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I am Sandra - faithful steward. listener. shepherd. dream believer. hard worker. collects brass bells, boots. Jesus follower. contented. star gazer. homemaker. farmer. prayer warrior. country woman. reader. traveler. writer. homebody. living life large.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Can You Hear Me Now?

 ~ vintage, sturdy, still working ~
Dear Mr. Ivan Seidenberg, Verizon President and CEO:

Today I wrote a letter to the State Corporation Commission of Virginia wherein I outlined, in detail, the problems and lack of service we've encountered with Verizon in the last eighty days. While I won't include the enclosure here, I will show the letter. By the way, I did mail a copy of the letter and enclosures to you earlier today when I mailed the original to the SCC and some details have been abbreviated due to the public nature of blogs.
As an aside - telephone service was restored sometime after 1:30 today. How do I know? Because my Mother telephoned and left a message telling me a family member had passed away. Thankfully, service was restored so I could receive this message.

State Corporation Commission of VA

Public Utility – Telephone
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia 23218

Dear Terry @ the State Corporation Commission of VA:

Since 11 January 2010, our telephone service has been either disrupted, in the form of static or dropped calls, or non-existent. As of today's date, we have no service at all. There's no dial tone, no static...nothing. We e-mailed Verizon a request for restored service and Verizon replied we would have service restored 10 April 2010 by 7:00 p.m.

FDB, my husband, and I have made dozens of complaints to Verizon since 11 January 2010. We understand our neighbors have also made complaints so this has been an on-going, yet unresolved, problem. Enclosed are copies of the notes I've kept since January 11, 2010.

Essentially, Verizon would take our complaint, pass it down the line and then clear the complaint! They would tell us, “we have no record of your service being disrupted.” We've spoken with Verizon employees (Rodney, Michelle, Kelly, Jesus and others) at their 1.800 number, sent many e-mails, spoken with technicians (Dave, James and others) in the field and on 1 March 2010 I called Verizon Customer Advocacy and spoke with Miss Campbell. Miss Campbell was rude and indeed typified the type of “customer service” we've “enjoyed” with Verizon since day one.

Miss Campbell said she would do the following:

-place a claim on the telephone number so we don't get dropped
-would put in a ticket complaint for a technician to schedule a repair call. As an aside,when I told her when other Verizon employees had also put in a “ticket complaint for a technician to schedule a repair call” that Verizon would,at that point in time, drop the initial complaint service call. She admitted that was standard operating procedure.
-Once the problem is corrected, she would place a credit to our account but not before. I told here this was in direct opposition to what we'd been told the month before by Verizon employee Kelly who had, supposedly, given us a credit on our bill. Miss Campbell said there was no such record.

March 1, 2010 – called VA State Corporation Commission and spoke with Terry. She said to send her a letter outlining dealings with Verizon.

March 3 2010 – Verizon employee Miss Redwood called and said service would be restored by Wednesday, March 3.

March 3 – Miss Redwood called and asked about service; told her it was still “intermittent” with lots of static and dropped calls. She said she would call back in two days.

March 6 – Miss Redwood called, told her phone service is no better; haven't heard from Verizon since.

For eighty (80) days worth of troubles, Verizon has given us ten (10) days credit on our intermittent, disruptive, dead phone “service”.

As the matter stands today, March 30, we expect to be without telephone service until Verizon can “correct” the problem on April 10 at 7 p.m.

We have tried to work with Verizon and am sorry they have placed us in a position to make a formal complaint to the State Corporation Commission of Virginia.

What can now be done?

Sincerely,

Sandra B.

xc: Ivan Seidenberg
Verizon Chairman and CEO

P. S. When we've spoken to Verizon employees they have asked for other telephone number whereby they can contact us. We have no other telephones that work in our remote, rural valley. Cell phones work about ten (10) miles up the road but not at our home. There is, virtually, no way to communicate, either incoming or outgoing, except by our land line telephone, which, as this letter explains, hasn't worked correctly since the beginning of the year.

Blessing ~ the phone worked for a while today ~
Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sabbath Keeping

 ~ Kumbrabow State Forest, WV Appalachian Mountains ~
"Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." ~ Matthew 6:9-13 ~

 "I have so much to do that I must spend several hours a day in prayer before I am able to do it."

"Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine."
~ C. S. Lewis ~

"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."  

"God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede."
~ Oswald Chambers ~


 "Pray, and let God worry." ~ Martin Luther ~


"Pray as though everything depended upon God. Work as though everything depended upon you."
~ St. Augustine ~

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go."  ~ Abraham Lincoln ~

"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; it is the greater work." ~ Oswald Chambers ~

5 Finger Prayer
1. Your thumb is nearest you, so begin your prayer by praying for those closest to you as they are the easiest to remember; our parents, spouse, children, family, friends, co-workers, neighbors. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, "a sweet duty". 

2. The next finger is the pointing finger, so pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. Ministers, doctors and teachers need support and wisdom in instructing, leading and guiding others. 

3. The next finger is the tallest finger and reminds us to prayer for our leaders. Pray for those who shape our nation, our President, representatives in Congress, Senate and at the state and local levels. Desperately, they need God's guidance and wisdom.

4. The fourth finger, the ring finger, is the weakest finger and reminds us to pray for those who are the least among us: children, elderly, infirm, those going through times of testing. They need our intercessory prayers.

5. The last finger, our smallest finger, reminds us to pray for ourselves and once we've prayed for all the above, our wants and needs are placed in perspective and we are able to pray accordingly. 
~ as told to me by Mary Crocket Bowen Bricker, Dave's beloved Mother ~

"I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time -waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God, it changes me." ~ C. S. Lewis ~

Blessings ~ prayer ~ the prayers of a righteous people ~ God ~ Christ, our intercessor ~ prayer

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Oogles of Gifts




 ~ Sam P. Spade says, "want to see what Mom won?" ~
Some years ago, we had a friend, Clyde, who used the word "oogles" when he meant a bunch of something. It's a great word, always loved the way it rolled off the tongue and the visual it brought to mind so let me tell you about the oogles of gifts sent my way since November.
Sew, Mama, Sew! had a Handmade Holiday in November, ending with folks ponying up to give stuff away so other folks could win some stuff. I won Barbara Campbell's beautiful hand crafted wall quilt and it's so perfect for both me and Thistle Cove Farm.
 ~ quilt center ~
 The horses in the quilt center are contained within a star and the quilt measures, roughly, 2.5 x 2.5 feet. Just as soon as I make a tab for the back, it will be hung on the wall behind my computer. 
 
~ quilt back ~
Barb signed the back and also said why the gift was won - the SMS Giveaway 2009. That's so wonderful and brings home why all quilters, indeed all artists, crafters and those who make gifts of their heart using their hands, need to tag their gifts. Once day, someone will wonder about this little art quilt and due to Barbara's thoughtfulness, part of the story, at least, will be known. Barb, thank you so very much; this quilt will be a treasure always.

Lisa Swifka, A Whimsical Bohemian, sponsors One World One Heart each January February. This blog tour has gone from a few participants to 1,088 this year, representing 40 countries! She now has them listed in alpha order and with country of participant. It's an amazing job and, very likely, keeps her aware more hours than she'd like. Lisa is a artist and her blog is full of wonder and wonderful things.
~ DREAM ~
Angie Hall Haviland, from Texas, made this incredible piece and is quite a prolific artist. That's a nice way of saying she puts herself in her studio and cranks out the art. I should live and learn as I'm way too guilty of saying yes to too many people other than myself. I know full well about JOY - Jesus first, others second, yourself third - but when there's too little of me to give, I tend not to give either at all or very well and neither are good things. As the Bible says, moderation in all things and I take that to mean balance as well.

This piece is incredible! The sparkly tulle skirt, the floral body, the glittery wings, the tiny chain encircling the waist with the flower at side, the fabric "ribbon" touches and the word DREAM holding it all together. If a woman can't get inspired by this piece, then the woman might not have any breath left in her body. DREAM will have a place of honour but first, she'll travel around with me from office to studio to bedroom to sun room and will remind me of the good, and good people, in this frosty ole world as well as remind me to DREAM. Angie, thank you from the bottom of my heart; you'll always be in my thoughts as I carry DREAM from room to room to room.
 ~ listen ~
This beauty was lovingly made by Cindy Ashplant, living in the United Kingdom, and I love the quote. I've always said the sound of silence was the ultimate white noise and I now believe the quote: "The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach. The mermaid, with starfish anchor, reminds me to listen. Cindy calls herself a "craftholic" and has beautiful work on her blog; she also has a lovely giveaway so hurry along now as it ends soon. Cindy, thank you for this beautiful bookmark. I took the liberty of writing your contact information on the back so you'll always be remembered.
~ listen ~
~ magazines from Down Under ~
 Okay...for the life of me I can't remember where I wrote the woman's name who sent these wonderful Australian magazines. I am so sorry. These were won as well and all just too perfect! I get to see a bit of Australian life, gardening, cooking and living...how cool is that?! Thank you so much! Even though my memory has decided to vacation without the rest of me, please know God knows your name and when I remember you to Him, He'll say, "Oh, yes...she's a favorite of mine."

Dear Misha, my next door state of Tennessee neighbor, sent me a box absolutely crammed full of her largess and goodness! The spring colours are grand, seeing as how there aren't too many of them on the farm. At least, not yet. We had snow yesterday followed by ice and I stayed on the farm all day. Dave had to go to the office and he said the roads were a bit treacherous; good thing I didn't find out for myself.
~ boxes and ribbons and mags, OH MY! ~
 As I've written before, I am a creature of delayed gratification; it took me a week to get to the bottom of this wonderful box! I took my own sweet time and thoroughly enjoyed every single moment.
~ new, to me, tea cup and saucer ~
This lovely, vintage tea cup and saucer is Indian Tree Pattern by Johnson Brothers of England. As it happens, Johnson Brothers is one of my favorite makers of china. They have such lovely patterns, so gracious and well made. The cup is the perfect size to enjoy a cup of tea before it's gone cold and the saucer can just hold a cookie or two. Unfortunately, at least I believe so, in 2003, production was ceased in England and moved to China. Johnson Brothers began china production in 1883 with an Earthenware pattern called "White Granite" and brothers Henry, Robert, Alfred and Fred Johnson made china and was at one time, says Pottery and Glass in a 1946 publication, "probably the largest firm of earthenware manufacturers in the world, controlling a number of factories in England and abroad." Alas, no longer.
~ ready for service ~
The acrylic tray was purchased at an after Valentine sale and, perfectly, holds things ready for tea. Of course, the Indian Pattern cup and saucer with spicy Constant Comment tea, the Williams and Sonoma dish holding individually wrapped chocolates from the Greenbrier and all laid on a beautifully hand embroidered tea towel. The little rabbit in back watches over the goods and I'm almost positive he'll step in should one of the monkeys puppies get too close. Ya think?! BTW, Constant Comment makes a mighty fine apple pie should you find yourself with all the pie makings except the spices. That's a nice trick to know.
~ Flea Market Style and ME's Home Companion! ~
I am such a fan of flea markets, thrift stores, consignment shops...virtually anything with a history...so Flea Market Style was made for moi, doncha think? You too, of course and Misha's husband, J, being the Fine Gentleman and Loving Husband, sought out and found Flea Market Style for Misha. I think one thing a lot of "us" don't know when we're younger is, love isn't a noun, it's a verb and it's a verb in action. It's bringing someone a cup of coffee or tea without them asking; it's having the oil changed in the car without being reminded; it's putting clean sheets straight from the sun drenched clothes line on the bed because someone we love isn't feeling their best; it's searching out and buying Flea Market Style because a loved one keeps going on and on about this new magazine. Like I said, love is a verb and a verb in action; if you get my drift. Like the Gift of the Magi, but with better results, Misha and J bought their copies the same day so Misha decided to give one away and my heart is grateful. Many thanks, Misha, and to you also, J, because I get to share, in a tiny way, in your love for each other.

I've been reading, in very small bites, Flea Market Style and am taking it with me today. I've got to continued on my health care journey and am sure to have a lot, too much probably, down time as I wait for this one and that one to fit me into their schedule. FMS will be my constant companion and will divert my attention from worrisome things. I'm sure to see a good lot of my home and farm in FMS as I tend to "decorate"...I'm sure Dave will laugh to see that word...smile...with found objects that are new to me.

Please visit all the folks mentioned above. Consider it my gift to you. I'm giving you permission to sit down for as much time as it takes to restore your soul by visiting Misha, Cindy, Ashley and Flea Market Style. Go on, do it. You'll not only be glad you did, you'll be a better person as well; trust me on this.

Blessings ~ Misha ~ Cindy ~ Ashley ~ God's friend in Australia ~ packages of goodies ~ One World One Heart ~ Sew, Mama, Sew! ~ Flea Market Style ~


Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Waffle Winner

 ~ Chef's Choice Belgian Waffle Iron ~
My apologies for being a day late; sometimes life gets in the way of living but then, you know how that goes, right?

Dave pulled Pattie's, xmaswoman at hotmail dot com, name out of the hat so as soon as I hear from her, we'll have it confirmed.

BTW, Dave tells me our waffle iron shown here, was purchased in 1970 so that makes it vintage but still working.

Blessings ~ hot waffles ~ new waffle iron ~ folks who entered ~ maple syrup ~ butter ~


Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sabbath Keeping

 ~ we see as through fog ~
"The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end."
~ Isaiah 60:19-20 ~

"He gives light to the sun." ~ St. Patrick ~

"Give me thy grace, good Lord, to make death no stranger to me. Give me, good Lord, a longing to be with thee, not for the avoiding of the calamities of this wretched world; nor so much for the avoiding of the pains of purgatory, nor of the pains of hell neither, nor so much for the attaining of the joys of heaven in respect of mid own commodity, as even for a very love to thee." ~ St. Thomas More ~


"Now it is you alone that I love,
you alone that I follow,
you alone that I seek,
you alone that I feel ready to serve,
because you alone rule justly.
It is to your authority alone that I want to submit.
Command me, I pray, to do whatever you will,
but heal and open my ears
that I may hear your voice.
Heal and open my eyes
that I may see your will.
Drive out from me
all fickleness,
That I may acknowledge you alone.
Tell me where to look
that I may see you,
and I will place my hope in doing your will. Amen. ~

"And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever."
~ I John 2:17 ~

"Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poor Death, not yet canst thou kill me
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure, then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, 
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell;
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die."

"In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God, our brother, J.A.W., Sr., and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth; ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious unto him and give him peace. Amen."  ~ Book of Common Prayer based on Genesis 3:19 ~

"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." ~ Luke 2:29 ~

Blessings ~ the Son ~ a life well lived ~ a short sleep ~sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Farm Work

 ~ material for a table runner ~
WHEW! It's been a couple of days at Thistle Cove Farm. I suppose I should stay away from the media but then, dang it, "they'll" sneak up on me and I'll have no one to blame but myself. Like most of America, working America that is, generally, I'm too busy getting things done to pay much attention to how the politicos are reaming me. However, the past few days have found me glued to the radio trying to figure out if those blooming ejits are actually going to pass the debacle they are calling "health care reform". Ha! It all makes me want to run, screaming, for sanctuary.


Oh dear. I seem to be beginning again...on another rant. Hmmmm. Thinking. Thinking. Thinking.

Okay. I'll tell you about farm work. Town errands took up a portion of the morning and when we returned home, I worked in the studio. I've been dyeing yarn and doing a series of felted tea cozies, cotton table runners, quilts and other textiles but today took time out to iron some antique vintage aprons. Our county library is having an exhibit, in conjunction with VA Minds Wide Open and asked if I had some things to loan. They were especially interested in aprons and I've got a few dozen old aprons that were clean but needed ironing. I love to iron, seriously! it's such pleasurable work, ironing those old aprons and preparing them to be hung in our local library. The librarian also wanted other crafts so I'll take some hand spun yarn, roving, felted tea cozies and other things and show photos when the exhibit is completed.

I was just finishing ironing the last apron when the dogs began barking. Red and Daniel came to help get the animals ready for spring. Around here that means de-worming horses and sheep, vaccinating and trimming feet. I wasn't ready to vaccinate, wasn't aware the fellers were coming tonight so we just de-wormed and trimmed a couple of horses feet. I went to call in all the animals as they don't come for anyone but me. It's a hoot! I go to the fence and begin calling, "Here Sheep! Sheepie, sheepie, sheepie; heeeerrreee sheep!" As fast as their little legs can carry their fat little bodies, they came bouncing over the meadow thinking they were in for a treat. Usually corn but tonight not. I like keeping everyone healthy and well as it's a lot less expensive and a lot less work than getting them well.
  ~ de-worming sheep ~
These photos are blurry because I didn't use flash plus it was dusk and in a stall in the stable. There's one lone light bulb, shared between two stalls, and that's the entire illumination. Camera flash, indeed any flash, tends to spook the animals and it's already a, somewhat, fragile, situation. Red and Daniel have been farmers a combined total number of years than I've been alive and still do this type work seven days a week. I used to do this work but Dave has decided he'd rather I not put myself in situations where I could get injured. Bless him! So, I do the donkey work - call in the animals from the far pastures, open and close gates, run for supplies, hand off supplies, etc. And take pictures. Around here, everyone is resigned used to me taking photos; I don't even ask anymore. It's so much easier to de-worm sheep in close quarters. There's not much room to move around and that means the sheep are less active and less likely to take out a human's knee. Generally, we crowd them into a small stall, shove the de-wormer down their throat, mark their forehead and, when the crowd is finished, all are turned loose.

I like for everyone to be de-wormed prior to Sheep Shearing Day; it gives the meds time to work and the fleeces time to be cleaned by Mother Nature. I like clean pastures, thus clean fleeces, but I've had to feed so much hay this winter, I'm concerned the sheep fleeces might have a little vegetative matter in them. If they do, I won't charge as much money as I prefer selling a superior product.
 ~ Sadie and Carly, going eye to eye ~
  ~ Sam, watching as sheep are turned out  ~
 ~ Red, waiting for horses ~
 ~ Daniel and horses moving quickly ~
 
 ~ Abigail, looking old, cold and tired ~
 ~ Daniel, trimming Peach's hoof ~
It was a long, hard job but eventually all the sheep were de-wormed, all the horses were de-wormed and two had their feet trimmed. It's late, the dogs are all sleeping in various piles around the room, the cats are curled into tight little balls and I'm ready for sleep myself.

Spring. The beginning of work on the farm; early mornings and late nights but, hopefully a lot to show for the efforts. May it always be so.

Blessings ~ animals, ready for spring ~ Red and Daniel ~ no injuries ~ enough meds to handle everyone ~ studio work ~ aprons ~ 

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Fat Lady Not Yet Singing...

To enter the Chef's Choice Belgian Waffle Iron Giveaway go here, Monday, March 15th. Contest ends Monday, March 22nd.


According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, NCPA, even the "terrible, lousy, no-good, horrible health care system we now have in the USA" -emphasis mine and great sarcasm intended- is a lot better than the rest of the world. For anyone with cancer, you'll live longer and a lot better in the USA than Europe or even Canada...gasp!

Betsy McCaughey, former Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York, is a person some like to hate but when she wrote the article U.S. Cancer Care Is Number One for the NCPA, she cited Lancet Oncology. These aren't her opinions; these are facts:

-following a cancer diagnosis, American women have a 63 percent chance of living at least five years compared to 56 percent for European women. Only Sweden, Belgium and Switzerland have an overall higher rate of 60 percent but that's still less than the USA. For breast cancer, the five year survival rate is 14 points higher than European survival rates!

-For American men, it's 66 percent compared to European men at 47 percent; only Sweden has an overall higher rate of 60 percent.

-British men have a five year survival rate of 45 percent; British women 53 percent.

In Canada, the average survival rate for all cancers in women, is 58 percent and in the USA it's 61 percent. For Canadian men the average survival rate for all cancers is 53 percent and in the USA it's 57 percent.

If you're a woman, reading this post, and live in the USA, you're probably one of the 85 percent who have regular PAP smears. Not so in Great Britain where just 58 percent of women have regular PAP smears.

As with mammograms; 84 percent of us age 50 to 64 have regular mammograms; I've yet to hear a doctor deny that early detection using mammograms is essential in finding and treating breast cancer. This percentage is higher than Australia, Canada or New Zealand and much higher than Great Britain's 63 percent.

So, please explain, again, Mr PresidentObamaPelosiReid, perxactly why your health care upheaval is better than what we've already got? 

Hmmmm...I didn't think you could.

According to a recent NY Times article -which I've failed to capture the address-, if the ObamaPelosiReid health care upheaval is passed, the tax dollars of millions of hard working Americans will may go toward funding abortions. I say may because liars figure and figures lie and the truth will only be told after, "we have to pass the health care bill first and then you'll see what's in it" Pelosi said.

Oh, you don't want your taxes going toward government mandated insurance abortion coverage...tough!

Oh...you don't think the bill includes abortion funding? Well, unless Congress explicitly excludes abortion as "essential benefits", abortion is included. Since Congress has already shown what kind of "back bone" they have, it's a pretty safe guess those amoebas won't exclude anything...unless it's themselves from the cesspool they are damming the rest of us to wade swim.

The ole gal is slowing down but want to, in closing, address the millions of tax dollars received by Planned Parenthood each and every year. Kathryn Jean Lopez wore an article The Greening of Planned Parenthood which said, in part that in 2008, Planned Parenthood received 305.3 million dollars in government funds...hahaha, they mean Tax Payer Dollars, sacasm mine,...in 2005-06 fiscal year. That number has only grown since. Planned Parenthood's political-action committee alledgedly had some 10 million dollars...Tax Payer Dollars...to spend on an anti-John McCain campaign. Now, I don't care if you voted or didn't vote the McCain ticket, but it riles me beyond belief that Planned Parenthood used American Tax Payer Dollars to buy a President. It riles me when any organization does it but it's called lobbying and therefore not bribery. Or, so I'm told. But...
HEEEELLLLOOOO! Can you say with me...CONFLICT OF INTEREST?!!! That is NOT how we want our money used!!! "Guide, Guard, Govern = Protect" is how to spend our money. Not on things that divide us but on things that unite us.

Can you hear me now? It's NOT YOUR MONEY! It's OUR money and we're sick and tired of you spending it like there's a population growth going on. Between fewer children actually being born and Planned Parenthood killing off the ones being conceived, there soon won't be ANY money er, children in the form of tax payers. DUH! I'm not the brightest crayon in the box and I've got that one figured out.

So...to quote Maxine, "

"Let me get this straight...we're trying to pass a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it, to be signed by a president that also is exempt from it and hasn't read it and who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke.
What the hell could possibly go wrong? "

I'm not against health care reform; I'm against the government thinking they can manage business when they can't even manage Medicare and Medicaid or...Cash for Clunkers or...oh never mind!

Contact your representative NOW so you can hold your head high later!

 
Blessings ~  the fat lady hasn't begun singing ~ there's still time..barely ~
 
Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

I'm Sturbed Up! Plenty!

 ~ Sam P. Spade vows to fight Obamacare! ~

Want to win a Chef's Choice Belgian Waffle Iron? Go here ASAP!


This past Sunday during children service, a little boy declared he was, "sturbed up!" Meaning, he was very disturbed, over what I'm not sure, but he was indeed, "sturbed up!"

I am STURBED UP! Plenty!

It's not enough Congress is finagling a way to cram Obamacare down our throats, they are finagling a way to do it without actually taking a vote! Dave and I have already called our "representative" who, frequently, acts as if he works for Obama and not "we, the people"...come to think of it, if his voting record is any indication, maybe he does work for Obama!...and, if you live in Ms Pelosi or Mr. Reid's district, all I can say is, "God help you."

According to this article in the Washington Post, Ms Pelosi "may use tactic allowing members to vote on measure that presumes bill has already passed."  This "procedural sleight of hand" means "...the House would vote on a more popular package of fixes to the Senate bill; under the House rule for that vote, passage would signify that lawmakers "deem" the health-care bill to be passed".

Dear God. I wonder if her husband thinks she can be trusted any less than I think she can be trusted? Than she's proven she can be trusted is more like it.

Read more of what Rep. David Dreier, California, the ranking Republican on the House Rules Committee, said about being "resigned to letting congressional Democrats make the Senate health-care bill the law of the land without ever holding a vote on it in the House of Representatives by passing a rule governing debate on another bill, the budget reconciliation, that "deems" the health care bill as passed."

I urge you to contact your representative NOW and tell them you're not against health care reform, you're against having it shoved down your throat! Look here to obtain your representatives contact information.

Did you know if this latest 2,000 plus page, up from 1,000 plus pages, version passes there are all sorts of oink, oink added? YO! President Obama: I thought you said you'd have "transparency and open government" and "no bribes, iow, pork" oink, oink.

For example, a person will be forced to keep their child on their health insurance policy until said child is 26 years of age. Don't you think that should be your decision based upon your circumstances? If you own a small business, it's doubtful your small business will survive. Extremely doubtful. As in won't and simply because you won't be able to afford to pay the government mandated health care insurance.

After the government's version of "health care" is passed, if you find yourself needing health care and you don't have insurance, you'll be fined $5,000. Okay, let me see if I understand...I can't afford health care insurance, after you pass the bill, I'll be fined $5,000 because I can't afford health care insurance. Hmmm...and you're thinking $300 a month is a lot for health insurance now?

More oink:

Nearly one-third of doctors could leave medicine...
Street lights, jungle gyms, farmers' markets...
Side walks and bike paths...


While I'm rolling...AARP. It's your parents' organization but no longer seem to represents them nor anyone else. Did you know AARP totally supports Obamacare? Do you know why? It's because AARP is a huge provider of "Medigap" plans and made more than a half-billion dollars in 2008 on their Medigap plan. If obamapelosireidcare passes, more seniors will be forced to buy such supplemental insurance. Hmmm. I wonder who benefits from close association?

The mind reels and the little gray cells are dizzy!

Please understand, I am not against health care reform. I am against the government butting in and fixing the health care problem as well as they have fixed Medicare and Medicaid, both of which are somewhere north of SIXTY BILLION DOLLARS in fraud each and every year! CBS says Medicare and Medicaid are one of the best paying most profitable crimes in the USA each and every year!

If Obamapelosireid, et. al., want to fix health care, why not start with Medicare and Medicaid? HELLLLOOOO!!!

Yep. I'm sturbed up, plenty! I've already called my Congressional rep so all of you...take a deep breath, plug in your zip code, get that telephone number and CALL YOUR REP TODAY...NOW! It probably won't do any good but at least you can hold your head up when the pasture piles hit the fan.

As my friend Sharon says, " the job of government is to protect life. Nothing more...that is all government should do, guide, guard and govern = protect. It's what God told Adam and it is still true."

AMEN, Sharon, AMEN!

Blessings ~  a fighting chance ~ 


Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm - now go make that call!
Sandra

Monday, March 15, 2010

Chef's Choice Belgian Waffle Iron Giveaway

 ~ Chef's Choice Classic Belgian Waffle Maker ~

We have a country kitchen. That is to say, no islands, no bar stools , no cute little garages for appliances. We do have the basics: 1914 Acorn seven burner stove with four ovens including warming oven, double sink, coffee pot, refrigerator, six foot table that used to be a fixture in a Giles County Bank, three chairs older than all of us put together, two old vintage rocking chairs,  a fifteen year old bench hand crafted by Daddy, gas log fireplace, one dog bed under the table and two dog crates in front of the fireplace. It's the dog crates that make the kitchen, at least, that's what Dave and I tell each other; it adds that touch that says "home" -smile-.

My kitchen, probably, isn't what CSN Stores had in mind when they contacted me and asked if I'd like to host a giveaway but farmers are only about 2% of the US population, and, I've gotten sorta used to being in the minority. If you're not familiar with CSN, visit their website and prepare to be impressed. Seriously, the company started in 2002 with two employees and one on-line shop. As of today, they are one of the top three on-line US retailers of home and office goods and have more than four hundred employees and two hundred on-line stores! They sell what you need, and want, including what I grew up calling them - waffle irons or, as they are now called, waffle makers.
~ our vintage waffle iron ~
About once or twice a month, I'll make waffles using our vintage waffle iron maker. I'm not quite sure how old it is but it's been in use, at the bare minimum, for at least thirty years. Possibly longer as it could have come down through the family, either Dave's or mine. It still turns out excellent waffles but heats up like the beach in August which is also a good thing as it keeps Sadie the Ridgeback's nose off the counter. For a while anyway.


You'll receive one entry by visiting CSN and then telling me which of their products you'd most like to take home.

For an additional entry, blog about it and make sure you let me know. 

For every person that comments and says, "_____ sent me", both people will receive two chances to win.

If you follow me, I'll make nice and follow you back.

USA and Canadian bloggers are eligible and contest is open until Monday, 22 March at 9:00 a.m. EST. CSN will mail prize directly to winner and I wish you all well. The new owner of the above waffle maker will be chosen the old fashioned way...names on pieces of paper and then put into a hat and one name drawn by Dave. I'll e-mail you, ask for your snail mail address and then give to CSN. You'll have until Wednesday, 24 March to respond with your contact information or the process begins again on the 24th.

If you win, please blog about your waffles and make us all envious -smile-.

 Blessings ~ waffles ~ prizes ~ bloggers ~ CSN ~ Belgian waffle makers ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Sabbath Keeping

 ~ early morning fog ~
 "Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love, in your great mercy turn to me."  
~ Psalms 69-16 ~

 "Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee, Thou only knowest what we need; Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself, O Father! give to Thy child that which he himself knows not how to ask. I dare not ask either for crosses or consolations; I simply present myself before Thee; I open my heart to Thee. Behold my needs which I know  not myself, see, and do according to Thy tender mercy. Smite, or heal; depress me, or raise me up; I adore all Thy purposes without knowing them; I am silent, I offer myself in sacrifice; I yield myself to Thee; I would have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will. Teach me to pray; pray Thyself in me." ~ Fenelon ~

"May your unfailing love be my comfort..." ~ Psalms 119:76 ~

"Love divine has seen and counted
   Every tear it caused to fall,
And the storm which Love appointed
   Was its choicest gift of all."
               ~ Anonymous ~ 

"I am serene because I know thou lovest me. Because thou lovest me, naught can move me from my peace. Because thou lovest me, I am as one to whom all good has come." ~ Gaelic Prayer ~


"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." ~ I Corinthians 13:12 ~

Blessings ~ The Word ~ Love ~ comfort ~ church on a Sunday morning ~ people who ask, "how are you doing? ~ The Father ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Be Yourself...

everyone else is already taken.
 ~ bottles in early morning light ~
Simple, isn't it?

A good portion of this week has found me locked out of my blog and, indeed, blogger. I could visit, but couldn't comment, on any blogs that were Blogspot. That's okay, I still think Blogger is a great tool and am grateful to Blogger and Google for giving us all the wherewithall to have on-line journals.

A lot of the blogs...okay, maybe not a lot but it sure seemed like a lot...I've visited share a common theme or themes...weariness, exhaustion, trying to slough off the negative emotions and be positive. I think it's due, in part, to the harsh winter we've had. Global warming notwithstanding, it's been a bear of a winter; a she-bear of a winter; a she-bear whose cubs are standing on yon side of a perceived threat and she-bear is now ready to kick some major you know what.

Everyone is tired both physically, mentally and, dare I say it, spiritually. Vince Lombardi once said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all" and that is So True! Whenever we're tired, we're overwhelmed and feel life simply isn't worth the trouble. That's when all those negative, bad, terrible, no good, horrible thoughts creep into our minds and, if not nipped in the bud, into our actions.
 

It is then, truly before then, we must take time out for personal renewal, reflection, daydreaming...doing those things that make our bubble seek, and find, center again. I've been doing some of that this week and, in the days to follow, will tell you about it - dyeing yarn, making baby blankets, taking photos, cooking some great meals, baking some wonderful cookies. In short, doing those things that make a house a home and people a family. Dave and I have been cozying up in the evenings, after supper, drinking a glass of wine, sitting in the deepening darkness in the sunroom, talking of this and that, making plans, talking over old times, sharing memories. It's good for both souls, to catch up like this. Some of our family and friends have been going through troublesome times this week and we've tucked them into prayer.

Nothing, really, in and of itself that's exceptionally extraordinary but, when put all together, becomes a life well lived and worth the living.
 ~ early morning in the front yard ~

I want to tell you of the wonderful things that have been sent to me over the past few weeks. Remember the Sew, Mama, Sew! contest just before Christmas? I won a lovely mini-quilt that is just perfect for me and this farm...photos and story to come.

Remember Lisa's OWOH 2010 Blogland visitation of Jan/Feb? From a USA artist I won a delightful art piece sculpture and it WOW'ed me when I opened the box.
Then, another gift of a bookmark that's fabulously made and sure to be treasured as well but I cannot find my photo just this moment. And Misha, my next door state of Tennessee neighbor, had a giveaway and WOW'ed me when I won and when her box of beautifully wrapped goodies arrived early this week. I've just now, this morning, finished unwrapping the box and am amazed at the bounty!
 ~ a portion of Misha's goodies ~
Yes, photos and stories coming next week but, please, Thank You All! My amazement is overwhelming me and I'm carrying around bits and pieces of various gifts like they were brought to me by the Magi! I have plans for each piece...the mini-quilt will hang on my bedroom wall, the bookmark will have a place of honor in my Bible and the art piece will travel from bedroom to studio to sunroom to living room to kitchen to remind me...again and again... Part of Misha's gift will travel with me, in luggage carry-on, and will hold all those "precious" goodies I cannot be without on a long flight - MP3 to listen to audio books, hand wash, tissues, snacks, pen and pencil, e-book so I can read while listening to music on the MP3 - stuff that's essential to my mental well-being and keeps me from kicking, like the six year old I can sometimes be, the seat in front of me out of sheer desperation from being closely contained.

Have you yet guessed I'm a creature of delayed gratification? I despise just about everything and anything that's "instant" and feel it's a detriment to humankind and our personal souls. There! Is that strong enough? -smile-
~ Canada geese ~
 The Canada geese have returned and are, sometimes, in flocks of forty or fifty. These stragglers are striving to catch up, to unite with the flock. There's safety in numbers, you know. Companionship too.
~ Companionship amongst Friends ~
Even the horses have lain on the sun warmed earth, grateful for the opportunity to seek peace in the moment.
On Monday, I'm having a giveaway to win this beautiful and useful waffle maker. BTW, it's not my photo and shouldn't have my name on it but...but...you know what my computer skills are not so, please forgive me and let me off the hook by accepting...I didn't take the photo. Thanks. -smile-
~ a bee, working the small crocus, harbingers, both, of spring ~
"For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone..." so wrote Solomon in his second chapter, verse eleven. The rains aren't past but snows, hopefully, have ended for this portion of winter.

Be good to yourself; it's only then you'll have anything worth giving to give to someone else. Pax and I say again...pax.

Until next time,

Blessings ~ peace ~ well balanced center ~ sun warmed earth ~ bees ~ pax ~ gifts ~ Canada geese ~ early spring flowers ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Sabbath Keeping

 
~ the eastern sky ~
 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16 ~

"For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends."    ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

"A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said, "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around and wrote some words. He put the sign back so everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote, "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."
Both signs told people the boy was blind but the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people there were so blessed they were not blind. Should we be surprised the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the story:
-Be thankful for what you have.
-Be creative.
-Be innovative.
-Think differently and positively.
-When life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1,000 reasons to smile.
-Face your past without regret.
-Handle your present with confidence.
-Prepare for the future without fear.
-Keep the faith and drop the fear."     ~ author unknown ~

"I believe in God as I believe in my friends, because I feel the breath of His affection, feelHis invisible and intangible hand drawing me, leading me, grasping me." ~ Miguel De Unamuno ~

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." ~ II Corinthians 13:14 ~

Until next time,


Blessings ~ a good night's sleep ~ a good meal ~ eyes to see the morning ~ the light of Christ ~ you ~ friends ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Vintage Thingies Thursday

 
~ 100% wool vintage bathrobe ~
It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday hosted by Colorado Lady and my focus is on the bath. Bathrobes are so plebeian yet so extremely necessary, at least to my way of thinking and here in this cold farmhouse. Doubtless you'll remember the many times I've bored you to tears discussing the extreme cold we've endured this winter and I mean inside the house. The record low, this winter, for our bedroom is 42 degrees F above zero and that was when I went to bed; not during the wee hours. Only God knows what the low was that night, my head was under the covers and I wouldn't peek for fear of frostbite. However, that's not the coldest it's been; it was far colder that first winter of Jan 1996 but we didn't have walls...only R-19 insulation and 6 mm plastic...we didn't have windows...they were taken out so the weights and ropes could be re-hung...we didn't have heat...other than the one wood stove and one coal stove in the three rooms we were then using...we didn't have electricity...other than extension cords and the one bulb hanging lonely from the ceiling. Even with all that it was not the winter of our discontent; we were quite happy and proud of what we'd undertaken to accomplish. When we get the scanner fixed or replaced, I'll show photos and tell tales of fifteen years ago.

Meanwhile, outside the wool covers and heavy comforter, the one thing that keeps me toasty warm is my 100% wool bathrobe. It's a delight, warm but not heavy, just the right length and has two buttons to ensure body heat is kept close. There are no labels so I'm not sure if it began life as a robe for men or for women but it's mine now and I keep it at hand, always.

The rest of the year, my favorite is this little number: 
~ "Property of Republic Pictures" ~
 
It's 100% cotton, quite heavy and I use this, most of the time to wrap around me in lieu of a bath towel. I've found using a towel to rub dry, tends to dry the skin, but just wrapping cotton around me allows the moisture to be absorbed, leaving the skin less dry and not at all itchy. Sometimes I even forget to use lotion as cotton is simply that good!
 The wooden hanger is vintage as well and from the Ambassador Hotel in Washington, DC. That hotel is long gone, either absorbed by some chain or torn down for something else to be built. Probably not something as beautiful or sturdy either but, then, you'd know I'd feel that way seeing as how I live in a house that was finished in 1902.

I'm a fan of "lotions and potions" as Dave likes to say. Nothing makes me feel dressed like mascara, lipstick and perfume but to get there I like lots of goodies in bath and shower.
 
~ Bath powders ~
 
~ Ooooh LaLa! ~
 
~ Coty metal powder tin ~
The Johnson's and Coty containers are tin while the other two are glass.I don't use the above, except for the little Avon powder floral container on the right, but keep them in the bathroom so I can day dream about previous owners.

My favorite hand scrub is to pour a little olive oil into the palm of one hand, then top off with a couple of tablespoons of sugar. This mixture is used to exfoliate, moisten and rehydrate my hands and, when used, several times a week, keeps my hands from looking like a science experiment. Sometimes the best things are the least expensive!

What about you? What's your favorite bathrobe? Do you use lotions and potions?

Until next time,

Blessings ~ natural fibers! ~ lotions and potions ~ good memories, made and to come ~ a lovely soak in the tube ~ a brisk shower ~ warmth ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Blog Party!

 Abigail is having a blog party and it looks like fun. Visit her blog, sign up, answer the questions and then start visiting! Hey, it's still snowing so I'm making fun any ole way I can!

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?
 Morning when the day is just beginning. The dogs and I go downstairs and the day begins with a walk around the yard, weather permitting, coffee or tea put on to brew and then dog chewies for the dogs while I listen to Alistair Begg on XM radio. Dave gets up later than do I so this time of day is my sacred time.

2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?
 Carbs of every flavor and yes, by the way, it does look like carbs are my favorite!

3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?
 For loved ones to be in Heaven so we can share eternity together with Jesus.

4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?  
I sleep with 3, sometimes 4, dogs or, rather, they sleep with me -smile-. Sometimes the cats sleep with us as well; it's a bed party but ya gotta be quiet...sssshhhhhhh.


5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?
I'm choosing a Biblical character because those, mostly, are my role models. My other role models are Billy and Ruth Bell Graham, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and Jim and Gladys Bennett, my parents. No one could even hope to have better role models than my parents! I'd be like  Tabitha in the New Testament. She was so useful and so be-loved because she made clothing for people. I was raised with "pretty is as pretty does"; it's how one's life is lived that makes a difference both now and for all eternity.

6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?
I would LOVE to be able to sing harmony! Unfortunately, sometimes my bucket springs a leak and I can't even sing in tune. Sigh. Make a joyful noise, eh?


7.If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?
 Mongolia! I've promised myself a trip to Mongolia for my 60th birthday, no later.


8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?
Christian and  madrigals.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?

J. Peterman or Orvis...either one would be fabulous but a furniture store would be nice as well.

10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?
Now suits me just fine; I'm happy with where and when God has placed me.


11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?
Brown or Black with shots of BOLD color.

12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?(Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, or Dopey)
Happy! After all, I woke up above ground and it just keeps getting better.

13. What's the last album you listened to?
Acappella, a men's Christian group and the album is, probably, more than half dozen years old by now.

14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?
Some years ago I determined to be the friend I've always wanted. Now, I'm never lonely nor bored and it works great!


Until next time,

Blessings ~ good music ~ good reads ~ new friends ~ worthy role models ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra
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