Archive for November, 2012

29 Nov

Party at the Pasture….

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: .

We were honored recently with a family that wanted to have their little girls first birthday party at the farm.

There were lots of cute ideas used that day.

The animals were interested in what was going on as well.

Snacks were in this suitcase to feed the ponies, with a note of caution…..

Along with the traditional birthday cake, cute little desserts for big and little people were also found!

This was a s’more on a stick…..

Pictures of the birthday girl were displayed…..

A beautiful pink chandelier…..

hung above this cute little pink high chair….

complete with a pink cake…..of course.

Even after the snacks were all gone…pokey was still enjoying the party.

She is all girl…through and through….but that doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy the outdoors too….this baby girl really liked her little four wheeler.

I caught Zippy being a precious Mama…..watching the party with her baby….Jack.

Even the cows were interested in what was going on.

I just hope they aren’t getting any great ideas about future parties for their girl Calves!

 

24 Nov

And so it has begun….

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: , .

The week that we were to leave for our mission trip…..I found this….

I was sooooo excited!!!!!!

But when I looked closer ….I noticed it had a hole in it.     BUMMER

However most everyday since then we have gotten at least one egg and sometimes two a day.  That is cool.

Chickens tend to slow down and some even stop laying in the winter time…from what I have read.  I think I probably just have one or two chicks laying.  I’m not sure…but one or two of them seem to be matured a little more than the others.  I say that because of their combs.

We have a friend who watches after the dogs and the chickens while we are gone.  I told her to keep whatever eggs she gathered….she said she got about 10 while we were gone.

Sadly enough we had some bad news awaiting us when we returned from our trip though.

One of the hens….and our rooster died while we were away.

I do not know for sure what happened to them….I have looked in my little chicken book to see if it could tell me for sure.

The hen…well… she only had a pile of feathers where she had been.  The rooster….much grosser.  My neighbor said his head was gone….and he left behind a pile of feathers…she gave him a proper burial.  I really appreciate her doing that, I was just sorry that it all happened on her watch.

A hawk was seen around for a day or so after we returned…and a fox could have been a culprit too…it could have been several different things.  It’s just sad….but it is also  bound to happen every once in a while.

I haven’t had any other trouble since I have been home…but one never knows…there are predators everywhere.

I still am a little anxious when I go to close them up for the night.  I count them to make sure the others are still there.  I have seven hens now….I took a picture of them roosting for the night.  It looks like a day time picture…because my flash is so good on my camera.

Here they are settled in for the night

They squawked a little when the flash went off…..the other two were sleeping on the shelf above the nesting boxes.

I saved my egg cartons all summer in hopes of filling them with my own eggs one day….

I finally filled the first carton. WOO HOO!!!!!  Aren’t they just beautiful.  I love the color variations.

This particular egg carton had a scripture inside….

I like that….

22 Nov

A truly “Thankful” heart….

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized.

MMMMMMM….I smell the coffee brewing….and the turkey cooking in the oven.  I hear the slight clink and clanks of movement in the kitchen.

I put on my robe and move that direction.  I can see cornbread in the skillet cooling ….ready to be put into the dressing.

Ohhhhhh….a slice has been cut and set aside just for ME…..because I love cornbread.  Yummy…there are the pumpkin pies, with the knife slit in the center,  just waiting for the cool whip .  Yep the Iced Tea is in the Fridge….hopefully it will last until meal time.

In just a little while the Macy’s Day Parade will be on the t.v., commentators will be describing each float with excitement.  We all love to see the massive balloon characters move along the route, watch the floats pass by ….while  imitating the famous parade waves by the beautiful girls on board and hearing the bands play.

Oh….I can hear that some of the other family members are up.  Each one starts “fixing” a different breakfast.  Cereal, toast, pop tarts…but for me…that nice slice of warm cornbread with butter is mighty fine.  Wow… it hits the spot……nothing quite like it.

The phone begins to ring…. it’s loved ones…. calling to wish us a Happy Thanksgiving.  It’s always nice to hear from the ones you won’t be with during the holidays.

Excitement is in the air…..

The kitchen is getting busier….Potatoes are about to be mashed…celery is being stuffed with cream cheese…giblets are being boiled for the gravy.  The broccoli and rice casserole is looking good….as well as the sweet potato casserole.   The fruit salad sure looks pretty with all the colors in that glass dish.   And of course the cranberry sauce is chilled and ready.  Wonder why we only eat that at Thanksgiving…..

YES!!!!….the dressing is ready now….

The table looks like something out of a magazine, not necessarily with real fancy dishes….but with lots of  love and creativity.

Everyone has had their showers and have cleaned up nicely…..I might add.

We tend to not eat until about 4:00 p.m. or so.  It won’t be considered lunchtime or dinner time.  But it is how we have always done it…..the turkey and all the fixings just seem to fall into place around that time.   And so it has become tradition….and we all tend to like it that way.

The Woo call is made for those who are still upstairs, the signal to come on….dinner is ready.

The television is turned off.

We gather around the table hold hands and pray.  Somehow there is always a quiver in the voice and lumps in the throat as we thank God for all His blessings.  It isn’t just because the  table is full of food, or because the house is warm and comfortable, but most of all we are thankful for God.  Without Him…we wouldn’t know what true LOVE is all about.  We are also thankful that God gave us one another…. to call family….to always be together.

IN REALITY…..I have just had my coffee….

I am fondly remembering Thanksgiving’s past….We may not be together today in person…..but we will always be together in spirit.

For some reason today I woke up feeling a little sentimental.

It isn’t a bad thing…it’s a good thing.   Alright…so I have had to brush away a tear or two…but they aren’t sad tears….they are tears of love and thanksgiving.

I can’t go through any holiday…… that I don’t miss my Mama.  Cooking together was always fun.  I loved to watch her bustle around the kitchen.  She liked to make everyone’s favorite food.  All of us girls loved spending the day with her in the kitchen.

Strange as it is….I really can see those sights, smell and hear the things I described, with my my minds eye.  I LOVE IT….and I hope I will always remember with such clarity.

And yet….I also love making new memories too.  Memories that include even more loved ones that have been added into my life through the years.

Matter of fact….in just a little while….we will gather at my in laws house, with our children and grandchildren.  There, the tradition of Thanksgiving continues as it has for many years.

I will take my hot corn, Billy will arrange it in such a way …so we won’t spill it in the car.  Along with it…. will be a gallon of homemade sweet tea….deviled eggs and a new recipe of cranberry salad.  A cake, with neat decorations in hand….in hopes that the grand kids will have fun decorating it…while we visit with one another.

Once we arrive, we will be greeted with hugs and kisses.   Happy Thanksgiving will roll off every ones lips.   Direct eye contact will be made…. as we all smile, knowing how truly blessed we are to celebrate yet another year together.

The house will smell heavenly, as we all get busy in the kitchen as we help with last minute preparations.   My sweet mother- in- law will hug me and her eyes will show me that she knows I miss my Mom…without even having to say a word.   And yes, the television in the background will be on the Macy Day parade…or a football game.  The grandchildren will be scooting here and there giggling….filled with excitement to see one another.

The table will be lovely as usual….once again prepared with love.

Finally the T.V. will be turned off….the circle formed…. consisting of four generations of family.  Hands of every age and size will be held as we bow our heads in prayer.  Grandpa will once again come to God on behalf of us all….. as we thank GOD for all that He has so richly blessed us with.

The Blessing of being able to know HIM personally and feel His presence with us everyday.  Also the blessing of knowing our loved ones who have already passed away….are with Him….and one day….we will all be together again.  The circle of generations of loved ones….once again together…..giving thanks to GOD forever and ever.

I am Thankful…..I am Blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving

21 Nov

The People

Posted by ivegonecountry in Missions, Uncategorized.

When we go on mission trips we get to see lots of things while we are there.

Like the ” Bread Man”….he rides a bike that has a huge basket on the front.  He has all kinds of breads and rolls for sale.

Our group always gathers around quickly when they see him coming.  He always greets us with a smile and is excited to help us.

We get to visit our Amigos that we have come to love from previous trips…..this is Albino (pronounced Al-beeno).

This is his old house…he now uses it for his kitchen.  We built him a house a year or so ago….that was the first home he ever owned.  He is so proud of it.  He takes off his shoes before he enters his new home.  A lady knew of our trip and sent some donations with me.   One of the things was a pair of men’s house shoes.  I gave a pair to Albino….he was very excited.  He immediately put them into his home…before dirt could get on them.  I am always touched by people who want to help and send something to the people….everyone gets blessed .

I watched as this man put a small amount of water into his son’s water jug.  Then he filled his own buckets…..

That daddy knew just the right amount of water that his son could carry.   And they headed to their home.   He was teaching his son to help.

Absolutely precious…..

beautiful people…

with huge hearts…..

This family welcomed our whole team into their home for a surprise birthday party.  The girl who heads up the mission trips, Kerrie, has been loving and building a relationship with this family for several years.  Kerrie told us, that the first time she met this family, they both were experiencing the language barrier, and was only able to tell each other their birthdays.  She has never mentioned it to them again….but they remembered…all these years later.  Her birthday happened to fall around the same time of the trip.  The teenagers of that family put money together to throw this party for her.

She was surprised…..

especially when she saw every nook and cranny was filled with those that love her and appreciate all that she does.

We got to see how they celebrate…each member of the family took turns speaking birthday wishes to her….through the interpreter.  The language thing is still hard for both sides…but the language of LOVE speaks loud and clear.

The next day….We visited another area…

This place is struggling as well…..

The land here is just so dry and barren.

Occasionally though….. you will see beauty pop up out of nowhere.

I suppose that is why it draws me in like a magnet…to get a closer look.

And possibly why it makes me stop and stare….when I see something actually thriving under these conditions.

Billy and I inquired about this woman’s tree…using Spanglish….and lots of hand motions…

She was eager to communicate, quickly showing us that it was a papaya tree….then she graciously gave one to us.  Humbling…. as this is a great source of food for her and her family.

In this little community…there is electricity….unlike the other area we have been working.   However, material comforts or what we would consider necessities are just not found.

Back in our grandparents time….they used their resources…. like this.  It seems to me that I have lost the ability to think outside the box a lot of the time.  Thinking I have to run to the store to find that certain something that will take care of my need.

I love how they make the things they have…work for them.

I am always amazed at the smiles I see.

Even when they have it so hard…..

I love the art work that went into this designer chair.

As we moved throughout the community I noticed men helping one another….using bits and pieces of scrap wood.  They were laughing and singing as they worked.

At this house they were playing what Billy and I call “happy” music on the radio.  I couldn’t understand a word of it….but the music sounds upbeat and happy.  We started dancing to the music as we moved past the house, they clapped and laughed , saying it was perfecto!!!!….

I’m sure these Gringos amused them…..because we cannot dance.

It seems that no matter who you approach…they all welcome you.

I wonder if I come across like that…here at home….or there?

The inner strength of these people amaze me.

Every time we go on one of these trips we take a piece of their hearts back home with us.  I suppose the one thing that always humbles me the most….is when they tell me that they will be praying for me.

Wow…                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             I hope I will learn…what they have learned.

To be thankful and content in whatever situation I am in.

Philippians 4:11-13 New King James Version

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

19 Nov

Building a house….so it can become a home.

Posted by ivegonecountry in Missions, Uncategorized.

We were scheduled to go to Mexico for a Mission trip this past week.  One glitch after another kept coming up….so I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to go.  I had Billy all packed and ready….and I was bummed out.  I had already missed the trip in July and had been looking forward to this one.

The night before the trip, I finally knew that I was indeed suppose to go, regardless of the obstacles.  I had really been praying about it…as I laid down for the night…I stared at the ceiling…praying…Lord…what should I do?  I closed my eyes and tried to rest…. it was then, that all the beautiful faces of the people I had seen on the previous trips started flooding my mind.   A great peace came over me as I thought of each one.  My eyes flung wide open, filled with tears….and a huge smile was on my face.  The peace I felt about going was warm and real, I had no doubt that I was to go….and God would take care of the details.  I can’t explain how you know…you just do…it’s the peace that passes understanding.  You know that you know.

Sooooo,  that is why I didn’t give anyone a heads up that I wouldn’t be writing for a week.  The next morning was spent packing quickly so I would be ready to leave at the end of the day.

The group we go with has been doing this trip for years.  There are different ones that go each time, but the same system is used.  They leave around 7:00 or so at night, drive all the way through until we arrive about 21 hours later.  Traffic is usually good and we make good time.  It is a loooooooong trip, but it is worth every mile of it.

We had a great trip and as usual…we always feel as if we are the ones who come away blessed.

We built a home for a beautiful family.  Gustavo, Elena, Pedro and Bryan.

This home was actually built on a concrete slab…something they are trying to do more of…in the past we have built wood floor systems.

The first full day after we arrive, we visit the work site, mingle with the people and prepare for the next days work.

Early the next morning everyone is ready to get things started.

Walls were painted…. (Thanks to Sheri for letting me share a few of these great shots she took of the paint process!)

Gustavo, was away at work  but Elena and her two sons helped paint the walls.  I loved that they were willing and able to help in the construction of their new home.

The trim boards were also painted and set aside to dry…. you have to love those colors!

In no time..the walls were up….

The roof…..

the windows…..

and the trim.

Railing for the upstairs loft was constructed.

The front door was installed….by my esposo.    (I’m new at this… hopefully I got that right)

Ladder steps were assembled for the loft.

Meanwhile, Elena was busy…preparing a hot drink for the group….at the house she has been renting next door.

Remember… there is no running water..and no electricity.  So she was using her ration of water that she receives for the week  for our team.   She boiled her water on a open fire.  Needless to say…it is a lot more work than what I have to do when I offer someone a drink in our home.

This is Billy and Roy…the missionary who lives on the canal…. enjoying their drink.

Elena was so hospitable, she served cookies as well…

She cooked lunch too…truly a gift of love…especially when you have so little to give.

This is Pedro…enjoying some one on one time ….while his house was being built.

And this is his little brother Bryan….they didn’t just get loved on…they gave a lot of love back.

Last but not least the touch up paint was applied….with a SMILE!

The house was finished within two days.

We held a dedication service for this precious family.

Keys were given to their new home as we prayed that they would always remember that GOD gave them this house.

Joshua 24:15   But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

8 Nov

Buffalo Bill

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: .

We have friends that have owned a few Buffalo for a couple of years.

Billy and I have always thought that was the neatest thing.   It is not common around our area to see them.

The buffalo stories have entertained us.  They are extremely strong animals and when they want out….they get out.  They have bent and twisted gate after gate, like it was made out of tin foil. They have disappeared for days….and sometimes weeks.  I’m not real sure how an animal this big….especially 5 of them…can just disappear for weeks without anyone sighting them.   But it has happened….on more than one occasion.

We had a lot of fun one day as we all rode on four wheeler’s through all the back woods and pastures that connect or were even near our friend’s property.  We tried our best to find them.  We did manage to find some tracks, but never did find them that day.  I’m not real sure what we would have done if we had.   They are huge animals.

Eventually, they all would come back to their pasture.  It was a constant wait and watch game.  The “replaced” or “repaired” gate would have to be left open for them to be able to get back into the pasture.  Then they would have to check daily to see if they had indeed meandered back  home.  If they had…they quickly closed them back in.  Securing and strengthening their surroundings each time….but to no avail.

The males are the ones who seem to always want to get out and take the girls with him.   A few years ago, one of the males, …Bob….was …well…used for food.   Bob filled 2 freezers full of meat for the owners.   And they were still able to share plenty with others too.

The girls were pretty good about staying in the pasture….without Bob.

One day this Spring I took these pics of them…

Just hanging out.

They don’t look big here…next to each other….but they are really stout beast.   These are the girls….and they are small in comparison to the males.  One day we saw and heard them run across the field.  Wow….. You know in old cowboy movies, they always act like the cowboys could hear the herd of buffalo coming before it got to them…..Well…they probably could.  They rumble and make the earth rumble when they take off.  And they are surprisingly fast.

One of the girls had a baby boy born about 4 years ago.   They named him “Buffalo Bill” for Billy’s enjoyment.

Billy wanted to start buffalo in our pasture.   But….after all the escape stories…we decided that wouldn’t be a good idea.  We already have a dog that is a master at escaping.  We sure didn’t need to add anything else to our “round up” list.

Meanwhile, “Buffalo Bill” grew…and grew….and grew.  He too started leading the girls out of the pasture, taking out gates along the way.  No matter how much upgrading was done to the fencing….they managed to break through whenever they wanted.

One day around a year ago…he too…blessed many people with his girth.

His meat was used to help many households that were struggling financially.  I think that is neat, it is good healthy meat and taste good too.

We did get a couple packs of the ground beef.

Since he was already gone….I figured that I might as well get the head mounted for a surprise gift for Billy.  It took the taxidermist almost a year to get the mount ready.  I had to tell Billy last year…that his Christmas, Anniversary, Valentine and Birthday gift….all rolled into one was going to take a while to get here.

The taxidermist  said it was one of the biggest buffalo mounts he had ever done.

He was delivered the other day while Billy was at work….this was Billy’s first look at him….

WOW….he’s big….that is about all he kept saying.   Wow….look at that.

Wow…he’s sooooo big!

He measured 42 inches long at the base, and the mount weighs about 150 pounds.

He weighed over 2,000 pounds when he died.  He had his winter coat…which made the hair about 3-4 inches long.  Everything is original except the eyes of course.   It is both beautiful and creepy at the same time.

The horns are supposed to still have some blue paint on them from the last fence he took out.

It was a job to hang.  I helped best I could…but Billy really had to wrestle with it.

It was awkward this week when I fixed Spaghetti with-Buffalo- meat…..

You know…

like someone was looking over your shoulder.

In all sincerity….I am truly amazed when I look at this animal.  I am also appreciative for all the food he supplied to so many people.

It is an amazing and wonderful cycle of life.

And….we like having Bill hang out in the den with us.

Billy….is very excited.  When someone comes to the house that is the first thing he shows them.

And I….well….I… am wondering how I’m going to dust that thing…….

Since he is part of the decor now…..

I suppose at Christmas…I need to hang some garland around his neck and light up his horns or something.

Of course we also have the Long horns we hung last year.  Then there is the eight point deer our neighbor shot with his bow and arrow……that now stares at me while I am working at my desk. Maybe I can sprinkle some tinsel here and there.

I’m thinking we are just about out of wall space around here…..if you know what I mean.

6 Nov

FREEDOM

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized.

Today was the “big day”.

A day when we as Americans have the privilege and honor to vote for our next President.

When our children were entering the years of driving, I used this phrase a lot.  With freedom…comes great responsibility.

Wanting them to understand that if they made bad decisions and abused their freedom….it could be taken away from them.

I think that applies to our freedom as a NATION as well.  I never want to take it for granted or treat it carelessly.

I went to place my vote.

Since we moved several years ago, we have had a couple of  opportunities to go to our new voting place.  The ladies that help there know me as soon as I walk up.  I’m still putting faces with names, but I suppose since we are the newer ones in the neighborhood….they all know us.   However, even though they recognize me, I still have to show my identification.   I am  just fine with that, matter of fact, I wouldn’t want it any other way.  They do everything that they are supposed to do, but the smiles are so genuine and welcoming when I come in….and I always get a thank you and a ” I voted sticker” when I leave.

As I was walking out the door I passed a soldier that was coming in.  I smiled and said hello.  I haven’t lived out here long enough to know who he might have been.  But he is someone’s Son.  Possibly someone’s husband and father.  My mind quickly thought of all those who devote their lives to Military life.  It is a huge sacrifice for the whole family.   I also thought of all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice through the years for my freedom.  Not just for the things I enjoy everyday…but for times like today….the freedom to vote.

Yes, with freedom…comes great responsibility.

 

 

 

I am blessed and thankful to God for allowing me the privilege to live in this GREAT NATION.

GOD BLESS AMERICA….LAND THAT I LOVE

 

2 Nov

Fall Festival

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: .

 

 

 

 

 

Making Funnel Cakes has kind of become our second job…..

We started several years ago helping with our church’s fall festival.   We have tweaked things here and there and have become pretty good at it.  The other night we helped another church with their festival.

A friend of ours is the mixer….each part of the process is important.  If the batter is too thin….NO GOOD…..If the batter is too thick…..NO GOOD.

Mr. Joe has it down to a fine art!

Then it is skillfully swirled into the special ring….Billy’s Job

Ring is then lifted while it cooks….

 

The ring goes back to the maker….while the flipper…. being Chris, watches for the perfect color of light brown to appear.

 

Once it is ready….

 

The duster….Holly….sprinkles a nice coat of powdered sugar on top.  This is usually my job…I mentored Holly and she learned quickly.

 

They turn out very nice….and are really YUMMY!

We always end up with a line at our table….I like to think that is because they are soooooo good.   But it just may be because they are free.  Oh well, whatever the case we sure have fun watching other people enjoy them.

There was a lot going on besides funnel cakes…

 

Cotton Candy and Hot Dogs….

 

Cokes…

 

Good Music….

 

Cake Walk….I remember winning a cake at a school carnival when I was little.  It was the neatest thing.  I don’t even remember what kind of cake it was…but I remember being the….WINNER!!!!!!

There were blow up bouncing houses….

 

Our grand kids always LOVE these.

Trunk or treat…This is where cars open their trunk and hand out candy.  Several had neat little games you would play and then pick a treat.

 

They also had Horses….

 

I think that is so cool…when I was little my Aunt and Uncle had horses.  I was always intimidated by the size of them.   But have always admired how absolutely beautiful they are.

 

Our friend loves horses and tries to always line them up for the festival.   Kids of every age were eager to ride and pet them.

With Chris and Holly helping…I was able to sneak away for few minutes to see our grand kids…..

 

Riley was a Cheetah…and Andy was Mario.

 

They are so cute…if I say so myself.

 

Layla was a CUTE  “Groovy” girl….

Then she found the face painting booth…

So she was still groovy…but with a puppy dog face!

 

It was so nice to have all our kids and grand kids around.

 

It is great having everyone live so close.

 

Being able to enjoy every stage of their lives.

 

Including the fact that I got to pull one of Andy’s teeth the other day……  We think he lost one when he ate some Laffy Taffy…

 

It was nice having Chris and Holly help this year….but I don’t think they will help us next year…..

They will be entertaining a little one of  their own!!!!

That is right…we have a new grandbaby coming!!!!!  It is supposed to be a boy and is due to arrive in February.

We are very excited for them….and for US!

God continues to shine His beautiful light on us in more ways than one.

I think about this blessing, put to song.   Growing up, it was often sung as we left our church building.  Loved it then…LOVE IT…more and more as I get older.

May the Lord God bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,

and be gracious to you.

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,

and give you peace.

 

Billy and I truly thank Him…..

Praise God….from whom all blessings flow!