Wednesday Waddle

~ Thistle Cove Farm where it's beautiful one day and perfect the next! ~

~Canada Geese flying in line ~

Can you see the line of Canada geese flying right to left? They stretch for most of the picture frame...just incredible! I've been so excited this week...the Canada Geese have been spending nights in our upper pasture...can you just see my silly grin?! When they fly in the late afternoon, I stand outside, arm stretched toward them, welcoming them home. They fly so close I can hear the strong whomp, whomp, whomp of their wings, hear their soft voices and, almost, feel their pulse. What an absolute gift!

~ Canada Geese camping in our upper pasture ~

~ Canada Geese numbering sixty or more! ~

I was late to Zumba and Yoga this morning because I had to take photos. This morning the Canada Geese were waddling amongst the sheep, not a care in the world, sharing breakfast and talking quietly to each other. Neither geese nor sheep seemed frightened but then, I wasn't all that close. If I had walked any closer, I'm sure they would have gathered themselves and taken to the air.

~ They would waddle first to the left, then to the right ~

~ Beautiful Canada Geese ~

~ So, I was a little more late... ~

~Watching Sam watch us ~

Sadie, at five months, is still a puppy in spirit though not in body and loves to climb in my lap for lovin'. Abigail thinks we're being silly, she's probably right, but it's a small thing to bring such JOY into our lives! We're looking at Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent, who is on the floor, and wondering why he's been left out of the cuddle.

~ Sam, explaining why the wrong dog is on my lap ~

~ Ever watchful Sadie ~

Sadie is a registered Rhodesian Ridgeback and, originally, bred in South Africa to hunt lions, guard the farm and herd cattle. Keniba Kennels is her breeder and they have excellent examples of the breed and breed for conformation and health. They haven't been breeders quite as long as we've had a Ridge but we found them to be quality folks with incredible Ridges and we're thinking of another Ridge in the spring. Krazy. Yes, I know. But, once you've had a Ridge all other dogs are simply canines. Even my beloved Abigail, a Jack Russel Terror, with her huge heart cannot compare to a Ridge. In a word, a well bred Ridge is simply magnificent and Sadie is all that and more! At five months, every fiber in her body screams Champion but we're not show people. We don't care about showing, we hate the politics, nor are we interested in breeding; we only want Sadie as a beloved family member. We've been blessed with two such Ridges, Shaddie was a Champion and, more than once, protected me and the farm from what could have been a bad situation. Shaddie was willing to attack for me and, eventually, Sadie will do the same. God willing, she'll never be called upon to do more than stand her ground and protect us but there's no doubt in my mind, should she be called upon to do more than that, she'll be ready.

~ Thistle Cove Farm, a great place to be a dog! ~

I surely hope you don't tire of my farm photos; I know I never tired of the scenery and it's just outside my door. Our lives are, pretty much, contained on these few acres. My charity work is such that I can make things on the farm and then give them away either in the community or via mail. I leave the farm for Thursday evening quilting bee, Sunday church and exercise classes; other than that, it's, mostly, home. Perhaps once or twice a month I'll make a wild trip to Joann Fabric for sewing supplies or Wal-Mart for groceries or go to the feed store in town for salt minerals for the horses or sheep. Usually, during the year we'll have a vacation but, thus far, that hasn't happened this year. Both our families live quite a distance away and the majority of our years were spent elsewhere so we're not quite as connected in the community as folks who have always lived here. Nor did we have children so were never involved in school activities. My dearest friend lives six hours away and I bemoan we're not close enough to spend time together even monthly. Still and all, Thistle Cove Farm is the right place at the right time for Dave and I now. And I am ever grateful

Until next time,

Blessings ~ Ridgebacks ~ Canada Geese ~ ears to hear the flying geese ~ family ~ friends ~ rural traffic jams ~ puppies ~ dogs ~

Living and Dying

~ Sugar maple leaves, forecasting autumn ~

Earlier this week, I stepped outside one morning to find the above. It's still summer, for a few days anyway, but the maple tree, apparently, doesn't know or either doesn't care, perhaps both. Leaves are beginning to turn, indicating autumn is on its way and in a hurry. I believe we're going to have a short autumn with a harsh winter to follow. I also believe we're going to get more snow and colder temps than we have in years. A lot of people said last winter was cold but that's not how I remember it. I remember a few cold days but not much in the way of extremely low temperatures. This winter, prepare for cold and a lot of precipitation. That's how I'm approaching it anyway and every trip to the grocery store has me buying more dried beans, rice, flour, coffee and other staples. We have to cross two mountains to get to the grocery and while we have four wheel drive in most of our vehicles, I'd rather be prepared than have to make an emergency run. There are folks who have to be on the roads in inclement weather, I see no need to add to the mix if I don't have to.

Today has been a flurry of activity. Ron and Bill are still here, preparing our heating pipes for winter and in doing so, have moved furniture and shown me dust bunnies I've not known about and, therefore, neglected to name. So much of our days are taken up with necessary busy work to keep hearth, home and farm together. I had to go to town today, so many errands on the to-do list and it's never a quick trip even when there are only a couple of places to visit or things to do. I was gone for almost three hours and still didn't get everything accomplished. Dave was having cabin fever so I sent him back to town with the remainder of the list. I've got a basket class tonight, with Mary M., and need to gather my things for that class. I'm also making shortbread as a snack for all of us.

~Mary with one of her alpaca "boys" ~

Peaches is lame, still, and we've decided to dry lot her so we can feed her hoof "meds" in a grain mix. I'm not quite sure why she's lame, there doesn't seem to be a ready reason...no stone bruise or something similar, yet she's tender in both her back feet. One of her front feet has always had a crack and we're trying to strengthen her hooves before attempting more serious measures. Peaches will be placed in a dry lot, along with her daughter, Lightly.

~Peaches, a Sabino American Curly horse, in the foreground ~

Lightly is my "easy keeper" mare and gains weight at the mere mention of the word "food" and is a roly poly kinda gal who needs to be ridden, daily, and that would help with the weight problem. Perhaps I could find someone who is willing to work with all the horses, daily, to keep them friendly and easier to handle. Because they are American Curly horses, or cross breeds, they are all easier than other breeds but still, animals need to be touched daily or they forget their manners.

~Lightly likes attention, second only to food ~

Barbara, at the feed store, is celebrating a birthday today. She's always so cheerful and friendly with a quiet demeanor and soft smile. She always has a pin, it's her 'fashion statement' and I always enjoy seeing what new, to me, pin she's wearing. You know how some women wear hats or scarves? With Barbara it's always a beautiful pin that matches her beautiful smile. I sang her Happy Birthday and she rewarded me with a hug; greatly appreciated as I'm not known for being able to hold a tune. As in my Christianity, I tend to make a joyful noise and hope that covers a multitude of situations. -smile-

~Barbara, the Birthday Gal ~

Mary M., basket maker and alpaca wrangler above, has been involved in hospice this past while. Bob McGraw passed away yesterday and will be sorely missed by a tremendous number of people. His wife, Anita, kept an online journal and it is heart searing and uplifting all at the same time. Please put Anita, family and friends in your prayers for a little while. Bob and I were friendly acquaintances and if we met on our various errands, would always stop and share a few words. He was kind and gracious and, somehow, kin to Dave; both shared the same Grandfather, eight generations ago. He told us once that was why he was involved in War Between the States reenactments; he felt a kinship with his blood and wanted to honor them and a shared way of life. It will be strange not seeing him around town, at reenactments with his hand crafted canon. God Speed, Bob.

Earlier today, I told Mary if I was ever in need of hospice, it was she I'd want by my side, just after family. Mary is gracious, kind, soft spoken and a family nurse practitioner. In fact, she was the first health care professional I saw when first we moved to Tazewell County. In the intervening years, she'd moved on, as had I, and our paths didn't cross again for a long time. She's teaching a basket making class tonight and I am greatly looking forward to this time.

Until next time,

Blessings ~ caring health care and hospice professionals ~ Barbara ~ birthdays ~ Bob and Anita McGraw ~ summer ~ autumn ~ Mary ~

Good Morning, Lord!

~Miss Emma ~

Miss Emma has turned the corner, please God, and we think she's going to make it. She's had a severe respiratory illness, not quite sure but it could have been pneumonia, and she was a sick little kitty for several weeks. Her breathing has softened and we can now hear her purr without the raspy, watery, labored breathing she's struggled with since bringing her home. She's been on a couple of rounds of antibiotics, an immune builder and other meds that seem to, finally, be working!

Someone once said they wanted each day to be the kind of day when they rolled out of bed and said, "Good Morning, Lord!" instead of "Good Lord, it's morning!" Most of my days begin with the former and I'm thankful for that gift. I've read the meaning of Sandra means "helper" and Kay means "happy" so, I suppose that means I'm a happy helper -big smile-. Not always, no, of course not but mostly I am a happy helper.

These beautiful end of summer days are full of getting ready for winter chores, both inside and out. We bought 20 small containers of mums and now I need to get them into the ground. Mums are so cheerful and, when planted with copious amounts of horse manure, will grow sturdily and return to bloom for years.

The house is getting some work as well; Ron and Bill are here today working on our heating system. We had a major hot water heating pipe freeze, burst, thaw last December and many of our copper pipes and heating coils need to be replaced. Ron said if we put that big ole ugly pipe insulation on our inside pipes, as well as our basement pipes, it would help the situation so that's on the to-do list. By the month's end I'll exchange the summer curtains for the winter, insulated drapes and that helps with the heating bills. This is no mean feat as we have close to thirty windows in this big ole farmhouse and almost all of them will need draperies exchanged for curtains. Most of those windows are about nine feet by three feet so that means dragging the ladder from window to window, room to room, meaning...a full day's work.

I'm a cold weather kinda gal and firmly believe in the usefulness of wool - sweaters, vests, socks, shoes and wear all inside the house. There's absolutely no reason to be cold and it's always easier to add another layer. Mom always said, "it's easier to get warm in the winter than cool in the summer. You can always put on another sweater but you can only get so "nekkid" before people start complaining!" That's so true! -smile-

I'm fairly ashamed of the numbers of books I've allowed to pile up. We must have a couple of thousand and a lot of them are leaving this place. Thompson Valley Community Center has started a small lending library and I'm over the moon happy to give them A Lot of books to share 'round. We've been giving away furniture, rugs and other household belongings and people have been fast about putting their names on the "I'll take it" list.

In the course of cleaning, de-cluttering and general organization I've been using and keeping a list of some useful tips. Some of these tips Mama passed along to me, others have been read in the new Country Living Simple Country Wisdom book. This is a nifty little resource book, "501 Old-Fashioned Ideas to Simplify Your Life" by Susan Wacconer. She's done a bang-up job and I may even have to buy a copy after returning this library copy. Today I'll focus on laundry and tackle other rooms later in the month; the first tip isn't laundry but it's been my focus for a few weeks...aarrgghhh, puppies and kittens!!

*A spray bottle filled with water is Mighty Handy at keeping the animals "honest". Sadie is a True Rhodesian Ridgeback and due to her great size is Very Adapt at counter surfing, stove top stealing, cat food sneaking and the like. The kittens are Very Adapt at shredding curtains and I'm keeping spray bottles up and down stairs so I'm at the ready. I'm thinking I'll put the kittens in the bathroom at night to keep them from playing "Hang Kitty" on my curtains. Thus far, they have shredded two sets and I am now out for blood. Theirs.

*Vinegar and baking soda poured into drains will keep the drains smelling fresh. To keep the washer smelling fresh, occasionally run a small, empty, cold water load with a cup of vinegar.

*Laundry dye magnets placed into the wash will keep clothes from bleeding into each other. These magnets are treated "sheets", similar to dryer sheets and handy as a pocket on a shirt! I'm never without dye magnets for the laundry.

*Adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash prevents lint build-up and cuts the soap residue in clothes.

*When washing jeans or other heavy items, run them through an extra spin cycle to decrease dryer time (if you're not line drying).

*Use a laundry rack to dry clothes. In the winter, especially, drying clothes on a rack will add moisture to the air and decrease electrical costs because you're not using the dryer.

*I never use as much laundry detergent as recommended; it's simply not necessary, especially if I pre-treat stains. The result is I save money and my clothes aren't over soaped resulting in stiffness.

*Wash and dry as many loads as you have dirty. Wash lighter items first, then place in dryer while heavier items are washing; you'll use less electricity because the dryer only has to heat up once.

*For stains, there are laundry sticks or sometimes I'll daub the stained item with dish washing or liquid laundry detergent and then soak it soak in the tub overnight. That will usually remove stains. When whites get dingy add a full cup hydrogen peroxide to a full washload and let it soak for half an hour. That should get things sparkly white again; if not, simply repeat the procedure.

~Storage barn and run-in shelter on the farm ~

I love any view of Thistle Cove Farm and the Cove, especially in the early morning and early evening and, basically, any season. Each season brings its own delights and wonders and, even though the scenery never changes, it's always different.

~ A little country church on the way to White Top Mountain ~

This week I found a new to me blog and have enjoyed reading it. Today, the author said on Free to Be Me something that resonated like a gong striking a bell. "satan didn't take Martha out of the kitchen; he just stole her purpose for being there!" YEOUCH! I'd never considered that I allow, sometimes even Give Permission, to satan for stealing my purpose or stealing my reason. This week I'm putting on my thinking cap to study on this, new to me, idea and see if I can, with the help of God, tilt my life back level, on the straight and narrow course. Are you in?

Until next time,

Blessings ~ clean, fresh laundry ~ well behaved fur babies ~ morning, evening and all the rest of the day ~ a healthy Miss Emma ~ country churches ~ new blogs that speak, deeply, to me ~ barns that still serve useful purposes ~

Sabbath Keeping

~ Sunrise at Thistle Cove Farm ~

"At this time our Lord showed me an inward sight of his homely loving. I saw that he is everything that is good and comforting to us. He is our clothing. In his love he wraps and holds us. He enfolds us in love, and he will never let us go.
And then he showed me a little thing the size of a hazelnut in the palm of my hand-and it was as round as a ball. I looked at it with my mind's eye and I thought: "What can this be?" and answer came: "It is all that is made." I marveled that it could last, for I thought it might have crumbled to nothing, it ws so small. And the answer came into my mind: "It lasts, and ever shall be, because God loves it." And so all things have being through the love of God.
In this little thing I saw three truths. The first is that God made it. The second is that God loves it. And the third is that God looks after it."
~ Julian of Norwich ~

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."
~ Peter 1:22 ~

"God loves you with an intensity beyond anything that I could describe to you. He loves you, and He loves you so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to die on that cross, and the thing that kept Christ on that cross was love, not the nail."
~ Billy Graham ~

"Death is given power over everything finite, especially in our period of history. But death is given no power over love. Love is stronger."
~Paul Tillich ~

~ Morning has broken at Thistle Cove Farm ~

"Would you know your Lord's meaning in this? Learn it well. Love was his meaning. Who showed it you? Love. What did he show you? Love. Why did he show you? For love. Hold fast to this and you shall never know nor learn about anything except love forever." So I was taught that love was our Lord's meaning. And I saw full surely that before ever God made us, he loved us. And this love was never quenched, nor ever shall be. And in this love he has done all his works. And in this love he has made all things profitable to us. And in this love our life is everlasting. In our making we had beginning but the love in which he made us was in him from without beginning. In which love we have our beginning. And all this shall we see in God without end-which Jesus grant us."
~Julian of Norwich ~

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
~ Hebrew 10:24 ~

~ Sedum, blooming ~

Blessings ~ love ~ Jesus Christ ~ wise words from wise men and women ~ Bible, King James version ~ ~ sunrise ~ beautiful flowers ~ God's creation ~ love ~

Catch-up Friday

~ Double sunflowers by the sunroom ~

Goodness! This week has flown by and while my feet have barely touched the ground, I'm a bit unsure what I've done. Ever have weeks like that? Probably each and every one, eh? -smile-

~ Two fawns in our alfalfa field ~

Our alfalfa field provides forage not only for our horses and sheep but also deer. These two fawns have been grazing each morning and evening, providing loads of pleasure while we watch from a distance. I keep a camera handy, usually in my pocket or on the table; I just never know what delights God will send our way.

It's almost hunting season and there have been plenty of 'rubberneckers' driving down the road watching them as well. I try to be viligent as in times past, folks have shot from the road...a major illegal activity...and immoral...to my mind, at least...because we have our land posted "No Hunting". So, what part of "No Hunting" do you think they don't understand? I'm not against hunting, nor hunters, As Long As They Obey The Law. I believe deer populations need to be thinned and I believe in putting meat on the table. My problem lies with those who hunt for sport, killing to be killing; that's beyond my kin, meaning understanding but I enjoy the old words and tend to use them whenever possible.

~ If you look closely, you can see their spots, indicative of very young deer. ~

~ Wild flowers at the studio ~

Beauty abounds as evidenced by these wildflowers picked by the side of the road. There's a small table, painted green, placed at the entrance to the studio door that holds a blue enamel pitcher and it gives me joy to keep it full of found wildflowers. The cosmos are light, airy and planted in the small studio flower beds.

~ September full moon ~

Last week was the full moon called the Full Corn moon because corn is, generally, harvested this month. At least, that's the way it is around here; across the road, farmers began harvesting corn for cattle silage this week. The Harvest Moon is in October.

If you look closely at the full moon photo, it appears two hands are, gently, cupping the full moon, guiding its path across the night sky. I love to go outside, in the dark, early morning hours and watch the moon as it glides from left to right. The dogs love to go outside as well as it gives them an opportunity to chase down night smells and it gives me the opportunity to hear the night bird sing her beautiful song.

~Blessed rain! ~

We had a gift of rain this week and a most appreciated gift it was. You can see the sheets of rain, coming across the valley, right to left, almost following the cows as they head for the huddle. Animals tend to group during harsh weather, it gives them some shelter and protects the young as the calves are sheltered amongst the cows. If lighting should strike, it will probably kill a cow and not a calf. Surely that's nature's way...iow, God's way...of seeing to it life continues.

~Falcon ~

It's been a wonderful week for bird viewing. Do you think this handsome bird is a Peregrine Falcon? The Peregrine Fund has beautiful videos and great information on this bird of prey as well as other raptors.

~ Canada geese in our upper pasture ~

Isn't it amazing how the geese will have a sentry watch? I've read Canada geese have a purpose to the point when they fly in that amazing V. The purpose of the lead bird is to break the wind barrier, making it easier for other geese to fly. Each bird flies point thus ensuring each bird works hard as well as earns a rest while in the air. On the ground, birds alternate between eating and sentry duty, again, ensuring each individual has an opportunity to both work and eat. Some people refer to them as Canadian geese but that's incorrect; the name is Canada geese.

~ An American Bald Eagle ~

Early this morning Dave and I watched an American Bald Eagle fly by our sunroom window, across our pasture and land atop a tree. The eagle stayed for a couple of hours, surveying his kingdom and gave me plenty of time to try and take his photograph. This is one of the better photos and, while not very good, you can at least see his white head and tail. Magnificent!

~ Cove sunset ~

Until next time,

Blessings ~ flowers ~ birds ~ rain ~ sunset ~ deer ~ freedom and those willing to pay the price so the rest of us may enjoy our liberties ~

Sabbath Keeping

~ View from my window at sunset ~

"Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention. The only tragedy, then, is to be satisfied prematurely. To settle for earth. To be content in a strange land...
We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are "like foreigners and strangers in this world" (I Pet. 2:11)...
And you will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead."

When God Whispers Your Name from January 10, Grace for the Moment; Max Lucado

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Ephesians 6:12~ One road, leading out of the Cove. ~

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
Hebrews 11:13

Blessings ~ the same road leading out of the Cove, leads home again ~ witnesses ~ strength for the asking ~ hunger for heaven ~ ready to go but not homesick ~ made for Him ~

Friday Feature

~ Vicki's beautiful hand crafted textile post card...sent through the mail! ~

Vicki, from Field Trips in Fiber, sent me this beautiful hand crafted textile post card. She made these as part of a swap and, kindness itself, sent me one of them. Textile post cards amaze me. I've made a few but, to my eye, they aren't ever as beautiful as the ones I see others make. Notice the edges here...so neatly machine sewn. She used the zig-zag stitch to sew down the yarn but I'm not sure about the edges.

Vicki lives in Richmond and it's been a pleasure getting to know her; hopefully, we'll met in person one day. I travel to Richmond to visit family and friends and am always glad to add another name to the friend list. Vicki, thank you for your delightful gift; it goes in the studio where it can be enjoy full time.

To another topic...if you would allow me to give a bit of advice...if any of you use Picasa as your photo storage, you can also put a "watermark" on your photos. A watermark is what you see on my photos; simply, it says www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com and allows people to know from whence they "lifted" the photo. I know my photos, before watermark, have been "lifted" and put on other people's blogs and other than carping about it, what can really be done? Probably nothing can be done but when I started putting a watermark on each and every photo, I felt a lot better about downloading photos to my blog. There's a hefty fine, $10,000, for stealing photos but who has the money to go after someone? Not me so I do what I can do and that's put my blog name on each one. At one point, I put my name but decided the blog address is better. Another thing I do is keep the resolution very low, around 300 dpi so the quality isn't going to be good if someone takes the photo and increases the size.

~ This would be me ~

~ And, this would be Dave ~

For the first time, Dave and I have vanity license plates. It's silly but also fun and, perhaps more importantly of all, it allows me to remember to play nice. Oh yeah. It's a lot more difficult, and dangerous, to rant and rave at another driver cutting me off when I've got vanity plates. I do not want some geezer showing up in my driveway because I've, temporarily, forgotten my Christianity. I need all the help I can get and vanity plates have proven to be, yet another, source of help.

Who knew?! -smile-

~ Dandy, my "in your pocket" gelding; he loves people second only to his Mother. ~

So much for trying to be clever -smile-. I was trying to get these photos of Dandy Man side by side but it's not working out so you'll have to use your imagination. I took them separately, of course, but when they were downloaded, I was struck by how well they seemed to fit.

Dave and I are running away for the day; enjoy yours and be safe. Until next time,

Blessings ~ Vicki ~ textile post cards ~ Dandy ~ help ~ running away ~ coming home ~

A Stack of Quilts and Books

~ A Stack of Quilts, Fleece Throw and Scarves ~

It's been mentioned before I've begun an exercise program. Some friends asked, "don't you get enough exercise on the farm?" and the answer to that is, "yeah, but...it's not aerobic exercise, it's not continuous exercise and it's too varied to do much strength building on a continuous basis. So, for the past two months I've been doing aerobics, some swimming and yoga and it's killing me. I figure I'll be as good looking a corpse as the next older woman standing beside me -smile-. Twice a week I do two hours, one after the other, of Zumba aerobics, then yoga. Once a week I do purely weights for strength building and then yoga to end the week. Why am I telling you this? I'm not really sure except that, right now, I'm sucking air like a guppy because I've just finished both classes. I didn't grow up with exercise, I grew up with work and even though exercise is good for me, I rather bemoan the time taken away from doing "something productive". To close out this thought...please, give me your thoughts? Encouragement? Support? Words of advice?

Something productive, for the past while has meant quilting. When the computer had to go to the computer doc, I went on a quilting and reading binge. I read a few really interesting books and then some "cozy mysteries" for the shear enjoyment. One non-fiction book was "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo", the adventure of the two young men who, in the 1990's, "retraced the same two year Silk Road journey traveled by Marco Polo seven hundred years ago". I'm envious, of their journey that is, not the young men. Frankly, there were a few times, when reading their book, I was embarrassed by the fact these two men were representing "me" in the form of an American traveler.

Only a few pages into the book, they say something akin to, "...perhaps he was one of those knuckleheads who doesn't believe in global warming...". Is it me or does there seem to be a not so thin layer of sheer rudeness in that remark? It used to be gentlemen and gentlewomen could disagree without resorting to rudeness or ill mannered remarks. Not so, anymore. It used to be folks could have differing opinions and what happened was rather interesting and, perhaps, erudite conversation, not the diatribe that some attempt to pass as conversation.

A very few pages later, they announce they were "rolling around, fighting, in the lobby of a hotel because they had a disagreement". Sheesh, boys: Grow Up.

One other annoyance was toward the last third of the book. They again brag but this time on how well and how liberal the number of curse words they taught a man. Perhaps the man was Tajikistan...I can't really remember but think it was one of those "stan" countries. BTW, "stan" is generally accepted to be a Farsi , or Persian, word meaning country, nation, land, homeland or place. For example, Afghanistan would mean "homeland of Afghan people".

My point is...these men were bragging about how well they curse and how well they taught someone else to curse. They might as well have been bragging about being raised by wolves. Wait. I'd find that more interesting. I'm not taking away from their accomplishment and, as mentioned before, am envious. I'll never have that opportunity as I'm the wrong gender to be traveling in the wilder regions of Muslim countries; even in a chador I wouldn't be safe.

The PBS program, "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" has been nominated for an Emmy and that's fabulous news for those involved. I've not seen the program but am eagerly anticipating viewing at some future time. In doing a bit of research, I find those who claim these lads did not travel in Marco Polo's footsteps and, in fact, totally missed 2,800 miles because they did missed most of Iran and Afghanistan. Harry Rutstein says O'Donnel and Belliveau, the authors, went instead to
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan where Marco Polo did not visit. Rutstein says he was the first...and apparently only person...to travel the actual route; he also founded the Marco Polo Foundation and wrote of his travels in The Marco Polo Odyssey.

Another excellent book, Wildflower: An Extraordinary Life and Untimely Death in Africa by Mark Seal, "tells the mesmerizing story of the captivating life and shocking death of world-renowned naturalist Joan Root". If you've enjoyed the stories of Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall and even, Karen Blixen, ...aka Isak Dinesen... you'd, probably, enjoy "Wildflower".

So, here's where I talk about quilting and about time, you say! Perhaps you've seen the Deere quilt before but I've not seen the person for whom this quilt was made so the quilt is still in the studio. The quilts, fleece throw and scarves were hung on the line and took up all the clothesline, from left to right. Even I was pretty impressed -smile-. Four of the quilts were quilt panels that only needed to be hemmed but those are cute panels. Two are Thomas Train and two are the nursery rhyme, "Hey Diddle Diddle, The Cat and the Fiddle...". I've already given away the third Thomas Train quilt panel and hope the little boy liked it.

~ Quilts, throws and scarves crowded the clothesline. ~

~ A stiff wind made photographing the quilts more difficult. ~

~ Thomas Train, back ~

~ Hey Diddle, Diddle quilt panel front ~

~ Two scarves, autumnal colors, to be worn as scarves, shawls or throat coverings. ~

~ Fleece throw, print front with solid brown back ~

I'm still hand quilting some of these, have about four to finish and will then start on Christmas gifts. I've got three of the "little girl" quilts to give away and have to sit down and consider who else has been born; I tend to forget and try to keep a list in the studio. We've been having coolish weather and I've enjoyed quilting but then, do it all summer long anyway. There are about four months until Christmas and if I don't make lists, things simply don't get done. I tend to accomplish a lot more with a list than without.

Until next time,

Blessings ~ quilting ~ good books ~ good authors ~ the studio ~ sturdy shoes for aerobics ~ Silk Road, have always found it fascinating! ~

Good Morning, Tuesday!

~ Sam P. Spade, getting bolder as he wanders amongst the sheep ~

Cooler morning weather has arrived, until Indian Summer that is, and puppies are responding by being more energetic than ever. They play like the world is going to end this afternoon, perhaps we should live our lives the same way, eh? Coming home from exercise classes yesterday, I picked up this intact male by the side of the road. As you can see, he's starved but we've given him three meals, water and some bones so he is now a happy camper. He's part hound and we discussed keeping him but I just can't take on the added responsibility. Larry N., our Animal Control Specialist, is supposed to retrieve him today and, usually, Larry is able to find homes especially in the northeast where, I'm told, it's against the law to have an intact male or un-spayed female unless one has a breeder's license. Hello Big Brother! I don't believe indiscriminate breeding is a good thing but I think government intrusion into our lives is a Very Bad Thing. I tend to be a Libertarian when it comes to government...the less, the better and, almost, none is best. Frankly, I think politicians should, by law, not accept "campaign contributions"...I've heard some call it "bribes" and who is really right or wrong as isn't this a matter of opinion based upon perspective? If politicians can't be moral and legal because they are gentlemen and ladies then it should be forced upon them. Just like they force upon us such stupid laws as "you can't hang an elephant", a law still on the books in Tennessee. Please don't think I'm picking on Tennessee as each state has their own share of stupid laws and ejiits in office.

~ He's a Sweet Ole Hound ~

Did you hear about the Nevada Senator who told a newspaper, "I hope you go out of business!" And why, you may very well ask, did a person elected by the people, supposedly serving the people, say such a thing? Because said newspaper dared to call into question the Senator's politics. Although the Senator is no gentlemen, he is the Senate Majority Leader; God have mercy! Elections are coming up in 2010, perhaps the good people of Nevada will prove to be smarter, Much Smarter, than their elected Senator. Let us hope so. In the meantime, Sherman Frederick has dressed down the Senator, rightfully so, but, like so many in the 'inner circle'...also known here as 'inside the beltway' he appears to believe he's a law unto himself. Sir, I say to you, "it's time to exchange your short breeches for big boy trousers and, if you can't act as a gentleman, then try to act in a manner that reflects well upon the Honorable position of Senate Majority Leader. Please stave off sullying the position. If you want to act like a boor, then please do so in private. Remember the old adage, "it's best to keep one's mouth shut and have people think you're a fool than open it and remove all doubt!"

~ Peaches looks like she's called a meeting -smile-. ~

The horses and sheep live together in peace...most of the time. The only time things get tense is when the horses get on a rampage and race across the pastures and the sheep scatter like raindrops on a windshield. In all our years of having both, I've never had one injure the other; indeed, I've never had a farm animal injure another farm animal, no matter the species. I believe this is due to two things with the first being God's grace and mercy overshadowing Thistle Cove Farm. The second is due to everyone knowing they will be fed and fed well. No one has to worry about ending up on the dinner plate, everyone has a job, no matter folks think it's silly of me to keep sheep until they die of old age. The sheep give beautiful fleeces and I truly believe, "Happy Sheep Make Beautiful Wool"; even unto old age the sheep fleeces are beautiful, strong and healthy.

~ Black face Shetland whethers find shade inside the old water reservoir. ~

Mama Cat moved her kittens which is an Amazing Feat! She had born them at the bottom of a fifty gallon barrel littered with straw. She waited until they were about four weeks old and then, picking each one up by the scruff of the neck, she jumped to the top of said barrel and then carried them to a new location, again on straw. I don't know if she moved the straw or if it was already there...another mystery. I am in awe at God's creation and the abilities He gave them. Mama Cat is a smallish cat and the kittens each weigh about half a pound so to jump that distance, carrying a goodly portion of your own weight in your mouth...defies anything I can do!

~ New kittens, moved out of the barrel and onto floor ~

I'd love to keep all four kittens as barn cats and take all but two of the barn cats I now have to the animal shelter. A year or two ago, a woman moved in down the road, stayed a few weeks and moved out. That wasn't the end of the story however. When she moved in, the story is she brought many, many, Many cats with her as well as dogs and horses. One dog was so wild, his collar was choking him because the dog couldn't be caught so the collar could be adjusted. I think animal control finally was able to pop it with a tranquilizer, adjusted the collar and then put the dog in a kennel until it could be gentled. Anyway, when the woman moved out, she left the cats; some say upwards of fifty but I don't really know. I do know some of those cats ended up in my barn, feral as feral can be, diseased with God alone knows what. I've been trying to gentle them and have two I can actually get my hands on; the rest are whisps of imagination whenever I'm around. As an aside, the Feral Tribune used to be a newspaper in Split, Croatia which is one country I'd love to visit. I'm afraid I'll have to not feed the barn cats for a few days...which I hate to do because that means the just as well as the unjust suffer...but it's, more than likely, the only way I can catch them. I'll wait until colder weather when they are hungrier and need more calories. I'd rather have them put down humanely than starved to death or die of disease. So, full circle here, that's why I picked up the stray dog. If he does die at the shelter, he'll die a much easier death than how he was headed when I found him.

I'm burning daylight, so, until next time ~

Blessings ~ an empty dog kennel ready to be used for strays ~ healthy animals ~ Mama Cat, who takes better care of her kittens than some women do of their babies ~ daylight ~ a kind, ole hound who came along peacefully ~ elections, vote intelligently! ~