Friday

I spent the morning running to a couple of different feed stores looking for another wire rabbit hutch. The one here in town didn't have it, so I went to the one the next town over, and they had what I was looking for....

Afterwards, we came home and got the rabbits settled in their new cages, the old cage cleaned, the chicks fed and watered, and then headed into town to have lunch with Candi.

The girls and I had already eaten, but we met Candi and her brood at Jack In the Box. We then headed to Walmart to pick up a few groceries. I also purchased a box of canning jars, some pickling spice, and a dehydrator. I am so happy about the dehydrator!

Just wanted to share a few funny things that have happened around here the past few days......

First of all, on Tuesday I went out to the land to check on my chickens, re-fill the feeders and the waterers. Well, I didn't pay attention, and forgot to latch the gates so the chickens got out. I went back in the chicken yard and the hens hopped in the coop right away, but the two roosters, flew out of the coop. I didn't have time to chase them, or wait until they went up naturally, so I left them out for the night. I was half hoping something would eat them, because the main rooster has been a pain in the posterior for the past year.

Well, Thursday I went out around lunch time to water the garden, and pick some vegetables. I went to the coop to see if there were any eggs. None in the nesting boxes, so I looked down on the bottom. Nope, none there either. I was starting to get irritated by now, as these are the worst laying chickens I have ever heard of. I think, I need some kind of window or skylight on the top of the coop to let more light in, because SOMETHING is throwing their laying off.

Anyway, as I was bending down, I noticed a bunch of feathers on the other side of the coop between the barn wall, and the coop. I thought "Oh no, something got the rooster, and left pieces of it here!" About that time, the rooster turned it's head and stared at me. It was panting too, which I know is not good for chickens. I walked around to the side of the coop, and started laughing. I knew right away what had happened, because I have seen the rooster do it...He likes to fly up on top of the coop, the thing is, that the roof is sheet metal, and very slippery. Apparently, he slipped, and got wedged UPSIDE DOWN between the wall of the coop and the wall of the barn. I couldn't pull him out by his legs, so Taylor and I rocked the coop back and forth, until he fell down on the ground. We had to put him back into the chicken yard, and he wasn't walking really great. Provided some water to him, and then he started crowing for a LONG time. He was really embarassed! He went into the coop, and didn't come out the rest of the day, though I heard him crowing. Maybe that will "learn" him to stay in the chicken yard. LOL! I wish I had a camera on me, it would have been a great picture.

The second thing happened today at Jack In the Box. Raymond is Candi's 6 year old son. He is in love with Hannah (soon to be 5). He has made all these plans for their married life. What kind of job he will have, the 1,000 children and so on. This REALLY irritates Hannah. When he starts going on with "When you and I are married, I'll take you to Disney World, etc." Hannah constantly tells him "Look I am not getting married to you. I don't even like you." He just smiles and keeps on going.

Well, today he walked up to her to show her how much taller he has gotten (they were the same height until recently). He told her "See, I am bigger than you. I could beat you up you know." Now, most little girls would cry and run and tell, but not Hannah. She looked at him with a serious look, no smile, and sipped her soda. Then she told him calmly "I can break your finger you know?" He got this scared look on his face, and backed away. It was so funny!
I told her to be nice to him, and not to scare Raymond. She told me he was on her nerves. I told her again, she better stop letting him bother her, because they were going to end up married one day. I told her people who fight all the time, end up married. She puffed up, got red in the face, and told me "I am never marrying that disgusting boy." I laughed and laughed.

Pretty Cool!

Click the link, and turn the sound up......


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2oo3s_rapturemed_family

Upcoming Pumpkin Patch

We will be planting pumpkins this week, for my first ever pumpkin patch/sale. Since this is just a beginning, we'll see how it goes.

I plan to have refreshments and snacks (water, lemonade, home baked treats), restrooms, picnic area, farm animals/petting zoo, catch and release fishing, tractor driven hayrides, straw/hay maze for little kids, and vendors to set up a gift shop, craft show area. So, if you have things you like to make, and want to rent a table let me know, or send me your craft items, and I will sell for you. You have until October, so get ready.

Queen's Edge Farm -
pumpkins, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area
Fm 3176 On Right, Big Foot, TX 78052. Phone: 210-324-5900. Email: queensedgefarm@yahoo.com. Directions: IH 35 South, exit Devine exit (Hwy 173), turn left at light, then an immediate right once you cross under the overpass. At the stop sign, turn left onto FM 3176. The farm is approximately 5 miles down on the right (you will pass the feed lot on the left). Crops are usually available in October, November. Open: Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Sunday 1:00 pm to 5 pm. We follow organic methods, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, only. This is our first year at our new location, so please check our web page to guarantee our first crop has done well. We'd hate for you to drive out and be disappointed. Looking for vendors in the area to rent a table, and set up tables with home made items for sale (soap, candles, jams, jellies, craft items).

Corn's Ready!

I just wanted to encourage those of you that read my blog, and live in the San Antonio Area to head down to Castroville. A friend of ours is a family farmer. He, his brother and father farm over 500 acres. They have a vegetable stand outside of Castroville (on the left, next to the antique store, BEFORE you actually get into Castroville. You'll see a sign that points left that would lead you to LaCoste, the vegetable stand is right there...) Please help support our local farmers. This could be their last year if they don't have a good year. Due to the increase in fuel and fertilizer, this is a make or break year for them.

Too many of our country's farms are going by the way side, and we dont' need to lose these experienced and valuable addition to our area's food supply.

So, buy local! Please!

www.farmaid.com

Do you have the guts?

The British called, and they want their guns back.......

"Liberty belongs to those, who have the guts to defend it. Do you have the guts?"


Watch the video at this link: A very powerful statement.
http://transsylvaniaphoenix.blogspot.com/2008/05/british-called-they-want-their-guns.html

Goals to Focus On

I thought I would write down my goals, as they are supposed to better achieved if written.

1. Sell house
2. Build cabin at land
3. Be 75% self sufficient by 2010 and 99% self sufficient by 2012 (I figure I may need that 1% to account for buying gas, as I don't have my own oil wells or refineries).
4. Pay off land by 2012
5. Tithe more

**This is an excerpt from a friend's blog, and I wanted to share.....a few wise words to live by.

"I have a suggestion. We know for fairly certain, things are going to change sooner or later. Peak everything will happen. Change isn't Obama's idea of change either!

No, what we are facing is a NEW reality. A new paradigm. And our children will have to be taught by us parents how to really survive what is coming. No public school will ever ready them for the onslaught of depleted resources and the mental preparedness they will need to handle it all.

It is up to us! Therefore, I suggest that parents include their kids in all discussions, plans, and preparations as you get ready in your house holds. DO NOT SCARE THE BEEJEEZUS OUT THEM! Be kind and forth coming with information, and answer all their questions. Be ready to defend your decisions, Be ready to counter the mind fog that kids are told in school. But none the less, make them face and prepare for a different way of looking at life, and what TEOTWAWKI really means.

Entirely too many kids today are pre-occupied with texting, video games, You Tube, My Space, TV, and other hog wash that will not help them survive anything. POP! their entrancement bubbles folks.TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL! and they will love and honor you forever because you took the time to do so.

They may resist at first, but, with loving determination, they will respond.
There is nothing more pleasing than to watch a 14 or 15 year old girl, break down an AR15,reassemble it, slap in a 20 rd. mag. and fire away at a target, and hit it dead on. She can handle a 45 cal. auto pistol well. She can re-edge a dull knife with out hesitation.
She can also cook, hunt, sew, work with wood and leather, spell correctly and write a perfect letter by hand. She not only knows homemaking,gardening and crop growing,but, she also knows how to milk a goat or cow. She can ride a horse, and saddle it, groom it, feed it, and shovel up after it. All with out complaint or being told to do it. She knows how to feed and care for babies and the elderly.

She knows how to clean a hurricane lantern and replace the wick. She can play the piano and the flute. She knows the names of every kind of cloud formation, and can read the weather. She can swim and has a CPR certificate. She knows how to pick berries,corn,apples, and can pull other veggies all day in the sun. She knows how to tap a sugar maple and when. She actually likes to read MOTHER EARTH NEWS, and not teen magazines. She can read a map, and can use a compass. She knows how to use a sextant. She knows the constellations and the planets in the sky.

She knows how to change the oil of the car, tractor, and how to replace a flat tire.She knows what the differences of oil types mean. She understands how an internal combustion engine works.
You daughter has a decent moral ethic that she lives by, and honors. She has pride in her self and in her family. She does not swear like a pirate, and has manners. She has a faith in something that is good for her. She has modesty. She knows how to handle male advances.
There is nothing in the vernacular, that she doesn't understand by the time she is 18. Eventually, you realize that she is one smart little cookie, and has a barrel full of confidence. Yet, she isn't arrogant.

Now, just as I used my daughter as an example here, all this applies to all boys as well.

Teach your children valuable, useful* , life skills. Show them how. Go to classes with them. Laugh with them and cry with them. Never give up on them. The storm clouds are brewing out on the horizon, and they are getting mighty black. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL; Before it is to late, and they are lost in the storm.

The schools will never prepare them correctly. Only YOU can!

the CHIPMUNK

* USEFUL: SPORTS are NOT going to save their hides when the chips are down. Well maybe rock climbing, but, don't bank on it. Don't risk their young bones on something that really is just a time waster. SPORTS has become AMERICA'S OPIATE.

Instead, get them in the saddle, and get them riding. They'll love it, trust me! And don't forget to buy them a cowboy hat and boots that fit. "

Today's Photos

Welcome to Bandera
The Cowboy Capital of TEXAS

Candi and Samantha

Nona and Hannah

Friends from the Rear

Mary's Baptism by Pastor Kelly

Candi's Baptism

Porter Taylor Edge, Jr. (age 3 months)

Church Family

We had our Sunday morning Worship Service at the Medina River in Bandera. This is over an hour's drive for most of us, but it was worth it. My family arrived around 9:15 a.m. and claimed a picnic area. Due to it being Memorial Day weekend, I was expecting the tables to be gone already. There was no one else there! Praise God!

Around 10:30 a.m. Pastor Kelly and his wife Cheryl arrived with the canopy, which we put up, and placed our chairs under. This is where we had our worship service today, prior to the baptism and church picnic.

Everyone had lots of fun, and good food, and most everyone left around 2 p.m. (it was over 100 by this time). Candi's family and my family stayed until around 4:30 p.m., and then we headed home.

We are now getting ready to paint, and put in the other new toilet. We have another prospective "buyer" on Wednesday scheduled.

Happy Memorial Day!

My Story....or part of it ;-), plus reminders and advice

Recently, several family members and friends have confided in me the financial difficulties they are going through. None of us are immune to these circumstances, including myself.

I will be posting some advice on what I have used in the past to generate income, save money, and a reminder that if you aren't currently in financial straits, PLEASE start at least purchasing extra food. If you have food, it will take a great worry out of your mind, while you work on money for house payments, car payments.

Please check back here.....

I have a family member who loves to make excuses as to why they can't reduce their debt, or their outgoing bills. It is frustrating to me, because it is clearly not a case of "can't" but "won't". This is very annoying, because I then have to listen to complaints as to there not being enough money during the month. Please listen, there are NO excuses. Either you are willing to reduce your debt, buckle down, and take my advice or you aren't.

Let me tell you my story....

After our son was born in 1989, we had a huge pile of medical bills, totaling almost a half a million dollars. It was outrageous, and there was never any hope of ever being able to pay it off. I made $12K a year, and Rodney didn't make much more than that, and then he was out of work for 18 months. I paid each medical bill $5.00 a month, because that is all I could afford, and I acknowledge the debt was mine, but I wasn't going to beggar myself by paying huge monthly payments and not being able to afford food.

Shortly after Taylor was born, we made the decision to give up our nice apartment in San Antonio, and rent a small house on 20 acres. Our rent went from $275.00 a month to $170.00 a month (remember this was the late 80's, but this was still a big chunk of my pay check, as I only brought home right under $1,000 a month). After three years, we received a letter that let us know that a "benefactor" had paid off our outstanding hospital medical bills. I was shocked, and though I tried to find out who it was so that I could thank them in some small way, the hospital wouldn't tell me who it was. (I did later find out that many people donate money to the hospital for just these cases, and we happened to be one of the lucky ones. Praise God!)

When Taylor was three we bought our home, that was in 1992. We have lived here for 16 years, and it has had both it's ups and down. Even though Rodney and I both worked full time jobs, we had a hard time meeting our obligations. Neither one of us were taught how to budget. There were still about $30K in medical bills that weren't hospital related that we were still working on, and along with falling into the credit card trap, new vehicle trap, and poor record keeping on my part and the mortgage company's part, we soon were facing foreclosure on our home. We managed to provide receipts that showed we had paid payments, but it was a close thing.

In 1997, we declared Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Because I believed in paying what I owed (Rodney didn't care either way, whatever I decided to do) I chose the Chapter 13 plan. During the proceedings I was asked what percentage that I wanted to pay back. Normally, most people pay about 70% of what they owe. I chose 100%. It was hard, and my entire pay check of $1800 a month was garnished.

During this time I found the Tightwad Gazettes, and entered into a new era of frugality. For five years we scaled back, so that we could live on one paycheck, while my paycheck was devoted to paying off a huge bankruptcy obligation. We cut out cable, internet, all but basic phone service, turned in our car, but kept the truck. I bought ZERO pre-packaged food, made everything from pizza to cookies, didn't use AC, used a wood stove for heat, used cloth diapers, breast fed, cooked, etc., all while holding down a full time job. Finally, we came to the end of our bankruptcy payoff, and our attorney (a Christian himself) congratulated us on being the only client to EVER pay 100% of their debt. He said he had many Christian clients, but they opted to do what was legal, and not biblical. He credits this obedience to Scripture for our financial picture today.

We are by no means bragging, nor are we rich. But the only debt we have is our mortgage. We have utilities, car insurance and food. In 2003, we had our third child, and because of our diligence in paying off our debt, I was able to stay home with this last child of ours. Rodney has received significant raises over the years, and currently brings home over $3K a month. Our monthly bills come out to a little under $1500, so we have sufficient money to put in savings, etc.

In August, my dad passed away, and I was left a little money to add to our savings. We have used this money, plus our savings to do a variety of things we have never been able to accomplish such as:

storing up enough food and miscellaneous supplies for a year
purchasing 10.5 acres
buying a tractor
fencing for land
a generator
paying off car
purchasing curriculum for next school year
building a barn
purchasing food animals (fish, rabbits, chickens, goats)
starting in Watkins and Avon (by the way when we move, this will be made a little more difficult, as I won't have Internet access, but will be using the libraries computer to keep up with orders, questions, email. This was not a necessity, but a want to see if I could make it pay. Haven't yet, but will work on that in the future.)

My entire point in relating this is that I know and understand hardships. I grew up in a family of five, so I know all about making things stretch, from clothes to food, and I know how to do without wants, disguised as necessities (eating out, car payments, cell phones, internet and more)

If you are in hard times, a few things that you can do is to:

- give blood (the blood bank pays a few bucks, enough for a little food)
- have a yard sale either at home, someone else's home or put things on craigslist or set up a Yahoo website with your "For Sale" stuff and post the link on craigslist.
- pawn valuables (jewlery, tools, electronics)
- cut off unnecessary utilities (be honest with yourself - cable, cell phones and internet are NOT necessities, no matter how you try to excuse it)
- give back the car you are paying payments on, your credit is pretty much shot by now, so it's not going to hurt anything
-stop living by your credit report, take care of your family FIRST
- sell excess books on Amazon.com
-DO NOT deposit any money into a bank account, this will just eat up any fees, judgments, etc., that are levied against you. Bite the bullet and pay the 1% that the grocery store or check cashing place will charge you. Better to pay $10.00 than lose $1,000. Go to a CASH ONLY system.

- Read the Tightwad Gazettes and ALL the books by Mary Hunt. (I didn't say buy, I said read, so dust off your library card, or if you are close, I'll lend you mine)

- Start cooking, dust off the cookbook. Only by basic ingredients, not pre-packaged.
- Breast feed
- Use ONLY cloth diapers (I have almost NO sympathy for a couple of family members with new borns, who have been complaining to me about the high cost of formula and diapers. I have the answer, but if you don't take the advice, you forfeit your right to complain to me. I AM NOT AN ENABLER, I AM A FIXER. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE WAY I WANT TO FIX THINGS, GO TWO DOORS DOWN.)

A few websites to check out are: www.hillbillyhousewife.com, www.stretcher.com, www.cheapskatemonthly.com, www.angelfoodministries.com, and www.crown.org

Remember the the ONLY three things you need are: food, water, shelter; everything else is expendable, yes, even your car to get to work. It is ALWAYS possible to car pool or find another way. Think outside of the box. Keeping the three things you need in mind, set up your home to be able to withstand no electricity. Because if it comes down to only enough money for food or electricity, which will you choose. (It had better be the food).

So think, do you have enough food to get you through the month? If not, and you can afford it, make a list of the basics (don't know what these are, ask me) and go NOW, buy one month of basics and set it aside. Then go about your normal shopping, and when you buy a can of soup, buy an extra for your storage. Choose foods that don't need refrigeration (even cheese comes in types that need no refrigeration).

Do you have water? Start buying gallon jugs of water. You will need water to cook with and drink if you can't afford to pay the water bill. I am lucky and have a well, which has been handy at times that I couldn't afford to pay the city water bill. But if you don't have a well, there are plenty of places to bathe (this is when you are in desperate times) such as the YMCA, truck stops, gyms, rec centers, public pools have showers in the dressing/restroom area.

Do you have shelter? If you are lucky enough to be still in your home, thank God for the blessing. If you still are in a good financial situation, start working on setting aside money until you get one extra mortgage/rent payment. Having this one month extra, plus one month of food, can often buy you the time you need to get a job, or get out of a small financial mess.

If you are in danger of losing your home, start looking at yard sales, craigslist, or ask a friend if they have a tent. Texas state parks have campsites for $8 a night for four people. Just a thought, remember it, in case you need it. State parks are your friend (safe camping spots, showers, electricity, grills, picnic tables).

You may have heard all of this before, or this may be totally new to you. If so, start small. If you have problems knowing where to start, call or email me. I have helped MANY people get started. This normally entails looking at all your expenses and income, setting you up on a budget, and making SACRIFICES.

Everything may seem overwhelming right now, or just a little scary, but you CAN and WILL get through this time, but you will have to work at it, you will have to eat things you'd prefer not to.
The only thing of real value you stand to lose is your PRIDE. It's just not worth it, don't let it prevent you from asking for help, be it monetary, some place temporary to live, or advice. (Please, just be prepared to follow the advice, if sound, or don't ask.)

Prayer List

Please pray for the following people and situations:

Rodney's job-ANSWERED - NEW CONTRACT RECEIVED FOR 2009
Move to land
Finances
House Sale
President Bush - strength as he transitions to "civilian" life
The Economy - to get better
The Kirkland Family
Our Nation

New Pictures - Bunny and Chicks

Baby Chicks
3 Rhode Island Reds, 3 Buff Orpingtons (yellow chicks) and
8 Cuckoo Marans (black chicks)

Peter Rabbit in front and his soon-to-be bride LuLu
1 month old now, wedding is in 4 months

The spiritual side of things

Don't run off, I am not going to preach to you...LOL. I just like to record my thoughts here, primarily for myself, but if someone else reads it, that's fine too. Bear in mind, I don't know many that read my blog, but wanted to clarify what I would be writing next.

In keeping with my commitment to read God's Word daily, and apply to my life, I have been reading in Psalms and Proverbs all week. Throughout the week I have had a couple of disappointments, and moments of uncharitable thoughts and attitudes, primarily towards my own family.

One incident is that the land agent called to let us know that the property next to us has come up for sale again. Rodney and I had discussed buying this piece if it ever came up again for sale. So, when it did, I was excited, called him to let him know, and he said no. I was highly upset, and was tempted to buy it anyway, in my name. I grit my teeth, and called the land agent back and told him that Rodney had declined for now, due to the house not being sold yet.

Here are some verses that have helped me get through this upset:

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 15:27a "A greedy man brings trouble to his family,"

Proverbs 17:14 "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."

Proverbs 19: 14 "Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord."

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 21: 2-3 "All a man's ways seems right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

Proverbs 23:4 "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint."

In relation to my continued thoughts on if and how I would help family and friends in the event of a deeper recession, or depression, after advising people to prepare, I am still torn. I find verses that tell me to keep my mouth shut, after being rejected, to rescuing them. It is very conflicting.

The morning I was praying over this matter, I immediately came across Proverbs 12:23, "A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly."

and Proverbs 12:4 "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." But in Proverbs 24:11 "Rescue those being led away to death, hold back those staggering toward slaughter."

And the morning I was praying over continued patience with regards to the house selling, and my burning need to have a home on the land I found this verse in Proverbs 24:27 "Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house."

Many may say that these are "coincidences" and that I read into what I find what I want to find, but I don't believe in coincidences. Everything happens for a reason.

I just wanted to take time to give a shout out to God and say "thanks! Love ya man!"

It's a slow start today. It's 9:30 a.m. and I am not even dressed today.

On the agenda will be washing, cleaning, cleaning out the rabbit cage and chicken crate.

I picked two jalapenos off my solitary jalapeno plant.

I didn't get to make breakfast like I wanted, the guys left to go to land. I did get to make them cheese toast, and Hannah had cereal and milk. Lauren is still asleep. I think the high heat is sucking our energy out. The guys went early, due to the temperatures expecting to rise into the 100's again today.

The garden needs to be watered, and I need to harvest the basil again, but will work on that this evening, when it has cooled down.

This afternoon, Lauren and I baked two chocolate cakes, a pan of brownies and a batch of molasses cookies. We will take these to the baptism/church picnic tomorrow. I still have a loaf of bread to bake, and the jug of iced tea to make. I want to get the car packed tonight, so we can get up and go early. It's an hours drive to the river where the baptism will be held.

Well, the chicken quesadillas are ready for dinner, so we are going eat. Rodney (the bum) went to ride his motorcycle right after lunch, and since he's not back I bet he went to the movies without me. If he saw the new Indiana Jones movie, he is in BIG trouble!

ETA: one of my baby chicks died just now. It was one of the Cuckoo Marans. He had a growth on it's behind, that we had noticed earlier this afternoon. I think it was preventing the chick from pooping. It's abdomen is all swollen now. Poor little thing. Hannah is a little upset, and wants to hold it, but I told her no. I moved it from one box to another. Hopefully, whatever it was, was not contagious.

This morning we headed two towns over to sign the paperwork and close on the land. Just in time too, because the fence is FINALLY finished. The goat pen still needs to be worked on, but the entire 10.5 acres is fenced.

Had to pick up the puppies third round of 7-way vaccinations. I dropped Rodney back off at home and he worked on painting the ceiling to the living room.

The girls and I headed over to Somerset to pick up a few items: a rabbit nesting box, chick start, heat lamp, and a chick watering bottle. I didn't know they had chicks at the feed and seed, but they did! I bought 3 Rhode Island Red pullets and 3 Buff Orpington pullets. I had also arranged to buy 8 Cucu Marans from a breeder in San Antonio. They are not sexed, so I have no idea if there are any roosters. I hope not. I really want laying hens, no more roosters, if possible. I may keep one Cucu Maran rooster to breed the Maran hens, and place the Reds and Buffs with the older flock.

It was very hot today, and the chicks spent time on the front porch in a rubber maid container. It was 105! In May!

I brought the chicks in tonight and Rodney helped me set up a place for the heat lamp to hang and keep them at about 90 degrees. I am charging my batteries, so will take a picture of the chicks and the bunnies when I can.

I have committed to cooking at home for the next week, and only cook from my stored items. I looked up recipes, and planned my menu (see previous post), with the hope that this will keep me on schedule, and from eating out so much. Trying to figure out how much more food I need to round out the year plan, and work menus around them, or actually make menus, and buy the food preps for the menu.

Need to grind wheat for the morning breakfast, I think it's pancakes, but will double check. Had to make MORE laundry soap this morning. This is turning out to be a weekly thing, and I am washing way too much. I wish everyone would cut down on the clothes. I think it's time to weed through the clothes, and pack up those items that aren't needed, and scale back down to five changes of clothing. During Christmas, they always seem to get more. (sigh) I hate washing clothes, but not as much as washing dishes.

Steven Curtis Chapman

I just wanted to let everyone know about the death of Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 year old daughter Maria (adopted from China). She was accidentally killed when her teenage brother ran over her in the driveway. How heart wrenching! The entire family needs prayer, especially the brother. Steven is one of my favorite Christian artists.

I cried when I heard, mainly because my own daughter will be 5 soon. Below is a link to a song that Steven wrote about his daughters.


http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/thismoment.htm

Daddy's Home

Today DH starts his vacation, or actually a portion of it. He will go back to work on Tuesday. Today he and DS went to work on the last leg of the fencing. I am going to take them lunch here in a few minutes.

Please pray for a friend name Kathy, she is having Cataract surgery today between 2-3 pm. She is understandably a little nervous, but would appreciate your prayers.

Today has been a slow day. I did make breakfast (french toast and bacon) before heading out to my doctor's appointment. I haven't been feeling well lately, and have been in a lot of pain also. Due to my "fainting" incident in church on Sunday, the doctor asked a lot of questions regarding my health recently, and family history. Due to everything I had an ECG performed this afternoon. My heart is perfect he said, no problems. My cholesterol was a little high (202) the last time, but they re-did all my blood work today to check my thyroid, CBC, Rheumatoid factors, the whole gamut. I did find out that my blood pressure was low, which is probably contributing to my lack of energy. The doctor told me to make sure I drink plenty of water, eat regular meals, and not to skip any (which I do, because I feel nauseous all the time.)

Apparently, I am one of the healthiest, sick people he knows. And he is contributing a lot of my pain, orneriness, feistiness, and general ailments to my Fibromyalgia. I feel a little better to know my heart is fine, but am wondering what the deal is with everything else???? I will continue to eat healthier, exercise, take my Watkins vitamins (ya'll should buy some too - I really like the Female Formula) and live in pain. Oy vay!

Weekly Menu

Dream Kitchen

Thursday -

Breakfast: French Toast with Bacon
Lunch: on your own
Dinner: Fried Chicken, rice, gravy, vegetable, bread, dessert, iced tea

Friday -

Breakfast: breakfast tacos
Lunch: sandwiches
Dinner: Pizza

Saturday -

Breakfast: Pancakes and sausage
Lunch: Panini's
Dinner: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Sunday-

Breakfast: Pancakes and bacon
Lunch: CHURCH PICNIC/BAPTISM
Dinner: sandwiches

Monday-

Breakfast: French toast and fried ham
Lunch: Chicken Quesadillas
Dinner: Pork Chops, vegetable, bread

Tuesday-

Breakfast: Pancakes and bacon
Lunch: grilled ham and cheese/cheese
Dinner: Turkey roast with rice and gravy, bread

Wednesday -

Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Southwest Soup and Toast
Dinner: Tacos

A Day of Mourning

I neglected to mention that the town has lost one of it's citizens. Mr. Alfred Carroll passed away the other day after a long, hard battle with cancer. Mr. Carroll owns one of the big ranches around here, and we attended church with several of his children, and one child is the superintendent of schools here in Lytle. Please be in prayer for his family.

Yesterday, was 9 months since my dad passed away. I find it very lonely, though I have sisters, a brother, a mother, grandmothers, and assorted relatives still around. My dad called me every day or so, to check on me, and I called to check on him. I miss that...

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I have been feeling quite depressed lately, from a mixture of things. The house not selling, not getting to move as quickly as I wanted, and stress from family members. I have been to the point of crying, and I never really cry this easily, but the past year has been tough on my emotions (yes I have them.)

Sunday the Pastor asked us to seriously commit to depending on the word of God, including reading it on a daily basis. A handful of the congregation came down front to publicly commit to do this, and to be held accountable.

I didn't really know what to read this morning, and all of a sudden, I heard this voice in my head to read Psalms 20. Here is what is says in verses 1-2.

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion."

In verse 4: "May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."
Verse 5b: "May the Lord grant all your requests."

These verses and other readings help me to feel better, and motivate me to get moving today. I feel very weepy, and sluggish, and I just want to stay in bed. Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by the sheer futility of life. I'd love to be a hermit, as long as, I had books, I'd be just fine.

Recently I also found the Book of Common Prayer. This is a book for the Episcopal Church, but I have read about it for years in a variety of biographies on the Puritans, Susannah Wesley, and others. I located it at the FEAST home school, used book room for $2.00, and thought I'd get it. It is actually a very good book, with all sorts of written "prayers" and suggestions for scripture.

What I like about it is that is has been used for worship for almost 400 years. (I like old things). The Marriage service and the order of worship for funerals, baptisms and ordinations are contained in the book. Very useful for the future for sure. I have my paperwork to perform marriages from the State, though of course I am not a Pastor. I don't believe in women as Pastors, but it might come in useful in the future, if needed.

Update:

It's the end of the day, and I thought I'd just update what has happened today, I have a bad memory, and this helps.

Candi arrived around lunch time. We looked through a few textbooks that I had bought at FEAST for homeschooling. We then headed out to the land for lunch. We had sandwiches and sat at the table under the umbrella, while the kids rode the four wheeler, and the garden tractor. The guys fished a little.

One of my hens was "murdered" by her own family. I don't really know which chicken did it, as it's pretty quiet in the coop. The even stranger thing happened, when I came back to bury the chicken this evening (we had to leave so Candi could get home to start supper), the chicken was GONE! It had to be a hawk, buzzard or coyote that took it. My money is on the hawk. We have LOTS of them on the property.

Lauren actually spent about an hour up at the road, sitting on her four wheeler with binoculars looking at the red tailed hawks. Her dad went with her to ride closer to them, but of course the noise of the four wheeler scared them into flight. I need to take my camera, and take a picture of all of them. They sure do love to sit on the ground under the trees. Haven't been able to find any pellets yet, but we are still looking. Lauren saw an owl too in the tree, she said. I'll go look another time, and look for pellets from it too. (FYI: pellets are the regurgitated bones, etc., that a bird of prey cannot digest. Finding the pellets is great, as you can open it up, and see exactly what the bird ate. Normally, you can buy these from a Science supply house, but if I can find them lying around, why not?)

I spent the evening weeding the garden with a hoe, and moving the watermelon runners to head another direction. They are overtaking the garden, and I want them off of my other veggies. I need to hoe another large area, and plant more green beans. I also planted some Yarrow in the large container, that is housing my St. John's Wort.

Herbal First Aid

Sorry about the delay in posting the information on the Herbal First Aid seminar I attended a short while back. Here is the information that I learned.

A few good herbs to have on hand are:

aloe vera - (primarily used for burns - be careful internally, as it is a strong laxative)
comfrey (used for poultices for sprains, wounds, bruises and insect bites)
yarrow (chew a few leaves, and place the leaves in a bleeding cut. In moments the bleeding will subside, and the wound will begin to heal).
echinacea (helps to boost immune system. Better to take before exposure as a preventative, especially prior to travel, or watching children.)

How to create an herbal poultice:

- harvest fresh herbs and chop them. In some instances, the whole leaf may be used effectively.
- place the chopped leaves in a pan, adding just enough water so they will not burn.
- heat them on the stove until the herbs become wilted and the water is absorbed.
- cool to a comfortable temperature and place the herbs directly on the skin. Apply them over a thin layer of cloth if the wound is in a sensitive area.
- An outer cloth may be used to keep the heat in. Wrap plastic around the outer cloth to preserve even more heat and to prevent the poultice from dripping.
- Use tape or a towel to secure the poultice.
- Change the poultice every 2o minutes. Use fresh herbs at each change to gain the best results.
Also, learned that any herb's Latin name that ends with "officinale" is a medicinal herb. Herbalist also encouraged us to not use Goldenseal, unless absolutely necessary, as the herb is on the "at risk" list due to over harvesting.

To make mullein, oregano oil, lavender oil or other infused oils. Fill a canning jar 3/4 to the top with dried herb. Pour extra virgin olive oil into jar, until herbs are covered. Place a tight lid on the jar, and let the herbs steep in the oil for 2 weeks. Strain out herbs, and retain oil for medicinal uses.

Mullein can be used for a bandage, mullein leaf for congestion in a tea, flowers (infused in oil) for ear aches, and the root for diarrhea. I had a lot more notes, but unfortunately, my son cleaned out the car, and threw them away. I was highly upset. I guess if I valued them, I would have put them away. Shoot!

Ellen Zimmerman, M.A., Certified Herbalist, www.ezherbs.net

Hodge Podge

Today has been a busy day. This morning we picked up our breeding pair of New Zealand rabbits. The two are one month old, and are now housed in a pet carrier with a little coastal hay, rabbit pellets and water. The small female is named LuLu and belongs to Hannah, and the male is Peter Rabbit (original, I know) and belongs to Lauren. I told them they can name these, but not ANY of the babies that we have. I don't plan to keep many as pets, but will sell them to other 4H members, and plan to butcher some for meat. (Sh! don't tell the kids, they won't eat dinner, if they think I might put rabbit meat in the meal.)

After picking up the rabbits, we ran to the land to pick up the pet carrier, stopped by the feed store to purchase a food dish and water bottle, plus a 50 lbs bag of rabbit feed and a 50 lb bag of chicken scratch.

We dropped the rabbits off at the house really quick and headed into San Antonio to have lunch with my friend Perla. We haven't seen each other in several months, due to both of our schedules, so it was nice to sit and talk.

We arrived back home around 2 p.m., to the water being off. I just love when the city works on the water lines without giving notice. I was a little upset, called the city, and asked to be put on the agenda for the next council meeting. I have a couple of issues I'd like to address, though I don't expect ANY resolution, as the city leaders, don't actually care what I think (I'm female, and under 60), plus my last name is Edge.

This evening, Lauren, Shaina and Taylor went to the city park to play tennis for a while. Rodney, Hannah and I headed to the land. Rodney cut down the coastal hay, and we will let it dry for a couple of days, before raking it up and putting in the barn. We don't have baling equipment, so we will be resorting to the old fashioned hay stack. This is our first cutting.
I sprinkled my garden with DE. I think gophers are getting my corn and tomatoes. Entire plants are missing, where they were standing only the day before. I am going to dump some used kitty litter down their hole, as I have heard that may get rid of them. We'll see. I badly need to harvest some basil, but haven't purchased a dehydrator yet. Tried to try them in the oven, and it didn't work. Other herbs I have dried by just hanging up, but apparently basil molds easily, and in humid weather you just can't do this effectively. I may freeze this batch, and work on getting the dehydrator. My St. John's Wort is growing pretty good, but none of the other (legal-LOL) medicinal herbs that I planted germinated. I am going to re-plant, so we'll see what happens. Two more eggs today (one yesterday). Whoopee! I was out of eggs, so I hope this means the hens are going to start laying more regularly, because if not, chicken nuggets are looking mighty attractive.

Oh! earlier when we went out to the land to get the pet carrier, there were five young red tailed hawks under a mesquite tree, sitting on the ground. Lauren went through the gate, and slowly walked up to them, she got pretty close before they flew off. She was very excited! When we left there about 10 sitting on fence posts and the side of the road across from our driveway. I don't know if it's mating season, or if these are babies. (Once about a month ago, we counted over 35 red tailed hawks on the property.)

My baby brother is getting married in November. It's hard to believe, time sure has gone by so fast. I remember when he was born. Makes me feel old!

Tomorrow Candi and I will be getting together. We plan to go to the FEAST office and look in the used book room for curriculum for the fall.

Back to the drawing board

The potential buyer that came to the house this week isn't going to buy it, after receiving feedback from the Realtor, we do a few additional, minor repairs to the house, a little more painting, and lower the price a tad.

I am really frustrated, we didn't receive the full amount of money from the IRS, so I am hoping that it will be rectified. I checked their web site, and that is what is said. If not, oh well, not much I can do about it. Just running out of money after paying the rest of the money towards the land, and buying fencing, and with one more large payment to make at closing, my bank balance is dipping drastically.

Well, off to Home Depot.

Back from town. Bought two toilet packages for $79.00 each, and a 5 gallon container of Ultra Pure White paint to finish Taylor's room, and the ceilings of the house.

Shaina, Taylor and Lauren went to see the new Narnia movie "Prince Caspian". Lauren was very excited to be included, because Taylor and Shaina are very rude and treat her like a little kid, but she's almost 11 you know! LOL! She dressed in her new jeans, white shirt, fixed her hair, and put her lip gloss on. Shaina rarely lets Lauren ride in the car with her, so it was very special to Lauren. The went out to dinner after the movie. She was on a big high when she got home.

Rodney, his dad, me and Hannah went out to the land. It had rained a lot last night. Not measurable, as we have a very stupid rain gauge. It has a tendency to blow to the side and not accurately measure the rain. The day before there was .05 inch of rain in the gauge, but there was more than that in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket, so I think we need to tie down the gauge. Today, you could tell there was a real "gully washer" out there during the evening. My plants were beat down into the ground, and covered with mud (I rinsed them off, and they are standing up again. Debris was build up in the creek bed where the water rushed through. But not ONE drop was in the rain gauge. Go figure.

I have two tomatoes on each tomato plant. They are about the size of plums. Hannah was very excited. They need to be staked pretty badly, but Rodney and his dad told me tonight that they would put two t-posts up on each end of the garden, and stretch a piece of fencing on it. That way I can tie the tomato plants to it. Apparently, this is how my FIL does his (sigh).

Tomorrow we are going to Sea World for the Christian Family Music Day. Rodney is actually going with us. I asked him, but he had other plans with his dad, but told us tonight he would go. Lauren and Hannah are very excited!

Daisy (Rott puppy) has been getting out of the yard somehow, so they have lost yard privileges and are locked up back in the kennel.

I am supposed to pick up a breeding pair of New Zealand rabbits this weekend, probably Sunday, Monday at the latest. They are only one month old, but that's okay. So, now the rush to get the cages set up. I have one cage already, and will use a pet carrier for the other rabbit.

I also need to get a bag of Chicken Scratch, and rabbit feed.

Just wanted to ask everyone to pray for us tomorrow as we go to Sea World, my friend Marianne whose FIL passed away yesterday, my friend Faith who's daughter will have to be stopping her riding lessons due to family financial issues, and the sale of my house.

Busy Week

It's been a busy week. Monday and Tuesday I spent cleaning and getting the house ready for a showing that was Tuesday evening. Still no offers. I am trying not to worry, and have turned it over to God. He WILL bring the perfect person to buy the house for what we need.

Monday I washed all the laundry and made a new batch of laundry soap. It's almost gone. It's amazing to me how much laundry accumulates in a week. (I get all the clothes, sheets and towels done, but still have a neat pile of blankets/comforters to wash).

Wednesday we went into town for Lauren's tennis lessons. The coach worked with Hannah for about 15 minutes too. She hits okay for being 4, and never playing before.

Afterwards, we stopped by the hospital to see our nephew's new baby girl, Paris Elizabeth. Unusual name. I gave him a hard time about it. I mean who wants their kid named after Paris Hilton????? Please keep this baby situation in prayer, not because of the name, but because my nephew is/was estranged from his wife. It's always been a volatile situation, so much prayer is appreciated.

Today, I picked up a little, the house is still clean from earlier in the week. Thank God!
I am waiting for the plumber to show up. He was supposed to be here this morning, then noon, and now sometime this afternoon. I won't use them again. I cannot abide people who don't stick to their appointments.

The girls want to make cookies, but I am so tired, and feeling blah. This rainy weather causes my Fibromyalgia and arthritis to flare up, and I am hoping to get through the day without taking any medication. It makes me even sleepier.

Time to rouse Lauren to complete her schoolwork. She's a slacker lately.

ETA: found this disturbing article, I encourage everyone to get involved in this, it's your water too! Be a part of the solution, not the problem please. Discourage development at all costs!

http://www.sacurrent.com/news/story.asp?id=68727

Measles Outbreak

FYI - in case you want to get vaccinated. I don't normally advocate vaccinations, usually only in situations like these.....

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/236928.php

Proverbs 12

Every day I try to read a chapter in Psalms and Proverbs that corresponds with the date. This means that I end up reading the same chapters over and over again on a regular basis, but you'd be surprised at what you don't get the 1st, 2nd, etc., times around.

A portion of scripture that jumped out at me today, that really speaks to me about my current situation is this:

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment." Proverbs 12:12

"A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly." v. 23

"Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor." v. 24

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Off to clean house, we are having another showing tomorrow afternoon....and of course the house is trashed after the weekend.

Happy Mother's Day

This morning Rodney was up early, at 7 a.m., and left to put more posts in for the fence, while it was still cool. He took Baeta with him in the cab of the truck. We left for church around 10 am, and didn't get back home until 1:30 pm. Rodney and Baeta arrived shortly afterwards. The dog was FILTHY. He said she had a ball running around on the land, wading and swimming in the pond, AND digging up my garden. A portion of my corn, and one jalapeño plant has bit the dust. Now to replant the corn for the third time (sigh).

I took a nap around 3 pm ( we had Chinese for lunch). I woke around 5 p.m., and we left to go to the land to ride in the new wagon that Rodney made, and for everyone (but me) to hit golf balls. Baeta enjoyed chasing down the golf balls, but didn't want to give them back, she kept hoarding them. We took the two puppies and Muffin too. Baeta is getting along great with the puppies, though I think they annoy her when they start climbing on her back or trying to lay down with her. She'll share her food, but not her sleep space.

Baeta did try to run down Muffin today. Apparently, she snapped at her, and Baeta lunged at her, and chased her underneath the car. We put Muffin in the car where she took a nap for a while. Baeta proceeded to show the puppies how to play in the pond. First, it started by walking along the edges, then Baeta waded into the deeper end, swam across the middle, and then started rolling in the muddy water at the shallow end. I have never seen a dog roll UNDER water before. She was totally brown and dripping wet when she was done. She let all that mud dry on her, and then she rolled in the grass to get it off.

Rodney got her to jump up in the bed of the pickup, and we took the smaller back roads home so that she could ride in the back, at a slower pace. We didn't feel comfortable with her in the back, and riding on the highway, since this was new for her. I forgot my camera, or I would have taken a picture. Hopefully, I'll remember next time.

We left the puppies out with Baeta again, because Baeta was lonely a little last night, and tried to paw out of the gate. When we let the puppies out, she laid down and went to sleep. They are all three so tired from playing at the land, they didn't even eat their dinner, but plopped down in the grass and went to sleep right away.

We picked up pizza from Dominoes in Castroville, and watched Shark Tales with the girls. Everyone is in bed now, and it's quiet.

All in all, it was an okay Mother's Day!

It's a hot one!

Hannah doing her "cheerleading"

Today the temperature maxed out at 102 degrees. It was unbearably hot, and even now at 11:30 p.m. it is in the 90s! It's only early May, I am dreading July already. You know when it's this hot in May, it's going to be like living on the doorstep to Hell in the summer.

This morning found the girls and I cleaning, then heading to Academy to purchase Lauren's new tennis racket. Her old one was getting a little short for her, and her coach recommended a longer one. We also got her a couple of tennis skirts, shirts and two pair of shorts. $130.00 later we left the store....that girl is going to need a rich husband or a good job.

Rodney, his dad and Taylor headed for the land. Rodney had been up early to head to McCoys to get the remainder of the fencing material. Putting up a fence sure is an expensive project. They left around 2 pm as it was getting too hot to stay out. We met in Devine for lunch, and then spent the rest of the afternoon here at home.

We also received a new pet today. She is a one year old (almost two) Rottweiler named Baeta. She is very lovable. Her previous owners gave her to us due to their yard just being too small. We had a lot of fun with her tonight playing in the backyard and watching her interact with the puppies.

I am a little worried about leaving her out in the yard while we are not home, but the kennel is taken by the puppy. Baeta was pawing at the gate this evening trying to get out, so we left the puppies out with her tonight to keep her company. She seems okay, and loves the pool we went and bought her tonight. She is also a very drooly Rott. I don't ever remember our others drooling so much. It's almost like having a mini Beethoven (remember the movie?) LOL!

She loves to be rubbed on, and spent a good portion of the evening laying on me, and wanting me to scratch her stomach.

Here's a couple of pictures of her with the kids playing ball. She really loved playing with the basketball. Though she did puncture it, when she tried to pick it up...

Lauren playing tug of war with Baeta

Baeta carrying around a "now" punctured basketball

Rodney and Baeta

The girls trying to get the ball from Baeta.
She'd pick it up and run when they tried to pick it up.

Herb Society Meeting

Tonight I am attending my first herb society meeting in town. It's a workshop on Herbal First Aid. The speaker is why I am going. I really want to attend one of her classes, but they are in Austin, and I don't want to drive that far for a weekend seminar. She emailed me to let me know that she would be in town today, so Lauren and I are going.

Taylor has his finals tonight, so please pray he does well. He has been studying since Monday, and one exam was a take home exam, that he had to turn in tonight, then finish the essay on campus.

It is very hot today, 93. The puppies have been in the backyard all day by themselves. Mostly sleeping, I went out just now to fill their water bowl, and put a little water in the wash tub for them to lay down in if they get hot. I need to get a little plastic pool for them this weekend. It is supposed to be 100 tomorrow!

Please pray for the city of San Antonio. One of the old (1895) Catholic universities burned down a couple of days ago. If you are interested in reading about it go to www.ksat12.com and look for Our Lady of the Lake University. I am not Catholic, but it's still sad, the campus building was beautiful. Almost looked like a Castle.

Off to town now....
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Back from town the meeting was interesting. I was a little under dressed. Who knew that a garden/herb club meeting meant flowery dresses and hats??? LOL!

I talked to several members, they were very friendly, and eager for me to join. One lady I talked with (found out later she was the society's president) said that an hour before the meeting she was up to her elbows in mud, so for me not to worry about how I was dressed. That most of them worked at nurseries or lived in the country, so the meeting is always viewed as an opportunity to get cleaned up a little. Next time I will know.

The refreshments were a little different than what we were used to. Lauren went and raided the car for snacks. The menu was a little exotic (everything was made with herbs) and included:

dill quail eggs (yep, little Barbie sized, hard-boiled eggs sprinkled with dill - they tasted just like chicken eggs)
miniature scones spread with dill cream cheese (take your favorite biscuit recipe and use a shot class to cut out the biscuits - call them scones)
Mango, corn salsa with Tostito chips
Several herb inspired dip
Jalapeno cream cheese, and dill cream cheese filled celery and cucumber slices topped with the cream cheeses
The iced tea was also an herbal tea (the taste was familiar but I couldn't place it)

The workshop given by Ellen Zimmerman out of Austin was on Herbal First Aid. I learned a lot, and will post the information she gave out here later.


Things to do Friday:

sign up for CCW class
take puppy to vet for eye
pick up pool
buy bulk bay leaves
clean house
go to TC for shop
get oil changed, tires checked, and air filter replaced

Welcome to my Kitchen!

Menu ideas from my Victorian cookbook titled
"Savory Suppers and Fashionable Feasts"

Breakfast
Orange slices
Oatmeal
Cocoa
Eggs
Fried Potatoes
Biscuits

Lunch
Cold Roast Beef, sliced
Baked Potatoes
Bread, Butter, Pickle
Pie and Cheese for dessert

Dinner
Soup (with croutons)
Chicken with rice
Macaroni with tomato sauce
Salad with dressing
Vanilla pudding with peach slices

or

Veal
Boiled Potatoes
Gravy and Dressing
Stewed Tomatoes or freshly sliced
Corn
Custard

Birthday Party Meal
Roast Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Peas
Lemon Pie
Bread Pudding
Cheese
Sliced Oranges and Bananas

Sunday Dinner

Roast Beef
Potatoes
Greens
Pudding
Cookies
Nuts
Coffee

Sunday Tea
Tea, Cocoa
Scrambled Eggs
Toast Triangles
Spice Cake and stewed apples

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A few of my favorite recipes

BREAKFAST

Migas

10 corn tortillas, sliced into thin strips
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
one med tomato (chopped)
one fresh jalapeno, chopped AND seeded
8 large eggs (beaten with a little milk)
1/2 cup shredded cheese
salt/pepper (to taste)

fry bacon crisp, fry tortillas in bacon drippings (I didn't say this was healthy okay, just good) until crispy. Add onions, tomato, jalapeno until tender, saute. Add eggs. Cook til done. DO NOT OVER COOK EGGS! Sprinkle with cheese. Serve with MORE bacon ;-) and warm "bollios" (french bread rolls)

PANCAKES

1 egg
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 TBSP Sugar or honey
2 TBSP melted butter
3 tsp Watkins baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Beat all until fluffy. Grease griddle and cook pancakes until puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other side.

WAFFLES

2 eggs
2 cups flour (1/2 can be substituted with whole wheat)
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cup milk
1 TBSP sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Heat waffle iron. Mix all ingredients, pour batter into hot waffle iron and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove. Great with syrup or jam!

LUNCH

Potato Soup

5 medium potatoes (chopped)
1 tsp salt
2 TBSP BUTTER
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp dill weed

1. Peel and cut potatoes
2. Place in pan cover with water.
3. Add one tsp salt
4. Boil until tenter (5-6 min)
5. Pour out remaining water
6. Stir potatoes in pan, break up large pieces. Add milk.
7. Heat to boiling. Add butter and dill (crush dill in hand before adding.)

Cooking time 10 minues, serves 4 adults....

DINNER

Chicken and Dumplings

1 - 5 lb whole chicken
4 stalks of celery w/ leaves
1 carrot, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 sprigs parsley
1 bay leaf
2 tsp salt

In large Dutch oven add enough water to chicken to cover. Add celery, carrot, onion, parsley, bay leaf, salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cover. Bring to boil, then simmer for 2 hours (stir every now and then).

Using your favorite biscuit recipe add 1/4 cup snipped parsley, 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning to it. Drop dough into boiling chicken mixture. Re-cover and simmer for 15 minutes DO NOT LIFT COVER!

Remove from heat and EAT (if you don't like drop dumplings, I sometimes use wide egg noodles or make home made egg noodles, just as good!)

MOCK LASAGNE CASSEROLE

1 lb bulk pork sausage
1 15 oz can tomato sauce (or use homemade - about 2 cups)
1/2 tsp garlic salt, pepper, and crushed basil
1 7oz pack of macaroni, cooked
2 cups of mozzarella cheese
more mozzarella cheese, shredded

Brown meat
Drain fat
Add sauce and spices plus 1/2 cup water
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes (stir)
Use a large casserole dish.
Layer macaroni, cheese and meat sauce. Repeat
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.
Serves 6-8

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

1 large egg
1 c. milk
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. crushed saltine crackers (to a fine meal)
1 (3 to 5 oz) beef cutlet, hand tenderized
vegetable oil

Whip together egg, milk, salt and pepper. Set aside

Blend flour and cracker meal in another bowl. Place cutlet in mixture, and cover both sides well. Submerge in the egg batter, then place back in flour mixture, patting both sides to evenly coat.

Melt shortening or heat oil in deep fryer or cast iron skillet, and heat to 325. Place cutlet in fryer, and fry until it floats and turns golden. Remove steak from fryer, drain well, and reserve 1/2 c. drippings for gravy. This serves only one, so adjust the recipe as needed to make more steaks.

Cream Gravy:
1/2 c. drippings
1/4 c. flour
1 qt milk
salt and pepper to taste

Place drippings into skillet and heat until hot, gradually add flour and cook over low heat until mixture turns brown. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. Add remaining ingredients and cook until thick. If gravy gets too thick, thin to desired consistency with water. Makes enough gravy for four steaks. (This recipe is also good to add chopped up sausage patties to, and pour over homemade biscuits.)

BREAD

(This is a bread machine recipe)

1 1/4 cups white flour
1 cup of whole wheat flour
1 TBSP dry milk
1 tsp salt
1 TBSP melted butter
2 TBSP sugar or honey
7/8 cup water
1 tsp dry yeast

Place all ingredients except the liquids and the yeast inside bread pan.
Pour water and other liquids into the bread pan, add yeast to very top
Place the bread pan inside machine.
Choose the basic bread selection on your machine (I like to cook this on rapid bake for 3 hours).

BAKING POWDER BISCUITS

1/2 cup butter (melted)
2 cups all purpose flour (can substitute 1/2 whole wheat if desired)
1 TBSP sugar
3 tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk

Mix all ingredients, roll out to 1/2 inch thick (or thicker if you like). Cut with round cutter. Place on un-greased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart for crusty sides and touching for soft sides. Bake until golden brown. Bake in a 450 degree oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. I have a biscuit cutter or you can use a glass to cut out the biscuits.

MOLASSES COOKIES

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted margarine, 1 cup sugar, and egg until smooth. Stir in the molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger; blend into the molasses mixture. Cover, and chill dough for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Roll dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining white sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until tops are cracked. Cool on wire racks.

Yield: 30 servings

Ingredients:

3/4 cup margarine, melted
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup white sugar

Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Coffee Cake

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces butter, cold, cut in pieces
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
  
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Watkins baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Watkins Double Strength vanilla
• 2 tsp Watkins cinnamon
  
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

PREPARATION:

Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
Combine brown sugar, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl; cut in butter until the mixture is like coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 scant cup of crumbs and set aside. Combine remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth; stir into the remaining crumbs in bowl. Spread in prepared baking pan. If desired, add chopped pecans to reserved crumbs; sprinkle crumbs evenly over the batter. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Rolled Sugar Cookies (Christmas Cookies)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter (use sprinkles or cinnamon sugar if desired0. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

THICK AND CHEWY PIZZA DOUGH

1/2 to 3/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon of yeast or 1 package
1 tsp sugar
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon of veg oil
1/2 tsp salt

Combine 1/4 cup of the water with the yeast and sugar. Stir to dissolve yeast and let stand until bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Add the flour, oil and salt, stir. Add yeast mixture to the flour mixture and blend. Form into dough ball and place onto pizza pan, let stand about 10 minutes, then spread out on pizza pan. You can divide the dough in half if you like thin crust. Cook this crust first BEFORE adding your ingredients or you could end up with a beautiful melted cheese and raw crust. Bake at 425 degrees until done.

BISCOTTI
(taken from the Tightwad Gazette)

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup margarine or butter
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp anise extract (gives it a licorice flavor, so you can leave it out or sub in vanilla, butter or rum extract)
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

Mix the first five ingredients with a mixer. Combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, ground almonds, salt and baking powder. Add to the egg mixture, beating well. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup flour. Cover and chill for two hours. Coat two sheets of heavy duty plastic wrap with cooking spray. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a 12 inch log using the plastic wrap. Remove the wrap and transfer the logs to a cookie sheet coated with cooking spray. Flatten the logs to a 3/4 inch thickness. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Put the logs on a rack to cool. Slice diagonally into 1/4 inch slices. Lay slices flat on a cookie sheet, and bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Turn the slices over, and bake and additional 15 minutes or until dry. Once cooled, the top edge of the cookies can be dipped in melted chocolate chips, or almond bark.

Seasoned Ground Beef

Yield: 4 qrts

8 lbs. lean ground beef

3 cups chopped onion (about 2 md.)

4 cloves of garlic, minced

4 cups tomato juice (I use diced tomatoes)

3 cups beef broth (I use chicken because that's usually what I have on hand)

2 tsps seasoned salt

3 tsps black pepper (I use red pepper)

Brown meat. Drain off excess fat. Add onions and garlic; cook slowly until
onions are tender.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer 15 min's or until hot thru-out.

Skim off excess fat, if necessary.

Pack hot meat and sauce into hot jars, leaving 1 inch headspace.

Adjust two piece caps. Processing 1 hr. 30 min's, at 10 lbs pressure in a
steam pressure canner.

New Land Pictures

Evening view of the pond (facing South West)

Lily pads in background

Gate leading from pond area to home site area

Future Christmas Tree Area

North end of garden, facing towards home site

Resting spot

View of the creek bed
(used to be full of branches, but the guys trimmed the trees, and cleared brush to help keep snakes away)

Creek bed (north side of property)

Home site (facing north)

Black Walnut seedlings
(this is their temporary home)

Fruit trees

Hannah in garden

Hannah and Muffin - watering and hoeing
(I was taking pictures and Hannah started the water in the irrigation ditches by herself)

Tomatoes (tiny beefsteak tomatoes are already growing!)

Jalapeno plant

View of inside of storage container - girls getting their bikes
Hannah just learned to ride a two wheeler

This picture is to the left of the home site. The storage container will eventually have a carport on each side of the container. This will be Rodney's work area. The two black tanks to the left side of picture are my diesel and gasoline fuel storage tanks. These will be placed under the tree in the background this weekend.

Barn (tractor is on the left, hard to see)
Chicken coop on right hand, with new chicken enclosure (hard to see too)
I believe this is a picture of my cantelope plant on the right
(weeds to the left - apparently I am not a good weeder)