Peggy's Mountain Blessings

Hidden Haven

2010-03-17T16:38:00.000-04:00

I am back at the homestead (Hidden Haven) for a bit. I am helping downsize the house, storage,out, and tool buildings as well as the animals. Rusty and Troubles are with me but I forgot my camera at the tiny cabin. You can follow along on my adventures at: http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/ I will probably find my old camera around here and be able to take some pictures of the beautiful spring flowers and things around here.

Spring?

2010-03-08T09:10:00.000-05:00

Now that warmer weather is getting even warmer I have been busy sowing seedlings hoping they will take off so I can plant them come gardening time. Trying to cut and sew squares for a quilt. Work outside is time comsuming but oh so fun. Rusty is loving being outside all day while I clean, rake, pull weeds, etc. Blogging seems to be at the end of my to do list each day. Though I don't post I do think and say a prayer for my blog friends and neighbors as I go about my day. I am so blessed to have each of you in my life. So enjoy your day wherever you are, whatever you are doing and know you are being thought about and prayed for by one of your friends and neighbors.

Happy Birthday Melody

2010-03-05T20:23:00.000-05:00

Happy 34th Birthday to my sweet, kind, wonderful, tenderhearted middle daughter. Always wanting to be the peacemaker, always making room for one more child, always making room for one more family member. Always there when you need anything or just someone to talk to. Happy Birthday to the lady with the biggest heart I know. Love you Melody and have a wonderful birthday weekend in Tennessee without the 7 kids tagging along!

Snow

2010-03-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

Can we all cheer for winter!! Snow, snow, wonderful snow. Am enjoying this last blast of winter before Spring comes hopping in the door. Have been super busy these past few days but not so busy to forget to say a prayer for my friends. Have a blessed week! Watch out for the snowball I have heading your way!

Gotta Love This!

2010-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
(1) They live here. You don't. (2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture. (3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people. (4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.
Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they (1) eat less, (2) don't ask for money all the time, (3) are easier to train, (4) normally come when called, (5) never ask to drive the car, (6) don't hang out with drug-using people; (7) don't smoke or drink, (8) don't want to wear your clothes, (9) don't have to buy the latest fashions, (10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and (11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ..

Snowy Wednesday

2010-02-24T08:49:00.000-05:00

After those few 60 degree sunny days I am watching for the first snowflake to start falling. Snow is predicted for today, tonight and in the morning. Of course I am excited. Snow no matter how little is beautiful and peaceful. I was going to go back to the cabin today but think I will stick around here at Melody's and go tomorrow. The gutter people got the new gutters up on Melody's house yesterday. I fixed chicken, brown rice, green beans and biscuits for supper. Was fun listening to all the grands chatter while they ate. I love how they get up from the table and wash their own plates, cups, etc. With that many kids Melody and Joseph were smart to have them do that. I got to play with Baby E and rock her to sleep. She is cooing and laughing so much these days. Brother J is ball crazy. He loves to throw balls for you to catch and throw back. He catches really well you just have to make sure you see the ball coming when he throws. He has caught me by surprise a few times. It turned cold last night so I cleaned out Joseph's woodstove and built a fire. The house was and is nice and toasty. Rusty is having fun with BoBo. He is Melody's dashund and has much more energy that Rusty. Things are kinda quiet here this morning with everyone off to school and work. Think I will do a load of Melody's laundry and straighten up a little. Hope you are having a blessed day!

Start Your Search Engines and Put On Your Thinking Caps

2010-02-23T12:57:00.000-05:00

My friend Phil over at Small Pines is going to build a home on his homestead. Right now they are living in a nice RV and a tiny cabin. He wants to build it all himself and would like some links and some ideas. So pop on over to Small Pines, have a look see and give him some links, photos, and ideas. He will post a link to your blog which will bring more traffic your way.

This and That

2010-02-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all your prayers for Brea. She is now home and getting better everyday. She still has to go have checks on her heart every week for awhile to make sure the medication is working but she is doing great. Prayers work miracles.

Please keep Megan and family in your prayers. There are some very stressful things going on in their lives at the moment. She knows God never gives us more than we can handle but she is overwhelmed with some burdens and could use our prayers.

Ms. Spring has been peeking her head in around here. We have had 60F temps the last few days and I have actually enjoyed it. Mrs. Winter isn't ready to leave yet as they are calling for snow tomorrow night and Thursday morning. That's fine with me as I am not ready to bid goodbye to winter yet.

This won't mean anything to most of you except Debbi but I got to talk to Kuma (Debbi's dog) on the phone this morning. I was told Kuma starting wagging her tail and tried to lick the phone.

I have spent the morning at Melody's while the gutter guys put new gutters on their house. Rusty thought he was being protective by barking each time they made a noise. Its made for a noisy morning. I am going to cook supper for everyone so need to go check Melody's freezer and decide what to fix. Its fun cooking and eating with a housefull of kids and grandkids. Plus I get to play with Baby E and brother J!

Working on some changes so may not post for a few days. Will catch up and post changes soon. Have a very blessed day!

Interview With God

2010-02-20T08:13:00.000-05:00

My brother sent this to me and it is so beautiful I wanted to share. I hope you like it too.
http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup-frame.html

Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Pictures Around The Tiny Cabin

2010-02-17T09:13:00.000-05:00

Lots of blessings have been coming my way lately. SIL Brian installed a tiny woodstove in the tiny cabin. I love it! Was so nice sitting by the stove last evening. I was so content I didn't want to go to bed. The cabin is so nice and warm and without using electric heat the electric bill will go down!

Here are some photos of the walls of the tiny cabin. I embroidered a few pictures and the rest are things either given to me,purchased at thrift stores or yardsale.

The flag with buttons picture I found at a thrift store. I love it and want to try and make a different picture using old material and buttons.

On The Edge

2010-02-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

I have a twin size bed in the tiny cabin. Rusty and Troubles take naps on the sofa, under the bed or Troubles special spot is on a baby blanket on top of the microwave so he can look out the kitchen window. They don't bother with the bed. The minute they see me get into my pj's and start to get ready to turn in( I like to swivel the TV around to watch the news in bed) they make a mad dash for the bed. I have made jokes about sleeping on the edge but decided to take the camera to bed with me to show you. Its a very comfortable bed or at least I think it is from the edge. That hump you see on the right is me. You will notice Rusty and Troubles are in the middle of the bed very comfortable dreaming away. After taking the picture last night I got to thinking about being on the edge. I am on the edge in more than just the bed. I pray to God about my needs, worries, wants, etc for his help. The thing is I stay on the edge of trusting him completely to answer those prayers. I stay on the edge by praying but going on and doing what I think I should do to answer those things myself. I need patience to wait for him to answer those prayers in his time and in his way. I need to get off the edge and trust him completely. He has always taken care of me. He has always been here through mistake, wrong turn, etc I have taken. Waiting for me to get off that edge, let go and let him take control.....

Yesterday I did have someone else in my bed. There was no daycare because of the weather so Melody let me spend the day with Baby E and her brother J. We had a blast and they got to take a nap on the bed without any animals trying to hog in. Thank you Melody. I had so much fun. The snow is almost all gone and everyone is back at school and work. Brian is installing a tiny woodstove in the tiny cabin today! I am very excited and will be posting photos for

sure. Have a blessed day!

Snowy Monday

2010-02-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

With snow falling I am looking forward to finish reading my book. I purchased it at a thriftstore for 50 cents and what a bargain it has turned out to be. Going Home by George C. Roche III stirs up memories within yourself as you eagerly turn the pages. Though its written about his life, his homeplace, and his family and friends he wrote it as a fiction to change names, etc. to protect his family and friends privacy. He left his mountain home and made a very good living in New York. One summer he told his partners he was taking the summer off and traveled back to the old homeplace. The cabin was falling apart since no one had lived there in many years but he spent his summer repairing the place and finding out he didn't want to leave. He told his partners he wouldn't be back and settled in the cabin way up on the mountain miles from town as winter set in. I am anxious to read more of the memories he shares and the adventures he is having.

Also while the snow is on the ground its been a good time to look through seed catalogs. If you find you don't have enough here are some sites you can click on to order free seed and garden catalogs.
Burpee
Plow and Hearth
Gardner's Supply Co.
Park Seed
Pepper Joe's
Seed's of Change
Thompson and Morgan
Wildseed Farms
Harris Seed
Henry Fields
Organic Gardening
Johnny Seeds from Living off-grid at Maple Valley Farms This homemaker Ang's blog and they are now selling seeds for Johnny Seeds

Well off for a short walk then its back to finish my book. Have a very blessed Monday everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day To Each Of You

2010-02-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine’s Day gives me a reason
to express the feelings
I think about but don’t say
about people who enrich my life
in unique and meaningful ways.
You are this kind of special person.
When I think of you,
my thoughts are warm, and fond,
and filled with admiration.
I feel blessed to know you.
May your Valentine’s Day
be filled with the love and respect you deserve.

Have a very blessed Valentine's Day!

Sunny Saturday

2010-02-13T12:29:00.001-05:00

The sun is shining brightly and the snow is melting some but thats okay. Tonight and tomorrow is suppose to bring more so I won't be greedy . Went for a walk with Rusty and everything is so beautiful covered in snow. I am staying at Megan's house for a few days keeping their woodstove going. They have gone to Winston Salem to visit Brea. She was in congestive heart failure on the way from Asheville to there but is doing a little better each day. I can't remember what Megan said they found out she had but 1/3 of children who get it get over it with medication, 1/3 don't make it, and 1/3 have to have a heart transplant. Thank you for your prayers for Brea and I hope you will continue to pray for her. The photo is of Brea with GD "G" taken at Christmas.
I am enjoying sitting by Megan's woodstove drinking hot tea and watching Rusty with Megan's dog's. They get along good until it comes to who gets to sit in my lap. Last night I had Rusty, Rex, Tisha, and Troubles sleeping with me. Made things interesting when I needed to turn over.

10:30PM and Still Snowing!

2010-02-12T22:32:00.000-05:00

Rusty has finally gotten use to the snow and actually wants to go out in it now. A beautiful snowy night. A warm fire, a cuppa cocoa and the opening ceremony of the Olympics.... what a blessing!

It's Snowing!

2010-02-12T14:48:00.002-05:00

Updated to add this picture of the snow about 25 minutes after it started.

Had a few flakes floating around before lunch but now its coming down fast and the ground was white in a matter of minutes. In case you didn't know.... I LOVE snow! :) Talked to Ms. Fran's daughter in FL and they are suppose to get snow too. What a perfect way to spend a weekend. Walking Rusty in the snow, making a snowman, and sitting by the fire watching the snow falling. I am sure there will be snow photos to share later.

Frugal Friday Tips

2010-02-12T07:51:00.001-05:00

for those that ask how to go to each site listed.. click on the purple highlighted words and it will take you there.

Have a Ruby's Diner nearby? Free milkshake coupon

Simple but tasty 5 ingredient recipes

$1 off coupon for Cheerios

BOG0 Pinkberry Yogurt

Free Hanes socks and chance to win Cruise

Free coupon for Excedrin if you answer the one question survey with anything but Excedrin

Find a Thrift Store anywhere When you are on vacation, passing through a new place just type in town and/or state to find addresses of all thriftstores in that area.

Just in time for Valentine Day; 20 cute and inexpensive last minute ideas for Valentines Day. So if you or down to the wire with nothing, check this site.

Living on a Dime is one of my favorite frugal blogs. She always has lots of tips and lots of recipes.

A Post For Anonymous Commenters and Emailers.

2010-02-11T23:57:00.000-05:00

I usually delete and forget the comments and emails from people that don't approve of my posts on being frugal, living in a tiny cabin, being separated from my husband, and the best one: being miss goody goody with all the blessings. I decided today to try to answer some of their comments and emails in hopes they will understand (if they are really wanting to) or be happy they got a response from me and go away. So if you my dear blog friends and neighbors will overlook this post I will be back to "normal" or at least my normal postings later.

Why am I pushing frugal on people? Well, I didn't know I was pushing. I was frugal in the past because I enjoyed it. Now I am even more frugal and penny pinching because I have to be. I still enjoy it and love finding frugal tips to pass on you but I in no way mean to make you think you have to be frugal too. I know to the penny how much I have to spend each week so think of it as a challange to find a way to spend even less than the week before but not do without the things I need. So yes, you will find frugal posts here. You don't have to read them but if you do I am sure you remember I don't have to publish your nasty comments.

Why do I have a dog and cat if I am pinching pennies? Because I am a animal lover. Because they needed a home and I needed them. They are like family to me and yes, they are a little too spoiled but I wouldn't have brought them home if I had any doubt I couldn't afford to feed them. If something were to happen and I could no longer care for them they have a home waiting for them. I don't see my ever having to do that but just incase I made sure they will always have a good home.

Why did I waste money on a birdfeeder if I am so frugal? Well, My daughter Megan surprised me with a money gift and since I have missed my birdfeeders from the farm I bought one to hang on the cabin porch. I am even planning on getting another one along with a suet feeder so am sure that will really make you mad. I keep a list of things that I would like to purchase, find or make but don't need and when a few extra pennies is saved or a gift appears I mark something off my list.

Why am I living in a tiny cabin? Because I have a wonderful daughter and son in law. They purchased a prebuilt cabin and set it up on their property. I am close to family but yet have my own space. I have a kitchen area, living area, and a bedroom area. I use daughters bathroom and laundry and everything else I need is in my tiny cabin. I love it. I enjoy planning, making, redoing, rearranging, etc to make it homey and primitive. I enjoy planning ways to make it a more frugal way to live. Its not for everyone so don't worry if you don't understand.

Why am I not living with my husband? That one is really none of your business. And from your nasty comment I think you are a unhappy person that has to try to make others feel bad inorder to make yourself feel better. Sorry it didn't work.

And the last one... A goody goody with all the blessings? Don't even think of myself as a goody goody. I am far from that but I do have all the blessings. All the blessings God gives me each day. That was the purpose of this blog... to count and share my blessings. Each morning when I wake up the first thing I do is thank God for a new day and ask him to bless me and mine. I read my devotionals for the day, my Bible scripture for the day and start my day. Each night I ask God to watch over and bless me and mine through the night. I talk to him about friends, family, problems, needs, etc and then I thank him for my blessings of the day. I then read some in another devotional book, a chapter in the Bible and write in my prayer journal. At the end of the prayer for that day I write 5 blessings I am really thankful for. So yes, I have lots of blessings but sorry I am not the goody, goody you thought.

Everyone that blogs gets nasty or hurtful comments or emails but I hope we won't let those keep us from blogging whats in our hearts. None of us can make everyone happy or like us. We can only write what we want to share with our friends, family and blog neighbors and not worry about those that only read blogs to leave nasty comments because they are so unhappy with their own life. So keep blogging! I promise I'll not leave a anonymous comment. I promise my comments will have my name and hopefully will let you know how much I enjoy your posts.

Now here is a frugal recipe that I tried and really liked. Not saying you have to be frugal to try it nor do you even have to try it.... just saying its frugal and its good!

Frybread

Often thought of as a traditional Native American food, it’s been made by the tribes of the Southwest only within the last hundred years. It contains few ingredients indigenous to the lands of the Old West. Most frybread ingredients came from the new settlers and were acquired by tribes through trading.
Development of this tasty bread most likely happened as a result of need by two cultures, which found that frying bread in a skillet could save time; the result traveled well and lasted longer than other breads.
You can vary this recipe by changing the size of the pieces or roll it out to ¾ inch thick, which takes longer to fry but gives the bread a chewier texture.FRYING TIME: Approx. 15 seconds per side
FRYING TEMPERATURE: 375 degrees
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 tablespoons shortening or lard, melted

Blend all four dry ingredients. Add the milk and shortening, slowly stirring with a wooden spoon. It will appear very dry. Turn out on floured board or counter and knead dough until firm, but don’t overdo it. Pat out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into circles any size that will fit the frying pan. Heat about 2 cups of oil in your skillet to 375 degrees (a 1 inch cube of bread will brown in 1 minute at 375 degrees). Carefully slide your dough into the pan. The fry bread should puff up immediately. Turn once (very carefully) when golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Use frybread any way you can imagine. For example, fill with fruit and fold over like a taco shell. Top frybread with taco meat mixed with a can of diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocados, olives, jalapenos, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Sunny Cold Thursday

2010-02-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone!
The sun is shining. The wind isn't blowing but its not snowing. Oh well hopefully more snow this weekend. I can't be greedy. I am at Melody's today taking care of Grandson J. He is the last one to get the stomach bug. Megan was asking us the other night if we had rather be sick with something else for a week or have this stomach bug. We all chose to be sick with something else for a week. That stomach bug is rough! I think Rusty even had it as he threw up 3 times.

Megan and Brian's niece ( I think she is 4) is in the hospital. First she was here and they couldn't get her fever down so they sent her to Asheville. They did surgery and drained her lymph nodes in her neck as they were infected. Her kidney's started producing too much proteinher lungs colapsed, and they found a leak in her heart. Asheville hospital sent her to the Children's Hospital in Winston Salem. Please keep Brea and her parents in your prayers. They still don't know what is wrong and are starting from scratch with tests today.

The grands all got their report cards. Some made A B honor roll.Some almost made honor roll but had a high C in one class. And one who will remain nameless who always makes A honor roll and is in Beta club made a D in gym. Not because she couldn't do gym but because she forgot her gym clothes on gym days and couldn't dress out. Did I forget to tell you she is our blonde in the family? LOL Anyway her dad has fixed that problem. If she forgets one more time she has to wear her gym clothes to school on gym days and wear them all day. Oh the horror! A teenage girl being seen in gym clothes by all her friends all day at school! She thinks that is so unfair but I have to say I think it might work.

I have some photos to show of the tiny cabin. I framed and hung some of my stitchwork and it really makes the cabin look homey and primitive like I want. The photos are on my camera at home so will post them tomorrow. Thank you again for the embroidery thread,sewing projects, and knitting supplies. I am really enjoying them and keeping my hands busy.

Don't forget to count your blessings, no matter how large or small!

Cathe, email me at happe2b50atyahoodotcom and I will send you my mailing addy.

Stomach Bug

2010-02-08T10:10:00.001-05:00

Updated to add I had to take Megan to the doctor as she is really sick. He gave her an IV with meds to try to help the vomiting but its not working. I also had to go pick up GD "J" from school as she was throwing up too. This stomach bug is really rough so everyone take care.

Will be back to post tomorrow. The stomach bug went from GS "Q" to me to "J" and now Megan and GD "G" has it. Hope you have a blessed day and are well.

Yucky Day

2010-02-05T12:53:00.000-05:00

Granddaughter H has inflamed ribs. She has a lot of pain but taking her meds and staying in bed. Grandson Q is home with a stomach bug. While everyone was outside building a snowman last night he was hugging the bathroom throne. He is feeling some better today. Baby E brother "J" spent the night with Megan's family last night. I had fun playing with him and hearing that adorable laugh. We had a few inches of snow last night but its raining now. Suppose to be more snow tonight and in the morning.... I hope so! The road will probably flood today as its been raining hard. Mixed with all the snow that melted from last week the road will be a mess. Thankfully I have no where I have to go and can just sit back in the tiny cabin and enjoy the weekend. Hope you are staying warm, dry and safe. Have a blessed weekend! Leaving you with a few photos from Christmas.

Rain or Ice?

2010-02-04T14:42:00.000-05:00

The weathermen can't agree on what we will get. Some say just rain others say freezing rain, sleet and snow mix tonight with same tomorrow and snow Saturday. I will just have to wait and see. Really hoping for more snow and winter weather. Afterall its still winter. :)

I took Rusty with me when I cleaned at Dianne's today. He use to be her dog and she loves for him to visit. She wanted me to meet her neighbors and see their joint farm animals so I left Rusty inside while we went to visit. Poor guy thought I was giving him back I guess because when we came back inside he went crazy barking and would not leave my side while I finished cleaning. The neighbors want me to help feed their goats, cows, horses, chickens when they go on vacation. I am excited about that. Really enjoyed giving the goats treats and the smell of the farm. Their 96 yr old grandparents live in the upper part of their home and they also want to start cleaning for them as they are able to do much for themselves. Getting more work is a good thing!

Melody called me to pick up Granddaughter H from school as she is very sick. I was miles out cleaning and unable to but her Pappy Steve picked her up and took her to the doctor. Joseph is getting off work and meeting them at home to take care of her. Hope its not something that the whole family will get. Melody has her hands full with 7 kids, work, and school.

Dianne gave me some potatoes that came from a friend of hers garden. I think I am going to make a pot of potato soup. She also gave me some overripe bananas that will find their way into banana bread this afternoon. With Melody freezing her leftovers for me, Megan inviting me to eat with her family and garden gifts from friends I am averaging around $25 dollars every two weeks on groceries for Rusty, Troubles and myself. There is always plenty in the pantry and fridge. God is good!

Its almost time to pick up the grands from school. I get to give them their chore list for the day so won't be their favorite person. They are good about doing their chores though. They have a Valentine dance coming up next week that has them excited. I heard them ask Megan not to be at this one which made me remember when the girls were young they loved me taking part in things until they were about 10 or 11 and then they wanted me to drop them off at things. They didn't want me to get out of the car, call out to them as they walked away from the car or come inside when I picked them up. Now my girls are dealing with the same thing. Makes me smile.

Rusty is looking at me with eyeballs floating so think I had better take him out to potty before picking up the grands. Have a blessed day! The snow photos were taken 20 minutes after it started snowing last Thursday. Within a hour we had 3inches and ended up with a total of 9 inches not counting the ice.

Sunny Wednesday

2010-02-03T10:24:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day! There is snow in some spots and lots of mud everywhere but the sun is shining and its suppose to get up to 45F. The weatherman has changed our snow for Thursday and Friday to rain and sleet. They are still calling for snow Saturday so I will keep my fingers crossed. Laundry is done, cabin is cleaned and pantry is stocked so I am ready.
Yesterday Megan and I went to a thriftstore during her lunch break. I lucked up on recent magazine issues. Got Southern Living, Ladies Home Journal, Readers Digest and Taste of Home for January and Feb for only 10cents each. Found a nice wooden shelf for $2.00 and a pair of snow pants for a dollar. Megan then took me by Mickey D's for lunch. We had a fun time before dropping her back off at work. I was blessed even more by being invited to have supper with her and the family. Nice steak, baked potato, and corn on the cob. It was a very delicious meal! Rusty was in heaven as Brian gave him the bone from his steak. I got to listen to him chew on it during the night. Rusty brought the bone to bed with him and everytime he woke up he would chew on it to make sure it was still there and growl at Troubles if he even looked at it.
I hung up my first bird feeder at the cabin. Now I am waiting impatiently for the birds to find it. I want to get another one for the other side of the porch and later a couple of humming bird feeders. I have been looking at seed catalogs and dreaming about what to plant around the cabin to attract birds. Dreaming is all I am doing at the moment as I don't won't to give up on winter yet. I am hoping for a few more snowfalls.
Melody and family finally got their power back on. They had a power pole break in half with the transformer and wires ending up on the ground for days. A big tree fell on their boat too. There was over 10,000 without power including the hospital which had to use their generators but now according to the radio there is only 32 homes without. They set up one of the schools as a shelter for those without heat. Melody and Megan both have woodstoves so we all stayed warm. Brian brought out the camping stove and lanterns and we did just fine. Maybe this will get families thinking and getting prepared for future outages.
Baby E is laughing and smiling all the time. Melody has her spoiled (like non of the rest of us had anything to do with it). We took some cute pictures I added to this post. Her brother Jonathan is now with Melody also. Megan got to keep him and Grandson Z for a few days during the power outage. We all spoiled Jonathan and didn't want to let him go back home. We made Melody promise he could come visit one day a week. I will have to take photos next time. I was too busy playing with him to even think of pictures.
I have several stitching projects I am working on thanks to some sweet blog friends. I am also knitting again. I've started out slow though by knitting dish cloths till I get my groove back. Then I will move on to bigger projects.
Life at the tiny cabin is going smoothly. Each day finds me rearranging, adding something, doing some project to make it even more homey. I try not to worry about the past life as thats what it is... the past. I have no idea what the future holds but I sure am blessed in the here and now and am very thankful. Now go count your blessings!

No Ice Storm!

2010-02-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

The temps didn't get low enough so we just got rain.. thank goodness. We still have snow coming in Thursday night and lasting through till Sunday. Being without power didn't bother us at all. I stayed next door at Megan's as they have a woodstove. We were all nice and warm and had gas lanterns that kept the house lit up. There was lots of games of Uno and regular card games. Lots of sledding and snowball fights ending with lots of snow clothes drying out behind the stove. I just love snow and can't wait for the one on the way. Have caught up with a few of your blogs and hope to catch up with the rest over the next couple days. Everyone sure has been busy! As promised am posting a photos from the 92 on my camera. These are from the middle schools winter concert. Grandson Z and Granddaughter H are in the band. The spring concert coming up will have Grandson Q in the chorus and Granddaughter G in the band. Z is standing in back row of band holding his instrument. H is the only one with her jacket still on playing a flute. Z also played the big bass drum but that photo was blurred.

My online devotional had the following poem that I want to share with you. Have a blessed day!

              Your Blessings Are So Many, Lord!

               Your blessings are so many, Lord,
                    To count them one by one
              Would take much longer than a day
                    That has just now begun!

                You fill each day with miracles
                   From dawn to setting sun.
            Each night You hear a million prayers
                   When day's work is done.

                You keep this old world spinning
                      As seasons come and go,
                   And each one is a masterpiece
                      That stets our hearts aglow.

                You fill the earth with beauty, Lord,
                   With flowers, shrubs and trees,
                  And we marvel at Your rainbows
                       And butterflies and bees.

                Your words still give us comfort
                   For Your promises are true.
              Your blessings are so many, Lord,
                       In everything we do!
                                         Poet, Clay Harrison

I'm Back!

2010-02-01T20:29:00.002-05:00

Computer is up and running. Power is back on. Snow is melting but ice storm coming in tonight and in the morning. There is also more snow coming this weekend.... I love it!! Will be reading and catching up on everyone's blog and promise a post and photos tomorrow if the power stays on. Hope you are having a blessed Feb 1st

Snowy Tuesday

2010-01-26T16:54:00.000-05:00

Today has been cold with snow flurries. We had rain for 5 days and the road flooded which meant some nice quiet time at the cabin. Enjoyed staying in and not going anywhere for a few days. Today I had Baby E as she is still sick. Her cough is worse so she stayed with me instead of going to daycare. I met Melody at the doctors this afternoon so hopefully Baby E will get better soon. Grandson#4 has a wrestling match this evening. I wil be taking him so Melody can stay home with the baby. Have been knitting and sewing on some projects. Watching old movies. Megan has alot of my mother's old VHS tapes and I am enjoying all of them. We are planning our garden and Brian will be plowing the ground tomorrow. The girls and their families are already planning their summer vacations and asking em to go along. Will have to see when the time gets closer. I am almost over my cold and the rest of the family seem to be slowly getting over theirs. This one sure wore us all out. Will be back to posting rergularly the first of Feb. Expecting more snow Thrusday, Friday and Saturday..... I can't wait. Tomorrow I will be keeping baby E so she can rest. Melody is busy at work and after being sick herself doesn't have any days to take right now. So things are still moving along here. God has blessed me well. Take care and will catch up on all of you very soon...... I promise

Rainy Wednesday

2010-01-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

The cold and coughs are still running its course through the family. Melody and 4 of her kids are home with it. I am still coughing and Megan's family are still coughing and sniffing. Her son is home today with stomach bug. We have had rain today and suppose to rain tomorrow and Friday. Working on a stitchwork for a friend of Megan's that is getting married Friday. Watched a dvd last night called " Red Furry". It is really really good if you get a chance to watch it. Enjoying my devotional book from Connie alot as well as cd player and radio from Kelly and Alex. Have done some stitchwork on my curtains and a little decorating around the cabin. I have lots of photos that I hope to one day get posted. Have a blessed week!

Rainy Sunday

2010-01-17T16:53:00.000-05:00

We have had rain for a couple of days. Friday was so nice I had baby E and her brother J (3) outside most of the day. Melody is now caring for J as well as baby E each ight while their mom works. Jgoes to headstart each day but had a cold Friday and stayed with me. Melody now has 7 children counting baby E and J. I don't know how she does it but she just glows. She has one more semester before graduating college while working fulltime as a family advocate. Her kids are in band, wrestling, etc so she also runs them to practice and games. I don't know hwere she gets the energy. After having the 2 babies all day Friday I was ready for bed early! I will enjoy hanging out with Megan's 2 Monday and Tuesday as there is no school. Granddaughter and I have some sewing projects planned while grandson will be target shooting with his bow. I am still taking pictures and will be back online regularly soon I hope. I am trying to slowly catch up on everyones blog but it will take me awhile. Think of you often and hope you have a blessed week!

Chilly Tuesday

2010-01-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

Temps are still cold with some snow and ice still around. Tomorrow is suppose to be 50F so it will feel like a heatwave. Baby E got her shots yesterday so has been a fussy baby. I won't have her after this week as she will go to daycare during the day and Melody will keep her at night. Having a baby around has kept me busy and tired but sure will miss her. Rusty will be happy to have me all to himself again. Exams going on with the grands at school so they are busy with studies. I think they all are praying for a big snowfall. LOL Colds and coughs are still running rapid in our family but hopefully will play out soon.I did get to do a cleaning job this morning. A friend watched the baby for me. I can't wait to get things back to normal so I can post photos and catch up on everyone's blog and news. Take care and count those blessings.

Sunny Sunday

2010-01-10T15:23:00.000-05:00

Sunny but cold Sunday here. Still have some snow and lots of ice. Water has frozen the past 3 mornings but Brian gets it running again quickly. Temps have been in single digits every day but I love it. The ice on the lake is so beautiful. The dirt road out to main highway is finally safe to drive. It was very icy and slick for several days. I enjoyed being cabin bound with sewing, knitting and movie watching to keep me busy. Temps are warming up this week with no snow predicted for awhile. I am still waiting for a nice big snowfall. Homemade soups and chili has kept my crockpot busy and very tasty on those cold days. Rusty has decided he likes the middle of the bed and I should sleep hanging on to the side of the bed. Troubles takes the whole bottom so there is no stretching my legs out either. Makes for a very funny nights sleep. I tried moving to the sofa but they both followed me which made for even less room to sleep. The grands say Rusty and Troubles are more spoiled than they ever were with me then turn around and spoil them too. Life at the cabin with baby E during the day is busy but enjoyable. I will have her again this week as she is still congested. Grandson #3 has spent the past 2 nights with me and we have stayed up till 1AM watching movies and talking. Tomorrow school and work will have everyone back to their routine. Rusty will be pouting during the day until baby E goes home and then we will spend the afternoon giving him all the attention he thinks he missed out on and a nice walk by the lake. Its not the farm life I had before but its a happy, peaceful one that I am blessed to have. I hope you have a very blessed week!

Still Here

2010-01-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

Baby E has a bad cold and going to doctor today. The rest of us have had or have bad colds too. Snow coming this afternoon and through Saturday. I am in heaven of course! Sorry I haven't been able to post often or post pictures that will take a week to see them all but I promise soon I will be back to regular postings and catch up on everyone. I miss you all and am very blessed to have your friendship!

Baby E

2010-01-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

I am taking care of Baby E during the day this week so won't be on the computer very much. Am having lots of fun spoiling her though! Take care and will catch up with everyone soon. We are having cold temps but no snow. Grands are back at school. Daughters and son in laws are all back to work so things are kinda quiet. Rusty is jealous of Baby E and sulking in his bed. Will have to spoil him tonight to make him happy. Life at the tiny cabin is moving along.

Checking In

2009-12-31T21:00:00.000-05:00

With stomach bugs going around the family, Baby E spending Christmas holidays with Melody, grands being out of school, Getting together with all 3 girls and their families, playing games and watching movies with the grands, making sure Rusty has a dry spot to go potty has been keeping me kinda busy. The days seem to go by so fast and I don't seem to get a lot done. I am looking forward to a new year. Feels right starting new adventures in a new year. Connie sent a book among all the goodies she gave me that I started today. Its called "Rise and Shine" and written by a woman for women. There is a small chapter and prayer to read each day and I am looking forward to starting each day of the new year in a positive way. I know there will be days of depression, days of anger and just out of sort days, but by starting them in a postivie way the strength will be there to get through what each day brings. Tonight I am sitting with grandson #1 and Baby E while Melody and Joseph go out and the other grands are at a lockin. After baby goes to sleep I have a magazine to catch up on and watch the ball drop on the TV. Looking forward to the adventures 2010 has planned and all the blessings coming with it. Our snow and ice has so far been rain as the temps didn't go down like expected. Tonight is suppose to bring snow as well as in the morning.... we shall see. I hope your 2010 adventures is filled with blessings!

Snow and Ice

2009-12-29T12:24:00.000-05:00

is heading our way. For the next few days we are suppose to get snow, sleet, freezing rain and can you believe the weatherman even said hail! Strange weather but am looking forward to it. Have did my grocery shopping to get supplies in for Rusty, Troubles and I. Did the last house cleaning job for the week today so I don't have to go out. Am doing laundry now and borrowing some movies from Melody so I will be all set for the next few days. Rusty won't be happy going outside but I plan on taking lots of walks. Megan and family have tickets to go to see the Carolina Panthers play this weekend so hope the roads are clear for them to get there and back home. The grandson is very excited about going to see them play in person. We have had some very cold temps but the cabin is staying warm. I just love winter. Thank you Jenny for the 2 embroidery kits. I have some very nice projects to sew and keep my hands busy while Mother Nature has her fun outdoors. I wish each of you a very blessed and peaceful New Year full of love and laughter. Thank you for sharing 2009 with me. See you next year!

Happy Day After

2009-12-26T12:22:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We had a servere wind and rainstorm which left our road flooded. That was fine as I enjoyed watching the grands dig into Christmas at 5AM before going back to the cabin for a nap before lunch. Megan fixed a huge Christmas dinner at noon.Grandson read the Christmas story from the Bible and granddaughter said the blessing. Meal was wonderful and after cleaning up I headed back to cabin to watch movies and relax. Enjoyed a quiet afternoon till the road was passable to Melody's to see the grands there. I had a very blessed Christmas thanks to family and friends. Rusty and Troubles even had gifts to open and are enjoying thanks to some very special friends. The snow is almost gone but the temps are staying cold so maybe we will get more soon. Stay warm and happy!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T05:30:00.001-05:00

A house to clean, a few errands to run, a few presents to wrap, a Christmas gathering to drop the grands off for, pick up Melody from work and then Rusty and I will be settled down with Christmas movies and a good book. That will be my Wednesday. The snow melted alot today and the snow that was predicted for Christmas has been changed to sleet and freezing rain. Am hoping there are lots more snow storms coming my way this winter. As it gets closer to Christmas I hope all the hustle and bustle has settled down for everyone. I wish a stress free, happy, loving, laughing, peaceful Christmas each of you. May your Christmas wishes come true and may we all remember the reason for the season and say a thank you for that special blessing. Merry Christmas blog friends and Happy Birthday Jesus.

Catch Up

2009-12-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

We still have snow and I am still loving it. Some of it melts during the day and that turns to ice each night making for rough mornings if you need to go anywhere. There are still people without power in western NC. We are some of the fortunate ones. I am at Melody's and camera is at cabin so no photos of snow or packages yet.
I received a package full of yarn, material, set of bed sheets, a absolutely adorable primitive santa that fits perfectly in the cabin, a beautiful devotinal book and other wonderful goodies that warmed my heart from Connie. She doesn't have a blog but has been a wonderful internet friend through my blog and emails. Thank you so much Connie and Rusty is loving his teddy bear!
Kelly and Alex surprised me with a huge package of beautifully wrapped gifts. They said Santa left them but I know these ladies. They are very very busy with their farm plus working nights at the hospital and it touched my heart they took time to think of me, Rusty and Troubles. They have a beautiful farm in Maine. Click on their names and check out their blog. I have had the pleasure of meeting Alex. She stopped by Hidden Haven last year and we had a wonderful visit. Thank you again ladies for your friendship, your words of encouragement, and the gifts sitting under the cabin Christmas tree. I can't wait to post pictures of the book Pea sent in the book swap. Its a beautiful story of The Nutcracker but the graphics of the book will take your breath away. The grands pick it up off the coffee table everytime they visit and drool over the pages. I love it Sis! Thank you Marci, Kelly &Alex, Sheri, Connie, and Mary for the beautiful Christmas cards. Your sweet notes brought tears to my eyes. They are hanging across a shelf with 2 vintage stockings. I have a picture of that too I will post. I am very blessed to have such sweet, kind, loving friends.
Baby E is very at home at Melody's. She is spoiled of course but we all love holding and talking to her. We love making her smile and laugh. She is getting to stay with them more which is making everyone happy. Grandson Q went deer hunting and shot his first deer. His dad says his hands were shaking so hard he don't know how he hit the deer and they were still shaking 30 minutes later from the excitement of getting his first deer. There are pictures of that too. I will be posting photos for a week when I finally get to download them.
Rusty is doing better about going outside for potty breaks but will not go for a walk or stay outside. He is not a snow or winter dog thats for sure. He looks so funny trying to walk and keep his feet off the cold, wet ground at the same time. Troubles is always in trouble but loves the snow and will actually go outside and just lay in it. I spend a lot of time picking up things he knocks off tables, shelves, etc as he goes exploring. I still fight for a space in bed between Troubles and Rusty. They seem to think they should have first choice and I should find a spot that doesn't distrub them. This season has its ups and downs but when I take time to remember the true reason of the season and how blessed I really am its actually a very wonderful one. Have a blessed, happy Christmas and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Spell check isn't working so forgive mistakes

Count Your Blessings Monday

2009-12-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

Time to join Marci and count our blessings. Today I am counting my blessings of wonderful internet friends. I have been so blessed by gifts, cards, calls, beautiful notes and letters. This Christmas season has been somewhat depression but each of you have went out of your way to show your love and kindness. I am very blessed and thank God for such wonderful, kind friends.

Still No Computer

2009-12-19T15:21:00.000-05:00

But still enjoying the snow. Came over to Mel's to bring grands home. We have had a awesome time in the snow. Rusty does not like it at all! He doesn't want to get his feet cold or wet. I carry him to a spot I fixed with no snow so he can do his business and he is ready to go back inside. I am outside as much as possible. I love it! More snow predicted tonight so tomorrow will be a fun day.
I have so many thank yous and photos to show and hope I am back on my computer soon. I am so very blessed. You guys have helped me stop being so depressed and see how very blessed I am this Christmas season. Thank you until I can get back with real thank yous and show some photos of some of my blessings.

Snow

2009-12-18T11:57:00.001-05:00

Still no computer but had to come to Mels and wanted to let everyone know we have SNOW!!!! About 2 inches but snow today, tonight, tomorrow, Sunday and Monday....... I have pictures. Had a snowball fight with grandson, built a snowman with granddaughter...... I love the snow!!! Can't wait to get back on line and share photos and stories.... miss you all and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry

2009-12-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

Having computer problems so haven't been able to post or catch up with everyone. Have lots to post about so hopefully soon will be back on. Am over at Melody's and wanted to let everyone know I am okay, Pea I got my swap package (Christmas book swap) and love it! Will post photos and proper thank you soon. Thank you everyone for all the beautiful Christmas cards. The notes you wrote inside have been a blessing. I will post more about them also. Hope everyone is having a blessed week. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Be back soon!

Frugal Friday Tips

2009-12-11T07:57:00.001-05:00

It's Frugal Friday Time and I have a list of links to freebies. We all love free stuff so click on the links and fill your mailbox with free samples!

Free hand cleaner sample

Free Pita Chips ( if you become a fan on facebook)

Free Block Buster Movie Rental Codes

50 Free Christmas Song downloads from Amazon

Free Sample of Prilosec

Free Flip Photo Book

Free Guide for I-Phone Ebook

Mr. Potato Head for 50cents this week

Free Sample of Soothing Vapor Patches

A Baby For Christmas!

2009-12-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

Isn't she adorable? Melody, who already has 5 children is taking care of this darling. She is helping a single mom who has had a rough time. The mom finally got a job but its working nights. Melody picks up the baby on her way home from work and takes her to her mom the next morning on her way back to work. When E is older and staying awake more during the day I get to watch her a few hours while the mom sleeps! She is a doll and just now started cooing and laughing. Last night I got to rock her to sleep. It felt so good holding and cuddling E. I think she is going to be one spoiled little baby!

Thank You J !

2009-12-09T11:59:00.003-05:00

I am so blessed! I was giving thanks for the embroidery floss from Marci while I happily stitched away when I received another package. My wonderful blog friend J sent me a package full of surprises! I think God whispered in her ear as she was filling the box. She sent me a beautiful set of kitchen towels and dish cloths ( I only had one of each before). Some cloth napkins (I have started cutting back on paper products and only had 3 cloth napkins) Some lovely vintage material that I had plans for the minute I saw it. A adorable tea light holder and wonderfully scented tea lights. I love candles and had used all mine up. Embroidery thread (2 of them I needed right away) Knitting yarn (I had decided I was going to start knitting again after Christmas when I could purchase some yarn). A adorable gingerbread photo frame. (Have had a picture forever that needed that size frame). A Christmas brooch ( I picked one up at a thrift store but decided not to spend the money on it). I have it on my sweater. She also included a precious doggy pin that I love! Some laminating sheets for photos (already using them). And she really touched my heart by sending me a angel that belonged to her mother. It is now sitting on my bedside table. A nice big tea mug ( all my tea cups and mugs were left at the farm) that I really needed and love. Inside the mug were beautiful seashells. I will have to hide from the grands as their bathroom is Ocean theme with fishnets and seashells. A nice little book that had me laughing and sharing as soon as I opened it. She hid some old fashioned peppermint sticks in the package. I absolutely love these and think its not Christmas without them. The only problem is Rusty loves them too and will swipe one if you don't hurry and eat it. I had to hide the rest so he wouldn't eat them all. J also enclosed a beautiful Christmas card with a gift card. Made me cry. The gift card will be used for items I have put off getting till after Christmas. Just when I start to wonder how I am going to work in things in my budget God steps in with a wonderful friend like J. Its really hard not to worry and lose patience over things but I truly shouldn't. Blessings and things that are needed always come at the right time. God always provides. I am so blessed J to have you for a friend. Not because you sent the wonderful package (I love everything!) but because of your wonderful words of encouragement, your thoughts and prayers and you love and concern. God has blessed me with such wonderful friends that though I have not met some of you I have a love and bond with nothing could break. Thank you again J. You can only imagine how your wonderful package made my day.

Thank You Marci

2009-12-08T09:05:00.002-05:00

I have been working on some stitching projects for Christmas gifts and ran out of cranberry and black floss. I put the projects aside and wondered where I would get more floss when a package arrived from Marci ! She had sent me some of her mom's embroidery floss a few weeks ago and this package that arrived yesterday had LOTS more which also had the colors I needed to finish my gifts! What a nice surprise and a blessing. I get impatient and worry over things only to have God supply me with my needs at just the right moment.Thank you so much Marci for parting with your mom's embroidery floss and allowing me to have it. The way she had each color and code wrote and the way she kept her floss is heartwarming to me. I think of her and you each time I sit to stitch and feel so blessed. Thank you ever so much!

Count Your Blessings Monday

2009-12-07T09:29:00.004-05:00

Time for Marci's Count Your Blessing Monday. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and daughters. They made my at first depressing weekend wonderful.

Dianne (a lady I clean for) called yesterday trying to find someone to take her 2 tickets to see The Nut Cracker. She was ill and really wanted to see the tickets used. At first I tried to help her find someone to take them as I was helping Melody with Christmas decorations and plans. After several phone calls and no luck finding anyone able to go Melody's husband told Melody and I to take the tickets and enjoy some time together. We did and we had a awesome time! The Charleston Ballet Company did a fantastic job and the scenery was breathtaking. I am so glad I went and very happy to have a chance to spend some one on one time with a daughter.
Friday night Megan's family and I went to the winter wonderland displays downtown. I remembered my camera but forgot the memory card! Never fear though they are doing it again this Friday and I will make sure to get photos. The store windows had people dressed old fashioned doing things of the past. There was a boot cobbler, basket weaver, spinner, tatter, etc. I loved each window! The streets had old fashioned carolers going up and down. There were old fashioned carriage rides. Each shop had hot cider or cocoa with cookies, candies and snacks, We practically ate our way up and down the streets. You could have free photos with Santa and his wife, with the Grinch and elves. It was truly a walk in winter wonderland and back in time. We only got a few flurries though one town over got 2 inches of snow. Even without snow it was a nice weekend thanks to friends and family.

Tis The Season

2009-12-04T14:10:00.004-05:00

Sandy had a good quote on her facebook this morning:

WHEN YOU ARE DOWN TO NOTHING

GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING

This is the time of year when depression sets in for lots of us. One thing we all have in common is that we suffer from emotional pain from time to time. As we are humans there is no escape from this. However, I have always been a strong believer that it's not what happens to us that shapes our life but, how we respond to what happens. Some of the greatest wisdom we can get in life comes as a side effect of our worst nightmares. Heartache can bring us a appreciation for what has been lost. Remembering what we had in the past gives us a greater appreciation of having been able to have or experience those things in our life. So if we find ourselves in the midst of emotional catastrophes, we can't just sit here and experience the pain. We need to learn from it and use it to make us a better person. I know I am going to try my best to count my blessings and not dwell on the past and what ifs. It's the Christmas season. A time to rejoice.

Frugal Friday Tips

2009-12-04T08:42:00.004-05:00

It's Frugal Friday time! Hope you find something in the list you can use. Just click on the item you want to know more about or take advantage of.

Walgreens Quaker pancake mix for 50cents

Free pint of international coffee creamer

$50 give away for Alice.com

Free calendar from Eat Better America

Free Splenda Sample

Free Calender and Coupons from Muellers

Free Book (The Purpose of Christmas)

Free printable Christmas planner

Chance to win $30 Walmart Gift Card

Handmade Advent Calender

Free pattern for knitted hat

Mother

2009-12-02T23:58:00.003-05:00

Bonnie Marie-November 28,1923-January 14,2005

Mother's birthday was November 28th. With all the Christmas events going on I didn't want a post about her to get lost in the midst.... Happy Birthday Mother

Her friends called her Bonnie, her 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren called her Nannie Bonnie. Her children, well we called her Mother. We never called her mommy or mom. From the time we could talk it was always Mother. It was a respect she wanted and got from her children. Mother went through so much in her lifetime. She had 3 sons and 2 daughters. She buried a son that died at 18 months old from a rattle snake bite. She had another son while her husband was on a ship during WWII. Mother moved from her mountain home and family when her husband came home from war and wanted to go to barber school. The only one in the state was in Winston Salem. She not only kept the home up and meals on the table while taking care of 2 boys she worked so her husband could go to school fulltime. They moved back to the mountains so her husband could have his barbershop and she had 2 daughters. She continued to work fulltime while teaching her children how to cook and take care of the home. All of her children grew up and left home able to cook, clean, iron, sew, garden, and everything else that was needed to take care of ones self. Mother was at church every time the doors were open. We never ask if we were going to church, we knew we were. We also knew that the allowance we received on Saturday had to have 10% taken out for tithe before we spent any of it. Mother had to bury one of her daughters after a long bout with melanoma. She also went through a divorce after being married 28 years when divorce was a hush hush subject. She held her head up and went on years later to marry a wonderful man who she had to bury 20 years later from cancer. Mother later battled colon cancer with surgery and strong treatments that made her very weak and ill. She was cancer free for 2 years and found she had liver cancer which the doctors told her was untreatable and she only had 6 months. Mothers words were no one would tell her when she was going to die and lived for almost 2 years. Not one time in anything that came mothers way did I hear her ask why. Not once did I hear her complain or cry that so much heartache had came her way. She remained strong to the very end, making sure she had everything in order and that every family member had something of hers. She got to see a grandson that she hadn't seen since he was a child and he brought his new born son with him. She was very happy and ready to go be with her love ones that were waiting to take her home. She died with a smile on her face and her hand on my cheek as I was telling her the angels were there to take her home and that we would be fine and stay strong for each other. I am so blessed to have had her as a mother. We had our ups and downs and she could really give me a hard time if she didn't like what I was doing or saying but she was always there for me, always ready to forgive me, always ready to forget and go on. She was there for me at the beginning and I am blessed I was there for her at the end. I was blessed I had the strength to talk to her about God and heaven and our loved ones there waiting. I was blessed I was able to see that smile and feel that touch and say I love you one last time and say goodbye. Today I can't feel that touch or see that smile except in my heart but I can say Thank You for being my mother and making me who I am today. I love you.

Molar Roller

2009-12-02T08:59:00.003-05:00

Am off this morning to take Julie to her dentist appointment. I just love this dental office on wheels! Its so cute and everyone is so nice and gentle with the children. I have a paperback in my purse to read while there...that is unless I get involved in the dvd they have playing for the kids. Have a blessed day everyone!

Christmas Tree

2009-12-01T14:15:00.009-05:00

Last week Megan bought me a little white Christmas tree at a thrift store.

She also bought a string of mini lights. I spent $1.00 on a angel topper

Thanks to Marci sending me her mom's embroidery floss I stitched some ornaments for the tree.

I also made some cinnamon,applesauce ornaments. They really make the tree smell nice.

When Rusty and I went on a walk we took some items from Mother Nature to help decorate the tree. In the above photo you can see some of the rose hips we stuck all around the tree. We also gathered some dried weeds and scattered them among the branches.

Its not the 19 trees I use to decorate and display all through the farmhouse, but its perfect for our little cabin Christmas.

And the best part... I only spent a little time and $1.00!

Christmas Parade

2009-11-30T09:20:00.013-05:00

I won't even try to post all 123 photos of the Christmas parade. Its been many years since I have been to a Christmas parade so I really enjoyed this one and being with some of the grands made it even more special. Here are a few highlights of "Christmas in the Mountains" parade.

Granddaughter and Tisha waiting for parade to start

Here it comes!

I hope no fire alarms go off as all the firetrucks were in the parade!

There are lots more photos of floats, groups, etc but I think you get the jest of a wonderful mountain small town Christmas parade.

Count Your Blessing Monday

2009-11-30T07:47:00.003-05:00

It's Monday and time again for Marci's Count Your Blessing Monday. If you would like to take part visit Marci and leave her a comment so we can visit your blog to read your blessing. My favorite blessing this week is the spirit of Christmas in the community. For the first time in years I enjoyed the Christmas parade with grandchildren. I enjoyed taking part in the town Christmas caroling and listening to the Christmas story being read in front of the courthouse by a beautiful manger scene. Where everyone gathered in love and kindness for each other. No one trying to take Christ out of Christmas. It was truly a blessing I enjoyed and appreciate very much. What is your favorite blessing?

Tree Lighting and Caroling (part 2)

2009-11-28T15:29:00.005-05:00

A few minutes before 7 we walked over to the town square for hot cider and cookies while we waited for the count down. There were lots of big Christmas trees all over town but the main one was waiting for its lights to shine.At exactly 7PM everyone started counting down and the town tree started shining its lights for all to seeAfter the tree lighting everyone walked across the street to the Macon County Courthouse. Our town still celebrates the real reason of Christmas and has a huge manger display by the courthouse door.We were given a candle and Christmas carols we would be singingFirst we had a prayer then we all sang Oh Come All Ye Faithful. We had another prayer and were told the story of how the town received the manger scene. We sang Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The story of Christ's birth was read then it was time to light the candles one by one.-The night ended with everyone singing Silent Night while lighting their candles from their neighbor.

Everyone was filled with love and good cheer as we all walked back to our cars singing We wish you a Merry Christmas. I just love my little town and look forward to next Friday's winter wonderland display. Tomorrow is the town Christmas Parade. I will be sure and take pictures to share. Have a blessed day!

Lighting of the Town Christmas Tree

2009-11-28T08:35:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was a depressing day. Just couldn't seem to shake the feeling and had decided to stay home from the tree lighting service. Am so thankful Megan talked me into going! What a wonderful time we had. The shop window displays of old fashioned winter wonderland is next Friday night. All the shops will have live people dressed in old fashioned clothes. We will be going back for that for sure. But last night all the shops had beautiful Christmas displays.

We walked up and down main street window shopping and looking at the lights.

The town is built on top of a hill. I tried to take a photo looking down the hill but it didn't come out too well at night

All of main street has beautiful old fashioned street lamps

While we were walking we found the mailbox for Santa's letters

And we even found the jolly ole man himself out and about

What other small town can you find a little waterfall in the middle of town.

Then it was almost time for the tree lighting

I will post all about that along with photos later!

The Day After

2009-11-27T10:47:00.003-05:00

Had a nice Thanksgiving. Ate too much, enjoyed the family, took a few pictures I will post later. Saw a few snowflakes but now nothing. Its cold and I love it! Going with Megan's family tonight to Town Square for tree lighting and community Christmas caroling. All of downtown shops have their window displays decorated in winter wonderland theme and are staying open late. They have old fashioned carolers singing up and down the street. After the tree lighting there is free hot cider and cookies. I think it will be a fun family adventure and will take my camera along so I can share with you. Have a great day after and enjoy those blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T08:00:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow will find each of us busy celebrating Thanksgiving Day in our own way. I wanted to make sure and take time to wish you a very happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. May your tummy be full of yummy foods and your home filled with love and laughter of family and friends. If you haven't already please take a moment to read my post about Ryan. Happy Thanksgiving from Rusty, Troubles and myself!Giving Thanks
For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affection have brought --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea;
The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!
Author Unknown

Prayers and Cards For Ryan

2009-11-24T12:45:00.003-05:00

My friend Perri has a young son that is having some problems. Please go over and read the details on her blog. I hope after reading about Ryan you will add him to your prayers and also send him a card. Perri gives of herself to her community, church, friends, and strangers. She goes out of her way to help anyone in need. I would love to be able to put a smile on her and Ryan's face by keeping the postman busy delivering cards for Ryan.
You can read the whole adoption story here

Count Your Blessing Monday

2009-11-23T08:04:00.004-05:00

It's time for Marci's Count Your Blessing Monday. A perfect time to really look over all the many blessings we have received and pick one (that's the hard part) that is our favorite for today. If you join in Marci's Count Your Blessing Monday please stop by her blog and leave a comment.
Today I am very thankful for Thanksgiving Day. A day that is truly a day to count our blessings and give thanks. I look forward to spending that day with my daughters and their families. A day we will spend laughing, talking, sharing memories and just being together. Yes, Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful blessing all on its own.
Below is a poem I'd like to share that was in my daily devotion.
"I Know"

** I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?
** I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?
** I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself?
** I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness?
** I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't?
** I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?
** I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait?
** I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak?
** I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when
someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?
** I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?
** I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?
** I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me,
so why am I scared to ask?
** I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off
for tomorrow what I can do today?
** I know that the truth shall make me free, so
why do I continue to lie?
** I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and
understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding?
** I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit,
so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?
** I know that when praises go up, blessings come down,
so why do I refuse to praise Him?
** I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?
** I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because
** I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time?

Quiet Saturday

2009-11-22T03:32:00.003-05:00

Spent the entire day without going anywhere except for a walk with Rusty. Did a little cleaning, a little reading, a little stitching, a lot of napping and kept the Hallmark channel on all day. Loved the holiday movies. Caught up on my blog neighbors posts and just enjoyed the day. Hope your weekend is peaceful one.

Friday's Frugal Tips

2009-11-20T09:02:00.004-05:00

I use to enjoy trying to be frugal just for fun. Now things have changed in my life and I am enjoying being frugal because I have to. There are so many frugal tips out there that I have decided to share some with you each Friday. Even if you don't need to be frugal there are wonderful tips you might use or pass on.

Top Freebies of the week: Most of these are free samples mailed to you

Black Friday Deals : If you are going to brave the crowds to shop here are some of the deals

Repair, Reuse, Repurpose : Great ideas on what to do with things you usually toss and how to repair frugally.

Frugal Gift Baskets : Great frugal ideas for Christmas gifts

Thanksgiving Feast Tips : Very frugal tips to help Thanksgiving dinner a hit

Printable Coupons : These are the top coupons for the week you can print out. Will really help save
money on that Thanksgiving shopping list.

The Last of Fall Color

2009-11-19T09:22:00.004-05:00

On the way home from cleaning a house I decided to snap a few pictures of the fall colors before they are all gone. Rusty enjoys visiting his former owner and 4 legged buddies while I clean but his favorite thing is going for a ride. He thinks each time a car door opens its for him and that no matter how cold or wet the window should be down.

Soon all the trees will look like this

We drove by the molar roller at the school but I will get a better photo next Wednesday when I take Julie for her last appointment.

I made the mistake of forgetting to hang up my jacket. Rusty wanted to take a nap and let me know my jacket didn't belong on the bed and needed to be hung up. Photos are blurry as he was really trying his best to toss my jacket off the bed.

What About Thanksgiving

2009-11-18T07:59:00.004-05:00

On Halloween day our town was putting away beautiful fall decorations and putting up Christmas ones. Yes, they are beautiful. All the old fashioned lamp posts down main street have garland and wreaths. Every store window is decorated in a old fashioned Christmas theme. There are lighted snowflakes hanging from street light poles. The town clock area is decorated in tiny white lights and lots of garland and bows. There is a huge beautifully lit Christmas tree on town square. Franklin is truly a old fashioned winter wonderland Christmas dream. But what happened to Thanksgiving? The day each year we gather together, enjoy a wonderful huge meal, laugh, talk, watch the kids play, watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, watch a little football, eat more of that huge meal and deserts, and most of all give thanks. What happened to the day where we gather together and give thanks? The one day of the year we all seem to realize what we have to be thankful for. I love Christmas. I love decorating for Christmas. I love the true meaning of Christmas. I also love Thanksgiving. Even when in the past years where I was home alone on Thanksgiving Day I loved Thanksgiving. I watched the parade, had my own little meal or enjoyed eating with the neighbors, giving thanks for my many blessings. I loved calling the girls, listening to how they enjoyed Thanksgiving. Listening to the grands saying Happy Thanksgiving grandma! Hear how they and their cousins had so much fun together that day. A day filled with family, food, love, and thanks. A day where the gift of love and thankfulness is the best gift of all without having to be wrapped and under a tree. This year will find me for the first time in several years celebrating Thanksgiving surrounded by family. I will be enjoying the wonderful meal my daughter prepares. Enjoy the grands laughing and playing. Watch a little football with son in laws and grandsons. But most of all I will be enjoying the day giving thanks for my many blessings. The day truly meant to give thanks will be celebrated in true fashion. And then..... then the fun and excitement of the Christmas season will begin.
(picture from internet)

Christmas Give Away

2009-11-17T13:31:00.001-05:00

My "adoptive" Sis is having a give away. She has picked my favorite thing of winter..snowmen items to give away. So pop on over and enter for a chance to win

Say Thank You

2009-11-16T14:08:00.003-05:00

Here is a free way to say thank you to a soldier. Click HERE , pick out a card you like, what you want the card to say and it will be printed and sent to a soldier from you for free! You can't pick who it goes to but isn't this a wonderful way to say thank you to our military. So what are you waiting for.... go, go, go! Oh, and tell all your friends so as many soldiers as possible can receive a card.

Count Your Blessing Monday

2009-11-16T08:05:00.003-05:00

Time for Marci's Count Your Blessing Monday. Thank you Marci for starting this and letting us take part. I enjoy counting my blessings everyday but look forward to Monday's to share special ones.

My special blessing I am thankful for today is prayer. To read a blog, email, or talk with someone asking for prayer and know I can help by prayer is a special blessing. To know that all prayers are heard and answered (though in God's time and way) is awesome. To be able to talk to God about family, friends, and self and to know he hears and understands is comforting. To be able to thank God for my many blessings each day is the best blessing of all. Don't forget to count your blessings, no matter how small.

My Sister

2009-11-15T03:12:00.001-05:00

My sister Bonnie Gaye would have been 60 years old today (November 15). She passed away 29 years ago at the age of 31 from melanoma. She left behind 4 small children. She and I fought like cats and dogs growing up. We didn't have a close relationship until we were both grown and married, then it was cut short. Though she had a short life it was never boring. She always found things to laugh about, never met a stranger, always ready and willing to try new things. I miss her a lot and wish she were here teasing and laughing about getting old, but know she is much happier and watching over me with a smile and twinkle in her eye. Happy Birthday Nay Nay

I've gotten used to missing you,

My grief's begun to ease;

I don't sit down to write you notes

Or phone to shoot the breeze

.When in a crowd someone may laugh

Or sound a lot like you;

And then the pain will grip my heart

And flood my soul anew.

I've gotten used to missing you,

I'm learning day by day

To focus on good memories

And put the rest away.

On strong days I scan photographs

Of happy times we knew;

I picture Jesus in my mind

And place Him next to you.

I've gotten used to missing you,

And though it's been 29 years;

I still am just a thought away

From aching and from tears

But my sorrow will have an end,

So let the teardrops pour;

Until I'm once again with you

And the One who loves you more.

Thank You Marci

2009-11-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I received a package from Marci. She was so kind to give me embroidery floss that was her mothers. There are so many different colors and each is packaged so nicely in its own resealable bag. Its going to be so easy to find my color and keep all the floss from getting knots and tangles. Marci, Thank you so much for the thread and for being such a wonderful blog friend and neighbor. I always feel blessed when I visit your blog.
Marci not only thought of me, she sent the grands 4 million dollars! Yes, she put 4 one million dollar bills in the package for the grands. The first question was is it real grandma and the next was I can't wait to show the kids at school I have a million dollars! LOL Thanks for making their day Marci. They are still smiling.

My ankle is still a little swollen and bruised but feels lots better.
I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend. Its suppose to be in the 70's so I feel lots of walks with Rusty are going to be a big part of my weekend. Hope yours is filled with lots of blessings!

2 Give Aways

2009-11-12T07:53:00.000-05:00

Judy over at Prim2Pink is having a absolutely awesome give away! I just love primitive and she is such a talented lady. Pop on over and enter her give away. You won't be disappointed.

$5 dollar mom is giving away a whole meal! Man I sure hope I win this one so I can surprise Megan and family with a meal as a thank you for all they do for me. Go check it out and you may just be the lucky winner!

Thank You Veterans

2009-11-11T07:37:00.000-05:00

Click on comic to enlarge

Shower Curtain Fun

2009-11-10T20:32:00.000-05:00

Melody gave me a shower curtain she wasn't using. Since the tiny cabin doesn't have a bathroom and I use Megan's that already has one I came up with a different use for it. The top half I used as a table skirt to hide the mini fridge and things I have stored under the table. I had a spring rod Megan gave me that worked perfect.
The bottom half I cut in half, using one half for the bottom of the microwave table and the other half to cover the front of my shelves holding can goods. I had 2 tiny rods left from hanging curtains that worked perfectly. It makes the kitchen area look more country instead of primitive but everything used was free! I love being frugal and decorating without spending money. Its not the farm kitchen from before but I like the cozy, homesteading feel I get in my tiny cabin kitchen.
I did spend a few dollars last month. I found a wooden cabinet at Goodwill for $8. It has 2 drawers and a door hiding 3 shelves. Its suppose to be a bathroom cabinet but I use it as a bedside table. I keep books in the shelves for easy access during the night. The drawers hold reading glasses, pens, paper, etc. and the top is big enough for a reading lamp, bible, etc. Its solid wood and very sturdy. Thought about painting it but for now I like it white.
There is a chair and table next to cabinet. Rusty has a blanket under the chair where he takes naps or hides from company. The antique chair belonged to Brian's grandmother and I love it. The round table was Megan's. The items on top of the table were given to me except the snowman candle jar. I purchased it at a thriftstore for $1.50. Makes a beautiful night light when grands are over and it has snow and snowmen inside... my favorite winter scene! Megan is letting me hang Mother's thimble collection in the cabin. I have them on the wall above the bed and a guardian angel picture. Feels nice having something of mothers to see and bring memories out I had forgotten.
Daughters and friends have given me things. I searched all the thrift stores in town and found awesome bargains. It is lots of fun fixing the tiny cabin up frugally. I had more photos of the inside but they were blurry for some reason. Will take more tomorrow to share. I am already planning frugal but wonderful ways to decorate the cabin for the holidays. Being happy and content with your home doesn't have to involve lots of money. The fun for me is seeing how frugal but nice I can do things.
Megan and Carol had a fun but wet day on their train ride. They left Bryson City, NC at 11Am this morning traveling through the mountains to Nantahala and back to Bryson City at 3:30PM. They loved it! They enjoyed the view and eating lunch on the train.
Megan found out they have the Polar Express train ride too. It leaves out each night and takes you to the North Pole to meet Santa and walk around before bringing you back to Bryson City. I think there will be some grandkids wanting to take this ride!
Its raining again. Been raining hard all day so everyone is watching to see if the road floods again. It is a muddy mess at the moment but so far no flooding. That's about it for news. Hope you had a dry, warm, blessed day!

Later

2009-11-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

My camera is off on a train ride with Megan and her friend Carol. My pictures of tiny cabin updates are still on the camera so I will be back later with a cabin post and probably photos of a train ride. Have a blessed day!

Count Your Blessings Monday

2009-11-09T09:32:00.001-05:00

Its time to join Marci in counting our blessings. What is your favorite blessing?
Today I am thankful for the blessing of memories. Megan has a friend visiting for a few days. They went to school together and hadn't seen each other in over 11 years. I was invited to have dinner with them last night. What a blessing to talk with Carol and Megan and laugh about their school day adventures. Carol was at our home alot in those days so there were lots of memories flooding back as we talked. What a precious blessing being able to store such wonderful memories and bring them out to enjoy anytime we choose.

A Wonderful Meaning Of Rain

2009-11-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

Rain: One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main
streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when
the roads are wet and slick.

Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen, spoke up from her relaxed
position in her seat. "Dad, I'm thinking of something." This
announcement usually meant she had been pondering some
fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her
six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

"The rain! ;" she began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers
are like God wiping our sins away.

After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
"That's really good, Aspen." Then my curiosity broke in. How far
would this little girl take this revelation? So I asked... "Do you
notice how the rain keeps on coming?

What does that tell you?"

Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer: "We keep
on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
After all, In order to see the rainbow, you must first endure
some rain. Amen.
Author Unknown

Have a Blessed Weekend.

2009-11-06T08:50:00.000-05:00

27F this morning and it felt so good! Heavy frost on everything shining in the sunlight. Fall colors are almost gone and winter is just around the corner. I hope she brings lots of snow with her cold winds. I have missed snowy mountain views. Whatever the winter brings I will accept and enjoy.
My ankle is still swollen but so far only a little bruised. I am able to walk with just a little pain. The batteries in the camera are dead so no pictures of the foot or tiny cabin yet. I will get batteries this afternoon when I take a granddaughter and friend to gymnastics. Grandson had football awards last night. He got a lovely trophy and his photos of homecoming. He misses playing football a lot. Went out to lunch with Melody yesterday. We went to a place that makes huge stuffed baked potatoes. They are so big we shared one and I couldn't finish my half. They are stuffed with ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, cheese, bacon, onions, tons of butter and sourcream. Yeah, my arteries hardened just looking at it but oh was it good! After dropping her off back at work I picked up a few groceries and came home. Our road that had so many potholes and ruts from flooding was graded. It was so smooth driving and not having to dodge holes. Spent the afternoon relaxing and working on my handstitched Christmas ornaments. I also watched The Proposal with son in law and grands. It is a awesome movie! I loved it but I love anything Sandra Bullock is in. Rusty is pouting as he hasn't got to ride in the car in days. The grands have been home sick so there are no trips to pick them up from school. I didn't take him with me when I went out to lunch and with the ankle I am not taking him on long walks so he is really feeling unloved. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend with nothing special planned. Hope you have a blessed one! Adding on some Halloween photos of granddaughters in TN. Raigun was a famous pilot. Can you guess who?

Wednesday Already

2009-11-04T11:56:00.000-05:00

Grands and son in law home with bad colds. Think it was the rain showers during the Halloween party. I had a housecleaning job this morning and on the way down the steps to leave I turned my ankle. Made me sick at my stomach it hurt so much. I am almost afraid to take my shoe off as I know it will be purple. Seems like every year I either sprain a arm or ankle and its always stepping off one tiny little step. I can go up and down stairs all day and be fine. Its those small steps that get me everytime. I have done some rearranging and decorating in the cabin but will post pictures tomorrow. I am off to the cabin to check my foot and rest with a good book. Have a blessed day.

Count Your Blessing Monday

2009-11-02T09:20:00.001-05:00

Marci 's count your blessings Monday is here. What are you thankful for today? Today my favorite blessing is sunshine. After many days of rain it is such a blessing to see and feel the sun shining. Taking a walk with Rusty and see the rays of the sun bouncing off the trees and water. What a beautiful world God has given us and what a beautiful sunlight to enjoy it in.

I helped Megan take down the Halloween decorations yesterday. We cleaned up all the dishes from the party. The grands are going to enjoy having the food and candy leftovers. It was such a blessing to me to be able to be here and take part in their annual Halloween party. I don't think Rusty appreciated my spending a dollar on his costume at the dollar tree. He thinks he is worth much more. LOL It was nice seeing most of the costumes worn were made from things everyone already had or had purchased at thriftstores. I don't see spending a fortune on costumes for one evening. All the kids were given a bag filled with candy to take home. I think they enjoyed being able to have fun and games instead of going door to door and still getting lots of candy. Now its on to thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. This time of year seems to rush by. Don't forget to count your blessings!

The Halloween Bash

2009-11-01T11:18:00.000-05:00

Even with rain off and on the bash was a huge success. Lots and lots of kids everywhere along with lots of adults. Tons of food and fun was had by all. This gypsy fortune telling grandma had a wonderful time

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T15:43:00.000-04:00

From my little devil (who isn't happy with his costume) and myself. Lots of pictures tomorrow of the halloween bash.

A Quiet Day

2009-10-29T12:15:00.000-04:00

Good Day Everyone,
It is so quiet today. The grands are back in school. Daughters and Son in Law's are at work. Quiet is good sometimes so I plan on embracing it and getting somethings done for the big Halloween bash. The grands carved their pumpkins last night.
With a little help from their dad I think they did a awesome job. All the grands are getting excited about Halloween and having their friends come to the party. They have changed their mind several times on what they are dressing up as so I guess I will just have to wait and see Saturday.

I am sitting at the computer in Megan's livingroom and am watching Rex and Tisha. They are on the back of the love seat looking out the window, waiting on the grands to come home from school. They look so sweet.
I am so sad my sweet friend Rosa's mother passed away. She had the most beautiful smile in the world. Her eyes lit up and you could just see the love and happiness flow from them.
The weather has felt like summer the last couple of days. Yesterday was 75F and today is suppose to be the same. Showers and cooler temps are scheduled for tomorrow.Seems like we should be decorating for 4Th of July instead of Halloween. I have done a little decorating to my tiny cabin. Megan gave me some windsocks, skeleton's, and pumpkins that light up. I made my scary man to sit in my chair though looking at the photo I can see I need to fluff him up a bit. Troubles and Rusty have been climbing on and laying in his lap.If you are looking for a yummy but easy donuts then you really must try Farm Chicks recipe. I made a batch and we all loved them. Plan on making more as soon as cooler weather comes back.
These applesauce donuts are perfect for a cold night with a cup of hot cider or hot chocolate.
Now I think its time for me to go enjoy the quiet of the day. Have a blessed day and don't forget to count those blessings.

Teacher Work Day

2009-10-28T16:11:00.000-04:00

Meant grandma got to spend time with some of the grands. Movies and popcorn last night. Pancakes for breakfast. A little football, a little jumping on the trampoline, a few games of bingo

Meant grandma got to spend time with some of the grands. Movies and popcorn last night. Pancakes for breakfast. A little football, a little jumping on the trampoline, a few games of bingo and a few games of boggle and it was time for lunch of hotdogs and homemade fries. A few more games of bingo and a snack of fresh hot brownies and it was time for 2 of the grands to go home. All in all it was a fun day and I think grandma won't have any trouble going to sleep tonight.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxuViCGDOAY/Suinmf1lLNI/AAAAAAAAAkc/k7CGqnXoqqA/s1600-h/school+break+002.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PxuViCGDOAY/Suinnpr788I/AAAAAAAAAk8/yV-vhPhlAnA/s1600-h/school+break+010.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxuViCGDOAY/Suinmf1lLNI/AAAAAAAAAkc/k7CGqnXoqqA/s1600-h/school+break+002.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PxuViCGDOAY/SuinnafLTfI/AAAAAAAAAk0/TEi_FYZJoFc/s1600-h/school+break+007.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PxuViCGDOAY/SuinnO--wMI/AAAAAAAAAks/0r05FYmRrTA/s1600-h/school+break+006.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PxuViCGDOAY/Suinmq3Zl_I/AAAAAAAAAkk/yTDTW7fUNWE/s1600-h/school+break+004.jpg"></a>

and a few games of boggle and it was time for lunch of hotdogs and homemade fries. A few more games of bingo and a snack of fresh hot brownies and it was time for 2 of the grands to go home. All in all it was a fun day and I think grandma won't have any trouble going to sleep tonight.

Grandma Report

2009-10-26T15:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was so sunny and beautiful but today the rain is back. Yesterday I had some running around to do and was going to work on a scarecrow today. Hopefully the rain will pass on by and I can get outside this afternoon with the grands to make him. I forgot my camera again for the molar mobile! But Julie has one more appointment and I am going to make sure I pack my camera the night before. Saturday will be the 8Th annual Halloween Party for daughter Megan and family. They go all out with a graveyard, music and dancing area, lots of freaky, scary but yummy food, games and goodie bags for the kids. I will be sitting on my porch dressed as a old gypsy fortune teller. Using my crystal ball I hope to tell lots of fortunes before joining in on the rest of the fun and food. There will be lots of pictures and stories I promise!

Last Saturday was the last game of the season for grandson. They lost the game (6 to 0) but this was by far the best game they played all year. The termites and mites lost by huge differences. The midgets kept the other team on their toes and from scoring even when they were 3 yards from the goal. Even when the other team kept kicking and spitting on them the team played fair and nice. Even when a certain ref made a very bad mistake in a call and no one understood his solution to the call the boys kept their cool, played hard but fair. When the game was over and though we lost, everyone in the stands stood up, clapped, and cheered for the Mighty Panther Midgets. We all knew what a rough, hard game they had played united as a team and we were very very proud of those boys!We won't mention a certain grandma yelling and wanting to smack a certain ref. Nor will we get into that same grandma screaming at the announcer of the game and then yelling out the plays made by Franklin since he preferred to just dramatize the other teams plays. I will mention that grandson#4 has signed up for wrestling. I see this grandma not hanging up her Panther shirt just yet.

Last evening I rode with Megan and family to purchase pumpkins. Its hard to find pumpkins after 5PM but we found some really beautiful ones. Every lamppost, storefront in town is decorated for fall.

I am starting to do some embroidery and hand stitching (yes, I am turning into my mother) and having a hard time finding inexpensive embroidery floss. Walmart or Kmart doesn't carry it or at least ours doesn't. There is a sewing shop here but I can't afford to pay $1.29 a skein. I know there has to be floss for a lot less than that somewhere and that doesn't charge a fortune for shipping. I found 8 skeins at a thrift store for only 10 cents but haven't seen anymore. Doing hand stitching keeps my hands busy while I watch TV in the evenings plus when finished can be given as Christmas gifts!
So that's whats going on in my neck of the woods... how about yours?

Count Your Blessing Monday

2009-10-26T08:03:00.000-04:00

If you would like to take part in Marci's click on her name and pop on over to leave her a comment. There are so many things I am thankful for its hard to pick just one. But the one blessing that stands out the most this morning is my daughters. I am blessed to have not only intelligent, beautiful daughters. I am very blessed to have such kind, caring, strong, and loving daughters. Without them these past 4 months would have been impossible to get through. Even when I make mistakes they are there for me. God truly blessed me by letting me be their mom.
If you take part please leave a comment so I can visit and read your post.

This Is So Me

2009-10-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

My friend from Tossing Pebbles sent this to me and I laughed so hard. Had to accept that I saw a lot of me in that song. I am sure he doesn't mind my sharing it. Be sure and turn off the music on my sidebar before playing. Enjoy! and thank you Phillip.

Goodbye Izzy

2009-10-21T15:25:00.000-04:00

Rusty's friend Izzy went home yesterday. As much fun as they had together I think Rusty is glad she went home. He now doesn't have to share me or the couch with her.

Rusty likes to walk right beside me when we go for our walks. Izzy likes to stretch her leash as far as she can while walking. She likes being way ahead.So goodbye Izzy. Thanks for being such a sweet playmate for Rusty.

And Rusty there is room on the couch now...you can get off me.

One More Game Left

2009-10-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

Saturday afternoon found us all bundled up sitting in the Franklin Panther Pit. We arrived in time to watch the Termites and Mites before grandson's team the Midgets played at 8PM. Needless to say we went through the hot chocolate and chips Megan brought as well as the hotdogs and popcorn I packed. It was cold, windy and at times wet but we had a great time. Everyone goes all out with Panther pride and spirit. There are painted paw prints on cheeks (including mine). Faces painted red and white and there are even people wanted to scare the Maroon Devils by wearing masks.

We sure love our Panthers! Finally it was time for the game we had been waiting for. The Mighty Midgets hit the field. Grandson (#24) along with 3 other teammates went out for the coin toss. The game was a exciting one with grandson getting a nice reward of $10 from his mom and dad for 2 awesome tackles. It was so cold the cheerleaders didn't even show up. No problem though as our little group came with our own pom poms, cowbells and mega horn. We more than made up for the absent cheerleaders. Not to mention all the cheering and jumping kept us warm. One more game next Saturday and grandson will be hanging up his jersey. There are still other sports and school events to look forward to but I sure am going to miss cheering on The Mighty Panther Midgets.

Count Your Blessing Monday

2009-10-19T07:50:00.000-04:00

I am joining Marci in Count Your Blessing Monday. If you would like to take part please pop over to Marci's and leave a comment. Thank you Marci for such a wonderful way to start the week.

Today one of the blessings I am thankful for is heat. While outside there is a heavy freeze. Beautiful ice glistens on the grass and steps. As I look out the window of my little cabin I am blessed to be snug and warm. I let Rusty and Izzy out this morning for their potty break. They usually run and play a few minutes but this morning they were happy to hurry back to the warmth of the cabin. The sun will come out and the day will warm up but I am blessed that when the cold temps come back I will have a warm cozy place after enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Where Did The Week Go

2009-10-16T19:45:00.000-04:00

The days just seem to go faster and faster. Summer is over and fall is suppose to be here though snow flurries are forecast for tomorrow. Think we might just have a early winter. I have been busy taking some of the grands for dental appointments. They have the neatest place for the kids to get their teeth cleaned and some dental work done. Its called the Molar Roller. I didn't have my camera when I took 2 of the grands for teeth cleaning but they have appointments Monday for a couple of fillings. I will be sure and take pictures of this dental office on wheels. The kids enjoyed their visit and I got to watch Sleeping Beauty and read some up todate magazines. Wonder what they will think of next. Grandson had his homecoming game last Saturday. I missed getting the photo of him escorting a cheerleader. The one I snapped he (24) had already gone thru and was standing with the other players.
He has a game tomorrow and one Tuesday then the season will be over. I think he is happy and sad to see it come to an end.
Rusty has a friend over for the weekend. Izzy and he are just friends so don't have to worry about any hanky panky. They enjoy trying to out walking me on the Greenway and playing together on the front porch. She is a sweetie but I have promised her mom I will not spoil her.
Rusty is not going to want Izzy to go home. He loves having someone to run and play with.
Last night we went to a poetry reading at granddaughter's school. Her Language Arts class wrote poems and then set up a coffee shop in the cafeteria for family to listen to their reading. It was very entertaining.
Tonight Brian and grandson are at the HS football game, Megan is working at the hospital and Granddaughter and I are going through Halloween costumes for her cat and puppy.
We might be having fun but I think Kitty Meow and Tisha don't think so. So there you have my week. Not alot going on but enough to at least make me feel useful. Hope each of you have a blessed weekend, stay warm and dry.

Pea's Birthday

2009-10-13T08:44:00.000-04:00

Today is my "adopted" Sis' birthday. Go on over to Pea's and wish her a Happy Birthday. She and I started visiting each others blog several years ago and after realizing we were so much alike we adopted each other as sisters. I must say I have the most fun loving, adventure loving, crazy, kindhearted sister in the world. Happy Birthday Sis!!!!

Count Your Blessing Monday

2009-10-12T08:37:00.000-04:00

Marci does a count your blessings each Monday . I love visiting and reading her and other blog neighbors blessings. Feel free to take part as Marci would love to her Count Your Blessing Monday with everyone.

Today I am thankful emails. Yep, you read that right. I am so blessed to click on my inbox and find such wonderful, sweet emails from my family, blog friends and neighbors. There are days when I just feel down and there is a email saying just the right thing to cheer me up and put a smile on my face. I love snailmail as I can actually touch the notes and cards but emails come in a instant. I know that person was just thinking about me right then. The feelings of happiness and love that comes because of emails is truly a blessing. What is your favorite blessing today?

A Fun Evening

2009-10-09T10:37:00.000-04:00

I had such fun watching my granddaughter cheer. She is one awesome young lady. Working the concession stand was fun as I knew some of the other ladies working. We caught up on each others news,etc. Do you know how hard it is to take pictures of a cheerleader? They never stand still! Here are a few of the many this proud grandma took.

Go Panthers!

2009-10-08T11:34:00.000-04:00

Granddaughter #2 is cheering at her middle grade football game this evening. After her game she and I will be working in the concession stand for the JV game. Her mom is working late every night this week with parent meetings so I got a call last night from granddaughter asking if I could help. I haven't been to a game to see her cheer so am looking forward to that and to working with her. She is a nut! Always laughing, joking and sometimes her blonde moments come out and have me rolling on the floor.

I will be sure and take some pictures of her in action.

On a different note I want to say thank you to my blog friends and neighbors. I am so blessed to have such sweet, caring, understanding, loving people in my life. Your cards, gifts, emails to see how I am doing, to take time out of your busy life to think of me means so much to me. God has truly blessed me with the most awesome friends!

Four Legged Family

2009-10-06T09:23:00.000-04:00

Woke up extra early this morning. Too early to get up so just snuggled under the covers and enjoyed the sounds of the day. Rusty and Troubles just seem to know when I am awake. They both scooted even closer to me and nudge my hand, licked my face until they got what they wanted. Rubs and scratches. They seem to enjoy just slowly starting the day. Other dogs and cats in my life were always demanding in the mornings. Wanting me up and feeding them right away. When I get up there is no rushing to their food bowls demanding I fill them. Rusty usually stays in bed for a extra snooze while I watch the morning news, dress and straighten up the cabin. He moves to his chair when I make the bed. Troubles sits in the window looking out waiting for me to open the door so he can go outside. He loves sitting on the porch watching the world go by. I usually leave the door open if it isn't too cool so they can go in and out as they please. Rusty likes to sit on the doormat in the sunshine so he can play guard dog and growl to warn me of a car or person passing by on the road. I fill their food bowls and Troubles comes running. He knows the sound of catfood hitting his bowl. Rusty just looks at his food and then at me. He is waiting for me to fix my oatmeal so he can have some. He is kinda spoiled as he likes to eat whatever I eat. Doesn't matter if its lettuce, onions, whatever. He wants what I eat. Last night we had peanut butter and crackers before bed and I had to eat fast before he ate them all. Rusty will go to his food bowl throughout the day and carry a piece of his dry food to the sofa to eat.He always takes one at a time so it takes him all day to eat a small amount. He will not eat his canned food unless I feed it to him. I can put it in his bowl and it will just sit there and dry up. I can feed it to him on a spoon like a baby and he will eat every bite. Like I said he is kinda spoiled. After I check my email we take a walk. I have to close the door to keep Troubles inside as he likes to go on walks with us. I am going to get a collar and leash for him so he can go with us next time. Rusty doesn't stop and sniff everything like most dogs. He likes to walk at a good pace which is fine by me. He will stop and do his business and get back to walking. Some mornings after he has finished his business he will look up at me and turn back to go home. He isn't in the mood to walk anymore so we go back. The door stays open weather permitting and Rusty and Troubles spend the day going in and out. They make sure they always know what I am doing and making sure I am not sneaking any food without them. Last night I sat down to read. My book was laying open on the sofa. Rusty saw I was going to pick it up to read and knocked it off the sofa sat where the book was and looked at me. Instead of reading I got his brush and spent that time watching TV and brushing him. I did get to read later but one hand was rubbing his belly while I read. Life with my 4 legged family is so entertaining, soothing, and wonderful. They have me trained very well I think.

A Give Away

2009-10-05T12:09:00.000-04:00

A blog friend and author is having a awesome give away. Go on over and leave a comment so you have a chance to win her latest book. While there take time to read her blog. She is not only a great author but a wonderful and busy Christian mom and wife. I am always amazed at all she does in a day. Tell her Peggy sent you!

Lazy Sunday

2009-10-04T10:34:00.000-04:00

Saturday was spent doing some cleaning, walking with Rusty and going to grandson's football game. Today is a lazy day. Going to do some stitching on Christmas ornaments, watch a movie, and a lazy walk with Rusty. Hope you have a blessed day!

Bright October

I know no other season
So filled with warmth and cheer
As on these bright October days
When autumn time is here.

The hills have turned from summer's green
To dazzling red and gold;
The flower beds and brighter, too,
So festive to behold!

The harvest yield is gathered in;
God sends His gifts anew.
Each roadside stand, a harvest fair
That warms the heart of you.

A bluish haze on distant hills,
The maple's scarlet flame;
And oak trees dressed in Joseph-coats
Stands guard along the lane.

Of all the seasons of the year,
Each one with beauty blessed,
I hold to Autumn's warmth and cheer--
I like October best!
Poet, Kay Hoffman

A Little Thrift Store Shopping

2009-10-01T18:50:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I left a little early to pick the grands up from school. Decided to stop at a couple of thriftstores. It was a perfect day! I found a bundle of curtains for $4.00 that matched a pair Megan had given me. When I got the bundle home there was not only enough curtains for the other 2 windows but also the door! I will post pictures as soon as I get them all put up. I had been looking for something to put on the wall over a window. Everything I found seemed too modern for the cabin until I saw this. For only $1.00!
There was a cute little pie holder with a clay pie just waiting on me to take it home for $1.00
For only 25 cents each a corn husk doll and 2 pumpkins found a new home on my outdoor window shelf.
I couldn't leave this Home Interior bowl sitting at the store since it was only 75 cents. It now hold taffy, candy corn and pumpkins for the grands and I to enjoy. Yep, thanks to thrift store shopping the cabin is looking a lot like fall.

Apple Pie Bread

2009-10-01T15:27:00.000-04:00

I have post all ready to publish but can't get the photos loaded. Its a thriftstore post so without the pictures its just not ready. Here is a recipe to tide you over. Its a great fall recipe that your family will love!

APPLE PIE BREAD
1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded peeled apples (about 4 medium)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
Streusel Nut Topping (recipe follows)

preheat oven to 350F. grease bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of a loaf pan.
In a large bowl beat butter,sugar until combined. Add buttermilk and baking soda. Add the eggs, vanilla and beat till well mixed. Add flour and salt and beat. Stir in nuts and raisins. Spoon into pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle Streusel nut topping over batter. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, remove from pan and finish cooling. Wrap and store overnight before slicing.
Streusel- Nut Topping
In small bowl combine 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 3 tablespoons all purpose flour. Ues a ffork to cut 2 tablespoons of butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped walnuts.

Just Another Tuesday

2009-09-29T14:22:00.000-04:00

Haven't forgotten to post, honest. Internet was down all yesterday afternoon until late evening. By then I was all settled down on the couch to watch a little TV and cuddle with Rusty. Granddaughter is back at school and feeling lots better. Grandson #1 and grandson #2 now have the H1N1. Melody took them to the doctor yesterday and they are isolated in their "boys den". Its a cabin like building where they have their video games, computer, Internet and TV along with their beds so I think they will not get bored. I checked on them after cleaning a house today and they were feeling okay. Don't think the worse has hit them yet. Troubles is doing a good job of training me to know when to let him outside and what to feed him when. He takes up one whole end of the couch stretching out so poor Rusty ends up in my lap though he seems to like that just fine. I will post pictures and more topics tomorrow if Internet is nice to me. Its time to go pick up grands from school. I am so enjoying this cooler weather! Wore a jacket this morning and it felt good. Now if winter snow would come and make me really happy!!

Internet Down

2009-09-26T18:21:00.000-04:00

For a couple of days so I have alot of catching up to do on everyone's blog. Hope you are having a blessed weekend. Granddaughter is feeling lots better and so far none of us have came down with it. Raining again but no flooding. Football game cancelled so grandson is not happy. Will be back tomorrow with a post and pictures. Oh! Does anyone know where to get the song "Serenaded by Angels"?

This and That

2009-09-23T09:57:00.000-04:00

Well one of my flood photos made the front page of the paper! Megan emailed the paper and news station with some of the pictures and the paper chose one. Franklin Press
Granddaughter had a rough day yesterday and had to go to emergency room last night. Her temp went up to 102.4 even an hour and half after taking Tylenol. She had a bad headache and said even her eyelids were hurting. They gave her medication for her headaches and said the worse should be over soon. She is still sleeping this morning so hopefully will feel better today.
Rusty and Troubles were so happy to see sunshine instead of rain yesterday. They spent most of the day just sitting in the sunshine.