Rick-Rack and Gingham

The Fairy Tale Is Over

2012-02-10T16:18:00.000-06:00

THE END

What a weird way to start off the conversation.

Do I say it is over...it's gone...???

This is how I am feeling.

So empty...yet I knew it was going to happen someday.

Let me back track ...that would help huh.

I was adopted in life.

I was raised by two really great parents...whom are still alive.

They wanted and loved me very much.

My mom was able to have two girls after they adopted me.

I have always been the oldest girl cousin and the oldest sister.

I have always known about being adopted...just no details until I was 18

and even then they were fuzzy details. I did find out that I had a 1/2 sister

who was 2 yrs older than me...and my birth mom had blond hair.

That is all I had until 4 years ago.

We found "Them"

I say We because my husband has sheltered

and protected me while he was doing the looking.

We talked briefly on the phone to my 1/2 sister.

She said so much made sense....she remembered whispering's

of the girl in Texas from her grandmother.

She called her brother and explained to him and then I called him.

Keith has been taking care of my birth mother for 5 years.

Long story short...I was accepted as a Sister

to Diane, Keith and Jeff

no 1/2's were ever mentioned ...just sis and sister.

I have made 2 trips out there in the beginning.

My Birth Mother...would not say if I was or was not hers.

She also has some mental problems due to a sickness

yet I knew she knew me. I saw the recognition of my looks to

whomever my Birth father was.She quit denying it...and that is all she would say.

Nothing....no names details....nothing.

When put on the phone...she would talk of the weather,

food she had eaten that day.Never anything personable.

But she is this way to everyone.She lived deep in the past

in a make believe world. So sad for her children to see her like this.

She doesn't even know how many grandchildren she has.

4 from Diane

2 from Jeff
and 5 from me.
Great grandchildren....8 from Diane and 11 from me.

As a child I was so different looking with my olive skin and dark hair.

I had made up in my little brain this other mother.

I knew I looked like her.Wrong we look nothing alike.

As a child I knew someday she would find me

and she would tell me why she gave me up.

Wrong again...She never even looked...I was the big secret in the family.

Her mom and sister new about me.

They are gone now....no info there.

And the gave me up part was because she was married

and I was not her husbands.

Now if you knew me ...you would know I am a detailed person.

I want to know all about you and what makes you tick.

This is how I have been about getting info on my past.

Yet I would never hurt any one's feelings...or dig so deep to ruin lives.

That is not who I am.So I have waited...and waited.

I was 50 when I found them.So many years gone.

I truly believe me finding her earlier would of prevented some of

her mental anguish thru the years. It just wasn't meant to be.

This past week she has been at death's door.

I have prayed and prayed and cried.

So sorry for her family there to be dealing with this.

Frustrated because...again...I am not able to be where I want to be.

They are in Portland Oregon area.

The over part...

well the Question book that has been in my head for all these years

it has closed.There will be no endearing words spoken from her to me.

No questions answered about her childhood...her relatives...her likes and dislikes

her dreams...her favorite books...her favorite music...

Did she love me when I was in her womb?

Did she think about me at all thru the years?

Did she regret giving me up?

Questions that will never be answered.

for you see

She passed away today.

The wall in my heart just crumbled to a million pieces

This woman whom I had thanked several times for giving me life

was now gone.
She shared I love you's with me over the phone
this past week...and I told her Jesus loved her.

The little girl in me cries.

The woman in me...understands

I have forgiven, I have accepted.

Yet it still hurts!

God will hold me again...and comfort me as He always does.

It was His timing that I found them...It was His hand who led us to them.

It was His graciousness that gave me life

and a family who raised me in a Christian home.

I love my family with all my heart!

And I praise God for being theirs.

But that little girl is still there also

she is hurting...and crying deep down

she knows when the fairy tale is over...

it says...

The End

I would appreciate prayers for her children

Diane, Keith, Jeff

And me her daughter

Cindy

The Neighborhood

2012-01-31T08:34:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Puddin-Tanes

(Yes I am surrounded by small children....lol)

Question....

When I drive around the old neighborhood

I am following you gals on Google Friend Connect.

March 1st Google will be closing that street so many of us use.

Which means...we won't be coming over to your house to visit.

What "street" will we all be using now?

I can't loose my girlfriends...due to closed streets!!!

Who is changing over to Goggle +?

This Neighborhood watch friend....really....really needs to know!!!

Really...Really warm here in Oklahoma...weird

Hugs to all..Cindy

Over The Fence Chats

2012-01-22T23:33:00.000-06:00

Over The Fence Chats

Brrrrr...it is chilly girls.

I am here in Oklahoma with Wendy and four of my grands.

No snow to speak of...but wowww the wind can blow...and blow cold!!
The musical talks about the wind howling down the plains...boy was is right!

I drove around Blogville the other night...couldn't

sleep soooo much on my mind.

Finally had some quite time to catch up what's been happening out in the Neighborhood.

I noticed there was a funeral wreath up at Tracy's house.

So sorry for your loss and prayers have been sent your way Tracy!

A few of you posted quarantine signs up.... sick with nasty colds and the flu.

Donna from Comin Home broke her wrist on vacation

in Washington State...(some Texans will go to any length to see snow..)

She knows I am kidding...it was serious enough for major surgery...ouch!
She is being well pampered!

I noticed on the message boards over at the game house...

prayers for lost jobs and others

asking for prayers for their homes to sale.

A New Gooseberry Patch book arrived at my home this past week...

Yep one of my recipes was accepted. Can't wait to get home

and rip it open....lol

There have been recipes being tested ....

and game time celebrations up North.

New Grand babies being born...and lot's of posted pictures

of some adorable toddlers and children in the neighborhood.

( I will post mine later this week)

Tiffany from Gingham and Ric-Rac will be headed

to China...yes you read right..China...to pick up their

third sweet child from there...Miss Willa Jane.

Cannot wait to meet this sweet little one!!

The Neighborhood gardens in the warmer areas

are really looking yummy....and the seed catalogues

were hanging out of mailboxes all over the neighborhood....lol

With Valentines around the corner...you girls sure have

been decorating your homes with love!!

Shirley from Zetta's Aprons had quite a collection.

From vintage Valentine's to heart swaps with Debby over

at Cozy Blanket.

I even saw some polka dots going on over

at Holly's Cutie Pie Cottage.

Renee has had some adorable vintage reading time

over My Vintage Mending...I believe it is on Friday's.

I see some of you have been driving thru the snow to go

antiquing and going re-sale shopping. I am hoping to

fit some of that into my schedule this week...I have that

well you know...craving for the Hunt of something old and needing some loving...lol

I notice that some in our Neighborhood have been looking to the Farmhouse side of the Neighborhood.

I Love the big porches and the darling picket fences...that

Becky from Sweet Cottage Dreams has been teasing us with.

Hey we girls can dream....lol

I know I haven't been tooling around in the Neighborhood much lately

A lot of stuff has been going on.....I have been thinking about you all tho.

Thank you for your sweet emails of encouragement.

Not being at home right now...swaps will have to wait

and time is .....well time is now being spent

being Miss Ashlyn's patient...she received a Dr's kit for her birthday.

Helping with Spelling words x 3 children everyday and math...ick!!

So be patient with this Nana...and friend....hopefully soon I will

shake off the covers on the Front Porch ( and my heart)

and we will be able to visit more often.

Hugs from Oklahoma

Cindy

PS.....Miss reading and visiting with Lisa and Elizabeth...I pray all is well.

Spoon Licking Good Recipes

2012-01-12T14:47:00.000-06:00

Spoon Licking Good Recipes

Cooked Greens

With all the greens we have been picking

we are eating tons of cooked greens.

I have been combining Kale

Turnips and Swiss Chard. Walker doesn't like it tho...

so back to the separated greens.

We pick it...wash it twice...and pull it off the stem.

The chickens love the leftovers.

Then in a large deep pot

I put ham or bacon and bacon grease in there...

Yes I do!!!

I don't always have bacon or ham...so I will use just the grease.

Then I chop up onions.

Lately I have been using my new onions from the garden.

And with cooking the turnips greens I also have been putting

in small chopped up turnips in.

(These have been washed and chopped up)

All gets thrown into the pot to saute with the bacon and grease.

Then the freshly washed greens that I have cut up

get thrown into the pot and I stir it up.

Now this is where it is a learning " thang"...lol

Greens shrink...oh yes they do!!!!

You will cram as many greens into the pot...and

think wow that is a lot of greens.

Then wham bam...the shrinking starts.

Lift the lid add about 1 cup of water...the greens are filled with natural water.

Replace lid...and cook on Med High for about 30 minutes.

I do check and stir mine...some don't...I just don't want mine to stick.

See famous shrinking greens...lol

You know they are done when they are really wilted and tender.

Kale doesn't have a twang like the turnips do.

These can be served as a side dish or a meal on their own.

I love cornbread with them!!

yummmmmm

It is not to late to plant any of these...Kale

which can stand really long hard freezes.

Turnips and Swiss Chard love cold weather

also. I will plant Summer Kale and Collards for my summer crop.

I grew up eating greens...and never had a cold...hmmmm

I wonder?

I hope you enjoy.

Hugs Cindy

Ponderosa 2012

2012-01-02T11:44:00.000-06:00

"Mornin"

Roosters are crowing

Girls are milling about

Phase 1 in the garden is giving us green yumminess.

Phase 2 has been planted for round two in late February.

Christmas has been stored away

I so miss the colors of the season!!

Christmas morning we had 8 of us for breakfast

in the House on Wheels

We ate off my mom's 1950 Snowflake plates

she saved up green stamps for them.

The fruit salad was served out of My Grandma's Potato Salad bowl

and the Glassware was my Mom's .

All these pretties were brought home from my mom's in November

The little white server cart was also brought home
it was used for me as a baby.

Pig in the Blanket, Sausauge Balls, Grits

All this made the day before in various
electric skillets, convection oven and reheated
that morning in microwave and electric Skillet

It was akward...and a cooks nightmare...but I did it!!!!

I know I have been missing in action.

This year was the hardest Christmas yet...and it was all my fault.

It is funny how your head thinks it should be...and how

frustrated you can get when things don't go to plan or to memory.

No I didn't have my kitchen of 25 years...

or my big family rooms and eating areas....or a live tree

and sooooo

I threw temper tantrums...and had a horrible attitude all week long.

Shame on me!!!!

Yes I was hurting....and I was sad....but come on

all my children were home...this is rare!

There were many sweet moments...and lots of pictures

Wendy is critiquing them now...I will post when they are finished.

I just hope and pray my grandchildren didn't pick up on my attitude.

Next year I have decided to chill....what gets fixed in the kitchen does....

what doesn't ...doesn't.

Who ever has the big get together....can have it all

I will keep my butisky attitude in check...I don't have to be in control

of everything....lol

(Someone please remind me of this next year!!!)

Thank you to those who sent emails wondering where this gal was.

The Christmas cards were a sweet welcome also.

Phone calls have not gone unnoticed either...I had

just shut down mentally...I was so tired...of balancing everything

and all the cooking...and me trying to make everything perfect.

Get this... I even tried to cram 15 of us for a lunch in the house on wheels.

" We are all going to get along...and have fun!!!!"

Wow what drug was I on....lol

Lesson learned!!

Thank you to all who have hung on to this friendship

through this past year. I will try to keep things

simple this year...and try to keep from controlling everything.

I will place God in front of the cart...to guide me.

Hugs and Happy New Year to each and everyone of you!

Ornament Swap Revealed

2011-12-05T20:43:00.000-06:00

Glitter...ribbons...little notes

reds...greens...Santa's galore

Little houses made of love...

Houses that tell stories of their creator's homes

in blog land.

A Christmas House Ornament Swap
Kissed in snowy glitter

has come to an end.

Or has it...?

To view them... to use them for decorations

to get them out year after year.

Nope never through with them!!

Unwrapped... each one has been hung on a little

neighborhood tree.

Along with last years ornament exchange from the neighborhood.
Sorry so dark..just click on the picture to view it.

There were 2 groups.

Group 1.

Janelle with her Bee Hive sporting a Christmas banner and of course a bee.

Jane with her House of Christmas all red and green

Paula with her little Vintage Camper decked out in a cute Christmas banner

Renee with her darling vintage character paper homes

Becky with her patched with love fabric cottages sporting a real bell

Debby with her "Word" homes so warm and cute..I chose Giggle...lol

The back sides

Group 2

Chris with her Cardboard homes filled with vintage sweetness

Lynn with her yummy Gingerbread homes

Shirley with her Putz homes decked out in Holiday cheer from top to bottom

Tamera with her tiny cottage surrounded by a iced kissed glittered wreath

Michele and Ashley with their Christmas fabric homes

Back sides

Elaine wanted to join in privately...so we swapped with each other.

Anytime she wants to join in girls...please encourage her.

What yumminess she sent.

I opened her up in Kelly's store.

My sweet friend Jane from Florida...we have been exchanging over

and over again since 2 years ago. She loves Mary E. like I do

She made me this adorable ME home. It can hang

up year round.

Jane also gave me this Green Gingham table decoration last year.

I had 5 new friends involved in this swap.

Three request too join were lost in spam at the beginning.

I am so glad I found them and invited them.

I received one from each of these ladies in the neighborhood.

I sent them my little home, made with love...and by hand..

No really... by hand...my sewing machine quit on me....lol

I had to sew each one by hand...I haven't sewed by hand since High School.

It was so quaint me sitting here watching TV with my hubby

and sewing by hand in our little home.

Gingham of course...with a Rick-Rack hanger
Picket Fence...for our chats
and a snowman for winter.

I put my blogname on a piece of material
that looks like chicken wire....for the girls.
vintage buttons adorn the snowflake.

I truly ended up enjoying making them...and now am headed

to make some more handmade ornaments for the family.

Thank you... each and everyone of you for joining in.

Hmmmm...what to do next year...lol

Hugs Cindy

PS...Lynn is having back surgery this week. Please let's lift her up in prayer.

House on the Ponderosa Ready for Santa

2011-12-02T10:01:00.000-06:00

Ho Ho Ho...Good Morning

It is NOW beginning to look like Christmas

here at the Ponderosa...inside and out.

This was a challenge...let me tell you.

From large rooms...to less than 160 sq feet

in the living area of the House on Wheels.

First I emptied the wall cabinets and put away all the Thanksgiving.

Dusted...then the journey into Santa Ville began.

With all the little ones coming in for Christmas...

All their favorites HAD to be put out.

They adore the Santa Village.

Sorry for the lighting...It is raining..(yeah)...and it gives a yellow look

to the room on the pictures.

And again for the record ...we are not traveling...we are land locked

here at our property...the Ponderosa.

This what I see coming into the den

Coffee area...using some of my newly aquired vintage pieces form my mom.

Trees...two of the three..can't get a good picture of #3...later

Santa Village and some of the Farm Village.

My Bookshelves

The top shelf host my mom's vintage sequin candles..from Sanger Harris and my vintage Frosty Book 1950

My vintage skirt I wore as a little girl and some of my Christmas Books

There is more...oh yes there is...outside also...but it will wait.

I hope you enjoyed. I sure am...Walker said I could leave it up

year round...I think he doesn't want to hear me complain about putting

it up.....or it could be he really likes all the color in here....lol

I wished my curtains were hung...maybe next week.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's homes.

Merry Christmas...Cindy

PS..just click on the pictures for closer looks

Over the Backyard Fence Chats

2011-11-29T09:39:00.000-06:00

Whoo-hoo...Christmas is around the corner!!

I treated myself with my first little Christmas Goodwill buy this year...

Aww..Nana and Papa Snow People

Today after mailing off the Christmas Ornaments for the Swap...

I have my helper...Walker...he will be helping with the lugging out of storage

my many Rubbermaid's of decorations.

Let the decorating begin.

I am going to try and post Thursday.

Won't you join me?!!
Debby and I have challenged each other...the race is on!!!

Natasha over at

Keeping The Christmas Spirit Alive 365

is hosting the 12 days of Christmas starting December the 1st.

Go check it out and link up...it will be fun.

I will be posting on the Christmas Ornament Swap

I hosted next.... Tuesday. I want it to be a surprise for the girls.

We have made a trip to Oklahoma and back home..

love all the Fall colors

and of course these little faces

We went to their school for a meal and for a play

A trip to chat with Santa
and lots of play time with us and of course decorating the house
for Christmas.We had a great time..even slept thru a few mild earthquakes..lol

Then

a trip to Canton to see my parents and do some work and sorting thru hutches

and cabinets. I have brought home some very precious finds. I will

post soon. Thanksgiving was spent at my sister Lisa's house. I haven't been up there for

a holiday for at least 5 years. Lisa always decorates beautifuly.

And the food was yummy!!

my plate

Walker's plate...lol

The garden is providing us Swiss Chard, Collards and some Turnip Greens.

How do you fix them..we fix them with onions and bacon...lol

We are also eating fresh lettuce, Kale and some Spinach.

The breakfast radishes are good..I had never eaten them before.

Onions are growing along with the Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts.

Are you growing anything?

It has gotten pretty cold here...it was 29 last night

3 quilt layer night...lol

It does get a little nippy in the House on Wheels.

But at least we have a roof...and we are very comfortable!!

Kelly's store is doing great. I will be helping her some the

next few weeks. I will take pictures of her store decorated it is so cute.

Kim has been sewing decorative shirts for her store.Wendy is looking at opening up her own

store in Oklahoma. And Lori has been busy with Miss Bailey and the 9 puppies she has been

selling for Christmas presents. Lance is working around the clock and on the road all the time.

Walker has had a few construction jobs..Praise God. Still waiting on one he applied for.

Me I have been creating and making ornaments for the family.I will be busy decorating this week.

I look forward to visiting your homes all decorated.

I will be hosting a cookie swap recipe...on line soon.

Hugs...Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...hmmmmm

Cindy

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T19:51:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my girlfriends in the neighborhood.

We are on the road. We will have no wi-fi where we are going. Sad!!

So I am going to send several messages here.

Jane all packages arrived...Thank you!!!!!!!Love it.

All Christmas ornaments arrived safe and sound. Still waiting on two of the packages to arrive. Will mail out all Monday.And post on Tuesday.

Shirley thank you for the award. I will catch up reading when I get home.

So much to be thankful for!!

Typing on my phone...getting car sick...lol

So gobble gobble friends. Enjoy and looking forward to visiting again next week.

Hugs and squeezes...Cindy

Life on the Ponderosa

2011-11-06T12:19:00.001-06:00

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Well this saying is for my Daughter Wendy

up in Meeker, Oklahoma.

Saturday Morning 2ish A.M

She was shook awake from an Earthquake!!

"Hello" she said " this Oklahoma not California."

It was a 4.6...she was just miles from the Epi Center.

Everything was fine in the house...just some wide awake

children and herself. There were some 3.0-3.5 tremors later on...not too bad.

Then last night at 11:00 she had a 5.6.

NOW that got every one's attention. It lasted over 50 seconds.

She has had many...many more tremors in the three-ish range.

She has not slept for 24 hrs...they say it is like child birth...lol

I documented these for her off of Weather Underground.

She has moved her tent, survival supplies and water to an outside vehicle

just in case.....

I would appreciate prayers for her and the kids...as Carl is overseas.

Kim felt the tremor last night all the way to Abilene Texas!

I was woke up by God to pray for Wendy...I said okay...but she didn't call me?

But He knew...she was trying to call me...it wouldn't go thru.

We connected thru Facebook....lol

Praise God her home is sitting on a bed of slab rock. Her friends just a few miles

away weren't so lucky...their sitting on great soil for planting...not so great

for an earthquake. Her friend lost a lot of vintage dishes in the cupboards.

Ashley told Wendy it was like watching Frisbees flying...as they hung out

in their doorways.

On our little piece of land the garden has survived

a very early hard frost!!

Everything has poked it's little heads out of the soil.
If you squint you can just see them peeking out...lol

Lettuces, Spinach and some Kale

Turnips that need to be thinned...to chickens love the new little plants.

We are all doing okay...Walker could be doing some work in Oklahoma

and now after this maybe even more!

I did some baking in my tabletop convection oven...it took a while when

you can only do 6 cookies at a time....but I did it...yeah!!!!!

I am so ready to get my Christmas out...I think visiting

everyone's blogs...and seeing what y'all are doing is sparking

this must get Christmas out now feeling.

Or it could be this little guy....

That is a candle under it...they are sold as a set.

Wallie World just put these out...first I drooled!

Then I walked off...then I came back to it.

I had a little extra money for a job I had

done so I treated myself to my once a year Christmas purchase.

Starting on my Christmas ornaments for the Swap this week.

Sadie is at Sandy's house...I hope!!???

I hope things calm down in Oklahoma.

Hugs to all...Cindy

Farm Life on the Ponderosa

2011-10-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

Fall mornings...

The sunrises are awesome..with touches of pink...cool weather coming

Hey........No I mean Hay...beautiful Hay.

This stuff is hard to come by.

One trailer.... Walker went to Louisiana to get

The other is from our field...sadly we only got 48 bales...not

our usual 300. But the farmers will love it.

These are of me driving the tractor at night for my cute

hay hauling man. That is my foot....lol

What's up Chickies......

They love to smile for the camera...

And he is crowing for you...can you hear him.....lol

1/2 our county can...he is soooooo loud!!

These are a few of the eggs from Friday.

The one on the left is from the store...I would

of love to have heard the cackling the hen made on the one on the right.

And this is from that large egg....a double yolk.

Made great French Toast....thank you girls!!

Newly planted Fall garden.

Walker helped me finish it Saturday...man I was sore!!

When watering it by hand...it gives me time to talk to God

about my worries...my kids and grandchildren

my family and friends

my friends in blogland

our servicemen and just life.

I do love to water by hand...you can't get in a hurry tho...those plants are

depending on you to give them drink. Just reminds me not to get in a hurry

in life either....just slow down and enjoy!!!!

I hope you are enjoying the changing colors around you...

the crispness in the air...the pink mornings

enjoy the holidays coming...start now...Happy Creating!

Heading out to Kelly's store.

Hugs Cindy

Neighborhood Ornament Swap

2011-10-23T18:25:00.000-05:00

Well girls the Swap is closed.

We have 13 friends swapping .

So there will be two groups.

Ladies look for your emails tomorrow.

Thank you for wanting to do this.

Hugs Cindy

Neighborhood Houses and Christmas Ornament Swap-Closed

2011-10-20T19:13:00.008-05:00

Okay....I know...No Fall Swap...sad

And Christmas is just around the corner.

Elizabeth from Creative Breathing has already hosted

her Annual Christmas Tag Swap. (It is already full !)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So it got me thinking...wondering...pondering...

well you know me...jump in with hands tied behind back....lol

Last year I hosted a Christmas Ornament Swap.

And the ornaments we all received are priceless!!

And I cherish them and can't wait to pull them out of my storage.

So here goes....

You know how I call you.... my friends... the "Neighborhood..."

Well how about we create ourselves some Neighborhood Christmas Ornaments!!

(This is where you are oooohhhing and awwwing...lol)

To be in this swap....your ornament needs to be a House or an RV

Decorated "Christmasy"...and it needs to remind each of us

of your BLOG...and have your Name and Blog Name on it.

Front and back need to be decorated!

It can range from 3-6 inches...remember it goes on a tree.

These houses need to made sturdy if out of paper...the sandwich method

paper/cardboard/paper is the best!!
The houses can also be made of
Fabric, felt, clay,wood ...or even crochet houses.
(NO Breakables ...please)

Make sure there is a hole or two for hanging....with ribbon or wire.

Ready to hang...ready to admire...

Ready to remind us to pray... to send us happy thoughts....
to send words of encouragement to our NEIGHBORS

here in blogland.

I adore each and everyone of you!!
I can't wait to see the polka dots...gingham...bluebirds...all the little things that
make your blog homes so unique!!

I love the idea of having a little tree set up for my girlfriends.

We will sign up.

Then I will give you the number to make.

And in the mail by Nov.15th.

You need to include mailing fees also.
I am saying 5.00 to mail back...I like to mail in boxes.
(All change will be mailed back.)

So here is the reminder list:

1. Closed and send me...Cindy an email with address.

2. Look for your e-mail to see how many to make.

3. Make it Christmasy...with your name and your blog name on it somewhere.

4.Remember to put holes and attach ribbons or wire.

5. Pack it up and remember the shipping money.

I can't wait to see who signs up from the neighborhood.

"It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas........."

Hugs to all

Cindy

Closed all spots filled

1. Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

2. Renee from My Vintage Mending
3. Debby from A Cozy Blanket
4. Jane from Aralia Jane and Aralia Lane
5. Paula from Paula's Palace of AltAred Art
6. Janelle from Sweet Bee Cottage

7. Shirley from Zetta's Aprons
8. Michelle/Ashley from The Tattered Quilt Cottage
9. Becky from Sweet Cottage Dreams
10. Tamera from the Stone Fence Cottage
11. Me Cindy Again....lol
12. Lynn from Life on the Weiner Ranch
13. Chris from Perfectly Printed

Life on the Ponderosa

2011-10-19T08:15:00.001-05:00

Good Mornin!

Wow we had a cold front move in yesterday

Nippy Skippy...it is chilly here in the House on Wheels.
Must check out the heating system on this old home.

I love this kinda of weather...You won't see a coat on this gal.!

We plowed up a fall garden and we even put a fence around it.

Between the family dog and the wild rabbits...trying

to plant is a joke .

So now the fence should keep all out....fingers crossed.

We are planting...Turnips,Mustard greens,Spinach,several types of Lettuce and Kale.

Broccoli,Cauliflower,Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts. Acorn,Butternut and Spaghetti squash.

Onions and garlic....wow I need to get busy planting.....lol

A few weeks ago we had a storm come thru...lot's of high wind

lightening..and beautiful rain..about 2 inches worth...great for a drought area.

We lost a large tree up in the front of the property.

It took out our electricity also.

We have lived here 25 years and we have never had anything like this happen before.

The tree landed were the RV had been sitting for two years.

The trailer would of been crushed. It is always interesting to see things looking back.

Praise God we had moved the House on Wheels and we weren't living in it there.

I have been letting the girls out for short times.

Look who made it up to my house.....lol

Two weekends ago our blogging camping friends Ron and Ali

brought their house on wheels to the Ponderosa.

We had a sweet relaxing visit...with much needed rain....

that hampered much outside sitting around time.

It was our County Fair that weekend.

Here we are in front of a billboard.

Ron and Ali came in Friday night with a trip to our Mexican Food restaurant.

Then Saturday morning we headed out into Seguin for a quick drive thru tour.

Have you really looked at your town with a visitor curiosity?

Saturday at lunch was spent at Rudy's BBQ in New Braunfels.

Then we did a quick car trip of New Braunfels.

Ron and Ali will be visiting this town in their future.

Then in the evening we hit the Fair. In between the rain storms.

Sunday was a day for sleeping in due to the rain storms.

Pizza for lunch and chatting till it was time pack up and leave.

Reservations for staying again in November...here at the Ponderosa.

Looking forward to that visit.

I have been decorating for Fall here in the Home on Wheels.

Wishing for some energy to have my annual Fall swap...but I think I will be passing

that torch to someone else this year. My mom's back is in trouble.And we are waiting

for the Dr's diagnosis. I could be Nurse Cindy again...and a swap would be to hard on me.

Grandchildren have been helping and playing around the Ponderosa.

Helping Papa on the tractor

He has also been helping me feed scraps to the chickens and just visiting me on

some afternoons after school. His baby sister is cutting in her first tooth.

Her favorite position with her mama!! I wish we had had these slings when mine were little.

Well not much is going on right now....babysitting for Kelly's crew this evening.

Waiting on info on Sadie Mae.

Happy Nippy Skippy!

Hugs to all...Cindy

Where is Cindy?

2011-10-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

Where Is Cindy?

Here I am!!! Hey over here...In the House on Wheels.

(I have got to come up with a name for this house...lol)

Any Ideas...???

I have been reading almost 2 weeks of back post on all my girlfriends.

Yikes y'all have been busy.

Creating Halloween stuff...decorating with Fall decorations

Baking with pumpkin.
Some have had birthdays. (Happy Belated Birthday to Janelle and Debby)
New Grandbabies have been born.
There have been deaths for some of your family members.
Some are taking care of their parents.
A few of you have taken trips.
And the farm gals...they have been so busy getting ready for winter.

Do you know what I see...I see real life on here.
You all each in your own way share what is going on in your lives.

I want to thank you for sharing...for documenting...for creating...
We women NEED each other...in a unique way.
Blogging is sometimes a burden...sometimes a brain blank...
But never a I can't do without....lol
We take breaks....we re-organize our thoughts...and walla we
WRITE.

I am so sorry for being absent from the neighborhood.
I have closed Mornin Glories...I will be re-vamping my RV blog soon
and here well......I will slowly jump back in.

I am waiting to hear about Sadie's travels.
She is with Connie in California.

Life is becoming a new routine here in the House on Wheels.
I will be posting pictures soon.
We had blogging camping friends in this past weekend.
It was fun to take them around Seguin...and to see things thru different eyes.

Looking forward to Fall...it has cooled down some here.
And Praise God there has been 2 inches of rain here...yeah...green again!!

Hugs to all and I will collect my thoughts and pictures and start visiting
the Neighborhood Friends at the Fence again soon.

Hugs Cindy

PS Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of my blogging friends Bruce and Margie's tragic death.
We have not forgotten you!!!

Sadie Mae and Companions

2011-09-27T15:15:00.000-05:00

Sadie is still in California.

Sadie is hanging out with some "Charming" friends....lol

That Becky is having sooooo much fun with the "Gang".

The weather has been awesome so

Becky has been out showcasing us the various

"Cute" stores in the area where she lives.

Toto and Rufus had to try on some

"Bling"

Becky has published three post on shopping

with Sadie Mae since I wrote last.

Stop by and catch up with the shopping

and the adventures.

Here is her shopping channel....lol

Story 2

Story 3

Story 4

Connie.... Becky will be sending Sadie to you next....

She just is having too much fun.....lol

Your travel agent...Cindy

Journey of Sadie Mae

2011-09-20T17:48:00.000-05:00

Sadie's Journey

Where has Sadie Mae been?

What all has she seen out in California?

Did Rufus and Toto behave?

Has she blessed anyone?

Let me back up a month.....

(Braking sound...car in reverse)

Elizabeth mailed Sadie to California to visit Janelle of

Sweet Bee Cottage

There she visited Janelle in her darling Kindergarten class.

Janelle has decorated her room for years with the Mary E. theme.

So you see Sadie blended into the woodwork great there.

Actually there were thoughts of kidnapping her....but the good Janelle

beat out the stinker Janelle.
You can read about her trip here.

Then the accident happened......poor Sadie Mae

she was wrapped up and ready to mail....and given to

Janelle's husband...who put her in the trunk of his car.

Where she was FORGOTTEN!!!! ARGH

Well she is just fine. She said Toto and Rufus really needed to find

a tree....but other than that they were happy to be on their way

to Terra's home. Terra can be found over at

Terra Garden.
Terra took her to see the Pacific Ocean.
She saw pelicans...my favorite sea bird.
And she saw sea otters playing.
You can read about her adventures here.

And now she is with Becky of Sweet Cottage Dreams.

Today she posted of the shenanigans of Rufus and Toto at

an Antique Log Cabin.....Oh My those two stinkers.

Becky is going to keep us in stitches all week and I do love

seeing the places that she is visiting.
You can follow Sadie here.

So drop by and visit all these sweet ladies!

More homes to visit then she makes it back to me.

I can't wait to put the package together for Sherry!!!!

Hugs your Travel Agent Cindy

Home Sweet Home

2011-09-19T20:42:00.000-05:00

Well gals...I have made the move. We have been living in the Home on Wheels for two weeks now....Not bad..not bad. There have been a few mishaps..I twisted my ankle the first of the week getting out of bed and stepping off the step right by the bed. It is fine now...just a little tender. Exhaustion doesn't even really describe my body. My home has been scrubbed from top to bottom....lots of memories as I scrubbed each room. Remembering children who were so tiny when we moved in 25 years ago. All the phases of remodeling thru the years. Sounds of laughter, talks,giggles,tears and the sound "Mom I'm home" and visions of Walker walking thru the doors. My heart was so heavy during this time!! Thank you for your prayers. I know it is rented to my daughter...but it is no longer mine. So I make the House on Wheels MINE!!!

I still have curtains to make...but most everything is in place. I promised you some pictures so here we go.

Here she is....Home on Wheels...all 40 ft. of her. Let me tell you it was a challenge to get her in this spot. Chain link fence had to be removed...limbs trimmed...and there was lots of prayer. Then Walker ran electrical line..plumbing was adjusted and sewer hooked up to septic system. And Wa-lla...now she is in my backyard...never pictured this happening in all the years we have lived here....lol

She is 40 foot long with 3 slides...that means there our three walls that slide out...2 in the den area and 1 in the bedroom. It makes it seem so much bigger!!!! Think of it as an effeciency appartment with wheels...lol and no neighbors next door to bang on the wall. There is a large awning for most of the front side and 3 small awnings around the trailer for other windows...this comes in handy with the sun around here. It measures with the slides open 14 feet wide in the den/dining area. And it is 7 1/2 feet tall so no head hitting the ceiling. I hope this helps with those of you who have never been in a 5th wheeler.

Here is my little kitchen...Pantry. I went from two walk in's in the house to this little one...so I made it a little cuter...to perk me up when I open it...and it works!!

Most of my can goods are still in the large house extra pantry...I can get them in here if I needed too....lol

Coffee/tea/snack table There is limited counter space...so I made an area for drinks and snacks.

Apron hanger and potato containers to the right of the picture. I am using as many of my vintage containers from old coffee jars to hold coffee to a vintage bakeware that I have had since our first year of marriage for the coffee filters.

I needed something for the coffee pot to set on...you know for those daily dribbles...I found a granite tray at Goodwill. And the green jar holder...well it is a plant holder...also found at Goodwill. Love that place.So much to show you next week...I know when stressed...shop the thrift stores!!!!!

The wicker basket underneath holds all my miscellanous kitchen gadgets.I took the wheels off my antique roll table to fit under the table.All the jars will hold goodies once I start baking and cooking again. I am an out in the open container type gal. I HATE opening cabinets to get something...this helps on not missing my big, big kitchen in the house.

Some little decorations from the house.

My 55th birthday was during the move...and my daughter Kim perked me up with these....aren't they awesome!!
They are from K-Mart. We don't have one here but she does in Abilene. Love them!!

She also made me a gatheing apron...pictures next week.

I will share more later. We have had fires in are area...one as close as a mile and a half. Praise God the wind shifted and it headed elsewhere. We are past dry...We Texans have never seen it this dry...grass is gone..and wind blows dirt constantly. Prayers are needed for rain. We did get our first inch of rain in 6 months the other day!!!! Praise God.

I am slowly getting my mojo back..Sadie Mae has been slightly stalled in Callifornia recently...more on her this week.

Hugs..Trailer Mama...Cindy

Prayers for the East Coast Neighborhood

2011-08-25T07:42:00.000-05:00

Morning All!

The weather news looks daunting today for the East side of the neighborhood.

65 million will need to evacuate.....

are you kidding me.

Where do they go? This has never happened before.

The weather men have never seen the plots come over New York.

If this is going to happen there will be massive flooding and severe wind damage.

Please don't wait to the last minute to leave.

We will be praying for you and your families.

Please check in and let us know how you are doing.

Hugs from Texas...Cindy

Home on Wheels Saga

2011-08-19T06:57:00.000-05:00

"Rolling, rolling, rolling...keep them doggies rolling...Rawhide"

This song is going thru my head. Do you remember the show Rawhide?

Everytime I want to sit down and quit...this song pops into my head....lol

And I push some more.

I am all packed up.

My Home on Wheels is 90 % ready to live in.

We will be moving her this weekend.

The cleaning has begun in empty closets and cabinets in the house.

How can dust get in these places...?

Life still is happening.....

attempting cooking...I am so wacky right now

I have burned several things...and broke a large

casserole coming out of the oven...Praise God no burns!

New garden is springing forth in this triple digit heat.

Outside dog loves to dig in the fresh wet dirt...thus killing small plants...argh!!

I have been keeping 3 of the local grandchildren on several days these past

few weeks. They don't seem to mind all the boxes and just play.

To be a child again.

Emotions are running HIGH...too many changes are happening.

And I have NO control over any of it.

I keep trying to focus on the simple things...and I keep saying just let it go

it doesn't matter...yet it really does....to me....but I still really have to let it go.

What an emotional roller coaster we put ourselves on.

I have a temper...that runs deep....and it has been coming out...yikes!!

I even have cussed...wow...it is horrible to know that

deep inside of you there is ugly!!!!!

I need prayer for this anger...I don't want it!!!

The new tenants will be my daughter who got married last year and

has recently had our youngest grandchild. Her husband will be taking on a new job in

San Antonio and they needed to rent...so walla here is a house for you.

This will be a great transition for me moving out of my home.

I still will have 2 pantry/closets inside and some utility storage and of course

the freezer is still inside.

I am so sorry I haven't been popping in...there is not enough of me to go

around right now. I am hanging close to survival right now.

I do miss each and everyone of you...and Sadie is still in California.

I will be reporting on her trip next week.

I am laughing...and trying to see the humor in all this...And as I look out

East this morning...I see the beautiful sunrise and I know GOD is in control

and HE has me in HIS hands!!!

May God Bless you all and I will back soon!

Work apron ...check

dust cloth...check

music....check

Cindy

Name That Suit

2011-08-12T06:40:00.000-05:00

Name that Suit.

This will be a fun game...

I am brain sluggish today...been sorting thru

past boxes and purging anything not needed.

The Dining Room our main room and walk way

is piled into piles...everywhere.I have a maze to walk thru there.

I should be able to move things into the Home on Wheels mid week

next week. We still have to move it and do some floor bling.

So between packing/sorting...babysitting...daily chores...and trying to do

this during this miserable heat...I need to giggle...laugh...and just be silly.

Sooooooo....

We are going to play a game....

I post a picture and you leave a comment on what you think....

Wanna Play?

This was used as a wasp suit...brave....lol

and no it is not me...I borrowed this.

My Quote....."Okay Momma is coming in to Clean your room."

Now what would you say...come on and laugh today we all need it.

I am going to watch the Smurf movie with 2 grandboys today...so I will be getting

some more laughs in!!!!!

Hugs Cindy

The House on Wheels

2011-08-08T22:55:00.000-05:00

New Chapter...Same Family

We have muddled with the decision of what to do with our home.

The market is horrible here.

This home is where we have raised our 5 children and now 11 grandchildren.

We could turn it into a business...maybe someday.

We could rent it out to strangers...and have to move and live in the House on Wheels

or......

We could let God handle it for us...and He has...

we are in the process of moving out totally in 2 weeks.

We will be living in the House on Wheels.
That I will now call " Home on Wheels."

What is the House on Wheels?

It is a 40ft 5th Wheel R.V.

(pictures soon I promise)

Where are we moving to???

Well our backyard of course....lol

You see we have decided to rent the house out.The renters will get the huge

front yard and side yard. We will get the backyard

barn/shop, garden and of course the pool.

We have an acre here.So there is plenty of room.

We could move to the hay field...but there were no utilities there.

Here we can still garden...raise the chickens and Walker can use his shop

for building furniture and crosses. And of course storage.

God knew what this gal needed

a little transition...not totally giving it up yet!

I will still get to go in my home occasionally.

I can keep my freezer in the utility!!

So with this being said...I will not be checking in except to talk about Sadie

for the next 2 weeks. Please if there are any emergencies or prayer

request please email me @ txmomnanasis@yahoo.com

Sadie is still traveling and I am so looking forward to those trips.

And in all this craziness....I have an idea for Fall...I know

don't I have enough to do..???

I will get back to you soon!!

Hugs and God Bless you all

and if you could pray for my sanity and strength I would appreciate it.

Cindy

Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag

2011-08-03T09:59:00.001-05:00

Sadie Mae and her traveling companions

made their name in Ohio this past week.

Sadie's last name is Tejas...Indian for friendship and Texas.

The friendship part came in when two blogging friends met to exchange her.

Debby met " Our" Elizabeth.

Now I would have loved to have been there too...Two of my favorite

neighborhood friends meeting. These two friends always have my back

with comments...prayer...surprises...and smiles.

I call myself lucky to call them my friends!!!

Elizabeth and Debby

Now for Sadie's fun with Debby.

Where do I start?

There was a monster woven basket store.
With some unususal potty breaks...lol.

Shopping, ice cream, little friends of Debby.

A hospital visit to a dear friend of Debby's

And so much more.

I beg you to go over and read about Sadie's visit with Debby.
Debby's name for her home is Cozy Blanket and
here is her address
Cozy Blanket

She will make you feel right at home.

Sadie has been visiting with Elizabeth from Creative Breathing.
I am looking forward to Sadie returning home and teaching me all
the creative techniques for crafting from Elizabeth.

Y'all keep cool and all Sadie's
visit are on my top sidebar.Stop by and have some tea with the ladies.

Travel Agent...Cindy

Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag

2011-07-29T05:02:00.000-05:00

Whoops!!!!

I believe I told you Sadie was going to the White House.

Well....she kinda did...just not the Big White House.

She went and visited Elaine

IN.... White House, Tennessee.
Gotcha!!!

And she did see a White House!!

Rufus and Toto seemed to have had themselves a blast.

Those two were loving the Tractor Pull they went to.

They sure met a lot of people on this trip!!!!

Elaine and her family sure showed Sadie and companions

some excellent Southern Entertainment!!!!
Please go over and read ALL the details of her trip.

You can go HERE to visit with Elaine

over at Honeysuckle Hollow.

She would love for you to stop by.

Sadie has already arrived at Debby's house in Ohio.

Debbie said she was exhausted...and the two little dogs were

visiting with Debbie's little dog.
Debbie will take great care of the three of them.

Debby is a Clown...NO.... really she is.
Sadie will have lots of laughs
with her.
Looking forward to her visit.

Well this travel agent is excited to say we are almost
half way home with Sadie!!!

Have a great weekend.
Travel Agent Cindy

Over the Fence Chats

2011-07-27T19:49:00.000-05:00

Thinking snow to cool us off...is it working?

Blizzard snow of 2011 Oklahoma

Whew -Whee

Last time we met we were having a sprinkler party.

Girls we have moved up big time...

The pool is open

and if you don't want to swim

The A/C is running full blast.

We will just wave at you in the house

those of us splish-splashing around!!

Some munchkins beat us to the pool...move over boys...lol

Now before we jump in the cold blue water...

What has been happening around your home?

Not many gardens are producing in this hot...hot weather.

So that means pantries aren't being stocked.....sad!!

It is time to plant for a fall harvest.Actually here in Texas

you can just replant tomatoes,okra, field peas and squashes.

And with that add the pumpkins and winter squashes.

We don't plant our winter stuff....like broccoli and greens and onions till late Sept.

If we get a rain off this gulf system this week, we will try to re-plant.

There has been no hay...we have had so many phone calls for hay and we had to say Sorry.

I do feel for the farmers...and for our nation.

On a positive note...grandchilden.

Has this been a summer for yours to visit?

What all have you been doing with them?

We have had them coming and going.

Ashlyn with her blankie..take a picture Nana!

What's for lunch Nana? This is Paisley.

There has been swimming..games...wrestling..long talks

lots of sweet hugs and smooches on the cheeks...and hand holding. I

do love their little hands in mine!! It reminds me of my Mema

holding my hand...even into adulthood..she would cradle my hand in hers.

I do miss that strength in her hand..and the love that flowed.

I hope my little ones remember me holding their hands.

The girls are all staying busy.

Kelly's new store is doing great...the grand opening is next week.

Kim has added onto her home for a sewing room.

She is busy sewing for her etsy and for Kelly's store.

Wendy is making lotions and chapstick and still doing her

photography business.

Lori has started back to work...and is dressing Miss Bailey

up in cute outfits she has sewn.

Lance is working around the clock for an Oil Field Supply company.

And Walker has had some pool remodels and some home remodels.We

are still praying for constant work...as many of you are too.

Now for some eye candy....

Have you ever been walking around in stores.....looking at ready made items

and thinking.....cute but not me....wishing for that item to

jump out and scream take me home.

I never find anything out there that grabs me and makes me smile big!!

And then.... I recieved some mail this week...

and lo and behold.....the smile spread big and wide!!

My insides did a little jiggle and I said.....Now this is me!!

Cindy from Retro Revival made this for me.

She seems to know me well....lol

Isn't it darling!!!

Renee from My Vintage Mending has been making some things

along this line this summer...and I have been drooling...but alas no money.

How Cindy knew....it had to be God!!!

Cindy Thank you ..Thank you... Thank you!!!

I will cherish this forever!!

Stop by and visit these two gals and admire...drool....and even shop.

Retro Revival

and

My Vintage Mending

Now if I could just go swimming with it on....I would

be one styling Nana....lol

Come on ....last one in the pool is IT...

Cindy

Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag

2011-07-21T06:42:00.000-05:00

Ye-haw

Howdy pardners

Round-em-up and Head-em out

These are words Sadie Mae is now using after

her visit with Michaele over at Sprout-n-Wings.

Michaele lives in Nebraska.

She arrived at a time when Michaele was headed to the Rodeo.

There was a Rodeo Queen who carried the flag.

I told Michaele I too once was our College Rodeo Queen and

carried the American Flag!

Sadie Mae loved them Cowboys!

Rufus and Toto wanted to play with

the cows and horses...lol

You will need to go visit Here for all the fun

times she had and the gift exchanges between Renee and Michaele.

Now for the exciting news...You ready....

Sadie Mae is going to the White House!!

Now isn't that awesome.Look for the details next week.

Elaine from Honeysuckle Hollow is

from Tennessee and she is getting Sadie next.

Looking forward to her next adventures.

Travel Agent Cindy

Ellianna

2011-07-15T09:46:00.001-05:00

Ellianna

Picture Taken July 3

This precious baby whom we have prayed

for these past 4 months.

Passed away last night.

She is now cradled in the arms of her creator Jesus.

She had been in a lot of pain the last couple of days.

Her parents who are so strong in the Lord

ask for the healing of their hearts

and for the empty arms they now will have.

Hannah and Mark were her parents.

I came to love this little one thru my friend

Linda on her blog.

We have all prayed..smiled with healing...

giddy with successful surgeries...

and now so sad for her pain

and yet at peace ourselves...knowing where

she is and whom she will spend eternity with!

I hope and pray each of you in your lives have

this knowledge of everlasting peace

with Jesus Christ.

Hugs Cindy

Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag

2011-07-12T11:56:00.000-05:00

Here at the Summer offices

Sadie Mae's Traveling Friendship Bag

her Travel Agent Cindy

will give you a weekly update

on her current travels.

First she visited two homes and two sweeties

in Florida.

There she was written about and squeezed a lot by Kelly.

Then she was off to visit Cindy...who jeopardized her life

with an alligator....well not really but I am sure

she was sweating bullets on that day..But she
made it up to her with lots of neat sightseeing..lol

Then she flew to Michigan

to be a nurse in training with Monica.She thought she
was going to be a chicken carrier
but she was thrilled with the eggs.

Sadie,Sadie Sweet Lady

Renee's picture for her!

Now she has been visiting Renee.

She was on the Sloooowww side of getting

there...but I think she planned it...after the heat wave hit Renee's area.

This would keep her from being out in the heat for that special

Boy Scout Trip...smart purse...lol

Instead she got to visit Renee and go to the pool.

Smart Purse....yes indeed.

And feeling sorry for Rufus...Renee made him a friend

named Toto.They will now have to share the pockets of the purse

and can chat back and forth with each other..on what all they see and smell.

Hmmmm.They might write their own story....lol

Stop by and visit Renee over at My Vintage Mending

to see what all she recieved from Monica and what she is sending

to Michaele in Nebraska at Sprout 'n' Wings .

Oh to be that purse....I am so enjoying the visits

she is on..and the sweet friends that are taking

such great care with her!!

All stories can be found at the top of my sidebar...
just click and read!

Have a great week.

Travel Agent Cindy

Sweet Finds and a Prayer Request

2011-07-08T07:29:00.000-05:00

Some Little Vintage Kitchen Bling

First in getting my occasional junk fix in Goodwill

I saw this...Red and it's a bowl....with a lid

I scrambled around the corner and went to grab it.

Wow it was heavy...my eyes caught the 4.99 on it...it had at least 7 stickers on it.

Then I picked it up and what did I find?

ALL OF THESE OTHER BOWLS IN IT!!!!

They had no prices on them...so this was ALLLL just 4.99.

I about ran to the counter..and I waited with baited breath

yep she entered 4.99 for alll.

I was one happy shopper.They have rubber gripper bottoms

and most had lids.

Not vintage tho......that is okay!

A couple of days later I found 2 rooster weathervane bowls.

They were soooo dirty..I soaked them with oxi-clean

and walla Red cabbage bowls with rooster weather vanes..

1938 era

The two jelly glasses are from the 60's with the logos still on them.

I am rooting sweet potatoe slips in them.

The yellow glass bowls are Fire King bowls

and the little rooster....well he needed a home.

So for a whopping $7.00
and a couple of fun days of dropping into my favorite places
I bought 6 colorful bowls and lids, 1 little rooster,
2 Fire King Cereal size bowls
and 2 Red Cabbage Leaf with rooster weathervane bowls

Well I have more to show you ....all aluminumn
I will save for another day.

Prayers for my Blogging friend Ali.
She was with us on our Christmas Ornament Swap.

She is having surgery Monday on her eye.

Her and her husband are living in their RV
and working in Tx right now..and away from

her family and her doctors back in Washington State.

She would appreciate your prayers.

And look what little surprise I had yesterday...

My first little egg. She is in my feed can.

I haven't broke her open yet.

Hugs and have a great weekend...Cindy

Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag

2011-07-06T08:39:00.000-05:00

Traveling Friendship Bag

Sadie Mae

has been staying for a short time

with Monica at her blogging farm called

The Chicken Wrangler

To get Sadie Mae off to the next gal who needed her

by a certain date.Monica wasn't able to do a lot with her.

Or so she thought.....

I love she used her to take Eggs to a sick friend.

that she was used for a mercy mission.

Please stop by HERE to read her story.

Monica has sent her off to go visit Renee
from My Vintage Mending

I believe Boy Scouts are involved there...lol

Thank you for following Sadie Mae.

Whether she is sightseeing...carrying items..or being used in stories

She is visiting my friends in Blogville

and having adventures..and that's makes me happy.

Travel Agent Cindy

After the Weekend

2011-07-06T07:41:00.000-05:00

"Mornin"

I am soooo trying to pull myself together

after a long, long week and even

longer and harder weekend.

We had company in for the entire weekend.

Last minute...air not functioning the way it should.

Plans changing on a dime...

(this makes me crazy!!)

Cleaning, Moving boxes,and fixing tons of food.

Washing all by hand..dishwasher broke.

Whew...we did have a great time!!!

And the grandchildren were precious.

There was lots of swimming

and lots of towel washing..lol

Over all..I can say I survived...but

here it is 2 days after it is over..and I am

still in jammies..sleeping and just hanging out

in the recliner..with feet propped up.

I feel like I have been thru a whirlwind...lol

I don't like getting old...I don't like my health...

and surely don't like my attitude most of the time.

I hope my family forgives me..and can remember some of my smiles.

I pray you all had a great time this weekend!

I am just now reading on your blogs.

I will apologize for not being on top of some of your birthdays

and prayer request.

My emotions are just there..under the wire..just hanging.

It can take me weeks to re-coop from this...and I don't have weeks.

I need to pull myself together now!So I am asking for just some prayers for me to

bounce back and be here for my family...and not be so exhausted.

Hugs to you all.

Cindy

Friendship Bag in Florida

2011-06-29T05:45:00.000-05:00

Summer of the Traveling Friendship Bag

Sadie Mae has been having a great time

in Florida.

First she was visiting Author and dear

friend Kelly Howard of Chick n Charge.

You can read her stories HERE

That is Rufus peeking out.

Then she was visiting Cindy Molitor of Retro Revival.

Now Cindy took her on a little sight seeing tour.

Here is one of the pictures she took....

Poor Sadie Mae..she has never seen an alligator!

Cindy says she was not harmed...lol

Sadie Mae saw some Presidents
a shark..and well I am just saying she had some fun!!

Don't you love Cindy is always so pretty in her retro dresses!!

Jump over HERE and see where all she went.

Sadie Mae the Travelling Friendship Bag

is now headed to
Monica over at the Chicken Wrangler
in Michigan.

My goodness I can't wait to see what
adventures she will be having....lol

this gal has fun on her farm all the time.

Stay tuned for all her adventures in the weeks

and months to come.

Travel Agent Cindy

Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag

2011-06-22T03:08:00.000-05:00

First Stop

Sadie Mae and Rufus

Arrived in Pensacola, Florida.

Their adventure was with Kelly of

Chick n Charge

Kelly has always had a way with words and

she chose to write 2 fictional

stories about the bag.

Titled

The Baffling Bag of Blessings

There are two post.

You can go Here and Here to

read the darling stories!

She then sent Sadie Mae off to visit

Cindy over at Retro Revival

She also lives in Florida on a farm.

Cindy is one apron sewing mama!!!

For those of you left out there...remember

what you do is all up to you.

If you are a writer...write

a shopper..shop with her

a movie watcher..plop her on the couch with you

outdoorsy person..bring her along.

It is all about friendship and seeing the nation!

Looking forward to seeing each and everyone of your adventures!!

Hugs from ever so hot Texas....Cindy

Over the Backyard Fence Chat

2011-06-20T08:45:00.000-05:00

Okay..grab your swimsuit..and your ice cold drink..I have plenty of chairs..we are going to sit in the shade
and let the misters hit us as we gab today. Girls it is so hot here!! How hot did you say? 103 for about 3 days now and over 100 for the last 10 days.It has never been this hot this early in the year.Make sure you wear flip flops...this dry grass crackles when you walk on it and it hurts your tootsies.

It has been an interesting week here. I have been somewhat business sitting and house sitting for my daughter who was out of town.I will be keeping her two boys later this week as she goes to Market for her upcoming new store.

I did hit a few little thrift stores while I was up town. I found these 2 girls...yes I know they have a broken piece on both of them.But for 50 cents each...and my idea of how to cover the broken area up...well I was just giddy over them.I mean gingham..red and blue..pigtails..oh my! Do you likey?

These will be transformed into kitchen recipe book holders...lol oh yes they will! My brain gets going and look out...lol

Yesterday was our 35th wedding anniversary. We started celebrating Friday night with a trip to Wallie World. I thought we were going in for misc. stuff..and we headed for the AT &T new store.Guess what I got? Well it was time to renew my old flip phone...and with the AT&T grand opening..and the grand opening of the finished remodeling of our Wal-Mart...they were running a special on IPhone 4's...Really more like a huge blue light special.So I am now a modern Nana..with all the bells and whistles...whoo..hoo~!! And I actually figured out how to do most of it myself.......wow I 'm not old!!!

For you new friends out there...you can go back to last year..Here..and read our life together.Not much has changed this last year..We still love each other..lol I am still taking care of my family and my children on occasion.Walker has some work...we are still living in our home of 25 years...and I have packed up now 85% of the house...to either sale or rent this house. We now have 11 grandchildren.

We went out to eat at Johnny Carino's.This is always a good thing!!We waddled out of there miserable...but would do it again in a heartbeat...lol

Chicken Milano...chicken, ham, cheese.noodles and alfredo sauce

Jalepeno Spinach Tilapia over Angel hair noodles
it was hot..hot ..hot..not my normal but hey I was up for an
adventure. It was good!

The water well went out this evening due to fire ants.Life on a farm...lovely....Hopefully he can get it fixed tomorrow when Tractor Supply opens up.Thank goodness my farm guy can fix just about anything!!I have water in jugs for rare emergencies....so we are okay tonight...the dishes will still be there tomorrow...yuck!

The Garden is gone bye bye...sad!! We will try again..if and when we get rain and it cools down some.How are ya'lls gardens doing? Anyone canning this year?

I heard from the first Traveling Friendship Bag Friend

I will be posting that on Wednesday.

I know it is getting rather warm here...anyone for playing in the sprinkler?

Hey you are never to old to play in a sprinkler!!!

Hugs and stay cool....Cindy

Home..Is where ?

2011-06-12T20:05:00.000-05:00

HOME

You see this large Oak tree?

There are at least 14 trees around this house..Pecans,Oaks,Ash.

You would think if you were a bird...looking for a nesting area

Well...that you would choose one of those gorgeous trees.

I know I would....who wouldn't want to live in the best...with all

the perks...shade...height...breeze....friends flittering around...plenty of bugs to eat.

Nobody would choose an old bucket with trash and tools in it for a house.

An old bucket right in a heavy traffic area...

an old bucket that gets no breeze.

No pretty view....no bugs to eat...

HOME

Well they did...they chose the bucket over the trees.

Why....who knows...except for me to enjoy them better.

But did they know that? No, but God did.

He knew...I didn't want to leave my "Big Tree Home"

that I don't want to live in a "Bucket".

Yet He shows me...the Home is what we make it.

The little Wrens have cushioned the nest with all kinds of string...leaves and paper.

They have made it their own...so far 4 little eggs are in there.

I will fix up "My Bucket" the House on Wheels

We will locate it...where we see beauty..no matter how small.

We will park it where we will get the breeze off the fields.

We will make it Home.

When it is time to move...

We will park the House on Wheels and call it Home.

Just sharing...keeping it real...hugs Cindy

Friendship Bag Journey Begins

2011-06-09T06:07:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!

What a fine day to be put into a box

and mailed off for the first leg of an all Summer trip.

Not me silly..... the

Mary Engelbreit Traveling Friendship Bag.

She is off to start the trip with my long time friend Kelly
her blog is Chick -n- Charge.

I have tucked inside her all the info everyone needs.

I have also decided to give her a name.

So I will be referring to her in all future post as

"Sallie Mae Tejas"
Sallie Mae for the Southern Gal in her.

Now the original name for Texans

given to us by the Caddo Indians

was Tejas...which means friendly or friendship.
(Pronounced TAY-HOSS)

How appropriate she starts her journey

from Texas and she represents friendship!

Oh and she has a little friend going with her.

"Rufus"

Now Rufus was my real black and tan coon dog

that was stolen years ago.

He would travel everywhere with us.

So Sallie Mae needed a little friend also.

A girl has to take her dog with her...lol

He will be in pictures also.

Here is where Sallie and Rufus are headed too.

Kelly-Pensacola, Florida
Cindy-Astatula, Florida
Monica-Cedar Springs, Michigan
Renee-Overland Park, Kansas
Michaele-Norfolk, Nebraska
Elaine-White House, Tennessee
Debby-Granville, Ohio
Elizabeth- Delaware, Ohio
Janelle-Selma, California
Terra-Santa Cruz, California
Becky-Modesto, California
Connie-Castle Rock, Washington
Sandy-Mesa Arizona
Amber- Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ali- Hondo, Texas
Cindy- Seguin, Texas

There are 16 total including me.
I have been to 5 of the cities mentioned
and 8 of the states. I am so excited to see where all
Sadie and Rufus go and what all they do.

Each gal will have her for 3-5 days
we are pushing getting her back before mid September...
that's okay she really is ready for this long trip!!

At any time someone else wants to join in on the trip just let me know.

Well it is time to head to the post office.

I will keep you informed along the way of the escapades of

Sallie Mae Tejas and Rufus.

The

Rick-Rack and Gingham Travel Agency
Head Agent Cindy

Over the Backyard Fence Chats

2011-06-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

Can we say HOT!

These temps have all but killed the gardens.

Nothing grows in 100 plus temps and severe drought conditions.

So much for putting up survival foods...lol

How in the world did our forefathers do it?

I think the Indians had the right idea...

move around during the different seasons...lol

I'm game..let's see where would I go this time of the year

and still get some veggies...hmmmmm

How about you...is your garden providing for your family?

We were able to put some up in the freezer...I guess

the fall garden will have to make for us...lol

A friend of mine Linda over at Prairie Flower Farm

is hosting a giveaway for you creative souls.

It is a Create and Decorate Party

you can go HERE for details.

She is also starting a brand new topic for us join in on.

Building Our Homes Together Wednesdays

This is for those of us who are wanting

to put Christ in the Center of our homes...

attitudes..and of course our hearts.

Linda has such a sweet sharing nature.

I know you will enjoy her life on her prairie farm

and her darling animals and her love for Christ.

Now if you signed up for the traveling bag you are in the trip!

And if you haven't sent me

you name and address...well go check your emails...lol

I need them Now...!!

She is headed to the post office tomorrow.

This past weekend we spent in Canton,Texas

my only nephew graduated.

This is Lisa my baby sister and her son Preston

He is headed off to SMU.

Me and my Mama

Cousins Emma 13 months...and Paisley...9 months

Huck 3...Christopher 8..Owen almost 6
Remember Pallets as a kid...we use them all the time!

Not much else has been happening..grandchildren have been stopping over

with their parents for some Summer relaxation.
Carl and John are back in the states enjoying their families.
Lots of VBS and swimming..and just staying cool planned for the summer.

We had three boys last night...me..no sleep..they are all sleepwalkers...lol

They are watching Toy Story 3 right now while I am typing.

I had better go fix some pancakes.

Ya'll stop by and visit Linda.

I will post the itinerary for the bag tomorrow

and of course mail her.

Hugs Cindy

Friendship Bag Countdown

2011-06-05T14:18:00.000-05:00

GENTLE REMINDER

2 days left to sign up for the

"Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag "

Here is the
story of her beginnings

There are 11 signed up so far to take

this Mary Englebreit

Friendship Bag

into their lives for a short time.

She is even going to a Boy Scout Camp..lol

And someone I know who's name I won't mention

has teased about using her for some farm chores...lol

As long as she is loved..and enjoyed and of

course documented with pictures and stories

I don't care what ya'll do!

As long as she makes it home...to me!

Now I need anyone new to sign up.

Make sure when you sign up that you email me

at txmomnanasis@yahoo.com

with your mailing address and of course your name!

I will be putting the list together ..and getting her ready for the trip.

I will send out an email to all involved with instructions

and there will be instructions in a folder inside her.

What to expect....

You will open the box up

and receive the bag....instructions...address to the next gal....

an envelope to put your mementos of the trip in.

And a gift from the previous gal.
Keep her a couple of days or a week.

What to do....

use her however you want...

shopping..diaper carrier..trip to the beach...ect....

Take pictures...and write about her on your blog.

Put her in the box

send her....with the envelope with yours and the previous girl's mementos

and a gift for the next gal.

Mementos need to be a postcard from your state or where you visited with her.

You can also share a recipe or a scripture verse.

Get to know your friend you are mailing her too.

Her gift can be food from your area...

sea shells...something handmade...just something from one friend to another.

I will be praying for her trip to visit each of you! I would love for it to be me...

but she will go for me...lol

Now hurry and sign up!

I start organizing the list Tuesday evening and will be posting her

itinerary Wednesday morning.

What do I get out of this?

She was won in a friendship giveaway.

The challenge was what will you do with her.

This is my what?!!

I get to read of her travels...meet some new ladies

share with dear friends

have fun....and when she comes home...well she has a special someone

she will be heading too. .Packed with all her stories

cards...scripture verses..and recipes.

A bag filled with LOVE!!

Can't wait to get started!

Travel agent..Cindy

Journey of the Traveling Friendship Bag

2011-06-01T15:15:00.004-05:00

FRIENDSHIP BAG

I won this reversible bag with lots of pockets... this winter from
Brenda over at Deck the Halls
She was having a friendship bag giveaway.
and I was the lucky girl who won!!

I love the colors on it and the Mary Englebreit

figures and sayings on it. It makes me smile!

Last year after winning a pink gingham apron from

Julie over at the Harwards

I offered the apron to travel to your homes and you could

write stories about her..and pass her to some others on the list.

This was fun for me and the other gals who did this.

Pink Apron has been back home for a while...safe and sound.

So now I am offering to mail this Friendship bag

to some of you gals out there.
It's time to share her!!

This time you receive the bag for about a week...

you take pictures of the bag being used in your fun filled days.

document it on you blog...pack some pictures

and a little souvenir post card in her pocket
favorite scriptures and recipes are welcomed also and
a little gift for the next gal on the list

and mail her off.

What do you get...the use of the friendship bag and making memories

with some other sweet gals.
And a little gift from the previous gal.

There is a list in her to whom you mail her too next.

I get my bag back and of course the pictures and postcards..lol

So just comment here for your name to be put

on the mailing list...and be creative!!

She would love to see the coast...the mountains

a working farm...a fruit stand...what you bought at a store

even a trip to Disneyworld...lol

Just turn her in to the next friend nice and clean...please!

Your creativity will be her vacation this year.

I need to have all your names in the bag by June 7th.
If you need her a certain time to go on a trip with you
just let me know..so I can schedule her to be there

so she can start her trips!

Just leave a comment on this page.
Grab a picture and spread the fun.

Wouldn't it be fun if she was able to travel to all 50 states!

Hugs and squeezes

Travel Agent Cindy

Footnote ....the States so Far
Nebraska
Kansas
2 California
2 Florida
Michigan
2 Texas
Washington State
New Mexico

Around the Barnyard Chats

2011-05-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

Hey farm friends and neighbors!

I pray the weather is behaving in your neck of the woods!

We are hot..hot..caliente...hot here!

No rain..just some spit from the sky.

Ranchers are selling their cattle..no grass also

equals no hay for the winter....ouch!

Praise God we can irrigate our hay patch.

As long as Diesel doesn't go up any more.

I was praying a lot more this week....so many

of you in harms way.Praise God for His protection on you!!

I am frustrated here at the farm...blogger is still messed

up and I can't leave comments on many of yours!!

Now you know me I almost always say something...lol

So here is a shout out to:

Val..Love the sign..hope your week gets better!!

Renee..girl you always find the best stuff on your vintage hunts!!!

love the puzzle..put it together then show us!

Kim..I am so sad for your neighbor's home

and for the loss of the other families near you with their children still missing.

May God give you the strength and the words you need to say.I will be praying

for you still!!

Linda..the picture of Ellianna is precious.So is the little chicken

I love that breed.Praise God you weathered those nasty storms!

Girl you need a storm shelter!!

Now for a giveaway from my friend Caroline

she is having a giveaway for some awesome canning stuff!!

Go over and check her out

She is a city girl with an awesome backyard

full of chickens and veggie gardens and tons of

entertaining going on!

Amy I can't post on your blog...but I shared the news...lol

Not a lot going on here.

I have made a plan for the packing up.

A-B-C -D list have been written

boxes and piles will match the list...I hope.

We will be living in the House on Wheels for sure.

We have some people who are serious about buying in this area

coming before July 1st to look at the house

maybe by then all the projects will be finished.

The garden is still going strong..mainly squash and green beans and a few tomatoes.

Good clean country eating!!!

In case I haven't said it before..I LOVE my food saver!

And to think I bought it at Goodwill...awesome!!

Well girls I hope you all have a safe and fun filled weekend.

Lori is coming in with baby Bailey to meet the family.Can't wait to get my

huggins and kissin in!!And of course I can't wait to see John Walker!

Time to do some baking..love my new used oven!!!

After going 3 years without..I am back to baking again..yah!!!

Now if blogger would get their act together..all would be well in this gals world.

Hugs and squeezes Cindy

Oprah Thoughts

2011-05-26T00:20:00.000-05:00

Wow 25 years.
I have been married going on 35 years this summer
that means Oprah has been around on t.v. most of my married life.
Can you imagine us blogging for 25 years...lol

I have very mixed feelings about this woman.

I have not agreed many, many times with her thoughts

or her "Words of Wisdom" on religion

or on lifestyles.

I even boycotted her several times!!

Yet she talked about things that were not discussed

in this ole lady's day.

She gave words to feelings that I had about being adopted.

During many talks with adoptees she showed how their feelings were my feelings.

She gave ways for many to dig deep and to look within

themselves for ways to make their lives happier.

I learned that my pain in my hand with the loss of a finger..was

phantom pain...it did exist!

I learned from the early years that my grades in school were due

to learning disabilities that we didn't know about in the dark ages...lol

Things that I could help my children with.

I grew up when blacks and whites were kept

apart at all cost!

I really believe that I would of fought this..If I had been older.

It bothered me as a child...what little I saw.

I just knew I looked different and I didn't like being

treated different.

She opened the window of being prejudice in her early years

to those of us who had been raised in this climate of separation.

I was able to take God's word to my children that we were all created

by Him and that He loved us all!

I promise you I had never heard that in church as a child.

Her love for children worldwide impressed me.

So many church groups talk the talk...but little walking is done.

Yes she had a lot of money to do these things...but so do alot of people.

It was her who got the ball rolling for so many others to really open

their wallets up and to take on causes bigger than we little people could do.

It made me want to help...even if it was with prayer not money.

She talked about really deep scary topics (child abuse) and I

was able to use her shows to teach my children what not

to fall for...or what not to let others do to them.
Stranger Danger.

This was something I had hoped never to have to discuss

with my precious children....but our world had changed since I was a child.

She showed us the side of bi-polar,suicide,bullying that no one had understood.

And that there are diseases out there that I now understand...even

tho I know no one with them.But if I did...she had opened doors up

for treatment and family discussions.Something that wasn't around when I was growing up.

I learned when you think life is down right sorry
and you are having a pity party for yourself.I
Could picture the hundreds of families and individuals
she has had on the show..who lost loved ones..or they were
injured and it changed how they looked or they were
in horrible situations and survived.
It makes my pity party look ridiculous!!
So I pull my big girl panties up and live life!

I realized thru her chats that I was a food addict.

I turned to food for comfort...and when I am stressed.

It allowed me recently to figure out the why's of my eating.And for

that I am thankful.

As a Christian we are taught to turn to God for our problems.

I know I do this...but I am also a seeing person for learning.

He knows this!...In watching Oprah and Dr.Phil and Dr. Oz and even Suzie Orman

I have used the eyes He gave me..the ears..and the knowledge to cipher out fact from the world's view.

And to take what I learn from Him and others and to become a better person.

I believe we can all be tools in His work.

Yesterday she said every person she has ever spoken

too or had on her show...all had one thing in common.

Validation.

We all want to be validated..to be heard....listen too..and felt for.

I agree with this statement.

I have been dealing with this statement in my life for years.

I know because I am alive I am worthy.

I know because God chose to let me live and gave me a beautiful life I am worthy.

I am worthy because He died on the cross for me...me Cindy.

I thank this woman who was a tool for God whether she knew it or not.

I hope in my ramblings here in blog land

that I will always be a tool for Him and that whether

I know it or not...show how God loves us and wants us to turn to Him

on good days and on horrific days.

So Oprah is off..and there will be New chatters out there for a new

generation.

For this Ole gal...I am loving blogging.I love visiting with my gal friends

at the backyard fence...or on the porch...at the kitchen at the table

or in the barnyard.

For me you are my therapy...my friends...my prayer sisters

my farm gals...and my up all night crafting buddies.

I do love you all.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Prayers for all dealing with damage from the weather.

I still can't comment on some of yours and I know

mine is messed up also.

I just need your smiles and hugs..no comments neccesary.

Have a gorgeous day friends!!

Cindy

blogger is working on it

2011-05-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

If you can't comment

or leave a comment.

Blogger know's about it.

They are working on it.It is nationwide.

Arghhhhhhhhhh

Hugs Cindy

No Comments

2011-05-25T06:51:00.000-05:00

Girls

I wanted to comment on several of your

stories.I can't post comments.

No matter what I do.

I read some of you are having problems also.

To my friends in Oklahoma and Kansas

I was praying for you ya'll.Thank God you are safe!!

My daughter Wendy rode the storm in a neighbors shelter.

Her home and livestock are fine!!

I still haven't heard from Chanda

from Front Porches and Sweet Tea.

She lives in Missouri.Prayers for her!!!

Kelly Happy Birthday Girl!!!!

Well I need to make a list and come back to a blog..

so I better get to reading!!

Hopefully blogger will get fixed.

Hugs and Big Tx.Squeezes Cindy

Prayers for Joplin Missouri

2011-05-23T07:34:00.000-05:00

Our hearts...thoughts...and prayer

are for those in the Joplin Missouri area.

I am lifting our blogging friends up now as we speak

in prayer and comfort.

They are saying this is worse than the

Alabama tornadoes.

May God Bless and comfort you all!!

Hugs from Texas

Out Back with Gingham Gal

2011-05-22T09:33:00.000-05:00

This is for my out of state friends..
Only in Texas do you see the whooper zucchini..lol

Tiniest one is salad size..so tender
the middle one is just the size you buy in the store
great for grilling or steaming or frying
The big kahuna..well this is what happens when you miss some
I peel them and grate them up and freeze them for future use in baking.
They can go from a-z in about 2 days time with the right amount of moisture..lol

Wheww..what a hot and humid weekend.

The rain is trying to come..but none so far..

just pure-d stickiness...known as humidity!

This stuff does me in so quick it is not even funny.

This weekend Owen finished up T-Ball

they are so cute at this age

everyone wins!!

Today is My oldest grand daughter's birthday.
Adalynn is 8.
I always sing the birthday song to them
As my Mema did with me.
But this year I actually got to see her little face
due to Skype!!
Yeah for this new tool!!
Here we are visiting.

Walker is putting out fertilizer for a client in
another county.He will be on a tractor a long time today.
I need to keep cleaning out stuff.I haven't been
home much this week...so I am way behind my schedule.

Started the day with a farm breakfast...
feeding the chickens these little hard shell bugs
we call them June Bugs..they come out at night and flock to light!
My chicks LOVE them.
Do you have June bugs?

then I put out the rest of the rat poison out
so long rats!!!
In the process of this I was stung by a
yellow jacket on my ankle...ouch

Life on a farm is never dull!
Here are some gardening pictures.

I love the color of this corn's tassel

There is always bright colors with squash plants
the deep green of the leaves and the
bright yellow-orange of the blooms.

Here's this morning's pickins
Squash..squash and more squash.

I picked 3 servings of beans yesterday.
tomatoes are slowwwllly comin in.

Well I hope you enjoy this day....
For this is the day which the Lord hath made
Let us Rejoice in it!

Hugs and big Texas squeezes..Cindy

Around the Barnyard Chats

2011-05-18T07:58:00.000-05:00

"Mornin"

Beautiful weather here this morning at the little farm.

So grab your coffee or your favorite drink and

come sit with me on the porch and lets have some farm talk.

I have been visiting around the neighborhood and several of you have planted gardens.
You have also been very creative with yard art!
Good for you!!
I love the cute squarefoot gardens...now
I would do that in a heartbeat if we lived in town!.
I like my gardens to be neat and tidy...hubbie likes field gardens
Just as long as we get food!!

I am jealous of those of you who get to plant lettuces and brocolli now.
It is way to hot here. We will have to beef up the fall garden with all those yummies.
I am already planning a huge pumpkin patch this late summer for fall picking.
Anyhoo..back to this garden

Yes you see grass in the garden...we are using it for ground cover due to the drought we are in.

Garden 1

Here is one of the gardens we are working this year.This

one is here at the house.I have already put up 13 quarts of battered

zucchini and yellow squash.3 meals of green beans for just us two.

I do LOVE my large yellow enamel bowl...To get this I had to get creative with the sales lady
it wasn't really for sell yet...I about cried...she gave in and sold it to me for 3.00...I know awesome!!!!

We had to replant the okra and the blackeyes.

The butternut squash is really getting big.
We have never grown this before...much less this time of the year.
I will need some recipes!!

Watermelon and cantaloupe are now forming.

Tomatoes are green...waiting for those...yummm.

We have cheated and been eating Kelly's tomatoes...every meal.

Garden 2

The farm garden has had several re-plantings for some of the goodies.

We have finally gotten the water going out there.

This will help greatly.

Watermelons..3 kinds

cantaloupes...2 kinds

green beans... 4 kinds

tomatoes... 11 kinds

okra

black eyes

onions

potatoes...several kinds

corn ...2 kinds

two acres worth ...boy do we need rain bad!!

Now we have tons of lady bugs..yeah!!!

A few grasshoppers are starting to show their hungry faces.This

is when I wished I had some ducks.Maybe next year.

How are the Chickens doing?

The two white and blacks are both Roosters.Wendy will be getting one of these for her flock.

The chickens are really growing.

Walker is now working on their new home.

Trying to make it from wood scraps around the place.

Speaking of scraps....The chickens are loving veggie scraps.

I pick grass for them and seed heads for them every day.

They are so cute..they run to the side..waiting for me to feed them the special food.

They know my voice..and croon to me...aww I do love my chicks!!

Do we butcher any animals?

Yes we do eat our cattle and pigs.

Mr. Hammy is headed in 2 weeks to the butcher.

We know how to do it ourselves...but it is a lot of work

and the wrong time of the year for us to be doing it right now.

Do I can?

Yes...but I haven't canned in a long time.

I Love my Ball Canning Book and of course

I go on line to all the canning forumns and just look or ask questions.

I would love to can my meats.I have the wrong type of stove top for canning tho.

It is a flat top.:-(

I do hot water bath for....jellies...pickels..and such.

I love my Food Saver.

I batter my squash..freeze on trays...then I seal it and freeze it..Walla....ready to fry.

I will also be using my de-hydrator...just not yet.

The Hay Patch

The Hay Field has been organically fertilized and we have

hit it with the irrigation and Praise God we did get some rain

last week.Yeah!!

Hay will be priced so high this year...no rain around here.

So I hope this has answered some of your questions of what we have.

Now what do you have?

Are you gardening?

Are you eating anything from it yet?

Are you going to Can?

Do you eat your farm animals?

This Farm Chick in Gingham...needs to go pick the green beans

while it is nice and cool.

Have a great week ...and even if you don't live on a farm

buy from local or your neighbor.

It is soooo much better!

Hugs and Big Squeezes

Cindy

Prayers are going out to our farm sisters in Lousianna and Mississippi
So sad!Still Praying for Sherry and her family.She has updated her blog.Continue praying
for her children and their healing.Thank you

Word's of Motherhood

2011-05-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Here are some of my Memories of Motherhood on a daily basis.

Do you relate to any of these?

Taxi driver

Stand out front on the steps of the building.

Yes we can take her home also.

Buckle up.

Do Not hang that blanket out the window.

Pass this drink allll the way to the back for your Brother.

The air is on!!

Is the oldies music to loud...lol

Okay we will listen to Noah built the Ark one more time.

Nurses

(Let mommy kiss it)

Oh it's just a little blood..stop crying now.

Broken?????

You need a band aid for that????

Now take this medicine it taste good.

You throw up..make it to the toilet or your bucket!!!!!!!

"You know Cindy you should of been a Dr" said Dr. Rinn

Cooks

Supper is ready, come to the table.....3 minutes later.....NOW!!

Eat your breakfast it will start your day off better.

Look it is This food or you can have a PBJ.

I am not a restaurant.

The Kitchen is closed

Mom...You fixed my favorite.

Laundry Ladies

Could you please put it IN the hamper not next to it!

If it isn't in the clothes pail it won't get washed!!

Time for us to play fold the clothes..yah!!

Oh my...honey you don't wash red with whites...look now they are pink!

The diapers are frozen to the line...arghhhhh

How many times do I have to hang this up?

Cleaning Ladies

I am going to give you 15 minutes then it is Mine!!!!

The black garbage bag is coming...you better hurry up!

(I know that one is mean...but it worked...lol)

Who wants to push the FUN vacuum cleaner....anyone???

Hello..candy paper in the trash...not sitting out on tables.

It is your chore day.

Animal Caretaker

Why did we say they could have this pet?

Okay they have left this dog here so they could live somewhere else?

You want to raise Pigs???????

No you can't have a horse...we will ride at Papa's.

When you grow up and get married...you can have all the pets and animals you want!

(She did do this..and now blames this statement on me...lol)

Reminder Person

Don't forget your gym clothes..I am not making another trip.

Brush your hair.

Did you brush your teeth?

Chores first.Play second.

Time to get off the phone.

No really time to get off the phone.

NOW!!!!!

Call us when you get there..call us when you leave.

You know the rules of the yard:

Never go past the rose bushes

watch out for snakes

anyone slows down..run to the house

do not run with sticks!!

Don't forget in a situation...Jesus is there with you .

Church Momma

Sit still......please!!!

shhhhh we are praying...bow your head

We wear our good clothes to please God.

No you can't wear shorts!!!!

Honey you don't have to yell the words during the song.

Wake up church is over.

Yes Jesus loves you! Oh yes you can walk down the isle!!!!!!!

You did great in the musical.

Your scripture memory was awesome.

Yes lets pray for your friend.

Friend

Honey I promise you it will get better out of High School!!

She did what..I'll call her mom!

I promise I won't tell your sister's.

Secrets shared

Tears exchanged

Honey Jesus will get you through this!

Never forget the name Jesus is the most powerful word in the world!!!!!!

Don't be afraid Jesus is with you and will protect you.

You know when they were little I truly thought at age 18 all this daily stuff would

just kinda come to an end.And we would just have normal conversations

whatever normal is.Wrong!!!!!! I still worry about them.When he heads to a rodeo.

I care when they get their

feelings hurt.When they are in pain from having a baby...or even when they still get

hurt and need medical attention.

I still mentally want to say pick up your clothes...lol

I am always( even as far away as some live)

wanting to know how their day is going

what happened in their lives.

I still say call when you get there

I am now teaching my grandchildren the yard rules.

I have heard myself say the PBJ one to the grands.

And I now find myself occasionally firing up the old taxi again.

I guess we will be Mom's forever!!

I am proud to be a mom, mama and even a mother...when they roll their eyes.

Yes I embarrassed my children...I was the silly...goofy mom.

I still do it!

Have a great day my mama friends

and if they don't like the food

throw in some PBJ!!!

Hugs Cindy

Around the Farm

2011-05-06T18:02:00.002-05:00

I am joining up with Amy over at Verde Farm for Farm Friend and Farmgirl Friday.

The garden this year.We changed the direction of the garden this year and we planted more here at the house.
We have tomatoes in cages and the cucumbers are next for the cages.

There are watermelons and cantaloupes.

Butternut Squash is now making little babies...we have never grown this before.

We have the tri-plant...corn stalk with pole beans and a squash plant at the base.Walker had read about growing it this way.Jury is still out on this one..lol

Zuchinni and yellow squash...we are picking everyday now.

Beans..are blooming and it is almost time for me to start picking (oh my aching back) they are so low to the ground. Hmmmm I wonder are their any Garden Gnomes around to help...lol

The lettuce was eaten by the rabbits.We have never had rabbits like we have had this year.And mice and Kangaroo rats run everywhere out in the pasture.I think it's because of the drought and we now have no cats around. I might need to re-think the cat issue.

We just planted the okra and the blackeyes.Swiss chard was planted...but it needs to be replanted.

We still have 2 acres of garden out at the farm...we finally have the irrigation set up for watering.Hopefully this will take off soon.The onions and the strawberries bit the dust.We will replant this fall.

The chickens have really grown...we will start building the new pen soon.We have so many irons in the fire right now.It takes a lot to get new gardens going...and with no rain...there is lots of watering to be done.We have left a lot of grass for shade on the roots of the plants...we have already been in the upper 90's here and no rain.

The squash...besides eating it right now...is getting batter dipped....froze... then...seal-a- mealed for future frying.
This island is now set up for all veggie work..I use a vinyl tablecloth over my marble...dehydrators are ready
and I love my yellow granite bowl for the veggies.Notice all decorations are off the kitchen wall..already packed.:-(

I posted last year here my batter recipe.We eat fried squash and okra all the time...yummmm.

Now you know you live in the country when this shows up in your swimming pool.....

An armadillo...well he bit the dust....he has been tearing the garden up BAD...and his claws could do damage in our pool...so he had to go...sorry animal lovers...we hate killing anything...but we are on a farm...

Life is humming along...we still haven't put the house on the market...we are still in limbo on so many decisions.

I received word from one of Sherry's friends that she will be moving into a small home in the community.3 of her children are still in wheelchairs...and they are all still in shock.Tom was buried this past Monday...thousands showed up to say their goodbye's.Please keep this family on your prayer list!!This will be a long recovery.

Well do I have any garden Gnome friends that want to work in the garden...lol We can cool off in a dip in the pool...I promise no wild animals will join us.

Have a great weekend. Farmgirl Cindy

Mama's Day

2011-05-06T14:19:00.001-05:00

Sounds and Memories of Motherhood

WHAT.....I'm pregnant?????

awww heart melts...the little one's "heartbeat"

Wahhhhh...wahhhhhh....more wahhhing

gurgle...gaga...little smile.

mamaaa....dadadada

mama...dink...cacker...dadddddy

mama...milkie...eat...sissie...puppy

mama why....NO...why...MINE
mama me help?

4 beautiful girls

mama outside please....she did it!
She is on my side of the car..wahhhh

mama this kid at school..(blah blah..)
Mama kiss my boo boo...sniff

Mama I help daddy with my tools
One handsome son

mama can I go to a slumber party?

Mama I want Jesus in my heart!! (Praise God times 5)

mama I want my ears pierced

Mom I want a B-B gun

Mama I am going to be on the tractor

mama...giggle... I think that boy is cute

Mom that girl is cute
Mama secret..whispers.....

mama the girls at school were so mean!

mama how do I look for my date?

mama the girls and I are going to the movies.

It's my day to sit up front.

Mom the guys and I are heading out.

mama my heart hurts...we broke up

mama...I love him!!!!

Mom I loved her!

Mama he wants to marry me!!

Mama thank you for all you did for the wedding!

Mama...we are moving.

Mama we are going to have a baby!

Oh Mama...I am a mama!!!!!!

Oh Mama...isn't the baby cute..she/he has my nose

Mama I need sleep.

Mama when will they talk?

Mama when will they quit talking...oh my..lol

Mama was I like this?

Mama I sound like you...lol

Mama I love you!!

holding my finger while nursing and taking the bottle
snuggles...sweet baby and then sweet toddler kisses
rocking...holding..riding my hip
twisting and pulling my long hair
playing etsy bitsy spider
singing silly songs
singing hymns with me in church
picking me flowers
making sweet keepsakes at church and school
enjoying the outside world with me
first steps and then running and of course skipping
smiles...giggles...belly laughs...and wet your pants laughs
braiding hair and pink roller nights
polishing boots and parting hair so the cowlick would lay down
sweet table prayers and good night prayers

waves from the stands during games and rodeos
friends giving us hugs and saying you are a lucky girl to have parents who don't argue
picking out prom dresses
making your homecoming corsages
staying up and chatting about the day
watching you all together in a room
hugs and kisses on the cheek
driving away and waving

calls with news of babies to be
calls for advice
calls to say Mama I love you

Mama that's me!!

Cindy

Happy Mama's Day to all my Friends!!

This was my post from last year
click here .

The Chatter

2011-05-03T08:08:00.000-05:00

Here in Texas we are

getting snippets of news about the

flooding of 100,000 acres in Missouri

and all the destruction from the tornado's last week.

Friends here in blogland have been showing videos

and telling what they see...around them.

A little boy was found in a tree...30 miles away

he was dead.Complete families have not been

accounted for yet..over 475 people are still missing.

Did you know this?

There is not enough housing for all the misplaced.

Stores in surrounding areas are running out of food.Imagine

thousands upon thousands descending upon your town

and going to your grocery stores.

In Missouri with the damn being blown now...the

acreage flooding is farm land for our food in stores and

for our livestock here in America.

In Alabama and Georgia 25% of all

grow out chicken houses were destroyed.Chicken prices

will now go up.

The amount of wood, sheetrock,windows, roofing, plumbing, electrical

and kitchen appliances needed to replace what was lost

would take over 7 years to even begin to get caught up.

And prices all across the board will go up.

The farm animals and the pets of the households

were also lost.

Has this affected you yet.... in the inconvenience

of no electricity.... in the crowds in your stores...

in your pocketbook in the stores...

in gaslines....

Finding trash,pictures,reciepts in your yard hours away?

No...me neither.

Yet reading these stories and knowing those involved

has broken a piece of my heart.I cry..when I shouldn't.

I think How is Sherry doing today without her husband.

Are her children okay today...did they have nightmares

last night.Are they all together...there is 14 total in that family.

Sherry and Tom Easter morning.

I feed my little chickens and I think of those who lost their

beloved farm animals who gave so much for their families.

I work my gardens and start harvesting squash.

And I think how Sherry was sharing canning recipes with us.

Now she has no gardens for food.How will she feed her family?

I wish I lived closer to help gather lost possessions

to clean and to comfort.All I can do is pray.With each time she crosses my

mind I say a prayer...with each time a tear rolls down my face

I think of her and I ask God to hold her tight and to let

her know she is thought of.

I hope some of this deeply gets to someone who reads this.These

families need us (outside the destruction families) to

contribute money thru their churches..and they need our prayers.

Please don't forget them...learn what is going on...these are our people

Americans!!!!Brother and Sisters in our country.

I am not fussing at you my friends
I am just sharing.

Love you all!

Cindy

Proud to be an American Tonight

2011-05-01T22:28:00.001-05:00

As an American I am elated tonight!!

May God watch over our service men and women overseas.

There will be an ugly attitude over there about bin ladden's death.

We need to pray for all!!

May God Bless America!!

Hugs to you my friends.

Blink...and Life can Change

2011-04-30T07:40:00.000-05:00

Morning friends!

What a week...yet I blink..and those I love

are still here.My farm is still here.My

pets and farm animals are safe.

The gardens are growing...and

the harvest is starting to trickle in.

We even have a new

granddaughter.

No matter what the finances say...

I know we are rich in life!!

For my friend in Blog land Sherry

She blinked this week...and all

she knew was gone.

Beautiful ranch home.

Awesome gardens I was envious of.

Livestock that provided food for her family of 15.

A home built with love by her creative husband Tom

This was taken this past Easter Sunday. Precious Couple!

And Tom...her beloved husband

who laid his life down ...literally

on top of his children

was killed in the tornado.

It was hours after the tornado for neighbors

to dig out of their homes...to rescue

this precious family.

Story here at the Vision Forum

Lee Family

So many families with whom I blog

with and share farm advice with

all lost their homes this week.

They blinked and life changed!

In reading their stories I see a common thread.

One of hope and courage and

FAITH!

Faith that they are in God's hands

and that no matter what has happened...

He will provide and get them thru this time

of great loss.

In all our getting prepared for the future

there is nothing we can pack

store or memorize...that will get us thru

times like these families are having.

Except to have a faith in God!

When I have blinks in my life...

no matter how small or how big

I want to be able to blink...open my eyes and see Him!!

To have that peace that will sustain me and comfort me.

I have His promises...and for that I am ever so thankful.

When you blink....

do you see Him?

I pray you do.

Ask these families...they blinked

and all changed.Yet their faith in Him didn't.

May God bless you my friends.

And Sherry we are all praying and thinking of you and your family!!!

Hugs and squeezes...Cindy

Lookie...Lookie...Surprise!!

2011-04-29T08:10:00.000-05:00

What comes from 2 1/2 hrs away?

A week and a half early.

Making me throw clothes and pillows into a car.

Driving at almost break neck speed.

Well can you guess?

Our Break the Tie for the boy and the girl grandchildren.

May I introduce you to......

Miss Bailey

Daughter number 4...Lori's new little one!!!

Yes this is the me...proud Nana.

What an exciting day!

Not on my schedule!!

Praise God for

Lori's safety and Miss Bailey's beautiful birth.

Happy Nana

Not in Kansas Anymore

2011-04-28T08:20:00.000-05:00

Worried and Praying

this morning as I watch the morning news

with all the destruction and the death

of now the longest tornado on the ground in US history.

So far away from us...

yet so close to my heart...as so

many of my friends here in Blogland

live in these areas.

My heart is praying for you my friends! I know it could be awhile

before we hear from you.I ask that those out there who read mine...who might

not know these ladies....please lift them up with prayer.

They are now talking about the flooding in Central

United States...I know no one in these areas...I just

pray for those also.

Heart is heavy today!!

May God Bless you all today.

Hugs and squeezes...Cindy

Never to Old to Learn

2011-04-21T17:40:00.001-05:00

It is a Hoppy Day over

here at Rick-Rack and Gingham.

Today is Miss Emma's First Birthday.

Her mommy brought her to our house for a week of celebrating

her birthday and of course Easter.

There will be many more little ones hopping

around here also.

The pool is just about ready for some cool

swimming...This is only for the strong at heart...lol

Brrrrrr! But you know children...it is never to cold.

I am so sorry for not hanging out at the fence and chatting this week.

Life seems to be piling up around me...and I have been swamped with

lots of decisions to be made.

We will be putting the house on the market next week.

We have drug our feet long enough....the economy is not getting

any better.So it is time to pack up the RV for living in.

We have packed it to travel in....and to temporarily stay in it

on a job site...but now...well it will be our House on Wheels.

40 feet of home .Hey so much less to clean!!!! Less

utility bills and of course less monthly payments.

We do what we need to survive. Praise God we have the House on Wheels!!

It has been a desire of ours to live less off the big stores and more

on our own.Gardening has been a way of life for

most of our childhood and all of our married life.

But you are never to old to learn things.

There are some awesome learning tools out there and they are being given away.

Amy over at Homestead Revival

is having a giveaway.Entries due by Saturday April 23.

She is giving away ...count them 4 books!!

Ashley English is the author of these great teaching books.

Ashley has such a way of teaching with pictures and life experiences packed into these books.

Keeping Bees....Canning and Preserving.....Home Dairy...and Keeping Chickens.

The revues have been great!

Anita over at Busy Hands Busy Minds

Is also having a giveaway of Homesteading DVDs.

Canning, Gardening and Herbs.

You can go on You-Tube to see small excerpts of these fun

and yet so packed with info DVDs

So you see my friends...I hope I am

never to old to enjoy a 1 yr old birthday party...

to learn how to milk a goat or cow

and make my own cheese....to conquer this fear of canning

so I may provide for my family......and I pray I am not to old for the adventure

God has for us living in the House on Wheels.

I know I am not to old for the Easter Bunny this weekend!

I do love to color those eggs and to hide them.

Most of all I love the weekend for Easter!

The Cross...the Blood shed for me...and now for the eternal

life I will have with my Jesus.I love Easter!!!!!

May you all have a blessed family time this weekend.

And a time to reflect on the Cross!!

For you are never to old to ask Jesus into your hearts!!!!

Hoppy...Hoppy....Easter

Hugs and Squeezes

Cindy

Random Childhood Memories

Me at 19 months old

White Pattin shoes, white gloves, frilly socks, layer upon layer of organza material in a dress

white straw hats, wooded woven baskets, tinted fingers, smells of vinegar, decorating eggs,

clothing in mint green, yellow and peach, daffodils, iris, tulips, coconut rabbit cake, malted eggs,jelly beans, chocolate candies, rabbit candies, coconut marshmallow puff balls, Church, Sunday School,

gumdrop tree,ham, coconut tinted green, chenille chicks and real bunnies

cousins,grandmas. Aunts and Uncles, the farm with new chicks and ducks,

laughter and giggles, Easter memories of a child growing up in the 50's and 60's

Creative Bug Out Bag Ideas

2011-04-16T07:54:00.000-05:00

Wow...the title sounds like

we live in a foreign country or something.

What is a Bug out Bag?

BOB's are bags...or suitcases that stay packed.

They are there to GRAB quickly and leave your home.

Yuck...this is not a fun subject.Nobody wants to

think that something could happen...and you only have minutes

to leave your castle...your home...your comfort zone.

During Katrina...I learned a lot watching the news and listening

to people talk about surviving with what was in their

backpack.Because they were literally stuck in an attic

or in a shelter with NO active facilities.What they carried

truly kept them alive...made them feel safe...kept their children happy.

What?Was there magic in those bags...lol no...but they were well thought

out...they were prepared well ahead of time.

So let's get too preparing.

Let's break this down.First you can never cram enough stuff in a bag

to last for weeks...but you can make it 3-4 days...and maybe stretch it

a little further.There are companies out there that you can buy from.

For those of us on a tight budget...well... it is up to us.

True survival...is broken into compartments.

SHELTER....hopefully you can go to a shelter or to someone's home...live in a vehicle...or you have a tent or RV.

Questions you need to ask..Where are the nearest shelters? HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE WITH YOU? This is how many BOB's you will need.Always pack the BOB's with the same stuff...you could get separated and if you are holding all the water...then your group has nothing.Every bag should be stuffed with survival stuff...then a few added personal things.

WATER...this is critical...you can die without water...you can live without food.All bags need to have bottled water.Collapsible water bags or heavy 2 layered thick Ziplocs (to fill up) and even some water purification tablets (water could be nasty...you can purify it)

FOOD....Goodness this is where you have to think like a hiker...and every thing weighs the pack down.You need high protein...some sugar....and let's just hope it taste good.Try some sports bars now...see which ones your family enjoys.It would be nice to think we could start a little fire..or even cook off a Sterno..but those in Katrina couldn't.Fire in a major catastrophe could endanger your family.From gas leaks...to signalling people where you are...fire isn't always the safest way to go.Energy bars...protein shakes...fruit roll ups...crackers w/peanut butter....these are some of what kept people alive for days during Katrina and avalanches...and even during being stuck in shelters with no food being delivered.Be creative...you know what your family will eat...no empty food...it must count for SURVIVAL.

MEDICINE...After Katrina..prescriptions were stretched to 90 days instead of 30 days.If your prescriptions

are with a mainstream pharmacy...you should be able to get your prescriptions wherever you end up.I have a list of what I take..quantity..and Prescription number.I keep my prescriptions in 30 day increments in their original containers in a Ziploc bag...all the time...They stay on my cabinet top...the rest of my 60 days goes in the BOB.First aid kits are available in every size.All bags should have one.Ace bandages, cold compresses,tweezers,Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl,Cough meds,digital thermometer,burn creme,bug spray and ointment, antibiotic ointment...and anything else you can think of.Imagine being outside...bug bites...exposure to weather and sun....debris around you..splinters,minor cuts,sprains.Don't think it won't happen.During Katrina...those who had to break into their attics and get on their roofs...well they received tons of splinters and cuts.

SUPPLIES...I recommend the wind up flashlights...love them!!But I do recommend a hard core flashlight also...at 2 per every 5 people. Clothesline..What... you are going to be washing clothes? Maybe.Clothesline can be used to tie up a tarp for shelter...to really use as a line to dry your wet clothes...to tie your stuff together...to use as a lead rope for your animals...I am sure there are more ideas. Clothespins for the obvious of hanging up clothes...to hold the tarp together...Bandanas..I know silly huh..if you have ever watched Survivor...you know a bandana can have multiple uses...face covering (from dust or smoke) head covering (shade and just keeping your hair out of your face) wave it to signal someone...bandage or sling...carry berries or food in it.They wash out and dry quickly.You can get them wet and use them on your body to cool down or to wash off.You can buy some cute ones at Hobby Lobby...make your kids feel special.Or you can make some yourself.Toilet paper and Baby wipes...yes you will have to go potty at some point.You can put the TP in a Ziploc bag..smash it down..it will fit.In Girls Scouts we learned to take a stick...tie twine to the ends of it..string it thru the TP and hang it up in a bush or some where you are going potty.Twine..multiple uses...TP hanger...fishing line...Extra Clothes...Now this and your medicine will need to be checked regularly.Keep the right size clothing in there..and the right season.By rolling the clothes you can pack more in there.Some moms keep two bags per child..one the survival bag...the other diapers..clothing,books, toys and multiple changes of clothes.A hammer is a must have ...can you imagine trying to get out to your roof without one...or digging a hole for the potty area...a hammer is the perfect tool.Many, many things can the hammer be used for.Even for killing an animal to eat.I know to much info...but it can be used for that.Now not every bag needs this...but a couple for a large family would be a plus.Sharpie pens.For a severe emergency and to limit confusion writing ones name on your arm or leg..will identify you if you are knocked out...or if you pass away.It helps link children back to you if you become separated.Deck of Cards this was the #1 item that kept people busy and their minds active.They played cards with their children..with new friends...and they played solitaire.Bible this would be a must for me...mine is large.I hope to find a smaller version.Maps... during Katrina the mass exodus thru Texas was unreal.They opened all the highway lanes to go in one direction. Our town was the first town that you could exit off on Hwy 10.We are 2 hrs Northwest of Houston.People had no idea where they were what were the next towns ect...Maps of the surrounding states would of given them some help.Compass..I am a compass fan.The Girl Scout just comes out in me.It is easy to get turned around in new areas. I also recommend those metal clips to hang on your packs...it can free up your hands with hanging the items on it.Toiletries this would include toothbrushes, toothpaste,antibacterial soap,deodorant,female items ect....Paperwork Did you know that if your house is destroyed...gone bye bye...and you apply for aid or you need to file for Insurance...you have to show an electric bill with your address on it...or something similar. Are you kidding me...it was in the house! So have copies of a bill or a bill...your insurance information. A copy of Drivers License, Social Security,Credit Card info,a list of whom you owe (you will need to get in touch with them at some point...you will need their phone numbers and your account codes) Car ins info.Now some put these in a safety deposit box at their bank.During Katrina and some towns flooding...your banks aren't accessible.You could leave it in an sealed envelope at a relatives home out of town...or hide it in your BOB.They suggest you email yourself all this information.Then at some point if you can get to a computer you have the info you need.

Extras...this is where the creativity comes in.After Katrina we took pictures of our property and the inside of the house for Ins. purposes.Of course this included our belongings.Shortly after Katrina I was going to visit my new found birth family in Oregon...and I needed to take pictures to show my life..me at home...what I collected and loved. I found these pictures that I had taken for insurance purposes.It dawned on me..I will put them in a flip album that would fit in a backpack.I now had a memory book of my stuff...something to look at...to remember and share with my grandchildren...if something ever happened to my home.I have added a few home pictures, sunsets, sunrises, our trees blooming roses and daffodils.Views from my windows.I have a book of my home.I might lose everything...yet this gives me great comfort.
I also now have mini versions of my favorite recipes also.I shrunk them down at my local copy store.I then took pictures of my daughters art work and some of my other wall art..I shrunk these down also to fit in the recipe mini book.Documenting your life...well you can't replace most of the things you could lose, but maybe this would give you some comfort.
Now what to do about pictures...your life's story...you can make collages with special pictures and have them shrunk down....you can make yourself some aprons or a quilt with the iron-on pictures on them.
The back packs tend to come in the same basic colors.Fix yours up with decorative ribbon..make it yours.(Mine will have gingham ribbon on it..lol)
Take things with you that will make you happy...because face it...leaving your home will not be fun.What colors make you happy..pack them in the clothes you take.Pack your children their favorite blanket and of course a favorite sleeping item.Remember these are kept in the bag...you don't have time to go find them.
Use your ideas to make the packs or the suitcases your own.Remember tho, you might have to wag them around a lot...weight can be an issue.Survival first...comfort second.

Large items..some keep pup tents and camping chairs in bags in a front closet...within reach and run. A stroller would be great even if you didn't have children...they can carry the weight for you. Animal cages.There are hardly any shelters that will take pets.Yet if they are in a cage you might have a chance for a day or two till you can find someone to take them.Make sure they are updated on their shots..and you have food for them.

I have often tried to put myself in the situation of the Katrina victims.What clothing would of helped them?What would I sit on...it is hard for me to get up and down....A umbrella or floppy hat would of helped for shade...I think a fanny pack would of been essential....I know this seems silly to think of things like this...but survival means thinking outside the box.Put your self in a situation.What would you do? What would you need? Could you do it? Plan out as many details as you can.Research past disasters.We learn from those who have lived thru disasters.

I know this was long.I didn't cover everything.This will get you going on the path of preparing a Bug out Bag. I pray you never have to use it.

I am linking this up with Amy over at Homestead Revival.She is hosting a Preparedness Challenge this week. It is on BOB's.Come on over an see what you can learn. I love all the information.

I am the one with the gingham ribbon on her bag......Cindy

Trip Home Beverly Hillbilly Style

2011-04-13T22:17:00.001-05:00

Peep...Peep..Trillllll...Silence...Peep..Peep

alllllll the 8 hours home.

I have a small Honda.

Packed to the roof top

with 15 weeks of stuff from staying at Wendy's.
It reminded me of the show
The Beverly Hillbillies.
At one point we had considered fitting in a goat.
Yeah I know..I must of been out of my mind..lol
The noise was so loud.
The little darlin's were in a make
shift cage...right behind my head!

In case you missed it
I was bringing home my eleven 9 week old
Chickens in my car.

My ears are stillllllll ringing.

What I use to think was cute...the cute

chirping of my babies...

Turned into a peeping nightmare.

Now I know why Granny drank...
travelling with all those animals...lol

I tried the radio.Then a trilling sound emerged...and

then for a few seconds QUITE.

Then the chirping started again.What

is interesting...I would of loved to have watched them

doing this...there seems to be a ring leader of the group

She never quits!!!Then there is a little peeper...she tries to fit in with the gals.

Then there is a screamer...one minute there is just

peeping ...then wham...SCREECH...What was that all about.

I even gave them a little saucer of water
at one of my pit stops. I thought I was soooo
clever...NOT...2 seconds into it...one of them jumped
on the edge of the plastic container...and whoosh
wet newspaper. Now the chirping became
more frantic..they were damp and didn't like it...aiyyyy!!

At the rest area I got the brainstorm to pick
them some grass...maybe that would keep them busy.
It did for awhile...you should of seen the lady in the
other car...watching me pick grass and getting back into my car.
I should of acted like I was eating it...lol

Anyhoo...I made it..all the girls
are just fine.Walker threw together a quick
shelter for them out of some odd and end things here
at the farm.Hopefully this weekend we can get
started on their new home.

Thank you to all my girlfriends for
prayers during my trip.
Things have been unloaded...and piles in the
house are being slowly put up. I am exhausted.
It is so good to be home.Wendy's girls have been Skyping
when they are going to bed...It is so cute.I do miss
them.I have seen my other grandchildren since being home.
And Kim is going to have Miss Emma's 1st birthday
here in a week.Lori is 4 weeks away from delivering.

Hopefuly the chicks will be in their new home so the
grandchildren can enjoy them while visiting.

Have a great peep...I mean week...lol
Hugs Cindy

Linking up to
Farm Friend Friday over at Verde Farms

Over the Fence Chats and Barnyard Visits

2011-04-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

Over our fence here in Oklahoma

Aren't these gorgeous!

Wendy has them all up and down her fence line

by the hundreds.The color is such a deep purple.

Ashlyn loves to go out and smell them.

Her hair is getting long enough for little

pigtails.She was shocked I called them that.

She said No..No..Pig!!

She reminds me of her mama at this age.

Swiss Chard Peeking out

The garden is finally springing forth it's tiny seedlings

We keep telling the children...watch your step.

I can't wait to see my garden back home.

My husband says it is as dry there as it is here.

Where is my home...Down by San Antonio, Texas.

The chickens have all progressed to temporary

bigger establishments.Mine are so ready to go down to

South Texas.Or so I tell them.lol
In the mornings we collect the bugs at the base
of the light poles.Ashlyn loves to feed the
chickens the bugs.

The baby goat that we were waiting on last weekend...

yep still no baby!!Several times a day we

go and check..and nope nothing.Her bag is full

and she is so miserable.They hadn't loss their winter hair

and the weather has jumped from 60's to 90's.Yikes

to hot for all that hair.We need to shave them.

I am having so much fun in my spare

time visiting all these farmgals.Where I come from

I am the Farmgal.Nobody that I know really gardens with canning
and all much less has livestock.

Unless it is horses or cows.

Sad!!So finding them here in Blogland has been fun.

Prayers

Joyce from Scrap for Joy is

back in the hospital again.

Bless her heart...this stomach thang

is really hurting her.She is waiting to have surgery.

Joyce has such a giving spirit.

We send a big prayer shout to Joyce.

Ellianna is a wee little baby not more than 4 pnds.

She has already had surgery and has been hanging on by a

thread several times.

My friend Linda over at Prairie Flower Farm has been

asking for prayers for her.Praise God for His healing hands.

She is already doing better...so lets keep the prayers a going.

Alice is my RV friend.

Her and her husband stepped out on Faith

last year and moved into their motorhome.

They are now temporary living in Hondo Texas

as managers of a large RV park.

She has recently found out that she is going to need eye surgery

in a place she is not familiar with.She misses her eye surgeon

in Washington.Lets pray that God will give her the Dr. she needs

for her peace and trust.

She is the Ali in our Christmas ornaments exchange.

I have read of a few colds

and some RA problems...but over all

my little neighborhood friends seem to be doing just fine!!

When I get home and settled in there will be a few

Surprises going on over here at my "House"

I have so many packages to open up and to show

off to you my friends.I just had people mail

things to my house.

It will be like Christmas!!

I will be having a project going on

that I will need your help on.

Remember the Traveling Pink Apron

last year? Stay tuned for my new Surprise.

Got to run....The outside is calling my name...

Nana...Nana...oh

that is Ashlyn calling...lol

We are working on Potty training..oh yeah

here I go again.I did this already with my 5....lol

Gingham Gal signing off..ya'll have a great weekend!!

Hugs and squeezes Cindy

Chicks and Peeps

2011-04-07T21:31:00.001-05:00

To my new peeps

"Welcome"

To my "Chick" friends

What a beautiful day it is here in Oklahoma.

Yes I am still here..scratching in the garden

hanging clothes out on the line

and just enjoying my little grand "chicks"

and my real chicks.

"What did she say..cheese?"
Still in that really awkward stage.

Letting the goats get some exercise and fresh greens.
The youngsters were having fun also.

Mama Snickerdoodle, Baby Princess(she was the sick one awhile back...so far
so good.) and Carmel

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

For all you new chick owners

here are some blogs sites I highly

recommend and they are fun sites also.

"Lizzie" who is Queen of her Chicken house

writes and answers questions from us out here in Blog land.

Her mama is so proud of her flock...her address is

The Chicken Wrangler

She loves questions...and she is one

decked out Mama Hen!!

Tilly's Nest

is new to me...but I am loving her young-un's

in the barnyard. She is writing stories on them.

Prairie Flower Farm
Linda

has been hatching her own babies this Spring.

So Cute!! Videos and all. Go back into her archives last

month to see the little ones peck their way out of their shells.

Now you can google Backyard Chickens for a wealth

of information.How to build your own coops...what to feed them.

This is the time of the year to buy the little darlings.Most feed stores carry them.

If not you can order them from any Chicken Hatchery.

Just Google ordering Baby Chicks.I have used

McMurray Hatcheries before with great success.You pick them up at the

Post Office the day they arrive.Peeping away.

If you live in the City...just check with your

City ordinances to see if you can have chicks.Most cities won't

let you have roosters and there are restrictions to how

many you can have.

There is such a movement toward self sustained living

that you can now join clubs just for being a "Farmgirl"
Deborah Jeans Dandelion House
This gal is the hostess and co-hostess to
Farmgirl/Farm Friend Friday Blog Hop
and has recently hosted her own Farmgirl Party in
her real home.She can show you how to join
up in the newest movement for Farmgirls.
Farmgirl Sisterhood
at Mary Janes
has the club to join...with badges to earn and all.

Amy over at Homestead Revival
she is leading the movement to get back to basics in our homes and lives.
She is offering a giveaway.It is a copy of the book
Sourdough from A-Z.Yummm my favorite bread.
Stop by and sign up for a winning chance.

Listen "Chicks'"start scratchin in your gardens...stores are starting to
raise their prices...take care of your home flock.Expand your knowledge
of back to basics...it might come in handy faster than you think
if the government shuts down. 4.2 million in military alone will
be affected.My girls who are married to military guys
live from paycheck to paycheck now...much less cutting out checks.
Their back to basics skills will come in to play!Praise God for the living
we did when they were children...and for the Internet...to expand our knowledge.

This Gingham Chick says hugs and squeezes to my peeps.

PS..Does anyone know what this is..it is in Oklahoma.Thanks

Prep Challenge...Getting Organized

2011-04-02T23:58:00.001-05:00

The Prep Challenge hosted by Amy is starting their third week.I have been helping my daughter prep here for about 5 weeks now.From buying extra when we grocery shop to getting the farm ready with goats, chickens and gardens.This takes a lot of time as we were starting new here on her new property.I head home in a week to start on mine seriously. So in my spare time...lol....I am trying to come up with what is really important to survive on...what we can afford and make ourselves....and how to just live life more simple.

Now if you knew me personally...you know I am a A,B and C list maker.When I do weddings I try to cover every detail on paper.I set the tables up on paper...and I go over every detail for that serving table...5-10 times...then it's put into a folder...and put with that table...for decorating and for serving.I have learned that being organized, and having it on paper...it keeps people from bombarding you with questions.I just say it's in the folder.

That is how I am getting organized for my survival stuff. First I have researched and read so much on the Internet and read so many of your blogs. A lot of it is just good old common sense.Then I will make folders (the 10 cent kind from Wallie World) for each activity from using the dehydrator to canning tips that I have learned to cooking on an open fire....ect.

I also label all boxes...Rubbermaid's...with the contents and there are copies inside the boxes with instructions on how to use whatever is in them. Now I know this seems silly...but do you know how many weddings and school events I have done thru the years and the simplest thing to do...well it isn't so simple for others. Seems not all people have common sense...lol My favorite was "I don't know how to fill up the mustard and ketchup bottles" are you kidding me...lol

Now I know what some of you are thinking....why do you need info written down...why can't you just tell those around you. Have you ever been sick and it hurt to talk....or you have a major headache...or you are hurt and can't move around well? Been there done that...and the last thing I want to be doing is giving detailed instructions when they could just read it and follow the simple step by step instructions that are written out.

Take an afternoon or an evening...spread some loose paper in front of you...and just make titles..canning...washing dishes with electricity, without. baking with electricity, without....ect.The supplies you will need.The utensils.And of course clean up and storage of item.I find by mapping out the food from start to finish helps me with items I might need on other food projects .I rarely cook with plastic anything anymore.
I use wooden or metal long handle spoons (I bought a lot of my utensils years ago at a restaurant supply store.Anyone can go in there and buy stuff) I find these long handle spoons great for cooking on an open fire with my cast iron also.

Have plan A,B ,C and D. I hope and pray that this will be just a financial bump in the road for us.That would be Plan A. Having to live with limited electricity..and water...well this would be Plan B. And living own you own...no electricity no traveling to stores....could be from natural disaster...disease...or even civil war...this would be Plan C. Grabbing and fleeing your home with what you can carry and throw in a car ...well this is Plan D.

I never like the paperwork for Plan C for any occasion I am planning...but it needs to be done.I have had to use only Plan C twice during weddings...and I am sooooo happy that I had taken the time to think it out.Because we had little or no time to react...just jump to Plan C.

D plan is usually easy...because it stays packed...and it's already to grab. I will do a post on this soon.

I Praise God for giving me the talent for organizing. I love to do it...but you have to flexible...that's the hard part.I need to keep God in front of my planning....not behind it. So get that paper out...think each A,B,C and D plan thru for whatever you are doing.Then put the final detail sheet of instructions in a folder...a cute notebook...on a disc...but let others know where it is. You can do it!! I will be posting a list in a week or two. I am still organizing it.

You can never cover everything...because of money...time...and it is just too much for your brains to absorb.
Just listen to what God tells you to do...what opportunities come up that you can learn...or share with others.I love this Prep Challenge...it helps broaden the thought process. I just happened to learn better by doing.

For those of you who are stocking up on dry beans,rice, sugar ect. We have been saving my granddaughters plastic juice bottles.We wash them out and let them dry for a few days...then use a funnel and add the dry stuff. I always write on the bottle what it is and the date.These can go under beds, in closets, behind couches.Keep a notebook in your pantry to write down where you put the stuff...lol Don't forget to rotate it out.Looking forward to getting home and working on my storage stuff. We are going to be up all night.Baby goats will be arriving tonight...mom's first delivery.Exciting!! Here's the mama.

And remember there is nothing to fret about...smile...and enjoy life...getting organized can be fun.

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Braggin on my Children

2011-03-31T08:33:00.000-05:00

"Braggin"

What's a mom to do....

but brag!!

We have raised 5 children to adulthood!!!!

(Standing ovation here!!..lol)

We have 4 girls and a son.

The girls they are all married and have families.

I brag because they are so talented I just had to share

what they are up to.

Wendy the oldest and mother of 4

has started a photography business.

Cowgirl Photography

here in Oklahoma.She is doing an awesome job.
She takes pictures of families and their children.

Families just love her to death!!
She has been asked to come into their lives
to document births and special occasions now for some
of these special families.

She also balances the children and
their activities....homeschooling all of them
Church leadership roles and of course
life here on a farm...gardening...animals
and general upkeep.

Kim mother of 2

has started a business called

Denim and Curls.

She has an Etsy store and has branched out

to selling in the public forum.

Her children come first so she doesn't mind a slow growing

business.She balances the children, homeschooling,
gardening,cooking and baking

and now sewing and she use to paint with watercolors.

(Please start painting again...for mama)

The first two girls deal with husbands

in the military and their varying schedules and out of town trips.

This is so hard emotionally on them...yet they are doing a great job!!!!!

My third daughter is Kelly.She has just recently started sewing

and selling her clothes she has decorated....this exploded so fast and

she was taking in soooo many orders...that Paisley Patch was formed.

She signed papers for leasing a building in our town for the

Paisley Patch Boutique.

She will be opening sometime early this summer.

She will carry clothing,gardening and household

items.Kelly and Kim recently had a booth set

up during a Taste of Homes Cooking Show.

There was an article in the newspaper!!

Kelly has 3 children...with Paisley being her youngest.

She balances children,carpooling,baseball games and

she is still baking cakes for showers and parties.

Kelly and her husband live on a small farm also.

Lori is my 4th girl.....with a son and a new baby due

in May.She recently quit her dental job to stay home

and hone in on her homemaking skills and keep her son with her

before he heads off to school next year.She has always created

jewelry...and now has found the sewing machine to be her friend.

She has been sewing little items for Miss Bailey and some of her friends children.

I bet it won't be long before she starts selling her items.

She has been balancing work...her son's activities...her

husbands two jobs and school.She loves to cook. And her husband has built this

awesome BBQ/Smoker...Both of them love to cook.I always thought

she would open a restaurant.Never too late!

I can't forget my son.He can fix just about anything.He's a

Awesome welder.He has created some custom signs for his newly

married friends.He is working in the oil field right

now.Being responsible and trying to become debt free.

He is a calf roper and occasionally when he has

time does the Ranch Rodeos.I just hide

my eyes when he does these..it's wild!!!!
He is still single.... I am
still praying for my future daughter-in-law...
where ever she may be.

All my children have a strong relationship

with God.They were all saved when they were young

and have chosen to follow Him in their lives.2 grandchildren have

accepted Christ. For this I thank the Lord everyday.

Raising children is hard...and it doesn't stop just because they

graduate...it continues...with words of wisdom for raising

their offspring...and with laughter that they are now raising

duplicates of themselves...lol
For consoling and praying during health emergency's

For support and excitement during babies being born.For those

midnight phone calls...where your heart drops out of your chest

and you hear I am all right...but....

Yes raising children is hard!Yet it has been the best and truly only

thing I have to say for my life. I loved and still love

raising my children.When asked what I did with my life
I say I was a homemaker.
I am a Wife...a Mama...and a Nana

and proud of it.

So I have bragged!! Shame on me.lol

What can you brag about?People paint..

design...bake....create...me I raised my children!!!!

I love my children...they are my works of art.I thank

God for His wisdom on the placement in the family

and how He knew I wanted a large family.And for a husband

who supported raising a large family and who was

there every step of the way.

Have a great day my friends.And send a brag out on your children!

Hugs from Me Mama Cindy

Sorry no pictures...still traveling
Group pictures on sidebar

Over the Fence Chats and Barnyard Visits

2011-03-28T19:47:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Neighbors and Girlfriends! It has been such a long time since we hung out at the neighborhood fence and chatted.Hanging out at the fence when on an extended trip is soooo hard.I should be home in another week...it was delayed again.So let's get to chatting.

Here at Wendy's the daffodils have gone to town blooming.Ashlyn loves to go out and smell them!!

I have seen a lot of Easter projects lately at your homes.They are so cute.I need to get home and set my Bunny village up.And it seems a lot of you are going to step out of your comfort zone and try vegetable gardening...Good for You!!!! I think you will really enjoy it.I can't wait for pictures of the gardens to start popping up in Blogville.

Baseball season for so many of your children and grandchildren has arrived...what a time to sit outside and to enjoy God's nature while watching the games.I will be attending Owen's games when I get home...he is just 5...I love this age!!

Here at at our barnyard....the chicks are getting so big.

Walker has to get here next week to build Wendy her hen house...they are outgrowing the brooder.I need to find a bigger box for mine also.We had to turn the lights back on.We have had two days of 45 temps with low 30's at night.Hay was distributed over the corn and tomatoes to help prevent frost damage.

....so far no frost....just cold temps.I hope it survives.

The goats are sooooo darn snugly cute!! Wendy has 6 Nigerian Does. 4 have already kidded this season...delivering 3 females and 2 males.One doe is due next week and the other was never bred.I am hoping to get a little one from this group or a mama to take home.

Each grandchild has their favorite !!

Ashlyn has picked this little girl her name is Princess.

She started praying for her...when she found out Princess is sick.
She was running a high fever...a trip tp the vet..and she has a heart murmur and the beginnings of
pnuemonia.This was 6 days ago...and Princess is doing great.We will have to watch the heart murmur.
God does litsen to childrens prayers!!!

We found some Blackberry plants coming up ....we need to transplant them to a new orchard site here.The family who use to own this place,her husband was a vegetable /fruit accountant for a large company.He bought and transplanted all kinds of stuff here.Sadly he got MS and never documented where he had planted stuff...so Wendy will play the guessing game for a few years trying to identify things.lol

I have met some new friends in the neighborhood.They live in the country area of Blogville.I think you would all love to visit them and you could even incorporate some of their living where you live.They even have weekly parties where Country girls from all walks of life can share what's happening in their neck of the woods.For some it is a new challenge living this way....for others it will be sharing their permanent lifestyles that they have been living for quite some time.Homesteading....Farming....Ranching....Backyard farming....all these are ways of becoming self-sufficient in times when money is tight...food is high in the stores....and needing the know how to take care of one's family is now very strong!!

My new friends are:

Amy and Richie from Verde Farms they host Farm Friend Friday. They are also rebuilding this old farm and she decorates so cute!!

The Prarie Homestead she is one of 4 hosting on Mondays the Homestead Blog Hop. This is a lot of fun to check in with. I have learn sooo much!!

Homestead Revival is hosted by Amy...who is one of the hostess for Homestead Blog Hop....she is also hosting weekly a Preparedness Challenge. Love it...this is right up this gals alley!!You can link onto any of these to learn what you need to do for challenges in our future...for tips on growing and raising animals.And of course every form of gardening....from start to finish.There are also women sharing their handicrafts.

I know you will open them up to our neighborhood with flying colors...you girls have always been soooo kind and gracious.

I can't wait to get back home and set my little farm up and running again.Now to come up with a cute name..hmmmmmWalker calls the farm The Hay Patch...how can I add my touch...lol

Hugs and squeezes to all. Cindy

I am linking up to the Homestead Blog Hop.

Chicks and "E"

2011-03-21T11:42:00.001-05:00

Most of you who read my blog...well you know I am not a city girl.I am and always will be a country girl...no matter where we live.I have always had a love for animals and for a simpler way of life.Although if you have really ever gardened big and had farm animals..I am not sure simpler is a word that describes your daily walk...lol
But there is a calmness that comes from this lifestyle...and a sense of accomplishment that sure does make you feel good.Let me share with you a few changes in my life that I will now be writing about.

First of all....My goodness the month of March is here..and I haven't used my letter for my word of the year Twenty-eleven.The letter this month is E.

Now what can I say for E...hmmmm....about Eggs...what did you say...how did she come up with that? Well that's because I am raising Chicks....who will become Chickens .....who will lay EGGS.

Let me introduce you to the girls...it started 2 weeks ago with a trip to Atwoods, the local Farm and Ranch store.I bought 8 little girls of several breeds.The trip home with my 8 and Wendy's 15...well let's just say it was quite a loud exciting peeping trip!!

Next lights were put in the boxes for their 24 hour warmth...water containers and feed put out.And notices were given to the children "Do Not Touch!" without an adult.The next day they were moved out to the Brooder box that Wendy had a friend build.Really any box will do....as long as there is no draft and you have a light bulb on them.

After the first week and a few more chicks bought..(it is addicting....lol) We have separated the girls since mine will be coming home with me.(Now that will be an Exciting trip...lol) Mine seem to be responding to my voice...and I try to pick them up often and chat with them..I hate ugly acting chickens..it brings back memories of me being chased by a Rooster.Eckkkk.So I have decided after reading sooo many blogs about their pet chickens...that I am going to make my girls happy and loving!!

Here they are at week 2...we call this this ugly teenage years....they are loosing their fluff and they are getting their real feathers..and their necks are so much bigger than their bodies...lol Chickens have a gang mentality....and they can be really ugly to new chicks...and to sick chicks....no really...they will peck a chick to death.You never want to crowd them for long...they kick in with survival....and will fight for space.

One of these is a rooster...his name is Hoot..they remind me of owls.

I have also named them for some of my blogging girlfriends.

There is Calli (California friends)
Ellie (Special girlfriend)
Zona (Arizona Gals)
Dee ( Debbie and Donna)
Peach (Georgia friends)
Zuzu (grandaughters favorite)
Belle (Southern friends)
Shawnee (where they were bought)

There are 2 left...I am waiting to see if they will be roosters or hens.

Well this is some of what I have been doing up here at Wendy's.I should be heading home in 2 weeks.Her daddy is coming up to build her a chicken house.I have my plans on paper for mine at home.I hope you have enjoyed this new avenue in my life.

Gotta run...Later Peeps...lol...Cindy

PS I am linking this over to Homestead Barn Hop