At The Farm...

It's The Journey...

2012-02-18T18:30:00.000-06:00

I was driving, Andrew photgraphed.

Andrew photographed me

asking directions.

Need help, find a fireman.

The great Mississippi River

Leaving Arkansas,

Arrival in Mississippi, looking back.

We made it!

Preparing to see Mr BB King.

It's Magical!!

2012-02-18T04:22:00.005-06:00

You and the rest of my family

are At The Farm,

while Andrew and I are singing the blues,

in Mississippi,

with BB King.

Maybe there'll be no Candied Apple Caper

like the time Toni, my nephew, took us!

I'm Gone...

2012-02-17T04:56:00.004-06:00

but, hay...just thought I'd show you around

At The Farm.

This is one of our main springs.

This one supplies more than enough

for all our needs.

The water is crystal clear

and tastes better than sweet tea.

White Tail deer sneak into the orchard

while Spring is trying on her new colors.

Thursday's Things In A Row

2012-02-16T04:36:00.026-06:00

Rolls of Swiss Chocolate Rolls,

a morning delight,

help maintain my figure

with every bite.

A wire basket at work

catches the mail

when you drop letters in the slot

they land in this jail.

I process them quickly

and get them on their way

when the letters arrive

it makes a person's day.

Rows of stamps,

buttons,

and pegs

are all just a part of my postal day.

I'll be missing, Andrew and me,

heading to Mississippi,

BB King to see.

Join Pat for more row fun,

Yep, she started this,

she's the one!

Well, Let Me Tell You Something...

2012-02-15T04:51:00.002-06:00

and those who know me, know that statement always precedes a tale of madness, something almost unbelievable. I remember when Mom would start a story that way, she was going to be telling someone "how the cow ate the cabbage."

I really wanted to have a relaxing weekend, but, no, didn't happen. I opened the mail and my nightmare began. Official notice from the home insurance, cancelled, effective March 3rd...WHAT? But I just had an agent out and she thought every thing was fine. She took pictures, we made a deal. It's a farm house, guys, an old farm house, a working farm...but they sent a city boy to take pictures and his recommendation was we had too many liabilities!!!

Weekend, not in their office, city boy out sick...this is what I finally found out...his words, "white bucket, blue barrel and pipe in yard, furniture in the yard, steps going the wrong way, one porch rail broken and the steps are too long".

Well, Thank God, I thought something was wrong with the house!! You've got to be kidding me, cancellation because of a barrel in the yard?? They should have seen the place before hubby hauled the equipment to the bone yard!

Keep in mind, I am showing my liabilities, baring my soul to the entire world. See the pipe and the blue barrels? See the lawn mowers...guess they are a liability, too. This is the back side of the house!!! Were the steps going the wrong way, the ones that enter the basement? Yes, there is a porch rail broken but it's winter and I am going to fix it, sooner now, than I had planned. A tree limb broke it, we trimmed the broken limb, cleared the mess and did not call the insurance company. I was waiting 'cause it was a door we never use except in summer!!! It's to the screened porch. The blue barrels are pressure tanks from the pump, waiting to be repurposed, because on a farm everything can be used for something else. That piece of pipe is polished aluminum that is worth a pretty penny. Hubbs was using it for irrigation and brought it to the house!

They should have seen this before I asked Hubbs to clean it up. The work shop is to the right so where else do you put things? Close to the place you're going to work on them is obviously not the right place...and I did not take this picture!!!! This is insurance boy's picture.

...and here's his second picture. Good photographer! I know it's not a mansion but it's our home and a pretty good one. Maybe he was offended by the painted pelvic bone of a cow that I had hanging on the gate post, maybe my dogs barking made him mad, who knows! The only furniture in the yard is my lawn furniture that stays out year round.

Whew, calm down, Gail. I finally was able to talk to my agent and she was shocked. She said, I just took pictures, every thing looked fine to me. Then I found out she grew up on a farm. Sometimes, when you're responsible for acres, the yard suffers a little but it doesn't make it a libility!!!

Any way, we shall see, when I get the complete list of things he didn't like. My agent says, we will work and take more pictues of the same spots and TRY...TRY to convince the national office, we're not a libility. If I can't do that, I'm not sure of the direction I will take. I know I will probably advertise for the company here...and on Facebook.

You have seen pictures of my home before and I have had nothing but wonderful compliments...now if I can just convince the big insurance guys, I am not going to burn my house down nor trip a stranger, things will smooth out...until next year.

Cross your fingers, I am battling big boys!!

I Sit...

2012-02-14T04:31:00.003-06:00

knowing this is Valentine's day. I drink sweet tea from my tall Santa cup and find I really don't care how the holiday goes. I've received one valentine from a very special friend, and she knows how happy I was.

I asked Andrew if he wanted to buy a bag of Hershey Kisses to hand out in school tomorrow. Hubby asked, why? So this holiday's been over looked but that's okay. I get my kisses when ever I want them and my hugs...who needs chocolate?

I DO!!!!

The road driving out yesterday was a little slick and snow fell all day. We were lucky, a lot melted but there was no school. The drive home was much whiter.

I watched it pile up at work and swept the walks three times before I just gave up and let it snow. There is ice and not sure whether there is school today or not.

Soooo, Happy Valentine's Day to all who celebrate...may you receive just what you've dreamed about...and from me, I send you stamps from the United States Postal Service.

Happy Valentine's Day!

That Time of Year...

2012-02-13T04:33:00.002-06:00

The calves are hitting the ground.

and the Father watches over all.

The Week's Soup...

2012-02-12T07:27:00.001-06:00

This is the color that says "No Trespassing". That's the rule. So instead of tacking signs up that blow away, we paint. We paint corner posts and paint again a few yards later. The buckets of "No Trespassing" paint sell for high prices but we just choose a color that's close and save twenty bucks. Simple solutions are nice.

Spent two days at work, working around the normal duties, trying to find a book keeping error. Just when I thought I had the solution fixed in my head, someone would come in or the phone would ring and I would lose my train of thought. Finally found it, fixed it, I hope...a simple math error but sure was frustrating tracking it down.

Talked to a lady that was not enjoying retirement at all! This I find difficult to believe, since that is what I breathe for! I said, Do you not have a hobby? I read, she said. I asked, You don't paint, sew, crochet, photograph, write nor take long walks outdoors? Nope, she says, I miss not having anything to do. Even though, she was older than me, I knew my parents didn't raise her. I kinda feel sorry for her because of all the things she's missing. When I retire, all I will miss is that extra paycheck.

Tried to photograph the moon last night through the kitchen window...no luck. It was beautiful but not beautiful enough to dress in winter garb and try the shooting outside.

I did capture the frost on the front outside door glass, as I let Maggie out this morning. With that one swoosh of cold air, I knew I was NOT going on a walk this morning!

I'm still a little frustrated with no-reply-comment bloggers. I love to reply personally to each person's comments. I receive my comments by email, saves a little time because rarely do I go back to a post after it's up. That's done, that's written, time to move on. If you use NRC, I'm not high-hatting you, I just don't post replies to comments on my blog. That's just how my cookie crumbles. There a way to go into settings and fix this, so your email comes up instead of NRC, if you're interested, otherwise...

Friday, grandson Andrew and I begin our trip of a lifetime. BB KING in concert, in a strange place with no GPS and with my great talent of getting lost, I'm sure this event will produce many hair-raising adventures.

I guess, you're thinking, Where's the Soup? Well, this is it, a mix of all the ingredients of my week...that's what soup is, after all.

I Remembered…Saturday Centus

2012-02-11T07:41:00.001-06:00

Every week, we get a wonderful prompt from Jenny Matlock. These stretch our imagination but limit our words. It’s fun! Stop by and enjoy some talented writers, counting those words.

This week’s prompt was “The wedding was at the firehouse” using 106 words…I made it!

Planning to get married since spring, the dry weather came. That didn’t stop her dreaming of a beautiful wedding dress, flowers and walking down the great hall in her childhood church.

Something always seemed to get in the way, mostly fire.

The date was set, the plans laid. Dressed to the nines, just one hour before the blessed event. Tending to last minute details, the pagers went off!

The church was on fire! Donning her turnouts, she and the rest of the volunteers fought the losing battle with the blaze. The church was gone.

Never one to give up, the wedding was at the fire house.

Blue Skies and Cold Air

2012-02-11T06:54:00.000-06:00

One more time, I fooled myself into thinking winter would not arrive this year. I was wrong, as usual. Last night was our coldest night this season and I can testify, this is the coldest I want to feel.

I prefer when Winter dances around the edges, showing her icy petticoats just enough to tease me, to show me the possibilities. I love the crisp mornings with frost painting a sparkling masterpiece on the land. I like when it melts and colors of brown and blond emerge and fool me into Fall again, dreaming winter will never come.

Well, Farm Girl (me), get your head out of your ash bucket and wake up! It's February and in these parts, that means winter. Get over it, dress warm and keep that camera ready!

Friday's

2012-02-10T04:51:00.001-06:00

round rainbow.

Thursday's Things In A Row

2012-02-09T04:04:00.007-06:00

Rub board rows in a winter sky,

shine on reclining grasses.

Spikes of frost line up,

and animals tip toe through wet sand.

Cold rows on a winter's day,

but come a hot summer,

we'll wish they'd stayed.

Join Pat at A View From The Edge.

she's loads of fun any day of the week.

Bed's Afloppin...

2012-02-08T03:58:00.010-06:00

pillows tossed
Can't find sleep,
She must be lost.

Nose is stuffed
Can't clear my head
There's no sleepin'
In this bed.

If there's no schedule,
I sleep like a log
but when a schedule looms
I'm up all night like a 'coon huntin' dog!

The Old House Still Stood

2012-02-07T04:29:00.015-06:00

smothered in the fog of a cold winter morning. It was vacant and stood in my memories as long as the mountains around it.

Approaching carefully, knowing this ramshackle old house was empty, I stepped up and through the open door.

The kitchen lean-to was filled with old kitchen things and an antique wood cook stove…I smelled coffee.

Embarrassed by my trespassing, I turned to leave when a voice, as ancient and rusty as the stove, spoke from the other room.

“Sit a spell”, the voice said, “Pull up a chair” as he pointed to an old hickory cane bottomed chair.
Handing me a tin cup, full of hot coffee, he spoke again, “Black’s all I got, but you’re welcome to a cup.”

I sat, I sipped, as the coffee made my taste buds dance, I waited for him to speak again.

The rocking chair creaked as he rocked, slowly. I waited for him to speak, to shout about my intrusion, to say something to absolve me of my guilt.

“The weather’s turning”, he mentioned casually as if I were a long time friend. “How’s the coffee?” he enquired. “I like a touch of chicory, takes me back to a time when we didn’t have coffee.”

Speechless, I nodded in agreement as he rocked and rocked, always keeping his cup balanced, never losing his rhythm.

Comfortable enough to face him, Irish Blue eyes looked straight through me, filled with nothing but kindness and welcoming. The craggy, yet boyish, face was surrounded by blonde hair turned older. The face sported a full, thick beard as elegant as Santa’s.

Age was not a question, nor did it seem to matter. Speaking again in that ancient voice, he asked, “Need me to warm your cup, Ma’am?”

I offered my cup for topping off as he spoke again. “I was born here, in that very room. Nineteen seventeen was a long time ago.”

My voice was not needed, only my presence.

Bit by bit, he talked as if there was nothing but time. I listened, I learned and was mesmerized by his gentle voice telling of his youth and his experiences through the years. I could only listen.

The rain began to fall, pinging on the tin roof. I sat, he rocked.

Somehow, I dozed, waking with a start, I looked around for the gentleman I had visited with for hours.

Gone, except for the coffee cup, I called out his name. No answer.

The rocking chair was dusty, the wood stove was cold and the open door remained open.

I think of this often as my walk takes me by the cabin. I smell no coffee and the house remains the same.

I check, time to time, for him, but he’s never there. I only have that afternoon, in the rain, and the coffee cup as I continue to search for Chicory growing wild.

Wasted Days...

2012-02-06T04:38:00.005-06:00

are needed by everyone now and then, but, then, if they're needed, I guess they couldn't be called a waste, could they?

I have been playing catch up on reading and commenting. I have been neglecting this duty, this pleasure. I apologize, I have been there, lurking...and working every single minute at TRYING to get other things done.

I've been reliving some of my adventures At The Farm and realize how much the blog and I have changed through over 1,500 posts since the beginning in 2008. If you're a "newbie", as CSI so nobly puts in, I encourage you to use Link Within or my blog archive to explore...I don't think you'll be bored.

I remember the fear in the beginning that no one would read and the exquisite delight with my first follower. That sense of accomplishment I feel each time I've gained a follower still remains.

You have been my support system, my sounding board and my friends.

I wanted to say, thank you. Thanks for visiting, thanks for staying...and I just noticed almost every sentence began with I...Oh, well, just glad you're here. I'm hitting publish whether this is good or not. Hope you return, again and again...and again.

Saturday Centus…Late Again

2012-02-05T14:12:00.001-06:00

I was enjoying the morning sky, stunned and hypnotized by its magnificent beauty.

A small dot appeared through the patchy clouds, growing larger in it’s descent. I watched, time slowed for me but the object seemed to speed up the closer it came.

What was this unidentified falling object?

Crashing into the ground, only yards away, I ran…was it a meteorite, a space pod, or just a fallen bird?

The oblong “thing” was a greenish color with no openings in sight. I cautiously approached, walking around, looking, reaching…it was warm to the touch.

Without warning, it split open revealing... “two peas in a pod”.

Just having a little fun with the writing prompt of the week at Saturday Centus . Join in the fun!

Over Easy Sometimes Ain't Easy

2012-02-05T08:57:00.000-06:00

I should leave the photography to someone who does better. This looks disgusting, the subject and the photo. I had already licked the plate clean before I checked my photos. Please, believe me, when I say, the picture does not show the marvelous taste of this delectable breakfast.

Tiny Bantam eggs, fresh from the hen house, a drop of olive oil and a generous sprinkling of Montreal Steak Seasoning satisfied my hunger while the men sleep on. I like my eggs fresh, I like them undercooked, only the white must be done.

I wasn't planning on eggs for breakfast or breakfast of any kind before the man pack woke, but there sat a saucer that had held only a cookie, I wiped it with my sleeve and decided to eat...something.

The eggs won. I sit here satisfied with no fear of food poisoning or any other malady I might get from an undercooked store-bought egg.

I might be "touched" but farm life is good!

I Got Mooned!

2012-02-05T04:03:00.003-06:00

and it took my breath away!

My Second Job and Rumors

2012-02-04T06:58:00.001-06:00

My extra horse things are on the sale block. My horses are gone so why not share with others? I heard yesterday, the price of horses is rising...standard procedure...the market's been down for years. I give mine away, the price goes up.

I've heard, don't know how true it is, I had no heart to research, that the BLM is spending a lot of money (three thousand a day) to feed the unadoptable mustangs that normally would have gone to slaughter. Obama (not alone, of course) has approved a contract with two slaughter houses. At least, for the horse people who sell grade, the prices will begin to rise.

It is good to know mine are in a place where this will never be an option.

The old, vintage, antique and unwanted are in Toni's building to sell. The whole darn family is cleaning house.

So if you're driving by, come on in and have a conversation with me and a visit to our past. You may have to wake me up, 'cause I'm very tired.

Treasures are in every nook and cranny and it's a buyer's market.

4079 Main

I'll share my chocolate donuts!

This N That

2012-02-03T04:20:00.003-06:00

I'm always showing sunrises so here's a sunset as I stop to work at the shop. I didn't capture it but the clouds looked like Spanish Moss hanging from the sun.

White Spotted pup will now live with a college girl in South Arkansas. Two more to go and they will be eight weeks old tomorrow. Another lady from the south is coming Saturday and hope the last will be gone.

My phone committed suicide at work today. I sent out a company email stating just that...asking for a spare. I got in trouble! One person did have a sense of humor and asked if I had called the Hot line. Political correctness will be the death of me!

Oh, if I forgot to mention it...ANDREW WON! That wireless speaker thingy we bought allowed him to go wild on the floor while playing. I'm so proud. I wish I had some kinda talent.

The nights and mornings are frosty,

but the dandelions think it's spring.

Thursday's Things In A Row

2012-02-02T05:12:00.002-06:00

I missed the Rows last week!

I've never done that,

even when she was on vacation,

I sent my rows to Pat.

I remembered in the bathroom,

and with camera always ready,

I found rows surrounding me,

while I sat steady.

Pretty scary rows, I know!

Visit A View From The Edge.

There'll be better ones

than this, I pledge.

The Votes Are In...

2012-02-01T19:35:00.000-06:00

and Andrew won!!!!

This is last year's photo when he won.

Another Ben Franklin is waiting for him.

Two years in a row!!!

Way to go, Andrew!!!

It Was An Ice Cream Cone Kind of Day...

2012-02-01T04:21:00.009-06:00

You know the kind you savor

and never want to end.

The sunrise was beautiful!

The day was springlike enough

that I caught spring fever.

At work, I cleaned and rearranged

while taking care of customers

who were also experiencing

the pleasure of a beautiful day.

Andrew competed in a talent show.

The students vote for a winner,

to be announced tomorrow.

The light was low with a zoom,

but you can get an idea how he was moving!

Whatever they announce,

Andrew is my champion.

Whether it was the hope of spring,

or just the fact I'm feeling better,

it matters not, it was good.

I stopped after work and worked again

with Bev in the shop.

Came home to dishes washed

and dinner cooked!

It was a blue ribbon day!

White Spotted will travel to south Arkansas,

taxes are filed,

only two puppies left to adopt

and I have pork and potatoes waiting!

I could use a handful of days like this.

Here's wishing you an ice cream cone day!

Warning!!!!

2012-01-31T04:13:00.001-06:00

puppy faces may melt your heart!

Sunday, My Day of Rest...

2012-01-30T04:31:00.003-06:00

yep, sure was restful! I woke with a bee in my bonnet and proceeded to direct the troops. You know the troops I'm talking about, the ones who game or computer or tv or snooze in their chair all day...those troops.

I was tired of waiting on Someone Who Does Not Work to get it done! I thought they might learn by example. I heard an expression used the other night related to hoarding...can't remember the expression but it was the inability to see the mess. Both males in my home are suffering from this horrible malady...just can't see it. Boy, oh, boy, I'm not blind just only so much of me to go around!

Yep, I'm not blind and I found out today, they are not deaf! They heard, they listened, they worked as they wondered, I'm sure, who took the gentle Gail and replaced her with a slave driver.

They both had this shocked expression when I declared, "We are not living like pigs, anymore." I proceeded with small lines; you drop it, you pick it up, you spill it, you clean it up. They stood like zombies with a full belly...with a terrible blank look on their face.

We, now, have almost all the laundry done...except they have to put theirs away. Took one truck load...a bed, a table, a big box and an antique baby chicken warmer, to the shop. While we were out, we did grocery shopping, with every one's input...and every one unloading and putting away.

Hubbs was so scared (right!) he was hauling things out of the yard to the bone yard where they belong. Andrew wasn't near as scared but he hasn't lived with me as long.

I have a box full of socks and shorts no one wears that will be a fine free gift to some one who has none. I have a full trash can, a broken sewing machine needle and a hurt back but, by golly, they listened and they worked.

The sad thing is, I kinda like this so I'm not through with them yet! As Mom used to say, Things are gonna change around here!

I grew tired of waiting for someone to fix the window sill in the bathroom...that is now sitting with it's second coat of paint after being scrapped, caulked and dried...that was my job, I gave up on every one else.

I may, just maybe, if they're nice, give them the rest of the afternoon off. Don't want to shock their systems too badly.

Post note: 6PM Sunday...Hubb's napping, Andrew's playing guitar, fresh stir fry on the stove and I am hitting my soft chair. We have earned our rest.

Saturday Centus…A Day Late

2012-01-29T08:53:00.001-06:00

The dark stranger entered the dance hall.
The silent, patient type, he waited.
Our eyes met, we looked away,
both interested, but too shy to act

His toes tapped to the R&B.
I swayed, where I stood,
in time to the waltz.
We could both feel the attraction.

The night moved on, as they always do.
We held moist glasses with cold drinks,
sneaking glimpses at one another
as we both avoided the dance floor.

Slowly he moved toward me and spoke,
”May I have this dance?”
Displaying his badge,
the mysterious stranger in my arms whispered,
“We both know where all the bodies are buried.”

I keep forgetting about these fun writing prompts at Saturday Centus. Join the fun and the challenge.

A Ki-Ann Adventure...

2012-01-29T07:31:00.000-06:00

Gotta be something...

hiding in this timber pile!

Run away, Cutter, you girly man!

I'll find it alone.

I think it got away.

Lazy Person...

2012-01-28T04:08:00.002-06:00

This old mirror is topped with Dad's road sign.

It comforted him, during Alzheimer's, to read his name

and know he was home.

I oiled the wood in the hall. The smell of lemon oil flows through the house and makes it seem fresher and less wintry. Now, if I could just get around to oiling Grandma's organ and the other wooden items, I might be in fair shape. Just a square foot at a time...

I read of many doing winter cleaning and I am embarrassed because I seem to accomplish little while staying busy. Two jobs do that, then throw in just maintaining daily life...not much time left to do the extras.

I did finally finish Hubbs' quilt, a memory quilt made from his embroidered shirts back when he used to have a job. I did catch him snoozing in his recliner with it wrapped around him so maybe he likes it.

I have eight boxes of farm things to move to the shop.

I walk through the house, looking, do I keep this or that? I see all the work that cries out to be done and here I sit on the computer...remembering Granny's words..."Lazy people count their jobs"!

I Walked With My Ancestors...

2012-01-27T04:14:00.031-06:00

Yesterday, after Hubbs' doctor visit,

after a very rare (in both respects) steak lunch out,

after a stop for groceries,

I walked.

I walked where my father's father had walked.

I stood where the Osage stood.

I soaked up the healing that comes from the land.

I revisited places I've written about,

places I've lived,

and places I've played.

The sky smiled

while the land loved me back...

I, reluctantly, returned indoors to cook dinner.

At The Farm...HIstory and Secrets

2012-01-26T05:38:00.004-06:00

a small farm, one hundred fifty acres , more or less...not big enough to be called a ranch. Not fancy enough to be a resort, but it's beautiful and it's home. I guess, it would be called a hobby farm, since you rarely make money on a farm. You can eek a living out of the ground. The land will care for you if you care for it.

This beautiful spring valley, (three live year round springs) surrounded by tree covered hills and grassland was first home to the Native Americans, I would guess Osage by the relics we find. The place is covered with natural berry bushes and fruit and nut trees and the wonderful Osage Orange or Bodark that makes the best wood for bows, say the bow makers.

March 1885 this was part of an original land grant to John Walker by President (1853-1857) Franklin Pierce (information from the land grant). People called him "Tin Cup Walker" because, way before his time, he believed germs could be passed by drinking after someone. So Tin Cup always carried his cup on his belt and never drank out of any one's dipper when he needed a drink of water. His daughter, Eve is buried here, and we still care for her grave. From there, it changed hands many times through the trading of horses, the inability of some to pay the taxes, and just selling one to the other.

Although Dad was born not far from here, this land did not enter the family til the thirties (again, according to the title search, which doesn't ring true in places) In between times, and after Dad's birth, the family left Arkansas for Kansas, left the Dust Bowl there, for Missouri and returned here to survive the Great Depression.

There are three old home places on the farm, shown only in spring by the blooming of daffodils and burning bushes. The old barn is almost just a memory, a few timbers remain. The old house that still stands close by the house Mom and Dad built was two houses put together with a lean-to kitchen added. Dad said they pulled the two houses here with a team of horses on a log sled. Four children and Grandma and Grandpa lived here...two rooms and a lean-to with a toilet in the cedar glade.

Dad had a brother and two sisters and another brother born much later. They had hogs, goats, cattle, chickens and ducks...plus huge gardens and hay crops to feed every thing and every one.

After Dad left home, he worked hard to send money home to buy more land. The holdings increased and by the fifties before I was born, Dad had helped purchase more land and left Grandpa in charge while my family worked away...in the wheat harvests in Kansas, running a sheep ranch in Iowa, and many other things to accumulate land. If you have land, you can live.

Mother has always been had a "knowing", as some people call it. Just before I was born, she insisted, since she and Dad had paid for most of the land, to have a separate deed to this place. I saw it in the abstract. Dad gave Grandpa almost four hundred acres and Mom and Dad took one hundred and ninety acres.

It's a sad story, really. Dad sent all his money home during the entirety of World War II and when he returned, the money was gone. Later Dad would work and buy cattle to put on the farm. Grandpa would sell them the next week. Dad would work away and Grandpa would sell the timber...on all the land. Dad always loved his parents and never harbored any bitterness over this...he was a better person than me.

Mother knew a storm was coming. Grandma died. Grandpa, who was in the beginnings of Alzheimer's, had another logger come in. The lady logger showed up with a roll of cash and offered Grandpa $5 a acre in the fifties!!! Grandpa, not being right, thought that was a whole lot more than they paid for it. He took it and Mom and Dad found out when they returned that most of the land they had worked for such a long time was gone. Our over five hundred acres was reduced to less than 150 over night...Thank God and Mom, she had that deed changed!!!

This land is now part ranch and part new development. It is sad, that because of Grandpa's illness, Dad's hard earned land was lost.

We lived here in the house that Grandpa put together for a while. We had to walk to the main highway to school...almost two miles. Mom and Dad bought eight acres by the highway and that is actually where I grew up but even there, we had a big garden, a fruit orchard, a grape vineyard, a stocked pond and a milk cow/calves with hogs to butcher and, of course, cats, dogs, and chickens.

Dad made his living through road construction. We lived a way a lot until I started school, then we moved home. Dad still worked away but I attended school here all my life, with the exception of one year in Missouri.

Mom and Dad built the house we live in now. We all had a part in the construction. We all have hammered nails, laid rocks, and painted walls. They built it as they could pay for it. They moved back to the farm after I married...and now they are gone and we are here.

Marcy has a retirement home here, we live in the old farm house, and Bev lives in town but is here working 'most every day.

Now, that's a lot of talking!!! You asked for the history of the farm, Canned Quilter, and I give you a sad family tale.

Currently, we run a few cattle,(no horses now) chickens, dogs and cats...not counting all the wild encounters we have with the wild life. The items we grow feed many families and we suppliment our food with wild game.

With Andrew, it will make the fifth generation that has lived here.

I know I haven't answered all the questions, but keep 'em coming, I'll always have an answer!

With A Name Like "At The Farm"...

2012-01-25T04:38:00.018-06:00

I'm sure you expect more farmish things when you stop by but it's winter and the farm in resting. The grass hangs on in it's brown dreariness, the cows aren't calving yet so not too much excitement going on.

This is when we sew, warm by the fire, feed and water the animals and enjoy the fruits of our summer labors. Soon it will be time to prune trees with our clothes layered to stay warm.

I am gonna let you determine my next post...any questions about life At The Farm?

And The Sun Shines On...

2012-01-24T04:16:00.005-06:00

after cold rain and fog.

Sometimes, it's fun to look back,

while we're moving forward.

Could be dangerous, too.

It's always reassuring to know,

whether we see it or not,

the sun does rise every day...

and the Son is always with us.

A happy update from Missouri dog,

with his new squirrel toy...

I would say, this is a happy dog!

I Met A Miracle Sunday...

2012-01-23T04:53:00.001-06:00

and her name was Didera. A wonderfully sweet lady drove all the way from Springfield, Missouri to pick up one of my little hot peppers!

He has not been in his new home twelve hours, has sweaters, toys and all the wonderful amenities any pup can dream about. His new mom sent me this picture just minutes ago.

This lucky little man, a mutt from nowhere Arkansas, will become a therapy dog and a life time companion to another dog and the wonderful women who now owns them both.

I loved the follow up emails I've received. I can hear the happiness in Ms Dideras's voice.

Thank you, Ms Didera. May this little man give you all the love and happiness his mother has given me.

The 'Possum Battle...

2012-01-22T07:17:00.000-06:00

The tracks were seen and depending on who was reporting, this new possum was AT LEAST the size of our biggest dog. After being sited one night, while boldly dining on cat food by the front porch, we all agree, it was a huge one!

I imagine that's how the possum got so big...this one had a brain. It has been able to elude all farm dog attempts of capture. One night I even assisted the dogs in house shoes (me, not the dogs) and a big bad flashlight. The trail was hot, the 'possum moving too fast for capture, the wild granny with house coat tails flapping in the cold, freezing air with the farm dogs doing their work...it was a scary picture. The 'possum hit an old armadillo tunnel and we had to admit defeat.

After a week of stalking, sitings, and even a few treed-in-the-tunnel nights, the dogs finally were successful.

This old fellow, finally captured and dispatched, mainly by Lil and Ki, was HUGE...a tad bigger than Ki. Marcy got to witness the victory. Oh, it was sweet! Good dogs!!!

Last night, the commotion began. What? I thought we got rid of the problem. Well, the big one must have been talking at the ole watering hole because another showed. This one, much smaller and less wise, was dispatched quickly by the new lead 'possum hunting team of Lil and Ki.

For the soft-hearted, I apologize. It is necessary to do this. After the cat food, the chicken house would be raided, hens killed.

I don't know about you but, I think, I'd much rather have chicken to eat than 'possum!

Fiction???

2012-01-21T04:09:00.022-06:00

He was a typical abuser...
never let the marks show.
Never let the world know.
He smiled as he established a gentleman's resume.

But, when the doors closed.
The iron fists clenched
and did angry damage,
despite the begging cries and tears.

Connected, I knew.
I planned and I smiled.

The legend grows,
the speculation runs rampant.
The abuser, who feared me,
without knowing why...
disappeared.

I continue to smile.
Life is safer for the one left behind.

Thursday I Ran Away...

2012-01-20T04:46:00.007-06:00

at lunchtime. I close for lunch but people knock on the door or holler for something...so I left the building...and took a drive. The town I work in used to be Barren Fork now it's called Mt Pleasant.

Just a skip and a hop down the road is Barren Fork Creek. This was my lunch break today. I think you'll agree, it was worth the trip.

The day was perfect.

It was a sweater day, nothing else needed, well,

except for pants and shoes and such,

but no coat.

Driving down a gravel road,

you cross a concrete low water bridge.

The water tumbles through on normal days,

on flood days, it is impassible.

Even away from work, I worked.

The culverts on one side were blocked.

I removed branches and logs to help the water flow.

I caused the water to foam.

Sad, that even on a break,

I just keep on working!

The creek had worked its magic.

I returned to work, muddy, but refeshed....

and there were people waiting for me to open.

Sweet Child of Mine...

2012-01-19T04:23:00.028-06:00

She's got a smile that it seems to me

Reminds me of childhood memories

Where everything was as fresh

as the bright blue sky.

Now and then when I see her face

She takes me away to that special place

and if I stare too long,

I'd probably break down and cry.

She's got eyes of the bluest skies

as if they thought of rain

I'd hate to look into those eyes

and see an ounce of pain.

Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place

Where as a child I'd hide

and pray for the thunder and the rain

to quietly pass me by.

Well, her eyes aren't blue but they're beautiful...

this sweet child of mine!!!

Her heart is as big as the universe.

I wish all the words above were mine but, alas,

Guns N Roses sang them first.

Happy Birthday, Melissa!!!

May this be the best year ever.

I love you.

Tuesday Was One of Those Days...

2012-01-18T04:10:00.002-06:00

when the sunrise greets you warmly,

as the storm front

starts rolling in.

You must keep your back to the storm,

and continue driving toward the sunrise.

Hot Peppers Produce Hot Peppers...

2012-01-17T04:51:00.027-06:00

Remember the trouble I always had

TRYING to get pictures of Ki-Anne?

Multiply that by seven...

and you still won't have a clue!!!

Sometimes, I get lucky and one or two are still.

They know who Granny is,

and they come running when I call.

Ki's not hurting her baby.

She's trying to control them like every mother,

sometimes, you just have to grab 'em

and hold on.

They're ready to go to forever homes.

Wish for some good ones.

It's Monday...

2012-01-16T08:23:00.002-06:00

and it's not wash day nor grocery day but sewing day and a holiday for me! I am happily clipping and ripping away on Hubby's old work shirts. He no longer holds the title embroidered so nicely on these shirts and he no longer works for the business so the shirts are mine...MINE, I say.

Plain, solid colors chosen by a plain, solid man who was ~~good~~ great at his job for years. In political appointments when the lead dog changes, some of the team are replaced as was Hubby. Through the years, Hubby performed many heroic acts although he would not say that, finding lost children, rescuing people, recovering people and helping the entire county run smoothly during disasters and during the good times.

So today, I am finishing a quilt I began some time ago. It will be for Hubby and his magic sleeping chair...you know, the chair that reclines and automatically puts the reclinee to sleep.

I sew happily on my old electric machine, have more trouble threading the needle than I used to but I can still get the job done.

Noticing the pile of jeans waiting for me to repurpose, knowing I will make yard quilts and totes and maybe a pillow or two, but that will be for another day.

Winter weather brings out the Suzie Home Maker in me and so I sew. This day may your stitches be strong, your tension just right and may you always be able to see the eye of the needle.

This N That...

2012-01-15T09:54:00.000-06:00

I wondered if you wondered about my new profile photo. Is that a one-eyed Ki-Anne? No, she's winking. I am in search of the perfect profile photo but, so far, no luck.

I sold my western saddle yesterday. It was a difficult thing. I still have my Australian saddle which is much lighter than my western. I have it, just in case, one of these days, I might believe that MAYBE I can ride.

The bright side of that is the proceeds cover the price of my little adventure I have planned for February. Two tickets and one motel for Andrew and I to see BB King!!!!! The tickets were purchased and the motel reserved the night before I sold the saddle.

Maybe, I'll have enough left to buy a citrine stone. A friend said citrine releases negative energy and protects us from outside negative forces...yep, I could use that.

I have a Bucket list...a Texas gallon bucket, an aluminum three gallon bucket and a plastic five gallon bucket. Seriously, I do sorta have a bucket list...and on that list was to see BB King...he will be 86, I think, this year. My grandson plays guitar just by watching someone else pay a song. Mr King is one he watches. This is a dream for both of us, may it be as wonderful as we believe it will be.

The sun is shining, the air is freezing but the day is beautiful...maybe I will take a walk to renew my spirit.

May your day be blessed.

The Things We Keep...

2012-01-14T04:49:00.002-06:00

What can you tell about a person by the things they have around them? This has been on my mind as I thin pieces of my life, trying to simplify and keep only the things I absolutely love. There are many advantages to this. You don't have to dust as much, when you're gone people will have less to throw away, and it just feels good being surrounded by stuff you absolutely love.

I wonder what these pictures tell about me except that I am behind on my dusting. Welcome to a peek inside my head and my heart. Introducing a few of the pieces that have survived the first cut.

Do they reveal my personality as you know it here or do they hint at secrets? Let me know.

Remember, I didn't say I'd been cleaning...

I said, I'd been thinning.

Friday The Thirteenth...

2012-01-13T03:36:00.006-06:00

I never really understood the bad luck connection or why there was fear connected to this day. This will be a big year for fear, we're gonna have three Friday the 13ths. I prefer to think of it as a good number, especially when a baker's dozen of donuts numbers thirteen.

Temps have dropped here and I am freezing my buns off (it just feels that way, haven't lost an ounce due to cold weather, but I can hope.) I think of all the pluses of cold weather and have decided I would rather have ticks.

Today, I rename this a lucky day. I am lucky for many reasons...my eyes aren't crossed, even though for years my mother warned me they would stick that way.

I am lucky the road above always leads me home. I'm extremely lucky I'm not naked and wet outside in this freezing windy weather. Now, if that's not lucky, I'd like to know what is.

May your day be lucky, may no one hit you in the head while your eyes are crossed (Mom knew a girl, she swore, whose eyes did get stuck!) And, most important of all, may you receive a Baker's Dozen of whatever you wish for on this fine Friday, the thirteenth.

Thursday's Things In A Row...

2012-01-12T04:12:00.006-06:00

How does Thursday arrive so quickly? Pat is the one responsible for creating this theme. I just can't seem to let a Thursday pass without thinking of her. Stop by to join or just enjoy, there are always different rows and different views...A View From The Edge from Pat to you.

Let's see what rows we can find in my life this week...always something lines up just in time.

Corner braces in perfect lines,

hand hewn logs from over a century of time,

a trio of tree trunks with a wood pecker tapping,

and rows of siding and rafters

with a pair, acting crazy and laughing.

Pieces...

2012-01-11T04:58:00.026-06:00

are

sometimes

interesting

than

the whole.

Introducing The Hot Pepper Crop...

2012-01-10T04:26:00.005-06:00

...and I do mean crop because most of these beauties were born with varying lengths of tail. There are two full length tails, the rest are three-quarters or bobs...completely natural.

Ki-Anne, my hot pepper, eagerly shares a warm breakfast of nutritious dog food with eggs and home style gravy. No spoiling of these fat babies going on! Born December third, they have a mouth full of baby teeth and Ki does not welcome their drinking as readily as she did.

Chow time is not the best time for taking good pictures. They are too busy maintaining their roly-poly youthful figures to smile for the camera. I want them eating good when they are ready to adopt. Gotta love all those different tails and different colors!

They are beginning to get full.

Dad's our rat terrier so they'll be from Ki-size down.

Finally, a face!!!

In just a few more weeks

our dog population will be normal again.

In the mean time,

I have lots of puppy loving to do.

Sometimes, I Mess Things Up.

2012-01-09T04:06:00.001-06:00

I guess, I'm just talented that way.

During my redesign of my two, yes, two blogs, I changed the address of Familiar Spirit, sadly, I have lost many commenters. Some think the blog is gone because the connection was changed in my ignorance to "improve" things! I am not sure if you have to re follow to make a connection...in these things, as in many, ignorance is not bliss...it's a pain!

If you are a past follower of Familiar Spirit, please try my new address...the old posts are still there. I try to do one photo, one line a day...just a little warped animal humour if you're interested.

I can not take the credit for the redesign of my blog, except for messing up the address. I cheated. The Blue Ridge Gal, Diane did it, I must confess. Diane, handy as a pocket on a shirt, helps lots of people with computer design and computer problems. Diane has a delightful blog with great photography, two boxer dogs and a handsome husband...and sometimes she even sings for us!

Tell her, Gail sent you! Enjoy.

Life Without Horses...

2012-01-08T10:16:00.001-06:00

goes on. After all, this is a farm with many other animals and responsibilities. It just doesn't feel the same and, once again, it is the farm where tractors are used because they do not eat when they aren't working. Life has come full circle...from that saying of Dad's and my dream of horses...to the reality of Dad's saying and life, once again, without horses. If I did such a good thing, why am I still so empty?

Enough of that...on to other things. The neighbor's poor starving cows drift to our place. They even pulled the carrots up in the garden...looking on the bright side, we have a good winter harvest. Just thinking how well it might taste with stray beef.

The Shop progresses with all of Bev's hard work. Word is spreading and even with winter hours, the traffic is good. I am the shop keep on Saturdays...I would rather eat worms but I must do my part for the success of the whole.

Mostly, I just reflect on what the second half of life holds.

Curiousity and Fun With Circles...

2012-01-06T07:22:00.000-06:00

A pattern on a gourd,

a different way to view the world,

and the sweetie doing the looking.

I'm taking my blinders off

and trying to rediscover different ways to see.

No Caption Needed...

2012-01-04T17:47:00.000-06:00

beauty of the creation speaks for itself.

I Dream A Lot Now...

2012-01-03T04:06:00.024-06:00

Fighting my daily battles during my sleeping hours or maybe I am more aware of my dreams. The past night's dream was about choices...I was going through a pile of identical bricks, tossing one wide and keeping another for no obvious reason.

I've heard night time dreams is where we fight our demons. I'm not sure what mine are but I had no doubt in dream land where I tossed the bricks after only a short examination of each one.

A friend just told me I was nuts...maybe, I am. Last night, while dreaming, it seemed to make sense, which brick I kept and which one I tossed...a very perfect sense...maybe a higher power is helping me sort the important things. Maybe my dream decisions represent an improved ability to make decisions in the real world.

I hope the bricks I tossed while dreaming were the right ones...and not a garbled message to me that I am actively working at being a few bricks shy of a full load.

Only time will tell...

Mountain Top

2012-01-02T04:41:00.003-06:00

by Robert Whitlow is my current reading book. It is a refreshing change from other books I've read.

I would like to share some of his words directly from the book...

"...her tanned face now lined with wrinkles that were the road map to a hundred different ways to smile."

"...could wash a fifty-cent plate and enjoy a million dollar view."

"...daffodils would jump out of the ground in clumps of yellow celebration all across the back yard."

"There are all kinds of jail. One of the worst is the prison of wrong thinking."

It is a fictional tale of a lawyer turned minister...now, we know this shows great imagination. It is a crime drama, I suppose, but it is peppered with wisdom and also includes faith comments that seemed to come when I needed them most.

The writing style hooked me, the tale has reeled me in...and no, I was not paid to write this...and, no, I won't tell you how it ends.

2012...Thank You

2012-01-01T09:37:00.000-06:00

I thank you for your kind words and thoughts about my previous post. It was something, as painful as it was, that I seemed compelled to do, be it attributed to a crazy mind or a big heart, it was difficult. It was not something I did lightly. There's were months of thought, gallons of tears, and much research that went into this decision. It was not for me. It was for my beauties, my dolls, my horses, that I made this decision, and for the children that will be touched by their presence, guided by their gentleness, and loved by my big babies.

The equine director was grateful for the gift since they had more children than mounts. He was impressed with their beauty, their skills and their gentleness. I have an open invitation to visit any time.

I was not here when they left...I could not handle that, it is even difficult now to write about it. I still cry. I apologize for not answering each kind and supportive comment individually. I want to thank each and every one for your prayers, your kind words, and your support. It only enforced my belief that blogdom is full of kind people and dear friends...thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The thought came to me in my emptiness that there would be no more At The Farm or Familiar Spirit but there is still a farm with many animals and livestock and much living to share.

May 2012 be a blessed year for all of us.

My Gift...My Loss

2011-12-31T04:40:00.000-06:00

Life has a way of changing us. It is what life is, constant change. Some changes are welcomed, others, not so much.

This past week, I did the best thing I have ever done.

This past week, I did the hardest thing I have ever done.

From the small girl who drew nothing but horses to the woman surrounded by her dreams-come-true, my life, my soul, yearned for, and reveled in, the company of horses, yet, I could never overcome my fear of riding. I rode but the fear never left.

My babies, my dolls will be loved by young people who have never had a proper home until they came to Arkansas Sheriff's Youth Ranch

This decision was not a light one. Horses in this program never leave. They are loved and cared for by disadvantaged youth with constant professional equine-educated supervision. The horses receive top notch veterinarian care and provide therapy for the young people.

The papers are wet from the tears I shed while writing about each horse, telling about their sweet spots and favorite snacks. All registries are transferred with the i's dotted and the t's crossed. The horses are gone.

From paper dolls to the mural on my Dreaming Porch to the realities of those dreams, it has been quite a ride.

From miniature horses,

to my big ones,

I have loved them all.

Farewell, my beauties!

If one child learns to trust,

if one child learns to love,

if one child's wall is breached by the love of these horses,

then my gift, my emptiness, will have been worth it.

Happy New Year

Pat's On Holiday...

2011-12-29T17:54:00.003-06:00

Can't miss Thursday's Things In A Row

even if Pat is off having fun
with family and friends.

Pat, I hope your, uh, nose is cold!

A row of toad stools,

a row of clouds in golden skies,

with a row of trees and birds that fly,

and rows of spots as pumpkins dry.

That's the best I can do

with what I've got.

My camera was empty

I took no shots.

Fall Lingers...And I Shoot From The Hip

2011-12-29T05:39:00.003-06:00

as the rains fall gently.

Mother Nature knows we need moisture.

It promotes the growth of autumn things.

Marcy captured the uniqueness of Creation.

...and the rains continued.

Okay, who am I trying to fool with my fluffy posts? Myself? I cringe every time I write some empty nothing post just to fill a spot. That was never my plan and yet, I tend to do this when things are not so fluffy. I guess, I want every one to think my life is a bowl of cherries. Well, I don't know what planet you came from but from here, life is rarely a bowl of cherries. It is a mixed bag of nuts, sometimes with a few cherries on top.

Now, for the real update: After all the torture at the doctor, the cast has been removed and I have returned to work with my big girl panties on and my wrist wrapped. I still wince and cry out when it moves a certain way, the only difference is now, I have a new knot on my wrist from the injection site. So much for the wonderful world of doctors or, giving some doctors credit, so much for this one egomaniac.

And while I have been incapacitated my people I live with jumped in and cleaned house, cooked and kept up with all the things I normally do, showing great concern for my welfare and recovery...Not!

I have added severe headaches to my maladies so retirement is looking better all the time...at least then, I can be miserable out of the public eye.

You have just been served a dish of honesty for your breakfast, sorry, but hope it went well with your coffee.

My wish for you today, may there be more cherries.

I Celebrate The End of The Holidays...

2011-12-28T04:53:00.035-06:00

I sing a song of relief,

yet know the year will pass quickly.

I celebrate the life I have led and will lead.

I am grateful for the love that is always around.

I love the smiles of the innocent,

and the antics of the not so innocent.

The family made memories

and they will say, Remember the Christmas we...

Thanks to Aunt Marcy, our matriarch,

the holiday was a roaring success.

She fed us,

she spoiled us,

she loved us...

a very successful Christmas, indeed.

Thank you, Marcy!

Nars...(Warning: Tragic Story)

2011-12-27T04:00:00.007-06:00

is/was one of our favorite swimming holes when the girls were young. We had to travel dirt roads for what seemed like forever to reach this little paradise.

A spring fed creek tumbled through rocks down the hill side to feed the larger creek where "The Nars" were located. We had been visiting this place for years before I discovered it was actually called "The Narrows".

The water was clear, clean, almost crisp. The creek narrowed at the curve, the origin of the name. It was an idyllic setting with tree lined banks and sandy creek bottom.

One side was rock bluff, the other was a sandy beach. The young and the safety-minded adults loved the sandy side where the water gently sloped into deeper water. It was the perfect place for a family outing...sand, sun, and water.

It was not unusual during lazy summer weekends to see adults carrying children through three feet of water (the shallow crossing to reach the beach), lugging coolers and quilts, prepared to spend the day. Little tow-headed, half-naked children ran through the sand, splashed in shallow water, laughing with sheer delight as the guardians watched, smiling.

I learned to swim here. I could leave the bluff and swim toward the sandy beach, knowing safe ground was yards away. Along the bluff was perfect diving, the water was clear and you could swim under about fifteen feet and explore the underwater beauty of the rock bluff.

With all moving water, there are currents. Locals knew the currents and how to work with them. I have floated far down stream with only the current carrying me, staring up at the beautiful summer sky, content and safe with my knowledge of the place to break free and return to safer waters.

For years, Nars was only known to locals, who had permission from the land owner, and respected them by leaving nothing but footprints.

That soon changed as word spread of the hidden paradise. It was invaded. Now, long time campers and swimmers would arrive to find they must remove the trash before they could enjoy their visit. It soon became a party place with alcohol, idiots and unmentioned recreational drugs.

We visited less often.

My husband was a first responder. One beautiful summer day, he received a call for help. Upon arrival, one person had been pulled from the water but a second had not been rescued/recovered. The drunken adult female had been revived but a child was still missing.

The rescuers entered the water, desperately searching. Time was out, the water was not cold enough to prevent long term injury from drowning.

My husband found her, dressed in red, with her blond hair flowing with the current. She was lodged against the bluff under water where the locals knew not to go. Not quite eight, the small girl was beyond reviving, although the entire emergency crew tried. Pronounced at the scene, there was no hope.

I did not know the details until much later. After nights of interrupted sleep, with hubby waking up from nightmares, he told me.

The group of "responsible" adults were all drinking. No one could swim or no one was capable. The child fell in, the aunt jumped in to save her and could not swim. The drunken aunt was pulled out, the child was lost.

Hubby was the one who first saw her, the one who carried her to shore, the one who...I can't even speak of the sorrow or the nightmares he had. He won't either.

All he said was, I kept seeing our girls...our girls who had long blond hair and loved to wear red, our girls who swam there a hundred times, our girls that knew nothing but happy times in a beautiful place with responsible adults.

We never swam at Nars again and neither of us had the heart to tell the girls why.

Bits Of The Garden...

2011-12-26T09:43:00.000-06:00

still live.

Merry Christmas and Thank You...

2011-12-18T07:02:00.001-06:00

for all your kind comments and well wishes. I shall return when my arm and I are back in full working order.

I've lost all my house shoes!

Ki must really think I'm special,

using my shoes to line her bed.

To all of you...

I wish a very Merry Christmas,

may your plate be full,

may your pants have elastic,

and may you be surrounded with love.

The Scenic Route To Torture

2011-12-17T07:40:00.000-06:00

Highway Nine, the scenic route,

We all know what that means.

Beautiful vistas, crooked roads, few guard rails and wonderful photo opportunities...on the way to another doctor. I remember when this road was gravel and I rode in the back of the truck with my sisters going to visit kin in Stone County.

Imagine this with no rail, rolling gravel,

and meeting a vehicle.

Twenty-two miles of crooked and steep,

takes me to the beauty of White River.

Sylamore creek feeds into White River

with a mansion on the bluff.

I'm sure you're wondering where the torture comes in...We're there...another wonderful doctor. Shakes my hand, I scream. He pokes my wrist, I scream. He leaves the room and returns with a needle, and I scream some more. Tendinitis, he says, as if it were nothing. Just a tiny prick here, he says. (Afterwards, I wondered if he were describing himself) After hours (it seemed) of probing with a needle as big as my arm (if it had been bigger, I would have said it), pop! goes the needle into the tendon. He said, well, that tendon was a little tight. The king of understatement!

I am wrapped elbow to thumb tip so I cannot move my right arm nor my thumb...for ten days...but he releases me to return to work! I don't know about y'all but I have to have a thumb to work. I need two hands. If thumbs weren't important in working the mail then they could hire armadillos.

THEN they want to charge me $15 to complete the required paperwork! I asked, do you charge for filing the insurance? No, that is a customer courtesy...no ca-ca! That is the money paperwork.

Disheartened, hurting like crazy and embarrassed that I cried more than the eight-year-old with a broken arm, I left to drive my STANDARD home. I took the less scenic route this time.

Down the mountains and up the mountains, across White River, through the small town of Guion (which only had twelve miles of crooked and steep) back home...only to get in the car again to return to my doctor to have her do the paperwork.

That went well, she was appropriately sympathetic and said, I still have the F disease but fixing the arm will help. I return home and find out she didn't SIGN the paperwork. I know, I know, stupid! I didn't check. I decided it can wait til Monday. I am officially, legally off until after Christmas and can't do anything!

I must say the day is brighter, the arm pain has lessened, and I am lucky to still own two arms. How did I write this post??? Very slowly, one handed...I couldn't leave y'all hangin'...Merry Christmas.

Fibromyalgia, Blood Letting, Bone-Cracking, Haircutting Time Off

2011-12-16T04:03:00.008-06:00

For the safety of the general public and my close family members, I wrangled a few days off to get my oil checked and tires rotated at the doctor's office. I may be drawn and quartered but I used SICK LEAVE, an unpopular choice with the business powers that be.

Off to the doctor...been out of medicine....someone (a he-who-shall-not-be-named tractor man) did not pick it up in a timely manner, sooooooo, had to start them all over again today. From small to big, and then I will be back on track.

After all this time of being told I was depressed, stressed, or crazy, if you prefer my terminology, they have finally decided I have a real disease. Fibromyalgia, such a big fancy name for all my symptoms! Funny thing is, one symptom is depression...no poo-poo!!! Exhaustion, dizziness, muscle pain, IRRITABILITY, not sleeping...the list goes on. The same list I have been giving them a while. Did they really think I was just making this stuff up? So new medicine regimen, blood drawn for more tests, and assurances this is truly my problem. I feel so much better...can you tell?

Next stop, chiropractor...and he hit all the sore spots that were pointed out to me that were also symptoms of the F disease...but I did feel better after that.

I found a stylist open and thought, what the heck, I have been cutting my hair so someone needed to fix it. She did and told me I was sporting the worse haircut she had ever seen but tried her best to improve the cut...makes a body feel good.

I also, FINALLY, got my glasses for my special eyes. I can read!!! I can see!!! These glasses fit and they're not scratched...yet. I must say it's a pure joy.

This morning I head to another specialist to see whether to keep the arm I have and fix it or just get rid of it...phantom limb can't be much worse than what I'm feeling now. Maybe I will get a pair of bionic arms to go with my new glasses.

Thursday's Things In A Row...

2011-12-15T04:47:00.006-06:00

Color-coded gas cans wait to be used,

My rhymes has been missing

so I'll try to amuse.

No post is complete without a horse,

dressed for winter,

they line up...

of course!

Rows of pine needles covered with snow.

Do snow flakes come in a row?

Since this is a farm,

you will always see,

rows of animals

looking for feed.

Visit Pat where it is warm.

Share your rows,

what's the harm?

Hunting Rats With Tractors...

2011-12-14T04:23:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry I missed the event, I hear it was quite dramatic and fun. Any thing involving hunting vermin with large farm equipment has to be interesting to watch.

Hubby says, Ya know that brush pile...

I think, uh, which one? We have a few.

Hubby says, You know the one I pushed up last summer to burn when it's wet...

Yes, I remember them all.

Any way with a detailed description, I finally pin point the right brush pile in my mind...and then I think, oh, no, not another tractor in the pond story!

Hubby continues, I was pushing the brush pile, tightening it up, and the dogs get after a rat. The dogs are having no luck with the capture. Okay, now I envision him grading the whole hill side, scraping a hundred years of top soil up, trying to get a rat...on a tractor. There is a reason I think this drastically...strange things happen a lot around here with my man and the tractor.

Hubbs tells me the rat runs out and climbs a tree. Ki is on its tail all the way until it hits the tree. Ki is many things but she is not a flying dog nor a tree climbing dog. She trees it and won't stop barking. Hubbs helps out by "tapping" the tree with the tractor bucket...the rat falls out. My first concern is which tree did he "tap"? Tap is a small word, but not when you're talking about a tractor.

I am assured, he did not harm the tree and it was JUST a small pine tree anyway...all trees are precious in my book. So, I listen patiently, trying not to visibly cringe, trying not to picture the damage that pursuing a rat from a tractor could possibly cause.

At this point, the capture of the rat is not my main concern. This the same man that drove a tractor into the pond, knocked the edge off the boat shed because he forgot he had the bucket up AND the man who ran over a lawn mower while chasing my horses on his Mule. Oh, me of little faith!

The rat drops, the dogs pounce, the deed is done quickly. The brush pile is still intact although about thirty feet from it's original position and the precious top soil is only slightly rutted.

The happy dogs proudly take turns carrying the rat around and admiring it.

I had to put my foot down when Ki-Anne wanted to add it to the pile of my slippers in her babies' bed.

...and God, please watch over my tractor man. He needs all the help he can get.

Painting Emotions

2011-12-13T04:26:00.004-06:00

I'm not sure what they represent

but I am lighter when I finish.

Just a part of the whole,

or does it represent a hole in the part?

I'm not a pink lover but tonight,

pink came out.

I let the colors choose me,

I allow the paint to pick the time.

I don't think.

I paint...

and that action, not the result, relaxes me.

I'm not sure why my last three have been abstracts...

but here is the third in as many weeks.

Painting is cheaper than therapy

and you can always paint over the uglies.

Confession/Mess-Up Continued...

2011-12-12T04:28:00.009-06:00

We lost the runt. Granny Pruett, a midwife, always said, Nature knows. Never lost a runt before but there was something not right about this little one, other than it's size. Ki and her other little peppers are flourishing.

They still shine, and at eight days old,

they know how to whine.

Ki places my old house shoes with them

when she leaves the nest.

Only two have full tails,

the rest wear natural short tails.

Six boys and one girl.

Each adopter will receive a free spay/neuter certificate,

prepaid by me, through our local ICARE.

I think that'll make my mistake a little easier to accept.

I just have to say...

AREN'T THEY ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE??

He Watched...

2011-12-11T04:18:00.009-06:00

as I worked in the shop alone.

I felt his eyes followng me.

I thought he moved,

and as he walked,

his head moved side to side,

missing nothing..

Ancient man doll, you scare me,

with your painted hair and eyes that close.

I worked,

alone,

except for him...

At last, his eyes closed,

and the room seemed brighter.

May you sell soon, old one.

I shall not miss you.

Selling...

2011-12-10T20:31:00.001-06:00

selling,

sold,

sold!

Sold!

What about me?

Frosted Valley of Horses

2011-12-10T04:46:00.004-06:00

The morning sun blinded me and the camera,

but I couldn't resist taking pictures anyway.

The air was cold enough that a fog rose from the frost.

I think they knew I had treats!

The beauty of this valley is timeless, probably not much different than hundreds of years ago. The fog rose above the fresh spring water because the air was crisp and cooler.

On a beautiful day like this, I can almost see the Native Americans, tending their fires, and going about their daily lives, with mountains protecting them on three sides. The springs quench their thirst and the fish feed them. The other game is drawn to the valley as the winter winds grow stronger and the snow deepens. All they could want or need, right here.

Our family has tried to preserve the naturalness of the valley. We respect the land, and it continually gives to us...the very same gifts that have been given for hundreds, nay, thousands of years.

My Thursday On Friday...

2011-12-09T04:12:00.033-06:00

Icy glass

and icy rocks

The snow remained 'til the end of the day.

We had to work on the spring pump

and replace the pressure tank and the relay switch...

Only $390, but we have water in the houses again.

Raised the value of Kroger stock

by restocking the cabinets.

Worked in the shop til dark.

I'm kinda worried about this guy...

I think he's watching me.

And that was my relaxing day off!!!

Wednesday's View...

2011-12-08T06:47:00.000-06:00

After sweeping inches of snow off my car...in December...in Arkansas, I should have obeyed this sign! No, wait, I work for a company that is short-handed, inhuman and dieing...so that was out of the question. Thank God, I have a job.

Hubby sat up the night before, watching it snow and knows how I fear the ice, but did he wake and take me to work? Nope, never crossed his mind, too busy resting in the recliner/bed. So...as I clean my car windows, I left a nasty message in the snow on his truck. It melted before he woke up! I am not ashamed to admit, it felt good to write it, even if no one read it.

I understand those of you from the North Country laugh at my helplessness when it comes to snow and ice but you have to have the experience to be able to conquer it...I have had little. This is Arkansas...not much snow and ice.

School is in session so I thought, okay, the roads are clear. Nope, just wishful dreaming. I'm doing well in my little front wheel drive, with my hands gripped to the steering wheel, still able to take pictures as I drive. Little did I know those patches of clear road were not clear at all. I was living in a fantasy...black ice! I drive a standard so just drove slow, lugged it down on the hills and kept the foot off the brakes.

And here's the road...not bad, says those who live this every winter. Oh, shit, says I! This is right after I see TRUCKS in the ditches!!!

There were several wrecks and injuries, many at the intersection where children drive to school. Even a few seasoned drivers hit the ditch...but I made it. I think someone else was driving, because I do not have the experience to do this alone.

Give me poison snakes, rabid dogs and wild horses...I can handle all that, but, never, ever, ever ask me to drive on snow or ice. Thank goodness it was only nine miles.

I have not looked out, no use, I must go, no matter what awaits me. I heard rumors of frozen fog for this morning. Thank God for the variety...and hubby sleeps, bless his heart!

Thursday's Things In A Row

2011-12-08T04:29:00.000-06:00

Charme and a row of fire wood,

sporting the same colors.

The herd is wondering who fixed the fence.

I got blamed.

Pickly pears apples on a frosty morn.

Visit Pat to see more rows

and join the fun.

Skies of Beauty, Skies of Might....

2011-12-07T04:47:00.003-06:00

Skies of radiant beaming light.

Red in the morning,

sailor's warning

Cotton candy skies

and butterscotch clouds.

The geese and ducks fly, day and night, traveling south, singing their travel song, leaving no doubt that winter is closing in.

The waters have receded and the ice appears, hopefully, briefly, because I am not ready for winter although the migratory birds tell me to prepare. Oh, that I could fly South for the winter.

As I warm my hands near the blazing fire, I dream of spring...and it snows!!!

Mr. Bill's Cousin...

2011-12-06T06:23:00.000-06:00

having barely survived the holiday festivities,

was still able to smile.

Half Past Fall...

2011-12-05T05:21:00.003-06:00

Confession Time...

2011-12-03T22:42:00.000-06:00

I am a advocate of spay and neuter. I strongly speak out against not breeding dogs/cats because there are too many homeless animals in our world today. I think it is more humane to put an animal down, than to drop it off to survive, however it may.

I am a hypocrite. Not on purpose, mind you. Again, I have to use the excuse, or reason, as having too many irons in the fire. My sweet little Ki-Anne had her first heat...I prevented her from being bred. The second heat, I was not so lucky. Didn't help that it was only three months after the first. I work all the time and the closest vet is thirty miles away...no excuse, I know.

TP is spayed, Lil is spayed, Maggie is almost eight and has never been bred...because I usually have a brain. The boys(Cutter and Squiggie, a Rat and a Jack/Rat) have not been altered...therein lies my mistake...and the fact that I simply did not ask Hubby to take Ki to the vet in a timely manner.

Yes, I am an idiot. I admit it...dumb, dumb, dumb!! Tried to get an appointment before and the vet could not spay her until mid-December! I could not abort the puppies.

So after a long night of whining and digging...I knew Ki, my baby Ki, a little over a year old was in labor!!! I let her out to potty this morning and she disappeared. She gave birth under the lodge. I crawled until I could crawl no more...I could not reach the narrow spot she had chosen for her labor room.

When Andrew returned from a ballgame, I enlisted him and his much slimer, more agile body to retrieve the babies. Even he admitted that is was a tight fit for him and has some scrapes to prove it. The pups and Ki are safely in the house now...only EIGHT. Like I said, I am dumb, dumb, dumb!!!!

All appear to be doing fine, Ki is being a wonderful mother. I fear for the runt. He is tiny and was chilled when we retrieved him. Hubs has held him under his shirt to warm him and had continued to place him on the milk bar but...we shall have to wait and see.

As you know Ki-Anne was a pup from a dog that had been thrown away...I have bored you many times with stories. You may also remember, Ki was born with a natural bobbed tail. Well, her babies have two full tails, two three-quarters tails and the rest are bob-tailed. I have not checked the sex yet as I have been busy trying to help Runt nurse and making special food for Ki.

I apologize for being a hypocrite. I messed up...big time. For now, I must care for the young ones and Ki as if it were planned, and prepare to find them all good homes. I am making an appointment now for Ki in eight weeks and this will not happen again.

Without further ado, I would like to present my Ki-Anne and her little peppers, only hours old, born December third.

When pups are just born even their ears are closed.

The spotted fellow is the runt.

They are not wet,

their coats are shining with good health.

I made have goofed big time,

but all we can do is take it from here.

Even Melted Skittles...

2011-12-03T09:32:00.000-06:00

can be a work of art.

I'm Off Today...

2011-12-02T04:46:00.021-06:00

well, I'm really off every day. Yesterday, I forgot my bra...worked an hour before I realized what was missing!

Too many irons in the fire. Please tell me, I'm not alone. What did you forget today?

Today I pick my glasses since my sugar is fine. Doc has given me a clean bill of health except for the crazy part...she won't sign off on that.

How many shop keepers greet you with a hug?

This isn't standard,

but I'm seeing many people I haven't seen for a while.

This lady, just one year ago, lost her house to a fire,

along with every thing she owned...no insurance.

I discovered she is attending college,

doing well,

and is training to be a nurse.

Proof to me that there is hope,

even in your darkest hour.

The "family sale" is doing well.

We have more people each weekend.

I think when we graduate to a shop,

it shall be called "Pete's Repeats",

in honor of Dad.

When Toni returns (my nephew, builder of the building),

we may expand to include a cafe.

We have lots of good cooks in the family.

Toni wanted to honor his grandparents with his business.

Who knows,

it may be called Pete's Repeats and Edna's Eats!!!

For someone who is tired of working for the public,

I certainly have a strange choice of a second job!

Thursday's Things In A Row...

2011-12-01T07:15:00.000-06:00

On a farm, it's hard to find

rows that aren't a farmy kind.

Three horse noses in a dark barn,

sharing feed, doing no harm.

Rows of pieces that belong

I know not where.

Rows of rafters and slats

make stalls to share.

Rows of cattle looking at me,

I may be in trouble,

I carried no feed!

Join Pat to view rows

across the planet, Earth.

Always showing beauty

sometimes, filled with mirth.

The Great Escape...

2011-11-30T05:18:00.002-06:00

During all the rain, some posts loosened,

The wonderful escape artists found the weak spot.

The crunching of bucketed chestnuts alerted Bev.

A lone snort told me before daylight

that someone was where they weren't supposed to be.

Broken Arrow makes a plan.

They found wonderful new spots to graze,

gardens to ~~gallop~~ tip-toe through,

and canines and felines willing to share their food.

I loved on them...I think, we all did.

Allowed them to stay free for a couple of days.

They would travel from freedom to the barn,

and back again.

The horses have their own pasture

but the lure of the unknown called them.

Tonight, they will surprised.

Their escape route is repaired.

Tomorrow, they'll stay in their pasture.

The cats will enjoy their breakfast,

sharing only with dogs and chickens.

Did You Miss Her?

2011-11-29T07:02:00.000-06:00

Twelve Inches Is Too Much...

2011-11-27T13:47:00.000-06:00

except when it's a foot! (I know, that's bad!)

Rain...the ponds are full, the creeks are flowing, the grass is even trying to grow. At least, it wasn't all at once, that's our four rain total...for the week. Water gates to clear, washes to fill, mud to sink into...fun At The Farm.

Mushrooms and toad stools come to life,

and the flowers rejoice.

The sun's light in a blue sky

reflects from fowl,

winging their way to warmer climes.

Septemeber '08

2011-11-21T01:13:00.007-06:00

One thousand four-hundred seventy-seven posts ago, and probably many more, since I've deleted several, I began my journey into blogland.

I think it's time for an extended break...then, we shall see what happens.

If you miss me too much, please explore some older posts. Many were funny, some were sad, some very strange and mysterious, but, I hope, they were never boring.

Thank you, my friends.

Time For...

2011-11-20T05:42:00.000-06:00

Prickly Pear Apples

for making jam.

The arrival of the spun-ice beauty of horefrost.

says Winter won't be far behind.

It's My Birthday...

2011-11-19T07:40:00.001-06:00

Today I celebrate surviving fifty-seven years of life with it's varied experiences. The first adventure was almost rolling off the baby table in the delivery room, the nurse caught me. I guess I started with a physical advantage and soon added skills, increasing my mental advantages...but wisdom is an earned talent and one I am still working on.

The things I would change:

Laugh more.

Have more ahaa moments than oh-no moments.

Follow my dreams.

Hoard more money and less stuff.

Be more spontaneous.

Be supportive without interfering.

Be a little more selfish.

Trust in myself.

The things I would not change:

Family,

laughter,

learning,

loving,

living,

and trust in a Higher Being.

May the next fifty-seven years be full of love, hope and happiness

New Miracle Drug...

2011-11-16T17:27:00.000-06:00

I am one of the fortunate ones. The chances of having a medical side effect, normally ten million to one, will jump me quicker than a cat jumps on a mouse. A side effect that has never been documented will blossom in full color when a new medicine is taken by me.

I am also a tad bull headed (Surprise!), so when a medical doctor is changing medicine to help my arm and my stress, I listen and try to follow instructions. I get free samples! I think, I should read the side effects...just in case there is something I need to know. First problem for one med is DO NOT TAKE with anti-inflammatories. One strike against me, so I self medicate and forgo the anti-inflammatory for my arm and jump in with both feet to take the new, improved, having great results medicine for dealing with stress.

Take a half pill with food...wake up and my face is swollen, check one side effect! Diarrhea, check two side effects...not just any plain bout but a bring you to your knees bout. So, stubborn me says to self, Self, you have to give it time to work. This is just a temporary thing, work through it.

Into my third day, the muscles aches, stiffness, difficulty breathing and increased bathroom activity(four more side effects) make me wonder if I can get used to this. On the brighter side, I seem to be loosing weight...when I'm not swollen.

On the fourth day, I look up the definition of dysentary, through my swollen eyes and decide this could be it...and realized this would be a terrible way to die.

The dawning of the fifth day, severe muscle spasms, dehydration, and dancing intestines join me along with the inability to walk in a straight line. I finally get the idea....the doctor does not know what she is talking about!!! These are free samples, for goodness sakes! Given to her by sales people along with ink pens and notepads to get her to push these drugs.

I'm slow but I'm not totally stupid...I have taken no more pills.

...and then I realize maybe she was right after all.

My arm doesn't hurt as badly. My eyes are clear again. The toilet paper supply is breaking even. I am so happy to have these symptoms leaving I have nothing to stress about!!!! Just have to change the directions. When feeling sorry for yourself, take a half pill with food. In a few days, you will appreciate the life you had before and discover you had NOTHING to stress about after all.

The Blackberry Rose

2011-11-15T04:58:00.001-06:00

no bigger than my thumbnail,

unfolded her tiny petals

to celebrate the rain.

Transferring Emotions To Canvas…

2011-11-14T06:15:00.000-06:00

Now you have proof I am a mess.

Like the painting,

I am not sure which way is up.

Hope you find something that pleases you.

Autumn Skies

2011-11-13T04:52:00.001-06:00

Dressed and bare,

the trees posed for the camera.

My Dream Home

2011-11-12T04:43:00.006-06:00

There used to be a field here. The spring from Spring Mill feeds the pond. It was built large enough to water ski on and the owners did.

The previous owners built this place using all recycled lumber and tin,

I've always loved it. It’s peaceful.

The bridge leads to an island.

Absolutely beautiful

and the water goes on forever.

Thank you…

2011-11-11T04:38:00.003-06:00

to every person who has ever served

and to those serving your country.

We await your safe return.

We honor your service.

Thank you.

Thursday’s Things In A Row

2011-11-10T04:15:00.005-06:00

Rumble strips on sides of roads

keep you wide awake.

Visit Pat's for

other people's take.

Oh, To Glide Above…

2011-11-09T03:24:00.003-06:00

on drafts of wind and see the world below.
There seems to a freedom in this flight
that I will never know.

Today I Ran Away…

2011-11-08T21:08:00.000-06:00

Not too exciting because it was to a grocery store in another town. I exited the store with a full buggy and a light wallet.

Before the grocery store, for a much needed treat to me, I went to Bath and Body, had a coupon so it wasn’t bad. My favorites are Moonlight Path and Twilight Woods. They’ve been messing with my smell!!! I don’t know what they’ve done to “improve” it but neither are quite right.

On the way, guess what? I took pictures, now that’s a shocker, isn’t it? These are pictures of the old Spring Mill.

Glad to see they are working on it. Several of us stopped one day and Mrs. Lytle played an old pump organ for us and told us wonderful stories.

Above is the beautiful house that has always been part of the mill property.

Trying Windows Live Writer and having some troublewith the picture alignment but as in every thing else, I will learn. I think it affects the quality of the pictures.

Thank y’all for your kind words. I’m normally a fixer and it bothers me that I can’t fix all the wrongs any more.