Hmmm....

Big Daddy and I were discussing hurricane preparations this evening. This is a first for us. We've lived in our area for two hurricane seasons, but they were pretty mild compared to this year. The rain we got from Fay was pretty heavy. We are watching Hanna, and thinking we need to take the old gal seriously.

 Now, living in So. Cal.,  I wasn't much of a fan of earthquakes. I've seen my share.  I'm good...don't need any more, thanks.  There is, however, something to be said for the sudden rumble of the ground beneath your feet. It's unexpected, and in a minute it's over.  The only "predictor" is what we call "earthquake weather" 

"Umm.... feels like earthquake weather." 

WHATEVER THAT IS!  Come on.... you folks from Cali. know what I'm talking about! 

Hurricanes, now that's a whole 'nother animal. One gets to watch the storm build...and wait to see what lucky state gets the hit.   BTW....how do the poor souls in the island nations of the Atlantic stand it? They get pummled over and over!

This watchful waiting stinks. I find myself on the verge of obsessively logging onto the weather report, so I can track the storms. Don't get me wrong...it's good to have an early warning. Preparations do need to be made if you are in the path. I'm glad I live in the age of technology for such things. 

BUT- with my quirky personality, it's hard for me to leave well enough alone. I ruminate on the "wonder if's"

"Wonder if's" are peace stealers. I know this. I also know Who holds my future, yet I ruminate on (usually between the hours of 2 and 4am).

There's about 80 days left in hurricane season.

Ugh. That's alot of chewin'.

Naise

Hurrah!!!!

I can say it is offically fall here. The leaves on the ground beneath the neighbor's big old tree, and the one's I drove through today prove it. My all time favorite season is finally here!!!

I just love the change of seasons. Every one brings something different to life. Just about the time you've had enough of the...cold...heat...rain..whatever, it's time for another change. I know I'm not alone in my love of fall. I wonder why so many of us list it as our favorite?

I have two treasured memories of fall when I was a child. The first... of raking leaves with my family on a Saturday, making huge piles, and jumping into them over and over. If I think about it, I can still smell the dried maple leaves. To this day, I enjoy raking leaves...good thing too, 'cause we have plenty of trees on the place!  The second...of my coming home from elementary school, to my mom making homemade applesauce. Everytime I make applesauce I remember that day, it just feels like a big hug.

So, today I celebrate, and welcome in the change of seasons...looking forward to the memories, and the new things to come.

Naise

Well, it looks as if we are going to need a few more days to dry out around here. A friend of ours with a rain gauge measured 11" in 48 hrs. That's alot of rain! The stream on our property is still flowing pretty steady.

I am glad I was ready to pull the remains of the garden, it should be easier now that the soil is wet. I'd have been heartbroken if it was producing well, but now, it's just a matter of planning for next season. 

We had a wonderful midweek break because of the storm. School was cancelled due to local flooding, so the kids were home. Big Daddy had worked the weekend, so he took the day off as well. We had a quiet day of rest. I baked some pumpkin bread (it was a humid 80+ outside, but inside....it was fall, baby!), and actually sat down to watch a movie. A rare thing indeed!

Now it's back to busy-ness as usual around here. I must fly... I have laundry to hang outside....here comes the sun!

Naise 

Ok, so it's raining, and raining, and raining. There has been barely a let up in the past 48 hrs. This morning it was pretty driving. We have a spring in the back which flows when the water level rises, and she's a flowin'  Big Time. 

I'm praying we stay in the dry. We have had such a problem with water and this house (a really bad real estate deal, lots of things not disclosed, buyer beware....yes I had an inspection...he was incompetent). It's times like this my worry-ometer pegs major.

The thing that makes me chuckle.....my little Spider Lily is on a dry island in the midst of the stream. Water is flowing rapidly on both sides, enough to knock it over for sure. There it stands, blazing red and proud to be God's handiwork, even in the midst of a torrent.

I think there's a lesson for me there.

Naise

I could see it from the kitchen window yesterday, just beyond the clothesline. It looked like a red leaf on the ground. That's not a huge surprise, since the leaves are already starting to turn, and we have two Japanese Maples in the yard. It didn't move all day, and remained a brilliant color, so later that evening I went to investigate.

It is the brightest flower I have ever seen. At the top of a single short stalk, is a head of five flowers. The flowers are brilliant red, with petals turned back, red stamen are long, tipped in bright yellow. It really is a sight. There are no other flowers around like it, and it made it's appearance in the center of the lawn. It is a mystery to me how it got there.

The Eldest and I had fun today doing some research on the little thing. It seems we have a Spider Lily. They are native to the Asian continent, and have cultural significance in both Japan and China. This variety has been naturalized in the southeast, here they are called "hurricane flowers".

I plan to make sure this little volunteer is protected. If all goes well, we should be able to transplant, and propagate a few more.

It is indeed a pleasant surprise.

Naise

I was over at gabbie427 's blog today. She posted the story of how she and her husband met. I was inspired, so I thought I'd share my story too.

I was 17 the summer between my Junior and Senior year in HS. I was searching for a summer job just before school let out, but to no avail.  I applied nearly EVERYWHERE.  Pickin's were getting pretty slim, I was running out of options.  I stopped at the "finger-lickin" poultry place for an application. When I asked for said paper, a guy next to me stopped me. He asked if I was looking for a job (duh), and mentioned he was a manager at the pizza place next door. He said I'd have a job if I wanted it, just come over and fill out an application.

So, over I went.  Application. Interview. Hired. My first summer job, my first taste of independence. We were quite the crew at the pizza place. Some of us were out of school, some were still in, some were just out of the military, some just out of jail ( I did say "quite" a crew, right). I had the most fun at that job, and stayed there through high school, and into my freshman year of college.  I didn't actually meet Big Daddy for a several days. I worked the drink counter, he worked making pizzas, we were on opposite sides of the place. 

I don't remember quite "how" we met. I believe it was through his brother (who also worked with us). One night, several days later, anyway.... I asked him to come hang out with some friends and I after work. The rest, as they say, is history.

 We dated for 4 years as a formality. He had asked me to marry him 6 months after we started dating.  At that time I wasn't about to go running to mom and dad. "Guess what!!!! I'm 17, and.... engaged."   Right.  In my family, that would have been grounds for a 72 hr. hold. I was surely in emminent danger of hurting myself, and / or others.

Now, almost 20 years later, with a daughter of my own....I KINDA understand where they were coming from. KINDA.

OK, OK, I know.  The only  reason you are reading this self absorbed babbling is to find out about the Buick, so here's the rest of the story:   

 I actually recieved the Lord as my Savior in the backseat of Big Daddy's '68 Buick Riviera. Sometime during that summer, while parked in the alley behind Big Daddy's parents house, my future husband led me to meet my Lord. 

 And he's been with me as I've approached the Throne many times since. 

 Ah, prayer's such a sweet journey.

Now,  20 + years later, with a daughter of my own....I'm left wondering how I'm going to tiptoe around this issue. "NO, it is not alright to go park in --------'s car."      "I know your father and I did it."     "I didn't inhale...I mean,... I wasn't saved at the time."     "Yes, God can work miracles anywhere, but let's find another place for an Enlightenment, shall we."    

AHHHHHH!   Parenthood's such a SWEET (sarcastic emphasis added)  journey.

I have marveled many times at how my life changed because Dan wanted some fried chicken that day. I got a job, a husband, and salvation. Poor Dan got some chicken.  The Lord has shown me how He is in control of  the big and the little things....... including my choice of lunch.

Naise

Burpykitty and I had a great chat yesterday (thanks for calling....I had a chance to load the dishwasher, clean up the counters, start dinner.....why sit still and talk on the phone.....cell phones were created so we can get more done, not just sit....something Big Daddy will never understand!!!!! HA!)

I had mentioned I was feeling as if at any moment I could drop all the balls I currently have in the air. It has been a busy summer. Trying to overhaul so many areas at once has been a challenge. There have been plenty of successes....and yes, some failures, too.

The change in mindset has been the biggest success. I look at so many areas of my life differently now. Trying to overhaul time management and resources has required a moment by moment analysis of my behavior. This in itself, is somewhat draining. Finding new ways to do things, and use things better, is exciting, as I anticipate results. Keeping up with the changes, and not reverting back to old ways, is a little more difficult. Remember my PDD? Here's where it rears it's ugly head. How many days does it take to change a habit?

My diet....yeah...not so much a success. Burpykitty asked about it as I was downing my iced mocha. "Diet?....oh yeah...that."...slurp...."Uh, huh,....still workin' on it." I think this is the area where my motivation lags.

The garden...both a success, and a failure, as it didn't produce as well as I'd hoped. The good thing is that most of the beds are made, and will require a whole lot less prep the next go round. A learning process for sure as this gal from the 'burbs, who until recently was known best for her ability to kill off any houseplant within two weeks, attempts to feed her family by the sweat of her brow. Honestly.....Big Daddy used to refer to my special talent with plants as "Loving it to death". So what do I expect...this is gonna take some time!

No poo?, you ask.  Well, that's a bit personal...No, I haven't made up my mind on NO SHAMPOO yet. I can't decide whether I like it or not. I'm still at it, but reserve the right to use SHAMPOO in any given moment of weakness.

Powering down? Electricty Free Nights? Actually, my teens are crying for more "Free" nights. We haven't been as diligent on this as I'd like. However, the gas bill was down last month. HURRAH!

So, that's the update. On board are more changes, and challenges. A definite "work in progress". I am so enjoying this season of growth. Hopefully, it will bear much fruit!

Good stewardship to ya,

Naise

I decided to have fun with this one word-er. It will be a challenge for me. I so enjoyed reading it on Amy Jo, and Lady Beale's blogs....here you go!

1. Where is your cell phone?  table

2. Your significant other? steadfast

3. Your hair? curly

4. Your mother? passed

5. Your father? same

6. Your favorite thing? chenille

7. Your dream last night? disturbing

8. Your favorite drink? JAVA!

9. Your dream/goal? simplicity

10. The room you are in? kitchen

11. Your church? home

12. Your fear? cancer

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? homestead

14. Where were you last night? here

15. What you're not? quiet

16. Muffins? allergic

17. One of your wish list items? bookshelves

18. Where you grew up? 'burbs

19. The last thing you did? conversed

20. What are you wearing? earings

21. Your TV? Olympics

22. Your pets? cute

23. Your computer? slow

24. Your life? redeemed

25. Your mood? contented

26. Missing someone? Burpykitty

27. Your car? paid

28.Something you're not wearing? shoes

29. Favorite store? Lowes

30. Your summer? fleeting

31. Like (love) someone? many

32. Your favorite color? blue

33. Last time you laughed? today

34. Last time you cried? Friday

35. Who will repost this? you?

A friend of ours called this evening to say he found some clothesline poles.......FOR FREE!!!!!  Ha! Just about the time I was getting REALLY frustrated. Big Daddy and I have been at this clothesline thing for most of the summer.  It seemed every avenue we went down to try to obtain poles, ended  up in a dead end.

Yet God had a better plan. He provided the poles, and at no cost.  I call that a double blessing!  So, with this I am humbled once again. All I needed to do in this whole thing was to be patient.  I, however, have Patience Defecit Disorder.

Patience Deficit Disorder, or PDD, is an not so rare, but serious condition.

PDD results in a strong desire to take control of any situation in life which is not resolved in a microwave minute. Symptoms of PDD include, but are not limited to: a general wondering why everything YOU try doesn't work out the way you think it should.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, God's Word and prayer can help. Taken daily, God's Word and prayer have been shown to decrease symptoms of PDD.

Unlike other medications, God's Word and prayer have no uwanted side effects. In additon, God's Word and prayer may be taken with Fellowship as needed.

Consult the Great Physican if you experience: anger,  or lack of faith, as these may be signs of a more serious condition.

Extra doses may be required if you have children, are pregnant, or may become pregnant.

Don't wait! Contact the Great Physican today to see if God's Word and prayer is right for you.

I think I need to up my dose.

Naise

B-The Eldest- thanks for your help with this post!

I thought I wasn't too fond of Ms. Fru-gal (frugal, that word just grates). Then I came across this "No-Poo" concept, and I have a whole 'nother word to give me the heebees. Sounds like something I need to consult a physician about.

So, I'm trying NO SHAMPOO, and so far have had pretty good results.

First let me introduce you to my hair. I have ALOT of it. ALOT. If you come within two feet of me, you will have ALOT of my hair too. I shed. It's thick, and long, curly, and color treated (yeah, I'm vain like that). I know that I am sensitive to many hair product ingredients,  especially in shampoos. So, it makes sense for me to try an alternative if possible.

When we came back from Cali. a few weeks ago, my hair was a mess. While we were there, the change of climate, water softness, and humidity, all added up to a tangle of frizz . Oh so pleasant. Here I was, seeing relatives and friends for the first time in years (some nearly 20 yrs.), and my hair looked something akin to "light socket Linda".  When something takes up that much of your personal space, you don't want it to be a hazard to others. I could have poked someone's eye out or something.

I figured, what better time then now to try something new. Probably couldn't get much worse. I was, however, concerned about the effect on my color.

So far, so good. I'm using a baking soda recipie every few days for my scalp. I rinse my hair every time I want to style it (because of the curl). I still use my usual hair spray. I do notice I'm not wanting to wash it every day like I did with regular shampoo. I don't like dirty hair, so this is a big thing for me. It's had no effect on my color that I can tell. (Probably better for it, since I'm not washing so much anyway)  I may want to use "poo" once in a while. I'm leaving that option open. Overall, I'm pleased.

Anyone else out there tried this? If so, what do you use, and how's it workin' for ya?

Naise

Ok, so I blog about stewardship, about how we are trying our best to respect what we've been given;  I'm feeling pretty satisfied with our progress. We're doin' alright. Cruisin'. Then....BAMMO! I'm made aware this morning of a new area Big Daddy wants to overhaul.

Our "diet"

Ugh...

Well, to be fair, he actually said "his" diet, but we all know, in a marriage, one does not go it alone. Of course, the old bod needs to be overhauled, or rather, hauled over (as in: "hauled over to the computer", then "hauled over" to the coffeepot, then "hauled back over" to the computer). No, really it's not that bad...or I'm in denial.

Anyway.......I can't deny, and this is why I "ugh", the diet thing fits right into the stewardship thing. Great.

This means I really need to make some changes. As my good friend Burpykitty knows, I've been making changes for about the last ten years. I still need to make changes....what does that tell you? Uh huh, not so good on the changes thing as far as diet goes.

So what's the problem? The issue? The big road block? I'm addicted to beans. No.. not the green kind, or the "musical fruit" kind.... the roasted kind(s). The kinds that make lovely warm (and cold) beverages. The kinds that make Mr. Seratonin get all happy. Yes....my good friends- coffee and chocolate.

I have tried in the past to leave these two companions, along with their good buddies wheat and sugar. Ah, but to no avail. I always go back. You see, they like to ring Mr. Seratonin's cell, and leave voicemail. (Ok, that was kind of creepy, but someone out there knows what I'm talking about, right?)

So, now I'm in the stewardship/serious addiction conundrum. Oh yeah, this one's gonna be rough. Luckily, I've got Big Daddy doing the overhaul right along with me. He deals with things with steely determination. Once said....then done. "Today I will change my diet." Then he proceeds to eat only raw foods for the remainder of the day.  For me, it's more like..."Today I will change my diet".....until 3pm, when I can no longer remain vertical..... just in time to make dinner....."ring, ring"......Two cups o-java later, and about a handfull of whatever sugar is available..."Tomorrow I will change my diet."  And so it goes. I'm hoping Big Daddy will offer support.       I need an intervention.

This stewardship overhaul is up for prayer.

I'll keep you posted.

Naise

 Frugality.....I really don't like that word. It makes me think of a mean-spirited middle school teacher with a big ruler...Ms. Fru-gal. I prefer the word "stewardship", which reallly emcompases more than just money issues...but I digress.

Around here we have undertaken a huge stewardship overhaul. Of late we've looked around and found all kinds of places where resources evaporate unawares. Most of the new things we are doing are really a return to the old ways. You know....use it up, wear it out, make do...etc. Cooking more and more from scratch is keeping the grocery budget on track, even as prices rise.  We have begun to view running the household like running a business (I'm taking a written inventory of the pantry, fridge, and cupboards. I'll be starting a price book for grocery shopping). Purchases are limited, the use of resources is restrained. (See previous post on "Electricity Free Nights")  In our garden we have implemented the same philosophy by using no till, double dug beds this season. There are few areas untouched by the overhaul. It's been a challenge, but so worth it.

For myself, the newest addition to the overhaul is to limit the amount of mass media/marketing I ingest. I no longer reach for the magazines provided by my doctor's/ dentist's office to entertain me while I wait. I bring my own reading materials. I  turn off or mute the commercials when I watch the tube (cutting the umbilical cord sattelite service, is on the list of to-do's). I find it sooo much easier to focus on what my real needs are without all the extra imput.

We do not have any one area down perfectly, and we're not total hard-core green maniacs ( I love my air conditioning when it's 98 and 90% humidity here in the South). It's more of a stumble, start again, growing process. We are loving the challenge, the stretching, and the growth. Big Daddy (as we were watching our clothes flit in the breeze, on the line at his mom's home, during our vacation), said it well...."It just feels good to know you haven't used a bit of consumable energy to dry 'em."

The stewardship overhaul is our way of showing respect for the things the Lord has given us. It's really a small thing to give the One who gave all.

Naise

Ah, home is wonderful!

We hit the ground running when we returned from vacation, and it took about a week to get everything back to "normal" (whatever that is!) around here. We haven't had an "electricity free night" yet, but it's on the calendar for later in the week. It's amazing when you are gone for a while, how much more you appreciate your little nest.

We are still waiting for the clothesline poles. Wow! try to order some of those. It seems they've had a run on clothesline poles lately. Everyone we talk to has them on back order. So, apparently, there are lots of fools like me who want to add a little (who am I kidding...a lot) more work to their day in exchange for a smaller footprint, and lower energy bills. I am about ready to go knocking on some doors around here. I drive around town and see lots of empty poles just waiting for some frugal fool (yours truly, again) to come dig the "unsightly"  things up. Hmmm, will my patience, or my frugality win out? Only time will tell.  Meanwhile, I tumble dry.

Naise

After our 10 day family vacation, we are home, and glad to be back. Tuesday the AC was fixed, and now works better than ever (whoo-hoo!). So nice to have cool air again.

In future posts, I'll detail our vacation ad nauseum, but for now, I'm going to be chillin' at my 'stead.

Naise

We've begun a new tradition at our place. We call it "Electricity Free Nights". Two nights a week (at least for right now,  I have teens- you don't want to unplug them too quickly- they are old enough to start a mutiny!) Anywho, those two nights, we turn off the AC, lights, and all applicances (except fridge). We light up some oil lamps, and candles, and enjoy one another's company. It's amazing the fun we've had! There is such a sense of quiet and peace in the house.

 I will be working into whole days, but that's gonna take some doin'. I'm anxious to see what impact this, and the new clothesline will have on our energy bill. I have been given a new sense of stewardship responsibility, which is causes me to move through my day looking for creative ways to conserve. It's pretty awesome. Some may call it crazy- then again, I've never been "mainstream".

Of course, one always needs a sense of humor. It seems like once you begin listening to the Lord's leading, and actually FOLLOWING it, something always happens. Yesterday the AC broke. So. depending on the cost.....we may be conserving a whole lot more than I am "comfortable" with. HA!

Naise

Being a newbie homesteader who moved from the burbs, I need some help from those who know how to deal with ticks using natural methods. Our property borders the woods, but one doesn't even need to go near the woods to pick up a few hangers-on. We try to keep the grass short, but it really doesn't seem to matter all that much. What works? What's not worth the effort?

How about repeling rabbits?

Naise (certified newbie homesteader)

Well, the rain did quit early enough for us to have some fun. My "flower pot" was pretty cool. The big favorites of the night were the crackling and sparking fountains, and this thing that set off whirling little sparkling disks.  Really couldn't have asked for a better holiday.

How did you celebrate freedom and family?

It's been raining here for the past couple of hours. I'm thankful for the rain. My garden needed it badly. The timing of the storm wasn't too bad either. We had finished our cookout. The homemade ice cream had been cranked (peach, btw).

The kids are waiting patiently for it to let up. They have been eyeing the bag of sparkling fountains and sparklers purchased just for today. I hope they get a chance to light up the night.

Who am I kidding....I bought a fountain called a "flower pot".  It's supposed to bring forth a brillant array of multi colored sparkles. I've been waiting all week to see that thing!   Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Happy 4th!

Naise

Our family hates it when Big Daddy's out of town on business. Stuff happens when BD's gone. Things break, big things usually. Or maybe we get bad news, or one of us gets ill. Lots of times there is just this weight that lays heavy on all of us. The Eldest has begun to ask, "When's Dad gonna get home?" from the minute his feet leave the stoop.

So now you know the scene. Big Daddy's gone, and so far this week it's been "interesting". I was washing dishes the other day. As I was rinsing out the sink  with the spray nozzle ( I have one of those faucets where the whole thing is a pull out spray nozzle) I tugged, and ended up with the nozzle in my hand, and a rather high pressured jet of water streaming across the kitchen. Imagine my surprise. It was one of those moments when time slows down, and you can think about 10 seperate thoughts in a second....."Wow, I didn't know we had that kind of water pressure.", "Look at that, right into the corner of the wall and the ceiling, I couldn't have aimed that better if I tried.", "I wonder how much this is going to cost.", "Why is it always water with this place?!", "Oh, yeah, turn the faucet off!", "Wow, I hope this works.", "There, off, now, send out the cry of "towels.... man the towels...."  The Youngest- also known as the Great Helper- always the first to act,  came to the rescue with bathroom towels....and proceeded to help clean up the mess. Mess cleaned- that corner needed a good wipe down anyway- we set to work on the faucet. It looked dicey for a while there, as I contemplated doing dishes in the bathtub for the next several days, but God is indeed good. He granted me the most wonderful blessing of a kitchen sink and a fixed faucet.  Later, when the Eldest- also known as the Great Thinker- arrived on the scene, his only words on the subject were..."Pretty lucky it went in the corner." You see, about three feet away from the corner, and well within reach of the spray, my husband's work computer lay on the dining room table.

Oh yeah, my God's an awesome God- especially when Big Daddy's out of town!

Naise

Never in a zillion years would I have imagined I'd want a blog. I'm not the blogging type, or so I thought.  In the past few weeks, my old brain has been turning in all sorts of new directions, this being one of them. So, without further hesitation (there had been some, by the way, as I'm not a real "public" person), Welcome to my blog!!!!!

Now what?