Front Porches and Sweet Tea

~ Laugh In Winter's Face Supper Menu ~

2012-01-20T18:37:00.000-06:00

Jalapeno Pepper Pie ( not hot variety)

Mexican cornbread

Tomato Macaroni

Corn on the cob

Crusty Bread with garlic/dried tomato pesto

Strawberry shortcakes w/ whipped cream

A bottle of our neighbor's finest Elderberry wine

Hello Winter. Meet Summer

I guess this tradition goes back to the summer days of a young girl. I remember well my mother saying " just think how good this will taste come January." It was words of encouragement on a hot summer day when one didn't think one could possibly snap another green bean or peel another apple.

Another winter day down, another day closer to spring!

Chanda

~Hello Friends ~ Merry Christmas! ~

2011-12-22T22:36:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hoping your world is merry and bright.

It's been so long since I last posted, I know I know.........who has time to blog these days?

Evidently not me!

Here's a tiny glimpse into my world and our holiday home.

I Wish I had time to share more.

Anyway, here's a little Christmas at my house.

I have so enjoyed looking at yours and gathering ideas for next year.

Gingerbread world.

Shouldn't those 5 dogs in the yard be white??...and have their tails pointing!

Our red and green tree in our newly painted living room/dining room.

SO glad the red is gone. Loving the soft buttery yellow. It goes with everything.

Finally, finally scored an antique sled!!!

Actually I scored two. I bid for choice and took them both. $5 each at an Amish auction. Oh yea!

Tonight was our traditional "goodie basket" delivery night in our neighborhood and countryside.
We have been doing this for several years now.
Simple gifts from my kitchen and a tiny handmade ornament.
Lots and lots of fun and visiting. Usually a meal in town tops off the evening afterwards.

My very favorite Christmas decoration of all. Made from old time-cards from a factory.

A festive entrance into our home.

Don't forget to stop under the twinkling stars and mistletoe for a smooch or two.

Antique sled #2 on the mantle.

I finally decided what I wanted to do with my old antique door.

Nothing!!

It has an easy job of leaning up against the wall between the china cabinet and the buffet table.

Love it there.

It took on a second job of holding the Christmas cards as they started arriving this year.

One by one it is filling up fast.
It's so good to hear from friends old and new this time of year, each friendship is cherished, each picture treasured.

Thank you friends for stopping by and may you have a very Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Until we meet again,
Chanda

~Blog Remodel~

2011-11-09T13:20:00.000-06:00

The blog will be down for some much needed remodeling and attention.
Hope to have it up and running soon.
Happy Holidays,
Chanda

How 'bout Them Cards!!

2011-10-28T14:02:00.001-05:00

How about them Cardinals!!!

What a nerve racking game that was last night.
Along with the nachos, I also need some heart medication and some Xanax.
Almost unbearable at times to watch without chewing off all my fingernails.
I would love to be in ST. Louis tonight for the final game.

Perfect setup here for uber excitement.
Friday night, last game of the series and the score is tied.
The fall air is crispy and sweet and the whole state is awash in a sea of red.

Tonight our family will be cheering on the Red Birds with great enthusiasm to hopefully win this World Series.

I am going to string up some red lights and make a huge platter of my best cheesy, beefy nachos and mix up some red party punch.
Fun family times.
Go Cards!!!!

Until next time,Chanda

Thank you Friends

2011-10-02T19:19:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all my very sweet and caring blogging friends who have brightened up my days with your comments and emails.

I treasure each friendship and your support has meant so much to me.

Life without my dad is definitely going to be an adjustment for my family and I. Its really complicated for me as I live 5 hours away. My 2 older brothers are great though and do alot. I am so comforted to know they are close by.

I am slowly getting back to life and my routine, 5 weeks is a long time to be away. To say things were alittle stacked up here would be the understatement of the year and add in the changing season and all that comes with that. For now I am just trying to let everything sink in and tackling things slowly. For once in my life, I'm not in any hurry.....weird.

I am looking forward to having my mom here for a week and we are planning up a Chili Supper/Halloween Party out in the big barn. It will give us all a boost to get some things done and its just down right fun to plan and host a big shin-dig. I am very excited about planning this and getting it all together.

I hope to be back blogging soon. I still pop in to read and enjoy others blogs even though I have not been posting much. You all have no idea what a God send your blogs were to me while I sat for hours in the hospital. Thank you for being there.

I better run, life is calling and so are the goat girls.....time to milk.
Until next time, Chanda

~On My Knees Thanking God~

2011-05-25T20:16:00.002-05:00

Let me say it's been an intense nerve racking last few days here in Missouri.

Many many times this week I have hurriedly put animals into the barns and and made a run for safe cover, grabbing dogs, purses radios and flashlights.

It's so scary after what happenend Joplin.

We will never see a storm with the same eyes as we once did.

My family is safe, we are fine.

Thank you for all the emails and well wishes for my family.

I am a changed person. I am still horrified.
I have never seen such horrific pictures of devastation.
Joplin is many miles away from us, but we are all touched.

I have thanked the Father in Heaven many times over for sparing us.
Something like this will sure plant your feet back firmly on the ground.

125 confirmed dead and 1500 people still unaccounted for.
That's unreal and seemed unreal until I looked at the pictures from the link below.

If you need an eye opener to how powerful these storms are take a look.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1389737/Joplin-MO-tornado-At-89-dead-twister-cuts-4-mile-swathe-Missouri-town.html

Please pray for my fellow Missourians who have to live this and not just stare at pictures of it as I have.
So many hurting in this world right now.

Hoping everyone finds the peace they seek and brighter days.

Chanda

~A Photo Journal ~

2011-05-19T23:13:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone.

I finally have a good Internet connection that allows me to share some pictures.

Its been a crazy busy last 3 weeks around the homestead.

Plenty of rain, yard work and gardening between the showers and down pours.

I am finally getting some summer flowers potted up and some of my summer decor put out on the porch.

I've been having fun moving in and arranging the wicker furniture,pulling out old quilts, hooking up lamps, piling up my summer reading stash and setting up the day bed and yes I do spend many of my summer nights sleeping in the screened in porch. I'm an outdoors person so I love it.

How do you like my old wagon? Isn't it fantastic!

Our Amish friend made it when he was a young boy and he no longer wanted it. It's not really usable as the wheel wobbles and he had no use for it and they don't keep many items such as this if they serve no real purpose.

It serves me well, it is one of my new favorite things.

I set up a little rest area here on the corner. See the blue bottle of homemade potion?
It's lavender water and I freshen up the quilts and spreads with it throughout the week and hang them on the rail of the porch to air. It works so nice on the dog beds too. Easy to make. Lavender oil and water and a fresh sprig of real lavender to make it pretty.
I lucked into finding some spray nozzels at one of the local dollar stores that fit the old blue Milk of magnesia bottles perfectly. I love using them and then labeling them with pretty handmade labels. I am not a scrap booker, but I find other uses for those beautiful papers.

I have made my laundry soap for a few years now and this spring I've really enjoyed researching homemade cleansers and learning all the benefits of herbs and esstencil oils.
We recently discovered the benefits of a herb called Valerian. If you neede help unwinding and getting to sleep, give it a try....it works. **Warning**it smells like stinky feet.

I have tonic waters sitting everywhere and my old collection of old blue bottles are so pretty decanted up with my potions.

I am learning to cure most anything or at least I try. I planted a slew of new herbs this year for this purpose alone.

The garden is slowly coming along.
I added in 8 new raised beds and I just got them all planted last night right as it started raining.
We've had rain all weekend and in for another 4 days of it they say.

I put the old mail box to good use.

i finally got one of the giant old fashioned ones and so happy that it keeps my mail so nice and dry now.

I had bad luck with the chickens.

The very first day I let them free range as I worked in the garden, something got one. I never found a feather or a trace of it anywhere. It just disappeared of the face of the earth.

Probably a chicken hawk or fox.

I blamed the cats at first and then a snapping turtle I found passing by that was just huge and I mean as big as a large pizza huge.

I decided I wasn't taking anymore chances so I put fencing up in the orchard and let them free range there. So far 2 weeks and everything has been safe.

I have however already tore 2 of my dresses on this gate. It needs a piece of wire turned in or cut off.

The gate is from my mom's old homestead from when she was a girl, It opened to her front yard.

Not my best week mowing the yard.
Still have this to deal with. fun fun.
Like I really needed one more thing to do.

Plenty of cheese making been going on. I have learned to make butter, butter milk, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, easy feta, marinated feta, cottage cheese, ricotta and of course a gallon of ice cream and chocolate milk each Wednesday. That is my day set aside to do up the weeks milk into all kinds of goodness. It's been so fun discovering new recipes.

My ongoing rock project seems to never end. I haul in a few more truck loads each spring. I have to stop with this for now as it is time to get the mulch put out.
Our neighboring city has a free mulch day every spring and my husband got two dump truck loads and now I have to shovel it up into my wagon and then shovel it out into all the places it goes. That is my gym membership right there. No need for an ab machine, my shovel will do. Sometimes I think I'll never get done
and somehow I always do.

The shrubs in the front have filled out nice this year. They sure have had plenty to drink.

The side yard looking form the front.
See all those plants, I have planted everyone of them...every single one of them.
After 8 years growth, some are getting beautiful. I started with the smallest containers and root stock for most of the trees and bushes. It's finally starting to pay off.

I made a field stone walk way up to the pool, hopefully no more grass in the pool.
The rocks are very light in color and they are beautiful in the moon light and very visible even on the darkest of nights.

I built some kitchen garden boxes as I like to call them.

They are just off the breakfast patio and are filled with nothing but tomatoes,peppers, herbs and lettuce.

My good husband went into the pasture where he feeds big round bales of hay to the cattle and he brought back the most beautiful black dirt.

thank you sweetie.

I moved my potting bench around here also. It's pretty handy for prepping fresh lettuce and onions. If you've ever done that, then you know what I mean.

I better run, I have a horse show this weekend, second one of the season and this new horse virus is starting to make me little uneasy about traveling around with the horses right now. My horses are all vaccinated, but I won't take any chances with my Zip boy and I don't know much about this yet. It's really scary, but we are still planning on going I guess. Hopefully I will have pictures to share.

Until next time,

Chanda

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T22:22:00.000-05:00

Easter Sunday started early and busy for us.
Feeding, milking chores and caring for horses don't take holidays or vacations.
I spent all morning in the kitchen cooking Easter lunch and processing up a weeks worth of milk.
I strained the cream from each jar and collected about 3/4 gallon for butter, pasteurized two gallons for yogurt and crumbly salad cheese and made a gallon of ice cream. That took all morning, 2 aprons and 8 dish towels. I swear I washed 500 dishes in all that making and I was just tired of my hands being wet.
The yogurt is still making, I forgot to add in the powdered milk and if its runny, we won't eat it, so I guess we'll have to make smoothies with it and the dogs will get some too. I'm going to let it sit until tomorrow morning and check it again then. I hope it's not too tart to sweeten with sugar. I love homemade yogurt, but like everything I eat, I like it sweet.

I made baked chicken stuffed with lemons and rosemary, corn, deviled eggs, biscuits and chocolate cake for lunch. It was just Dwight and I, so nothing fancy.
I made a huge batch of butter cream frosting that tasted just like bakery birthday cake frosting.
It's simple, shortening, powdered sugar, cream and vanilla. I think I like shortening better than the butter version. It was really tasty and birthday cake is one of my favorite desserts.

I heard from mom and dad this morning and it's flooding really bad back home and the Mississippi is going to go out of its banks. All of my families homes are safe from the water, but many of my old friends homes are not. They are saying something like the '93 flood again. I hope and pray not.

****I know this is probably boring as heck, but sometimes I like to make entries to my blog that will be of interest later on down the road. I like to look back on holidays and sometimes just see the simple mundane things like what we ate and where we went and such. Some day I do want to have one of the blog books made. I just need to tie myself in a chair and make myself line it all out.

Until next time,
Chanda

~Homemade Butter From Goats Milk~

2011-04-20T15:22:00.002-05:00

Yes, it can be done.
But, is it worth it?

I started with 2 pints of cream and ended up with about 3/4 cup of butter and a little over 1 pint of buttermilk. The Butter is very white in color and IT TOOK FOREVER!!!

I churned it for over an hour in the Kitchen-Aid mixer and even shut it off for a time to let the mixer rest.
I keep thinking that if I burn up my mixer trying to make a dollars worth of butter I'm gonna not like myself.

Any tips on starting temperature, mixer speed, cream age and so on....anything that could help speed this process up would be greatly appreciated.

I haven't tried it yet, it looks great.
I'll have to let you know how I like it.
If if doesn't yield any more than this, I might be better off using the cream in ice cream....just a thought.

In case your wondering, my doe is a Sable /Saanen breed.
I flash chill the milk in a bucket of ice water each night before putting it in the fridge.
I skim the cream after about 4-5 days.
I normally get about 1/2 cup of cream per quart of milk.
I didn't even realize that she was making so much cream until I started saving milk to make cheese.
I was impressed enough with the quantity to save some and try to make butter.
that's almost as much as I got from the cows milk.

I'm looking forward to hearing from anyone who might have some good advice for me.

Thanks,
Chanda

~Urban Homestead Chicken Coop~

2011-04-17T22:00:00.001-05:00

Well friends here ya go.

My chicken palace.

A repurposed Little Tykes Playhouse.

Many many families have these in their backyards right?

There's one at every yard sale and the land fills are filling up with them as children out grow them fast.

Families are getting back to the basics of living these days, growing gardens, canning and keeping chickens again. Many city's are even allowing up to 6 chickens in each backyard.

Check to see if your's is one that does and if it isn't, I encourage you to raise a ruckus until they do and the same goes for clothes lines.

Fooey on such silly rules.

This is a very practical solution for what could be quite expensive to build from scratch with new lumber.

I spotted this one upside down in someones yard. I didn't even know these people.

I turned around and went back and knocked on their door and inquired about it. Sure enough their little girl was now about 12 and could have cared less about it.

The lady offered to give it to me and I told her I would be happy to pay her for it.

It was exactly what I had been looking for so I offered the little girl $30 for it and she was thrilled to have alittle money for it. There was no way I was taking it for nothing, I didn't feel like that was right and I was prepared to buy or build something. At that I knew it was still a bargain and I pretty much knew what it would cost to build one the same size.

I had originally wanted one of the cute little Amish made chicken houses like I see advertised in the Mary Jane's Farm magazines.

I priced one and wow, he wanted $900.00. It was beautiful, but I was like...Mr. Amish man...I can buy a lot of eggs for nine hundred dollars. He said it was for city folk anyway...whatever that means.

I have it set up to gather my eggs from the outside.

Open the little shutters and inside is a nesting box on two sides.

I used screen door hinges, but later went back and drilled holes and wired them shut because I didn't trust the little hinge against stray dogs or raccoons. I may change the wire to something easier once I do start gathering eggs.

I also had an old shower curtain rod that I kept for some reason and it made the perfect roost.

It installed easy, no measuring or sawing...just twist and adjust. Perfect!

I have it set very low right now. Later I'll move it up higher as they get bigger.

The coop part is fully enclosed and it is bolted to the house for security.

Last time I had chickens the coon's started killing them at night when they were on the roost.

Hopefully that will not be an issue this time.

It can be unbolted and moved easily around the backyard. We are debating on adding some small wheels to make it easier to move by myself.

It has about 4 ft of metal added to the roof to provide some shade and daytime protection from rains.

They have already weathered one heavy rain storm and a stray dog (the very first night I put them in it)

that tried to dig on all 3 sides of the house to get to them. We worried about that so we put wire on the bottom of the coop, but hadn't planned on anything digging under the house. The dang stray almost made it under, but Thank Goodness they remained safe.

My plan is to move it to a shady area in the heat of summer and into the sun in the winter.

We'll see how they get along as time goes, but I think they will be fine.

So, there you have it. A very practical, repurposed chicken house that anyone anywhere can do.

See you at the farm store in the chicken isle tomorrow!!

Until next time,

Chanda

~I'm A Winner~

2011-04-10T22:25:00.001-05:00

Woo-Hoo I won a give away.
Yippeeeee!!!!! for me!!!!!
I was lucky this week and won myself some very cute handmade gifts from Carrie over at Cottage Cozy. She is one talented lady, just looky at what she made.

Look at the beautiful pillow slip with all the cute doggies on it, love the Mary Engelbreit note cards. Just the other day, I told my husband I needed a fresh supply of note cards.So so cute with little scotty dogs on them. Love scotty dogs on anything!!! So thankful for those and how cute is the little doggie pillow. I will treasure it forever.

It will have a special place among my other little handmade animal pillows I've collected.
When I'm out antiqueing or at a fleamarket, I just cannot pass one up.
It couldn't have found a happier home.
Thank you Carrie for such special gifts, I feel very blessed to be your friend and to be chosen as the winner.

Until next time,
Chanda

~BBQ Seedlings~

2011-04-06T10:09:00.001-05:00

Opps!!!
In my daily rush to try and accomplish 10 million things,
I managed to BBQ my garden seedling's last night.
I do not recommend trying this.
I am nursing a small burn from the Napalm like substance that flew up on my cheek when I hastely slapped at the burning mess with a pot holder. Dumb!!

A note to the ADD/ADHD crowd...........
When it turns incredibly windy on a gorgeous day...........
Your on your way to the barn with your arms full............
You still have 999 thing's to do...............
Do not for one second think that you will remember that you put your seedling container in the BBQ grill for quick temporary protection!!!

I had spent the day carrying an Amish family to the train station up north.
I was in the city so I decided to stop and buy some lumber we needed for the new chicken coop.
I managed to save some money on the lumber, so I decided to splurge on steak for supper.

Many hours later, potatos are baking, salads are made, grill is heating up.
I went outside and was like....what the heck is that smell???????
OH MY Gosh!!!!! I knew immeditely what it was.

Sometimes I crack myself up.
What else can you do, clean it up, laugh and move on.

I guess I'll restart them all again today,
I'll try to wait until they actually grow into vegetables before I put them on the grill again!

On a happy note, the chicken house and pen is almost finished.

Chanda

~Garden Cart Ideas~

2011-04-06T09:36:00.001-05:00

My search for a garden cart ended in a $5 find at a garage sale.
The re purposed jogging stroller!!

Lucky for me, the tires were all good and just needed some air.

I cut away the many straps on the double seat and then pulled the canvas to the back.

It is roomy enough to hold a few branches and trimmings.

I added on my too heavy to tote around garden tote, an old milk crate to hold more tools, sprayers, etc.

It worked out really well, moves around the yard easily and rolls right into the garage when finished.

No more running back and forth to the garden shed for me.

I now have everything I need right at my ready.

I have it set up to hold seed pkgs. and watering can, pruners, loppers, giant scissors, sprayers, fertilizers,Epsom salts and other plant food for the roses and such.

I also included some string for tying up and planting markers and pen.

Hopefully by summer's end it will hold everything I will need.

I wish it had a brake!!! It rolls down hill by it's self...........

Happy Gardening....
Chanda

~New Beginnings~

2011-04-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

First baby of Spring "Layla"

  The year's at the Spring
  And day's at the morn;
   Morning's at seven;
  The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
   God's in His heaven -
All's right with the world.   ~Robert Browning

Goat Cheese

2011-03-30T15:55:00.001-05:00

I did it. I actually did it.
I made cheese!!!
Mozzarella and something sorta close to Chevere.
The Mozzarella was definitely the easiest.
I used a recipe from a book written by Ricky Carroll and I purchased it from Amazon's used book section.
The chevere recipe I used is from a lady in Florida that I discovered while reading a blog called "Beckys Homestead". Check out her blog, she is a hoot.
Sorry for no hyperlinks to the sources, but time is short today.

I quickly discovered that bottled lemon juice doesn't curdle milk. I was about to think that I had made a big milky mess. I just needed to wait longer for the curd to separate from the whey. My doggies love when I make cheese 'cause they love drinking the left over whey!

The barn is always a fun place to be.

Little Monkey was determined to get to Abby.

She was trying her best to avoid him.

He finally made his way under the milking sanction and finally came nose to nose with her.
They are so cute together.

Baby goats are so cute and funny.

He kept everyone at the barn entertained.

Little Monkey went to live with new family this week. I miss him so much.
The barn is all quiet again except for the clanging of Martha's bell and an occasional moo or whinny.
No more acrobatics, dog chasing and and funny business.

He's going to be raised by a young girl who plans to show him in the fair this fall for her FFA project.
I was so worried about who would want to buy him and why. "That" part of farming I am not calloused to and probably never will be....if you know what I mean.
When I was a kid, I sold my goat to a neighbor to raise money for a trip to Six Flags, I found out later that they were going to BBQ her.
I cried so much that my dad went and ask to buy her back and the neighbor man did sell her back, but for $5 more. lol.
My dad brought her back home and I was so happy Nanny back home.
I don't remember what ever happened to her or if I got to go on the trip to St Louis.
All precious memories now.

I can hardly wait until next season for more monkey business in the barn!!

Until next time,
Chanda

Milk Heaven

2011-03-22T22:31:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh, I don't know where to begin to tell you of all the excitement that's been happening around the homestead lately.

First off, let me introduce you to Martha.

Martha

She is just a dream of a goat.
I couldn't ask her to be any sweeter to get along with.
She is so patient with inexperienced me and has has kindly put up with me learning to milk.

I was raised up with a pet goat as a companion to my pony, but never had milked before or ever even tasted goat milk until I went to meet her.
Let me tell you, goats milk is fantastic!!
Try to get some farm fresh goat's milk and you'll never drink cows milk again.
The milk has NO goaty taste, Don't let anyone tell you that.
I am convinced that is a myth or someone had a really dirty goat.
The milk has no smell to speak of just like cows milk.
If I showed you cows milk and goats milk in two different jars, you would most likely pick the goats milk as the most appetising looking.
It is so creamy looking and tasting, but without the fat content.
It's so healing and healthy for the body, either consumed or used as a soap.
I Can't wait to make soap!!!

I am so pleased with my new girl.
If you need a good goat, the gentleman I bought her from is the man to see.
He's a honest man with honest goats.

This is Martha's new baby boy and he isn't a goat, he's a monkey!!
He jumps and flips and chases the dogs and runs through the barn like a streaker.
He is so funny.

Monkey

It was highly recommended that Martha have a goat friend as goats are herding animals so I also bought this beautiful little lady.

Eloise

Eloise didn't have a baby this year, but we have high hopes for next year and I hope to be milking her next year too.

It seems in just one week we went from nothing to home dairy around here, let me explain further.

The good milk cow ( not ol' Ornery) we purchased for the Amish family awhile back came back to live with us this week. They said they really wanted a Gurnsey cow and we soon realized we couldn't drive that far each week to get milk, gas is just too expensive. We decided to bring her home and put her up for sale instead of leasing her to another Amish family as planned. They live all the way out in the sticks also.

SO, I finally got my cow!!!..... for just a little while anyway.
I put her on Craigslist and sold her within 5 housrs of listing her.
She went to live with the Yoder family up near Macon, Mo.
My husband called a few hours ago and said they were just thrilled with her

I miss her already, but wow did we ever get some milk.
She gave almost 4 gallon per day. I am use to buying only a 1/2 gallon per week. lol
I think every large jar I own is holding milk right now and I even gave milk to the neighbors.
My cheese making supplies should arrive tomorrow so I can put some of this milk to good use.

Milking Miss Annabell

Please forgive my silly excitement over my milky heaveness.
I am just in awe of the whole experience.

I am happy and sad to see Annabell go.
I loved milking her each morning, but its useless for us to have that much milk and we have no family close by to share it with and for pete's sake you can go to jail for selling it!!.......and not to mention all the extra buckets, bottles, jars and towels to wash.

My fingers are literally killing me they are so sore from milking.
Its harder than it looks, those teats are tougher to squeeze than you think
I had to soak my hands in some Epsom salts this morning they were so sore and swollen!

So there you have a run down on the small dairy operation we have had here this week.
So glad its back to just me and Martha again. looking forward to trying my hand at making some Feta cheese tomorrow and maybe some Chereve too....and it might turn out to be gourmet dog food ......who knows....I won't know until I try.

I am taking a few days off to make my new chicken house.......err I mean chicken cottage.
The chicks are growing fast and need a new house soon.
Wait until you see what I have in mind to use, its going to be beautiful, simple and so easy your're going to want one too!!

Until next time,
Chanda

Farmgirl Connection

2011-03-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

I am looking for local ladies who want to join the Mary Janes Farm-" Farm Girl Connection Chapter".
I am my area's Chapter leader and haven't had much response until this year.
Homesteading and becoming more self reliant seems to be more important than ever and is making a huge resurgence.
I am located twenty miles from Jefferson City, if you are in my area and interested in getting this club off the ground and active again please inquire.

I think it would be fun to meet and share ideas, stories, advice, recipes, fellowship and just plain ol' farm girl fun. We'll meet up and see where this takes us.

Please email me if you are in my area and would like to join.
Right now we have no set meetings and sorta dismembered as T-ball and school activities seem to take others time. My children have all flown the coop so that is not a problem for me as is the farm work.
I can't devote a lot of time to it, but would like to see it get us farm girls all connected again.

Please email me if interested: cmissourigal1@aol.com.
Thanks,
Chanda

~My New / Old Farm House Kitchen ~

2011-03-08T21:01:00.001-06:00

I'm finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel with my kitchen project.
I didn't do much, but it sure took awhile to accomplish.

I have a few before and after pics to share.

Before:

After:

Love love love my new faucet. It "made" the makeover complete.

Loving the bead board too, it feels so much more country now.

Before:

After:

I like the island so much better covered with the bead board.

I just went bead board crazy I think.

I took off two doors and made it an apron front and even attached my antique drying rack.

Before:

After:

A lighter blue paint and went back to white curtains and added in some cafe tiers for more privacy.

My very favorite part of this makeover is this:

My new chalkboard!!!

I couldn't wait 3 days like the can of chalkboard paint said.

Silly me.

It didn't hurt it none anyway.

I bought a cabinet door at the Hoods salvage store for 99 cents and it made an awesome chalkboard.

I have wrote something everyday since it's been up.

I love it.

Some days have bible verses, some days have work list, some days have menus. Somedays its just fun to walk through the room read something exciting I am looking forward to.

I plan on making a few more of these for gifts.

I had a little fun rearranging my bathroom a little for Spring.

I borrowed this ladder from another room. I was thinking of a shelf, but I tried the ladder and it fit perfectly down the side of the tub...just sits there, very securely and I love it.

You know me....I had to add some personal touches.

love my bird nest.

My hunny called me "a little bit artsy fartsy". Is that a compliment or is he being rude???

Not sure, but it all stayed.

Hope your early Spring is getting off to a fantastic one. Its still very cold here most days and I am itching to be outside.

I am also itching to get going with my horse shows. My horse is lookin' good!!

They are still two more months away.

I figured out a solution for the milk cow. She is too big and ornery for me to train to be a hand milker, so we are gonna lease her for free to an Amish family that wants her in exchange for 2 gallon of milk each week. ( with the cream ) We'll see how it goes after awhile and see if its working for everybody involved.

A Good trade I think. They get a free milk cow for a while and I get fresh milk, cream and butter and I can still learn to make cheese.

I am however going to look at a milk goat tomorrow. I want to milk.

I have this strong desire to milk something....I don't know why!

Blogs maybe.......

My husband told me to stop reading blogs, its costing him a ton of money. lol

I can't get her until she has her babies on the 12th. That gives me a few days to prepare her a place out in the barn to call her own. I am already so excited, I know I want her and I haven't even saw her yet.

I can just tell, sometimes you just know. I get a good feel from talkinjg to the man on the phone.

He is a real knowledgeable goat person and seems to be raising the best.

She is a registered sannuen or something like that.

I am thinking about raising them and also use them for milking.

I am very willing to try goats milk.

I have heard if its collected in a very clean manner its hard to tell the difference.

I'll be the judge of that and I told my husband I want him to be opened minded about the whole goat milk thing.

I have baby chicks again, so I guess I will soon be back in the egg business too.

Never a dull moment here I tell ya.

Until next time, may God bless you greatly,

Chanda

"Time-Out" ~For Some Fun~

2011-02-17T22:54:00.026-06:00

*****Note****
This is a previous post that was put back into draft until I could edit it.
My video kept disappearing and without it, it made no sense!
I'll try to repost later.

I am taking a break tomorrow.
It's high time for some fun around here. I have been sick with yet another cold and this kitchen remodel idea is sure getting to me....

Things I wasn't anticipating doing, like changing out all the beige electrical receptors because they look awful with a white backsplash.

See that big bottle of wine in the back, I'm not drinking it, but I feel like it.

Yep, this project has almost drove me to drink.
It might even motivate me to finish.
I have had so many set backs. Flu, blizzards and just trying to carry on life while I am doing this.

This is my Amish friend.
. She has been helping me some with this project and has worked on others in the past.
She is funny and fun to work with.
She thinks I have a lot of shoes, a small laundry room and she can't believe how much food I don't have.
She cracks me up, but she sings good.

I received a letter from her today and she invited me to her house tomorrow for some fun!
We'll find some mischief I'm sure.

She is washing down the walls and cabinets. This was taken before I started painting.

We installed bead board and changed out the cabinetry hardware.

This is the same wall as the above photo. Wall boarder taken down, bead board painted and new hardware. I decided on Hickory pulls for the kitchen and guest bath as they look really rustic.

Our house is a real farm house and we need it to function as one, so I am trying to keep that in mind and not just redecorate. I need this house to be more user friendly this time around.
The checked linoleum floor is staying and so are the original counter tops for now.
I am not crazy about the floor, it came with the house and in 4 more years it will be considered vintage.
It doesn't so much as have one ding in it and it mops so beautifully and easy so I guess it stays.

I did use my CSN gift certificate for a new oil rubbed bronze kitchen faucet.
I found one reasonably priced on there site.
I looked at one from Home Depot that was 450.00. Wow!!
I might as well drive my husband to the hospital and lay him on a gurney if I told him I wanted a faucet that cost that much and there isn't a thing wrong with the old one. The old one (chrome) just didn't look right with the rustic Hickory hardware installed.

Emanuel done a very nice job covering my old island with the new bead board. I am debating on painting it white or the blue color that trims our cabinets. Not sure.....what do you think?

I love the bead board and it looks nice with the farm house cabinets. They are oak, but have been finished professionally in a shop, but are really rustic looking themselves. They even have a few natural chippy time worn places on the edges. I use to hate them, but have grew to love them.

So there you have it, I hope this explains my absence. I am still stuck in the house working.
I bit off alot, but it all needed redoing to more suit our needs.
I am just calling it a work in progress and it will get finished when it gets finished.

Oh, an update on the milk cow.

No milk for us yet. She is still nursing an orphan calf and she still hates me!!!

I have some photos of my Amish friends homestead that I will share as soon as I can get sat down and load it up.

Until next time,

Chanda

~Boys Will Be Boys~

2011-02-06T14:35:00.001-06:00

Whoever says the Amish live a slower pace of life.....is wrong!

When your riding in one, the buggy doesn't seem to be going very slow.

Our friend was here this past weekend helping us get a few things done.

One great thing they accomplished was getting a new milk cow for E's family and a wet nurse milk cow for us.

E's family has not had a milk cow since mid Nov. when the oat box was left open and she ate too many oats and had to be put down.

His family has 14 members, not counting grand kids who live close by, so a milk cow is a MUST!

His mother is so happy to have a new cow.

E said that in the morning they would have "coffee soup". I ask what that was and he said, coffee and sugar and heavy cream.

I told him I thought the proper name was a Latte.

He said "a what"....coffee soup...I'm gonna remember that one.

My milk cow has a calf on her right now, but I am so excited to start milking her soon. My husband says he gives me a week before I've had all I want of this milking bussiness.

I say not.

I just have to get her on my schedule which will prolly be 9am and 9pm, instead of 5:30am and 5:30pm.

I cannot drink regular milk or use most dairy products because of a severe milk allergy. I am so ready to try raw milk.

I am excited to make butter, cheese, have fresh cream and make some of the richest ice cream one has ever tasted with the rich fatty milk that a Jersey produces.

I haven't named her yet. Any suggestions. We already have a Daisy (dog).

She is young, this was her first baby, but she lost it.

She has a replacement calf right at the moment and seems content with it.

She is not a trained milk cow or gentled down yet.

She will have to be worked with.

I have some time yet before I start milking her. She has to pass all the colostrum stuff yet.

I have to get a cow halter, but I bought a milk cow bell along time ago.

Before E left yesterday I hitched a ride with him in the buggy down to my mail box.

That boy loves to go fast and that horse will fly.

My husband once clocked him with our truck going 34 MPH.

Boys will be boys!....if he could only figure out a way to make it peel out!!!

Come along and ride...

E, his sister and I have been very busy through this snow storm working on my kitchen.
We are almost finished and we are really excited to show you all some pictures very soon.
On Monday we should finish up if all goes well.

Until next time,
Chanda

~We Survived~

2011-02-04T16:10:00.000-06:00

I thought maybe I better let everyone know we made it just fine through the snow storm. We kept our power and had no troubles to speak of.
Only a few slips on the ice and some very bored dogs who want out and then want right back in.
I stayed busy chatting on Facebook and working on our kitchen.

Abby

Spring is going to be a glorious awakening around here when it happens.

It was a very exciting day to be a part of.

All the telephone calls from loved ones who were worried, all the news reports and warnings.

"Somebody" who was raised in the south and has never witnessed anything like this went to work against all warnings anyway.

He had a very scary lonesome 20 mile drive home in blinding snow, stopping every 5 minutes to scrape the ice off the wiper blades and to try to guess where the road was.

We live on a very curvy road, so that could have been any ones guess.

He said not another car for over 20 miles!

Thank God he made it and didn't wait too long to get back home

I was so worried for him.

He even brought home a few more goodies to help us ride out the storm.

He even brought me a very special surprise.

Spring Tulips

I caught them in the very last light peeking in at the end of the day.

They were so beautiful.

I do love that man.

I will never forget the 'Blizzard of 2011'

Until next time,

Chanda

~Blizzard Warning In The Heartland~

2011-02-01T00:48:00.002-06:00

I've never been under a blizzard warning before.
Kinda exciting. Kinda scary.
Hoping the new barn roof can hold up. It's built for it but, this storm will certainly test it.
I'm planning on walking the 1/4 mile to my mailbox tomorrow in the worst of it, just to do it.
I may never get another opportunity to be in a blizzard.

Bread isle at local grocery store.

All photo's courtesy of local news.

I am stocked up on everything needed in case the power goes out.
Bad thing about living in the country and having a private well for water is when the power goes, the water goes. It's pumped into the house by a small electric pump submersed in the well.
I have the tub filled with extra water for flushing toilet's..........
yea,......I bet you didn't think about that did you? Not fun.
Not everything is great about living deep in the countryside.

On a brighter note, I have powdered doughnuts, Cheez-it's, Hot Tamales, Red Vines licorice, Almond Joys and a new rank of firewood.
I'm good!

Milk is almost gone.

I bet it's all gone by now.
Almost everything is already cancelled for tomorrow and not a single snow flake has fallen yet!
The Governor has declared a state of emergency.

I have decided to embrace it and grab it by the horns, can't do much else.
Tomorrow after my walk, I am headed to the hot tub with a bottle of champagne. I guess we'll toast Mother Nature and beg for mercy.
I wonder if you can get lightening struck by thunder snow? I hope not!

I hope the weather man isn't full of baloney.

These shelves are sure not. (Snort snort)
He would surely be in alot of trouble after all this drama if he was.

Until next time.
Chanda

~ January Projects~

2011-01-22T00:53:00.001-06:00

I took a break with the painting and sanding last week to refresh my mind and soul.
I spent a few minutes remodeling the Christmas wreath and fashioned it into something I could use for January.

A cold snowy January, I might add!! Lots of snow. Deep snow.
Snow thats deep for short girls to walk in.

The living room/dining room redecorating and the staircase remodel is still ongoing.
The painting is coming along really slow. I am taking my time, no hurry.
I am trying to be more balanced and keep everything else flowing as close to normal as possible. I don't want to get all stressed out.
In the past, I would have stayed up 3 days and 3 nights to get it all done.
I just try to do one major thing each day and I am content with that.

The staircase is another issue however.
It is proving to be a very difficult project and it is way beyond me.....so says my husband.
I have since discovered I not only need treads. I also need a kickboard running up the wall and also risers. Simple replacment treads are not working, nothing is matching up like it should. Not sure what the answer is yet.

No, our TV is not getting married. We are into the full blown painting mess!!

I am painting the rooms a golden yellow. Its actually called Bee's Wax. I used a Lowe's paint sample and had it matched in Glidden brand paint at Home Depot. I saved over $12.00 per gallon by doing so. I needed 12 gallons so it was worth it and I got my 10% military discount on top of that.

These days when I'm not painting, you can regularly find me outside taking photos.
I love the snow. I love snow pictures!

Little Scooby. Don't worry, he's built for it.

He has plenty of insulation.

A note to my husband.

He was out in the storm feeding cattle and putting more hay out.

He should have been home snuggling by the fire with is wife.
Them danged old cows...sometimes I wonder who he loves more!

Happy Weekend,
Chanda

~Gathering My Thoughts~

2011-01-12T00:46:00.001-06:00

I have so much on my mind for this post.

First, let me say thank you for looking at the CSN Store adds I do from time to time. They do compensate me for it and it is a generous amount for the little work it takes for an add. I receive gift certificates to any of their 200 online stores in exchange for a link. It's that simple.  Too good to turn down.
I consider it a compliment that they think enough of little ol me to ask me to do this. They solicited me I didn't solicit them and it is so fun shopping with a free gift card.

However, I am considering opening up a little thrifty treasures store on my blog at Front Porches- Sweet Tea.
You see, I have waaaaay too much junk....(I mean treasures).
EBay is so expensive and expires in like 7 days.
Nobody ever looked at my Etsy Store...ever!
I have already did the antique booth at a local store and it proved to be so worrisome and a heck of a lot of trouble.
I absolutely loathed making out very descriptive tags for everything.
I would still sometimes find myself puzzled.
I would be like...blue vase....blue vase...did I have a blue vase????? It would drive me crazy.
Other times I would miss something and be excited about selling it and the tag for it would not be on my monthly invoice of items sold.
Damn thieves!!
People will steal anything from anywhere. Even yard sales!!!
I learned this the hard way also.
So what do I want to do next.
That is the question and the big surprise I have been sitting on.

I would like to just sell a few things at a time for a "really good deal"
(not exactly yard sale prices, but certainly not antique store prices either.)
I just want to make a little something all the while remembering that I am not paying EBay fees or antique store rent.
After all I have had my fun with it and why not pass it along.
I want to keep it really small scale and offer up some of my farm house style treasures.
Not sure how the store will be set up...really really simple I hope....

So, the treasures must go...atleast the ones I don't have room for.
My collections are over flowing, so is my basement and its starting to make me feel restless and unorganized.
Not sure this is the answer either, but its time to ponder something and besides it sounds fun. I love taking pictures and blogging and heck it might even give me an excuse to bring home more treasures when I am out there in treasure land.

I am not sure when this blog store will happen or how.
I hope soon.
I sorta jumped ahead and did something silly and it is holding things up for now.
I need to finish something first.
I ripped all the carpet from my staircase and from the upstairs landing.
I was so sick of it.
I was just gonna take a peek, it turned into a big peek. Carpet is gone.
My Amish friend is coming to help me tomorrow to measure for wooden stair treads. His father owns a sawmill and they are going to make them for me.
I will do the sanding, staining and installing....I hope.
That is the plan anyway.
Before they can be installed, I need to paint.

I am excited for my new adventures and busyness.
Idle hands are the devils workshop.
I have so much I want to accomplish this year.
I am  hopefully going to do my next post on my long list of wishes and dreams.
Notice how I have learned to say "hopefully".
Its 'cause I change my mind often!!

Until next time and please stay tuned.
Chanda

C or S

2011-01-05T10:19:00.000-06:00

Ok, before I delve into more exciting things I need to clear up some confusion about my name spelling.
You see, I have lived my whole life with my name being butchered every time it is said out loud by anyone who doesn't know me and some that do.
My name is spelled with a C and pronounced with an S and with no R on the end.....Everybody seems to want to put an R on the end.
I am not Chandra, Shauna, Shaundra or Shanna. I am Chanda with a C
It's that simple.....yes it really is.
Like Champagne or Chandelier.
My name is Indian and it was taken from a book my mother was reading while her labour was progressing. She was told she would be having a boy to join the two other ones at home and hence didn't have a girl name picked out.
So there you go.....that's how Chanda came to be. (I would love to trace down that book)

I always hated the first day of school when the new teacher would call me Chandra or whatever and the kids would laugh.
Most folks not only mispronounce it, they also embarrass themselves and me by trying at least three times to say it correctly.
As an adult  I began spelling my name with an S if it were to be called out loud, like at horse shows and such. I just wanted to be called by my name.

Fast forward to now.
This may surprise you, disappoint you or inspire you......
I am in the processing of trying to obtain a permit to conceal and carry.
Yes I am hopefully about to be a pistol packin' momma.
I seriously doubt that I actually carry it very much, but I want the option to do it legally if I so desire.
I decided to change my name on the blog to the correct spelling because I have to have a security clearance from the FBI and I don't want any aliases names holding up my paperwork.
So, I am Chanda....nice to meet you.

Now, off here to take some photos. I am so excited about my winter project and can't wait to share details.

Until next time,
Chanda

Mom's Fruitcake

2010-12-29T20:37:00.000-06:00

Does my mom make the prettiest Fruitcake or what?

Thank You mom.

Best Christmas Ever

2010-12-27T22:49:00.000-06:00

I felt a lot of love this Christmas.

I am so blessed.

God does answer prayers......

even the ones whispered from little girls so long ago.

A Merry Merry Christmas To You

2010-12-18T16:49:00.002-06:00

It seems it's been forever since we've chatted. Time gets away from me so easily.

Through all the business and craziness, I have been keeping up with most of you. I do enjoy my blog time!

I don't have much to say so I thought I would just share some pictures from our little spot in the world and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

I hope your holiday season is filled with peace, love and happiness.

*****

Charlie and my welcome candle.

I light it each night at Dusk.

The first night I sat this out, Drifter (the stray dog) knocked the big glass jar down the 2 steps.

Thankfully it didn't break and yea, he's still here.

I still don't claim him and he doesn't wear a collar, but he sleeps and eats here.

I got tired of my junked out china cabinet, it was getting filled to the brim with what nots, collections and purdy's and my GrandPa would say.

I completely emptied it and filled it with all my Oven Temptations serving dishes.

Much better!

I only did one crafty thing this year.

I had seen something similar to this in a Christmas store when we shopped at Lake Ozark.

I made my own.

Mine is much prettier and bigger and cost only a few dollars to make instead of $20 bucks for a little tiny one.

It's a mistletoe holder.

Hopefully I will get kissed under it this year........

I had to use fake mistletoe though, I can't get anyone to shoot me any down out of the trees.

I didn't put up much Christmas decor like I usually do.
I have been in the purging and downsizing mood like mad for the last few weeks. I have packed up most of my collections and vignettes and packed them away in the basement. I want to keep them, I just don't feel the need to display "everything". The house was getting cluttered and hard to clean and dust.

I think seeing the rental house finished and having absolutely nothing cluttered up in there must have really appealed to me.
I want simply simple simple now.
I'm also ready to do some painting,
I'm getting kinda tired of so much color on the walls.
I'm keeping my red living room though.

Fireplace Mantel

My only Christmas Tree.

This is such a special Christmas Tree to me.

It's made from old shoe factory time cards.

Shoe factories were such a part of the past of where I grew up.

My first job was in the heel dept.of one.

I was so proud of that job, I finally felt like a grown up.

It made my hands sore at first, but I got fast at it and I earned a pretty good paycheck come Friday.

At lunch I always went outside and sat all by myself and would think about how much money I was gonna save.

Ha! I blew that first paycheck on a down payment for a swimming pool!

I decided if mom and dad wouldn't get a pool then I would..... and I did.

I worked there for a few years before moving on.

Most of my friends mom's and some dads worked in them also.

Back then, it seemed to be a good steady living.

Southeast Missouri has a rich history in shoe production and its sad that there all gone now.

* I treasure this tree *.

My moms shoe factory wages bought many of our Christmas presents and kept our family going through the lean times.

My dad was a union road engineer with the Local 513 and we survived many slow road building years thanks to these factories.

*****

I prettied up the back kitchen door window boxes with greens, pine cones and berries from the yard.

Much much better than looking at dirt.

And..........................

I decided to keep the candle.

We have a saying around here,

"screw her and the horse she rode in on".

She wouldn't want it anyway.

She loved her mother very much, took great care of her until the end and I'm sure she had hundreds of nice things to choose from and keep.

There's just something about a live flickering flame that brings me comfort and peace and I wanted to share it, but I guess I've got about an once of devil in me.......

If she doesn't want to be friends with me on Facebook, who cares.

I have learned to do what my mom has always said and "not wear my feelings on my sleeves".

I have even been so brave as to send out alot more friend request.

I figure if they don't want to be my friend then I certainly need to know it.

I will certainly remember them at donation time or when there kids are selling stuff etc.

Right or wrong, that's the way I have decided to roll from now on.

*****

Well that was bright and cheery and happy and so in tune with the true meaning of the holiday season huh?

Just keeping it real.

I went from not having much to say to saying much!!

Have a safe and joyous holiday.

Chanda

Sunday Morning Quiet

2010-11-29T00:05:00.000-06:00

All is quiet here this morning.

Everything is so still.

We had a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoyed the visit from a far away cousin.

It was nice to stay home for a change and not have to travel.

We ate way too much, played a new game called Left Right Center, shopped at Lake Ozark and did a little outside decorating.

We tried our best to be good host while still keeping up with the farm chores.

Sometimes I sure wish the farm had a pause button.

Tomorrow, I have a huge agenda of playing catch up and doing the regular weekly chores.

clean stalls

sweep out barn alley

rinse dog poo from pen

put away fall holiday decor

put away Thanksgiving dishes

put away wicker furniture

put up patio furniture

clean house

strip beds

clean fireplace

sweep out garage and sidewalks

trash

make turkey salad

It will probably take me all week to accomplish this list.

It seems like I use to get this much done in a day...not anymore,but its ok. I have all week to do it.

My agenda for later tonight is to do some Cyber Monday shopping and watch the Thanksgiving Day parade.

I love that parade, it always puts me in a great holiday spirit.

I taped it so I can watch it at my leisure while I shop.

I love using the DVR and skipping past the boring stuff. That little thing is the greatest invention!!

Happy Shopping,

Chanda

~The Little Rent House Make-Over Is DONE!!!!~

2010-11-12T23:23:00.002-06:00

And I ain't doing another one anytime soon! I hate to say ain't....but I ain't.

This is what I was up against.

Pretty disgusting if you enlarge them and take a look.

The house is solid and good, It was just abused by the.....(well if you can't say something nice than don't say anything at all ) people I have ever encountered.

I dealt with a little bit of everything from painted over poorly hung wall paper, upside down light switches and1/2 done improperly painted cabinets, just to name a few.
The previous owners left the kitchen cabinets in a real bad way.
They removed no hardware or cabinet doors and just started painting them right on the walls.
What a mess.
I dreaded this job the most. So time consuming.

This house had one of the worst and ugliest tile jobs on the kitchen counters.

Most of the rooms had wall paper that had to be stripped and some of the new additions didn't have any trim work.
We had our work cut out to put this home all back together.

In a little over a month, my friend Emmanuel and I went from one end of this house to the other and redid all the walls and cabinets.
My husband hired some contractors to install wood flooring and some new carpets.

I repainted all the rooms and added in some texturing wall paper in the kitchen and dining room.

I finally got all the cabinet doors refinished and the hardware cleaned of paint.
I painted the back splash and did my own experimental treatment to the ugly counter tiles.

After some consulting with the paint department at Lowe's and inspiration from my garage floor that I did last year in my own home. I set out to turn lemons into lemonade.
It worked beautifully and was a rather cheap fix to a really expensive problem.
This counter is huge and would be a custom order for a new one.
I didn't have the budget for that right now, so instead here's what I did.

After sanding, I used a really thick epoxy primer, 2 coats of latex paint, paint chip sprinkles and 2 coats of sealer.

It's not what I want in my own home, but it's way better than it was.

It feels so nice and smooth now and wipes very easily. No one believed in me when I said what I was gonna do.

I also added in a few personal touches on the backsplashes with my stencils.

Terrible bathroom walls and a vanity in need of some paint and hardware.
The house did have good fixtures though, all of them were Mohen.

Freshly painted and I did change out the faucet in here for a nicer taller one.

This was quite an undertaking and I am now exhausted and stressed out, but it was sorta fun.
I feel a great sense of accomplishment and proud of the work that I done. I did this. I made a difference.
I took something crappy and made someone a home.
I said I wanted to do one each year.....now, not so much. I think for now I'll just concentrate on Christmas!!

There was times I wanted to pull my hair out and one time I did cry over those kitchen cabinets.
I also made some new friends, learned a few lessons about people, (floor contractors will take your tools if you allow them, they will also give them back when you let them know your not stupid) I worked off a few pounds and felt like a working girl again.

The best thing, a family now has a nice home to live in. It was under lease before it was even finished.
The family started moving in today. Only time will tell if this renting thing is for us.

Here's to houses being done, the holidays approaching and finally....some much needed rest.

~All Is Well, Busy and Good

2010-10-27T23:26:00.000-05:00

Hi friends,
Hope all is well with everyone. I'm good here on my end, hope you are the same.
I sure have missed my computer. Our computer was sick with a virus of some sort that routed it's self around the Norton Virus protection. I just went a whole week without my laptop!!!
It wasn't too bad though, I am so busy working on my little house, I hardly noticed.
I am almost finished with the remodel!!!
I have a Amish friend; Emanuel, who works a couple of days each week with me. He is a very talented carpenter for his age. I have enjoyed he and his sister helping me so much, they are so much fun.
They certainly don't at like preachers children one bit!
I am meeting tomorrow night with a possible renter, but I still need about another week to finish. Whew!!
I feel like people are pushing me to move too fast. I need time, All in good time.
I hope to have pictures and some down time soon to share with you what all has been going on.
Run run run, busy busy busy.....my life.
I really wanted for historical sake to share my summer in pictures.
It was a huge year here for changes, improvments, revelations and friends, old and new.
I want to document it somehow for future rememberance, that is what blogging is all about after all.
That post will take some time and thought. I love to read post like that from others.
Maybe this Sunday....no I just remembered that if I can get Ricky re-shod on Friday, we are going trail riding with the "extremist crazy ass" trail riders again. (remember last year)
Oh well, hopefully someday soon I can blog......before the holidays get here anyway.

TTYL, (for folks like me).....(talk to you later)
Chanda
Ps. yes that "C" is right. A Little more about that in a bit.

~A Quick Hello~

2010-09-29T11:15:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, I hope your fall is getting off to a beautiful one. I am sure everyone is enjoying the cooler temperatures. It sure was a hot one this year. It took all the gumption I had to just get through the daily chores when the temps soared. It just drains me.
I sure have enjoyed seeing all the pretty fall decorations going up in all the homes out in blog land. I need to get busy with some here. The pic on the blog header is from last year. I only have a few mums sitting around and not even a pretty fall wreath up yet. So much to do.

I have taken on huge task. I am flipping a small farm property. It is a huge undertaking on my part. I have to use every ounce of HGTV knowledge I have. Lots of painting, spackling, dry wall and wall paper peeling, one. piece. at. a time. It is exhausting and exciting all at the same time. I spend most of my free time out there now.
I have also filled my September with selling my old Camaro, getting new tires on the Explorer and getting it back up to par and also getting it detailed. It was so pathetic. I use it for yard sailing, hauling dogs and much fast food is eaten in there on the go go......it was baaadd.
I spent a few days with my parents, done some fall cleaning and we found a beautiful used show saddle.
My husband bought me a Blue Ribbon saddle for our Anniversary. It rides like a cadillac. I have spent many hours getting ready for horse shows that were cancelled by all the rains.

We had the fender fixed on the big horse trailer.**note to husband...don't have Amish boys help you back up a horse trailer into the storage bay......**hint they don't drive....they don't have a clue. lol.
It has been a very busy month here so far. I was going to take it easy for fall. ha ha ha. I am my own biggest joke. I am so happy fall is here. I have already had a nice fire and a good pot of chili. Both were great.
I have a big circuit show this weekend, first big show riding in the new saddle. I bought a new show shirt on Ebay, I am hoping it comes today. I would love to wear it this weekend with my new silver belly hat. I am switching up to a new lighter look and kissing the black hat goodbye for now.

Lets see what else.....I gained about 9 lbs in August.......Somehow!! I am working on that in a serious way.
Planning a trip to Fresno that I am so excited about, thinking about our annual Fall Chili Fest....actually thinking I am too busy this year to host and just not having it.

We finally got the dog kennel all finished up. I am doing so much better about making the dogs stay in there. I had a huge scare a couple of weeks ago when they didn't return home for 36 hours. I was a crying basket case, my husband cancelled his meetings and flew home from Florida and I went and literally cursed out a neighbor whom I thought had harmed them and then..... thank God, they returned home. Unharmed and unscathed. I was soooo relieved. I love them silly dogs way too much and I just hate for them to have to stay in a dog pen. They are hunting dogs and live to run. I feel for them when they can't because of ass hole neighbors who will shoot them. Sorry for the rant....its been building ever since I lost Baby Daisy this past Spring.
I received the kennel plaque from the awesome CSN stores...It reads Thumpy Tail Kennel. I received it free for doing a review of their store on this blog. I need to do some more, I could use a few new items for the kitchen. Check them out, its a great online place to shop.

Bye for now and before I go....I am so sad to see so many closing down their blogs. I miss you all so much. I pledge to keep on blogging! Maybe not as often...but keep on, keeping on.
Shanda

~Holiday Unwind~

2010-09-08T09:28:00.001-05:00

Whoa!!! I need to catch my breath!!!!

I sure had a busy week and enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and company.
I am ready for calm, for normal or heck I'll take some boredom at this point.
It seems like the weeks just fly by. Always so much to do.
Why couldn't time have went this fast when I sat in high school bored out of my skull so many years ago. Time seemed to stand still back then.

The funeral dinner I catered went of with out a hitch.....well sorta.... and my Chicken and Dumplins' received rave reviews and many compliments. Those sweet folks had my head so big it almost wouldn't fit through the door to go home. The only little glitch in the day was the "dish fiasco".

You see, my Explorer is old and it is starting to have some minor issues here lately.
The day before the funeral, I discovered my power steering belt had broken....aka...no power steering!!!
The next day, while everyone else was at the funeral, I was to carry the food over to the neighbors house and set up the dinner. The more I thought about hauling all that food in the old farm truck, the more convinced I became that I had to drive my vehicle....power steering or not....I needed that hatchback to get everything over there safely. I manhandled my broke truck close to the back door and got all those hot crock pots and pressure canners full to the brim with dumplins', safely inside. Later I went out to move it out of the way and lo and behold....the dern thing wouldn't start. The battery just made a clicking sound.
Oh Gesh!!! I was so embarrassed with it parked so close and I couldn't do a thing about it.
I rode home with my husband and it was decided he would stop by the parts store on his way home the next day and pick up a new belt. Fine with me, I didn't need to go anywhere anyway.

Next day, my truck is fixed and sitting in the driveway. OK.
It's Friday morning....guitar lesson and grocery day for me.
I remember my dishes, pots and pans are in the back of the Explorer and I need unload them before leaving for grocery's.........
I should have thought about this for a moment longer......I opened the hatchback and....boom, bang....crash!!!!.... all my dishes come flying out.
They had all slid up next to the door.
Everything fell and broke and all I could do is stand there in disbelief as to what had just happened....then I cussed, but only a little.
What a mess. I kept my oh well attuitude, I was quite proud of myself for this feat. Besides, I have lots of bowls and the On knob was stubborn on the crock-pot anyway. I'd do it all again in a minute and
I really wasn't that upset about it, I almost laughed at the comedy of it all.
In fact, it was just the beginning of a multitude of bad luck for that whole day.
By the end of the day I had some stories to tell, including the one where my long shirt ties went into the toilet at Walmart. Ewe, Ewe, Ewe!!!!!

Well, I want you to go know; that lovely family of the woman who passed away, showed up at my house on Sunday and they had a arm load of new dishes and a new crock pot.
I actually was moved to tears. I don't know why, but I just started crying.
It was so sweet.
I am truly so blessed with wonderful people in my life.

Many blessing to you and yours,
Shanda

~August...Out Like A Lion~

2010-08-31T20:35:00.003-05:00

This week our home has been a hub of comings and goings.
There's lots on the agenda here for the last week in August.

We started our week with my husband in St. Louis for meetings.
As he was walking out of the door, we received the  news that our dear friend Bill's wife had passed away.
That news found me accepting a request from the family to go over to the funeral chapel and style her hair.
I hope that doesn't freak you out to know that.
Yes I did it.
I have done it before and it really doesn't bother me. I was happy to do it for her.
She was a sweet woman.
I wanted her to look pretty because the next time she gets up and out and about, she will be meeting Jesus.
What a happy thought.

I am staying behind tomorrow and cooking dinner for the family while everybody else is going to the funeral.   I am actually looking forward to getting started. I like to cook, I just hate making "dinner" each night.
I am making Chicken and Dumplins' , Boiled & Buttered Potatoes, Baked Corn, Green Beans, Slaw and a Blackberry Cobbler. Others will bring food too so hopefully it will all go good.

This weekend  is also our town's annual picnic.
3 days of coed softball tournament, a beer stand on one end of the park and a gospel tent on the other, Gotta love the bible belt and small towns. People will visit both. There will also be Bingo, a baby beauty pagent, craft show and car show along with a horseshoe tournement. The FFA Kids from school are making a ham breakfast and on Monday the local Lions Club will have a huge BBQ dinner with all the fixen's.
Good times in a small town!!!

My husband and I work a shift each year in the beer stand.
We always get the Friday, 8 to midnight shift, which is a really fun shift to work.
   I get to see all of my old hair salon customers and many friends that I only see like once a year now.
It's a great time and no I don't drink....not there anyway.

We are also expecting weekend company.
Our nephew and a guest will be here along with my husbands son.
There both crazy fun so it will be a blast.
I am planning a big weekend along with some good cookin' for here too.
I found some giant and I mean giant marshmallows at the grocery store today.
They are sooo cool. Big as tangerines. I can't wait to try one out.
I don't know why, but I have always been silly and giddy over anything miniature or giant sized. Silly huh??

I better get going, I still have the upstairs to straighten and freshen up, the yard to mow and and endless list that isn't possibly gonna get done by this weekend....oh well,...it's not going to ruin my fun.
It is what it is! That's our favorite saying around here, now you know why.

Blessings and Have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend.
Shanda

Zip

2010-08-25T12:03:00.001-05:00

I forgot about a few pictures that were taken Saturday morning before we left.

This is Zip in his day pen.

Check out his beautiful poke a dot feet.

I love how he bends one leg to make it easier to reach the grass.

He is a tall boy. Over 16 hands.

I have to stand on a 5 gallon bucket to clip his ears and band his mane.... Me......I might be 5'3" if I stand real straight.

Scooby the little mini has become his stable mate.

They get along good and have cute little games they play.

Zip likes to tease Scooby abit and pester him.

Scooby has grown from a little scrawny colt that had no mane into a beautiful summer boy.

He is barely 2 foot tall...he thinks he's 10 foot tall.

I love to watch him run and buck and twist his little head like he is a real bronc.

So funny.

Me and my buddy Zip!

This is the stray dog.

The stray dog that chewed on my show saddle.

We call him Drifter.

He is a good dog really.

He is so loving.

When I sit on the porch steps, he slowly approaches and will slowly try to get in your lap.

He gets along with the other dogs and hopefully he won't chew on anything ever again.

I have tried to find his owners, I listed adds on Craigslist, Facebook etc.

What puzzles me is....he is old.

He has to be somebody's dog.

Why someone would dump him is puzzling,,,,,he may be lost or he could have fell off of a farm truck.

So sad, our heart's break for him, that's why we let him stay. I wish he could talk, I'd love to hear his story.

I do believe everything is for a reason......

If losts dogs can pray....his were answered.

Blessing,

Shanda

~ Horse Show Happiness ~

2010-08-23T23:17:00.001-05:00

I don't have any pictures from Saturday to share because the show was indoors and my husband stands right on the side line and he was afraid the flash would scare the other horses.

We had a great time and a great show.

I did get up at 4am as planned. That was a real miracle on my part.
I only know of three things I'll get up that early for:
Yard sales. a vacation flight and horse shows!!!

I only took Zip and I entered 8 Western Pleasure and Horsemanship/Equitation competitions.

I got off to a rough start with a class of 22 that was divided in half and I didn't get a call back to the second group.
A horse fly landed on Zip's rear and I felt him hump up and I turned around to shoo it and he stopped loping. That was a killer because the judge saw it all and there was no recovering from a mistake like that.

Here is my score card for the day:
I placed 4th out of 5.
2nd out of 9
4th out of 12
3rd out of 14.....Open Western Pleasure....very proud of this one. Open means male, female, young and old riders or horses. You get all the best of the best, so to place in this class is an honor.
I placed in half of the classes I entered in. I am very proud of Zip, he did a wonderful job on a very hot day.

We had some tough luck going into the weekend though.
We recently took in a stray dog that decided to live here.
We don't really want him, we even gave him away to an older man who lives over 4 miles away. He walked back. That broke my heart so we decided he could stay.
Well, one night while we slept, he decided to turn over a saddle rack by grabbing a blanket or strap, he proceeded to chew the horn on my show saddle really bad. I thought my husband was gonna shoot him when he saw what happened.
I had to use a different saddle this weekend that really didn't fit my horse all that well.
We are searching for a good used show saddle.
Hoping a beautiful Blue Ribbon brand comes my way.....just hoping.

Hope you have a beautiful week, I have a busy one, I am going to try and find my flower gardens amongst all the weeds going on out there.

Until next time,
Chanda

~Weathervanes and Cupolas~

2010-08-20T20:45:00.000-05:00

The weathervanes and cupolas finally went up on the barns.

This was the "cherry on top" for me.

I have been waiting all summer for this.

The Amish boys working hard.

I placed it in the kitchen window all week.

It is so beautifully made.

I ordered it from Annapolis Weathervanes in Maryland.

I did alot of research and online shopping before deciding on this company.

I not only wanted to purchase a weathervane, I wanted it to be heirloom quality and become a family keepsake.

It's hard to see in the photo, but the rooster is 3-D. It's made from 28 gauge copper.

Somehow they make then hollow with really thick walls.

I am in looooove!

I can't quit looking out the back door at it.

Mose, the Amish man built custom cupolas for us.

I think he did a wonderful job.

We had 2 installed on the new barn and one with the vane installed on the old barn.

Hopefully the two big ones on the new barn will help with some heat and humidity issues in there.

Until next time,

I have a huge horse show tomorrow and I have to get up at 4am to start getting my horse ready.

This will be a circuit show and the competition will be tough.

I am ready.

I received 2 first places last week on Zip and

received 2 seconds and a third on Ricky.

For now Bug is on the big pasture getting some rest and maturing for another year.

No shows for her this year.

Shanda

~So Good Stuffed Peppers~

2010-08-17T17:20:00.002-05:00

Amid all the business and summer silliness that goes on around here, we seem to somehow always find time to enjoy a good meal

So Good Stuffed Peppers.

Recipe is from my neighbor Clarice who lives a few farms over.

You will need:

2 pkgs cream cheese (room temp.)

1 pkg of favorite shredded cheese

1 pkg thin slice bacon ( room temp. )

8- 10 peppers of choice, prepared and sliced in half. ( I use Serrano )

2 teaspoons of favorite seasoning. ( I like Montreal Steak seasoning)

Simply mix everything together and fill into a pepper half.

Completely wrap with a piece of room temperature bacon and bake at 350* on an greased cookie sheet until the bacon is crisp......Yum! Yum! Yum!

These are so wonderfully good.

I made 2 pans of these for a party earlier this summer and they flew off the pan like lightening.

Try them, this is the real deal from which all others came!!!!

Some our summer silliness!

More of our summer silliness!!!

These guys are such a blessing to me.

Happy Late Summer.
Shanda

~The Bridges of Madison County~

2010-08-12T22:50:00.053-05:00

A quick trip last week brought about a nice surprise for me.

We ventured up into Iowa to look at a horse my husband was interested in and as we traveled along we came upon a sign that that read something about the Covered Bridges of Madison County.

I started jumping up and down in my seat and begging him to stop.

He did of course.

Abby and Ozzy accompanied us on this trip and they wanted to see too.

The Imes Bridge

I loved the movie "The Bridges Of Madison County" and the book has been on the night stand in our guest bedroom for a few years now.

I think it is a very disturbing story yet very very romantic.

Now whats two old romantics like us gonna do?

The very same thing everyone else has done. We wrote our name of the wall of the bridge.

Me sweet husband kissed me right there on that famous Imes bridge.

I will never forget that kiss!

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction......Unknown.

In Peace and Grace,

Shanda

~Update to the Previous Post~

2010-08-10T20:34:00.002-05:00

Subject:
Shaky Video
I got an email from a friend who watched the video in the previous post and she said it made her so sick she had to leave work. ha ha!! and I had another request from another reader for more video.
I thought I better try to put something better up and warn others.

This video is alittle better although he does loose me in it too.
In this one you can see Zip working alittle better.
I need him to lower his head for me more and he needs to be still at the line up.

Sorry.....still no video back here either. I try again later

Blessing to you, Shanda

~ Horsin' Around, Storms, and other farm gossip~

2010-07-21T23:26:00.002-05:00

Time flies when your having fun I guess.

Can't believe how long its been since I last posted.

I have been spending a lot of time with the horses and battling rain, mud, intense heat and 2000% humidity. I changed clothes 7 times yesterday, its just miserable here.

Yesterday morning we had a small storm and it wiped out our only shade tree in the back yard. I planted it 7 years ago and it was just getting some size to it. Oh well its gone now!

We have decided to completely cut it down and plant something else. It was an Ornamental Pear and they just can't take the wind up here on top of the hill. I will probably plant a native Oak in its place.

We had another storm pass over us last night and another wind storm early this morning and when we went outside we were greeted by this:

Our giant ancient old oak tree that leaned severely to the west was laid down by the wind also.

Thank goodness it didn't damage the fence too badly or fall on any of the horses. It leaned so bad that I wouldn't hang the wooden swing from it's branches because I feared it may someday fall on someone and I wasn't uping my ante on it falling on me by doing so.

We were also greeted by this:

One of the brood mares had her colt shortly after the storm.

A little stud colt that we named Stormy.

He's good and healthy and his momma is fine.

That's how I like to find them, when its all over with and standing up nursing and when we approached, we watched him have a bowel movement which is very important to witness for a new baby horse.

My little mare (Bug) that I have been training all year has been dealing with a bad infection in her right chest muscle. She has been on stall rest and just came off of 2 weeks of sulfur antibiotic treatment and water therapy 2x daily. Its always something it seems. This is my 3rd shut down injury with her this year. We have decided to slow way down with her and forget trying to take her to the futurities this fall.

I have been training with this big ol guy for showing instead. His name is ZIP. He is a giant of a horse.

I have to use a step ladder to get on him.

(please don't pay any attention to my nonexistent abs while watching this video) ha ha!

I am still working on my core muscles....I always have been and I guess I always will be.

The lady in the ring with me is one of the most awesome horse people I have ever met. I wish I could spend my days just shadowing her and learning all her knowledge. Love you Jane and loved my time with you. I wished you lived here instead of all the way up in Minnesota.....yes I have been to Minnesota in my little blog break.

My next show is in 2 weeks and I need the rains to stay away so I can get in a lot more practice. The indoor arena is like a sauna right now. I melt in there, and I feel sorry for the horses.

I took Ricky my little gelding to the local fair show. He did ok......watch the video and then I'll tell you something.......and oh...I was not cheating.

This was Ricky's first show. I did something stupid and spent all my time grooming him instead of lunge lining him and wearing him down abit. He started bucking during warm-ups. I ask him for a sorta fast sprint and he did, but he started bucking. He has been training on flag race, obstacle trail and poles, he was doing great. He bucked from the middle of the arena up to the fence. When he got to the fence, he went one way and I went another. He pitched me hard and tore the tendon loose from my outside calf bone. Ouch. I guess my leg hung up for a moment and I didn't even know it. When my adrenaline went down, I felt intense pain in my leg. I finished the night anyway....oh I am such a trooper. That was my home town, I wasn't doing other wise even if he'd broke my neck. (Daniel stop laughing)
I stood up to collect him and he then proceeded to buck all the way across the arena to the other side. I went over and calmed him and got back on. I didn't want to, what I wanted to do was whip his ass, but I know that is not any way to treat or train a horse. He is way further along than this. The fair rides seemed to have juiced him up and the bath and all that brushing had him feeling waaaaay too good. I sure learned my lesson about taking a young 3 year old colt to the fair. I am taking him back next weekend and I bet I ride him that day instead of brushing him so much.
I seriously thought he was past all that. He has been doing so good at home.

I better get going, we have trees to cut up, there are more storm warnings for tonight and I have 2 horses to ride yet.

In peace and grace,
Shanda

~ Front Porch Decorating Ideas~ and a bit about us.

2010-07-03T15:26:00.004-05:00

My old fashioned bicycle wreath has become my go to summer wreath.

I never tire of looking at it and it never fails to produce a smile from anyone that sees it.

I've been moving things around abit in anticipation of the 4th.

I love the 4th of July.

Such a fun holiday and usually stress free.

Around here, we sometimes don't decide until that afternoon what and where we want to go.

Sometimes we attend a neighbor's annual picnic and fireworks show, sometimes we go get ice cream in a neighboring town and then sit on our truck's tailgate and watch the city's fireworks or sometimes we drive into the capital city and take old quilts and watch from the capital lawn.

There are so many things to do and I am so proud that my friends, neighbors, and loved ones do take the time to stop and celebrate.

As you know, I am married to a full time military man.
He is a Colonel in the Army and we have a rather unique assignment.
We are here in Missouri (where I am from) and he is a Fiscal Officer by day and a farmer at night.
He loves his work and the people involved, he works with a group of highly organized and efficient folks.
At times he has a very stressful job and travels quite abit, but he is always steady and solid.
I stay home now, manage the farm and keep things fed and happy.

Our assignment is unique in a sense that we are able to live off post and live on a small farm while serving.
Trust me.... it is a very trying combination.
We have cows, horses, put up our own hay and even rent a few pastures around the area.
Together we work, work, work.
He grew up on a farm and has been in the military his whole life and me a farm girl as well....we both longed to live back in the country so this is such a blessing.
He's did his share of traveling and being out of country, living in tents and barracks so I am very thankful to be able to live where we do and still be in the military. It's an odd combination, but it works for us.

I quit working almost 2 years ago to try and slow down and make things more simple for us.
I sold out of the hair salon and tanning business after 10 years. I was ready to "go to the house" as they say.
I have never regretted or looked back on my decision. Not for even a second.
I love being "Home".
I love being the keeper of my home.
I have embraced the whole "Homesteading" idea....somewhat. I am not living without electricity or going to sew all my clothes...that's going abit far for me.
I honestly think country people live naturally day to day " homesteading" without thinking much about it.

I read a magazine article recently about how to conserve energy and save $2500.00 per year doing so.

I am not kidding when I say....I was already doing 9 out of 10 of their "great ideas" and my mother taught them to me 30 years ago.

It's how we do things in the country.

My husband cracked up when I told him that...he isn't as homesteady as I.

I couldn't imagine not line drying everything I can, growing a garden, canning, freezing, and "putin' up" for winter as my mom would say.

My folks taught me great survival skills, not for the wilderness or a big sea adventure, but everyday life skills.

Life skills that allow you to live a quality life without a lot of money.

I have learned to stretch a dollar, not skimp out and certainly not be stingy.

I have tried to learn to save, spend where I have to and have some left to spend where I want to.

My husband and I both have a very generous heart and spirit. Some call it southern hospitality.

I call it how we were raised.

We don't just say no ma'am and yes ma'am, may I and please...we also plant potato's.

We are resilient and natural survivors....something that is greatly desired in the tuff economic times.

So here's to mine:

Thank you God for everything. First and foremost for just being born an American.

Everything else is just icing on the cake.

Thank you to my sweetheart for working so hard each day, I love you.

Here's to you and yours:

I hope you take some time to celebrate this great nation and all that freedom means.

Thank a vet, thank a soldier, say " I'm sorry", say " I love you", be kind to your neighbor, decide to be happy, whatever it is you choose, embrace this beautiful life God gave to you, so many never had the chance.

Happy Independence Day to you, make it a safe and happy one.
Shanda

~Summer Solstice ~

2010-06-23T02:56:00.001-05:00

It hard to believe that we have reached summer solstice already.

I like to acknowledge it in some small way, if for no other reason other than to give an approving nod to the universe, to feel connected and grateful for my part.

It's a wonderful day to stop and smell the roses and say thank you,

for summer's beauty and all it holds,

The flowers are so beautiful this year.

I look at them and shake my head in disbelief. They almost don't look real.

While the rains make the flowers pretty,

they turn my garden into a jungle wonderland. Giant lettuce leaves, towering tomato plants and vines that seem to end nowhere.

Berries berries and more berries, this is a bountiful year indeed.

I picked my first mess of Blackberrys today, they are just beginning to turn.

I only picked maybe 2 quarts. That's a good start.

I'm going to make muffins in the morning, I should have plenty for that.

I picked a few raspberries too,

only a handful or so, as my friend says,"just enough for a party in my mouth".

I made my own berry pickin' basket.

This was born from necessity.

I hang it around my neck and it frees up both hands for pickin'.

I was fortunate enough to find the flat backed basket at a garage sale.

I simply attached an old cloth belt to the wooden handle with small screws.

Works wonderful.

The very thing that makes the flowers pretty and the garden bloom is about to roast everything else.

Including me.

The heat and humity have been something else.

Heat index of 106 today.

I have been going around each morning and drawing all the curtains closed.

It is amazing how much cooler it makes the house.

I had to make a "make do" curtain for the back door yesterday.

It's not staying, but it works for now.

I learned this from the Amish this week.

They keep their homes almost dark during the day and it was comfortable even without AC.

The temps tonight were still in the high 90's, even at 10pm.

I took advantage of the warm evening and gave the porch a summer bath.

It needed some spiffing up.

I don't know why, but it seems that every spider in the county lives here.

One would think, with all the malice I perform on the spider population each year,

they would start to tell there friends that my place is not such a great place to camp.

Lots of spider funerals tomorrow I'm sure and.....

tomorrow, the porch gets her 4th on.

Pictures to follow.

In peace and grace,

Shanda

House Frosting

2010-06-20T01:31:00.002-05:00

I've been doing a little pergola shopping. I know I said "No More Construction", but I do change my mind alot and often.

I'm think now, that maybe, just maybe we might squeeze this in before summers end.

This one is Vinyl.. I think I would like it better if it were built with western ceder and let it age and turn a pretty patina. That way it would match the porch floors and I wouldn't have to paint. I despise painting anything that has 4 sides. It takes a looooong time and some standing on your head maneuvers to get to it all.

I am not that patient and I am not getting any younger.

As you all know, I have been shopping for the last year for roof gable decorations.
I am in love with this beauty.

I found plenty on-line(very pricey and non returnable) as ours will have to be custom made.
Our roof is so very steep. It measured out to be an 18/12 pitch. That is steep.
I know from experience, it is impossible to climb. I tried one year while hanging Christmas lights.
I had to scoot up it backwards on my you know what. When it came time to get down, all I could do is slide down it like a sliding board onto the next level of roof. Scary!!

I also love this one...

I have to do some sweet talking to my hubby about this. He isn't so convinced that we need them. I don't just need one, my house is designed so that I really need two!

If I get one, it wouldn't look right to not put a small one on the gable of the dormer.

It would be like the equivalent of wearing only one earring.

Not pretty.

I think I will tell him that it can be my Birthday, Christmas and Anniversary present for the next 10 years.

Do you think that will work. Have you ever said that. I am guilty of this already and I think I am good for the next 50 years, so not sure if it will work this time though.

I better get my sweet on Huh...!

Also looking for some weather vanes to top off the cupolas on the new barn.

They are almost ready to be installed so I have to decide on one soon.

I am thinking about a very plain weather vane.

Maybe a copper finial only, instead of a rooster or horse, etc.

Our cupolas are very similar to this one, only we aren't getting cooper tops, ours will be the same metal that will match the barn. I would love a cooper topped one on the roof of my garage though, (honey if your reading).....

I love this finial,

plain, simple and beautiful...

just like my husband.

That's probably enough shoppin' and sweet talkin' for tonight.

As my husband would say "shugga wouldn't melt in her mouth".

In peace and grace,

Shanda

~A Note From Me~

2010-06-07T17:19:00.000-05:00

Dear blogging friends.
First let me say that you all are the nicest, most kind, caring and considerate people on this earth.
Thank you for all your thoughtful comments, emails, phone calls and most of all thank you for lifting me and my family up in prayer.

These last 2 weeks have been difficult, I've been down spiritually and mentally.
Some days the answering machine sat blinking and unanswered, I just didn't want to talk.
My strawberry crop went mostly unpicked. I just didn't have the heart to do much.

Baby Daisy isn't coming home, I am heart broken by this, but I have some peace of knowing what happened and where. Not all involved are being totally honest so I may never know the truth. At least I am not looking everywhere for her or sleeping out on the day bed on the porch listening for her howl.

Some things I have made peace with. You have too or you'll go crazy.

Our friend Bill is still with us and has even been out to the hay fields this past week. He is sick and weak, but still has a smile on his face when you tell him something and he even tries to crack a joke or two about his imminent situation to try and cheer those around him. He is such a blessing.

I feel like things are looking up, I am not consumed by grief and sadness, just have spontaneous bouts most days. The silliest things will set it off.
I missed my first horse show of the year with Bug, I was too upset to even care at the moment.
I am back training daily with her and hope to make our debut soon, she is such a great horse.

The other dogs seem to be getting back to them selves again. They moped for a week and laid around unsure why there dynamics had changed. Poor little Ringo had never known life without her sister.
I think my heart ached the most for them. They have resumed hunting and playing and dragging things around and chewing. Ozzy, (Baby Daisy's dad) has been by my side since the day she disappeared.
He slept with me all those nights on the porch and is now my constant shadow. He is trying so hard to fill the void he senses. Most nights he snuggles with his head on my legs while I watch TV.
He is such a good dog too.

I've been trying to stay busy, they say that's best.
I helped my husband build a small pool deck around our above ground pool.
For three years I've been getting in with the rickety old pool ladder. I also found some pool steps on craigslist for cheap.
Now with steps and a deck I feel right up town. I'm going to try and move some plants around this week and get it landscaped somewhat.

The Amish kids painted all the pipe rail fence. It looks nice and soooo glad it's done.

Still working on getting Ele and water to the new barn.

We unloaded and stacked about 425 small bales of alfalfa hay......not my favorite thing to do.

Cleaning house, mowing, and that's about it.

We did sell 2 of the project horses and Dwight moved 5 others to summer pasture so that's a lot less for me to feed and move around each day.

My baby boy turns 21 tomorrow...where did the time go????

That's me and what I've been up too. A whole lot of nothin'.
I have been blog visiting when time allows, I do so enjoy keeping up with you all.
Everyone is such an inspiration to me and thank you again for carrying me through.

In peace and grace,
Shanda

~ Just Sadness~

2010-05-25T03:15:00.000-05:00

I think I am going to remember this summer as my summer of sadness.

My dear pup that I love with all my being; my Baby Daisy, failed to return home with the other dogs on Friday. I am so heart broken I can hardly get through my daily work.
It's hard to work when your eyes are filled with tears, your mind wonders a thousand questions and your heart aches. There's nothing here I wouldn't give to have her back, I loved her so.

My husband's best friend is sick with cancer also. He is a very loving old man who adopted us right from the start. He was the original owner of this farm before our house was ever built.
He is a great source of comfort, strength and security for us both.
We have called upon this man many times over the years and he always answers, night or day, it never mattered to him. He would help if he could.
I am scared to lose him as I have never known life here without him.
It just won't be the same. We love him so much.
I know he is sick and I know he is tired, but still I am selfish in my wants.

I am so sad for the family of the little girl from our town that just died from cancer.
Her poor momma, her poor daddy. How do they go on????

Sadness surrounds me right now, there is no escape.
My tears fall think and wet and at times its hard to speak.
I don't like this place, this spot, this much dreaded day.
A day that has been shoved from my thoughts so many times.

I know life is full of peaks and valleys.
I've treaded my way through many valleys and I've shouted joy from mountain tops:
my son, my family, my horses, my health and my husband who is my everything.
I have many blessings to be thankful for, but still....
I am sad.

~ Fly By Photo Shoot~

2010-05-09T17:32:00.000-05:00

I love these type of photos.

This is an old time country tradition.

You never know when they are doing it. One day a man just shows up with a picture.

When I saw what was under his arm, I let out a squeal and said "don't you come in here with that".
I think he knew right away I was going to buy it. I wasn't a hard sale.
I just wish more things could have been finished, etc. He said everyone does.

Now you can see how much mowing I do and maybe why I have learned a few things about lawn mowers and weed-eaters.
My brother was so impressed that I knew how to change a belt and the man at the hardware store couldn't believe I was pouring gas in the carburetor to get the weed eater started.
I did grow up with brothers, I did hand them a wrench or two while growing up.

Things are moving right along here, kinda boring really, which is good I guess.
The arena is pretty much done. Were ready for the electrician, water line man and for rain gutters.
It's looking great.
Ready for some major clean up out there also.

I am still struggling to get all the mulch put out.
Garden is planted.
Pool is cleaned and filled, we need some major sunshine though to warm the water, I ran the furnace again last evening. It's been freezing here for the last two days.

My agenda this week is to mow, clean house, do the grocery shopping, pick up more metal in Versailles, take a truck into town for mulch, etch and re-stain the patios with concrete stain, cook a few lunches for the workers, plant 2 rose bushes by the mail box, and as always care for the 17 horses that are here.......all by myself again. This makes 5 out of 7 weeks that my husband is TDY. I am starting to feel like a single parent/widow.
I'm not complaining and I'm not whining. It's our living, We feel blessed to have the work and the responsibility. There's no where I'd rather be working than here.....well OK maybe at the zoo in the monkey park.

I better run, I have a hair cut to give and a bag to pack, if it stays cold, I'm gonna return here and do some blog reading, hope to see you soon,

In Peace and Grace,
Shanda

~What A Difference A Day Makes~

2010-04-20T13:41:00.001-05:00

When we last spoke, stress and worry was taking over.

There was no construction happening, food was spoiling, horses were getting hurt, a weeks vacation was being wasted and rain was in the forecast.

Oh what a difference a day and six young Amish men can make.

Rome may not have been built in a day, but this was.

Seriously, this was built in one day. (not the concrete work)

The roof trusses were added the next day with the assistance of a crane. Only 3 men worked yesterday and this was accomplished. We are so amazed and impressed.

I have to share a funny story with you as it was retold to me by my husband.

In order to get all the work done that was done on the first day, it required for a few of the Amish men to stay late instead of heading home at 5 in the buggy. Meaning my husband would drive them home.

They come from 20 miles away so they have to head in way before dark to be able to travel safely on the highway. (hint)...... they are not supposed to be riding in vehicles.

On the way home as my husband approached a buggy traveling down the gravel road, Jonas says " oh no, we are in trouble" . My husband ask why.

"because that is Abraham's Mother in law and Father in law up ahead and we are not supposed to be riding in a vehicle ever again".
My husband offered to take the long way around to avoid them. They insisted he not do this and instead he told the other boy's to take off their hats and then proceeded to tell my husband to " pass them really fast" and "dust em' ".

That's hilarious. Sounds to me like they know how to not be seen.

We are so pleased with these boys and just love everyone of them, we have made some great new friends.

The horse injury's are mending well.

The next pics are NOT for the squeamish...take warning now.

I am going to show you Ricky's leg after it has heeled for 2 weeks and then show you the before. I would hate to give you the scare I had when I found him bleeding and trembling in the back pasture 2 weeks ago.

(2 weeks heel time)....amazing!

****************

This is how I found the poor thing. I was so shook up and crying so hard I could barely make it to the barn with him. I husband washed it out and stitched him up. He gave him a PennG shot every night for about 5 days. He was such a good horse through all of this. He stood so still for the stitches. My husband should have been a Vet, none of this ever fazes him and he tells me to buck up and get used it.

I keep him in a stall with an anti chew wooden collar around his neck for a week. I took him out for slow walks and some mild grazing until we knew the stitches would hold.

The wooden collar we made for him. Horses are bad to chew on an injury when it itches. They will tear their sutures right out. I went and picked up some Bute ( a powerful horse pain reliever) from the Vet and we gave him that for the first 4 days.

He is mending so well. I am going to start him on light duty this weekend. he seems to be moving effortlessly on his own so I think he is ready. I only wish the human body could rejuvenate so quickly.

My little Bug is walking better, but she is still on a training hiatus for another week or so, just to be sure.

She loves her new anti fly mask. The more you treat her like a princess, the better.

She is a diva horse if there ever was one.

Hope your world is treating you good this week, I better get, I have 4 hungry young men to get lunch to. Hubby is TDY to Texas all week and we keep telling him that when he gets home his barn will have wall paper and be painted a lovely lavender. He knows better to leave me in charge.
Hope the horsey pics didn't freak you out to bad.

In Peace and Grace,
Shanda

~ Our Big "Dud" Week~

2010-04-15T08:20:00.004-05:00

You know the saying about making plans right, "if ya want to make God laugh.....".

Couldn't be any truer.
Our week has turned into a very sad disappointing flop.

My husbands closest friend and cattle partner was diagnosed with cancer on Sunday, my show mare has a back ankle swollen up as big as a softball, my event horse Ricky suffered a huge gaping cut to his front shoulder last Saturday, and no Amish men have showed up as of yet. We do expect them here this morning though and guess what? It is supposed to rain today and tomorrow.

My husband will be TDY for the next 2 weeks so that will leave me in charge to answer questions that I don't know the answer too and, the weed eater decided, after 15 years to finally bite the dust. No one has time to look at it for me and the grass edging is getting embarrassing!

You can cut the stress level here with a knife.
To say there has been an exchange of unpleasantries to each other this week is the understatement of the year.

Things seem to be starting to look up, hopefully.
The sun is shining, people are speaking to each other,( and kissing each other good morning) full work crew is on the way, horses are healing, food is getting cooked and the weeds are growing like mad and the weed eater still won't start, but..... life is good.

***********

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. ~Author Unknown

In Peace and Grace,
Shanda

Workcation......is that a word?

2010-04-10T08:49:00.003-05:00

We have a very very busy week planned.

We have a local Amish man and his work crew staying here all week to work on the arena.

Some had to travel back home to attend their grandfather's funeral so we will be short 3 young men for most of the week.

My husband and his best friend took a week's leave. No vacation, fun or games.

Hopefully by weeks end, there will be a shell of the building up.

The concrete retaining walls are complete and 128 tons of sand have been hauled in for the riding area. We are finally ready to construct a building.

My job next week is to cook a hot lunch for about 8 hungry men each day and to keep their thirst at bay. I'm sure I'll do lots of running to town for things needed also.

We are very excited to be at this point.
I wanted to stop for a moment and count our blessing and relish in the moment abit. Next week will end as a blur I'm sure, and I wanted a good memory of such a special time in our lives.
This arena is a big deal to us and a long sought after dream, we feel so fortunate and blessed. Thank you Jesus from which all blessing flow.
Maybe in someway, this barn will be used for his good

We spent some time around a patio fire with good friends last evening, enjoyed some Mojitos and grilled burgers and chips.
Very informal, ate at midnight, used napkins for a plate and reach right in the bag for the chips.
It's never tasted better!

I went to town yesterday and bought a car load of grocery's. I Spent 5 hours in only 3 stores.
My menu's for next week are:
Chicken and Dumplins', buttered potatoes, bread
Lasagna/ salad
Sandwiches and chips
BBQ Leg Quarters w/fixins'
Beans and corn bread
Chile dogs
Hamburgers and fries

Black Berry Cobbler
Banana Bread
Strawberry Pie
M&M cookies
Raspberry Bread
Zucchini Bread

Hopefully this will satisfy everyone keep them well fed.

Today I need to sweep out the barn and set up the lunch tables, wash out the water coolers and find enough chairs for everyone.

I love this busy, I've waited a lifetime for it and "It's so nice to meet you".

The first horse show with the "SHOW-ME Circuit" is 2 weeks away.
I'm planning on being there, with bells on and butterflies in my stomach.

I better run, I have a million miles to cover today.
In Peace and Grace,
Shanda

~When The Cat's Away......

2010-04-01T21:47:00.003-05:00

You know the rest!

My cat is away and boy has this little mouse been playing.
I'm having way too much fun with the garden shed.
I NEED to be planting a garden.
The seeds are bought, the sun is shining, and I am playing.
I needed a recess, the cat's back home tomorrow, so back to work for me.

I better wrap things up early tonight.
Tomorrow is one of my favorite yard sales of the whole summer. A tiny town that has a citywide sale on Good Friday each year. I always have a great time and find lots of good junk.

Hope you have a wonderful Easter.

In Grace and Peace
Shanda

~In Peace and Grace Comes The Night~

2010-03-30T23:29:00.009-05:00

And the night shall be filled with music,
And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs
And as silently steal away.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Day Is Done

*****
The first warm Spring night on the farm.
Line dried sheets, the windows open, peeper concert in full swing.
See you in the morning,
Shanda

~Too Many Ideas, My Head Is Swirling Again!!~

2010-03-26T11:02:00.002-05:00

I have always said , "if I live to be 100, I'll not live long enough to plant all the flowers I want to plant".

I received the new Country Sampler this week and Oh my gosh, My heart started beating fast and ideas were fogging up my head.

(the following 3 photo's are from Country Sampler Magazine )
Garden belongs to Steve and Diane Clement, Olimpia, Washington.

This picture sings to me. I see so many things I love. Each year I try to add a few new whimsical touches to my garden. I love this little garden yard.

I have an entry arch similar to this, mine is made from ceder and vines I found on the farm.

I love the use of old benches and the old tub.
I'm going to work this year on personalizing my garden space.
I love the bird baths and bird houses.
I think what really appeals to me is that it looks like a garden haven and not just a veggie garden. I need to put flowers in with my veggies and not just on the outer borders.

I could stare into this garden shed all day long.

Love how they keep bird seed in pretty jars.

She has given new life to so many old treasures.

How many times did I say the word love in this post???

*********

This is my garden as most of you know who read this blog.

It has been a slow process.

I built it all myself, (took most of one whole Spring).

It isn't fancy at all and it was basically free.

I found all the ceder in our woods, made the arbor and garden gate with twigs and vines from the farm.

I think this year it's time for some fun.
I hope to add bird houses, a bird tea party, signs, tubs and benches and maybe an old chair or two and who knows what else I'll come up with.
I'm off to prowl around the barn and see what I can find out there and then go dig in the garden shed and see what begs to be used from there.

I'm off to play in the dirt and hope you can do the same if your heart so desires.
Shanda

~Upcoming Product Review~

2010-03-25T00:45:00.002-05:00

Imagine my excitement this morning when Ashley from CSN contacted me about doing a product review!!!

Oh the fun I had shopping that site, It was so hard choosing, they have so many items.
From bar stools and furniture , pet supplies, something for everyone and every room in the house.
Hooray for product reviews.
I searched and searched their website and I am very excited about the product I chose.
I decided on a much needed food processor.
I can't wait to try it out.

Thanks CSN for giving me the opportunity! Did you know they have over 200 websites that sell almost everything and their prices and choices are right on target.
So many wonderful items!!

I'll let you know how it turns out.
Stay tuned!!!

~My Heart Is Singing~

2010-03-24T14:05:00.000-05:00

I did a little shopping this week in addition to the mundane boring grocery shopping.

I hardly ever shop, nope, not my thing.

Unless it is a craft store.

I found these adorable prints and I had to buy some, not even knowing yet what to make with them. The little western children are so vintage looking, they made my heart sing.

I didn't think I could get much happier until I turned down another favorite isle....

I found these little cute guys.

I was thinking I would paint them white to match the other similar sets I have in the bay windows of our bedroom.

They are very heavy solid rusty iron.

Do you have a clue what these are for?

I didn't until I got them home and discovered what they really are.

They are table cloth anchors. Aren't they cute? I just love'em. They are so much sweeter than the metal clips I used last summer. I have to anchor my outdoor cloths down, living up on a hillside, there is always a breeze.

~Arena Update~

We have gone from this:

To this.

Concrete work is poured.

This is how you have to build something when you live on the slant.

You have to flatten the earth and retain the rest.

Rain tomorrow so boo-hoo. Work will halt.

*************

The earth and flowers call for me to walk in them with my bare feet and the wind longs to play with my hair, ( favorite quote by the way)

So I better get out there

Shanda

~Show Time~

2010-03-22T08:18:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share a little glimpse of one of the many things that has kept me busy this winter.

I have been designing and making my own show clothes.

I didn't make the shirt. It is a Talbot's, no iron. I am not that patient to sit and sew yet.
On the other hand, I love planning and staging all the bling on the front and backs of the shirts. I have found some great websites to help me with this endeavor. One is Glory's House. She can be found on EBay. She has beautiful hand sewn sequins in every color imaginable. I have saved myself a mint by making a few myself. Saved that mint for all I have bought I guess.

I now have a solid black Mayatex saddle pad, thanks to a wonderful EBay seller that has a online store called leaderwares. They are the most wonderful people to work with. They have been so good to me and have went above and beyond to help me get the color of pads I needed for this years show season.

I found out why some of the shirts cost so much. They cost alot to make!!!!

This shirt has about a tablespoon of AB swarovski crystals. Price tag....about $20 .
Mirror images about $40.
Premade Show Shirt $40.
It all adds up so fast, but it's nothing compared to buying a custom made shirt from an established designer.
You ladies who sew....there's big money in the rail shirt business.

Some of the huge name designers have waiting list and they sell their wares for upwards of $3000.00 each.

That's unbelievable to me to spend that much for a rail shirt.

I have black boots, chaps and cowboy hat so I have tuned all my shirts to match.

I'll probably wear this shirt when I show my husbands black gelding.

Red doesn't look very pretty on my horse.

These are my new wool show pads.

Thank you leaderwares for such beautiful quality products.

I have been making final touches and have things pretty set and ready.
Tack is cleaned, manes are pulled, tails are long and flowing.
I found this beautiful American Flag Show sheet for my speed event horse Ricochet....(Ricky).

This is what he will wear to the show after he is all bathed, shined, primped and preened.
This will help to keep him clean and comfortable. He also has a red Slinky to wear over his head and mane. Red shipping boots will complete his show outfit.
I think he's gonna look like one handsome horse tied to the white horse trailer.

***Someone ask me what a Slinky is for.
It keeps the horses mane tamed down, clean, the braids are safe and secure and it can be worn on a daily basis to train a mane to lay down and to all lay on one side.

We all still need lots of conditioning.
Me and the horses.
Still need some riding to happen.
Still waiting on the barn to be completed.
They should finish up the concrete pouring today hopefully and then comes the sand.

I am not sure my horses are ready for the show ring,
but they sure are ready to look pretty tied to the side of the horse trailer.

Gotta look for a bright side somewhere.

Until we meet again,
Shanda

~Mother Nature~ She Loves A Good Joke~

2010-03-20T20:29:00.001-05:00

Happy first day of Spring!

What a difference a day makes.
Today we woke to blowing snow, sleet and a cold north wind.
Quite a change from yesterdays high of 70.
Good 'ol Missouri weather!

I'll dust the snow off the bunnies and say Happy Spring just the same.

Hoping your having a wonderful weekend where ever it finds you.
God Bless,
Shanda

~ Easter Bunny Gifts~

2010-03-16T09:37:00.006-05:00

Is there anything any sweeter this time of year than a chocolate bunny?

Could anything be more beautiful than the emerging tulips?

This time of year, those little things are so beautiful and soul reviving.

Only one thing could be just as beautiful: jewelry.

I recently had the honor of reviewing a beautiful piece of jewelry from Lushae Jewelry.
They have the most beautiful pendants and rings.

It was a difficult decision choosing, it was all so beautiful.

After learning about the quality, care and the process in which it's made, I new I had stumbled onto something very good.

I choose a beautiful White Gold Anniversary band called " Mystic" as we just celebrated our 10th Anniversary recently.

The ring is gorgeous.

It feels weighty and quality in hand and has a rich designer appeal, which I love.

This type of affordable quality is created by using heavy layers of electroplated rhodium.

The ring has a very rich luster, just like platinum, only for a fraction of the cost.

The stones are great quality CZs that have a wonderful brilliance.

It was hard for me to capture the beautiful designer qualities in a photograph, I wish you could see the beautiful edge this ring has. It has the edging of a designer who is well known in the jewelry industry and sells his rings for $$$$.

I was quite impressed when my package arrived in only 3 days of placing my order, it came well packaged in a beautiful gift box and my eyes really lit up when I peeked inside.

Did you hear me squeal????

I hope you have as much fun shopping there as I did, just click on the link above and it will take you to pages and pages of eye candy and soul reviving treats.

Don't forget to register for the monthly drawing of $200.00 and also for the grand prize drawing of $5000.00 to one lucky entrant.

Thank you Lushae for a wonderful experience and for a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Until we meet again,

Shanda

~Oh What A Beautiful Morning-Oh What A Beautiful Day~

2010-03-12T01:08:00.006-06:00

I love that song and use to sing it all the time when my son was little.
I couldn't help but sing it today.
We have been having the most glorious weather.
a high of 74* yesterday and ended with awesome lightening and a spring cleaning hard rain.
The patios and sidewalks were so nice and clean this morning.

I wanted to share my world with you this morning.

I took my coffee and camera out to the porch this morning and tried to capture a little bit of spring happening all around.
Try to see the eagle soaring over head and flying out to the river.

The video is of nothing more than the beauty of the Spring morning.
If you desire, scroll down for the weekly update and just enjoy the sounds.

Spring in Sandy Hook

Weekly Update:

Mr. Skunkypoo quit playing by the rules, he sprayed 3 dogs and one cat so he went bye-bye.

Baby Daisy is finally over her deal. ( first heat) It was a long 3 weeks and I don't think I can go through it again, I threatened her with some Xanax. She was a baaaaadd girl. Chewed 2 different pillows in one day. One was an antique pink satin Rosette.

The riding arena is well started. Half of one long concrete retaining wall is poured and still sitting in the forms. A 3 to 4 inch rain has halted everything.

Kennel is still 1/2 done. Waiting for concrete there also.

I did not find a mini driving harness at the Mennonite auction last week. All I bought there was a bridle bag and a new rope for Dwight. I did however find another bronchial asthma type cold that left me with laryngitis for 3 days. It was freezing in there and I was there for about 5 hours.

I would like to ask you for some special prayers. A little girl named Kelsey in our school district has been diagnosed with cancer. She started 25 weeks of chemo today. She had one tumor removed off of her spine and there is another. I fixed her hair once for a little princess contest at the local fair and she was just precious. She told me to stop touching her hair, I was going to make all the curls fall out. She loved her hair all curled up. This past Monday night at 6:45 pm, our community stopped whatever we were doing and together we prayed for Kelsey. Could you be so kind to pray also.

Not much else, just mud, dogs, horses and more mud.

Until we meet again,

Shanda

~My New Project~

2010-03-05T10:06:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone, seems like it's been forever.
The sunshine has been glorious here the last few days and I've been outside enjoying it.

I think I better introduce you to my new little " time waster".

In a moment of weakness, I bought a miniature horse.

His name is Scooby. He is 2 years old and smart as a whip.
He is no bigger than a large dog, he just weighs a whole lot more and kicks a little harder.

I've been teaching him to "drive". Meaning, he's learning to pull a small pony cart.
For now, I harness him up and just walk behind him. He's doing great.
I haven't actually hooked him to the pony cart yet.
Oh yea, bought one of those from a neighbor over the hill. It had been sitting in a fence row for years. I had always thought about asking them if they wanted to sell it, but I really had no use for it at the time. I had one almost like this one when I was a small girl. (another story for another day).

This one is needing some welding repairs and a new paint job and seat reupholster. It should be a fine little cart when its all done.
It' just all a lot of time consuming hard work.

I am using my dad's old equipment from his horse and buggy and it's all way to big for him to work properly and safely, so today I'm going to a huge auction down in the Mennonite country to try and fit him with a mini harness.

I AM NOT KEEPING HIM.

I am training him to sell at the annual exotic animal sale in April. I hope he makes me lots of money to help me pay for all the other horsey stuff I've been buying.

Remember the little white spot I told you about, the one on the mouse pad of the new laptop.
Well, let me just say it hasn't gotten any better and I now have $13.89 in eBay bucks.
For those of you that know, pray for me.
For those of you that don't know, you don't want to know..........got that honey-buns, sweetie pie, best husband in the world.

I better run, the auction starts at 3pm.
AND
we are super excited today,
They have finally begun digging out the footings for the arena today.

This is bug sporting her new Spring Horse Sleezy.....another eBay find. Handmade also.

Off and running,

Shanda

~If Only I Were A Gambler~

2010-02-11T06:20:00.005-06:00

'cause baby I've got a full house!
Things seem to be just right in tune. It's crazy here as ever.

And did I mention it's cold.......and not only is it cold.....it's also in heat. Yes, we have reached the much dreaded milestone with Baby Daisy. I have her practically tethered to my leg these days or for the next three weeks anyway. I choose not to have her fixed because I would love to raise another litter of pups in maybe 2 years or so. I had Momma Daisy and Ringo fixed in December. I am starting to rethink my decision right now. The kennel still isn't done, SO....off I trudge through the snow about 10 times each day, with atleast 5 minutes of coats, boots, hats and gloves on.

The kennel is going to be awesome, if it ever gets finished. Cute little French doors going in and 2 cute little French doors with doggie doors going out to the runs. Fully enclosed and insulated sleeping quarters. The runs are placed on sloping concrete, with a channel drain. All will be very water hose friendly, if you get my drift. I am so impressed with my husband and his design. He must really be tired of these girls being in the house at night. I just can't stand to see them cold....so in they come.

The horses are keeping me busy as ever, haven't been getting to ride at all. Slick roads and snow make me nervous hauling my horse around. Plenty of Ebay shopping for show clothes and tack though. I have actually wore a little white spot on the mouse pad of the new lap top.
I must stop! I repeat, I must stop!
I did get some great show pads, can't wait to get them and show them to you.
Picked out three great colors that should set Bug "on fire" in the arena.

We went to Kansas City last weeknight and bought another little Buckskin filly. Her name is Annie, she is a former rescue and her owner was having surgery and couldn't care for her anymore. We made an offer and she accepted, so off we went.
She is a kitten and a good buttermilk color.
We were impressed with her after we saw her in person. She was way more than we expected. It's gonna be a busy summer, that's all I can say.

No work has started yet on the arena.
Tons and tons of dirt have to be moved and hauled away. Remember, we live on a sloping hillside. ugg!!!
I wish the snow would go away soon. We are so ready to break ground. Just even some sort of happening with it would help.
The day they were to start moving earth, it snowed of course.
This will teach me some patience that's for sure.

Now, you'll never Guess what else I have been dealing with.
Last week when Dwight was away traveling for work, I had a little visitor.
I told him about my visitor and I don't think he believed me.
Well, he returned the next night and I was waiting for him...camera in hand.
He's been back every night since too, about 9:30 or 10:00.

Funny thing is, he isn't afraid of any of the dogs.

They don't bother him either. They just think he is Charlie, our black and white cat.

Ozzy stuck his nose right to his you know what and he didn't spray him.

I can actually open the French doors and take his picture without him running away. I wanna keep him, Honey wants to shoot him.

He's eating out of Ozzy's bowl that is on the porch for Heavens sake.

I'll let you know how this saga plays out in the next week or so.

Until next time, be warm, be safe and be loved,

Shanda

~ My Week In Words~ Jan 17- 23, 2010

2010-01-24T22:53:00.009-06:00

Sunday 17th-

Went Extreme Trail Riding as "they" called it. I would rather not try to purposely kill myself or my horse. We rode to the top of slick muddy hills, and slid down narrow winding paths to creeks below. Crossed the same icy waters of a creek at least 6 times and butt slid down 2 creek banks.

A butt slide is best described as the horses front end steps off to almost nothing and there rear end collapses under the horse and you slide down.

I held on to the back of my saddle, while my horses had his nose planted inches from the ground for balance. I was almost completely laid backwards on my saddle for balance myself. Some of the down hills were that extreme. My husband thought it was fun, I thought it was crazy. My leg is testament to how narrow some of the trails were.
I crashed into few trees.

Monday 18th.

Went and rode in the indoor arena and had a nice time. Got a lot of compliments on my horse Bug. I really like her. I like her as much as any horse I've ever owned. She has so much personality and loves attention and people.

Tuesday 19th.

Not much of anything. Cleaned and did laundry.

Wednesday 20th.
Had truck tires rotated and truck aligned. Washed 4 loads of horse blankets at the laundry mat in town and got a few groceries.

Thursday 21st.

Nothingness.

Friday 22nd.

Took Bug to the indoor arena for training.
She freaked out over a piece of old blue tarp that someone left in the corner. She passed super close to it and her feet threw dirt onto it and she freaked and bucked me off. I was fine, but everyone had a good laugh because one of my boots went flying across the arena. I admit, I did want to cry, but I didn't. I got really mad at the person who left it there.......my husband! They use it for training. This only set the stage for "you have to make her walk across it" "if you don't she will always be afraid" " do you want to get bucked off here or at a show?" Everyone was like do it or die, she HAS to walk across this thing she is terrified of.

A friend and I rubbed her down with it for a few minutes and I slowly rode her closer and closer to it. She wasn't buying any of it. I finally threw a fit and got off......oh yes! You better believe I can throw a fit My husband took over and he gently encouraged her over it. Again and again. He is an excellent horse trainer I was finally brave enough to try riding over it and dang it, I almost got bucked off again. She finally got it, and we rode over it multiple times.

Please remember, she just turned 3 years old. That is a baby for a horse. She hasn't seen much in her life except the inside of a huge stable. She has never even been out on a pasture before so she sees alot of boogers.

The following is a video made Friday night.
Listen to how bossy my trainer is......I think he is sometimes a real horses pa-toot.
They tell me to "shorten my rein" "get out of her mouth" "get her head down" "sit up".
My reins were so short, I had to slouch over to get out of her mouth and get her head down.
I wish they would make up there mind.
Sometimes I think I should do like my husband said one time,
" cross your eyes and stick out your tongue".

She is just learning to lope with me on her. She is doing great. I have big dreams of her being a great show horse.

I have been drooling over show jackets like these. It's only $450.00. Really. Show clothes are very expensive.My husband told me to offer them $250.00 for it. So glad I wasn't hasty in my bidding as it is an extra small. It wouldn't be very cute on my leg. I think it is so pretty and would love to have one like it. It would sure get the judges attention I bet. My craftiness will come in handy for something after all. I think I can make something with the same effect.

Saturday 23rd.

Panels were delivered for the dog kennel that was started last year. Contractor came to talk about building another barn and a shelter for the big horse trailer. I am very very excited about this. The new barn will have an indoor riding arena of our very own. This is a dream come true for both of us. We finally just decided that the time is now! Why not. It's what we both love. I already have decorating ideas and they include a resting/ chatting/ cafe like area that includes that old cook stove. I am on cloud nine and bouncing off the walls.

~My Week In Words~

2010-01-16T12:38:00.008-06:00

Weekly update of the past week for my Weekly Agenda Journal.

Monday,...ran errands, dry cleaning, pharmacy, Wal-mart and Wild West Music Store,

I already broke a guitar string, it scarred the crap out of me too.

Tuesday,.... cleaned house, did laundry and had 3 ranks of wood delivered. I will stack it when the mud dries up some. D ordered 200 square bales of hay, to be delivered Saturday morning.

Wednesday,.... worked in the barn and went to ride in the indoor arena at friends house.

Thursday,.... cleaned and organized tack room and made some bridle holders with old candy tins.

I painted the tops, added a computer monogram and glued fleece around the edges. I also made some new name plates for the new horses and placed them on their stalls.

Friday,.... I was pretty much sick all day with this sinus stuff that will not go away.

I feel great one day and on the couch the next. I missed a night of training at the indoor area.

My husband took her for me and worked her out.

This is a picture from Wednesday night. My first real training session on Bug.
I'm laughing because that horse behind me is freaking out.

We are still working on her head set and developing a consistent show trot. I ride around and around and take orders from my husband and 2 other trainers. The consensus right now is that I need more training than the horse does. Men!!!~

This is a video of Dwight riding her while I took a break. She will get ridden like this for hours at a time to develop her into a consistent show horse. Her head must be in perfect position and she needs to slow waaaaay down. She is doing great for just barely being 3 years old and just starting on train.

I am so pleased with her so far.

Not much going on here today. It's sorta a lazy day for me. I am taking it easy since I was so sick last night. I started self medicating myself this morning with an antibiotic and I used the Nasal Pure nose irrigation bottle that was recommended by a blogger friend. I need to be healthy for tomorrow so I can participate in a trail ride with a group of friends at Dry Fork. The weather is supposed to be nice and I haven't rode my other horse Ricochet in over 3-4 weeks, it would be so good for him.

Better run, this house needs tiding and my sweet husband has been more than patient in the cooking department since I've been sick. I'm thinking a home cooked dinner and a movie....Bride Wars.

Have a good weekend,

Shanda

~I'm Back ~ I'm Back~

2010-01-11T01:49:00.004-06:00

Glory Be I'm Back,

Whew that was too long to be off line and Boy! did I miss everyone.

I have become a Blogger and Facebook junkie. I was literally counting down the hours and I actually stayed up until midnight to log on. I enjoy blog reading so much.

If I haven't visited someone in awhile, catching up to me it's like sitting down with a good book.

I could read for hours.

YeeHaw! I have a brand new package now.

Verison is about our only option for high speed. The next package up is $199.00 per month.

Yea, I mean really. I interrupted the lady and saved her of the sales sphill.

The terrible thing is, good quality high speed phone line service stops just short of my area for about $30.00 per month.

What a rat's you know what.

Somehow I filled my days, oh and did I mention we had 2 days this past week with a windchill of -35 below.

Waaasssn't outside much.

I was worried I was gonna learn how to play that guitar in a single week.

Wow are my fingers sore.

It's hard, but I am loving it.

I moved the sewing machine to front and center of the dining room table.

It's a little more inviting that way and way less creepy than upstairs in the sewing/guest bedroom. This way I don't keep thinking I hear something/someone at the door.

It's the same excuse I use for not walking on the treadmill in the basement.

Look who is much much more infatuated with the sewing machine than I am.
Hehastogetthisclosetoo!
He is such a mess.

I better run, much to do tomorrow.

Sewing, house cleaning day, finish up the laundry and whohoo, it's supposed to be in the thirties.

I think I may bring out the shorts and the flip flops.

Shanda

~Over My Time Limit On Broadband~

2010-01-06T11:36:00.002-06:00

Hi friends, just stopping in to say hi and let everyone know that I am out of time with Verizon on the broadband high speed connection.
Last time this happened in was last year and I was charged an extra $80.00 in addition too the $60.00 we pay pay each month for services.
I am assuming it must have been caused by down loading the Norton protection for the new laptop. Bummer. Snow's acom'in and I have no Internet....bummer.
I guess it's the price you pay to live in the country.
It seems totally unfair that some months I don't use even half of my allotted 5G's and they don't roll over.
Not fair at all.
I am blogging at a small coffee shop in the capital city, 20 miles one way. ugggg!!!
I have never done this before and didn't know how to order a fancy coffee.
I was driving the guy crazy asking tooooo many questions about the differences in each one.
Funny thing is, he didn't even seem to know.
All I know is a ordered a $4.50 cup of coffee, pretty good though.
I'll probably skip down the grocery store isles after while instead of walking, it's not only tasty, it's pretty strong as well.
I better run and try to beat the snow, calling for 5-6 inches. starting at noon and I have a hilly, winding drive home.

Talk to y'all after the 11th. when my time renews.

My New Show Prospect Horse

2010-01-03T22:21:00.006-06:00

I got another new horse this weekend. This old horse habit is getting worse. She's a beauty and alittle spoiled compared to our other horses. She has been kept under lights and blanketed so she wouldn't grow her winter hair. Most show horses are.
It makes for a cold horse unless you keep them blanketed.
Notice we have two on her and she just had her head and neck wrap removed for picture taking.

Making new friends.

This is Bug,

her real name is ITSOKTOBEAMINTCHIP.

She is a very deep colored Dun with black mane and tail, (oooh! look at that tail.)

She is from good Western Pleasure blood and is a own granddaughter of Zips Chocolate Chip. People from the horse world will know what I am talking about. Not from the horse world...in the Western Pleasure Show World, Zips would be compared to a Kentucky Derby winner.

I just hope the movement and ability is passed on through her genes.

I think she is beautiful, she came from a trainer in Illinois who shows professionally.

She is started well, but needs about 120 days on fine tuning. The show season starts in April, so if I can find some space in a local indoor arena to practice in, I should be ok.

The first summer of shows will be mostly for experience anyway.

She qualifies for all the Illinois Futurities because of her parents are high money earners, which qualifies her. It's hard to explain what the futurities are and what they are about.

Google does a better job than I. But they pay big bucks if you win there.

Illinois State Fair Futurities already have $14,000 in added money at this writing.

It's along way from where I live now, but maybe if she's doing good, I'll take her.

My parents and I always use to go the State Fair there.

Dwight and I also use to go.

I would give anything for my dad to go and see me win.

That would be a miracle on both ends I'm sure, but like I say, a girl can dream

Hope you are staying warm, we are freezing our buns off here,

So long for now,

Shanda

~Something New ~

2010-01-03T22:10:00.003-06:00

I am going to try and post my weekly agenda, each Sunday Night.
Not that it is so interesting or anything, but I am moreless doing it for documenting my everyday life for future generations and I am taking blogger up on their offer of making my blog into a keepsake book. I saw an add for that the other day on the dashboard blog buzz.
I have tried to print mine several times with no luck.
Oh what I would give to read the daily journals of one of my grandparents and glimpse into their world.
I may even update and edit these post as the week progresses.
I want them to be true and acurate.

Sunday Jan. 3rd--Saturday Jan. 9th.
Sunday did absolutly nothing of note. I was tired and ready for a day of nothing.
Monday Doctor appt in Jeff City.
Tuesday Getting Started with the Guitar Class In Jeff for all the newbies who got guitars for Christmas.

Don't know of anything else at the moment.
More later.

`Welcoming in the New Year With A Bang~

2010-01-01T00:15:00.006-06:00

Here we are with our crazy New Year tradition, started by my dad when I was a child.

We ring it in with a shotgun.

I always shoot 3 times, but the gun jammed and my videographer freaked out.

He quit filming to come running closer to me.

Sorry, but this is all that was filmed.

~ 2010 New Years Resolutions ~

2009-12-30T22:21:00.000-06:00

As always, I'll reflect on the past year, and write my resolutions.
It's a tradition.
My mom always use to ask us what ours were when we were growing up.
I've been making them since I was a kid.

               The New Year

It's time for a fresh start, a new beginning.
A brand new book with the pages blank.
An opportunity to plan and dream,
A landmark of time to acknowledge all that's wrong and a place to leave it there.
A landmark of time to say "from this day forward".
When we can finally speak in past tense of our evils, our fears and habits,
the new year becomes a monument of which we happily speak.
A testament of our strength, our desire and the courage to overcome.
Just like books are marked with chapters, our lives are marked by years,
both tell a story and have a beginning and an end.
I hope to fill my pages full, write in every margin and use every word.
Seize every moment and live with no regrets.
A book of many beginnings and God willing, a happy end.
  This beautiful earth is like a great big candy store and our lives a coin.
You can spend it anyway you want, but you can only spend it once.
I'll take this new year and try again.
I may struggle and I may fall, but when it's end is here,
may it find me a better person.

Good Bye 2009...it was a great chapter.

Tomorrow night I'll ring in the new year as always with a loaded shot gun pointed toward the sky.
As we count down and the clock strikes 12.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Some run, some duck, some stay in the house.
That gun always makes me take a big step backwards.
It's a big time and I wouldn't go anywhere and miss do'in it for nothing.
My daddy always done the same thing.
So much for training up a child.

OK, here we go:
Hello  Twenty-Ten!

1. Lose ten pounds for real.
2. Be better to my husband....his one and only request... (.he's spoiled now).
3. Dress each day first thing, no more jammies until noon.
4. Quit making so many list.
5.   Focus to stay "on task".
6. Date night once a month.
7.  Quit cussing when something scares me or I hurt myself.
8. Always tell my mom I love her before I hang up the phone.
9. Read more.
10. Learn to play the guitar. That's right, Santa brought me a beautiful Fender guitar and I am loving it.

That's it,

I hope your New Year is a year for all your dreams to come true and the year of positive changes, filled with life, love and happiness.

Shanda

~ Last Year's Resolutions ~......Revisited

2009-12-30T01:03:00.002-06:00

I've been giving some thought to what my New Years resolutions will be for the coming year and I thought it might be fun to pull up last year's resolutions and see what got accomplished  and what didn't.

1. Lose 20 pounds.Yes  (it was just what I call the winter twenty, now my clothes fit again)

2. Set monthly goals. Yes

3. Detox from sugar, salt, caffeine and chocolate. NO (never happened)

4. Walk on the treadmill during the Kathie Lee and Hoda Show. NO (Not even once!)
5. Pray More. Yes (to the 5th power)

6. Get up earlier and go to bed earlier. NO (I have started staying up later than ever although

       I do get up early)

7. Eat healthier. Yes/No  (sorta)

8. Renew my library card. Yes....(but I never went back)

9. Collect all the books I have loaned to people.   Yes

10. Ride horses more. Yes...(finally)

11. Be more green.   Yes... (to the 1st power...still sorta lukewarm in this department)

12. Drink more water. Yes...(but, still drinking to much Coke)

13. Finish projects before starting a new one. No, (but getting better)

14. Get my new business up and running. Yes...I had space rented in an antique store to sell my handmades. I didn't really have the time and I lost interest so I closed it down and do art for gifts and such. I hate anything repetitious.

15. Sew more. No. but I have every intention to start this year. I have a jillion sewing projects in my mind, but I am procrastinating because sewing intimidates me.

Hmmmmm......I see a lot of ,,,,buts! , but I think overall I am happy with what I did accomplish for the year. Some will definitely go right back on this years list I'm sure.

I think I'll ask my husband for his input and see if he has any suggestions for me.
He best be careful though, that could be a pail of hot water!
Maybe he will ask me for 2 or 3 or 15 suggestions for him. ha!ha!ha! (he won't find that as funny as i)

I am going to think some more about this years list sleep  on it and come back in the morning and write them for 2010.

Good Night All,
Shanda