I just read that we are what we have lived with . . .
No wonder I am so screwed up!

Rainy days and rainy nights - so damn depressing!

When life throws you curve balls,
remember to get out of the way!

Being nice ain't working - I'm gonna be myself!
Some people need to think before they speak.

Needed - little arms around my neck and one big strong young man arm!

Saying goodbye to my 2:00 am rooster
Blessings to the new owners!

I went to a funeral a couple of weeks ago for a man in our community.  I really don't remember much about him, but his children are or once were an important part of my life.  I consider this man's son and his wife an uncle and aunt.  The two middle children are there on the edge of my memory, but nothing memorial about our relationship.  The youngest was my first playmate at the age of around 3 or 4.

Living in the country in the 50s was a lonely existence, especially for small children.  Things changed as we got older, but our nearest neighbor was one mile away and my playmate was two miles away.  Our mother's got us together when they could and even though I don't remember much about our play I do remember the friend.  Her parents split before the start of school - their divorce was another first for me.  So I didn't run into my friend again until junior high school.  I was a little taken aback that she seemed not to know me.  This continued through high school.

At the funeral I realized she really didn't remember me in school.  As I walked up to offer my condolences, I advised she probably wouldn't remember me, but . . .  Her response was of course I remember you!  You were my first playmate and I haven't seen you in 55 years.  Well, that explains it - through the last 6 years in school, she didn't know who I was and didn't remember.

Finding old friends is such an eye opener!

Happy reading!
Belle

Root Crops

Did you know onions are to be planted on the "dark of the moon"?  Well, Monday is the day and my sets are ready to go!  Can't wait for sweet onion slices on big fat hamburgers!

Potatoes, red and russet, will go in the ground on in Monday also.  It will be a busy day!  Those little eyes are "scabbing"  over right now.  The scabbing process helps ensure healthy eyes that don't rot once in the ground.  Potatoes take around 90 to 120 days to mature so I will probably get in two crops this year.  I just love these early springs, but I am not foolish enough to start above ground crops as yet.  I do believe we might have a frost or two before this winter is officially over.

I did get my greens planted last week and can already taste those fresh turnip greens and a large slice of cornbread, but the pot lickker is this best part.

Until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, to the garden I do go!

A taste of Spring - intoxicating!

Greener Grass

I have six new chickens.  Five of these young ladies are barred rock and the other is a game lady.  Very curious and easy going, these ladies follow me around the pen checking out my every move.  Today was cleaning day for the outside pen.  Raking the old straw and feathers, hauling them to the garden plot and checking the wire on the pen is a half day job.  Of course, I spend a good bit of that time visiting with the ladies and listening to their complaints most of which relate to the demanding Roscoe (my number one rooster) and his two side kicks which I haven't named.  They are true ladies as their complaints do not vary too far afield from the complaints I hear from friends about their significant others.

I am learning these new ladies personalities so I may name them appropriately.  Each one is unique.  Today my favorite earned the name of Jasmine - the wandering vine.  As I was exiting the barn, Miss Jasmine slipped right between my legs.  Frustrated at having to stop my project I chased her around the corner of the pen where low and behold she ran right into the coyote trap.  She is pacing and fuming as she is now contained without food and water while her compatriots are happily playing and eating bread crumbs and seeds.  Perfectly safe, she can wait for hubby to come in and relieve her of the stress of being confined in an even smaller environment. 

So it is with us humans.  We long to be free to roam uninhibited, yet most of the time we jump from the pot into the fire.  Never content with our lot in life, we struggle to find something more.  Most of the time we don't realize that even though the grass looks greener in the next pasture, it got that way because of all the fertilizer.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Knowledge is gained from books . . .
Wisdom gained from living . . .
Neither apply to fools.

Skating Party

Six years old - the first memorable milestone of any little girl.  Boys, they could care less, but to little girls it is the leaving of babyhood - finally.  A party at the perfect venue - the skating rink!  Friends and family gathered to celebrate.  Everyone having a great time with much laughter, visiting, skating and just plain fun.  Two hours into the party, the group is told they have to leave.  A miscommunication or greediness on the part of the owner?  A party from 3:00 to 7:00 was booked and now at 5:00 everyone was being hurried out.  No one was advised of the change until we were told to leave.  Did they double book?  Did they book a private party after the other parties were booked?  If so, a phone call would have saved a lot of grief!

A hurt little girl, an angry Mom and confused guests - a birthday party ruined and an important birthday at that! 

This was my first trip to the Griffin Skate Inn and will probably be my last.  A lot of anger and upset could have easily been avoided if we had been advised on arrival that the party would be cut short.  Waiting until "clear out" time to let all the parties know of the time change was rude and uncalled for.  Yes, there were at least four parties being held that afternoon.  I can understand needing the $200 gained by adding a private party in the middle of the afternoon, but only if the time was not previously allotted.  This move was bad business practice and also bad for business.

Spencer's Skating Rink, now closed, was the place for our parties and many nights out for skating.  Hopefully someone will re-open the old rink to give some healthy competition to the Griffin Skate Inn.  I sure hope so as I cannot see any of our party returning to do business with the Griffin Skate Inn.

Two more chickens killed last Thursday - Matilda is all I have left of my layers.  The game roosters even went in the barn looking for cover.  They are safe for now, but when will that old dog find another way into the pen.  Yes, it was dogs - hubby caught them in the act.  Went to the sale on Friday, but couldn't stay.  I raised most of these from chicks and they will be hard to replace, but replace them I will - just not right now.

Sun Bonnets

I am having so much fun making sun bonnets.  Summer is right around the corner and since the garden will be calling or rather demanding my attention, I knew I needed a new hat to keep that sun off my face and neck no to mention my tender head.  I found a pattern and made a sample.  I am known for remaking a pattern, so I cut out another added a piece or two and tucked and gathered until I was satisfied.  Now my granddaughters want a bonnet like Nanna's so I have cut another pattern - downsized and revised - and have made a couple of them for the girls.  Today I have cut out two more an adult and a child's to match.  I found some medium weight felt I am going to try in the brim and see if it holds as well as the muslin.  I tried poly fill, but it didn't work as well for me as I like a tailored look and the poly was a bit too fluffy.  These are so easy to make with only two main pieces and then the ties and the carrier.  A little sewing, gathering and threading and you have a bonnet.  I am planning a black satin just for the effect and I found some beautiful turkey feathers I may add to the brim.

After I wear these little hats a few times, I will be adjusting and revising again as needed for comfort and fit and in no time I will have developed my perfect bonnet.  Can't wait for all the girls to try theirs so I can tell what needs to be changed or revised. 

Next on my list is an old fashion garden apron with large pockets for gathering veggies and herbs and to carry my hand tools.  I am on a roll for now.  I can go years with sewing a stitch but when the mood hits I go like crazy. 

Berets were my object of interest last week and I made three in as many days.  I have some thoughts for these little jewels also.  They are so simple to make, especially for the girls.  The only problem is they grow so fast the beret doesn't fit for long.  Luckily there is little fabric and even less time in constructing these toppers.

I am contemplating making some fancy kitchen aprons.  Does anyone wear aprons anymore?  Um-m-m, something to think about.  But, hats have been on my mind lately.  I feel warm with a fuzzy hat on my head and have always gotten so much joy out of the wearing.  I will try to post some pics with instructions when I get my revisions done.

I am getting back to my sewing now, so until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Catch up two

My heart has taken a beating this week.  A varmint of some kind killed seven of my chickens on Sunday and then another chicken on Monday.  I could have cried.  It would have been one thing if it was a varmint looking for food, but only one leg of a chicken was eaten, the rest were killed just for fun which leads me to believe that it may have been a domesticated animal.  I know we have fox and coyotes around so I can't be sure.  Hubby did put a cage trap out, but so far it remains empty.

I have endured much teasing and fun about my chickens and that is okay.  They were pets to me as well as providing food.  Matilda is the only pet I have left and she is running scared.  The three round heads are not open to human touch and are by nature a skittish bird.  They will automatically go to the roost when approached which is probably why they are still alive.  The others were caught in the outside pen and slaughtered.

They will all be replaced, but until we catch the killer the 4 remaining will have to be content with each other. 

There are seven cardinals at the feeder today fighting over a spot at the seed.  Is this a sign of colder weather coming our way?  Will all this water that's falling freeze overnight?  Even the forecasters are unsure about the front headed our way.  Oh how I am ready for those warm temps once again!

Burned the garden spot off yesterday and took care of some pruning.  The Althea had gotten out of control and it really got whacked.  Cleaned the hydrangeas out - removing all the dead stuff and old growth.  Plan to split some of my stock that has really gotten thick and overgrown.  I would like to put in some dahlias this year and will have to decide soon so I can get them in the ground. 

I have been absorbed in the tales of the Sisterchicks and these stories are so uplifting.  Take a minute to read one of their adventures it will brighten your day.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Don't let things become more important than people

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

The economy picked up drastically over the last few days as metereologist once again predicted a winter wonderland filled with 5-7 inches of the fluffy white stuff.  Colonial and Sunbeam were the expected winners with Nature's Own running closely in third place.  Mayfield Dairies had a whopping increase in sales reported.  The little ones were sorely disappointed in the texture of the white blanket covering the area as the ice was cold wet and would not mold itself into a snow man no matter what tricks were used. 

Insurance companies breathed a sigh of relief when drivers decided to stay at home in the warmth of their homes.  The $3+ a gallon for the gas contributed greatly to the lack of traffic and the unusual use of good sense by drivers. 

It is reported that children are in revolt due to the inability to get Big Macs and Wendy's double stacks and are refusing to eat peanut butter on plain white bread.  However, these same children have found a new favorite drink - milk!  Hopefully the stores have restocked as it has been announced that local schools will be closed again tomorrow.

Time for

January and February are pretty much a time of rest and preparation for us gardeners.  The weather is much to cold to plant anything except onions and asparagus (I don't fool with rhubarb and that is the other garden plant ready to go in at this time).  A point of trivia - asparagus and rhubarb are the only perennial garden plants.The ground is still frozen or will be in the near future.  My "Blum's" almanac advises to get the garden spots ready for the planting season.  Having already done that, I think I will just continue to enhance the mulch and add a few more buckets of ash - spread evenly of course over the whole of the garden area.  I have already trimmed the slender stalks of the asparagus and probably should add a few crowns this year, but I think I am going to stick with the dozen planted last year. 

I have some transplanting of the Chandelier Cactus.  The small little flowers took root and I have 3 fish bowls to divide and share.  I have found that the small glass containers from candles make wonderful little terrariums and the tender little plants thrive in the glass jars.  I can easily monitor the moisture in the soil through the glass so I don't over water so easily and as many know it is easy to do with starter plants.  Nothing is more discouraging than to have beautiful healthy plants one day and droopy soggy ones the next.  Thanks to sis I have a good supply of jars and will get on this project soon. 

The chickens are set for the cold days of January and February except for their daily feed and water.  I will continue gathering eggs until mid to late February when I will attempt to get one or two of my hens to brood. Essie usually is the first to sit and hopefully she won't let me down this year. 

The wandering turkey has taken roost and calls this home.  He has been here for about 4 weeks and is not contained, so he can come and go as he pleases, but has made no effort to leave.  Still beautiful, Mr. Tom would love to get in the pen with the chickens.  He is a big eater and if not fed by 3:30 every day, he comes to the house to find me so his gullet can be filled.  Very demanding he will gobble until I come out to feed him and practically pushes me to the barn.  I heard him drum for the first time this week.  I think that was a sign of aggressiveness and impatience with my slovenness.

As always with this time of year the mood to sew has hit.  I don't have a clue what I will end up with, but my girls seem to like the Mu Mus I wear around the house, so that will definitely be one project.  I also love jumpers and aprons for little girls.  nothing dresses up a tee shirt and pair of jeans like a dressy jumper.  They are also warm and serviceable over turtlenecks paired with tights and as mothers know kids don't enjoy wearing fussy clothes even though they love to feel dressed up.  I have a tendency to sew for comfort, so in the winter it is warm and cuddly clothes and the summer calls for cool and light.  My grandson loses out on the sewing, as I have tried but fail to be able to get interested in making shirts and trousers for guys.  It is pure laziness on my part due to all the extra facings and other parts needed for the nice tailored look I so like on the male.  I guess I could make him a set of scrubs and hope he will take an interest in medicine, but for now he will have to do without.

I have noticed a trend for children to wear tights rather than knee socks.  I loved my knee socks when I was young, but I think it was because it covered my scarred and bruised legs - tomboy that I was, I kept cuts, scratches and bruises all the time.  To me the thick socks seemed warmer and were perfect with my penny loafers or oxfords, but I have to agree that tights are a bit dressier and do better under those cute little dresses and jumpers. 

What happened to cords?  It is hard to find corduroy for women and children.  They are a few trousers for men, but the trend to corduroy has gone with the wind and it is one of the warmer and more stylish of the winter fabrics.  Hopefully it will make a comeback, but I have noticed that more and more manufacturers and designers are going for the denim or knit for trousers and slacks.

I still have a stack of books to read.  Tom Clancy's Clear and Present Danger has kept me occupied this week.  Finished it last night and it was a really good read.  Clancy paints a picture with every chapter and takes the time to develop each and every character so the reader is not left to wonder as to the purpose of the character as the story line comes together.  Educational in many ways due to the detailed descriptions of actions and scenes throughout the book and his stories always make me think.  I enjoy his stories.

Must get to work so until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle