Sunday Scripture...

2 Timothy 1:7

Yippee!!...

Vía In Otter News

...And Just Like That...

Pie pumpkins become canned pumpkin purée! It didn't take too long to bake, and once they were soft (and I added a bit of spring water) I had beautiful purée. The blender handled the hard part just fine.

Once I filled my jars, they processed at fifteen pounds of pressure for seventy five minutes. Now I have five 1-1/2 pint jars of purée to turn into any number of tasty treats!

I got a call from my co-worker before 8 am this morning, and the gal who was supposed to work from 10-4 pm today "couldn't". So, I said I'd come in. That's why my post is tardy today. I was on a dead run to get showered, dressed, and to work in time for the start of the shift. Thankfully, I don't have to work my own 4-7 pm shift on top of that.

Big winds of change are blowing into the farmhouse tomorrow. Our otter buddy, Steve will visit with you for the day, but I'll make the big announcement on Monday. (I know. You're on the edge of your seat right now, aren't you?) 🤭

Happy Weekend, friends! GO BREWERS!! 💙💛

Canning Day...

I have these two beautiful pie pumpkins, purchased last time I was in Portage. I got them from my favorite farm stand.

Today, I'm going to halve, clean, roast, purée, and pressure can them to have for future pumpkin pies or other pumpkin treats. Yes. It's considered a "rebel method", but the Amish have done it (among others) for years, and it's safe, so I'm doing it.

Handsome is feeling a bit better, but I'm making him take it easy, so I'm going to figure out a nice treat for him for dinner while I'm at it. 

It's absolutely gorgeous outside, so I may decide to spend some time outdoors later, too. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Winds of Change...

It's been a little chaotic around the farmhouse lately. I'm sorry you've been caught up in it. Rest assured all will be revealed soon. (Don't worry. It's all good!)

I'm sorting fabric to send or donate, and I've been staging things to keep, too. I'm a bit more motivated right now, because I need the space upstairs.  

Multiple trips up and down stairs are sprinkled with breaks for tea, water, or Tylenol. Then, I realize I again forgot to share a post. I know there are a lot of bloggers who just quit or got lazy so they post sporadically. Trust that neither is the case here. I'll be back tomorrow. I promise. 

Everybody's Working For The Weekend...

The last time this happened, Handsome and I were just dating. When he still thought he would be going to Florida, he lamented that we'd miss being together to watch the Brewers play in the World Series like last time.

Now, the silver lining in his catching my cold is that he'll be home. Plus, it looks like they'll be playing the only other team we would have cheered for if the Brewers weren't in it. 

This is going to be fun! Now to get my guy healthy so we can really cheer on our team!

 

My Kind Of Weather...

I'll be at work early today and tomorrow, and then I'm off until Friday night. Last week was rough, but I've been pampered and well-rested thanks to Handsome.

Unfortunately, it appears he's now caught my bug, so I think his Florida trip will have to be canceled. There would be nothing worse than for him to think he's well enough to travel, only to end up really sick, not only 1500 miles away, but in someone else's home. I'm so disappointed for him and feel personally responsible.

I'm going to do my best to make it up to him this week, and this trip will only be delayed. While he'll miss our friend's celebration of life, he's already planning to take the trip after the first of the year, and he'll be able to stay longer because it won't interfere with any band rehearsals here. He'll be able to play while he's away without feeling guilty about missing rehearsals here.

The rest of my week will be busy, too. I have this month's artist trading cards to make. The prompt is "Forest" which should be fun.

I have a few projects that have been on the back burner that need my attention, too. A gift for an upcoming birthday; a belated get well gift; and an overdue comfort gift. That will be in the form of a prayer blanket for a loved one. I'll explain more about that when I begin the project.

So, I'll be making up for a week off, but I'll be careful to take it easy so I don't relapse  especially since I'll be returning the care Handsome gave me. 

I'm also going to enjoy this cooler weather. Autumn is my absolute favorite season, so I don't want to miss a single day of it. Follow along to see what's next.

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 4:8 

Even Small Things...

 

Ugh...

Doesn't this look good? I'm glad I canned our own chicken soup this year. We can add noodles if we want, or thicken it up for stew or pot pies.

Whatever we decide, I'm thinking it's just what this gal needs to get out from under whatever this junk is. About all I'm good for right now is sleeping or scrolling through my phone.

Handsome leaves for Florida next Friday  I have important things to do! Hanging around in sweats and feeling crummy is not what I want to be doing right now. I really hope this clears over the weekend. Get well wishes would surely be appreciated!

Under The Weather...

Last weekend must have been more excitement than I could handle. I worked my two early shifts on Monday and Tuesday, only to come home from work Tuesday tired and with a cough.

I crawled into bed when I got home, and never got up until some time Wednesday morning. I've got a doozy of a cold going.

Jan came down for a while Wednesday, but as soon as she left, I went back to bed. Handsome got some meds for me which are helping, but I'm mostly staying upstairs, away from polite society. I don't want him to get sick.

So unfortunately, I have nothing exciting or even mildly interesting to share today. I still feel like garbage. I haven't been sick in a long time, so I forgot how much I dislike it. Hoping tomorrow's better.

Good Things Coming...

Today, I'll just say our good news involves my little sister, Jan. We're working on a few things today, but there are some collaborations coming, too. More soon!

 

The Things We Do For Love...

Via AmyBaughman.com

The same goes for needlework, and even baking. When it's done for love, you see things with different (better) eyes...and with your heart. I love that.

Another early work day today. There are some changes on the wind here at the farmhouse...for the good. I'll share soon enough. For now, I'd better get ready for work so I'm not tardy.

Happy Tuesday, dears. I'll be back tomorrow.

It Was A Perfect Day For A Wedding...

We didn't take our cell phones into the church, so this is the only photo we have from the ceremony (so far). The photographer shot this one from the balcony. We're looking forward to seeing all the results. 

The reception was held in a wedding venue barn at a local county park. It was a beautiful setting, and you could feel the love. Family and friends gathered to celebrate two people who had been friends and dated since junior high school.

We had great seats for dinner. I could see these two as they shared private conversations through dinner. They're so sweet. Aaahhh. Young love. We sat with our elder son, his wife, and our grandson, so that was great, too.

Then, there's us. One of our son's friends took this picture. I think it will be part of this year's Christmas card. 

We had a wonderful time watching as our elder granddaughter promised her future to a young man who has already felt like family. 

Watching her parents and sister, as well as his parents and family, it's no wonder these two chose each other. We know they'll work hard to make their marriage last. It's who they are.

 

Sunday Scripture...

 

Time To Celebrate...

The rehearsal and dinner are tonight. Our granddaughter and her fiancé met in school years ago. They became friends first and have been together ever since. This weekend they seal the deal, promising their futures to each other.

They bought a house months ago, but each stayed living with their parents, choosing to wait until they're married to move in together. This weekend, their house will become their home.

They're going to honeymoon in the Caribbean before beginning this next stage of their lives, but this weekend is a new milestone for our family. These two beautiful souls are at the center of our celebration.

I'll share photos from tonight tomorrow, and next week you'll see photos of the newlyweds. We're so blessed! 

Wedding Attire Acquired...

This is the dress I chose for our granddaughter's wedding. I decided I'd rather wear tea length than more formal floor length.

I did order a floor length dress in navy blue, but wasn't happy with it once it arrived. Thankfully, I'd also ordered this one just in case. I'm really glad I did. I love the way it feels (a little stretchy and the lace is soft), and it fits and suits my body type.

It's supposed to be in the 80° range Saturday, but I have a beautiful shawl in earth tones I can wear, in the event it gets chilly in the evening.

If the kids aren't wearing cowboy boots under their formal attire, I'll be shocked. As for me, I didn't want to wear "granny flats", but needed something comfortable (and suitable). I found these. They fit like a glove, and feel like they were made just for me. Cushioned insoles, suede exterior, and not too tall a heel.

I've already worn them around the house, so I know they'll be great not only for the wedding and reception, but also for the rehearsal dinner the night before. Plus, I'll get lots of use out of them after this weekend.

I've chosen an ankle length, flowy skirt with a cowl neck top, these shoes, and a wide belt for the barbecue they're having after the rehearsal.

I'm sure I'll have photos to share of me wearing these new duds that I'll be able to post next week.

Oh, and in case you're interested, everything came from Amazon sellers. I was prepared to go to the bridal shops in the area if I had to, but I wasn't looking forward to what everything might cost. As it turns out, I got everything for what one dress might have cost in the store. I'm really happy not to have had to spend that much...even though our girl is worth it.

So, now I can relax the rest of today and tomorrow knowing I'm good to go for this celebration weekend. We're really looking forward to our family time. More pictures next week!

 

Getting Fancy...

Today I'll be making some serious decisions about what I'll be wearing on Friday and Saturday for our granddaughter's wedding. (I know. More "last minute" from Donna.) Our 100 year old maple is getting a head start.

She's already starting to turn the glorious orange-red we've come to look forward to every fall. I think it's early this year, but it's so beautiful I'll take it anyway.

This tree stands taller than our farmhouse, and every spring she houses squirrels with litters of babies. They play among her branches until they're old enough to venture out on their own, and some have already returned to collect and store nuts from the nearby hickory trees.

I've listened to owls hooting from her branches as I fall asleep at night, or blue jays scolding the dogs or cats when they're outside. She's home, or a resting spot for other bids, too. Hawks and even an eagle sat on a high branch looking in my bedroom window this summer!

She is the mother tree whose roots and canopy communicate with all the trees around her, and I speak to her every time I'm in our front yard. I have even shared a special experience with her - believe it or not.

Have you ever watched "Trees" starring Dame Judi Dench? It's a visual and audio accounting of how trees communicate with each other and their surroundings. Then I've watched a few other videos about the health and psychological benefits of being a "tree hugger". I found myself trying to duplicate those experiences with our maple.

I love being barefoot, inside and outdoors. I try grounding techniques when I'm in our yard - an intake of earth's healing energies. I do this year round, and it's not unusual to even see me barefoot in the snow when I take the labs outside.

On one particular day this past summer, when the breeze was nearly imperceptible, I decided to try my own experiment from a video I'd watched.

I went and stood about a foot from the lowest branch on the tree. (I admit I did move a slight few inches closer during the event.) By the time I was finished, I was in tears.

As I stood there facing our maple, I began speaking softly. I told the tree how important she is - to us, our yard, and everything around her. I told her how beautiful and special she is. And then, I began my experiment.

I told her it would be okay with me - no, I'd be honored - if she wanted to reach out and touch me. I know. This is the part where you're beginning to question following this Nature Girl's blog all this time.

I continued speaking in a soft voice, when I noticed a change. The branch began to slowly move. Not the way the wind moves it. It was deliberate, slow movement toward me. I stood as still as possible so I wouldn't taint my experiment.

I stood there for nearly five minutes, talking to our tree, until she eventually covered my face with her leaves. I swear to you this is true. I was literally in tears as this happened. (I even did this a second time so Handsome could be my witness!)

I stood there a bit longer, and then thanked Mother Maple. I moved forward to her trunk, wrapped my arms around her and thanked her as tears fell down my cheeks. Then, I thanked my Dad for teaching me to notice and love the outdoors with all my heart and soul.

I hope you don't mind me sharing this experience, for in doing so, I've exposed the very essence of who I am with you.

I'll be going outside soon to talk with Mother Maple again to tell her how much I love her autumn attire. I want to let her know before she releases all of her leaves and withdraws her lifeblood to her roots in preparation for another winter.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story today. Perhaps when you're in your quiet frame of mind, you'll seek out a tree on a windless day and try my experiment for yourself. If you do, please send me a message to tell me what happened between you and "your" tree. I'd love to hear about it. 

Handsome is having breakfast with a friend this morning. I worked from 6 am until 2 pm yesterday, so I'm recuperating today. I'm going to take care of the girls, and when Handsome gets back,  I'm going to try on the dresses I purchased as "possibles" for this weekend. I'll have him take pictures so you can see what I was (or wasn't) thinking.

I'll be back tomorrow. I'm off the rest of this week, so I can focus on our most important family event. Thanks again for being here today. Sending hugs to you all.

I Did This Again...

So, this is how we ended our Saturday. I processed apples Linda P from Portage had gifted me, while Handsome washed dishes and did cleanup. 

Handsome had cleaned, cut them up and put them in the Nesco to cook down while I baked. When we finished mowing, we ate dinner and watched the first of the playoff games for the Milwaukee Brewers. That game ended at 11 pm. Then, we canned applesauce. We turned out the lights and went to bed at 1:30 am.

I'd say we're nuts, but we do have more applesauce to show for our efforts.

Nah. We're nuts.

PS. Linda collects pig knick knacks and gifted this happy soul to me, by the way. I love it.

What I Gave Up...

I told you that Saturday would be a baking day. It was. It was also mowing day. That was perfectly timed, because even though there was no rain in the forecast, we did get rain showers late Saturday evening.

The bread was in the oven, and Handsome and I each rode our lawn tractors to get the mowing done in half the time it takes one of us alone. I had a timer in my pocket, so I'd know when to go in, take out the baked loaves, and rotate the other loaves into the oven.

As I rode around cutting "my" portion of the yard, I took photos of my late afternoon view. The sky was stunning, and I noticed the leaves are already beginning to turn. 

As I mowed around this old, now-falling-down fence, I found myself contemplating what it looked like when we bought this property.

This was part of the original fence and garden. There was a gorgeous, huge bleeding heart bush. There were irises and other flowers that blossomed spring through summer.

But, I'm no gardener, and although I tried keeping it cleaned up, once the stinging nettles (which give me a bad reaction) showed up, I threw in the towel. Andy came down and pulled the nettles once, but they quickly returned. So my fencerow went wild under my watchful, albeit neglectful eye.

I've observed the fencerow this summer. By letting it go, what happened is actually quite lovely. While there are still a few hardy daffodils and irises, the planted (civilized) flowers have otherwise disappeared.

What has replaced them are black raspberries planted by the birds that used to sit on the fencer. There are thick, wild vines that now obscure most of the old fence. There are sweet ox-eye daisies, Queen Anne's lace, chickory, creeping Charlie, and milkweed plants in their place. 

Where I rarely saw birds nesting, they are now sheltered by the riot of natural plants. They flutter from the bird feeders back to the fencerow, and sing to each other the whole time. When we get weather - be it rain or snow - I frequently see the little birds huddled under the branches for warmth or protection.

Mice, voles, ground squirrels, and other wee mammals share the space. I see them at my feeders, too  

Sunday morning I looked out to see a woodchuck dining on the birdseed I put out for the turkey. It's okay. All critters are welcome to visit, and while I invite them to linger, most aren't impressed with my co-hosts Bella, Carly, Claudette, and Crystal. (I purposely keep the cats indoors until nightfall to protect the birds and other small animals that are out during the days.) 

Have you noticed the change? We have here at the farmhouse.

So you see, I didn't really give up anything. Mother Nature is a much better gardener than I, and she's now provided beauty in another form for us, while also providing shelter and safety for other creatures. It turns out that, once again, nature knows best.

Sunday Scripture...

Galatians 6:9

Playing Around...

I got a phone call from my co-worker at 4 am yesterday. The cook didn't show up for his shift, so as we agreed on Thursday, if she needed me to cashier so she could cook, I was onboard.

I told her I'd hop in the shower and be there as soon as I could. I was at work by 5 am. The old war horse answered the bell. I worked until 11 am, then clocked out and came home.

One of my Facebook friends (nephew Dan's wife) had shared an AI image of herself, along with a challenge for others to do the same. One restriction was that you couldn't give ChatGPT any hints. Just share an image and see what was generated.

So, this was the image it created of me. A 1950s vibe. Meet the June Cleaver version of me.  First of all...that waist?! Alternatively, I'm thinking AI gave me a rather regal air. I mean, pearls and that green dress. The only thing missing might be a crown. I found it very amusing.

The image of me with Tag was after I gave it a few prompts. I asked for a background in the Northwoods and to add my corgi. I had to smile, seeing this one of me with my beautiful boy.

Lastly, I asked AI to remove Tag and put me with our Labrador girls. (Maybe the next one will include the little girls.) By the way, now I want my hair to look like this!

I'm still not a fan of AI. I have to learn more about it, so I'm going to proceed with caution. But I have to admit, this was fun.

Today is baking day, so I'm heading downstairs to start a double batch of bread, a batch of scones, and some sweet rolls. Having worked every day this week, I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend. See you later!

 

Wildlife Welcome Here...

This is how I feel when the deer, turkeys, raccoons, opossums, or other critters stop to visit. So blessed.

I may get another in-the-dark, early morning call to work today. Otherwise, I may just stay in bed a bit later than usual. I'll let you know how it worked out tomorrow.  

September Classmate Dinner...

Front row: Deb B., Dan and Deb N Back row: Cal, Donna, Brad, and Lisa

September's classmate dinner was yesterday afternoon. Our smaller group was perfect for conversation and fellowship. 

I worked an extra shift from 10 am until 2 pm, and it was a busy shift for me. The scheduled cook didn't show (or call in) so I was on my own. Not wanting to turn folks away for the lunch hour, I got busy.

Not only was I cashiering, but rather than turning away customers coming in for lunch, I told them our kitchen was closed except what could be cooked in our fryer. At one point, I had four occupied tables! I also kept our warmer stocked with "grab and go" food. Needless to say, my shift just flew by, and I was pleased that I could manage to salvage a lunch hour where our restaurant would have been otherwise closed.

The third shift cashier clocked in early, I balanced my till, changed out of my work clothes and drove to the restaurant for our dinner. Handsome stayed home this month, but I brought dinner for him home with me...including two pieces of "Fudgy Wudgy Chocolate Cake" (restaurant's name, not mine). All in all, I'd say it was a good day from start to finish. 

Today is (mostly) a home day. I have a mid-day hair appointment, but otherwise I'll be at the farmhouse. I'm looking forward to it!

Happy October!