Worker @ Home

Updates

These adorable people are my kids. The  beautiful young lady holding the baby is Autumn. My missionary girl.

Corey and Amber are the parents of sweet Kylie. This was taken when they were in Ne over the 4th.

I dont have space to show my grand sons . will clear that and then get that done when we get back from a family reunion in SD.

Studies are coming slow. VBS really put me behind.

Take care.

Nettie

An Update

Outside my door- Kirks boss is doing something to his work truck.

I am thinking-about the CPR test I must take tonight at the hopsital.

Please pray for me!

I am thankfull- for my health right now.

From the kitchen- dont know....Im trying to think of Cool meals. Im at a loss right now. Any one have any favorite?????

I am going-to study this afternoon

I am hearing-the TV- home and garden

I am reading-basic nursing

Around the house-its quiet..a warm day  ahead.(we have no A/C)

I am hoping-to get in touch with the Sheriff soon to get myself fingerprinted...for the refresher course.... everytime I go down there they are closed.

One of my favorite things - is the weather...we dont have a lot of humidity. It gets cool at night. We have had a lot of beurtifull ,perfect , days.

Plans for work- the Manor

From Gods word- Be ready in season and out of season. 2 Tim 4:2 Something I learned at VBS this year. I was not ready to share the gospel with those kids. I am ready now...

With my needle- not much with my needle. I have an apron to finish

Have a blessed day!

Gods Mercy ...

This week we have VBS at our little country church...I have to admit I was a little sceptical of just  who would attend...after all we're just a little tiny church out here in the sticks. I wanted to help but rescheduling all my clients and work schedule would be more trouble than I'd like to deal with. Sue (pastors wife) said that the evangelist that does the program for teens in the evening. (That was new to me )It occured to me that maybe I could help with the teens. We have had around 16 or so teens. It was reported that we have had about 35 kids in the am VBS. WOW!  That was exciting  to hear. Where on earth did they come from????

The 2nd night  the evangalist had a call to be saved and about 6 teens gave their lives to Jesus Christ. I....on the other hand was caught off guard ... (I'm going to be transparent here) ,I wasnt ready to share the gospel   with these dear ones and on top of that I came under a great deal of conviction as the Lord brought to mind some areas of sin in my own life. I spent the next afternoon confessing my sins. This time I was ready to do what ever the Lord asked of me. As it was, He didnt ask me to share the gospel with someone that night, but I was ready and willing.

This country church is small but is having a BIG  inpact.And I thought God didn't do  His work out here in the sticks! LOL! I Sure have God in a box dont I?!

Well, Sunday I get to see my grandaughter, Kylie ,from Texas. Amber says she pretty chubby. I can hardly wait to see them.

This is my latest baby quilt. The center block was given to me by a lady from a church we attended in Grand Island. The rest is scraps.

Well I better go I have to try to get some laundrey done . I have to work for an hour at the Manor and I dont have any uniforms.

Have a great day!

Nettie

Howdy

It has been a while since I've written. I have been reading a lot and have completed and passed Module #3. It was a long unit. With a lot more reading than the previous two. This time I was more calm. But on this test they covered areas I hadn't spent time on and It reflected that. Thank goodness that one is over.

Its Friday. I have to work this weekend.

I have been walking...for my health as well as to get ready for the job change at the Manor. That has been going well. I'm up to 20 min a day. I'll switch to 25 min on Monday.  

The Cilantro is up and doing well.(I don't even like cilantro-lots of my recipies call for it..But if you'd like some I have some!) Kirks tomatoes are doing well.

I will get to see little Kylie next week . They are flying in from Texas and will be in central Ne. I will drive there with my sister. It will be fun to visit with her.

Well Its time to get supper started.

Later,

Nettie

Outside my window....

Outside my window...The garbage truck is dumping our dumpster and it is a cool, wet morning. The skies are grey.

I am thinking....a lot about my test that I took. I passed,...barely, but I was sort of confident,tired, and I felt rushed and I did rush. I got some answers wrong becasue I didn't read carefully. Ok, Ok,...I'm going to let that go. I passed my 2nd Module!

I am Thankfull...for safe travel and seeing family this weekend, even though it was short for some. Also that I only have to do one Module at a time.

From the Kitchen....Gotta get it cleaned up.

I am going ....to the dentist this afternoon. I pray he doesnt want to pull my tooth.

I am hearing...the quilting show on HGTV.

I am reading...my nursing textbook.

I am hoping...to get  Kirk  to check out why I can't post pictures on my blog.

Around the house...is an apron I'm working on,the laundrey is going.

One of my favorite things ...rainy day's.

Plans for work...get the house in order and get back to my studies.

From God's word....Phillipians 3:13 Bretheren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behing and reaching forward to what lies ahead.   I have stumbled accross this several times lately and it has been such an ecouragment to not spend/waste my time on what has already happened , such as former sin or tests!

With my sewing needle...Ha! I bought a cute little tag to cover up a hole I had cut on the back of my latest quilt..but I pressed it too long with the iron and now I have a lovely scorch pattern of my iron. LOL! Now I will accentuate the scorch and make it like I planned it. I will put my "info/history" there. Well see how that goes! LOL!

Pray you have a great week.

Nettie 

Living by candlelight

We had an eventful evening last night.  Out here in Kimball they talk about the winds. Boy we had terrific winds all day and evening last night that brought rain and cooler  temperatures this am. The lights started going off and on about 1:30pm yesterday. Well, they finally went off about 8 or so and didnt come on till 10:15. I scurried to my candle supply boxes  and started placing a candle in each room. It was so peacefull and restfull to not have the TV blaring. I wondered if I should just plan a candlelit evening from time to time. This was the perfect time to go around the apartment and get some little piles of things put away once and for all.The guest room got the guest glass and water decantor and the bed cleaned off, the master bedroom dressers got a cleaning,and my desk got some attention. I got most of it done and then the lights came on. I was glad because I was ready for my ritual cup of hot tea before bed.

I always save my  leftover candle wax. I have a special box  with supplies. I thow leftover wax and what ever in there and when I have enough to fill my kettle I'll melt it. I will make votives and make some emergency candles by pouring  wax into empty tin cans. You can poke holes into opposite sides of the can at the top and put some wire through there to make a handle. You can then hang it if you need to. It looks like I need to get some more candles ready. Its good to have "lights out" to test your emergency preparedness. I counted it as a blessing.

Tomorrow I will be busy baking bread for several occasions. This weekend we will travel to Alliance and move Kirks Mom to Grand Island. Funny, She is moving to where we moved from and she will be a couple of blocks up the street from my Dad. It will be nice to see some family from both sides of our family. I dont have to work at the Manor so we will stay Memorial day . I'll be making bread for that event and also for our church...we are having a Bell Choir come through to perform.

Have a safe Weekend...thanks for stopping by my home....

Nettie

I passed!

Hi Friends and Family,

I just passed my first on line test for my LPN refresher course! I have been studying for a good month or so on this first Module.(ist of 9) This was the first time I have done an online course so I have been a bit apprehensive.I made a call to my computer man (Kirk) with a few questions and with some encouragment and a few prayers I was on my way. Whew I'm glad that is over. I know what to be prepared for now.

Well , gotta go for now.

Nettie

Good Morning!

Its a beautifull sunny morning herein Kimball. I worked this weekend and this is my "day off"....I have an hour visit to do at 10:00. The rest of the day will follow with some house cleaning and then studying.

Homesteading...The closest I can come to that  this spring is plant my pots outside. I have lettuce, peppers, chamomile, carrots,cilantro,chives and dill. Kirk was left in charge of the tomatoes. We have some BIG pots for that. Will keep you posted on our crops. Our dream has been to have organic vegetabels/produce and sell them. I would love to add a "store" have  organic teas,sell organic grain and mill fresh flour for people. Then bake my bread. Thats a lofty dream...but we have hopes. Kirk and I often take a Sunday drive and look at the land around Kimball. Not sure if the Lord  has it for us to be here or not...but our hearts are content to dream and discuss options. So even if we are not living our our homesteading dream, there is nothing wrong with doing those things that are associated with it...like making some soap. I am gearing up for supplies. Will post the progress with pictures.

What ever our circumstances lets do what we can, when we can to make life simple.

Have a great Day!

Nettie

Well better get going.

A Mothers Prayer

I arose early,so early in the morn,

Twas Mother's Day-I thought of my children born,

But I felt their need, my need to pray.

On bended knee I thanked the Lord anew,

For each- those Childhood days very few.

So short the time I held them in my arms,

Now thier gone-oh Lord keep each soul from harm,

keep them Lord,perfect the flaws of human hand,

Cause them on thy solid rock to stand.

Yes ,tis Mothers Day and so I search my heart,

Can I rejoice and know I did my part.

Oh God its still unmolded clay I bring.

So to thy promises anew I cling.

Take thou this vesses-break and mold anew the clay,

They are my all,and this my prayer for Mothers Day.

Author Unknown

TGIF

Outside my window- it is raining,warm

I am thinking-How gratefull I am for God and His mercies. He is so faithfull.

I am thankfull - for my sister- in- law, Sarah W. I just got a nice call from her. We had a good laugh. She made my heart glad today. She is our family advocate. God has made her strong in this area. Sometimes we may not like  to hear what she says..but she says the truth. Love you Sarah!

From the kitchen- I think I'll do a frozen skillet meal. Its the end of the week and this will be a simple thing. (I always plan meals like this-keeps you from eating out ).I am going - to work at 11:30 in the am. And try to attend Quilters guild before I go.

I am hearing-HGTV 

I am reading- Basic Nursing Textbook.

I am hoping- I did'nt injure my back lifting boxes at work. I'm on prednisone and it masks my usual pain...I am feeling twinges. 

Around the house- Is undone laundrey

One of my favorite things- is planning ahead-I brought home a box for my Christmas gifts. I got my brother Steve's  present done and wrapped. I need to start organizing.

Plans for work- I will rest and study  tonight.

From Gods word- Yesterday I bought a Bible and the Lord gave me an idea to give this to a girl at work. She is having "marital"/breakup problems. I will mark all the verses on sticky notes that God gave to me when my first husband left myself and the 3 kids. Please pray for this witness and God would prapare her heart to recieve it.

Read Ps 68:5

Blessings to you, have a great weekend.

Nettie 

Answered prayers

Yesterday at Ladies Bible study, pastors wife,Sue, said that we would be putting some prayer requests on a sheet of paper and then each of us would pray secretley for the person who we drew out of the basket. I shared my burden to witness and be bold at the Manor. A lot of lost , hard and synical sinners there. My prayer has been to show Gods love and NOT gossip. Today I had an interesting conversation with a "gay"  man there. I apparently had offended him by my graciouse southern manners I learned while living in Texas, by calling him. "Mr"____.  He scorned me for calling people" Miss and Mr in  the kitchen  and the area of KImball....", and if State ever heard me call another employee that I'd be in trouble." (This I will check with my superviser in a confidential way)(In my LPN studies it is proffesional to call others Mr,Miss,Mrs so I will reread that and correct him if needed.) I was quite flustered  and angered at first, but as we did dishes I mulled over what he said. I had the courage to say. "Gosh ,________, I am just a simple christian girl and have never heard of  a "gay" person being offended to be called Mr, it was a term of respect and friendliness for me. I will not address you that way If it offends you." Now by this time the dishes were done and I was not able to talk more. and give him Gods view of sodomy...but I even though I was thrown a bit  by this graphic conversation. I was thrilled that someone had prayed for me today and God gave some boldness. I am excitied at future conversations. This is big for me dear friends. I am not bold.

Its a beautiful warm day here.

I've shared my heart.

Have a good day.

Miss Nettie    (Sorry if I offended You )

Sring has sprung!

For us in western Nebraska,spring is moving in slowly but surely.  On Friday,at the Manor, we  watched the 40 mph winds howl all night and day. The snow blew horizontally that day, even though it wasnt that cold. By the time I got home and put out a Kimball weather report to my friends and family, the winds were dying down and the  sun was coming out and the snow was melting away. What a change!

Today I was able to return to the older coulple I take care of. I have been away sick. They were  as relieved to see me as I was them. I am no longer doing work for the Deli. This will free back up some time for the couple. We rejoiced. They really need the help.

Also, I have continued peace about returning to my work as a nurse. Now I am back on track with studies. Thank you for your prayers. (and encouraging calls from family)

We had our ladies  Bible Study this morning, lingering prayers, and sweet fellowship. I enjoyed the long way home. and stopped at a new business here in town. Its called Cottage Gardens. Its a floral shop with  a nursery in the back. It looks like a high end type of place. It has a lot to offer for little Kimball. I pray they do well. I bought some soil for my pittifull pots. I am still not sure what I will try to plant.

Its just been a wonderfull day. Now I'm almost ready to  start studying.

I pray you all have a beautifull day. Enjoy God's special  blessings....today it was the warm breezes and sun on my face.

Helpfull hint-rescoursefullness. Do you think you dont have enough money  to buy what you need???? Look in your cupboards and use up what you have FIRST, before you go to the store. I  have gotten fearfull I will run out of something. Gone and spent $ for an item..only to find I had a sample or enough to go another 2 wks. Use up what you have. Even if its old or not your favorite. ie- I used up all my old blush samples even though it wasnt my favorite.  Look around and look at what you use or reuse. A great way to get to more simple living and eliminate clutter.

Love and blessings,

Nettie

The Trip

Hi friends and family,

The trip to San Antonio went extremley well. It was all such a blessing and such a testamony to God's grace. I love to travel by air...now that I've figured out the system. LOL!

Kylie Noel Chandler was Born at 1709 on 3-20-08. She was 8-5 and 20 1/2 " long. Get this, Amber was  8-2 and the same length.  

 Kylie would "wake up" like this when ever we sould set her up. Aint she cute?

More later.

Nettie

More On soap!

Hi,

Wow! What a response  to soap making. Ill answer a few questions.

Yes, these soap recipies are for personal use ...Kirk and I are STILL using it....it lasts! LOL!

Yes, you can probably add any essential oil. I'm sure crushed herbs would be ok as well. I havn't made a 2nd recipee yet to try it. My "12 month Harvest" book says this: (This is the previouse section of the soap article in the book. It includes more info, another soap recipe.)

To make  homemade perfumed soap , spread 10 lbs of lard(Im sure you could use this for the simple recipee in previous blog) approximatly 1 inch thick on a baord. Place blossoms deep into the lard. Choose bright smelling blossoms for  the best effect and keep the board in a well sheletered area outside. Leave the blossoms in the Lard for 24 hrs and then remove for another 24 hrs.

For a pine needle ordor, boil  pine needles for in soft water for 5 min and let steep for another 10 miniutes. Strain and us this water in place of the  plain water needed in the soap recipee. ( From me-the possibilities are endless I bet)

Put 10 lbs of  lard in a kettle with 2 qrts of water(or pine scented water) and bring to boil. Cool overnight. Any dirt or meat particles will sink to the bottom and can be scraped off easily the next morning.

Mix 4 TBL  sugar ,2 TBL salt,6 TBL pwdered borax, and 1/2 C ammonia into 1 Cup of the pine or soft water. In an outside area mix 2 qrts of cold water(soft or pine secented) with 2 Cups of lye. Use a stainless steel or graniteware pan. Mix and let the mixture  cool to luke warm. Take the  sugar, borax,ammonia mixture and  pour into the cooled lye and water mix. Add the cool lard, slowly,stirring with a wooden spoon. Stir gently and completely untill thick and light in color.

Pour the thickening soap into a stainless stell or granite pan or wooden box lined with a dampened cloth. Leave untill hard and cut into portions. The longer you let it dry the longer the bar will last.

 Thats the end of the second half of the article.

Note-a freind said be sure to let lye soap sit  becasue it will netralize the lye. she said if it burns its not ready to use. I waited a week  or two and tried the bar.(I couldnt wait) I'm not sure how acurte this information is. I'm just passing it on.

I used the more simpler method from previous blog entry. But this part of the article shows how to infuse the scents.

****

Today I made my homemade laundrey recipe and  Ranch dressing mix.from my homemade buttermilk. You can find some of these recipees on the Living on the Dime link  to the right of your screen.

Gotta go. get ready for work.

Have a great weekend and thanks for the questions.

 Nettie

This ones for Amy Jo- A soap Recipee.

Amy Jo , Thanks for your interest in making soap. All of homesteaders like "stuff" like this. I found this gem of a book at a Goodwill ,years back. It is A book by Ortho Books..A guide to preserving Food for a "12 months Harvest". A Homesteaders delight indeed! Its filled with gardening tips,freezing,canning, making cheese, cider, soap, and grinfing grain..and more. 

Heres the recipee. "The easiest soap I know"

Mix 5 lbs  of fat(bacon grease is fine) (I used lard from the grocery store)

1 can lye(Red Devil)

6 Qrts cold water

3 TBL borax .....in an enamel pan. Leave  for 48 hr, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. After 48 hrs heat over a low fire(on top of the stove is fine) until melted. Pour into a shallow box or a heavy and shallow cardboard box lined with a wet cloth.(I used cheese cloth) I let  the edges of the cloth hang over the outside so its easier to pull  the soap out later.

When the  soap is hard , pull it out and cut it into bars using a knife or wire used as a saw.

The soap will last much longer if you store the bars for several weeks before using. I find that homemade   soap las so long I get tired of using the same old bar. It is white(mine turned more yellow with time) has a clean smell and nice to use. I often store it with sachet so it picks up a nice scent. You can also use homemade  for the laundrey. Shred it and dry the falkes in a dehydrator or in a warm place on a screen. It works best in soft water. I like wahing wool for spinning in this homemade soap.

  *I read lots of internet sites about homemade soap to get the general feel of it before I started.

*My husband made a shallow wooden box designated for soap.

*Get an enamel pan,measuring cups and spoons designated for soap. These can be bought at garage sales or goodwills. But make sure you inspect it well. Mine had a hole in it that wasnt visible to the naked eye and my  liquid was leaking all over the table outside.The lye will make it bigger. I would definatly do this outside with a spotter.  

*Lye-I had some fearfull  warnings about its use. so I had a healthy fear. Follow all instructions. Red Devil is the brand that can be used for soaps. It was in the  plumbing section  at Menards or Lowes. My friend said  remember  the lye is like snow falling on the water.  So,  in the order of  mixing ingredients. put the water in first  and then the lye. Dont ask me why, I just did as she said! Something about a dangerous reaction.

Have fun! I found it to be very rewarding.  Next time I I want to add some pine or other good smelling herbs.  

God Bless,

Nettie

A Country Church

We visited the little Bible church in Dix  again this week. It is about 8 miles east of Kimball. My first impression wasn't the most godly of impressions.( I have since humbled my heart and asked my Lord for forgivness.) I have been so blessed by the the teaching of the Word there. Pastor Virgil doesnt use gimicks or or special programs to draw a flock.  You may have thought  that the somewhat shabby and old school building with the long flight of steps may disuade one , or the hilarious cable strung accross the front of the room with the blue tarp as a curtain for  the  Christmas program. One of the cast had to pull it open and closed dozens of times for each scene. Kirk and I couldnt help but giggle. We were amazed at the performance of a small bell Choir  that played beautiful Christmas music. The  pastor was director  as well as  speaker. The number  of worshipers may have kept  one from returning. The lack of special music or programs may keep one from considering this  Body. The 8 miles may keep one from worshiping here. There are no TV screens and no special worship  Teams.Just pews , a piano and hymnals.  But I'm so gratefull the Lord brought us to Dix Bible. For here Pastor Virgil  simply concentrates on the word and praches it. He also has an uncanny way of practical application.I have  been blessed. Lord, Thank you for taking this hard heart and keeping open  to see the possibilities of what you have for us. ..for the growth to come.

Happy New Year !

Nettie

Pancake Syrup Recipe

Easy pancake recipe.

1 Cup water

1 cup sugar

1 cup Brown sugar

1 cup Karo syrup

Boil 3 miniutes add flavoring.

Remove from heat.

1/4-1/2 tsp butter flavoring,coconut flavoring

or 1/4-1/2 tsp maple flavoring.

or suit your self and experiment.

Syrup will thicken as cools.

Make your own buttermilk

Good Morning,

Recently I bought some buttermilk for a recipe. I almost ran out and remembered a recipe fromLaines Letters(look at my links-she has other recipies) where you can make your own buttermilk.

Buttermilk

1/4 C buttermilk.and 4 C milk to a mason Jar.

cover and shake ,then put on counter.

In about 24 hrs you will have Buttermilk.

*remember to save a little buttermilk from each batch for the next batch.

(it worked great!)

Life with Molly is so great.

She is such a blessing to me.

 She is now in the "jumper" stage. She is so happy to stand on her own feet and jump around in her jumperoo.

I've put her on the floor and she working on rolling over.

We have had georgous weather here.

there is a possible move for us in the near future. To a more rural area of Nebraska. I am sure I will be using my mixes and recipies for making soap alot more. As we will have to travel  to larger towns for certain shopping. I'm sad and excited all at the same time. will let you know more soon.

God is good, and able to take care of all our needs!

Nettie

Zuchinnie Marmelade Recipie

Hello,Hope this is finding you all well today.

Do ya have a lot of zuchinnie? Here is a great recipie I came accross.

ZUCHINNIE MARMELADE

6 C grated and peeled zuchinnie

1/2 C water

Boil this gently for 6 min

Drain well press out liquid through a colander

Add                                                                                                                                                                                      1 large can of crushed pineapple

6 C sugar

2 T lemon juice

Boil 6 min

add

2 sm boxes of jello(any flavor you like)

Boil 2 min.

Transfer to clean and hot jars. put a lid on. These will seal them selves. No water bath needed.

*note. I cleaned jars, microwaved them about 10 min then transferred  them sitting in a large fry pan with about an inch of water ,simmerring while recipee cooked.

*note I have dome orange,apricot,rasperry. all very good.

*note great on ice cream as well.

Enjoy...what a great Christmas present.

A recipee for you!

Hi All,

A couple weeks ago I was stirring around in my cupboards to find something and I ran accross a container  that had a ranch dressing mix in it. Its the powdered form you add the wet ingredients. My husband loves a salad at lunch so we have been going through the dressing. Not wanting to wate what I have I rustled  up a recipee. It was so good. Here it is.

Ranch Dressing Mix

Place 15 saltines in blender and process on high till powdered.

Add: 1 C dry minced parsley flakes

1/2 C Dry minced onion

2 T dry dill weed

Blend again till powdered  .  Dump in bowel. Stir in:

1/4 C onion salt

1/4 C Garlic salt

1/4 onion powder

Store in  container with tight fitting lid.

Yield 42 one Tablespoon servings.

To use:

Mix 1 T mix with 1 C buttermilk  and 1 C mayonaise

FYI 42 pkts=$1.79=$75.18

Enjoy

Nettie