Greenock Farms

The story of The Snake Charmer and the Rabid Skunk

Wednesday morning, my dear and bestest friend Heather (who lives 2 hours away), called and said that her and her husband were passing through to the Dallas area.  She asked if I would keep her two boys for the day.  Of course!  To give you a brief history and introduction, Heather was raised a country girl and has been temporarily "rehomed" in the city.  When I say temporarily, I mean she has lived in the city for the past 10 years or so, but is moving back to her family's farm this summer.  She brings her boys for visits several times a year and each summer is usually kicked off by a visit to Aunt Kerri's house.  Seeing as something here always needs feeding, milking, doctoring, digging or just general maintenance, it is a little boys dream.  So, this story begins.

Most of the morning was uneventful.  It was the typical hot Texas day, which I love.  Let me interject here, did I ever mention I HATE the cold.  My husband often refers to me as a snake because I thrive in the heat.  That statement will oddly connect as my story unfolds.  The kids were being kids, boys chasing the girls, hide-in-seek and swimming, which consisted of 5 kids trying to crowd into a small water trough located dangerously close to the electric fence.  I have never stopped to think about it, but I am sure that poses some sort of death defying threat that calls to boys.  Heather's youngest, "#2", being raised in the city, doesn't  didn't have that country boy, watch-out-for-the-electric fence, kind of savvy.  So, as I am helping my husband work on his horseshoeing rig at the end of the barn, I hear a squall.  My kids alert me to the fact #2 touched the fence, which immediately ended the swimming excursion.  However, in the midst of the crying, I hear his older brother, #1, say "It's no big deal.  I'll touch it.".  I immediately holler, "No! Nobody's touching the fence!".  My husband chuckles and says "If you had let him touch it, he would have only done it once.".  My husband, the comedian....he is a man of few words, but here lately most of them are funny.

So, the husband and I are working on the truck and the older kids go off on another adventure and the two youngest are in the barn with us.  I guess it's important for you to know at this point, that our barn is a 12 stall horse barn (40' x 150') that sits north to south.  We built it this way so that it has a constant breeze to combat the Texas heat.  So, we are sitting there and I smell a skunk.  I mean, I SMELL a skunk.  So, our conversation goes like this:

Me:  Honey, I smell a skunk.

Boots: It's out in the pasture.  The wind can carry their scent a long way.    (So, I right it off as the lack of knowledge a city girl turned country has.  About 2 minutes later, I look down the hall of the barn and there is a skunk not 25 feet from us. ) 

Me:  Honey, yeah, sure it's out in the pasture.  Look! 

From here, I am told to go get the .22 and the bullets which are in the ammo drawer.  I try to get a description of the gun, but am shot a look telling me I should know.  So, I run to the house, grab a gun (which later was the wrong gun because of course we have more than one .22) and I bring an assortment of bullets.  I bring the .22 long rifles, the rimfires and another I cannot name.  I triumphantly make it to the barn, quite proud of myself only to find out I had retrieved the wrong gun and the wrong bullets.  How did I go wrong?  All the while, I am thinking, he should've just gone himself... 

I need to mention that my favorite dog, Zeus, was twitching and shaking his head in some strange fashion when I returned to the barn.  I quickly realized he had gone to "investigate" in true Hank the Cowdog style.  He is currently wearing Eaude de Skunke.  I feel sorry for him really, he is used to me spoiling him with hugs and kisses multiple times a day.  I haven't had the stomach for it since this misadventure.    So, on with the story.  Boots calls the skunk out of hiding again, which wasn't difficult.  The darn thing walked right up to the end of the gun.  I think to myself , "Strange."  He then, ambles down the hallway, finds a nice spot and proceeds to bath himself in the dust, then walk back to Boots' legs, back down the hall.  I  know what my husband is doing.  He is trying to scare it out of the barn so that when he shoots him, he won't stink up the place.  The booger then slides through a 3 inch crack into another stall.  I did not know they could flatten their bodies like that.  Boots couldn't wait any longer so he took care of him in the stall.    Boots later told me that in fact he had to be sick for many reasons.  Skunks are typically nocturnal and they are definitely not the type to walk towards humans.

After it is all taken care of and life was returning to normal (who am I kidding...this is normal?), I look over and all the kids are staring with eyes as big as golf balls.  As soon as Boots went to put the gun away, they immediately ran to the barn trying to "track" the skunk. 

So, the rest of the afternoon was fairly uneventful with the exception of #2, who is 4, throwing up the lunch I had cooked.  I thought I had done well, it was fresh from the garden squash and zucchini sauteed with onions and tomatoes, tossed with spaghetti and topped with Parmesan cheese.  My kids eat that kind of thing, but apparently not all kids do.  It sparked his gag reflex and the rest should be forgotten in time. 

Heather arrives early evening around 5:00.  I don't get to see her often so we are sitting in the living room, sipping peach tea and visiting.  My son, Mr. C, and #1, come in to report they have seen a snake.  I right that off for a couple of reasons: 

1.  They tell me the THINK they saw a snake head as they walked by the water cut-off barrel.

2.  They have a hightened sense of needing to protect the farm due to the whole skunk thing earlier.

3.  I really didn't want to interrupt my visit with Heather.

4.  I am NOT a snake charmer (atleast at this point I am not!) and my husband has left the premises.  He is across the street at his grandfather's ranch....a mere 5 minute drive.

Ok - that is more than a couple of reasons, but all needed to be duly noted.  I tell the boys not to worry, but the next thing I know, my son hands me my cell phone with my husband on it.  Mr. C has called Daddy to alert HIM of the situation.  My dear hubby proceeds to tell me I HAVE to go out and catch the snake.   WHAT?  DOESN'T HE KNOW THAT ISN'T IN MY JOB DESCRIPTION?  I MEAN, I LOVE BEING A COUNTRY GIRL, BUT I HAVE MY LIMITS, YOU KNOW!  Apparently, we need to know what kind it is and if it's a rattlesnake, I will then have to kill it.  GREAT.  I look over at Heather, who's face matches that of the kids earlier after the skunk episode, only...wait, what is it that looks different?  Oh, that's that funny mixture of panic and protest.  I have seen it on her face before dozens of times.  Actually, almost everytime she comes to visit.  I think it's because she naively comes to my house expecting a romantic farm visit and I always end up entangling her in one of my "plans".  Like the time I decided I wanted to put in a garden at the beginning of June (in the Texas heat) and I was tired of waiting on hubby.  So, we howed rows in order to plant.  Or, the time I asked told her I needed to strip horse stalls (which really is a man's job). We only got one done, mostly because of all the laughter.  It's hard aging, especially when you still think your 20 in your mind, but your back aches after 15 minutes of intense labor.  She told me that time, I should be ashamed of myself....she had no idea what she had gotten herself into, but I, on the other hand, should have known better! Then there was the time we put up, and I mean actually put one up where there had never been one, a clothesline......in the dark.  On a side note, I had started that project 2 days earlier and thought I would be done before she got here.  She didn't get here until right before dark, which I think was intentional (she is starting to figure me out), but I fooled her.  I still had braces to screw in, lattice to attach and the line to run....all done by the light of a Streamlight rechargeable flashlight! 

Back to the story of the snake.  I jump up and say, "Come on.  Let's go!"  She follows me...again, I think she is coming along just to see if I am that crazy.  All the while, she is behind me, like mother hen cackling, "Maybe you shouldn't go out in flip flops.  Don't you have some boots?"  So, in respect to her, I don the rubber boots and start to blaze out the door.  She yells, "Wait, where are mine?".  I tell her to use my husbands as I am running to the barn to get the snake catcher.  Oh, you don't know what a snake catcher is?  Here take a look. 

It is a handy contraption my husband made to snare any slithery creature.  Later maybe I will post a tutorial for you ladies to make your own, but that is another day.  Heather was impressed with the contraption, especially the fact it was made with a coax cable.  She was sure she needed one since she was moving back to the farm (he is secretly coveting my snake charmer).

Heather and I met at the alleged siting ground which is a 55 gallon barrel, cut in half which covers the water cut-offs to both the barn and house.  It had a lid with a band to seal it.  Upon my initial investigation, I see a hole to one side and I poke the snake catcher into it.  It's deep.  The boys squeal, "That's it! That's it!  That's where we saw his head."  I am still not wanting to believe them.  I look at Heather and say, "I am going to have to take that lid off."  It's important to note here, that I look to Heather and notice she is holding our shovel like a javaline....and, she is wearing her flip flops.  Apparently, my feet AND hers are bigger than my husbands! 

I loosen the lid and ask Heather to please slide the lid back a bit.  I see nothing but a GINORMOUS toad.  She pushes it back further and.... oh, my stars, there's a huge snake in there.  So, we immediately shut the lid.  I needed a plan (really?  I don't do plans).   Ok, ok....I get the snake catcher ready to go, open the lid slightly and after several attempts I pull out this:

Yes, it is a 6 foot plus slithering creature which made Heather squeal several times.  As soon as she realizes that I, in-fact, have the snake in a hold that he cannot escape, she becomes quite brave and is certain she needs to take his life.  I, however, want pictures to document this adventure and I would also like for my husband to I.D. this creature.  And, while we're at it, let's have a Charlotte Mason moment with my homeschooled children.  The major lesson was:

Be careful chasing and catching toads, because THIS could be right behind them! 

This is something we are constantly telling our kids, but somehow witnessing it was more powerful.

My 6 year old son, Mr. C has gone to the house to get the camera, which took about 10 minutes.  Little boys can be so pokey.  To hurry things along, Heather is trying to text Boots with a picture of the snake to I.D.  .  The cell phone service out here leaves a lot to be desired.  Being as we are unable to get in touch with my husband, the only other thing I can think is that we could drive across the street.  Yes, that's it, Heather could drive and I will ride holding the snake out the window.  Lucky for our children and any other witnesses, Boots got his cell phone to work.  The children would have been scarred for life....that memory permanently branded in their minds.   Boots calls Heather, apparently one of the texts finally went through to him.    The correct I.D.....coach whip.  A friendly and fast snake which I am told to release.  "Are you kidding me?  Seriously?".  So, doing as I am told, I release him to his freedoms.  But, not before Mr. C takes this picture.  Please excuse the fact that I look like I am an amazon woman.  That happens when your 6 year old is taking pictures of something 6 foot in the air....he did a pretty good job though! 

As we were walking back to the house, I looked at my son, "I am a pretty cool mom, huh?" 
With great big eyes, full of future adventures, he said, "Yep!".  Priceless.

That night when Boots got home, I showed him the picture of the monster snake.  And, he said, "I can't believe you caught him.....I really didn't think you could do it".  Seriously!  Seriously?  After all these years, he still doubts me.

Homemade Jesse Tree ornaments

OK - So, if you have read any of the other posts you will know that I am an overacheiver.  Like chemicals, you should really be careful what you mix "overachieverism" (is that a word?) with.  It is highly reactive with crafting of any sorts...sewing, crocheting, stamping and I just learned....needlepoint.    Last year, my dear friend, Mrs. P, at Homemadeatthefarm,  introduced me to the concept of the Jesse tree.  I didn't manage to get it done last year, but this year I crafted all our ornaments.  And, although we're running a bit behind, we will be catching up in the next few days.   I

Like recipes that I cook, I of course couldn't stick with the original scripture plan that Mrs. P gave me.  I had to "tweak" it to my own.  So, this is what I came up with after combining many different plans:

DAY	SUBJECT	SCRIPTURE	SYMBOL
1	Intro to Jesse Tree	Isaiah 11:1-10	Stump wi/shoot
2	Creation	Gen 1:1-31; 2:1-4	Globe
3	Fall of Man	Gen 2:4 - 3:24	Apple
4	Noah & the Flood	Gen 6:11-22; 7:17-8:12; 20:9-17	Ark
5	Tower of Babel	Gen 11:1-9	Tower w/ cloud
6	Abraham & the Promise	Gen 12:1-7; 15: 1-6	Dark cloud w/ stars
7	Isaac & the Offering	Gen 22:1-19	Bundle of sticks
8	Jacob	Gen 27:41-28:22	Ladder
9	Joseph	Gen 37; 39:1-23; 50:15-21	Robe
10	Moses	Exodus 2:1-4z;20	Burning bush
11	Passover	Exodus 12:1-14:31	Doorway
12	Ten Commandments	Exodus 12:1 - 20:20	Tablets
13	Joshua	Joshua 1:1-11; 6:1-20	Shofar (Ram's horn)
14	Samuel	1 Sam 3:1-21, 7:1 - 8:22, 9:15 - 10:9	Oil Lamp
15	Jesse	1 Samuel 16:1 -13	Sheep
16	David	1 Sam 16:1-23; 17:1-58; 2 Sam 5:1-5; 7:1-17	Slingshot
17	Solomon	1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28	Heart
18	Elijah	1 Kings 17:1-16; 18:17-46	Raven
19	Isaiah	Isa 1:10-20; 6:1-13; 8:11-9:7	Stone
20	Jeremiah	Jer 1:4-10; 2:4-13: 7:1-15;8:13,8:22- 9:1-11	Wheat stalks
21	Habbakuk	Hab 1:1-2:1, 3:16-19	Hook
22	Nehemiah	Neh 1:1-2:8; 6:15-16; 13:10-22	Stone wall
24	Mary	Luke 1:26-38	Mary
23	John the Baptist	Luke 1:39-80, 3:1-20; 7:18-30	Shell
25	Joseph	Matthew 1:19-25	Hammer
26	Christmas story	Luke 2:1-21	Nativity

 And, here are most of my ornaments.  All the clay looking ornaments were crafted out of salt dough (I found the best recipe this year!).  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

This is the stump, the globe (crafted from felt), an apple ornament I found at Dollar General, Noah's ark crafted from a walnut shell and felt and the tower of Babel (salt dough with felt cloud)

Bundle of sticks (Isaac), dark cloud with stars (Abraham), Josephs coat, burning bush (see detailed picture), door frame (passover) - there are popscicle sticks behind that it is glued to.

Heart (Solomon), Lamp (Samuel), Sheep (Jesse), Stone tablet (Ten Commandments), Raven (Elijah), slingshot (David)

Jacob's ladder (crafted from 2 wooden skewers and toothpicks), hook (Habbakuk), Mary (crafted from old clothespiin wrapped in muslin), hammer (Jesse), stonewall (Nehemiah - see detailed picture later), sheaves of wheat (Jeremiah), shell (John the Baptist)

This is a detailed image of the burning bush.  There is a channel that I stitched in it so that every year the kids can go gather a cedar twig to put in it. 

Joseph's Coat

This is the stonewall in the story of Nehemiah.  And, yes, I molded and cooked each brick (can we say "over-achiever" together now?).  I then glued each onto a piece of thin wood and used ModgePodge to seal them.

Blessings,

Mrs. K

Hang 'em first, try 'em later!

Anyone familar with Texas history will know that famous line from a not so honest Texas lawman, Judge Roy Bean.  You can read more about his history here http://www.thewildwest.org/interface/index.php?action=271 .  Here is an excerpt from a story about his infatuation with Miss Lillie Langtry:

For years, Roy boasted of his "acquaintance with Miss Langtry," and promised locals she would one day arrive and sing in Langtry. In 1896, after his first saloon was destroyed by fire, Roy rebuilt the Jersey Lilly and constructed a home for himself across the street, which he called the Opera House, anticipating the day when Lillie would perform there. Roy never met Miss Lillie, but he often wrote her, and she is purported to have written back, even sending him 2 pistols, which he cherished till his dying day.

Contrary to the Larry McMurtry novel and movie Streets Of Laredo, Roy was not gunned down by a Mexican outlaw on the steps of the Jersey Lilly. In March 1903, Roy went on a drinking binge in Del Rio and simply died peacefully in his bed the following morning.

Ten months later, the Southern Pacific stopped at Langtry and finally disgorged Lillie herself on the way from New Orleans to San Francisco. She had decided to take the judge up on his invitation. She visited the saloon and listened as locals told her how Roy Bean had fined a corpse, freed a murderer and lined his pockets by shortchanging train passengers. "It was a short visit," Lillie later wrote in her autobiography, "but an unforgettable one."

So, with that bit of Texas history out of the way, I should get to the point.  Nearly two years ago, my husband gifted me a beautiful female Welsh Corgi.  Knowing that we would get a mate for her at some point, I pondered all sorts of "matching" names.  In the end, I settled with Jersey Lillie.  It spoke to our Texas heritage.  For two years, we have searched for the perfect "man" to play the part of Judge Roy Bean and last night we found him.  I am SO excited to have puppies in 2009!

The Judge Roy Bean'S (note the resemblance....OK, me neither):

The Jesrey Lillie's:

Thanksgiving Dresses

There are a few things that you need to know about me to really appreciate this post.  First, I am a classic "over achiever"....always have been always will be.  Second, I love to sew, but have limited knowledge and absolutely NO formal teaching in that department.  The last tidbit, is I am a rule breaker by nature.  I never follow a recipe exactly as given, nor follow a pattern without some minor change....something to make it my own.  That being said, this post is a result of all three of those "issues" within me. 

I decided about a month ago, that I wanted to make my girls matching dresses for Thanksgiving after visiting a lovely blog Eyes of Wonder (you should stop in if you haven't been - it's linked in my sidebar...it's truly a wonderful blessing).  She posted such cute pictures of her daughters birthday outfits.  My girls needed them, but of course I had to step it up a notch and make them fully reversible.  The under garments were a simple peasant top (VERY easy) and a widened set up pajama bottoms (again with the altering of the pattern) with elastic at the bottom. 

The coordinating fabrics I couldn't leave at the store....

The undergarments....which also make great sleep wear....

And, the finished product....

I had to construct a pattern for the apron tops, which in the end worked out very well.  I am hoping to make another set of Christmas dresses in the same fashion.  This time around should be alot easier.  I will post the pattern and instructions soon.

Hope you enjoy!  Happy Thanksgiving,

Mrs. K

Udder Cream and Deep Winter Lotion Bar

Today I got up at the crack of dawn (5:30 am)....even the chickens were still asleep.  I am desperately going to try to reset my biological clock.  You see, by nature I am a night owl.  My days usually start out like a turtle and by midnight I have hit my peep and get SOO much done.  For most of my childrearing years, I have chalked that up to being efficient when the kids were in bed.  When they are sleeping, I can move faster than they can.  However, about a month ago, I was milking my cows (at midnight no doubt) and I really feel like God spoke to my heart.  How many times are lightness and darkness referenced in the Bible?  They are used as images of good and evil.... Jesus and Satan.  So, as difficult as it is for me, I am turning my back on darkness and I will embrace the light.   Many times, I milk my cows late, so I have complete solitude and quietness.  Moments that I steal to just be.  I did learn this morning, that those moments are not only found between 12:00-2:00 am, but also between 6:00-7:00 am.  And, the beautiful thing is that you get to greet the new day given to you by the Lord. 

So, will all that shared.  I was on a quest this morning to produce a hand salve for my husband.  His poor hands severly suffer through the winter.  Yesterday, he was working a horse and the rope caused his hands to crack and start bleeding again.  So, this morning I have cooked up a lotion bar that should soften and heal even the most difficult of cases!  I am hoping that it works...I will keep you posted.  The best part is that it is all natural and I made it!! 

After, that I cooked up a batch of Udder cream seeing as I ran out of Bag Balm this morning.  I think it is going to work wonders and again....all natural and I made it!  I will let you know what the girls think!

Blessings,

Mrs. K

Miracle Udder Cream

6 oz. liquid oil (soybean, olive, canola, etc)

3 oz. coconut oil

1 oz. beeswax

9 oz. distilled water

2 tsp. fennel oil (for let down)

5 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract

Metl oils and wax together.  Let cool down for about 15 minutes.  Oils should be warm and liquid.

Add water and essential oil.  Blend with stick blender until light and fluffy.  Makes about 20 oz.

How to Shovel Manure....

Recently, my dear friend, Heather, came for a visit.  She came bearing gifts with one tucked away from her mother, Oma Dutch (who has adopted me into their family).  I had to share this with you because it in fact spoke true to my life just in the title of the book....however, when opened, it was a reflection of my daily life!

I was going to find an excerpt from the book....something to entice you, however, the WHOLE book will send you into fits of belly roll laughter.  I can honestly say to any homesteading women....this is the perfect gift for our dear comrades!

Blessings,

Mrs. K

Walk A Little Slower Daddy

Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

So, I was late putting up the tree this year.  I have started putting it up right after Thanksgiving so we could enjoy it for quite a while.  However, this year with farm chores and everyday life....well, it was trimmed tonight.  I thought I would include a picture of our tree.  I love to sit at night in the living room with no lights, soft Christmas carols playing in the background and just stop.  It gives me just a few moments to be still and feel the power of the Lord.  He is, after all, the reason for the season.  I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Blessings,

Mrs. K

This....

Turned into this....

I had to give "The Talk".....

OK - So, it's not "The Talk" that comes to most minds, but it was the next big one......"Mommy, is Santa real?"  My oldest, who is 7, has asked me three times within the past week or so.  And, thus far, I have dodged it.  The first time, she cornered my (literally) in a horse stall.  We were cleaning and suddenly she popped the question.  Trying desperately to evade and somewhat caught of guard, I looked up our road as if someone was coming.  In that moment, I prayed that she would have the attention span of a flea and quickly forget, and in God's good graces...she did.  Atleast I had bought enough time to discuss this with my husband.  You see, to me it has been a struggle for the past couple of years.  How do we ask our children not to lie and to follow the other ten commandments, when we lie to our children about Santa coming magically into our homes on Christmas Eve?  It has truly bothered me.  You see I have learned enough to know that with our children, more is caught than taught.  And, even though the lie is wrapped in the beautiful spirit of Christmas, I am pretty sure that when I stand before God and try to explain that I lied in "goodness", He will tell me it is still a lie.

So, for the past 7 days, I have tried to figure out how I was going to confess the truth to my daughter, Miss K.  So, God blessed me with the answer this morning.  I read to her the true story of Saint Nicholas and shared with her that in fact Santa Claus was a real person many, many years ago.  And, that our "pretending" of Santa Claus was in the spirit of Christmas.  And, to follow it all off we read:

          But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.                              Matthew 6:3-4

So, this evening as we are decorating our tree (I will post pictures later) I ask Miss K if Santa is real.  Her answer...."Yes".  She truly understands that he was a real person who is no longer here, but we carry on a tradition to bless the people we love on such a special day....the day honoring the birth of our Savior.

Blessings,

Mrs. K

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk....

What does that mean anyway?  I always thought it was directed to a child that had spilled their glass of milk.  However, being as we have dairy cows, I have learned there is nothing farther from the truth.  It has to have been directed to milkmaids (of which, I could be called).  You see, we have been blessed with 4 Jersey cows.  The Godly lessons I have learned from them isn't even explainable, but today as I was milking, I pondered the above phrase.  

You see, it will in fact make a grown woman cry, when her milking routine runs amuck.  It goes something like this...  you bundle up to brave the 30 degree, drizzly weather.  You make it outside and carefully clean your cow and begin milking (things are looking good).  You spend the next 20 minutes trying to carefully extract "liquid gold" while battling the early stages of frost bite....almost done, your beloved cow carefully places her foot directly in the middle of your bucket.  So, after all your hard work and careful planning, you have worked for.....NOTHING!  You have nothing to show for your efforts.  Nothing in terms of what the world sees.  But, what God sees is an opportunity to teach you patience, perseverence and determination.  You can choose in that moment to waller in your self-pity or you can rise to God's challenge....pick up your bucket, pet your cow and do it all again in 12 hours.

Udderly His,

Mrs. K

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

2 cups mayonnaise

2 Tbs. vinegar

2 Tbs. fresh, minced garlic

2 Tbs. water

1 bunch fresh cilantro

2-6 jalapenos (I use 3....two seeded and one whole)

Mix all together in a blender or food processor.  Puree.  Serve with chips or cardboard....anything will do!

NOTE:  You can also add a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dip for a nice variation, but chances are the original won't be around long (not even long enough to take a picture....)

 Make and enjoy....post and let me know what you think!

Blessings,

Mrs. K