Five Minute Friday: Bare

~ freedom to soar ~

These past couple of weeks have been hard and that's an improvement. The months, weeks, days, hours, seconds even, used to be bone crushing, soul sucking difficult. Improvements come in small, incremental steps; sometimes two forward and one back or even three forward and two back. But they come and God's grace is evident even when I

can't see it or, especially, when I can't feel it. For all the unkind comments there have been many more kind comments and I am grateful.

When you are struggling, do you go back and read the kind comments people have made to you? I do. It helps me keep perspective; it also helps me keep perspective to remember God's past blessings in my life. Have you heard the saying, "I want to be the kind of person my dogs thinks I am"? I want to be the person my dogs believe me to be: the loving, kind, treat giving human Mom and not the shrill, screaming, crying, out of control person they, sometimes, see. 

Yes, I'm nattering on again about being a widow (shudder, gasp, scream, cry, sad, pathetic word) and soldiering on alone. There are about three people who can stand to see me at my worst; the rest are uncomfortable, uneasy, disheartened and can't wait to scurry away, hang up the phone or hit the delete button.

Daddy tells a story of a neighbor when Daddy was growing up. This man was a practicing Christian with four sons who were reprobates. They cared nothing for God, Christ, salvation, church nor anyone having anything to do with same. The Christian gentleman was on his deathbed and, as was the custom in those days, his sons were called to his side. He wanted to speak God's grace into their lives but, as usual, they turned a deaf ear yet stayed in the room. As the gentleman's earthly time came to an end, he began to be in torment. He began shouting, screaming, begging, pleading and crying out to God for mercy. With his last breaths he beseeched God for rest from the pain, physical, mental and emotional and then he died in agony.

His sons were stunned! Their Dad had been a Christian all of their lives and if anyone should have an easy death, carried into heaven on angel's wings, it should have been their Dad. An unease settled in the room and on each son as they considered what they'd just witnessed and before their Dad was buried, each one accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. To a man they said, "If Dad had that hard a death and he was a Christian, there was no hope for us outside of Christ."

To be laid bare is to know the One who loves me and carries me through the seconds, then the minutes and the hours, the days, weeks, months, years. At my best, I am barely lovable and at my worst, mine own disowns me.

Dear God, I believe; help me believe.

Linking with Lisa-Jo, 5 Minute Friday: Bare.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ rain ~ transparency ~ courage ~ angels ~ God's mercy ~ Christ's salvation ~ forgiveness ~

You Need To Know - Cookies, Fun Stuff,

~ Stuffed Strawberry Cookies ~

Way back in the dark ages, or maybe the middle ages, in elementary school we gave Valentine cards. Anyone who went to middle school in the 1960's remember those cute little cards? While inexpensive then, I bet those same, now vintage, cards would cost a bundle but the memories are priceless. At least what I can remember is priceless. Last week, I made these cookies and they didn't last very long, they are seriously good! Between folks coming to the farm and me eating them, they are now a distant, pleasant memory.

Cookies:

1 box strawberry cake mix 
2 eggs
1/2 cup plus 4 tablespoons veg oil

P. S. I've made these since and left out the 4 tablespoons of veg oil...turned out just fine. With the extra oil, the cookies were a bit...oily. if can you believe it!

Frosting:

8 ounces strawberry cream cheese, softened
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar, strawberry flavored if possible

Oven preheated to 350 degrees

Mix together strawberry cake mix, eggs and shortening until forms a stiff batter. 
Roll 1/2 tablespoon dough into small balls of similar size.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for about 8 minutes and then cool.

Mix cream cheese, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth. Depending upon the day's humidity, it may be a little stiff --add a smidge more butter-- or it may be a tad liquid --add more sugar. Spread onto cooled cookies and sandwich together like Oreos.
Depending upon size cookies, you'll get anywhere from a dozen to dozen and half. 

Another recipe for Valentine cookies is found here.

~ Levi, feeling his kibble ~

Between snowstorms, Levi likes to go outside and feel his kibble. There's a calico cat that's coming around, acts like a house cat that's been tossed aside, but s/he won't let me get close enough to rescue. That always bothers me. The barn cats live at the barn and we all know our place but when someone has been tossed aside, disposed of like a sack of garbage, that really disrupts my brain waves.

FOLKSY - Modern British Craft

FOLK Magazine - Live Authentic - 6 issues now $10.00 and their week long chocolate theme begins today...groan...and some Valentine ideas.

Pinterest - Online Pinboard

In the USA, there's a store called Dollar Store and a great place to buy all sorts of things - cleaning supplies, craft supplies, candy, wrapping paper and bags, human and pet food, etc. They have a great website and on their craft website, 101 Valentine Day Treat Ideas...fabulous! Be warned, if you visit the Valentine Day Treat Ideas as you'll get sucked into blog hopping; they are some wonderful ideas to be found.

Low temps, winds and more snow all contrive to make my days full. In the winter, it takes a lot of time to keep body and soul together; between hauling wood for the wood stove, keeping sheep, horses and alpacas fed, watered and sheltered and house animals and human fed and warm, there's not a lot of time left over. I've had frozen water lines that took six hours to thaw, but did thaw thanks be to God, water troughs that need ice broken so the sheep can drink...about the time I get finished in the morning, it's time to get started late afternoon. Like the ole feller said, "no rest for the weary and the righteous don't need none!" Be safe y'all.

"There are only two ways to live life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ safe travel ~ safety on the tractor ~ light snow ~ clear air ~ cookies ~ 

Sabbath Keeping

~ January's wolf moon ~

"For as the heavens are high above the earth, 

So great is his mercy toward those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has he removed our transgressions from us."

~ Psalm 103:11-12 ~

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong."
~ Mahatma Gandhi ~ 

"Forgiveness is not something we do for other people.

It's something we do for ourselves

To move on."

~ author unknown ~

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
~ Mark Twain ~ 

"Forgive and Forget

NOT

Revenge and Regret"

"Forgiveness is the economy of the heart... forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits." ~ Hannah More ~

"Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself."

~ Suzanne Somers ~ 

"When you forgive, you in no way change the past, but you sure do change the future."
~ Bernard Meltzer ~

"I'm going to forgive you

Because I know what it's like

To mess up and ask for forgiveness."

~ author unknown ~

"Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive."
~ C. S. Lewis ~ 
"Forgive yourself for your faults and your mistakes and move on." ~ Les Brown ~
"Forgiveness is like faith. You have to keep reviving it." ~ Mason Cooley ~
"Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast."
~ Marlene Dietrich ~ 

"Move on,

It's a chapter in the past

But don't close the book

Just turn the page."

~ author unknown ~

"Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness." ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr. ~

"Life is an adventure in forgiveness." 

~ Norman Cousins ~

"Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another 

whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. 

You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you." 

~ Colossians 3:13  ~

Please listen here.
If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. Names are kept for one week unless the name is given each week. Around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ Maxine ~ Gwen and Steve ~ Townsend family ~ Timi and family ~

Weaver family ~ Debbie ~ Smith family ~ Quesenberry family ~ Jane and Lance ~ Pastor Saeed Abedini ~ persecuted Christians ~ 

Gun Control, Party, Winners

~ it's freezing cold! ~

GUN CONTROL...it's already started!

There was a bit of confusion at the sporting goods store yesterday. 
I was standing at the counter, prepared to pay for my bullets and shells when the clerk said, "Strip down, facing me."

I stared at her, while making a mental note to contact my Senator and NRA reps to complain about the gun control whacko's running amuck, then did just as she instructed.

When the hysterical shrieking and alarms finished clamoring, I found out she'd been referring to my credit card! I have been asked to shop elsewhere in the future which surprises me because she could have been just a tad clearer, don't you think? Besides, I don't think I looked all that bad!         ~ROTFLMFO!~

Nancy, A Rural Journal, and Lisa, Two Bears Farm, are hosting their first Valentine's Day Boost My Blog Party. It's going to be fun so visit Nancy or Lisa to sign up and, hopefully, win some nice prizes.

My winners for Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party are
~ number 44 - Charlsey in Texas
~number 41 - Bernadett in Serbia
~number 33 - liniecat
~number 36 - Kathy H
~number 18 - Buttons in Canada
which is crazy because I used Random.org and those numbers don't look all that random. Then again, what do I know? -grin-

For My Saturday winners...the little pink hat, it's NanaNor and the pink headband it's Debbie Jones. No one wanted the size extra large yellow headband...any takers?

In sadness...Leontien passed away on 10 January 13, obit here, and is in a far better place of peace and gentleness. I first learned about her while I was covered up in grieving for Dave and, frankly, was overwhelmed by the thought of more grief and sadness. I didn't blog about her but did tuck her into prayer; please, remember her family.

"There are only two ways to live life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ winners ~ Nancy ~ Lisa ~ Leontien, a life well lived ~ grace ~ heaven ~ a beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine ~ heat ~ 

My Thrifting Antiquing Kit

ADDED NOTE: Sandra, my SC friend and S2 as Dave called her, reminded me a magnifying glass is ever so useful in my kit. She's correct; thanks, Sandra, one has been added!

For years I've been saying I needed a little kit to take with me when I visited thrift stores, auctions, consignment or antique stores. Here it is! It's jam packed with little goodies to make it easier for me to make wise buying decisions. It's small enough it can fit into a purse or, better, my backpack which is what I try to carry so my hands and arms are left free. My camera is also part of this kit but lives in its own little case and hung around my neck. I'm sure to have forgotten something but, for now, it's perfect. You'll need to look carefully as I took these photos on my Chinese checker board table. I've got my skates on and am beavering away on the Preparedness Training book so am slinging up this blog entry in the hopes of giving my thrifting kit a trial run soon. The Muse has been lashing away at me with her whip and I'm encouraging her mightily! grin

From the upper left corner...a small notebook with pen to keep measurements, sizes, styles, colors, fabrics, make notes, etc. Next, a red mag light to peer into dark corners and drawers. The yellow sticky pad and black magic marker are used to write SOLD on something to keep others from wishing in vain and to prevent me from having to make several trips to the cash register. smile 
Continuing clockwise: several packets of eye glass cleaner for my eyeglasses and to clean glassware in order for me to better see scratches, imperfections, etc. A red-tipped magnet allows me to tell if something is metal...or not. Scissors take small, out of the way snips of fabric or yarn so I can run outside and do the burn test to ascertain fabric content. Wool will only smolder, it won't burn; everything else will burn. Above the scissors are wet ones to clean my hands. While I dearly love to shop at thrifts stores, I always feel in need of a shower when I leave. The anti-bacterial wipes give me the feeling of cleanliness. 
Above the wipes is a screwdriver with two different sizes of flat head screw driver and two different sizes of Phillips. 
Lastly, a tape measure on a lanyard. The tape measure has a button so it can be stopped in place; very helpful when I'm not shopping with a friend to lend assistance by holding the other end of the tape measure.
That's it; if you have a suggestion for something you find necessary, please let me know.
By the way, the 1 Wife to Widow blog has a new post. I'm telling you, the Muse is working overtime today! smile

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ snow! ~ ice ugh ~ the sun is shining even though I can't see if for the clouds ~ safety when going to the barn to do chores this morning ~ fire in the wood stove ~ cookies, recipe tomorrow ~ 

One World Our Art coming up...

Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party; giveaways here and drawing Feb 1; hurry, sign up now!

OOPS! Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lisa is postponing One World Our Art until Spring 2013. Information remains the same, please visit her blog for updates.

Next month, Lisa, over at A Whimsical Bohemian, is hosting One World Our Art. In year's past, she's hosted One World One Heart which has been a lot of fun and another great way to meet bloggers who are artistic, creative and have fabulous blogs. OWOA is "an international celebration of the arts and artisans" and an opportunity to showcase your artistic passion. Lisa calls it "an international Blogwide Artistic Event."
Click here for more information but the blog event essentials are:
*sign up February 11 through 15
*you must be an active blogger
*no social media sites...only blogs (yay!!!!!)
*you must have a giveaway
*ends on Feb 25

Visit Lisa for "the rest of the story" and hope to see you at One World Our Art.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ art ~ generosity ~ One World Our Art ~ bloggers ~ Lisa ~

A Hiding Place

~ my daily view ~

Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party here; there are giveaways!

Moses had his desert. Abraham had the pagan city of Ur. Joseph had his prison. Esther had her harem. Mary had her pregnancy. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had 
his prison.
Dave and I had Thistle Cove Farm.

Where is your hiding place? 

Does God have you standing behind a sink of dirty dishes or pails of dirty diapers? Does God have you in a dead end job, working for a boss who is conniving, manipulative or coarse? Are you sitting at the sickbed of your beloved? Where is God hiding you? Are we, daily, ready to do His will, the job He has for you that only you can accomplish? How is He preparing you? 

These are questions I ask myself every day. I've a good idea of what God wants me to be doing now but haven't a clue about the future. I know my past has brought me to this place, this time, this farm and God uses it all to prepare me for doing the job He has set before me. 

~ Sandra and Dave, Azores Island ~

Some of you know, Dave, my husband, died, very suddenly and unexpectedly, in November 2011. He had cancer and we knew his time was short, p'raps six months but were hoping for another year. Our plans were to sit down on a Monday and he'd tell me everything I needed to know to live life without him. We didn't get a week, God called Dave Home on Saturday. 

Thistle Cove Farm was, for both of us, A Hiding Place and for me, over the last year plus, also about the grief. Throughout the years, Dave has been woven in my blog posts to the point it's difficult to tell which is the man and which is the myth. smile We'd found each other in Richmond, lived next to each other and, after six years, decided to marry each other. His first wife, Cathy, had died of cancer and Dave was a basket case. He was smoking too much and drinking too much but only enough to make him miserable yet not kill himself. 

~ Dave, headed to London ~

I know God sent Dave and I to each other and then, to this farm. Thistle Cove Farm was our hiding place, where we learned to trust and love, where we grew in our marriage and in our walk with God. Dave didn't accept Christ until the last few days of his life but he was always searching, seeking and finding Him on this farm. In the morning, Dave's favorite thing to say was, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." It was always a beautiful start to our day and, whatever happened,we knew God was already there.

Dave and I brought baggage into this marriage and, those first years, it weighed us both down. We struggled to make "us" stronger than "me" even while we had other people living with us. Those first 18 months, two contractors lived with us and, every day, I cleaned for and fed four people. It was exhausting and exhilarating. Even with all our baggage, I knew Dave was a man worth the wait. A man who would grieve so heavily and so long for his first wife, was worthy of his namesake, David. Very soon after meeting him, I knew I'd have gone to hell to fetch him; as it was, I only had to go to the gates and wait. I feel his presence and his absence each and every day. Never am I unaware he's gone. Never does the black hole readjust to allow his space to be overtaken. Never is a long time.

It is within your power to change your marriage because it is within your power to change yourself. Only you are able to decide if you want God to change you and thus change your marriage and your life. Once, someone complimented me on something I'd written and asked if it'd been hard to write so honestly. My response, "No, not really. All I had to do was cut open my heart."

And, so it is with marriage. It took Dave and I a long while to trust each other, fully and completely. While I was the first to say, "If you want to leave, then leave now but if not, never bring it up again." Almost always, Dave was the first to say, "I'm sorry, let's not argue, life is too short." It took time for my fear to subside and for me to trust with my heart. Too much with too many had paved my heart path with shattered glass.

I had to learn trust before I could accept cherish.

In order for me to stand in the light of Dave's love, the shadows had to be dispersed. In my case, there didn't need be shadows to prove the light. I had to, willing and freely, cut  open my heart to allow trust and love to grow. That's what I did with Dave; that's what I'm doing with God. It was within my power to change my marriage because it was within my power to change myself; to allow God to change me I, freely and willingly, cut open my heart again.

I want "us" more than I want "me".

Linking with Jen at Finding Heaven Today and the Soli Deo Gloria Party.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles - memories, good and bad ~ free will ~ Dave ~ hiding places ~ God's love, grace, mercy and kindness ~ Jen ~ change ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ 

Sabbath Keeping

~ view from my front yard ~

"...But I have trusted in Your mercy;

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

Because He has dealt bountifully with me."

~ Psalm 13:5-6 ~

"Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness." ~ Maya Angelou ~

"Life is full of misery, loneliness and suffering.

And it's all over much too soon." 

~ Woody Allen ~

"Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better." ~ Henry Rollins ~ 

"Pray that your loneliness may spur you 

into finding something to live for, 

great enough to die for." 

~ Dag Hammarskjold ~

"Language has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone." ~ Paul Tillich ~

"Loneliness if the poverty of self;

Solitude is the richness of self.

~ May Sarton ~

"Loneliness and the feeling of being wanted is the most terrible poverty."
~ Mother Teresa ~

"I want to be with those who know secret things 

or else alone." 

~ Raniner Maria Rilke ~

"If you're lonely when you're alone, you're in bad company." ~ Jean-Paul Sarte ~

"They cannot scare me with their empty spaces

Between stars--where no human race is.

I have it in me so much nearer home

To scare myself with my own desert places.

~ Robert Frost ~

"The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone."
~ Mitch Albom ~

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

will teach you all things,

and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

~ Christ, John 14:26 ~

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. Names must be given weekly and will be kept for a week; no anonymous requests, please. Around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ Maxine ~ Townsend family ~ Timi and family ~ Weaver family ~ Quesenberry family ~ Smith family ~ Jane and Lance ~ Debbie ~ Katie ~ persecuted 
Christians ~

My Saturday

~ back porch woodpile ~

Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party is here; giving away five gifts too!
Above, is the woodpile or what's left of it. Although autumn lingered...and lingered and lingered...the only really cold weather we've had was the Halloween snowstorm and since Christmas. Winter has arrived with all the sound and fury of a scorned woman and makes her presence known with high winds, low temps, icy rain, snow and sleet. If that's not enough, the sun is trying mightily to let his face be shown through the gray clouds. I wish he'd try harder wry smile.

~ Ranger, loaded with wood ~

Using my Polaris Ranger, I went to the barn where wood is stored and loaded the bed. The dogs thought it was all fun and games until they realized I was serious about hauling in a couple loads of wood. You know the old saying, "it's warm until the furniture is gone." Well, taking advantage of a beautiful day, I loaded the Ranger twice and brought, maybe, two weeks worth of wood to the back porch. I'll save the furniture for an emergency! grin

~ back porch wood pile ~

It's not stacked very straight but it's as straight as it's going to get. From here on out, it's downhill anyway; hopefully, this will last me a couple of weeks and then I get to do it all over again.

I had some dribs and drabs of yarn left and wanted to make a throat cozy. Our, meaning the dogs and my, bedroom is Very Cold and even though we pile together like a litter of puppies, it's still COLD! A few weeks ago, the bedroom thermometer read 48 F above zero. Trust me, I enjoy cold weather but 48 F above zero isn't all that much above freezing...in every sense of the word! But, flannel lined nightgowns, wool socks and blankets almost keep me warm. What was needed was something around my throat. Anyone else have the problem of a cold throat means they have a sore throat in the morning? There were some mornings, I could barely swallow because my throat was so cold. I had some left over yarn from the pink hat ugh, I HATE pink! and thought I'd knit a throat cozy. The yellow was waaaaayyyy too large but makes a nice ear warmer head band; second from left is still too large so, using the rest of the left over pink as well as yellow yarn, I knit another throat cozy. This one is just right; fits over my big head but still small enough to encircle my throat without being too tight or too loose. So, if anyone wants a size large yellow head band...chirp. Likewise the smaller, child size pink headband and the pink hat. They're all up for grabs...leave me a comment and I'll randomly pick names on 1 Feb...same day as the other giveaways from Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party. When you comment, let me know which you want, please.
Now, I'm taking a glass of tea, a Vince Flynn book and going to the sun room where I'll spend the rest of the day, sitting on my blessed assurance. BTW, if any of you are familiar with the Mitch Rapp books written by Vince Flynn, it might interest you to know Bruce Willis will play Hurley in the upcoming movie. Mr. Flynn's website says they are still looking for someone to play Mitch Rapp. 

I've earned a rest, please agree with me! smile

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ two loads of firewood on the porch ~ flannel lined nightgowns ~ a well earned rest ~ another beautiful day ~ healthy animals ~ warm boots ~ dog sweaters ~ the good guys ~

Oh Lawz, It's Nasty Cold

~ frozen laundry ~

It warmed up ten whole degrees today...woohoo! It was around seven above zero when the sun came up, not sure what it was when I got up, around 5:30. Like a lot of folks, I shudder to think of my oil and propane bill and the wood stove hasn't cooled down in weeks. It's a real drag and, yes, that's meant literally. Going to the barn, in wind chills well below zero, is rough; even the dogs look at me like I'm crazy and seem to say, "Are you sure those stinkin' barn cats need food?" They think it's okay to go out in the frigid temps to have fun but to do work...hmmm, not so much. And some folks call them dumb animals.

~ Daddy John going to feed his cattle ~

Around here, most farmers wait until, at the bare minimum, daylight to do chores but it's an individual decision to wait until it warms up, the sun shines, the wind isn't howling...there are a  bunch of reason to make the choice and generally based on the safety factor. I hate to get on the tractor when the wind is howling, yet, that's when the animals need hay most. Due to the wind, we have deep snow drifts and huge areas where there isn't any snow; also, these photos were taken on different days.

~ Dandy Man, background with HayJ, left, and Bo, right ~

A combination of factors enter into when I put out hay. Obviously, the most important factor is if the animals are out of hay. That makes it an easy decision. If the wind is howling, that's another negative factor and if there's any sort of moisture...I get the hay out as quickly and safely as possible. Usually, the hay has a round, metal ring around it to keep it from being trampled, but, it's been so cold, I put this round bale closer to the house...better for my safety. Horses produce heat from the gut out and need protein to produce heat in order to stay warm and healthy. All my animals have free choice shelter, water that's warmed with a de-icer and free choice hay. As with humans, it's easier and less expensive to stay well than get well. 
I set out three round bales of hay and do other necessary chores; all that takes me around three hours. Daddy John could do it in a lot less time but he's more comfortable on a tractor than am I; I tend to go v.e.r.y. slowly and carefully. I'd rather take longer and be safe than hurry up and risk a doctor or hospital visit. 

~ barn door trench ~

A couple of weeks ago, it was warm enough to dig out the tractor; the door being frozen due to ground heave. Ground heave is caused by freeze thaw cycles and the mud had frozen to the door, and, using a mattox, I dug a trench so I could open and close the barn door. Freezing weather and door locks do not a good partnership make and, next, the door lock froze. I tried a lot of things before resorting to boiling water poured over the lock. Someone said, "weren't you afraid you'd break the lock?" Trust me, that was the least of my worries!  The same measures were used to open the lock on the wood barn and, tomorrow, I'm going to bring a couple of weeks worth of wood to the back porch. 
When we first moved to the farm, I asked Dave for three things: a well for drinking water, a gas stove for cooking and a wood stove for heating. Our well is 650 feet deep and produces 75 gallons of sweet limestone water a minute; our Acorn cook stove has gas burners and I've written about our beautiful wood stove that heats a portion of the house.

~ mud season ~

There are five seasons on a farm, winter, spring, summer, autumn and mud with mud season happening, on and off, all year 'round. There are times the mud is so deep and thick, my Muck boots are sucked off my feet and not something that bears too close a look when one considers muck...manure, urine, crap and...what about the 'k'? -smile-

~ l to r, Levi, Gypsy, Tippy ~

Back in the house, Levi, Gypsy and Tippy have to be shooed out of the bathroom tub so I can have a bone warming hot soak. After being in the cold for so many hours, my knees feel like shattered glass and only a hot water soak alleviates the pain...well, hot water and a few aspirin. Today was a red letter day; Dr. Ann removed Levi's nubbins so he'll  spend his life healthier although p'raps not happier but he'll never know different and a loving family member. 

~ l to r, Sam, Sadie, Sophie ~

The dogs crowd on the sofa, in the living room where the wood stove keeps all toasty. At the moment, the bone sucking cold is making life difficult and I've heard a "super storm" is headed our way tomorrow. I'm not sure what that means but it sounds like more cold, more snow, more winds and more pain. ugh. Tuck me into prayer, would you, please?

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~ 

Today's Miracles ~ sunshine ~ heathy animals ~ successful surgery ~ tub of hot water ~ aspirin ~ good boots ~ round bales of alfalfa hay ~ 

Don't Just Do Something...Be STILL!

~ Sam and Gypsy ~

To read Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party post, click here.

If you're a female reader, them's fighting words, eh? Women are trained, from girlhood, to not only be busy but to multi-task. In my experience, and I've had a fair share, multi-tasking simply means we I reach burnout faster and more deeply exhausted. If you're a female Christian, and practice your faith, not merely go to church occasionally, you've probably been taught to, always, put others first. You know...JOY, Jesus first, others second, yourself last...and that's good...except when it isn't. Yes, always put Jesus first by having your devotions in the morning to prep yourself for the day and whatever is allowed to cross your path. You also need to get them out of the way.

GASP!

She didn't just write that, did she? Yep, I did. Again, in my fair share of experience, when I don't have my devotions in the morning, before most everything else, they usually get pushed to the nether regions of the back, back burner and, at bedtime I tell myself, "I do double tomorrow." That's just not good business or practicing Christianity because, throughout the day, I'm left with the nagging feeling (could it be my conscious? wry smile) that I could have done better, accomplished more and been more gracious or calm. 

Thistle Cove Farm has taught me some wonderful lessons...some terribly hard and others wonderfully grand. When Dave and I first moved here, I worked seven days a week because there was always work. This farm had not been owner occupied since 1948 and decades of tenants and no funds by the owners had left it looking sad and shabby and not in a shabby chic sort of way either. Also, in 1899 the house burnt to the ground and this replacement was built during the years of 1900-1902. Most of the barns and outbuildings were built in the 1800's and they looked worse than sad and shabby; they looked like they were standing on last legs. The fences were neglected and standing solely due to God's grace and lack of imagination on the part of the livestock.

Each morning, I'd fix coffee and breakfast then head outside where I'd work eight hours a day. It wasn't long before I was feeling a trifle resentful because it seemed the job was huge and I was small. Barns were filled with junk, the house was filled with junk and the carpenters were spending eight hours a day renovating the house and living here. Not only was I working on cleaning up the farm and house, but because we'd torn out the very old kitchen appliances, I was fixing three meals a day for upwards of fifteen people, using a Coleman two-burner camp stove, a charcoal grill and several large coolers. My sense of being overwhelmed came to a head very quickly, mostly, because I wasn't putting myself first. I was doing my own work, the work necessary to keep the workers working and it felt like I was putting in sixteen hour days!

So, I stopped.

Oh my yes, there was grumbling but you know what? No one starved, they ate breakfast and supper at home like they should have been doing in the first place. I still fixed three meals a day for Dave and I and lunch for the workers but I stopped fixing the rest of the meals. We still had two carpenters living with us but when I stopped doing it all, Dave stepped up and started fixing supper and that left me a lot more time to work on the farm and in the barns. He and I reached a place where our efforts were put to good use; I'm better in the mornings, he was better in the evenings. I'd fix coffee and a big breakfast; we'd have sandwiches for lunch and he'd fix supper. 

Dave died in November, 2011 and the work load doubled immediately. All those things he'd been doing now were my jobs as well as the work I already shouldered. Even so, the admonition of "don't just do something...be still" serves me well. Sundays are reserved for devotions, church and, sometimes, catching up with friends. The rest of the week I work but Sunday's are kept deliberately holy...remember the Sabbath and keep it holy...a time of rest, renewal, relaxation, recreation and a lot of porch sittin' time! Some Sundays, if I don't go to church, I'll spend the entire day without speaking to another human being; that can be a good thing, probably for all of us. wry smile

God has given me the gift of being, mostly, comfortable with myself and I enjoy His, and my own, company. On Sunday's, I don't do much other than keep still in order to face whatever He has in store for me in the coming week. If I have a bona fide emergency, I'll deal with it but that's all; I'll keep the rest of the Sabbath holy. I don't just do something, I stay still so I'm better prepared for the rest of the week and life.

Linking up with Soli Deo Gloria Party.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ blue skies ~ clean air ~ hay for the animals ~ wood for the stove ~ groceries in the pantry ~ food for the journey ~ stillness ~ 

Sabbath Keeping

~ Levi, Lover Cat ~

"The Lord is slow to anger, 

abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. 

Yet, he does not leave the guilty unpunished." 

~ Numbers 14:18 ~ 

"When someone loves you, 

the way they say your name is different. 

You just know that your name

 is safe in their mouth." 

~ Billy, age 4 ~ 

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore...So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."  ~ Rebecca, age 8 ~

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." ~ Karl, age 5 ~

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." ~ Chrissy, age 6 ~

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." 

~ Terri, age 4 ~

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is okay." ~ Danny, age 7 ~

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas 

if you stop opening presents and listen." 

~ Bobby, age 7 ~ 

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss."  ~ Emily, age 8 ~

"If you want to learn to love better, 

you should start with a friend who you hate."

~ Nikka, age 6 ~ 

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day." 
~ Noelle, age 7 ~

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling...he was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."  ~ Cindy, age 8 ~

"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." ~ Clare, age 6 ~

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."  ~ Elaine, age 5 ~

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
~ Mary Ann, age 4 ~

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." ~ Lauren, age 4 ~

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."  ~ Karen, age 7 ~

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
~ Mark, age 6 ~

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. 

But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. 

People forget." 

~ Jessica, age 8 ~

"Love is like a little old woman (Sandra) and a little old man (Dave) who are were still friends even after they know knew each other so well." ~ Tommy, age 6 ~

An elderly gentleman's wife died and his four year old neighbor saw him crying. The little boy went into his neighbor's yard, climbed into his neighbor's lap and just sat there. Later, the little boy's Mother asked what he said to the neighbor.

The little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

For all of you who have helped me cry, prayed for me, loved me this last year, since Dave died...may God bless you richly, well beyond your deserving and so much that your life overflows with blessings to give away.

"My command is this: love each other as I have loved you."

 ~ John 15:12 ~

To read Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party post, click here.

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. Names must be given weekly, no anonymous requests, please. Around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ Maxine ~ Stephanie and family ~ Timi and family ~ Jane and Lance ~ Debbie ~ Quesenberry family ~ Smith family ~ Steve and Gwen ~ persecuted Christians ~ 

Grow Your Blog Party!

Today is The Day! It's Vicki's, at 2 Bags Full, Grow Your Blog Party...WOOHOO! I'm excited, can you tell? What? You forgot to sign up? NO WAY, surely you didn't!? Oh gee, I am so sorry...   Please visit Vicki's blog to see all the participants and to leave a nice comment for Vicki...the hostess with the mostess...yeah, it's cheesy but hey! I'm in a party mood and, down on the farm, it's simple pleasures that please best.

Welcome to Thistle Cove Farm where it's beautiful one day and perfect the next. Yes, the header photo is the view from my window, photos change seasonally, and, yes, I am greatly blessed. Dave, my husband, and I bought and established Thistle Cove Farm in 1995. We've spent our time renovating the house, re-siding the barns with rough cut hemlock and, in early days, I bred and raised rare American Curly horses and Shetland, Merino, Romney and cross bred sheep. The Curly horse link is for information only.

Our lives took a turn when, in 2004, I had an opportunity to teach in Russia and that jump started our traveling adventures. Since then, I've taught in Armenia, Georgia, Morocco, at fiber festivals in the USA, at Concord University in Athens, WV and on the farm where I held workshops and conferences. I'm in process of putting together my curriculum in a book, Increasing Farm and Small Business Income, that teaches how to develop your farm or small business by using tourism and networking and partnering with other folks to increase profits. Essentially, it's a how-to manual to help you succeed.

In November, 2011, Dave passed away and the ensuing months have been spent on a very steep learning curve. He and I were going to sit down, me with a three-ring notebook, and I was going to compile "everything" he needed me to know. He died, very unexpectedly and quite suddenly, two days before. Since then, it's been a Very Steep Learning Curve and my hard earned and hard won experience is going into another book...Putting Your Affairs in Order ~ "death comes to us or for us, it's best to be prepared". I'm not trying to be morbid but there's a ton of stuff to know and it's best knowing it and preparing before you need to so you don't waste or lose so much money. Trust me, the only people who couldn't possible use this information are the Gates or Buffet families! -wry smile-

This blog is about life in general and, in particular, life at Thistle Cove Farm. I try to encourage and enable people to do their best work, live their best life and, whenever possible, prepare for the future. You'll find blog posts on how to DREAM LARGE, PDS or Pretty Darn Smart Goals, and, sometimes, You Just Need to Know where I push you in the direction of other folks who offer excellent advice or simply fun stuff worth knowing.
There are posts to your good health -Coconut Oil and Lower Back Pain Relief
and, every Sunday, there's Sabbath Keeping dedicated to the wise words of other folks and each Sabbath Keeping post ends with Prayer Keeping where we pray, one for another.
I am a practicing Christian and, even so, life is still hard; it's been a lot harder since Dave died. I'm just trying to lighten your load and help us both along life's path. I invite you to sign up on the follower's side bar on the right; you're very welcome here!

Okay, more good stuff...there are 5...FIVE...giveaways on this post! Yep, five people will have their choice of goodies starting with ...

~on the left, a skein of purple, blue, muted red Socka, 75 percent virgin wool with 25 percent polyamid yarn made in Austria! It's 30 meters and would make a lovely pair of baby socks, trim for a pair of adult socks or any number of beautiful things.

~on the right, a skein of red Sunbeam Aran Double Knitting Pure New Wool, made in the Republic of Ireland! There are approximately 1 and 3/4 ounces or 50 grams and it's vintage. It's enough yarn to make a small hat, neck cozy or add some color to a pair or socks or fingerless mitts. Then again, it's your choice as to how you use it.

Creating Keepsakes is a scrapbook magazine from May/June 1997; yep, another vintage prize! Along with great ideas for scrapbook projects, this issue still has the "FREE cut and Copy Insert from Design Originals". The magazine is intact, as far as I'm able to ascertain. 

~Summer Cottage magazine is from Summer 2011 and is lovely. The photographs are beautiful, the recipes are delightful...last week, I went to town to the library so I could copy the recipes...no tearing out of pages in this Special Collector's Issue! It's from the publishers of Southern Lady Presents Tea Time and Hoffman Media Publications. You will treasure this special treat!

~Quilters...attention, please...the last prize is a Collins Sneak Peek Preview of 5 Charm Shapes. "A charm quilt is traditionally made of pieces all cut from the same shape, and each cut from a different fabric." The Sneak Peek Preview may be used to design quilts by using as is or rotating designs for varied interest and impact. You may also make special effects with border prints, stripes and florals or develop your own patterns by alternating prints and solids or lights and darks. The templates include the following shapes: Tumbler, Hexagon, Diamond, Equilateral Triangle and an Apple Core. You'll have unending fun using this charming collection.

Winners will be notified on February 1 and chosen randomly. These prizes are open to everyone...domestic and internationally; you only have to leave a comment and a way for me to contact you. No anonymous comments and your e-address has to be linked with your name or in your comment. 
You're invited to follow my blog but it's not a requirement to win and your kind, thoughtful comments are most welcome.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ Vicki, 2 Bags Full ~ you, a visitor ~ prizes ~ American Curly horses ~ my wooly sheep ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~