Please watch and be informed. I can see this bill in the state of Mississippi going viral. It affects us all - The citizens of Mississippi will be voting on November 8. Hope the rest of the nation is watching! It's all about PERSONHOOD... You can google Personhood USA and get updates on this Amendment and information about your state. Take a moment and a listen... thanks ~~~
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Goin's On
Life's been fun around here on Sand Flat Farm. My Nashville son left to go back this morning. Always sad to see them go, but I can't keep him here. We had a great 10 days while he was home. Of course, the house is a disaster - not because of him, but I tend to let everything just go by the wayside so I can spend time with the family. Plus I was injured - more to follow. Josh and his lovely wife came over and spent lots of time, too. And my folks. We just partied all week long! It was great!
My guys, all of them including the girl kid when she's here, have to go shooting while they're here. Even me! It's fun, and we compete to see who's the best. Stupid me didn't move her thumb out of the way when I pulled the trigger and the hammer got me - took a hunk 'o hide off my thumb. I took a picture of my bloody stump and told everyone I shot my thumb by accident. They half-way believed me. I was so brave - I didn't even cry. It was pretty gross, but no worries. I only had to get 2 pints of blood. (JK) The thumb was saved to pull that hammer back another day...
I'm so glad I'm not a chimpanzee - it's been really hard not having an opposable thumb to work with, do dishes, fold laundry, cook, pull up my jeans, wash my hair this week, etc. ... ;)
Protective ear-gear is a must. I think it's a new fashion statement. Here they are "plinkin'" with .22's.
Adam is a bachelor still >:-/ and so he doesn't get to eat home-cooked food much. He eats out alot on the road traveling, so when he comes to Texas, his big request is momma's chicken fried steak, real mashed taters, green beans, and lots of thick cream gravy. He looks extrememly happy doesn't he? He filled his plate 2-3 times at least. Makes a momma feel good to make her kid happy!
We've got hawg problems here in Texas, heck, they're overtaking just about everywhere I guess. Dad's got a few hawg traps set up with feeders here. They tear up everything and breed like rabbits. They can ruin a good pasture of crops or hay in a few short hours.
These are baited with corn here... Dad checks 'em every day or two and he's got game cameras set up around them, too, so we can see what kind of activity is going on. There're always 'coons and possums and other varmints, and of course deer. But with a game camera one can see what you're up against when trapping hawgs and what times they come and how many, etc. Helps when planning their demise.
And, with the scattered rains we've been so blessed with the last couple of weeks, the gopher situation has been on high alert. We've gotten 9 NINE, people, during the month of October, and probably could've gotten a few more with a little more diligence. We were busy with family stuff. Gopher huntin' took a backseat while we were kickin' up our heels. However, for your enjoyment, I have saved a picture of my last hunt. Three in one morning. I think that's my new best record. Don't worry - there's no blood. Laid 'em out here so you can get a reallllll good look.
They thought this photo below showed their best sides... Look at those claws. They can really do some excavating, let me tell you! I guess this is not very dignified to make fun of them in their present state, but oh well... I promise you they had no idea they were being set up for ridicule. At this point, they didn't care if syrup went to a dollar a sop.
Early in the wee hours of last Wednesday morning, the motion detector light went on out in the front of the house. It doesn't come on very often, but I saw it and got up and looked out the front window. I didn't see anything, and I'm not sure, but I think I heard a car. Guess what I found when I opened the front door later that morning?????
THIS!
He's probably 3-4 months old. Not very big yet. He's not yellow - he's tan colored with big orange eyes. Tony says his eyes look evil cuz they have a red cast to them. I wonder if they'll eventually turn yellow? He was a drop-off by some kind sweet soul, I'm sure. I think that's how we got our other cats, too. I guess that's what the motion detector light came on for. Either that person dropping him off or the kitty himself. Usually something that small doesn't trigger it, but ... whatever...
This is the 4th FOURTH cat that has been dropped here. He's very sweet, but I'm not spending another arm and leg on a cat. He is welcome to stay around, but with the coyotes, I don't know how long he'll last. It's sad, really, and I don't wanna get attached to him. I haven't even named him yet. Josh told me to name him "Gepetto" but I think that's too long. We'll see how long he lasts and if he's coyote-savvy, then I'll contemplate neutering/shots, etc. I love cats, but I'm allergic so he can't come in the house.
Well, I'm outa here, people. Y'all try to have a wonderful day and keep yo dress down, ya heah?
Monday, October 24, 2011
Gate 11
We had absolutely wonderful services yesterday morning at church. You can just tell when the Spirit is moving. The songs were wonderful and heartfelt, the message was inspired, and it was so good to be with "family". Plus, I had both my boys and my DIL there with me, too.
For several years, our congregation has been planning on building a multi-purpose, youth oriented building for our growing church. Yesterday was the big kick-off - they're about to begin this process. Our church has had good financial planners for building projects and improvements and staying out of debt. But more importantly, when there has been a need, our members always come through with the funds to take care of those needs. You may find this in your congregation, too, but our members have, through the years, been so blessed through faith that God will provide. He always has, too.
Sometimes, it seems that monetary blessings have come almost miraculously from out of nowhere, and some may say, "what a coincidence!" But if you are a believing Christian, you know that there are NO coincidences when one is praying in faith - there are answers - sometimes a yes, sometimes a no, sometimes a wait and sometimes - a better way! For we cannot out-give the Lord, and when we ask according to His divine will and believe that He will guide us, then we can step back and wait and see what the Lord can do through His people. I've seen this countless times, and it's happened in my own life over and over. Not just about material things, but about all kinds of life problems that arise, illness, children, job loss, YOU NAME IT. Even when we felt God was telling us NO about something, He planned a better way and gave us the strength to go through it. I have lived long enough now and been through enough of "life" to see the hand of God in my life and in the lives of those around me. Sometimes it's while you're going through it, sometimes it's looking back and seeing where you've been and how you've come through. A wonderful faith builder for the next time...
For a moment, I'll comment on our building fund because it's fresh on my mind. Tony and I have been Christians and members of the Lord's church for almost 30 years. We've seen many special needs and building funds come our way. We've not always known where the funds that we felt led to give were going to come from. But God has always come through for us - either Tony would get a bonus (which were few and far between) or we'd get a refund check, maybe something unexpected from the IRS. The money has always been there. When it would appear out of the blue, we'd look at each other almost in disbelief and smile and know together that God provided.
Mustard seeds, people. Eph. 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"..... We can't even begin to imagine all that the Lord can do through us His people! Do we limit God because of our own short-sightedness and lack of faith? I daresay we do!
Well, I didn't really mean to wax so long on giving, but my heart and mind were so full from yesterday's services, just had to go off on that tangent for a bit...
GATE 11. Ok, if you've studied Revelation you might remember in Ch. 21, it talks about the 12 gates of heaven and goes on to name them and describe them. I guess when we actually get to heaven, we'll find out exactly all about these gates. Some say Revelation is prophecy and some believe it literally. I believe that the Word is God-inspired and written for our instruction and to show us the way of Life. So, I'm not here to really argue about Revelations.
Our message conclusion yesterday morning was this -- you've always heard that one needs to have a family plan in case of an emergency, maybe to have a specific location to meet up. Our minister said yesterday that if he got to heaven before his loved ones and family at our church that he'd be waiting at Gate 11. He said he'd wait there just inside the gate 10,000 years or so before he goes on into the city of gold - since time doesn't matter in heaven! I loved that! It will be so good to see those who've gone on before us and to welcome those that come behind. I think me and my family are going to meet at Gate 11, too. I hope that you, too, have a plan.
Will I see you there?
For several years, our congregation has been planning on building a multi-purpose, youth oriented building for our growing church. Yesterday was the big kick-off - they're about to begin this process. Our church has had good financial planners for building projects and improvements and staying out of debt. But more importantly, when there has been a need, our members always come through with the funds to take care of those needs. You may find this in your congregation, too, but our members have, through the years, been so blessed through faith that God will provide. He always has, too.
Sometimes, it seems that monetary blessings have come almost miraculously from out of nowhere, and some may say, "what a coincidence!" But if you are a believing Christian, you know that there are NO coincidences when one is praying in faith - there are answers - sometimes a yes, sometimes a no, sometimes a wait and sometimes - a better way! For we cannot out-give the Lord, and when we ask according to His divine will and believe that He will guide us, then we can step back and wait and see what the Lord can do through His people. I've seen this countless times, and it's happened in my own life over and over. Not just about material things, but about all kinds of life problems that arise, illness, children, job loss, YOU NAME IT. Even when we felt God was telling us NO about something, He planned a better way and gave us the strength to go through it. I have lived long enough now and been through enough of "life" to see the hand of God in my life and in the lives of those around me. Sometimes it's while you're going through it, sometimes it's looking back and seeing where you've been and how you've come through. A wonderful faith builder for the next time...
For a moment, I'll comment on our building fund because it's fresh on my mind. Tony and I have been Christians and members of the Lord's church for almost 30 years. We've seen many special needs and building funds come our way. We've not always known where the funds that we felt led to give were going to come from. But God has always come through for us - either Tony would get a bonus (which were few and far between) or we'd get a refund check, maybe something unexpected from the IRS. The money has always been there. When it would appear out of the blue, we'd look at each other almost in disbelief and smile and know together that God provided.
Mustard seeds, people. Eph. 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"..... We can't even begin to imagine all that the Lord can do through us His people! Do we limit God because of our own short-sightedness and lack of faith? I daresay we do!
Well, I didn't really mean to wax so long on giving, but my heart and mind were so full from yesterday's services, just had to go off on that tangent for a bit...
GATE 11. Ok, if you've studied Revelation you might remember in Ch. 21, it talks about the 12 gates of heaven and goes on to name them and describe them. I guess when we actually get to heaven, we'll find out exactly all about these gates. Some say Revelation is prophecy and some believe it literally. I believe that the Word is God-inspired and written for our instruction and to show us the way of Life. So, I'm not here to really argue about Revelations.
Our message conclusion yesterday morning was this -- you've always heard that one needs to have a family plan in case of an emergency, maybe to have a specific location to meet up. Our minister said yesterday that if he got to heaven before his loved ones and family at our church that he'd be waiting at Gate 11. He said he'd wait there just inside the gate 10,000 years or so before he goes on into the city of gold - since time doesn't matter in heaven! I loved that! It will be so good to see those who've gone on before us and to welcome those that come behind. I think me and my family are going to meet at Gate 11, too. I hope that you, too, have a plan.
Will I see you there?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
What's Going On ...
Good morning, my friends out there! Sorry I've been so busy this week. Big son, Adam from Nashville, is home for a week or so. He hasn't been home since the end of April and I have SURELY missed him! I think he's getting a bit tired of me huggin' on him, but too bad! Sunday was his birthday and we had 4 of us together minus the girl child in nursing school. We had cake and we got him a nice gift that he'd been wanting for a long time. We had grilled hamburgers and all the trimmings and enjoyed ourselves immensely!
Ever CAN'T find a good box for a present???
Enter Ch*rrios box - family size! Works great! AND I wrapped it in Sponge B*b Square P*nts paper!
Since I have my guys here this week, some long-needed projects that need man muscles and know-how were scheduled to be completed at Mom's request. I've been wanting running water out to the garden shed for a couple of years now - much easier to water that side of the garden AND water any chickens or livestock in the future. It will eventually run out to the tractor barn which is another 100 yards or so but for now at least I won't be dragging 200 feet of garden hose around to water. That sucker gets heavy!
A trench was dug out to the garden shed from the tap in the back yard and PVC pipe was laid. Also, they ran the line up directly to the garden shed porch and put a spigot there so I can have my old washtub right under it and wash veggies. The drain run-off will have a short hose attached to direct it back to the garden or a small flower bed beside the garden shed. Fabulous!
Covering up the ditch with our trusty steed...
We were also needing a larger compost container. We had a little makeshift one for a couple of years but it was coming apart and we noticed that some little varmints were getting in there and strewing some of the ingredients around outside. My guys built this much nicer, much stronger, and much bigger compost container. One side of it comes completely off - they fixed it where it would slide out the top somehow and we can get the tractor bucket in there to pick up loads of compost to put in the garden. Ingenius! Don't you think? It's about 4'x8' in size and about 3.5' to 4' high on the sides. I'm wondering if we need to put a top on it? Doesn't it break down quicker? I think I read that somewhere - will have to do some checking on that...
My husband at first thought it was kind of unnecessary to have a compost bin, but after he saw how cool it was to have all that luscious broken-down good stuff to put in the garden, he really got into it. He's always out there turning it and "going out to check on the compost", he says. He's totally with the program now!
Now I'll have to really stay on top of collecting things from the kitchen, etc., to put in the compost. I sometimes forget and toss something in the trash or think it's something too small to worry about, but I'll be more watchful now. I wanna have lotsa good compost to put in the garden next year. Oh, it's not big enough to do the whole garden area, but it'll sure help. I'm thinking of adding a few raised garden beds next year and see if I like them as opposed to rows of continuous crops like I've been doing. Cuts out a lot of weeds and easier to water and walk around. We'll see...
Well, that's all I've got today. We've got big plans all week long. There's always so much to cram into the time that we have with our kids when they come home. Fishing, shooting, cooking out on the grill, family get-togethers, golf for the sons --- speaking of, I just LOVE when both my sons are here and they "hang out" and do "guy stuff" and all the male bonding. My husband is with them as much as possible, but I love to see my two sons are spending precious time just with each other. All of us who're moms and dads love that I'm sure! I'm off to take some pics of my boys shooting!
Keep your dress down!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Stuff
Hey guess what???
IT'S RAINING RIGHT NOW!
We awoke to thunder this morning and a nice steady rain has been falling off and on from the sky for the last couple of hours. I love it - unfortunately I'm at work, but it's dark outside and cozy inside, and I sure could use a nap. I knew it was going to rain - sinus headaches the last couple of days. Higher humidity... Think I'll lay my head down on my desk for awhile...
Just kiddin... Thank ya, Lord, for the rain. We've needed it so bad, and it'll take alot to get back caught up again, but I'm thankful for every single drop. 'Course, it's been so long since we've had any rain, couldn't find an umbrella anywhere at all this morning. But I really didn't care!
NOTE: Sand + rain = gopher trapping! Stay tuned for that!
NOTE: Sand + rain = gopher trapping! Stay tuned for that!
Josh, my middle son, went up to Nashville to visit his big brother, Adam, awhile back and they sent me some photos. They went trekking through a wood - some big state park or something. They found a baby squirrel that wouldn't leave them alone. They took some pictures and then placed it back in the tree where they found it. I think it wanted to go with them. Don't know where the mama squirrel was. I hope she knew where her youngster was.
Is that not the cutest thing you've ever seen? I had a pet squirrel when I was a kid. Dad found it one day while hunting. It had fallen out of its nest and I believe he told me it was way up in the tree and part of its tail had broken off or been eaten off. He brought it home to us and we named him Shorty. He stayed til he was grown - Dad made him a huge cage. We fed him milk with a doll bottle and veggies and nuts and whatever else we thought he might like. We left the cage door open more and more and he would climb all over the outside. Daddy said he'd leave someday, and sure enough he did. I guess nowadays you'd call us "wildlife rehabbers". I've probably told that story before...In fact, I know I have!
NEW TOPIC...
Can you believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it??? I'm really looking forward to the family being together AND of course all the wonderful things that we'll be eating! Something about family, friends and holidays calls for lots of yummy delicious traditional and non-traditional FOOD!
How are we going to keep our girlish figures? Now, when thinking about watching our weight during the holidays this year - let's do what genteel ladies in the past used to do.....
I mean, they're easy to swallow and you suffer no ill effects! How much easier could it be??? AND they're sanitized! Why hasn't anybody thought of this recently?
And keep yore dress down...
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