If it's Tuesday......

   it must be .........our place. lol Don't have any idea what that's about. It's a rainy morning but still nice. About 60*. The cold front is about here. That will be our high for the day. I got a few things done outside yesterday getting ready for fall and winter. Outside stuff put away, plants in the house etc. Tim has the straw ready to mulch the elephant ears as soon as they die back. I will use some of the straw for the nest boxes. The hens will like that.
  I picked up a few of the blocks from my sister's house a week or so back. They are so beautifully done. Her handwork is wonderful.

So much work in each one. They will make the quilt shine. A wonderful gift that the women of our past have passed down to us. Our hands and minds are always busy. Thank you, Joan, Joann, Vena, Juanita and all the rest. They all taught us so much more than just how to use our hands.

    This will be a good day for a pot of beans and a little cornbread on the side. Maybe throw in some fried taters to go with it. When day breaks I'll get started on that.

 I love a good pot of beans! 

I did not get my beans going. I had to go to town this morning and as most people that live in the country that turns into a half a day chore....make those trips count! Gas was $3.02 so I filled my tank up. In some parts of the state it is below $3. 

  We have several grooms this week. That's always good. I've come out of retirement to do a few here and there and to help my old instructor. She has a rough time grooming some days and so I offered to help her out. 

  Now to figure out something for dinner. Better get after it. You all have a diamond day! 

  

Another great day in the Ozarks

....it's a beautiful morning! About 70* and the sun is shining. Of course at noon when it's almost 90* and steaming I won't have that same opinion. lol
  Went out to feed and check on the guineas. We turned them out in the yard yesterday. They will have to find their own little niche among the critters. We will keep the cats in for a few days and supervise the dogs while they are out with us. Will be so neat to have them hanging in the yard.
  The kids dropped by yesterday on their way to the zoo. Was so good to see them! It was Aiden's birthday, a big whopping 6 yrs old. Life moves so fast. Hope they had a wonderful day. I know they did get to see Karen while in town. I'm sure it made her day.
  Tim has gone this a.m. to take a driving test for a company up north. Sure hope this one works out for him. What ever happens it will be the way it's suppose to be.....
  Have not uploaded any pictures of the new floor etc but it sure is nice. If we live long enough we may get all the floors fixed haha. Good thing T plans on living to be 105!
  I got the embroidery done on the star. Have 2 more blocks to put together and may be able to start assembling some of it.  My sister is moving along on her end of it too.
  I snagged these pics from fb and thought they were so cute :

 Boiled egg toadstools with tomato topped with mayo

 mice with radishes,olives and carrots

How cute for a potluck or something! Hope I haven't already posted them. If I have, I apologize. There was also little piglets.

    Guess I'd better hit the treadmill before it gets any later. Have a diamond day!

  

Saturday .......

   Hard to believe it's just a few weeks away from another new year. As they say, the older you get the faster the time flies by. If the political idiots of the world play there cards right they might just be able to destroy the world this month. Chemical weapons! It's all insane. Never mind.....not worth the time spent to think about it.
  T is working OT today. Was off yesterday. We messed with the horses some and just messed around the house. He went to the feed store so I wouldn't have to. I did my treadmill and just finished it for today. 2.1 miles in one hour.... I'm now resting my bones...lol

 5# apples

 finished ! 

 pumpkin finished!

  I get no respect! That's her tongue sticking out! 

  

    It's going to be a diamond day. Gonna take a nap now before it gets too late.   Oh, the pictures are my pies from Thanksgiving day.

Beautiful Thursday!

  It was so nice outside today. Shoot, has been nice for quite a spell. T has been off the last two days. We've spent some time taking the Escort back to the shop, broke down in the Jag at the auto parts store. T walked over to the shop and took back the Escort, we went home and got the pickup, took the Escort back to the shop and dropped it off. Drove home and T had already called for a wrecker. Dang it ! Raining and pouring......Oh well, hahaha you can't take it with you. Just thought I might buy Christmas presents this year but guess it's not in the cards... that's really okay, no one would know how to act if I gave presents.
  Went to Lee and Brenda's for lunch with Mike and Linda on Tuesday. Hope I didn't already write about it. We had quesadillas. Turkey I think. Sure were good. Had just the right amount of kick to them. A little pico de gallo (sp?) and sour cream on the side. Yummy! My spell check didn't know how to spell it . I was correct. lol
 We had a short visit and then Mike and Linda brought me back home and dropped me off. At the north end of S ,where the eagles always fly, eagles were sitting in the trees just hanging out. About 8-10 of them. How neat that was! I love seeing them no matter what they are doing. Not everyone gets to see them and not everyone that sees them actually appreciates it. Nice day all in all.
  I'm so loving this weather. Gonna be nice for days. They have said on the news that our winter is predicted to be colder and wetter during Dec Jan and Feb - glad it may wait another week or two.
  Not much else going on around here. It's been a diamond day and will be a nice evening. A little tv and/or working on family trees.
  Have a diamond day!

Thanksgiving Day

    Each day this month people on fb have been posting what they are thankful for. There aren't enough days to list all the things I have been blessed with and are thankful for. The good Lord knows what I'm thankful for as he has supplied it all ...right down to my family and loved ones.
    I cooked our turkey yesterday and started the pies early this a.m.. on to the rolls now. Making crescents instead of my usual sweet rolls. I'll let you know how they come out. There will be pictures later as I always download those to the pc not the laptop...
  Got the dough rising now. T is out feeding and putting hay out for the horses. It's 58* and about 10:30 a.m....how great is that?! Got a good old fashioned western on the tube and relaxing.
  T got most of the roof done the last two days. Yay! All but a little section of the garage (it doesn't leak) I believe is what he said. I'll check the next time I go out haha..I never dreamed we'd get it done this late in the year due to the temp...what a relief.
  Early this a.m. (3) an apartment building caught on fire. Five people were killed. How horrible for that community and all the families involved. And awful for the emergency workers too - bad enough they have to work a holiday without facing that. Sixteen other people are now without a home. How sad life is sometimes.
  It is still a diamond day for me. We have everything we need and then some and I'm not hurting too bad. Hope the same for the rest of our families. The Spfd bunch is getting together but most of us down this way are spending the day quietly and peacefully. Well, almost peacefully. Sis may will have her hands full.
  Haven't heard from big brother today. I sent him a text a couple of days ago and haven't heard back. May call him later. I called sis earlier today but didn't hear back from her either. Maybe it's me. hahahahaha  We're done with dinner and supper. Sure was tasty, if I do say so myself.
  I checked the roof out front and out back. Sure is white! Ought to reflect that sun next summer and make the house easier to cool!
  Jeanne is looking good. At least her body condition is real good. She is having less pain with the bute paste and hope the antibiotics are working on the infection. No swelling at all. Walking somewhat easier too. Improvement is good.
  Enough rambling for the day. You all take care not to eat too much!

Throwaway Thursday

  While Tim was working on the pickup I managed to throw away things in the shop. The garage and the shop will be cleaned this year! With the new glow plugs and the stuff he did this morning the truck should have no more trouble starting in the cold. Keeping fingers crossed. The block heater no longer works and hoping we don't have to replace it too.
  We've enjoyed our vacation so far. Sleeping in late, watching movies, puttering with things around the place etc.

The "kids" enjoyed the little bit of snow that we did get.

Here's Toybox, Sugar Brown and William the goat. Our first horses and only goat. Around 26-27 years ago. Good golly!

We have enjoyed homemade pizza, scratch pudding and whipped cream, beans & cornbread, hotdogs with fries, tacos from the Bell, waffles, dinner at the sunrise once, etc. Ate like little piggies.....
  Gotta go....some days are diamonds!

Wednesday

  T is working overtime today. I'm glad they still have OT on occasion 'cause we need it. Doesn't everyone? We've had a temporary cut in income and this helps alot. We've done it before and we'll get thru it again.
  I made homemade pizza for dinner last night and it turned out great if I do say so myself. Tim said it was the best homemade pizza he'd ever had. I think I may have some for breakfast haha. (Edited to add: it microwaved just fine!)
  I didn't get my walk in yesterday (insert sad face here) I was too tired early so decided to go back to bed. So....at 6 am I went back to bed. Didn't wake up until 9:30! Yay for me! But .....then it was too late for me to walk haha....just never got around to it.
  Whew! Got that one mile out of the way. Sweating profusely.....it's 6:21 and now for the rest of the day. Friday I have a road trip to Spfd with Mike. About an hour for his appointment and then we're done. Well, maybe grab some lunch at El Taco! Yay! Glad it's one of his favorites too. Sancho, enchillada style, here we come! Oh, and a taco-burger too!Nanner,nanner, big sis...
  I got the cutest little crock pot in my Christmas stuff that Ann and Linda just brought us. It's a 2 qt. - so cute. Would be good for cheese dip, meatballs etc. Might just be perfect for me and Tim too. Less is better.
  Just got a call from T. Looks like they had enough to work and he gets to come back home. Invited me to breakfast! Some days are diamonds!
 
 

Groundhog day

  as usual ....no matter how we look at it we have 6 more weeks of winter. This winter has been pretty mild and I've enjoyed it alot. The mild part that is. Gonna be another nice day upwards 60* again.
  I've been able to use the treadmill on average of every other day. Not losing any weight but enjoying more energy.
  Need to call Susie and check on her latest test.
  I'm also hoping that Mom Pat is doing alright. I've not heard whether she's gotten her glasses repaired or been to the dentist yet. Nothing much worse than a toothache. Maybe sis will give me a call and let me know how it's going. She's always busy so I don't call her.

Homemade noodles before cooking and adding the venison tips.

And for dessert...blackberry cobbler with our homegrown berries! Yummmmy!
 












  Got my walk out of the way and played with my plants for a few minutes. Have more to do in the plant room this a.m. They have all done well thru the winter but needed to move one that has grown too big for it's space. I have 10 blooms on my lime tree that I sure hope bear fruit! That would be so neat. Plant misting ....check
        Dog nails trimmed.....check
        Laundry started.....check
        Dishes done......ugh  started anyway haha
        Flea treatments ......check
  Did I mention I got up at 2a.m.? How silly is that?
    Turned Jeanne out for her daily walk/graze. She's improving as Tim is able to work on her foot.
   Misty Blue is improving too. For some unknown reason a few days ago, Sheba and Misty decided to go in for the kill. Tim had quite a time breaking them up. Wasn't there but it appears that Sheba was winning when he was finally able to separate them. Sheba had maybe 2 spots on her with puncture wounds whereas Misty Blue has several in several places. She's gonna be fine even for an old lady like her.
  Well, think it's my nap time - some days are diamonds.
       

Throwaway Thursday and rambling along

  Well, what to throw away today? I'm positive it will not be hard to find something.
We had 3 storms roll through yesterday that left us with 3.6" of rain. Trying to catch up on the drought thing. Doing a good job. Had a little hail to go with the rain and wind.
  Meanwhile, here's a few pictures to share.

I really liked these brownies. Tim wasn't sure of the "icing stuff" on the bottom. Makes them really gooie. They were the best ones I had made from scratch that I can remember. Yummmy....

Oooo...pot of beans I made a couple of weeks ago. They were pretty good too.

 And last but not least a pot of tater soup! Was really good too. If I do say so myself.

Here's another outdoor oven idea for you. This time a toad cob oven. Need to borrow a better picture.

This is Ollie. Previously known as barn kitty number 2. They both are growing fast. As of yet I don't think that Sam had ever gone out hunting like Ollie. He has gone with Mama Cat several times for a couple of days at a time. Sam is always out in the shop. So far haven't seen mice in months. Yay!

I told you I had been thinking about the stocking up the pantry. Well, I think about it all the time but what I mean is, I've been thinking of actually posting about it. lol If you just add a little tiny bit each week or two to your grocery list or just buy 2 of things on your list it adds up fast. This is geared for a family of two so adjust accordingly. It's also getting on to winter so don't forget to rotate the emergency stuff in your vehicle. Food, batteries etc. Warm clothes added. Bag of kitty litter for traction. Folding shovel etc etc.

Week 1

6 cans peas

6 cans tuna

4 cans cream of chicken soup (I make my own as needed)

3 bags pasta

2 containers salt of your choice

1 lg pkg of TP

cold meds if you use them

Been plugging along on my family tree stuff. A tidbit here and a tidbit there. A few pics of headstones - I know that sounds gross to some folks but to a genealogist it's information. Sometimes it just has the year but most times it's a birthdate. Or a name of a wife/husband that you did not have. You never know.

Like finding where James O was buried. Finally found his grave and the name of the son he went to live with. Aunt Jo had told me something about some woman he ran off with or something like that but he was living with Charles and family. Also mentioned before was a time Emma went to live in California because John V was abusive? Never heard that before - need to ask about that. Who knows what kind of things you'll find while searching. You know what they say about skeletons in the closest. lol

      Have rambled long enough and been all day.
                                               Some days are diamonds.

Saturday

  Been over a week since I last posted. I tried, just never made it. Nothing to say. Some days are like that. Hard to write about doing laundry. haha We did take a bike ride on Wednesday over to Tablerock lake. Tim's sister has been camping at Mill Creek since the first. Another sister in law was driving down from Spfd and Jeff and his family were up from Conway Ar. Had a good visit and a bowl of chili that Pam made. Oh, and a nectarine dumpling of sorts.

Tim and Jax enjoying a little blanket time. As usual all little ones like Uncle Tim.  Poor little guy isn't allowed any freedom yet. Someone had to be touching him at all times. Might fall and get hurt. Pushing one out the door and another not allowed to grow. Strange. But each to their own as they say.

Getting ready to leave for the beautiful ride home. Weather was just perfect and so are the roads back home.

See this evil chicken hawk? He's having his breakfast in the front yard. Flaunting the fact that his breakfast was one of my chicks! That's what happens when there is no one home to protect the little burgers. I will not be letting them out in the yard until the youngsters are almost full grown. I thought they were getting big enough for the hawk not to take but boy, was I wrong.
  Oh, the life of a wannabe country girl. Well, I was a girl once. haha How about, oh the life of a wannabe country crone? Well, according to the dictionary that doesn't fit entirely.
Crone: (kron)an ugly,withered old woman
  Old and withered I'll accept but not ugly. lol

Israel's jumping days. Came home one day and he had this "jump" set up and said "Watch, Mom!" Too funny. We didn't know at the time the poor little thing was pregnant. First horse we ever lost thanks to the so called vet in Willard.

Got the bread made from Aunt Jo's recipe! Pretty tasty but I need to adjust the cooking time in my pans and my oven! Nice tecture and good flavor. Believe it or not the kneading was a piece of cake too. Just working in the last 2-3 cups of flour and that was it. Too cool.

Been thinking about putting a list of supplies that a person needs for a year's worth by the week. A friend I know does that it and it seems helpful for a reminder.

What do ya think?

Some days are diamonds.

Sunny Sunday?

  Maybe part of the day will be. Should have some scattered showers during the day and mid 60's. Yesterday was gloomy most of the day but still nice.
  Worked on the "tree" most of the day while doing laundry etc. Finally got around to washing the shower curtains! Gosh I almost hate that but am grateful that I'm able. Brought a few more plants in but am quickly running out of room until we tear the bed down. I was weak at WM the other day and bought another fern ($4.94) and an umbrella plant ($4.12)! Look at these! Aren't they wonderful? Think how clean our air will be in the house all winter. LMAO! As if it would help the dirt, dust and 4 dogs!

Here's the cashew chicken without the cashews. Dang it, I thought for sure I had some cashews in my baking supplies but it was almond slivers. T didn't mind though. Said it was real good. I used a new recipe so you never know. Need to double the sauce next time.

Isn't he handsome? Least he thinks so. He tries every now and then to "acquire" one of the big hens he's so proud of himself.

  Today's wayback picture. My little towhead with Three Sisters Mnts behind him about 1976. Forgive the picture. I believe it's been wet.
   It was good news that Aunt Ruth only had a broken leg. I know that sounds strange but it was first believed to have been her hip. A leg is much easier for recooperation. Sounds as though she will be going to some sort of "home" when she's released from the hospital. With what seems to be dementia, she's definitely in need of more care than she's been getting. I read this book about a study of nuns and dementia. Very interesting. The nuns were a good control group as they all pretty much live the same lives at adulthood. Seems after many years of the study they have the idea that the dementia is determined (besides genes) by whether or not you were read to as a child and read a lot as a child. That's what I got out of it anyway. I might just have to read it again, see if I get the same impression. In other words there doesn't seem to be anything a person can do about it now to ward it off.
  Are you getting stocked up for winter time? This time of year is always the time that my mind starts in on "getting stocked up". For us, the animals, for everyone. I think for me it's the fact I hate to get out in the winter and go to town. I get out every day to take care of the animals and I don't mind - I just don't want to go to town. lol Some days are stone.
 

Monday, Monday

  Haven't posted in a few days. What else is new? Not much going on but the rent, as they say. lol We had a good rain this weekend! My gosh! Had 5.4" on Saturday! Came down in buckets. Had another set of storms come thru yesterday. Possible tornado touch down in Washburn and another sited in NWAr. . Haven't checked the rain gauge after another 3" came down. Will look in a bit. Ended up with 8.3" for the two days. Yay! That almost catches us up on the year. Not quite tho.
 Just finished a bite for breakfast and time to start my day again. T and Dez left about an hour ago. Outside of the wonderful rain that we had, we had a nice weekend. T didn't work any OT and took all three days off. We pretty much just hung around the house, watched races. T did most of the outside chores especially while it was raining.
 Friday night we had smothered steak, creamed taters and peas.

They're smothered so you can't see them lol . Just put the taters in. Was so hungry by the time they were done I forgot to take a picture.

Buck is chowin' down too. Poor old fella, has quite a time on occasion but he sure likes his senior feed.

 

 
 For brunch Saturday morning we had bacon, tater cakes, eggs and toast.

Wonderful Wednesday

  OMGosh, it's 65* and will top out in the 70's today. So much more pleasant than in the 90's like yesterday. I felt pretty good most of the day. Was sick last night and went to bed at 8:15. Woke up at 2:30 which is not bad.
  Day before, we made it down to see Sandi and R. Had a nice visit. Wish we could have arrived earlier so we'd had more time.
  Oooohhh, I figured out that our TV can read the jpg's on a flash drive and have a slide show! How cool is that? Seeing my photos that big. Some of them anyway.

Yesterday's daybreak

Wasn't as pretty this a.m....actually had a few raindrops. Yay! But not near enough. It's time to start bringing in houseplants. Weather says it may get down to 45* tonight. Some of the plants just don't like it that cold. Sprayed a few with bug spray so I don't bring them in the house with spiders or wasps.

Anyone else this anal? I put my sheets/pillowcases all in one case so I don't have to hunt for them. We use 4 pillows of which 3 are mine (haha)and 2 sheets of course.

My baby chicks are still with us! They are a few weeks old now and she hasn't lost them or let someone get them. They are already sleeping on the roost with her. Still can't get the banties to do that. Never have actually tried as I thought they'd just naturally seek higher ground. They aren't very smart or brave. I think they stay down 'cause they are afraid of the big hens.

What's for dinner? Last night we had HB steak, fried taters and peas. I say we but really mean T. I didn't eat. Wasn't up to it. Had Spanish rice for a couple of days, homemade Salisbury steak one night. Spaghetti one night. Pizza. blah blah blah  I'm like gma Sprinkle. I'm just tired of trying to figure it out. haha

Guess I'd better go cruise through the recipes and see if anything strikes my fancy. 

Some days are diamonds.  

Throwaway Thursday and rambling along

  Gotta find something to throw away today. Shouldn't be too hard at all. Did some of that yesterday and will continue until I get this house cleaned out. I'm feeling better (knock on wood) than I have in 2 years and want to take advantage of it while I can.

Oooooooh this was so good. Haven't fixed it in years. Had this with BBQ chicken in the slow cooker, peas and taters. Think it will turn into BBQ sandwiches, fries and BBQ beans. Thank goodness for leftovers. Hard to imagine actually having leftovers. haha

Here's the chicken before the sauce.

And one of my favorite sandwiches. Ham and cheese.
  Another hot day in the Ozarks. Almost to the end of it though. Gonna have a few nicer days next week. I'll miss the heat when it gets cold. haha
  Turned the horses out in the west pasture since the tractor (actually the PTO)is down. Can't get the hay out there until this evening maybe. The horses are really enjoying the taller grass over there.
  Oh, got another lap blanket finished and another started. I told Tess I'm slow but sure. Only have 2 of the 6-7 that I'm making. 
  And it's time to start thinking about getting next year's calendar done. Any ideas on subjects for the photos? I've done ancestors, family, my yard blah blah blah. Might just do my horses this year.
 Wayback photo of the day:

This is Momma and her great gramma she was named after, Delacy Joanna Criger Rethford.  

Throwaway Thursday and behind in posting haha

  Haven't taken the time to post for a few days. Been busy doing other stuff. Working on family tree stuff a lot and you can use up an amazing amount time doing that. Mounds of paper work! And reading. Of course I love to read so I can get so engrossed that time gets away. I received a picture of an ancestor this past week that I've never seen before. Ran into a lady of our Rethford line back to James Samuel Rethford ( the ex husband of Rachel Wester etc)he abandoned/or something her and John Allen in some way. Anyway, she sent me a picture of him. Too cool. That's him over on the left. Handsome feller isn't he?

This is one of my favorites of Juanita as a little girl. She thought she might have been about 10. Puts it right around 1919 or so. Look close. You can see her in there.

This one is food for the day.

And how about some Christmas candy? Peanut brittle anyone?

Just got back in from outside stuff. Got a plant put in the ground and watered the rest. I'm thinking for now that I'm done planting. Need to move some things around this fall and hoping to get another fruit tree or two. We'll see.

 I've waited all this time for my tomatoes and danged if the place didn't mis mark the tom! It is NOT a Cherokee purple as marked and anticipated! Oh, that upsets me. Seems to be taking way too long for the dang things to come on anyway. Even the cherry tomatoes are slow going. Plants look good but not producing worth a crap.

  Talked to Kate this week. Everyone that way doing alright. They are going on a short vacation to see Annette's family in Ohio. Hope they have a safe and fun trip.

  Started this early and just now getting back to it! Gotta go find something to throw away!

One more thing. Was 104* at 5pm when I went to fill tanks AGAIN. Poor babies.

Mellow Monday

  Due to the heat wave we're experiencing, I predict a mello Monday. Too dang hot to move!
We topped out at 103.1 yesterday! Heat index in Monett-113* I think they said. Enough already.

Tim got the whole yard and the orchard mowed. Didn't have to work on the mower either! Oops, not the whole back yard as he can't get the rider in the "garden" spot or the berry patch. Still watching for snakes there. The only snake I found this morning was in one of the front yard flower beds. Dadgumit! At least I saw him while he was 3' away. I left him alone as I didn't want to walk that far for a weapon. lol
 Tim also washed the bike here at the house. Normally he washes it in town.
 Guess I'll crack the windows in the vehicles today in case gramma was right. lol Might get hot enough inside to crack them with the built up pressure. Something like that. Did she ever tell you guys that?

What a looker! I love this picture of Momma. It was taken on the Springfield square. She was around 16 I believe she said. Just at a glance she reminds me of Franni and of Ashley.

Here's one from the way back machine that only goes to about 1983-84 maybe.

One day she will be our RV. If we live long enough haha. Gonna take such a lot of work.

Now for some food

Homemade sandwich bread. I could eat my weight in this stuff! Oh, look at me, I probably already did....

Marie's Creamed eggs - to be applied to buttered toast according to Tim. Dry toast works just fine.

My homemade dinner rolls. Pretty dang tasty if I do say so myself. Yum-oh !

Some days are diamonds!

History

  I've had this blog over a year. I deleted all but what you see on here now.

This is my apple pie from last week. It was yummy if I do say so myself. Below that is breakfast rolls from April. They are always good if you have a mega sweet tooth. Really they are tasty.

Have also had a peach cobbler this year and a chocolate cake. Not much else in the way of desserts that I can think of. I try not to keep many snacks and sweets around but some times I slip. We keep vanilla ice cream around on occassion. Haven't for awhile. I think next on the list will be Pineapple Upside down cake. I wished I'd stopped up the road yesterday for some of their strawberries. Then it would be Strawberry Shortcake instead.




Having trouble getting motivated to do my mile today so I'd better go do that right now! Later