Laying Heaven

William found some old real estate brochure boxes in the woods a few months ago. He told me about them but didn't bring any home. We knew there must be something you could use them for. We finally came up with a ideal and it worked! He brought one home to see how it went and we have hens standing in line to use this neat little laying house! We put it up last night and cut a hole in the side and today I got 6 eggs out of it and had to reach under a hen to get those as everytime I gathered eggs and came to this one there was always a hen in it. Next time he has a chance he is going to go back and drag a couple more out of the woods. They are down in a deep hole so he doesn't know how many more are there. The hens love the new house and I love it too!
William and a friend went surf fishing today. I stayed home to get things ready for grilling steaks for dinner. I picked up a birthday cake (too hot to bake) and purchased the stereo that William has been wanting for his semi but wouldn't buy for himself. I also spent the day cleaning as my house was terrible! Whenever william is home I don't have a chance to clean as we are catching up on the to do list. Davie is doing well today. He loves his bottle but is eating alfalfa and goat feed too. He seems to enjoy walking around checking out the chickens and things. He and Miss Diva just ignor each other. One day I hope they decide to be friends. Well time to get things ready to fire up the grill. What a blessing today has been! I am so thankful for family, home, freedom and I am very thankful to have a friend as nice as you!

Busy Day at the Homestead

Annie our frizzy chicken that looks like she has a perm
Our new guinea's that think they are chickens
William and I spent the day building the goats their own little condo next to the roosting house. The chickens now have the run of the whole shed instead of half of it and Miss Diva and Davie have their own little house next door. It was terribly hot but we managed to build it without killing each other! After talking with a Vet it was decided that Davie needs to be bottle fed for another month. So along with his feed and hay I will be giving the little fellow a bottle 3 times a day. He really got perky after the first one. Started getting into things and checking every little corner out. So he should soon be growing and getting fat and sassy. I now have 3 guinea's and a frizzy chicken and 2 blue silkie hens. We seem to multiply fast around here! Tomorrow is William's birthday so we may go fishing on the coast or whatever he has in mind to do. I took him out for dinner tonight. We were almost too tired to enjoy the meal.Today would have been "Woody" and my 36th anniversary. A wonderful, kind, caring, give the shirt off his back and a very devoted dad. Sometimes its hard to understand why such good wonderful people die so young. I am sure he is smiling as he watches over our daughters and grandchildren. Dimples had a wild adventure today. She was sleeping on top of the truck and we didn't see her when we cranked up. We started down the driveway and William stopped to look at something and she jumped off and was so scared and disoriented that she didn't know how to come back to the house. I had to pick her up and carry her back to the yard. Bet she won't steal a nap on top of a vehicle anytime soon. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and counting all the wonderful blessings God has given us. Blogger wouldn't let me post the photos of the silkies or a new one of the ducks.... maybe later.

Davie Is Home!

We finally got Davie home! We traveled over 3 hours to Dobson which is near Mt. Airy to pick him up. He is so tiny!! He is 2 months old but the heat has really bothered him. I let him sit in my lap most of the way home so he could enjoy the air condition. We stopped and let him stretch his legs and have a nice cold drink and I put him in the back of the truck on a bed of straw. We have a camper shell over the back and rolled the windows out so he could get air. He slept most of the rest of the way back. We let him walk around the yard and brought Miss Diva out to meet him. She sniffed him and then walked away to eat grass. She is a little jealous of him when we are petting him but she just bumps you so you will pet her. They are both back in the pen and seem to be doing fine. Davie ate well and went to potty good so think he will do just fine. He checked the place out and even licked the mineral block. We will see how he does tonight. But I am so in love with the little fellow and will be fattening him up like I did Miss Diva.

Happy Anniversary

5 years ago on July 27th William and I were married at the County Courthouse in the judges chambers by a very nice lady judge that gave a beautiful marriage ceremony. Before I married William I thought I would never marry again. I had settled into living alone since the girls had grown and left the nest. I realized I could be very independent. Then I met William and the rest is history. There are times when I really want to wring his neck. There are times when I seem to do everything wrong he asks of me. There are times when I wish he would listen more to what I say. But 90% of the time I am very happy to have such a loving husband. He may forget birthdays or other special days but he brings the nicest gifts for no reason at all. He loves making me happy, taking me out for dinner or cooking. He is always trying to get me to pamper myself with manicure or haircut. But understands when I rather take the money and buy chickens or goats! He can build or repair anything I ask him to. He is a hard worker and wonderful provider. He wants me to stay home and take care of things instead of working off the homestead. He tells some really dumb jokes but makes me laugh anyway. He didn't bat an eye when I wanted to get a goat. He didn't complain when I purchased a registered expensive goat 3 hours away instead of a cheap goat a few miles away. Whatever my dreams William is right there encouraging me. He is a good step dad to my daughters and a great pop pop to the grandchildren. Sometimes I get too independent and William will bring me back to focus on the "us" factor. God showered me with blessings when he brought William into my life. This will be the first year he is actually home on our anniversary.... and guess what he is doing.... going to get Davie for Miss Diva! What a sweetie I am married to!! Happy Anniversary William!

More Photos of Family Picnic

This is "little" Eddy. He and I use to get into lots of trouble at grandma's house when we were young. Brian has his back to me.
My cousin Pat with her "babies"
More of the second cousins tubing. All my first cousins and I have grown up and moved away so this is the first time I am seeing alot of the second cousins. They reminding me of us when we were their age. Didn't matter that the water was 32 degrees F. you go tubing anyway!

Photos of Family Picnic

Here are some photos of the family picnic I went to Saturday.
Sitting down are Uncle Elmer and Uncle Bob. Standing are Uncle Pete (he just got married), Aunt Judy, Uncle Kelly and Aunt Elizabeth.
Uncle Bob walked the Appalacian Trail after he retired. He was hiking when he had to be airlifted off a trail. That was when they found out he had stomach cancer.
My cousin Wanda's husband Tim with one of our second cousins that I hadn't seen since she was a baby tubing down Deep Creek.
Some of my second cousins playing in the creek.

Organizing

Over at Lady of Blessings, Donna is starting a show your organization post. Today its how you do your bills. Storing and paying. Well she has a very neat photo of her way. I will not show a photo of mine right now cause it is a MESS! Its the end of the month so all the bills are piled on my desk along with my ledger where I keep records of check # and payment, etc. I also have Williams truck ledger and all his receipts and bills in a pile. During the month I have a basket where I put all bills that need to be paid. It sits on the desk. When I sit down and pay them and put it in the ledger, then I file them in the file cabinet next to the desk. I keep both ledgers along with one for my soap business and animal supplies on the desk. I have the accordion folder like Donna that I keep receipts in from Williams trucking business. I take them out at the end of the year and put with tax paperwork. I am going to start keeping them in envelopes like Donna... I never thought of that! I have a long way to go to have the business side of our lives organized but I am slowly getting there.... thanks to Donna. How do you organize your bill paying?

We Got Rain!

Last night I thought I heard raindrops and went out on the deck and watched it rain! Off and on all night we had rain and then today we had rain showers. Everything looks so fresh and alive now. Hopefully the rain came soon enough to save the flowers and veggies. I canned my peaches and canned some more field peas. It was pleasant working in the kitchen today since the rain had cooled things down. Tomorrow its back to the heatwave of summer but today was a nice break.
Had a couple people ask about my hens that don't do mornings. I have 6 hens that are still on their roost with their heads under their wing when I go out to feed in the mornings. I have never made them come down as I think animals are like people. Some just don't like getting up early. They sleep while I feed and milk and by the time I bring Miss Diva back they are starting to stir around and eat. They don't lay eggs in the morning but I can always count on their eggs being there when I do the evening feeding. I am blessed that every animal that lives here has its own personality. They have their own little routines, likes and dislikes just like me. My cats are at the back door crying and smacking at the door if I am not out to feed them by 6:10am. They know I always go set the milk bucket down and feed Bud (iguana) before I get their food out for them. They walk every step with me. They also sit back and watch while I milk except for Tiger who gets right under Miss Diva's feet. When I finish they run over to their bowl as they know they will get some fresh milk. The dogs know that after I take Miss Diva back and feed her that I will come back and give them a doggie treat. They have automatic feeders . Then I have to fill the bird feeders. I have birds that will sit on the deck railing fussing at me if the feeders get empty. After feeding the birds then I make my rounds cleaning and filling water bowls and buckets. I fill Bud's water dish and if he is down off his bed I give him a shower. He loves the water! I fill the dogs buckets next but they do not want me wetting them and will run if they think I am going to squirt them. I take the hose to fill up the chickens and goat's water buckets and check for eggs while they are filling up. Then I go empty, clean and fill the ducks water bowls. 3 times a week I empty their pool and fill it with clean water which lasts about 2 hours before they have put enough dirt in it to muddy it up. I then fill the cats water bowls and the birdbaths. I try to water veggies as I go. Each animal knows my routine and have built their day around it. They get upset if I get off schedule or do something out of turn. They know when its time for their meals, their snacks, fresh water and when I just go out and talk to them. They don't like it if I am early or late. Miss Diva doesn't mind if I drive off the property but if I walk to a neighbors she will stand at the fence and cry till I come home. I love the personalities of all the animals and I think they kinda like mine or at least have gotten use to it! They seem to know what I want or expect from them and I know what they like or need from me. Guess I should change from Hidden Haven to the Funny Farm! LOL.... have a great day and count those blessings!

Just Another Day on the Homestead

Gathered 12 eggs today and will get more this evening from the hens that don't do mornings. Made a trip to the post office and shipped out five packages. While out decided to go grocery shopping and pick up dog food and bird seed. Did my running around and hauled off the trash so I would be able to save fuel. The prices are suppose to go up again today. Picked over a dozen tomatoes off the vines. They are the best tomatoes we have ever grown! Took some to the neighbors along with a dozen eggs and some goat cheese. I am making signs to hang at the end of the driveway for eggs and milk. I have some weathered wood and will use my wood burning tools. Will put up a post and hang the signs with small chains. Will take a photo when I finish the project. Hopefully we will get the outside of the house painted this week and then start on the bathroom. I am canning field peas today and will end up with 8 quarts. Have some peaches I am either going to can or freeze ... haven't decided yet. I keep going out and giving the animals fresh water and hoping cool weather or rain will soon come our way. Miss Diva thinks each time she sees me that I need to stay longer and give her all my attention. I changed the water in the duck pool but they are already putting dirt back in it. Don't understand why they get a beak full of dirt then drop it in clean water. I have to change their drinking water about 5 times a day just to get the mud out of it. I gave the chickens and ducks some old tomatoes and squash but Miss Diva wanted some too so had to give her a bowl full. I have a weeping willow I need to sit out and some mulching to do so best get back at it. Have a great day everyone and count your blessings!

If I Had My Life To Live Over

This was written by Erma Bombeck when she found out she had cancer. My Aunt Judy put a copy in a family booklet she made and gave each of us yesterday. It hit home with me and I hope it will help you stop and think.

If I had my life to live over
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show dirt or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance to in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said "later. Now go wash up for dinner"
There would have been more I love yous. More I'm sorry's
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it, live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually. Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only have one shot at this and then it's gone. I hope you all have a blessed day.

Davie

This is a photo of Miss Diva's new playmate "Davie". He was born May 20th and has a twin sister named Daisy. Daisy isn't up for adoption. Davie is from the same farm as Matthew. Dori contacted me to ask if I would like to have him and after seeing his cute picture and reading how spoiled he is I think he would be perfect for our family. I will be going to pick him up one day this week. The photo was right after he was born. He is two months old now and bigger. Will be posting photos and Davie stories really soon.
Had a wonderful time at the family picnic! All of mother's brothers and sisters were there and most of their grown children were there as lots and lots of great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. My aunts and uncles were very pleased with the turnout. I got to visit with a first cousin I hadn't seen since 3rd grade. Her son is married and living here in Fayetteville. He is with the army's delta force. Saw other cousins I hadn't seen in years and had so much fun catching up. It ended up being a 6 hour drive for me so I got there as everyone was eating dessert. I stopped and met Maggie, Brannon and Ragiun for 5 minutes in Asheville. They were hauling things for their yard sale next weekend. They are raising money to help pay for their adoption of a Chinese girl. My aunt Mae kept trying to get me to go eat some of that wonderful food everyone had cooked but each time I started to the table I found someone else to talk to and time got away from me. The kids and some of the adults had fun tubing down Deep Creek (I have photos I will post later) and that water was sooooo cold I passed. It was so nice and cool in the mountains that I enjoyed being outside all day. William and I met up in Clyde and had dinner together then I followed him to where he had to leave his tanker and we stayed in Salisbury for the night. I got up super early this morning and headed home so I could milk and feed the animals. While it was still cool I mowed the grass and weedeated around the flower beds. William got to sleep in a little longer then headed to his daughters house before heading to PA. All in all we had a wonderful weekend. I am so blessed to have such a special and caring family. Uncle Bob didn't stay too long as he got tired but he was so happy at the big turn out. This will probably be the last picnic we will have with him. My uncle Pete finally married his girlfriend he has been dating for years. They looked very happy. Everyone there had a fun time and it was just a perfect get together and a perfect evening with my hubby.

Another Day of Heat

Like everyone else in the USA we are still having a heatwave. I go out 3 times a day and empty, rinse out and refill the animals water buckets. I put the hose on mist and wet all the animals that will let me. Most run from it. Have 3 more baby chicks from the hen that tried to hatch a wooden egg. Cannot believe hens that are only 5 months old are hatching babies. Miss Diva was mad at me for being gone all day yesterday. Jane and I went to Lexington for chickens that she wanted to buy. That was the trip I was suppose to pick up Matthew. I have spent the day today playing catchup. Had several orders for soaps and of course they were the scents I was low on so had to make a couple of batches. Was low on chicken and goat feed so had to go to the feed store. Got hay and straw for chicken boxes while there. Had to go to post office to mail out soap packages. Wanted to cut the grass but it is so hot and I had lots of other things to do. I am getting around 11 eggs a day right now but still have lot of hens that haven't started laying yet. My house needs a good cleaning but I can't seem to get it done. Its 5 pm and I am just now eating for the first time today while I am on computer. I finally broke down and turned the air condition back on in the whole house. It was 89 degrees inside! I am just full of complaints today.... sorry just blame it on the heat! I will be going to a family picnic tomorrow. My mother's family is having one along a nice big creek so the kids can go tubing and we can all catch up on family news. It will probably be the last get together for one uncle as he has cancer. They stopped treatments because nothing was helping and he is just taking it a day at a time. He hiked the Appalachian Trail when he was in his 60's. He also was the first person I hiked back into mother's and his old home place with. Enjoyed all the childhood stories. It will be fun seeing everyone but sad seeing Uncle Bob, knowing what he has and will be going through. Well I have finished my chicken and need to get back to work. Have a great weekend everyone. Try to stay cool, remember to keep all your animals in fresh cold drinking water. Don't forget to count your blessings!!!!

No Matthew For Miss Diva

I received an email from Matthew's owner letting me know that he had died. He and 2 others just couldn't survive the heat. Dori, his owner tried really hard to keep them with fresh water, shade and even misting them with water but it wasn't to be. Miss Diva doesn't know what she has lost but I feel like I just lost a baby. Even though I only saw photos and read about him he felt like part of my family. I had Matthew's favorite feed waiting for him and fresh straw for his bed. I was so excited about going tomorrow and picking him up. Of course we will find a mate for Miss Diva but there will never be one as sweet as little Matthew. I know Dori and her family must really be sad from losing 3 of their baby goats. She loves and takes care of each of her animals as if they were her children. Each animal has its own personality and she makes sure you know all about their likes and dislikes and the care of them before they leave her homestead. Dori I am sad about Matthew but I am so glad I "met" such a wonderful caring lady. Hopefully we will get another opportunity next season to add one of your babies to our family.

Queen Peggy

I received my seasonal care package today. Rosemary used "Queen for the day" as her theme for my swap package. I am so thrilled! Rosemary really outdid herself on this swap and I only did a backyard picnic as my theme for her. As Queen Peggy my first order of the day will be to line my dressing table drawers with the lovely rose scented drawer liner sheets from my care package.
Since I am a Queen and that might be too much work for me I will need to rest and have a nice spot of tea. I can use the most beautiful tea cups, saucers and plates in the world from my care package along with Royal Albert English afternoon tea, lots of packets of Fortnum and Mason Teas, and some very special teas I have never seen before: Numi flowering teas. You steep them in hot water and they slowly blossom into breathtaking shapes! Each flowering tea can be used 2 to 3 times... isn't that just the perfect thing for a Queen!!!! Rosemary also packed some violet jelly from Fortnum and Mason along with a assortment of shortbreads and a package of little lemon ladies. My tea party will be perfect!
After such a delicious and filling tea I need to relax. What better way than to use my bath bombs from my swap package! Each one smells so wonderful I don't know which I will use first. While relaxing in the tub I will enjoy reading my magazines from the UK that Rosemary so sweetly included in my package.Well darn blogspot has decided I can't download any more photos. So the bath bombs and magazines will have to wait. Meanwhile its time for this Queen to go enjoy her day. Thank you so much Rosemary for such a wonderful package! I really feel like a queen. Thank you Robyn for getting another wonderful swap together. Now my royal subjects you are dismissed! (just kidding.. being queen has gone to my head) The bath bombs and magazines are pictured below (in my last post) I couldn't get them to download in this post so added them to old post. Thanks again Rosemary!

William left out tonight heading for Charlotte where he will pick up his tanker and head for IL. He was home for 5 days this time and we got alot of things done around here but we also had the hottest temperatures in years! We sweated it out and did our outdoor work anyway. By bedtime I was ready for a cold shower and sleep with the air conditioner going in the bedroom. Hopefully this heat wave will break soon and we can all move without sweating. We got our mowing, weeding, semi truck washed, moved the ducks to their own lot, built laying boxes for the hens, kick plate put on door and lots of other things. There are still tons of things on our to do list but we at least made a dent in it. I am getting 6 to 7 eggs a day now and some of them are double yolk and even triple yolks! I will be going Thursday to pick up Miss Diva's boy toy. Matthew will be old enough to leave his mom and hopefully will like Miss Diva. William tried to put some spray on Miss Diva to keep the flies from biting her. I had to laugh as he held onto her collar while spraying she was dragging him around and round in circles till he was so dizzy he couldn't stand up. She seemed to laugh at him and I know I did! I shipped out over 30 bars of soap today so tomorrow will be spent making soaps to get my supply built back up. Fixed stuffed tomatoes for supper tonight. Stuffed them with homemade tuna salad and made home fries. Was a nice light meal for the heat. Last night I made salad with veggies from the garden and chopped up grilled chicken breasts to put in them. Will miss having William home to cook for as he really loves to eat. Have lots of housework and bookwork to catch up on as well as everyone's blogs. Hope all of you had a nice weekend. Please keep my daughter Megan and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they are going through some very stressful and sad things right now. Thank each of you for the comments on my dad's birthday. I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful dad. Hug your dad, cherish your family, enjoy your home and count your blessings!

Happy Birthday To My Guardian Angel

He always had time to stop and play with me. He always had time to talk and listen to me. He was always there for me no matter what. When he knew he was dying he promised to watch over me and be my guardian angel and he has.
Daddy loved family. Although he worked hard he always had time to stop and visit with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He never made you feel like you were keeping him from anything. He had all the time in the world to hear about what was going on in your life. God blessed me with a special dad. I owe who I am today to his raising and teachings. Happy Birthday Daddy. I miss and love you so much.

Taking A Few

William will be home this afternoon for a few days. I will be taking a break from posting so I can spend time with him. Everyone have a great week and behave yourselves. For those that wanted a photo of the color or the door, here it is. The color doesn't show up as well as I want but will have to do for now. It will look even better when the rest of the house gets painted. Don't forget to count your blessings!

Hot Day on the Homestead

Chicken Little rooster in heaven with all the big hens
Miss Diva says she is the only one that should be getting in the picture

Donald, Daisy and Sally are out for a stroll

I Am One Tired Old Lady

Was out milking and feeding at 6am this morning so I could be picking field peas at 7:30. Came home from picking peas and Miss Diva sweet little goat that she is had decided to let the chickens out. She got the door open and was running around the fence chasing them out when I got home. So I spent a little while putting them back in and decided to go ahead and hang the netting I had purchased so they couldn't fly over the fence anymore either. (terrible sentence I know) Got that put up and packaged soap and went to post office and feed store. Came home and hate the color of my front door and yes I picked the color to paint it. The handyman did a great job of installing the door and painting it. The new hardware looks beautiful (I do need to go pick up a kick plate) but I am not real happy with the color. I am going to let it stay for a while and see if grows on me and if not I will repaint it myself. Wayne is painting the trim around the doors and windows and under the eves of the house white. Then we will paint the house "pale earth" which is a medium beige and the foundation and porch will be same color as door " terrace green" or maybe not. It might be Dusty Pine... who knows. Right now I just want a cold shower, a good book and bed. It has been very hot today after all the nice cool weather last week. I have drank gallons of water and only one soda today... Yipee for me!!! Have a good evening, enjoy your home and family and most of all don't forget to say thank you to the Big Guy Upstairs for all your blessings.

Seasonal Care Swap Underway

Ms. Robyn got our seasonal swap going and I am so excited! I have Rosemary as my swap partner. She has such great recipes on her blog. She is always taking such wonderful trips and when she posts and puts up her photos its like I was on the trip with her! Rosemary for your seasonal care package I chose "backyard picnic". Since we are in the middle of a hot summer I thought that might hit the spot. Its not a ordinary picnic hamper though as you can't eat the watermelon I packed! Hope you enjoy the package as much as I enjoyed getting it together.

Catching Up

Sorry I haven't been doing any "homesteading" blogging lately. With company and then this killer cold I have been lucky the animals are getting taken care of. This cold has me whipped. I feel like I have an elephant sitting on my chest and can't breathe. I spend my nights propped up on pillows sucking cough drops to keep the coughing down so I can get a little sleep. I am cranky and feel sorry for those that dare to call me. I can't talk too long or I start coughing. Megan told me on the phone last night I sounded sick...... DUH!
Anyway, for those waiting on your soaps I worked and got them out yesterday. I have 3 batches sitting all over the kitchen now drying. I also have my seasonal swap package almost ready to go to Rosie my swap partner. Thank you Ms. Robyn for another wonderful swap! Rosie your soaps will be in top of your package. The handyman is coming today to put in my new front door. We are also taking down the storm door and putting up a nice oak screen door. I like having air flow thru the house and find the storm door useless. I am now getting nice big brown eggs from my big hens (they aren't even 5 months old yet) My bantams are laying but I have 2 hens that want to sit on all those eggs. Its a mad dash to get them before they roll them over to their nest in the nesting house. One hen started out with 3 eggs from a neighbor to get her off the wooden egg and now she is sitting on 10! The other hen is sitting on 6. I have them marked so I can take the new eggs away even if they get mad at me. Daisy and Donald now have a new friend named Sally. My daughter brought one of the ducks that I searched high and low for them for easter. A huge owl swooped down and got their other duck so they didn't want her being alone and were afraid to try to get another one. Sally is doing fine except Maggie has her trained to quack on command and the neighbor kids will stand in their yard and quack really loud just so they can hear her. Well its time to get things ready for my new door. Have a great weekend and I will hopefully be back to normal (whatever that is) by Monday and will get back to posting and commenting on your blogs. Count your blessings, there are more than you think.

Trial By Ordeal

Trial By Ordeal by Craig Parshall

Published by Harvey House Publishers

Mr. Parshall grabs your interest from the first sentence. You will find yourself so involved in this legal defense novel you forget you are just reading and not part of the suspense. A history professor trying to make some big money decides to invest in real estate. May sound boring until you throw in the mob, a high powered lawyer, ( of which both parties are after the professor) losing his job and ending up at the mission... well lets just say there is always something going on or going wrong in this professor's life. When Professor Hastings finally finds a good lawyer to help him out of his mess the first thing the lawyer says is face them all. Here is a quote of what Hastings had to say when told that."This is it. Do it or Die. If this doesn't work, I am a dead man." On a scale of one to five I give this a FIVE! I could not put this book down till I finished it. I read it in one afternoon and evening. Be prepared for alot of nail biting excitement when reading this book.

Craig Parshall is a highly successful lawyer from Washington, DC and a author of several legal suspense novels as well as a historian novel. Mr. Parshall's expertise in law helps make his novels so intriguing. I am a avid suspense reader and rank his books right up there with Kellerman, Cornwell, Gardner, Higgins, Grisham, and Patterson. Craig Parshall has become one of my favorite authors.

I reviewed this book for Active Christian Media.

Happy Birthday Megan!

Today my baby daughter is 28 years old! Megan spent alot of time in the hospital and had several surgeries before she was even 2 years old. She was the baby so we all spoiled her alot. She speaks her mind and when you ask her why, her answer is: If I think it I might as well say it cause its just as bad to think it! But she is also very tenderhearted. Worrying about every friend, neighbor, patient etc. I never thought she would make it through bootcamp when she joined the army as she is not a morning person. It was a major battle just getting her up for school in the mornings. She loved the military life! She even enjoyed having her drill sarge yell in her face. She made friends with him in the end though he always called her Daisy Duke because of her mountain accent. She is a wonderful wife to Brian and great mom to Quintin and Gabby. They are living on the family farm and trying to restore everything to the way it was when Megan was growing up there. Megan and I talk at least once a day on the phone. We tell each other our problems and we even have some major arguments ourselves but within minutes are making up. Guess its because we are so much alike. So Happy Birthday Baby Girl ! I am very proud of the hardworking and loving woman you have become. I admire your strong faith in God and all the time you find to give to your church. I was so very blessed when God placed you in my arms to care for 28 years ago. The blessings from having you in my life as daughter and friend have kept mulitiplying...... Thank you for being you! Love you"flossy".

Empty Home

The daughter and family have gone home. They left early this morning and after spending a long time trying to get everything to fit in the car, deciding to take a different route home, a wreck on interstate 40 that kept them sitting still for almost an hour they got home safely. Raigun didn't want to go as she thought she could just stay at grandma's and mom and dad could come visit. That didn't go over too well with mom and dad. Kristine is hoping she can come down for a visit before school starts and I hope she can too. After 2 weeks of having someone around all the time the house is so quiet. I have several soap orders I need to get out and I am behind in making soaps. I have tons of garden and yard work to do but I did nothing today. I woke up with a bad sore throat and a bad summer cold. Think it was from sitting in the sun all day and getting too hot then late evening jumping in the pool to cool. I was too hot to get in that cold water! I have done nothing but sleep and cough all day. I have spent it on the sofa except for taking care of the animals and seeing the family off. It is suppose to be cooler tomorrow so I plan on working outside and catching up on everything. My good friend Finn made a beautiful quilt square for a memory quilt a forum I am on is making in memory of a friend that died. The quilt goes to his wife from all the forum members but I had no time to sew and am not very good at it anyways so Finn came to my rescue. Thank you Finn!! I have finished the book I am reviewing but am so tired and feel so bad I will write the review tomorrow. Its a great read though and I finished it in one day. So other than doing nothing today and being behind in everything and feeling bad I have lots of blessings to be thankful for.... how about you?

Norm The Gnome is at Ms. Robyn's

Norm has arrived at Robyn's and is enjoying his visit with a long lost Uncle! Stop by and tell him hi and see what he is up to
http://simplybeinginthislife.blogspot.com/

Happy 4th Everyone

http://www.grace24u.org/july4th.html Nice 4th of July site to get you in the mood.

100 Degree Heat Factor... Go Swimming!

The grandkids are staying cool. Their mom and day even got in to cool off. Nice cookout with way too much food and lots of good neighbors, family and friends. Wonderful way to celebrate the 4th. God Bless America... land of the free!

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

Raigun's mom, dad and sister are on their way. We have plans for a huge cookout and pool party for the holiday. Several of the neighbors are getting together and bringing a covered dish. We are bringing the hamburgers and hotdogs and Vicki is supplying the pool. Needless to say with the cookout, thriftstore shopping and enjoying my daughter and family I won't be posting for a few days. How blessed are we to live in a country where we are free to enjoy each and everyday, to go where and when we want. Thank you American Military for fighting for that freedom and thank you God for the many blessings you have given each of us. Happy 4th.... stay safe and count your blessings.