A year and a half of news - how could I go so long without sharing my thoughts. Says a lot about my state of mind. Much loss, too much heart break, in my life in that year and a half. How do people worm their way into your life and then just pull out - no goodbyes, no hugs, nothing - just gone.
In August of last year my brother-in-law did just that! He was my friend and he died without even a good bye. In October a dear friend of many years lay dead at her computer while we waited on her at the Tea House. Just gone - no goodbyes, no "Love you", nothing. November brought the deadly stroke that started the illnesses that took my Father in January. Then another friend in June. In July Mother had two major blockages repaired and I am convinced they were from a broken heart. It is so hard when nothing brings joy to the broken hearted - the ones you love.
Some days my heart hurts with the missing of these family and friends and some days I laugh with joy at my memories. That is the way I want to be remembered - with joy and laughter!
Then a miracle was born in June and my heart starting melting and came out of shock. God knows our needs better than we do and he knows what we are going through every day. My fourth granddaughter was born bringing much joy and happiness. The birth of this child reminded me that life will go on - we have no control over God's plans for each and every one of us.
Now on to the present and the future with joy in our hearts!
About my little farm - out of 34 yard birds, I have 10 left (9 hens and 1 rooster). I am on the verge of transferring them to my daughter's farm as they have become very demanding and hard to handle. The coyotes and hawks have killed off most of my feathered friends and the snakes (removed two in one day from the laying box) and opossums (we trapped 6 in one week) are getting more eggs than I am getting. I think next Spring I will start over with a new batch and see how I manage. With no food here, maybe the varmints will move on to greener pastures. I have acquired a beautiful Land Shun that will be hard to part with.
It has been a hot summer here in central Georgia. One of the wettest springs that I can remember, but when the rain left it left for weeks. Even my rosemary dried on its own. The hibiscus is droopy and woody and the blooms have fallen off without opening. What the weather hasn't killed, the chickens have and they have enjoyed a wonderful crop of tomatoes while I had none!
Thanks for visiting and remember to Keep Smiling!
Belle
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
2011 Year End
Over this past year I have blogged about the things going on in my life - my chickens, rabbits, garden, pets, cooking, sewing - just a little of everything. So doing a recap isn't really necessary.
It has been a good year with all its ups and downs. Hubby and I are healthy and able to function and as we get older that pretty much says it all. Hubby has now lost about 80 pounds which is a big plus and I have gained about 8 (all while what I consider dieting). "Mama always said" it would all catch up with me - for so many years I weighed 112 pounds and at 5'8" I was really thin! It didn't happen at 40 like "Mama always said," but it did happen! I feel the aches and pains of the good times of my life and the bad times of my life. I make no excuses - I am what I am and God loves me even though I am not perfect.
I started the year trying to increase my chicken flock. I hatched and babied those little balls of fluff for weeks. I had 32 biddies for a while, then the dogs came and demolished about half. then the snakes came and demolished the other half. Sick at heart I replaced the little ones with lovely Barred Rocks. These ladies are so gentle and loving and fit right in to our little flock. Matilda, my old Rhode Island Red hen, accepted them aboard while maintaining her position as the head of the pecking order.
I have a special pair of Grays that are so beautiful. I hatched them and raised them separately from the rest of the flock. I will lose the beautiful rooster this week when he goes to the sale barn. The rooster's name is Ming Ming and the hen is Tuck. The oldest granddaughter named them as soon as they hatched and even though the sexes don't reflect the names - it is what it is. Ming Ming tried to flog the older of the youngest granddaughter last week and then yesterday tried to flog the youngest granddaughter. Ming Ming is too young as yet to have dangerous spurs, but his spurs are rapidly growing and with his temperment, he has to go. The grandchildren love to play outside and I won't tolerate an agressive animal.
In the Spring, the oldest granddaughter decided she wanted a rabbit, so hubby added not one but three to the menagerie. Lost one of those within two weeks but replace her with a fostor from Atlanta that was someone's pet. Now down to two and they run loose in the barn and are very content until the neighbors dogs come snooping. I really wish people would raise their pets not to get into other peoples business.
I had a fruitful early garden and filled the freezer up while enjoying all the fresh vegetables throughout the summer. I don't can much anymore, but may have to reconsider with the coming season. Hubby has already turned loads of leaves and mulch back into the soil in anticipation of the upcoming planting season.
The youngest granddaughters and I planted trash can potatoes, but we waited a little too long to plant and only harvested a couple of handfuls of small spuds. They will be great with a pot of green beans though, so all is not lost and the experiment was good for us all. Plan to try the trash can pototoes again in early March.
This fall has brought my deer back. They enjoy the huge acorn crop we have behind the house and will graze on the nuts for at least an hour a day and sometime longer. I manged to get some good pictures of them last week and where there were only three, a new beauty joined them. One day and young buck stepped in to enjoy the fare. I cringe every time I hear a shot behind the house, as I fear a hunter as downed one of my babies.
I retired this year and was happy to do so. I really enjoy staying at home and diddling with my cooking, sewing, animals, and garden. I could keep working and Hubby and I could stash the dollars toward future travel, but I watch so many that save and save and then are unable to do the things they saved to do. I wrote about my cataract sugery in an earlier blog, but I am still pleased with my much improved sight.
I spend loads of time with my youngest granddaughters and enjoy every minute. I am bowled over by my oldest grand children every time they visit. Living north of Atlanta, I only see them every six weeks or so and they change so fast. Phone calls are just not the same. They are both so bright and talented!
My parents are aging fast and it hurts my heart to see them struggle to perform even the most routine tasks. They were both so active and energetic during their younger years.
I experienced losses and gaines during the year which is part of living. I have seen new little ones come into the world, couples pledging solemn vows to each other before God, and have seen close friends and family lose the ones they love. I have contemplated the whys of life and am still uncertain that I have accomplished what I am suppose to accomplish.
Cleaning is calling, so until next time . . .
Happy New Year and
Happy reading!
Belle
It has been a good year with all its ups and downs. Hubby and I are healthy and able to function and as we get older that pretty much says it all. Hubby has now lost about 80 pounds which is a big plus and I have gained about 8 (all while what I consider dieting). "Mama always said" it would all catch up with me - for so many years I weighed 112 pounds and at 5'8" I was really thin! It didn't happen at 40 like "Mama always said," but it did happen! I feel the aches and pains of the good times of my life and the bad times of my life. I make no excuses - I am what I am and God loves me even though I am not perfect.
I started the year trying to increase my chicken flock. I hatched and babied those little balls of fluff for weeks. I had 32 biddies for a while, then the dogs came and demolished about half. then the snakes came and demolished the other half. Sick at heart I replaced the little ones with lovely Barred Rocks. These ladies are so gentle and loving and fit right in to our little flock. Matilda, my old Rhode Island Red hen, accepted them aboard while maintaining her position as the head of the pecking order.
I have a special pair of Grays that are so beautiful. I hatched them and raised them separately from the rest of the flock. I will lose the beautiful rooster this week when he goes to the sale barn. The rooster's name is Ming Ming and the hen is Tuck. The oldest granddaughter named them as soon as they hatched and even though the sexes don't reflect the names - it is what it is. Ming Ming tried to flog the older of the youngest granddaughter last week and then yesterday tried to flog the youngest granddaughter. Ming Ming is too young as yet to have dangerous spurs, but his spurs are rapidly growing and with his temperment, he has to go. The grandchildren love to play outside and I won't tolerate an agressive animal.
In the Spring, the oldest granddaughter decided she wanted a rabbit, so hubby added not one but three to the menagerie. Lost one of those within two weeks but replace her with a fostor from Atlanta that was someone's pet. Now down to two and they run loose in the barn and are very content until the neighbors dogs come snooping. I really wish people would raise their pets not to get into other peoples business.
I had a fruitful early garden and filled the freezer up while enjoying all the fresh vegetables throughout the summer. I don't can much anymore, but may have to reconsider with the coming season. Hubby has already turned loads of leaves and mulch back into the soil in anticipation of the upcoming planting season.
The youngest granddaughters and I planted trash can potatoes, but we waited a little too long to plant and only harvested a couple of handfuls of small spuds. They will be great with a pot of green beans though, so all is not lost and the experiment was good for us all. Plan to try the trash can pototoes again in early March.
This fall has brought my deer back. They enjoy the huge acorn crop we have behind the house and will graze on the nuts for at least an hour a day and sometime longer. I manged to get some good pictures of them last week and where there were only three, a new beauty joined them. One day and young buck stepped in to enjoy the fare. I cringe every time I hear a shot behind the house, as I fear a hunter as downed one of my babies.
I retired this year and was happy to do so. I really enjoy staying at home and diddling with my cooking, sewing, animals, and garden. I could keep working and Hubby and I could stash the dollars toward future travel, but I watch so many that save and save and then are unable to do the things they saved to do. I wrote about my cataract sugery in an earlier blog, but I am still pleased with my much improved sight.
I spend loads of time with my youngest granddaughters and enjoy every minute. I am bowled over by my oldest grand children every time they visit. Living north of Atlanta, I only see them every six weeks or so and they change so fast. Phone calls are just not the same. They are both so bright and talented!
My parents are aging fast and it hurts my heart to see them struggle to perform even the most routine tasks. They were both so active and energetic during their younger years.
I experienced losses and gaines during the year which is part of living. I have seen new little ones come into the world, couples pledging solemn vows to each other before God, and have seen close friends and family lose the ones they love. I have contemplated the whys of life and am still uncertain that I have accomplished what I am suppose to accomplish.
Cleaning is calling, so until next time . . .
Happy New Year and
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Winter brings out my creativity. Housebound and staying close to the fire, I have been steadily making berets for my girls. Last night I decided to try a sun bonnet for the upcoming gardening season and I am very pleased with the results - if I could only find a way to put cool air in the crown to keep it a bit cooler. See, we are never happy - when we are cold, we long for warmth and when we are hot, we long for cool air. My new projects have brought me a lot of joy and I have loads of new ideas for hat projects for both summer and winter. I also hope to make the girls some sundresses and jumpers if I can make myself get to it. I love jumpers on little girls - plain or ruffly they are so feminine and little girly.
My grandchildren from the north finally dug out of the snow and travelled south for a visit. We had a great time and spent some bonding time together. I think my heart can rest now for another few weeks when they return. It isn't only my northern grandchildren that drives me to the brink, but the two that live only 5 miles away cause my heart great turmoil when I don't get a visit for a couple of weeks. They grow and mature so fast I feel I am missing something very important during the time we are apart. Yes, I am addicted to being a grandmother.
The full moon was especially pretty last night. The air was clear and crisp and the moon beams were extra sparkly. I like to think it was due to the outpouring of love in our little community. We lost two young girls this week, both due to tragic accidents. For a change the people of our town expressed kindness and sympathy rather than the hateful attitudes normally displayed. The loss of two so young is hard to understand, but God is so much wiser. Knowing he has a plan makes the loss just a tad easier but the loss still leaves a yearning in our hearts. I wrote earlier on how my heart aches when my grandchildren are away, but I can not fathom the thought of never seeing them again. My thoughts and prayers have been with the family and friends of these two girls.
We had a wood cutting party this weekend. Some of the men and young men gathered for the felling of the trees. The young men received valuable lessons in the proper way to split wood and everybody that had the desire had a turn. Before the session was over, most were rather proficient at the task and we now have an abundance of wood and some travelled home with those in need. My nephew made the comment that he had never had as much fun cutting wood, so I guess the day was a success. Hubby says we are in for more snow or ice before the winter season is over and I have a feeling he may be correct. I guess I should restock the freezer with soup fixings because when the weather turns bad we focus on keeping warm and feeding our tummies.
I had to threaten my parents over the icy days not to darken the door or even think about it. They have a tendency to think they are still 30 years old and can still get around like spring chickens. Neither can stand very well without support and cannot see more than a foot in front of them, so they were destined for disaster if they had gone out. All went well, however, and they didn't even lose electricity. Dad is already wanting spring to arrive so he can get to the garden. It isn't going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to wish. More and more of his memories are of his childhood at his grandparent's home. It is surprising what he can remember from way back when, but can't remember what he ate for lunch. At 87 I am surprised he remembers anything.
That about catches us up and I really need to get back to my sewing. Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
My grandchildren from the north finally dug out of the snow and travelled south for a visit. We had a great time and spent some bonding time together. I think my heart can rest now for another few weeks when they return. It isn't only my northern grandchildren that drives me to the brink, but the two that live only 5 miles away cause my heart great turmoil when I don't get a visit for a couple of weeks. They grow and mature so fast I feel I am missing something very important during the time we are apart. Yes, I am addicted to being a grandmother.
The full moon was especially pretty last night. The air was clear and crisp and the moon beams were extra sparkly. I like to think it was due to the outpouring of love in our little community. We lost two young girls this week, both due to tragic accidents. For a change the people of our town expressed kindness and sympathy rather than the hateful attitudes normally displayed. The loss of two so young is hard to understand, but God is so much wiser. Knowing he has a plan makes the loss just a tad easier but the loss still leaves a yearning in our hearts. I wrote earlier on how my heart aches when my grandchildren are away, but I can not fathom the thought of never seeing them again. My thoughts and prayers have been with the family and friends of these two girls.
We had a wood cutting party this weekend. Some of the men and young men gathered for the felling of the trees. The young men received valuable lessons in the proper way to split wood and everybody that had the desire had a turn. Before the session was over, most were rather proficient at the task and we now have an abundance of wood and some travelled home with those in need. My nephew made the comment that he had never had as much fun cutting wood, so I guess the day was a success. Hubby says we are in for more snow or ice before the winter season is over and I have a feeling he may be correct. I guess I should restock the freezer with soup fixings because when the weather turns bad we focus on keeping warm and feeding our tummies.
I had to threaten my parents over the icy days not to darken the door or even think about it. They have a tendency to think they are still 30 years old and can still get around like spring chickens. Neither can stand very well without support and cannot see more than a foot in front of them, so they were destined for disaster if they had gone out. All went well, however, and they didn't even lose electricity. Dad is already wanting spring to arrive so he can get to the garden. It isn't going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to wish. More and more of his memories are of his childhood at his grandparent's home. It is surprising what he can remember from way back when, but can't remember what he ate for lunch. At 87 I am surprised he remembers anything.
That about catches us up and I really need to get back to my sewing. Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Be Kind
" Love is patient, love is kind." 1Corinthians 13:4 NIV
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 NIV
"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." 1Thessalonians 5:15 NIV
I have just finished reading several blogs on the news web - Michael Jackson's death, Steve McNair's death, Senator Ensign's affair, Sarah Palin's resignation and several others. People are mean; their observations, opinions, and comments are mean Whether this is brought on by jealousy, envy, hate, fear. discontent or whatever, there are people out there that are just plain mean.
I am not a minister nor a teacher but I was taught that "if you can't say something good about somebody, don't say anything at all." (Thanks Dad) It is astounding to me that people can write comments about people they don't know, about situations without knowing the facts. A Sunday School teacher once told me that females will repeat a rumor without finding out the truth, but a male would not. She may have been correct back then, but she sure is off target now. It doesn't matter the gender, race, educational status or social status - everyone has a nasty comment about everything.
And where did these people come up with this stuff. The accusations, the hate spewing forth, just the plain old meanness reflected in these comments and opinions. No wonder this country is hurting; it is so full of hate it cannot move forward.
Where is our mercy? Who are we to judge?
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful, Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:12-13 NIV
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 NIV
"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." 1Thessalonians 5:15 NIV
I have just finished reading several blogs on the news web - Michael Jackson's death, Steve McNair's death, Senator Ensign's affair, Sarah Palin's resignation and several others. People are mean; their observations, opinions, and comments are mean Whether this is brought on by jealousy, envy, hate, fear. discontent or whatever, there are people out there that are just plain mean.
I am not a minister nor a teacher but I was taught that "if you can't say something good about somebody, don't say anything at all." (Thanks Dad) It is astounding to me that people can write comments about people they don't know, about situations without knowing the facts. A Sunday School teacher once told me that females will repeat a rumor without finding out the truth, but a male would not. She may have been correct back then, but she sure is off target now. It doesn't matter the gender, race, educational status or social status - everyone has a nasty comment about everything.
And where did these people come up with this stuff. The accusations, the hate spewing forth, just the plain old meanness reflected in these comments and opinions. No wonder this country is hurting; it is so full of hate it cannot move forward.
Where is our mercy? Who are we to judge?
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful, Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:12-13 NIV
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