The Inadvertent Farmer

I've got nothin'...but dirty toilets

I stayed up way too late last night editing photos.

I was going to do a charming and heartwarming post all about how wonderful it is to be the only girl surrounded by 4 brothers.

How these brothers will always be there to help and protect their only sister...

How they treat her like the precious treasure she is...

But problem is...

 

I saved every single one of the pictures I was working on in the wrong size...

125 x125 pixels does not a good blog photo make (I usually save them 800 x 800)

And 20 photos in that size does not a good blog post make.

So there you have it...I've got nothin'!

And frankly I have no time to redo them this morning because we're having the memorial for my mil on Friday...at my house... and I still have a million things to do!

Most pressing would be the toilets...the guest bathroom is smelling a bit wonky.

It could be because it is a 3 year old boy has been using it...enough said.

Another fact of having 4 boys...

The toilets always need cleaning!

Summer's Simple Things we Share!

In honor of summer.

In honor of my pledge to slow down.

In honor of my promise to enjoy the very simplest things of summer in their purest forms.

I honor of that all that is good in summertime I am sharing this with you...

What says 'summertime fun' more than a pair of little kid feet covered with newly cut grass?

You know those feet have been running and jumping and wiggling in the grass!

Hubby had just mowed the grass and the kids had discovered it in the wheelbarrow. 

What fun...what a laundry nightmare!

 

The only thing more fun than a pair of child's feet covered with grass would be two!

Two very dirty...

very grassy...

very happy...

pairs of summertime feet!

Pretty sure I won't be getting the bathtub ring off till next winter!

*****

Oh and yes...the big guy LOVES freshly cut grass too! 

In case you were wondering.

 

So here is where you get to share.

What are some simple, fun, summertime things you have been up to?

Do tell...

Engineer vs Artist, Straight vs Curvy, Wide vs Narrow

My hubby and I have been married just over 26 years.

Some would say our personality difference are...well profound. Not me I think we're terribly alike, almost twins.

Except that...

He is methodical, not me so much

He makes lists, not even a grocery list here.

He starts something and doesn't stop till it done. Me? Well if you saw my craft room, or kitchen, or laundry room...you get the picture.

I fly by the seat of my pants...he washes, irons, and then puts his list in his pants pocket before he flies anywhere!

OK...so we're not twins.

To concretely demonstrate the difference between the brain of an engineer type and that of an artist type let me give to you our paths to grandma's house.

One is mowed with a tractor, it is straight down the the hill...directly to its destination.  It is plenty wide as to allow two kids to walk with plenty of room so no elbowing will occur.

The other is narrow and curvy.  I of course being the sensible one chose to mow this with a small hand mower and come to the top of the hill heaving and sweating...

Here are the paths traced out for you...

I'm going to give you a moment to venture a guess as to who did which one.

Insert Jeopardy music...

Did you guess that I did the curvy and he did the straight?  

And while straight wide paths are great for getting to point A to point B and for moving large loads of goods...narrow paths are much more fun for small children to run to grandma's on.  This is of course my personal opinion.

When you have curves you have little bends in the path that are perfect for stopping and taking a rest and picking a flower or two...

And we all know I'm serious about a little leisure time when navigating the steep hills of life...ahem.

So while the straight path may be more direct, more sensible, more to the point...give me the curvy path every day of the week.  And twice on Sunday!

Which brings us to the whole Biblical implications of our paths...

Which I have decided to ignore.

Because that would cause me to have to confront some my own issues.

Which is another thing I avoid...

Like laundry.

Not me...I would never avoid laundry.

Sunday...

Brilliant title huh?

Yes that is just about how sharp I am right now. 

My mother-in-law finally passed away after a valiant fight, it has been quite a month long journey

Since she didn't want a funeral we are doing a brief graveside and then a dinner and get together at our house.

You know the house that is kept by the worst housekeeper in the world...yep that would be me.

So I am frantically cleaning maple syrup off the floors...

Taming dust bunnies big enough to eat Baby Boy...

I actually cleaned spaghetti sauce off the ceiling that my older sons say that had been there since 2004 when they were left home alone....how is it that I had never noticed that?

And while we are at it how did they get spaghetti sauce on the ceiling?

Scratch that last though...I don't want to know.

I am actually trying to clear off the laundry table...send help!

I told hubby today that when the house is all clean in and out, that we were not letting our children back in because they will just mess it up again.

He looked at me and raised his eyebrows...

Do you know what those eyebrows were saying?

"The kids are the least of it...we should not let you back in the house."

I'm just ignored his sarcastic eyebrows...

So I will be a little scattered this week in preparation for this shindig (my mil loved that word)  so bear with me while my posts may be shall we say...

Disjointed and random...

What you say...you mean you're going to write like you always do?

I'm going to ignore that sarcastic remark because...

At least you didn't raise your eyebrows at me!

You can't say I didn't warn ya!

Silent Saturday Daisy Smile

Field Daisy

I'm a pretty little thing,
Always coming with the spring;
In the meadows green I'm found,
Peeping just above the ground,
And my stalk is cover'd flat
With a white and yellow hat.

Little Mary, when you pass
Lightly o'er the tender grass,
Skip about, but do not tread
On my bright but lowly head,
For I always seem to say,
"Surely winter's gone away." 

Ann Taylor

Smile...its summer!

the Friday Funnies, Girl Inverted, Boy upside Down!

Girl right side up...

Girl inverted!

Right side up...

Up side down!

So tell me...

Are you right side up today?

Or is every thing inverted and a little upside down for you?

I am without a doubt...

Must be the full moon or something! 

 

 

kinderGARDENS week 11...we have SUNSHINE and Pigeons!

Sorry for the lateness of the post this morning...I'm having HUGE internet issues!  I haven't even been able to read Pioneer Woman this morning...

I hope this is not a sign of how the whole day will go.

*****

Finally the sun has been out an amazing three days in a row here in the drippy Northwest!  I can almost here the sighs of relief and the lifting of spirits.

Before I get to my garden update I need to introduce you to a couple of new additions to our family.

My 22 year old who works at Lowes called me up earlier this week from work wanting me to look on the internet to see how to feed baby...

Pigeons!

It seems a mama pigeon had hatched out a couple of babies in a box that got moved.  By the time they were found no one knew where the box came from or how to get them back to their mama.

So my bird-lovin' 2nd son brought them home to hand feed.  And since he works full time that leaves the day time feeding to me!

I'm thinkin' we should name them 'ugly' and 'uglier'...

I read somewhere that nature made baby animals so cute that it helped ensure their survival...

Guess they never saw a baby pigeon!

Its a wonder this species survived at all if that were indeed the case...

Then again to a mama pigeon they may be just darling.

To me...not so much!

So every 4 to 5 hours we're doing this...

Mixing formula with warm water, putting it into a feeding syringe and spending the next 30 or so minutes feeding these little ones.

Never a dull moment here on the funny farm!

*****

Now a garden update...and if you are wondering where Sweet Girl is in all these pictures...she was behind the camera for many of them!

We planted grapes in two barrels I had that the bottoms had rotted out.  We planted them on either side of one of the garden gates.

I let the kids pick out some flowers at the store and we planted them around the pomegranate bush.

 

As you can see they have been keeping them very well watered!

We have been harvesting peas, strawberries, raspberries, lettuce and all sorts of greens.  When I go to the garden to pick I take along my lovely basket...it makes me feel like Martha Stewart.

This is what the kids like to harvest in...

Betcha' even Martha has never harvested kale in a popcorn bucket!

So what have you guys been up to this week?

 

 

Please Pass the Peas...Please!

guess what's blooming...

I always eat my peas with honey;

I've done it all my life.

They do taste kind of funny

but it keeps them on my knife!

Please pass the peas please!

My little pea-picker...

which is better than a nose-picker...

not that I have any of those!

I cannot think of anything I look forward to more this time of year than sugar snap peas...

well except maybe strawberries...

but like I've shared before...

I never get to the strawberry patch in time to get any!

So go eat your peas!

You'll be hooked!

Summer's Simple Things a new series

As my quest this summer is to simplify my life I have decided to start a weekly series.  Every Tuesday I'll be sharing one simple things of summer.

Last week it was this...

Swinging...you pretty much can't get more simple than that.

Well except for this!

 

When I was a kid I lived on a street, a typical street with houses down each side.

But I was lucky that the lots directly across the street from us had a small creek that ran through them so no one was allowed to build there.  So every summer these extra deep lots would grow up into a bit grassy field.  And every summer the neighborhood kids would run and play games in the tall grass.

I spent hours in that grass looking up at the sky, playing hide and seek, and sharing secrets with my friends.

A well manicured lawn could never, ever, be that much fun!

My kids are lucky...their house is surrounded on all sides by grassy fields!

Our lake cabin has a field they can play in at 'A Summer Place Farm' next door!

And the only thing better than playing in a field at home is playing in the tall grass along a lovely lake!

If you would like to join my on Tuesdays I would love to have you!  This is a simple series...no giveaways, no prizes.  The activities require no batteries, no USB cables, no fancy props.  Just the simple things that summer has to offer!

Think popcicles dripping down your chin, bike rides at sunset, playing catch, going fishing...you know simple old-fashioned fun!

 

Wait a minute...

Sudden change of rules.

You will be allowed batteries for one thing...but only that one thing.

Yep I almost forgot our cameras take batteries.

So please take your camera along...

With batteries would be nice.

*****

I also wanted to let you all know that

Jacqueline...of Zippy Zippy

has won the copy of

Who Grew My Garden!

email me a

[email protected]

Congrats!

Taking this Perspective Thing a little too far? Not me!

As most people who know me in 'real life' know that I'm NOT an all or nothing kind of chic.

Why be vegetarian when you can be vegan? Not me...

Why go a little organic when you can go all organic and grow it yourself to boot? Not me...

I certainly don't have a hard time seeing gray when most things seem so blatantly black or white?

Why be a little messy when...well you know!  Most definitely not me...I'm an immaculate housekeeper!

So when I decided a while ago to try taking photos from new and interesting perspectives it should not surprise you that I might...or might not...take it a bit too far.

Hmmmm....what?

Is that a baby on your back?

Some needs to run a brush through her hair...maybe some roots could be touched up too!

Yes I was lying on belly in the garden holding my camera over my head facing it backwards trying to point up towards Baby Boy who was sitting on my back playing horsey!

I finally got the camera pointed at the kid and not my neck...

Yes even he thought I was a strange mama...mama, you strwange

Thanks honey, but I am not strange...just hip and experimental!  Artsy even...I am NOT strange!

Yes you are...

No I'm not

Giggle...

Bet if I zoomed in I could see right up his nose...

But then again he is three and that could be a bit dicey.  Who knows what we would find up there!

So there you have it...proof that I would never ever take anything a bit too far...Not me!

I'm just artsy...remember?

 

My Children's Father...

My children's father still makes me weak in the knees...

He still makes my heart race...

He works hard, plays hard, and has to eat a bowl of ice cream each night just before bed to keep the weight on.

I am trying to forgive him for the last one!

 

He coaches our daughter's soccer and softball teams...just as he had done for every one of our kids before her.

He prays with us and for us.

He teaches us the meaning of a job well done.

He laughs seldom but smiles often...

He is the perfect father and husband for our family.

I thank God for him every single day of my life.

Happy Father's Day Darlin'...you rock!

*****

And dad...we all miss you more than I could possible put into words here.

I'll see you someday on the other side...

*****

Happy Father's Day to all of you out there who are doing the hard work of being the best father's you can be...thanks!

Silent Saturday in Spite of the Rain

Another Saturday, another gray dreary rainy day here in the Pacific Northwest...

Yah, I know...what's new?

Well I wanted you all to know that although my peppers and tomatoes are a bit grumpy I do indeed have a few things that are growing...indeed thriving in spite of the constant drizzle!

 

The moss, the ivy, the fern, the late lilacs, and so many things are simply growing like crazy!  Even...

the weeds are growing like mad!

And to make lemonade out of a bunch of soggy lemons...

Clouds make for some stunning sunsets!

 

Yes we here in Washington (and Oregon) have been doing a lot of complaining about the weather.

But I suppose there is a price for living in the 'evergreen state' after all!

Friday Funnies mud Pies errr...Cake!

When it rains all day, pretty much every day throughout May and June the kiddos have to be creative in the ways they entertain themselves...

May I present to you the classic mud pie...errr mud cake, as I was informed.  Chocolate mud cake to be exact!

One day the kids had been out playing while I was doing dishes.  I heard a knock on the back patio door and there they stood with cake in hand singing happy birthday to mama!

 

No, not even close to my birthday...but sweet anyway!  They decided it needed more 'frosting'!

Thanks guys...that was the best mud cake I've ever had!

So even though all this rain is rotting my seeds in the ground at least its keeping the kids amused!

*****

Don't forget to comment on yesterday's kinderGARDENS post to enter to win

'Who Grew My Soup'!

*****

QP2WG2UQ7349

kinderGARDENS week 10 book Review and Giveaway!

We made it to week 10!  I must say that our garden right now is just kind of hanging out...not really growing much due to our record breaking rains and cold.  It has still been getting down into the 40's at night!  My tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and basil are not amused!

But there have been a few fleeting but glorious sunbreaks...

The kids run out at every little break in weather...

A little running...

A little flower picking...

The bees take advantage of the few breaks too!

We have peas...wet peas but peas nonetheless!

The littlest of strawberries are beginning to ripen...I haven't had any...the kids find them first!  In fact the kids were hovering about when I took this picture and snatched these as soon as the photo was snapped!

And I just looked at the weather report...the whole of next week will either be cloudy or rainy...highs in the mid 60's lows in the upper 40's.  I'm trying really hard to not be grouchy about  this.

Mr. Weather man...you're fired!

*****

As promised I have a book review for you.

There are two things that make my heart go pitter pat when it comes to children's books...great illustrations and words that rhyme!  I'm a sucker every time for these and when a book has both...be still my heart!

 

Who Grew my Soup?

Written by Tom Barbyshire and Illustrated by C.F.Payne

This is story about a little boy named Phineas Quinn who is called in one afternoon for a bowl of vegetable soup.  The ensuing adventure is hilarious...

Who doesn't love a book that rhymes sugars and boogers...I guarantee your kids will be in gales of laughter!

As young Phin is demanding to know who grew his soup, a man with a soup-pot hat and a hot-air tomato balloon swoops down to take Phin to meet the farmers the grew the vegetables for his soup.

He meets farmer Hitchner who grew the carrots for his soup. Phin is at first disgusted that carrots actually grow in the dirt...

"They grow in the DIRT?" Young Phin nearly gagged.

"Gee, I've only seen them in stores, washed and bagged."

The farmer picks a carrot for Phin to try...

Phin would rather get cooties,

    but being polite,

he knew he had not choice-

he must take a bite.

So he tried just a nibble

the smallest of munches

and soon he was making great bunches of crunches.

"Hey, this isn't bad! This carrot's incredible!

It's sweet, what a treat!

Say this root is quite edible!"

Yes this book is absolutely hilarious for both kids and adults.  You meet a variety of farmers in the book and surprise, they are real farmers!  You get to meet them in the back of the book.

Of course in the end young Phin learns to love vegetable soup.

The only issue I personally have is that the book was underwritten by Cambell's Soups.  I prefer kids to grow their own vegetables and then have homemade veggie soup, not something from a can with too much sodium and veggies that are not organic...BUT it does not say in the story itself that the soup came from a can or what brand it is.  I did not realize who sponsored this book until I read the very back pages and looked at the back cover.

So with that being said I think this is a wonderful book that you and your kiddos will enjoy greatly! 

I'll not take one sip of this vegetable goop

unless you tell me this:

WHO GREW MY SOUP?

Leave a comment on this post between now and Monday at 7am Pacific Time and you will have a chance to win this book!

*****

So what have you all been up to this week?

Chicken Tractor Engineer Style

I have a dear friend and neighbor that I have known for decades now.

She has gotten eggs from our chickens for years.

She has finally gotten her own chickens!

She hatched them out in her homeschool room in an incubator.

She is now the mama to little flock of mixed breed darlings!

But back up a little...

When she told me that she was planning on getting chickens I told her that we could build a chicken tractor together...it would be fun!

As fate would have it her sweet hubby who happens to be an engineer got wind of a couple of girls building a chicken tractor that he would have to look at in his backyard and decided to take the project off of our hands...and considering we have 9 kids between us we were ok with that!

So here is what a chicken tractor looks like when an engineer builds it...

Aluminum and steel all welded together, built to last forever!

Unless there are grizzly bears wandering the neighborhood these little chickens are gonna be safe and sound!

Hi little chicks!

See the little door on the back?  It will open onto a little nest boxes!

You can see the brackets for the future nest boxes right there...made from aluminum of course.  This will making gathering eggs a snap.

It is also quite easy to move as it is on four large wheels.  Great job Ferd!

And while we're talking...

As wonderful as the amazing chicken tractor is may I just say that I'm thinkin' it needs a little color.  I know that being a guy that you wanted something that would blend into the landscape therefore the choice of drab gray paint.

But I know that I have some fuchsia paint somewhere...

I also have electric green and some lemon yellow.

I think that maybe I'll come over and paint a daisy or two on the sides...maybe a paisley or a swirl would be nice.

Just to give it a little girly touch!

Hello?

Hello?

Fernando are you listening?

Is this thing on?

Just a Swinging

Yesterday I assulted your sensitivities with electric-fried mice.

Today I will make up for it with one of the very simplest joys of summer and of all childhood.

No need for batteries, USB cables, or DVDs...

Nope...just pure simple fun!

An old board, some rope, an ancient tree beside a deep blue lake in the late evening sun...

Heaven on earth for a small child...

and for his mama who gets to push him!

Life is indeed good...

I am determined that this summer it will be the simple things that we relish.  No fancy water parks, no elaborate vacations, no huge parties...

Just the simple joys of being together.

In this glorious place.

Simply...

So what are your favorite simple joys of summer?

Don't stick your finger in that socket...Seriously!

Not me...I would not do this to you again!

So here is the warning.

If you have mouse issues...
Or electricity phobias....

Then you just might want to move on to another post.  Try Saturday's with all the lovely white flowers.

OK...

You've been warned!

*****

As with the last mousecapade this certainly did not happen...

It certainly could not have happened twice!

*****

We went to the cabin this weekend.

You know the one on the lake that I like to marinate mice in olive oil in...

Yes I though that would jog your memory!

So I moved the little table that we eat at away from the wall to clean up the never ending supply of crumbs from my kids and lookie what I find!

Hmmmm...what is that I see?

We just put up bead board on this wall and we haven't gotten around to putting on the outlet cover.

Do they not learn? This cabin is the like a crazy twisted fun house for mice.  They come in to party and leave in body bags.

Or olive oil jars...

Of course when I saw this I did not run for hubby, my electrician husband to be exact, to come take a look at what we caught.

He looked at the mouse and stopped and waited. He did not know that his darling wife would be just twisted enought to want to grab her camera and take a couple of shots before he removed our deceased little friend. 

No he certainly does not know me that well!

He then removed the rodent carcass.  Upon closer examination we saw the the poor little fellow's innards had been completely cooked...charred to a crisp to be exact.

But I will spare you the image of that...

So next time your mama tells you not to play with the outlet you better listen!

Not sure what advice to give you about the olive oil...it is supposed to be good for you!

*****

And no we did not take the covers off of all the outlets in hoping to catch more mice...although we seriously considered it!

And yes we did leave an olive oil jar out in hope of catching more mice...we are hicks what can I say?

And if you never visit me again I will totally understand.

 

Come see what else we are NOT doing!

Sunday is Sunny...really!

We have been completely overwhelmed by the rain in the last few months...today...Sunday is actually sunny!  Break out the champagne and put on your party dress we're almost beside ourselves with glee!

For me it actually means ice tea, flip flops and gardening gloves!  We're at the lake doing a few very late spring clean up chores so I leave you with these...because I love you all so much.

And because I seem to be addicted to blogging everyday...

visit next week for the story behind the picture above!

 

Happy weekend to you all...I hope it is sunny where you are!

Silent Saturday its a Nice Day for a White Wedding!

In honor of all the pretty young and not so young brides that march, skip, and dance down the aisle in the month of June I'm dedicating this bunch to you!  It is a nice day for a white wedding!

May your love last a lifetime...

 

 

And for you non-traditional non-conformists out there...

 

Orange rocks! If I was getting married, which I already am, so I am not...I would have orange and fuchsia flowers with spring green foliage for accents.  I would married barefoot on the beach wearing a knee length hot pink dress with a big twirly skirt and a tiny little bodice...nipped at the waist.

Wait, I don't have a waist...scratch the tiny bodice part.  Maybe a hot pink Muumuu...

Anyway I was actually a June bride...back when I was a teenager.  A loooong time ago, back before cell phones and home computers, before internet and blogs.  I was married back before digital cameras...it is seriously a wonder I survived!

Really how I did I make it without the internet and my digital camera?

It is shocking what I have had to endure in my life...

Friday Funnies Rocket Ship to the Moon!

As you all know I'm a big fan of child labor! Teaching children to do chores around the house is good for the kids and good for the house...

But if you make emptying the dishwasher a chore for you just turned 3 year old expect the unexpected!

Hey buddy what are you making there?  Is that a tower?

No mama, it not.

Is it a skyscraper?

No mama.

I know...its a mountain made of cups!

No mama, you wrong.

Ok...I give up.  What are you building?

It a rocket ship!  See a wittle rocket ship, a middle rocket ship, and a bigggg rocket ship!

Can I fly in one of your rocket ships?

No mama, you too big.  These only for wittle boys!

OK...well have a nice trip in your rocket ship.

I will, I'm going to the moon!

Well when you're done will you park your rocket ships so I can close the drawer?

Oh mama...

Now what are you doing?

Me bowing...

You mean you're taking a bow?  Why?

Me did good job with dishwasher.

Yes little buddy you did indeed!

*****

So here is my bit of advice for today.  Even though kids may not do chores in the exact way we would do them it is still important that they learn to pitch in and help out...even if it means your cups end up being made into rocket ships!

Or beds are made with 20 stuffed animals under the covers...

Or the laundry is folded a little 'creatively'...

It doesn't matter that they help out just right... it just matters that they help out.

Stepping off soapbox.

Thanks for listening.

Hello...

Hello...

You were listening...

Right?

kinderGARDENS week 9 through a Child's Eyes

This week's assignment was to hand over your cameras to your children.  I gave mine to Sweet Girl who is 7 and let her loose in the garden.

So here are a few shots though the eyes of my child...

Why did you take a picture of the chicken house?

I wasn't mama...I was taking a picture of the little bird on the fence.

What did you find interesting about the melon patch?

I didn't...I was taking pictures of the llamas.  But it does kind of look like craters on the moon.

Yes I suppose it does!

I like our baby pumpkins by the maze...

So do I sweetie!

How come a picture of the goat?

He was watching us through the fence...besides he's cute!

That's a very good picture you took.

Thanks mama!

When I downloaded this picture I could not figure out why in the world...

OK...I'm a little puzzled.  Why did you take a picture of the camel's knees.

Because they are muddy, I think that's kinda funny.  I get my knees muddy too...it means I've been having fun.  Gizmo must have been having lots of fun to get so muddy.

I love you sweetie.

I love you to mama.

Can I use your camera again?

Of course...but no more camel knees, they kind of scare me.

Giggling.  You're silly mama!

Yeah but I didn't take pictures of a muddy camel...that makes you much sillier than me.

Giggling...

*****

So fellow gardeners...were some of you brave enough to hand over your precious cameras to your little ones?

Were you surprised at what you found? 

If you did please, do share! 

Make sure to share any garden updates too.

Next week will be another book giveaway...so make sure to come back for a chance to win another wonderful book!

Borage the star flower Herb

I sowed Borage about 5 years ago for our bees.  It has reseeded itself every year since.  Yesterday when I was out I noticed the first of its star like blossoms had opened.

I find this to be a simply enchanting addition to my garden.  Not only are it blue star flowers unique but its fuzzy stems and leaves seem almost downy.

Borage is naturalized throughout Europe and has been used for centuries both medicinally and for its capabilities of attracting pollinators.  It is easy to grow in ordinary soil and as you can see freely reseeds itself...although I have not found it to be invasive and seedlings are easy to identify and replant where you wish.

The blossoms of borage have historically been candied and frozen in ice cubes for decorating summer drinks.  A tonic made from leaves is said to promote activity in the kidneys and has been used for fevers.  It is a good sourced of potassium and calcium.

Borage attracts pollinating bees and is considered a good companion plant for tomatoes, squash and strawberries. It’s even supposed to deter tomato hornworms and improve the flavor of tomatoes growing nearby.  I grow it near my squash to attract bees...

Next to buckwheat I find few things that our bees love more than this lovely blue flower!

So welcome back my pretty little star flowers...the bees and I are glad to see you!

Derelict of Duty. Camel vs Elk

Last night hubby and I heard the dog going crazy.  We went outside and could hear the familiar sound of the elk jumping the upper fence.  There is nothing quite like the sound of wire being pinged by elk hooves...unforgettable!  As we stood listening my thoughts strayed to the camel who before he was used to the elk would stampede them down the hill and away from the pasture...

No more...now he just stands and watches them...doing nothing.

This following story is from over a year ago.

Unfortunately nothing has changed!

*****

Having a camel is useful for two things.  He adds authenticity to our church's live nativity and he is to keep the elk out of his pasture.  I ask nothing more of the big guy...

 

Good morning Gizmo...whatcha doing?

Watching the elk.

 

 

Ah I see they're back.

Yup.

 

 

Hey, wait a minute...aren't those two on your side of the fence?

I suppose they are.

 

 

Well don't just stand there...chase them out!

Hmmm...well...nope.

 

 

LOOK you big dummy, they are all lining up to come over the fence!

I see that...no need to shout.

 

 

Ohhh they are going to wreck the fence...

Wow, that one can really jump!

 

 

and eat all the grass...I'm gonna have to buy more hay!

 I love hay!

 

 

Hey that one is just trying to push his way through!

I thought only I did that, chuckle

Very funny, now do something...

 

 

GIZMO!

Boy I wish I could jump like that!

 

 

Yeah that is what I need,  a jumping camel!

Do I detect a bit of sarcasm?

Just a tad.

 

 

Look you big good for nothing, even the baby elk aren't afraid of you!

 

I'm a lover not a fighter, what can I say!

Ughhhh...

 

Life Rearranged

May I just say I am not good with change.

I don't need change.

I don't want change.

I am a static kind of girl...

Static: inactive: not in physical motion; "the inertia of an object at rest"

I don't even rearrange my furniture...ever.

So with my mother-in-law being in hospice, my oldest son moving to Nevada and starting his own life, darn him. The record setting rains, changing insurance agents and dog sitting for my son's girlfriend I am just up to my ears in change.

I can handle any one change but throw a bunch of them at me and I feel all turned around and scattered (yes even more than usual) all I can think about is chocolate.

Why do women especially find such comfort in chocolate?

Why do I dislike change so much?

It is not like I was an navy brat like my mother.  I did not spend my life relocating all over the world. 

I do not know why I have these issues...maybe its not really an issue maybe its just a personality thing...I just don't know.

But that is just me, it is a burden I bear.

And speaking of issues, I also have attachment issues with animals.

So Jo if you are reading this...

I'm not giving your dog back.

Zeek has decided he loves me and wants to be my farm dog.

And that is my final word on the subject.

Unless I have another word...

And if I do I'll let you all know.

In honor of a One of a Kind Mother in Law

My mother-in-law loves bright happy things.  She was never that type of grandma that wore dark or somber colors...no she loved the bright and the whimsical.  Not many kids can say that their grandma had a Betty Boop tattoo on her leg!  No she is not the typical grandma...she is unique...a true one of a kind!

We have spent the last few days by her side as she lies in a Hospice bed.  All of her her kids and grandkids are gathered around. We are holding her hands and retelling stories from the past and wondering what the future could possibly be like without her.

And because she loves bright and happy arraignments of flowers I am posting these in her honor...

Our lives will be a little less colorful without you...

But look at the legacy you are leaving behind...they will always remember.

We love you and Godspeed.