Vacation to California in June of 2003

Wow, our last family vacation was 6 years ago!
They have grown so much.
Look at Dove at 5 1/2 !!!!
Oh my goodness!!!!!!!

At that time she loved Snow White and I made her that little dress and cape and head band.
Dove was so excited at the time. Now she is appalled :(

Dash ever handsome. What a cute little boy. He was 2 years old. He has no memory of the trip.

I just can not get over her beauty and innocence.

Her and her Daddy love the "Tea Cups".
Me, NO WAY!

We remember the very best thing she could do that trip was climb every step she could find, over and over.

Glee!
Look at the elder man in the background.
Perfect shot.

He was 45 and I was 41.

That blanket was everywhere with us for a few years after that.
He loved his blankets.

Goodness!

Steve and Dove spent most the time together as Dash and I sat on the side lines.

Oh my dear sweet little boy!

Oh what a fun time we are in store for.
I remarked while we were all reviewing these.
"Oh I was so pretty then"...
Dove said...
"shut it off mom, your still pretty, we'll have non of that talk"!

We also went to sea world and to the beach.

The San Diego Zoo as well.

Oh how fun.
We will get to do the beach too this trip.


These came right up to our table.
It was a special purchase package.
Much too costly to do this time.


This was a time of pure joy!
She was pretty small and just barely made measure to do this.
It was a real treasure to share this dream come true with Dove.
This was planned many months in advance .
Very costly.
No Zoo or Sea World this time.

We will have so much fun!!!!!!!!
That is only 12 days away!
We decided to book now so we could afford to do it.
The kids will only miss 3 days of school, they will still have 3 weeks left of the year to attend after that.
Booking now saved us and easy $500+
Saving and paying off all debt (except the house) was an amazing accomplishment. Although we would love to stay longer and do more we choose to stay within our sound boundary and own our trip and not owe anyone for it.

Oh bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is withing me.!

vacation ahead!

We get to go to Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 17-21!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tickets are purchased and the reservations made!We got a very good deal. Had to take advantage of it before April 30th. I am so excited. Our dear friend will tend to the living creatures and the garden for me. Wow!!!!!!!!!

His light shines award

Thank you Denise from Samaritan Woman
for such a loving gift.

Here is what is said about the recipients of this award.

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

Deliver this award to a few bloggers who must choose a few more bloggers and include the message.

It does not mean that there are not many of you out there that I love............ sooooooooo just know that each are special to me!

I have a task to do here.:)

As I see it now Debra has a way of charming a soul into humility.
Shorty Bear Denise has a way of stopping all the clatter and refocusing ya into the truth of the matter.

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