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

First Week of July

The hummingbirds are feeding again, the chicken is off the nest (no chicks, no eggs, no anything - she just left), rain is on the way and my yard is anticipating that rain coming in tonight.

My children (and that means children and grandchildren) spent the weekend with me and I feel restored. I always feel as if something is missing after a few days without seeing some of my children. I see more of my son and his family, but my daughter lives away and it is a special treat when she is with me. She is a balm to my soul. A special gift from God, she is what I wish I could be - practical, compassionate, caring, realistic, independent yet dedicated to her family, trusting, strong in faith - in my eyes, she has it all. But then, I am prejudiced, yet those that know her feel the same way. She and her husband compliment each other so completely.

I enjoyed some beautiful fireworks last night - we went for the grandchildren to enjoy and I don't believe they saw the first one. They sure enjoyed playing on Nanna's truck and visiting with friends. That's okay, I love fireworks. My daughter was born on July 3 and at two years old advised me she didn't want those things at her next birthday. It took many years before she learned to enjoy the magic.

Hubby just came in from the garden. the cut worm we have looked high and low for is no cut worm at all. It is that blasted beautiful rooster pecking my green tomatoes. Who would have thought! Not only do they still the seeds, but the fruit of what is left. At least the problem is identified and I can quit digging through that foliage looking for something that isn't there. We are getting lots of squash, peppers and tomatoes now. I am ready to put in the next round of veggies and hope they make it through the hot part of the summer.

Many people are heading to the beaches, mountains, or somewhere on vacations this week. This is the week I will miss the excitement of Panama City, the beauty of Gulf shores, the waves of Daytona, the tranquility of Jekyll, the exotic Key West, the historical Savannah, the cool mornings and evenings of Townsend, the discoveries of Cades Cove, the wonders of the many caverns of West Virgina, and all the people I meet when visiting these places. But only for a moment. I am so content in my little world, I have not desire to wander. This may change, but for now, this is where I am suppose to be. Travellers - have fun and stay safe.

I am working on my third book and I do believe I will leave it and pursue another experience for my little friend. The ideas are just popping in my head and I am anxious to get back to my writing. My grandchildren are spewing forth ideas faster than I can write and I find myself jotting down ideas for my next segment. The children are growing rapidly and as I listen to them play I can discern the changes developing in their action, reactions and though processes. It is incredible to listen to them play. My books reflect much of their combined personalities and characteristics. I only hope I am doing them justice. They enjoy my stories anyway and are always anxious for the next one. I have found much joy in writing and even though it hasn't paid any bills yet, I am praying it will turn fruitful soon.


Enjoy the vacation week and until next time . . .

Belle