Hidden Haven Homestead

My day started at 3AM as we had some bad storms. I didn't mind the thunder,lighting, or wind. In fact I love listening and watching storms. I was up that early for tornado warnings. There was one that touched down between the east side of 95 and highway 301. We are lucky that we live on the west side of 95. We stayed under warnings till 6am and then on watch till 8am. The sun came out about lunchtime and its been a summer warm day. The winds are picking up and its suppose to storm again this evening when a cold front moves in and meets the warm front. If life gets a little boring around here we can always count on the weather to put us on our toes. Diva and the girls slept in this morning because of the weather. It was nice to be able to feed without them pushing and demanding to be fed first. Even the chickens didn't get up till 7am. Nice not having the roosters crowing at 4am. After morning chores I thought I might take a nap but after a few times of the phone ringing that ideal went out the window. I got my package shipped off to my stocking swap partner. Got a couple of soap orders shipped out. Got 2 more of my kitchen cabinets cleaned and decluttered. Wrapped some gifts for family stockings , except this year I am using bags. Last year we filled stockings and couldn't get everything to fit. So this year I had these bags left from a craft fair and decided they would be perfect. I still have several bags that need filling but at least some are filled. You guys have been a busy bunch! The baby chicks are full of energy. They run around getting louder and louder with their peeping. They also are starting to eat more and make bigger messes. William and I still have lots of work to do on the treasure hunt. It was such a big hit last year we decided to make it even bigger this year so have to work on more clues. Its raining again so imagine the storms will be here soon. I look forward to the cold weather its suppose to bring in. Afterall its that time of year for cold frosty days, warm fires, soups, and hot teas. Today would have been my sister's birthday. She died from melanoma at the age of 31 leaving small children behind. Today her children are grown with children of their own. Gaye would have made a great grandmother. She sure made a wonderful aunty to my oldest daughter. Maggie when saying Aunt Gaye came out as Nay Nay and then as she got older she called her Aunt Nay Nay. Gaye loved it. She didn't get to see Melody or Megan but I know she would have spoiled them too. Happy Birthday Big Sis.

I've gotten used to missing you,

My grief's begun to ease;

I don't sit down to write you notes

Or phone to shoot the breeze

.When in a crowd someone may laugh

Or sound a lot like you;

And then the pain will grip my heart

And flood my soul anew.

I've gotten used to missing you,

I'm learning day by day

To focus on good memories

And put the rest away.

On strong days I scan photographs

Of happy times we knew;

I picture Jesus in my mind

And place Him next to you.

I've gotten used to missing you,

And though it's been 26 years;

I still am just a thought away

From aching and from tears

But my sorrow will have an end,

So let the teardrops pour;

Until I'm once again with you

And the One who loves you more.