Living on the Little Mulberry

2011-07-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to laugh.

I asked Blake to take this picture of us as we headed off to church. I am actually rather bitter my car is having to be parked at the bottom of our hill. During the dry months it has a hard time making the steep rocky climb. The rocks just roll and it beats my car to death. I broke the connector from the battery to the car a few weeks ago during the jostling climb. So I decided to save the car and park at the bottom. The four-wheeler is our transport back and forth. Fun (funny) for now, but it's getting old very quickly.

2011-06-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

My daughter was in a 4-wheeler accident 2 days ago. I am every so grateful that her injuries are only a fractured jaw, a few stitches, scrapes and bruises. These will mend. It has made me count my many, many blessings.

Evans Cemetery Decoration

2011-06-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

The Evans Cemetery is tucked away up here. So far that the county has to be called out most years just before decoration to smooth the road so cars can cross the creek. I think it is a jewel.

Decoration is every 4^th Sunday in June (or last Sunday, I can’t ever get this straight) and it has become an important part of our summer.

Decoration, called Homecoming in Texas, is both titles rolled into one. A time for friends and family to gather together, remember loved ones, eat, decorate graves, and eat, wait… did I say that already?

Savannah and 1/2 of the twins.

Savannah, Nieces, and the cutest/only red-headed twins you've ever seen.

Silas before the crowd arrived.

Silas after the cemetery filled with people.

Tooter's Tombstone

Telling stories and showing off scars.

I hope to be laid to rest here.

How do mountain men entertain themselves on a summer Saturday afternoon?

2011-06-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

With spitting contests,

yanking out root balls, rocks and anything that the wrench can wrap itself around, and cooling off in the creek.

Bringing a little outside in

2011-06-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

Black Eyed Susans, Daylilies, and New Potatoes
Savannah has decided daylilies will be in her wedding bouquet.

2011-06-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

This past year of school had me functioning at full capacity. Therefore, I am taking full advantage of our swimming hole this summer. If "Therapy Hole" wasn't already a name of another swimming hole on the Little Mulberry I'd claim it for ours.

On a completely different note: Rising gas prices have us all considering other transportation methods and we must take into consideration the many miles of dirt road. My brother's solution is a dual-purpose bike. He brought it home today and the kids had a ride. Their first on a 2 wheeler.

Donkey Basketball

2011-03-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

I believe the first time I heard of donkey basketball, I was a child in East Texas. We didn’t, however, attend the game. Therefore my idea of this crazy concept was an image of a sketched poster depicting a man riding a donkey with a basketball and an imaginative guess at just how exactly one does play donkey basketball. Of course when I discovered St. Paul was to have a game in their high school gym a few weeks ago. I was determined to experience this unique occurrence

As far as I can tell, the players were expected to be mounted while shooting for a basket and to have the reins in hand to pass the ball along the court.

Snow Day

2011-02-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

The mountain that stands between our home and town had a thin sheet of ice this morning.

It was ever so thin, but ice nonetheless. I had to turn back and come home.

I could have spent the day catching up on house cleaning, laundry, homework,

but I decided to enjoy my snow day by being out in the snow, or what was left of it.

Savannah and I set out to the back of our property where the cliff side meets the creek.

The snow gently fell as we climbed and sometimes slid down to the creek.

Our summer swimming hole.

Coon tracks

Lola in her winter coat. I can't wait for spring and a groomed dog.

Goodbye Snow

2011-01-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

I wasn't an eye witness...

2011-01-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

I wasn't an eye witness to this, but I know exactly what happened.

You see, Lola is a pest. She bedevils everybody/thing. She pesters our rooster, our yard bunny Ben, us, and even Commander. We think that she and Commander have worked this out and he may actually enjoy the interaction. (I think he's lonely). But Lola doesn't know when to quit. It looks like she was pestering while he was trying to eat and the fence caught the kick.

On another note. I found this beauty on a hike last week.

Dried native hydrangea

This little piggy went to the...

2011-01-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

...slaughter house. Out of necessity, I was in charge of getting the pig for our New Year's Eve Pig Roast.

This was my first visit to a pig farm. It was apparent this operation was well run and tidy. But there's just no way to avoid the smell of pig. Thankfully Rex was able to ride to the farm with me and select the pig. He stood in the pig house for approximately 60 seconds, touching nothing and still he reeked when he got back into the truck. Holy cow, that stuff stinks! It was raining so I couldn't roll the window down. It may have been the first time I couldn't wait until Rex was far, far away.

The above picture was the only time I planned to look at my little pig until it was slaughtered and cleaned. (These are new terms I learned this week.) But at the slaughter house I had to help with the cage as the handler grabbed the pig. He screamed in my ear, the pig, not the young man.

The next day I picked him up all cleaned and looking much more like food than a pet. He didn't really stink.

We smoked him on my brother's pit for an hour.

Then transferred him to our neighbor's cooker.

This is the 3rd time we've used this method. It's much like an oven. The pig is in a box and hot coals are placed on the lid.

I have had a bad attitude this Christmas season

2010-12-23T21:42:00.000-08:00

I have had a bad attitude this Christmas season concerning gifts.

Money is tight, real tight. I miss cash in my wallet, eating out, traveling to visit friends and family, candles, Netflix. I had myself a genuine pity party a few days ago. We were late heading home and everyone was hungry. Instead of swinging through a drive thru we went to the grocery store and grabbed a loaf of bread, cheese, meat, and chips and made sandwiches in the car. As I made the sandwiches and passed them out my heart shrank three sizes. Instead of being thankful for never feeling true hunger I was mad and tired and fed up. I am ashamed of myself as I type this out.

My loss of wants has been fueling my bad attitude. For the past few months I have been sporting a chopped up haircut I attempted on myself to save money. And I have to find money to buy gifts. (I am feeling really ashamed now.) I must clarify that this frustration is not for children’s gifts. That’s where the fun is. As I type, Blake is beside himself shaking every gift under our tree. He’s also been carrying one certain present around with him all day.

We decided that we could only buy children gifts this year. I believe that was a wise decision, the money just isn’t there. And borrowing is a definite never, not for Christmas gifts. Had I not been harboring a hardened heart on our current financial status, that would be the end of it, but I made the choice to let the anger, selfishness, and resentment create guilt.

Enter Proverbs 30:8-10 via my friend’s blog http://throw-away-your-401k.blogspot.com/2010/12/manna-living-myth-busters.html?spref=fb . “…give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have way too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of God.” After prayer and meditation on this verse my heart grew a little. I pondered the few people I know who probably live day to day and the countless others around the world who would scoff at me as I whine about my poverty. I decided that if God wanted me to live for my daily bread, then I would, thankfully. *

The following day was shopping day. I thoroughly enjoyed the first hour or so, picking out items for the kids in my life, imaging the excitement and thrill. The last half was amongst the crowd at Wal-mart, not so fun.

Today was wrapping day. As I wrapped and stewed (somewhat) over adult gifts I began to soften. And a verse popped into my head. “Silver and gold have I none…” I couldn’t remember the rest, but that short phrase stuck in my head. I had to find out the rest. Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee…” Giving out of poverty, Elijah and the widow woman with a sick son, the woman who gave her last coin, all these accounts were flooding my thoughts. (In my best Grinch voice) “I’m feeling”. My heart grew three sizes.

I carried firewood down to my brother’s house this evening to start a fire and warm their house since they’ve been gone for a week. Silver and gold I have none, but I have firewood.

Tomorrow we will visit neighbors. I can’t give them expensive gifts, but I am giddy at the thought of giving potatoes, canned green beans, homemade soap, maybe even some of the local beef we have stored in our freezer.

* The following evening I received an email notification of a scholarship. I have been awarded the Lottery scholarship, 5,000 a year. This should cover my gas and remaining book expenses. And after I was such a whiny, thoughtless person. Shame on me. Thank you Lord.

Deck The Halls

2010-12-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

We cut our tree every year. The last few Christmases we've chosen a pine. I love the bright green color and the sparse heavy boughs. And of course it smells great!

The kids weren't very interested in the choosing of our tree.

Silas was with us again this year. He brought along with him a broken candy cane decoration from our yard. It was a sword/weapon of some sort.

I can't seem to locate our tree decorations. No problem, the kids made some. The above is Darth Vader. Silas asked if he could make Star Wars ornaments. Of course!

Blake's snowman. With a light saber.

I want to be like Ben.

2010-11-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

Ben lives in our yard, free to hop through the leaves, nibble on grass, and dart away when Lola tries to catch him.

He once lived in a wood and wire cage on the side of our garage. His food and water bowl were filled every few days and he watched the world through the holes in the chicken wire. This was for his safety.

For months I tried to talk Savannah into letting him go free. “Haven’t you seen the way he kicks his heels when we let him hop through the grass?” I would ask her. “Yes, he may only make it a few days, but they will be the happiest days of his life.” I would tell her.

Ben has been living happy and free in our yard now for many months. He’s made it longer than we ever expected. Every time I spot him across the yard my heart swells. And I think about myself. When my days are numbered, when I’m feeble and can’t take care of myself as I once could, please don’t lock me away in a cage. If I beg to stay at my home, where I’m free, please let me stay. Don’t make me watch the world through a cage. Yes, my days may be shorter living in my freedom, but I will go out clicking my heels.

What Did You Do On Labor Day?

2010-09-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

The guys grilled steaks.

Lola enjoyed being indoors. She is going into heat and we are keeping a close eye on her.

Blake played with the fire.

Granna showed the girls how to make corn husk dolls.

Speaking of Granna. She never slowed. I prescribed her 20 minutes of relaxation. She never took it.

But because of her determination the cabin now has covered walls. Thanks to the hard work of Rex and Grandpa too.

Weekend Retreat

2010-08-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend at home. I was exhausted. Friday was also Rex's birthday and we had a big crowd over for burgers. Silas came home with us. He's a champ, fits right in. My Dad and Debbie came in for a visit too. I made it until 9pm. When my pj's went on and lights went off, party goers began to scoot out the door. Sorry for being in hospitable! I just couldn't function. I couldn't help but think of Shana. She has no respite from the fatigue. I believe God gives moms something extra to endure during these times.
We had a lovely swim in the creek on Saturday and watermelon from our neighbor's garden.

Chillin' the watermelon

Lola and me shelling peas for supper.

Dad mending the dam.

Savannah is back with her big sister. She missed little Eli and needed another week of baby, too. By Sunday morning I felt well rested and ready for week 2. I missed the babies. And couldn't wait to get my hands on them.
Here we go....

MIA

2010-08-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

Here I am.

There Was an Old Spider Who Lived in a...

2010-07-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here are my mowing, gardening, mud, just don't give a darn shoes.

They've sat here on the porch railing for just a few days, drying out from my last heavy use.

Just a few days. That's all it took for a spider to take up residence.

I removed the web, unlaced the shoe and slowly stuck my hand down into the shoe. Not really. I'm not that tough. I stuck a metal file instead but came up empty. There was a small space I couldn't see at the very tip of the toe. I decided to leave it out on the railing overnight and see if my spider would rebuild it's home. I mowed barefoot instead. Not really.

Poop!

2010-07-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

You can always find them by the poo they leave behind. It's big!

These dudes can annihilate several plants over night.

But because of their size they are easy to find.

Tomato Hornworm

My All-Time Favorite

2010-07-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

In my past life I was a hairstylist.

I decided recently to "open shop" right here on my porch one Saturday every month or so for my neighbors and anyone else who wanted to make the trek to our home.

My first day was a success. Not because I raked in the big bucks, but because I had my all-time favorite customer.

I've been asking Hyde to let me cut his hair for years.

It was just as much fun as I thought it would be.

Here and There

2010-07-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

I love different cultures. During our last trip to my birthplace of southeast Texas I had the realization that my new home and my old are just that: two different cultures residing in the same country. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity. Here a just a few:

Swimming in the Gulf.

Swimming in the Little Mulberry.

Driving in Houston.

Driving home.

Taking an evening walk.

Walking to the creek.

Meet Lola

2010-06-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Lola came to live with us this month. She was a very deliberate addition to our family. Airedales are the "King of Terriers" and just what we need to keep the varmints out of our yard.

Lola is my new friend.

She gets bigger every day.

She sleeps in my house until I have the nerve to make her sleep outside. I will, I promise!

She eats my plants, sits on my flowers, and digs in my gardens.

She chews my shoes.

She's perfect.

Flying over Texas

2010-06-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my dad took us to a local go-kart track. No ordinary go-kart track. These are the big dogs. The complex also includes a full size race car track. We were unaware of the "close toed shoe policy" and the kids and I had on flip-flops. Access denied.

A friend of Dad's and pilot, Bruce Bohannon, lives only a few miles down from the track. We decided to stop in for a visit. While there Bruce offered the kids a ride in one of his planes. His son David was a well trained pilot he assured me. I was extremely nervous, but knew it was a fear I had to get over so that the kids could have this experience.

And we even got to fly with our "open toed shoes".

To-Do List

2010-06-07T20:51:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Blake asked what the difference was between the little ticks we find on us and the big purple ones like on dogs. I told him the purple ones were full of blood.

(gross picture, I know.)

Silence and wide eyes. He was horrified to hear that ticks ate blood. "You mean they suck my blood?" he asked. "Yes." I also listed several other bugs that suck blood, it's not that uncommon.

He was quiet and contemplative for a while. Enough time for me to busy myself with whatever I had been doing. He then said, "We need to make a list." Now this isn't the first time he has said this to me. I am a list maker. I have on-going grocery lists, to-do lists, summer project lists, etc. When I begin rattling off jobs or chores for the kids, Blake always wants to make a list. He loves to scratch them off as they are completed just like I do. I keep all my lists on a small clipboard on my counter.
Here is Blake's list I found sitting near mine.

Dipping in the Little Mulberry

2010-06-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

We do this every day during the summer.

And as best as I can remember, the kids never tire of our daily, sometimes twice daily dips. It just can’t get much better than a cool, clear swimming hole that requires no cleaning or chlorinating.

Today we found a little friend sharing our swim.

He was stinky and after a few minutes starting snapping, true to his name. So we let him go. Someday maybe we'll see him again. Only next time he may look like the other snapping turtle we found on our way down to the creek.

Thankfully he wasn't snapping, but then again we weren't holding him.

Toby, Healing

2010-05-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Toby came home the day after his surgery. Our main concern was his appetite. He hadn’t eaten a significant amount since the accident. So I laid out tuna fish, his usual cat food and water. He sat next to them and cried. You know the sad meow/howl. Rex laid on the floor in front of him. Toby immediately crawled onto Rex’s stomach and settled in. No more crying.

Toby has slept and slept. Thankfully his appetite returned after a day at home and he is well on his way to recovery.

Toby, The Loss

2010-05-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Kunta “Toby” came to us a few weeks before we moved here to the Ozarks. He was a birthday present for Blake’s 2^nd birthday. Blake will by 8 in July.

Toby is a good cat. He has brought us endless mice, moles, bats, and even a rabbit once. If you happen to be resting out on the porch he will soon be in your lap. And when I hang the laundry he perches up on the post and bats at my hands. Toby lives outside, but has gotten very good a sneaking indoors and hiding.

Last Saturday night I was busy doing laundry late, getting ready for a kayak trip the following day. Our washer is in the pump house and dryer a few hundred feet away in the shed. I wore my headlamp because our yard is not well lit. As I stepped off the porch I glanced toward our wood shed and saw two glowing eyes up on the piled wood. Coon. We’ve been having varmint problems. After I settled the laundry I glanced back at the wood shed, it was still there watching me. So I went in and told Rex a coon was in the wood shed. We finished the movie and I began tucking the kids into bed. Rex grabbed the riffle and went to check the status of the coon. A few seconds later we heard the shot.

Sunday morning I woke with a question. Toby had snuck in the afternoon before and we all giggled at him as he stuck his head out from Savannah’s room and meowed. But why didn’t I see him when I tucked the kids in for bed? When the kids got up I asked Savannah if she knew where Toby was. She said he had been let out last night. That was my first suspicion that the coon could have been our Toby.

Off we went to our day of kayaking. I was unsuccessfully trying to pass my fear off as my normal worry wart personality and put on Rex’s “it’ll all work out” attitude. Not working. I told Rex my suspicion and we discussed all the reasons why it was not a possibility. We’ve never seen Toby up on the wood (he hangs out in the garage), the eyes were too big, and Toby always comes to me when I am going in and out of the pump house hoping for an in between meal snack (which he usually gets).

We got home just at dark. As we stepped out of the truck I could hear Toby meowing/howling. The sound he only makes when he has to ride in the car. I spotted him lying in front of the cabin. I knew immediately my fear was right. I called to Rex to go check Toby as I held the kids back. Rex’s response was “it’s not good.” The kids were crying. Blake was very upset. Savannah wanted to go to him and kept asking “what happened to him”. Rex and I were crushed, how could we have done this?

Rex took Toby some water while I got the kids inside. Then I went to Toby. There was a clear bullet wound in his front leg. But he was very alert. My response was more hopeful, “he might be okay”. I wrapped him in a towel and carried him to the house. We all stroked him and his crying ceased. I made him a bed in the pump house and prayed he would make it to the vet in the morning.

After a groggy start he was again alert Monday morning. I was at the vet just after opening. Dr. Jones took x-rays and delivered the bittersweet news. Yes, it was a bullet wound. There were traces of lead in his chest but having made it two days there was a good chance his lungs and heart were okay. However the leg was receiving no circulation and Toby had no feeling in his toes. It would have to be amputated. Surgery was scheduled for 2 days later so that he could rest and receive antibiotics.

Tuesday afternoon I went to the clinic to visit Toby. I brought him out into the grass and sunshine. He was feeling better but still in pain. He enjoyed lying in the grass and looking around at his surroundings. After an hour he was exhausted.

Wednesday morning Dr. Jones called to give me an update. Toby’s fever was gone, he was purring, and he was also protesting more with being handled (a good sign). The surgery would proceed as planned. But he reminded me there are always risks with a major surgery like amputation.

Late morning I got the call. Post surgery report was, “it went as well as it could have”.

I am to call in the morning and possibly bring our Toby home tomorrow or Friday.

He won’t have to sneak in anymore, he’ll be let in.

In the above picture Toby is not hissing. It is a pant. Again which I've only see him do during car rides.

What's Not For Supper

2010-05-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the reason why I am finicky about washing my vegetables. Cute, but I'd rather not taste him.

Livin' Out Here Ain't for Sissies

2010-05-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

I enjoy weeding. It’s therapeutic for me. Yesterday morning as I weeded my flower garden I felt the sun, smelled the earth and listened to the birds. Suddenly my serenity was shattered by the loud squawking of several chickens. This is not unusual. The hens will squawk for a second or two just after they’ve laid an egg as they are racing back to reunite with the flock. But this was different. It was more than one bird and it was longer and faster. So I stood up to peer in the direction of the noise. Out they burst from the canopy of the woods, running in my direction. But they brought a predator with them. A coyote was hot on their trail! You should have heard me scream. Waaahhhhhh! They were unknowingly headed straight for me. My only defense was the noise I was making. I hoped I might scare the coyote by screaming. So I screamed louder. I was also instinctively trying to run the other way. I had to take my eyes off them as I tried to run backwards making sure I wasn’t going to fall over our rock wall. When I looked back there was a pile of white feathers and the coyote was walking back into the woods. I guess the noise worked. I walked over to the edge of the yard and peered through the brush. I could still see her walking away, but I couldn’t tell if she had a chicken in her mouth or not. We've lost 4 chickens in the past month and we are pretty sure this is the reason.

My view, see the white feathers.

The survivor.

And then this morning Blake found this in the bathroom.

This thing was huge. We've seen them in our pump house for years, but never in our house! I've identified them before but checked my book again and feel pretty certain it is a fishing spider.

As much as we hate to, we may have to spray the bathroom.

And now we are going to pick flowers. I wonder what we might find. My camera is charged and ready.

Strawberry Surprise

2010-05-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

I took some jars of strawberry jam down to my strawberry patch this afternoon for a “photo shoot” with my new camera. I picked a few strawberries and spent several minutes taking pictures in the plants. (Soon to appear in a making strawberry jam post) We then dug potatoes and I returned to finish picking strawberries. This is only the second year for my patch, it’s small, about 4’ X 4’. As I neared the final corner I noticed something furry hidden under the leaves. My first thought was a rat. I screamed, expecting it to jump and run, probably up my arm. But it was frozen and thankfully it was not a rat.

This little rabbit was so still I had to look closely to make sure it was breathing. He stayed put for several minutes while I took his picture. I wanted so badly to pick him up but knew I shouldn’t. It took all my will power to just let him be.

This was the closest I got. And then finally as I picked the strawberry on the left, it shook the plant above his head and he scampered out. I hope he is back tomorrow. But then I might not be able to resist. We just might snuggle.

Strawberry Surprise

Picked, Washed, and Eaten

2010-05-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our bounty from the garden these past few days has included spinach, lettuce, and strawberries. We've had many salads, I am hoping to make strawberry jam tomorrow, and this evening we had spinach lasagna for supper.

Rinsing spinach and lettuce is tedious work. I am finicky about my leaves. I must inspect each leaf to make certain there are NO BUGS hiding in the wrinkles. Luckily this year we haven't seen many bugs, yet. The rinsing process takes a considerable amount of time. I do most of it outside at our water hose. This way I'm not stuck behind the kitchen sink. I turn the hose on to a light spray and enjoy being outdoors, listening to the birds, Commander eating grass, and today thunder rolling in the distance.

Inside drying.

My very humble spinach lasagna. (And very clean son, who combed his hair all by himself tonight!) Not so pretty but MAN was it good. I won't take the time to include the recipe, the internet is full of them. I used Emril's, with variation.

2010-05-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

I’m a Southern American native. Yep, all 34 years. I suppose it is because of this reason one of the MANY political fliers we’ve received in the mail this week didn’t immediately cause me to stop and ponder: “huh, now that’s an unusual picture for a campaign.” Thank you Erika for helping me realize this is a perfect representation of the Ozarks and surroundings.

Now we wait to see if Mrs. Bledsoe will be successful.

In the Garden

2010-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Bad Bug

Good Bug

Little Snake

Big Snake (skin)

Working

Not Working

Still Not Working

Working

Watching the Work

A Spring Afternoon

2010-05-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

Feed me?

Will YOU feed me?

Feed from the pump house.

Thank you.

And then there are always the surprise pictures I find on my camera from the kids.

Blake's library book.

Rex letting Commander out to feed on fresh grass.

Weeding the flower garden.

In 1999

2010-04-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

We bought our property in the Ozarks after, Rex says, I convinced him we should. I don’t necessarily remember that conversation. However I do remember my initial reaction.

One summer afternoon, while driving between relatives and friends in Arkansas, we noticed a highway on our map that traveled north for several miles and then abruptly stopped in the National Forest. It called to us. After twenty miles through foothills and nine miles of snaking our way through twists, curves, and true switchbacks we arrived in the Mulberry Valley. As we drove down the Mulberry River, blue-green swift water on our left, rock bluffs on our right, my face was stuck to the window. Trees canopied the road, water trickled from rock ledges, this place was alive, and are those ferns? The only ferns I knew were those bought from the store in pots to be hung neatly under the eaves of a house. These grew naturally. It was then that I fell in love.

So I can’t say I didn’t convince my husband to sell his Harley so we could purchase our 30 acres nestled in the Ozark National Forest. All I can say is that I’m glad he agreed.

My Friend: Tooter Stepp

2010-04-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

The Little Mulberry has forever lost a one of a kind soul. Tooter Stepp. He left us suddenly on Saturday. Tooter entered the world on the Little Mulberry and departed here also. He worked for the Oark School for 36 years and I am proud to say my children had the privilege to ride his bus for almost 2. I laughed often with this man, as did many, many others. His booming voice and presence turned any face to a smile. I think I hugged his belly every time we met. Had I known last week, as he sat on my porch, it would be his last visit, I would have lingered, I should have.

We laid Tooter in the ground today. Too soon. I don’t believe the Evans Cemetery, a small burial ground down a one lane dirt road in the middle of the national forest, has ever held the gathering it did today. We estimate the attendance at 600. The school provided Tooter’s bus as a shuttle, to carry mourners to and from the cemetery, from a nearby field. Some attendees, eager to reach the graveside, began walking the half mile incline road to the cemetery, crossing the Little Mulberry and wetting their shoes and pants. One young man waded into the water and spent the afternoon building a dam of rocks for the walkers to cross on. All for our friend Tooter, I wasn’t surprised. It was all a testament to the light Tooter was to this community.

Thank you Lord, for including Tooter in my life. Thank you Lord, for bringing me to this beautiful place I call home.

Tooter, ready for a hog hunt last fall.

Tooter, showing us how to skin a hog at last year's pig roast.

Tooter, as we burned Art's field last winter.

Living with Chickens

2010-04-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Chickens have been a part of our lives for 7 years, even before we moved to the Ozarks. We lived in a small neighborhood on Bastrop Bayou in southeast Texas, just a few miles off the Gulf Coast. Our neighborhood was initially a vacation spot for fishermen, but slowly full time residents began to move in. Because it was miles from the city and the residents were laid-back, easy-going people the neighborhood didn’t have rules and regulations. It was here that we bought our first hens.

I remember the first egg we found. What a celebration. From that time on we were hooked on their fresh taste and bright orange color, full of all that good stuff, a.k.a beta carotene. There have been a few seasons when we have been in between mature hens and have had to buy eggs from the store, you should have heard us whine and complain.

Seven years later we are still enjoying chickens...

only in a different setting.

In addition to eggs they eat bugs and keep the vicinity scratched up. I believe this keeps snakes from taking up residence in our yard.

I have read having them helps keep flies under control if you also have larger animals, as they will scratch through the piles of poo and eat larvae. And boy does Commander leave piles of poo!

However, they can be quite destructive. In the past I have managed to have an unfenced flower garden by placing chicken wire down over the top of newly planted seeds. This prevents them from taking their dirt baths in the freshly tilled soil. It also deters Toby/Kunta from making a litter box out of the beds. As the plants emerge from the ground they easily grow through the chicken wire and the chickens seem to avoid eating the flower plants. Not so for vegetable plants. They appear to be tasty at all stages of growth. I carelessly forgot to close my garden gate one evening this week and was horrified the next day as I discovered my mistake.

My happy broccoli plants had been stripped to the stalks. So had the cabbages and radishes. I think the peas and spinach may survive the assault. Even so, it was my mistake and the chickens shall stay. I just need to be more careful.

To read more about the benefits of free range eggs click here.

Recycling Food

2010-04-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to focus on emptying our deep freeze in anticipation of the garden vegetables. One rather large box of turkey legs had been occupying a shelf. They were out of date and unsuitable for our consumption, but certainly not for the coyotes, cats and other carnivores. So one afternoon this week as we rode, top down, in the Jeep, we tossed turkey legs out like tossing candy out at a parade.

1 Rooster, 12 Hens: a.k.a., Lucky

2010-04-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

While busy in the kitchen one morning I heard our rooster crow, not unusual. I looked up and saw he was staring right at me through our windows.
Think again Lucky.

Feeding

2010-04-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Rex feeding our neighbors catfish...And packin'. You might want to turn your speakers down because Loudmouth here is quite loud at the end.

Firewood For Fall

2010-04-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Spring is a good time to think about fall. Just when the woodstove has retired from its long winter work, it’s time to consider the wood needed for the cooler temperatures of next fall.

Rex works hard on our firewood supply. It is one of the chores I think he enjoys. However, with the longer and warmer days, we decided to all pitch in and help Dad fill the wood shed.

Mmmmm, Mmmmm!

From St. Patty to Uncle Sam: Planting Potatoes and Corn

2010-03-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

The traditional time to plant potatoes around here is on or around St. Patrick’s Day. We were a week or so later than usual because of the weather.

When you have a friendly neighbor who lends his time and tractor the planting is much easier.

While the trenches are dug, the seed potatoes are prepared. It is best to cut the potatoes so that an eye is on every section. Some just quarter the potatoes regardless. I suspect it doesn’t matter that much.

Before the potatoes are dropped about every 8 inches into the rows, fertilizer is spread. We planted about 110 pounds of potatoes this year.

With the remaining prepared rows we planted G-90 corn. This seems to be the corn of choice and the variety we have grown every year. It is a very popular sweet, hybrid corn that does well in this area.

A kernel or 3 is dropped every 6 inches. In the past we have sown 3 or so kernels every 6 inches. However this year we are experimenting. Could we cut our costs by a two-thirds by only planting 1 kernel for every 6 inches and still get the same yield? We had differing opinions. We'll just have to wait and see.

Finally the implement is changed and the rows are covered.

If all goes well we should be harvesting the potatoes around July 4th and eating sweet corn soon after.

Plugging Spores

2010-03-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

As is evident from the blog we enjoy growing much of our food. Mushrooms are our newest adventure. They take about a year to harvest and we are anxiously awaiting our first crop from last year’s planting. In the meantime more spores were ordered and another plugging was on the spring to-do list.

We have used White Oak logs for both plantings. It is best to make sure they are nice and wet. There have been a few rainy days this week so that part was taken care of naturally.

Holes are drilled into the logs.

Next the spores are hammered into the holes. They look like small dowel rods wrapped in a thin cloth. I assume the spores are inside this cloth and spiraled around the wooden plugs.

After the plugs are inserted we countersink them further into the logs so that wax can be poured into the hole, sealing the spores inside and preventing any unwanted foreign spore from contaminating the log.

Finally we find a shady spot to keep the logs. Nature does the rest. Although if the weather is extremely hot and dry we do water the logs.

Below are the mushrooms just beginning to show from last year's planting.

There's nothing like men hard a work!

While this was going on outside, I had my project well underway inside. Cleaning, organizing, and purging our bedroom and closet. I had intended to do this is February but I could never bring myself to start. I knew what a mess it would be. Almost all the closet contents have been drug out into the room and sorted for keep, trash, or Salvation Army. I am NOT a nice person when my room looks like this. I've already had to apologize to all 3 members of my immediate family for losing my temper. We will all be thankful when this project is complete.

My 34th

2010-03-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and my family did a marvelous job making it a special day. The weather could not have been better. The sun smiled on me all day.

My mother and step dad are here for the week. They brought ribeye steaks and Rex grilled them. Mom spent most of the day in the kitchen so that I didn’t have to. Bless her heart. That in itself would have been enough.

After ribeyes, potatoes, salad, and Auntie A’s homemade bread we retired to the porch where we entertained the valley with live music. Larry and my brother are fine musicians. Mom and I like to sing a song or two and are learning the fiddle. Uncle Randy is getting the hang of the harmonica and Rex banged the bodhran when the mood hit him. We laughed much and I am pooped.

My mom made me a beautiful quilt for my bed. It was a great surprise. I eyed the fabric a year or so ago while she and I were shopping. I can't believe she kept it a secret.

The note says that we have 6 Aracauna chicks coming in the mail on April 26th.

Fire

2010-03-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have an inborn affinity for fire. It’s not uncommon. I was grounded around the age of 9 for starting fires in our backyard and garage. Why are they so fascinating and beautiful?

No one was grounded during or after the making of this fire.

Woodstove

2010-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

I love you, I really do.

But I'm ready for you to take a break.

I'm ready to throw open all the windows and feel the warm breeze.

I'm ready to look out my windows and see green,

to walk down rows of vegetables,

and to hear those loud summer nights when the sound of chirping crickets and cicadas ring in my ears (Rex says they ring in his ears all the time anyway).

Thank you for your warmth.

See you in the fall.

Ready, Set, Garden

2010-02-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

It’s finally here! The time to get back into the gardens and grow. Today we pulled the old plants and burned the grass. Rex is picking up the new tiller this week. It’s going to be a dandy. I couldn’t tell you about all the features, but I do know it has an electric start.

Okra stalks

Yank em up.

Everybody had to play in the fire.

I don't know what Rexypoo is doing but Newts excited.

(Clicking on photos will make them full size.)

Stress and Relief

2010-02-25T22:06:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the most intense days I can remember. I took a test. Not just any test. This one was administered at a testing facility, cost 130 dollars, and affects my future teaching certificate. The Praxis is well known among future educators. Initially I didn’t have any concerns, a basic test of reading, mathematics, and writing, I’m an A student. No problem. To be on the safe side, I ordered a study book from Amazon. Whoa. Humility is good for everyone every once in a while. Obviously I’m not as competent as I thought. I squeezed studying for the Praxis in amongst studying for my other college courses.

I arrived at the testing center at 7:50 this morning. My rights were read (well pretty close to it), ID carefully scanned, and signature tested for comparison to the signature on my ID. Luckily I didn’t have to be fingerprinted like some test takers. I was issued a locker for my purse and other belongings. No jewelry, paper, tissue, etc., were allowed beyond the “door.” After exposing the inside of my pockets, I was ready to begin.

One 5 minute break and 4.5 hours later I was finished. My brain was mush. My scores revealed I had passed 2 out of the 3 sections. The 3rd section, writing, will be graded and posted in a few weeks.

Groceries were next on the list. I drove to Wal-Mart in a daze. The nail salon located in the front area of the store caused me to pause, “Spa Pedicure-$25.00.” I took a few minutes to battle the idea: yes, no, yes, no, YES! The second pedicure I have had in my lifetime, yet the more enjoyable. I sat in the pulsating chair a glorious hour and dulled my brain with Hollywood gossip magazines while Kay massaged my feet.

Snap back to reality. Groceries. No way was I going to ruin my new nude, yet shimmering polish. "Yes, I will gladly wear the foam, disposable flip flops through the food aisles."

Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle.

Sunday Service

2010-02-21T20:14:00.000-08:00

At church this morning, the attendance was 1. Me. Living remotely, I have learned to make the most of what I have, to be creative, and to enjoy solitude.

The radar showed rain coming and fast. Perfect, I love the rain. I grabbed my umbrella and camera and walked down to church.

I sang a special in service, a cappella. The applause of rain hitting the water made me smile.

I smelled the perfume of the attendants, Witch Hazel Blossom.

The sermon was directed strictly for me.

I walked home in the rain.

Boys

2010-02-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

We are having a rare occurrence here this weekend. No girls, just boys. Savannah has joined her sisters and Silas has come to stay at Pappy and Jammy's with Blake. The guns and swords have been in combat most the evening. Robots and Star Wars figures are lined for battle. I am thankful I don't have to worry about those bothersome dragons over the next two days.

Stepping Out

2010-02-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

Today I prescribed myself a walk outside. We've had the coldest and snowiest (is that a word?) winter since we moved here 5 1/2 years ago. I have loved it, until a week ago. So, although the temperature was hovering at 32 and the wind was biting out of the north, the skies were blue and I needed a reminder of the reasons why I love living in the Ozarks.

Because we can have free range chickens, that eat bugs, provide entertainment, and most importantly provide eggs.

Because there are four distinct seasons. Just when the current season has out lived it's charm the promises for change are found if you look carefully.

Because we share our home with creatures that are as curious about us as we are about them. I just have to slow down and look for them. And probably the most important reason we are here, if it weren't here I doubt we would have come...The Little Mulberry.

Dang it! I deleted the picture I was going to put here. Oh well, just look at the Header. It's a great picture of the Little Mulberry, only in a different season.

The Fun Never Ends

2009-07-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Everyday brings new excitement around here. Our baby chicks are doing good. Except that we lost one last night. I found it in the nest, but another must have hatched overnight and there are two at this moment pecking their way into the world. I picked up one of the cracked eggs and it peeped at me. We should be up to 8 babies by this afternoon. Walking back from the chicken house I noticed something black wrapped around the post of my garden. My first thought was something Rex had put there, but the closer I got I noticed it was a snake. He watched me carefully. Commander patiently waited for his breakfast while I took pictures.

We Have Babies!

2009-07-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

We have one chicken who has gone broody. We've been putting eggs under her for the past several weeks and wondering if she would keep them warm enough to hatch. She did! Our first baby chick.

Wheelerpool

2009-07-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

During these hard economic times it's important to wheelerpool whenever possible.

My Office

2009-07-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am taking 7 college hours online this summer. The session is over next week. It has been hard at times, juggling school work and other summer time activities but overall good. A great way to scratch off a few more hours from the comforts of home. I find it hard to concentrate on assignments and papers from inside the house. Too many distractions. There have been a few days when I pack up and head to the creek to study, but most often I go to the porch. Kunta Kinte (Toby) seems to be enjoying summer too. I think he stays up all night (hunting, roaming, whatever cats do) because he sleeps most of the day. And often in precarious positions. I had to stop my studying to take this picture.

"Can't Swim Here"

2009-06-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Blake and I headed out yesterday afternoon about 4:30. The thermometer read 95.9F. We hit the first garden just as the row of green beans was safely within the boundary of the shade. We picked and weeded and worked up a pretty good sweat. Two rows of okra were waiting to be weeded at our other garden spot, but first we had to cool off. So we rode to the swimming hole just past the garden fence. It's a nice part of the Little Mulberry. Where the creek slows and widens and tall trees stand close to the bank on both sides casting shade and giving it a secluded feeling. The water was perfect. I didn't have the usual cringe when it rose up my body. But it just wasn't deep enough, coming just below my waist. So we started to wade up creek in search for deeper waters.

It is a habit of mine to keep my eyes on the banks while we swim. As a youth and an adult I've swam in waters that creatures call home. And I've seen my share of snakes. I know when the temperature rises and we head to the water to cool off, so do they. As I made another scan of the far bank near a group of roots I noticed one moving. I stood up for a better look. I could see two raised sections of her body behind her proudly raised head. I knew this wasn't the usual water snake we encounter. She was swimming swiftly back and forth out in front of the jumbled roots, protecting her home. Her body was thick and she rode on the water, head held high. She must have decided her presence wasn't threatening enough to deter her intruders because she changed course and turned towards me. That's a scary sight. Standing in high waist water and looking at the head of a snake straight on. Not a standing view from 5 feet, but from maybe 2. Her body flashing on one side and then the other. The lighter under skin of her head and body contrasting against the dark shaded water. Where was Blake you wonder? Between the snake and me. I grabbed his arm and pulled him to the other side of and me. Our closest retreat to land would have had us scrambling up the side of a bushy bank. I made a split second decision not to attempt that and began pushing through the water as fast as I could back down stream and toward where we first entered. As the water shallowed and I was able to move faster I looked back to find our pursuer. She wasn't there. She had gone back to her post and was again swimming back and forth in front of her home. She had succeeded. A momma protecting her home and babies, just like me.

As expected we weren't getting back in the water there. So we went to one of our usual swimming places, where the water is swifter and has frequent visitors.

Then on to garden #2. Art helped us hoe our two rows of okra. We worked up another good sweat. We stopped in the creek again on our way home to rinse off.

After talking with my brother and doing a little research on snakes, I confirmed my origianl identification of our snake. A water moccasin. They ride high in the water and are known to stand their ground.

It Has Begun

2009-06-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

For months you prepare. Tilling, planting, building fences. You think about the day when the little seeds you are dropping in the dirt will be producing food you can eat. You check the progress daily: "The corn is comin' up", "There's blooms on the green beans", "We have two baby squash!" You can hardly contain your excitement. Your friends and family who don't garden grow tired of hearing about the progress. And before you know it...

Saturday: Pick green beans, cucumbers, squash
Sunday: Pick green beans, can green beans, pickle cucumbers
Monday: Pick green beans, cucumbers, squash
Tuesday: Pick green beans, can green beans, pickle cucumbers
Wednesday: Pick green beans, cucumbers, squash
Thursday: Pick green beans, can green beans...Who's idea was this anyway?!?

Pedaling

2009-06-19T13:56:00.001-07:00

Rex bought this bike for my birthday 3 years ago. I had a good run for several months, riding daily through our hills. Now that's a workout. But the newness wore off, as usual, and my bike has sat (hung) unused for well over a year. There were times when I wanted to ride it to a neighbor's or to the garden but I had no way of carrying anything. Yesterday I decided to splurge and buy a basket. I could hardly wait to get it mounted and full of garden veggies. Rex and I had it on by late afternoon and I was off to the garden. Going was great. I also bought an odometer and I marveled at my quick speed, 16, 17, 20 mph. Down to the garden I sped. I picked the few cucumbers, squash, and carrots that were ready. Even though the garden was shaded I still worked up a good sweat in the heat. I decided I needed to cool off at the creek before heading home. Not wanting to soak my clothes I just splashed water on my face and neck. Regret. Riding home was very different. 12, 6, 4 mph. Up I climbed back to the house. By the time I reached our drive I was exhausted and had a throbbing headache. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it up the hill, but stopping to rest didn't seem to offer any respite from the heat. There wasn't any breeze. I needed water, to drink and to run over my head. So I put one foot in front of the other and slowly walked up our hill, our Mountain, our MT. EVEREST! I made it, went straight for the water hose and drenched myself. I think I learned my lesson.

Summer Season

2009-06-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a busy season in your life? I am in one now. I think I might be emerging. Having time to blog is a sign. To start back (hopefully) I thought I'd give a quick update around the homeplace. My mother has taken on the cabin bathroom as a project. It has never had indoor plumbing and our guests have had to either use the outhouse (seen through the above window) or walk over to our house. As our home is still not finished, adding a bathroom to the cabin was pretty far down on our list. But this spring Mom decided it was time. It has been functioning for the past few months. After last weekend and the hours of work Mom and Larry put into it, only a few touches remain.

As I walked around yesterday afternoon with my camera in hand, it has been a while, I snapped a few pictures.
Why this site caught my attention, I do not know. It just looked very "country" to me. This is our BB gun we keep ready and loaded on the porch to shoot the chickens when they decide to venture up. Don't worry they aren't hurt, just scared. They have learned the click of a BB being loaded and the pump of the lever. They take off before you can even raise the gun to your eye. I'm smarter. I leave it ready to shoot.
My husband. Bless his heart. He has an eye for junk. We have a collection of rusted antiques (that's a nice way of saying junk). Two wagon wheels, an old grass cutter, a tractor seat, I don't understand the affinity for unusable items.

Marriage.
Blending two different personalities to create a unique one.
And the two shall become one.

I wonder who the rusty old wagon wheel is? and who gets to be the flower? Hmmm?

this is savannah

2009-05-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

We were coming home from school when we saw Mom on the road, she was stopped. Then our bus driver let us off. We saw the cat in the car sticking his head out. So when we got in the car we saw he was climbing all over the place . After a while the cat made a funny sound. Then Mom opened the window and the cat came over and tried to get out. Mom gave him to me and put her window to where he could not get out. He went back over to Mom and put his front paws up on the window. I quickly got the camera out and took a picture. After a little while we started playing with him. When we got home he was so happy to get out.

this is savannah

2009-03-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

This is Dad coming in from working. He has been sick for about two days, but he is back out in his Jeep going to the neighbors to help with the garden. He asked if we wanted to come with him mom said she was not up for it. so we stayed .and now mom is the one sleeping.

Spring Break

2009-03-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Momma's Spring Break.

this is savannah's spring break

2009-03-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is our spring break. I am under the umbrella and Blake is on the cot. Commander is in the back ground. Toby is on the cot with Blake. After a while we saw some leaves come from the ground it looked as if they were a small tornado.

this is savannah what i did this mornig

2009-03-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I cooked waffles. and I burnt my elbow.It was not easy to cook waffles because Blake wanted me to play with him so I was cooking and playing at the same time. but I was too rambunctious and that is how I burnt myself .But we are all calm.the nice calm fire is going.and Blake is playing with his dominoes quietly dad is playing on the computer and mom is taking a shower .

this is savannah what i did today

2009-03-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today my mom cleaned my room. She also rearranged my room and we went to the Oark store and had some hamburgers my sister came to with her baby. Silas and Blake were playing with his play guns I was playing like the bad guy so they could shoot me Silas would start laughing when Blake shoot me

Ice

2009-02-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

We were very fortunate this past week. There were a few icicles, a few mornings with slick roads and we lost power for about a day and a half. Many are still without power. The above picture is of the Little Mulberry a few miles down the road. Notice the ice line on the mountain behind. We were just a few hundred feet shy of the ice.

To get to town from our home the road climbs up and over a mountain, I wish I knew the elevation, locally known as Yarbrough Mountain. Thankfully the roads were clear of ice, but the trees told a different story. It was quite a sight.
The power lines had icicles 3 and 4 inches long. Not quite as impressive as some I've seen on the news but pretty cool for this south Texas girl.
The sound of this sight was the sound of a gentle constant rain. As the ice was melting it dripped and occasionally dropped large chunks that hit the road and car. We all screamed and giggled when we would get nailed by an ice bomb.

The Conclusion

2009-01-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

All three arrived safely this afternoon at 5:00 (Rex, Buddy, and the car). They drove for 12 hours yesterday and stayed overnight in Knoxville, TN. Today was a 10 1/2 hour drive to the Little Mulberry. So now we know how long it would take if ever we wanted to take off and drive to the Big City. I think I'll fly.

I was corrected today about "The Sequel." This is the third Ebay cross country trip for the guys. The true sequel took place a year or two following the original. It too was for a sailboat. It's location was Ohio. I believe the sailboat still lives at Buddy's.

I love my car! It is truly in good condition. The kids and I took it for a test drive after the guys crawled out from behind the wheel. They were stiff and red-eyed. Here they are resting after a home cooked pork chop supper. They were asleep at 7:30.

Rex and Buddy's Ebay Adventure: The Sequel

2009-01-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

The original Ebay Adventure took place 5 years ago. Rex and Buddy drove from Texas to Oregon to claim a sailboat Buddy "won" on Ebay. The result was a dissapointment. The merchandise didn't live up to their expectations, and so they returned emptyhanded. But with a great story to tell.
The Sequel began this weekend. We bought, or made a commitment to buy, a Rav 4 located in NYC. The drive was farther than we had planned but the deal was too good to be true. I know, I know, if something is too good to be true, it probably isn't. We did it anyway. Much to my dismay the obvious choice for fetcher was Rex. I had to stay, and who else to join the fetch than Buddy. So Rex and Buddy left the mountain Tuesday afternoon in front of the ice storm headed our way. Thankfully their flight left on time Wednesday morning out of Little Rock. However there were delays in transit and they arrived in NYC 12 hours late. I waited for the phone call this morning to let me know if the car was a real deal. And the official/initial report is, it is. Rex called at 10am central time. He and Buddy were in the car, well pleased, and on their way out of NYC. Buddy is driving and his TomTom is navigating. I'll keep you updated....

The Freshman

2009-01-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's me...a freshman. I am officially in my second week of school. It is so much more fun this time. I love being the oldest in my class. I love watching the young kids walk around in their stylish clothes and matching hair styles. I love being mistaken for a professor (when I wear my pearls). And I love that the class work isn't as challenging as I remember it. My most difficult class is Algebra, and so far I am able to keep up.

I am working very hard at impersonating my professors and teachers for my family and friends. What interesting characters they are. This also makes me wonder how my future students will impersonate me. I think I can take it.

I am not working very hard at homework. Up to now my only class that gives regular homework is Algebra. Which brings me to the muffins, or as we call them, fuffins (Savannah's word for them when she was little).

I am bored! This staying at home by myself is not for me. With the kids in school the house is so quiet. What was I to do? Homework was done, taxes were done, my to do list was all scratched out. I decided it was time to start going through all the frozen fruit from last year. It won't be long before it's time to start picking again, and I can't wait. I missed gardening last year because we spent the growing season in Ireland. We were able to get spring produce. The blueberries for the muffins were picked by Savannah and I at a local farm and the fuffins are yummy!

Hiking Around

2009-01-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Friday I spent the day with my neighbor enjoying my last day of "retirement" (before I become a full time college student on Monday). We drove north to hike down to the King's River Falls area. Our first stop was Spokeplant school. This is one of the few one room schools around here still standing. Our 81 year old neighbor has some great stories about going to school here. It's sad to see the schools falling. Maybe one day someone will restore them and find a use for them.

We enjoyed the smooth ride of pavement for about 50 feet when we crossed over highway 16. Back on dirt, we met some curious cows. They stared and stood their ground.
The trail down to the falls has been newly constructed. It's a beautiful hike along King's River and the falls are a treat at the end. We had our lunch listening to the water. I dreamed of diving off the rock into the pool below, but I'll save that for a warm summer's day.

Belated Christmas

2009-01-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

After all the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season I can look back and honestly say, "I had fun." I do normally forget to enjoy the time and let the worries and stresses get to me. We had a fairly quiet Christmas. Our Eve and Day were spent here at home, just us, with a quick trip to town to visit Rex's parents. The day after we drove north to celebrate with his daughters and families. The following day we began to fill our home, as is the norm around here on the holidays. We had a full house for the next week, our population was at 12, with one bathroom. But we all survived and had fun. I wish I had pictures of the 3rd annual New Year's Eve pig roast, it was a great party. Full of music, laughs, and of course pig. My brother designed shirts for the event. Aren't they cool? (One day I will sit down with enough patience and figure out how to arrange pictures correctly on Blogger, for now please forgive my unorganized placement of my pictures.)

By Candlelight

2008-12-17T05:53:00.001-08:00

Over the last few days we've lost electricity a few times. Here's what we did one evening without power. Although the kids have been out of school for 3 days I have no pretty winter pictures to show, we seem to have missed most of the precipitation here on our hill.

2008-12-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Commander has become quite vocal. More so for Rex than anyone else. Even though I am the one who brings him his sweet feed in the evenings. He only gives me a little smoker's laugh, while Rex gets the true donkey call. No I'm not bitter. :)

Snow Day?

2008-12-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

The kids were out of school today. I have to admit it is an early snow but it didn't seem very treacherous. I hope this is a sign of things to come. I am still hoping for our first big snow. We haven't seen more than a few inches.

Copperhead Cave

2008-11-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

Monday a group of us drove north to Copperhead Cave. The entrance is a small hole in the ground in a dry creek bed. Easy to miss if you don't know what you are looking for. Entering and exiting requires ropes. It's about a 30 foot drop once you squeeze through the opening. Inside is a stream, occasional pools and beautiful formations. We spent nearly 4 hours making our way to the end and back. Supposedly there is more to explore but it requires squeezing through about a 10 inch crevice. We didn't attempt.

He's here

2008-11-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

Commander was delivered yesterday. We were a bit anxious about letting him out into the fenced in area. But he is doing great so far. He's very tame and allowing us all to pet him.

Glory Hole

2008-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

There is a truly magnificent place about 23 miles north of us. The Glory Hole. Dismal Creek is a small stream that gently makes is way down through the mountains. At one point the stream comes to a rock ledge. And instead off flowing over the edge it has eroded its way through the rock. The result is a round hole through the rock ledge and a waterfall that runs through it. Today my neighbors Lisa and Art joined me on a hike down to visit this unforgettable place. Water levels are low around here but a slight trickle was still flowing.

Sick Day

2008-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

Blake woke early this morning with a 102 temperature. After rearranging my planned schedule for the day I looked forward to spending the day close to home and crossing off numerous items on my to-do list. I think I changed out of my pajamas around noon, finally went outside an hour after that and took a 45 minute nap. I did get one item crossed off my list, cleaning out the deep freeze for all the deer meat Rex was bringing home from town. After tucking in the kids this evening I finally realized what a blessing this day was. The to-do list remains, but the did list includes: snuggling, taking pictures, giggling, loosing a tooth, reading together, practicing flips, napping, etc.

Just Another Monday

2008-11-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

Rex roused early this morning to get ready for work. Instead of khakis and a button-down shirt, he pulled on thermals, jeans, boots, and topped off with the familiar orange that is so prevalent this time of year. Instead of a laptop, cell phone, or any other electronic, he threw his rifle over his shoulder. His commute was a 10 minute walk down a trail leading from our house to his office, a 12 foot high tree stand made of cedar wood. After an hour and half of work he came back with his paycheck.