2008-Oct-13
Oct. 2008 Topeka Hook-In
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Saturday morning we awoke to sunny skies with the promise of warm weather by afternoon. The perfect day for the Topeka October Hook-in! We quickly loaded everyone up, stopped at Beto Junction to pick up the college kids (They said they were going along to help Keith with the little ones but I think they just wanted free food! HA) and we were off.
By getting an early start, we were able to hit a few yard sales along the way. I'm not sure if it's the economy or what but right now I can honestly buy things cheaper on sale in major department stores than I can at yard sales!!!! I did buy a few of those neat big "bags"....The kind that are so wonderful for totting around or storing things in! But that was about the extent of our shopping.
We were Judy's neck of the woods a little early so when we saw a yard sale sign we decided to stop just to kill time. As I was getting back in the van Keith said, "Sherry, there's some girls waving at you." I told him it couldn't be me they were waving at since we were in Topeka and I didn't know anyone up there! At that point he said, "I think it's Betty!" Girls she's sporting a new short hair cut (It looks darling!!!) and I didn't recognize her or her SIL Robin! Jumped out of that car and ran for hugs.
Now this you aren't going to believe and I'm still in shock over it!....Just before Daddy got ill Keith made Robin a frame for hooking. I swear the man probably had all of fifty cents in it since we had the wood laying around or got it for free and it took him all of fifteen minutes to make it. Since Seth lives in Emporia he is our "mailman" taking things back and forth and in all the confusion of Daddy being sick it was weeks before I even ask him if he had delivered it!
Imagine my shock when Robin told me she had something for me. Are you ready???? This is what she gifted me with........
 Have you ever seen anything so gorgeous!!! I was so touched because I did not expect or want anything in return and now I feel so quilty....We give her a cheap frame and I get something so wonderful in return. Oh, and speaking of that cheap frame, you won't believe what it looks like now! Her Sweetie added another piece of wood around it and gave it a good coating of stain. It looks all together different and so professional!!!!! Now why didn't Keith think to do that to my frame???? HA Thank you Robin, you know how much I love it!!!!!
So, before I even got to the Hook-In I was having a wonderful day!!!!! And of course the Hook-In was everything I expected it to be....Super girls (Loved seeing you again Jo-Jo!), luscious wool, good food and gorgeous rugs!!!!
Judy was having a super sale on wool and you would know I would go crazy!!!! I did for two reasons...Number one, the sale was absolutely great! Haven't seen wool that cheap in a long time! Number two, we are going in to winter and I want to make sure I have plenty of wool to work with. I know they'll be the December Hook-In but by that time we could be having bad roads and I might not get to go. (Have I convinced you all I needed to buy a lot??? HA) Drum roll please. Here's my wool.........
 I'm always amazed at how friendly and open the girls are. They are so giving in sharing their advice and ideas. When you ask if you can take a picture of their most resent projects they smile and say of course. It's truly a wonderful time to spend a day with girls who love the same thing you do. You come home so inspired and full of energy. Just what this ole gal needed!!!
Then there's the food....I consider myself a good cook but when it comes to salads and appetizers forget it. I'm so amazed that these girls can come up with so many different ideas.....By the way Robin, I'm still waiting for the last two recipes you brought! They were wonderful and something I definitely would like to do for my family.
All to soon the clock rolled around to 1:30. I hated to leave so early but we had so many things that I had to do before starting home that I needed to get my tail moving. I did run out to the car and bring my birdhouse/planter Robin made me in so I could show it off, said my good-byes and then it was out the door. (Sorry I missed you Betty but that will teach to not run down for more wool! HA)
We were super late in getting home and absolutely beat. Keith had taken everyone out to eat, play miniature golf and ride go-carts (He spent more than I did on the wool!! HA) so everyone else was just as tired as I was. I quickly put all the freezer/refrigerator items from Sam's Club away and then it was bed for everyone.
It was a perfect day, spent with perfect girls, looking at perfect rugs. Who could ask for anything more???? Now for a few pictures and be sure and check out Betty's Blog (http://primitivebettys.blogspot.com/) for even more!
Have a great day everyone. Hugs, Sher
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2008-Oct-10
Even More Memories
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This week has been one of those weeks when memories have been made. First there was Tuesday as I picked up walnuts in the rain with my Mom. (And believe it or not I didn't have one sore muscle from that little venture so I must be in better shape than I thought! HA) Yesterday there was my visit with my dear friend Carolyn. Tomorrow there are even more memories to be made..........
Last month I missed the Topeka Hook-In because my Dad had suffered his second heart attack and I was frankly afraid to leave the farm. I'm happy to report while he's still not out of the woods, he is doing better (Praise Jesus!). At this point I'm to where I'm able to go out of town so I've decided to take off early in the morning for Hook-in.
Okay, it's time to be honest here. There is another reason I'm wanting to go....Judy is having a super sale on wool!! HA I've already got my check book to the front of my purse, my pen is full of ink and now it's just a question of getting down those stairs ahead of the other girls. Poor Jo-Jo hasn't been feeling well so I figure I can out run her. However, that Betty & Robin pose a real problem. Both gals are younger, thinner and just all around in better shape than I am. I've been wracking my brain and about all I can hope for is they get side tracked by all the good food Judy will have or maybe I can trip one of them and the other one will stop to help! HA Just kidding girls, you know I love you all!!!!
Just being at the Hook-In and seeing everyone and all the wonderful rugs being worked on will be such a boost for this ole gal. I've been in such a slump lately and I really need some inspiration. And inspiration is just what you get at the Topeka Hook-in!!!! Seth bought me a new camera a couple months ago and I finally learned how to run it yesterday. It's going in my hooking bag so hopefully by Monday I'll have some wonderful pictures to share with you.
Well girls, I've got to get my salad made for the luncheon tomorrow and then some housework done if I hope to walk out the door bright and early. I hope your all enjoying wonderful weather and you too have something to look forward to this weekend. Hugs, Sher |
2008-Oct-10
Old Friends
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In my lifetime I have not been Blessed with wealth untold but I have been Blessed with friends who are worth their weight in gold. Some of those friends are girls I've known for a "hundred years", others are those I've met just recently and then there are my online friends. No matter how long I've known these friends or how often we see one another or hear from one another, I treasure their friendships and the happiness they bring me.
Yesterday one of my "hundred year" friends came to visit. It's been four years since Carolyn and I have actually seen one another. However, you would have thought she just walked out the door and back in the way we carried on. Keith said he's never seen so much laughter or so much talking! HA Heck, we had a lot to catch one another up on!!!!
With all the laughter and talk came the tears. Tears for those friends who have gone on to be with the Lord like our precious Mary. With tears running down our cheeks we would talk of the funny things she used to do (Like scarring the living juice right out of me with a ride on one of her dune buggies!!) and suddenly we would be laughing again. Just like Mary would have wanted us to do...."Remember me with laughter" has always been our motto.
Carolyn and I are both afraid for our children as this economy keeps falling. And of course we couldn't help but dissolve in laughter as we talked about how much food we've been buying to help the kids out when things get really bad....Leave it to two fat ole women to worry about our kids having enough to eat!!!! HA And naturally there was the laughter of how we plan to make it though this bad time. Heck, if the Government had us working for them this whole crisis would be solved overnight! There's nothing like a Mother to solve any problem.
As Carolyn prepared to leave there were more tears but there was a sense of peace too. Peace from knowing I'm loved and if anything happens to me I'll be remembered. And as with Mary, "Remember me with laughter"! Call or write one of your friends today and tell them how much they mean to you. Hugs, Sher |
2008-Oct-7
A Day With My Mom
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Night is quickly falling on Old Crow Farm. It's been getting darker earlier each evening but this tonight the skies are darker than usual. I know it's because of all the heavy rain we've had this afternoon. Rain that wasn't really needed (At least not INCHES in just a few short hours!) but came anyway. A gentle reminder Fall is fast approaching.
While I'm tired of summer of rain I have to admit today's was especially challenging. That's because my Mom and I went to Garnett to pick up walnuts! It all started last week when Keith and I stopped by on our way to Iola. Mom asked if we happened to have a plastic wheelbarrow. The one she used for years to wash her walnuts in burned when they lost their shed several years ago. We didn't have one but went right to town and bought her one. (Lucked out...We found one for $100 at a local farm store and decided before buying it we would check out the ones at Wal-Mart. They only had one left and it had been put together wrong. I talked to the manager and he came down another ten dollars from the sale price so in the truck it went!) She mentioned that her friend in Garnett had a walnut tree in her yard and she wanted Mom to have the walnuts. So, this morning Dad's best friend came over and stayed with him and Mom and I took off for Garnett....Trust me, I tried to talk her into waiting for a more sunny day but she quickly pointed out I wouldn't melt, sooooo.....
Oh my gosh....I have never seen so many walnuts and I want you to all know my eighty year old mother worked this poor ole gal to death!!!! I'll bet I'm so sore tomorrow I won't be able to wiggle!!!! We had the most fun though picking up those walnuts with rain falling on us. It was another one of those memories I'll have for years. And, of course after we got through we had to go out for breakfast (Yep, walnut stained hands and all!) and then to the local Thrift Store. My mother had a ball pawing around through everything and even managed to come home with a bag full of goodies. From the Thrift Store we went to Alco and then to the grocery store. By the time we got home we were loaded to the brim and we were still laughing! I think Daddy thought we were nuts! We probably are but we sure did have fun!
Came home to another pleasant surprise....My old friend Carolyn called and she'll be coming over Thursday to spend the day! Carolyn is one of my very best friends and we haven't seen one another in several years. (She's the friend I wrote about several years ago on this blog when we lost our other dear friend Mary.) As we've gotten older we've come to realize how much we need to stay in contact and Thursday is going to be the first of many visits. I know it will be a day of tears, laughter and talk of old times. Just what this ole gals needs!
Well gals, night is almost upon us so it's time to be getting the little ones headed for the bath tub. I hope everyone is enjoying their week and staying healthy. Fall Blessings, Sher
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2008-Sep-24
Rambling Thoughts
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Good Morning!
We awoke this morning to dark skies. Those to the north of us are having rain and lightening but from what we can tell, it's going to miss us today. I have decided to pretend it's here and take a break from painting the fence! Yes Girls, I'm still working on that fence and each time I think I'm getting near the end, I see another part that I haven't gotten to. I'm to the point now that I'm starting to feel like this is a job but one that I'm not being paid for! So, a little break is just what this ole gal needs and tomorrow I'll start back in on it.
My Dad had a doctors appointment Monday and I called Mom yesterday to see what he found out. He had gained three pounds (He has to weight himself everyday) and they were afraid it was fluid building back up on his lungs. Mom kept insisting he's eating like a horse and not getting any exercise and he was just gaining some of the weight back he lost after his second heart attack. Thank God the chest X-ray showed Mom was right! Daddy has a long road ahead of him but we keep hoping if he follows doctors orders and continues to sit around he'll be with us for a long time. So far, he's done much better than any of us thought possible.
We've been watching the news and this "bailout" is a mess. My personal feeling is people who couldn't afford homes were allowed to buy and now the rest of us are suppose to bail them out. Sorry girls, I don't go along with this! I waited years before I bought my first home and when I bought it I had money to put down and I bought a home I could afford. Was it my dream home and a home that I really wanted? Absolutely NOT! It was an old house that was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. However, it was a home I could afford and one I could and did paid off! We live in a "I want it now and I want it nice" world and it's finally caught up with us. I'm sure there have been a lot of people lose their homes and while my heart goes out to them, I still ask myself, "Could they really afford these homes or did they buy them just because they could?" Maybe it's time for everyone to be accountable for their own actions.
Now that I have given my two-cents of unwanted advice this morning, it's time for me to get back in gear. I hope your all enjoying cooler temperatures and the rest of your day will be wonderful. Hugs, Sher |
2008-Sep-19
It's Friday!
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Good Morning Girls!
Gone is the sunshine this morning. Once again the clouds have moved in but at least this time we're not due for any rain. Just a few over-cast days. A perfect to time to work on that picket fence...No sunburn!!!! I know all of you are sick of hearing about this poor ole fence but just remember girls, it has 362 pickets so I'm not going to be done with it anytime soon! HA
After hearing of all the Banks failing this week Keith and I have decided to drowned our depression by going shopping! Yes, you read that right....We're going shopping in Topeka! We have decided it's time to make another trip to Sam's Club and stock up for the next couple of months (If Daddy is doing well I do plan to go to the next Hook-in Oct.) and we've decided we need to do something "fun". Just turning on the TV anymore can throw a person into major depression. And no matter how much you worry there's not a darn thing you can do about it. So, like Scarlet O'Hare, "I'll worry about it tomorrow"!
Before the little ones got on the bus this morning I asked them what they wanted for supper....Both replied "Pizza!" So, pizza it will be. I wonder how many of you are like I am.~~~I can spend hours fixing a good meal and I don't get near the compliments or rant and raves as when I fix something simple like pizza! KIDS At least it gives me a little bit of a break from the kitchen.
For days I have been telling you about some changes taking place around our home. Now is the time to tell you about them. Years ago I started my first blog on another site and then slowly moved over to this one. I hated to just delete my first one, nor did I want to delete this one. Finally I decided there was no reason I couldn't have two blogs and keep up with both of them. When I think "Homestead" I think of my home and the lives in it. So, I have decided to keep this blog for those who want to keep up with our family (And let's face it girls, sometimes it's the only way I have of writing all of you!) and go back to my old blog so you can see the things we are doing around here. To the average person it might not hold much interest but if your like I am and like to "see" how people decorate or what their homes/land look like, then you might enjoy my other one. For those of you who do, here's the link:
No matter where you find me, I hope you'll join me often here on the farm and you'll certainly find me at your "Homestead" via your blogs! Have a great day and hurry back! Hugs, Sher |
2008-Sep-18
Taking A Much Needed Break!
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It's a wonderful sunny day here on the farm so this ole gal has been taking full advantage of it. After a quick pick-up on the house, I headed out to "my fence". Earlier this week I spent so much time painting that I got a sunburn on my face so I decided not to pull that stunt again. I now have Keith pour me "half a bucket" of paint and when it's used up, I'm through painting for the day. Ok, at this rate I may be working on it for weeks but that's all right. All I really want is to have it completely painted by the time the snow blows! Hopefully that's not to much to ask.
Yesterday I had a dreaded dentist appointment (No cavities, Thank You God!!!) and since we would be going by my folks farm I called Mom to ask if they needed anything. Imagine my surprise when Daddy not only answered the phone but he sounded like his old self!!!! He told me his friend Bob had taken him to the Garnett Sale Barn the day before and they also went to Hartford and had lunch out. When Mom got on the phone I asked her if he was really feeling that much better and she said he was. At this point I'm not sure what's going on and I know I'm stupid for getting my hopes up but that's just what I'm doing! How ever long we have him here on this old earth, we're going to be thankful.
Since we were in a town we normally don't shop in yesterday, we decided to hit all the antique stores and flea markets! WOW, were we ever pleasantly surprised! We found all kinds of goodies we didn't think we could live without (HA) and our truck was filled to the brim as we started our journey home. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have time to share the "changes" I was talking about a couple of post ago and also some pictures.
If it wasn't enough that we had tons of new primitives to work into our house yesterday, the mail brought another pleasant surprise....My friend Anna from MD., sent me two wonderful cookbooks!!!! Those of you who know me know that to win my heart and ever lasting love is to send me something hand-made or having to do with food! HA I was in heaven to say the least and they went right to bed with me where I poured over every page and recipe. THANK YOU Anna from the bottom of my heart!
Well girls, my "break" is just about over so it's time to bring this to a close and get back to work. I hope all of you are enjoying cooler temperatures and the feel of Fall is in your air. Until tomorrow.....Hugs, Sher |
2008-Sep-15
Monday Ramblings
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I start this note off this evening with a heavy heart. Last night my dear friend Betty's father went to heaven. While we find peace in knowing he's with The Lord, I know it's still been hard for her to say good-bye. Will you please hold Betty and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through these next few days.
After days of rain, the sun has finally came out. The last time I checked our rain gauge it was a little over the five inch mark so I'm sure it has at least six inches in it now. At this point I'm ready to throw in the towel. Of course if I did, I'd just have to wash it.... Because with all the rain has came all the mud! I don't know about the rest of you but dark, dreary days certainly plays havoc on my cleaning schedule. I just can't make myself do anything unless the sun is shining. So, it was really a welcome sight this morning and I wasted no time starting in on that pile of washing in my utility room. I'm a long ways from being done but with more sun shine in the forecast I know I'll soon be caught up.
Tomorrow my little sister will be going back to Louisiana. I feel quilty that she's been away from her home for so long but I know my Mom & Dad have really enjoyed having her "home" and she's been so much help to them. Daddy is still terribly weak but we continue to pray that with rest and a lot of prayers he'll be strong enough for heart surgery in the near future. At this point we are just taking it day by day, minute by minute.
Now that our weather has cleared off I'll be getting back to one of the jobs I've put off these past few months because of the heat...Painting our picket fence! While I know some people would hate a job like this, that's not the case with me. There is something so relaxing about watching that fence go from "weathered" to white! Maybe it's because with each stroke of the brush I know I'm protecting the wood for yet another year. Or maybe it's because I know it adds beauty to our old farm. (It's so easy to give people directions to our house...Just tell them to look for the house with the white picket fence! HA) So, it will be with a light heart I do this "chore".
Well Girls, the day is slowly winding down so it's time to help my little ones with their homework and then it will be time for baths and bed. I hope your all enjoying cool weather and good health. Hugs, Sher |
2008-Sep-9
A Quick Update
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Good Morning Girls!
I would like to start this note off with thanks from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers being said for my dad. He suffered a second heart attack last week and once again more damage has been done to his heart. At this point our only hope is he can "rest" for a few weeks and surgery can be done. When the doctors say "rest" they mean no company and I swear his friends is all that's keeping him alive. I know in my heart he shouldn't be talking but I also know that the best medicine is being surrounded by those you love. In daddy's case, this is fishing/farming friends. (Just as it would be my hooking, cross stitching, country decorating friends!) We ask for your continued prayers and also for my dear friend Betty (http://primitivebettys.blogspot.com/) who's precious dad is fighting a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Along with sorrow comes joy to Old Crow Farm. This past weekend our oldest daughter, Kara, became engaged to Paul. Several weeks ago they were here and Paul had ask us for her hand in marriage and it was all I could do not to throw myself on him and scream, "YES, THANK YOU LORD". Paul is one of those men every mother wants their daughter to marry. Not only is he a hard worker, & good looking but he's a super person too! Kara sent a picture of her ring yesterday and all I can say is, "You did good Paul"! It's gorgeous and I can't wait to see it on her hand! Our first SIL...How exciting!!!!
Fall is slowly making it's way to the farm. This morning we woke up to temperatures that were down right COLD! It feels so good to snuggle under the covers at night and to make a mad dash to dress in the morning. I haven't put all our summer clothes away but slowly but surely more jeans and sweat pants are making their way into our wardrobes.
The cooler air and sights of Fall are bring some other changes to our home. I won't go into them now but within the next couple of days I'll be posting and sharing what is going on here. Nothing earth shattering, just some changes.
Well my friends, the rain has let up so I'm trying to do a few loads of laundry before it moves back in. On that note I'll sign off. I pray this finds each of you in good health and enjoying the new season that is upon us. Hugs, Sher |
2008-Aug-29
Stressful Times
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Good Morning!
From the notes I've been receiving, it's nice to know I've been missed! There is so much to tell and most of it isn't good news. As you all know I have been living for the day school started for our little ones so Keith and I could spend some time alone. The Lord had other plans. That Monday morning Keith woke up not feeling well and said he was going to lay back down for a little while and we would go to Iola when he got back up. That was fine with me but when he finally came out I decided I then didn't feel like going and after a discussion we decided to just wait and go the next day. He decided he would go out and work on one of his new buildings and I decided it was time to give the kitchen floor a good scrubbing. I had no more than pushed the mop across the floor when the phone rang. It was my younger sister saying my Dad (Who had just turned 83 the day before) had a heart attack and they were taking him via helicopter to Wichita.
I quickly threw clothes in a bag, grabbed some cash and by the time she got here I was waiting at the door. From the farm we went to Iola to pick up Mom and then we started across the country to Wichita. It was a LONG two hour drive and the not knowing how we would find Daddy was almost unbearable....Especially after Mom told us the heart attack had happened on FRIDAY and he hadn't gone to the doctor until MONDAY!!!!!
By the time we made it to the hospital I was more than upset and yet I tried to be positive for Mom. Walking into that hospital and not knowing what we would hear was horrible. Imagine my surprise when we found out Daddy was not only still with us but he was sitting up in bed watching TV and cracking jokes! I'm not kidding, the man looked better than I did...His color was great, he was complaining because they hadn't fed him and went on and on how that helicopter ride had almost killed him and the cost would pay for a new wing on that hospital!!!!
A quick talk to the doctor and we knew we weren't out of the woods. Because Daddy had waited so long to seek medical treatment there is a lot of damage to the heart. Add that to his age and we have a long road ahead of us. Four days after he was admitted they inserted a pace-maker and he came home the next day. He's now going through physical therapy three days a week and once his heart is strong enough (Hopefully four weeks) they plan to do open heart surgery. All four of us girls plan on being by his side when this happens.
I feel like I have aged twenty years since all of this took place. We always knew a call like this could come but I don't think a person is ever ready. No one knows what tomorrow holds for any of us but we know how precious each day is from what we have gone through the last few weeks For now, I'm calling Mom daily, we've been to see Daddy and I've set them up with a cell phone so if something happens they'll have some way of getting a hold of us. If you so chose, we would appreciate prayers for my dad. May your days be Blessed. Hugs, Sher |
2008-Aug-15
The Topeka Hook-in
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It's hard to believe that it was just a week ago tomorrow that we braved the rainy weather to go to the Topeka Hook-in. And I might add the key word here is "rain"! Within minutes of starting the one hour drive the rain had started and it continued until we got home that evening. This added not only another three inches of rainfall to our total for the week but also made it to where when we arrived at Judy's we looked like drowned rats!
Upon entering Judy's gorgeous home, the pouring rain was forgotten. Where do I begin...There are so many great things to talk about! I guess the first thing would be Judy's home itself. If ever a person needed inspiration to hook, her house is the place to go. I'm not kidding when I say one can't look at anything in it without seeing her rug hooking talent. She not only had rugs laying on the floor, hanging on the walls, draped over anything with a flat surface but she had a whole baby cradle with rolled up rugs in it!!!! Everywhere you looked there was a gorgeous rug. So many, it was hard to see them all. (And trust me girls, we all tried!!!)
Once we got settled in our chairs a trip to her "shop" in the basement was in store. Of course I was like a little kid in a candy store, grabbing fat quarters of wool by the handful! I ended up walking out with a pile that will keep me in wool until the next hook-in! HA (Ok, not true, I have five more yards ordered but it's not due until the end of the month...Hopefully by that time Keith will have forgotten about this pile! HA)
 I'm not sure how many girls were there (Betty, Jo-Jo, do you know???) but I would have guessed around 40! Everywhere you looked there was someone sitting (Even on the floor!) hooking. And the rugs...They were out of this world!!! Just when you thought you had saw the best one yet, someone else would pull a new one out and the drool would start all over. As with the Lenexa Hook-in, I was amazed at such talent! A lot of the rugs were done in a Fall theme and since that's my favorite time of year, they really won my heart.
Although the girls attending all came from different walks of life, their love for rugs all made them sisters at heart. They were so willing to share their experience and talent with those of us who are "hooking challenged". I know I came home with many new friends (Jo-Jo, Robin, Leslie, ect...) and look forward to seeing them all again next month and of course I can't wait to see what they'll be working on.
Along with wonderful rugs and great company the food was out of this world! I'm not a salad person but the salads at the Hook-in were wonderful! They certainly hit the spot for a hot, humid, rainy day!!! Heck, the food alone was worth the one hour drive! HA
All in all it was a wonderful day. One filled with beautiful rugs, great girls, good food and yummy colored wool. To those of you who love rug hooking or want to learn, I would definitely recommend you look up a rug hooking group in your area and attend their next meeting. You too will come home filled with inspiration and a smile in your heart. Blessing, Sher
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2008-Aug-14
A Rainy Thursday
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Good Morning!
Once again we have awoke to dark skies with the hint of rain in the air. According to the weatherman, we are to have a week of this. The nice thing about knowing it's coming, we can better prepare ourselves. Yesterday was spent getting all the farm mowing caught up and then a trip to town to mow my sisters front and side yard. (She had surgery yesterday so we'll be doing her mowing for the next few weeks.) It's nice to know it's all done and hopefully we'll have a few days to mow between showers so it won't get completely away from us.
It seems as if it's been months instead of weeks since I've had the chance to update. One reason this is the case is because we've been having such nice weather we've all been spending more time outside. It's such a blessing to be able to actually breath when you open a door to go outside. The mornings have been so cool that you know Fall is just around the corner. We're all soooooo ready!!!!!
With the cooler temperatures comes getting ready to go back to school. Monday is the big day and the kids are so excited. (So are Mom & Dad! HA) Earlier this week we received letters from the school saying which class the children would be in and the minute they were opened, the phone calls started....I swear, Jeni was on the phone for one full day calling all her friends to see which class/teacher they would have! HA So far, she's only found two little friends that will share the fifth grade with her. I'm sure once she gets there, they'll be more students she knows. Of course Drew being all boy could care less. All he cares about is getting on the bus and finding his class. Doesn't matter one bit to him who's in there with him. HA
So, part of my days have been spent getting everything packed and ready for them to leave bright and early Monday morning. Drew is 100% ready to go but I've still got to go through Jeni's closet. That's on my "to do" list for today. I know she's outgrown 80% of her clothes (She hasn't grown "out" but "up"!) so I know when I get through with her closet they'll be tons of room for all the new clothes we've bought her. On a side note, I'm NOT looking forward to going through everything, which is why it's been put off for so long!
Since Keith and I will soon be having a day to ourselves, my mind has been whirling on what I want to do! HA Part of me wants to stay home and hook in a house that I know is going to stay clean more than a couple of hours, part of me wants to go to my favorite Chinese restaurant (Our little ones refuse to go there!) and part of me wants to hit my favorite flea market. I guess I'll let Keith make the decision since I can't decide! ;-)
I haven't written since the hook-in last week but since that was such a big, fun day I think I'll just make one whole entry on it alone. On that note I'll sign this off, do some house-work and hopefully post again before the day is over. I hope all of your are enjoying cooler temperatures and you too are feeling the hint of Fall in the air. Blessings, Sher |
2008-Aug-1
It's Another Hot One!
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Morning on Old Crow Farm has brought sunshine with 100 degrees by afternoon. I know these days are coming to a close (Ok, I'm praying this is the case) so I've decided to quit complaining about them. Instead, I'll just carry on in my nice air conditioned house and pretend the snow is blowing outside my window.
Last night I had a pleasant surprise~~~~ Keith decided to drag the boat out and take the little ones fishing and boating at a near by lake. From past post you know how much I hate the water so there was no way I was going along. (Not to mention the heat would have killed me!) With Keith out of the house and no little ones to run after, I set about thoroughly enjoying myself. The first order of the evening was a nice hour long chat with my sister. I'm trying to talk her into coming to the hook-in with me but I'm afraid I'm not having any luck. She said she tried hooking some time ago when our local library offered a class (Darn, I wish I had known about that because I sure would have taken it. Then maybe I would KNOW what I'm doing!!) and actually hated it.
Once we got off the phone I went in and put a George Jones CD in the player and for the next couple of hours George sang and I hooked! It's not very often I'm childless and I have to admit it was nice for a change. I got my cat finished and have now moved on the cream colored circle that surrounds him. I'd like to finish that up by afternoon.
Once my crew got home it was back to life as normal. Little ones were full of tales of seeing "jaws" (Yes, I know we're in Kansas so figure that one out! HA) and how they took turns driving the boat. In all honesty, I think they had more fun playing in the MUD along the shore than anything else. Their swimsuits were so nasty I had to wash them twice this morning. There's talk of going again and I'm already thinking what I can do while they're gone!
Since we are going to be all cooped up in this ole house I've decided to start back in on my "school routine". First we'll do multiplication cards and then we'll do our two minute mystery....I bought a wonderful book at yard sale a couple of weeks ago that is full of short mysteries. (Most are only two pages) We love reading them as a family and then trying to figure the clues out to see what really happened. Sure makes for some lively discussions.
Well girls the day is slowly slipping away so it's time to get hang out a load of clothes and get in gear. Stay inside and think cool thoughts! Hugs, Sher |
2008-Jul-31
It's Thursday
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Good Morning!
It's foggy morning here on the farm....So foggy in fact you can hardly see our mailbox from the house. I have no idea why were getting this. I wonder if it has anything to do with our last few days being cool and now the heat is moving back in????
Monday night into yesterday morning we had another two inches of rain. I guess I know what Keith will be doing again tomorrow....Mowing! That's all the poor man has done since he got home from Wisconsin. I'm not complaining though because we probably did need the rain and this time it came down in a nice soft shower, not the hard rains like we've been having. I know parts of Kansas really had some toad stranglers, getting up to five-six inches in a matter of hours. That no one needs!
Since the morning was dark and dreary yesterday, Jeni and I decided to make a library run. Drew and Keith elected to stay home so it was a "girls morning out" and we took our time at both the library and going through a couple of stores. Hopefully we'll get one more of these days before it's time to start back to school.
The Topeka hook-in is only a little over a week away, so I decided the other night I had better get in gear and get a pattern drawn up for it. I ended up doing a cat surrounded by flowers from a book a bought months ago. I also started cutting out some "worms" to hook with. I know myself to well....I'm sure I'll spend more time at the hook-in gabbing, shopping and walking around to see what everyone else is hooking on than actual hooking! So, for that reason I only cut enough strips for the cat. I started out with five different shades of black and then ended up throwing in two more because I thought I might need more movement. Since I wasn't sure how they would all look together (Remember girls, I'm someone who has no sense of color!) I decided I had better hook a few strips. Honestly girls, I only meant to hook a few strips. It wasn't until Keith walked in and said , "I see your almost finished with the cat." that I realized how far I had gotten. So, today I'll be dragging out more wool and start cutting again so I'll have something to hook with. (I told you hooking was relaxing!!!)
We saw in our local paper yesterday that one of our local doctors wives is putting in a coffee shop. I'm definitely NOT a coffee drinker but I was thrilled to see we have a shop going in. (I have always told Keith if I ever needed to go to work I would like to put in a coffee shop because I can see one going over in our small town.) It's going to be wonderful to have somewhere to go when these young'uns start school just to visit with other people. Her location isn't one that will attract highway traffic so I sure hope she can make a go of it.
Well, that wool is calling my name so I best get in there and get to cutting. Enjoy your day and keep thinking Fall! Blessings, Sher
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2008-Jul-28
A Blessed Cold Front!!!!
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Good Morning Girls!
Imagine our surprise and delight when we woke up this morning to find that a cool front is moving through Kansas! While not cold by any means after the temperatures we've been having it certainly feels that way! The first order of the day was for the little ones to run out and start jumping on the trampoline. While the heat hasn't stopped them this summer, I'm sure didn't feel as good as good as this morning did. They must have jumped for an hour and when they came in they weren't the least bit red-faced!!!! What a change!
Ole Mom is enjoying it too! It was so nice to water the flowers around my water garden without rushing to get back in where it's cool. Actually it was wonderful just to spend my morning puttering around without being in any hurry. So, nice I even made sure the deck pool area was cleaned up for the day. (Something I've been neglecting because of the heat!) Oh girls, do you think this is The Lords way of telling me Fall/Winter is definitely around the corner???? I so needed this!!!!
Had I known today was going to be so nice I would definitely have put off a little project I did yesterday in the heat of the afternoon. Remember how I told you a couple of post ago I was thinking of redecorating my house? Well, I decided to start with the outside. A quick trip to my shop gave me some "new" things to work with. In a matter of minutes I had taken an old wooden press, primitive bench, two old tea-towels, an old wash tub and a bar of home-made primitive soap and a "Washing Station" was set up on my little front porch. I just love the look and it inspired me to move on to the inside of the house....As it starts coming together I'll share pictures.
 Just redoing my front porch has made me feel sooooo much better about things. It's time to come out of this "funk" and get started with life. Supper is going to be super easy tonight, (Roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, cucumbers & onions, corn and Brownies for dessert) so with the rest of the day mine, I'm off to do something fun. I hope you too are enjoying a "Cold Front" and your getting tons done! Summer Blessings, Sher |
2008-Jul-25
I'm Meltingggggg..................
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It's now official....I'm ready to skip the cool days of fall and go straight to winter!!!! I'm serious girls, I can not take these hot days any longer. Kids are whining and fighting, Keith and I have NO energy and life as we know it is over! I try telling myself that when the winter snows are blowing I'll be longing for these days but the truth is I honestly don't think so. I love cold weather and the older I get the more I love it! I love being snowed in surrounded by my latest crafting project with something yummy smelling in the oven. I love watching the snow come down, hearing the fireplace crackle and knowing that we're all safe and cozy in our little house. Just thinking about it makes my heart sing. Of course it's back to reality....The sun is shinning, it's hot out and I'm stuck in this house and not in a good way!!!!
I am going to be taking a little break from this house....Yes, Jo-Jo, Betty has talked me in to going to the Topeka hook-in. (If your reading this please e-mail me so we can "talk"!) Actually, I had planned to talk her into it after reading your comment so she didn't have to twist my arm to far. I've never been to this one and I'm curious as to what all we see and do. Please tell me there's tons of wool to buy???? (I'll make sure to stop at the ATM machine before arriving! HA) I'm already busy planning what foods I'll bring. I just pray it's cooled down some before the hook-in date! I'd hate to arrive so hot I can't enjoy myself. ;-)
This heat has really thrown my menu's off! (It's so hot no one wants to eat! When no one in this house is hungry you know it's HOT!!) I finally got around yesterday and picked up where I had left off. Actually I tried two new recipes yesterday. I did a Taco Lasagna and an Oatmeal Cherry Crisp for dessert. Both recipes were 'keepers' and something I'll definitely do again. Tonight I'll be trying a Honey Glazed Chicken. Sounds really good! This also might be a good time to add I'm really loving my little Toaster/Oven. It allows me to "bake" without heating up this whole house!
Well girls, I hung a load of colored towels out an hour ago so I best get them in before they start to sun-fade. I pray your weather is cooler than ours and just remember, in a few months it will be fall! Until then..... Hugs from Sunny Kansas! Sher |
2008-Jul-19
It's Getting HOT in Kansas!!!!
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It's afternoon here on the farm. We woke up to the sound of a hard rain but luckily it didn't last more than half an hour. Now the sun it out and you talk about warm!!!! The central air is running non-stop and with more hot weather predicted these next few days, I doubt if it shuts off anytime soon. A good time to sit indoors and enjoy it!
This evening the college kids will be home and when taking "orders" for supper I wasn't surprised when "Fried Chicken" was requested! (I swear, that's ALL my kids favorite meal!) So, I now have the chicken breast thawing out. I also made a Peanut Butter Pie and popped it in the freezer. I'm trying a new bread recipe (Zwieback Rolls, has anyone ever done them???) and "grandma's corn" and mashed potatoes and cream gravy will finish off the meal. I love these kind of meals...In an hours time I can have everything on the table and the dishwasher running!!!!
It doesn't seem as if I've done anything "fun" craft wise since Keith came home (Ok, I KNOW I haven't!!) so yesterday I got around and started a little Halloween NP project from a Notforgotten Farm booklet. Halloween/Fall is my absolute favorite time of year and this little project is just so darn sweet. I'm praying I can get the background colors to "blend" (Yes, I know you've all heard me complain about my lack of color sense!) and then it will be made into a little pillow for our Bus Stop. I love decorating that little building for the changing Seasons. It's so neat to sit down there with the kids and look at what's on the walls and discuss what that particular Season means to us. Would you believe the children are just like me and like Halloween even better than Christmas????
School starts back up in less than a month now and for once I'm ready.....It's been a long summer with all this rain we've had and the children have been cooped up most of the time in this house. They're starting to getting antsy and talk more and more of being with their friends again. And of course Keith and I enjoy these "alone days" together too! I can't believe how many plans we have for the different places we want to visit and the nice restaurants (No more having to eat at McDonald's when the kids aren't along!! HA) we want to eat at!!!! Gee, I feel like I'm talking about a second honeymoon or something! HA
Thoughts of Fall also makes me take another long look at the house. As I said, we've been cooped up so much that the time has came to do some serious re-decorating around here. Maybe it won't be anything more than changing the sofa covers or putting up different curtains but it's time for some changes. I can't wait to see what ideas I can come up with and still keep to my shoe-string budget. Hmmm, maybe a trip to my shop and bring some of those things in would be in order??????
With all these thoughts running through my head, it's time to get off here and get something done. I hope your all enjoying your summer and you too are thinking of the cool days of Fall and all the fun things they bring. Until next time...Blessings, Sher |
2008-Jul-18
Life on Old Crow Farm
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Good Morning!
I was going to start this entry with what all has been going on around the farm but since HopefulHeart77 wants to hear what life is really like here on the Kansas prairie, I decided to change gears. On that note, here's a brief summery of what our life is really like, not just the day to day stuff.....................
Kansas....Just saying the word makes my heart fill with pride. For several years my late husbands job took us across the country and we had to live in other states. I can't tell you how miserable I was or I longed for my home state. Once we moved "home" all I could think about was coming back to the land I love. As most of you can imagine, Kansas really does have "flat lands" and as you drive along you can see for miles. As I look at those sweeping prairies, I think of our ancestors and what it must have been like to pull covered wagons across those endless miles of grass. I'm sure it wasn't always a welcome sight to them.!
In terms of temperature, Kansas really does leave a lot to be desired. After a quick Spring and Fall we go into endless days of heat and cold. When I was younger I loved the summer months but I noticed as I've gotten older it's the Fall and Winter I long for. I suppose a lot of it has to do with the fact we are retired so we don't have to try navigating on bad roads during these snowy winter months. But in all honesty I think it's because winter brings about peaceful months...Months when you don't have all the outside work there is during the summer and you have the freedom to curl up in front of the fireplace and do all the things you love....Including just being a couple and getting to visit.
Normally Kansas has rainfall through the months of April and May and come July there isn't a drop to be found. Not so this year! I have never seen rain like we have had this year! It started in April and shows no sign of letting up. It's really been rough on us as we mow over three acres and it seems as if that is all Keith and I get done anymore...He does the ridding, I do the pushing. We finished mowing yesterday and at this time are sitting here waiting for more rain to move in. Guess what we'll be doing Monday!!!! And, as tough as it's been on us, think of the poor farmers! I'm afraid crops aren't going to be "record high" this year!
Wildlife in Kansas......Living on the prairie we certainly have our fair share of coyotes. Laying in bed at night you can hearing them yipping and once again you imagine what it must have been like for the pioneers knowing there was nothing between them and their campfires. Scary I'm sure! We also have a lot of Hawks. I love watching them soaring the skies as if to say we are intruding on their land....And I guess we are! We also have snakes in Kansas and if you don't believe me ask Keith.~~~~He swears we have this giant snake living out by our well house and every time he tells the story it grows by a foot! Since the rest of us have never seen him....... He's always wanting me to go out there and "scary him out of the weeds" and then he'll shoot him. Of course the next day I can just imagine the headlines in the daily paper, "Wife Dead, Snake Lives". No thanks, the snake is welcome to that little piece of land! It was probably his anyway long before it was ours!
Neighbors......Well, we don't have any really close ones and if we did they wouldn't neighbor. I wish I could say people are "neighborly" around here but it would be lie. I have lived in a lot of places and never have I seen people as stand-offish as they are around here! For years I've tried to figure out what's wrong with people (Jealousy??? Greed??? Wanting to getting ahead on their jobs???) and I finally just gave up. I live out here on this old farm and it's become my life. I no longer worry about having close friends here (Just this week I went to town and two girls both through their arms around me and hugged liked we hadn't seen one another in years. However, neither one of them said anything about getting together to visit in the future!) and I occupy my life with Keith and the children and doing the things I love. (Cross stitching, Needle Punch, Hooking, ect...) I guess when you get down to it, that's all I ever really wanted in life anyway! And of course I have my Internet friends and my precious Betty who only lives an hour from me so I really don't lack for "friends". I just miss having people in my home that share the same "loves" I do!
Ok Cammie, this probably told you more about Kansas than you really wanted to know! HA If your thinking of moving to our wonderful state just remember....The summers are hot, the winters are cold and the life is good! Blessings, Sher |
2008-Jul-16
Meals on "Old Crow Farm"
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Now that I have told you what all is in our pantry, it's time to tell you how we eat here on "Old Crow Farm". First off, I'm someone who was raised on a farm by parents that were actually farmers. Daddy was from the "old school" where you had to have meat & potatoes, a vegetable and a dessert at every meal. Even cooking for hired men like Mom did, these are the kind of meals I was raised on. Knowing this, you'll soon come to understand where my cooking habits come from.
As a mom to eight children I've certainly done my fair share of cooking over the years and to be honest, I don't see it letting up anytime soon. Food has become our 'entertainment' and "passion" over the years. There have been times when I've had to cook with little or nothing and other times when I could cook what ever I wanted. No matter what my pantry looked liked, I have always set good meals in front of my young'uns and we've never gone hungry. Praise the Lord!
It's now just Keith & I, the two little ones and occasional older children to cook for. While I've had trouble learning to cook less, I still basically cook the way I always have and the way I was raised...Meat, potatoes, vegetable and dessert. Very little rice or beans in this house and never has a main course! Have I lost some of you at this point? If so, I'm sorry but I want to be honest here and tell you like it is!
Several months ago (And I'm sorry I can't give credit here but I have no idea where this came from) I found a "menu" online. It's really simple, listing blank areas for three meals a day for seven days. I printed a copy off and then made up a zillion more so each week I can simply sit down and make up a weeks worth of menus....I also cheat and keep the menu's for those weeks when I'm brain-dead or to lazy to make up a new weeks worth.
Because our pantry and freezer are well stocked 98% of the time, I never have to worry about what I plan to fix because I know I'll have the stuff to make anything. However, I do try and look at what fresh produce I have on hand that needs to be used before it goes bad and work it into my weekly meals....The first few weeks of the month have more produce in them than the last few when I'm needing to make a grocery run.
Our meals are mostly what we call normal farm meals (Those that I described earlier) but I try to work at least two cheap meals in each week. I also work in what we call a "restaurant meal" each week but I'll talk about that in a little while. You'll also note we almost always have dessert. It may be something as simple as a cookie/brownie or ice cream but always something.
Let's see, let me tell you what a "normal" meal for us would be: (1) Fried Chicken Breast, mashed potatoes & cream gravy, country-style green beans, bread and ice cream for dessert. (2) Thick fried pork chops, fried sweet potatoes, steamed yellow squash and onions, biscuits & Brownies. (3) Roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, hot rolls & Coconut Cream Pie. (Yes, I'm copying off my menu!)
For our "cheap meals" it would be something like: (1) Greek Pizza and Cookies. (2) Dirty rice and Brownies (3) Hot dogs, French Fries and Cookies. (Note how I try to get one dessert worked into two meals.)
Then there's our "restaurant meals". At least once a week I try to go all out and fix what I consider a really nice meal, more like one you would order in a restaurant but without the cost. Last weeks meal was: K.C. Strip steak, baked potato, tossed salad and Peanut Butter Pie. This week it was: Bourbon Chicken & Rice and Bourbon Brownies. I have to be honest and admit these are Keith's favorite part of the week! HA
Now that we are staying home more I'm doing something different....I have started going through all my cookbooks and magazine copying down the recipes that I think our family would eat. I have put them in a new recipe box and have also wrote them down in a little book. Now when I make up my menu's, I go through my "book" and jot down at least two new recipes to try each week. Not only are we eating different foods but we're getting some really good recipes to add to our families favorites. Keith loves this and brags to everyone about all the new things I'm making.
Well girls, now you know what it's like at meal time on "Old Crow Farm". I'd love your comments on what you do differently and any ideas you might have to make things better for us. Any questions, please just ask! Hugs, Sher |
2008-Jul-15
Stocking our Pantry
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Good Evening!
Since I love to read everyone's blogs that talk about their pantry and how they are "stocking up" for winter I thought that I might as well add our two cents worth and what we were doing. Several weeks ago I wrote how we're trying to get down to shopping once a month and in order to do this, I have been buying groceries like crazy! Living in a little tiny house (Ok, I know your all tired of hearing about my little house but I swear girls, it's TINY!!) having a nice sized pantry is almost impossible. I have several kitchen cabinets that I keep groceries in as well as two old cabinets in our family room. Since this wouldn't hold my "stock pile" I had to get creative. I finally decided the old primitive cabinet in our family room that held family pictures would be turned into another food pantry!....I'm sure my ancestors would approve since they lived through some tough times themselves!
In stocking my pantry, I tried to think of the foods we really use a lot of and those that will allow me to cook the kind of meals we want or if times get really tight, to make nourishing meals out of a few ingredients. Now to list what all is in our pantry:
Flour, Sugar, Powder Sugar, Brown Sugar, Bisquick, Jelly, Canned green beans, Canned Corn, Pork & Beans, Canned tomatoes, Canned Tomato Sauce, Canned tomato juice, Ketchup, Honey, Macaroni, Spaghetti Sauce, Spaghetti, Angel Hair Pasta, Rice, Mushrooms, Canned soups, canned Pumpkin, Olives, Oil (Vegetable, Crisco, Olive, ect..) jello, pudding mixes, oatmeal, corn starch, Salt & Pepper, a zillion spices, Vanilla, onions, garlic bulbs and jars of minced garlic, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peanut Butter, Yeast, Pecans, Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips, Coconut, juice, tea, coffee, ect...
In our two refrigerators you'll find:
Butter, Eggs, Ingredients to fix tossed salads, Milk, cheese (Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, American, ect..) Half & Half, Green Peppers, Tortilla shells, hot dogs, and tons of other things.
The Deep freezes hold:
Chicken. Ground Beef, Pork, Ham, Steak, Bacon, Shrimp, Roast, Pepperoni, Stew Meat, Soup Meat, Sausage, Blueberries, Strawberries, Ice Cream, frozen vegetables, French Fries, tater tots, frozen juice, Cool Whip, ect.....
How long would all of this food last. Well, I suppose I could feed our family "normally" for about a month and a half but if things are super tight (Meaning NO FOOD to be bought) we could probably go three months. I pray this day never comes but if it does, as with other things in life, I'm hope I'm some what prepared.
Now that you know what's in our pantry, my next posting will be how we cook and eat here on Old Crow Farm. Stayed tuned..........Blessings, Sher |