Wash Day

I used my homemade laundry detergent (lavender) and my homemade fabric softner (lavender) and I have the best smelling cleanest clothes in the county! I washed on the back deck and enjoyed watching and listening to the birds at the feeders. Life is wonderful here at the homestead!

Back To Homesteading

With William home for a week and his daughter and grandson down for a few days visit things around the homestead just didn't get done. Of course Miss Diva got her milking and the animals got fed but that's about it. We grilled out 2 nights, William took his grandson canoing one afternoon and they wet their hooks but caught no fish. I did alot of cooking as William enjoys home cooked meals and takes the leftovers with him to warm up on the road. I baked whole wheat sourdough bread, made a strawberry cake and baked some cookies. Lisa (William's daughter) brought her dog Snoopy with her. He is a beautiful husky but stays inside at her house. Here with cats inside and out the dog had to stay on the runner outside. My dogs were upset there was another dog, Miss Diva was upset that there was a dog outside the dog lot and the cats were upset there was a dog on the property. So I spent 3 days with lots of upset animals. A neighbor brought me 5 laying hens and they are already laying so are older than my hens and of course my hens had to be jealous and upset with their new roommates so I had to sooth ruffled feathers. One hen already layed a egg so the other hens are really jealous now. My daughter Maggie called from Tennessee upset this morning. After all the time I spent finding the 2 special ducks they wanted for Easter a big owl got Tom and now Jerry is all alone. The girls were upset and their dog got loose during all this and knocked over the rabbit cage and the top come off so the rabbit got away. It was a lion head rabbit they had since it was a tiny baby. The dog also knocked over the cages where they keep the wildlife rescue animals till they are re-released into the wild. The squirrels ran up a tree but when Maggie went over the squirrels hopped on her back and went back to their cage. The groundhogs ran and they caught 3 of them but the 4th got away. Maggie says he was to be released next week anyways and he comes up for food but runs if they try to catch him so he is fine. Seems like its been a bad week for the animals in our family. Hopefully things will change for the better. I am trying to save enough cream to make butter from the goat milk but it is going to take a while. Goats don't have alot of butterfat like cows. I made cheese twice this week and made a yummy mac and cheese with goats cheese. No one knew it was goat cheese till after they ate and commented on how good it was. When I told them they said make it that way from now on. I am going to make ice cream next weekend with goat milk. Tomorrow is my wash day and I have my washtubs and wringer here! I will be taking photos each step so you can see how it goes. My neighbors think I am crazy and one told me I should have been born in the late 1800's... I agree. I love living the homestead life! I admit I would miss my computer but everything else I could handle. We have had unbearable hot days and nights here and I wouldn't turn the air on. All the windows are up and we have lots of shade trees. William and I are use to it and don't mind it. Lisa was hot and my neighbors all have their air on and don't go outside during the middle of the day. Again I am the crazy lady in the neighborhood and spent the day cleaning out the tool shed. Will be back working on it tomorrow after I finish laundry. Life is good here on the homestead! God has blessed me so much. I hope your weekend was blessed and your week is filled to overflowing with blessings. I know this post is long but I want to leave you with my devotion I read today:
A Friend To Friends
Treat your friends as friends should be treated: be sincere, considerate, courteous, truthful, loyal, sympathetic,and helpful. If you are a friend, you will stay when others walk out: you will lend a hand when others fold theirs.
It takes time to make and hold friends; for relationships made fast seldom last. The cannibal who eats you up the first time he sees you will just as quickly become nauseated with you later.
Hold your friend close, but grant him freedom. Don't stifle him- let him breathe- for true friendship cannot survive when one is so smothered there is no free breathing.

A friend is, as it were, a second self -- Cicero
Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not-- Proverbs 27:10

Norm's World Tour

Thanks Judy for showing me how to post photos of Norm's vacation! (be patient it takes a few seconds)

Memorial Day

My dad served in the US Navy years before I was even born. He was on a battleship in the pacific when my brother Don was born. He was always making sure we showed respect to all military and their families because he knew what each one gave up to protect each of us. He was proud to be a veteran and was proud of my brothers for their military service. So this Memorial Day I will remember my dad, remember all veterans, remember all military families. I will give thanks for each soldier that is giving up so much to let me enjoy my freedom. I will give thanks for the families of those soldiers that give up having their soldier home with them so I might enjoy my freedom. I will give thanks that my husband, brothers, son in laws and daughter served their country so I might enjoy my freedom but are now safely home. I will pray for the soldiers that didn't make it back home because they were fighting for my freedom. I will pray for their families that had to give up someone precious to them so I might have my freedom. I will remember why we have Memorial Day and I will remember why I have the freedom to celebrate this day. ....... I will remember..... Will you?

The Letter "G"

Deni has given me the letter "G". The rules, name ten things that begin with the letter, and write what is important about it.

1. God Because without him what would life be
2. Goat Because without my goat Miss Diva how boring my life would be
3. Grandkids 9 reasons to keep a smile on my face and love in my heart
4. Gardens Because without them there would be no wonderful veggies on my table or flowers to enjoy
5. Goodness Because without goodness in myself and others what a terrible place this world would be
6. Grace Saying grace gives me a chance to give thanks for my many blessings.
7. Gardenia What a wonderful smell that takes me back to high school proms and it is the last flower my dad bought me so its a precious scent.
8. Goldfinch Because they are the birds that keep me company early each morning while I read my daily devotion sitting on the deck.
9. Grass Because I love cutting the grass and enjoying the fresh smell. I love laying on the grass and looking at the sky with a grandchild and just enjoying the moment
10. Glasses Because without them I couldn't read everyone's wonderful posts and without drinking glasses I wouldn't be able to enjoy tall glasses of ice tea.

So there are my ten words beginning with "G". If you would like to do this leave me a comment and I will give you a letter. Have a "G"reat day!!!

Edited to add that yes that is a chicken on Miss Diva's head and she doesn't mind except if they peck her then she will butt them! I took this in the evening so you could see the chickens going to roost.
I am getting ready to send an email to McMurry's about my "pullets". They are now 3 months old and we can tell if they are or are not hens. While we were admiring the new chicken/goat house we started watching the chickens and counting how many roosters we have. I ordered 25 brown laying pullets and out of those 25 I have 3 big ole roosters. I ordered 25 bantam pullets and out of those 25 I have 6 roosters. Yes, we are positive we have 9 roosters from a order of all pullets! We knew we were hearing a lot of crowing from what we thought was 6 roosters so after observing we counted 9. I can't have that many roosters because they are already fighting with each other. I am going to trade a couple with my neighbor for a 2 laying hens. Going to try to sell the others except for Topper. A lady down the road has a female and is going to take him and let her hen set on the eggs so we both can have baby chicks with the funny hairdo! Hidden Haven Zoo is going crazy. While William and a neighbor were working on the roof of the chicken house I walked over to Fran's to give her some milk. Miss Diva saw me leave and even though she had 2 people in the lot with her to keep her company she went to the end near Fran's house and stood there and cried till William yelled at me to come home cause they couldn't stand the noise. I walk back to the yard and she shuts up. Then we tore down the old chicken shed I had built since they had their new one and the chickens are confused! They kept trying to fly up on the fence where the old shed was so they could roost there. That wouldn't work cause 1. its made of chicken wire and not that sturdy to roost on and 2 the dog lot is on that side and they sit there just waiting for a chicken to fall or fly over to their side. We stayed outside till way after dark talking and walking chickens to their new house up their new ladder to their new roosting posts. Once there they loved it and are going back easy now. Only the bottom has walls right now because we have such hot summers we are leaving the top sides open so the chickens can have air. Miss Diva who was use to being able to reach the roosting posts and knock them down so the chickens were closer to her tried to climb up the chicken ladder and when that didn't work she tried to stand on her hind legs and reach the posts to knock them down near her. That didn't work either so I had to go and sit with her and rub her head till she settled down to sleep. William and I both felt like we had small children again. We both were so tired we fell asleep watching TV before 9pm! We were in bed asleep before 10pm. William has gone to Lexington to get some things done there and I am going to try to catch up on my housework since I have done nothing inside while he has been home. We are going to try to go canoeing this weekend and grill out for Memorial Day. He will be heading out Tuesday and I will back to my normal schedule. I am making cheese right now and it is such a easy recipe! Take 2 quarts of goatmilk and heat to almost boiling, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and turn off the heat under the pot. Stir and let sit till cools. Pour into a cheese cloth and squeeze some of the liquid out. Tie and hang the cheese in the cloth and let drain. You can squeeze the cloth once in a while. Once the liquid has all drained out put the cheese in a covered container and store in the fridge. This makes a spreadable cheese to which you can eat like it is or add peppers, olives, seasonings etc to spice it up. I made another batch of soaps and am having such good luck selling them! I got or rather Miss Diva got the nicest compliment on Etsy that I have to share with you.
This was left in my feedback section of Etsy:
Love you Miss Diva! My daughter has real sensitive skin and everything gives her a rash. 2 days with this miracle DIVA soap and they are almost gone and her skin is soft!!!
That made my day! She even ordered 7 more bars of soap! I am really counting my blessings today. I have been blessed so much in so many areas. I hope your day and life has filled with blessings.

Monday Already?

The last few days have flew by and we still don't have everything done we planned on. Saturday we decided to stay around home and not go to the tractor show. William was tired from being on the road so long and we had to spend the next day on the road . We got the bikes out and went bike riding, fertilized the gardens and grapevines. William worked on the lawnmowers and I used them for a little bit. We grilled steaks, William surfed the internet and I watched PBS. Sunday at 4am I got up, milked Miss Diva who thought I was crazy for waking her up so early. The roosters got confused and thought they had overslept so they jumped down and started crowing.Fed and watered all the animals, made a pot of coffee, got William up and we started on our 7 hour drive to his daughters college graduation. The graduation was 3 hours long, we stopped for food and gasoline and drove 7 hours to arrive home at 11pm. I then had to wake up Miss Diva so William could milk her while I fed and watered again. Miss Diva was confused at why we had messed her milking schedule up and the roosters thought they had overslept again and started crowing. Was nice to see Lisa graduate and nice to be back home and nice to be back on a normal schedule today. William and a neighbor built a nice chicken /goat house today. All the chickens are roosting in it tonight and Miss Diva is sleeping under them like she enjoys doing but has a lot more room as this one is really tall. We worked in the chicken lot all day so supper wasn't eaten till 9pm tonight. We are both tired so I am going to get off here and let William check out eBay while I take a nice hot bath and go to bed. Hope everyone had a great day!

Norm

Don't forget to go see what Norm is up to at Perri's. Be sure and leave a comment so she can tell Norm you dropped by. http://lottakids1961.blogspot.com/ Have a great day and count those blessings!

Christian MeMe

Heather has tagged me for a meme and since I like her meme here goes:

1.What is your life verse? Matthew 5:16
2."Give a bit of your testimony? I was saved July 1962 at G.A. Camp (church summer camp for girls) and have strayed off the path a lot in my younger life. I cannot be perfect but I can try to be the best I can and let my light shine through my words and actions.
3.Do you have a favorite preacher? My favorite pastor has passed away. His name was Rev. Cox from my hometown.
4.What's the best Bible Study you've ever done? One we did on the book of Romans at Faith Baptist in Lexington.
5.What do you feel God's calling is on your life? I feel like I haven't really found my calling yet. I know God led me to be a lab tech when I wanted to be a teacher. He led me to FL to a job of going to nursing homes and drug treatment centers and doing labwork so they didn't have to travel to a doctor or hospital. My heart and mind was so changed by the different types of people I met and I think I helped change a few of theirs. I still feel there is something I am meant to do in life but I have to try to be patient till God is ready to let me know what it is.

Thanks for the meme Heather! Nice way to start the weekend.

"Topper" looks like he needs a haircut! This suppose to be hen turned out to be rooster is guarding his hens very well. I go in to feed them and they all come running and he tries his best to stay between me and his special hens. Seems like he has picked his chosen ones and the other suppose to be hen but are roosters have picked theirs. If a hen happens to go with the wrong group the rooster will go after her and give her a good talking to while pushing her back to his group. I have enjoyed watching them this afternoon while I cleaned out their pen. The roosters accept Miss Diva though and even hop on her back and ride around. They are crowing more and more every day. The bantams are so funny crowing. They sound like a teenager changing their voice. Topper and Boss sound like they have been crowing forever. To see them strutting their stuff around and spreading the feathers you would think they were the kings of the world. Now if I can just be patient a few more months for the hens to start laying all will be well in the chicken world. As for the wildbirds around here... I am going to have to take out a loan to buy bird seed if they don't stop bringing their friends at feeding time. I usually have 2 pair of cardinals each year but this year I have 3 sets. Have 4 huge blue jays, lots of wren, robins, finches, doves,scrub jays,2 downey woodpeckers, 2 redheaded woodpeckers, 1 (that I saw) red-bellied woodpecker, bunches of tufted titmouse and 3 sets of hummingbirds. Of course we have the owl in the big oak tree out back but he just sits there. These birds come early mornings and almost wipe out the feeders. I fill them up and they come back early evening and go at it again. The thistle socks I only have to fill twice a week but all the other feeders and I have lots I fill twice a day. The squirrels do go after a couple of them so I don't put much in those. The ones the squirrels can't get to I fill all the way. Some have regular wild bird seed and some have songbird seeds and some have sunflower seeds. I have squirrel feeders that I put sunflower seeds, peanuts and corn on, plus I have a wire hanger that I hang corn in for the squirrels. That's my stress release... Watching the birds at the feeders and birdbaths. Its so relaxing watching them so I shouldn't complain about the amount of birdseed we go through. William will be home soon so if I am not around the blog neighborhood very much the next few days I will be spending time with him. We have lots to do and places to go so it will be a busy few days. I will try to catch up on a few blogs a day when I check email so everyone have a great weekend, enjoy the birds, enjoy your home, enjoy your family and friends and most of all enjoy your blessings no matter what size they may be!

ABC MeMe

I have been tagged by Momxtwo for this meme. Have no ideal who has done it so if you want to give it a try leave me a comment and I will come read your answers.

Wednesday, May 17

Alphabet MeMe
ACCENT: southern mountain
BIBLE BOOK I LIKE: Daniel
CHORE I DON'T CARE FOR: cleaning the bathroom
DOG or CAT: 3 dogs and 3 cats
ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS: computer
FAVORITE COLONE: passion
GOLD or SILVER: Silver
HANDBAG I CARRY MOST OFTEN: backpack purse
INSOMNIA: all the time
JOB TITLE: homesteader, retired lab tech, grandma, mom, wife, soapmaker, take your pick
KIDS: 3 Maggie 35, Melody 30, Megan 28
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS:homesteading in a 1940's army building converted into a 3 bedroom home
MOST ADMIRABLE TRAIT: Good Listener
NAUGHTIEST CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR: skipped school a couple times
OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAYS: 3 times for having baby, 3 for surgeries
PHOBIAS: small enclosed spaces, crowds, heights,
QUOTE: Never Say Never
RELIGION: Christian
lSIBLINGS: 2 brothers living, 1 brother and 1 sister deceased
TIME I WAKE UP: 6am
UNUSUAL TALENTS OR SKILLS:Milk a goat? make soap, make veggie sculptures
VEGETABLE I REFUSE TO EAT: none that I know of though there are some I don't like
WORST HABIT:Speaking my mind
XRAYS:lots of times
YUMMY STUFF I COOK: sourdough bread,homemade mac & cheese, homestead stew
.ZOO ANIMALS I LIKE MOST: monkeys

Wednesday Already?

Where has the week gone? I have so much to do and thought I would have plenty of time to get it done before William gets home, but that won't happen. William will be home tomorrow evening for a few days. His daughter is graduating college Sunday so we will be driving to West Virginia. We also are going to a tractor show Saturday so he can look and dream at the tractors and we can hopefully sell some soaps. We are setting up a table there. At least the women will have something to look at while the husbands drool over the tractors. I have flyers to print out and a list of things to get together for my booth. I have things to get done around here before William gets home so he doesn't have a big to do list waiting on him. Have to get his suit ready for Sunday and I have no idea what I will wear. Fran, my neighbor was going on a vacation to her other daughters but changed her mind at the last minute. I was so looking forward to a few days break. I know that sounds terrible but I am a little stressed with driving her somewhere almost everyday and all the phone calls during the day of which if I don't answer she stands out in her yard and starts yelling for me. I love her like a mom and I shouldn't complain but I am just ready for a break. Should count my blessings of having such a sweet neighbor. On a much nicer note. I got a package from Wendy and her family! I got lots of Tazmanian chocolates, a beautiful guardian angel in a lovely box from her daughter Judy. I beautiful Australian plate, a wooden magnet, Australian Bush Blend Soap,Tasmanian wholegrain mustard, tomato red pepper chutney, and lemon chutney. Thank you so much Wendy for the nice surprise package!! Time to go milk Miss Diva and get back to making soaps. Have a great Wednesday and enjoy your blessings!

Norm's New Vacation Spot

Norm has arrived at Perri's for his next stop on his world tour. Seems like he has all the fun! Be sure and check out what he is up to and leave a comment so Perri will know you dropped by and can tell Norm he had visitors . Besides I think you will enjoy Perri's blog as there is always something fun happening at her place.

A Normal Day at the Homestead

I have had a great day. I have not had to leave the homestead to go anywhere today and I love it! I cleaned up where I had burnt leaves, then raked and burnt some more. I cleaned the livingroom and raised the windows to let all the wonderful fresh air and sunshine in. Found out that the 50 chickens I ordered that were suppose to be ALL hens have 3 roosters among them. I really didn't want a rooster but I know it must be hard to tell the sex of a baby chick 100% so will just enjoy listening to their crowing and hope they don't fight each other. If they do then I will be having chicken and dumplings from a couple of roosters. It is fun to watch them now that they know they can crow. They hear the neighbors roosters crowing and they started crowing. At first it was like a young boy with his voice changing but now they have it down pat and are crowing with the big birds! They also strut around flapping their wings and fussing at the hens. I have one white hen that puts the roosters in their place though. She doesn't take any of their bossy ways. Miss Diva has decided that if the chickens are to be her herd she will just sleep with them and not in her shed. The only problem with that is some mornings when I go to milk her she has poop on her back from sleeping under the roosting chickens! Since Precious has her kittens in the house and on the back deck Whiskers and Dimples have taken to staying on the front porch. Precious chases them if they go anywhere around where she or the kittens are. I finally moved a automatic feeder around to the front for them so they can eat when they want and not have to worry about Precious. They always sleep on the porch in summer anyway. My beans are growing like crazy and flowers are blooming all over the homestead. Spring has come and gone and I think summer is already here! I sure hope each of you are enjoying your day and your home as much as I am. I also hope you are counting all the many blessings that have come your way today. The first photo is my polish rooster. He has a beautiful head of feathers that look like a afro!
This is a photo of my other 2 roosters. They are bantam sterling roosters. (thats a hen in the lower corner)
This is Miss Diva ready to go to bed with the chickens!
Some of my pole beans.

Monday, Monday

The washboard is an old one I have had for a few years. The double washtub I bought at an old family run hardware store and the handcrank wringer I ordered from a catalog. I got these when I thought we were moving to a cabin in the woods of Minnesota. This cabin had no electric or plumbing and the only way to it was by boat. I was so excited to be moving there! My youngest daughter and her husband were going to move there and build a cabin too but decided they would rather live on the family farm instead so William said he didn't want me there alone most of the time as he would be on the road. He found a place in Tennessee and wanted to move there but I wanted to come back to our place here in Fayetteville. I am glad we did. We are out in the country and but close to shopping. We are off by ourselves but neighbors are close without being in your doorway. Close to a major highway but can't see or hear the traffic. Have woods all around and can have my animals, gardens or anything else I want without worrying about zoning. The only thing I don't have is the snow and cold weather which I love. I can use my washtubs and wringers and hang my clothes out here without worrying about them freezing though. So that is a good thing. I am going to retire my washer and dryer and get my washtub, wringer and washboard out and start using them. You have never seen white clothes really white until you have seen them washed and wrung through a wringer! I can see all the eyes rolling now but I am actually excited about getting something else in my life back to the basic way like my grandparents. So go enjoy your washday and I will be making sure William brings my washtubs out of storage on his way home Friday. I will take photos of my wash next week. Have a great day and count your blessings (maybe one of those would be the easy way of doing laundry).

Happy Mother's Day

Miss you dearly Mother. Thank you for raising me to be the person I am today. What a wonderful blessing to have been your daughter.



Maggie, Thank you for being able to love and accept my mistakes as we grew up together. You have grown up and become a mother to 2 beautiful daughers. You are always there giving 100% of yourself whenever anyone needs you.I am so proud of you and am very blessed you are my daughter,my friend and first born. (most &morest)

Melody, my tenderhearted middle child. I have treasured the times you have called to ask my advice. I have loved all the jokes and pranks you have played on your sisters and even me. Thank you for always making me laugh. I am so proud of the way you are raising your 5 children. God gave me a wonderful blessing when he picked me to be your mom!

Megan, my precious baby girl. You are so much like me that its scary. We butt heads alot but always make up. We run to each other whenever there is something wrong or good news to share. You have made me stand strong in my faith and be proud of who I am. You make me proud in the way you are raising your 2 wonderful childern. God gave me a special blessing when he picked you for my daughter!

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers that are so special to me. I love each of you so very much. Thank you, God for bringing them into my life.

I Got Mail!!

Dear Ms. Robyn sent me a belated birthday package! Everything was wrapped in brown wrapping and tied with string and inside that wrapping was beautiful lavender wrapping. I had so much fun opening my gift! Robyn enclosed a vintage birthday greeting card and some yummy candy that I just had to sample! She sent me the most delightful peg bag made out of burlap! I love it! Thank you so much Ms.Robyn for the nice surprise, I love everything and you are such a sweetie!
I am one tired old lady this evening. My neighbor Fran and her daughter Vicki were out trying to trim the bushes in the yard. Fran is elderly and Vicki is recovering from a stroke so I went over to see what I could do. This was at 7:30 this morning and I didn't come home till 5:00 this afternoon. I used the electric hedge trimmer as far as I could reach on each bush, then I got the stepladder and cut the top of each bush with clippers. I am going back in the morning to help rake and clean up the mess I made with clippings. It was nice helping my neighbors and talking with them while working. Another neighbor came over and talked with me about religion and we didn't even argue about our beliefs. She gave me some articles to read and ask me if I found that they were untrue to please show her as she really wanted to know. I am going to try to read some tonight and the rest during the weekend when I have free time. We have different views on the book of revelations so it will be interesting to read what she thinks. Whatever our beliefs she is a nice neighbor to have. If I ever need anyone to milk Ms Diva she has volunteered. I just have to show her as she has never milked before! All in all I had a nice day, had many blessings, enjoyed friends and neighbors, enjoyed great conversations, and enjoyed all the beautiful birds flying around the birdfeeders. We saw 2 different types of woodpeckers, several bluejays, yellow finches, purple finches, cardinals and lots of robins. There was only 2 hummingbirds today. Looking forward to finishing the neighbors tomorrow morning and then got lots of outside work to get done here because it is suppose to rain and turn cool again on Sunday. Everyone have a wonderful weekend. Count your blessings no matter how small!

This squirrel got away, thank goodness. Whiskers spent over an hour watching and waiting till I finally went out and made him come inside so the squirrel could go about his business. If you ever get bored... Come to the homestead as its never boring here! Today I came home from taking the garbage off and found Miss Diva standing in the front yard. She had gotten out of her lot when she saw me drive off I guess. She had to pass the tomatoes, strawberries, okra, cucumbers and green beans to get to the front yard. She was standing right by the lettuce and onion beds and never eat a single plant! She was waiting for me because when I drove up she came right to the van and walked with me back to her lot. I fixed where she got out and gave her some alfalfa but she still cried when I came inside. I am getting her a goat baby to keep her company. Anyway life here at the homestead is anything but boring and now that the storm is finally here I had better shut the computer down. Enjoy the evening and count your blessings.

Thursday, Thursday

The sun is shining but they are calling for bad storms this afternoon. I rushed around after milking to get the pens cleaned out and new bedding put down. Cleaned the dogs houses and gave them new bedding. Feed the goat, chickens, iguana, dogs, cats, kittens and refilled all the birdfeeders so hopefully everything can eat and have a dry clean place to stay while it storms.The kittens are going everywhere! Samson (the one sticking out his tongue) hangs around me a lot. He sleeps on my stomach if I am laying on my back. If I turn over to my side then he snuggles up to me. He woke me up at 5 this morning licking my face. Guess he thought he needed to wash it for me. He loves to stand on his hind legs and box with me. Miss Dilly loves to fight with me but doesn't like to snuggle that well. Miss Gracie and Tiger are so busy climbing everything and checking out every corner that they don't want to be held very long before they are trying to get down. Miss Gracie and Samson will be going to their new home soon and I am going to keep Tiger and Miss Dilly. They along with their dear ole mom will be taking a trip to the vet for a little snip as I sure don't need anymore babies here! I have to clean my mess up in the kitchen from soapmaking and pick up things around the house the kittens have dragged out. Have a few bills to pay and need to mail my MIL's mothers day card so guess I had better get started so I can settle in for our storm this afternoon. Sure hope it doesn't mess up my gardens! Have a great day and count your blessings!

I found this old photo while looking for a photo of mother to use for Mothers Day. This was taken 2 years before my parents divorced. They were married 28 years and I thought they would be together forever. I was very blessed that when they remarried they each found a wonderful mate. My stepdad was like a second dad to me and my stepmom was like a mom. Every photo of my parents seem to have them laughing. Not the normal picture smile but actual laughing. All things aren't as they seem since they must have been unhappy with each other. Though I was hurt they divorced I was blessed to have 2 sets of parents that loved me very much and were always there for me. I miss my mother and dad. I think of them everyday. I know they are watching over me and that gives me comfort and strength. Cherish each moment with your parents if they are still with you. Parents are a precious blessing!

What Do You Think?

No its not me (I wish). William said he would build me a milking ramp if I found what I wanted. This one would fit in with our homestead look and serve the purpose. Besides I don't think William likes me tying Miss Diva up to his boat! This has been a good day on the homestead! I took Ms. Fran to the doctor and she is finally taking medication for beginning stage of Alzheimer's She seems to be okay with what the doctor told her about it not curing just slowing things down. I hope it works! I spent some time working in the garden beds, raking leaves and cleaning the dog lot. I also made several batches of soap with new fragrances. I cooked a big pot of pintos, fried some potatoes, made cornbread and cole slaw. Yes, it was just me but I make plates for William and freeze them so he can take them with him after he comes home. He has a fridge and microwave in his truck and likes having home cooked meals. I have been cleaning and picking up things the kittens have knocked down. They are into climbing and have decided I am a good climbing post and sleeping buddy. I was hoping to take photos of them. I got a new cord for my camera William got me for Christmas but I can't get the photos to download. The old camera is such a disappointment after using the new one. Will have to take time to set at the computer and figure out what is wrong. We finally got sunshine around 4PM and it actually warmed up! Tomorrow is suppose to be sunny and warm but rain tomorrow night. I am fine with the rain as the veggies and flowers are doing so well. I can always do inside things.... Like make more soaps!! My 5 year old granddaughter called to tell me she had lost her first tooth today at soccer practice. She told me that you had to put the tooth under your pillow and the tooth fairy came. I ask her how much money the tooth fairy would leave and she told me $100! I heard her mom in the background saying VERY loudly I don't think so!!! I am so blessed with my homestead, family and friends. Have you counted your blessings today?

Monday Monday

Well the rain has stopped but it feels like I need to get out my overcoat! So happy for the rain as everything is so green and the gardens look so good. I just have to get use to 90 degree weather turning into 45 degree weather. This is the time of year where we are usually having hot humid days so I won't complain about this little cool spell. My okra is growing so fast! My cherry tomatoes are loaded, if they only will turn ripe. The lettuce and onions are making lots of good salads and the cucumber and bean plants are looking good. Am so blessed everything seems to be growing and going to supply us with plenty to eat. Miss Diva is giving almost 5 quarts of milk a day now. She is doing so well. The chickens are growing and hopefully the first of August we will have eggs. I have done laundry and cleaned the chicken and goat sheds. Made a run of soap and talked with my neighbor down the road. She sells chickens and ducks. She gave me some gourds for birdhouses and also some gourd seeds to plant. I am going to put a sign in her yard about selling goats milk as she lives right on the side of the road and I live down a long long dirt lane. I am going to help her set up an etsy account so she can sell her painted gourds and other craft items. She is soooo talented! This has been a good Monday so I am very thankful! Hope your day was a good one and that you remember to count your blessings and forget the negatives.

I Won!

I never win anything so I was surprised to find out my ideal for http://homemakerang.blogspot.com/ won. She had a nice downstairs bathroom to start with but decided she wanted to change it and ask all of us to offer suggestions. Of course I had to go antique and country with my ideals but Ang actually liked it and I won!! One thing suggested she use an old washstand or dry sink with a vessel sink. I can't wait to see the finished bathroom but she has photos of the work in progress if you want to check her blog.
I rearranged the livingroom this morning and cleaning the rest of the house. I let things go during the week because I am doing garden and yardwork so thought I had better get things shipshape. I am making more soaps tomorrow afternoon but that is fun work. I still haven't finished my book for review. Its not that its not a good book its just I have a lot of things to do. If a book doesn't capture me right a way I will take my time reading instead of letting things go and reading till I finish the whole book. I did watch one of my movies while I was rearranging. Got 2 more that I will watch later. Filled the birdfeeders after the rain and now the birds are having a party out there. Love watching them. My hummingbird came buzzing around my head to let me know its time to change the food in his feeder. The squirrels have eaten most of my squash seeds so I replanted and covered with screen for now. Hopefully they will leave them alone. Rambo squirrel hasn't been back around and the cats are sitting on the deck watching the trees for him. The kittens are sunning on the deck but they will be in so as we are suppose to get more rain. I have to leave the screen door open to the deck so the cats can go in and out and Precious just came in with a lizard. Now I have to catch that think and let it go! She is trying to get the kittens to come in and play with it cause she is meowing like crazy. Everyone have a good day. I have to chase a lizard.....

War Between the Cats and a Squirrel

I was in the kitchen minding my own business when I see Whiskers walking across the yard with something in his mouth. Whatever it was was fighting to get free. Before I can get to the door Precious jumps Whiskers so she can steal whatever he has. He was startled and dropped his catch. It was a squirrel! Well with 2 cats in the doorway the squirrel chooses to run the other way which is inside my house. The cats don't want to loose the catch of the day so they both are in hot pursuit. Pictures are knocked off the wall, things on the table are flying, mail on the counter is scattered allover the floor. I am trying to catch the cats to put them outside but can't. I finally grab a broom and get between the cats and the squirrel and start shooing the squirrel off my curtains and toward the door. He finally makes a break for it and I slam the door to keep the cats inside. The cats give me a look that tells me I had better not close my eyes when I go to sleep or they will pay me back for letting their squirrel loose. The squirrel is in the tree by the deck and if I could understand squirrel talk I think I would be very afraid! Kinda reminds me of that old song by Ray Stevens about the squirrel that got loose in church. All I know is if you don't see me around the blog.... It was the cats or squirrel that got me!

Another Swap!!

Ms. Robyn is getting another swap together! This one is easy, delightful and vintage... what more could we ask for?

tea time swap
for all the tea lovers out there! a tea time swap - a few tea bags, a vintage cup & a vintage tea spoon, a small vintage napkin plus a small item to read - either a magazine cutting or a favourite poem. Add one luxury chocolate and that is it! email Ms. Robyn at dailyparcels-swaps@yahoo.com.au
So what are you waiting on????? Go email the lady!

Try Being a Light

God's children shine with his light in a world where others are in darkness. So think of some of the things a light does.
*Light is silent. No noise, No bulldozing, No banners---- light simply shines. Its like a lighthouse along the shore. All it does is shine as it turns.
*Light gives direction. No words, no sermon. Jesus says that others "see" our actions-- but nothing is said of their hearing.
* Light attracts attention. You don't have to ask people to look at you when you turn on a light in a dark room. It happens automatically. You are a light in the darkness,a child of God who is being watched, who gives off a very distinct message... Without saying a word. Let the light shine. Don't attempt to show off how bright and sparkling you are, just let it shine.
I borrowed some of the above from Charles Swindoll. My point is its time to stop saying others are wrong, others are this or that. Its time to stop, look at ourselves and let our light shine. Its time to stop being a bulldozer pushing others to our way. Its time to stop and love our neighbor. Its time to forgive and forget the hurtful things that have been said. Its time for each of us to let our light shine so others can see the good in our faith and in our hearts.

I will delete all comments and emails that say anything negative about anyone else. If you have a problem with the way someone else believes then get on your knees. Do not tell me about it.

Sifting Dirt

No that is not my photo. Its one I found online to show what I have been doing all day. William tilled up 3 areas for us to plant more veggies in and together we sifted all the dirt in one of them to get the grass and weeds out. I have finally finished the long one except for raking up the grass , weeds and roots and throwing them on the burn pile. I didn't have the handy little sifter. I used chicken wire doubled, laying it in my wheelbarrow and using the shovel to put the dirt in the wire. When I got enough in and still be able to lift and shake I would shake the wire until all the dirt fell through and then I would toss the grass and weeds off in a pile. My arms are tired and my nose is sunburn but I now have a nice long smooth weedfree place to plant more squash and beans. Then I have one more area to sift or that's all till William gets home again as I have a few more spots picked out! Miss Diva was impatient this morning waiting on me to feed the chickens so she pushed her gate open and walked herself to her milking area and stood there waiting on me crying for me to hurry up! I didn't fuss at her because she walked right by my tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and okra without touching any of them. After she was finished eating and I was finished milking she walked back to her gate and stood there waiting on me to open it and let her in. She also stood inside looking at me till I fed her her morning alfalfa. Guess we know where she got her name don't we. Time for a nice relaxing bath, finish Wendy's letter, read more in a book I have for review and watch to see who is voted off Idol tonight. Then I have 12 bars of soap to package and get ready for mailing out tomorrow morning. Life on the homestead is good and God is great! Counting my blessings... night everyone.

Busy As A Bee

I have had a busy day here at the homestead! Had to run into town to pick up some scented oils for my soaps as my order hasn't come in yet and I didn't want to wait to get a couple of orders out. Made 3 batches of soaps and then went outside to rake and burn. I MIGHT have all the leaves raked before they start falling again in the fall. If you have seen the old movies with the plantation homes and the big old oak trees with the limbs hanging down heavy with leaves... Well I don't have the big ole mansion but I have enough big oak trees for several plantations. Along with lots of pine, dogwood, sassafras, magnolia, holly cedar and hickory. They all shed their leaves and there are so many it kills the grass. There is too many for our mulch pile so I have to burn some... A lot. Sorry if you don't like it but it has to be. Anyways, besides raking and burning I cleaned out the goat shed and chicken house. Cooked the dogs up some rice, gravy and added a few leftovers. They didn't even fight over who got which bowl when I gave it to them. After they ate they laid down and did nothing the rest of the day. They didn't even bark at Fran when she came over for a visit! I made some fetta cheese today. As soon as I get my rennet I am going to try my hand at other goat cheeses. I have 3 more tomato plants to set out. We already have 12 that are growing and some already have small tomatoes on them. Picked another bowl full of lettuce. I planted a variety pack of seeds and it has turned out to be the best lettuce we have ever grown. I have visited a few blogs and will finish getting around to everyone's later tonight. Hope all are having a good day. Don't forget to count your blessings and overlook the negative!

Perfect Monday

Today was a good day! Got lots of things done and even had time to relax and read.

My neighbor Fran called me at 8 this morning to see if we were going anywhere so she would know how to dress for the day. I told her I had lots of places I had to go but she wanted to go too. First we took the trash off and talked with the old gentlemen there. They are so nice and get my bags of garbage out for me. Then it was on the feed and seed store. This store has been around forever. The grandfather opened it before I was even born, then his son took over and now the grandson is running it. They are so nice and helpful. They always tell me what is the best buy for cheapest amount, carry everything out to the van and always say good bye and God Bless. Just love going there! Today it was for goat feed and goat wormer. They helped me figure out protein wise what feed to get as Diva didn't like the last feed that much. They also figured out how much worm medication I needed to give her and told me the best way to do it. Gave me some good advice on my chickens and also told me to post a flyer there for my goats milk as people were asking where they could buy some. After that we were off to the post office to mail some packages of soap before heading to Walmart. Fran needed some items from there and I picked up cat food, cat liter and some tags for my soap. We then headed for the dollar tree where I got plastic storage boxes for my soaps so I could keep each scent separate and Fran picked up a couple of things. We came home and I finished cleaning the house, cleaned off the deck, filled all the bird feeders and cleaned and filled the birdbaths. Have put back all the things the kittens have knocked over, straightened up my soap supply cabinet and answered some emails. Milked Ms Diva and she loves her new feed. Had to refill the chicken water things as they had knocked them over (or diva did). Everytime they see me they think I should feed them even if they just ate. All I am to them is a meal ticket! LOL I went out to see if my sunflowers were coming up and saw a squirrel digging and eating them! Nevermind that he was right below the feeder full of sunflower seeds or that his feeder had sunflower seeds, peanuts and corn! I do have some coming up in other areas that they didn't find. My lettuce is getting big since the rain so I am enjoying fresh salads and the iguana is loving the fresh lettuce too. I got a wonderful handwritten letter from Wendy who lives in Scotland. I just love handwritten notes and letters! Thank you Wendy and I will be writing to you tonight. Today if you had came down the lane to the homestead you would have had a very enjoyable day! Hope yours was as nice. I have lots of blessings to count today.... How about you?