We have been on the road now since Friday~~

Weather has been great for travelling thus far which is a true blue blessing!

Puppies have been great travellers. So far we have not had a chance to try to sell any. Maybe today.

Our little grandson is with his Daddy so will see all of them this afternoon at the great grandmother's 80th birthday party. Wow! She is so excited about it!

I bought a new black denim skirt at the Sally Ann's yesterday and books for most of the grandchildren for Christmas presents. I put these in with each child's gift that I make them and socks and a few things like that. We have twelve grandchildren and no real income. At least not a steady income. Mostly just our work on the ranch. Hoping and praying that all is well back home.

We will be travelling back home tomorrow. And should be home by suppertime or before. That will be good as neither of us wants to travel tired and in the dark. Roads are too slippery in the evening and you always have to be watching for deer and moose. Daytime is better.

Last night here at our friend's we saw our youngest son' Youtube video~~Teddy Gordon versus Hailo~~ I have felt pretty sick over it ever since. It is a video of him beig stomped by the bull he was riding late September. Oh my I just shake when I think of it. Poor kid. Anyways he is almost all healed up from that. We are so blessed to still have him in our lives. Thank-you LORD!!

The LORD is our Shepherd  Psalm 23

God bless all of you with a lovely Sunday

Roxanne

Five o'clock in the morning I slip through puppy puddles on my way to the kitchen only to find our fire is out. Now where is some firepaper~~I find a couple pages and twist them into tightwads and grab a couple handfuls of kindling from the bucket I have in the kitchen just for such incidences. fire gets going while my tea water starts to boil. Puppies drag kitties around thinking they are the best squeaky toys ever. Old cats growl and swat at puppies. Kitties screaming for food and water cause the puppies ate theirs. Old dogs wanting in old dogs wanting out. Puppies in puppies out. Tea in teapot. wipe up yet another puddle. Go check my emails and start on a blog for homesteader and the power goes out ~~power comes back on. Fire needs stoking dear husband is getting up start water for his tea. Bawl out a puppy for picking on kittens and a couple others for eating the kitty food again!

My mind wanders(imagine that) to the days work ~~the cab of our truck has to be cleaned out and washed as puppies puked in it yesterday on the way to town. They can't seem to make it past Slide Mountain. The road is so windy. Anyways big deal wash the truck back seat, it is a super cab or cub cab whatever. One problem it is cold out so I have to run the truck for awhile to warm the cab up enough to wash it and dry it out again. And then put clean straw down as we prepare for the trip to visit Dennis' mom for her 80th birthday she is sooo excited about!

We have to have everything ready set to go by early morning as we have a grandson to take with us so he can go visit his daddy. Yes we are one of those perfect Christian families whose children have the nerve to make their own decisions~~not always wise ones. But at least we get to have this little fellow alot and he is part of this family and daddy gets to see him whenever it can be arranged. Mommy is good friends with all of us. So it is good for the most part just the seperated family thing. They never were married. We leave all this to God.

I also have a baby sleeper to cut out and sew and two cullotte skirts to cut out for a young lady. I won't sew them till I get back. Baking to do to take with us dishes, floors to clean always thanks to puppies I always have something to do. Laundry to do ~~okay there is another big job as the cats got locked in and one of them decided to use our bed as a kitty litter as she always goes out.So what you think~~not too big a deal except yesterday I did a bunch of laundry before going to town only to find that my dryer which is out on the porch is frozen and no time before leaving to thaw it out. So now I have two big loads of laundry to dry and all this bedding to wash and dry too.

I think I will go make my self a super woman or super duper pooper scooper cape ~~So I am off to a normal ordinary day and have to practise my flying lessons. Maybe if I stand on the kitchen table and jump off with the cape tied around me I will be able to glide to the mop. Oh hey I wonder if it matters what colour the cape is? Anyone know?

The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

                  1Samuel 16:7             

May God Bless you richly as you go about your "ordinary" day! Love Roxanne           

While puppies play and joyfully tear apart my house I stoke the fire trying to warm things up here. My husband gets up later than me. So I usually stoke the morning fire. He goes to bed later than me though so it works out perfectly as he usually stokes the fire for the night.

It was -11 when I went off to bed last night. The stars so cold and bright I told Dennis it looks like a 30 below sky tonight. Yup ~~well it is only -15 so not quite that cold. Praise the LORD for that.

Crisp sparkling snow and puppies full of energy. This is the way my morning begins. A hot cup of tea or two with breakfast plans in my head. Something for a lunch as we have to go to town. I would like to put something in the slowcooker to come home too but not sure if I will or not as not sure what time we will be able to make it home.

Two or three of the pups have sold so that will help pay a couple more bills!

Our boss thinks we should train the rest and sell them for even more. These little guys are so trainable that that could be a thought but not sure I have the time right now. Bathed all of them yesterday that was a fun chore. This morning I have all these soft fluffy shampoo smelling pups.

There is a load of firewood on the truck to deliver too. That is our life at the moment ~~lots and lots of firewood. I just checked the temperature and it has dropped to -17. Every so often I shiver here at the computer.

The kitchen fire is so nice and cozy. What on earth am I doing sitting here with my fingers getting cold and my toes turning into popsicle toes.

There is no turning back now winter is here. The swans left in the last snow storm. Guess they figure if the weather is going to be like that we are splitting this scene!

Haven't even had coyotes howling around the last couple of nights or mornings! I think everyone has a warm hidy hole. We haven't even seen a moose lately but I think when they see the round bale the horses are eating on and that we placed there in the meadow for that wild cow and the bull that we are trying to coax in so we can ship them up to the other ranch that we will be getting moose. It is cold enough now for them to start coming into the valley.

Well it is actually getting a little bit light out and I need to be busy doing things ~~like scrubbing the tub out after bathing all those pups. Feed animals and tidy up a few things here before we head out. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Prayerfully all of you have a warm cozy home to leave from as your day moves on and to come home too. A day of porridge and toast, chicken soup and biscuits, a supper of meat and potatoes with apple pie for dessert. A meal(s) where peace rules and love surrounds.

May the God of Peace be with You

            Roxanne           

This little critter is so cute. I just had to add him. The last couple of days have been very hard for internet service in our area. So here's trying again~~~

Snow and more snow was Sunday couldn't get out of this ranch. So no church. The pastors wife phoned they were not sure how many would show for church service (its in their home) as there was a suicide at Kluskus Rez. These are very isolated reserves. Anyways we have to pray our ways through all this too.

Yesterday found Dennis sorting cattle which took all day. I stayed home and cleaned and cooked and stuff like that. They were sorting cattle on the other ranch that belongs to our boss. It is a long long day but it is almost over. Just calves to sort out now.

My day here will be spent with the puppies and working at the things I am doing here. Which is cleaning and working on Christmas presents.

Found out yesterday that we raised over $14,000.00 at the Dinner Auction. Cool Cool!

It is so pretty out this morning with its frosty trees and the snow. It is 7 or 8 below here (that is in celcius) which is about 16 or 18 Farenheit. Crispy but at least the snow will be hard enough for some grip that is good. There's my little friend again. He is so happy and interested in the goings on. Okay let's get at it. Or like the kids say let's git 'er done! Ready set go~~

Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification. Romans 15:2

So have a cheerfully busy day and love for your fellow neighbours or whoever is in your day. god Bless

               Roxanne           

It seems as the last couple week-ends is all about banquets. The ham is in the pan and the tarts are baking and potatoes are about to be peeled washed and cooked and mashed. The gymkhana club we are apart of is having their annual awards banquet. We are just a little club with just the local children in it. I have been a timer of events for many years now. So many that now I have grandchilren doing the events instead of my children. It's alot of fun anyways off we go.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: ...Proverbs 15:13

Wishing you a cheery day

Roxanne

Hi Ho Hi Ho Its off to town we go. Hi diddly dee Hi diddly dum Hi Ho Hi ho hi ho~~~

So much to do to get ready for a trip to town. Have to pick up a couple of things for the Gymkhana Banquet on Saturday evening. It is trophy(buckles) and ribbons night. I am a timer of the events and have grandchildren in the club. It is a wonderful time to get together with all. The local gals are the best cooks ever. One never wants to miss a potluck supper out here.

The Full Beaver Moon is upon us and the weather is getting colder. What a night of splendor it was last night. Only thing missing was the sound of wolves howling at the moon.

So with some sewing and dishes and odds and ends to do before we head off I had better get my self in gear here and do these things.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

3 John 1:2

God Bless

                    Roxanne           

Have you ever followed a pathway through the bush. It winds its way through the inner secrets hidden there. You find a bed the moose has slept in. The pathway moves on and out ever deeper into the forest. There is a tanlgement to go through as the animal evades its persuer. You can find the brush it stood still under watching waiting. On goes the path over old dead trees,that have long ago given up on standing, .Some thick branches tear at your sleeves. See the hair there on theat branch.. Stepping out you find yourself in a natural meadow.Light and sunshine gracing the grasses there giving them heat and a warm sweet smell. It is so lovely you lay down and stare up at the sky joy filling your heart.Resting a litttle while then moving on. The path brings you through a shade spot and the sound of running water is in your head .Closer now to the sound you find the water running through itsown well known path. I love the taste of the water. There is no other drink on earth better than this. Back to the pathway this time circling back as it will soon be time for a meal at home that needs to be made. The moose is way ahead of me anyhow. I wonder at how  pathways are like our life . Emerging from the darkness of the womb winding through light and into dark trails or (trials)Finding joy at the opening of the pathway to Jesus.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Psalm119:105

Where are your pathways ?

In Christ

Roxanne

The wind blows over the ranch. Sun shines but no real warmth coming from it. I think (I do that sometimes) of one day one early morning one ~~~well let's just jump right into the story at the breakfast table sometime ago that isn't all that long ago...

Once Upon a Time six children were seated at the breakfast table with their papa and mama. Everyone dressed in their going to town clothes. "Come on eat up" encourages me the mama of the trible trying to keep everyone focusing on the food before them. The blessing on the meal and the day had been prayed now the family needed to get down to business and eat. It is along day the day one plans to go to town. Getting everyone ready, diaper bag packed, animals fed and watered, fires stoked. All to be done before one leaves. The day was a grocery shopping, bill paying day. A day of adventure if you are a child and town isn't seen often.

The morning was hardly dawning. The children obediently eat their breakfast of pancakes and eggs. Baby sister messes with her food entertaining her siblings. Something this curly-haired baby girl is good at. Barking starts up outside. Barking? What on earth is eating at them? aknocking at the door. Everyone looks up in wonderment. Don't get many visitiors this time of day. Plain don't get many visitors! "Come in"someone calls out from the table. The door opens to find our friend, missionary Bill stepping inside the door."Well Good Morning, Bill. Good to see you. Coffee?" my friendly husband asks. "Oh no, no thank-you" Bill answers looking somewhat anxious. "Dennis what do yo do when you shoot a moose?" "uuummm, ~~~ eat it!" cracks Dennis. "No seriously, I just shot a moose" Bill is getting animated now. "Did you cut its throat?" Bill shakes his head, "You have to do that?" "Yes" Dennis replies getting up from the table. Putting the coffee on to reheat and getting out a thermos. "You pack up the kids we will go give Bill a hand. Shouldn't take long moose is just up the road." "Okay I will"

Children are instructed to get their jackets and footwear while I at least put the food away. Dishes can wait.

Helping the littler ones with their shoes and jackets. I am so pleased everyone is sooo clean with their shiny little faces and their good going to town clothes. Cltothes with no holes, no stains, no rips, and matching socks.

All of us load up into the van to follow Bill the missionary JUST up the road. Off we go into the chilly morning. Thick frost covering everything. It is glorious! No dust arises from the frozen dirt road. We drive. We drive some more. Still more. Finally following Bill into an old logging slashwe come to a stop. The moose is just over there. BUT it isn't!

Tracking the moose through brush and over blow down, skirting a swamp with little ones in tow, we find Bill's moose.

One look at the situation is enough for the older boys to start gathering branches for firewood. I gather some branches to lay on the ground. The moose lays in its resting place on the far side of the swamp where the sun is having a hard time stretchin its self to reach it and warm the ground around and melt the frost. Dennis starts cutting the head off and I have the boys drag it over to the fire much to Bill's concernment. I have to assure him I am not planning on cooking it. I laugh as I show him the head of this strange looking moose with the antler growing into the one side of its head is going to be a propl for our baby. Arranging the branches and putting her big sister beside her  I tell her to be sweet and watch us and her sister is there beside her and she can watch her two brothers (ages 2 and 4) as they keep the fire going for her. No crying I say. The older boys Dennis and I start gutting the moose with poor Bill trying to give a hand. Putting his hands into the guts and taking them out only to almost freeze his hands. I speak to him about the necessity of keeping your hands in the warmth of the inside of the animal in this temperature. the blood freezes them easily and quickly. We pull the guts out and Dennis heaves them out of our way. Sitting back on his haunches he looks at Bill and says "Now the work begins" Bill is taken aback as he thought the work was done now that the moose was relieved of its innards.

"Bill," Dennis explains, "we have to get this moose skinned and quartered to pack it back to your station wagon. My skinny wife and the children can only carry some of it." "Oh" Bill is understanding that now. I go over to the fire and feed the children small sips of coffee as there is nothing else to drink and nothing with us to eat. There are rosehips and the odd frozen blueberry. Stoking the fire and settling the younger boys down with sticks to poke it I look over at the tranquil scene of big sister gently rocking the moose head with baby sister sucking her thumb and stroking the moose's ear like it was her suckie blankie. How I wish I had a picture of that to show all of you. It was just too cute.

End of the story ~~we never did make it to town that day. Our nice clean going to town clothes got covered in blood and grime. The polished little faces got unpolished and their little hands got gritty. We did get the moose out of the bush and into Bill's staion wagon and then after he took it home he brought it all the way back to us as his family would not eat it. So for a blessed month we had moose meat.

In Your name they rejoice all day long,

And in Your righteousness they are exalted.

                       Psalm89:16

Enjoy the surprises your day that the LORD has given to you

               Roxanne              

The kittens thump around back and forth sounding like elephants with little feet.Puppies and big dogs sprawled out here and there. Tea is poured and breakfast has been eaten. The snow lies on the whole earth. Even a shirt has been rescued from the puppies.They love the clothesline!

The radio blares out its dire predictions for the weather report. Seems like rain is nasty on the coast and snow here in the northern interior.A heavy sky hangs over us trying to oppress the countryside of its natural beauty but only succeeding in bringing on a beauty of a different light.

Firewood isn't a high priority today instead we hope to do things hereabouts. Cleaning, sewing, cooking, baking, getting the old dryer outside working so the clothes will dry. Some of the laundry is hanging in here and some outside. Not much hope for the laundry outside of drying. There isn't alot of room inside for the laundry until I set something up. In the meantime we will fiddle around with the old dryer and see if it can get working.

I think of Teresa and her laundry stories. Too funny! Even with its sad side.

Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD!

For He has delivered the life of the poor

From the hand of evildoers.

                            Jeremiah 20: 13

            Singing Praises unto the LORD and Praying You are too!

                         Roxanne              

The laundry is actually hanging outside on the clothesline and it is November 9th. Amazing grace for sure.Power saw roaring out there calling my name ~~It has been a relaxing day so far even with catching up on laundry and housework. It is pretty well done now.

There is life after a big dinner auction ~~almost a "normal" life. Swans still swim and fly around little ducks in tow. Puppies still run and play their silly little games and have their very own little wars. Laundry and floors still need washing and not to forget the pile of dishes from all the baking~~Yes there is a life after all that the last few days have involved! The Dinner Auction was such a success it is hard to believe. We had 160+ people and raised(last I heard) $12,800.00 Not bad for a bunch of ranchers and a few friends. We had everything from pictures to wreathes to kitty cat to horse to puppy to resident hunting Caribou hunting trip to trail rides to cessna ride oh and the baking and the list just goes on and on. Praise the LORD!!

Meanwhile back at the ranch I have to hang out the last of my laundry and get my buns in gear and go load firewood to be delivered this afternoon. And we have been invited over to supper at some very dear friends on our way home. Yippee! So dear friends out there somewhereover the mountains and in the dales~~

Bless the LORD, you His angels,

who excel in strength sho do His word,

Heeding the voice of His word,

Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,

You ministers if his, who do His pleasure.

Bless the LORD, all His works,

In all places of HIs dominion.

Bless the LORD. O my soul!

                     Psalm103:20-22

May you be a blessing in His sight and May the LORD bless you  as you go about your day today.

                       Roxanne          

This is the day~~yes the day the LORD hath made ~~the day He hath made for the big Dinner Auction~

I am cooking with helpers so it will be a long day. Lots to do. Our menu has Roast Beef and gravy, Ham, buns, mashed potatoes, Carrots with sunshine sauce on the side, Caesar Salad, Coleslaw, and macaroni salad, Apple Crisp and ice-cream for dessert. Punch (non-alcoholic) Coffee and Tea.

There is a live auction, silent auction, bucket auction, end wrap up auction. We have everything from a resident Caribou Hunt in August(worth $3800) airfare,two days hotel rooms with tickets to Canucks hockey game in Vancouver, a days horseback ride on a cattle roundup, the list just goes on and on. Here is praying all goes well and we raise lots of money for Nick.

Therefore whether we live or die, we are the LORD's.

Romans 14:8

Trusting in Him

                 Roxanne          

Canada Geese, swans and mallard ducks all swimming down the river together this morning.  A common theme of friendship between them.  They all swim and they all fly, they all need to eat, they all mate for life and raise families. They partner up on this cold morning and share their differences with respect always wary of what is out there that they need to help protect each other from. Nice thoughts as we go about a day with the radio blasting away its predictions of things to come with a new president about to mount the throne of the great White House to the south of us. Here is praying that we too can be Canada Geese, Swans, and Mallard ducks ~~~

The bread bowl calls out my name as I have buns to make for the big Dinner Auction this Saturday and cinnamon buns to make. Not a big deal for me except that I am once again suffering from these ear infections that make me lose my balance. I suspect something is causing them like an allergic reaction. But the question is ~~What?

Treetops catching the morning rays. Encouraging us to do our daily chores and live with Christ in our hearts. Caring for those who need us to care for them and even for those who think they don't need us to care for them.

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,

And He ponders all his paths. Proverbs 5:21

Christian Love to All

Roxanne              

The power saw was screaming as it ate its way through yet another tree. Suddenly Blueberry, one of our dogs, jumps up in an excited leap, ears out, bounding up in the air over logs and barking in a high pitch voice. Nellie, my dog, takes off following her. I signal to my husband, Dennis to cut the engine sound and point at the dogs. What is this about? The power-saw now resting quietly in Dennis' hands allows us to hear.

Hear I say, hearing the grunting and bawling of cows~~oh no!

Calling the dogs back and putting them in the truck so they won't herd them till we know what they are doing ~~how many and where they are going. I start off going through the bent log rails that I can fit through to see where these cows are headed and might as well get the water we forgot at the house too. I can see the cows coming down the trail along the outside rail fence. Good! but are they on their own? Just when things are looking good here comes the two dogs all excited as they had jumped out through the window that was left open. Dennis is calling me to let me know they are out~~I am calling the dogs to keep them close and trying to tell Dennis I have them. My Dear Dennis is hard of hearing and I have to really yell for him to hear. Suddenly I hear a man's voice bellering at me "Bequiet before they scatter". Its Hubert! Hubert had left on a quad sometime earlier looking for cows and thinking he would cut a trail to bring some of them out on. I am surprised to find him walking and no quad.

The dogs stay close like they are asked too. The cows walk down the road like good cows should. Old Pepsi dog shows up and now I have three border collies wanting to do what border collies do best. Problem is the two youngers ones are eager as all get out but not too well trained and the old one is good at what she does but thinks she doesn't have to listen anymore. Senority thing plus downright deaf.Okay now I really do have my hands full so keeping the dogs as close as possible and walking as fast as I can to the house I keep an eye out to the trail along the rail fence watching the cows and Hubert. Things are going good except the cows decided not too use the gate that was open so Hubert heads them down along the road so they can come up the driveway. I swing the gate open that is into the upper corrall for when they all come sweetly down the driveway. Our driveway is long and to get to the driveway along the road is straight forward but there is a river~~ the Blackwater River near it. Hubert walks the cows down and starts to head them for turning into the driveway I put the two young dogs in and tell ol'Pepsi dog to stay. When I come out of the house I can't find Hubert or cows. Now what is going on?? Where did he go??

Pretty soon I hear bellering from across the river "open the meadow gate" Oh my gosh there they are coming across the river into the meadow which is huge. So down I run to open the meadow gate which is hung heavy and has to be lifted up out of the ground and opened. We want these cows in this corrall so the first gate is now closed. Here come cows and Lureen our boss lady from the states has just showed up from a long trip up has jumped into her pickup and gone flying through gates to head the cattle off. I truck myself down to get positioned where I can keep these girls and babes from going anywhere but up through the corrall gate. By my side is Pepsi!!Oh great as one has to keep her close in and then sweep your arms to get her to go round but she doesn't listen to me around cattle like she does to Dennis(she is his dog) and I brace myself for trouble constantly quietly telling her you stay close. Here comes poor Hubert totally sweated up and now 13 little puppies are behind him and he doesn't know it. I can see Lureen and say the pups!! ~~

Well in the end after bellering for little puppies to go home as they are in the corrall where the cattle need to go and won't go cause the puppies are there. Lureen driving the truck around in flying circles to keep the beasts from going back to the river, me closing them in from the flank. Pepsi shoots out and almost scatters the bunch. Hubert bellers at her to get out of there. Me trying to call her back. Believe it or not we get them into the corrall and they get right into licking the salt block  that has been placed there for them. Yes they are some of the cows that have been missing for quite awhile now and miraculously there is a calf whose mother is already in but it was thought the calf was gone by wolves or some other such tragedy.

That done I pick up the water bottle and head back to the trees and finish loading firewood. I wonder at the same time why people ask what do you do all day out here?? Oh ~~not much!!! Watch swans on the river!!

Today will be a day of firewood. Taking some to our son and family. Making soup and sewing. At least that is My day plan ~~the LORD may have different plans for me

All flesh is as grass,

And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.

The grass withers,

And its flower falls away,

But the word of the LORD endures forever.

1 Peter1:24-25

In Him

                      Roxanne             

Breakfast, a bath, a few phone calls by 8 am the day is well on its way. Mists thick enough to be called fog is trying to lift its heavy veil to reveal the thick frost. Puppies everywhere, chasing each other, fighting over bones, even a couple of them curled up sleeping.

On the river the pair of swans swim and hunt for their breakie too. Their following of little mallard ducks alongside of them. Splashing and dipping and diving. Later on three more swans came in and spent time visiting around. The pair were overjoyed to see them. Gabbling and greeting each other like long lost friends. I think the three arrivals were bawling the pair out for being so far ahead and not waiting for them. The pair assured them they were happy and look we found this great spot for all of us to eat and swim to our hearts content.The three were convinced to stay for awhile but I think they wanted to catch up with old friends and family. Either that or they went to find old friends and family and will be back today. Time will tell. These three stayed for a good portion of the day and then moved on.

Hubert came to look for yet more cows. Stopped for coffee. Some friends came out and bought a pup off of us. They are pretty excited about this little dog. When I called them later in the evening she was already settling in. Cool Cool!They hadn't picked a name yet. So that was a family fun thing for them that they were still all pow-wowing about.

Our youngest son, Teddy, called from back down on the rez~~Happy news as Marshall and Katie had a baby boy!!Marshall Jr.!!:) All the family is estatic about that!! Oh my the aunts, uncles, cousins, great gramma and grammas. What can I say~~ its so good to be a part of such a big extended family. My mother even called just to chit chat. She is sooo glad Halloween is over.

Supper's leftovers got warmed up. The darkness was starting to close in ~~where is Hubert?~~We waited till we ate supper but still he didn't come in. Dennis took off in the four by four pick-up to go look for him as by now it was dark. Hubert had found a bunch of cows way back in the bush and had walked out to the closest spot on the road to get back to his truck. He was tired and grateful for someone to have come looking for him. Today they will go try and push those silly critters down here to the ranch where they should be in the first place. Not sure if they want me to go too or not yet.

Potluck Sunday today. Ideas for what to take are cooking around my mind. Nothing has settled on firm ground yet. There is this thing called ingredients that has to be looked into. Our church service here is held in the evening which is good for everyone in a ranching community. Things like bringing in cows can still be done and usually by dark it will be done. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

 Psalm 139:17-18 

No matter how many years go by I still will never get over that I am precious in His sight! Imagine that ~~precious with God Himself thinking of thoughts of "me" more than the sand!!You too are His precious ones~~

In His Love 

               Roxanne        

There is this joyous feeling with the coming of a Saturday that is chilly, grey and damp. Will it snow?? Not sure and really it doesn't matter. We will get more firewood snow or no snow.

Singing power-saw and crashing to the ground big trees and little trees they will come down and be added to the ever growing woodpile. Dead branches piled on slash piles for the burning. Puppies flying around chasing each other and grabbing a hold of the large brittle branches I am trying to drag to yet another burnpile. They growl and tug always sure they can kill that branch. Even if it takes a half a dozen of them to do it. I think the sound of a power-saw and the smell of fresh sawdust must be the music and smells I love best. I think back to my babyhood and childhood. My memories of granpa and my dad and uncles and the smell of the sawdust mixed with freshly lit smokes. The deep voices and their quiet strong assurance of what they were doing and how it was going. Me being lifted up by one or the other and getting to  bury my little face in their shirts. To this day it stirs my heart and I am sure that a REAL man smells of sawdust, power-saw fumes and maybe a hint of handrolled cigarette smoke. Sort of like the smell of a fresh box of Crayola Crayons! Oh boy memories huh?

Living for the day. Its wealth of opportunities.Excited about not knowing what the day will bring like the thick fog outside my window. A mystery that will slowly reveal itself. Putting my day into the LORD'S hands.

For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. Ecclessiates 9:1

May God bring pleasant surprises into your lives today!

Roxanne

Drifting off to sleep last night just getting that real nice dreamy state ~~~growling comes from half way down my bed and this crunching sound. What on earth is going on? Switch on the lamp and there is one of the cats eating a mouse on the bed and another one growling and wanting a part of the steak. Oh yuk!!! Get that all cleared up and get nicely to sleep and what do I hear but~~~Barking, barking. Howling and yipping. Coyotes have come down close to the house driving the poor dogs wild. And not very condusive to sleep. I am pleasantly surprised to find myself actually feeling rested and refreshed even after all the action all night. Oh the peaceful country living~~~

I never did get back to this blog yesterday but that is okay~~the Dinner Auction the community is putting on to raise money for our son's friend and all of ours friend child son nephew ~~is planned so the upcoming week is going to be busy and we pray pray pray for lots of support.

This being the big Halloween night which I doubt we will have any visitors but one never knows I am making cupcakes. Actually I made them last night and have to ice them today and I have a little candy on hand just in case. This family has never been real big on October 31st night but I have always kept candy on hand for those who come around. Being as we have always lived pretty off the beaten path there has never been alot of trick or treaters.

Temperatures are hovering around freezing well just below so it is not too cold here yet. We need to get more firewood. And continue working on Christmas presents.

Swirling around in my fuzzy buzzy head are the thoughts of things to do today, the puppies and kitties that need to be fed, the sewing, cooking, cleaning, the firewood and our children, our grandchildren our family especially our mothers and my prayers go out to them for them. I am ever so thankful for my God who sent His only Son to die for me and for you~~~

May your day be a blessing          

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

                    Deuteronomy 6:5         

In His Hands

            Roxanne