Living the Simple Life

Carl's Garden

Carl's Garden

Carl was a quiet man.  He didn't talk much.  He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake.

Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well.

Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us.

He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII.

Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII, he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity.

When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up.

He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened.

He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him.  Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, 'Would you like a drink from the hose?'

The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, 'Yeah, sure,' with a malevolent little smile.

As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down.  As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled.

Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg.  He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him.

Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it.

'Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?' the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet.

Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head.  'Just some punk kids.  I hope they'll wise-up someday.'

His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose.  He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water.

Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, 'Carl, what are you doing?'  'I've got to finish my watering.  It's been very dry lately,' came the calm reply.

Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel.  Carl was a man from a different time and place.

A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before their threat was unchallenged.  Carl again offered them a drink from his hose.

This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched h im head to foot in the icy water.

When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done.

Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering.

The summer was quickly fading into fall Carl was doing some tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him.  He stumbled and fell into some
evergreen branches.

As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him.  He braced himself for the expected attack.

'Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time.'

The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl.  As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl .

'What's this?' Carl asked.  'It's your stuff,' the man explained .  'It's your stuff back.  Even the money in your wallet.'  'I don't understand,' Carl said. 'Why would you help me now?'

The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease.  'I learned something from you,' he said. 'I ran with that gang and hurt people like you we picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it  But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you.  You kept showing love against our hate.'  

He stopped for a moment. 'I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back.'

He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. 'That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess.' And with that, he walked off down the street.

Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it.  He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago.

He died one cold day after Christmas that winter.  Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather.

In particular the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant c orner of the church.

The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life.

In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, 'Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden.'

The following spring another flyer went up. It read: 'Person needed to care for Carl's garden.'

The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door.

Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. 'I believe this is my job, if you'll have me,' the young man said.

The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl

He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the ga r den shed, he said, 'Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him.'

The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done.

During that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent member of the community.  But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it.

One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer.  He explained with a shy and happy smile, 'My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday.'

'Well, congratulations!' said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys.  'That's wonderful!  What's the baby's name?'

'Carl,' he replied.

The Simple Woman's Daybook for September 1, 2008

For September1 , 2008

Outside My Window…. It is still dark but I can hear the rooster crowing and the hens clucking, you can see a faint glimmer of orange and yellow as the sun is slowly making its way past the horizon.

I am thinking… that this past week was a very long and one and I am looking forward to getting my brother home from Milwaukee and getting back to a simple everyday existence.

I am thankful for…. The family, that my brother wasn't hurt an worse than he was, and all of the good friends and family I have had to help and support me through this past week.

 From the kitchen….. The smell of the fresh coffee and the sausage cooing on the stove is wafting down the hall and making my hungry. I have fresh buttermilk biscuits ready to pop into the oven to go along with sausage gravy for breakfast(one of my husband's favorites!)

I am wearing…. A pair of dark blue shorts and a white tank top, no shoes ( I won't need those till the snow flies!)

I am creating…… I have the top done for a patchwork quilt for the sofa in the family room, I hope to get to Joann's this week for some batting and backing for it.

I am going…. To spend the day today playing with my grandson and enjoining the day with him and his mama.

 I am reading… Falcon Moon by Cassie Edwards

I am hoping….. We had a bit of rain this past week but is ti so dry we could really use some more, and I am hoping my brother will have a compete recovery.

I am hearing…..The TV and the reports of hurricane Gustav

 Around the house….things are in good shape for all we have been through here this week, I am just going to to take today to take a deep breath and count my blessings.

One of my favorite things is…. Sitting with my husband on the sofa on Sunday nights while he reads the Sunday paper and I have my cup of Chamomile tea and we both chat about the weekend behind us and the week ahead.

 A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week.......Getting my brother home from Milwaukee and getting a schedule set up for him of doctors appointments and therapy sessions and whatever else we need to do with him. I have a check up scheduled for 8:40 am am Wednesday and of course more canning, freezing and dehydrating to be done as usual.

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

 Here is a picture thought I am sharing. .......

It's been a very long week!

It's been a very long exhausting week here. Lots of canning and such going on and I had to finish up with the lawyers all of the paper work from my dads estate. So I gave my nieces and nephews, my daughter and my brother the money they had coming and said good bye to my dads house, the end of another chapter in this families life.

My brother then went out and bought a Harley motorcycle and proceeded to go to Milwaukee Wisconsin for the 150^th anniversary celebration of Harley Davidson. I had a bad, bad feeling about the motorcycle and this trip and I tried to talk him out of going, but he said it would be fine and he would be okay, famous words.

He got about 10 miles from the hotel he was to stay at when the steering went out on the bike as he was going around a curve. The bike went off the highway, down into a ditch and struck a tree. So now he is in the hospital in Milwaukee with 2 broken bones in his shoulder, a broken scapula, a cracked rib, bruised lung and a fractured vertebrae in his back. The gal that was with him has a double compound fracture in her left leg about 6 inches above the ankle and just had her second surgery this morning. So it's been a very busy time around here. I have been to Milwaukee and back, and will be making a return trip later this week to bring him and what is left of the motorcycle home. People often give me the craziest looks when I explain to them that I am raising my 45 year old brother!

So I apologize I haven't been around to visit anyone this past week, hopefully someday life around here will return to normal!

On a brighter note little Noah is thriving and doing so well, I am really surprised at how well Summer is adapting to motherhood, it was a bit scary for her the first couple of days but now she is an old pro at all of it, I am so proud of her!

Have a wonderful Labor day tomorrow!

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

The Simple Woman's Daybook for August 25, 2008

For August 25, 2008

Outside My Window…. The sun is coming up and the birds are singing, I can hear the chickens clucking and the animals are all making their morning noises, even the barn cats.

I am thinking…… that fall this morning feels like an early fall morning, cool, crisp and you need a sweatshirt or sweater on if your going to stay outside long.

I am thankful for…. The abundance the garden has given this year, my family's health and the wonderful day yesterday when we christened our grandson.

 From the kitchen….. the aroma of the coffee brewing and the cinnamon rolls in the oven is making me hungry!

I am wearing…. A pair of blue jeans and a light blue sweatshirt, barefoot of course!

I am creating…… A patchwork throw of fall prints and colors for the back of the sofa int e family room.

I am going…. To spend the morning with a friend who is coming out for cinnamon rolls and coffee this morning, it has been awhile since we had a good chat.

 I am reading… The Outsider by Ann H Gabhart

I am hoping….. for some rain still, it doesn't seem like we can get a drop, the farmers are also waiting on the rain as it is needed for the crops

I am hearing…..Birds singing and the chickens squabbling outside I can faintly hear the T.V. In the family room as I have CNN news on.

 Around the house….I have some laundry that needs done and a bit of iroing other that that things are in good shape!

One of my favorite things is….Taking my turn staying up at night with Noah when he won't sleep. It reminds of of when Summer was a baby and wouldn't sleep, we spent hours and hours in my grandmas rocking chair and now Noah and I are doing the same thing,.

 A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week.......The usual, laundry, cooking and baking, I have a lab appointment to get some blood work done also. My husband has Friday, Saturday and Sunday off so we are looking forward to a nice peaceful, relaxed weekend.

 Here is a picture thought I am sharing .......

Saturday Morning thoughts

Good Morning, it is cloudy and a bit fogy outside this morning, and I see according to the forecast we are to have rain today, I hope so as it has been very dry here and the rain is needed very much. The critter chores are all finished and they are happily enjoying their breakfast, my husband is at work and the house is very quiet this morning.

Yesterday I spent most of the day in the summer kitchen canning with my daughter, grandpa was home and he was more than happy to take over the care of Noah while we worked our way through several bushels of corn, some tomatoes and a few green beans, we even got the dehydrator filled up with green peppers also.

I have some cooking and decorating to do today in preparation for Noah's christening tomorrow and the celebration afterward, other than that I plan to spend the day in the sewing room working on a quilted throw for the sofa in the living room, its going to be made of fall prints and warm, rich colors I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Have a great Saturday!

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

100 Foot Diet Challenge

Our Supper tonight’s supper theme was the 100 Foot Challenge;

We had Eggplant Parmesan, we grew the eggplant, the tomato sauce was canned form our tomatoes, the herbs were grown in our herb garden, the bread crumbs were made from leftover bread baked with organic wheat berries, the mozzarella cheese was made here at home form our own milk, I did buy a ½ pound of organic mushrooms to add to the sauce.

We had a fresh green salad chock full of veggies from the garden and whole wheat French bread made into garlic bread rounded out the meal. For desert we had apple cobbler from our own apples.

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Dusty Roads, Night owls and the Harvest

Good Morning, I hope the day finds everyone well and happy! We are finally getting s little bit of rain here in Illinois today, we really need it, it has been so dry my husband actually took a tank of water out and wet the gravel road in front of the house down to help keep the dust from being so bad. Whenever a car came down the road it looked like a dust storm coming.

I haven't had much time to get here the past couple of days, as my grandson has decided to be quite the night owl and has been keeping his mama up most of the night, so I have been trying to take turns with her staying up with him. I know some say babies this young can't be spoiled already but I think he is; after he is nursed he just wants someone to sit up with him and talk to him and rock him. Babies are not babies for long, and this will be the only one she will be able to have so I am just trying to go along with her and give her a break now and then.

I have still been canning tomatoes and putting zucchini into the freezer, I think we are about at the end of the broccoli season but I am still getting some small side shoot on the plants so I will continue to harvest them until they are done. Next up will be carrots, apples and the peaches will be ready soon too; by the time everything is canned I am ready for a break but I sure do love seeing those shelves filling up!

Have a great Thursday!

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Making Pancakes

Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

The Simple Womans Daybook for August 18th, 2008

 

For August 18, 2008

Outside My Window….

I am thinking…… that fall will be here before we know it and winter won’t be to far behind!

I am thankful for…. The peaceful weekend we had and the upcoming christening of our grandson this weekend.

 From the kitchen….. I can smell the apple pie bars baking in the oven and a fresh pot of coffee brewing. There is also 2 bushel;; baskets of corn waiting for me there.

I am wearing…. A pair of cut off jean shorts and a sky blue tank top, my hair is still damp from my shower this morning.

I am creating…… or altering (just a tiny bit) my husbands christening gown, his grandfather wore it as did his father and them my husband and our daughter, now our grandson Noah will wear it.

I am going…. To be heading into town later on today to purchase some soap making supplies.

 I am reading… The Outsider by Ann H Gabhart

I am hoping….. that the rain predicted for our are gets here because it is so very dry, we really need a good soaking.

I am hearing….. The hens clucking outside the window and the faint hum of the chainsaw down in the timber as my husband is down there cutting more wood for this winter.

 Around the house…. life is returing to normal after the birth of our grandson, or as normal as it gets aorund here! 

One of my favorite things is…. Fall, and I can’t wait for it to get here. Warm days and crisp cool nights, hot chocolate outside next to a fire, falling leaves of every conceivable color, wiener roast and hay rack rides Bring It ON!

 A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week.......  I must finish up the christening gown for Noah’s big day this coming Sunday, and there plenty of corn needing to e shucked, canned, frozen and dried to keep me busy this week.

 Here is a picture thought I am sharing .......

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Sunday Blessings

Good afternoon, I hope this Sunday finds all well and happy. It seems our cool spell here in Illinois is coming to an end the hot temperatures are on their way back again, I am so ready for fall! I know a lot of folks welcome summer with open arms but I am really tired of the heat and humidity already. Okay enough about the weather.

We have enjoyed a quiet Sunday here at home, we attended church with Summer and Tyler and Noah was introduced to the congregation. He was a bit loud at one point but aren’t all babies? After church we came home and I set about to get some more corn cooked and cut off of the cob so I could get it canned. My husband headed outside to split some more wood and get it stacked for winter. Summer and Tyler took Noah home for some family time. I managed to get 17 quarts of corn done this afternoon, and I am happy with my progress.

The week ahead will be another busy one, more canning and preserving to do and some house cleaning that will need to be done for Noah’s christening next weekend; all of that combined with soap and egg deliveries on Thursday makes for another busy week ahead.

Have a blessed Sunday and take the time today to count your blessings.

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Blogging Friends Forever

Chimicole (Julie) at Hatfield House (in the city) sent this award to me, you must check out her blog at  Hatfield House (in the city)it is a  wonderful family oriented blog full of  adventures of family life. Thank you Julie!

Here are the rules that go along with it:

 Only 5 people are allowed to receive this award.
- 4 of them followers of your blog.
- One has to be new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
- You must link back to whoever gave you the award.

My nominees (awardees) are:

1) Amy Jo at Mindless Jibber-Jabber a family oriented blog full of wonderful stores and adventures.  

2) Linda at Locust Trail Homestead you have to check out her photos she takes over there, and I have a feeling we may be kindred spirits.

3.)Christina at  Scatter the Seeds  a wonderful blog full of home schooling information and wonderful recipes.

4) HopefulHeart at Hopeful Heart  She always has a kind word for everyone and is full of ideas on preserving the harvest and gardening.

5) and Morning Sunshine at Growing and Learning a SAHM starting to homeschool and dreaming of her place in the country.

Changes

Good morning, the cows and goats have been milked the chicken, pigs, and cattle have all been fed, and the eggs have been collected so it is official the day has begun here in our little piece of the country. As I sit here and enjoy a cup of coffee I wonder at all of the changes out lives have taken in the pat 5 years; it is quite a list;

2003

In 2003 my husband was working a factory job, the same one he had since the day he walked out of high school, then one day he got the news the factory was closing.

I was working in the hospital as a surgical nurse happy with my life, or at least I thought I was but knew that we could live more simply but wasn’t quite sure how.

Summer our daughter had just completed the 8^th grade and was excited about moving on the high school.

We lived in town in a nice neighborhood but, we longed for the room for a larger garden and a different life, well we got one that is for sure.

2008

My husband after completing 2 years of training and year’s worth on internship is now working at the hospital where I used to work and is in charge of the heating, cooling and ventilation there.

After having some serious medical problems I am now a SAHM and tend to the gardens, house and animals instead of my patients.

Our daughter has been married for 14 months and is a brand new mother with a family of her own.

We now live 9 miles from town and have all the room we need to raise most of our own food and we now longer have neighbors, none very close anyway!

So many changes in only 5 years but it has all been worth it in so many ways I sit here and marvel at the number of changes we have made and how some might think these changes are way to drastic and would not want the work load upon them that we have taken on. More physical work yes defiantly, but the stress of so many other things is gone, no more dealings with neighbors over compost piles and the dog barking, no more wondering if we have enough money to buy the latest lawn mower of whatever the neighbors have brought home (yes I know that was crazy to begin with) .

I have sat down many times and wanted to write the story of how we have made so many changes in out lives and this is just the beginning of our story.

Have a great Saturday!

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Blueberry Streusel Scones

I made these this afternoon and the family loved them!

Scone Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons chilled, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk or cream
Brushing tops of scones:
Milk or Cream
Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and place rack in middle of oven. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 
For the Scones: In a large bowl  whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Gently fold in the blueberries. In a small measuring cup combine the cream, beaten egg and vanilla. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until the dough comes together. Do not over mix the dough or the scones will be tough.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead  the dough gently four or five times and then pat the dough into a circle that is about 7 inches  round and about 11/2 inches  thick. Cut this circle in half, then cut each half into four pie-shaped wedges (triangles).  Place the scones on the baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with a little cream or milk.
For the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl whisk together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until crumbly. Top each scone with a teaspoon or two of the streusel mixture. Cover and refrigerate any leftover streusel mixture.
Bake the scones until nicely browned, about 15 - 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a scone comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. These are best eaten the day they are made but can be covered and stored for a few days.
Makes 8 scones

From the Joy of Baking

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

A quiet start to the day

Good Morning, the sun is shinning at least for now and the birds are outside the window chirping and singing. It is at times like this I truly enjoy living out here in the”middle of nowhere” as some of our friends and family put it. The peace and quiet makes all of the small inconveniences well worth it. The morning is a favorite time of mine, a time to gather ones thoughts and make myself ready for the day ahead. A good cup of coffee and a few moments of peace and quiet always gets the day started on the right foot.

Little Noah is doing so well, Summer has stepped into motherhood like she had always been there. The first couple of days were filled with questions and moments of panic but I think she is settling into a routine now and she loves it.  She is breast feeding, and that is working or very well thank goodness; Summer is allergic to a lot of dairy and so are all of my nieces and nephews so breast feeding him was the best and logical choice.

This morning we will begin harvesting the sweet corn, so the summer kitchen will be a busy place to be for the next several days. I can some corn and freeze some and this year. I am going to be drying some as well to add to some soup mixes I am working on, I think a few of those may even make it into some gift baskets at Christmas time this year.

Have a wonderful day!

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Life, Joys and Abundance

Good Morning, it is an overcast, foggy morning here in IL today but I do have hopes we will see the sun sooner or later today. The past few days have been a whirlwind of first and many new experiences for us but we are settling into a routine now with baby Noah and it all seems so natural, like it has always been this way; I guess that is the way it is intended to be when a new bundle of happiness comes into your life. Summer is getting more and more confidant about caring for Noah now, the first couple of days were a little rocky but with all mothers time brings a sense of self absurdness and we all know being a first time parent is a bit overwhelming at times, what am I saying it still is!

The garden is still producing like crazy and I have more tomatoes to can again today, I am not complaining I am grateful for the abundance. My husband went out and checked on the sweet corn last night and said a couple more days and we will be able to start picking, so that will be next on my to do list.

Our weekly meal associated with the 100 Foot Diet Challenge did not get posted last week but this week meal which will be served tonight will be;

Eggplant Parmesan

A green salad full of cucumbers, carrots, onions tomatoes

Whole wheat French bread made into garlic bread

Steamed green beans with a bit of onion and garlic

And for dessert Blackberry cobbler

All the vegetables used in this meal were grown here at home, the sauce was made form last years tomatoes, the cheese was made from our own fresh milk, the bread was made from organically grown  wheat berries, and the blackberries were picked just outside the summer kitchen door last night.

Please stop by  Path to Freedom here

http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2008/01/06/100-foot-diet-challenge-launch/

Have a wonderful day!

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

The Simple Woman's Daybook for August, 11 2008

For August 11, 2008

Outside My Window….It is dark and cool, the stars are shinning, the frogs and crickets are singing a peaceful tune.  My husband mowed the lawn this evening and the smell of freshly cut grass is being carried in the window by a gentle breeze.

I am thinking…… that the past few days have been a whirlwind of blessings and first for our family.

I am thankful for…. My new grandson and the wonderful memories of his birth and the way my daughter has seemingly blossomed over night into a wonderful mother

From the kitchen….. There is a freshly baked pan of zucchini brownies cooling on the table and I can hear the kettle gently whistling, reminding me I am waiting for a cup of chamomile tea.

I am wearing…. A pink sleep shirt and a pair of fuzzy white slippers

I am creating…… I should say attempting to create a pair of knit woolen socks for my husband.

I am going…. Catch up on some emails, drink my tea and catch a few hours of sleep.

I am reading… The Outlander by Diana Gabladon

I am hoping….. That this heat wave we are experiencing her in the Midwest doesn’t last very long,

I am hearing….. The sounds of the beets simmering on the stove, the quiet hum of the air conditioner running (it’s going to get a work out today) and I just heard a car door shut telling me that our son in law Tyler has brought Summer over here for the day.

Around the house…. The house is a bit topsy turvey right now with all that has been going on but little by little I am getting things back in order.

One of my favorite things is…. The quiet of the house right before bed, it reminds me that even though life gets crazy around here, sooner or later the calm will come over the house and everyone will be where they belong.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:  I plenty of canning to do, it is that time of year around here when the canning and freezing kicks into high gear. There are always tomatoes needing to be picked and canned and the corn is just about ready. I am taking some time for myself on Friday of this week to get my hair cut and who knows maybe I will even treat my self to a facial.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing

I am a grandma !

It has been a very busy few days around our place,  I am proud and pleased to announce that at 11:07 a.m in the morning of August 8th Noah Jeffery Storzebach arrived weighing 8 pounds and 11 oz. He was healthy and full of life as he made his entrance into the world. I was privileged to have been beside my Summer’s side during the labor and the delivery along with her husband Tyler.  So you can imagine what it has been like around here. Noah and Summer came home on Sunday afternoon and so far things have been gong pretty smoothly for them. Since Summer and her husband Tyler live here on the property but in their own home it has worked out nicely that I can be this close, because she is still nervous and full of concerns and questions like all first time moms. Here are a couple of pictures I would like share with you.

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Stormy Tuesday

Good Morning from a stormy Midwest, we have had thunderstorms rolling through here since 3 this morning and they have been pretty bad but so far no damage has been done. Poor Jack our 3 year old Jack-A-Poo hates the thunder and lighting so I have been up with him most of the night. The crazy things we do for those we love including our pets!

I just about have Summer’s house all cleaned up the way she wants it before the baby comes, her house was not dirty in the least but she is deeply into the nesting stage right now and wants everything to be perfect. I had to laugh to myself when she said the word “perfect” all I could think of was little girl you house will never be the same after this, let alone perfect! I know she is going to be a wonderful mother, but like all new mothers she has a lot to learn and experience and I am so glad I will be able to watch her experience motherhood.

I am working on some sewing projects for Christmas, and that is keeping me busy when I am not canning, freezing or drying something from the garden. I can hardly believe it is August already, it seems like this year has certainly flown by. Most folks on our lit this year will be getting quilts, sweater and other essentials to keep a body warm; with the price of heating already high and expected to soar, warm clothes will be a good thing to have handy.

Have a great day and if anyone is in the gulf area please be careful!

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

The Simple Woman's Daybook August 4, 2008

For Monday August 4, 2008

Outside My Window….The sun is trying to push through the clouds and fog, I can see the chickens out scratching in the dirt digging at the ground in hopes of finding something unusual to eat. On past the chickens I see Jessica (our dairy cow) munching on some fresh sweet grass with her tail swishing in the air.

I am thinking…… What a wonderful life we have made for ourselves out here and just how far we have come since living in town.

I am thankful for…. The time I have been given with my family, and how lucky I have been to be able to share this time with our daughter. My mother passed before I had Summer and I know she would have loved sharing the moments with me, that I have with my daughter.

From the kitchen….. I can smell the coffee brewing and the cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. There is also a faint earthy smell of a large pot of fresh beets simmering on the stove that will be canned later this morning.

I am wearing…. A sleeveless blue and white pin stripped dress with white patch pockets on the front, and bare feet

I am creating……A scrapbook of my daughter’s pregnancy; I have pictures of her at every month along with all of the quilts, blankets and clothing we have made in anticipation of his arrival. I even have before and after pictures of his nursery at her home and ours.

I am going…. To finish up my laundry and projects in the kitchen today and spend the rest of the day reading or sewing.

I am reading… Organic Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck there is a lot of wonderful ideas and natural cleaning recipes in this book, I highly recommend it!

I am hoping….. That this heat wave we are experiencing her in the Midwest doesn’t last very long,

I am hearing….. The sounds of the beets simmering on the stove , the quiet hum of the air conditioner running (it’s going to get a work out today) and I just heard a car door shut telling me that our son in law Tyler has brought Summer over here for the day.

Around the house…. Everything is pretty much caught up and all that is left to do toady is wash the bed linens, and do a bit of canning.

One of my favorite things….. Is having my morning cup of coffee out on the deck with my husband before he goes to work. It’s quiet and peaceful and it gives us a few moments to talk over our days and just enjoy the time alone.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:  I have beets to can today and there will probably be more broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage that will be needing to be cut later on this week. I will have egg and sop deliveries to make on Thursday and Summer my daughter has an OB appointment on Friday that I am taking her too. Jack (the family dog) also has an appointment on Friday and the vets so its going to be a busy day.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing

Thank you Peggy at  http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/   for  allowing me to participate in the Simple Woman’s Daybook. 

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Friday August 1st, 2008

Good afternoon from a hot and steamy Midwest, this week has been another busy one and the days have flown by.

The garden is producing like crazy despite the hot temperatures and the humidity so canning season is in full gear around here this past week; more beets, cabbage, green beans and tomatoes have all been canned and more cauliflower and broccoli have been tucked away into the freezers. Gardening is a lot of work and canning is a hot job but with prices rising at the rate they are every little bit a person can do for themselves helps, plus we like knowing we can produce our own food and have control over what does not go into our food.

I have been so busy lately I have not gotten posted our weekly meal associated with the 100 Foot Diet Challenge hosted here;

http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2008/01/06/100-foot-diet-challenge-launch/

So here is tonight’s meal;

Sliced tomatoes

Green beans cooked with a bit of onion and garlic

Sweet corn with home churned butter

Baked potatoes with homemade sour cream and butter topped with chives fresh from the herb garden

A fresh green salad with leaf lettuce, tomatoes, onion, carrots, and green peppers

And for the meat eaters (the guys) rib eye steaks on the grill.

For dessert a simple bowl of fresh blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with whipped cream. The strawberries were bought locally at the organic market the blueberries and raspberries were grown by us.

All of the vegetables, herbs and potatoes were gown here at home, the butter and sour cream were made fresh this morning, and the beef was raised by us also.

I hope you have a wonderful Friday evening.