I am so sad to hear the Rocky Mountain News is no longer. That is the newspaper I grew up with. It was unusual, in that it was magazine style. The cartoons were on the back pages--easy to find--what kid wouldn't love that? I never liked the Denver Post.
It rained the better part of the day yesterday. Dan took Alec bowling in the afternoon. He needed some pointers. He can bowl very well when he concentrates, but he doesn't always do that.
Dan went through the baby name book last night. He kept tossing names out. Alec finally said, "I love Dad. He is a good dad and a good bowler, but he is terrible at picking out baby names."
It is raining this morning and is expected to continue the better part of the day. I have no plans. Will just see what mood hits me.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Homemade Nutella?
My children have discovered Nutella. They love it and go through it faster than mother is willing to buy it. Someone suggested this morning we make our own version. Found one. Will have to try it later. Need to make some granola, too. My people go through cereal so quickly. At least when I make it, I can ground up and add nuts. Need to get some nuts in Alec.
Speaking of Alec, I can't believe how quickly the braces have pulled his top front teeth back in--they stuck out so far, I can't believe he never got one chipped. He goes back for his next ortho visit on the ninth.
Alec said Nellie was up and out of her area twice in the night, so outside she went today. It is supposed to rain but Dan plans to work outside, so let's hope it doesn't. The dogs have a cover over their kennel--don't fret.
B sent me my first pink outfit yesterday. Pink and brown polka dots. Very cute.
Speaking of Alec, I can't believe how quickly the braces have pulled his top front teeth back in--they stuck out so far, I can't believe he never got one chipped. He goes back for his next ortho visit on the ninth.
Alec said Nellie was up and out of her area twice in the night, so outside she went today. It is supposed to rain but Dan plans to work outside, so let's hope it doesn't. The dogs have a cover over their kennel--don't fret.
B sent me my first pink outfit yesterday. Pink and brown polka dots. Very cute.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Change of Plan
Someone pointed out to me it was supposed to rain all day tomorrow, so we decided to have our field trip this afternoon. We went to Issaqueena Falls. I will post pictures tomorrow at the library. It was very pretty. I took a different route home and found a big nuclear power plant! Had no idea it was there--neither did Dan. Alec was all excited. He likes nuclear power. Don't ask.
We also found the store from where Dan ordered his bees. It is a health food store, but they actually sell bee equipment in the store. Have never seen that is a store before.
Dan is still staying home to work tomorrow, regardless of the weather. Sorry to hear you Wisconsinites got socked with a storm. No, really, I am. Really.
We also found the store from where Dan ordered his bees. It is a health food store, but they actually sell bee equipment in the store. Have never seen that is a store before.
Dan is still staying home to work tomorrow, regardless of the weather. Sorry to hear you Wisconsinites got socked with a storm. No, really, I am. Really.
No Asterisk Post
I finally gave Nellie sedatives yesterday that were left over from our trip. She is a really high energy dog and it is hard to keep her inside resting.
I have to run to the post office today but, otherwise, I am staying home and working on my mess. So many things in my house don't have a home and so they just sit out on the counter until I can't see the counter and then I find them all temporary homes and start the whole cycle over again. Joy.
I have to run to the post office today but, otherwise, I am staying home and working on my mess. So many things in my house don't have a home and so they just sit out on the counter until I can't see the counter and then I find them all temporary homes and start the whole cycle over again. Joy.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Who is Out There? ****
Who is reading my blog in Alabama? I don't know anyone in Alabama. Well, I know one person, but she doesn't know I have a blog. And Crazy Margie's brother lives there. Can't imagine Crazy Margie's brother is reading my blog.
Went to the midwife's. She has a gal who runs OB hospitals in the Dominican Republic staying with her. My midwife does a lot of work training midwives in DR. They both told me how you just can't trust those ultrasounds regarding the sex of the baby because they both knew ONE person who was told an incorrect gender from an US. They are both midwives and together they knew two wrong calls. But, good grief don't trust those things. In fact, my midwife said, almost with glee, "Hate to burst your bubble!" I really wish I could just go in my bedroom and close the door and then come out later with my baby. Professionals drive me batty.
Two people have told me they knew "tons" of people who has incorrect calls. Seriously, tons? My cousin had a wrong call at an army facility. I think that is the only one I have personally known. Have heard about others but I can't even imagine how many people I know, plus friends of friends who have had correct calls. A bajillion, give or take. But, oh, definitely always make sure the pregnant woman knows about the gal you knew who got the wrong call. Really. I am sure she will appreciate it. Seriously, it wouldn't bother me a bit if they were wrong about my baby, but I don't know why people have such a need to make me question it.
And definitely, by the way, if it is a first time mom, tell her the worst labor and delivery stories you know. She will be so very grateful.
Yes, I know you want me to stop talking about the stupid things people say to me as a pregnant woman. Sorry, its my blog and I'll whine if I want to. Maybe I will put an asterisk in the titles of those posts so you can skip them if you want.
Went to the midwife's. She has a gal who runs OB hospitals in the Dominican Republic staying with her. My midwife does a lot of work training midwives in DR. They both told me how you just can't trust those ultrasounds regarding the sex of the baby because they both knew ONE person who was told an incorrect gender from an US. They are both midwives and together they knew two wrong calls. But, good grief don't trust those things. In fact, my midwife said, almost with glee, "Hate to burst your bubble!" I really wish I could just go in my bedroom and close the door and then come out later with my baby. Professionals drive me batty.
Two people have told me they knew "tons" of people who has incorrect calls. Seriously, tons? My cousin had a wrong call at an army facility. I think that is the only one I have personally known. Have heard about others but I can't even imagine how many people I know, plus friends of friends who have had correct calls. A bajillion, give or take. But, oh, definitely always make sure the pregnant woman knows about the gal you knew who got the wrong call. Really. I am sure she will appreciate it. Seriously, it wouldn't bother me a bit if they were wrong about my baby, but I don't know why people have such a need to make me question it.
And definitely, by the way, if it is a first time mom, tell her the worst labor and delivery stories you know. She will be so very grateful.
Yes, I know you want me to stop talking about the stupid things people say to me as a pregnant woman. Sorry, its my blog and I'll whine if I want to. Maybe I will put an asterisk in the titles of those posts so you can skip them if you want.
Pooch Update
Lenny is home and has not stopped barking. We have him on a tether and then in the kennel at night. He is a free roamer, so he doesn't like this at all. We decided to put up fence around on of the goat pastures first so the dogs can move in there. Then Beulah can use the kennel for her pups. I am a little nervous about her delivery since neither of us has gone through a dog delivery before (neither Beulah nor I).
Nellie is downstairs. She was very sore when Dan picked her up and she isn't moving around much. We actually sprung for some pain pills. I always thought you didn't give dogs pain pills because they need to know to be careful and the pain is what tells them that. They said to keep her inside for ten days--we will see how that works out. First time she pees in here she is heading outside.
I think Dan is taking off Friday to work on the brush along the fence line. He needs to rent the post hole digger this weekend because something is going on next weekend and we don't want to be two more weeks out on this.
I have to see the midwife today. Also, the chiro and to the library. We did so little for so long and now we run so much. I am not striking a proper balance.
Nellie is downstairs. She was very sore when Dan picked her up and she isn't moving around much. We actually sprung for some pain pills. I always thought you didn't give dogs pain pills because they need to know to be careful and the pain is what tells them that. They said to keep her inside for ten days--we will see how that works out. First time she pees in here she is heading outside.
I think Dan is taking off Friday to work on the brush along the fence line. He needs to rent the post hole digger this weekend because something is going on next weekend and we don't want to be two more weeks out on this.
I have to see the midwife today. Also, the chiro and to the library. We did so little for so long and now we run so much. I am not striking a proper balance.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Success!
I actually got Nellie dropped off today and Lenny picked up without getting lost once! Poor Nellie was scared out of her wits, but Len was his dumb old happy self.
This is how expensive the vet clinic the young gal who found Lenny works at is: For a check up, all his shots, heart worm and fecal testing and a neuter job, I paid $175. That is what the gal --her name is Rachel-- said I didn't need to pay. She was going to pay that herself just because she is a bleeding heart softie. When I got the receipt, it said the bill reflected discounts of $332!! Good night. They charged more to neuter Lenny with a discount than the Humane Society charged me to spay Nellie. Good grief.
Anyhoo, bowling this afternoon. Dan is working on cutting down the evil masses of brush around our perimeter after work. That is about it.
This is how expensive the vet clinic the young gal who found Lenny works at is: For a check up, all his shots, heart worm and fecal testing and a neuter job, I paid $175. That is what the gal --her name is Rachel-- said I didn't need to pay. She was going to pay that herself just because she is a bleeding heart softie. When I got the receipt, it said the bill reflected discounts of $332!! Good night. They charged more to neuter Lenny with a discount than the Humane Society charged me to spay Nellie. Good grief.
Anyhoo, bowling this afternoon. Dan is working on cutting down the evil masses of brush around our perimeter after work. That is about it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Here a Dog, There a Dog
Rachel, the gal who found Lenny, called today to say he is ready to pick up. She still said I didn't need to reimburse her for the vet. I told her I was indeed going to pay her and got the number out of her (she is a young single gal, which I guess is why she is willing to shell out a bunch of money for a stray). I am going to pick him up tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Humane Society had an opening for Nellie to go in tomorrow. I studied my map VERY well and am planning to get her there by 8:00 and then swing over and pick up Lenny. Dan will pick up Nellie after work. Think that will all work out? Your guess is as good as mine.
Dan took me to Olive Garden tonight, as it is the 18 anniversary of our first date and we went to Olive Garden that first night. We started celebrating it because by the time we had the first anniversary of our first date, we'd been married four months. Did you know we got married eight months to the day after we met? Yup. By our first Christmas together, we'd already been married two months. Weird, I know.
Meanwhile, the Humane Society had an opening for Nellie to go in tomorrow. I studied my map VERY well and am planning to get her there by 8:00 and then swing over and pick up Lenny. Dan will pick up Nellie after work. Think that will all work out? Your guess is as good as mine.
Dan took me to Olive Garden tonight, as it is the 18 anniversary of our first date and we went to Olive Garden that first night. We started celebrating it because by the time we had the first anniversary of our first date, we'd been married four months. Did you know we got married eight months to the day after we met? Yup. By our first Christmas together, we'd already been married two months. Weird, I know.
Another Monday
Got half way through breakfast and had to toss my cookies. I don't think I have ever done it right in the middle of a meal before.
Oh, my Beulah is large with pups. How could it have taken so long for us to catch on? If she got pregnant when they took off, that would make her due about the first week of March, which is VERY SOON!
Got my plants sorted to start putting outside to harden them. Ian helped. We have such deep conversations. They usually include a lot of sticking out of tongues and farting noises.
We tested our pop last night. It tasted like root beer. I used turbinado sugar instead of plain white sugar, so it has a little bit of a molasses taste. It was good and we are terribly impressed with ourselves.
Working on cleaning out my crafts room today. It literally has piles of soil on the floor. Later, we will go to the library for geography and such and then I hope to get to the furniture store to get fabric picked out for the living room set.
Oh, my Beulah is large with pups. How could it have taken so long for us to catch on? If she got pregnant when they took off, that would make her due about the first week of March, which is VERY SOON!
Got my plants sorted to start putting outside to harden them. Ian helped. We have such deep conversations. They usually include a lot of sticking out of tongues and farting noises.
We tested our pop last night. It tasted like root beer. I used turbinado sugar instead of plain white sugar, so it has a little bit of a molasses taste. It was good and we are terribly impressed with ourselves.
Working on cleaning out my crafts room today. It literally has piles of soil on the floor. Later, we will go to the library for geography and such and then I hope to get to the furniture store to get fabric picked out for the living room set.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Working on the Plan
We had a good time yesterday. I confused Wade Hampton with Pickens. Pickens was a Revolutionary War guy--there is a county named after him. Wade Hampton was a Civil War guy, who later became governor. Hampton's family were one of the largest slave holders and land holders in the country before the war. He died almost penniless. Anyhoo...
Dan and I were working on our next move this afternoon. His plan is to clear brush along the line we are going to put fencing every night this week and then rent a post hole digger next Saturday to dig out all the post holes and then start putting up fencing.
I organized my plants on three thin tables that will fit through doors. I am going to start bringing them outside. Then, I am going to clean up the mess that is the craft room and I am going to start buying what I need to get the craft room set up. And then I am going to get the den set up as much as I can. I also plan to get the fabric picked out for our living room set and order that soon. There is some other furniture I'd like to pick out, also. Oh, that sounds like a lot.
I see the midwife on Wednesday. That is all to report.
Dan and I were working on our next move this afternoon. His plan is to clear brush along the line we are going to put fencing every night this week and then rent a post hole digger next Saturday to dig out all the post holes and then start putting up fencing.
I organized my plants on three thin tables that will fit through doors. I am going to start bringing them outside. Then, I am going to clean up the mess that is the craft room and I am going to start buying what I need to get the craft room set up. And then I am going to get the den set up as much as I can. I also plan to get the fabric picked out for our living room set and order that soon. There is some other furniture I'd like to pick out, also. Oh, that sounds like a lot.
I see the midwife on Wednesday. That is all to report.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Yes, Precious Mother
Alec has gotten into a silly habit of saying, instead of "Yes, mom," "Yes, precious mother from heaven, who I do not deserve." Sometimes the other kids say it, also. Yesterday Adam said it, to which Evan responded "Well, I deserve her!!"
We are going to some kind of play this afternoon that is about Wade Hampton (a Rev. War hero) and Robert E. Lee. It is free. I will go see many things free that I would not pay to see. Will report back.
Afterwards, we are going to dinner at the home of one of the elders from churchThey have a daughter at Bob Jones and another high school aged girl. She is the one we went to the museum with. I am bringing an angel food/blueberry/whipped cream trifle.
Last night, I scrapped at a church over towards Clemson. A Creative Memories lady hosted it. It is her church and they don't charge her, so it is free. It was actually all day today also, but I couldn't make it. It was fabulous. They were so friendly and welcoming. I sat by the hostess' 82 year old mom, who is my new best friend. Honestly, it was just wonderful to be around a bunch of nice ladies for a few hours. They were all Wesleyans and most were teachers, also. Third Friday and Saturday of every month, I will be a Wesleyan scrapper from now on. I got caught up to the end of November in my family album.
Did I tell you we made soda the other night? I think we check it for proper carbonation tomorrow. My house is a disaster, I tell you. I used to have such balance in my life and now I just can't juggle everything. I guess I keep plugging forward and it will come together at some point.
We are going to some kind of play this afternoon that is about Wade Hampton (a Rev. War hero) and Robert E. Lee. It is free. I will go see many things free that I would not pay to see. Will report back.
Afterwards, we are going to dinner at the home of one of the elders from churchThey have a daughter at Bob Jones and another high school aged girl. She is the one we went to the museum with. I am bringing an angel food/blueberry/whipped cream trifle.
Last night, I scrapped at a church over towards Clemson. A Creative Memories lady hosted it. It is her church and they don't charge her, so it is free. It was actually all day today also, but I couldn't make it. It was fabulous. They were so friendly and welcoming. I sat by the hostess' 82 year old mom, who is my new best friend. Honestly, it was just wonderful to be around a bunch of nice ladies for a few hours. They were all Wesleyans and most were teachers, also. Third Friday and Saturday of every month, I will be a Wesleyan scrapper from now on. I got caught up to the end of November in my family album.
Did I tell you we made soda the other night? I think we check it for proper carbonation tomorrow. My house is a disaster, I tell you. I used to have such balance in my life and now I just can't juggle everything. I guess I keep plugging forward and it will come together at some point.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Can Finally Load Pictures!
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We are at the library, so I loaded all the pictures I didn't have the patience to load at home.This one apparently shows girl parts.
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Looks just like me, huh?
Ian at the Discovery Place in Charlotte, on the high wire
Evan at Discovery Place
Alec on the high wire
Adam at Father/Son Camp
You get an award for flying on a plane the first time
Adam took lots of pictures on his first flight
My new expensive haircut
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Looks just like me, huh?
Ian at the Discovery Place in Charlotte, on the high wire
Evan at Discovery Place
Alec on the high wire
Adam at Father/Son Camp
You get an award for flying on a plane the first time
Adam took lots of pictures on his first flight
My new expensive haircutCraft Room Envy
Want to see a craft room what will make you drool? Laura lives in Eau Claire. My craft room, on the other hand, is full of plants and has a bunch of dirt on the floor.
I am going to scrap tonight. A Creative Memories gal has free crops over in Clemson. I am about six months behind, so there is some serious catching up to do. The scrap I had signed up for at a store by me was cancelled for lack of participants. That used to happen to me all the time in Menomonie. I need to get organized with that stuff today. That is probably all I am going to accomplish today. Well, besides...
We have to go to the chiropractor today and also the library to do our geography. I am going to try to upload some pictures to the blog while I am there.
I had two people yesterday suggest the ultrasound might be wrong and wouldn't it be something if the baby turned out to be a boy?? Good night, the things a pregnant woman has to suffer. I think the real reason pregnant ladies used to not go out while in their delicate state was to save them from hearing all the dumb things people say. I am now gearing up to hear, "You got your girl--now you can stop having kids." I am surprised you don't hear more news stories about pregnant women slugging people.
Some person I know didn't buy dog food yesterday (and some kids I know never mention we are out until we are completely out) so this morning my dogs ate oatmeal with beef broth, egg, cheese and bacon bits.
I am going to scrap tonight. A Creative Memories gal has free crops over in Clemson. I am about six months behind, so there is some serious catching up to do. The scrap I had signed up for at a store by me was cancelled for lack of participants. That used to happen to me all the time in Menomonie. I need to get organized with that stuff today. That is probably all I am going to accomplish today. Well, besides...
We have to go to the chiropractor today and also the library to do our geography. I am going to try to upload some pictures to the blog while I am there.
I had two people yesterday suggest the ultrasound might be wrong and wouldn't it be something if the baby turned out to be a boy?? Good night, the things a pregnant woman has to suffer. I think the real reason pregnant ladies used to not go out while in their delicate state was to save them from hearing all the dumb things people say. I am now gearing up to hear, "You got your girl--now you can stop having kids." I am surprised you don't hear more news stories about pregnant women slugging people.
Some person I know didn't buy dog food yesterday (and some kids I know never mention we are out until we are completely out) so this morning my dogs ate oatmeal with beef broth, egg, cheese and bacon bits.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Still Shocked
Well, I am still not sure what to do with this news about this new person in our lives. She sure moved around a lot during the US. They said she was right on track development-wise for the due date. It is even weird to refer to a baby of mine as "she".
We went to the library to use their Wi-FI. Good grief--I forgot how fast a fast connection is. I might be hanging out there a lot, even if the librarians are grumpy. I am so glad the kids can get back into their geography. They learned so much from it already.
After the library, we went up north and bought a goat from a young widowed gal with two kids who is trying to start a pure bred Nubian goat herd. She is trying to become self-sufficient. Nice gal. The goat is one year old and has been with a buck so hopefully we will have a baby this spring or so. She is 3/4 nubian and 1/4 boer (I think--I forgot). Nubians are the floppy eared dairy goats and Boers are meat goats.
Hate to break it to the kids that there is no field trip tomorrow. We were gone all day and did no school, so tomorrow is a school day.
We went to the library to use their Wi-FI. Good grief--I forgot how fast a fast connection is. I might be hanging out there a lot, even if the librarians are grumpy. I am so glad the kids can get back into their geography. They learned so much from it already.
After the library, we went up north and bought a goat from a young widowed gal with two kids who is trying to start a pure bred Nubian goat herd. She is trying to become self-sufficient. Nice gal. The goat is one year old and has been with a buck so hopefully we will have a baby this spring or so. She is 3/4 nubian and 1/4 boer (I think--I forgot). Nubians are the floppy eared dairy goats and Boers are meat goats.
Hate to break it to the kids that there is no field trip tomorrow. We were gone all day and did no school, so tomorrow is a school day.
Ultrasound
Everything went fine. Looks good. We are having a girl. Rather shocking. Already disagreeing over names. Going to go look at a goat this afternoon.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Someone Please Come Help Me
This is my idiot day. I can't type and I can't seem to dial the phone. But that is hardly the worst of it.
Got up and, in the POURING rain, went to get the dogs to take them in. Took a look at Beulah--no idea how we could have missed this before last night--she is REALLY pregnant. She also has to be picked up to be put in the van because she will not get in on her own. Anyway, I decided (in the pouring rain) she was just having those babies. Nellie was much more accommodating. Got her in the the back and, bless her heart, she didn't peep the whole time.
Started on our journey and, to make a long story short, about two hours later we got home. Never found the place. There are two Highway 25's and I spent a long time on the wrong one. Didn't bring their phone number. Stupid. Called when I got home ans they were very nice. I don't know when I am going to reschedule. Good grief. Here I was feeling so bad for not bringing Beulah and then I don't even show up.
Got an email when I got home that the food had come in for the buying group I just joined and ordered from for the first time. Actually I joined about two months ago, but it took that long for them to set me up with an account. I have to drive a good distance to go pick this up this afternoon. Of course, the question is, WILL I FIND IT??? Didn't sound promising when the woman gave me her address and then her old address, because the town changed her address. Yikes. But I will give it a try.
Do you know what buying groups are? A bunch of people get together and order from the places health food coops order from. You have to order larger quantities but you get them wholesale.
We had planned on going to the library because they have Wi-Fi now and I want the kids to do geography online. Also just got the soda pop making stuff from Mr. UPS. Don't think either of those are happening today. OH! AND I found a goat on craigslist I want to see. Not gonna happen.
Got up and, in the POURING rain, went to get the dogs to take them in. Took a look at Beulah--no idea how we could have missed this before last night--she is REALLY pregnant. She also has to be picked up to be put in the van because she will not get in on her own. Anyway, I decided (in the pouring rain) she was just having those babies. Nellie was much more accommodating. Got her in the the back and, bless her heart, she didn't peep the whole time.
Started on our journey and, to make a long story short, about two hours later we got home. Never found the place. There are two Highway 25's and I spent a long time on the wrong one. Didn't bring their phone number. Stupid. Called when I got home ans they were very nice. I don't know when I am going to reschedule. Good grief. Here I was feeling so bad for not bringing Beulah and then I don't even show up.
Got an email when I got home that the food had come in for the buying group I just joined and ordered from for the first time. Actually I joined about two months ago, but it took that long for them to set me up with an account. I have to drive a good distance to go pick this up this afternoon. Of course, the question is, WILL I FIND IT??? Didn't sound promising when the woman gave me her address and then her old address, because the town changed her address. Yikes. But I will give it a try.
Do you know what buying groups are? A bunch of people get together and order from the places health food coops order from. You have to order larger quantities but you get them wholesale.
We had planned on going to the library because they have Wi-Fi now and I want the kids to do geography online. Also just got the soda pop making stuff from Mr. UPS. Don't think either of those are happening today. OH! AND I found a goat on craigslist I want to see. Not gonna happen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Can I Get You a Pizza?
Adam must be growing because he always asks for snacks, lately. Tonight he asked if he could have a snack other than peanut butter--the normal before bed snack. We were teasing him and I asked if he wanted me to run out and get him a pizza. He looked at me sheepishly and ask, "Really??" Um....no--go to bed.
They bowled today and all had good games. I was with Ev in the lane next to Alec and I really had to hold myself back. He was driving me nuts. I could tell in the first two steps he took if it was going in the gutter or was going to hit something. I would give him a little advice here or there, but I really tried to hold back--he can bowl really well when he pays attention. Dan is going to take him to a bowling place by us to give him some tips.
Joshua is the little boy Evan bowls with. He is a nice little kid. And a good bowler. His mom told me someone had asked him about his bowling league. He said, "Yeah, I am a really good bowler. I bowl with Evan. He's a good bowler, too." His dad is a Lutheran pastor. Down here! A Lutheran!! Missouri Synod, to be exact.
Have to take the girl dogs in tomorrow morning. Of course, it is supposed to rain during that time. Alec said he thinks Beulah is pregnant, but she is getting done, regardless. Dan is supposed to pick them up tomorrow after work.
We banded Isaiah the goat's little testicles last night and he was walking funny today. Normally, they don't seem bothered by it at all--he should have been done at a much younger age. We also started snipping off their horns. You are supposed to be able to snip a little off at a time and then burn the base. Normally, you burn their horn buds when they are little and they don't grow horns. This is not the ideal way to do it, but it is better to have goat without horns. Alec has a scar on his cheek from a pygmy goat butting him when he was about seven.
They bowled today and all had good games. I was with Ev in the lane next to Alec and I really had to hold myself back. He was driving me nuts. I could tell in the first two steps he took if it was going in the gutter or was going to hit something. I would give him a little advice here or there, but I really tried to hold back--he can bowl really well when he pays attention. Dan is going to take him to a bowling place by us to give him some tips.
Joshua is the little boy Evan bowls with. He is a nice little kid. And a good bowler. His mom told me someone had asked him about his bowling league. He said, "Yeah, I am a really good bowler. I bowl with Evan. He's a good bowler, too." His dad is a Lutheran pastor. Down here! A Lutheran!! Missouri Synod, to be exact.
Have to take the girl dogs in tomorrow morning. Of course, it is supposed to rain during that time. Alec said he thinks Beulah is pregnant, but she is getting done, regardless. Dan is supposed to pick them up tomorrow after work.
We banded Isaiah the goat's little testicles last night and he was walking funny today. Normally, they don't seem bothered by it at all--he should have been done at a much younger age. We also started snipping off their horns. You are supposed to be able to snip a little off at a time and then burn the base. Normally, you burn their horn buds when they are little and they don't grow horns. This is not the ideal way to do it, but it is better to have goat without horns. Alec has a scar on his cheek from a pygmy goat butting him when he was about seven.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Not THAT Kind of Carolina Girl
In SC, they only have licenses on the back of the vehicle. Dan bought me a plate with a pink version of the SC flag (a crescent moon and a palmetto tree). Yesterday at church, a guy saw it and explained to Dan that that is code for being a wild girl!! Sort of like putting a rainbow sticker on the back of your car because it reminds you of God's promise to Noah and finding a bunch of same sex folks winking at you. Good night. So, that came off the van before we headed to the Mennonite church.
I have been worried about the record keeping that I need to do to homeschool in SC. Some mothers I have talked to keep very detailed records. I do not. I finally called the accountability group I belong to (you need to belong to one to HS in SC) and was told there is "report" card I have to fill out, which is one page and can be very very vague. Good. She said most mothers make life much harder for themselves than is needed.
That Blue Jay recovered and took off. It reminded me of a wedding I attended years ago. A bird flew straight into the big window above the alter and dropped to the floor dead, right in the midst of the ceremony. I don't know if I was the only one who saw it or the only one with no self control, because I seemed to be the only person who burst out laughing.
I have been worried about the record keeping that I need to do to homeschool in SC. Some mothers I have talked to keep very detailed records. I do not. I finally called the accountability group I belong to (you need to belong to one to HS in SC) and was told there is "report" card I have to fill out, which is one page and can be very very vague. Good. She said most mothers make life much harder for themselves than is needed.
That Blue Jay recovered and took off. It reminded me of a wedding I attended years ago. A bird flew straight into the big window above the alter and dropped to the floor dead, right in the midst of the ceremony. I don't know if I was the only one who saw it or the only one with no self control, because I seemed to be the only person who burst out laughing.
Blue Bird of Happiness
Really, it was a Blue Jay. They are annoying birds. One just few right into my glass door in front of me. It is sitting dazed on the porch. Bad way to start a Monday, Mr Birdie.
Did I mention we planted my artichoke on Saturday?
Going back to Saturday--we were going to go out to dinner. Being a Saturday and Valentine's Day, we knew we should go out early to beat the crowds. Dan needed to replace break pads on the van. As he got into it, he realized he didn't have the right tool. He has done brake pads before but not on this van. Three stores later, he came home with a tool that didn't work and was only able to replace one pad. Funny thing was, it turned out to be the pad that was making noise. The problem was, this took a long time. It was pressing into my dinner time. Doesn't seem as funny now, but at the time it seemed perfectly ridiculous.
We got to Olive Garden at 5:00. Now, up in Wisconsin, the only people who eat that early are us and 80 year old folks. We have noticed restaurants fill up much earlier here and Olive Garden had tons of people waiting outside. Ended up at Chili's and had a nice meal.
Yesterday, we went to a town about two and a half hours away to hear the Bontrager Family Singers. It was nice to hear them again and to chat with them. It was held at a Mennonite Church. I have never been in a Mennonite church, so I was excited to see what their deal is. I think I was one of three or four women without doilies on their head. But the folks we talked to there were so friendly. We tried to leave without having anything to eat, but do not ever try to sneak out of a potluck when a Christian lady brought a big plate of sandwiches--no way are you getting out of it. We had a snack and headed home. Nice time.
A child had stomach issues in the night so I am a little out of whack this morning. Have no idea how Dan got up and went to work. Have a dentist appointment this afternoon. Need cereal. That is about what my day holds.
Did I mention we planted my artichoke on Saturday?
Going back to Saturday--we were going to go out to dinner. Being a Saturday and Valentine's Day, we knew we should go out early to beat the crowds. Dan needed to replace break pads on the van. As he got into it, he realized he didn't have the right tool. He has done brake pads before but not on this van. Three stores later, he came home with a tool that didn't work and was only able to replace one pad. Funny thing was, it turned out to be the pad that was making noise. The problem was, this took a long time. It was pressing into my dinner time. Doesn't seem as funny now, but at the time it seemed perfectly ridiculous.
We got to Olive Garden at 5:00. Now, up in Wisconsin, the only people who eat that early are us and 80 year old folks. We have noticed restaurants fill up much earlier here and Olive Garden had tons of people waiting outside. Ended up at Chili's and had a nice meal.
Yesterday, we went to a town about two and a half hours away to hear the Bontrager Family Singers. It was nice to hear them again and to chat with them. It was held at a Mennonite Church. I have never been in a Mennonite church, so I was excited to see what their deal is. I think I was one of three or four women without doilies on their head. But the folks we talked to there were so friendly. We tried to leave without having anything to eat, but do not ever try to sneak out of a potluck when a Christian lady brought a big plate of sandwiches--no way are you getting out of it. We had a snack and headed home. Nice time.
A child had stomach issues in the night so I am a little out of whack this morning. Have no idea how Dan got up and went to work. Have a dentist appointment this afternoon. Need cereal. That is about what my day holds.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday Wrap-Up
Dan just told me a guy at work asked him if we get asked a lot if we are Catholic! He thought we had a big family. That is funny.
We went to the confederate museum yesterday. There were other visitors there who got the attention of the volunteers, so we just wandered through. They had some pamphlets to take--we just looked at them. One was about why Lincoln was a bad guy and one was about slavery. I didn't even get the point of that one. It said things like there being slaves in the north, also, and that most slave owners only owned one slave. And the point?!?!?!? I heard a volunteer explaining to an English guy from New York that Lincoln invaded a sovereign nation. Whatever, so we went through and took off. It was free. I don't think I'd pay to go through that kind of place.
We went to a town north of Greenville, called Travelers Rest. I had seen a show about a coffee placed there that was owned by people who also owned a coffee plantation in Zimbabwe. There weren't sure how much longer they'd own it because they government is taking land from white people there. The wife is from Chicago and was teaching school in Africa when she met the husband, who grew up on the coffee plantation. By the grace of God, I found the place--I had no idea where it was and just headed there on a whim. I had the best mocha (decaf of course) that I've ever tasted. It was one of those things that is so good you don't even care what is in it.
Bought some coffee for B, who sends me Berres Brothers coffee from Wisconsin. She and her hubby lived here while he went to Bob Jones, so I thought she'd get a kick out of it. She sent me a little mailbox she decorated with chocolate in it for Valentine's Day. She is definitely my gift exchanging friend. I couldn't afford too many friends like that!
Anyhoo, before we went to the museum, we stopped at another furniture store. So glad we did. It was much better than the first one. Better quality stuff. Found a leather set we loved but it was just too much money. I am talking $6,000 for the set. I want to pay about half that. Found another set that was similar to the one we owned in the big Wisconsin house, before we sold it when we moved to the little Wisconsin house. I will go back some time and pick fabric for it. I need to find a bedroom set there, also. I would like to get a contemporary roll top desk to have in our bedroom, too. So much to do.
It is raining right now and the guys are getting ready to go help pack a moving van on the other side of town. I heard Alec is baby sitting tonight and we are going to dinner.
We went to the confederate museum yesterday. There were other visitors there who got the attention of the volunteers, so we just wandered through. They had some pamphlets to take--we just looked at them. One was about why Lincoln was a bad guy and one was about slavery. I didn't even get the point of that one. It said things like there being slaves in the north, also, and that most slave owners only owned one slave. And the point?!?!?!? I heard a volunteer explaining to an English guy from New York that Lincoln invaded a sovereign nation. Whatever, so we went through and took off. It was free. I don't think I'd pay to go through that kind of place.
We went to a town north of Greenville, called Travelers Rest. I had seen a show about a coffee placed there that was owned by people who also owned a coffee plantation in Zimbabwe. There weren't sure how much longer they'd own it because they government is taking land from white people there. The wife is from Chicago and was teaching school in Africa when she met the husband, who grew up on the coffee plantation. By the grace of God, I found the place--I had no idea where it was and just headed there on a whim. I had the best mocha (decaf of course) that I've ever tasted. It was one of those things that is so good you don't even care what is in it.
Bought some coffee for B, who sends me Berres Brothers coffee from Wisconsin. She and her hubby lived here while he went to Bob Jones, so I thought she'd get a kick out of it. She sent me a little mailbox she decorated with chocolate in it for Valentine's Day. She is definitely my gift exchanging friend. I couldn't afford too many friends like that!
Anyhoo, before we went to the museum, we stopped at another furniture store. So glad we did. It was much better than the first one. Better quality stuff. Found a leather set we loved but it was just too much money. I am talking $6,000 for the set. I want to pay about half that. Found another set that was similar to the one we owned in the big Wisconsin house, before we sold it when we moved to the little Wisconsin house. I will go back some time and pick fabric for it. I need to find a bedroom set there, also. I would like to get a contemporary roll top desk to have in our bedroom, too. So much to do.
It is raining right now and the guys are getting ready to go help pack a moving van on the other side of town. I heard Alec is baby sitting tonight and we are going to dinner.
Our Auction Experience
We found the auction in Seneca last night. WOW, was that an experience. We arrive on time, but they had already started and there wasn't seating room. So, we stood in the back. It was inside a barn type building. Probably half the people were smoking. I don't get my panties in a bunch about smoking like many folks, but this was really something! There was a sign up that said no smoking in the barn--a formality, I guess, because even the auctioneer was smoking.
The junk that was being auctioned was amazing. It was mostly stuff you'd find in the "free" box at a garage sale. We stood for an hour and took it all in--most of the people were hillbilly types (which is a step beyond your basic redneck--rednecks are hillbilly's high-falutin' cousins). You know me, I kind of like weird people, so I didn't mind at all--they were fun to watch. After an hour, however, Dan heard someone say the animals wouldn't be auctioned until about 9:30!! He heard this at 7:30! There was no way we could stand for two more hours, so we took off. It sure was interesting and I am glad we experienced it, but I doubt we would go again. The only animals I saw were poultry and one rabbit. I wanted to see donkeys and peacocks and weird stuff.
The funniest part was when a guy sanding by us realized he had just bought a box of junk without realizing it. He had waved to someone who had just walked in!! Just like you see on TV sitcoms. Who would think that could actually happen? He actually had all his own teeth, so was probably his first time, too.
The junk that was being auctioned was amazing. It was mostly stuff you'd find in the "free" box at a garage sale. We stood for an hour and took it all in--most of the people were hillbilly types (which is a step beyond your basic redneck--rednecks are hillbilly's high-falutin' cousins). You know me, I kind of like weird people, so I didn't mind at all--they were fun to watch. After an hour, however, Dan heard someone say the animals wouldn't be auctioned until about 9:30!! He heard this at 7:30! There was no way we could stand for two more hours, so we took off. It sure was interesting and I am glad we experienced it, but I doubt we would go again. The only animals I saw were poultry and one rabbit. I wanted to see donkeys and peacocks and weird stuff.
The funniest part was when a guy sanding by us realized he had just bought a box of junk without realizing it. He had waved to someone who had just walked in!! Just like you see on TV sitcoms. Who would think that could actually happen? He actually had all his own teeth, so was probably his first time, too.
Friday, February 13, 2009
You Know the Honeymoon is Over When...
The husband asks if you want anything for Valentine's Day. Enough said.
We could not find the auction last night. On the way home, I mentioned we could have gone all the way to Atlanta in the time it took to not find it. While trying to get info on that one last night, I found one about a half hour in the other direction that is tonight. We might check that out.
Took Alec took the ortho to have them look at something that was bugging him and went to the chiro. Then, we went to a furniture store. I found a sectional I don't love, l but it looks awfully comfortable. Also found a bedroom set. We sold ours when we moved into the tiny house and it is time to have a grown up bedroom again. We will go look at it with Dan tonight. I would love to just get that over with--I do not enjoy furniture shopping. I had to laugh at the TV stand they have. They all have openings for HUGE TV's. Ours is about 30", which is a huge upgrade from the 19" we have for 17 years. Our TV would look lost in there!
We are home to eat and then will head to the Confederate Museum. A little nervous about this.
Million things to do this weekend. I need to get artichokes in and spinach planted. The goats need attention to their horns and I need to band (neuter) one. The larger males are helping someone from church load a moving van tomorrow morning. The van needs break pads. Going to hear the Bontraeger Family Singers Sunday night (about two hours away from here). We had seen them in Wisconsin once. Would love to make some soap. Many things need cleaning. Oh, won't it be fun to see what happens?
We could not find the auction last night. On the way home, I mentioned we could have gone all the way to Atlanta in the time it took to not find it. While trying to get info on that one last night, I found one about a half hour in the other direction that is tonight. We might check that out.
Took Alec took the ortho to have them look at something that was bugging him and went to the chiro. Then, we went to a furniture store. I found a sectional I don't love, l but it looks awfully comfortable. Also found a bedroom set. We sold ours when we moved into the tiny house and it is time to have a grown up bedroom again. We will go look at it with Dan tonight. I would love to just get that over with--I do not enjoy furniture shopping. I had to laugh at the TV stand they have. They all have openings for HUGE TV's. Ours is about 30", which is a huge upgrade from the 19" we have for 17 years. Our TV would look lost in there!
We are home to eat and then will head to the Confederate Museum. A little nervous about this.
Million things to do this weekend. I need to get artichokes in and spinach planted. The goats need attention to their horns and I need to band (neuter) one. The larger males are helping someone from church load a moving van tomorrow morning. The van needs break pads. Going to hear the Bontraeger Family Singers Sunday night (about two hours away from here). We had seen them in Wisconsin once. Would love to make some soap. Many things need cleaning. Oh, won't it be fun to see what happens?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
48 Hour Loss Total
I called McMurray Hatchery with my total chick loss--NINETEEN!!! That is out of about 60! That is 30%!! That is terrible! Their customer service was great. She trusted our assessment of which kind of chicks we lost (some are obvious but many look similar) and gave us a refund. She said that the most loss they deal with is from folks living further away. I love McMurrary but I am going to look for a hatchery closer to me. I might even cancel my turkey and guinea orders.
We are going to an animal auction tonight. JUST TO LOOK! My husband insists on going also, because that is the only way to guarantee we bring home no animals. I have never been to an auction, so this should be fun.
We are going to an animal auction tonight. JUST TO LOOK! My husband insists on going also, because that is the only way to guarantee we bring home no animals. I have never been to an auction, so this should be fun.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Glad the Day is Over
Man, I was in a mood today. It was overcast and I was losing chicks--I was not a happy gal. Talked to Crazy Margie, which always helps, but I am still glad it is almost time to end this day. We counted up our chick losses tonight. Sixteen total. Can't believe it. Lost all my Lakenvelders and Fayomis.
I called the vet that the lady who has Lenny works for to make an appointment for the girls to be spayed. In the end, it would have been about $450 for both of them. As if. Someone else told me the Humane Society does it here. As much as I really don't like the HS, I also don't like paying ridiculous prices at the vet. Less than $200 for both of them. That is more like it. Next Wednesday is their date. Did you know there was a society to prevent cruelty to animals in this country before there was a society to prevent cruelty to children? Really.
My sarsaparilla root came in the mail. OH!!! It smelled so wonderful! Got my Make Your Own Soda Pop book out and figured out what I needed. Ordered some bottles and caps. Will try sarsaparilla and Ginger Ale. Yes, I do realize when one is totally overwhelmed with life, starting a new hobby is not a wise choice. What can I say? I gotta be me...
I called the vet that the lady who has Lenny works for to make an appointment for the girls to be spayed. In the end, it would have been about $450 for both of them. As if. Someone else told me the Humane Society does it here. As much as I really don't like the HS, I also don't like paying ridiculous prices at the vet. Less than $200 for both of them. That is more like it. Next Wednesday is their date. Did you know there was a society to prevent cruelty to animals in this country before there was a society to prevent cruelty to children? Really.
My sarsaparilla root came in the mail. OH!!! It smelled so wonderful! Got my Make Your Own Soda Pop book out and figured out what I needed. Ordered some bottles and caps. Will try sarsaparilla and Ginger Ale. Yes, I do realize when one is totally overwhelmed with life, starting a new hobby is not a wise choice. What can I say? I gotta be me...
Another Strange Purchase
Pink Himalayan Salt. How could you pass on buying pink salt? That is COOL. And I got me some.
Great Frustration
We have lost about 15 chicks!!! This is terrible! And they are all the cool kinds. Some are larger than others and the bigger ones are picking on little ones. I am supposed to call McMurray with my 48 hour total loss tomorrow for replacement or refund. I am half way between mad and embarrassed. We have never lost chicks like this. Terrible. Dan checked them this morning and everything was working fine but Alec came in a bit ago and said the heat lamps were out! That is very very bad! The breaker dealie was off, so it was easy to fix (meaning I could fix it!), but we sure don't need any more chick issues.
We brought the live trap up on the porch last night and caught the fluffy cat that harassed my kittens and now is bothering mama. Don't ask about her fate.
Got my hair cut last night. You would not believe what a nice cut you can get if you spend a ton of money at an Aveda salon. I will post a picture later. It took me several attempts and literally several hours to get a picture up last time I tried. Maybe I should go to a wi-fi location and load up a bunch.
We brought the live trap up on the porch last night and caught the fluffy cat that harassed my kittens and now is bothering mama. Don't ask about her fate.
Got my hair cut last night. You would not believe what a nice cut you can get if you spend a ton of money at an Aveda salon. I will post a picture later. It took me several attempts and literally several hours to get a picture up last time I tried. Maybe I should go to a wi-fi location and load up a bunch.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Lenny, Revisted
This is so dang funny, I had to take the time to put it up here. Just got called back about Lenny. The woman who found him is the gal who found Brody and Beulah when they took off! How hee-lar-ee-ous is that? Thank goodness I dropped a gift card at her house after she found the other dogs--I am on her good side. She works for a vet and took him in and did vaccinations and heart worm testing and he is getting neutered next week. I asked what we would owe for all that to get him back and she said nothing! She said they just want him to have a good home. And she is under the strange impression we are some kind of responsible animal owner. They are keeping him until he gets neutered and then she said she'd call and we could get him. How funny is that?
Arrival of the Chickies
Got the call a bit after 7:00. We scarfed down some oatmeal and headed out to get them. Didn't even count them--at this point I trust McMurray Hatchery enough to not worry about it. We ordered 56. Three were dead on arrival and two more died within the first hours. They refund the cost of ones that don't make it. I think that extra day in shipping made a difference. I think we have only had one dead on arrival before.
Everyone is out in the coop with them. Ian and I ran to the chiropractor. Did I tell you we saw a sign down the road for a found basset hound? I really wasn't going to call but you know I can be such a weeny. I just left a message explaining what Lenny looked like and that we though he was a drop off and left my number.
We have bowling today and then I have to go to the other side of town to get a haircut. This is the busiest day I think I have had since we moved. Why does everything happen on the same day? That is poor planning.
If you read this Dan and I forgot to tell you, there is chicken and rice in the crockpot for dinner.
Everyone is out in the coop with them. Ian and I ran to the chiropractor. Did I tell you we saw a sign down the road for a found basset hound? I really wasn't going to call but you know I can be such a weeny. I just left a message explaining what Lenny looked like and that we though he was a drop off and left my number.
We have bowling today and then I have to go to the other side of town to get a haircut. This is the busiest day I think I have had since we moved. Why does everything happen on the same day? That is poor planning.
If you read this Dan and I forgot to tell you, there is chicken and rice in the crockpot for dinner.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Chickies??? Where Are You??
The chicks weren’t at the post office this morning. They said they might come later this morning. Otherwise it won’t be until tomorrow. They hatch out the chicks and ship them right away. Chicks don’t need to eat the first few days. I sure hope they don’t have to wait another day to get out of their box. You know, I am such a pessimist about the service we get in any situation down here. I did call McMurray to confirm they shipped.
The goat pen is complete, as is the chicken coop.
I finished transplanting seedlings this morning. Here is a list of what I have started:
Herbs: Echinacea, Rosemary, Marjoram, Ephedra, Valerian, Plantain, Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon Bee Balm, Verde Basil, Tarragon, Genovese Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Chamomile, Catnip, Stevia.
Fruit/Veggie/Berry: Papaya, Ground Cherry, Purple Kiwi, St. Valery Carrot, Little Finger Carrot, Atomic Red Carrot, Italian Pepperoncini Pepper, Red Marconi Pepper, Golden Cal Wonder Pepper, Purple Beauty Pepper, Beefsteak Tomato, Purple Russian Tomato, Riesentraube (grape) Tomato, Brandywine Tomato, Purple of Romagna Artichoke, Green Globe Artichoke, Red Creole Onion, Gold Princess Onion, Rhubarb, Cassabanana.
Flowers: Sophia Laurentia, Johnny-Jump-Up, Aster, Forget Me Not, Snapdragon, Scabiosa, Pink Princess Stock, Morning Glory, Balloon Flower, Oriental Poppy, Foxglove, Wave Petunia, Canterbury Bells, Delphinium, Nicotiana, Texas Bluebonnet, Columbine, Arnica, Lupine, Zinnia, Mealy-Cup Sage, South African Pearl Daisy, Verbena, Dotted Mint, Bergamot, Hollyhock, Shasta Daisy, Cosmos, Honest, Love-Lies-Bleeding, Calendula.
Maybe another day I will list what I am direct seeding outside.
The goat pen is complete, as is the chicken coop.
I finished transplanting seedlings this morning. Here is a list of what I have started:
Herbs: Echinacea, Rosemary, Marjoram, Ephedra, Valerian, Plantain, Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon Bee Balm, Verde Basil, Tarragon, Genovese Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Chamomile, Catnip, Stevia.
Fruit/Veggie/Berry: Papaya, Ground Cherry, Purple Kiwi, St. Valery Carrot, Little Finger Carrot, Atomic Red Carrot, Italian Pepperoncini Pepper, Red Marconi Pepper, Golden Cal Wonder Pepper, Purple Beauty Pepper, Beefsteak Tomato, Purple Russian Tomato, Riesentraube (grape) Tomato, Brandywine Tomato, Purple of Romagna Artichoke, Green Globe Artichoke, Red Creole Onion, Gold Princess Onion, Rhubarb, Cassabanana.
Flowers: Sophia Laurentia, Johnny-Jump-Up, Aster, Forget Me Not, Snapdragon, Scabiosa, Pink Princess Stock, Morning Glory, Balloon Flower, Oriental Poppy, Foxglove, Wave Petunia, Canterbury Bells, Delphinium, Nicotiana, Texas Bluebonnet, Columbine, Arnica, Lupine, Zinnia, Mealy-Cup Sage, South African Pearl Daisy, Verbena, Dotted Mint, Bergamot, Hollyhock, Shasta Daisy, Cosmos, Honest, Love-Lies-Bleeding, Calendula.
Maybe another day I will list what I am direct seeding outside.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Revolving Animal Door
Have you ever noticed how our animal count changes frequently? Yeah, I have noticed that.
Woke up yesterday to no Lenny. I guess it was time for him to move on. No one else seems concerned. I am a little bummed--I liked the dumb dog.
Alec and I hit the road early to go to an animal swap meet. It took us almost an hour to get there, only to find out they decided to stop having them. It was advertised in the goat newsletter I just found. Needless to say. I was annoyed.
One the way home, however, we found a store that was also advertised in the newsletter. It was a smaller version of Weaver's (for you Eau Clair-ites). What is the deal with the Mennonites and bulk foods?? Anyway, the neat thing is they sell raw milk! I think South Carolina and California are the only two states you can buy raw milk in a store. In California, though, I have heard it can cost $15 a gallon!! Here is was about a buck more than regular milk. So, the trip was not a total loss.
We got home and checked in on the other persons who live here. They were working on the finishing touches of the chicken coop. Then, Alec, Adam and I went almost an hour in the other direction to look at the $30 goat bucklings that were on craigslist. Bought two boar (those are the meat goats) and a white mutt one (ONLY because Adam really liked him and he was $30). Left the kids and "kids" in the van while I ran into Tractor Supply to buy collars and home we went.
Dan and I chose a place to put up a pen for them amongst the brush. Goats, in case you are interested, are browsers (as opposed to grazers like cows and sheep). Browsers like to eat stuff like brush with their heads up and grazers like to eat stuff like grass with their heads down.
They got posts in the ground and Alec and I bought fencing, but the sun didn't cooperate and we didn't quite get the pen done. We tethered the dogs to trees for the night and stuck the bucklings in the dog pen to keep them safe from predators. I think we might have Brody sleep in their pen at night and stick Beulah over buy the chickens at night.
I also planted my rhubarb and onion yesterday. I was so tired last night. And the healthiest thing I ate all day was chocolate covered almonds.
Woke up yesterday to no Lenny. I guess it was time for him to move on. No one else seems concerned. I am a little bummed--I liked the dumb dog.
Alec and I hit the road early to go to an animal swap meet. It took us almost an hour to get there, only to find out they decided to stop having them. It was advertised in the goat newsletter I just found. Needless to say. I was annoyed.
One the way home, however, we found a store that was also advertised in the newsletter. It was a smaller version of Weaver's (for you Eau Clair-ites). What is the deal with the Mennonites and bulk foods?? Anyway, the neat thing is they sell raw milk! I think South Carolina and California are the only two states you can buy raw milk in a store. In California, though, I have heard it can cost $15 a gallon!! Here is was about a buck more than regular milk. So, the trip was not a total loss.
We got home and checked in on the other persons who live here. They were working on the finishing touches of the chicken coop. Then, Alec, Adam and I went almost an hour in the other direction to look at the $30 goat bucklings that were on craigslist. Bought two boar (those are the meat goats) and a white mutt one (ONLY because Adam really liked him and he was $30). Left the kids and "kids" in the van while I ran into Tractor Supply to buy collars and home we went.
Dan and I chose a place to put up a pen for them amongst the brush. Goats, in case you are interested, are browsers (as opposed to grazers like cows and sheep). Browsers like to eat stuff like brush with their heads up and grazers like to eat stuff like grass with their heads down.
They got posts in the ground and Alec and I bought fencing, but the sun didn't cooperate and we didn't quite get the pen done. We tethered the dogs to trees for the night and stuck the bucklings in the dog pen to keep them safe from predators. I think we might have Brody sleep in their pen at night and stick Beulah over buy the chickens at night.
I also planted my rhubarb and onion yesterday. I was so tired last night. And the healthiest thing I ate all day was chocolate covered almonds.
Friday, February 6, 2009
A First
Oh my gosh, you guys--you will never believe what happened to me today. I ran into someone I knew!! That is the first time since we moved! We had just parked by the art museum and there was the gal from church with whom we went to the upstate museum a few weeks back. We went into the big Greenville library with her and she showed us around it. They have a huge rotating globe and, may I just say, my seven year old impressed her greatly by pointing out various islands and continents to her.
The Art Museum was free and worth every dime. Yuck. Ugly pictures. Many nudes. Really dark, depressing stuff. We hated it and left quickly.
We wandered down the main street of Downtown Greenville. Various sons of mine kept asking why we were just walking. They hate shopping and hate wandering. Good grief. Anyway, we stopped at Target and then went to a feed store right by us that I just discovered. I bought a bag of goat feed, just in case I have goats before too long. I noticed as the guy put the feed in my van the word SWINE was on the bag. It took a bit to convince him he had the wrong bag, but we came home with the appropriate feed.
At the feed store, I found a newsletter for a local goat group. Cool. Going to look into that.
High School people--remember Corena Jackson? She married Tim Dickman, which would make her Corena Dickman now. She sent me an email today, which was a nice surprise. We used to be in touch, but somehow fell out of touch some time back. I was glad to hear from her. She has two sons about the ages of my older two.
The Art Museum was free and worth every dime. Yuck. Ugly pictures. Many nudes. Really dark, depressing stuff. We hated it and left quickly.
We wandered down the main street of Downtown Greenville. Various sons of mine kept asking why we were just walking. They hate shopping and hate wandering. Good grief. Anyway, we stopped at Target and then went to a feed store right by us that I just discovered. I bought a bag of goat feed, just in case I have goats before too long. I noticed as the guy put the feed in my van the word SWINE was on the bag. It took a bit to convince him he had the wrong bag, but we came home with the appropriate feed.
At the feed store, I found a newsletter for a local goat group. Cool. Going to look into that.
High School people--remember Corena Jackson? She married Tim Dickman, which would make her Corena Dickman now. She sent me an email today, which was a nice surprise. We used to be in touch, but somehow fell out of touch some time back. I was glad to hear from her. She has two sons about the ages of my older two.
Down to the Wire
We really need to get this chicken coop ready! Dan got some heat bulbs for the lamps last night and is working on the temperature. In Wisconsin, sometimes the main sorting place over in Eau Claire would call us on the weekend when the chicks came in and we would go over and get them early, so I want to be ready in case that happens here. Of course, down here, who knows how this will pan out.
We still plan to look at these goat bucklings tomorrow. Who knows how many animals we will have by next week.
Went to a homeschool meeting last night. It was nice to meet some gals, but it reminded me of the problem with women's meetings. There are too many women who want to complain about their situation and not ever solve it. We were talking about organizing your school and your home. So many of the women wanted us to all agree you can't homeschool AND have a clean house. I might have agreed you can't homeschool, be really sick and tired AND have a clean house, but we should have been focusing on helping each other with strategies to accomplish the things we need to get done. Anyhoo...
Talked to the gal who gal us the kitten when we moved down. She said one of its siblings got sick, also, so we will blame that one for making our two ill.
I had really wanted the girl dogs to have a litter before I spayed them, but with FOUR dogs now and seeing how few people seem to spay down here, I think I just need to get them taken care of. We don't call that getting fixed in our home, because what we are really doing is breaking them.
Going to call about getting Ian in to the chiropractor today. Hitting the Art Museum in Greenville about 1:00. Field Trip Fridays has been one of my better ideas in a long time. Have been reminded several time we are out of paper towels. Guess we are stopping at Target. Oh, the fun we have.
We still plan to look at these goat bucklings tomorrow. Who knows how many animals we will have by next week.
Went to a homeschool meeting last night. It was nice to meet some gals, but it reminded me of the problem with women's meetings. There are too many women who want to complain about their situation and not ever solve it. We were talking about organizing your school and your home. So many of the women wanted us to all agree you can't homeschool AND have a clean house. I might have agreed you can't homeschool, be really sick and tired AND have a clean house, but we should have been focusing on helping each other with strategies to accomplish the things we need to get done. Anyhoo...
Talked to the gal who gal us the kitten when we moved down. She said one of its siblings got sick, also, so we will blame that one for making our two ill.
I had really wanted the girl dogs to have a litter before I spayed them, but with FOUR dogs now and seeing how few people seem to spay down here, I think I just need to get them taken care of. We don't call that getting fixed in our home, because what we are really doing is breaking them.
Going to call about getting Ian in to the chiropractor today. Hitting the Art Museum in Greenville about 1:00. Field Trip Fridays has been one of my better ideas in a long time. Have been reminded several time we are out of paper towels. Guess we are stopping at Target. Oh, the fun we have.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Remember That House We Used To Own?
That one up in Wisconsin? That never sold? Yeah, that one. Fabulous former neighbor just called to say a friend of hers just had an offer accepted on it. He was looking for an investment and some hunting land-he doesn't even need the house! Isn't that funny? It works out great for FFN, because these are just about her best friends, so I am sure she is relieved. It is nice for us, because we will always be able to go up and visit the place when we are in town. So, it is happy for everyone, except Dan's company, who lost a LOT of money on that deal.
Now a bummer! We got our first dinner invite from someone at church for this Friday. Turned it down because I had signed up to scrap at the new store I found. I hoped she would suggest another night, but she didn't. Just got the call that not enough people signed up to scrap so it got cancelled. Now, I don't get to scrapbook and don't get to go to dinner!
Now a bummer! We got our first dinner invite from someone at church for this Friday. Turned it down because I had signed up to scrap at the new store I found. I hoped she would suggest another night, but she didn't. Just got the call that not enough people signed up to scrap so it got cancelled. Now, I don't get to scrapbook and don't get to go to dinner!
Little Suzie Homemaker
Been active in the kitchen. Finally back in the habit of making bread most days. Adam has been bugging me to make some yogurt, so we have that going. I bought a little thing of yogurt at the store to use to start this batch. I gave him the leftover yogurt to eat this morning and he didn't want it. It was Stoneyfield Farm full-fat vanilla yogurt. If you don't like that stuff, you don't like yogurt. I asked him why I was making him yogurt if he didn't want to eat yogurt. Goof ball.
Have some stew simmering for dinner and made up two batches of cookies dough. I am going to a homeschool meeting tonight and bringing chocolate chip & macadamia nuts cookies. Mr. Braces can't eat nuts, though, so I made a normal batch also. For me, not having him eat nuts is the hardest part. Nuts are so good for you.
I am going to whip out another loaf of bread later. If you ever are making bread to go with beef, ground up some rosemary and toss it in--yumilicious.
Did I mention on craigslist there was a listing in lost and found about a dog exactly like Lenny (even said he had a collar but no tags) on the other side of town? That is really ironic.
Margie could not believe I could be mean to a dog as cute as Lenny. I told her if she was eating my cat food, I'd shoot her with a BB gun, too.
Weighed in today and still have not gained weight. This is very reassuring, considering everything on my front side is getting a lot bigger. Maybe that means the stuff on my back side is getting smaller. One can hope. The Ultrasound is two weeks from today.
Have some stew simmering for dinner and made up two batches of cookies dough. I am going to a homeschool meeting tonight and bringing chocolate chip & macadamia nuts cookies. Mr. Braces can't eat nuts, though, so I made a normal batch also. For me, not having him eat nuts is the hardest part. Nuts are so good for you.
I am going to whip out another loaf of bread later. If you ever are making bread to go with beef, ground up some rosemary and toss it in--yumilicious.
Did I mention on craigslist there was a listing in lost and found about a dog exactly like Lenny (even said he had a collar but no tags) on the other side of town? That is really ironic.
Margie could not believe I could be mean to a dog as cute as Lenny. I told her if she was eating my cat food, I'd shoot her with a BB gun, too.
Weighed in today and still have not gained weight. This is very reassuring, considering everything on my front side is getting a lot bigger. Maybe that means the stuff on my back side is getting smaller. One can hope. The Ultrasound is two weeks from today.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Miss Theresa Bona
Theresa, your mom tells me you read my blog. I sent you a package today. I know your birthday isn't for about six weeks, so we will call it a very early birthday present. The DVD is for your mom to watch. You will have to bug her to watch it and send it back to me.
Three Strange Things I Have Purchased Recently
#1--Plantain Seeds. Do you know what plantain is? You probably have it in your yard, unless you spray. It is an herb that draws impurities out of your skin. You use it for bug bites. I have NONE in my yard, so I had to buy seeds to start some. I am sure my neighbor with the perfect yard will love me.
#2--Raw Cacao Beans. We have seen shows about how cocoa is produced, but I saw some raw beans on a site from which I was ordering other weird things and I had to get some. It would be fun to see if we could make our own cocoa (chances are pretty slim).
#3--Dried Sarsaparilla Root. What is sarsaparilla anyway? I want to make our own soda, but I only find artificial mixes to add for the taste, so I decided to buy the dried root and see how that goes.
Talked to a guy today about some young male meat goats he has for sale, cheap. Bucks are a pain to have because they stink terribly, but it would be nice to have our own to breed to milk does. Maybe I can talk Dan into getting three and raise one to eat. Goat meat is gooooood.
#2--Raw Cacao Beans. We have seen shows about how cocoa is produced, but I saw some raw beans on a site from which I was ordering other weird things and I had to get some. It would be fun to see if we could make our own cocoa (chances are pretty slim).
#3--Dried Sarsaparilla Root. What is sarsaparilla anyway? I want to make our own soda, but I only find artificial mixes to add for the taste, so I decided to buy the dried root and see how that goes.
Talked to a guy today about some young male meat goats he has for sale, cheap. Bucks are a pain to have because they stink terribly, but it would be nice to have our own to breed to milk does. Maybe I can talk Dan into getting three and raise one to eat. Goat meat is gooooood.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
SO WHAT??
OK, SO WHAT a five year old beat me at chess last night! SO?? And so what if I was not trying to let him win. It happens to even the most mediocre of players, like myself. Anyhoo...
The bowling league went great--nice kids, nice mothers. The boys are telling me this morning that the symphony they was good--Dan took them. It was the Dublin Symphony and they played Russian composers.
Bought some essential oil to make soap. Bought a eucalyptus and lemon blend. Doesn't that sound bright and kicky? Like it would wake you up in the morning? Turns out, it smells like bug spray. Need to try that again. I am going to get some cocoa butter and put that oil in it to use for bug deterrent for the summer.
I saw the funniest stamp yesterday in a catalog. It said:
Adam and I put up our portraits yesterday. Was waiting until the rooms were completed to put them up, but was tired of looking at them in a box.
I'm starting to look for living room and bedroom furniture. I found a nice couch that would work in our bedroom at a consignment store yesterday. The price goes down on them every few weeks, so I will hold out to see how low I can go.
The bowling league went great--nice kids, nice mothers. The boys are telling me this morning that the symphony they was good--Dan took them. It was the Dublin Symphony and they played Russian composers.
Bought some essential oil to make soap. Bought a eucalyptus and lemon blend. Doesn't that sound bright and kicky? Like it would wake you up in the morning? Turns out, it smells like bug spray. Need to try that again. I am going to get some cocoa butter and put that oil in it to use for bug deterrent for the summer.
I saw the funniest stamp yesterday in a catalog. It said:
Friend. Good.
Frankenstein
OK, THAT is funny.
Haven't talked about the greenhouse because I just don't know what we are going to do with it.
Adam and I put up our portraits yesterday. Was waiting until the rooms were completed to put them up, but was tired of looking at them in a box.
I'm starting to look for living room and bedroom furniture. I found a nice couch that would work in our bedroom at a consignment store yesterday. The price goes down on them every few weeks, so I will hold out to see how low I can go.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Still Monday, Already
The Bob Jones store was great--I understand why so many people down here use their curriculum. There are very few HS stores and it is hard to choose stuff out of a catalog without seeing it first. I found some books for Alec. The restaurant supply store was really cool. I could have bought a bunch of interesting things, but controlled myself.
Picked up the tickets for tomorrow night. Still not sure who is going. I have five tickets, but it starts at 8:00 pm. If I can handle it at that hour, I might go, but Dan might have to do it. I don't think Evan will be able to handle it so long and so late.
Alec's machete came in the mail and we agreed on a price for whacking brush and vines down. I also am paying him to pour boiling water on fire ant hills.
I decided to join this HS bowling league. The gal in charge was very friendly. It is the next nine Tuesdays from 12:45 to 2:30. There is a homeschool meeting about home management Thursday night I am going to attend. I am getting out in the world. Feeling a little better about life.
Someone told us about an animal auction on Thursday nights. Maybe next week we will hit that.
Picked up the tickets for tomorrow night. Still not sure who is going. I have five tickets, but it starts at 8:00 pm. If I can handle it at that hour, I might go, but Dan might have to do it. I don't think Evan will be able to handle it so long and so late.
Alec's machete came in the mail and we agreed on a price for whacking brush and vines down. I also am paying him to pour boiling water on fire ant hills.
I decided to join this HS bowling league. The gal in charge was very friendly. It is the next nine Tuesdays from 12:45 to 2:30. There is a homeschool meeting about home management Thursday night I am going to attend. I am getting out in the world. Feeling a little better about life.
Someone told us about an animal auction on Thursday nights. Maybe next week we will hit that.
Monday, Already
We watched some of that football game yesterday. That was a good one.
We put the cat food up on the deck rail so Lenny wouldn't eat it. Now we have a bunch of Blue Jays indulging.
I heard from a home school group I had emailed months ago. There is still another one I never heard back from--love this southern hospitality! Anyway, they have a bowling league for kids on Tuesdays. I still haven't decided if I am up for it. I need to decide really soon because I need to cancel my dentist appointment for tomorrow if we join.
Someone was giving away free symphony tickets for tomorrow night--I just need to go to the other side of town today to pick them up. OK, that sort of helps me plan today. Need to go to chiro, want to stop at the Bob Jones book store and a restaurant supply store on the way and then to pick up the tickets. I have always wanted to go to a restaurant supply store, but have never seen one, until Friday.
We put the cat food up on the deck rail so Lenny wouldn't eat it. Now we have a bunch of Blue Jays indulging.
I heard from a home school group I had emailed months ago. There is still another one I never heard back from--love this southern hospitality! Anyway, they have a bowling league for kids on Tuesdays. I still haven't decided if I am up for it. I need to decide really soon because I need to cancel my dentist appointment for tomorrow if we join.
Someone was giving away free symphony tickets for tomorrow night--I just need to go to the other side of town today to pick them up. OK, that sort of helps me plan today. Need to go to chiro, want to stop at the Bob Jones book store and a restaurant supply store on the way and then to pick up the tickets. I have always wanted to go to a restaurant supply store, but have never seen one, until Friday.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Don't Tree Mama Kitty
First thing this morning, I looked out to see Mama Kitty up a tree and Lenny underneath her. That is not going to work. I can't imagine why she wouldn't claw him--maybe he is as dumb about that as he is the BB gun.
This one kid I have broke a record three coffee presses in the last month. Told him he is paying for this one. Let the first one slide. Let the second one slide. Third time is not a charm. I love coffee presses, but I got through them like they are disposable.
Alec put polyurethane on his bed this afternoon and I suppose they can put it all together tomorrow.
I told Dan I think after Alec's room is done we should get to some fencing. I need the dogs to be able to run and I need goats. We actually let Nellie run free this afternoon. She is aways on a leash, a tether or in the kennel. She just will not obey when we call, but we thought she might stick around with her new best friend Lenny. She did fine. But, still, we really need a fence.
That reminds me--remember I told you about the lap-dog packs around here? There are three dogs I see on my way to town. Two jack russel terriers and a basset hound. I hate those dogs--they jump right out in front of me when I drive past them. Anyway, this morning I had to run to the store before church and there was the basset hound dead on the side of the road.
I started my carrots inside today and will be able to put them out in a couple of weeks. I would rather start them inside and have a nice uniform row than the mess I make when I direct seed. Also started some medicinal herbs. I have the onions and artichokes spending their days outside now, so I have some more room.
I had Dan till spots for grapes, artichokes and asparagus. I also had him till a spot far away for a garden for a second type of corn. If you have more than one type of corn, you have to plant them far from each other or they cross pollinate.
The chickens come a week from tomorrow. We still have not cleaned up the coop, so that is obviously on the to-do list for this week.
This one kid I have broke a record three coffee presses in the last month. Told him he is paying for this one. Let the first one slide. Let the second one slide. Third time is not a charm. I love coffee presses, but I got through them like they are disposable.
Alec put polyurethane on his bed this afternoon and I suppose they can put it all together tomorrow.
I told Dan I think after Alec's room is done we should get to some fencing. I need the dogs to be able to run and I need goats. We actually let Nellie run free this afternoon. She is aways on a leash, a tether or in the kennel. She just will not obey when we call, but we thought she might stick around with her new best friend Lenny. She did fine. But, still, we really need a fence.
That reminds me--remember I told you about the lap-dog packs around here? There are three dogs I see on my way to town. Two jack russel terriers and a basset hound. I hate those dogs--they jump right out in front of me when I drive past them. Anyway, this morning I had to run to the store before church and there was the basset hound dead on the side of the road.
I started my carrots inside today and will be able to put them out in a couple of weeks. I would rather start them inside and have a nice uniform row than the mess I make when I direct seed. Also started some medicinal herbs. I have the onions and artichokes spending their days outside now, so I have some more room.
I had Dan till spots for grapes, artichokes and asparagus. I also had him till a spot far away for a garden for a second type of corn. If you have more than one type of corn, you have to plant them far from each other or they cross pollinate.
The chickens come a week from tomorrow. We still have not cleaned up the coop, so that is obviously on the to-do list for this week.
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