Sabbath Keeping

~ Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent and Sadie Lovebug ~

"The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. 

I will make a suitable partner for him." 

So the Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and whatever the man called each of them would be its name. the man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals, but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man. So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said, "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one shall be called 'woman', for out of her man this one has been taken." That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body." 

~ Genesis 2:18-24 ~

"It is a foolish woman who expects her husband to be to her that which only Jesus Christ Himself can be: always ready to forgive, totally understanding, unending patient, invariable tender and loving, unfailing in every area, anticipating ever need, and making more than adequate provision. Such expectations put a man under an impossible strain."

~ Ruth Bell Graham ~

"Nearly all marriages, even happy ones, are mistakes in the sense that almost certainly (in a more perfect world or even with a little more care in this very imperfect one) both partners might be found more suitable mates. But the real soul-mate is the one you are actually married to."   ~ J. R. R. Tolkien ~ 

"You don't marry someone you can live with,

you marry the person you can't live without."

~ unknown ~

"Great marriages are contagious. 

If you want a great marriage, 

surround yourself with couples who have one."

~ unknown ~

"My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.
~ Winston Churchill ~
"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers." ~ Ruth Bell Graham ~ 

"You are the melody God has chosen

 to play on the foreground of your husband's world."

~ unveiled wife ~

"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes for unhappy marriages." 
~ Nietzsche ~
"You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person, perfectly."  ~ Sam Keen ~ 
"The more I think about it, the more I realize, there is nothing more artistic than to love others."  ~ Vincent van Gogh ~
"Goals of National Marriage Week USA: 1. To elevate marriage as a national issue in the media and with policy leaders. 2. To promote the benefits of marriage, that stronger marriages bring economic stability to individuals and to the nation, and provides the best environment for thriving children. 3. To create a national calendar for existing, trusted marriage classes, conferences and events where people can find the help they need, or reach out to help others." ~ National Marriage Week USA ~ 

"Haven't you read," He replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 

'made them male and female' and he said,

 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 

and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. 

Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

~ Matthew 19:4-6 ~

If you have a prayer request, please let me know. Names are kept for one week; around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ Krystal ~ David ~ Miki's family ~ unspoken requests ~ Sandra ~

Chatting at the Sky...

My contribution to Vicki's Grow Your Blog party is here with two giveaways.

Patrice at Everyday Ruralty is chatting again, number 126, and so is Wendell although I think he's all about the carrots. I like Patrice's Chats and she's a neighbor in northern VA. It's been said crazy people talk to themselves which I think is hogwash! I talk to myself but, mostly, I talk to God and, when outside in the pastures or barns, I tend to glance up and talk to Him as if He's standing there, only taller. Do people think I'm crazy? Does it matter? Should I care? (see number 1) Frankly, God is a much better listener than most humans I know and the results are, generally, a lot better as well.

Her questions, my answers and then a farm catch-up.

1. Do you worry about what other people think? Dave used to tell me, "Sandra, I wish you cared, just a little bit, about what people think of you." And I would reply, "Dave, there are people whom I respect that I care, enormously, what they think of me. The others...not so much." I spent wasted too much time as a younger woman, being fearful of what people thought of me. As long as I can lay my head on my pillow at night and know I'm straight with God, what difference do it make what others say? One of these days, they're going to have to stand before the Almighty and account for their wicked words, as are we all.

2. Do you own a sewing machine? Many, p'raps a dozen ranging from a Singer Treadle to a German circa 1860's hand crank in the casket to Featherweights to Kenmore's...remember Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland? He was using a hand crank but not sure what model. When Dave and I went to London in 2010, I found the German sewing machine at a charity shop; Dave just looked at me and said, "Yes, we'll ship it home".  What a great husband!

3. Tell us about someone interesting in your life. My life is too small now to know anyone interesting. When I lived in NYC I met Paul McCartney and some of the SNL crew...that was way back in the day. Gee, come to think of it, I've not met anyone interesting in a very long while! In 1997, I was an extra in Country Justice, re-released as Family Justice, starring George C. Scott and filmed here in Tazewell County. Mr. Scott was an outstanding gentleman and lived in Dave's cousins' house while he was here filming.

4. Did you watch the Super Bowl? Nope, no television service. 

5. What's the best dinner you had last week? Last week is a foreign country and the borders are now closed. I had pork tenderloin and roasted vegs for supper tonight and am doing good to remember that. Oh, and had a Killians Stout to wash it all down and, while it's not as good as a Guinness, it's still acceptable.

~ roasted pork tenderloin and vegs ~

We've had several days of above freezing temps and it's both a blessing and a gift! I haven't had to break ice since Friday and my aching back (and pulled back muscle) is grateful...as are my arms and hands. We've had some rain, much need and appreciated, and the ground is soft and muddy. This is the time of year the pastures look like a demo derby has taken place. 

Using an umbrella swift and a yarn ball winder, I wound some red wool yarn to knit Mary a hat. Look here to see how it's done in real time and, if you look closely at my photo, you can see Gypsy who was enormously interested in the entire process; Sadie...not so much. 

~ sheep and guinea ~

It's a peaceful kingdom around here...see the guinea amongst the sheep? The other one has wandered around the back side of the hay bale so s/he can nestle in and get warm. Dave and I always strived to make sure everyone got along; disagreements allowed but not to the point where someone is injured. Most of my week has been boring...thank you, God! Last week about killed me.

I cleaned out the refrigerator and was amazed at how long some of those jars have been hiding in the back. Does that happen to you? Do you have jars of "stuff" that would have qualified as a science project a decade ago? Really, you don't? Hmmm, I find it strange I'm the only one...

Are you sure?

Now I'm amazed at how much empty space is in my refrigerator!

The phone just rang and...I lied. It was another person asking for Sandra, pretending like we're best buds, and wanting to sell me a warranty for my car. So, I lied. I told her I'd sold the car...stunned silence..."you sold it"? Silence from me, no need to lie twice, doncha know? (grin) Then, "Thank you very much" and I'm now hoping my contact information is struck from their list. I've told them, time and time and time and time again...not interested. This time I just lied. How would you have handled it?

The best thing to happen this week was Kinsley Nicole was born 2/2/14 and is 8 pounds 14 ounces and 20.5 inches long. Proud Daddy Dustin and Mama April are both peacocks and the rest of our family is beaming as well. Dustin is the youngest son of my beloved Sistah, Stephanie, and this baby is the first born in our immediate family since Dustin was born a few decades ago. Kinsley, of English origin, means "King's Meadow" and Nicole, of French origin, means "people of Victory". In our family, there are preacher's of the Gospel on both sides, so this baby has a rich heritage. 

Blessings ~ my peaceful kingdom ~ Kinsley Nicole ~ April ~ Dustin ~

The World is a Better Place...

Kinsley Nicole being introduced to Dustin, her Daddy 

2 February 2014

Kinsley Nicole

8 pounds 14 ounces

20.5 inches

born to Dustin and April

and

the first baby in the Bennett family in more than two decades. 
Dustin is youngest brother to JW, 
son of my beloved Sistah, Stephanie, 
and his father Jerry. 

Dear Kinsley - may God bless you all the days of your life; may you grow into a girl, then a woman, after God's own heart. May He keep you in His righteous right hand of mercy and shower His grace upon you always. May He give His angels guard over you and, when you stumble and fall, it will be with His knowledge and, with His help, you'll rise. He'll never forsake you nor forget you, He has written your name on His palm and claimed you for His own. Love the Lord God will all your soul, all your might, all your heart; cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you. He has numbered the hairs on your head, He hears every cry, He knows every sigh. Kinsley, walk with God, He loves you so much He sent His son, Jesus, to die for you so that you might accept Him, serve Him on earth and spend eternity with Him and that great cloud of witness gone ahead. You have a mighty heritage, preachers of the Gospel are in your line and God has great things for you as well. Abba sent the Holy Spirit to comfort you, let Him. Seek God's will and He will give you the desires of His heart. In the blessed name of Jesus, Amen.

Dear Dustin and April - God has given you a incredible task...to be Kinsley Nicole's earthly parents. He loved her first and has allowed her to be in your loving care while she lives on earth. Raise her in His Word, find a Bible believing church to help nurture, care and love her with you. Show her you love God, be in His Word daily and on your knees nightly. Dustin, be the man you want her to marry one day and April, be the Mother you want her to be one day. With God's help you both can do all this and more. In Jesus name, Amen.

Blessings ~ Kinsley ~ Dustin ~ April ~

Sabbath Keeping

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, 
between blessings and curses. 

Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. 

Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 

You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, 

and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life..." 

~ Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ~ 

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."  ~ unknown ~

"You can never make the same mistake twice, 

because the second time you make it, it's a choice."

~ unknown ~ 

"You are the sum total of all your choices up to this point." ~ Wayne Dyer ~

"For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don't enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are that you're not going to be very happy. If someone bases his happiness or unhappiness on major events like a great new job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn't going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness."   ~ Andy Rooney ~

"Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice that you have made.

~ unknown ~

If you want a different result, make a different choice."

~ unknown ~

"Make a Choice to take a Chance or your life will never Change." 

~ unknown ~

"Life presents many choices,

the choices we make, determine our future."

~ Catherine Pulsifer ~

"When something bad happens you have three choices.

You can either let it define you,

You can let it destroy you,

or you can let it strengthen you." 

~ unknown ~

"Choices always have consequences." 

~ Sandra ~

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

~ Robert Frost ~

"For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; 

it is living by God's power. 

Which do you choose?

Should I come with a rod to punish you,

or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?"

~ 1 Corinthians 4:20-21 ~

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. Names are kept for one week; around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ the Lynch family ~ the Williams family ~ David ~ Sandra ~ 

Thank You, God, it's Friday!

~ x marks the spot ~

oops. forgot to say, my contribution to Vicki's Grow Your Blog party is here and there are two giveaways.

One reason I don't blog very often is due to exhaustion. After doing the physical labor necessary to keep us all going on a daily basis, at night, all I want to do is collapse and wait for dark so I can go to bed. 

 Yesterday morning the temp was 18 degrees below zero F; during the night it was much colder and the trough water was frozen...again.

 The crowbar and pitchfork are the tools needed for this job...the crowbar to break the ice 

and the pitchfork to lift out the larger pieces. The smaller pieces get left behind, I've learned the hard way gloves tend to freeze immediately in such low temps when they get wet. Then, gloves freeze to iron and metal as do fingers and that hurts. Best not to happen. 

Twice a day, I carry water and food to Blind Harry Shetland and put it under his nose. He and Sophie have joined Carly in receiving arthritis meds and Harry and Sophie are doing lots better. Sophie is able to get to her feet on her own, her appetite has improved and she's feeling much better. Great news for both Sophie and my back.

 The smaller water trough, the one that's fitted to the sheep has been frozen solid for more than a week. They've been able to drink from the overflow but I wanted them to have a larger water supply.

This ice is eight or ten inches thick and, even using a crow bar, was enormously difficult to chip away at even a corner. Today, I did the best I could and walked away; it's better than they had. If you're wondering if welding the crowbar against eight inches of ice rings my bells, the answer is yes, it rings my bells and everything else.

When smoke rise straight up, it's a good sign and means we're in for a bit of better weather. No storms expected until Sunday and, perhaps, God willing, that storm will pass us by. 

Today I received terribly news; my Mom called to say her best friend's son killed himself. That family has had more than their share of tragedy; in the last three years, their Mother, Father and youngest son are now gone. Our families were connected for generations and in a variety of ways; their sons and my siblings and I grew up together, played together and shared family holidays. Doug's wife passed away a year after Dave died and he battled depression every day; he could never overcome nor accept her death. He was totally bereft. 

The March after Dave died, I contemplated taking my life. Everything was totally overwhelming, I felt so adrift and couldn't begin to dream of continuing life without him. The only reason it didn't happen was God whispered in my ear, "But Sandra, if you do kill yourself, you'll miss all the blessings I have in store for you." I almost couldn't believe it... blessings for me, life could go on, I could live again? It's taken some time, Dave died in 11/11 and each day has been a struggle but one I'm beginning to win, with God's help. 

The reason I'm telling you this is, look around you. You know someone who would love to receive a note, who needs a kind word, a helping hand, an invitation to lunch, supper or even for a coffee. Someone needs you and if you're a Christian and you're ignoring their need, you're rebelling against God; remember, obedience is better than sacrifice.

On a recent Sabbath Keeping, I quoted Soren Kierkegaard, "The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly." 

ouch.

Yes, it's far easier to talk about being a Christian than actually be a Christian but, as you are able, make those phone calls, send those notes, take someone to a meal or coffee. Be a friend because one day, hopefully not too soon, you're going to need a friend.

Blessings ~ Kierkegaard ~ Friday ~ the strength to do the work God allows me to have ~ after a good night's sleep...rejuvenation ~ God ~

Baked Oatmeal and Chopping Ice

~ baked oatmeal with almonds and blueberries ~

My contribution to Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party is here; there are two giveaways.

There are some mornings that call out for baked oatmeal; today was such a morning. At dawn, around 7:00, it was about 10 below zero; at 1:30'ish a.m., it was about 15 below zero. When it's this cold (and I remember), I like to have breakfast waiting on me when I return to the house from barn chores. I also don't go to the barn before the sun is well and truly up. If there is an accident, it's a tad warmer after the sun comes up and I've a better chance of crawling back to the house. I don't want to think about these things, but I do think about them, now that Dave has passed. I've always planned out "what if" and pondering "what if" kept me from being raped and murdered some decades back but that's a story for another time.

Baked oatmeal is wonderful! I'll give you my recipe and if you're one of those cooks who do it by feel, you'll love this recipe. If not, trial and error is your new best friend. I'll give you measurements but I don't measure, not this dish anyway. I just throw it all together, add whatever fruit and nuts I have on hand and call it breakfast.

1.5 cups oats - I use the real deal, you can use quick

1 tsp baking powder

dash of salt

dash of ground cinnamon

1/4 cup veg oil - I use corn oil, none of that machine oil canola for me, ta very much

1/4 cup sugar - white, brown, or couple tablespoons of honey

1 large egg unless all I've got are smalls or mediums and then I'll use 2

1 tsp vanilla - again, the real deal, no artificial stuff, please and I use about 1 tbl.

1/2 cup milk or cream - whole or half 'n half - please, just eat less but eat real

blueberries - maybe a cup, maybe more...what I had

almonds - what was left in a 2 ounce package

Oil a baking dish, about a 2 quart size or whatever you've got. Seriously, it's going to bake in anything so don't go out and buy the "right size dish". Puhleez.

In small bowl, mix oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients, fruit, nuts and sugar then mix with dried ingredients. Pour into baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F until golden with crackly surface. To serve, I heat some milk and pour over the top. 

I use a convection oven and bake for about 20 minutes at 325...perfection!

This is some serious eats and will hold you until you're hungry again. No, really, I'm serious!

Sophie Shetland was on her feet this morning; thank You, God! Of course, this afternoon she was cast but hey...this morning she was on her feet after a particularly viciously cold night. I'd love to get some of Carly's arthritis meds into her but she's not eating all that well. I think she's checking out but, because she's a primitive breed, it's going to take her some time to actually leave this veil of toil and tears. 

Harry Shetland was on his feet and stumbling around, blind, and that's not intended to be a joke. My heart goes out to him, not being able to see where he's going, yet he still manages to be mobile within his confined space. He has fresh, warmish water, food and shelter so he has the basics. I'll keep him as long as he's breathing; I don't throw something away because it's "inconvenient"; never have understood that attitude. God willing, we'll all get old one day and I want to think someone will love me until the last breath.

The temps are cold, very cold, and even with a de-icer the water trough is freezing almost solid. There's no way the horses can get a drink of water so that means...

getting out the pitchfork and crowbar and busting ice. Yeah, I know you're supposed to say breaking ice but, trust me, busting is more what it feels like. 

Even with the de-icer, the ice is close to three inches thick and this is just overnight. I'll go down, just before dark, and break what's formed since mid-day. It's a lot easier to do it piecemeal than let it get ahead of me although, overnight, it freezes rather solid.

Yes! Now a water trough the horses and alpacas can drink from; the sheep have a smaller trough and I'll break that ice as soon as I finish posting this. I've still got to get in wood for the stove; it's going to be a long night and far safer to do it now, while it's light. 

Another little something to make my life easier...when the big plants need watering (and they need water constantly due to the wood stove), I put them in the shower and give them a huge drink. When it over runs it doesn't get on the floor. 

Yesterday, when the dogs and I used the Ranger to go get mail, a fellow up the road left me some Christmas trees. He has a lawn service in the summer and a Christmas tree service in winter and noticed me picking up cast off trees in town. Apparently, he asked around and someone said, "Yeah, that's crazy old Sandra; she picks up trees to give to her sheep." So, he called and said, "I've got some left over, want them?" Well heck yeah and now I'm going to bake him some shortbread to say, "thanks!"

 Daniel Jones threw these trees over the gate...

 I loaded them into the Ranger...two trips...

and took them to the sheep lot. My wooly babies say, "Thanks Daniel Jones!"

So, here's looking at you and hoping you're having a warm day. BTW, I just received a telephone call from someone who is now absolutely positive I'm a cantankerous old biddy. She's right but I feel I have good reason. The call starts out, "Hello, may I speak to Sandra." "Yep" because I already know it's someone I don't know and, more than likely, don't want to know. "My name is (whatever she said because I knew I wasn't going to have to remember) and I'm calling you because of a very important bill that concerns our environment."

"Okay," says I, "read it to me."

"Um, what?"

"Read it to me, please."

"Well mam, I don't have it."

"So you're asking me to call my Senator and Congressional Rep to talk to them about a bill I don't know anything about just on your say so?" 

Well mam, I'm just trying to make some money and help our environment."

"Thank you for working for a living and not being on the government dole but it still remains.  You want me to do what you want me to do on your word? No offence, but I don't know you from Adam's cat, and the inference you're making is, because I won't do what you want me to do then I don't care about "our" environment? You need to tell whoever hired you to get that bill in front of you so you're not caught flatfooted."

"Uh, mam, I'm sorry to have disturbed you. You have a nice evening."

"Yeah, you too, good-bye."

That is so not right! Please, do not call me, ask me to do something simply on your word and then get all offended because I call your hand. Hey, I'm happy you're not sucking the government tit but be prepared...is that too much to ask? Besides, it's probably some dang liberal organization and we all know how well that goes over with me. I'm so conservative I make Ronald Reagan look like a tree hugger and I care about the environment but not to the exclusion or detriment of human beings. God calls us to be stewards of HIS earth; we're to worship the Creator, not HIS creation. Don't go all Al Gore on me, I don't think much of him; have you seen his nine million dollar Southern California house?  Wonder how big that carbon footprint is?

It sucks pond water, as someone recently told me about something else. I won't give her credit because she might be a liberal and I don't want to offend her personally. That should prove I have a limit to being cantankerous, don't you think?

ROTFLAM which translates, "rolling on the floor laughing at myself".

Oh lawz, cabin fever might be setting in, ya think? 

Blessings ~ the strength to do the work God sets before me ~ sunshine ~ we're one day closer to spring ~

Chhhhaaaattttiiinnnggg with frozen lips

My Grow Your Blog Part post is here and there are two giveaways.

Time again for Patrice and her Chats on the Farmhouse Porch although, since it's frigid cold she's moved inside...don't let anyone tell you she's not bright as a copper penny! First, Q&A, then a catch-up with farm happenings.

~ white out conditions ~

1. Have you tried any DIY cleaning products or skin care products from the i-net? I did make laundry detergent but it's in need of a boost due to limestone, iow very hard, water here on the farm. I usually throw in a handful of baking soda to boost my home made detergent. Our well is 650 feet deep and gives 75 GPM (gallons per minute); we think we hit an artesian well and it's the sweetest, coldest, clearest water I've ever drank.
I make my own cleaning fluid for kitchen and bath and, to clean windows, I buy the cheapest vehicle window fluid and put it in a spray bottle.
As to skin care products, if it's good enough for MFK Fisher, it's good enough for me and I use the butter wrapper to moisturize my face. I also use EVOO on my face and body and it works wonders, especially in winter but the downside is the dogs love to lick me. Also using a humidifier in the bedroom helps a ton.

It's been so cold the dogs are wearing two sweaters and still shivering. It's 12:30 p.m. and the high for today is around 8 above zero F.

2. Do you like to enter sweepstakes, giveaways or prize drawings. Not so much but I'll enter a giveaway on a blog; that's total fun. I'm participating in Vicki's, 2 Bags Full,  Grow Your Blog Party and, for the second year in a row, it's fun. It'll take me a while to visit all the blogs, there are almost 600, but I've enjoyed those I've visited thus far. I start at the top and work my way down.

3. How often do you visit your library? It's almost 20 miles, one way, from the farm and I'm there, usually, once a week. I figure my county taxes buy me the county library, law enforcement as in sheriff's department and the landfill and I pay a private contractor to pick up trash weekly. Other than that...what, pray tell, do I get for the thou$and$ of dollars the county charges me?

The 'pacas are able to get to the same hay bale as the sheep. As you can see, it's also in the same small lot where the Christmas trees were placed; sheep and 'pacas alike enjoyed having a bit of green in their diet. This time of year, it's a real treat.

4. Do you have a simple mobile phone? It's a straight talk from WalMart, does that give you a clue? There are a lot of advantages to living in a rural area, having mobile phone service isn't one of them. When I move to central VA, I'll go on my sister's plan and buy a smart phone. I said it before, "smart cars for dumb people" and now it's going to be "smart phone for a dumb user...me!" Dave was the high tech geek and I'm still the low tech geek. I'm not as bad as I used to be, I'm now able to watch DVD's on the television. When he was alive it was easier to say, "Pretty please...". Now, if it does, or doesn't, get done around here the person to blame is the one in the mirror.

5. Tell Patrice something new or interesting. Hmmm, I've been knitting hats and scarves to take to a neighbor's restaurant. Ashley and Daddy John have opened Fisher and Co. Restaurant and I wish them well. They have great food and, after getting their sea legs under them, are to a terrific start.
I just ordered the year 2011 of my blog to be printed; should arrive next week, if not sooner. Next to be printed is 2012 and I'll be caught up. If you've never had your blog printed into a book, you should consider it. It took me years to make the decision and now I wonder what took me so long? Especially since Dave died, my soft cover blog books have been such a pleasure for me. That first year is still a total blank, the shock was tremendous and I haven't a clue how I functioned. The only thing I know is God kept me each and every step. Blog2Book has printed 4 books for me and I'm quite happy; what can I say, I started blogging back in the dark ages.

~ corn field ~

We're in the midst of a winter storm, extremely low temps, wind and it's taking a lot of me to keep chores and the wood stove burning. People talk natter a lot about vortex, global warming and the like but all I can say is weather records have only been kept since 1880, according to this site. Who can say, with any degree of certainty, they know squat about the last few million, few thousand or even few hundred years? No one, that's who! Especially those who have made Billion$ off their brand of an inconvenient truth to a kool aid drinking public. If ever there was a man who liked to hear himself talk, it's this one or this one. They're twins from different parents. I do know...when politicians talk, I'm watching what they do and, mostly, the talk is all lies in order to line their pockets. Good luck buying ice water in hell, you bunch of shysters.

~ frozen Maiden Springs cave ~

We've been having a typical Appalachian winter...snow, wind, ice, low temps and it's made chores extremely difficult. Carly Shetland is still eating, drinking and taking her meds twice a day, blind Harry Shetland (sounds like a blues musician) is eating and drinking well (and should be since I carry it to him and put it under his nose twice a day) but poor Sophie Shetland isn't doing all that well at all. She lies down, rolls over, gets cast and can't get to her feet. I'm going to the barn 3 or 4 times a day to get her to her feet where she stands, stunned, until she can move around a bit. She and Harry both have warm water to drink because I bought another electric water bucket. It was just too hard on me, trying to break ice out of black rubber buckets and was less expensive to buy another electric bucket. I'm going to take some of Carly's meds to Sophie and see if they'll help. It's the last thing I know to do.

It's time to get the mail; in order to do that, the Ranger will be put into use. When it's this cold, I'm tentative about walking farther than the barn. It's about a football field walk, one way, to the mailbox and it's cold enough my gloved fingers begin to turn numb before I get down the driveway. Plus, I'm not crazy about the dogs walking on the road as I'm not sure what the highway department has laid down. While I'm out, I'll check on Sophie Shetland and, probably, pull her to her feet. Yes, my back does constantly hurt, now that you mention it.

My brother wanted to know what I do all day so I told him I tend to animals, keep a fire in the wood stove as well as clean it of spent ashes, clean house, do laundry, dishes, am packing stuff to move, sell and giveaway, working on a marketing plan to sell the farm and take copious rest breaks. The older I get, the harder it is for me to recover from the tremendous cold so rest breaks are urgently necessary. On the GYBP someone made the comment reference me and the farm, "...a piece of the simple (ha ha) life" and it made me smile. I think the main difference between me and urban dwellers is, I'm more focused on food, shelter, clothing. Sure, I'd love to live closer to an urban area, say an hour away (book stores, coffee shops, thrift stores), but I'd still spend most of my time at home. Home is where I'm happiest, it's where my animals are and it's where I want to be. I've spent a lifetime getting to this stage and I don't want to miss a second. Other than the name of Jesus, home is the most beautiful word in the world.

Blessings ~ Patrice ~ my animals ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ home ~

Sabbath Keeping

"Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path."

~ Psalm 119:105 ~

"When you fear God, you fear nothing else." 

~ Oswald Chambers ~

"I am a Bible-bigot.

I follow it in all things, both great and small."

~ John Wesley ~

"The secret of my success? It is simple. It is found in the Bible, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." ~ George Washington Carver ~

"The Bible is the Constitution of Christianity."

~ Billy Graham ~

"Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face." ~ Ronald Reagan ~
"The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly." ~ Soren Kierkegaard ~

"Sin will keep you from this Book.

This Book will keep you from sin."

~ D. L. Moody ~

"There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. ... Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God's Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hands upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it. From such folly deliver us, O Lord. ..." ~ Charles H. Spurgeon ~

"God brings men into deep waters not to drown them,

but to cleanse them."

~ John H. Aughey ~

"So great is my veneration for the Bible, that the earlier my children begin to read it, the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens to their country and respectable members of society." ~ John Quincy Adams ~

"We are, 

because 

God is."

~ Emanuel Swedenborg ~

"No lawyer can afford to be ignorant of the Bible." ~ Rufus Choate ~

"Other books were given for our information,

the Bible was given for our transformation."

~ unknown ~

"The Scriptures teach us the best way of living,

the noblest way of suffering,

and the most comfortable way of dying."

~ John Flavel ~

"It is necessary for the welfare of the nation that men's lives be based on the principles of the Bible. No man, educated or uneducated, can afford to be ignorant of the Bible." ~ Theodore Roosevelt ~
"Faith is not a sense, not a sight, not reason, but taking God at his Word."
~ Arthur Benoni Evans ~

"The Mohammedans have ninety-nine names for God, 

but among them all they have not 'Our Father' ." 

~ unknown ~

"No one ever said at the end of his days, "I have read my Bible too much, I have thought of God too much, I have prayed too much, I have been too careful with my soul." ~ J. C. Ryle ~

"A little faith will bring your soul to heaven,

a great faith will bring heaven to your soul."

~ Charles H. Spurgeon ~

"The Bible grows more beautiful, as we grow in our understanding of it." ~ Goethe ~

"The Bible is the Rock upon which this Republic rests." 

~ Andrew Jackson ~

"The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity." ~ Immanuel Kant ~

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." 

~ George Washington ~

"This Book (the Bible) had to be written by one of three people: good men, bad men or God. It couldn't have been written by good men because they said it was inspired by the revelation of God. Good men don't lie and deceive. It couldn't have been written by bad men because bad men would not write something that would condemn themselves. It leaves only one conclusion. It was given by divine inspiration of God." ~ John Wesley ~

"It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible reading people.

The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom."

~ Horace Greeley ~ 

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, 

for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 

that the man of God may be competent, 

equipped for every good work."

~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ~ 

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. Names will be kept for one week; around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ Miki and Timi ~ Maxine ~ Sandra ~

Grow Your Blog

Welcome to Vicki's (2 Bags Full) Grow Your Blog Party; I'm so glad you're here! It's all pleasure to help Vicki with her party; she's a fantastic woman and has blessed my life greatly. On an update, Vicki said there are 596 bloggers participating, possibly more by now, so it's going to be a grand party...again, welcome to Grow Your Blog Party and Thistle Cove Farm.

~ some of my little flock ~

I'm Sandra and live at Thistle Cove Farm in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. Dave, my husband, and I renovated this old farm house and farm, bred and raised rare breed American Curly horses, rare breed Shetland sheep along with Merino and Romney sheep and now have alpacas. Dave passed away in November 2011 and the resulting time has been spent getting my bearings, learning about finances and remembering to breath. It's been an incredible learning experience, the curve has been enormously difficult but I think, perhaps, I'm doing better. Thank God. 

For a short period of time I stepped away but am now back to writing a book, click here to see the beginnings, explaining to others how best to prepare for their own, or a loved one's, demise. There's so much one can do now to lessen the burden on whomever is left behind. It's a book everyone can use - marrieds or singles, those with children, those without, because someone is going to have to deal with aftermath. Do you really want a government employee deciding where your toddler or child is going to live or, even worse in my opinion, having to go into foster care? Have you thought about where your pets will live? God forbid they be dumped at an "animal shelter"! There are many ways to decrease the financial impact at a time when money is, possibly, scarce because of huge burial bills. Yes, it's a subject perhaps most would rather deny, but taking care of business now ensures your loved ones will have fewer burdens later. 

~ my paca nation ~

With God's help, I've kept the farm going...horses, sheep, alpacas, dogs, cats, guinea's, dogs, cats and me. The work is hard but, every summer, neighbor "Daddy John" puts up my hay and I'm able to hire Andy in the summer to help with the stuff that needs a man's strength and more farmer's knowledge. The farm is going on the market late February and I'm hopeful God will bring a buyer who will love this place as much as Dave and I have loved it. 

~ American Curly horses ~

I enjoy knitting, spinning, quilting, baking, cooking and reading. Each day is begun with Bible devotions because it takes a lot of work for me to get nice grin. Dave and I loved to travel, and either with him or solo, I've either taught agri-tourism or visited as a tourist most of eastern Europe, Russia, a lot of the Caribbean, 3/5 of the United Kingdom and all of North America. 

Thistle Cove Farm is on the cover of the movie, Lassie Come Home and was filmed in this valley in 1994. Above, the farm can be seen between Lassie and the yellow sub-title.

I have two gifts to give away, one international and the other domestic, please leave a comment and a way for me to contact you should you win. The first domestic gift (photo later) is a Bagallini Bag which is great for travel. It can be used as a purse or as a carry-all and unfolds from a smaller bag into a larger. The color is brown, trimmed with red, and is unobtrusive...a decided plus while traveling, I think.

The second international gift is a Thomas Joseph coaster, purchased in Dublin, The Republic of Ireland. It's delightful (click on coaster) and shows a sheep, driving a cart pushed by a donkey in harness, with the caption, “Form-ewe-la One”..., it's a pun on car racing in the USA. I adore puns, don't you?

Winners will be announced 15 February at noon; please visit then to see the names of the two people who'll receive the gifts.

If you'd like to follow me, the button is at the bottom of this page and thank you for your kindness. Should you wish to send a note, my e-mail address is on the left sidebar, about four down.

Thanks to Vicki and her long, arduous hours of work to organize the 2014 GYBP and you, for visiting. You're welcome here any time so come back soon, ya hear?

Blessings ~ Vicki and her Grow Your Blog party ~ my animals ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ visitors...YOU! ~