Its Friday :)

The stock is to be tended today. It will be a process...
Stay tuned.

Good Morning!
Check out these beautiful Easter eggs!
I found them at the $1 store 6 for 1.
You know I have used the same little plasic eggs for 20 years or so, with hand me downs from the Grand Parents and replaced.
These are palm sized. The children were Over joyed by them.
They were holding them up and looking through the prism.

NEW SHOE = VERY VERY VERY HAPPY CHILDREN!
THE KIDS WOKE UP AT 6 A.M. TO GET READY FOR SCHOOL.
THEY ARE SO EXCITED TO HAVE NEW SHOES FOR SCHOOL.
This is the first time I have purchased high quality treads for the kids.
It was time. Each pair was marked down approximately 20% then the second pair was an additional half price.
It really was fun to go out as a family to find them.
It was sorta spur of the moment.
Each child has needed them, but when we were out last night I saw his shoes were falling apart.
It was time.

Thankful Thrusday

~ Hope

Good Evening…

Well I spent the day running…

I was running from the plague that is threatening my future.

Running from the feelings so overpowering that I was afraid if I stopped they might pounce on me and dilute the wine that I toast as my life.

I am still the living essence that is me.

I am. I am the same person who woke up this morning and loved my husband and children.

I am the same woman who has the little neighbor children flock to my door like geese looking for a fresh water pond.

I am the same soul who lives in the way of kindness.

My future is no different now than it would have been yesterday.

The life that I have is in HIS book far before I even breathed into it.

This threat of Alzheimer's came and tried to choke me.

It tried to wrap around my throat and squeeze.

So I fled, I fled to the place I find him in my role as a wife, mother, homemaker, gardener…all of those role so familiar and fulfilling.

I walked right up to God and told him I was angry!

I faced Him with all the tenacity He endowed me with.

I told Him, “yep…this is probably yet another opportunity for you to be glorified through my life”, but I am angry!

The doctor treated me differently, like his heart was shut off. It is the way we treat those who suffer the things, those indignities in life, or do we?

A dear friend of mine works with Alzheimer patients, and yet another is caring for elders who suffer. So many many people suffer the indignity of a condition that is treated like the Black Death.

I do not want to ever experience that. My friend stands up for the morons who carelessly disregard the sanctity of human life. So am I now called to sound the trumpet?

Once years ago I had a cancer scare that left me for 12 hours thinking I was to have a double mastectomy. …Never looked at this the same way again. I realized the terror of the loss of perceived beauty. The agony of threat, any threat is a very lonely time that draws souls to the knee and into a fear based relationship with God.

I was perfectly comfortable to tell him just what I thought about it:)

Well I out ran it tonight by diving into life all day. I went to a used book store and found a gardening book, ate out at Taco Bell and celebrate my family, talked about a vacation with my husband and then went to several stores to try to find new shes for the kids!!!!! We found some too. The kids are so thrilled.

We are home now a bit out of budget but I am delighted that the kids have good shoes, my belly is filled by another and I gave myself a break. I even started a new blog.

So how do you like it

BEE BLISS GARDENS?????

my new book

I will live every moment. I suggest you do the same.

Rules of warfare

#1 make you opponent think that you do not exist

#2 fire behind the lines so that they escape by running into the weapon.

#3 there is no retreat.

Armored and standing at the ready I am pissed that the attempt is being made, and I will not lay my armor or my sword down.I will not doubt God and run into the Alzheimer's either. I will live this day and the next as it is give to me.As I have this whole life of mine. I have fought for this life. I will not lay it down!!!!!!!! If it be anger to empower my stand than so be it. This to will turn into joy!

My family will live with me and embrace me as I am. For who I am, in weakness and in strength. Humor will be our tender embrace. Like Dash said. "if you ever forget who I am mom I will just say, Hi Donetta ...my name is Dan". Lord I thought it would tear my heart out. Dove said "does that mean your going to forget us or something?"... and I just ripped within my chest. It is out of the bag.The great fear. Spoken out loud and so no secrets. I learned a long time ago...We are only as sick as our secretes. Healing is found in truth. The kids knew something was up when My sweet loving husband came home two hours early to hold me. How sweet he is.

If I do forget you...will you just introduce yourself to me. I am sure I will be glad to meet you.:)

I am stronger to turn and face it now. I will ride the tide and mend my wound. Most of all I will live this life given to me to it's top!

Bee Bliss Gardens

come visit my new organic gardening blog

DNA marker for Alzheimer

Alzheimer marker is said to show a possible 65% increase risk of getting the disease.
It came back positive.
I am just doing my best to deal with this.
Roller coaster ride of emotions.
I will learn more about it as time progresses.
It is not a definitive that I currently have Alzheimer.
It just must be that I get to grow another level of compassion, or receive one?

Consider it all joy when you encounter various trial.
For the testing of your faith produce's patience.
Let patience have its perfect work.

Grace is enough

Well, My test returned regarding the Alzheimer marker. I have an appointment tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Funny it is an annoyance now more than anything. It will be what it is. I am who I am. I will not faint nor will I quiver in my boots.
I am assuming it will tun up nothing. Non conclusive is my guess. I let go. Now I find that most things that tweak in my body are somewhat disregarded. I am just assuming that it is all the stress disorder and my odd body reacting to stress in the way a serviceman POW might. I am whole though. Now more prison bars.
Just the scars left from the time there. I have been tired today and have accomplished several tasks, including ..........the taxes!!!!!!!!!!! ya!
When we recieve our returns we will be very close to our financial goals. With the hope and a promise of a trip. We are also setting aside funds for me to go to the retreat.
Well my darling , (who nightly has been coating the handles of that found wheelbarrow for me so it will be easier on my hands) , well he is showering so I need to go and get some shut eye.
Good night.
Don't mind your prayers a bit. :)
Please also pray for another nephew who is , well who I was awaken in the middle of the night over. The towers are teetering and the foundations crumbling and I am concerned for his life. It is so hard to see these generational things the curse is so wickedly devastating. I called him just to tell him I loved him. Real bad news, real bad feeling I am having about this...

Word Filled Wednesday

something to ponder...Make me wonder...

Revelation
Chapter 6

1

^{1 2} Then I watched while the Lamb broke open the first of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures cry out in a voice like thunder, "Come forward."

2

I looked, and there was a white horse, and its rider had a bow. ³ He was given a crown, and he rode forth victorious to further his victories.

3

When he broke open the second seal, I heard the second living creature cry out, "Come forward."

4

⁴ Another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given power to take peace away from the earth, so that people would slaughter one another. And he was given a huge sword.

5

When he broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature cry out, "Come forward." I looked, and there was a black horse, ⁵ and its rider held a scale in his hand.

6

I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures. It said, "A ration of wheat costs a day's pay, ⁶ and three rations of barley cost a day's pay. But do not damage the olive oil or the wine."

GMO
The effects on the declining bee populations.
Olive and grape are self pollinators.

Take care of yourself

Hello,
Well after chasing (cutting) chicken I plum wore myself out.
Yesterday I played hookie.
I was all dress to attend Bible Study ready to walk out the door. A realization hit me. I stopped in my tracks with a question that flooded me.
" what are you doing to take care of yourself?"
Well that was followed up with a vision of the lunches made , children fed and off to school. It was then I well understood just what I needed to do.

Yes...I slipped off my shoes and went back to bed and slept like a log for 1 hour 45 minutes of "refresh my soul" kind of sleep.
I had an absolutely fabulous day!
My master bedroom was tended too, as well as several boxes of books unpacked. It was so wonderful! Laundry folded and well just delight in the tasks at hand.

A bit of rest did this woman a world of good.
In the early afternoon My Sister "skyped" I saw the baby real time and got to speak with my niece. So wonderful to see that new mother love so envelope that beautiful young woman.

I taught on Monet the "water lilies" in the afternoon to the second graders. It was really fun. Dash said I did a wonderful job and he thanked me.

The kids took the buss and came home to the snacks and the "family Way Devotional" time. We were interrupted by the guys coming to change the auto glass out. I had parked the rig in the shade so that they would have the shade on both vehicles. They were appreciative of it. A glass of ice water offered to them was met with a "God Bless you"...I said "thanks I'll take that, Oh yes he does"...
Well through out the hour or so they were there I checked on the progress a few times. At the end I thanked them and again he said "God bless you mam'...I replied ..."so...you know him?"
To that both men turned and grinned wide! "Oh yes they both replied and smiled..
We spoke of Gods love and gave each other a fond farewell. It was really cool.

The young door to door sales girl for the company would of normally been rejected at the door with kindness for I normally do not ever accept solicitors. I heard a "Listen to her!" from with n and had offered her a drink of water. When I returned to her with it. I sat and heard her through. She was all of 20 and had only lived here for 4 months from back east. I confirmed the accuracy and company standing with my insurer. Taking her up and doing the deal. It is covered 100 0/0 on my auto no deductible and I had needed to tend to it for some time. It gets so hot here that if you neglect these things windows will crack in the heat.
I told the fellows that it was due to her good work I had hired them.

End of evening held the elementary's art exhibit.
Then home to rest.
We released most of the Lady bugs last night.
I found powdery mildew on the peas today, yikes.
Must study fast to save the crop.

Organic Sprays
Sulfur is highly effective against powdery mildew if used in a protectant program with a minimum of 7 to 14 days between applications. Garlic naturally contains high levels of sulfur and a few cloves crushed in water can be used to make a homemade spray. Apply a sulfur-based fungicide at first evidence of mildew and repeat applications as necessary. Proper timing of fungicide applications is critical to successful control so make sure to begin at the first sign of the disease.

However, sulfur can be damaging to some squash and melon varieties. Another option is to spray once a week with a solution of baking soda. Baking soda increases the surface pH of the leaf making it unsuitable for the growth of powdery mildew spores. Be sure to spray the undersides of leaves as well as the upper surfaces when using any of these sprays.

Here's a recipe to make your own spray:

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 quart water
A few drops of liquid soap

Before treating your plants, test the spray on a few leaves to make sure they are not too sensitive.

The kids have AIMS and TERRA NOVA today through out next week.
That is heavy testing that the schools income is based on. The better the kids do the better the school will be funded.

Well today I will rest and tend to the light duty tasks at hand.
State taxes must get finished!
Wow this is so unlike me to be so close to end.
It happened last year as well, due however to complexities.
This year it is just ,....... well it just need to get finished.
I need to stop sitting around eating bon bons HAHAHAHHA
That or do so a bit more often so I am not so worn out.

Tackle it tuesday #2 Reflective Film on the patio door, electric conservation

Wow it is finished.
I have wanted to do this for several years.

Outside it is totally private now in the day time.
I can even watch the kids when they don't know I am )

Total difference.
It is so much cooler and it is not even summer yet.
This wing of the house gets warm in the heat of summer.
We will be doing the windows near the bead table and the computer corner too.
We will just have to budget for it.

I would like to do the master bedroom windows as well
Although they do have the exterior screens on them, this would still improve the installation value.

We just filled this with a week soapy solution when we ran short.
The kit will be reusable .

Worth the investment if you can.

Tackle It Tuesday

Hello, this weeks tackle was food preparation on whole chickens.
Purchased on a lead in add for $ .57 per pound

Prepping the counter tops.
cut bags for absorbency and ease of clean up.
Chicken butchering must be done with great care of sanitation.
We use the little bag bottoms for small parts during auto/appliance repair or art projects.

It is imperative to have everything set up and ready.
soup pot 1/3 full of r.o. water and fine herbs.
Sheets covered in plastic
Toweling set under cutting boards to absorb all moisture.
Bowls at the ready.
knives sharp.
Chicken must be kept very cold.
These birds are semi frozen.
Buy the largest birds, more meat per bone.

This is the job.
Carving, Boning and par-freezing the parts.

knives at the ready must be sharp
This is very important for your own safety and ease of work.

This is the knife used so far.
I de-skin and de-fat my chicken.
It I were to set it on the grill it is marinaded with a sauce containing olive or canola oils.

switch knives

use butcher knife for the weight and heft to easily cut off the back.

All breast are still ice icy cold.

use gravity ...hold the breast up by the skin as you stroke the center and the skin will remove quickly.

The cookie sheets were readied with a layer of plastic wrap.
All of this to be set before a package is ever opened
After these are frozen they will then be put in larger freezer baggies or containers.

cover trays and freeze.

Boning the split breast.
stroke the knife blade down and then inward along bone and cartilage.

It will look like this

In the pot, all backs , ribs, wing tips and wish bones.

Switch knives
Now chicken tenders
The wish bone in the pot.

chicken tenders are in a double layer with wrap in between.
Gizzards and livers to boil.
stock pot to boil for 3-4 hours then cool.

Remove all knives set in sink with hot running water.
Set anything that is contaminated with the chicken juices to hot soapy bath.

Slide towels and bags together and roll up to toss out.

Bleach all surfaces even it the look perfectly dry.
NO CHANCES!!!!!!!!

knives cleaned under VERY hot water, making sure to do the joints and handles.

2 pounds of skin and fat.

liver and gizzards
Ya I know gross
not so fast.
This is your flavor for gravey!

smash and chop
Then add two or three ladles of stock and mash against side of pan to make a patae'

This is so strong a flavor.
This is the gold for some dishes will shine with this added.
just don't tell them until after they rave about it.
A little goes a long way.
So freeze in ice cube size tray if you will use it slowly.

Add to stock pot
(strained later)
Butts of a celery stock or cabbage heal
garlic bulb a whole one just cut the end off and too it in after you break it up a bit.
onions skinned and cut in half.
These things are just for flavor.

Later when we separate the solids,
bone the meat and clarify the broth the garlic and onion skin will not matter.
Boil for 4 hours or so.
Let cool overnight.
next day is broth making time.
The perfect day to make a chicken noodle soup

This broth will be concentrated.
use for rice
boil pasta in water with some added.

freeze or can for future use.

A DAY!

apx 23 pounds

scrap....
2 pounds skin/fat
1 pound bone

20 pounds eating meat.
1-2 gallons broth.

all at 57 cents a pound.
2-3 hours labor

All I have need of....for the garden.

Now ya know...
I have a budget...
I had a desire....I asked Him.
I just did not like that feeling ya get when you see something at a store and just can not get it out of your mind.
Well when your on a budget that feeling gets annoying fast.
So Ya know...
I asked and told Him all about it.
My back is needing and He thought so too.
Came back from the store and there across the street at a friend/neighbors house.
Both! not only the wheeled can to use for the planting soil, even a little wheel barrow small enough for my little garden.

Ya know He even cares for my back.

It is said that of late much to do has been made about gardening and living simply.
Living green.
Well I have not really made a big change in who I am or in how I have always lived.
This last year I have worked hard at increasing my skill.
A change is good.
Yet even in change if it is just about showing off it is nothing.
If it is just about gaining resources or saving them It is a little more a value.
Ye t I too think as others do...

If it is about the humility of knowing that even with all the best efforts offered it is "little" more,
if it is not about Lovin'
Loving the God who created the beauty around us enough to offer it respect just because He created it.
Without Him nothing would live, or thrive.
There would be no prosperity.

So ya know...
If, I have ever left anyone with the impression that it is the "I" who is at the root of all I am,
or do... well then I speak up to correct any misconceptions.

Knowledge is a wonderful tool.
Many perish because of a lack of it.
My blog is (in part) about sharing what I have and who I am.
What I have being in part the knowledge from a life time experience.

I love to gain from all of your knowledge likewise.
I do not often think I need to explain who I am.
I know from "Whom" I come.
Without that I am nothing.

My Great Nephew has arrived!

Born 3-30-09

At 8:06 am

7lbs 12 oz

21 inches long

Everyone happy and healthy

Thank you all who have been praying for the safe arrival of this little one.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... perfect weather 70* high today, and it is clear and calm. The morning loads of laundry hang on the line. The cluck of the chickens add to the songs of the birds so longing for me to fill the feeders. The dogs lay in the cool shade and chew the new nylabones I got them with a coupon over the weekend. The occasional wine of the Lab for they have once again been banished to the terrible out doors:) One of them peed on the wood floor thus ruining several documents that were in a cloth bag near the "pool". I need a break from sweeping up fur. The patio door is opened and they enjoy my voice as I calm them.

I am thinking... Wow this lunch is spicy! I pan fried a Yukon gold potato diced with green onion from the garden, an egg from the hen steamed on top of it. To that I added a medicinal blend of turmeric and Cayenne peeper for inflammation. It is good for this hard working woman. I think it is so loving that today I stopped to see the need of my body, and tended to it naturally.

From the learning rooms... Well...several studies of late. A book on "getting stronger" I desire to regain some flexibility. The book "Passages" to reflect on my adult development as this passage of 50 is coming upon me. It is a great reference to gain understanding in relation to others as well as the self. The book of John in the Bible. There are google searches on going about trellis building and plant requirements. Having an emerging pre teen daughter there is also a need and desire to study the developmental passages that she is going through.

I am thankful for...Hanging laundry on the line this morning. My Dear FILove is in the passage of his body saying to slow himself. The humility and dignity he examples is humbling. It has left me reflective of the grateful privilege of physical labor and the joy found therein.


From the kitchen... A trip to market within the hour to gain scrap for the hens from the green grocer. At that store I will purchase 4 more whole chickens to cut up and freeze BBQ and boil down for stock. The coffee (whole bean) is needing to be ground (bi-monthly) . Dishes are almost caught up. Dishwasher has run and is air drying.

I am wearing... denim skirt, blue 3/4 sleeved top and white terry cloth slippers with rubber soles to protect and take better care of my beautiful feet. This an issue of loving myself.
Oh yes! also a swede light brown beret hat.
The buss stop this morning called for a fast disguise :)
A hair under the hat kind of day.

I am reading... above books, and recipe cards in file and the booklet to finish up the last of the state taxes. I know it has been a very very busy season. I am all but done.

I am hoping... Mercy on my new "Black Russian" Tomato plant it is struggling after transplant. Hoping for my Dove to balance well her integrety while sticking up for the underdog not to make enemies. I love that she "don't care...what they think Mom"...!!

I am creating... some pay it forward and gifts of thanksgiving. Fun fun :)
It got me to clean up the beading desk! Great motivation.


I am hearing... Birds wild and chicken. silence as the hum of the computer is the loudest sound at the moment.
A call to attend to the market and the goals therein.

Around the house...Washer stopped time to hang out that load, and to begin another before I leave.

One of my favorite things... To hold a cool cotton garment to my face as I hang the item on the line, it smells and feels to wonderful.

A few plans for the rest of the week... My desire is to stay home as much as I am able to. Tomorrow Bible study and a make up "Art Maser" presentation. On Wednesday to serve in Doves class for two hours then to go to "Moms in Touch" at 1:30.Tending to home and garden, food preparations and laundry. Making my home more pleasing. Tending to the sewing studio and doing crafts. Slowing down to care for my body and spirit. Releasing lady bugs this evening at dusk and tying out some Praying Mantis cocoons. I also have red wiggler worms to make a compost or add to the compost or soil...yet to be determined.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Oh LIFE!!!!!!!!!

Meal Plan Menu

This week I hit the recipe file.
Life can get a little mundane if the variety is lost.
At least for me.
My family could live with glee on my stand by dishes.
I however get board real easily and just have to spice it up now and again.

This file has recently been dug out of the storage boxes.
It has returned into service.
These are family recipes decades and centuries old.
Before my mother passed a way she pens some for me.
They are to old school of a palm of this or a pinch of that.
My MILove also has shared her sons old favorites and a few new ones along the road.
I have kept and treasured these.
Perhaps I will begin to pass them on.

I love to be surrounded by life!
So this week I started some Mung Bean Sprouts.
Sprouts are a very healthy part of life.
Purchased however they have lost the nutrients that fresh hold for us.

Sprouts are a living food.
So to begin...you must first sanitize them from e-coli.
1 teaspoon bleach in a half quart of water let the beans soak for 15 minutes.
Now the life in them will not harm you :)

Rinse very well.
With cheese cloth or lids made for the purpose.
Allow the sprouts to soak overnight in water 2/3 more than the height of the beans. (that's 1/4 cup bean to 1 quart water).

Now next day rinse well and keep in the dark.

I had these angel dish clothes I stitched together.

I have saved these because of the beauty of the hand work.
Now finally the perfect purpose!

It is just too cute on the counter.
They are pushed back into a dark corner.

second day rinse well two or three times a day.
In a few days you will have a nutritious addition to your menu.
Other beans and seeds can be sprouted.
Breads are created as well from them, they are great on sandwiches too.

But for this batch the plan is
EGG FOO YUNG

I have a full week
Later today I will head up to get chicken scrap that my green grocer is setting aside.
I am also going to get 4 more of the chickens that FRY" Grocery store has on special.
They are .59 cents a pound whole.
Today I will be cutting down the chickens, baking, BBQ on the grilling' and also cooking down the carcasses to put up chicken stock.

"Of that stock" I will be preparing the rice for the week
and the broth to be frozen for future uses.

A few root veggies in the pot will add color and deep flavors.

Bonn' appetite This was over the weekend
French Toast

Egg
cardamon
orange juiced
soy milk

Home made bread soaked for 30 minutes and then pan fried in olive oil.
I served it with orange juice and sage sausage patties.
Yum!!