr933yhcg_pWcas-Gz3FQxaYJaYc3vdfhoxOUIZUu2/s320/Rooster+sign+and+corn.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>Now roosters may be popular and stylish, but on this farm there is only one chicken who rules the roost, my sweet little red hen. Bossy little Sister tells all of us what to do.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374847172406027410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsZ4P84YFhzRrWks9SftOC3yQWY4fx24e-j8uhhWqnfUd1mcjlnf_VhewsTrMC8ezsDvlwNgIqin6YYEY3bzyIljbGWrBF6GRlxecH57N_cDT3Uo2SYYGfy-2EkkZmFZq6N5UNJ0ZSuGB/s320/Red+hen+flowers.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>Drop back by the farm soon and we will visit some of the other animals. Have a blessed weekend. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-88507492437165611032009-08-25T13:52:00.012-05:002009-08-25T14:35:36.075-05:00It's here (Fall came in a box this year)<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7dLtRKp6Cngzm2P31PevLTRjAXD5SPdMe9X7Ax7ygpHuqzundx4y_iWvT-2Do8KNRXhmIC4ctA-PYESqDWvx_YsNSBO1zn438iLfOYlhA4WAYcuPDcycO_40UPPxhTRbYq5ASLAYR6df/s1600-h/Old+Annies+fall+gathering+leaf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373983304127930514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7dLtRKp6Cngzm2P31PevLTRjAXD5SPdMe9X7Ax7ygpHuqzundx4y_iWvT-2Do8KNRXhmIC4ctA-PYESqDWvx_YsNSBO1zn438iLfOYlhA4WAYcuPDcycO_40UPPxhTRbYq5ASLAYR6df/s320/Old+Annies+fall+gathering+leaf.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>When I went to the post office recently, I discovered that there was a package waiting for me. Once I saw the return address, I was so excited. I knew it was the fall gathering I had won from the giveaway by Old Annie Primitives at <a href="http://oldeannieprimitives.blogspot.com/">http://oldeannieprimitives.blogspot.com/</a>. This was an important moment for me since this was the first time I had ever won anything on the internet. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I didn't open the box immediately though. I waited until my husband got home so he could enjoy the moment with me. Practically as soon as he was in the door though, I started ripping that box open. As soon as I opened the top of the box a heavenly scent greeted my nose. It smelled like fall had been captured in a box and was now being delivered to my door. The spices Annie used on this are wonderful. Now I was really excited. I opened the other end and slid out my prize. I just could not believe how beautiful it was! This gathering has all my favorite autumn items like leaves, and berries, and even pumpkins, and they are all in those luscious colors of fall.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373984847360371378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFthfuMpWGUxmNdT-oZU-ivhDTmugqjP_tn8CFGJjI_UP7G5xrU6Gdr7JdAhXpQYEYSTOSSXelvbYRkcODtqF8s_Xb2BhjDWF_1p6B_PnLoXlcy_hqssP93D_IBkYHIvmXwknvBuDhECD/s320/Old+Annies+fall+gathering+pumpkins.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>My husband even said, "Wow, that looks like something you would have bought for yourself." He was right, but this was even better, it was a gift!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373984241391233074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIQP1NOEq4rUa92d1AZ1oajsX5zUUMDLWtnUOVvMjJ7z-1GGAmozCjswAh5Me_5CgaIsCYuMd4C7bV2RRFeOt2Oz4KM6PJa9DA6eDxuEx1D6bWE_16f8Zgt_f1oi9-xzkBSKHWcwHmSlK/s320/Old+Annies+fall+gathering.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>The new fall gathering arrived at just the right time too. It is definitely beginning to feel like autumn here. The temperatures are falling and the crops in the fields are turning golden. I have my apples, pumpkins, and mums sitting around the house to welcome the season, and now I have my gorgeous gathering as well. Thanks Annie. I think my prize is wonderful. </div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712468431381310576.post-57417807769682655042009-08-22T11:34:00.014-05:002009-08-22T13:42:57.315-05:00A hole in my drawers and a makeover<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCPahxfMziUVronIZT2y7SRWZLnX4uTSDOTzB5jHysoBO_Hm98CoaSoHZmBvIuXAqlBN9aNgQnD_RpRiVR2g9RiRH9T1Y-kAPru7Kz2GhmPspS_cWkEABztPqfRwAKeXRK6rM6jPvXd9g/s1600-h/Chest+cream+knob.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372836973066656178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCPahxfMziUVronIZT2y7SRWZLnX4uTSDOTzB5jHysoBO_Hm98CoaSoHZmBvIuXAqlBN9aNgQnD_RpRiVR2g9RiRH9T1Y-kAPru7Kz2GhmPspS_cWkEABztPqfRwAKeXRK6rM6jPvXd9g/s320/Chest+cream+knob.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>That photo is a little peek at my makeover. But the story actually begins a few years back. Old houses are notorious for not having enough closet space. Our little house in the Ozarks (the one we lived in before moving to the prairie) was especially short on storage. I knew as soon as we moved into that house that we needed to find another chest of drawers for the master bedroom. I, of course, started my search at a thrift store. It was love at first sight. I spotted the chest practically the moment I stepped into the store. It was a 3 drawer, white, antique chest of drawers with chippy paint, and beautiful, curvy legs. I am a sucker for sexy legs, so I was immediately smitten. I had a smile on my face the whole way home.<br /><br />When I got home I realized that my affection for those beautiful drawers might have made me underestimate what it was going to take to repair this piece of furniture. You see, there was a hole in the bottom drawer. I am not talking about a pencil sized hole, or a shoe box sized one. No, half of the bottom drawer was actually missing. I just assumed we could fix it.<br /><br />I showed my husband my purchase when he got home. He laughed, right out loud, a lot. He explained that he did not have the right tools to fix the chest, and buying the tools he needed would probably cost more than just buying another chest!<br /><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>I knew I was on my own with this problem now, so I just shoved a piece of cardboard over the hole. It worked at first. Since it was summer then, I just put my sweaters in the broken drawer knowing that I wouldn’t be opening the drawer much. Then gravity set in. The cardboard began to sag. Eventually the saggy cardboard jammed the drawer, and you couldn’t open it. You had to remove the drawer above the broken one, and then reach through the hole to get what you wanted. Then you had to put the other drawer back in. Finally even I had to admit that this wasn’t very practical, so I donated the chest back to the thrift store so someone with the “right tools” could fix it.<br /><br />Now I had to go chest shopping again. This time I was more practical. I looked for something that had functional drawers rather than just buying for beauty. I ended up with a ho hum, ordinary, 4 drawer, boxy chest which had no sexy legs whatsoever. It is sturdy, and it does keep the clothes contained fairy well, so we moved it with us when we came to the prairie. I have never been happy with it though. That is why I decided to give it a makeover while my husband was gone. I knew that if it turned out badly I could just get rid of the evidence while he was gone.<br /><br />You see, I have never done a (successful) makeover on a large piece of furniture before. I have redone some shelves and picture frames, etc., but nothing this substantial. This was my first major project.<br /><br />Here is the chest of drawers before I began. You can see from this side view that it just your basic wooden chest of drawers. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372833534237673058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X5nDL-46n8-7girvkXCxzxd_nGIjFrXssja04nBBZkvRvt_5QyVbGKEUye9tmpIQLiouunNSoY892sR5S9mSy4tMPONnU-_17JgQenBNzhGmDBGYtWpaKMN8o7BS3T5PjSQs-MBfrV64/s320/Chest+brown+side.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />My first step was to sand the piece using my little electric sander.<br />Next I gave it three coats of paint. I used a brush for the first two coats, and I was pretty sloppy. I actually wanted to see some of the brush strokes because I like the rough look. I used a sponge brush for the third paint job because I wanted to be sure I had good coverage for the final coat. The paint color is something in between cream and sand. I let that set overnight to dry.<br /><br />Here it is in the morning before I started again.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372834630076213586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQPZqlN0r7RAf0SAtUUb47PTBVu1PsUzYH25GbDqOLg7oz9dxvhighjtU2hyt8pjBtKW58tlRIb2lqi-HNMAENLB3qUX1xsGLQu9D3w8iCjB22MDN8Eax8xyDOn4PTcK_wHNiOn0mM6fy/s320/Chest+cream.jpg" border="0" /><br />Next I sanded the chest again. Then I brushed walnut stain all over it using a sponge brush. That turned out darker than I wanted so…..<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372831969973537874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9ksnUKagYrSJ109_9BmoAd3cpgDhjfInwsA_ESupLogsiJz1jQowGp_aNSbrmViNXTD963JuCLqfmgizO0xJeblrgeLVOZlRS3vprIiyE9_f916mkbW6hMUcdESudacqIMR2tYZ0vQq3/s320/Chest+cream+antiqued.jpg" border="0" /><br />I brushed white stain on top of that.<br /><br />I didn’t brush the lighter stain over the drawer edges of the knobs though, because I wanted to keep them the darker color.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372829015025960210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQC6p_sbeM25NyymbQ9abEd3mhMN2eAY6cSIJXOKgtWRuvKzNBladHw2pahY9mXtX97moK51hTxhHD6c6REZEq29sq4clfhh9rt6nPlUBMp8Ypv5UzrEdFXuxNaGvFnVS2sR9EPnSXCAx/s320/Chest+cream+leaf.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372830812202611506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27gZcWFMQSJUil37vz02LI5Mb1llaGq1lEylR_0jzK2x4LW3G1RWkwNS6IWJ2W1QNG6JCMgp803oIY4kVSVAf46a8qFTZ8SNJ2WMHq_gKDlp4fM_mvZ7EtKLm5KDQ927_zhDKL0e7zVzK/s320/Chest+cream+drawer.jpg" border="0" /><br />Finally this project was done. Now the chest of drawers looks like it was abused by dozens of little hands for decades, then rolled in the dirt in the barn. Perfect. That is just the look I wanted.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372828050377162514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrqzROUAHLqCFDvISZFRopkjl-Q4QbKhMGN_HIsex7CtK1-l7l_eFK5udJdO58V2Vo7uOYQHzCvO9ICTj2OUb-V5yf-_hA9n7-joPOECVTwf2hnJ3kNXnGYhEzqfWQQR4OduMGtfsKobA/s320/Chest+cream+repainted.jpg" border="0" /><br />There are a couple of morals to this ridiculous story. The first lesson is to be sure you are not tempted by a set of sexy legs. Your clothes will fall through a giant hole in a drawer. The second lesson is to not be afraid to try painting a piece of furniture you dislike. You might be surprised at how well it turns out, because if I can do a makeover, anyone can. (It also helps to do this while hubby is away, so any major mistakes can become charitable donations.)<br /><br />Have a great weekend, and I hope you get started on that long awaited project. Blessings to you. </div></div></div></div></div></div>cwahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599961737381578026noreply@blogger.com5