Autumn 2013, My Sister Lisa

Knock, knock?

Anybody out there?

Autumn is under way at Sand Flat Farm.  Our temps have been in the 70's the last week or so and will continue.  I still have time to winterize the chickie coop with plastic around the north side AND finish getting the garden put to bed.  We pulled and burned alot this past weekend, but there is still about a third of it to get done.  Flower beds need mulching again, altho the falling leaves do make a good protective cover. 

Shout out to Kathy at Spot On Cedar Pond - we've had some rain lately, and the gophers are popping up everywhere!  The moles, too!  I've got traps set all over the yard.  Not worried about the fields - our hay man takes care of that himself.  Gypsy can be spotted at any time of day with only her rear end sticking up above the hay digging for gophers.  (should be one more cutting before the first freeze)  You should see the holes she digs in our yard.  While it pains me to have to fill her holes, if she catches a gopher, that pleases me (I guess).  I was a little perturbed that she dug a huge trench in my rose bed that almost unearthed one of the bushes...

In other news, chickens are molting - they are hideous-looking and my #1 HCIC (head chicken in charge) is so embarrassed at her frock that she generally stays off to herself right now looking so forlorn.  Usually, she is keeping everybody in line and is always first in line for treats and to get out the door when they are ranging for the day.  She usually walks around with her chest puffed out like a little rooster and is not timid about attacking somebody that might get in her way to the food bowl...

Don't know how the autumn skies are where you are, but this is what our sunrises have been looking like lately.  They were utterly gorgeous - I've been out walking early...  Have to confess that I did amp up the color just a titch (like Vee says) but not much!  They were beautiful skies, and it makes me feel like heaven is coming down!

 

This is Texas Ranger Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  Many of you will recognize it.  This was the site on September 21 of the Ovarian Cancer Walk for the Cure.  Just about my whole family participated (including various significant others of the kids)  We walked in honor of my sister, Lisa.  She was there in fine form, but could not do the walk, but what a cheerleader she was!  It was a 5 K and we walked the course around the new Cowboy Stadium and Arlington Stadium and park areas.  It was a stellar day, and SO humbling to see all the family/friend teams walking for those they love.  Lots of survivors there, too!!!  We'll be doing this again!  Our team was called the Lollipops - my sister was called "Lollie" when she was young and momma still calls her that.  My niece named our team and had our Tshirts done - they were so cute!  Then we all went out to eat at Babe's to celebrate! 

L-R,   Lisa, Me, Mom, Lisa's daughter, & my daughter.  The menfolks were around somewhere... It was a great day!  Lisa has finished the first round of chemo.  3 weeks ago, she and I went to MD Anderson in Houston and she has begun another round.  Her hair is coming back and I like to pet her head.  She feels like a puppy...  Continue to pray for Lisa - she's a fighter and she has the most positive attitude!  God is with her and she is with Him every step of the way.  Thank you so much!!!

Afternoon Amish Cinnamon Bread and Coffee

This afternoon, I had been cruising Pinterest and ran across a recipe for Amish Cinnamon Bread.  I tried the recipe and it's become a part of my recipe box now!  It was SO easy and it's great with coffee or tea or for breakfast... It'd be great to carry to someone who's under the weather or just to cheer someone's day.  Here it is, and I'll put the recipe below...

 

http://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/668434739// 

Ingredients

Batter:
1	cup butter, softened
2	cups sugar
2	eggs
2	cups buttermilk or 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
4	cups flour
2	teaspoons baking soda
Cinnamon/sugar mixture:
⅔	cups sugar
2	teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

Cream together butter, 2 cups of sugar, and eggs. Add milk, flour, and baking soda. Put 1/2 of batter (or a little less) into greased loaf pans (1/4 in each pan). Mix in separate bowl the 2/3 c sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle 3/4 of cinnamon mixture on top of the 1/2 batter in each pan. Add remaining batter to pans; sprinkle with last of cinnamon topping. Swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 min. or until toothpick tester come clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes before removing from pan.

I think it actually took about 40 minutes in my oven and I  had to put a piece of foil over the bread pan to keep the edges from getting too done.  But this recipe is totally worth it!  Not too sweet, not too cake-y.  I loved it!!!  This recipe will make 2 loaves of bread.  I halved it to make sure I liked it before I went whole hog.  There ya go!

Think I'll go have another piece and maybe some hot tea this time!  Cheers!

Oh, by the way, check out my latest painting - South Light Art Blog!

(Sorry this thing is all printed on the side - I couldn't get it to align correctly!!!)

California, Here We Come! (rather - There We Went!)

 

 Hello from Sunny California!  Actually, we got back Monday night from San Luis Obispo in central Cali along the coast.  My nephew got married on the beach at Avila Golf Resort.  It was a beautiful place and lovely setting for a wedding!  My sister, Lisa, and her husband, my parents and Tony and I went to help celebrate this happy occasion!  The weather was perfect, and it was SO nice to get away from the Texas heatwave!  I know why people love living in California!

We got to Cali a day early and our plane flew into Santa Barbara so we took in the beautiful mission while we were passing through.  Here's me, Lisa and mom...

 

If you've never been there, the grounds are beautiful and there is a wonderful rose garden across the front of the property.  Many different kinds and colors of roses, but MY favorite is always The Yellow Rose of Texas!

 

Avila Beach Golf Resort is near San Luis Obispo so that's where we decided to stay - it's a pretty little town and has its own mission, too, which I'll show you in another post.  I just love the landscape out there with the mountains and eucalyptus trees.  It was quite dry this time of year and the grass was brown and crunchy, but it was nice to see something different...

 At the wedding, here's my nephew walking his mom, my sister Lisa, down the aisle.  It was a beautiful and informal wedding.  The bride chose lime green and black as her colors and it was gorgeous!  Isn't Lisa pretty! 

 My nephew's bride was stunning.  She's a beautiful young lady and they will make a handsome couple (and cute babies!)  And the best part is, they are moving home to Texas!  My nephew has been in the Navy and he put in for a transfer to Texas!  I'm So thrilled that he's going to be closer to his mom!

After the wedding festivities were over, we stayed a few extra days to have some R & R.  Took the family to the beach and  played...  Whatever we felt like doing!  Aren't vacations wonderful!

 

On one of our beach excursions, we spotted these lazy things laying on the beach - sea lions.  (sometimes I feel like this after a big meal, too!)  There were a couple of big males out in the water scuffling and making horrible noises with those big snouts of theirs.

 Well, so as not to make this post too picture-heavy, I'll close for now and post some more pics next time.  We visited the Hearst castle again with the family and I think the flowers were even more beautiful this visit!  Thanks to all of you who stopped by to say hi and let me know you're still my blogging buddy!  :)

Summer at Sand Flat Farm

Don't know if many of you are still with me, but I'm still hanging around.  It's been such a busy summer 'round here - what with the garden, the canning and freezing, the kids, the folks, and spending lots of good sister time with Lisa!  I've let blogging fall by the wayside, but it fell way down on my list of importance this summer.  And, I've been doing some painting, too - which has been something I've been missing...

Lisa is doing well.  She finished her 18 weeks of chemo and her CT scan came back clear - for which I am praising God  every day!  However, her Dr. wants her to do some different chemo in addition, so I ask for your continued prayers as she readies herself for more treatment.  She's been feeling good, a little tired, but SOOOO much better than a few months ago.  She's gone back to work and is enjoying having her routine and her great girlfriends around her.  That's such a praise, too!  Our family, including our parents, Lisa & her hubby and me and my hubby are all traveling to California soon as Lisa's son is getting married!  We're looking forward to that trip and will spend a few extra days just having some fun, too!

We've been working hard in our garden - it was good this year - except for the corn.  It pretty much just dried up.  I think I made my garden too big this year.  I'm going to cut back a bit next year.  With just us two, and pretty much mostly me being at home to take care of everything, it just got a little bit out of hand.  I did a really great job of the garden - it was just too much for one person to handle alone, plus I was out of town alot this summer, too. The weeds got away from me and I had way more produce than what we could use.  I still have several gallon bags of tomatoes in the freezer to make hot sauce, and the silly peppers are still coming on.  Can't complain, tho - the freezer is full!

 

 The chickens are doing well.  I lost one.  She died after a terrible seizure-fit-Idon'tknowwhat right in front of me.  She was fine an hour earlier and then she just had this anaphylaxis fit and keeled over.  I couldn't figure out what happened - can a copperhead snake bite and kill a chicken?  Because a couple of days later, I killed a copperhead (with my 12 gauge hoe) that was hanging out in the same flowerbed as my chickens usually do.  It could have bitten any of them OR Gypsy OR me when I pull weeds.  Hmmmm....  I did get a couple of new chickens, too.  Been keeping my eyes peeled for a silver-laced and a gold-laced wyandotte.  They are so pretty, and I found a young lady not too far away that raised some from babies.  I got one of each, and will have to show you their picture soon.  They have just started laying...  My Rhode Island Red looks like she got caught in a fan belt - she's molting and could easily pass for roadkill OR Phyllis Diller...

 

 

My chicken guard dog, Gypsy, is doing a fantastic job of watching over the girls...

 

I REALLY enjoyed my sunflowers this year.  I think this would make a good painting, don't you?

I think the funnest thing that I did this summer was ----  Spending time with my sister Lisa.  She has lots of artistic talent that she's used with her needlework and quilting (she's an awesome quilter), and I've suggested to her many times that she should try her hand at painting.  She never gave it much thought and sort of pooh-poohed the idea.  But then - she changed her mind!  We had a painting weekend a few weeks back when I went to stay a few days.  I took some of my supplies and she bought some, and this girl has been painting!  And, she's doing a wonderful job!  We got one of their daughters to stay home and paint with us, and we just had THE BEST DAY EVER!  Lisa's continued doing some painting on her own at home, too!  I'm so proud of her!  I knew she could do it!  Isn't she beautiful! Just look at that smile!  I can't wait til we have a repeat paint-a-thon!

 Here's a picture that Lisa painted just a week or so ago.  How's this for a budding artist?  I think it's GREAT!

Well, I hope and pray you all are doing well, my friends, and that your summers have gone well.  Hope
you've gotten to see family and friends and go places and relax.  It was hot here as usual, but the last week of August was probably the hottest we've seen - in the 100's.  The first part of the summer was actually not too bad.  OK, I'm ready for cool weather now.  I mean it IS September, but realistically, we won't see any cool weather til October/November...  The Virginia creeper is turning scarlet and the sycamore trees are beginning to turn gold and lose leaves.  Always the first things to go... As much as I hate Virginia creeper, it sure does look lovely when it turns...  A sure sign that fall is on its way!

Sending you all a big hug from Sand Flat Farm!  

Independence Day, 2013

Happy July 4, Independence Day!

Hope you and your beloveds have a wonderful time making new memories and remembering why our Nation is the best place on EARTH!  Thanks to our service people present, past and future who gave their lives to make us free!  And thanks to our founding fathers for taking the steps and the risks to make this country ONE NATION UNDER GOD!

And May the Lord Continue to Bless the United States of America! 

It's Been a Month???? Really???

I CAN. NOT. BELIEVE it's been a month since I posted.  Wow. Shame on me.  Well, I'm sorry, but it can't be helped right now.  Life has been busy, family has become of utmost importance to me - namely, my sister Lisa.  She's actually feeling pretty well right now.  She went without her chemo for nearly 3 weeks because her "numbers" on her blood, etc., were too low.  The Dr. kick-started her and gave her some treatments to build her blood counts back up and she was able to take her chemo last Friday. Tomorrow, she'll have it again.

However, we've been able to spend some time together.  Our families met up in Terrell to help Daddy celebrate his birthday.  We had a great dinner.  Then Lisa's husband brought her to Mom & Dad's house and then she came and spent a couple of days with me.  We had such a good time, just visiting, drinking coffee on the deck, listening to the birds, putting up green beans, and just being together.  She is so precious to me - I can't even explain it to you... I covet your continued prayers for her and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

It's that time of year for the garden to start giving forth its bounty. (Actually, we're about a month behind this year, but no matter...)  I've been putting up green beans in the freezer and pulled up my plants just yesterday. I will be planting something else there in a day or so. Blueberries are about ripe, grapes are growing, tomatoes are coming on as are the squash. I have pintos and cukes and purple hull peas, too. And a little corn. June promises to be SO busy.  Bad news is that the late cold snaps got most of the fruit trees around here - the peaches are going to be sparse and my plum tree suffered, too.

Adam did a concert down here at our annual Lakefest and it was wonderful!  His single "There's A Girl Out There" is now on the radio and you can call and request his song on your local country station I imagine. We are hearing it on our local station now!  Take a listen to his new single!

On YouTube here's a link to his awesome VIDEO ---  http://youtu.be/oW1J7Zi6RmY

Sell Music online at ReverbNation.com

You can also download it from iTunes, too!  Adam Fears "There's A Girl Out There".  Also check out his new soon to be released single "Golden Graven Road", also on iTunes.  It's a tear-jerker so get your tissues ready! I love it, too!  I have it here on ReverbNation --- http://www.reverbnation.com/adamfearsmusic

BLOGGER MEET-UP!!!

Of His Pasture - Debbie (and a sweet friend of hers, Mona) and the other Debbie - Wisdom -  welp - we all met up in Jefferson, TX - quaint little victorian town with shops, B&B's, eateries, complete with a bayou boat ride with alligators and cypress trees AND a sweet carriage ride all through the historic part of town!  Good food and new friends!  We've been friends for several years now, but I'd never gotten to meet Debbie (Of His Pasture).  "Wisdom" and I have met up several times and we were thrilled that those two gals drove all the way down to Texas.  Of His Pasture has written about our trip so I won't repeat all that. But I will say that it was SO good to meet Debbie (OHP) and her friend Mona.  It was a wonderful day!

 

L-R Debbie (Wisdom), Mona, Vickie (me) and Debbie (Of  His Pasture)

 

Our very fancy carriage ride!

 

 LOVE LOVE LOVE Horses!

 

Coupla pics of cute victorian houses - I think this 'un was French styled...

 

Notice the sign on the golf cart...  "Bleed Maroon"  (Gig 'Em, Aggies!)

Well, gotta close now.  It's getting late and I've got to hit the floor running in the morning. Hope things are going gangbusters with all y'all.  I'll be back soon!  Take care and I'll get by to visit before long!

And Keep Yer Dress Down!

Sister Update & Springtime!

I am determined to get a post done today.

Thanks to you ALL for hanging in there with me.  I'm back for a bit of update on what's going on at the farm and with my seester.  I've had the wonderful blessing of being able to spend some sister-time with her at her home (and her dear hubby hasn't minded at all me being in the way!)  She's moving forward with her chemo treatments - every third week she gets a double dose (two meds) and they REALLY kick butt.  This week (actually 2 weeks ago...) hasn't been too fun with nausea, tiredness, weight loss and inability to find anything that tastes good.  Her hair is gone, too.  That was not a fun thing.  But spirits are high, she's hanging on to the Lord for her strength and we're all doing our best to tempt her with food and drink.  Friends and loved ones come by to encourage and pray and love on her and it helps.

Must share - my son and daughter in law are members at a sweet little church in Colorado. The ladies of the church have a quilt ministry and they sent Sis a beautiful quilt to wrap herself up in.  I can just imagine all the love and prayers that L is covered up with.  She broke into a huge smile and we both even shed a few tears upon opening her package in the mail and seeing that sweet and heartfelt gift!

 

Not only did they send my sister one but they sent ME a quilt, too!  Boy, do we feel loved with the love of the Lord! And cared for and prayed over when we wrap those beautiful handmade quilts around us!  Their quilting ministry is such a great outreach!  Every time I run my hand over the quilt, it's as if I can touch the precious hands that created it! I know my sister has felt the same.  If you're interested,  the church is the Castle Rock Church of Christ just south of Denver.

Back to the future, my Navy nephew has come home from his last tour in the Persian Gulf.  He was busting a gusset to be home with his mom while she was going thru surgery and chemo. Such a comfort to them both!  He brought his beautiful fiance home with him and they are spending time with my sister and her family this week.  I've gotten to spend time with them this week, too!

My sister, L, has been strengthened so much by the Lord and she was able to come this way Monday for a fishing trip to our favorite private lake.  Her son, husband and future DIL came and we spent the day at the lake.  Lisa fished a little but mostly relaxed and visited and watched her kids. 

 

 

 Then, yesterday, we all met up in Ennis, TX, to visit some of the bluebonnet trails.  It was so fun and again it was a good day for my sister.

 

Garden is going well, I guess.  We've had several cold snaps this spring that has caused me to replant my peas twice already. Another cold blast tonight, and I might be doing it again.  "They" say that produce is going to be about a month behind this year.  Well, at least we didn't hit the 90's in the April this year! My spinach hasn't bolted yet!

 Well there you have it, friends.  We're keeping our heads above water here, some days - just barely.  But the Lord is always good, and He provides us with all we need, He daily bears our burdens and His mercies are new every morning!  Praying for blessings upon you all, my friends!  I'll try not to be so long in posting again.  Family comes first - Love you all!

What's Been Goin' On...

Hello friends ---

Sorry it's been awhile since I've surfaced.  Been spending time with one of the most important people in my life - my dear little sister!  The past 3 weeks have been a whirlwind - diagnosed with ovarian cancer, surgery and chemo started.  She's healing from her surgery, learning to manage her pain and nausea levels, and trying to get some much-needed sleep and rest her mind.  God is always good and He shows her daily that He's taking care of her.  The out-pouring of love, flowers, cards, meals from her church and work communities has been a testament of her love of people and her love of the Lord.  The hospital staff and even her surgeon have all commented that they have NEVER had such a crowd of people at the hospital in and out and some staying all day long to show their love and support of my dear sis.  There has been a steady stream of folks coming by her home to see her and leave meals.  I've been spending time with her and am taking our parents to her house tomorrow.  Thank you all for your prayers and your kind thoughts!  I treasure each and every one!

 

She's on the right - isn't she beautiful?  And just as beautiful on the inside!  Everyone loves her for she loves everyone first!   Thank you in advance for keeping her in prayer.  She has a long way to go - about 18-21 weeks of chemo - but she's strong in the Lord and with His help, she's going to overcome!

In other news, the garden's about in - just got my tomatoes planted.  It's a bit smaller this year as recent events have called me away, but it's done and I just feel like the Lord has blessed me with multiplied time this year.  He knows what we needed before we even ask!

My son, Adam Fears, the country-music singer/songwriter has released a new single ---

"There's A Girl Out There"

It's a great song, if I do say so myself!  (I'm a proud mama)  It was released to country radio this Monday past and you can call and request your local station very SOON to play it if you like!  The more hits he gets the better his single will rise up the country music charts.  That's how new artists get started, so get your phones ready and get requesting as soon as I get the green light from Adam!!!  Please!  If your local station doesn't have it yet, the station can go to 

http://allaccess.com to request it.  They have to be a member I think.

 

Now just look at that smile!  Don't you think a handsome guy like Adam needs to be a country music star???

They shot a music video (which I've seen) and it is awesome!  It won't be played unless the song does good, so that's another reason to request his new song! He's been playing, writing and singing since he was in high school, and been working his rear off in Nashville for the last 7 1/2 years.  I think it's high time that he succeeds, don't you?

http://www.reverbnation.com/adamfearsmusic

This is a popular place to hear Adam's new song - check it out! and share with anyone you want!  He has a twitter account, too - I think it's

Adam Fears @ AdamFearsMusic

I'll try to get around and do some visiting - it's just been so hectic - Thank you all again for your friendship and your caring!  Sending you all a Big Ole Texas Hug!!!

My Sister

Please pray for my dear sister as she begins a battle with ovarian cancer.  I treasure and cherish your prayers and your friendship.  I know there are great prayer warriors out there in my blog realm.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.... I'll be back soon......

 http://outshineovariancancer.blogspot.com/

Happy Independence Day, TEXAS!!!!!

 

 https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateHistoricalAssociation

Happy Texas Independence Day, y'all! And Happy Birthday to Sam Houston, born March 2, 1793! How will you celebrate?
 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, TEXAS!!!