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

Contentment

What a wonderful Christmas season! Get togethers are so much fun when egos are left at home. For our family the focus was on the little ones and they really put on a show! Each of the children were not only excited by their own gifts, they were excited for their brothers, sisters, and cousins. They laughed, shared, and played - gleeful as wished for and each brought a smile to our faces.

We are a female dominate family with five girls and four boys, but on Christmas Eve there were four girls and one boy and he quickly learned he was definitely outnumbered. However, with the grace and charm of a true gentleman, he fell right in with the girls, depending on Dad and uncles when he needed support.

Mom and Dad did not get too tired but were more than ready for us to clear out and give them their quiet. Dad got a real laugh over the suspenders that Mom gave him and there was a gleam in his eye when he opened box after box of his favorite candy - peanut brittle. Mom seemed a little confused as her gift pile mounted, but did so with a smile on her face. My Mother has always been the big giver in the family and a much appreciated one at that. This year with her limited mobility and lack of stamina, she assured that all had a gift, but could not manage to shop as diligently as she once could. Ah-h-h! The benefits of getting older. I am not a shopper!

The older boys were told they had to get under the piano to open their presents as through the years, that is where they would hide, knowing that Mom had purchased them all underwear and socks. Getting under the piano to open a present has become a favorite joke that the little ones still don't understand.

As the little ones got tired and fussy still thinking of Santa to come, as the big ones dreamed of pajamas and bed, we all quietly slipped away so Nanny and Pa could rest. I am so blessed to have such a loving and compassionate family. God has blessed us with his love and given us the joy of living along with the contentment gained from both.

As we look forward to the coming year, I wish for peace, joy and contentment for everyone. May God bless each heart with forgiveness, understanding, and compassion for our fellow man.

Happy reading!

Belle