Sabbath Keeping

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; 

He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love

to a thousand generations of those who love Him 

and keep His commands."

~ Deuteronomy 7:9 ~

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth."

~ William  W. Purkey ~ 

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." ~ Marilyn Monroe ~

"It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not."
~ Andre Gide ~

"Love all, 

trust a few, 

do wrong to none."

~ Shakespeare ~ 

"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages."
~ Nietzsche ~

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close." ~ Pablo Neuoda ~

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,

while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

~ Lao Tzu ~

"I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough."
~ Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook ~

"Without Jesus, possessing everything, we really have nothing. With Jesus, possessing nothing, we really have everything. " ~ Alistair Begg ~

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God."

~ 1 John 3:1 ~

If you've a name for the prayer list, please let me know. Because memory is a poor servant, don't hesitate to let me know every time you want a name added.

Prayer Keeping ~ Donna ~ Quinn ~ GJ & Bill ~ Faith & family ~ Noreen ~ Sandra ~ 

Dear Dave,

My blog post for Vicki's GYBP is here; you've until tomorrow, Valentine's Day, 5:00 p.m. to enter for the give away.

"Though other friends walk by your side,

Yet sometimes it must surely be,

They wander where your thoughts have gone

Because I have you here with me.

And when the busy day is done

And work is ended, voices cease

When everyone has said goodnight,

In fading firelight, then in peace

I idly rest: you come to me,

Your dear love holds me close to you.

If I could see you face to face

It would not be more sweet and true."

~ Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909) ~

The grief has become bitter sweetness and Dave, life is, once again, good. Of course, it's been good but now I'm realizing and appreciating in ways I couldn't since you died. It's been three frozen years of winter since your death. Lately though, the sun has shone more brightly, more warmly and the thaw that signifies spring has become a growing part of the landscape and heartscape.

It's an overused word, but what I'm feeling is... hope. Yes, hope although I can't quite put my finger on it, I finally feel hopeful about a future without you. Hopeful about eventually pulling up stakes and moving us, the animals and I, lock, stock and barrel to a new place, a new farm, a new direction. Life is good again, Dave. I watched as you grieved for Cathy and then, finally, began to move forward, to begin a new life in a new place with a new wife. I watched as Aunt Esther grieved for Uncle Clarence for almost forty years but never remarried. I watched as others grieved and moved on more quickly and, through it all I learned...it's different for each of us. No one can walk another's path; no one can tell another what to do or how to do it. The best they can do is either listen or say how it was for them...but not judge. Oh but how few actually do; there's a reason gossip sounds snake like.

It takes as long as it takes and that's all right too. Grief is messy, messier than life even and most folks have a problem dealing with grief...theirs or especially someone else's. I learned there are folks who don't know how to be friends: they're in it for the short haul or what they can get out of the friendship or as long as it's good for them. I learned just because someone goes to church or stands in a pulpit doesn't mean they're a Christian or a pastor. So many of those folks are the takers and I learned there are kazillions more of them then there are of givers. The givers tend to be quieter, they send cards or notes, or small rememberances or call or pray. They are the hero's, the warriors who are steadfast and true and, what amazed me totally are frequently not people I'll ever meet this side of the veil! Those are the ones with stars in their crowns, those hero's of faith...in me!...who have told me...you can do this, you'll make it, you're doing great. I've learned encourager's are rarely the takers and, almost always, the givers. God bless 'em!

So many have written or telephoned to say they appreciate my honesty in dealing with grief or the posts on the Wife to Widow blog. Honesty is tough, in short supply and not greatly appreciated so when someone says "thanks", it's a huge deal and greatly appreciated. 

So, life is good again, Dave. The ice that has kept my feet and heart frozen in place is thawing and, with God's help, I'm moving forward. I've managed to keep body and soul together. I've helped others, I've learned a lot about taking care of the vehicles, the house, the farm and animals. I've learned a bit about taking care of myself...yes, I'm a slow learner but I remember you used to tell me to "be careful and go slowly because you're the most expensive and important piece of equipment on the farm." I'm laughing again...it's a joyful sound and yes, life is good again. Thank Abba for His gracious and kind gifts.

"I like living. 

I have sometimes been wildly despairing, 

acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all 

I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."

~ Agatha Christie, An Autobiography ~

Blessings ~ this farm ~ winter ~ encouragers ~ Agatha Christie ~ the animals ~ laughter ~ Abba ~

Three Days of Absolutely Beautiful!

~ home sweet home ~

I'm participating in Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party here and have giveaways.

Just yesterday, the weather report said three days of absolutely beautiful! Today, tomorrow and Wednesday are supposed to be warm, sunny, bright and, totally, un-February. 

Wrong.

Today is rainy, chilly and absolutely not clothes hanging outside to dry weather so no laundry today and not even thinking about it. January and February have been bone crushing exhausting and mostly spent on the road, tending to business which, for the most part, is almost caught up. The South Carolina Cherry Grove condo was made ready for Canadian snowbirds (hi John and Rosie) and then for the season ahead.  The website has yet to be updated but VRBO is, mostly, updated.

In between trips, it's been farm work with time taken for drinking in the beauty. I never want to allow myself to be so busy that I forget to take time to enjoy this moment. Recently, my brother asked if I remember something and was surprised when I said, "No, I've got maybe half dozen memories of the last three years. For the most part, it's a blur." That's what grief can do to a person's mind and body; it can wrack you with such emotional pain that you simply lose huge swaths of time. Never let someone force you into how you should respond, what you should do after the death of a loved one. Thankfully, due to God's mercy and grace and the positive actions and prayers of many, I was able to come through to this side mostly whole. It takes as long as it takes...

The dogs and I did a pasture walk to clear out the water trough, pick up trash and take photos. Please note, all the work was done by the one with actual working thumbs as the dogs are moral and love support only. ahem. 

This photo was taken from the far corner fence line, in the alfalfa field and the house is seen, barely, in the distance, to the left of Morris Knob (at about 3400 feet, the tallest point in Tazewell County), where the copse of trees stand. 

On the upper hill, hay needed to be set but I have to wait until the afternoon sun has come 'round and heated up the stable door lock so it can be unlocked. (Ain't nothing ever easy, is it?) It's difficult to tell but the tractor is on a slight hill, facing downward, so I always raise the front end bucket to offset the weight of the 1100 pound round bale being picked up behind; the tractor is in 4-wheel drive for added security. I spend a lot of time thinking things through in an attempt to do my part at preventing accidents but pray and rely on God to do the actual preventing. Although, as Daddy says, "There's no such thing as "preventing an accident". I believe he's right, basically, it's just an oxymoron. So, I spent a lot of time thinking about safety and then following through.

With the tractor in reverse, I floor it, just a tad, to shove the rear spear into the hay bale. For me, this is a tricky part...the three prong spear has to be in the right places in order to pick up the bale and you can see snow on the ground so it's a trifle slick. The three prongs are one on top and two side by side below, somewhat forming a triangle. 

Usually the round metal hay ring is frozen to the ground and I'm beyond the point in time where I could physically break the ground hold then move the feeder. The round feeder weighs close to 250 pounds so the tractor is put to good use by using the front bucket to lift the feeder and break the ground hold.

Before putting the ring around the hay bale, I remove all the twine that was used in baling the hay. Others have told me they don't remove the twine but all I see is a vet bill should the horses eat the twine and it gets wrapped around their intestines. It takes all of a minute to accomplish this step, lessens my anxiety and is safer and healthier for the horses. 

Once the ring is broken from the ground I, physically, lift it from the ground

then walk it so the flat side is toward the hay bale

and drop it over the hay bale.

The last step is positioning the ring so it's even all around making it easier for the five horses to eat. 

The dogs help by providing entertainment...Daisy on the left, Sadie in the middle and Sam on the right...chase, jump, bark and generally have a high ole time. Sometimes I join in and then we all take a toes up on the pasture to enjoy heavenly scenery. 

And in the "whoever said God doesn't have a sense of humor department"...you might remember when, first of January, I was bemoaning the fact my wood supply was, dangerously, low. To some folks I mentioned I wanted a supply of black locust because it has the best BTU's of any wood around here, burns cleanly and leaves few ashes. I also mentioned that to God but on the next to last day in January, I figured He had other plans for me. ... Until I remembered Charlie's son had a small business selling wood. In nasty weather, on the last day of January, B. and his friend, delivered a load of wood, directly to my back porch! The wood rack had three pieces of spongy, sorry looking wood.

While the young men were working, I asked, "I'm not good with wood but that looks like oak, is it?" B. stopped working, turned to me, looked me in the eye and said, "No ma'm, it's black locust we cut out of a fence line about four years ago so it should be plenty dry. We really appreciate you buying wood from us." 

I started laughing, raised my hands to the ski and said, "Thank you, God!" The young man grinned and looked at me. I said, "First of January, I asked God for a load of black locust and, honestly, figured He'd forgotten but this proves me wrong! I bet there's laughter in heaven right about now." (Truly, I know God doesn't forget but sometimes it's easy to confuse myself.) 

I ordered three more loads and will, probably, order more before summer. I like having wood stored in the barn; makes me feel like I've got a hold on winter before it gets here next year. This young man is impressive! He shows respect by stopping his work, looking me in the eye, listening and responding with beautiful manners. Several times he said, "Thank you for buying wood; we really appreciate it." Pick me up off the floor! Charlie, you and K. have done a fabulous job; I love this boy...may I have him, please?

Using the Polaris Ranger and an old metal bed spring, I drug the yard to distribute horse manure. Lightly has been allowed to graze the yard and her manure means I don't have to spend money on chemical fertilizers (as if!). Next time, I'll use the tractor as this job was a bit too hard on the Ranger. (Daddy John did warn me...)

What's on your back porch? 

If you've surmised my computer woes are over...they are, at least for the here and now but who knows how long that will last? For a lot of years, there have been no computer problems but, since October, that's changed. Hopefully, I'll have a spell where I'm able to visit around so act surprised when I show up on your blog, although, it'll be slow going for a while. Yesterday, I dropped a ladder on my right hand and the pain level is such I'm forced to go slow; thank God my hand isn't broken.

Blessings ~ days of beauty ~ safety ~ round bales of hay ~ dogs ~ black locust wood ~ another day above ground ~ I'm ready to go but I'm not homesick ~

Sabbath Keeping

"How precious to me are your thoughts, God.

How vast is the sum of them!"

~ Psalm 139:17 ~

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
~ Thomas Jefferson ~

"Your big opportunity might be right where you are now."

~ Napoleon Hill ~

"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking." ~ Albert Einstein ~

"Whether you think you can 

or whether you think you can't...you're right."

~ Henry Ford ~

"Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours." ~ John Locke ~

"God wasn't having a bad day when He made you."

~ Joel Osteen ~

"Judge a man by his questions, rather than by his answers." ~ Voltaire ~

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled,

but a fire to be kindled."

~ Plutarch ~

"Whoever controls the media, controls the mind." ~ Jim Morrison ~

"True humility is not thinking less of yourself,

it is thinking of yourself less."

~ C. S. Lewis ~

"The third-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority.
The second-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority.
The first-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking."
~ A. A. Milne ~

"Supposing there was no intelligence behind the universe, no creative mind. In that case, nobody designed my brain for the purpose of thinking. It is merely that when the atoms inside my skull happen, for physical or chemical reasons, to arrange themselves in a certain way, this gives me, as a by-product, the sensation I call thought. But, if so, how can I trust my own thinking to be true? It's like upsetting milk jug and hoping that the way it splashes itself will give you a map of London. But if I can't trust my own thinking, of course I can't trust the arguments leading to Atheism, and therefore have no reason to be an Atheist, or anything else. Unless I believe in God, I cannot believe in thought: so I can never use thought to disbelieve in God." ~ C. S. Lewis ~

"The sinful mind is hostile to God.'

~ Romans 8:7 ~ 

If you've a name for the prayer warriors, let me know.

Prayer Keeping ~ Noreen ~ Terry and husband ~ Bill and GJ ~ Sue and husband ~ Donna ~ military personnel including Wes and family ~ Dustin and family ~ Faith and family ~ Quinn ~ Sandra ~

Sabath Keeping

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do

and He will establish your plans."

~ Proverbs 16:3~ 

"Always plan ahead.

It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."

~ Richard Cushing ~

"Things are pretty bad here. ... Sometimes I am very unhappy, but less so than I have often been in what were (by external standards) better times.
The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's 'own', or 'real' life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life-the life God is sending one day by day; what one calls one's 'real life' is a phantom of one's own imagination. This at least is what I see at moments of insight, but it's hard to remember it all the time-I know your problems must be much the same as mine (with the important difference that mine are of my own making, a very appropriate punishment and, like all God's punishments, a chance for expiation.)
Isn't it hard to go on being patient, to go on supplying sympathy? One's stock of love turns out, when the testing time comes, to be so very inadequate: I suppose it is well that one should be forced to discover the fact!"
~ C. S. Lewis ~

"Plans are nothing.

Planning is everything."

~ Dwight D. Eisenhower ~

"Mix a little foolishness in with your plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment." ~ Horace ~

"First comes thought.

The organization of that thought, into ideas and plans

then transformation of those plans into reality. 

The beginning, as you will observe,

is in your imagination.

~ Napoleon Hill ~

"Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work."
~ Peter Drucker ~

"A plan is a list of actions arranged in whatever sequence is thought likely to achieve an objective."
~ John Argenti ~

"A man who does plan long ahead will find trouble at his door." ~ Confucius ~

"There are some people who live in a dream world, and here are some who face realty; and then there are those who turn one into the other." ~ Douglas H. Everett ~

"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes...but no plans." ~ Peter Drucker ~

"A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow." 

~ George S. Patton ~ 

"As for the future, you task is not to foresee it, but to enable it." ~ Antoine de Saint Exupery ~

"He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan carries a plan that will guide him through a labyrinth of a most busy life." ~ Victor Hugo ~

"But all things should be done decently and in order."

~ 1 Corinthians 14:40 ~ 

If you want a name added to the prayer list, please let  me know. I try to update the prayer list within 48 hours; if you haven't seen your request, please send again. I am not good with computers and have been having a lot of problems; do not hesitate to help me.

Prayer Keeping ~ Bill ~ GJ ~ Faith and family ~ Donna ~ Stephanie ~ Alexandra Stoddard and family ~ Sandra ~ 

An Informational Short Post

Vicki, 2 Bags Full, 2015 Grow Your Blog Party post and giveaway here. When you go to that post, you'll find links to both Vicki's blog and her GYBP post. Now, I'm experiencing problems with my ISP so, sorry, no photos (boo!) today but read on for what my two 2015 GYBP winners will receive.

Folks visiting my blog and leaving contact information have a random chance of winning either Living Beautifully Together: How to Live Graciously in a Hectic World by Finding Time to Love Your Family, Your Friends and Yourself OR Creating a Beautiful Home: From Starting Fresh to Freshening Up-Creative Ideas to Help You Turn Your House into a Warm and Welcoming Home both by one of my absolute favorite authors...Alexandra Stoddard. (Please visit her website for more information...no photos possible today, remember?) Mrs. Stoddard has been a favorite author for decades and last March, I wrote her to say. She replied and we exchanged notes that are now tucked into a copy of one of her many books I own. In writing this post, I only now realize her husband of 40 years, Peter Magaree Brown, passed away in September and Brandon Stoddard, her first husband and father to their two daughters, passed away in December. That is so much sadness in a short time and my heart breaks for all of them. A. B. Stoddard, her oldest daughter, is a political journalist and writes for The Hill newspaper and is frequently seen reporting on television.

Mrs. Stoddard had a great influence on my life and, yearly, I re-read more than a few of her books. Yes, there are lots of great books "out there" but I tend to stick to favorites for there's always something new to learn.

For those not in the USA you have a random chance of winning a bookmark from Dublin's Trinity College's Book of Kells.

This weekend I plan to visit the county library and catch up...er, visit your blogs and leave comments. I feel like I'm on the edge of the universe, watching as the parade passes by. Do you ever have those days?

Be well and happy and know when God brings you to mind, you're tucked into prayer.

Blessings ~ Alexandra Stoddard ~ Peter Magaree Brown ~ Mrs. Stoddard's many, many beautiful, fine and interesting books ~ GYBP 2015 ~ and you ~

Grow Your Blog Party - 2015

Welcome to Vicki's of 2 Bags Full 2015 Grow Your Blog Party. Please accept my apology for being late to the party; I have no excuse, only the reason of poor memory and, as Lemony Snicket said, "A series of unfortunate events" including working on a mini-laptop that keeps crashing. grrrrrr! Another tidbit...it does absolutely no good to keep a calendar if I forget to check it...sigh. I humbly apologize.

~ my front porch ~

I am Sandra, Countrywoman at Thistle Cove Farm in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia where the tag line is Where It's Beautiful One Day and Perfect the Next...true too. I write about life, faith, family, farming, photography, animal rescue and since 11/11 about widow hood. Blog posts include tips on making your home more energy efficient, tips on taking care of your vehicle, financial tips, recipes, travel, projects such as quilting, knitting, felting, weaving, animal husbandry. My animals are also my family so there are lots of photos of furry family members. 

~ Levi Lilly ~

In November 2011, Dave, my husband passed away and I've spent a lot of time putting together information that's helpful for others...couples, singles, married, widowed, divorced.  A Fair Arrangement: Keeping More of What's Yours is geared to helping you, legally, keep more of your assets. Click here to see a lot of useful information; if you have questions, send me an e-mail. 

~ my hay field ~

Yes, there is a giveaway on this blog...two...one for USA residents and one for everyone else. As stated earlier, my little mini-lap is having "issues" (as folks say these days, in my day it was called problems -lol-) so more photos will be added tomorrow. God willing and the creek don't rise. Stay tuned and don't forget to leave an e-mail so if you win, I can contact you.

~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ Where it's Beautiful One Day and Perfect the Next ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm, I look forward to returning the kindness.

Update...my giveaway goes until Valentine's Day, 2/14 at 5:00 p.m. If you leave a comment and a way to contact you, you'll be in the running for winning either one of two books by Alexandra Stoddard (USA residents) or a book mark from Dublin's Trinity College Book of Kells (non USA residents). The Stoddard book is either Creating a Beautiful Home OR Living Beautifully Together. 

Blessings ~ Vicki at 2 Bags Full ~ 3rd Annual Grow Your Blog Party ~  visitors ~ gifts ~ my farm ~

Sabbath Keeping

~ mustard seed in bed of seeds ~

"The just shall live by faith."

~ Habakkuk 2:4 ~

"If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you may always do so. I'm so thankful that you realized the 'hidden story' in the Narnian books. It is odd, children nearly always do, grown ups hardly ever." ~ C. S. Lewis ~

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

"Faith is to believe what you do not see,

the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."

~ Augustine ~ 

"Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death."

"Prayer is the key to heaven,

faith unlocks the door."

"Sometimes your only transportation is a leap of faith." ~ Margaret Shepard ~

"True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the one who cannot lie. It is enough than God has said it." ~ A. W. Tozer ~

"Faith makes things possible, not easy

so don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel."

"Be faithful in small things, because it is in them, your strength lies." ~ Mother Teresa ~

"The woman who follows the crowed will generally go no further than the crowd.
the woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before."
~ Albert Einstein ~ 

"You can tell the size of your faith by looking at the size of your worry list. 
The longer your list, the smaller your God."

"Choose your friends with caution;

Plan your future with purpose;

Frame your life with faith."

~ Thomas S. Monson ~

"Jesus replied, If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, 

you can say to this mulberry tree, 

"Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." 

~ Luke 17:6 ~

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. 

Prayer Keeping ~ Donna ~ Bill ~ GJ ~ Gladys and Jim ~ Stephanie ~ Mary and family ~ Sandra ~

Sabbath Keeping

"The Lord watches over the foreigner and 

sustains the fatherless and the widow,

but he frustrates the ways of the wicked."

~ Psalm 146:9 ~

"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage. When you go to church you are really listening in to the secret wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious to prevent us from going.
When a young man who has been going to church in a routine way honestly realizes that he does not believe in Christianity and stops going-provided he does it for honesty's sake and not just to annoy his parents-the spirit of Christ is probably nearer to him then than it ever was before."
~ C. S. Lewis ~

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me." ~ Erma Bombeck ~

"I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven." ~ A. W. Tozer ~

"We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven.

God has a soft spot for sinners.

His standards are quite low."

~ Desmond Tutu ~

"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.

Aim at earth and you get neither."

~ C. S. Lewis ~ 

"You have lost your reason and taken the wrong path. You have taken lies for truth, and hideousness for beauty. You would marvel if, owing to strange events of some sorts, frogs and lizards suddenly grew on apple and orange trees instead of fruit, or if roses began to smell like a sweating horse; so I marvel at you who exchange heave for earth. I don't want to understand you." ~ Anton Chekov ~

"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."

~ Thomas Moore ~ 

"He whose head is in heaven need not fear to put his feet into the grave."

~ Matthew Henry ~ 

"If there were no hell, the loss of heaven would be hell." 

~ C. H. Spurgeon ~ 

"Socialism only works in two places: 

Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already  have it."

 ~ Ronald Reagan ~ 

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country-heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."

~ Hebrews 11:13-16 ~ 

If you have a name for the prayer list, please let me know. I'll add it as soon as I possibly can.

Prayer Keeping ~ Donna ~ Bill ~ GJ ~ Mary and family ~ Gladys ~ Jim ~ Stephanie ~ Sandra ~ 

Winner, Winner...and do you know what makes me happy, happy, happy?

Yes, Christmas is over but I leave the wreath up until January end; it's too pretty, adding a bit of cheer to a somewhat bleak terroir to remove too soon.

Lightly, also known as Meri Go Lightly, the easy keeper mare requiring TLC, has a nasty habit of eating all the bird seed from the feeder. I have a nasty habit of allowing her because it's little enough spoiling for being kept where it's easier for her to heal. (I am such a sap!)

Advantage was taken to get in a load of wood from a pile which is getting dangerously low. I've found a seller of wood but am waiting for someone to take a look at it to be sure it's locust and dry.

Debbie, Of His Pasture, in cold IL won the Duck Socket Sealers; they were mailed Tuesday and, Debbie...it is downright nasty here today...sleet, ice, snow and I went to town anyway. You said your house was older than mine, Thomas Hawkins began building mine in 1900, and drafty as all get out. You need these sealers; let me know how they work for you.

BTW. Debbie's was the third name drawn because the first two people did not leave a way to be contacted. When I clicked on the names, a box popped up “no-reply...”. Ummm, that’s not good; if you want a chance to win, you really need to leave a way for folks to get in contact with you. In a few days, Vicki’s third annual Grow Your Blog Party starts and one of her few rules is...ya gotta leave a way for folks to contact you.

It’s winter in Appalachia where weather can’t make up his feeble mind. One day it’s semi-warm, drizzly, cloudy and the next it’s cloud, cold and spitting ice and snow. Yesterday, before going to town, I fixed breakfast of country ham, English muffins and a cheesy egg.

A few months ago, at a thrift store, I found two egg cookers that are specific to the microwave. I cannot begin to tell you how these little cookers have changed the way I eat! One of the greatest problems for me, since Dave died, is fixing a meal; it's okay if I use the crock pot but it's just difficult to remember to leave time in the evening for an actual meal. Far too frequently, I find myself at the end of the day with nothing to eat and resort to cold cereal. 

One or two scrambled eggs, a bit of cheese and, sometimes ham or bacon or sausage is added, a minute in the microwave and I've got a hot, tasty meal. The cheesy eggs are left on the plate or placed atop a muffin or biscuit that's been slathered with my home churned butter. Being somewhat too hungry lazy to make cat head biscuits, I used English muffins...not quite as tasty but certainly a lot easier and faster and, really, when enough butter is used, the difference isn't noticeable. 

For those requiring a bit more instruction...oil the cooker with veg, corn, EVOO or butter, break one or two eggs into cooker, mix well, season with black pepper and salt, add a tablespoon or two of cheese and microwave one minute. I’ve added a few bits of broccoli or a few leaves of spinach; any veg will do and, yep, it’s that easy! Next, I need to search for a few more recipes as this one is getting worn out from use. Perhaps a chocolate cake...

Something else that makes me happy, happy, happy is YOU! Visiting your blogs, reading about your life or projects or what you’re selling or what’s happening where you live, etc. When a post catches my eye, I, sometimes visit more than once, just to savor your words, your life, you. I’m not much good at responding to comments...as I age (thank You, God!) I find the energy level only goes so far, especially in cold weather. So, I can read, comment, visit or I can respond to comments; I’d rather visit you and comment.

Something else that makes me happy...when I visit you and wander around your blog, there are so many things of interest. I find out if you’re interested in crafts or writing or traveling, etc. Sometimes I see you’re on Pinterest or Ravelry...fun! I’ve gotten some really great quotes from your blogs; some have appeared on my Sabbath Keeping and, when possible, given credit. (Meaning when memory decided to serve fully and well.) Time is taken to tuck you in a little prayer; it’s not necessary for me to know much about you because God knows it all and likes when someone lifts someone else in prayer.

When I visit your side bar, I see so many other blogs that look interesting. It’s almost a sure bet to find bloggers I already know and love visiting and am sure to find a few new to me bloggers as well. Thank you for that little gift!

Something else that makes me happy is seeing my blog on your sidebar. Which, makes me wonder...have I listed your blog on my sidebar? I know I read a lot more blogs than are listed, which confuses me. So, if my blog is on your side bar but you don't see your blog on my Cozy Reads sidebar, please let me know. I want to be a good neighbor and fix that immediately!

We all matter; sometimes in ways we’ll never know. When I visit you and tuck you into prayer, it matters to you (although you may never know), it matters to me and it matters to God. Our lives count in ways that are, sometimes, incomprehensible to us, but not to God. It’s taken me a while to get to this place but there are people who have hurt me deeply or owe me money or steal from me. People who claim to be Christians (because they go to church) but, frankly, I think their Jesus imitation is seen through a glass darkly. It’s taken me a while to be willing to pray for them and, truth be told, I still fall off that particular hallelujah wagon but when I do pray for them, I am being obedient to God's Word. This Christian walk can be like walking on broken glass and when I look down, the shattered glass is, often, my heart. Even so, obedience is better than sacrifice and He’s promised to be with us each and every step. Glory Be!

Blessings ~ quick, easy, nutritious meal ~ a treat for Lightly ~ beauty in a bare landscape ~ a winner ~ 

Sabbath Keeping

~ guinea on a roof ~

"Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it."

~ Proverbs 4:29 ~ 

"If you do not take the distinction between good and bad very seriously, then it is easy to say that anything you find in this world is a part of God. But, of course, if you think some things really bad, and God really good, then you cannot talk like that. You must believe that God is separate from the world and that some of the things we see in it are contrary to His will. Confronted with a cancer or a slum the Pantheist can say, 'If you could only see it from the divine point of view, you would realize that this also is God.' The Christian replies, 'Don't talk damned nonsense.' For Christianity is a fighting religion. It thinks God made the world--that space and time, heat and cold, and all the colours and tastes, and all the animals and vegetables, are things that God 'made up out of His head' as a man makes up a story. But it also thinks that a great many things have gone wrong with the world that God made and that God insists, and insists very loudly, on our putting them right again."
~ C. S. Lewis ~
"Anyone who thinks sitting in church can make you a Christian must also think that sitting in a garage can make you a car." ~ Garrison Keillor ~

"Science without religion is lame, 

religion without science is blind."

~ Albert Einstein ~

"He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." ~ C. S. Lewis ~
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
"No woman wants to be in submission to a man who isn't in submission to God!" ~ T.D.Jakes ~
"God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way." ~ C. S. Lewis ~

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting.

It has been found difficult; and left untried."

~ G. K. Chesterton ~ 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, 

you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you."

~ James 1:5 ~ 

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know.

Prayer Keeping ~ Noreen ~ Pat ~ George ~ Donna ~ GJ ~ Bill ~ T's former husband ~ Gladys ~ Jim ~ Stephanie ~ Mary ~ Robin ~ Brittany ~ Cathy and husband ~ Sandra ~

WOW! Almost...almost...Above Freezing! But Not Quite...

For the latest give-away, please click here.

Each evening, I tend to feed the horses a little extra hay so I can buy more time in the mornings in the huge, although as yet unrealized, hope (a) it'll warm up and (b) the ice will have thawed...just a bit. HA! In talking with my brother, I mentioned I was chopping ice twice a day. He asked, "Don't you have a de-icer in the trough?" My response was, "Yes, that's why it only takes about 45 minutes." This photo shows a small area where there's no ice and it's at that point I start.

The only tool I could find was a solid steel pole, normally used for tamping earth, not quite six feet in length, weighing about...guessing here...fifteen or twenty pounds and not the best tool but, in a pinch, acceptable. The best tool is either my crow bar (found today) or...hmmm...can't remember the other just now but my pitchfork is used to lift ice out of the trough.

Most of the ice is gone but this morning, back again so another 45 minutes of chopping gave the horses a clear area to drink. Today, temps got up to around 28 F so the de-icer helped me finish the job and the trough was ice free when I finished. Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer which is nice considering the low temps and snow expected all next week.

There are two piles of ice, both having twice as much now as seen here. I try to keep the ice to one side where the horses are less likely to step and slip.

If any of you...Michelle...have need to carry a partial load of hay, here's a tip to make the job easier. Make a couple of knots in two ends, take the two loose ends, pull them through the knot and the whole load is easy...easier anyway...to carry. Small things mean a lot when you're carrying 70 or 80 pounds.

The goldfish stay underneath the de-icer where it's warmer.

Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent/Angel, is one of my best helpers. Today was warm enough to take a 1.5 mile walk so dogs and I all got in a bit of exercise after I got home from buying a laser copy printer scanner fax machine and buying gas. Gas is $2.04 a gallon at Sam's Club; what does it cost where you live?

I'm looking for some stove wood to buy; anyone selling any? I'd prefer locust but as I'm almost out, any hard wood will do and, delivered, natch and, preferably earlier than later, because there are more storms coming this week.

Wow. Just tell me...could you stand the excitement of my life? - lam - (laughing at myself)

Blessings ~ my good helper ~ water trough ice free ~ little helps ~ warmer temps ~

Grow Your Blog Party 2015 and Energy Giveaway Now

Vicki, at 2 Bags Full, is hosting her third Grow Your Blog Party. Sign up is here and sign up deadline is Jan 17...hurry! It's a great way to be introduced to new to you bloggers and your participation can be as full or limited as you want/need. It's also a great way to introduce bloggers to your blog...hurry!

Okay, I've officially become my parents. What's the weather like where you're located? Here, it's enough to make grown men cry and women stay inside. Except there aren't any men, grown or otherwise, around here so I'm the one crying...while outside doing chores. Last night temps were well below zero with wind chills 15 to 20 below zero. When it's that cold there's no keeping the house anything other than warm with a few chilly spots.  Fortunately, oil was delivered last night so I cranked the thermostats up to 64 F. Most of the time, they're kept at 60 or 62 which is very comfortable. I also don't believe in keeping a hot house because, when I work outside, it's best to be better acclimated to the cold so there's no hot/cold, cold/hot from inside outside or reverse. It also keeps me healthier or has over the past 20 years.

Although, I'm beginning to consider wearing Depends, when doing chores, because...in this cold frigid weather, there's NO way I'm shucking my pants to take a quick wet when caught at the barn. (Is that TMI?) Besides, experience has taught me I'm too old to shuck quickly and my knees feel like shattered glass so there's not much quick getting to my feet again. I'm just telling you this as a public service announcement...if you're blessed, you'll get old some day. Seriously, I'm only being helpful here.

Prepping for winter is a huge job because it includes prepping the house, farm, outbuildings, barns, studio, sheds, water trough and all vehicles. When the job is done correctly, it takes weeks. This past autumn, I finished pointing the foundation...mortaring, meaning patching, the places where ever mortar has fallen out over the past one hundred plus years. It's not a hard job and, truth be told, I enjoyed it. Someone asked me (in a tone of voice that was, to my ear, more than a bit snippy and superior, "Well, did you use historically correct mortar?" I looked at this Simple Susan woman and replied, "You live in an apartment, don't you?" Immediately, she became indigent but it's the truth, isn't it? She doesn't have to worry about pipes freezing or mortaring the foundation or even replacing light bulbs in the hallway. All she has to do is call and complain which, I must say, isn't the least bit impressive. Not to me anyway. What is impressive (to me), is I taught myself how to mix mortar, apply it, how to take care of my vehicles...checking and topping off fluids...wrapping pipes and a myriad of other skills that make me proud of me and thankful to God.  Yes, I sometimes ask for help or for someone to teach me how to do something but my attitude is, I can at least try. If I foul up, I can always call in a professional.

One quick, easy, inexpensive energy fix is to use Duck Socket Sealer behind light outlets, switch plates and decorative plates. You would be *amazed* at the cold air that comes in around those switches and these little babies Stop. The. Cold. Wouldn't you know it...I only needed one or two and have most of the box left. If you'd like a chance to, randomly, win, leave a comment telling me how cold it is where you're living. And, if it's Florida (Rainey -  :)...), Hawaii or someplace else warm...don't tell me. I'd hate for something like that to come between our friendship.

KnowwhatImean?

  lol

So...let's see...we'll run this until Monday...'cause it's going to keep getting cold and if you need this enough to enter...YOU NEED THIS NOW! Monday, January 12 at 5 p.m. and, weather permitting, it'll be mailed Tuesday. So, you'll need to respond, quickly, to my request for your snail mail address. Now quick...comment!

Blessings ~ a fire in the wood stove, making the house warm as warm can be ~ easy, inexpensive fixes for energy savings ~ Duck Socket Sealers ~ skills ~ Vicki, 2 Bags Full ~ Grow Your Blog Party 2015 ~