tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62240404762439980102024-03-13T01:05:59.046-04:00Modern Christian HomesteadCyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.comBlogger538125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-64994680160072420832014-05-07T11:19:00.000-04:002014-05-07T11:19:35.214-04:00The Problem With Free Range Chickens...... is free range laying. You would think I would know by now that when my egg supply dwindles and the birds are ranging that I should start hunting.<br />
<br />
Yesterday my daughter came to me all excited because she had found the "secret" nest. My silly hens found an old cardboard nesting box in the barn and had been using it. Sigh... I give them perfectly good nesting boxes that they used all winter and now I have to check everywhere. They certainly keep me on my toes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfhCFieLkziumEhFuOD1zVZ_OyGUvukBQ-QJZlNpRY7BUrkCqkxrtJvzL9zkxmw2Y1rfMo50wFvLabrTIjWSEfEs8mnbD-Dqqspty270tSM3UhvRMYaXTZ-bIcjYoTvGsp5uoJPu7HXMx/s1600/SA700153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfhCFieLkziumEhFuOD1zVZ_OyGUvukBQ-QJZlNpRY7BUrkCqkxrtJvzL9zkxmw2Y1rfMo50wFvLabrTIjWSEfEs8mnbD-Dqqspty270tSM3UhvRMYaXTZ-bIcjYoTvGsp5uoJPu7HXMx/s1600/SA700153.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpVO7vlo_1HfUB1gtMK1cD2tUag6GuwPk7mfsiJofN6y21HdKycVBv9lavgbSvdE2nWJYacQR1RYN6OBttaJaFO0MMOv3r26u4Om05ib4a9TKtp-36iJWoHK5ZhvleJcrZiSfVaoHp4Tb/s1600/SA700154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpVO7vlo_1HfUB1gtMK1cD2tUag6GuwPk7mfsiJofN6y21HdKycVBv9lavgbSvdE2nWJYacQR1RYN6OBttaJaFO0MMOv3r26u4Om05ib4a9TKtp-36iJWoHK5ZhvleJcrZiSfVaoHp4Tb/s1600/SA700154.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmedh1mmCk8lTSXeEwqifpyBPXtSw8xHi-iXtJ5VFIsPl4S-F8102PK3S_MYZuYv1fcUOScBbkggk4eoeAhopFs7B8883uuTa9IBgovAr1ki5hott-orikDkfAnbHWwTDV5jJSJthmauvD/s1600/SA700003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmedh1mmCk8lTSXeEwqifpyBPXtSw8xHi-iXtJ5VFIsPl4S-F8102PK3S_MYZuYv1fcUOScBbkggk4eoeAhopFs7B8883uuTa9IBgovAr1ki5hott-orikDkfAnbHWwTDV5jJSJthmauvD/s1600/SA700003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-73308676515826600922014-05-06T09:00:00.000-04:002014-05-06T09:00:06.480-04:00Wherein We Set Up Outdoor "TV"Yesterday we finished building and installing our "big screen" outdoor TV. It gets one channel. The chicken channel. It's our fave!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlwuDaucj6M0S8lziboTTj-7BBYG0XiPv8ReOPE4rgnxcBul4pBdbHwcPdu8_5-DdI1IH0YIrXbFjAzimhk2qa-A20ArBpNFEb7iSbDGQxjIjV0qg3JOFC2tzYXyfvzPfo4P-lPON_jry/s1600/SA700004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlwuDaucj6M0S8lziboTTj-7BBYG0XiPv8ReOPE4rgnxcBul4pBdbHwcPdu8_5-DdI1IH0YIrXbFjAzimhk2qa-A20ArBpNFEb7iSbDGQxjIjV0qg3JOFC2tzYXyfvzPfo4P-lPON_jry/s1600/SA700004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFIb0sYcG84YiFC7AqZ71RSz9hX9ELWii9QcvHtSt2AYNVLv6ISxBsvhpf2rUpCZnK7-AC9xH8hCl1ns6JskKHJHwVIoZChKdLPbr8iMFMJfrRBhY-HXt8zmmCM6RK8rjHaF7aZbE2H33/s1600/SA700006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFIb0sYcG84YiFC7AqZ71RSz9hX9ELWii9QcvHtSt2AYNVLv6ISxBsvhpf2rUpCZnK7-AC9xH8hCl1ns6JskKHJHwVIoZChKdLPbr8iMFMJfrRBhY-HXt8zmmCM6RK8rjHaF7aZbE2H33/s1600/SA700006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCvCDQS28xxx3o1RPUS5v_waqoWjDMY3TxYd790aQ3os8mGXQP5a1x4bRf7VsrThCIlX26V9OXZcbimiY0Bh3sRt47AzNCyRSGQcTBrCt625AdVOKsU9ytd58WJY-KsYpUcdCAxfEo2z4/s1600/SA700010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCvCDQS28xxx3o1RPUS5v_waqoWjDMY3TxYd790aQ3os8mGXQP5a1x4bRf7VsrThCIlX26V9OXZcbimiY0Bh3sRt47AzNCyRSGQcTBrCt625AdVOKsU9ytd58WJY-KsYpUcdCAxfEo2z4/s1600/SA700010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66bohi91vLAsZdj6yVCoWLkVGCvYgfZNprYOLkSs50UCnbrPIWCn1NcIRDkb7-xza8Dn6ydksImxQW9QPfw53lja0jLgMXOS_0BcMUYuGli43sAimERzvFAdGl3EUjfI9eLsC26UhprHj/s1600/SA700011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66bohi91vLAsZdj6yVCoWLkVGCvYgfZNprYOLkSs50UCnbrPIWCn1NcIRDkb7-xza8Dn6ydksImxQW9QPfw53lja0jLgMXOS_0BcMUYuGli43sAimERzvFAdGl3EUjfI9eLsC26UhprHj/s1600/SA700011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jhad0adWJdKqEK3eGkw4qCKaGLGqfpKcSUUDzLgJY8efn5neAjK7vwbnKJV8mY4XDBP4Y0vbyr1zDRv00JEYVLnAlAD1y2BgrdnH8DYb4POY2bcFBIFOop11owYqiICb1CUqaJxIVrBz/s1600/SA700008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jhad0adWJdKqEK3eGkw4qCKaGLGqfpKcSUUDzLgJY8efn5neAjK7vwbnKJV8mY4XDBP4Y0vbyr1zDRv00JEYVLnAlAD1y2BgrdnH8DYb4POY2bcFBIFOop11owYqiICb1CUqaJxIVrBz/s1600/SA700008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5I68j8LKPJhYLhO7Rhb12xfKDlf-Le8LGHJJ6Az2Hc5Up6wSWlDi7Q9L3P6P3eiQpTTGBMLbl0INDyB3I6J9fNe1fL-AUstXu3XekHbsnRwGeZdTCqP-kT1knx8CRXlc50hpw5tqVHQD/s1600/SA700013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5I68j8LKPJhYLhO7Rhb12xfKDlf-Le8LGHJJ6Az2Hc5Up6wSWlDi7Q9L3P6P3eiQpTTGBMLbl0INDyB3I6J9fNe1fL-AUstXu3XekHbsnRwGeZdTCqP-kT1knx8CRXlc50hpw5tqVHQD/s1600/SA700013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We can also change the channel by picking up our chairs and moving across the street to the big green barn (in the background) they get the cow channel!</div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-14172341979811261522014-05-04T15:56:00.000-04:002014-05-04T15:56:04.984-04:00Sunshiny Sundays Are RestfulSunshine on a Sunday means this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RxfaJlK_xtCj8mwcmfjPCZxifTJG8Ax1EiMlAX_3D6dYa5ccXXJEwfAHEXUZkaH-gL-4ZevBLAY5BJICVYjjvLJPtrt3c2z9_lhC-UFhlQsPrbDNU76ObUxuhWsixMA72WbPocBTO0ie/s1600/SA700162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RxfaJlK_xtCj8mwcmfjPCZxifTJG8Ax1EiMlAX_3D6dYa5ccXXJEwfAHEXUZkaH-gL-4ZevBLAY5BJICVYjjvLJPtrt3c2z9_lhC-UFhlQsPrbDNU76ObUxuhWsixMA72WbPocBTO0ie/s1600/SA700162.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunshine on any other day of the week means this...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL-UEghhq4kSuiXo8vZ2R2uazruNVdeosGhkd3jbhQbWG_rvw321EoJT6r6_NWRQMP9lOj8Piz-4kwcTnq4kVcFIotjTFBIFyvXCVyPuVAwx4h823l4Nx2X4WIHBGHb4e4_EsM8wYZGcZ/s1600/SA700159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL-UEghhq4kSuiXo8vZ2R2uazruNVdeosGhkd3jbhQbWG_rvw321EoJT6r6_NWRQMP9lOj8Piz-4kwcTnq4kVcFIotjTFBIFyvXCVyPuVAwx4h823l4Nx2X4WIHBGHb4e4_EsM8wYZGcZ/s1600/SA700159.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-89033315909377675472014-04-14T12:40:00.000-04:002014-04-14T12:40:20.422-04:00Homesteading Question On Emmer WheatWe have some Emmer wheat seed to plant and need to know when the optimal season to plant is. Is it a spring planting or a fall planting? A google search didn't reveal much info. Anybody have any experience with Emmer?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj_Lwanol3KuU2pCXq9tpq74At_ep-jZ2ZzrCDyFnKsjgQCql_EbuRmB_1oZ5jjVVzjHmDfci_yy1m8kPW1O6rJF5ao-NutuDo2YkAswN-96B2m_aV3-7HmpzQcXWkxRpdX2sx63Kqu6w/s1600/SA700006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj_Lwanol3KuU2pCXq9tpq74At_ep-jZ2ZzrCDyFnKsjgQCql_EbuRmB_1oZ5jjVVzjHmDfci_yy1m8kPW1O6rJF5ao-NutuDo2YkAswN-96B2m_aV3-7HmpzQcXWkxRpdX2sx63Kqu6w/s1600/SA700006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-83603820340340198212014-03-21T17:29:00.001-04:002014-03-21T17:30:55.659-04:00The Deliberate Agrarian: New! Deliberate Agrarian eBook99-Cents<a href="http://thedeliberateagrarian.blogspot.com/2014/03/new-my-deliberate-agrarian-ebook-99.html?spref=bl">The Deliberate Agrarian: New!My Deliberate Agrarian eBook99-Cents(For Only ...</a>: <br />
<br />
The link above is for Herrick Kimball's new offering for Kindles. I read his blog and really enjoy his world view and his style of writing. For 99 cents you can't go wrong. Check it out.Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-6706959660841390392014-03-18T16:55:00.000-04:002014-03-18T16:59:38.859-04:00Aslan Is On The Move!There is this strange thing appearing all over my yard. It is brown and matted but I do believe it is ground! I could be wrong, though, since it has been so long since I've seen said item.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yB4u12BmwG-6Mq1fpQ9HhxB9iwCstr4bkNoBp0afGFTx05oCOcTMvx42eXNIUyEWGNf6_CcoHGZPTpcz-p31jyMK2FLG5LQj385djIHUpIWR1ZRnFanzpCuQHjqLzX8VdsXwASmxl0Ko/s1600/SA700100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yB4u12BmwG-6Mq1fpQ9HhxB9iwCstr4bkNoBp0afGFTx05oCOcTMvx42eXNIUyEWGNf6_CcoHGZPTpcz-p31jyMK2FLG5LQj385djIHUpIWR1ZRnFanzpCuQHjqLzX8VdsXwASmxl0Ko/s1600/SA700100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We've managed to have a few daytime temps above freezing and the snow is gradually shrinking away. It is possible that spring may actually arrive.<br />
<br />
The chickens are enjoying getting to be out and about after being cooped up all winter. (Keeping chickens really brings that saying to reality.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP21HnA8V7yDzx3nN8GQPc-Vk-nvMpQ35h6PCf-oUzPyKyhSQqCvHSdcC0G60BRJW2bkHoPUjt47wDHA5DAVzGSMHxEbiJpBTqnThbq6U1g6oH1WiecD4ZX5M3KUS4xsf7Pczzliui4bw/s1600/SA700099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP21HnA8V7yDzx3nN8GQPc-Vk-nvMpQ35h6PCf-oUzPyKyhSQqCvHSdcC0G60BRJW2bkHoPUjt47wDHA5DAVzGSMHxEbiJpBTqnThbq6U1g6oH1WiecD4ZX5M3KUS4xsf7Pczzliui4bw/s1600/SA700099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Compost area and cold frame are peeking out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQi__5x6l8k6nnJp2T6gB239zmGppIHqTCYicbs8bLUamuaRB8XH9oX7WbVNrcoTTZxFQ6UP2I15Ps_P5NxNSPzCUdFrXyA_vIAdcqh5-qJcKvcVKDZmBCMhu4Fmasm_ZB0ydlHyxGFRl/s1600/SA700097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQi__5x6l8k6nnJp2T6gB239zmGppIHqTCYicbs8bLUamuaRB8XH9oX7WbVNrcoTTZxFQ6UP2I15Ps_P5NxNSPzCUdFrXyA_vIAdcqh5-qJcKvcVKDZmBCMhu4Fmasm_ZB0ydlHyxGFRl/s1600/SA700097.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Bulbs are sprouting everywhere the snow has melted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJem8SrVcTidZwR9v3uKTAXBZPMr_CxjW4Fh204-vDKU7GLTiht2l3RcMV0klDVL0nVjk9VGnmA4yXI5D35gFElTlOcB-E6MACho37TP7U-FIX9ZHExAc4bRy8S8fQiuPg-TzTv__XxMJ8/s1600/SA700104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJem8SrVcTidZwR9v3uKTAXBZPMr_CxjW4Fh204-vDKU7GLTiht2l3RcMV0klDVL0nVjk9VGnmA4yXI5D35gFElTlOcB-E6MACho37TP7U-FIX9ZHExAc4bRy8S8fQiuPg-TzTv__XxMJ8/s1600/SA700104.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And we have tapped a couple of trees to experiment with maple syrup making.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpIekC8wQMyMZYScfbF9BGcIDCx6B7h5zddiFemr7zTUM4f3cVuKsrKb5oCApXvtI_ULwGfyr2hy3rGhURtm7NjEs-gnoz1263uaoTf0UNFEH8GR0S0leKf9UZPvUpskf4jsYnoQe53IA/s1600/SA700105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpIekC8wQMyMZYScfbF9BGcIDCx6B7h5zddiFemr7zTUM4f3cVuKsrKb5oCApXvtI_ULwGfyr2hy3rGhURtm7NjEs-gnoz1263uaoTf0UNFEH8GR0S0leKf9UZPvUpskf4jsYnoQe53IA/s1600/SA700105.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While I enjoyed my winter reading sabbatical (knocking off a good portion off my reading list) it is good to be able to get moving again. Planting isn't too far off- as long as the weather cooperates!<br />
<br />
Well, I'm off to make some cheesy potato soup for dinner, empty my sap buckets and collect eggs! It is good to be back in the blogging world and it is good that Aslan has returned to Narnia... er... Michigan!Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-58952214492492670162014-01-28T17:30:00.000-05:002014-01-28T17:30:33.367-05:00When The Snow Blows...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SADm3wtqDWXYpV3kf2KjPCICtKftuJdDnXDntmipwOray_8-b2Y_VYA3vThEsClIMyL3sP42HkSmBoSlhCSpJXgL-wPKume5z7kUsQmaYgD9TKypjLPwy_koblze6NSVT92_jJLMwXCB/s1600/SA700116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SADm3wtqDWXYpV3kf2KjPCICtKftuJdDnXDntmipwOray_8-b2Y_VYA3vThEsClIMyL3sP42HkSmBoSlhCSpJXgL-wPKume5z7kUsQmaYgD9TKypjLPwy_koblze6NSVT92_jJLMwXCB/s1600/SA700116.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We are solidly in the midst of an Arctic blast. It is cold, icy, snowy and windy. It is not fit for humans outside. Luckily for Creek Cottage Homestead (and me) we only have chickens to take care of as far as farm chores. The chickens get fed and watered, eggs collected, and checked on twice a day. Other than that I get to hunker down inside and keep warm.<br />
<br />
Besides schooling the kids and general household chores I've been staying busy by browsing seed catalogs and coming up with a must read list for the remaining months of winter. The list is long but I've found every book but one through the local library system! I love libraries! So tomorrow I going to venture out and have my trusty librarian order me some books.<br />
<br />
1. Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte (Companion Planting)<br />
2. Gardening When It Counts by Steve Solomon (Survival Gardening)<br />
3. Market Farming Success by Lynn Bycznski (Farming Biz)<br />
4. Flower Farming by Lynn Bycznski (Cut Flower Biz)<br />
5. Great Herb Mixes You Can Make by Jim Long (This is the only book I may have to purchase!)<br />
6. Making Bentwood Furniture by Jim Long (Craft)<br />
7. Making Dream Pillows by Jim Long (Herbal Craft)<br />
8. From the Ground Up by Jeanne Nolan (Memoir and Gardening Advice)<br />
9. Backyard Market Gardening by Andrew Lee (Farming Biz)<br />
10. Chicken Tractors by Andrew Lee (Chicken Housing)<br />
11. Pastured Poultry Profits by Joel Salatin (Chicken Biz)<br />
12. Dairy Goats by Gregory, Diana (Goat Education)<br />
13. Goats, Rabbits & Chickens by Hollis Lee (Animal Education)<br />
14. How To Raise Dairy Goats by Martha Maeda (Goat Education)<br />
15. Raising Goats: The Backyard Dairy Alternative by David Weems (Goat Education)<br />
16. Gathering: Memoir Of A Seed Saver by Diane Ott Whealy (Memoir & Seed Saving)<br />
17. Homegrown Herbs by Tammi Hartung (Herbs)<br />
18. The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips (Fruit Trees)<br />
<br />
What do you think? Think it will keep me busy into spring?<br />
<br />
You can see from the list what my priorities are for the coming year: Growing and selling produce, growing and selling flowers and herbs, crafting and selling what we can, increasing our egg laying flock and adding broilers, raising a small milk goat herd (after we get fencing accomplished- the actual animals may have to wait until the spring after this coming one), and starting our fruit orchard. We plan on adding a couple of Heirloom/Heritage fruit trees per year. This year will be apple trees.<br />
<br />
That's not too much to chew off is it? We shall see! What have you all been doing this winter?<br />
<span id="goog_581733931"></span>Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-91689336233010396972014-01-25T17:11:00.001-05:002014-01-25T17:28:50.766-05:00Pursuing A Family Economy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgGRsiw7xYaWuKeLCmjQvTKj5R7qE5xJvZpTJp9d7s0ynXSk5KuzGDOZvGBYw0SO1Rs9TLsWGgsXWgMvOjTjrSqED8Ps7ovSjG282suj5r9T7DQNDVK3-Ao9KKvZss5wQ_LmO0_6_w0nm/s1600/SA700164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgGRsiw7xYaWuKeLCmjQvTKj5R7qE5xJvZpTJp9d7s0ynXSk5KuzGDOZvGBYw0SO1Rs9TLsWGgsXWgMvOjTjrSqED8Ps7ovSjG282suj5r9T7DQNDVK3-Ao9KKvZss5wQ_LmO0_6_w0nm/s1600/SA700164.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Lewis Family learning to butcher chickens last summer</span></div>
<br />
Farmer John and I went on a lunch date earlier this week and I told him I was serious about earning money from our land this year. Nothing grand- just keeping on top of the garden so I have excess to sell, adding another dozen laying chickens and trying our hand at some broilers for ourselves and a few to sell to friends.<br />
<br />
Then, to my surprise, my husband said he really desires to leave his corporate job and come home to make a living on the land. This is the first time he said it as a definite goal not just a pipe dream. We both shared our desire for a lifestyle of "needing" less and in the process freeing ourselves from modern consumerism and economics.<br />
<br />
I laugh because we are both admittedly middle aged (44) and for our mid-life crisis we don't want to go buy hot rods or take early retirement to a tropical island. We want to need less and provide healthy food and knowledge to our community. It is a dream different from most.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't think it will be easy. We will probably have to work harder then we ever have. But I do think (if it is within God's will) that it is obtainable. If we build our customer base slow without incurring debt and let God open doors then I do believe John could come home in three years or less and we'd be working for ourselves not somebody else.<br />
<br />
Herrick Kimball over at <a href="http://thedeliberateagrarian.com/">The Deliberate Agrarian</a> has been doing a series on Family Economies and his last post really captures our desires. <a href="http://thedeliberateagrarian.blogspot.com/2014/01/sage-advice-for-would-be-farmers-part-4.html">You can read it here.</a><br />
<br />
We will be writing a proper business plan soon but our plans include: selling eggs, broilers, veges, herbs, flowers, bread, jams, and crafts this year. Michigan has a great cottage food law that allows us to sell up to $25,000 worth of product from a home kitchen without needing any sort of license and because we don't want to be the next "Tyson" and want to keep things on a micro level we also weed out a lot of other government regulation. <br />
<br />
In the future we want to add animal fiber and goods, goat milk caramels and soaps, bramble fruits, and an orchard. We aren't sure if we want to CSA or Herbal CSA but we will want to add educational classes and a green house for annual flowers and potted veges/herbs. (The latter will require at least a $40 yearly micro grower state license.) We want this to be a venture that our kids can add to with their own ideas and talents and I've always wanted to do a magazine and write agrarian non-fiction. (As well as the fiction I have in the works.) But we aren't doing any of this with a get rich mentality or desire. Our desire is to be closer as a family, closer to God, closer to the land and the rich, healthy heritage of agrarianism and be blessed with an opportunity to share it with others.<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear the stories of others doing the same!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-25306467732479560082014-01-14T20:02:00.001-05:002014-01-14T20:02:48.952-05:00The Off Grid Legend Of Washington State <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ7nGqZ-dZED3bwL9YTnDqEbpjjAzvbKUcrAL4zDB-bgyKl7zLvAZaJHtOks0RQrjFx7IbtN8w3PnWEjBoTn3WBFGxreJB5tSHaIo_Y1_Xiqv3RmQ8FUEegG6WYYsYx6P867kvkReYCSl/s1600/SA700134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ7nGqZ-dZED3bwL9YTnDqEbpjjAzvbKUcrAL4zDB-bgyKl7zLvAZaJHtOks0RQrjFx7IbtN8w3PnWEjBoTn3WBFGxreJB5tSHaIo_Y1_Xiqv3RmQ8FUEegG6WYYsYx6P867kvkReYCSl/s320/SA700134.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_217824967"></span><span id="goog_217824968"></span><br />
<br />
I have a confession to make. A little secret if you will...<br />
<br />
I really enjoy watching <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/the-legend-of-mick-dodge/">The Legend of Mick Dodge</a> on <a href="http://www.natgeo.com/">NatGeo</a>. (The National Geographic Channel)<br />
<br />
Farmer John saw the advertisement for it and set it up to record. I, in all my high and mightiness, laughed at him. "You're really going to watch that?" I thought it looked silly. <br />
<br />
But despite the quirkiness (and earth worshipping world view) of the "star" of the show, Mick Dodge. I found myself strangely drawn to his lifestyle.<br />
<br />
He lives in the Hoh rainforest of Washington's Olympic peninsula. But he lives a bit more than off-grid. He makes his home in trees and stumps and eats off the land, bartering for what little of the "real" world he needs.<br />
<br />
Now I don't for a moment believe that what I'm shown on the show is the total "reality" and a little <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/12/3866002/mick-dodge-rain-forest-dweller.html">internet research</a> proves me right. But I like the concept of his life. It has a freedom to it that so many of us tied to the grid and slave-wage jobs don't have. (Though I also confess that I have no intention of crawling into stumps to sleep if I have a choice.)<br />
<br />
I have watched two episodes so far. In the first show we met Dodge and a leather working off-grid friend. I was in awe of the handcrafted goods this man makes. In the second show, Dodge finds one of his hidden bows (for defense against bears and cougars) stolen and needs a replacement. We then see him in barter action. A burl he finds in a clear cut and some juice made from wild berries is traded (with the leather worker from the first show) for a pair of buckskins and then the buckskins are traded to a master bow maker for the needed bow, which we get to seen made. No money! Just work and ingenuity! I am inspired to see what I can find or produce that I can barter with.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see what else he does and who else they introduce on the show and what crazy ideas I get from it. <br />
<br />
Has anyone else seen the show? What do you all think?Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-54108364084914543712014-01-11T09:36:00.001-05:002014-01-11T09:36:23.552-05:00I'm Thinking Of Planting A Tea Garden This Year!My first guest blog post is up over at the <a href="http://www.heirloomgirl.com/">Heirloom Girl</a> blog. It's about planting tea herbs and making your own teas. Check it out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22mrXu16uASBtfDMOkon6T3StjEf0V-ZVUhyphenhyphenclr9B4jXsDdjkKdLghI6J-01qCIgrIk1cSQCt7WsBZK_bVe7ZOGJllMvlaGeN8c4ZFpkw0Sdh4_9kFDv0gy9307Khg-ucbSW04hR1IMfV/s1600/DSC_0186_enhanced_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22mrXu16uASBtfDMOkon6T3StjEf0V-ZVUhyphenhyphenclr9B4jXsDdjkKdLghI6J-01qCIgrIk1cSQCt7WsBZK_bVe7ZOGJllMvlaGeN8c4ZFpkw0Sdh4_9kFDv0gy9307Khg-ucbSW04hR1IMfV/s1600/DSC_0186_enhanced_color.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-6529632093977893232014-01-08T17:23:00.000-05:002014-01-08T17:28:31.482-05:00Plant Organic Potatoes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDIpvv8U104maMZ5xCi1_wKcrxoYqlm-DYXB8tGn9JF8IMUsgups1m8b-oGYCat00MZU6WAIooTcvCd_d_twSdwH6TfMpMTHuUmntTUFpYme1FSNnIT2302sf4XkeigaebqcuzZwnE7gk/s1600/SA700033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDIpvv8U104maMZ5xCi1_wKcrxoYqlm-DYXB8tGn9JF8IMUsgups1m8b-oGYCat00MZU6WAIooTcvCd_d_twSdwH6TfMpMTHuUmntTUFpYme1FSNnIT2302sf4XkeigaebqcuzZwnE7gk/s1600/SA700033.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For Christmas Farmer John gave me a subscription to the Magazine Mary Jane's Farm. In the December/January 2014 issue there is a very enlightening article on potatoes: The Real Dirt on Spuds.<br />
<br />
What stood out most to me was a quote by Wendy Gordon of The Wedge Natural Foods Co-op in Minnesota. "Growing potatoes... implies a clockwork schedule of pesticide application."<br />
<br />
The article goes on to say that before potatoes are planted, insecticides are spread over the field. Tubers are then covered in fungicide. More poison is applied at "hilling" time and sink into the plant. During the entire growing time more insecticide and fungicides are applied and when harvest comes more chemicals are used. Once in storage the taters are treated to prevent sprouting. Gordon points out that potato farmers wear protective gear to keep them safe from the chemicals.<br />
<br />
Really? How much of that are we digesting? That is just gross!<br />
<br />
And then on top of all that... our wonderful USDA (U.S.Duh as Joel Salatin refers to them as) wants to approve a new GMO potato. There is even a petition you can sign at <a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/">www.FoodAndWaterWatch.org</a> telling McDonald's (the U.S.'s largest buyer of spuds) not to go that route.<br />
<br />
So while I've been chewing on that info, <a href="http://www.upinspire.com/inspire/555/this-3rd-grader-shocked-everyo">this video</a> popped up on Facebook. This lovely, little, third-grade girl experimented with non-organic, supermarket chain organic and health food store organic potatoes. It doesn't get more simple to see which one I prefer to consume. Eye opening!<br />
<br />
Good thing I already perused <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/">Territorial Seeds</a> new catalog and found that they offer at least 10 organic tuber options (not including sweets). I plan on purchasing their kitchen garden collection of three different types. Yumminess awaits!<br />
<br />
Besides not having to consume gallons of pesticide there is one more good reason to grow your own, which you can <a href="http://thedeliberateagrarian.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-get-through-coming_21.html">read about here.</a><br />
<br />
Anyway you think about it, growing your own organic potatoes is a good investment!Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-85400658789355734862014-01-04T15:23:00.000-05:002014-01-04T15:23:36.245-05:00It's Amazing What One Can Do With A Toilet Paper Tube<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyRbwmGvmzrXjBk8NmtdnxJObKao97hY2yf5p0JL82-TUdOHoNF1DNZjD4gTV2H22YNzbGOAcSdGwJh79Q5-M2chLzW5G9ClRzG2UNRSrgudF-UryDtKQp1iaEjwlt5uZFFjErtSV92BS/s1600/SA700094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyRbwmGvmzrXjBk8NmtdnxJObKao97hY2yf5p0JL82-TUdOHoNF1DNZjD4gTV2H22YNzbGOAcSdGwJh79Q5-M2chLzW5G9ClRzG2UNRSrgudF-UryDtKQp1iaEjwlt5uZFFjErtSV92BS/s320/SA700094.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We are toilet paper users. I applaud others who have retired their dependence on said item but as for me and my family, until our budget can no longer justify it, we will be users of the paper. My laundry doing daughter thanks me for this decision. We have stopped with paper towels and napkins but for bathroom necessities we will stand firm.<br />
<br />
What this does leave us with is a lot of empty tubes. Rather then just throw them out we use them in a few different ways.<br />
<br />
1. Kid's craft projects and play toys. They are free to build, cut, tape, color and be creative with these to their heart's content. They are only limited to their imagination. Bowling is a common game.<br />
<br />
2. Re-purposing into useful items.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpe62kQOMmmXVyTRJ-ws5m0A2-X8eAm7K6hA66TV9dUEoNOiIiKCSnY3YPT_AbrQo847FhJvHNMVacZfhdzvU-JlfIZemb5s613zwciibrbb5E_mNkej2JQ96OLTxmN68-buQnDGa4oxQ/s1600/SA700094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpe62kQOMmmXVyTRJ-ws5m0A2-X8eAm7K6hA66TV9dUEoNOiIiKCSnY3YPT_AbrQo847FhJvHNMVacZfhdzvU-JlfIZemb5s613zwciibrbb5E_mNkej2JQ96OLTxmN68-buQnDGa4oxQ/s320/SA700094.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Two tubes taped together make a perfect storage tube for ponytail bands. My daughter created this on her own. She plans to color it to make it prettier but it could also be papered, decopodged or painted.<br />
<br />
3. Fire starters: I got this one from watching an episode of Extreme Cheapskates. Toilet paper tubes plus dryer lint!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDN1EOYVsh-al6I4iG7UwFWa_gv35zf19UpaEh59UAj7TWrQPvlHw0b5WVKjTJ5vinxEmHJfU8zaP1CaGWR5ownOgywJYs0NqWrRIFO3DLhTxwcmAU1IG3rRruruz_cUESV0Brp1kvgFh/s1600/SA700096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDN1EOYVsh-al6I4iG7UwFWa_gv35zf19UpaEh59UAj7TWrQPvlHw0b5WVKjTJ5vinxEmHJfU8zaP1CaGWR5ownOgywJYs0NqWrRIFO3DLhTxwcmAU1IG3rRruruz_cUESV0Brp1kvgFh/s320/SA700096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABaFnJt1UueG3FWXbTBtAnm-EwguK5QeAVlT0KYmPBuPEkH6LDHDthq1jSSxPSJ-DWF9uOlAgkM_lOcCyH-ogRdD_QMAPPRmp1GkVaxBd76Yaj6Mf4V0Pm7gpP9yei9lWa7CJS2AaGHa8/s1600/SA700097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABaFnJt1UueG3FWXbTBtAnm-EwguK5QeAVlT0KYmPBuPEkH6LDHDthq1jSSxPSJ-DWF9uOlAgkM_lOcCyH-ogRdD_QMAPPRmp1GkVaxBd76Yaj6Mf4V0Pm7gpP9yei9lWa7CJS2AaGHa8/s320/SA700097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVI4AnHimM0uRhx4kR5f4OcqYD6RgqLi6HfaQjG_ngN2gjqG2JsTXzG83hhta0TqMn0QYUDaXHPX3DFl75sY86yA6nUyzk3fcdP0W6RoLNGU5G5REdt5IsbyfkVkpZHAvvYHroUcEng-M/s1600/SA700098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVI4AnHimM0uRhx4kR5f4OcqYD6RgqLi6HfaQjG_ngN2gjqG2JsTXzG83hhta0TqMn0QYUDaXHPX3DFl75sY86yA6nUyzk3fcdP0W6RoLNGU5G5REdt5IsbyfkVkpZHAvvYHroUcEng-M/s320/SA700098.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKv6Xo7ppS9BVNO44kGB-Ia0DaBZnlH5PUWUm5LY34WNKkDel0VSTW7cafLFzrTQ1_EUVMmRq5htaJFH4wrqv6L3molzkIgVXqXkL-Gg640cFm7f09tp6abuzxLXq0u_Joc5qE0cQhdDS/s1600/SA700099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKv6Xo7ppS9BVNO44kGB-Ia0DaBZnlH5PUWUm5LY34WNKkDel0VSTW7cafLFzrTQ1_EUVMmRq5htaJFH4wrqv6L3molzkIgVXqXkL-Gg640cFm7f09tp6abuzxLXq0u_Joc5qE0cQhdDS/s320/SA700099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What things do you use your paper tubes for? What about dryer lint. I've thought about trying to craft with the lint. Am I crazy?Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-45405437488464065062014-01-03T16:27:00.001-05:002014-01-03T16:27:23.854-05:00Friday Read & Write: Some Good Reads For Cold Weather!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New on the library magazine rack!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrNUMejqooG9HViRb9vPsgzFPs4UIaIz-Az-mri5Q2ZRIbofA7xs8-kvWAeB9QuRKKBkw0nzORzGvriscmtTRL53eDIASCQufTUA50hENreHeAr9SX3lLeKvPedL1R3gDvHgIvk7ZCYZr/s1600/SA700095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrNUMejqooG9HViRb9vPsgzFPs4UIaIz-Az-mri5Q2ZRIbofA7xs8-kvWAeB9QuRKKBkw0nzORzGvriscmtTRL53eDIASCQufTUA50hENreHeAr9SX3lLeKvPedL1R3gDvHgIvk7ZCYZr/s320/SA700095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Also from the library...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVynMZ_S_eoC6tG21M8_EqaWIp_zFy5ZYbCe1oCxMUpnMmrV3yCEKrvqOBTBXXimOGnRr9t2tqqXRJ1TuZ9zyEtgCKaGXDd8nHDqy_hVOXjs0eeV8qMizZoFjMyKiXWyrj-9YpVhNR1RB/s1600/SA700096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVynMZ_S_eoC6tG21M8_EqaWIp_zFy5ZYbCe1oCxMUpnMmrV3yCEKrvqOBTBXXimOGnRr9t2tqqXRJ1TuZ9zyEtgCKaGXDd8nHDqy_hVOXjs0eeV8qMizZoFjMyKiXWyrj-9YpVhNR1RB/s320/SA700096.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Before Cheryl Strayed's Wild there was Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis. I enjoyed Wild but I'm enjoying this book much better. Just as Ms. Strayed made me want to hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) Ms. Davis makes me want to head off onto the Appalachian Trail(AT). Someday, someday! <br />
<br />
I have read all of the other Duck Dynasty books (all enjoyable and interesting) so I'm about to embark on Si's. He by far is the most eccentric character of the bunch. I think it will be fun to learn what makes him tick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1voaTHMAunnZ9KUYpdl_G-lD8ln4KDypK5Ox9L1OlbkCQZ-0Sjdw1C5RLe2eFegf6JAtZMuZRvLg_2PzjnZTbgC8KqMp20-OlpYUPKrQHhujW-mJxmfByBJ90wreSVfnh5IFbuOwfpNla/s1600/SA700097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1voaTHMAunnZ9KUYpdl_G-lD8ln4KDypK5Ox9L1OlbkCQZ-0Sjdw1C5RLe2eFegf6JAtZMuZRvLg_2PzjnZTbgC8KqMp20-OlpYUPKrQHhujW-mJxmfByBJ90wreSVfnh5IFbuOwfpNla/s320/SA700097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Also doing some studying on herbs for some blog articles and future herb gardening. Love my local library system!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyone reading or writing anything they want to share?</div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-77120708698054296202014-01-01T11:10:00.000-05:002014-01-01T14:53:02.844-05:00Homestead What Is It?HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
<br />
Can you all guess what this is a picture of?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJIfGS-sSnORblZwnEd1KHK4xuaopUA1zHryCReKQjZUwW3VS86bv85mDiPbKiIg0UcQWKXAV-T7o0Ab3GsYUk4cW3ik3HtZL8nsX-aBGqQclpINJSrn4AQu-ar0UoZDrIPXTqDVvKJuJ/s1600/SA700114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJIfGS-sSnORblZwnEd1KHK4xuaopUA1zHryCReKQjZUwW3VS86bv85mDiPbKiIg0UcQWKXAV-T7o0Ab3GsYUk4cW3ik3HtZL8nsX-aBGqQclpINJSrn4AQu-ar0UoZDrIPXTqDVvKJuJ/s320/SA700114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It gave me great joy to see.<br />
<br />
Here is another shot to help you guess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq21bqPpWXjSiP8Q39lsNozkPIAu49krbLr7ywn4-Qyd3lAjip5x0_T6Djmx_23LS3l5VyXvyWv_IkiHa7GVI2DkXVlN3sZDZgqxJ5wmx1rBebxxrA_aA8KlAyXYK9jHJ48c8agIrcM9E/s1600/SA700115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq21bqPpWXjSiP8Q39lsNozkPIAu49krbLr7ywn4-Qyd3lAjip5x0_T6Djmx_23LS3l5VyXvyWv_IkiHa7GVI2DkXVlN3sZDZgqxJ5wmx1rBebxxrA_aA8KlAyXYK9jHJ48c8agIrcM9E/s320/SA700115.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Comment with your guess. Enjoy your day and the new year!<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1611857254"></span><span id="goog_1611857255"></span><br />Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-6629767966605148602013-12-30T19:32:00.000-05:002013-12-30T20:36:19.575-05:00You Might Be A Homesteader If...Your husband gives you these for Christmas!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX0Hj4mgtbnwrzYlRlv7OGKgWJiXohFmu9zO3pYj8i8LVFYDJ1HcuyjwwJQ4eJlj_90EKRHDHKGOrPndSK2G3tZgs3Of-TFldE5k5S2CCKUkklLt3R60rIGpJO5UzBwjhRZ3cX7rrxYit/s1600/SA700105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX0Hj4mgtbnwrzYlRlv7OGKgWJiXohFmu9zO3pYj8i8LVFYDJ1HcuyjwwJQ4eJlj_90EKRHDHKGOrPndSK2G3tZgs3Of-TFldE5k5S2CCKUkklLt3R60rIGpJO5UzBwjhRZ3cX7rrxYit/s320/SA700105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeJyxCpirOQlaDAPURgLJFnSoapfPL5u-RigSWzGkVtemywif_TnCvf5VeoXobruW_9uO1YStivbyFCp7D0x5oUZLqNsW1oGYQrp90dIr1W9V46TMvJJHmPWI3rfBdrxY-zlBP9ZlIHeN/s1600/SA700106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeJyxCpirOQlaDAPURgLJFnSoapfPL5u-RigSWzGkVtemywif_TnCvf5VeoXobruW_9uO1YStivbyFCp7D0x5oUZLqNsW1oGYQrp90dIr1W9V46TMvJJHmPWI3rfBdrxY-zlBP9ZlIHeN/s320/SA700106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe5RWFPpATubXsigCGFQOes37Maywb0oWCvQcuZJQbC3enw9gy1RgT5dnfnFsDGcO2Fispq6xxeBlm_ENHILKewWezWhcQ-_lG3U_JtsjmBB9jrTYaimmzT4wpLNw07eXqeHHBEY1gVjy/s1600/SA700107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe5RWFPpATubXsigCGFQOes37Maywb0oWCvQcuZJQbC3enw9gy1RgT5dnfnFsDGcO2Fispq6xxeBlm_ENHILKewWezWhcQ-_lG3U_JtsjmBB9jrTYaimmzT4wpLNw07eXqeHHBEY1gVjy/s320/SA700107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_856675508"></span><span id="goog_856675509">To go with <a href="http://modernchristianhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/12/what-is-it.html">this that he got me for my birthday</a>. (Click the comments to find the answer. Mr. Herrick Kimball of <a href="http://thedeliberateagrarian.blogspot.com/">The Deliberate Agrarian</a> guessed correctly.)</span><br />
<br />
You also might be a homesteading/fly fishing/bamboo fly rod building kind of guy if you get these from your wife for Christmas...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNxHUiy0PXzbtzwvRWCawtobjl7U9Oe-Oj9bPbZOmsfnJyGxcgdbcr_bf7KlHAtyBoDC9q-44mYh6vDtd4eF7KLDCAaByDYdmcsmgspbCeW5Dc8xQ-EaH5IDdN4Edcq8vB3cgVniE6ITT/s1600/SA700108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNxHUiy0PXzbtzwvRWCawtobjl7U9Oe-Oj9bPbZOmsfnJyGxcgdbcr_bf7KlHAtyBoDC9q-44mYh6vDtd4eF7KLDCAaByDYdmcsmgspbCeW5Dc8xQ-EaH5IDdN4Edcq8vB3cgVniE6ITT/s320/SA700108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgpuP7grEQIdFhwfQooqM9FL8uoLutNE6qiLoVMOWWXk1R7xCSt2L-y93drXjebVDDH3_g2oEIvM0P2UlpVfu2Eic8tZUV_XWtY9Jga6vdFFc7PlxHpZbslbcndU5d3TgbIOmwbcYKUcE/s1600/SA700109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgpuP7grEQIdFhwfQooqM9FL8uoLutNE6qiLoVMOWWXk1R7xCSt2L-y93drXjebVDDH3_g2oEIvM0P2UlpVfu2Eic8tZUV_XWtY9Jga6vdFFc7PlxHpZbslbcndU5d3TgbIOmwbcYKUcE/s320/SA700109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyoZtwiWc5jifRENly3AQCMqv4VfY4eUmtQcGhyphenhyphenOi7VxHQcpEzixXTPUFlxNBqP3Zw4S3jM3dUAZb9Q1Ad54DuUUxDNG97gw1Rd8kctVT0hE4VrDKbVzZ6eUlhPxgJoZdRMRUrqG43Vyf/s1600/SA700110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyoZtwiWc5jifRENly3AQCMqv4VfY4eUmtQcGhyphenhyphenOi7VxHQcpEzixXTPUFlxNBqP3Zw4S3jM3dUAZb9Q1Ad54DuUUxDNG97gw1Rd8kctVT0hE4VrDKbVzZ6eUlhPxgJoZdRMRUrqG43Vyf/s320/SA700110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOw-3XlatZnEwv7QSaq7l6sCmPLoq1BgXX4-ivw1SsjkI76ekfJXdqwrZI_QJIhBJyJQq_EuhTr9rm17DgdkIddBlLlPCV49LoVKQdF3qMiTVdZqWZalzLk2jlT8YPGhzFJyGi8ZcB0F7/s1600/SA700111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOw-3XlatZnEwv7QSaq7l6sCmPLoq1BgXX4-ivw1SsjkI76ekfJXdqwrZI_QJIhBJyJQq_EuhTr9rm17DgdkIddBlLlPCV49LoVKQdF3qMiTVdZqWZalzLk2jlT8YPGhzFJyGi8ZcB0F7/s320/SA700111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And you might have homeschoolers in your household if you purchase things like this for Christmas...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBsoVuH0cP8uEo1KPbcjHAoTRnJgd1_HJPqRkXyhH1ym9ltsmwmbEt4moUiZCZY9gGcz3jNI4wDpFkPuv6jn-MbjC1V_-6BNIiT6Aiwe4WBoCOtc5BXN7F4xVIpEWsPZO377Ns4Gf28rx/s1600/SA700102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBsoVuH0cP8uEo1KPbcjHAoTRnJgd1_HJPqRkXyhH1ym9ltsmwmbEt4moUiZCZY9gGcz3jNI4wDpFkPuv6jn-MbjC1V_-6BNIiT6Aiwe4WBoCOtc5BXN7F4xVIpEWsPZO377Ns4Gf28rx/s320/SA700102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdFL80xK-yM7vCxI8LvdbgvfFD5FsYGKAgh11arRCuMifhqXbCJNdoPgvRpGVSGeT_fLWOCyEVqVHzi1Ou7W-D5tZZyKpbyQpgz1AYuw0iA_kcZZR4UJdpmbmtsr4FLoOEIKbYoo3sltr/s1600/SA700103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdFL80xK-yM7vCxI8LvdbgvfFD5FsYGKAgh11arRCuMifhqXbCJNdoPgvRpGVSGeT_fLWOCyEVqVHzi1Ou7W-D5tZZyKpbyQpgz1AYuw0iA_kcZZR4UJdpmbmtsr4FLoOEIKbYoo3sltr/s320/SA700103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1CK6aWylb7W1qyn2RGAGwFUdjk53G8ttCmaAhc5roSb68VloE5JMWdWrRd7m6w0kug1cSmJ_e7gME0OoqAcQ4mFePJm8TxCczxMENUbGR8EmB5T3fHs_z9-vC9OHs7JSVf17fAjusQOg/s1600/SA700104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1CK6aWylb7W1qyn2RGAGwFUdjk53G8ttCmaAhc5roSb68VloE5JMWdWrRd7m6w0kug1cSmJ_e7gME0OoqAcQ4mFePJm8TxCczxMENUbGR8EmB5T3fHs_z9-vC9OHs7JSVf17fAjusQOg/s320/SA700104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllREcoymnq5wtjxpU9A-ytHd5W9xhY2dGwJRF2ijpaj-1pfv66lt9qPnCxxP-cWIXY3Ymv3MsJ9iLotmkf5AomUzfHeSzET8ZARdf4P27ErbeLPwyjwCN4FSYxLgNaCy6vHbHAt-RXtWU/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllREcoymnq5wtjxpU9A-ytHd5W9xhY2dGwJRF2ijpaj-1pfv66lt9qPnCxxP-cWIXY3Ymv3MsJ9iLotmkf5AomUzfHeSzET8ZARdf4P27ErbeLPwyjwCN4FSYxLgNaCy6vHbHAt-RXtWU/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TW1S5a3o5agyE1p1YCN5bGuiH6oI919HzhOXAvKfbklY-r3wNlQ2mm8s8bq4ySI1C8ioeWxBNa7mR-G-winicAsuE2e9k5_zUypCWiPwtNOGOLJTsSAS83kaky74ukkvDeLgT4oRqyVX/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TW1S5a3o5agyE1p1YCN5bGuiH6oI919HzhOXAvKfbklY-r3wNlQ2mm8s8bq4ySI1C8ioeWxBNa7mR-G-winicAsuE2e9k5_zUypCWiPwtNOGOLJTsSAS83kaky74ukkvDeLgT4oRqyVX/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And what celebration would be complete with out cookie decorating! (And eating.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xg5gF-_ZopbJhAFzMDQIfZGtffRf_S2pFM3gMAX1ChCZwCNlFGIilAxdyMA49Wp4YJBcCEJCnDernyhdao3SXUJ4ptbAWdL1ChLkXTcmAZuesPTb6Cg5PWj1Wo7wyl5p4YANwcevYh6P/s1600/SA700095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xg5gF-_ZopbJhAFzMDQIfZGtffRf_S2pFM3gMAX1ChCZwCNlFGIilAxdyMA49Wp4YJBcCEJCnDernyhdao3SXUJ4ptbAWdL1ChLkXTcmAZuesPTb6Cg5PWj1Wo7wyl5p4YANwcevYh6P/s320/SA700095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-91518302678329717982013-12-23T16:00:00.001-05:002013-12-23T16:00:50.211-05:00What Is It?Well, it's my birthday gift from my husband...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye3-gTM3x4hixcXWSU150xaxFVmU2v5Jc1IZ4Z8Yj8Y-IpLRhapQl6Thhzp6rU9tJv3N_YUgWjBJJVa5Jxia0AIdRDtL_-FW_ukaHaEymhd2_4B0mD4xuCkJF7PfcAWgbnUoVc06eTqWJ/s1600/SA700095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye3-gTM3x4hixcXWSU150xaxFVmU2v5Jc1IZ4Z8Yj8Y-IpLRhapQl6Thhzp6rU9tJv3N_YUgWjBJJVa5Jxia0AIdRDtL_-FW_ukaHaEymhd2_4B0mD4xuCkJF7PfcAWgbnUoVc06eTqWJ/s320/SA700095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Bet you can't guess what it is! I don't have any nifty prizes or anything but if you guess it correctly you have the satisfaction of knowing more than I did. I had to ask after I had opened it. "I know it's a chicken but "what" is it?"<br />
<br />
My nine year-old thinks it's a Barbie "Chicken-Horse". What do you all think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICG6k750mEeJSz_qdyPC8C83H_NJ7_LURJxCPKAxASfc6YMHwn-vUf_7Hkn8nsSUFLqFEXb803yHarKhdHwFqt4ch20cDYAOiRt4mqTBOArn61kaF67vfy7CHe1OhTCKN69dOzozKI3XB/s1600/SA700093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICG6k750mEeJSz_qdyPC8C83H_NJ7_LURJxCPKAxASfc6YMHwn-vUf_7Hkn8nsSUFLqFEXb803yHarKhdHwFqt4ch20cDYAOiRt4mqTBOArn61kaF67vfy7CHe1OhTCKN69dOzozKI3XB/s320/SA700093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1838737379"></span><span id="goog_1838737380"></span><br />Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-24740541941480540202013-12-22T12:33:00.001-05:002013-12-22T12:34:16.380-05:00God's Plan For Us: Ice Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKkQnBRmsEisfxwzXp4FTezpl8tnH9UgBg5Yf7OdqMh_Dn2CnSEztFJ4SXqY3RKMr57rARreu8Q-MfR1qzvdshkFA1Mlv6BnMX24scAdhwdS2II8EUTF6elGytkFfMdrS7fDUHnSdHXvG/s1600/SA700092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKkQnBRmsEisfxwzXp4FTezpl8tnH9UgBg5Yf7OdqMh_Dn2CnSEztFJ4SXqY3RKMr57rARreu8Q-MfR1qzvdshkFA1Mlv6BnMX24scAdhwdS2II8EUTF6elGytkFfMdrS7fDUHnSdHXvG/s320/SA700092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Had an ice storm last night followed by a light snow. The roads are treacherous today and church was cancelled but the beauty is incredible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQiHnO3sUycvK8K9ROZHsldLIxLqCMf-T94YX8YC4Pr9U6I3-uLbMKCSLmtdgvSldIqNwfvFlz_OMxT1FRDiPOc2Y8QspfR8mqv4qbBHjhoP8WyA7junGmnba-GL-vOmq09fqFeZCbdB1/s1600/SA700093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQiHnO3sUycvK8K9ROZHsldLIxLqCMf-T94YX8YC4Pr9U6I3-uLbMKCSLmtdgvSldIqNwfvFlz_OMxT1FRDiPOc2Y8QspfR8mqv4qbBHjhoP8WyA7junGmnba-GL-vOmq09fqFeZCbdB1/s320/SA700093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDRJmCBk74ofeRPsry1TTVBCGKnJrTItSH50PhBRqO8yvRCweOq4tMyajsg4eg-T-uKJ2gnMAbzNRl73e1X5QZtn8HiSVsDrI4XMH3ySwt-zWTj_TerHHdNiOXKPNR2bXXq_net0SQtsA/s1600/SA700094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDRJmCBk74ofeRPsry1TTVBCGKnJrTItSH50PhBRqO8yvRCweOq4tMyajsg4eg-T-uKJ2gnMAbzNRl73e1X5QZtn8HiSVsDrI4XMH3ySwt-zWTj_TerHHdNiOXKPNR2bXXq_net0SQtsA/s320/SA700094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEB913yKr1P9mxXxz_34X7xoZI3VTUkzlg41KjkgA_6KwjGaNmg3asbk0Eg-hXz_GcPMZw5eErTYsSw8siXPzawiDTvkwFvEN0X4tSDhOfDoTG1lQj5wexRoMqPCIiUwk3gcS0CwOUwHc9/s1600/SA700097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEB913yKr1P9mxXxz_34X7xoZI3VTUkzlg41KjkgA_6KwjGaNmg3asbk0Eg-hXz_GcPMZw5eErTYsSw8siXPzawiDTvkwFvEN0X4tSDhOfDoTG1lQj5wexRoMqPCIiUwk3gcS0CwOUwHc9/s320/SA700097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name, make his praise glorious! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!"<br />
<br />
Psalm 66:1-3bCyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-59654299113144703702013-12-19T17:48:00.000-05:002013-12-19T17:48:36.556-05:00Slip Sliding Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQ9mSJzmxKXuLr1K_nVKdj9WhL6BZ2T9gSV6qF9fyhcbLTA4oSZ94dn0be3MfBq4H9gH0bifwihZL67vbgQ6yIYG1RdtcxYmMWHr-P2SOD8ny58RTZPJOsjXHzbZWCRLYACCIHrZDXSpT/s1600/SA700108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQ9mSJzmxKXuLr1K_nVKdj9WhL6BZ2T9gSV6qF9fyhcbLTA4oSZ94dn0be3MfBq4H9gH0bifwihZL67vbgQ6yIYG1RdtcxYmMWHr-P2SOD8ny58RTZPJOsjXHzbZWCRLYACCIHrZDXSpT/s320/SA700108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love snow. Blizzards? Bring 'em on. I love to watch it fall, I love to see piles of it everywhere. I have been known to throw a snow ball, build a fort or snowman, sled down a hill or go for a walk in the silence that snow brings. However, I have to admit, I'm really a snow bunny. I prefer the lodge or in my case the living room couch where I can cocoon in a blanket and sip hot cocoa.<br />
<br />
One thing I don't like to do in the snow? Drive! I'm native to Seattle. The PNW city gets some snow but not a whole bunch. I never really had to drive in it. By the time I was driving my dad was retired and able to give me a ride if the roads looked bad. Then he passed the honor on to my husband. When we moved to Idaho we only had one car so I never drove in the snow there. When we moved to Texas... ha.... it snowed once and was gone in a few hours. But here in Michigan... it snows and this year it started early. I have teens who have to go to the dentist and the doctor and church play practice and guitar lessons and any number of social events. And since Dad is usually either at work or in bed for these lovely errands guess who gets to drive them. Me! It is so not good.<br />
<br />
Tuesday I had to drop off and pick up my eldest at a babysitting gig. Of course this family has a long, steep, curving driveway up to the house. (With tons of trees lining the drive.) I generally choose to stop at the bottom and let my daughter walk up to the house and down also. But Tuesday, oh Tuesday, I forgot my phone at home whilst going to pick her up. I didn't want to walk up to get her so I drove to the top. I am an adult after all. This backing down a long, curvy, steep, tree-lined drive shouldn't be a problem. Never mind that it is covered in snow.<br />
<br />
Half way down the drive and "thunk". In avoiding a tree, I failed to see the utility pole and backed right into it. No big deal. I was going slow. No damage. I just put the vehicle in 4 wheel drive and drove forward. Of course what I couldn't see because of snow was the slope away from the driveway towards the tree I had missed. The car moved forward and promptly slid down the slope and met the tree most intimately. Okay, I'll just back up and be on my way. NOOOOO... I end up digging the wheels down, down, down. Now I am stuck and parallel parked between the tree and the pole. (Apparently the only time I can successfully parallel park is when I'm not trying to.)<br />
<br />
Long story short, it took the grandfather of the kids my daughter was sitting, and my husband about an hour to dig and pull the car out. Sigh... why do these things always happen to me. Now I have a nice little dent in the front passenger fender and a busted tail light. Perhaps a move to Key West might not be a bad idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-OlPat4ny5FiexyFRlWtbuVsOEgpdGCbrN3AwSXRW1BwSEj7_thyE_VHEeSDfkoeWTPAUQQwDeNqgzjM39pTGltvKQmtWaTS-GeLPKHGDBknkzr1HLiojbncBzgfJ_w96TfLhcr2YlT7/s1600/SA700092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-OlPat4ny5FiexyFRlWtbuVsOEgpdGCbrN3AwSXRW1BwSEj7_thyE_VHEeSDfkoeWTPAUQQwDeNqgzjM39pTGltvKQmtWaTS-GeLPKHGDBknkzr1HLiojbncBzgfJ_w96TfLhcr2YlT7/s320/SA700092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj09MK-ZTTqv4XRHCNKrA9J7wJG_4oBns6Q__oFqpJz5n-7_0j4zqgrTuyxz26aXYqbFNFHqZ6OSJjxgTdHQylxxgd9PNpRkg1KwrZ-mQyhv8U4W-i0x94aFMzzOxQpG5k8UdlmxI9o4fa/s1600/SA700095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj09MK-ZTTqv4XRHCNKrA9J7wJG_4oBns6Q__oFqpJz5n-7_0j4zqgrTuyxz26aXYqbFNFHqZ6OSJjxgTdHQylxxgd9PNpRkg1KwrZ-mQyhv8U4W-i0x94aFMzzOxQpG5k8UdlmxI9o4fa/s320/SA700095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now for the praises! No one was hurt, the damage is small, both my husband and the grandfather were available to help, it was still light out and there was a break in the weather, they got the car out. Big picture time. Big picture. Thank you Heavenly Father.<br />
<br />
Lessons learned: Remember the phone so I can text my arrival to my daughter and not have to drive up to the house and if the phone is forgotten, don't be lazy. Park the beast and walk up to the house!<br />
<br />
<br />
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-1502068164723460532013-12-17T15:45:00.000-05:002013-12-17T15:45:29.281-05:00Inexpensive Thank You Christmas Gift Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeXKwfTEEEGcpLc-HFWftzpyD2T7aciRAbt34Mx2OJHHtmJJIS83qhLNzdiw8JesfysELtXFZAwzSa0-9BE-t1MbLapJWKS-XMvlSH8S95lSRcMzg-aMt_Nem7Iy-KjRbTSufyx38EiYc/s1600/SA700103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeXKwfTEEEGcpLc-HFWftzpyD2T7aciRAbt34Mx2OJHHtmJJIS83qhLNzdiw8JesfysELtXFZAwzSa0-9BE-t1MbLapJWKS-XMvlSH8S95lSRcMzg-aMt_Nem7Iy-KjRbTSufyx38EiYc/s320/SA700103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A simple and easy "homemade" gift to give to teachers or others that deserve a little "Thank You" gift this Christmas time is the time honored Candy In a Jar.<br />
<br />
Everything I used to make these, for my youngest two daughter's Sunday school teachers, I had on hand- except for the M-n-M's.<br />
<br />
We used to run a hand crafted soap and body care business and I have a few odd jars left over from that time. I used a square jar with a cork lid but any shape will do and if you can't find anything with a lid a wad of tissue paper will work nicely. Garage sales and thrift stores are great places to look for containers but craft stores and supermarkets will usually have something too.<br />
<br />
We sorted the M-n-M's by color- something all the kids enjoyed helping with- by dumping our Costco sized bag onto a cookie sheet and grouping them into piles. Then we carefully filled the jar by the rainbow... ROY G BIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet) and sealed it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct8ooCyRqqkvmSqzs_bs4JQjeBkRHUx-3za2ZpdVBNk5OwcCauxAsT__zviLOBF7lYl_vWsBuFYv_giZwar2zRNOcTlUf6nQPdZ-wQogzPwnEJ26rXRIqzX9JT9f3Dpj10T1UNUo2d5ic/s1600/SA700101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct8ooCyRqqkvmSqzs_bs4JQjeBkRHUx-3za2ZpdVBNk5OwcCauxAsT__zviLOBF7lYl_vWsBuFYv_giZwar2zRNOcTlUf6nQPdZ-wQogzPwnEJ26rXRIqzX9JT9f3Dpj10T1UNUo2d5ic/s320/SA700101.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next I tied some wire-edged ribbon around the jar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWBGOo4b2AoFWVEGIVQPL8LClxEFF1qGJF-8bRewO-_7IMAiYsyOGsvNGt3Fyxv8brlU8heWv0tP0AmiPeUyE5wZSW1qvwHrJ8-x6WatFjQIo_k3eCI85Dwr8BaMPQOimGE5yzmtIhnFy/s1600/SA700102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWBGOo4b2AoFWVEGIVQPL8LClxEFF1qGJF-8bRewO-_7IMAiYsyOGsvNGt3Fyxv8brlU8heWv0tP0AmiPeUyE5wZSW1qvwHrJ8-x6WatFjQIo_k3eCI85Dwr8BaMPQOimGE5yzmtIhnFy/s320/SA700102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
And attached a little thank you note with string and a hole punch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9jS8RENj407_ESygUQqnKaZKupJSXZ68fex5B9dje6SYrSAoic1W2tBUCnQkuoTYwWdyoZyaU30z_odFJc2cYMtmxkiACFHKjNchdFzHH5WsdWqHYCc8nIE8aW2H9va4v6OdmLRUF_DM/s1600/SA700104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9jS8RENj407_ESygUQqnKaZKupJSXZ68fex5B9dje6SYrSAoic1W2tBUCnQkuoTYwWdyoZyaU30z_odFJc2cYMtmxkiACFHKjNchdFzHH5WsdWqHYCc8nIE8aW2H9va4v6OdmLRUF_DM/s320/SA700104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Simple, pretty, and inexpensive! It works with a lot of different types of candies and can be adapted to other holidays and occasions. Being thoughtful doesn't have to break the bank.</div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-774699484380943512013-12-15T15:13:00.000-05:002013-12-23T16:13:04.944-05:00God's Plan For Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksatJ7yDdeQ5mo2804mORb5BnbNPFqaL__g8nJsCA3CLiwgSHfdPrVdsE_R86vg3QbvTmtm9eX-iQ1JUodyjwWRx7NeheJIVFri0gbYGvtMyqAk4hX8J0hBexATKUdo83Q4TZBuTT0uuk/s1600/SA700092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksatJ7yDdeQ5mo2804mORb5BnbNPFqaL__g8nJsCA3CLiwgSHfdPrVdsE_R86vg3QbvTmtm9eX-iQ1JUodyjwWRx7NeheJIVFri0gbYGvtMyqAk4hX8J0hBexATKUdo83Q4TZBuTT0uuk/s320/SA700092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over the flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."<br />
<br />
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."<br />
<br />
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."<br />
<br />
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they has heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.<br />
<br />
Luke 2:8-20Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-80194224828880646832013-12-14T20:00:00.000-05:002013-12-14T20:08:59.778-05:00Respect The Farmer Who Puts Food On Your Table!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfNi1kVu8iSf7RkwZ-mde7kIMfzNZOiaY9uR_miWqHmSYkyjk9pwdRUs19F5DQ5gaDGSvw7grpjV_qpHHGH7G38z4yDruPDQnhQCkt0v7t8zH6INZOX1kLu3uXNoxD5sg65jqVjSJrBCm/s1600/SA700179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfNi1kVu8iSf7RkwZ-mde7kIMfzNZOiaY9uR_miWqHmSYkyjk9pwdRUs19F5DQ5gaDGSvw7grpjV_qpHHGH7G38z4yDruPDQnhQCkt0v7t8zH6INZOX1kLu3uXNoxD5sg65jqVjSJrBCm/s320/SA700179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I am by no means a real farmer. We grow a large garden every year and are working toward the goal of feeding ourselves without depending on a grocery store and then eventually we hope to have extra to sell, but we aren't there yet.<br />
<br />
Our entire animal contingent is made up of two cats, 17 hens and one rooster. In Michigan, where we live, it is illegal to sell raw milk except under the guise of a "herd share" program. Since our family goes through 4 or 5 gallons a week that puts "herd share" out of our current price range so we want to add a couple of milk goats.<br />
<br />
Sounds great, right?<br />
<br />
Well, it did up until a couple of days ago when it our temps plummeted into the little ball on the thermometer never to be seen again and the winds started chewing at my bare skin and the snow drifts organized themselves into a knee-deep wall that blocks my path to the barn.<br />
<br />
Right now all I have to do is feed and water the chickens and collect eggs. I bundle up and its not too bad but I really have no desire to get up at the pre-crack of dawn, daily, to milk animals in a heatless barn. I am a wuss!<br />
<br />
But it also makes me appreciate all the real farmers that are out there taking care of their animals day in and day out- leaving the comfort and warmth of their beds and homes to trek to the milking parlor or elsewhere. Their dedication to keeping the food I take for granted on my table is starting to really hit home.<br />
<br />
When I'm opening my drapes, my neighboring dairy farmer is out feeding and checking on his calves. They milk at 4:00am and 4:00pm. Uhhh... I'm up with my Costco managing husband at that time and I'm barely able to hold a thought. I have gained nothing but respect for farmers since moving to the country. <br />
<br />
Never take for granted the food that is raised for you and the work that went into getting it to your table. Farmers FEED us! Farmer's are my rockstars!Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-2902785200732506412013-12-13T21:44:00.000-05:002013-12-13T21:44:01.045-05:00Read and Write Friday: I just might be a Heirloom Girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymXju5C-1-RF6r_9tzFC9sUnVInBlHu2Bk0vaL2OSiEgbdQc_sGKUn3TEB9hHwx_fj9GwPiOeV-3LahAOznRqOOU2NwQA1hfTbdeZZzRpsbC4NfVg1dvl-8yuTmZa0DbdaEGdF97zhwX5/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymXju5C-1-RF6r_9tzFC9sUnVInBlHu2Bk0vaL2OSiEgbdQc_sGKUn3TEB9hHwx_fj9GwPiOeV-3LahAOznRqOOU2NwQA1hfTbdeZZzRpsbC4NfVg1dvl-8yuTmZa0DbdaEGdF97zhwX5/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_731549103"></span><span id="goog_731549104"></span><br />
<br />
I got the best early Christmas present today. I got a response from Mrs. Emilee Gettle who runs <a href="http://heirloomgirl.com/">Heirloomgirl.com</a>. She is interested in having me guest blog! I am super excited! I really love her site and the other projects she and her husband Jere have their hands in.<br />
<br />
The Gettles are the owners of <a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/">Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds</a> and have authored a cookbook and gardening book as well as publishing Heirloom Gardener magazine. I gave my husband a collection of their seeds for Christmas last year and it was such fun to watch the bounty roll in this summer.<br />
<br />
I hope this will be the first step in obtaining bylines/clips/credit that will give me some ummph to back up queries to other magazines. But, more than anything, I'm just excited to be a part of this family based, agrarian minded business.<br />
<br />
If you haven't ever gotten a copy of their seed catalog you are missing out. Flipping through it and planning my spring garden is one of my favorite winter activities!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-63656188765828431762013-12-12T20:38:00.002-05:002013-12-12T20:38:46.168-05:00Homeschooling through the sickness...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZmBFByddhuGGHxmyiC1VcskE9tOGfxONb1dH8O767UDfas0yXn43Xu_tfMPDir5t4E-LVuuF0f-3dGvLLUCLjstVro2GvqB85Lq9o2oQLqPigvviMeuMmBm8eBLJDqTqPZaMagADtREq/s1600/SA700097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZmBFByddhuGGHxmyiC1VcskE9tOGfxONb1dH8O767UDfas0yXn43Xu_tfMPDir5t4E-LVuuF0f-3dGvLLUCLjstVro2GvqB85Lq9o2oQLqPigvviMeuMmBm8eBLJDqTqPZaMagADtREq/s320/SA700097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I find having to school with even one sick child challenging. Today I got three children through all their subjects and one partially through and the sick kid... she spent a lot of time on the couch. It was clear that the sicky would not be able to concentrate on bookwork. <br />
<br />
I thought perhaps that I could turn on the TV and find a history or animal documentary but those things don't exist anymore. It seems these days everything on channels that used to be somewhat educating are now swamped with "reality" shows that offer little besides a lot of bleeped out words or cheap entertainment.<br />
<br />
So tomorrow the snow is supposed to let up some and I am heading to the library. I am picking up arm loads of documentaries and non-text books to keep her busy on the couch and yet still learning at the same time.<br />
<br />
Any other homeschoolers out there have any tips on how to have a "sickie" learning under the radar? I'd love to hear some ideas on this!Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-59556694858603530412013-12-11T18:40:00.000-05:002013-12-11T18:55:03.423-05:00Cookie Cheer Up!Well, we have a snow blower that works but unfortunately I don't have a snow blow operator!<br />
<br />
Yesterday after plowing the drive and my wonderful path to the barn, Farmer John started to complain about his wrist hurting. He was in so much pain before work this morning I told him to go get it checked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGS8I7O5VtOILk1jov4TEYS_6IGc7uKRh8IGO49W6F9hnWF30ZxvlwhjMh9Z7nomNvnP_KVZE4pc7G93pPF381ij6-vE-unqWucoFML46lexJB-wT92Gb6CibzW4buAm4HH2y862AeqkB/s1600/SA700095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGS8I7O5VtOILk1jov4TEYS_6IGc7uKRh8IGO49W6F9hnWF30ZxvlwhjMh9Z7nomNvnP_KVZE4pc7G93pPF381ij6-vE-unqWucoFML46lexJB-wT92Gb6CibzW4buAm4HH2y862AeqkB/s320/SA700095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Diagnosis... Tendonitis! Yah... so no nice plowed path to the barn. We aren't quite ready to give that responsibility to our son with anything more than a shovel at this point in time.<br />
<br />
Had another surprise diagnosis today... strep throat for my nine year old! Keep the good times coming!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK9M78nYS7d_padmkpK5_3T5R3JtNtqeG05Tvv7PWEfms7cAMCNKLUReur5C4my2oNuB9jbEkpqOu2G_GJkEImOfWGtmBRTuBpG81Rk_heoqr04WKiV6VIx_C1v_DgvG5NjTlehN7hJac/s1600/SA700100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK9M78nYS7d_padmkpK5_3T5R3JtNtqeG05Tvv7PWEfms7cAMCNKLUReur5C4my2oNuB9jbEkpqOu2G_GJkEImOfWGtmBRTuBpG81Rk_heoqr04WKiV6VIx_C1v_DgvG5NjTlehN7hJac/s320/SA700100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So what can you do when it is cold, snowy and you have "patients" to keep happy? Make Christmas cookies!<br />
<br />
Who doesn't feel better after a frosted Christmas sugar cookie? <br />
<br />
Usually we have a traditional recipe we follow but I found a new recipe that includes sour cream in it and it seemed like a good day to give it a try.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzfW6x-gtwzDmZ4ZOvnWVJc3gXKZhhyphenhyphenPtLQ3tLmQVGrLGTaWT-yZIPFGizRz9ZYs7sodV2VlKqqnyGGEju5qWBCCZMRDuW8fhxg2VYwePvSMnPEZiCMdvhQDaSlivZlvYlBJ1KqwRcCDr/s1600/SA700092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzfW6x-gtwzDmZ4ZOvnWVJc3gXKZhhyphenhyphenPtLQ3tLmQVGrLGTaWT-yZIPFGizRz9ZYs7sodV2VlKqqnyGGEju5qWBCCZMRDuW8fhxg2VYwePvSMnPEZiCMdvhQDaSlivZlvYlBJ1KqwRcCDr/s320/SA700092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65tzVMT67KLkJPUhBtImzxFk5WN3oVcxguTlXNsj1KK-c-mL0xGVfFDZIcs0CGFENCifeOeOYJjMJQHzTJ7en8hl6cYhVLtLcHP-uWmNmeOmg5pl_5XLRiT4j5-9aRE1V4PK4xdLgcscn/s1600/SA700094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65tzVMT67KLkJPUhBtImzxFk5WN3oVcxguTlXNsj1KK-c-mL0xGVfFDZIcs0CGFENCifeOeOYJjMJQHzTJ7en8hl6cYhVLtLcHP-uWmNmeOmg5pl_5XLRiT4j5-9aRE1V4PK4xdLgcscn/s320/SA700094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We didn't mess with Christmas shapes today since it was just a "test" run. We stuck with easy-peasy circles. Plain white frosting and simple sprinkles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishvkn74Q2_jFDgG4Ggotsi2_FWcaDBMGciTjuuQ_y2AgBNMmQrSn-wTJlx4fgwHYsCUKwmKP1SFFJ7CJINKhfXcUdeY-viirZWR2lcUsSwjwTku4RjmG4WUIH1_oqDiHal9qw-B5-ztO_/s1600/SA700096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishvkn74Q2_jFDgG4Ggotsi2_FWcaDBMGciTjuuQ_y2AgBNMmQrSn-wTJlx4fgwHYsCUKwmKP1SFFJ7CJINKhfXcUdeY-viirZWR2lcUsSwjwTku4RjmG4WUIH1_oqDiHal9qw-B5-ztO_/s320/SA700096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMBDEKeyT93Tk9nGPLsu6HWtBCxG_pdlJ1b-TFuosxkI9gJh_uPsV-DGadPDo2Q7zh1BB3iwn4miphTXgDRykzVxaXCD1h4GkYs_K5N9aGuvteOy3yR088edZAMOfGBInxWwnAUIJ8xq/s1600/SA700097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMBDEKeyT93Tk9nGPLsu6HWtBCxG_pdlJ1b-TFuosxkI9gJh_uPsV-DGadPDo2Q7zh1BB3iwn4miphTXgDRykzVxaXCD1h4GkYs_K5N9aGuvteOy3yR088edZAMOfGBInxWwnAUIJ8xq/s320/SA700097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The verdict... Yum! I think this may be my new traditional recipe! I will definitely need to make lots so that my son has fuel to snow shovel my path to the barn.<br />
<br />
You can find the recipe for Cut-Out Sour Cream Cookies and frosting <a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/print/294">here!</a><br />
<br />
They certainly boosted spirits at Creek Cottage Homestead. Happy baking, frosting and eating!!Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224040476243998010.post-16385655554852353192013-12-10T20:59:00.000-05:002013-12-10T21:01:30.058-05:00Snowing and BlowingIt's that time of year again. The time when the tractor stops being a mower and starts being a blower.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfkJopvoRsnbroiFFwlEGtMyC3U9sC_8uCLooB1BqCgRYDcpGSoC2lN5B3E_h7Sjaq0LLYn_6fJpEHNareazhB06x8Lut8fyPL9gt9H77qvY5uL2jNEDfEROb3ZxPIzqXBOHh2DQ3G9wK/s1600/SA700094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfkJopvoRsnbroiFFwlEGtMyC3U9sC_8uCLooB1BqCgRYDcpGSoC2lN5B3E_h7Sjaq0LLYn_6fJpEHNareazhB06x8Lut8fyPL9gt9H77qvY5uL2jNEDfEROb3ZxPIzqXBOHh2DQ3G9wK/s320/SA700094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last year we couldn't use the tractor for blowing because it was broken down. But it was a light snow year and we made do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWjnsGJZV2waT2Y_w2rXxtsytWOB_xtWcMU-4mWjcbnPkFaDBm-jbRlUG0RPxVAEoe-KRVdy3dWiN13CJtkKSA3_YvUZRqLp8QHbwgmijaGrt2_hFXXApSwWWnT2IG1cUi7djj6ljxrT8/s1600/SA700095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWjnsGJZV2waT2Y_w2rXxtsytWOB_xtWcMU-4mWjcbnPkFaDBm-jbRlUG0RPxVAEoe-KRVdy3dWiN13CJtkKSA3_YvUZRqLp8QHbwgmijaGrt2_hFXXApSwWWnT2IG1cUi7djj6ljxrT8/s320/SA700095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This year Farmer John was chomping at the bit to test it out so yesterday he got it out (even though we only had an inch or so and began to plow our drive. Five minutes into it and the blades stopped rotating. Ugghhh!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnYpLcv049_Trk4V2fea7iuiKM6DANmcgk9vmY5NPUGvyemITd7AtW64qjyeLogIuqtz4Dld3w6uMgVLd72nyQZexj-zxtt0GEMeZ6Y1FtNYCiXzb8pWSS87vOayyjn0R1_XxxYtvzTp0/s1600/SA700096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnYpLcv049_Trk4V2fea7iuiKM6DANmcgk9vmY5NPUGvyemITd7AtW64qjyeLogIuqtz4Dld3w6uMgVLd72nyQZexj-zxtt0GEMeZ6Y1FtNYCiXzb8pWSS87vOayyjn0R1_XxxYtvzTp0/s320/SA700096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I had $$ for every time I've seen Farmer John in this position with our beast we could own our own tropical island. We bought it used. Hey, buy used and save the difference is the motto the Duggars use. It seems to work great for them. Not so much for us. With all the time and $ we've spent getting this thing to work, it would have been worth it to purchase the shiny green tractor that comes with yellow words. Alas, this was the one we could afford and, really, having a tractor payment is kind of silly no matter how shiny and new.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lucky for us, this time, the problem was an old stretched out belt. Easy to fix and not too pricey.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJLO0MapFGtkXrzfguJQ4g4oBsNHijs1LuCml-7dEZJNpQdvHfJuV7_766yhFKEw4s7WS6zSZ3b_doiExDYrLlBG0UfthNtAQvCpGQ4-8yBbsHdg6MpplxwXaf8ayikhAaL4KwYsAhCau/s1600/SA700103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJLO0MapFGtkXrzfguJQ4g4oBsNHijs1LuCml-7dEZJNpQdvHfJuV7_766yhFKEw4s7WS6zSZ3b_doiExDYrLlBG0UfthNtAQvCpGQ4-8yBbsHdg6MpplxwXaf8ayikhAaL4KwYsAhCau/s320/SA700103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Today we got a few more inches of "Lake Effect" snow. (Not a storm, just something Lake Michigan whips up for us.) Farmer John had our drive cleared in no time at all. And as we are supposed to get more tomorrow, he'll get to do it again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T_2Bh1gENa_GyYfegmNmHh1axbqp_CiNVDxXAlAiTRIdxcWHefgHRg2G_lu9R6Sns5BlHbgJoH2cgJRol-0Zrl7PDU5REoisItivsGZLpqzFFcCgP2TUSAUzkP8WN4qr4Ar2kYYu1Y_H/s1600/SA700101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T_2Bh1gENa_GyYfegmNmHh1axbqp_CiNVDxXAlAiTRIdxcWHefgHRg2G_lu9R6Sns5BlHbgJoH2cgJRol-0Zrl7PDU5REoisItivsGZLpqzFFcCgP2TUSAUzkP8WN4qr4Ar2kYYu1Y_H/s320/SA700101.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
He was even nice enough to plow me a path from the back garage door to the barn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-ln4Vb0RsFOCrlvMFHg2SBSQqJ3iB38VzrPtYEi_vr-JAVPGV7pCFsMgWQuvFjO0A98Qj7hC43MyWXDDGFcdIP2L6US0gDAENKyZOe19MXehRaMtaKuNtKW4iNUJ3_WFqx-rUG_c8zVi/s1600/SA700102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-ln4Vb0RsFOCrlvMFHg2SBSQqJ3iB38VzrPtYEi_vr-JAVPGV7pCFsMgWQuvFjO0A98Qj7hC43MyWXDDGFcdIP2L6US0gDAENKyZOe19MXehRaMtaKuNtKW4iNUJ3_WFqx-rUG_c8zVi/s320/SA700102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course he could have just been trying to make up for nearly backing the beast over me in the barn. Lucky for me I was by the chicken enclosure so he didn't knock me down. I just got a face full of chicken wire mesh. Good times indeed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How do you all handle winter weather?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Cyndi Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05794693752183307243noreply@blogger.com0