New Additions To The Family

Here is Samson and Jenny. they wouldn't sit still for me to get a close up but will try later when they decide to take a nap or something. They are too busy exploring their new home and already act like they have been here forever.

Back On The Homestead

It sure is good to be back home! Had some good things happen and some not so good things happen while away. Hubby and I were enjoying breakfast out for our anniversary when I got a call on the cellphone that our storage building had been broken into. When we got there we found that whoever broke in had went to the back of the building (and we are talking huge warehouse building) and pulled the tin away from the studs and pushed the insulation out and just helped their selves. They took all the power and hand tools. All of hubby's fishing poles and reels, tackle boxes, new battery charger, some old fax machines, lots of glassware (vintage type) and tons of other items. They had sorted and went thru everything there. Even cleaned the bathroom and little kitchen area there so they could use it. They left the lights on and had a fan plugged in so they could stay cool while they sorted everything. We spent the hottest part of the hottest day of the year repairing the inside and outside wall. They had also took the new air conditioner out of the window and broke it so they could get the copper out to sell. We had to repair that window also. They broke into our trooper we had parked there and took the radio and destroyed the dash doing that. They broke a brand new windshield out of a boat hubby had parked there. We were sick when we saw everything and by the time we finished repairing everything we were hot both physically and mentally. So our anniversary is put on hold til the weekend when we are going to go somewhere for the night and a day. The best part of the day was we did get 2 new puppies! They are Siberian huskies (6 weeks old) and are absolutely beautiful! The boy is named Samson and the girl is Jenny. I will post pictures tomorrow. Right now I have to unload the van, take care of all the animals, go thru the mail and put things away. It is still very hot here but calling for cooler weather tomorrow....... I sure hope so. Everyone stay cool!

Well I have had my shower and cooled off. Getting ready to turn in for the night but reading a few blogs while I finish my ice tea. I have met some very nice people thru blogging. There sites have given me lots of ideals for my home and self. I have also found some that have made me laugh when I really needed a good pick me up. I am excited about going to our old home tomorrow to pack and bring more things down here. I just wish I had more rooms finished so I could start arranging and decorating. But it won't be long and half the fun is getting there! Sat on the deck and watched the birds for a little while this evening. The humming birds still sit on the limb above the feeded for minutes at a time. I have never seen this before. The cardinals come every evening and sit at one feeder together and always watching out for each other. They seem like they are very much in love. The yellow finches cover the thistle sock so much you can't even tell what they are sitting on. The doves sit on the ground waiting for extra seeds to fall down. We have 2 woodpeckers that only come a couple evenings each week. But they are so beautiful with their redheads. Even the female is pretty with her duller redhead. I can be hot, tired, or stressed and go out on the deck, sit down for a few minutes and watch the birds and I feel like a new person. Watching the wildlife thats right in my backyard is the perfect pick me up! Well I really must turn in so I can get an early start tomorrow. Have a great day and please stay cool.

Please someone send us some cooler weather! Today's temp got up to 99 with heat factor at 105. Tomorrow the temp is suppose to 104!! That is not heat factor but actual temperture! I am and have always been a cold weather person that wants lots of snow..... so why am I living in the south?! I was born and raised in this beautiful state and we use to get lots of snow and cold weather. I remember during the summer sleeping under a quilt at night as it always got cool every night. What has happened to that wonderful weather I had as a child? Today I felt sorry for Lady with all her hair so I brushed to get all that she was shedding and then I got the water hose and sprayed her. She stood there and enjoyed every minute. I put a fresh frozen jug in their water bucket and she and Tramp enjoyed the ice cold water. I did a few things outside but came back in and worked alittle though not as much as I wanted to. Its much too hot. I am off for a nice cold shower and then relaxing with a nice cold glass of fresh ice tea. Watch a little telly then off to bed. I am going to Lexington tomorrow to pack up a few things to bring here. Hubby will meet me there and has some errands to take care of before he heads this way. He is taking a week off so we can get some of our projects here done. I will return Wednesday so everyone stay nice and cool and keep an eye on the animals for me! (actually my neighbor Fran is doing that) Just don't make a mess and if you do clean it up before I get back!

Wash Day

Got my laundry done and hanging on the line to dry. Its hot but there is a small breeze every once in a while. I have my spray bottle of lavender to spritz everything a few minutes before I take it off the line..... aaaaa I love the fresh smell of lavender or couldn't you tell. I even got energetic last night and baked 2 loaves of sour dough whole wheat bread. I put an automatic feeder back out on the deck in hopes the neighborhood cats will use it and not come inside. The dogs have been fed, watered (ice water) and given a bone to chew. The iguana has had his morning treat and a shower with the garden hose. (he loves the water). I have taken several trunks full of items and put them in the storage trailer and hauled off bags of stuff before William gets home to look thru them and say we can't throw this stuff away. I am actually getting a lot done today even with the heat. Today is suppose to be 98 but tomorrow is 100 and next day 102. Guess we are really in for a hot spell. Most of my work will be indoors for the next few days. I wanted to work in my flowerbeds but they can wait til it cools off. Time to check out my favorite blogs and then get back working on the livingroom........ Have a great Monday!

I have a sliding screen door on the outside of the french doors going out on the deck. Whiskers, Dimples and Precious (when she chooses to grace us with her presence) can slide it open with their paw. I went into the livingroom yesterday to sort and throw away only to find a beautiful cat that wasn't mine sitting in the window. I also have the neighbors cat coming inside to eat each morning and evening. Today I came down the hall from putting some things away to find a smokey gray cat eating at the cats feeder. I think my cats get the word out to all the other cats in the neighborhood to open the door and come on in! The automatic feeder is full so guess all that is left for me to do is make them some catnip tea. I always wanted to have a tea party.

I talked with Quintin and Gabby (grandchildren) last night. They are so happy their daddy is home from Iraq. Quintin helped his dad grill supper and Gabby said her and her dad were playing barbies so she couldn't talk right now. Megan (my daughter) is still on cloud nine to have Brian home even if its just for 2 weeks. She has taken the 2 weeks off from work so they can spend the time together. The kids are going to take a few days from summer day camp but will have to go a couple days a week or lose their spot. (even though they paid for it already) I am going to give them a few days before I go up to visit and then only going to stay a few hours. Thanks to everyone that kept Brian in their prayers. Please continue to do so and add Megan and the children as it will be so hard to say goodbye again. This is Brian's second tour to Iraq and his last as he has decided to get out when he comes back. He doesn't like being away from the children so much. The army use to let you stay state side for at least a year when you came back from overseas. Brian was only home 6 months when he got sent back. Megan was in the army 8 years but got so she wouldn't be deployed to Iraq and leave the children. My heart and appreciation goes out to the men and women that risk their lives for my freedom and I admire the families for being so strong and unselfish while their soldier is gone so long from their home life. Sorry I got carried away this morning. Will post happenings around the homestead later today.......... Have a great relaxing Sunday!

Lavender

I usually clean with whatever product is on sale at the time. After reading one of my new but favorite blogs I am using lavender products. I have lavender dish soap, lavender all purpose cleaner, lavender floor care, lavender laundry spritz, lavender air freshner and of course lavender bath soap. These products aren't overpowering in scent. Its just a clean gentle smell, sorta like when you went to grandmas and spent the night. Her sheets always smelled so fresh and sweet. I actually look forward to cleaning because I know that afterwards I will have this special smell and not the smell of pine or bleach. If you are looking for another blog to read that is very interesting and enjoyable then you should check this one: Ms. Robin

On another topic I have been cleaning out cabinets and stocking up the kitchen. William and I both always like to make sure we have plenty of food on the shelves so if something happens we won't go hungry or if we just don't want to run to the grocery often there is always plenty here. I found some neat containers at a dollar tree store and have been putting our staples in them. (flour,rice, beans etc.) I can keep daily amounts in my regular canisters but the big amounts of extras we like to keep can go in these and be stored away in the cabinet. I like to think this winter when its icy and cold and the power if off I can have plenty of food on hand and have something cooking on the wood cookstove.

As we are getting the homestead all repaired and getting settled in my mind is going to cooking. We are putting in a pioneer maiden wood cookstove that will cook, bake, heat up to 1200 sq. ft. and even has warming ovens and a hot water tank. I love to bake and have my sour dough starter almost ready and I can start baking bread again! I by chance came upon a wonderful blogsite. This lady has feeding her family down pat. You can feel the love and joy she has planning and making wonderful meals and snacks for her family. I have gotten alot of recipes and helpful hints from her site. The maple muffins are super! So if you have a few minutes to spare head on over to her blog and check it out. Praise Her in the Gates

When I planted this barrel 2 weeks ago the plants were so small I thought I needed to go get more. We have had rainstorms almost everyday so they have taken off growing! I just love flowers on the deck!

the squirrels have been knocking the birdfeeders down and chewing on them to get the seeds. William and I went to Lowes and got a 4 hook iron pole. We put it far enough from the trees that the squirrels can't jump over and now the birds have plenty to eat. The squirrels aren't happy and you can hear them fussing but they have their own feeder in a tree with cracked corn and nuts. They just want what they can't have. Its fun watching them try to climb the pole and slide back down. They even tried while I was hanging out clothes right next to the feeders. Today I hope to finish sorting and clearing out the livingroom so I can start painting. This isn't my livingroom but it is the color I am going to use. I will have white trim and will be using sage green as my accent color. I know it sounds weird but just wait til you see the finished room. Gotta get busy.... have a great day.

No Homecoming Yet

Megan had the welcome home signs all made the red white and blue ribbons and flags hung everywhere. She was all set to pick Brian up in Atlanta today....... But the army messed up again. Brian flew from Iraq to Kuwait in a helicopter and was suppose to fly out from there to Germany. He is still in Kuwait! Hopefully he will fly out Thursday and be in Atlanta Saturday. If you thought you might call Megan and chat.... DON"T!!! she is not a happy person right now. My conversation with her lasted less than 30 seconds. Poor girl is so anxious to see her hubby and show him the house. He has never seen the inside of it! Everyone send prayers and good thoughts their way... they really need them. Luckily his 2 weeks leave doesn't start until he gets to the states.

Happy Birthday Sharon

Today is my daughter-in-law's birthday. SOOOOOOO Happy Birthday and go out and do something fun!!! (At least you aren't out in the big truck today)

Lady and the Tramp

Lady and Tramp are enjoying their new digs here at the homestead. William will be working on their lot this afternoon. We can't let them stay loose as there are other dogs in the area and also my neighbor has free roaming chickens that the dogs would chase. I can let them out when I am outside and I take them for walks in the evening. There are woods across the road where I can let them loose to run and play. So they are happy and I am happy to finally have all my "critters" here at the homestead with me.

Whiskers

Thought I would post a picture of Whiskers to go with Dimples picture.

Dimples

No, its not a picture of whiskers. Its a picture of Dimples, the cat that decided to live here on the homestead. Actually she was here waiting on us when we moved back. She has been declawed and fixed so someone cared enough to spend money on her. She is very loving and sweet and is making friends with whiskers. I have been gone a few days to Lexington and Asheville. I visited my brother, uncles and aunt in Asheville and then went back to Lexington for a auction William wanted me to go to. I spent waaaaaaaaaay too much money but got some nice pieces and the things William wanted. I brought the dogs back with me this trip. Lady did great and loved the trip. Tramp has been so abused before we got him that he was scared to death the whole trip and didn't move an inch. Once I got them home and walked them on their leashes around the property they both settled in just fine. We have Lady on a running line until William puts up the fence for them. Tramp won't move 2 feet from Lady so he is free. They both love it here and are wagging their tails and checking things out.I brought their doghouses, feeder and water bucket so they already feel right at home. They are closer to the house here than they were in Lexington so they really like that. There is also more places to take them on their daily walks here that they will enjoy. Well anyways, I am back at the homestead and plan on starting on the livingroom tomorrow..... Hope you had a nice weekend!! OH!!! Brian has flown out of Iraq on a helicopter last night heading to Kuwait for the plane taking him to Germany and from there he will fly into Atlanta Tuesday. Megan is very excited and the kids will be surprised when daddy picks them up from summer day camp Tuesday afternoon. He is home for total of 16 days and then heads back to Iraq to finish out his tour. Will keep you posted on their news........

Wood Pile

Today I worked on cleaning up the woodpile from when we lived here 2 yrs ago. The wood had been stacked between to huge pine trees and since we weren't here lots of pine needles and pine cones had covered the wood along with tons of leaves from other trees. I put 3 pallets down where I was moving the wood and stacked all wood in 2 rows on them. I raked the leaves, cones and needles up and burnt them along with any rotten wood I found. I am halfway thru this and hope to finish it tomorrow. When I have finished I am going to put a post on the 4 corners of my new wood stack. I will nail boards between the posts and then attach a tin roof so the wood will stay nice and dry for us this winter. Kinda hard to think of firewood in this heat isn't it! Anyway here are some pictures of the bedroom that I have finished. I am working on the one across the hall tonight (the one with the most junk in it!) so if you don't hear from me for a few days... call the rescue party as I have gotten lost in all the mess.

Monday Monday

The rain we weren't suppose to get today is here. Don't you just love weather people! I have spent the morning cooking food for a friends family. His grandfather died yesterday at age 86. I have also had to go out in the rain and stop Whiskers from chasing squirrels. I should just let him keep trying as he has never been outside before and doesn't know how to catch anything. He needs the exercise as he is one fat cat. William is on his way to Mobile,AL. Whenever there is a hurricane other drivers don't won't to go to the area because of traffic problems. He just hops in his semi and goes. We want to finish the roof in another week if he gets the time off. I am going to work on the living room so I can get that furniture in the room and we will have a nice place to relax when we aren't sitting on the deck. Have to clear everything out first and clean and paint the walls. I won't sand the floors til I do that incase I drop paint. The one bedroom is finished. I will take a picture later. I just love it and even William thinks it feels relaxing when you are in there. Have 2 more bedrooms to go and ours will probably be the last one done as it needs the most work. Guess I had better get at it ........ have a good monday!

More Pictures

dirt lane to house

View from side of property

Pictures of Our Little Homestead Haven in Fayetteville

this is the back yard and back of house. the house is an old army building built in 1940 that William bought 1980.

Stressed Out Pets

Want your laugh for the day? I decided I would bring the cats and iguana to Fayetteville with me yesterday. I bought the biggest wire carrier I could find and made it all nice for Bud (iguana) I put the cats blanket on top because they always loved sleeping on top of his cage at home. I put their litterbox, food, and water in the van and thought it would be fine to just let them be free in the van. They have never been closed in anything nor have they ever been out of the house muchless on a trip anywhere..... get the picture? I put all of them in the van and let it sit running in the driveway for a few minutes to get them use to it. I get in and start backing out... all heck breaks loose! I have 2 cats running across the dashboard, across my lap, up my arm, across the back of my seat. People are driving back and doing a double take when they see these wild things running allover the van. Not only are they running but they are screaming like mountain lions. I decide that if they are still running everywhere in 5 minutes we are turning around. They finally settle down (on the back of my seat) and sit there but still crying. I start talking to them and they stop crying. I stop talking and they start crying. I have the air on cause its a killer hot day and whiskers doesn't like it. I turn the air off and he finally is happy and settled down. It gets hot, I turn the air on and he starts standing up and crying again. I turn the air off and he is happy. This is a 2 hours drive that I have to take with these animals. Bud is happy in the back until we get to the house. I reach to get his cage out and he is mad! He slaps his tail around and tries to bite me thru the cage. I try talking to him and he wants no part of it. I get help to get his cage on the deck and he sits there and watches the birds and squirrels and seems okay. I go near his cage and he starts slapping his tail. I give him fresh water and food, he looks at me, looks at the food... picks up the food and water dishes and throws them across the cage. He is one mad Bud! I cover his cage for the night and plug in his heating pad. He finally lays on it and goes to sleep. Think he was in a better mood this morning? NO! his food and water got thrown again. William will be here today and we are going to build him a big house and caged in yard with a swimming pool. Bud loves being outside and with the weather here he can til cool weather. We will bring his house down for him to have inside this fall. Maybe when he moves into his deluxe apartment today he will be happy. Mean while the cats slept on top of me all night and when I moved they growled at me so I had to lay still all night. They seem to have adjusted to the house and are checking everything out. They are even getting along with Dimples the cat that took up residence here couple weeks ago. So now that you have had your chuckle for the day I must get busy getting things ready to build Buds new digs........... have a great weekend!

Cindy

Well Cindy has come and is staying around for now. she has brought heavy rain, hail,wind and lots and lots of lightening. There have been 2 tornados touch down in neighboring counties. This is suppose to last til morning and then we have a couple of days before Hurricane Dennis decides to land. Hopefully we want get too much from that. Have gotten the deck cleaned except for the railings and will be staining after the rain goes away. the new patio furniture and canopy looks great and I love sitting on the deck watching the birds! We have 2 hummingbirds that come to the feeders and instead of hoovering the sit and eat and then just sit there for long periods of time. I have never seen hummingbirds sit so long! I am going to try to get a picture and if I do will post it. We have several feeders for the other birds and a thistle sock for the finches. We have 4 beautiful yellow finches that come every morning and evening to eat along with woodpeckers, wrens, cardinals and bluejays. I am so happy and relaxed watching them and the squirrels. I do run the squrriels off the feeders sometimes as they dump all the seeds on the ground except the sunflower seeds. I bought some squrriel food so hopefully they will eat that and leave the seeds alone (yeah right) Am starting on the livingroom this weekend. Have to empty everything out so I can sand the floors and paint the walls and trim. Slowly things are coming together. Hope everyone had a great 4th! Maggie and Megan had nice birthdays and Megan is getting ready for Brian to come home in a couple of weeks. Hope Amy had a great birthday.......... until later, have a good one!