Worker @ Home

A turn in the road...

Good Morning from frigid Nebraska!

preparations

As you know we have found land in central NE near a small town called Worms. This small spot in the road is 10-15 min from Grand Island where we used to live. We are excited about our 40 acres. It is raw land this is more disturbing to me as this will be a huge challenge to get temporary housing together and do basic things like electricity and water  started before we can do anything. But we have been tweaking the initial paperwork and now it is in the hand of the lawyers again. We are still closing in April. 

Searching for jobs and daily we pray for good jobs. 

This adventure is all about trust for me. Trusting God to provide for us in unconvential ways...and with out going into debt. We have had to pay the price of using credit cards and we are commited to paying as we go. We are not above using unconventonial things to build a house, so this time is spent doing a lot of internet research. We have looked at  tires with rammed earth, strawbale,log, simple stick built, storage units. We caught a program on storage units and saw how they welded open doors and windows,finishing on the inside put 3 containers together and opened it up. It was all very doable.

My full time job is making the time go by fast for which I am gratefull. And as Elizabeth Elliott says...doing the next thing.

Well I better get moving I have to go to work early today. Looking forward to the weekend off.

Happy homesteader.....Nettie 

Updates on Land

Good morning! Well this is our Texas vacation..taken back in NE. We decided it might be best to cancel since all available funds would need to go to land purchase. Such a hard decision to cancel on family and friends. We have signed initial purchase agreements and will close next year in April. So funny..we are so excited  about the land and you'd think we would have a ton of pictures.. but we don'.t Here is one..It is bottom land,located just north of a spot in the road called Worms. The water table is high and we have a paved highway on the east side. Good for vegetable farming and a road side stand.

This photo was the 2nd time we had seen the land. We were surprised to see that the farmer who rent the land had drilled it. (Kirk says there is a difference between drilling and plowing) We could certainly get a better view of the 40 acres.  This looks west.

In this photo we are standing in the Driveway/entrance...looking north. There is so much more  to think about than I thought. We are open to any wise councel any of you have and look forward to your comments and suggestions.

One of the biggest topics of the day is do we do a temporary structure to live there. Or just start on the main home. The housing options have been yurts,grain bins,mobil homes(that the owner farmer doesnt want), storage containers, and dacha(a structure that can be turned into a barn.   The plan is to let the present farmer do his thing and we will occupy an acre toward the west half.  

For our main home we will either do a straw bale or a log. My last choice would be  a stick built home.

Well thats all for today. Hubby and I need to look at some more options.

Have a wonderfull day!

Nettie

Outside my window....

Outside my window..the skies are clear and its a beautifull fall day. The trees are turning to show their lovely fall colors.

I am thinking..about my kids.

I am thankfull...to be home putzing around.

From the kitchen... jars are sterilizing in the waterbath canner, along with a large jar of pumkin. The purreed pumkin is simmerring waiting to be  put into jars.

I am going... to Grand Island on Friday. We will go to our old church and probably look at t he land. Go out for supper with my Brother and his wife for our birthdays

I am hearing...the TV.

I am reading ...in Mark right now.

O am hoping...to get the house in order before we leave for the weekend.

One of my favorite things....is a wonderfull fall day like today...and changes in seasons. God keeps it interesting doesnt HE?

Plans for work...finish cleaning the kitchen.

With my needle...Im collecting earthtones fabric for a quilt.Got a good start today when I stopped by LoRons.

From God's word...Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his hope, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

Anote from the 1886 Presbyterian Cook book...If you get ink on your fingers, moisten them and tub with the brimstone end of a match. The stains will vanish.   

Blessings,Nettie

We Found Land!

Very unexpectatly we stumbled on to an ad where a farmer was selling 40 acres of land in Grand Island area. Just where we wanted to be. It is raw land and so it will be a whole other story for me to trust the Lord in providing housing etc. But thats what we have talked about with homesteading...It will be an exciting time to actually test all we have been learning on homesteading. What was neat was the farmer was veryifying this by telling us..this here would be  a good spot for a farm stand and this particular piece has a high water table it would be good for gardening...HELLOOOO that is what we have talked about doing?!  We have started the paper work. and beings we are going through the farmer we can taylor this to our needs. and can set up a short term goal to get that down payment. The earliest we would want to be there is now! but actually is doesnt matter as long as we are there closer to spring. My husbands life long dream is coming true. It will be a blessing. We will keep you posted.

Nettie

Good morning!

Labor Day, after all the holiday folks had pretty much left for home, Kirk and I were just gearing up for our day. I had to work and he woke me up at 12:30 pm. After a cup of joe we hit the road. A stop at the Coop for lunch and get some lighter fluid. Then to Pamida for some price checking. Finally off to the Wildcat Hills via country roads. We always like the road less traveled. I digress here....and have to laugh...When I first married Kirk he was so quirky(I thought) ,he would always try to do strange things like take the wrong roads,talk about building alternate houses....I used to get so upset with these wild ideas....then one day I just had to let go...of this preconcieved Idea that doing things had to be done a certain way. Now I go right along side with my husband and go on those back roads and embrace alternate housing,like building a straw bale home. We have seen some beautifull country and had wonderfull conversations that otherwise we would have missed had I beed so rigid and afraid. I'm gratefull my husband is a free thinker, he makes me grow in ways I would have never grown on my own........now badk to our day....we found a lovely spot in the Wildcat Hills.....

We sure enjoyed our time here. It was such a blessing and great end to a long weekend.

God bless!

Nettie

Some Herb tips

Early this morning my bladder woke me. Hmm..that is smelly...hmmm...blood... oohhh ...ouch that hurts.....Few more visits to the bathroom convinced me I probably have a UTI. I told Kirk I may have to run to Cheyenne...but first  go to Bulk Herb Store because I  am sure I've read about something there. Fortunatly UTI came right up...and Oh Good...I have 2 of the herbs mentioned.  Chamomille and nettle. So I got my French press out and  brewed some tea. Drank the whole thing and went to bed...must be the chamolille..I am kind of out of it even writing this! I woke up with a full bladder..no pain..no blood...no smelly urine. I am amzed...and thankfull. I made another pot and have had the same results. I'll continue to drink the tea today and see what happens. Bulk Herb store is on my links...check it out. A very helpfull site.

Not sure what Ill do today since Im kind of spacey. Will probably do quiet work today.

Have a good and godly day!

Nettie 

My Deadhead day..

Hi...this is what I call my dead head day...its the 12 hrs in between my 2- 12hr night shifts. All I can seem to manage is email, feeding myself, and a bright spot in the day got to talk to Kirk. When I work I rarely see him. So that was a nice!

God continues to provide wisdom and a little at a time. Had to call the Dr on call in the middle of the night. Hate that!!!!!

Ive been given a bunch of beets to can this summer. I have tried several things. Have an awsome recipe for pickeled beets, which is not vinegery. Got a recipe for Beet jelly which happens to be from a family member in North Dakota , which is really good. I even found a Chocolate bundt cake recipee which calls for 2 cups of purreed beets! Let me know if you'd like any of those recipees, I can post them.

Keep your eyes on the Lord and not the circumstances !

Have a great day!

Nettie

Hello From Kimball

Out side my window...lovely sunshine and wonderful cool temperatures.

I am thinking..about the blessings on God providing some items I've been needing...believe it or not I'm getting prepared for Christmas. I found the padding for my blanket top. A scale  for $7.50 that goes up to 25lbs and so much more!

I am thankfull...for stopping at our Local dept store "LaRons" and finding these great deals. I also stopped at an estate sale and found some christmas gift bags.

From the kitchen..I just fixed simple lunch of leftover spaghettie , tuna, butter, and parmesean cheese. Since its payday not sure what I'll fix for supper.

I am going ....to shop at Cheyenne tomorow.

I am hearing...children in the playground..yup schools started.

I am reading..the Narnia Chronicles and Mark.

I am hoping...to get some more Christmas wrapping done and clean the kitchen floor.

Around the house..are jars of beets that have to be put away.

One of my favorite things.. are cool evenings...and long views.

Plans for work...work on grocery list...put laundrey away.

From Gods word..God is our refuge and strength a present help in trouble. Ps46:1

With my needle..found some placemats at an estate sale this am. The will  be the inards of my 9X13  hot pads. These large pads are great for placing large pans on  at a potluck.  We use them all the time at church.

A note from the 1886 Presbyterian Cookbook....A dish of water placed in a hot oven where pies,cakes, or puddings are being baked will prevent them from being scorched.

 A farm in Banner county.

Have a wonderfull day!

Nettie

Good Afternoon!

I just thought I'd say hay...looking at some land and property in the area. Our hearts ache for land of our own. I feel very blessed to have my job..credit card debt is being paid off. My husband is very focused on this and I am gratefull.

I work at 4p-4a today and tomorrow..I'm usually a dead head in between.  God continues to give wisdom as I make decisions. I just have to trust Him with this area.

Time with my daughter was so wonderfull...

This is my granddaughter,Kylie. She was just a gem. Amber and Corey are wonderfull parents..so diligent in training. She wasnt allowed to complain,a new concept???? haha.  I loved her voice and all the little things she said..."oopsh"..."all done"...puppy..(even when we saw a horse she called it a puppy/woofwoof.

We were so blessed having them here.

From the Presbyterian Cook book-1886...to renovate leather chairs,wipe the  cushions with a slightly damp cloth and then rub dry.Next apply the white of an egg beaten to stiff froth and rub with a soft cloth.

Have a great day!

A scene from Western Nebraska...South of the Wildcat Hills.

Nettie

Just a note....

Outside my window...the sun is shining.A beautifull day in Western Ne.

I am thinking...of all the preparations I need to do before my daughter Amber comes to visit on the 28th.

I am thankfull...for a job...Kirks Job

From the kitchen...Tuna helper bubbles away

I am going..to work at 4pm.

I am hearing..home and garden TV.

I am reading...The witch and the Wardrobe

I am hoping..that the candles I just poured will turn out. I learned that you have to let yur candles cool slowly. I always end up with that hole in the middle. These were made with old candles and old scents.

Around the house... are small cleaning projects in the works.

One of my favorite things...is cold melons in the summer. Especially when Im at work..its very hot there.

Plans for work...clean the floor good in the kitchen...right before Kylie comes.

From Gods word...He is ever faithfull.

With my needle...Its put away even though Im dying to make some needed potholders and tea towels.

A note from the 1886 Presbyterian Cook Book...According to a wholesale furniture dealer,the best furniture polish is made from 1/3 alcohal and 2/3rds sweet oil. Apply it with a soft cloth and rub with another cloth. (I wonder what sweet oil is?)

Nettie

This one is for Chuck..

Dear friends,

Recently our friends  cappaccino machine broke. I told  chuck about our French press. He wasnt sure what that was...so here it is.

In the first photo -place your tea or coffee  in press.

In the 2nd photo you add hot water and then let it set a few miniutes. The part you dont see is the lid with the filters that you press down till it gets to the bottom(trapping the coffee grounds(tea leaves) .

Love that fresh taste of coffee.(or tea) you get.No more old burnt tasting coffee from the Mr Coffee  machine. Another added bonus...no parts tto break. For us homesteaders thats  a good thing.

Well back to bed . I have to work at 4pm.

Nettie

Whew what a day!

Hello dear ones, Its been so long. Work keeps me busy. and the energy I have is for my husband and home. This week we have VBS. Remember how I told you how small our ountry church is. We have Pastor and his 3 kids(the twins  leave for college in a few months) , thier missionary son is  recouperating  from an illness so were not counting Arnie. He did give the missionary time. Then there is David and I teaching. And Faithfull Debbie who comes to help with food. She has a disabled child. But I have had faith that God would supply our need even if we are few. Pray for our outreach. We had about 16 kids.

I was  the proud Mama in the back row , sqealing with glee and clapping for my little one when he said his verse for everyone. Bless his heart I didnt think he was getting it. haha! Quit laughing... I dont getout much.

Two of my kids bought houses in the last 4 days. Im so thrilled for them. I hope they have my room ready. I know Amber does!!! haha Amber!

Well just wanted to check in. Work is going well. I will go solo tomorrow and work my first Night shift. I pray my :"first" night will be without incidence. and even if there is God will give me wisdom....Im still feeling very rusty.

Our hearts long for an acre or 2. The potted plants are coming along. I wish I would have planted more after I read an article  on a family who raised their  food in the  garden in the burbs.they used every inch of space. Now I feel kind of dumb.

Take care for now.

Nettie

The Job..

Well , its Saturday and I have survived another week at the Manor. It was stressfull and there were many petitions made to the Lord for knowledge available when needed. I worked my first 12 hr day's ever. Thankfully there was just 2. Next week will be shorter hrs and different experiences. In the long run I don't know  if this is where I want to be..It's always been my goal to be in an office setting or doing Insurance physicals where I can use my main passion which is phlebotomy and speciman collecting.

Today I will try to get some rest and do some house work. It will be good to spend some time together with Kirk and maybe do some sewing.

All in all it has been good week. I must remember to be patient with myself in this process of reentering the nursing workforce.

This week I cleaned my bathroom with a homemade mixture. I made my own "comet".I got this recipee from Laines Letters a while back.  1/2 cup soda and 1/2 cup Borax. I had lots of build up in my tub from a poor draining  bathtub. It was Diiiirrrrtttyyyy! But I got an abraisive sponge and just keps rubbing and by the time second and 3rd sweeps it was lightning up and getting cleaner so I kept scrubbing till it was gone. I was very surprised. So guess whats going on the grocery list!

Well have a good day.

Nettie

Outside my window....

Out side my window...skies are grey. we are getting moisture.

I am thinking...how I have been wasting some time again as I prepare graduation gifts. I  try to keeps boxes filled with gifts. I have a "Baby" box, a "youth"box, and I have a gift box for adults. I was able to use my card recourse and made graduations cards. I need to be more diligent to be working on  these things ahead of time.

I am thankfull...that we have found some awsome buys at Walmart lately. T-shirts and tops for family for christmas.

From the kitchen...chicken is thawing. I will make supper at noon today as I work at 2:30pm.

I am going...to help serve at our Pastors kid's graduation tomorrow. Im looking forward to it.

I am hearing...HGTV

I am reading...CS Lewis Narnia Chronicles. I'm on book one. My nursing book.

I am hoping....my cough gets done.

Around the house...some stuf that needs to be put away that requires Kirk's braun.

One of my favorite things...is the satisfaction of homemade bread. I love my Bosch and how fast I can make bread.

Plans for work... I've been doing some pick up this am. get supper made for lunch. 

From Gods word...I read in Proverbs 31 this am. I was reminded  not to bring shame to my husband and watch out for his reputation. We must be sure not to disrespect in fron of others and speak well of him always.

With my needle...I've been sewing  scrap squares together for future quilts. I carry a bag with scraps  with me.

*A note from the 1886 Presbyterian Cook Book....A pinch of salt added to the white of eggs will make them beat up quicker and lighter.

A prayer request...Pastor Johnsons son in Africa who is recovering from Cerebral malaria.   My friends husband who is starting cancer tratments.  A sister-in-law who is on bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy. <4 months to go.

Have a good day!

Nettie  

More on cleaning..

A dear friend of mine,Sandy, asked me to talk more on cleaning.

I was inspired by a letter from "Laines Letters"..see my links. and retrieve the letter..."Harvesting my time". She tells you how she does this.

I took a white piece of paper and folded it in half and folded it in half again. In the first section I wrote a list of my MORNING daily things I need to do. Taylor this to your life.

IE;..Bible study,get dressed, make bed, Get brk for Kirk, 15 min pick up,fill ice tray,dishes, laundrey(mon&frid),trash, Kirks do list(if any), take out meat for supper, computer.

AFTERNOON goes in the next section. ie, ..Lunch,dishes,nap,set table for supper, 3pm rest-tea,

The section is EVENING. ie;..supper,dishes,sweep,rest. (Be with your family.)

The 4th section-ZONE WORK. Here is listed my weekly zones. WK 1- kitchen, wk 2- bathroom-guest room, wk 3-bedroom-office, and wk 4- is the living room. This week is my livingroom, so I did deep cleaning for 15 min. Today, I changed the table cloth out on my display/side table. I dusted all the items. and then I took my new plants out to the front door. My 15 am pick up took care of most of the clutter in the livingroom. Tomorrow I will probably dust the TV stand and clean windows. 

Thats it! There are days that I didn't do any of this or some of it. Either way it is a nice guideline for me. Not sure how this will work when I start working.  Again, you will taylor this to your family and your needs. Laine keeps her weekend free for her family. Since Laine is a homeschooler she gives you her guideline.

Pray this is helpfull. Have a lovely day! Time to tend the laundrey.

A note from the 1886 Presbyterian Cookbook....When ordering meats,remember that beef,when boiled loses one lb in weight in every four, and when roasted,12 oz. Mutton loses even more than beef. This should be thought of where much meat is used.

Nettie 

Home Exectutive-

Just reporting on my kitchen. I finished my ceilings and walls. That job was sure more maneagable doing it in small bites. Tomorrow I will work on another part of the kitchen.

The 15 min pickup is working great! Also another thing I started doing was make ice each morning. I always seem to be out of ice cubes if I have unexpected company. This simple addition to my morning routine will be a huge help. It only take a couple miniutes to take care of this problem.

Another thing I learned from Laine was to make work stations. She does a baking area. with all of her baking items with in reach. I have done this before and in this present apartment I have the perfect corner for that. And how about a coffee/tea corner? This is set up next to my coffe pot.

Well Thats all for today! 

Nettie 

Here is the quilt..

Here is the quilt I was working on. It started with a hanky that I sewed on to a block. then just added the strips of  fabric that I had. My neighbor gave me some fabric  to finis the edges. . This still needs the batting and back. Still thinking on that...

Well I cant tarry too long. Today is youth group and I have things to prepare.

Have a great day!

Nettie