Scrapping My Heart

I've had to create Another Blog

2011-01-06T12:46:00.001-05:00

Since I cannot get any response from an actual human being at Google - or Blogger...

I have set up an entirely different blog.

The for my new blog is:

http://aminuteattatime.blogspot.com/

I could not be anymore unhappy at the moment

2011-01-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

I have been trapped with a snag on this blog. The Design section of my dashboard has TWO post areas stuck there and will NOT allow me to delete one of them. Hence - my postings are being duplicated - despite the fact that I have designated 1 post at a time to be displayed on my blog now.

Well... I do get only 1 post.

I JUST GET TWO OF THEM - and it's really ... just... messing... with.... my.... hormones... right.... now.

One Bite at a Time

2011-01-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

With the new year ringing in upon us all - Dwayne and I have decided to - begin eating an elephant.

By the time we’d closed on this place - there was a “ Honey-Do “ list that took life with an over-bearing promise of not being able to take off on its own legs for the next ten years.

There are times when things become so overwhelming. Of course - it’s no help when we’re all expected to keep up with the out-of-control speed of the hijacking by technology that has begun choking life.

And let me not forget to include the icing on the cake that is killing us all - the greedy dictatorship developing by the hands of the corporate and financial institutions in this world.

Our answer for surviving - turning off the television news stations.

We have only one exception. We remain loyal to watching our local WATE ‘s morning and evening news - here in the Knoxville area.

And so - we take a look at that “ Honey-Do “ list - once again.

Dwayne had already sealed the cinderblock wall of the basement in 2009.

Trying to work down there while building our gorgeous dining table for my Christmas present - that same year - was a chilling challenge for Dwayne.

Finally - I decided I was sick and tired of going downstairs to the basement in the winter to do laundry. At this very moment - we could hang beef there!

Well - can’t very well protest and wobble on the laundry. We just don’t wear dirty clothes in this house.

With the price of fuel jacking up - again - we’re having to be very careful with our money. I’m doing what I can - trying to make sure we have a sum going into an “ Emergency Fund “ - to cover unexpected events.

And we all know - those events seem to be happening more and more in our lives - anymore. Best to be prepared.

So - Dwayne went downstairs to measure and calculate - before heading off to Home Depot.

He came home with $100.00 worth of materials - to begin framing the exterior walls of the basement.

He managed to get the far end wall - the coldest one in winter - framed.

As we go from paycheck to payckeck - we’ll continue buying more materials until the entire basement is framed.

And then - we’ll begin on the insulation.

Granted - at that rate it could take us until spring 2014. But - here's where my " worst case scenario thinking " works as a safety net. Whatever blessings of extra cash come our way will be used to - shall we say - speed up the process!

And may we all sleep as peacefully as Carlie in this house!

URGENT REQUEST - Horse Haven of Tennessee

2011-01-04T06:38:00.001-05:00

This morning I received an email from Nina Margetson - Executive Director of Horse Haven in Tennessee - our most beloved Equine Rescue resource in the state.

Her news entails the number one nightmare every livestock owner fears. And she has a desperate request.

I am posting her email - in hopes that others will forward this posting to others that may be able to help at this time.

Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated.

I just received an upsetting phone call from one of our long time HHT supporters, and fosters. Two hours ago her barn burnt to the ground in Russellville, Kentucky. Luckily it had been a pretty day and all 9 horses had been turned out. Carla currently has two HHT horses on her property, one being a mini she had just recently adopted through us and had been using with her story telling for the local youth in the community. The other was an emotionally disturbed mare who has trust issues that she has been working with to help find her a home. Neither were hurt.

I know this is a very trying time for her, and all she has asked for is to keep her in our prayers while she deals with this crisis, but I know we need to do more. She lost all her winter hay and everything that was in the barn. We plan to send up some blankets to help during the cold spells. What I am asking is, if you can find it in your heart to spare a few dollars to help another equine owner in need, it would be very helpful. Even just a few dollars to help with one bale of hay is appreciated. Even if you can't help in this manner, please say a little extra prayer for her and her husband and the animals.

I have put a special donation button on the front page of our website, if you would like to give this way you can log onto www.horsehaven.net or you can mail a check to HHT, P.O. Box 22841, Knoxville, TN 37933 with "Carla" wrote in the memo space.

Thank you

Nina L. Margetson
Executive Director
Horse Haven of Tennessee

With a Grain of - Salt...

2011-01-01T15:41:00.002-05:00

“ Come ‘n git it ! “

She’s lucky - because she doesn’t know how lucky she is to be inside today!

Wanna see how lucky she is?

I am not happy about this.

Mr. Zucker is allergic to - of all things - chicken and pork.

He kinda gets screwed out of many treats out on the market today - not to even mention the hassles we go through finding kibble without either added in the ingredients.

But Santa managed to find these and leave them in his stocking.

They’re all-natural Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes.

And then it donned on me - I have a Dehydrator!

So - I went Googling. Came upon some instructions.

Several people had issues regarding length of time it takes to dehydrate the potato slices.

Until a member in the forum stated that she uses - salt - on her slices.

She lets them sit in the salt for about an hour. The salt draws moisture out of the slices. " Takes less time to dehydrate. "

But right here and now - I’m gonna tell you - DON’T DO IT.

I got as far as turning on my Dehydrator - before turning around and noticing a slice that got left behind on my island.

Out of curiosity - I went to taste a bite.

I would rather drink a cup of water out of the damn Gulf of Mexico!

Russet potatoes aren’t the only type of potatoes that will absorb flavors and clean your grease out!

All that salt in those sweet potato slices could kill my dogs.

I’ll be more than happy to start over.

And speaking of - starting over...

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!

Let’s put it this way - 2011 has to be happier - because 2010 hogged all the misery.

Our Buff Orpington Family!

2010-12-30T13:15:00.002-05:00

We’re doing very well! And it’s amazing - to us.

Our Buff Orpingtons began laying almost three months ago. I found the very first egg on November 4th - and they were - barely - 4 months old!

The progress with shapes and sizes of the eggs we’ve received brings the movie - “ Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang “ - to mind.

“ Chugga-lugga-Chugga-lugga-Pooof-Clang-Chugga-Chugga! ”

But I’m happy to report this past week brought us a smile. We enjoyed staring at the first filled carton of equally and nice large-size brown eggs that came in grand order!

And - as usual - I forgot to grab the camera before loading them into the egg bin for the fridge.

Our birds are spoiled - according to some of the Internet Surfing I’ve covered.

We’re not able to free-range our birds. Unfortunately - we have neighbors that insist on letting their dogs roam all over the area - and they cross through our property all the time.

Dwayne built their coop with quality almost fit for human occupancy. He built a covered yard connected to the coop. And he built a portable tractor for them to graze on grass all around the property.

He’s now talking about building a very large fenced area surrounding their coop for dividing and maintaining grassy areas to move them about.

During this winter - we let them out into the fenced garden area - when we get calm days with temps above 45*.

Expecting to be able to do that tomorrow - and I must remember to get video of that. It’s hilarious!

But when they’re kept in the coop during really cold weather - we keep a radiant heater set at 65* - during the night at all times - during the day if temps drop below 45*.

I always add 1 Tbl. Apple-cider vinegar to 1 gal. water every time I refill their water bowls. And those are kept clean and full at all times.

If I don’t get out there soon enough after the timer runs out and shuts off the heater - they get really warm water in the mornings - and again for their late afternoon re-fill.

It’s like - having hot tea with the Queen in the afternoon.

Not only do they enjoy it - they’ve come to expect it - with that look in their eyes.

“ I KNOW you didn’t forget to bring the nice water, Wench. “

It’s nice water - not just warm water.

They receive cabbage - yogurt with additional crushed Acidophilus - hot oatmeal with wheat berry - and various other treats.

It keeps them from frothing and attacking like they’re auditioning for some Alfred Hitchcock remake.

No. I’m lying! Actually - they do get pissy if they don’t get something. But when they get a treat - I get eggs!

Everybody seems to be coming along and catching up with each other - now that there’s only 1 Man of the House.

And speaking of -

Finally - I remembered to take the camera out there and shoot some video of him flirting.

Of course - he’s a tad pissy today and not flirting much. He doesn’t understand the word “ tomorrow “ - and he really doesn’t care.

He just wanted to go outside - right now.

He only understands - “ right now “ - in his language.

That’s the funny part.

I don’t understand his language.

That’s something else he doesn’t understand.

So - here he is! Meet …. Tom Jones!

We Get All The Way to The Gate at Cades Cove and...

2010-12-29T06:34:00.003-05:00

We attempted going to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains, yesterday.

We - also - attempted taking two four-legged family members with us.

( They can't leave the area of parked vehicles - but we figured they'd appreciate the ride! )

We should have waited until Dwayne's next round of days off.

We - also - should have hired a babysitter - for the kids.

It was a mess up there. I would be talking about all the vehicles having NO 4x4 to get through such terrain.

The green leaves? They would be Rhododendrons - an average of - at least - 12 feet high - and more.

They are huge - and so beautiful when they bloom in the summer.

This photo was shot at the Rest Area just outside the entrance to the 11-mile Loop called Cades Cove.

We took a break - to give the dogs a break - before turning around to head back.

We never made it through the Loop - again.

In fact - we never made it through the gate entrance. The Rangers had closed Cades Cove down.

( That snow piled on those fat branches - about 1-foot deep ! )

One can only imagine - but - there must have been one really terrible situation happen in the Cove. We've been through the Loop in even worse conditions - having to ask our 4x4 to give all she had by the time we got to the backside of the Loop.

This would be - another patch of those beautiful humongous Rhododendrons!

It amazes me - how many people - actually - stand underneath those gigantic - ice spears - to have their pictures taken!

I - for one - prefer not playing Roulette with possible Impalement. Some of those puppies are taller than Moi'!

That would be solid ice - a frozen waterfall.

This is what most of us call - " The Wye " - where you reach the far side of Townsend and must choose - right to go to Cades Cove - or - left to go a very scenic route to Pigeon Forge - Gatlinburg and Sevierville.

By the time we made it to this point on our way back out - Park Rangers had closed the Entrance gate. That was approximately 4pm.

That would not be pollen you see there in the water.

That would be ice. And we found sheets of ice all along both sides on the banks of the Little River.

It was a really nice drive from Loudon. Enjoyed what we did manage to see. And I think all FOUR of us appreciated getting out of the house - and away from the rut - for a change!

Here's some video I shot with my digital camera.

I would have processed the portion shot at the gate - showing all the mass confusion from everyone turning around - but...

Dwayne became - well - upset - and - had no idea that I was recording - with sound turned on.

" That's okay, Honey! I'm sure you weren't alone. "

" No - really. I'm absolutely positive! "

" Love You, Dwayne! "

Treats - Treats - and - MORE Snow!

2010-12-26T08:05:00.001-05:00

We woke up to a - gorgeous - White Christmas this year.

The snow was falling so fast.

A wetter snow than we'd had the previous week.

The heater in the pickup's engine couldn't even keep up.

Jen and Carlie could not resist getting out there and having fun!

Jen being Jen...

just had to put on her new fleece pajama bottoms she received from us -

before heading back outside to play in the snow with Carlie!

She cannot deal with snow - and - no snoman.

Never has been able to handle such a thing.

( Kinda looks like an Oreo Snowman coming, huh... )

And - of course!

She had to ambush me as I came out from my check-up on the Chickens.

I did not slave in the kitchen during Christmas Day - this year.

Instead - I went for a couple of - " Firsts ".

My goal - Gifts for next year - if they turn out right.

We became Guinea Pigs - for Christmas - at our house.

We had snacks and finger foods.

I made Cashew Crunch.

A lot like Peanut Brittle - but - easier on the teeth!

Normally - I buy packages of the Amish Cashew Crunch from Loudon Mercantile. But the owner sold out faster than she even imagined she would. And she had no time to replenish her inventory.

She never has it shipped because she doesn't want it crumbling to bits by the time it arrives. She drives - herself - to an Amish community here in East Tennessee to carry it back to the shop.

Made with unsalted butter - not margarine - it came out so wonderful!

And you can find the recipe right HERE !

I made Jalapeno Kolaches!

Don't know if it still exists - but - there once was a Doughnut Shop run by a family in Texas City, Texas - located on Texas Avenue - in the building that once was a bar - called " The Devil's Doorway " - ( and it was. ) - thankfully now only a memory - for some.

Anyway - they made these savory treats! They have little smoky sausages - cheese - and sliced jalapenos. And people all around town would come wait in line before work in the morning - just to take box-fulls to share with co-workers.

They are - addictive!

And you can get the recipe right HERE !

I won't bother showing my attempts with making Lemon Basil Scones.

I was not happy.

I picked a very bad day to try.

The Full Moon was - still - having fun with me.

Our Chest freezer died.

I had to move half-thawed food to the upright freezer.

It was this year's entire growing season's remaining veggies.

I'm not happy about this.

One more thing I'm not happy about -

As I was processing my photos to put this blog together - I realized something that made me very sad.

I did not take any photos of all four of us. I didn't get a photo of Josh and Jen together - a group shot - a shot of Dwayne and I - not even a shot of Dwayne and I with the pups and Spinner - our cat.

I'm feeling pretty sure it has to do with not being so happy about my health - and how it's impacted the way I look these days.

I just wish I wasn't the only one in my family that seems to like taking pictures. But then - it does make it easier for me to avoid having to dodge the lens all the time.

Oh, well - considering the plans I have for this coming new year - I guess we'll see if there's any change in that little disappointment - next year!

For now - daylight just broke for us on this day after Christmas - and - just take a look!

Jen got a little help with her " Oreo Snowman " !

Here's Carlie - having fun in the snow!!

Test Results

2010-12-24T06:51:00.000-05:00

This is what I found when I came home from my appointment with my Pulmonary Specialist yesterday.

Needless to say - Miss Carlie did not get - her cookie. Only good puppies get cookies after Mama gets back home.

I came home with a mixed mess from the results. I’ve been diagnosed with Asthma.

He found some lining on my lungs showing to be thinning - giving cause for some test to see if I’m a carrier of some gene that they’ve found to activate Emphysema. Either way does not mean I will end up with the disease. Catching it early enough will allow him to fight it off.

According to his words - I am - “ Badly Positive “ with the Allergy back scratch test. Not a good thing. He ran off a list that put me in a fog. I’ll be getting a copy of that - later.

But - I am not giving up my animals - or - my gardening - over this.

I go back on January 22nd to pick up equipment for doing an Oxyscan during my sleep at home. It will monitor and record my oxygen levels.

I go back on February 2nd to turn in the equipment and do the test to see if I’m a carrier of that gene. Also - we’ll be discussing Allergy shots.

I’m hoping he’ll compromise with allowing me to get back on Bee Pollen and try that - first.

In the meantime - I managed to get out of there with only 1 more prescription! I’m now on the inhaler and doing the Omnaris nose drops before bedtime.

I actually slept last night! Dwayne said I moved only once during the night - and I even slept on my back without snoring!

I have a grocery list to knock out today - full of ingredients that would have my doctors wanting to knock me out.

But - hey! It’s Christmas! I deserve the fun of spoiling my family enough to get us all feeling that spirit of the season in our hearts!

For now - I hope and pray God will bless you and yours with hearts full of pure joy and love as we all celebrate the birth of Our Savior - Jesus Christ!

Give yourself a challenge over the next 24 hours. Look 3 strangers in the eye and say - “ Jesus was born on Christmas Day! We still have HOPE! ”

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Egg Attack - Zhu Zhu Saviors - and - Big Girl Panties!

2010-12-22T06:13:00.000-05:00

I only have one thing to say about this. Thank God - they were boiled!

They fell out of the refrigerator - yesterday. And I don’t even know why - or - how. There was absolutely - nothing - near them.

Seems like it was only yesterday - I was having so much fun standing in front of a kiosk at Foothills Mall in Maryville - waiting to see this little treasure finished!

I’ll always remember how excited I was - couldn’t wait to get home and get ours hanging on the tree. I’d had two made - the second for Brit and Kevin to hang on their tree.

Sadly - the artist is no longer selling the handmade ornaments.

That precious Grandgirl has turned 3 years old this year - just last month!

Mommy’s been having issues with trying to get her potty-trained. We’re thinking it may be tied to other issues - like - maybe - second thoughts about being okay with that baby brother coming in February.

So - MeeMaw Treesie came up with a plan that mixes in with Grandgirl’s Christmas gift from us! Have you seen all the craze exploding over Zhu-Zhu Pets this year?

I can remember when you could not find one of those little critters - anywhere! Well - except on eBay - where “ Idjits “ selling them with the starting bids set at insane prices - more like holding them for ransom.

And “ Morons “ were caving to the greed!

Now they come with a major compound of inter-connecting facilities you can collect. They come with little outfits and accessories - like Barbie.

And don’t get me started on where they went with the collection of their babies you can go nuts over - as well!

We decided to help Brit con the kid into - “ Big Girl Panties “ - by getting her started on her very own Zhu Zhu collection!

We bought one each of two facilities - the Funhouse and the Treehouse. And we sent two Zhu Zhu Pets to get her started.

Where does it go from there?

A new Zhu Zhu Pet will be added to the collection. BUT - it will sit on top of the refrigerator - and wait for Grandgirl to go 3 days in “ Big Girl Panties “ without any accidents!

Once she tackles that one - another Zhu Zhu Pet will arrive and sit on top of the refrigerator - and wait for Grandgirl to go a whole week in “ Big Girl Panties “ without any accidents!

And if Grandgirl manages to succeed without creating much grief around the house - ( we are praying this is avoided before baby brother shows up ) - she will be receiving a new facility for Valentine’s Day - etc. !

For now - I'm grateful to have Notepad on my computer. Gonna be a LOT to keep track of when it comes to remembering which Zhu Zhu Pets and facilities I send.

MeeMaw Treesie's just not all that great on the memory retention these days. Been a long time since she was 3 years old!

Keep Your Stupid Away From Her!

2010-12-21T06:52:00.000-05:00

Lemon Bars - baked by - none other than - my husband.

And they are delicious! It’s the first time - in all these years - that I’ve witnessed this talent my hubby’s been keeping secret. And I’m so proud of him! Maybe I’ll feel better about baking for the holidays next year. And he won’t be able to just - sit in his recliner waiting for the timer to go off!

I have not done any holiday baking this year. I dunno. I wake up each day right now and follow through with tasks no differently than - going grocery shopping.

I can’t get excited. I do good to just - take care of things. It’s like being a robot.

It’s like being on anti-depressants - without taking that pill. But - there’s one difference. I have no qualms about opening my mouth to cut throats of morons with my tongue.

I'm going through a period in my life where too many people - and doctors - have become too lazy - too quick to consider my situation as being depression.

That jagged little pill has become too much of a crutch for this world - enabling the world to ignore and move on with its own self-absorbed amenities.

What those pills do is - cruel. They are a silent message. “ Take the pill - go sit in the corner and shut up.”

They leave one with all the problems - stuffed inside. Too rummy in the mind. They just float through tasks - almost mindless - like a robot.

Nothing gets fixed - other than the world being able to avoid becoming uncomfortable by having to face their part in the demise.

I am - so over with existing around - stupid - lazy - selfish - mean - mentality and behaviors running all over this world like children gone wild.

However - rather than allow this world to merely shove a pill at me and have me go sit in a corner and shut up - I’ve been very busy.

Sorting thoughts while taking steps to find my own plateau of deserved comfort and happiness - quite a perplexing list of details in the efforts. Of course - half that work comes at the assistance of a much-appreciated therapist.

My goal - clean house to make room for allowing myself to feel my once-happy spirit return.

In the meantime - I’m removing myself from areas where I’m prone to destruction - isolating myself - while God and I - fix me.

Afterall - nobody else is gonna do it.

Still - there are times that require mingling in the presence of morons that were never raised with being taught how to behave properly in public - never taught how to co-exist with others on common ground loaded with consideration and conscience.

And I'm at a place where I - simply - have no problem " telling 'em how the cow ate the cabbage " when they choose to behave like a jerk around me - or - toward me.

It's a new place for me.

I've spent 51 years submitting to any - and all - abuse that has ever been bestowed upon me - by those closest to me - and others of this world. And for the first time in my life - I've decided.

I don't have to feel like I deserve the cruelty. I don't have to suck it up and take the beatings without a peep. I don't have to hold all the pain inside. I don't have to feel guilty about refusing to accept it.

And God have mercy on anyone daring to force me. I have nothing nice in return. You will face the wrath of your own attack. And I don't have to feel guilty about fighting back.

I will put you back in your place. And it wouldn't even matter if you were the Pope, himself.

The good in that is - I can say that I'm willing to put myself to the task.

There are those who could do the same - should do the same - but don’t - and - won’t.

I learned two things this week during all my work.

I really do deserve respect.

And -

I'm not alone - despite being considered an outcast by those from my childhood.

I really do have family - right here at the house - some with feathers or four legs.

One Day to The Next

2010-12-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

Once again - I haven’t posted on my blog for quite some time. And I do apologize to those of you that continue coming to see if I’m still breathing. I appreciate the thoughtful notes left by a few of you - letting me know you’re thinking of me. It helps - more than words can describe.

My follow-up appointment with the Pulmonary Specialist got bumped to December 23rd by their office - for whatever reason. I won’t be finding out results of all the tests until then.

In the meantime - I’ve been neck-high in taking care of things around here.

Miss Carlie had her 1st Birthday on November 24th.

We’ve managed to get the tree up this year.

But - every day passing seems to feel like it’s just any ordinary day.

I’m poopy. I’m lousy company. I’m tired of caring. I’m tired of people in this country not caring enough to get up and fight back.

These so-called doctors in my life are destroying my faith and trust in them. They’ve all managed to pull a LOT of money out of me with all these tests. Yet - nobody seems to have answers.

The so-called government leadership we have in this country has lost all my faith - AND - respect. I feel like this country might stand half a chance if every good person actually got angry enough to revolt.

But I’ve even lost faith in that happening.

People are just too much like worker ants - too busy to pay attention - too busy to care - too busy to take back control of their own lives.

We’re now down to 1 Rooster and 9 Hens - here at the house. Boss Hoss became greedy and the scenario around here was beginning to turn ugly. After isolating him from the flock - I tested both Roos with the hens to examine their demeanor. Long story short - the girls made it clear - perfectly clear - that they no longer had anything nice for Boss Hoss.

So - the girls are now protected by - none other than - Tom Jones. I know. I couldn’t resist. He’s a charmer. He’s a protector. He has really great manners - lets the girls eat, first.

And I now have 7 of all 9 hens laying eggs. Amazing how much things can improve when the - ‘ problems ‘ - are removed.

I wish Jesus would hurry up and get here.

Sharing Shoes with Maxine

2010-11-20T06:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was just the kind of day I was needing. The only true event of the day turned out to be walking out to the Chicken Hotel and finding more than 4 eggs.

If you’d been walking in my shoes over the past couple of weeks - you would soooo get that! And you’d enjoy a really nice - “ sigh….. ! “

Every time I claim to be in Hell - I end up in another place that shows me - “ We’re not there, yet! “

I’m about ready to keep my mouth shut - pack up - and just run and hide in Florida somewhere - for about a month or so.

It’s either - that - or drinkin’.

All I know is - something’s gotta change. And it’s gotta be good news - like - where to find the front door to get away from all this crap these doctors are beginning to find. Ya’ know?

I will be finding out quite a bit on December 13th - when I go for my follow-up with the Pulminary specialist.

Let me tell you something about that one. If you ever have to go see that one for the first time - learn how to knit - crochet - paint - something! Actually - painting would prolly be the best. When all else fails - you can just throw that paint onto a canvas to get all that frustration safely - expressed.

I don’t recommend any project like - painting the house. You’ll be looking up 6 months later - gandering at your efforts and wondering - “ Where in Hell was my brain when I chose that color? “

I do feel compelled to give myself some credit. Throughout all this mess - I have managed to shoot some photos - all be it with that same mindset as Madame Maxine.

Almost as bad as tromping out onto the porch - pushing a button to turn on the camera - holding it up and - click - without even looking. The free hand resting on a hip.

Maxine would say - “ So - I have moments when I just feel the need to surprise myself - as well. “

Ta!

If for no other reason - worth preserving the gorgeous color that was enhanced after we had one heck of a storm last week - followed by the sunshine that won in the end that day!

But I must say - I can see how hard these Bradford Pears are working at trying to con me into allowing them to stay.

They’re so loaded with berries this year - all the branches are sagging!

Still - not gonna happen. Come next spring - they’re outta here! One of our neighbors just had two go down during that storm the other day - and both slid down the side of her house after snapping.

She’s lucky they weren’t any taller!

So Ready for a Weekend

2010-11-19T01:31:00.002-05:00

I should be asleep right now. I’m supposed to wake up in about 3.5 hours.

Between nerves - and all the indigestion - I guess my bio clock is screwed up.

Remember this?

Uh-huh. It became one of those - “ I told you so… “ situations.

Jen tried going back to work on Wednesday. I got a phone call Thursday afternoon. Her BF was having to take her up to the clinic for antibiotics and prescription-strength Ibuprofen. She ran 101* temp the previous night - awake all night with chills - and just feeling like pure crap.

Moral of the story - “ Mouth muscles get an abusive work-out when you work at a daycare. All Dental work requires respectful healing. “

But Jen’s not the only one learning lessons the hard way. I hope others will take time to learn easily from my own experience over the past few days.

“ Never allow allergy tests to be scheduled back-to-back with Upper G.I. procedures. “

I won’t find out all the final results until December 22nd - unless we can schedule the follow-up sooner. BUT - there were obvious signs from the abuse inflicted by the ‘ Mean Back Scratchers ‘ that there will be issues to contend with - as far as word from the Pulminary specialist - already. He wants to get the results from the 4 vials of blood sucked outta me to see what they all say - first.

Dwayne took a look at my back after I made it home. Not sure he was prepared for what he saw. “ It looks like you’ve got train tracks running all over your back - with splotches everywhere! “

The worst part came at bedtime. I needed to take some Benedryl - desperately - and could not.

Preparations for the Upper G.I. included use of certain meds to be forbidden. And of course…. Yeah. The story of my life!

I did get to make up for lost sleep while the Gastrointestinal specialist had his fun. Afterward - he spent time with Dwayne - showing him scanned photos taken of things he found and an area where he felt a biopsy was needed.

I barely remember the ride home. In fact - I barely remember anything prior to waking up in my bed around 2pm.

Next on the agenda - the Pulminary specialist has me coming in for a Methacholine Challenge. That would be a breathing test - in which they include some sort of medicine to provoke an asthma attack for measuring?? Doesn’t sound like a party to me - as well.

Remember this?

Got that phone call from Daughter #2 - and enjoyed the biggest kick out of hearing a tiny voice thanking me for her presents! I just love - love - love hearing her cute little voice! I must say - tiny 3-year-old Grand-Girl speaks so clearly with quite a healthy vocabulary! I think she’s gonna be a wonderful Big Sister!

It’s safe now - I can share what choices I made for her birthday gifts.

Leap Frog’s Text and Learn - because it includes various games that teach about the alphabet and vocabulary.

Toy Story 3’s “ Record-A-Story “ book - because Grand-Girl will be able to hear Meemaw Treesie reading a story to her - even though she lives so far away.

Melissa and Doug Band-In-A-Box Beginner Set - because she’ll have lots of fun with it - and - because this is how I dish paybacks anytime a kid doesn’t call me when I ask!

“ Mama always wins! “

Just When You Thought The Storm Had Passed...

2010-11-16T19:48:00.000-05:00

Looking out toward Townsend and the vicinity of Cades Cove in The Great Smoky Mountains.

Enough to give one the impression that the storm had passed and was headed on to the east.

Looking back toward the south - Madisonville - Sweetwater, TN vicinities.

This is looking toward Lenoir City from the backside of our property.

Looking toward Dayton vicinity. It was as if everything developed as it came over the Plateau.

Looking back toward Knoxville. Gave me goosebumps just to imagine what was forming on the other side of that wall of trees.

Each time I'd look back toward Chattanooga and the Dayton areas - things became worse - bringing more concern for the Knoxville areas.

And then to look back toward Knoxville each time - even that seemed to build up even worse.

Just when we all began seeing blue skies and sunshine this afternoon in East Tennessee... it was as if Mother Nature had become embroiled in some kind of serious quarrel with Earth.

We can only hope the sounds continuing into the night will be much more subtle in behavior and action.

Bite Me, Jen ... Ohh... Happy Birthday, Grand-Girl!

2010-11-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

Most would not understand - but - I find this view shocking.

Our ‘ yard varmint ‘ - Miss Jennifer - this morning - less than 24 hours after having a wisdom tooth removed - while awake. Of course - there’s a pain pill somewhere in this mix of her with Spinner and Carlie.

Still - she makes me wanna just - smack ‘er!

Moi' lost 3 days of my life after having all of my wisdom teeth removed. Something about waking up to take another Darvocet - is about all I remember. And then there were the 9-plus weeks of suffering lock-jaw from dirty tools used at the hospital where my dentist forced me to have the surgery. But that’s another memory for later - maybe.

Unfortunately - we have 3 more rounds of this. Not like going around the corner - considering at least one - or both - of us ( Dwayne and me ) are driving from Loudon to Maryville and bringing her way out here until she’s able to head back to work and carry on with life.

The Dentist refuses to do them all at the same time - which makes us all wanna just - smack ‘eem!

I woke up and made scrambled eggs for her this morning. Love spoiling her - ( every once in a while ) - as much as she loves being spoiled. Hey - just being honest!

Later - while preparing Tuna Salad for her lunch…

I came across this! A Double-Yolker outta one of my Girls! Nevermind the others. I really suck at peeling fresh eggs.

Tomorrow is another day of driving to Lenoir City for vampires - and mean back scratchers. My Pulminary doctor has set me up for bloodwork and scratch-screenings to test for allergies. I’m not happy.

Neither is Dwayne. He gets to babysit the chickens - feed them - and the dogs - collect those eggs… all that good stuff.

( Miss Trinity - aka 'Grand-Girl' on her brand new tricycle we bought her last year for her 2nd Birthday! )

Today is Grand-Girl’s 3rd Birthday!

I last spoke with her Mommy this past Saturday - I think it was. She was out of town - so I told her to call me that following Monday.

She didn’t have Grand-Girl with her at that time - and I wanted to ask Grand-Girl what she wanted for her Birthday!

Well - Monday came - and went - without that phone call from Grand-Girl’s Mommy.

Sooooo - that left ' Meemaw Treesie ' with no other choice - but to make her own guesses.

Something tells me that Mommy never forgets to call when I tell her to do so - ever again!

Open Letter for All Medical Office Personnel

2010-11-13T07:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a perfect example for a small amount of Hell that I go through in my life - all for the sake of somebody else’s dignity - and - somebody else’s Creative Job Security that just simply coaxes a self-centered-seeking response of - “ But it looks good - doesn’t it! “

Don’t go crazy here. I’m not laughing or attempting to be humorous - not even in the slightest.

I had two appointments on the same day - at two entirely different places in town - with two medical doctors I have never seen before.

The one thing I can say is - I was lucky that my husband did not come with me.

For all you Medical Office personnel out there:

There is a VALID REASON why the health insurance companies give us Insurance cards.

There is a VALID REASON why every state in this country requires a VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE and/or VALID IDENTIFICATION CARD.

There is a VALID REASON why your office has a COPY MACHINE located within its confines.

However -

There is NO VALID REASON for patients needing to fill out THE VERY SAME information on THE SAME PIECE OF PAPER - not once - not twice - and especially not even THREE TIMES.

There is NO VALID REASON for patients needing to transpose information that has been ALREADY IMPRINTED ON THE PATIENT’S INSURANCE CARD. ( That’s what YOU GET PAID to do. )

Our health insurance card - my Driver’s License - and VERBAL ANSWERS for verifying my husband’s identity are ALL YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED.

All other information is ALREADY made available on record with our Insurance Company. ( YOU GET PAID to ask our insurance company and transpose at your office. )

Had my husband come to my appointments with me yesterday -

You would have DEMANDED his social security number. You would have REFUSED to let me see the doctor until you got that information.

The situation would have become all about YOU and HIM and INFORMATION ALREADY AVAILABLE IN THE LOOP - if YOU WOULD JUST DO YOUR DAMN JOB.

BOTH - you and my husband - would totally forget the purpose for the situation being all about ME being ill - and - ME needing to see a damn Doctor.

As for ANYONE ELSE SITTING INSIDE A DAMN WAITING ROOM -

If you witness somebody pulling feathers out of their butt while they’re having to fill out all that ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS REPITIVENESS - just so Medical Office Personnel can think their job is secure - do that person a favor…

Stand up - take a look at that person’s paperwork for them.

If they have the crap filled out once - already….

Take their paperwork and their cards to the window FOR THEM.

And TELL THE MORON ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WINDOW that they HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED.

If they claim to need all that same information completed on the same sheet of paper - tell them TO GET OFF THEIR LAZY ASS - DO THE JOB THEY’RE GETTING PAID TO DO AND - PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THEMSELVES!

Two-Fer Today

2010-11-08T20:17:00.000-05:00

With as crazy as things are in this country and around this world right now - seems like the only genuine sanity savers rest within rare moments of shared beauty from Mother Nature.

Anytime you get the chance - seems like you better grab hold and chew on it for a while - for much needed medicine - just to help you get through recent Hell that seems to have begun breeding like rabbits.

And such was our day today! The weather was absolutely glorious! And everybody around our place had fun getting outside and soaking up some wonderful sun!

Dwayne decided to get out and plane some of the old barn wood so he could stack it in the shed for safe keeping.

Apparently - he’s already decided on a project for that wood. And I'm being told it's something I’m not allowed to know. “ Hmmm…. “

Okay… I followed advice from Susan at QueenAcres and placed golf balls back into the nesting boxes again. It had become obvious that I had only one hen beginning to lay eggs. She kept laying them in the same spot - on the floor beside the hanging feeder.

It’s been a bit strange - since placing the golf balls. Wells being dug into the shavings - golf balls moved - golf balls on the floor - two golf balls instead of only one…. It’s just been - weird.

Until this morning!

And it gets even better! I noticed another hen perching below her and watching. Later in the day - I went back in to check on their water - and found ANOTHER egg in one of the other nesting boxes!

THANKS A WHOLE BUNCH, SUSAN!

Today was the first day the boys and girls have enjoyed their yard since they were confined and treated for Coccidiosis. I planted Rye grass a few weeks ago - which they had no trouble getting busy eating!

Things are going extremely well - so much better - with only two Roos in the flock. There’s no more fighting - no more stress - and everyone seems to be enjoying their meals a lot more.

This handsome boy has been given a name - “ Boss Hoss “ - which fits him very well! Ohhhh - he loves to crow! Mr. Attitude has also assumed that he gets 6 out of 9 hens. And so far - he’s the only one that crows.

Is it possible to have an Alpha and an Omega in the Rooster world?

This guy is so sweet! He’s a lot more leaner built than Boss Hoss. He has become much more quiet and friendly. He was constantly mounting hens all over the place - until those two Roos left. He hasn’t crowed since they left, as well. But he seems to be content with the 3 hens that tend to hang with him. I’m just waiting to see if he’s needing to develop into the situation a little more.

The pups even had a full day playing outside today! They always have to make their usual pit stop to come say “ Hello! “ to the boys and girls whenever they’re outside.

Carlie ( above ) is really good with the chickens. But I've already seen enough to know that Zucker ( seen here ) is gonna need some training. I’m figuring that will come next spring.

For now - I’m looking forward to the next few days that we’ve been told are expected to be strangely pleasant!

Wonder how many eggs I’ll find tomorrow...

Cold Temps Warmed by Little Surprises

2010-11-06T15:14:00.003-04:00

( First pocket of blue sky seen mid-afternoon, yesterday, during winter system that brought hail and sleet to our place. )

We are back on our day shift. The pups seem to be having the better challenge in the adjustment. But they’re doing better than some would - I can say.

I LOVE waking up at 4am! I get to prep the coffee pot for auto-start before going to bed on the previous night - and have that wonderful aroma of java bean gently wake me up! And for whatever reason - I manage to get a lot more accomplished in a day.

Perhaps it could be due to getting more sleep? Once again - I’m able to get housework done while he’s at work - rather than having to do it at night - so he can sleep during the day.

I managed to come out lucky on this mess of a calendar full of appointments - lined up through the first week of January now. The Pulminary specialist and the Gastro-Intestinal specialist have offices next door to each other. One cancelled the other day - and we managed to reschedule for the same day as the other. I’ll get a break between the two - which will allow grabbing a bite for lunch.

Dwayne will be home on a day off - and has already informed me that he’ll have to decide on a project to do while I’m in Lenoir City all day long. ( I think I’d rather trade places with him. )

Granted - the appointments are only consultations - this time. But that means there will be more appointments - that won’t be so easy - or - comfortable. And Dwayne will be going with me to those appointments.

Come November 15th I will be spending the day helping daughter, Jen, as she goes through surgery to have all four wisdom teeth pulled. I’ll be bringing her back to our home to recuperate until she’s fit for going back to work.

I am crossing everything possible on my body for everything to go fairly smooth after her surgery. I ended up having to be sent to our family physician after my surgery ( many moons ago ). And I got to throw one hefty “ I told you so! “ at my Dentist - after being forced to have the surgery at Danforth Hospital in Texas City - despite my protest.

I was told by my family doctor - “ Teresa, I don’t know any other way to say this - other than to say one of two things have happened here. Either - you had a very rough Dentist - or - dirty tools were used.”

I ended up with Lock-jaw for over 9 weeks. And my Dentist had never been rough with me - ever. Thank God - that Hospital no longer exists.

I only hope Jen has a really easy go with healing. I have no doubt - she’ll be absolutely thrilled to have the beasts removed from her jaws!

I found the second egg this morning!

At this rate - the addition of a third egg will equate the same yield as one of those Jumbo’s resting beside them! Ha!

I only wish I knew which hen is leaving the presents. I need to have a little “ chit-chat “ with her. Apparently - she is totally unknowing to the reason why Dwayne constructed 18 nesting boxes.

I found the second egg in the very spot where I found the first - on the floor - beside the hanging feeder. I’m not so sure golf balls will help in this situation - considering the eggs are - brown.

Instead - I think I’ll sacrifice the next one - should I find it on the floor and in the same spot, as well. Perhaps they’ll all get the message if I try leaving an egg in one of the nesting boxes for a day - time enough for all to catch a glimpse when they jump up to roost.

Fortunately - our temps are down in the low 40’s - high 30’s during the day at the moment. I’m keeping the coop heated at an average of 55-60* at the very most. From what I understand - that should keep the egg temperature safe for handling.

I had to remove the ad I placed on Craigslist to find a new home for the second of two Roosters I needed to part with. As handsome as he was - I figured it wouldn’t take long to find him a new home. Didn’t even take a whole day!

We are now down to a comfortable count that seems to be going extremely well inside the Chicken Hotel here at our place!

The other two Roos get along quite amicably - each keeping to their own fair and equal distances. I’ve seen no signs of any fussing over hens. Nor have I witnessed any hens settling off to the side from the bunch on any consistent basis of time, as well.

I think it’s safe to say there’s a peaceful flock abounding with readiness for the arrival of eggs each week.

“ Bring ‘em on, Ladies! “

He - Him - His - GONE!

2010-11-04T20:05:00.000-04:00

It’s a Miracle!!!

Actually - I found that on the floor inside our chicken hotel during the usual “ evening meeting “ with the boys and girls.

Our very first egg!!! And we weren’t even expecting any until next spring!

Check this out…

It’s sitting in a teaspoon - next to a Jumbo brown egg.

I hear it’s pretty common for the first eggs to show up fairly small - with eggs increasing in size as they come along with the progress.

On another note - one of our neighbors picked up one of the 4 Roosters yesterday morning. The boys have achieved - ahem - puberty.

The hormones have made their way to the scene. The attitudes and dominance have begun to rear their ugly heads. And well - we all know how men react to other men hitting on their women - right?!

I’ve decided to attempt keeping two Roosters. Both seem to get along very well - minus the other two.

As for the second of the two that will be leaving - I placed an ad in Craigslist today.

I prefer to say that HE made that decision - considering the fact that the last two mornings have resulted in a trip out to the coop in the morning and finding everybody perched on the roosts - except HIM and his chosen hens. He was pacing while HIS women were eating at the feeder.

I no sooner grabbed HIS butt up to carry HIM out to the chicken tractor - when squawks and thumps filled the coop as everybody else began jumping down to eat and drink.

I have no choice but to bring HIM back inside the coop at night until we find someone to take HIM. We have a winter storm pushing it’s ugly head into our area throughout tonight.

I’ve always been the kind of woman to feel that - even the worst of assholes - don’t deserve to be left out in the cold temps that can kill.

Asking for Prayers

2010-10-20T09:57:00.001-04:00

Been a while - and a struggle during most of the time - to post here, lately. Believe me - heavy reasons have been the cause. Our plate at this house is running over with concerns at this time.

My health issues continue. Trying to find out what is wrong - continues. My calendar is punched all the way into December - already - schedules for tests and consults.

However - there is a much more urgent issue lingering under our roof. And at this time - we ask for prayers.

ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. ( aka - Continental ExpressJet, Inc. ) has been sold to SkyWest / ASA. Changes are being made in various areas of the company. Dwayne and I are very concerned about the security of his position with the company - which he has been employed by for over 18 years.

My husband and I - both - have put in a great deal of time - commitment - and sacrifice of our personal lives in order to hold his position with the company at the top of our list of priorities.

I have spent almost - every holiday - alone at home - while he worked. We have no family in Tennessee - other than our daughter, Jennifer.

I can’t tell you exactly how many times I have considered pushing Dwayne into allowing us to take in foster children - just to fill my home with warm bodies - just to have someone to share the holidays with - just to have memories to hold inside my heart.

Anyway - we are hoping and praying that all the hard work - commitment - effort - and cost-effective contributions my husband has made over the course of his time with the company - will be acknowledged and appreciated - enough that the company will decide to keep him on the team.

Any offers of prayers are greatly appreciated.

Time For Me to Fess Up

2010-09-30T15:20:00.001-04:00

Ever since the beginning of this year - I just have not felt myself. I mean - literally - physically.

And it was no help with changing my feelings when out of the clear blue - I gained 26 pounds in the course of about 4 weeks during the middle of January and first half of February.

You’d think I had sat on my butt in front of this computer for 24 hours - literally - while pushing down piled plates of junk food.

The actual truth - if there must be a fault I carried differently at that time - I tried staying away from what I call ’ false foods ’ - which left me digging a hole to hide and suck down all the coffee I could make - every moment I was awake. I decided coffee was the lesser of the evils - next to the insane calories to be found in scratch baking with ’ real ’ butter.

At the same time - I would sit down in front of the computer after dinner with a full glass of ice water. The computer kept me preoccupied all the way to that one time when I’d pick the glass up to drink - and it would be empty.

I’ve never been a fan of water - beyond a body of water full of fish for me to catch.

All through the growing season this year - I noticed my physical ability was really going downhill.

Normally - my body would acclimate within a few weeks and I could do just about anything. I seemed to be going nowhere but further away from toning muscles and building strength this year.

At the same time - I began developing difficulty in breathing - reaching a point where I had to stop and stand for a few minutes - just to stop gasping for air. I found that not only downright aggravating - but outrageously strange - considering the fact that I had quit smoking in September of 2009.

Finally - I chose to find a different doctor - located closer to where we live - to have things checked out.

A couple weeks ago - my visit with my doctor resulted in her feeling almost positive that I was dealing with Fibromyalgia.

My next appointment with her was to be this coming October 11th. However - I ended up calling and having the appointment moved up sooner. I had reached a point where I could not even finish half a sandwich.

My breathing was becoming worse. But the ultimate concern was - for example - waking up in the morning and eating two pieces of 100% whole wheat toast with a little bit of margerine and preserves - water - coffee - Prylosec and Meloxicam that were prescribed by my doctor.

Within a few minutes after running through that list there - my stomach swells. By the time I try having some lunch - I cannot see my feet while standing. I look like I’m about 7 months pregnant.

I went in to see my doctor this past Monday. I had lost 2 pounds when I’d been to see her two weeks prior to this day.

But on this day - the scale informed us all that I had gained 11 pounds - within only 2 weeks. Yet - I’m doing more - but eating less - and only home-cooked meat and veggies.

My entire body stays bloated and swollen. I fight like hell to use a pen to write checks out for bills - or - sign my name.

It’s never worth getting blood outta me without fair warning and allowing me time to suck up about a gallon of water. I ended up going back the next day to give blood and urine. The chest x-ray came out just fine.

But I go for an ultrasound on October 7th.

My doctor suspects gallbladder - and I may be looking at surgery.

I can only hope that’s all that’s wrong.

That Honey-Do List in Pictures - Part 1

2010-09-26T13:50:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks Dwayne and I have been feeling like our goal is so out of reach. Every time we attempt to build up a nest egg for one of the ‘biggies’ - some other crap happens - and it’s never a cheap fix.

But I think I’ve found the ultimate positive reason for taking photos of everyday life.

I began going through photos I’ve taken over this past year. Before I realized it - it became second nature to collect them all into a pile - ( alright - so it’s a virtual pile ) - for posting. I ended up with enough that it will take more than one posting.

But the awesome point in such an effort is - it helps both of us realize something.

Despite the insane work schedule that co-exists with our lives - despite the fact that an additional graveyard shift got thrown into this year - despite the fact that it came only a couple months after Dwayne had just gotten off of a 4-month round - despite the fact that this new graveyard shift came during harvesting and canning season - ( when I really needed his help most ) - despite the issues regarding my health that have come up…

We managed to get quite a bit of our list knocked out this year! And thank God - these photos are the best medicine for helping us - both - keep hope in being able to reach our goal!

We brought home a new addition to our family - a puppy for Zucker - to remove all his feelings of loneliness. Having only one child in a home is - absolutely - cruel.

We named her Carlie! And she went from this…

… to THIS - in no time at all! And she now has an extended nickname - “ Miss Sexy Feet Cow With No Legs Spicy Bitch! “ The latter part comes from the fact that - this goofy dog likes to steal jalapeno peppers from my buckets.

Dwayne constructed an arbor for our green Kay Gray grapevines - which we planted shortly afterward. He built 5 crosses. I know. We joked about it looking like we were prepping for a Crucifixion - and discussed what names to put on 'em.

He moved the front porch stair landing and staircase out away from the house - to the position where it should have been constructed in the first place.

We planted a Kwanzan Cherry tree in front of the porch - to honor Monica - a dear friend that had passed away just before last Thanksgiving.

I was shocked to see the blooms that appeared shortly after planting! It was almost as if Monica came to make it happen - a way of saying thanks.

We planted a Granny Smith Apple tree.

We drove down to Georgia to buy our tractor. Dwayne even turned that trip into a surprise weekend down in Savannah - a gift to me for Mother’s Day - which was absolutely wonderful!

And so far - Dwayne has replaced the seat - two rear tires - moved the exhaust stack to revamp the tractor for cutting hay - and a few other tasks to boot.

This spot became….

The home for our Chicken Hotel that my wonderful husband constructed so meticulously that you’d think some human was moving in to live there. And next - came the construction of the chicken tractor - for allowing them to range on the property.

Both - became the home to a mess of these little bobbles!

And just look at how much they’ve grown in only 3 months!

We had beautiful ‘ volunteer ‘ sunflowers sprout into tall beauties - from seed that hit the ground last year. Sadly - I only caught sight of three honeybees around our property this year. Plenty of the bumble bees and others. Not quite sure what to think of that.

Zucker became 3 years old this year. His whole demeanor seems to have changed - especially now that he has someone to play with at home!

We survived a bit of a dry spell that threatened everything.

But then we were compensated with a spell of longlasting showers for days that helped everything come back to life!

And it made good on the second cutting of hay for this year - even offering a possible promise of a third cut!

And we are now only into the very beginning of the Fall season. There’s no telling what lies in wait for us before the end of the year. I only pray that it’s all good.

He-Roo' Ain't No Hero...

2010-09-24T09:23:00.000-04:00

Confiscating recliners has become - a disease - in this house.

Our babies are getting big. And I have a confession.

My mindset has reclaimed taking form as - mother of infants - all over again.

These photos were taken during the second day of fun - ever - out in the garden - working on cleaning up the mess.

They just don’t know that.

The mother in me was an absolute wreck during their first day. Fear of - ‘something getting them’ - drove me plum nuts.

I didn’t get much accomplished inside the house that day.

But things relaxed more during the second day - including my nerves. And the whole bunch felt gutsy enough to spread out all over the entire area of the garden - to discover - and pig out!

This guy - we go round and round. He seemed to step up to the plate after my buddy passed away from the Cocci.

However - we go at it over his bullying and trying to keep others from eating out of both feeders.

I think it’s safe to say chalk him up as a Roo’.

He may be gorgeous. He may enjoy sitting up in my arms and expecting me to hold him all the time.

But as you can see - He has not been given a name - yet. And if He doesn’t square up and figure out the order of things at this house…

He won’t need a name.

Little Pods and Sailing Morons

2010-09-19T11:22:00.000-04:00

“ Whaaaaat - in the world - do you want? “

“ It’s all mine! I went through Hell getting up here. I deserve this recliner. I earned it. You lose! “

Miss ' Cow With No Legs ' has confiscated my recliner - permanently. Next time anyone hears Dwayne mention the amount of time I spend at the computer..... ahem.

We had a bout of weather during this past round of time off that just screamed for us to drop everything and try a day of fishing. The previous cooling temps - especially during nights now - have done favor for the water temps enough to wake the fish a little more.

This time we decided to try docking off in Loudon - which turned out to be a pretty good idea! Except - the fishing was so good that I forgot all about taking out the camera!

That is - until we came across this MORON and a few of his pals following behind - all in desperate need of Boater’s Safety classes. If you have brains and education - You never plow past other boats when they are sitting still with human beings fishing aboard. And having way too much money and too much of a toy for two people does not exempt you and count you special. Well - not in the way you - obviously - consider yourself to be special.

My first thought was to drop my drawers and moon the jerks.

But then - my second thought was - “ Why become one with the Idjits? “

Anyway - back to the Redbud pods.

I’d noticed seed pods abound - hanging from almost every Redbud tree around both banks of the river. We have not one single Redbud tree on our property.

Despite mentioning wishes to snatch a few before we ended our day and headed back to the dock - we forgot - as goes with those signs of aging we have been experiencing.

But - my husband loves me.

No. I mean - he really loves me.

In fact - he’s probably the only one that truly loves me. And I have this as evidence to testify on behalf of my proud claim…

I woke up yesterday morning to find a surprise sitting on my desk.

No. They are - indeed - that grainy. These are Redbud pods.

I discovered getting my hands in the middle of Mother Nature’s job requires a very particular process for success in sprouting these seeds.

Best time to collect the pods is after they turn brown on the trees in the fall. I’ll let them dry out for about a week - before shelling the seeds. Come 8 weeks before the official day of Spring - I’ll drop the seeds into boiling water for 1 minute - and store them in our refrigerator - (small paper bag kept in the veggie drawer).

I will celebrate the first day of spring for 2011 - God willing - by planting these seeds into small pots - about ¼” deep.

My wonderful husband was thinking of me while he was at work. And somewhere in time - before driving back home - he remembered that we had forgotten to snatch those Redbud pods the other day. And he got lucky!

THIS is a perfect example of how my husband loves me in the best of ways! To bring home some seed pods appears to be somewhat trifling - until - you know all those small details behind the effort.

These little things - are the nourishment that feeds my constantly growing love for this man.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 33rd Annual Award Gala

2010-09-19T10:33:00.000-04:00

A Not-So-Ready For Fall Day

2010-09-17T09:28:00.001-04:00

I shot these photos a few days ago - after a storm that came through and dumped 3-inches of water on us - within only 1 hour.

This is a great time to post them. Somehow - they render some sort of - compensation - for the disappointing and frustrating growing season we’ve had here this year.

I can remember this day so well. It felt very odd. My mind was struggling with - “ But… it’s almost Fall. “

Yet - my skin and eyes stood hand in hand - bound by a blanket of absolute awe - staring at and feeling the beauty of what seemed like - a perfect Spring day.

Our best days here at our place happen after storms. Especially while everything is mostly green and the sun is shining.

The air is clean and clear - enough that we can enjoy the view of the Great Smoky Mountains from our front porch - one of the reminders about why I love living here so much.

Tear It Up, Boy!

2010-09-15T22:52:00.001-04:00

Dwayne got ticked off and decided to tear up the back porch.

*Snicker* Okay - I’m telling lies. Notice the trim now missing from the back door - one of two projects he hit at the same time.

He busted down all the trim around the back door - and took a look to see how much needed to be done correctly. Our suspicions were correct.

He had to make some adjustments to the actual insertion of the door - which fixed the cockeyed sliding screen door. He filled in around the door with expanding insulation.

Finally - he ripped the trim down to the proper width.

And then - he began the tedious process of spraying special stripper for log homes.

Next step was to power-wash. Amazing to see how much guck that stuff removes.

What a difference after letting it all dry.

Next comes - sealing. For some odd reason - thoughts of molasses - and - roofing tar come to mind.

As for my part - I continue my hunt for THE perfect porch lights we want to put on both - the front and back porches. All I know so far is - they have to be black wrought iron. And they need to hang down from their assembly - not above it. That's what we want!!

At Least it Rained

2010-09-12T09:58:00.002-04:00

The past week has been spent preparing for friends that came up to Tennessee for their vacation.

They rented a cabin in Wear’s Valley. We got to meet them up at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge for lunch on Thursday. They left Saturday to stop at the Jack Daniels Distillery before heading on home.

We had 3 inches of rain register on our rain gauge yesterday evening.

So much for trying to help provide for the yellow finches. Not only did the dried sunflower stalk fall over - I can only hope we’re able to stand the Black Knight Butterfly bush up straight and keep it going.

It came in less than an hour. The wind and heavy rain was so fierce that the walls of the old barn even submitted to a thorough soaking. It was impossible to see our neighbors’ mobile home next door for a bit of time.

Yesterday marked 8 years that Dwayne and I have been married.

The mail carrier delivered our glass tea pitcher that we ordered - what was left of it - anyway.

Jennifer called to just say hello. Dwayne’s stepfather called to find out if we’d driven to LaFollette to look at a boat he’s interested in buying.

Beyond that…

Two Successes

2010-08-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

You would be looking at two more successes in this photo.

Success Number One -

The Chicken Tractor was finished yesterday.

Getting the Girls inside wasn’t as easy as it may seem by the sight in this photo. We butted up the chicken tractor to the front door of the Chicken Hotel. Had to use my cardboard sheet to herd ‘em out the main door into the small area at the front door for storing feed and handling tasks.

The scene was like something out of one of the Three Stooges movies. All these birds panicking - trying to bunch up into this tiny little corner made by the feed can and the wall built with 2x4’s and wire poultry netting. Squawking - screeching - chirping - feathers floating.

And then one of ‘em squeezes out from under the pile and jumps to the top of the feed can - only to discover ‘freedom ‘ - above the top of the chicken tractor. And just as he stiffens and - obviously - considers jumping for it - Dwayne starts his own squawking and ranting - from outside - where he’s got the easy job - standing to block a few inches of space between the building and the chicken tractor.

Were it not for the fact that I was worried they were going to hurt each other - I could have ended up busting up laughing until I was bent over in pain. So much for all the learning experiences they’re gonna keep going through for a while!

The chicken tractor is sized just enough for us to be able to stand while bending over inside. They insist I use my cardboard sheet to herd them out when it’s time to go back inside their Chicken Hotel at the end of the day. I think they like being outside - too much.

Thirteen chickens have been in that space all day long - walking around - eating their chicken starter crumble - drinking their medicated water - catching bugs - and eating the grass. What goes in must come out. I am not about to go in there to round ’em up - on my knees. That’s just - not happening.

Success Number Two -

With a lot of great support and advice from several folks ( I consider them lifesavers - mine in particular ) - the struggle to help my entire flock of 8-week-old Buff Orpington chicks come through Coccidiosis seems to have had more positive outweighing the negative.

They are looking wonderful in the photos above that were taken yesterday - compared to the sight of them earlier this week. I won’t go into details. It was not pretty. And really - you don’t wanna know. You just - don't. Trust me.

Sadly - I did lose two of the 15 birds - one being my buddy that was downright pushy about him being the only one that could have me. I belonged to him - as far as he was concerned. And my job was to sit inside the chicken yard - and hold him - as far as he was concerned.

I think what made most of the difference in how easily I’ve been able to handle the loss is the fact that I had not named any of the birds. That remains the case. It will be a while before knowing without a doubt - who is male and/or female.

I mean - think about it. What if our parents named us as soon as they found out our mother was pregnant with us? There’d be a whole lotta boys named Sue - huh…

But the good in this nightmare - these birds went down badly enough that they didn’t even fight me when I handled them. And now - none of them have issues about me petting them - or - picking them up to hold them for a while. Actually - they’ve come to enjoy being spoiled.

Even worse - I now have a few of them that fight over jumping up to sit on my bent legs when I squat down to spend time with them.

Doubt if I’ll be doing much of that squatting. Give it a couple more weeks of that and - it’ll be looking like another scene from some Three Stooges movie.

Fighting Coccidiosis Out of My Entire Flock

2010-08-25T11:33:00.001-04:00

The past several days have been a roller-coaster. Looks like things are beginning to improve - although not without loss.

I lost two of my Buff Orpington chickens on Monday evening. All the others seem to be perking up - my win from all the struggling to save them.

One of the two that I lost was my little buddy that had become spoiled rotten to having me hold him all the time. I think the good in all this is the fact that I had not reached the point of giving anyone a name - yet.

I couldn’t find any rational sense in naming somebody Maureen - only to discover later - Maureen was actually supposed to be Maury.

Figuring out the sex on dogs and cats is just too easy. This thing with chickens is much like the old days of being pregnant before they had Ultra-Sound equipment.

I’ve had several friends in the Homestead Poultry group at Yahoo come to my rescue - which has been a wonderful blessing - loads of experience holding me up for support - which I am ever so grateful for being able to learn from.

My eyes almost begin watering - from merely watching that whole tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper going into the strawberry-banana yogurt - along with the garlic powder - additional live culture - and crushed multi-vitamin.

“ Yuck “ doesn’t even reach the thought of how all that concoction must taste. But Shar mentioned that chickens can’t taste anything.

Lucky for me. Otherwise - I’d have 13 birds wanting to peck my eyes out!

For now - I continue on the routine of keeping their feeders and waterer cleaned. They’ll continue with their little yogurt concoction. And I’ll continue dispensing the 2Tbl. Duramycin-10 with 1Tbl. Sugar into a gallon of water for them to drink.

Very slow process. But I am beginning to see great improvement in the stools and their demeanor. Hopefully - they’ll come out on the other side of this with very little damage.

Where in Hell is Midas?

2010-08-23T06:59:00.000-04:00

I’ve been awake since about 3:45am this morning. After tossing and turning for about an hour - I conceded by getting dressed and allowing Dwayne to sleep without all the interruption.

All on the home front was absolutely fine when we headed to Lenoir City for supplies to build a chicken run.

The irony came when we returned to the house.

Like some kind of instant blast of Nightmare fell. Almost every single one of my birds was down. And a startling tale-tell sign was discovered - bloody stool.

First on my agenda - changing the water over with all fresh water that included Pedialyte.

Next - I went ahead and cleaned the inside of the hen house. My first thought was how quickly this turn of events hit - minimizing as much possible contamination as possible. Beyond that - it was just motherly panic - do anything - “ Come on, Babies - feel better - now ! “

A phone call to check on inventory was followed by a trip back to Lenoir City - picking up Duramycin-10 before Tractor Supply closed at 6pm. It only figures - Hell always has to break loose with children and pets on Sunday.

Recently - I swapped feed and began using DuMor Chicken Starter 20%. Some folks squawk about the medicated feeds. After talking with one of the guys at Tractor Supply - I’m finding out that the feeds - actually - only have trace amounts of the medications.

At this moment - I’m wishing there were more preventative amounts added.

Daylight has not broken yet. But I had - already - began preparing myself for the fact that - most likely - my routine morning trip out to the Chicken Hotel will result in the discovery of a loss of birds. My faith and hope can only muster the question of how many - at this point. To have any surviving this morning - I’ll take that as a miracle.

And as usual - dealing with dead birds will fall under the category of - dealing with calamities that only come on days when Dwayne has to work - or shall I say - nights when Dwayne has to work.

I’m so far beyond anger at this moment. In fact - I’ve reached the point where my attitude is - “ Live or die - whatever. “

And that goes for just about anything around this place - plant or animal. I give up.

I am sick and tired of going through Hell to make something happen around here - only to end up fighting to keep from allowing the intense physical pain push me into rolling up into a ball to wait for God to simply allow that last breath to come - and all the effort in the goal end up in a trash bag - or buried a few feet underground.

So far - my doctor is almost certain that Fibromyalgia has taken over my body - just like my mother. My doctor attempted to prescribe Cymbalta.

Medco has put the screws to us on our plan - of course - thanks to the screwing by our government with the so-called Healthcare plan they voted on. I would now have to pay 40 percent of the price that the Pharmaceutical Gangsters are charging.

To pay $100.00 per month - ( my part ) - for a prescription - to me - is no different than paying another $100.00 per month for healthcare coverage.

I don’t care if everybody says - “ It’s happening to everybody. “

That’s why it’s happening. If everybody would just learn to gang up together and REFUSE to take the screwing by them - it wouldn’t happen.

Some people wanna blame the Democrats - blame Obama.

What you people fail to realize is - it would not matter which side did it.

Democrats - “ Let’s screw ‘em this way. “

Republicans - “ Nooo… we wanna screw ‘em THIS way. “

It’s a game for both sides - and they’re laughing behind closed doors - at us - the taxpayers.

I will NEVER pay $100.00 for a prescription.

I’ll just end my statement there.

A Bad Into A Good

2010-08-21T04:24:00.001-04:00

What do you do - when you've made the mistake of taking Non-Drowsy formula Allergy meds at 10:30 pm - and Insomnia is having a Hey-Day with your head?

You sneak in some Digital Scrapbooking!

This was a fun moment with Carlie - for the whole family! Somehow - all four of us - Carlie - Zucker - Dwayne and myself - ended up at the kitchen sink.

That's when Daddy just could not resist having a little fun and getting a little revenge on Carlie.

Kit -
" I Love You This Much " by Kimberly Stewart at www.scrapbook-elements.com

Fonts -
GoodDog
AlwaysJoking
Eras Demi ITC

Rubber FlowerBeds!!

2010-08-20T21:20:00.002-04:00

See those two tires? You should have seen Dwayne and I rolling them to the driveway down on the side of the house - earlier today - and loading them into the back of the pickup. Dwayne could barely see my eyes from the other side.

For those of you unfamiliar - these were loaded with water. Farmers tend to load rear tractor tires with various liquids ( safe ones - of course ) for better traction.

And for those of you unfamiliar - I'm only 4' 11" in height.

Finally - after the past two rounds of days off spent on looking for rear tractor tires!

And we want to thank the guys at Helms Tire on Hwy. 411 in Madisonville, TN. They’re good people - wonderful customer service.

Hubby looks like a little boy up there - going out to play on his toy! I like his new stack he rigged. This will help when we get ready to cut hay.

As boys will do - they never can wait to go give their toys that little ‘ test run ‘ - and he did!

Dwayne brought the old tires back home - rather than paying $30 to leave 'em.

They'll make perfect raised beds to plant flowers right around the Chicken Hotel - huh! LOL

Mowdums

2010-08-19T20:32:00.000-04:00

I sent this to my husband yesterday - while he was at work.

And then I let him sleep until around 3pm today.

Must be nice. Sleep.

Something Old with Something New

2010-08-17T21:50:00.000-04:00

I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday.

Since I was already having to leave the house and head to Lenoir City - I decided to leave a little early - and hit one my favorite little trinket shops that’s planted on the way.

I found this little gem.

I thought - “ Wouldn’t it be cool to use this for the spices I use more than others ! “

I headed to Wally World after finishing up at the clinic. I was supposed to pick up a new prescription. And I decided to go hunting for something I could use for spice jars - that would fit inside my newfound gem.

I walked out the doors after refusing to accept the prescription. To pay $100.00 every month for a prescription - to me - is no different than paying another $100.00 per month for the health insurance.

" Dear Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medco - My husband and I pay TOO MUCH ALREADY for your so-called ' Coverage ' as you are so confused to continue calling what is nothing more than - monetary rape ! "

But I did not walk out empty-handed. I came across this 10oz. Emma Jar.

I guessed right! Six fit just fine!

Now I have to head to Turkey Creek - Hobby Lobby in particular.

I want to get an Etching Kit and make my own stencils with the names of the spices - to etch onto the lids and one side of the jars.

Anything for an excuse to go slobbering all around Hobby Lobby for hours - while swearing up and down that my ATM card is burning a hole in my purse!

Ohhh - Those Suthun' Vaypuhs !

2010-08-14T14:15:00.001-04:00

You KNOW it’s hot when they’re willing to do this.

“ Whaaaaaaaat… ? Drown ? Who told you that ? Can’t drown in water that doesn’t even cover our feet, goofus ! Y’all are just - chicken ! “

Just enough water to cool their toes off!

" Well - Honey. Maybe you really DO need that. You’re gonna boil from the inside out if you don’t calm down ! “

“ I dunno - Milred. I just dunno. Think we can jump in from here - without falling on our beaks and lookin’ TOTALLY stupid ? “

“ Cluck. NO THANK YOU. I’d rather do the NORMAL thing to cool off - and sit here like some intelligent hen - with my backside to the wind. “

“ Yeeeeaaaahhhh…. What SHE said ! “

Pocketful of Quiet

2010-08-09T12:20:00.009-04:00

Wow - a pocket of - pure quiet time.

It’s something so rare around our house. Precious - more than gold for me.

I'm able to take a mental look and see the progress.

I’m able to hear all my concerns flowing in my heart.

And of all things - In the back of my mind - Chris Daughtry and Vince Gill - singing ‘ Tennessee Line ‘ and it gives me ‘ goose bumps ‘ that make me smile. And my eyes well up.

“ Looking into the rearview as the roads fade away - I’ve sworn off my past - First to last bad call that I ever made - Tell me how to make right - Every wrong turn that I’ve learned - So this can all end tonight - Tennessee line just changed my - Well it’s my heart I’ll follow this time. “

We only get a one-time ride in this life.

After years of entanglement - how sad it is - when one looks back for one last time to - finally - say ‘ good-bye ‘ to the losses of better things one was meant to have - deserved to have - that were robbed from them.

How sad it is - when one has reached a fork in the road of their own journey - being forced to split their heart into two halves - leaving one to crawl across the shard down one path - the other to roll down the smooth asphalt of the other path - after choosing to take back control of one’s life - and go in the direction best - for experiencing peace in their life - finally - in the present.

Years - no wait. Decades of entanglement - while waiting for others to do the right thing. One reaches a point where one must accept - that wish will never happen.

To move on in one’s life - with peace - comes with sacrifice - even then. When the wish takes two - and you are only one.

In all honesty - History shows the wish has been only yours - for decades. Many times - you came to call. Many times - nobody would answer. They were too busy. You were confused. Life only goes - their way.

When the wish has choked one all those years - until one finally screams out - ‘ Enough ! ‘ And even then one is forced to face one final stabbing in one’s heart - when one’s choice of traveling down the smooth road for peace in one’s life means - one is left with no other choice but to leave others behind - because of choices they made for themselves.

And all one can do is wonder if any of those will ever go back and find that same fork in the road - choose to change paths and catch up with you.

And History says - " It would have happened long ago - if it were ever going to happen. "

Still - in the meantime - one moves forward with only a mere question about one‘s past. Will anyone come - carrying the other half of one’s heart - ready to heal?

A dry snicker fills the quiet.

" It was always only the other way around. You were confused. Life only goes their way. "

Somehow - it’s much easier to accept - that will never happen.

And that's not okay.

But - I am. And I will be.

** Thank you -sooo very, very much for this song, Chris.

I Shall Sing ' Mojito ' Style

2010-08-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

Evvvvvvery once - in - a - while...

We have our fun moments around here. Yeah - she wants bubbles in her next bath.

Typical Girlie Girl.

It has been nuts around here - as usual. As I type - I have almost reached the point where the last pot of homemade tomato sauce is ready for canning.

We started on those two days ago. If I were a car with disc brakes - they’d be shot to Hell by now.

Start - Stop - Start - Stop - Start - Stop.

If it’s not one thing - it’s another. Always something. There’s always a detour.

I’m done with tomatoes. The tomatoes are not done. But - I am.

I have enough to fight with - without fighting with the birds around here.

We have lost our corn.

Between the tormenting heat - and the squirrel that came back - it’s gone. I think when we planted it - as well as the way we planted - may also be contributors.

But - just for spite - I may go ahead and put up our tent - out by the garden - and camp out by the garden for the night - with the 9mm.

We will have no corn from our garden this year.

Hopefully - I can find some at the local Farmer’s Markets for putting up.

But all is not lost. We put away nine packages of Yukon Gold potatoes - weighing an average of 2lbs. Per package.

Next on the agenda … My Mother-In-Law’s most favorite job!

Jalapenos. ( Inside joke. It wasn't so funny back then. )

I’m tired. I’m finished with gardening for this year.

Okay - I’m not finished with gardening. I’m finished with the fight that comes with gardening as it exists at our home right now.

I’m taking a break. I will not be planting a vegetable garden next year.

I’m done. I realize the next spring does not arrive until next year. But - it’s not stopping me from already enjoying the break I am looking so forward to experiencing. I can already feel the ‘goose bumps ‘ - and the water.

Yeah - the water.

It will be like dragging my husband all the way to a Day Spa by the hair on his head. I know this. But - by the Grace - Support - and Blessing from God - Himself….

I will have a swimming pool - or - Jacuzzi - one or the other - next spring.

And I will go chasing after all the Farmer’s Markets around here.

And I will come home from all the Farmer’s Markets around here - to stand on the corner of my Jacuzzi - or go float on an air mattress in my pool - ( with a really serious Mojito in hand ) - and scream out something that will have the neighbors thinking it’s - Opera!

And when enough of ‘em show up to bitch about it - we’ll all go inside the house and do some canning or freezing.

Are We There YET ?

2010-08-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

( Homemade Tomato Sauce - My First Try - Took FOREVER. But it was sooo worth it! )

You know that little water spout that forms near the end - when the bathtub is emptying out?

( The first batch of Half-Pints full of Tomato Sauce. )

That’s where we are around here. Only - it feels as if the water spout spent time above the water - like you can see around Galveston Bay at times. And it looks like it came up on land - too.

( More to come. )

The water is receding. The mess abounds!

And right now Carlie is trying to get my attention by touching my box of potatoes with her foot and grumbling…

She is sooooo the Brat! She knows she’s not supposed to mess with the potatoes!

We’re close to winding down. And yet - there is still so much to do.

Just the thought of my decision to not set up a garden next year gives me ‘ goose bumps ‘ at this point.

I’m gonna work on the landscaping for the front of our house next year - instead.

We have three Bradford Pear trees. The previous owners planted them out front - smack in the middle of a gorgeous view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Park.

I don’t like them. I want them gone. And Dwayne is game for any excuse to play with the power of the toy. “ Chain it up, boys ! ”

This has been quite the gardening season. I think this has been the strangest spring and summer, yet.

The heat has won. I’m not even happy with the appearance of our corn. I’m just not so sure it’s going to make this year.

And I’m so worn out that I have to muster up any caring. I mean - what can one do? Mother Nature has the upper hand.

All you can do is try again - next season.

Well - season after next season for me.

Wait a minute... That's Brendon Clark. How'd he get in here?

The girls are doing just fine. I decided to stop going to Co-Op to get the Chick Starter.

This last bag had about 25 percent actual crumble - and the rest looked like flour.

My birds began acting funny - like they were starving - a couple days after feeding with that bag.

So I made a trip up to Tractor Supply. The guy that helped me commented that I was the second person coming in telling him the very same thing that morning.

I seem to be having better results with their behavior feeding them DuMOR Chick starter - instantly. So - I guess I’ll stick with that until it’s time to change up after they turn 12 weeks old.

We’re about to wrap up with tomatoes. We still haven’t managed to get potatoes dug up. They’ll be next.

From there - we start canning potatoes and jalapeno peppers.

And in between - I have appointments lined up with my therapist and my doctor. And I’m still trying to find a dentist taking new patients. But I’ve been told to hold off on any surgery until we find out exactly what’s going on with me.

All I know is this. I live with constant pain - inside and outside. And the anti-inflammatory pills I’m taking right now are doing very little to help - a couple hours of slight relief at best.

Those who know me well enough - know that I have always had a high tolerance to pain and a low tolerance to medications.

I have too much to take care of in my life to be putting up with pills that knock my lights out. I don’t like trying to live my daily life without having full control over my head.

I still have over half a 90-day supply of muscle relaxers that my other doctor gave me last year.

By the time I have to go to the doctor - by the time I cave in and take a pill for the pain - I can barely move on my own without fighting the crying.

That’s just the way I am.

I guess that comes from watching so many others I care about - destroying their lives by abusing drugs.

Many of my best teachers in life taught me what NOT to do.

Worn Out - But Pressing On

2010-07-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

It’s been nuts around here. And we just keep plugging along. Today’s accomplishment consisted of getting 27 packages of carrots into the freezer.

Speaking of the freezer - we found this ‘ sanity saver ‘ on Craigslist last week! Got a great deal on it - $250.00. And it’s in wonderful condition!

Dwayne and one of our neighbors went to pick it up yesterday morning. Sent him home with canned tomatoes - a few jars of tomato sauce - fresh tomatoes - and a jar of pole beans - a thank you for helping us!

So far - we’ve crammed the chest freezer with 89 packages of green beans. We did the 27 packages of carrots today. I’ve lost count on the cases of canned tomatoes that I’ve managed to get done. And then I got almost 2 cases of ½ pint size jars of tomato sauce. And the tomatoes keep coming.

I have a drawer full of jalapeno peppers ready for canning. We still have potatoes to get out of the ground and get canned with the pressure canner. We’ve harvested the pole beans enough to fill 3 quart size jars - so far. And the 5-gallon bucket is crammed full with another load.

I’ve dehydrated pineapple and a bag of onions that I bought at the store. We have over 20 onions curing out on the front porch that I’ll be running through the dehydrator before packaging with the FoodSaver. And the corn is coming along.

It all sounds like so little work in type. There’s so much that has gone on in between - just trying to get anything accomplished. The weather - okay - the heat - has gotten in the way with everyone out here this year.

We drive through our neighborhood and see where folks just gave up on fighting with the weeds in their gardens, as well. It’s just been too hot to get out there and deal with it all. And to be honest - the grassy stuff growing up around the veggies has actually been a help with retaining moisture in the soil to help against the lack of rain we’ve had.

I now have two dogs - a cat - and fifteen chicks to take care of. Working in the garden - doing the canning - freezing - dehydrating. Carrying everything back and forth from the garden. Getting the laundry taken care of down in the basement. All the trips up and down the stairs to store all the food that’s been put away. Trying to keep up with cleaning the house. We got the rain we needed - enough that we’re having to mow again - and Dwayne does the weed eating.

I go to bed wiped out. I wake up wiped out. I hit the floor running. Chickens - cat - and dogs are dealt with before I even get to sit down with my first cup of coffee.

I’m hanging in there - keeping one thought in mind the whole time - just to get me through all this right now.

Actually - I am getting some help after going to the doctor this past week. I’ve been put on an anti-inflammatory called Meloxicam. It’s not doing much - but it’s helping a little.

That thought? Oh - “ I will not be doing a vegetable garden next year. “

I’ll be able to focus on fixing up the flowerbeds around the front of our house next year.

And running all around this entire region - chasing Farmer’s Markets!

I just might get some rest.

I know one thing for sure. My hubby won’t have to seal the house next year. He won’t have to build a chicken coop next year. And he won't have to drag me down to Savannah while picking up a tractor!

Trust me. You just had to be here and see it - to understand the importance of those facts.

I’m so proud of him!

Dam Breaks in Iowa

2010-07-24T19:51:00.000-04:00

Ages and Stages Before Feathers

2010-07-23T22:52:00.001-04:00

What a difference only 4 weeks can make.

( For those that live in the city - Make sure you click twice on the photos to see the feathers closer! )

This was taken on June 24, 2010 - a few minutes after we brought our itty-bitty 2-3-Day-Old Buff Orpington chicks home!

This one was taken July 10, 2010.

This one was taken on July 19, 2010.

And this was taken today!

They go through this ' Ugly Betty ' period - looking like something only a Mama could love!

And then they get outside and take those dirt baths - and - those beautiful feathers show up and just blow your mind!

I'm almost jealous. These girls even have pretty butts!

It will be a while before we know exactly whether or not we have any roosters.

Right now - I am seeing an exhibition of behavior from one particular bird that has already learned how to pull a ' Bruce Lee ' kick with both feet in the air and attacking. And he ( ? ) really likes doing that with one other chick.

They're fun to watch out in the yard. And they're funny!

But the real fun I'm having now is - I have three that compete for coming up to get a turn having me pet them on their backs!

I think they're pretty!

Meeting the Heat with Flexibility

2010-07-22T18:39:00.000-04:00

This morning was a hot - muggy - 76* July morning in Loudon County, Tennessee.

Not normal - at all.

The Dallas grass around here was soggy wet. So wet that the paws were just soaked on the pups when they came back up to the porch after their morning romp out in the yard to take care of business.

And just as soon as the sun began to peek over the edges of the tree canopy around here - all that moisture began rising into the atmosphere - like a smoky blanket.

The air was heavy and humid enough to leave the smell of my onions in the dehydrator floating all around the back porch.

Trust me. You never want to run a dehydrator full of onions inside the house. The first five minutes will have your eyes wanting to run out of the house - tears falling down your face - uncontrollably.

The girls seemed to be curious enough about exploring in their yard. They’re learning how to venture in and out of their house by tackling the little ramp Dwayne made for them.

But the warning came a day early - thankfully.

Today would be the beginning of a few days when it would just be too hot to cook on the stove inside the house. Not because of the temperature inside the house. But because the power around here goes off and on so often - when the temps soar outside.

Instead - supper began around 10:30 am this morning - out on the smoker - before the heat outside became too much to bear. Before the afternoon thunderstorms showed up.

Grilled Boneless Chicken Filets - with my own special marinade - to be sliced and set upon a really nice - cool - flavorful - summer salad!

The next couple of evenings will be spent cooking up a few ingredients to chill - for what I call ' Truly Cool Meals ' that don't heat up the house - or - leave us feeling like we're still carrying a brick in our gut by the next morning.

It's Official - My To-Do List Has Cancer

2010-07-20T22:01:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning and pulled one of my spontaneous stunts. I punched my husband to wake him up.

“ You wanna go fishing? Get up! “

Soooo…. We went fishing this morning. We needed a break - desperately.

I needed this awesome view of the Cherokee National Forest and all the other gorgeous beauty we have around here.

I caught a greasy old Channel Catfish - ‘ ick… ‘ - and a Perch.

End of that story about a morning that sucked.

We always have loose threads around here. Some days - you just have no choice. Some things get left undone.

And then - there’s the one thing you actually do finish - that makes being lost in Hell worth it.

The girls have moved into their brand new house!

" Yes! "

We have had 15 of our children move out! All in one single day!

How cool is that!

I really couldn’t tell ya’. I’m so wiped out and ready for fall that the reality hasn’t soaked in - yet.

Anyway - this is a huge day for us. We have had so many brick walls jump in front of us while trying to get this dad-gum Chicken Hotel constructed. When all else failed - Mother Nature decided to break the record around here for the most days straight of pushing us through temperatures over 90* - no rain - no humidity - no mercy.

I'd rather Mother Nature had the nerve to transform into a human form so I could take her out to our barn for giving us a couple hours of a downpour - in the middle of a 97* sun-blistering afternoon - that turned my gorgeous tomatoes into looking like Old Hags.

Maybe it will all hit me after I clean the area down in the basement where they’ve been living for the past few weeks.

I think this will be one time when I will actually get through it without shedding one single tear.

Okay - well - that is - until I walk back up those stairs and face all the tomatoes - potatoes - and carrots.

And this isn't even half of the ones hijacking the kitchen countertops right now. Nor is it any of the cases we've already carried down to the basement.

Now that I think about it - we haven’t made our way up to Norris Lake this year - yet.

Vacation Time? Right.....

2010-07-18T23:10:00.004-04:00

It’s just that time of year for us. Dwayne took a week of vacation - and we are buried in our projects for this year.

I joked on FaceBook last night - “ Our dad-gum kitchen looks like a Produce Stand.”

Think I’m kidding?

Green beans have already come and gone - overloaded our chest freezer. Only this top layer consists of anything but green beans.

Tomatoes are trying to kick my butt right now. That's the top to a Rubbermaid Cake Carrier. This load here landed 15 pints tonight.

Our first jar of dried pole beans. I have about two more jars drying out on towels now - with ‘ beau coup ‘ more out there sunbathing.

These are from only three plants that I tried to dig under today.

I’ve begun stringing the Cayenne Peppers.

I’ve got a mess of sweet onions curing out on the front porch. Looks like I’ll be slicing those up for the dehydrator to make onion flakes.

They didn’t come out near as big as the ones I grew last year - and I was really disappointed. But then I made it over to our local Farmer’s market last week and found out I’m not alone. Several folks from around here had the same disappointment as me. Apparently - it was this crazy weather.

I can’t even get to the drawer full of Jalapenos. There’s a pile of carrots on top of that - and plenty more out in the garden that the two of us just cannot get to at this moment.

Dwayne did a wonderful job finishing up the painting on the Chicken coop. I did the rolling on both coats of the red. He did the cut work and all of the white trim.

That reminds me - For the White paint - We used Behr Premium Plus Exterior Semi-Gloss Ultimate White.

For the Red paint - Behr Premium Plus Exterior Semi-Gloss Base #5340 with the following color code:

CLRNT   F   KX   L       V
OZ            2      0        2        7
384th   0    88   148    148

I have no idea what all that means. I only know what it looks like. LOL But that’s how it’s labeled on the sticker.

Dwayne installed the interior wall and door yesterday - as well. I began mowing while he drove to Lenoir City to pick up an electric stapler before starting on that.

Today was a day filled with getting the poultry netting installed on the yard. Once we got that finished - I headed over to start digging up potatoes - while Dwayne began making hinges and a few other tidbits.

He’s making the little ramp tomorrow for the girls to walk up and down from the yard to inside. And we’ll be installing the protection barrier around the entire chicken coop and yard to keep predators away.

Well - I’ll help as much as I can after I get back from my doctor’s appointment.

And then it will be time to move the girls in to their new home!

And I don’t think they’ll be the least bit disappointed about that! They’re all trying to flex their wings - enough to jump out of their brooder. I’m messing with their heads by using some cardboard on each end of the brooder. But - I don’t think I’ll get another week out of that one.

As for me - I’m looking forward to that last and final deep cleaning of their area in the basement!

We’re hoping and praying to find an upright freezer before Dwayne goes back to work.

The harvesting and canning continues. I am gonna push things and use the pressure canner to can the potatoes. We have percentages of chance for rain all next week - so the temps should be tolerable.

And in between - there are the usual chores. I’m half tempted to ask my husband to just - put me a slide in for getting down to the basement. It would cut the torture on my knees in half.

Whoops. Time to get. That timer is about to go off on another run of tomatoes.

Hero woos commission with soulful crooning

2010-07-15T19:16:00.000-04:00

A few nails closer!

2010-07-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

Slowly but surely - we're getting there. I helped Dwayne get the first coat of paint on the other day - before the rain showed up.

This shot doesn't show the true color of the paint. Late afternoon sun hitting it. And Dwayne says it has something to do with the color and process of the sealing done during manufacturing of the siding.

We have a second coat of paint to cover. And all the trim he got installed will be painted white.

This shot shows a more realistic view of the finished color we will have on the coop. I guess the lighting was just right.

Anyway - down on the lower left corner is the little door for the girls to walk in and out. That door will be latched open during the day - closed at night.

This is their - boudoir! LOL

We will be installing a wall with - yet - another door - on the inside. This will help avoid any poultry stampedes - and enable us to handle the food storage area with peace of mind!

More to come later!

Coming Along

2010-07-10T18:28:00.000-04:00

Things are coming along.

He'll even put in the insulation - for chickens!

You can see where Dwayne's going to cut out and make the little door at the bottom - for the girls to come and go as they please - out to their little yard - during the daytime.

This is what it looks like after getting the walls up today.

Quite a view - from a Chicken's window!

We are growing up!

And we got our temporary house remodeled!

Yeah! No more hard floor with messy wire mesh to sleep on. Now we have really cushy hay!

And we don't even have trouble drinking water.

Check it out. They gave us another perch!

Eating is just - no sweat!

Yeah, but - remember me?

I still own all of this!

Yeah - but I'm still cute!

C'mon - say it.

Just say it!

Wanna come have a slumber party with us?

Not Doin' This Next Year

2010-07-08T19:15:00.001-04:00

I’ve given up.

I’m not putting a garden in next year.

Nope.

I’m gonna take all that time - and float it - in a swimming pool - all by myself.

Okay - with my Hubby - if I can get him to float.

It’s hot here. It’s hot everywhere on the eastern side of the country.

In fact - it’s so hot that I put my foot down. I refuse to cook another meal on the kitchen stove until this heat wave has moved on.

Tried to cook a meal yesterday. The power tripped several times.

Tried cooking on the smoker today. It’s too dangerous to light up out by the back porch. So - that means trying to kill myself going up and down stairs - Ohhhhhhh - I don’t even know how many times. So - I won’t be doing that again during Hubby’s work days - as well.

I hate those stairs. It’s always something. There’s always something that drives me nuts going up and down those god-forsaken stairs - wearing my butt out - killing my knees. I’m ready to stark yanking nails out - one at a time.

And that pressure canner. Won’t even be able to use that thing again - safely - until fall. At best - I’ll be water-bathing tomatoes to hold up until I can make my spaghetti sauce - without the power bleeping off and on all the time. Even at that rate - I won’t be able to run the kitchen stove until after 7pm. Cooler temps and the power might stay on.

( That's water coming down - from the sprinkler. )

I’m not putting a garden in next year.

When the barn gets moved - when all the dirt on this property is leveled out - when all the seamless gutters are installed - when the water recovery is installed - when the underground water lines and faucets are installed.

That’s when I’ll be putting the next garden in. And not until then.

I’m tired of killing myself.

I’m tired of chewing through brick walls with every damn single task.

This is my year of being 50. I have done nothing but chew through brick walls all my life.

I'm done! If this earth burns - Oh, well!

I’ll just find me a swimming pool.

But I am - still - gonna buy two brand new water-hoses.

And I don’t care if it hair-lips the Pope - I am still gonna water some of my grass.

My Father's Birthday

2010-07-07T10:50:00.002-04:00

It was my family doctor that suggested to me that I begin to use this blog as a journal. That advice came along with his refusal to prescribe anti-depressants and insisting I go into therapy instead - early last year.

He’s the very first medical professional that has ever handled me properly. Too many so-called ‘ Doctors ‘ only have care extended from their hearts and conscience enough to - simply - shove pills at patients - chemicals that will merely have them withdrawing their lives into a corner somewhere - and just being quiet. Easy bonus money at the back doors with all those kick-backs from the pharmaceuticals.

And human beings are left as zombies to pacify the rest of this world. God forbid any of all others be made to feel uncomfortable by having to face and deal with truth and honesty over issues that they may have to accept - at least partial - responsibility for creating.

“ Shhhhh… let’s just forgive and move on. It’ll give you peace in your life. “

You know what’s really being said there?

“ Shut up and just stuff it - sweep it under the carpet so I don’t have to look at it - and face my part in any of it. “

More and more - I’m beginning to understand the amount of strength I have - despite how tired and fed up I am from the life of chewing brick walls I have endured - and survived - just to get to where I am in my life today.

My family doctor handled me correctly. Although his ‘ medicine ‘ has been the most difficult I’ve ever survived. With each visit - we begin tearing layers away. Trust me - it is nothing like a trip to Disney World.

As for my Therapist - he confirms my family physician's diagnosis and agrees with the treatment. According to both professionals - I have needed anti-depressants for only two major traumas occurring in my life - and only needed them for a few months - at most.

Beyond that - I only needed therapy to help me learn how to get back in somebody's face and make them own their stuff - something I continue working on in therapy today.

More and more - in the year I will be turning 51 years old - I am only now discovering more about who truly loves/loved me - and who - honestly - has not - during all these years.

Today was supposed to be my father’s birthday - ( my birth father ).

I really never got to know him - not like his first child should have been allowed - anyway.

I only remember seeing my father for the very first time when I was 16. Life got even worse after that.

I was never allowed to use my name given to me at birth.

I was 30 years old when my mother and my father reunited and remarried.

By the time I remarried - in 2002 - I was already living in East Tennessee with my husband and youngest daughter.

They chose to move from California - and move to Texas - where ‘all the grandkids ‘ live.

And he always said he wanted to come visit Tennessee.

That never happened.

The last thing I remember about him - he mailed a birthday card to me - in 2006 - during the last week of August.

He knew my birthday was during the last week of September.

And he had never handled the part about mailing cards to me - before.

He died a few weeks later - a few days before my birthday.

He was cremated before I could even get on a plane and get down there.

All the way to the very end.

But the end of this story is - I’m supposed to be happy enough to know - ‘ third party information ‘ - that he loved me. And then there’s the part about - ‘ Now he can visit you in East Tennessee all the time. “

Of course.

Pardon Our Rudeness - We're Swamped

2010-07-05T11:09:00.000-04:00

( From the back porch. )

Dwayne and I hit the floor running during spring - summer and fall. Neither of us gets a day off. At best - he gets a little relief - by going to his job that provides our income.

My Hero has been continuing on the Chicken Coop project. Been a while since we had good rains. The weather meteorologists continue calling it as being a ‘ Heat Wave ‘ that we’re going through - due to the temps being so high and abnormal for this time of year - with hardly any humidity.

( No - it only looks cock-eyed! We live on a mountain! )

Those factors caused challenges with getting the posts installed. We had to soak the ground. That only made a dent in Dwayne being able to get anywhere with the post-hole digger. I finally talked him into filling up the holes with water - and calling it a day.

We left the ground to absorb the water overnight. Made it much easier to get this far.

Next on the list - Dwayne will be putting in the soffit around the underside of the roof. Then - we both get to paint. We’re going with the same colors as the shop.

We had our first tomatoes come inside. The smallest one is one of the variety called ‘ Amish Paste ‘ - and I’m still not sure what I think about those. The others - ‘ Beefsteak ‘ - my favorites for canning and sandwiches! I put the coffee cup there for size comparison. We’re pretty happy!

Dragging water hoses - watering - everywhere. It’s been an issue - on a daily basis.

My daily ‘ appearance ‘ these days. The price for getting it done by yourself. Well - part of the price.

This guy comes around to visit everybody - quite often - during the evenings - after it cools down. I can even remember seeing him flying over when we lived in Maryville.

Yesterday was a day when I just had to let a few other things go.

I couldn’t stand looking at Zucker - any longer. He made me want to cry. He looked so hot - in a bad way.

Seeing him now even makes me feel a lot more cooler.

I swear it - this dog - absolutely refused to look at either of us for this shot. Why? Because he was sitting from right there - watching John Wayne - in " The Cowboys " - on the television. This dog watches television!

Time to go move the waterhose - swap the laundry - put the grocery list together - fight for a shower - go grocery shopping - get the Spicy Lime Chicken Kabobs skewed - get the pit ready - ….

Only God knows what will come down before - and/or - in between all that. But this is like everybody else’s Sunday.

We sure hope everyone had a really nice Independence Day Holiday weekend! Not sure - but it feels like we must have neighbors that own fireworks stores - or something like it.

We had a loaded weekend - the full weekend - of fantastic - huge - beautiful fireworks that we got to watch from our back and front porches! It was so much fun! Okay - well - not so fun for Zucker. He always wants to crawl in a hole and hide. But Carlie had a blast for her first time ever seeing fireworks! The girl partied! She loved ‘em!!

Everybody seemed to be in sync. One neighbor would shoot ‘em off for a while. And then another would take a turn. And it went on for hours - every night - for three nights! Awesome!

Sen. Robert A. Hall - You Are Not Alone

2010-07-04T10:01:00.000-04:00

THIS IS TRUE ... CHECK THE LINK BELOW..

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/imtired.asp

This should be required reading for every man, woman and child in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany and Italy....plus the countries down under as well. Why leave anyone out???? We all need to hear what most of us believe in well written English!

"I'm 63 and I'm Tired"

by Robert A. Hall

I'm 63. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic.

I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help.

But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the Congress-critters who passed laws to bail out Fannie and Freddie, AIG and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood Entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offered and gave them.

In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the economy of Zimbabwe , the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Christian people of Iran, the freedom of speech of Venezuela and eventually it will be like Palestine.

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family's "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christians and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to. And some of this is happening not only in the middle East but on American soil.

I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and countless fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of U.S. Senators from Illinois.

I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and mandrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America , while no American group is allowed to fund a church or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach humanity, love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do to themselves. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs.

I'm tired of harassment from cool people who are treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried or used even marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic, and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person, who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military.... Those are the citizens we need.

I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people than themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years and still are? Not even close.

So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims, who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. Canadian, British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers; bums are bipartisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bipartisanship. I live in Illinois , where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats has worked to loot the public for years. Not to mention the tax cheats in the cabinet.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars in front of their houses called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in the 1950's but, we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their own lives and actions. Or people & parents who think they can buy their way out of everything.

I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or anything else for their own problems. Get off your duff & do something about it, like work, for yourself & your family.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my grandchildren's generation or after.

*** Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts State Senate.

I’m posting something really awesome in my blog this morning. It came in an email - shared with me by a very dear friend, June Authier.

Thank ya’, Dear!!!! Much needed. Much appreciated.

I chose to post this to my blog - rather than ‘forward’ it - because - I get tired, too. I get tired of the haphazard - laziness of others when they forward emails that contain personal email addresses to all their friends and loved ones - not to mention all the others that arrived with the email when they received it.

Wanna talk about viruses? There’s the worst kind right there. It’s has two forms - Disrespect - and - Inconsideration.

Over 75 percent of forwarded emails have been thrown out there for the sole purpose of obtaining that very information. Hell - I have forwarded emails coming to me from folks that think they’re brand new emails - when actually - I remember those coming to me back in 1997.

Ever gone fishing in the same spot to see if you can catch that particular catfish - for a third time???

Learn how to use your email account program - PROPERLY - for the sake of so many others - as well as yourself.

There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on! This is your chance to make a difference.

I encourage you to share the link to this post.

Please have a safe and happy Independence Day Celebration.

A Morning of Pure Serenity - Much Needed

2010-07-03T09:28:00.000-04:00

Wow.

All the doors and windows open.

Wonderfully nice - pleasant - cool morning.

Sitting out on the back porch - drinking coffee - watching Carlie and Zucker running around and playing together.

Birds going nuts - everywhere.

And listening to Sarah Pirkle's brand new CD - " Walking Tall Through High Weeds " !!!

What a wonderful morning in Loudon County, Tennessee!

Great medicine - much needed. Thanks, Sarah!! We LOVE it!

Hope everyone has a very safe and happy July 4th Celebration!
HUG A SOLDIER AND/OR ONE OF OUR MILITARY VETERANS!

Jimmy Buffet Shoots Straight with Anderson Cooper

2010-07-01T18:43:00.000-04:00

Kudos and " I am not worthy! " - from me - to Anderson Cooper AND Jimmy Buffet! This was an awesome interview.

Jimmy just tells it like it it. He shoots straight. And if they can't handle that - then - maybe they need to get the hell out of the Gulf - and let us find somebody with a conscience to do the job.

I grew up down on the Gulf Coast - in Texas City, Texas - in fact. The memories - wow. Holds much of the reason why I always say - " The smart ones move away - and never go back. "

Being a family member of an employee - is much like being the spouse of a firefighter - or - a cop - or - one of our military personnel on deployment.

That blasting sound - that alarm - that phone call - you wake up and live life with nerves rattled in the background - with every breath you take.

Grandpa - uncles - cousins - friends. It doesn't even matter if they happen to be someone you divorced - you never stop worrying - as long as they're on the inside of those gates.

That blast at the Texas City Refinery in 2005 - knocked my ex-husband off the ground almost 4' high.

At that time - his 6' 2" - 300+ lb. stature was standing up on a stack - clear over on the other side of that plant.

Even after that blast - and even after the nightmare they have created in the Gulf of Mexico - this company is proving that they could not care less about human life and the environment.

And it just feels like our government is never going to grow a pair and grab this company by the neck - until one of their own family members dies from this cruelty.

Some people say - " Well - that company put food on your table - and you didn't mind that. "

Let me rewind this tape - I believe I mentioned somewhere back there - something about a divorce. I was young and stupid. And I wasn't blessed with the best kind of upbringing. But I was smart enough to get the Hell out of there when I was able.

Until you've lived there - and you leave that place - and go live elsewhere - you are totally clueless.

As far as I'm concerned - this company has been committing acts of terrorism on this country - for quite some time - all for the sake of a buck.

There's Corn in that... Grass!

2010-06-30T22:21:00.005-04:00

This is corn. It had my complete attention today.

I did not dare get photos of the ' Before ' nightmare. The grass was as high as most of the corn.

I found corn that I didn't even know was there - after - I pulled out all the grass - by hand - followed by hilling the rows - spreading hay for mulch - and watering.

Tomatoes are next. Getting the grass and weeds out won't be near as bad.

But I hope I can get it done before the tomatoes begin turning color.

I'm absolutely filthy.

I'm suffering an infinite ( take your ' from 1 to 10 ' and shove it! ) amount of physical pain. The motrin is almost a joke. I get about two hours of - easing up - from the hard pain when I take it.

I am not a pleasant person right now. And to be completely honest - I wouldn't care if that hair-lipped the Pope right now.

Obviously - I waited too long for - Somebody.

' Somebody ' - was gonna go buy some torch thingy to deal with all the weeds and grass this year.

But it had to be done.

And believe me - The thousands of grasshoppers were not about to volunteer.

So - I made sure it got done.

But I did take a short break - long enough to wake my husband up a half-hour early.

He had to go hunt for a uniform ( I had already washed and dried it ) down in the basement. He had to take care of fixing his own supper - and fixing his lunch.

It's the first time he has ever had to do that - during all these years of having me in his life - with the exception of the period of time while I was going through training in Newark and Houston.

Here's the real pisser. Frosted Flakes cereal is just fine for him - when he has to do the cooking.

Yesterday - I dropped all the multiple tasks I was trying to get done at 2pm - to make Chicken Alfredo for supper - before he went to work.

It's what I've been doing - every damn day he works. Hence - the demise with the garden.

I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow.

First thing on the list - 5 boxes of Frosted Flakes.

Note to Husband:

" Your other half works a day job. "

Some other photos from today -

A baby gourd.

This is the flower that comes before the baby gourd.

One of the sunflowers.

Carlie got in trouble with Daddy. She got hold of his sock.

Daddy has his ways of dealing with Carlie.

Daddy thinks she's hanging her head in shame.

Actually - she's just really - really - embarrassed.

" Carlie! Gurls don't dew thangs lack thyat! "

Odd - Cute - Evil Sting

2010-06-28T21:13:00.000-04:00

Found these little puppies on our Ornamental Kwanzan Cherry tree this evening.

They were tiny - only about 1/4" long. And they were flat-dab devouring leaves.

Take note - in my case - I stated that they - were - tiny. I did the right thing.

Show any children under the same roof with you right now. Warn them - " Do not touch. "

They're called the Saddleback Caterpillar. Stop and take the time to click here and fill your wisdom tank.

Errands in Knoxville - Perfect Excuse!

2010-06-26T06:49:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I headed to the other side of Knoxville, yesterday. The far away side of Knoxville. Really far away. The " I wish I'd gotten a bigger fountain soda! " kind of - far away.

We went hunting for windows to install in the chicken coop.

And trust me when I say - we went hunting. Absolutely - unreal.

Ever been to Knox Rail Salvage in Knoxville?

Oh - My - God. And they have two ( 2 ) facilities! The second is like some underground secret world. You can even 'smell ' the history.

Well - actually - you can't smell everything. The building once hosted Lay's Slaughter House.

Yeah - they cleaned up that part.

But after all that walking - hunting - and finding...

We decided we had earned a treat!

Can anybody from Knoxville guess where we are?

Here's a hint - this shot was just a tad bit too difficult from the position of laying down in a booth to get around a huge post - when you're only 4' 11" in height.

Second part of this hint - I would work for a weekend - for free - to learn how to make that pizza crust!

Third part of this hint - My youngest yard varmint would guess right off the bat. She used to work there!

Another hint - I'll bet there are a few that wouldn't recognize this place - from this daytime shot.

I'm getting soooo excited! I ordered Sarah's very first CD! Sarah Pirkle is a local girl! She lives in Walland and has the most beautiful singing voice for Bluegrass music!

Below is a sample of her music. But - you can visit her website to listen to samples of the songs on her brand new CD. And you can order your own copy from her website - as well!

Enjoy!

What a ' Cheep ' Day!!!

2010-06-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

Fifteen new members added to our family today - Buff Orpington Chicks!

And the two pups - and the cat - are totally clueless.

" Say it. Just - say it. I'm cute - huh! I know! "

" Willy Wonka don't have nuthin' on this place! Just sayin'.... "

" Back off! It's all mine. Every bit of it! "

" An'... Ahh can drank the whole thang! "

Check out the newspaper. Never noticed until I saw this shot.

" That's just wrong! "

I can't even imagine them with feathers - yet!

Even more twisted - wondering if they're male or female.

" Who's a male? Who's a female? "

Heck, I only hope females rule the majority in this bunch!

A Wonder Robbed?

2010-06-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

Kit - " Sea Spirit " by Rina Kroes

Alpha - " Terry's Sand Alpha Doodle (Mama Wresh font style) " by Terry Maruca

Fonts - Arial and Wasted Collection

The larger part of time in my childhood was spent being raised down in Galveston County, Texas. Not only that - but - four generations have - in one way or another - worked in the oil business - including myself.

What is it gonna take to get this entire country to understand - that company has NEVER had proper intentions. They have NEVER cared about human life. They have NEVER cared about this country - or this planet.

They never will.

What I wanna understand more than anything is this. Our President can fire a military General for popping off at the mouth. And believe me - I commend him on that decision and action.

Okay - fine. He ' accepted the man's resignation ' - we all know what that means.

But - he refuses to acknowledge the behavior of this company for what it is -

Nothing less than an attack on our nation through gross negligence and total disregard for human - geographical and animal life.

You don’t see them doing this over in England. Do ya’? And - you don’t see ‘em doing this over in Dubai - either.

Wow. How odd is that!

I’ve told my kids - if I were in my 20’s right now - I would have a complete hysterectomy. There is no way I would have children.

This world does not deserve anymore innocent children.

Look at what they’ve done to my grandbaby’s future.

Leaving Green Bean Hell

2010-06-23T10:13:00.001-04:00

I am - absolutely - exhausted. And I have given up on a few things - one being people.

By 7:15am yesterday morning - I was out in my garden - thinning out green bean plants - harvesting them before humming them over the fence.

I had to quit at 1:15pm - to go in and rest a few minutes - before starting supper - ( I cheated - we had breakfast for supper and he went out for lunch last night ) and getting Hubby off to work.

Six ( 6 ) hours. And this was only one of several days like this.

I had not had any breakfast. I’d only had a half cup of coffee. The only thing I had stopped long enough to put inside my body - Pineapple Orange Banana juice with lots of ice. The only break I took - was to go get a kitchen towel to soak down and carry around my neck for helping to - somewhat - cool me down.

By then - I had thinned out all the plants - watered the rows deeply - harvested one row of the bushes remaining. And the bathtub was filled with - fifteen ( 15 ) gallons of green beans.

Once I got Hubby off to work - at 4:30pm - I started in. I got 37 packages of green beans done - by 2am this morning.

Ten ( 10 ) hours. All by myself.

We now have a total of 86 packages of green beans in the freezer. We still have tomatoes - corn - peppers - and a few other veggies coming.

There are - still - green beans sitting in the bathtub. There are - still - two rows of bushes that I have not harvested.

And the freezer is plum full. What in ‘ Green Bean Hell ’ do we do now?

Hubby had the answer this morning when he got home from work.

Since WalMart is taking so long to get our pressure canner to the Lenoir City store - we’re going to pull the remaining plants - and burn them.

We have chicks to pick up this week. And this round of days off will not pass without the purchase of a good - used - upright freezer.

At this very moment - there are - at the very least - another 15 gallons of green beans out there.

For over a year now - I’ve tried offering to let folks from work come up here and get involved in growing food to take home - learning a few things - saving some money.

I will be damned - if I’m gonna kill myself - doing all this by myself - except for when my husband ends up losing his days off to helping me - paying for the materials - labor - and utilities - while somebody sits on their ass and expects me to send my husband to work to hand it over to them - for free.

No more Mrs. Nice Guy.

If I were about thirty years younger - I’d harvest it all up and take it to a shelter - or - foot pantry. I might have the energy. And God knows - I’d love to be able to do that.

But - not - for human beings younger than me - and just as physically capable.

Green Bean Hell and Eggs

2010-06-18T21:09:00.001-04:00

THIS GUY - is not my friend.

This guy and all his ‘ Homies ‘ I’ve been finding - shouldda taken a different road - to somebody else’s garden.

This guy - and several of his ‘ Homies ‘ - no longer exist. Maybe now my tomatoes - pole beans and jalapeno peppers can live in peace - until I pinch 'em.

I’ve been saying that the past several days have been a trip to ‘ Green Bean Hell ’ around here. Had I been watching them daily - once the flowers arrived - they would have taken forever to get ready for harvesting.

I planted a few extra plants this year. And I didn’t stand around holding my breath. They came in much earlier than expected.

I harvested - cleaned - blanched - and bagged up 13 packages - by myself - on Tuesday.

Come Wednesday - I got back out there and picked a few more in the morning - while Dwayne slept for a few hours after coming in from work.

He climbed out of bed and headed out to the garden with me - after having a half-chance to catch his bearings and wake up.

By the time we came in that evening - we walked in and discovered we were without air conditioning.

We’ve experienced several off/on/surge power outages on a daily basis over the past few days - no thanks to the insanely high temps and humidity. And having no air conditioning - after the last few hours we'd just endured - did not leave us too pleased.

And - we had all these green beans - besides the ones crammed in the kitchen sink. Left these in the bathtub to keep them crunchy until we could deal with them in the early morning - while it was still somewhat cool inside the house.

( See the brick? We don't use this tub for anything but showers - and I forgot - no plug! I stuffed plastic sandwich wrap in the drain and put the brick there to hold it down. )

We ended up rushing like crazy - getting up early Wednesday morning to get these puppies dealt with before it got way too hot - and before all the consumption of power from the temperatures started causing more of the off/on/surge power outages. Had laundry and a few other absolutely necessary things - which also required use of electricity - that I handled in between - whenever I could.

We didn’t finish bagging green beans before having to close all the windows in the house. We opened up the door to the basement. Set up an Oscillating Fan down at the bottom of the stairs to shoot the cool air up to us. LOL

The air conditioning repairmen didn’t show up until after 3:30pm.

We got lucky. The capacitator had gone out. All the power problems of late are suspected as being responsible for causing that problem. And we were running a little low on Freon. We got off very lucky - less than $200.00!

By then - we had put 27 more bags of green beans in the chest freezer. We took showers - loaded up the truck with supplies - drove to Louisville - and met Casey and Stacey for some night fishing.

I didn’t catch a thing. It was after midnight by the time we got back to the dock. We had a 45 minute drive to get back home.

Casey didn’t wanna clean the 7 Crappie - so he sent them home with us. Dwayne found eggs in one of them while he was cleaning.

If you know anything about fish - especially Crappie - you know that there should be no eggs in June.

I dunno - between the weather we had last year - as well as TVA messing with the water levels during spawning season - it looks like the bio clocks on all the fish are just totally jacked up.

It was a shock of a surprise to us both - that would have to wait until morning for discussion.

It was already 3am.

Changing Time Around

2010-06-15T09:53:00.002-04:00

Kit - Sentimental Journey by Lady Bug Designs at Digital Design Den

Fonts -
Mareen's Print
Learning Curve
Brock Script

It has been so insanely hot and muggy here in East Tennessee. We're being told by local Meteorologists that we are - indeed - experiencing a Heat Wave.

In Texas - you just kinda - melt - when you walk outside during summer. And girls know this - your hair kinda - shrivels up like cotton candy when you hit it with water. Hair spray is a requirement down there - which is a little bit of an oxymoron in its own way - if you think about it. You get two choices - shrivel - or - the itchy sweat.

Okay - I'll stop. But let me say one more thing. I found one better than Final Net, girls! Can you say " Vavoom " ?? Yeah - I can... after handing over about $20 for a can of that magic.

Anyway - the difference with the heat we're currently having here is - ( compared to Texas ) - you feel like the air is being sucked right out of you when you step outside here.

In the meantime - I'm revamping my " To Do " lists and working all the outside stuff into the late afternoon. And we don't step outside until we check to see if the temps have begun to drop.

Not helping with our gardening efforts - to say the very least.

Thistle Do...

2010-06-14T09:45:00.001-04:00

Always nice when you visit an ugly spot and find something pretty taking over - even if it does have thorns!

Kit - Chamomile by Lady Bug Designs at Digital Design Den

Fonts-
BloomingGroveAltBold
CarbonType
Scriptina

Count this, Mother Nature!

2010-06-12T08:33:00.000-04:00

I came home after grocery shopping yesterday - to this!

Sometimes - as long as it has the word ‘ bale ‘ in it - you can’t help feeling grateful.

I love walking out to the middle of the hayfield - just after it’s been cut - to get pictures - and just - look at the view for a while!

We don’t even know Terry that well. But - this cutting showed a lot about him.

He’s got some family-raised smarts. He likes a challenge. He knows how to network. And he’s all about taking care of business.

He didn’t get to square bale. But it’s more than obvious - his qualities as a person carried him through avoiding loss - period.

And he says the next cutting will look even better.

Yep - Mother Nature and all her buckets of rain failed to get the best of him!

This was a partial bale. Dwayne rolled it up to the RV pad for us to use in the garden and with our chickens. Terry says this partial bale - alone - would equal about 8 square bales.

Wonder if I could turn it over sideways - climb up on it - and walk it around the yard - kinda like log rolling.

With my luck - the thing would just turn into a giant lint brush. And with two dogs - there is no telling what it would pick up.