Naturally Natural

If only for a second

2007-05-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back baby! Blogger has finally decided to let me in! I have been trying to post for months now but blogger has kept me out. So, I gave up and made a new home for my blog.

If anyone is still here, and would like to come and check out the new digs give me a holler! Email me @ bethany at wild wind soap dot com and I will send you the link. Sorry for the extra work, just trying to keep the riff raff out!

Slacker!

2007-03-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Has it really been that long? Yes, I have been slacking, well on the blogging front anyhow! So, what have I been doing? Getting ready for spring! So far I have been making homemade burger buns, soap, growing tomato's, decorating the soap shed (chandeliers and all), and planting geraniums too.

Pasta!

2007-02-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Since my chickens are bombing us with eggs as of late, I thought I would make my own egg noodles. Anyone have a better way to dry it?

Egg Noodle Pasta

2 1/2 cups Organic Unbleached Flour

2 Large Eggs

Pinch of Salt

1/2 cup Milk

I use my kitchen aid to mix ingredients for about 5 minuets then let sit for 10 to rest. Roll out on floured surface cut with pizza cutter. Hang to dry

Got Snow?

2007-02-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

I've complained enough! We finally have been able to get about a foot of snow on the ground since yesterday morning. Now this is what a Minnesota winter is suppose to look like!! Isn't it pretty?

Because we've only had about 2 inches of snow all winter long we never hooked up our snow blower to the other tractor, so Scott is hard at work moving snow with my tractor Alice. Really it was his 'till I moved out here, and I guess I kinda took her over.

So Long

2007-02-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

At 2:45am this morning I was rudely awakened. Actually at first it wasn't so rude, but the more I think about it, the more it bothers me.

I was sound a sleep this morning in my own little world when I heard a huge crashing noise that was followed but an even bigger flash of light. I remember waking up thinking O.K. Scott you got your thunderstorm you have been waiting for. With spring like temps the last couple of days we have greedily been talking about spring and what we enjoy about it.

Anyhow, I noticed it was really dark out, there was no yard light on outside so I got up to see what the heck was going on. As I rose up out of bed, I noticed a huge fireball about 2 miles south of our house.

At first we just thought a power sub station blew up or something? and then we decided to go check it out. We live in a very rural part of the state and didn't want anyone stranded or hurt looking for help in the dark. As we got closer we could see a good fire burning but could not make out what was going on. A semi truck had pulled up and the driver was running across the road, so Scott got out and went to help him as I parked the truck and called the police. Power lines were down and by looking at the mess, I thought two cars had hit head on. I was wrong- it was only one car but the fella hit the power pole, sheared it off at the base, left half of his car under the line and we found him and the rest of car 500 feet or more out in a corn field and it was too late, he was long gone.

Two things bother me about this; I don't know who he was, but I know he was way too young to die and I know there is a family grieving for him as I write this.

The other thing that really bothers me is the fact that people look down on truck drivers. I drove truck for over 10 years and could write a book on all of the bad comments, dirty looks, gestures, and so on that I was given over that period of time. This morning I saw two men (truck drivers) running like they were going to save their own child. They didn't have to, they just did. So please, the next time a truck driver slows you down or turns on his blinker to get over in the other lane give him or her the room and space to do so, because most likely they are not doing it on purpose or to piss you off. It takes time to get 80000 pounds off and running or to slow it down.

Remember, there are bad eggs in every walk of life, but we are not all bad. They may be on there way home to a family just like you. They also might be there to save your life or someone you know in the future.

So long young man...

Garlic

2007-02-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

I found this link this morning and thought all you fellow garlic gardeners might be interested in this little tid bit I found about the great garlic.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC7317.html

I haven't been able to talk to my neighbors as of yet, she called to let me know they were home but I was out in the shop, and I have tried to call back so I could go talk to them, but to no avail. I felt terrible leaving Buddy out there and alone, but I did leave him with a nice big fluffy pillow to snuggle up on. I will let you know something as soon as I do!

Are you Celebrating?

2007-02-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

I don't get excited about it, but if you do

Happy Valentines Day!!!

People Problems

2007-02-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

My mom found this the other day and I thought I would pass it along to anyone having problems with neighbors, or know of someone not taking care of animals. I haven't researched the site too much, but what I did see looked good.

My neighbors come home this week, and I plan to talk to them myself.

http://www.apapets.com/gnp.htm

Worn Out

2007-02-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

Please excuse us, as we have been so busy we are just plain worn out!

No wonder my plants always have more fur on them than usual!

Harley seems to be a bit miffed that Sweat Pea is hogging the bed.

It seems even Kassy and Betsy needed a break.

Jack and Sass decided to take a break together.

Just Call Me...

2007-02-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

...A dog Thief!

This is buddy. I really don't know his name so this week it's buddy. After all of the wonderful comments and a few threats from my mother I went and brought him home. This morning I went to feed him and his poor eyes had ice sickles running down his cheeks. That was the last straw.

I'm not sure if I will get divorce papers over it- (remember the deer hunting saga?) or not, and I am sure if he ever comes over without an invite and kills my chickens I will get a swift "I told you so" but right now it's too damn cold out to worry about that right now. I took him for a ride before we came home to try to confuse him (fat chance) and I will keep him away from our house so we will just have to see.

He will reside in the residence of Wild Wind Soap Company until the weather warms up a bit or I can make a dog house for him. Either way he is taken care of and I feel much better! Unless he eats my soap...

Animals

2007-02-04T13:59:00.000-08:00

Last week I was asked to feed my neighbors animals while they are on vacation for 2 weeks. They have a dog and a bunch of barn cats, and me being an animal lover don't mind one bit, I actually enjoy it. "Jack"

The problem is, the poor dog has nothing to take shelter in, and we have been having 0 to -15 below weather for the last week, and it is going to continue. He didn't have a bed to lay on or a dog house to get into. He and the 8 cats I have counted are given a small bowl of water, (something you would use for 1 cat), and a small bowl of food each, of the same size and this dog is a retriever. I brought over a stuffed pillow for him to lay on, but I still feel guilty about letting him stay out in the weather this way. Scott tells me to let it lay, that as long as an animal has food they will stay warm, but I don't buy if for a second. Our animals may be spoiled in the eyes of most, (I have a chicken in the house right now that is not feeling well) but I believe there is still a certain amount of responsibility you need to take.

So, my rant for the day is what the hell's wrong with people? These people are great people, they are well educated, they have a new home, they would help you out if you asked, and their kids are well taken care of. But why are the animals treated like shit? They have money, so it isn't a fact that they can't afford to give the animals some shelter. And, even if it was a money problem you could still rig up something cheaply, or just not have animals all together. The other thing that really bothers me the most, is these people are very religious. Aren't animals included in that religion? Wouldn't God want you to take care of his animals just as you would take care of your people? I just don't understand it.

I know a lot of you who read this blog are animal lovers, what do you think? Am I out of line?

Not Much

2007-01-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

I have been reading some other blogs lately and I have found that I'm not alone in how I have been feeling as of late. I just don't have anything good to say except that yesterday we FINALLY got some snow... I will leave you with some pictures of my snow, and will be back when this case of nothing to say finally passes.

What I couldn't live without

2007-01-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

It's 5 degrees below zero this morning and things are a little slow around here- well sort of. As usual the horse water (automatic) was froze up, so this morning at 6 I was out breaking pails of water and I now have a collection sitting in my mud room thawing out. I decided to take part of the day off and do billing and house work- does that count as off? I will go out to work this afternoon when maybe it warms up to 0...

So as I sit here this morning I got to thinking about what I love, what is important to me and what I would have a hard time living without. I have been making changes in my life for some time now. Getting rid of all the clutter and things that I don't need in life. If it's not on my list, I 'think' I can do without it.

So here it is, in no particular order...

1) My husband

2) My animals-Dogs, Cats, Chickens, Horses... They get me moving everyday and make me smile. They are cheap entertainment, and they would live in the house with me if only Scott would let them...This is a picture from last year, when we had snow...

3)My Parents

4)My garden- My relaxation, work, and sustenance.

5)My bibs, jacket, and bomber cap- A necessity around here.

6)The best ever beef, chicken, or veggie bases. Could probably live

without, but I love it!

7) My own business.

8)Last but not least-My home sweet home. Doesn't that green lawn look wonderful?

What couldn't you live without? Do you have too much junk in your life?

To Wine or Not

2007-01-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

I am not a wine connoisseur- I like wine but I don't know what type of wine to match with chicken, fish, or pasta for that matter. I think if it tastes good, drink it with whatever you have in front of you. I am more of a beer drinker anyhow, but lately I have been drawn to the names of wines more than anything else.

Does anyone have any good ones? I drank all of the other ones I have picked up in the past without taking pictures, but I did like this one...

Almost Forgot

2007-01-04T05:51:00.001-08:00

This is the stained glass my mother bought for me. Isn't it pretty?

As you can see out the window (picture taken yesterday) we have no snow! We did get a very fine dusting on New Years Eve but that was it. The 40 degree weather we have had took care of that the next day.

What's the deal? Everyone else in Minnesota seems to be getting some. Is it because I actually would like it? Well, I have now changed my mind. I placed my first order from Seed Savers yesterday so I don't want snow no more!!! There.

My first order of the year is looking like this:

Genovese Basil

Lettuce Leaf Basil

Arugula

Amish Paste Tomato

Brandywine Tomato

Moon & Stars Watermelon

Hutterite Soup Bean

True Red Cranberry Bean

Chives

Long Island Cheese Squash

Buttercup Squash

Don't Laugh

2007-01-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Drrumm Roll Pleassse.....

OK Lynn, hint taken! Here it is, a small glimpse of the very messy, not yet done soap shed. This is my alley way as of now so I can continue to work and stay out of the way. The shed is 40x20 foot and it will all be mine soon!

Please make no judgements yet! At some point I will share with you the whole thing but there is way too much stuff around to show it all now.

Hopefully there will be old barn wood on the/a wall(s) at some point. The posts you see have to stay put for support. Since we did not build the structure we were very unsure of pulling the posts out and being left with a saggy roof at some time in the future. I am left with 8 posts that run down the center of the building.

So, now I have a couple of questions for anyone willing to answer them...

I am trying to keep the foot print of Wild Wind Soap Company as small as possible. I have a water hydrant just outside the door of the soap shed, but no water inside and would like to keep it that way for the time being. So, first off I would like to install a composting toilet. Has anyone had any experience with them? Can you tell me the good, bad and/or ugly?

The second thing is that I need water to wash my pots and pans at least 3 to 4 times during the day. Right now I have to either truck everything to the house in my little red wagon which I do a lot of, or heat water on the stove. I wouldn't mind the heating water on the stove, but it takes time and sometimes I don't have it. I do have a wash tub inside with a hose that runs to the hydrant, but with only cold water. So, I am looking for any suggestions at water holding storage and/or heating without breaking the bank on a big energy sucking water heater.

Any and all suggestions will be helpful! Thank You! I will post more pictures as the shop unfolds!

Flying Time

2007-01-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Where oh where does the time go?

I guess I am going to recap the last week or so and then I will hopefully feel like I can get on with the blogging.

Last week bought a new notebook computer. Hate the thing- Just one of many reasons I haven't blogged! So use to the 'ol desktop that I feel like I have to learn to type over. I bought this for 2 reasons. This will be for the soap shop so I don't have to go to the house to check orders, change recipes, and keep up with my quick books program and secondly notebooks are more energy efficient.

Christmas. My parents came down last Saturday. My mother brought most of her fridge with her-Thanks Mom. We met Scott over at his mothers house and got to visit with the rest of his family on Saturday night. Came home, had a few drinks and caught up over snacks. Sunday was very low key. Scott and my dad put up a few pieces of tin on the ceiling (more on that later) and the boys came over for card opening. We stuck to the no presents deal, except for my mother. The boys were happy with cash, they can get what they want. My mother did keep my present local though. She bought me a wonderful piece of stained glass. It already resides in the soap shop. Christmas day mom and dad went home and Scott and I worked on the shed. His mother surprised us in the afternoon so we had a nice Christmas dinner with her that evening.

The Soap Shop. As of this writing we have the ceiling finished. Yahoo! We lowered the ceiling to 9 foot to keep the heat down with tin. It was a lot of above head work, and my arms are still feeling like rubber but we got the job done. Now all that is left is putting up walls (hopefully barn wood) and blowing in 16 inches of insulation in the ceiling.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to You!

All I want for Christmas- Snow

2006-12-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

December 18Th and not a bit of snow. I know I will complain as soon as it comes, but I live in Minnesota and that is part of life- The complaining and the snow.

This is what I see everyday, and I would love the bright, clean, white of a good snow fall. It would clean things up and make my world look perfect, if only for some time.

Back to Normal?

2006-12-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful time up north. Was able to see some snow, and even went on a hike in the woods that I really enjoyed. I am finding I do miss all the trees, even if I have said numerous times that they make me feel claustrophobic- I live in the middle of flat prairie land, what can I say? Anyhow, I really enjoyed being out in nature, alone. It felt so cozy. This is my cousins 4 wheeler trail that runs for some distance. I also found a natural bridge over a creek that he made and I was very impressed- although I don't think my moms dog thought so.

Both of Hoard's back legs slipped in between the logs on the bridge making him very helpless and making me *try* to lift a 140 lb dog (hence the name Hoard) straight up and out, but it didn't work. The logs were pretty froze to the ground but I finally managed slide one leg out so he could help me. The last leg was really stuck, but I found a good stick to dig around one of the logs, pull it away, and get him out. He was a very good boy and I couldn't get rid of him the rest of my stay. I guess we bonded...

Had a great birthday, saw my favorite aunt and uncle, drank some beers and saw some old friends. Mom made me my favorite Red Velvet Cake, and we went shopping in Duluth on Monday for the afternoon. We didn't do the shop 'till you drop thing, just went to Whole Foods and bought some wonderful big packs of basil for cheap, The Electric Fetus to get incense- Perfumes of a Spring Mist and a new Bluegrass CD, and a couple other stores downtown that I miss every once in a while. Yes- I was spoiled!

Yesterday morning I headed home in rain. Scott had called and warned me that we had ice down here, told me to be careful, and that it should be melted by the time I got home. Wrong! We still have a ice rink on our driveway and since I spoke with my mom, we are still about 10 degrees colder than them. We don't have any sun yet, but hopefully it will melt some today so it isn't so treacherous.

New hat, Birthday, and a Trip

2006-12-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

The week is winding down. Been busy with my last show of the season which was on Wednesday night. The Entrepreneurs Networtk Association held a holiday social for all area businesses to come in and see what they do as well as see what small businesses they have grown in the area. I was lucky enough to be one of those people, but there were many others and it was nice to network with them. I ended up meeting a bunch of really nice, like minded people as well as spending a little money on some things that you just can't find elsewhere.

First off I ended up with a really nice wool felted hat from Celestial Designs. Celeste is in the process of opening a shop in downtown Montevideo. She specializes in felted hats, purses, bowls, mittens, and even hand spins all of her yarns. Needless to say I was impressed!

Then, because I usually go to Billy Maple Trees without any money in hand- Ann Thompson has so many fine wares in her shop I would go home broke; I treated myself and found some wonderful water color note cards that I could not imagine writing on. They will be going into picture frames if I don't get weak and give them to my mother, mother in law and sister in law. I will have to see about that.

Scott came with to see what we do and I think he even enjoyed himself. We spoke with the gal who runs Swenson Orchards. Found out about a Bed & Breakfast in Milan called Aslak & Annie's- we may have to take a quick weekend up there. And listened to the wonderful music played by the owners of Moonstone Farm who have all natural grass fed beef, Kalliroe pork, honey, and hand thrown pottery among other things. You can see some of these people and what they are all about at Prairie Fare. For you Minnesota people or those coming to visit you can also check out Green Routes for green living and vacation options.

Speaking of routes. I am going to meander up Highway 23 tomorrow after work and go visit my parents for a few days. It is my birthday on Sunday and since Scott is never interested in celebrating, I figure I will go where I can and he can stay home and babysit the animals.

I love birthdays and like to celebrate that I am alive and kicken', not any older (I am 29 & holding- for a long time...) but hopefully much, much, wiser, and able to enjoy and appreciate the good and sometimes bad in life!

Have a good weekend all!

Buyer Beware

2006-12-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things happen that make you wonder why- to me this is one of them.

My sister in law was shopping one afternoon at a local Kmart a few months ago and after doing her shopping she came out to find that the cart rack that she had parked next to (to avoid door dings) had broke in half and fell on top of her car. The cart rack busted her windshield, put a huge dent into her front passenger door as well as the back door and trunk area. She went in and spoke with a manager, called the cops so she could get an accident report taken, and took pictures of the thing laying on top of her car. Sis ended up leaving the car parked there until her husband could get it home, and when they came back there was a brand new cart rack in it's place.

Now she is trying to get them to pay for the repairs to her vehicle and they keep telling her it was not their fault. Her insurance has went up due to the claim and she has been without a vehicle while it was repaired- because she parked next to faulty equipment and chose to shop at Kmart.

To add insult to injury when she calls to speak to the people that handle the insurance she had had some lady raise her voice to the point she couldn't get a word in edgewise, and the lady finally hung up on her. She has called back, requested to speak to a manager and only been given voice mail and nobody has returned her calls and this is after leaving numerous messages.

So, my thoughts are this. You and I are suppose to have insurance to protect ourselves and anyone who gets hurt on or by our property. Usually if you or I are decent human beings we take care of a problem if it arises so we don't have to worry about being sued or have the cops show up on our doorstep. Why in the world can these big companies get away with this? Why have we let them think that they are more important than the rest of us? Since when does money make you above the law? And lastly why the hell do we roll over and give up?

I would think since Kmart in slowly going down the toilet because of other big box stores they would be happy to fix a problem to keep all of the customers they can. I use to like Kmart- I would rather give them the business than Walmart. Now I really have to wonder!

***This is just another example as to why you and I should be shopping with mom and pop stores. Remember buy local, homemade, handmade, organic, or make your own and maybe we can change the way things are going in this world.***

Farm Life

2006-12-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

As I laid in bed this morning the wind was blowing so hard outside all I could imagine was a couple feet of snow outside. I run downstairs kind of hoping and somewhat dreading it all at the same time, but I was wrong although I was not the only one. Scott came down in his bathrobe (unusual-since he goes from bed to shower and comes down all cleaned up and ready to go) thinking he was going to get a snow day out of the deal. The wind had fooled us both. The only thing I did find was this wonderful moon that was perched on top of my soap shed.

It is warmer today than it has been in the past few days. 11 degrees. OK- I know, not much to get excited about. But the horses automatic water does not freeze at 11 degrees so no hauling water this morning-yahoo- that is exciting when you live on a farm!

By the time I was done doing chores Scott had went up and got ready to go for the day. As I came out of the barn (fighting off chickens that want to go out-I have locked them up till they lay me eggs indoors!) the sun was coming up in the east and I had to run to the house for this picture. I always love to see the sun come up in the morning- I feel I am missing something when I don't get to see it.

Saturday I had a show in Wood Lake and sold out on almost everything I brought. Other than that, not much else going on around here lately. We are insulating the soap shed as we speak. I plan on working on the walls today. Then we will be able to hang the ceiling- it came in on Saturday. We are lowering it to 9 feet- I would have liked to keep the old barn peak, but I wanted a warm shop. I figure I can live without it for a trade off. Now if I can find old barn wood to use for the interior walls I will be thrilled! I am holding out for that, since I don't mind the insulation and plastic on the walls now. I figure we can do that this summer too.

I have had a craving for pesto lately- I think I could eat it once a week if the basil wasn't so expensive. My favorite store up in Montevideo (Bills) usually carries those small packs of fresh basil, but at $3.89 a pack I can't justify too much so I make a mock basil pesto with 1 pack of basil and a bunch of baby spinach. The basil overpowers the spinach and I get my fix with a little left over to throw in the freezer.

I had better throw my duds on and head outdoors so I can get some work done.

The End & The Begining

2006-11-28T03:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a different day by our standards. Scott left for work as
usual but called around 6:00 am to say he was coming back home. Being in the trucking industry for as long as I have, the first thought that came to mind was something had gone wrong with the truck. Luckily that was not the case. The black ice he was on was not any better of an option, but he did make it back safe and sound. We have always thought that a load of grain is not worth putting a truck in the ditch or worse.

So with a day ahead of us we decided to work on the soap shed and till the last of the garden up. The air was so heavy with moisture we figured we had better get it done and we were right. As Scott finished the garden it started to mist. The smell of the moist black dirt made me think of spring as I was walked away from the garden out to the mail box...

Turns out someone else was thinking the same thing. As I opened the mailbox, I was happy to find it was filled with seed catalogs. We can settle down for what seems to be winter coming, but I look forward to the seed catalogs like most of you. So far, I have received Seed Savers new catalog, Pinetree Garden Seeds, Seymour's Selected Seeds, and Totally Tomatoes. I can dream for hours on end of the seeds I will order and make plans for starting them around February or March. I also ordered a few more catalogs from the plethora that I found available in Mother Earth's December/January issue. I will list them as they arrive.

The weather has proven us right- for once. I sent Scott off this morning with pouring rain, thunder and lightning. The nice thing is that it is 45 degrees out- not 23 degrees like yesterday.

Short Weekend

2006-11-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

The weekend has flown by as usual. The nice weather has been good for getting things done outside. Worked in the soap shop Saturday after work and yesterday we put another window in this old farmhouse- one that I thought we would get to a couple of weeks ago... This is on the south side of the house in my office and it really is going to help keep us warm- sitting inside my hair use to fly around when it was windy outside! Only 8 more to go, although that will not happen until next summer I suppose, but we are getting there! I need to spend more time putting plasic on the windows upstairs and invest in a good pair of curtains for the living room.

On the chicken front, since Karl and Gina over at Raising Frolic are showing off their pretty little chickens I have to jump on the band wagon as well. So without further ado here she is- Little Red Hen. I think she is one that is laying all the pretty little eggs of the same color.

I am a bit worried about her large comb this winter. Most of my hens do not have such large combs so we have not had any problems with frost bite, but I may have to sweet talk someone into knitting a little hat for her-any takers? The coop is buttoned up, but I worry about when they go into the horse part of the barn for long periods of time. I guess I will have to see.

Going On Strike

2006-11-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

I have made a decision. As I watched the news last night, I was saddened to see all the stores that were open Thanksgiving night for deals of the year. I know one store had laptops on sale for $199.00 and yes, that is a great deal, but what happened to family? Since when did family become less important than a good deal?

I know our life as we use to know it has been going downhill fast for years, but it really hit me last night. I sat and thought about years ago when all of the bars closed up shop on holidays, and it was hard to get a tank of gas.

Anyhow, back to my decision. I am not, nor have I ever been a big shopper so this is quite easy for me. I have decided that I will not buy a darn thing for anyone this Christmas and I am going to ask that everyone within my family do the same for me. I am not saying that I will not give a gift here or there, but the gifts I give will be crafted from my own hands out of love and not support our country going down the drain to big box stores. Anything that needs to be bought for said project will be bought from a local vendor- I don't care what the cost is! Then I will sit here on our little farm and be happy with what I have-not what I think I need. I will cherish my animals and give thanks for all that is around me!

Million Dollar Farm

2006-11-22T12:56:00.000-08:00

What a long day and it's only 3:00pm! I have been up since 3:30am this morning and I am getting tired. I just came home from picking up another batch of deer meat in Granite Falls and decided to make a short side trip to the Million Dollar Farm.

I found it about a year ago while I was out poking around the dirt roads of Yellow Medicine County and I visit it often. I have not found out too much about it, but it fascinates me to no end.

So far I have found out that back in the 40's or 50's some people built this place for a state of the art milking operation. Shortly after the place was started some kind of disease came through killing all of the animals. I have been told that they went bankrupt and the place has never been in use again. I don't know how much of this is true, but all I can think is why?

Why doesn't someone buy it and make an organic farm out of it? Or even some arty fartsy get away. The place is posted no trespassing, so I have not ventured any closer than the road, but today I was able to get a phone number off one of the signs and hope to get permission to walk around the place. I will keep you posted.

I also had to go to Milan MN today to deliver a order. The place is called Billy Maple Trees and if you get in the area you should stop. The owner is way cool- she believes in organic, fair trade, and has much to look at. On my way back I decided to swing out to Lac Qui Parle State Park. We go ice fishing there in the winter, but I never seem to get over in the summer or fall. This is suppose to have the largest population of Canadian Geese in the world and I believe it. Today the lake was covered with geese and more kept on flying in.

Well, I am going to head out to the shop. The stove was installed last Friday and we are now in the process of lowering the ceiling so it stays really warm. I will share pictures as soon as it is whipped into shape.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Chicken Stock How To

2006-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

I had a question about how I make my chicken stock and thought I would put the recipe up for use. This is my mom's recipe and it works great.

1 Whole Chicken (I use an Organic)

6 Quarts Water

Any herbs you would like (optional)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Place cut up chicken in water with any herbs you have chosen and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low for no more than a half hour. Immediately take chicken out of water or it will get rubbery. I then let my stock cool enough where I can put it into the fridge for a few hours or the next day (whenever I need it) so that I can skim off all the fat. You can then make soup or can your stock for later. Unless you really salt it, it is not going to be as strong as store bought but you can also reduce the stock for a fuller flavor when you use it. The addition of herbs really help in the flavor department, I don't seem to need salt, and this also makes it good for you too.

Then here is what I do with the chicken: After the chicken is completely cool I put it in a plastic bag or container and pour Italian salad dressing over the top and marinade it for a day or over night letting it soak up all the flavor. I then bake it at 350 degrees for a half hour and it is the best darn chicken you can get. It has flavor, the fat has been boiled off, and it is super moist...

On another chicken note: This is the first dozen eggs I have got this fall/winter since the moult started. My hens have forgot, like Karl s to lay in their nest boxes and have been laying out in the grove instead and I have not been able to find them. They seem to be getting the idea that laying eggs in a warm barn is going to be ideal soon, since chickens don't seem to like snow! Aren't they pretty?

This and That

2006-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Have you ever saw such a face? This is Sass, the guy who only wants to be loved in the evening. He will come lay with me for about a half hour, get the scratching he needs and he is off again. I usually shave some of his fur off to keep him comfortable and as you can see in this picture I am behind. I wonder if I could knit something with it...

What a week so far. I have been so busy and yet I feel like I have not done anything.

Monday was my only quiet day, and I spent that getting an order ready to go.

Tuesday I had a meeting at 9:00 AM with the Entrepreneurs Network- they have asked me to show my wares at their Holiday festival on December 6TH. Then I had a dentist appointment that afternoon- I am happy to say no cavities and no plaque-just what I wanted to hear.

Wednesday I had school in the morning- I have mentioned this before- my teacher comes to my home once a month and we go over the business aspects of Wild Wind Soap Company. This is by far the best thing I have done for myself in a long time. She gives me all sorts of ideas, and homework, but it is all based on my business and nothing else. I really don't believe in having to learn calculus and history that I will never use again just for a business class.

Today Scott had a dentist appointment and ended up having a temporary crown put on his front tooth. He had chipped the corner off 30 years ago and they just molded it. It has lasted this long but finally broke and instead of having to wonder when it would break again took the big $$$ step in having a crown. I canned organic chicken stock this morning, cleaned the fridge and freezer, and will run into town to pick up deer meat that is ready at the locker. I also have to hit a hardware store for mouse traps. Before I came in from the soap shed last night I sat listening to the quiet and I guess was too quiet because a little barn mouse ran across the floor right in front of me. I suppose I could bring a cat or two out there, but they might freak out since they have never left the comfort of our home. We will see I guess.

The Stove is Coming!

2006-11-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

We- have- a- date!

The stove will be here on Friday between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m.- I am SO excited I can hardly stand myself! This is not the color, mine will be mahogany but this is what she looks like except for the missing stove pipe. Now I have plans to make!

**Work**I know I have at least 10 batches of soap to make right off the bat, so it will be work first. Then the really fun stuff begins.

**Play**Can you really play with a stove you ask? No, not really but I grew up with a wood stove -I miss it terribly- and I have all of these fond memories of snuggling up next to the stove as the snow fell outside, gosh does that sound nice- (except one time, I had on a pair of cheep Jammie's and I got too close and melted out the whole backside). I also remember mom making soups and stews on it. Add to list: I need a fridge out there. Anyway, to start I can have my cup of morning tea- I will have my tea pot ready to go... And maybe Saturday night a few drinks in the shed to celebrate. Add to list: Bear Skin Rug- OK now I am just dreaming...

This is a Soap Shed. Not a party house, although I just may have to move a day bed out there, just in case it's cold in the house or I need a much needed break in between all the soap making.

Have to go out and make sure everything is ready to go...Later!

This Old Farmhouse

2006-11-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

I have really been trying to conserve energy in our home. The problem with this is that we live in an old farm house and it seems to be tied together in many pieces and many different ways. Our kitchen was added on at some point, so we do not have foundation under the kitchen just ground and lots of cold air. I crawled under to take a look a while ago and it seems most of the insulation that was hung is falling down- so we can add this to another weekend project.

Yesterday was a good day because we FINALLY replaced our dining room window. It had rotted out oh, 5 years ago but getting Scott to get excited about fixing things is a little time consuming. I have been putting plastic up since then, but even in the summer the bugs would sneak in, so this is a huge milestone. We had our handyman Ralph come over and between him and I we had the old window out and ready to put a new one in by the time Scott came home. This is the finished view, and although I love the new window, the unobstructed view of our grove without the window was wonderful. I guess I can't complain, the window went in like a dream and we have one more window sitting in the shed for our office, and maybe this weekend we will get to that.

So now with let's see, 9 more windows to go, we should have this old farmhouse buttoned up by say the year 2009? I hope it is sooner than that but I guess I can't complain, since I will soon have a soap shed to keep warm in. If they ever come with my damn stove! Do you hear me stove guy? I really would like to get to work! Where is my stove?

By the seat of our pants!

2006-11-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

We went on a road trip yesterday. We were on our way to Willmar to buy insulation for the soap shed. When we came up to Hwy 212 and Hwy 59 split where you can turn east to go to Montevideo or west to Watertown SD we hung a very unexpected left. We never previously talked about going anyplace but Willmar, it just seemed to happen in a split second.

Sometimes it's good to do the unexpected. I know a lot of people who are inflexible and would never do anything but what had been planned. Some days I have moments of being inflexible, but most often in life I like variety. I like to be flexible.

Our day consisted of going to the Terry Redlin Art Center. It was wonderful and all I can say is the man makes you want to learn to paint. The grounds and the Center were wonderful, we walked down to the pond and watched two mallard drakes and one hen effortlessly swim around the somewhat iced over water. I think that was the high point of the day, we sat and made plans for more ducks next spring.

The other highlight was going to Tractor Supply. I love Tractor Supply! I found a new pair of cowgirl boots I really, really love, but I held off because I don't need them. They were of the fancy type that would not look good with horse and chicken poop all over them. But I can dream right? I did buy one book on self sufficiency and one on chickens. I love books- they never get old to me. I find myself going back over old books and magazines that I have had forever and that is the first thing I will spend my money on. Yes I know, Scott doesn't understand either but in my defense my mother was a head librarian for 26 years of my life.

Aside from going out to dinner we just got some groceries and came home, but it was a nice day none the less.

Fly by the seat of your pants every once in a while, you might have fun!

The Saga Continues

2006-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

I have finally got to the bottom or top of the whole hunting post. This is the last time I will post about it I swear.

My husbands ex-wife is the one who started this whole thing in motion. I guess she has been lurking on my blog lately- should I feel honored? Welcome Cindy, and because you didn't have the guts to call me yourself, here are my thoughts on this.

I now have been accused of "outing" my husbands kids. I did not have that intention and if anything I was outing all hunters who do not take it upon themselves to be as professional and respectful as possible. I said what I did because as I sat in my office last Saturday morning listening to gun shots very close to my house, I was reminded of what had happened the year before. That was it in a nut shell. I also feel that if nothing was done wrong, then you shouldn't care what my views are. These are my thoughts, my feelings, and I didn't say anything that was not true.

To all of you who left comments- thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know I am not alone in wanting better treatment for animals- whether they are for the dinner table or a pet. I know there are good hunters and bad- if you are the good- I thank you too...

Family Upset

2006-11-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

After my last post on hunting my family is pissed at me. I took the post down to make you happy. If you read it (and are not my family) what do you think?

What I posted was the truth and those were my thoughts and feelings towards the subject. I don't mind hunting- my family is full of deer hunters, and I myself have killed over 20 deer while I drove truck, so I know we need to keep the population down and I don't mind hunting at all.

But, I do think if an animal is killed it should be done so with respect. I do believe a deer or any animal should be killed in the most humane way possible. They are giving their life up and I think they need respect. I also think if you can't make the shot, then don't take the shoot.

Anyhow this is just my opinion- I am not, nor will I ever be a deer hunter and some people think my opinion is not needed, but opinions are like assholes- everyone has one. I guess if you don't like it, so be it. Enough said.

Things to do

2006-11-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

Since it is damn cold outside and I don't have heat in my shop 'yet' I have had to move back into the house temporally. I seem to have household things on my mind today. This is why I need a shop away from the house. Because really all I should be doing is making soap, lip balm, and lotions for the next 6 to 8 hours. But because I have everything out in front of me I also should be doing laundry, vacuuming, cleaning the bath room and putting plastic on all of the windows up stairs. I really don't know what direction to turn at this point... It never ends.

I am waiting for a batch of lye to cool for today's soap making to begin so first I shall blog...then do another load of clothes, melt my oils, and pour. Then I can re clean the kitchen, can more tomatoes and package my aged soap. Next I will clean the bathroom and tend to my dying plants.

All summer and winter my plants do so well, but in the fall they seem to be forgotten in the haze of harvest and all the other stuff that fog a persons life. I just walked into my sun room and noticed my Christmas cactus is starting to bud out! Even with no care, it seems to be willing to get festive.

This old Hoosier Cabinet is my mothers. I have high hopes that she will never move from her small home (no room) so that I can keep it with me. It is a family heirloom that has been kept in pretty good shape. I use it for a planting shed of sorts. The old sugar bowl inside is full of dirt, and all of my pots that are not in use.

I had been asked a question about my label system for my products. I am just now getting my labels done professionally. For quite some time I was printing them out on my computer and although I did get compliments on my work, I felt they were less than professional and the cost and time involved was getting to be too much. I have now enlisted my wonderful web designer to make my labels for me and she does a great job. We use a local printer for the work and I am very happy with the out come.

Cold

2006-11-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

One last and final picture of the 'ol soap shed- maybe... Now if my stove would show up I would really be happy. Any day now...At least that's what they keep telling me.

Last night I went out at about 9:30 pm to check the temperature inside the shed because it was 13 degrees outside and I was getting a little nervous about my oils. I had nothing to worry about, it was still 44 degrees inside. Not bad for an old hog barn ha? The $1300.00 (you should see the rest of the bill) that it cost me for insulated siding was well worth it in the long run since I haven't got the inside done yet. I am hoping it shouldn't take much to heat it.

Southwestern Minnesota has had a fine harvest this year. As you can see by the corn piles at the local elevator, and there are also 2 more bunkers that are full east of the elevator that you can't see as well.

Tomorrow I have the last of my tomatoes to put up. I think I will do some salsa for a change. Scott doesn't love it like I do but if I put it in front of him he will eat it- or else... I had hoped I would make it to Thanksgiving buy no luck.

I wanted to pass along this link that I found on this blog- Simple Living Network Very interesting- Thanks Kati! Does anybody else have other good sources on simple living that they would like to share?

Happy Halloween!!!

2006-10-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

Boo- Can you guess what year? Now that's scary!

Warm Weather & Chickens

2006-10-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day! It has been a beautiful 69 degrees out today and I have taken full advantage of it. Besides finishing up my 600 lip balm labels, I have went on a horse back ride, done house work, and took a walk around our grove.

I was able to catch a few of my hens taking a dirt bath, something that they enjoy very, very, much. The girls are starting to look a bit more normal and that is good news since I have been without eggs for some time because they quit laying while they are moulting and I refuse to buy store bought eggs. If you look on her neck you can see some of the new feathers popping out. She looks like a million bucks compared to a few weeks ago.

I really enjoy fall when I can walk around out in the grove. In the summer between weeds and new tree growth it's difficult at best- we need a few goats to cut down.

We have some huge Cottonwood trees that I love to walk around. The size of them makes me wonder just how long they have been around, and all of the storms they have weathered. How many families have passed and there they have stood. My pictures don't even do them justice, but I am guessing that it would take at least 3 people to wrap themselves completely around the trunk of this tree. I also really like the bark because of it's rough texture and deep grooves that it has.

And last but not least, probably my favorite is the Maple that stand on the north side of our grove, you have saw a few pictures of these trees back in July in all of their glory here.

The Setting Sun

2006-10-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have been in the shop most of the day, since I got done with work anyhow making 600 lip balms! Well 686 to be exact. Now I have to label them....My back has had it, and my feet are really tired and I figure it's time for a drink or two... How about tomorrow.

As I was getting done the sun setting and it was awesome! I had to take some pictures to share with you. I know, I know more sun! Hopefully more tomorrow!

Finally

2006-10-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day. Sunshine and 52 degrees was a treat compared to the last couple of weeks we have had. In the morning I drove down to Tracy to get my co-op order and enjoyed the ladies that gather for the event. I came right back home, put my order away and had a look at the pantry. I am quite pleased with what I have put up for winter so far- this is just one of my shelves. I still have more tomatoes to can and a few carrots to freeze.

As soon as I was done with my indoor projects I headed outside to feed my birds and walk around the property. I noticed this rose bush, that has not done a darn thing all summer, in fact I pulled up what I thought was the roots from the thing about mid July, when I figured it wasn't going to do anything but lay there dead. I was happily wrong, although I hope next year it gives a better try than this year. Maybe I will have to transplant it up to the soap shed. I also got my garlic planted and some lettuce planted in a few of my hanging baskets that I had laying around. I put them in the windows of the soap shed and now I will just have to wait and see. The rest of the afternoon I made tons of lip balm for the Marshall Cooking show this November. It is a big deal around these parts, so I am excited to be there. Today I have the same thing to do, plus put up some more of the tomatoes I have in the basement. I have not decided if I should do salsa, stewed, or sauce....I will have to think on this one. Not much else to report, so I will start my day with a cup of tea and get my but in gear!

I'm back

2006-10-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

I know, you didn't even know I was gone. Monday morning I left for Minneapolis- I had a meeting to go to and was looking forward to getting away for a couple of days. I had visions of shopping at Whole Foods and Ikea and coming home with a boat load of new and exciting things. I was so wrong! I did make it to Ikea, but only spent $18.00 and never made it to Whole Foods. Do you know why? I am boring and I can't stand the rat race and I really hate the twin cities- the traffic, and all the people in such a big hurry to go nowhere. Where are they going in such a big hurry? Why do they pass me at mach one to turn a 1/4 mile ahead into Target? They didn't get there any faster than I did but I guess they feel better. Do people like replacing breaks in their cars? Do they just have a bunch of money to blow on repairs? I really wonder.

Anyhow, yesterday I came home- the above picture is Hwy 212 going west bound- in other words HOME and I was so glad to start seeing open country again and no people! Now that I have that off my chest, I should say that I know there are good people in big cities- any city for that matter and I give you credit for putting up with all the bull shit!

As of last night we have the soap shed all buttoned up- and Pablo I hope to have a little country open house in December. I will let you know all the details! As for today I have to make a trip to Tracey Mn for my Co-op order and then get home to put up some pumpkin and make lip balm for an up coming event that Wild Wind Soap will be involved in. I will leave you with a picture of my cats Jack and Sweet Pea wishing they were outdoor kitties as they watch the Junco's safely look for food.

Progress

2006-10-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

Finally, things are starting to take shape. Yesterday we put up a good a portion of the siding- we still have some left but we are getting there.

Hopefully by the end of the weekend, weather permitting, we will have the rest of the shop buttoned up. I chose a little more expensive siding because of the fact that this use to be a hog barn and it only has 2x4 interior walls. I will not be able to insulate the inside like it should be so this vinyl has insulation attached to it so you are getting more protection than regular siding. I plan on painting the trim around the door black, but I sure could use some ideas about some shrubs or bushes to put on either side of the doors. Any ideas?

Once we are done with the outside the fun can begin on the interior- something I am looking forward to. I would like to get the inside insulated and plastic on the walls so I can start to work again. I have been dragging everything to the house and my kitchen is starting to look a little messy.

I took a similar picture here- one that Pablo thought was interesting back when the corn was still up. Now all we have are bare fields.

Speaking of bare- I have 8 naked chickens due to molting, that I hope will start growing some feathers soon. The only other options is that I will have to start knitting sweaters for them. I would of shown a picture, but since I don't like being seen at my worst, so I will give them the privacy they need and put up pictures when they are back to their old selves.

Road Trip

2006-10-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today I went on a road trip to the corn capitol of the world- Olivia MN. It isn't but 40 minuets away from my home but it is a treat to go for a ride and see something different. I had an appointment with my homeopath this morning for my three month check up. Every time I go see her I feel like I have been given a fresh start. I wish I could visit with her once a week to keep energized!

As I left home this morning I was greeted by the most wonderful sunrise. I didn't even get 3 miles from home before I had to hit the side of the road and whip out the camera for a great picture. This is our local elevator and as you can see the corn pile in the bunker is really getting big- corn harvest must be going well.

I drove cross country to Olivia by way of Echo MN. I stayed off the main highways so I could see some country side and wind down into the river bed where we get out Christmas tree from every year. This isn't the best picture since I was driving at the time and my windshield seems to be slightly dirty but you get the idea.

I like driving this way because of all the trees and water. It is like being where I grew up, but only for a short period of time because as soon as you go back up the hill your in farm country again.

I had to stop and take pictures of these corn bales, I think they are so pretty and resourceful because they are using all of the product. I also ran into (not literaly) a few pheasants on the way. Now that the fields are being harvested they don't have the cover they once did. Again, not the best picture.

On my way home I stopped and bought a new gas stove for the soap shop. I am sooo excited! I have been looking for some time and have really been torn between corn stoves and gas. I really wanted corn, but then there is the problem of storing corn for future use. If it was like wood where you could stack it up in piles for later use, I would have had one by now. And I would of loved a wood stove, but because I don't live in the shop, I wouldn't be able to keep the stove going day and night and couldn't chance my products or oils freezing. And what I have found is unless you buy corn bulk from the elevator your not going to save any money by buying bags at the local hardware store. So anyhow, I ended up with a Topaz gas burning stove and I hope it will do the job.

Snow!

2006-10-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe it is snowing again. I keep hoping for an Indian summer. You know, the 65 degree days in late October that make you wish you weren't going into winter? We seem to be slipping into winter without a chance. The Farmers Almanac says this for October so may be there will be a slight chance for some nice weather but it doesn't look like much:

October 2006.1st-3rd. Thunderstorms. 4Th-7Th. Fair and colder. 8Th-11Th. Gusty winds. 12Th-15Th. Fair, then very unsettled. 16Th-19Th. Clearing. 20Th-23rd. Very unsettled. 24Th-27Th. Pleasant. 28Th-31st. Fair, then colder in Rocky Mountains. Stormy for Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri.

November isn't looking too hot either.

November 20061st-3rd. Chilly. 4Th-7Th. Unsettled. 8Th-11Th. Fair, then stormy, with snow possible. 12Th-15Th. Unsettled. 16Th-19Th. Mostly fair, then overcast and blustery. 20Th-23rd. Fair. 24Th-27Th. Very unsettled, with squally weather, then slowly clearing. 28Th-30Th. Turning much colder.

I have a busy day today. I started a college class for my business that I hope will help me learn some business sense. It is really cool, because the teacher comes right to your place of business and teaches you right there. No running into town or sitting in class for hours on end. I really think this is the way to go, since I would not be going to school any other way- I have never liked school- in fact I would have been the perfect home school brat but that wasn't cool or heard of back then...nor would my parents go along with it.

Community

2006-10-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have not always lived in Southwestern Minnesota. I was born in Duluth and moved here 7 or 8 years ago and I love it. When I moved here from the Duluth area, I had had enough of the lake effect weather, but wanted to be in driving distance from my parents. I came here for a job interview to drive truck and I not only found a job, but a wonderful place to live and great people as well.
I drove truck over the road so I had a place to sleep (my truck) and the company I worked for had a bathroom with a shower when I was home so the biggest of my worries were taken care of. I wasn't in a hurry to get a place to live because I wanted to buy a home instead of pay rent for something I didn't use but once or twice a week, so I moved here with everything I thought I needed in the back of my Chevy pick up- the rest I left at my parents to get at a later date.

Like being on another planet.

The town I moved to had a population of 250 and everyone knew who I was before I even got there. I didn't have a first name or last, I was just known as the girl that drives truck for Black Jack. I arrived about 5:30 pm on a Friday night to get my truck and pack my things for my first trip to Phoenix AZ. I had planned on leaving that night but around 7:00 pm there was a knock on my door. It was 2 guys and 2 gals from town that came to invite me to a local street dance and welcome me to town. Wow, that had never happened before, nor did I think it ever would.

I turned them down, eager to hit the road in my new truck but soon found out I really didn't have a choice. They wouldn't take no for an answer. I finally agreed to go with these strangers to another town a few miles away called Echo. I had never heard of such a town but thought I might as well get off on the right foot and meet some people, even though I wondered if they would bring me back. These people were great. They offered their spare bedroom so I didn't have to sleep in my truck and home cooked meals till I got on my feet. Who would do these kind of things?

The answer is simple: People who care. People who have and believe in community. They may know your every move, which is sometimes good and sometimes bad, but they have your back.

I ended up buying a house next door to the people who first took me in and they were great neighbors and friends. Up until I met Scott, they took care of me and I them. They came with me to my parents house to get all of my worldly belongings and helped me move back. When I was on the road and we had snow storms my driveway was always cleaned when I came home, I made pies in return or babysat their kids and animals, and we were even. We helped each other out. This is still true to this day. When something bad happens the community comes together and has whopper feed to help raise money for the person or family in need. No questions asked.

We need to get back this. Community. Get involved. I use to be a very private person, and didn't know much about anyone I lived around. I now live 9 miles away from where I started out, but I know my neighbors and they know me and my name. We wave at each other when we drive by, or help out when help is needed. We don't live in each others pockets, but we are there for each other.

This way of life seemed to fade away in the 80's- and we just went with the flow, but in some places on this great earth like southwest Minnesota it is alive and well. Go for it, bring a pie to your neighbor. You might just be surprised at what you learn or who you meet.

Weekend Work

2006-10-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a busy one. We are still working on the soap shed- finding more things that are wrong and need to be done before we can button it up with siding. Saturday we finally got the roof cap on, as we have been trying since last weekend but the wind has kept us from getting up there.

My job lately has been to go around and put some new nails in the old siding so it isn't moving around under the new siding. When I got to the north side of the building the two bottom rows didn't seem to have anything to hold on to. Sunday Scott ripped the rows of siding off and found that our base had rotted down to nothing. I ran to town to get more 2x4's and we made a new base with 2x6's and reinforced the walls with the 2x4's. We are now ready- (I think) to put the siding up unless something else comes up... Scott keeps saying we should of just tore the barn down and built a new one, but this is much cheaper, really has good bones, and has many memories for me (we had our wedding reception in here) so I think it's worth it. I guess I am one of those people who should of been born years earlier.

I have had a hammer in my hands more so than my camera lately, but I ran to the house last night to get my camera for this fabulous sunset and caught Sass in the middle of a nap. He lives most of his life in a box of some kind or another. If he isn't in a box that delivered something he is in the pet taxi taking a nap and he loves the basement, especially when it's dark. We call him the dungeon cat...What a life!

Winter Already?

2006-10-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

The snow has started to fly. Nothing has acumulated so far, it just comes in spurts, but I still hate the thought of it. The skies seem to trying to decide weather to snow or get nice. Can I make the decision?The little white specks are snow pellets.

I have to remember that I am

in Minnesota, things change quickly around here. I will keep my fingers crossed for at least 60 degrees tomorrow...

2006-10-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

No Time

So many things going on in the last few days. Yesterday morning I had to bring Dottie to the vet in Ivanhoe for an allergy shot. We did blood tests today so we can see just what she is allergic to and hopefully keep her happy this way, without the shots. She is so uncomfortable in her skin, I can't even imagine.

When Dottie and I got home I turned around and jumped in the car again to go help my neighbors with harvest. I drove tandem back and forth to the elevator 'till 7:00pm last night. I had a really good time, but it made me miss driving truck. I beat Scott home by about 10 minutes, so I threw bacon in a pan and we had BLT's with our fresh tomatoes that were out of this world.

The above picture was taken this morning, we were suppose to have sleet start last night and turn into snow this morning, but we lucked out (so far). Those heavy clouds surely do look like snow clouds though, but I have hopes of nicer weather, since yet another rainbow has shown it's glory.

This is the last of the carrots. I pulled them on Monday like I said I was going to. Now I have to do something with them- freeze, can, eat raw, or feed to horses? I will find something to do. Scott likes them candied, but I would just as soon eat them with just a little bit of butter, salt and pepper. I ended up with 23 pounds in total.

This last picture was taken yesterday on my way home from Ivanhoe. I just wonder what kind of farm life use to be here- the people, the animals, the kids raised? How proud they must have been to own such property. I really love it out there, the land changes considerably from here to there. The land is not as good for crops because of the wonderful hills and valleys. You see more cows, horses, sheep, and goats than around there than here because of it. It's funny how 40 some miles make that much difference.

2006-10-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Round Three!

Patients. As you know I was devastated when I walked out to my garden the morning of our first frost, the basil-gone, tomatoes on there way. But as I crouched down to grab hold of a plant for execution I noticed that only the top leaves and tomatoes were charred from the frost and the more protected fruit and leaves underneath were just fine. Out of concern that we would be stuck eating store bought tomatoes for the next 6 months I pulled 3 boxes worth of green tomatoes and wrapped them in newspaper. Then I went to the barn, filled my wheel barrow with hay and covered everything that was left. That was two weeks ago and with all of the work on the soap shed I had forgotten to go out and look.

Yesterday afternoon when the work was finally done on the said shed, I took a walk to the garden. This is what I found, nice vine ripe tomatoes and more to come. I know my days are now dwindling down, weather man Paul Douglas said we are in for sleet and snow come Wednesday or Thursday, but I now have vine ripe tomatoes (again) and some very large green tomatoes to wrap up for a later date. I guess there will be more canning to come.

On my list of things to do today: Pull and pot some of my herbs from the garden that will not over winter like Lavender (why couldn't we be in at least zone 5-we are so close), pull the rest of my carrots from my raised beds and house work- something that I have been putting off since we seem to be in the soap shed more and more. I also would like to head out and pick as many pine cones as I can find- maybe a few wreaths in the near future? Who knows what I will do with them, they also look good in wood bowls my grandpa made as a center piece. I know I will be able to come up with something...

A view from the soap shed. Not too shabby eh? In the distance is our local elevator. They are really hopping this time of year with harvest. It's good and bad for our wild life though- they enjoy the easy food- even if if has been sprayed with chemicals- for them, food is food. I guess.

Scott has been busy as well, working longer hours than usual transferring corn, soybeans, and wheat in and out of the elevators to keep up with the need of the farmers; it has not left us much time for work on the shed or time together.

Saturday night was an exception and after work we took the time and sat out on the deck for our last hurrah. We had sat and had drinks until 10:45 pm. When we came in- it was still 73 degrees outside- what a treat.

The moon was full- a true harvest moon. We sat and watched the clouds glide by effortlessly and silently dreamed that we would have more nights like this to come-I think we will have to wait 'till next year. I love Minnesota , but oh what I could do with a few more months of nice weather. What would you do?

I am going to love looking at these pictures in January and February- the Ash have lost all of their leaves, they are the first to go around here. Look at that beautiful green lawn. I mowed the property last Thursday, most likely for the last time... Yes- I go around every last one of those damn trees.

2006-10-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Fall Supper

Our supper actually consisted of steak (our beef) and beets from the garden too. The steak was good but I gave most of it to Scott in trade for this butternut squash. With a little butter, sea salt and pepper this is just what I was looking for. Isn't it just pretty?

Update on Soap Shed: We have all of the windows in, the roof is on and we are just waiting for the vinyl siding to show up any day... Then it will be time to work on the inside. More to come...

2006-10-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

Harvest Time

I love harvest time. Not because all of the Asian Beetles come out of the soybeans and invade my home and yard biting you when they land or smelling up everything that gets close to them (they really stink) but because of the family closeness that you see.

I spoke with my neighbor the other day- she and her cousin in law were baking buns and freezing hot dishes for the upcoming event. The guys go out and run the combines and grain carts, the gals run the trucks full of beans or corn into the local elevator, usually with a kid or two in tow.

This is what my front entryway into my house looks like. All of the beetles are trying to find a warm place to evade the cold. Unfortunately, with an old farm house, we have many cracks and not so tight windows they crawl through. A lot of the time they can even get through new windows and doors so you end up vacuuming 2-4 times daily with no end in sight....

This is my favorite picture. I took it last night while we were eating supper. Did I tell you that I really like harvest time?

2006-09-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

It Doesn't look like my barn anymore.

I was thinking it looks more like a church. It just needs a steeple.

And a corn field ready for the combine with a storm rolling in. The weather is just not cooperating with the farmers.

2006-09-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Day One.

Two new windows on the left and half of a roof. I will miss my old barn windows, but these will sure let the light in and keep the bugs out. Have to get supper going-more tomorrow.

2006-09-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's Time

Well the time has come. We are starting construction or destruction (I'm not sure which) on the soap shed. Last night the front door, windows, and roof arrived. Yahoo! Tomorrow looks like the day everything will start up.

That is the soap parlor behind the door. Quite a mess these days. We will have to do a lot of moving around when the time comes, but at least there is progress! There will be more to come in the following days....

We have had some awesome looking skies the past few nights. Scott has been upset with me lately because during supper I get up 3-5 times to run out and take pictures.

The sky is a wonderful, ever changing thing.
Don't you wish we could all be so glorious?

2006-09-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Good By Old Friend

I know I have posted this picture in the past but I have to say my farewell to Zeke. I found him laying in the barn last Friday morning. A day or two before I knew he was not feeling well, because he was staying close to the barn, not making his rounds with the chickens as usual. I had given him his shots, but he was a few months old when he arrived here, so you don't know where they have been before you get them or what they may already have.

Because we live on a farm, people think we are a drop off point for animals that they have let breed and over run, or just don't want. Over the years I have brought into my house 4 cats, all that I had spayed or neutered and given shots to keep them safe. 3 have flourished, the 4th Miss Bella also didn't make it. The vet didn't know what she had or could she figure it out. The rest that show up here have to live in the barn, and Zeke was one of them. I would bring more in my home, but I think I would be divorced by my husband first.

I live in the country and most people around here will say that's part of living on a farm- Death. Yes, in a way it is, but a lot of it can be avoided. If you can't afford to give your animal food, water, shelter, and be vetted on a regular basis then Don't get an animal! I have a large barn with hay and straw for my barn cats to live in, but they also have a cat house that has warm blankets in it, so they can curl up when it's really cold out. They are my pets, my friends, and they do good work keeping mice out of my feed room and hay. I figure I owe them.

If you have animals that need to be taken care of, talk to your vet. I usually do the shots myself, but I have bartered with them for spays and neuters. If you have more than one animal you can get a discount, I will also take other strays for them in trade for work that needs to be doen as long as they are vetted first. They will work with you, but you have to ask first- it's not something they will offer. There is also Animal Allies, unfortunately we do not have them around here, but they are out there and offer discounts. If you need help, you can also ask me, I will do my best to point you in the right direction.

Good By Zeke- You were a good friend.

2006-09-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

Cold and Bitter

Yesterday morning I awoke to temperatures of 27 degrees. I knew it was coming, but I guess I hoped it was still a little further down the road. I ignored the weather man because we had lots of cloud cover, so I thought we would keep the warmer weather. Unfortunately some time between when I went to bed and 5:30 yesterday morning the clouds parted way to clear skies and this is what I was left with. My plants were so sad looking, like I had never cared for them. My basil, my hopes for one last batch of pesto, Gone... I was out by 6:00 am in my jammies cutting all of the plants in a huge frozen heap, thinking if I brought them into the house, I could salvage something. I was wrong again, they turned black and that was it. I did have a wonderful smelling home for a day though.

So, the rest of my day was spent picking the tomatoes that could be salvaged and packing them in boxes to be placed in the basement. I am hoping they will get us into Thanksgiving, but you never know. They will not be as good as on the vine, but still better than store bought. And I don't have to worry about e-coli this way....

Kassy and Betsy have worked things out. They seem to like each others company, and it sure is fun to see two horses out in the pasture together. Kassy has someone to play with, and keep her mind preoccupied. I also think Betsy will calm her down a bit as she is a very relaxed mare. My parents are coming down this weekend so my mom and I are planning to go for a ride.

Well, even though I lost some of my favorite garden veggies, I have also kept a few. Of course my herbs are doing wonders, the frost didn't seem to phase them at all. My radishes are still plugging along, although I don't know if they will amount to anything. I have had a few that are really good, but some seem to be just stretching out and not forming anything. I have three different rows going, with hopes they will produce some fall abundance.

What can I do with all of my spearmint? Any good suggestions?

2006-09-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Newest Member

Like I said in my last post, we went to look at a mare a friend of ours was getting rid of due to too many horses. We did more than look. She is now home with us, we brought her home yesterday afternoon. I was wrong about her age, she is 7 not 8 but a really nice girl. Her name is Betsy Sweet Showdown (Bits), she is a Quarter Horse same as Kassy and I think she will make another great member of our family.

Kassy has not decided that she is worthy of our family yet and has tried to kick the crap out of her a few this morning, so they are in separate pastures until things cool down. They were able to eat next to each other without too much hassle, just a few squeals of displeasure. Hopefully they will settle in by this afternoon and I will be able to put them together so they get get use to each other and figure out a pecking order.

2006-09-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

A Day to Clean

Today has been a day for cleaning. I don't really get into spring cleaning the way I do fall cleaning. In the spring, who cares? I'm not going to be in the house but to sleep, shower and pay bills. Most of the time I am outdoors, so I don't get too fussy.

But, in the fall I have to sit myself down and tell myself I will be stuck in the house more than I would like. That maybe it's time to clean all of the cob webs up and all the junk that has been accumulating since the last time I really cleaned. I usually have to do some fast talking to myself to get myself motivated because I usually say- hey I'll be out in the soap shed with a cozy fire making soap. Or, I will be riding bareback across the wind strewn fields, staying nice and warm against Kassy (My favorite time to ride BTW). Yes, that all sounds great and I will be doing that, but not all the time. So the rest of the time I will be in the house...

So today I spent the day cleaning...slaving away. Scott found it most important to run to his shop as soon as I said those magic or not so magic words to work on his truck. How convenient!

So this evening after making mashed potatoes, meat loaf, and gravy for supper I had to get out of the house. I felt as if I was bursting at the seams! Since we have had some unruly weather lately- an inch of rain last night- the skies have been magical. I even caught a rainbow

that finished on both ends.. And a wonderful sunset that would make you think you were out west. Well I guess we are, Western Minnesota.

So now that I have done all of my chores, made a fabulous supper, and gone for a walk it's time to sit down and take a rest. Oh, by the way we went and looked at a horse on Saturday, she is an 8 year old Quarter Horse mare, and I think we will be bringing her home tomorrow but more on that later. Good evening!

2006-09-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

I had to put this up. I don't know if I should be proud of this or not, but I thought it was cute anyhow. Go ahead, see just how Minnesotan you really are, or are not....

My Minnesota Purity Test Results:

You answered "yes" to 39 of 50 questions, with a total value of 43 points out of 58, making you 25.9% minnesota pure; that is, you are 25.9% pure in the Minnesota domain (you have 74.1% Minnesotan in you).

http://greengabbro.net/static/mnpurity.php

2006-09-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

What I did Yesterday.

My day started out by pulling all of my beets from the garden. After that I sort of made one mess after another in the kitchen. Thought I would put up a few beets for winter. By the time I was done my kitchen looked as though a mass murder had taken place. It brought a lot of memories back of my grandpa pulling beets from the garden and cutting them up for him and I to eat. They never tasted better than those days.
Around noon I decided to go out to my other garden, cool off a bit and see what the tomatoes looked like...They filled my sink.

So, with not as much energy as I had when I started this mess, I cleaned up my kitchen, washed everything down and started another. Spaghetti Sauce.

It turned out to be pretty good. I added lots of fresh onions, garlic, basil, and some yellow peppers. I think it will be greatly appreciated when snow balls are hitting us right square in the ass.

Just some of the bounty and a good job done.

2006-09-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

For the Birds!

It seems as if I am losing my birds. We only have a few around at this time of year I think not because of migration so much, but all of the drying crops in the fields. I filled my bird feeders up on Sunday, and usually they go through it in a days time, but there it sits still full just tempting the local squirrel to see if Dottie notices him running across the yard. She eats squirrels for dinner when given the chance, although I do not condone such behavior. Anyhow I did catch this little guy getting a drink, he seemed to be posing for the camera.

Yesterday I was busy from the time Scott left for work till about 8:00 pm- I had more soap to make, clothes to wash and hang out, and lawn to mow. On one of my trips into the house I noticed my cats going crazy at one of the windows. Here were these two bees that got a little confused about windows, so I was able to catch a few pictures of them. I think they had worn themselves out at this point, trying to get through the glass.

And last but not least, and one of my favorite things to look at was the fading moon. Hope I'm not boring anyone... But the moon just fascinates me!

2006-09-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Name Game!
I have been working on a few new soap scents, trying to find a signature scent if you will. One is called Prairie Breeze, the other does not have a name as of yet, and I could use some help. It is a mixture of Patchouli, Geranium, and Ylang Ylang. It is somewhat floral, but not really. More earthy, but not hippy at all. Any suggestions?

I have been very busy as of late with the soap shop. Last week I had a fellow come over and give me a price for all of the materials I need to winterize/remodel the shop. He just called this afternoon with the price- it will cost me
$9056.00 for everything I need. That is 4 new windows to replace the 6 smaller ones, and 2 smaller windows for the front of the building, a double front door, new roof, siding, insulation, screws, sheet rock, and a couple of rafters...Ouch!

I figure if we could get the roof on, new door, windows, insulation and siding on, I could at least heat it this winter at a much cheaper rate and finish the indoor stuff as we go. I would like to sheet rock the inside, (unless anyone has any old barn wood they are not using) and put in a fake ceiling and ceiling fans so that I wouldn't be heating the whole barn and add to the circulation of heat.

Any cheap alternatives?

2006-09-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Sun & the Moon, The
Rise and Fall.

Since I don't seem to have a lot to talk about, I will share with you some pictures of the morning sunrises and night moon that has been keeping the farm company during the longer quiet nights. If you haven't noticed, the darkness is covering the land even sooner every day. Today I found myself wishing for spring, so we could start this process over again....

This bean field is slowly turning yellow. I will show more pictures of this as the days go on.

A fading sunset to the west. Not much left at this point but very pretty, none the less.

And last but not least, the full moon off of our deck tonight. The branches of our pine tree seem to be wrapping themselves around it in comfort..

2006-09-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Garden Guy.

I know your not suppose to play with your food, but I couldn't help myself.

So the eyes are not his own, but the nose really is... Isn't he cute? I guess he is one of those freaks of nature! If you look closely he even has a tear of sadness, (because I am going to eat him) running down his, um cheek?

Canning tomatoes and normal garden duties continue, plus yesterday I went to a 'Conservation Day for Women' being held by the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in my county. It was help for women who make or are interested in Minnesota's alternative Products. We had a few different speakers in the morning which was very informative, and then went to a winery just down the road called Fieldstone Vineyard. A very nice place by the way. I was able to get some very good information about farming and had a nice time as well. We were treated to a very nice lunch and wine tasting for $1.00 although I didn't partake because I was driving, most of the gals rode a bus so they had nothing to worry about. In any case I highly recommend it and will look forward to going next year.

2006-09-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks Mom & Dad

I had a really great time. Of course it went way too quickly but I did get to Whole Foods in Duluth- very nice place- wish I lived closer as I would be a regular. I also got to visit with my favorite rellies- My uncle Chris and aunt Ann. They came down Thursday night for a few beers, hor'devours and laughs- I think a good time was had by all.

My parents live on my grandparents place now, so I have lots of memories there. This is where I first learned to have a great love for horses. My grandpa use to bring me ponies home from the auctions he went to in the back of his pick-up truck. I know I had quite a few but I really only remember Chippers. He was a little Shetland pony and I was very cautious of him. I can recall walking out side of the fence with him in tow on the other side of the fence. I use to climb up this fence post to get on him.

Below is the field that I did all of my riding in. All of the fence line has fallen down or been removed but the lay of the land is about the same. I took time out after shopping on Thursday afternoon to go spend some time in the field and take some pictures.

I really think I could get into waking up in the morning to this view. Don't get me wrong, I love where I live but we don't have many natural grassy areas, it's just farm land for corn, beans, or alfalfa. If there is grassy land like in the picture it is sprayed with Round Up to kill it. The farmers are taking down any old grove that might give them a couple extra bushels as fast as they can. It's sad to watch. We loose all of our pheasants, rabbits, turkey, deer, and squirrel because of this and all they care about is money.

I guess all we can do is dig our heals in, keep the things that are important to us close and teach people that there is more to life. If we can keep some of these pretty pictures around to show people how things could be, they just might figure it out (with a little help).

2006-08-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

See ya later

My humming birds have gone crazy. Actually it is one little male that is running the show these days. I have 4 all together and when any of the others come to feed he races down from a near by branch in the pine trees to scares them away. Then happy with himself goes back to his branch to wait for the next victim. Usually we can here the displeasure in his victims as they chirp and squeak telling him what a bully he is. I have read that before migration, these little birds have to almost double their weight to survive the trip.

Today has been a beautiful day. This morning it was brisk outside and felt wonderful. Just the thing I needed to get my canning, cleaning, laundry, and mowing done.

I think mashed potatoes, hamburger gravy and fresh bread sounds good for supper. This is going to be my last supper at home for a few days and Scott will be on his own to take care of the farm and to eat his crummy TV dinners. I would happily make a few hot-dishes for him while I am gone, but he thinks Hungry Man is a treat. So, I took him shopping on Sunday and he was like a little kid in a candy store--The cart was filled with Hungry Man meals, cookies, M&M's, loli pops of some sort, mints, milk, pickled herring, pot pies, and cashews. Don't get me wrong, I like a treat now and then, but I know by the time I get back on Saturday it will be all gone.

Anyhow, my moms car is fixed so I am going to spend a few days with my parents to visit and retrieve my car! If I have time I will blog from Northern Minnesota. Mom and I are going to hit Whole Foods Coop in Duluth since I don't have anything that big around my area. See ya!

2006-08-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Supper or Dinner?

I grew up in Northeastern Minnesota. While growing I was led to believe that supper and dinner meant the same thing, the last meal of the day at or around 5:00 pm, when you sat down with your family to eat.

Then lo and behold I moved to Southwestern Minnesota and I find out that Dinner is a meal you eat at 12:00 pm or noon time and Supper is the meal you eat at 5:00 pm. They also have brunch but that is between breakfast and dinner. And there is also lunch and that is in between Dinner and Supper. Can you keep up? Where I grew up we did have Brunch, usually on Sunday mornings, and we ate lunch at noon, but we did not have all of these meals in one day.

This has been a huge problem with my husband, his kids, and my in laws because of the fact I will say- come over for dinner and I get looked at with a blank stare and get told- Scott will not be home from work at that point, like I am trying to keep them apart. Or the boys will call and want to come out so I will tell them to come for supper, and I just get silence on the other end. I will not even get into the confusion that it instills in our family during the holidays. I just start cooking at 6 or 7 in the morning and I am ready for them at dinner time or supper time. I just wait for them to start arriving from noon time on. I am learning that I have to inform them that I mean "Supper". Some days it's like living in a foreign country where you don't know the language. I know I am 4 hours away from home, but does it have to be that hard? What is your opinion? Do you eat supper or dinner, lunch or what?? I would like to know if I'm the only person off my rocker!

My picture didn't turn out as well as I had hoped but I think you get the jest. The only thing store bought is the slab of cheese and that is from Bongards Creamery in Bongards Minnesota about 2 1/2 hours from us. My buns didn't turn out as pretty as I would have liked but they tasted great.

2006-08-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

A New Toy...

I had to bring Dottie into town today for a allergy shot, so I ran into Kmart real quick to get milk since we go through at least 5 gallons a week.

Anyhow, I had to go into the kitchen department because although I do not like Martha Stewart or anything she did, I do love her kitchen products and I would rather give Kmart my business rather than Walmart any day.

So about this picture- I had to splurge and buy myself a new colander. My old one is cracked in half, it's the plastic kind that I think was given to me when I first moved out of the house 15 years ago, so it has saw it's share of pasta, tomatoes from the garden and who knows what else over the years.

The reason I chose this over the cheap plastic? First off it seems every time I pour out my pasta the colander seems to tip over, usually leaving pasta in the sink, and I hate that, plus the fact that I would rather use stainless steel any day for many good earthly reasons. This one is so cool because it actually sits on the sink, those little handles will pull out to accommodate most any sink size. Cool ha? No more tipping over at the wrong time! I guess some people would think I need to get out and about more- but if I did I wouldn't have the fun that I do when I go...

2006-08-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

On a Mission

This is Zeke. He is one of my outdoor barn cats that came too late to get indoor squatting rights. He is a wonderful cat and a good mouser. He has nice digs in the barn with my chickens, and I think some days he 'thinks' he is a chicken. He wraps around my hens trying to love them up, they just stand a little taller trying to get away from his affection.

Today I thought I would post something for household cleaning. I really have fallen in love with Vinegar. I know it has always been popular for cleaning windows, but I use it in my soap shop to keep all of my counter tops squeaky clean, (it really cuts grease/oil) rather than using store bought cleaners. I can't make all natural products and then turn around and use something not natural to clean with right? So here it is.

(1) In a spray bottle mix 1 cup water to 1 1/2 cup vinegar- use it for cleaning your bathroom fixtures as well as in the kitchen. (2) You can also use vinegar for washing clothes- and they won't smell like a pickle afterwards- trust me. Place 1 cup distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle and you will end up with nice soft clothes. I have learned that vinegar kills any left over soap residue that may be hanging on your clothes. (3) Vinegar also can be used as a stain remover, you can pour it directly on your stain, and throw it in the wash-without bleaching your favorite shirt. This is something I really like, since I am a wash and go type of gal. I never spend more time in a laundry room than I have to. You can find out some more helpful tips along with the old tried and true tips on vinegar here.

2006-08-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Busy, Busy

Our weekend has went by in a flash! I guess it started to speed up around Thursday when our scrap metal container was dropped off. We have decided to really clean up this farm and get rid of our scrap metal + what the previous owners had left behind. We have filled it up with no problem and our property, although beautiful from the start is really shining and it's a job well done. We have cleaned out all of the aluminum cans (10 years worth) and copper from our old power lines and brought them to town on Saturday morning- $ 780.00 later we were back home ready to continue our project. The rest of the barn is really going to be usable in the near future and I have Scott worried because with the extra room, means extra animals... Yeehaw!

Anyhow last night we were beat so we treated ourselves with a few drinks on the deck with our tiki torches fired up and nothing else but the stars and satellites flying by to keep us entertained. We finally had to come in when we started to get damp with dew- another sign that our hot summer nights are just another memory.
This morning we have been finishing up on the yard work, slower than the past few days, but the end is near. I was able to get into the garden this morning and get our supper for this evening. I think fresh steamed cabbage, fresh tomatoes, fried onions all from the garden and a nice black Angus t-bone (our cow) will work nicely - a meal fit for kings! The squash will have to be for tomorrows supper....

2006-08-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Listen

You always hear the famous saying -if a tree falls crashing to the ground and no one is there to see it, does it make a sound? But do you ever just listen?

Do you ever listen to the trees? To that calm sound of the wind that rushes through them. It is a relaxing sound like no other. A sound that is soft and soothing. Some days I think we forget to listen. You might be surprised by what you hear and feel. For me, I felt calmed and had to sit down and take in the sounds of these great trees that stood above me. As I sat there, I could have fallen asleep thinking that not only are trees good for shade, wind reduction, snow barriers, fire wood, and paper- but just for the calming effect they can have on a person. I sat there wondering what these huge trees had endured throughout the years. The storms that came across the prairie and still they stand. The farm family that was here before us, the kids that use to climb them, the life that these trees have had. I wish everyone would just sit down next to a tree and see what it can do for you. You might be surprised!

Do you ever just sit and listen?

2006-08-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

Birds of a Feather
Last night just around supper time we did a walk around the yard and noticed all of these Purple Martin on our t.v antenna. Yet another sign of fall being upon us-birds flocking together getting ready for the farewell flight.

I had a farrier out yesterday to have Kassys feet shod. She was a perfect angel, in fact the farrier offered to buy her! I declined his offer but told him that he could enjoy her company every 6 to 8 weeks when her hooves need to be trimmed. He seemed O.K with that. In fact if anyone knows of a good steed I am in the market for another. I would like something that is well trained, and willing to put up with an inexperienced rider (Scott). I would love to have him at my side enjoying the outdoors on horseback and Kassy needs a buddy she can bond with.

On a natural note I would like to list a kitchen & bath scrub that I use in lieu of store bought cleaners. It is really easy to make and lasts up to a year if kept in an airtight container.

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup borax
3/4 cup castile liquid soap
15 drops essentail oil (lavender, rosemary, tea tree)

Pour baking soda and borax into mixing bowl and soap a little at a time, stirring until mixtures is looking like frosting. Mix in essential oil, (above listed essential oils are naturally antibacterial) and store in airtight container. Use to clean sinks, toilets, kitchen counters.

2006-08-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

That time of year

As I walked around the farm this weekend I began to see the tell tale signs of fall. I love fall don't get me wrong, there are so many wonderful things that come with it like cool brisk mornings that are great for a horse back ride, honeycrisp apples, a garden that is full and ripe for the picking, canning, golden fields full of drying corn, a trip to Holmberg Orchard, and my favorite decoration- the pumpkin. I could list more but you get the picture. The only bad part is that I start dreading what comes after fall...

Yesterday evening I was feeling a little blue, missing Scott I guess, so I loaded up the dogs in the truck, rolled down the windows and went road tripping- we do this every once in a while. We (Harley, Dottie, and I) never left the dirt roads or went over 25 mph for almost 2 hours. We have tons of old slews just west of us that are usually full of wild life so I headed that direction first. As I came up to the slew I noticed a huge number of pelicans in one of the bays. I pulled the truck off to the shoulder and went for the camera- only I had brought the case and left the camera at home-damn! So we just watched them and then headed back down the road. We went and looked at old farm houses, groves, streams and churches. Some that had been abandoned, some that looked as if they are getting a new chance in life. I think more and more people are looking for a slower life and trying to get back to how life use to be, the way it should be.

We also saw deer, rabbits- (Dottie tried jumping out of moving truck but I caught her by the tail), geese in a newly cut wheat field, pheasant, partridge, sheep, and one lone turkey. Sure wish I had my camera. I guess when Scott comes home, he can take me for a ride, and I can focus on pictures, not the wrangling of dogs! Anyhow, a good time was had by all, when we came home I grabbed the camera and did a walk around the farm again. It's funny how you can notice so many new things in the same place day after day.

This last picture is just before the sun set and the storm rolled in. It doesn't let on what was coming but we had a huge electrical storm and about 2 1/4 inches of rain. Yahooo. I sat out on the front steps for as long as possible before running inside. I lit candles and watched the storm roll in, then went to bed listening to the rain come down- what a wonderful night.

2006-08-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

Update on Brian.

Just got a picture of Brian. He looks pretty good considering he has a broken neck, pelvis, dislocated shoulder, facial fractures, and major road rash. Scott just called to let me know they were able to get the police report. Sounds like the guy who pulled out in front of Brian left the scene of the accident- he had been drinking, had no insurance. Luckily, some wonderful person followed him and was able to get his license plate # and he is now in jail. There are some really good people out there even if it seems like they are far and few between at times! Thank you whoever you are. Brian has good and bad times it seems. He is having problems with memory, I guess he goes from past to present at times. They say he and his bike slid 184 feet after the initial crash, so I can see how his brain might need some time to heal.

2006-08-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Fresh off the farm....

Summer is a wonderful thing. All of the flavors that are within reach can make a person crazy trying to consume, cook, can, and dry all of the wonders in the garden.

Scott is down in Florida right now with his brother so I am able to eat and make all of the things that I love and can not usually get him to eat with me. This is one of my favorites. Fresh cukes with homemade mayo, vinegar, and fresh dill. I am bad with recipe's, I usually just throw things together until they taste right so I won't give any details about measurements.

Also last night I made a huge batch of pesto but forgot to get any pictures. I had planned to, but once I tasted it, I decided I had to have some over hot pasta, after that I had a hard time putting it into freezer jars let alone taking a picture. I will say that it was wonderful!

Prairie Chick Pesto

4 cups fresh basil

1 1/2 cups pine nuts (lightly roasted)

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

Add all of this together in a blender or food processor and blend till you have a smooth constancy. If you are freezing this, I add olive oil to the top of the pesto-it seems to keep better. This can be doubled easily.

This morning when I took this picture all I could recite in my head was "Pink sky at night sailors delight, Pink sky in morn sailors take warn." True to the saying now it has gotten very overcast and windy. I hope the weather holds out for the tractor parade this evening, as our town has a threshing show every year, they start things off by driving all of the tractors from our town to the town south of us, about 6 miles. It's a really slow process, and some people don't think much of it but I guess they have fun. They have to use the back roads so they come past our place, I guess I will have to watch for them today and I will try to go out and get some pictures if I can.

2006-08-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

Naturally~Natural....

Hey all, since I still have no ambition to be uploading pictures of my vacation I thought I would list this 'How smart are you about cosmetics' quiz. I think everyone should know as much as possible about what they are putting on their skin. If your interested, take this quiz and see just how knowledgeable you are! http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/costf.html

Also, if you have any questions about natural ingredients or want a list of people and businesses who have taken the pledge to be as natural as possible, check out the NIRC as they have a lot of good information. Good Luck-

2006-08-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Vacation....

We took a small hiatus over the weekend to go to the lake and relax. The only problem now- I am sooo tired from all the relaxing I can't hardly keep my head up. It was really good to get away, because last week was not a good one all the way around-

Last Tuesday at about 11:45 pm our phone rang-my sister in law was on the line telling us that my husbands brother was in a terrible motorcycle accident. He lives in Florida, so we have decided to take shifts to go spend time with him, and help figure things out. Scott's mother and sister went last week and are on there way home as we speak, Scott and his brother Rod are flying out on Thursday and the rest of us will go when needed. It has been really tough not being able to do anything from here. He is thankfully alive, but from what we know has a broken neck, pelvis, ankle, and many fractures on his face. I am really hoping we can bring him home to take care of him, as he doesn't have anyone close to be there for him.

And to round out a shitty week, at about 10:00 am Friday morning I was starting a pot of coffee for my mom because she was on her way down to baby sit the farm. Instead of pulling up in the drive, I got a collect phone call, her car had shot craps about an hour and a half away and she was going to have to leave the car behind. I went and got her and we met Scott just out side of where we were going to go camping. I gave her my car to go head back to the farm with, we went to the cabin. We are going to go tow the car home tonight and get it fixed for her. She took my car back home today, and I am happy to say made it! The good thing is that I will get to see here sooner than I thought. When it rains it pours.

Tomorrow I may be able to post pictures from the trip, but right now I just need to mellow out!

2006-08-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

Miss Hen~

Well, I have taken steps to try and get my bird to lay again and forget that she wants to be a mom. She is not happy with me at all, and I am not too thrilled about it either. My hens are all free range birds that are able to be out on our property from 6 am till the time they put themselves in bed at night. They have a huge barn to scrounge around in when it's not nice out, but in the summer even if it is slightly raining out they are out in the grove enjoying fresh bugs, grass, and of course the favorite-dirt baths. When I look at the picture before you, it reminds me of all of the animals that are caged in small areas where they can not move around or get fresh air and it saddens me. I really hope she snaps out of her mommy trance quick, because I am to the point I feel like giving up. I have made a promise to her that next year she will be able to have some babies if she likes, she just needs to let me know sooner than the end of July.

On a happier note, we have finally had some rain (1 1/2 inches) and all of my flowers and veggies are feeling wonderful as you can see! There is something to be said about a nice soft rain vs. watering you plants with well water. It just makes them happy....

2006-08-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom,

I am writing this letter today because I thought you would enjoy hearing about how my day started yesterday. This isn't the first time, but yesterday made me think of all the times you use to complain about me and my animals. I have now come to the full realization that the horses and chickens that I had to have as a kid must of kept you busy. I remember you mocking me as I went to a friends house overnight or just on my way to school that the animals were my responsibility. I know I told you over and over "I promise I will take care of my animals, I will feed them and do chores everyday." Yes, that is what I told you time and time again, just so I could have them and it worked! I also remember you telling me how you would go to work at the library with hay on your clothes and poop on your shoes because you had to take care of my animals before leaving for said job...

Fast forward to my adult life...

Yesterday morning I got up at 5:00am because I had to work at the post office for the day. I have to be at work at 7:15am and it's no problem, as I am up early anyhow. The thing is, I did things wrong this morning. Instead of going out and letting the chickens out, feeding them, giving fresh water and feeding Kassy early (I like to keep her on a schedule) I got all cleaned up right away-I showered, shaved, curled my hair (I was actually having a good hair day), and got dressed for work. I then went downstairs to get supper ready since it was pushing 100 degrees and I would not feel like cooking when I got home. After all of that I headed out to the barn...Mistake #1 don't go into the barn with the shoes your going to wear for work-chicken poop sticks like glue. Mistake #2 When the wind is blowing into the barn at mock one, expect hay to be plastered all over you when feeding horse. Mistake #3 When the morning temps are pushing 90 degrees with humidity about the same you really need to take said shower over, do hair over, and find new shoes to go to work. I could go on and on about the rest of my mistakes made this morning, but I think you would enjoy it too much.

So, as I end this letter to you I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate all that you did for me through out the years, and I thank you for all of your help and patients. I also want you to know that I have paid myself back in full. As I stood in the barn door with hay in my hair, chicken poop on my new shoes, and sweat running down my back yesterday morning, I thought- now I know what mom meant....Payback!

Love Always,
Prairie Chick....

2006-07-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Summer Time Fun!

As we get older I think we forget to go have fun like we use to as kids. I think this is especially true if you live on a farm. There are always things that need to be done- Like cleaning barn, animals that need to be cared for, fixing fence, taking care of gardens, working on equipment...and the list goes on.

Well, yesterday we said to heck with all of the chores and loaded up the boat (the one my husband Scott has been complaining about because it has not seen the water yet this year) and went to the lake. We took the dogs, had a few cold beers and just relaxed! We swam some, the dogs went swimming or knee boarding in Harley's case, and Scott did a little water skiing. It was a lot of fun, and it made us slow down and remember the good ol days.

The only bad thing about remembering the good 'ol days is that you sometimes, especially in our case, remember what you use to be able to do. For instance, Scott is in really bad shape today because his back is out. When you only water ski every three years or so, your body does not stay in the shape it once was. We both have bad backs, and I made sure I asked him before pulling his butt around the lake was "Are you sure your up for this?" and he said oh no problem..

Today it is really quiet around here. Except for the quiet little grunts of pain he makes as he goes from the couch to the recliner....

My thought for the day-It's fun to remember the old days, just don't forget that the person you once were may not be the same person you are today!

2006-07-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I took a walk around our property to enjoy the scenery- I even took a walk down our road to see what beautiful things I could find. I think sometimes I don't leave our property for days on end and I forget to look outside of my most traveled areas. (House to barn to soap shed/garden and back again)

Here is what I noticed along the way- This pretty little poof ball that lines our ditches on our dirt road. They are so simple, yet spectacular. I really should go pick them, I suppose I could make some kind of arrangement with them-if the cats don't eat them.

This is our local elevator, I guess it's about 3 miles from us. You can never get too lost around here- you just look for an elevator in the sky and head that direction. Some mornings when the air is heavy and the sunrise is a pink/orange color that elevator makes a pretty picture. Even from here it is a grand sight, I just wish everything going into it was raised organic.

This is our windbreak on the west side of our property. We have Honey Suckle, Ash and Pine trees to provide some resistance from the wind-and we have lots of it around here! Winter and spring are a real bugger, some days you could blow away if your not careful. My poor chikkers try to hide out in the honey suckle, but usually getting there is a huge effort on their part. The wind will blow them over, or blow their skirts up making for some cheap laughs on our part!

And last but not least- The Tiger Lilly. How could anyone be in a bad mood when you look at this? They are just so happy looking.

Well, I have to go muck barns today, so I had better quit putting it off and get our there! Good Day!

2006-07-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Something of interest.

I wanted to show you something that I thought you might be interested in. This is something that I use when I am out of my homemade clothes washing soap.

It's called Soap Nut- it comes in small sachets that are sewn closed so you don't have to do anything but throw one in with a load of clothes and let er rip. They wash your clothes just like a cap full of Tide would do but without all the harmful side effects to your skin, our environment and without any fluffy smell. (I usually hang my clothes out to dry as much as possible so I enjoy the fresh outdoor smell more so than fragrance any day.) Anyhow, you can use one of these for a large load, and use the same sachet 2x for a couple of smaller loads like your skivvies and such.... I don't generally use any kind of softener, but I have noticed a big differnence in that I have nice soft clothes, and no static cling.

As a soap maker I am asked all the time if I sell or make laundry detergent of some sort, and for myself I do but have not yet ventured into it full time. This is where I point people that are looking for all natural without a huge price tag and for sensitive folks who can't stand fragrance/detergent on their skin. You might want to check these folks out as they also have some other wonderful products like Neem Oil-

A.him'sa Organics

1.877.use.neem

www.neemresource.com

2006-07-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

To see the Summer Sky

Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie-

True Poems flee-

-Emily Dickinson

2006-07-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Take Cover!!!

No I am not going crazy. I was out in my garden this morning and I kept hearing an airplane. Since we do have an airport about 18 miles away from us, and they do fly over I didn't really think much of it. But the sound kept getting closer and closer and continued for some time so I decided to take a look and see what I could find. Low and behold they are crop dusting the fields today.

I am so upset at this point, if my neighbors (the people killing everything) came over right now I am sure I would flip out on them. This picture shows our lawn vs. The bean field they are spraying. No one even called to tell us. I mean you can't call your neighbors to tell them to close the house up and put animals away? I am so sick and tired of farmers being more worried about how many bushels of beans/corn they are going to get! This is the horse shit thing about living where I do, we have beautiful country around here, and some of us are trying to keep it that way, but the farmers who have $$$ don't care if they kill our wildlife, give us cancer, or poison our drinking water- we have to live how they choose to live and it shouldn't be that way.

I have been herding my chickens and Kassy into the barn so they do not get nailed with the crap. I guess I will run out and put sheets on the veggie gardens that I can....Before he gets to our place!

2006-07-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

2006-07-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

Fresh Eggs

What's wrong with this picture? I guess one of my hens had a slight malfunction. The small egg on the lower portion of this picture is about the size of a quail egg. This is the first time I have had anything like this from one of my hens, so I am a little taken by it. Hubby says chuck it out into the grove, but it's so cute I had to throw it in the carton with the rest. I wonder if there is a real egg inside....Anyone have any ideas about this?

I also have another problem- I have a broody hen that is bound and determined that she is going to set on eggs...I go into the coop and pull her out and she goes right back in. I have relocated her to my soap shed for the day to get her mind off of things but I'm sure she will go right back. She is setting in my regular nests that all of the other hens use so I can't destroy the nest- I am at a loss... Any ideas on this one?

2006-07-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'm Back!

Well it's been a few days since I've wrote. I have been so busy, I think this is the first time I have been able to sit down and relax since last Monday! I work part time at the local post office, and I have been filling in for vacations since the week before last. Plus helping my cousin in law out hauling a couple of truck loads last Friday (I had a blast) and then Saturday morning we got up early and headed to Sioux Falls for the Power on the Prairie Air Show. It was a really nice show. Plus it was free so it really doesn't get any better than that. This picture is just one of the sights on the way. I know it's not really in focus like I would have wanted, but at 65mph it's not bad.

This is one of the pictures I was able to get of the Blue Angels- they are awesome! There were 6 all together. These 4 were flying up in front of us, and the other two snuck up behind us and scared the daylights out of us. You don't hear them until they are on top of you. I give these guys and gals tons of credit- they are very talented people who must love what they do.

Talk about creepy- If you have never saw the B-2 Spirit Bomber-aka The Stealth Bomber here it is! This picture does not do justice to the feeling you get when this baby flies over the top of you, the only thought I had was "Run"...I don't know how to explain it, but it has a presence all of it's own, and I guess even though I'm not a fan of the war, I am glad we have this baby to protect our ass if we need it... This bomber is out of Whiteman Airforce Base in Missouri. Well, I will be back to chat later, I need to go check on my bathroom project.....

2006-07-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'm going truckin'!!!

Well, I will be away for a day or two. Most of you don't know this but I use to be a truck driver. I quit to be home with my family, and because things are just not the way they use to be out on the road. I won't get on my soap box today because I have too much to do before I go, but someday I will broach the subject....Right now I am so excited to go I can't hardly stand myself! Happy gardening all.

2006-07-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

This picture is the reason I love animals and horses as much as I do! This is my mother with her horse Bell Star and her colt Lightening. The back of the picture reads:

Kim with Bell Star and her colt Lightening. The colt is about 2 months old here. He's half Thoroughbred- his father has papers so he should make a nice horse.... Written by my grandmother.

I won't say how old she is- but I did have to ask this morning because she has been 29 and holding for as long as I can remember. Love you Mom....B.

2006-07-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hi There!

I have such a hard time taking pictures of Kassy because she is so nosy!The only time I can keep her still to take pictures is when she's mad at me, then I can get ugly looking horse pictures. I would really like to get a nice picture with her head up, ears up, looking happy like she does most of the time. Especially when I don't have my camera! I guess at least when she's happy, she love's me, and wants to be with me!

I just came in for jot a few notes down. I am trying to bring together my 4 chikkers with my 8 older hens and this time around it doesn't seem to be going so well. I guess I should say I have brought them together, but there's pulling of feathers and squealing going on... Every year this is how I introduce them, a little bread to share, a little looking at each other to see who's the boss and we are good to go. Not this time...

Happy to hear I'm not crazy (my husband thinks so) with my galvanized tin idea for the bath, or the apple green color. Susan over at Farmgirl Fare thought it was a good idea, but wanted to know what color trim- I don't know- any ideas?? As you can see in the last post, I have wood flooring, my stool is white, I am going to paint the tub white, and my cabinet is also white... I am stuck!

I had better head back out to see if my dogs are keeping piece with the chikkers. Good Evening!

2006-07-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

This old farm house!

I don't know how many of you live in a new house vs. an old house, but if you live in the latter you will probably understand my dilemma!

I have been at war with this house since I moved here. I would love to make it a nice place to live without spending tons of $$$ I don't have so I keep going from room to room, whenever I am stuck inside. (Not often) The thing with old farm houses is that sometimes (most of the time) nothing is straight, odd pieces of wood have been used for patching walls, floors, ceilings....and my dilemma for today, they put a window in the bath/shower. I ripped all of the tile that was in the stall because it was very, very, rotted and falling down. We put in new floor, window, sheet rock, and a toilet, but here's the thing- how do you keep that window dry? I finally bought a rectangle shower curtain hanger, like they use for the old claw foot tubs and it works slick, but I have been unsure as to how dry things will stay at both the ends because they are open. **This picture has all of my toiletries out of cabinets, I was painting**

Well today I had a vision- it might of been the 99 degree temps, but if it works it works! I am going to paint my bathroom an apple green (because I love green) and I am going to use...Are you ready for this? Galvanized (sp) metal for the shower surround. Does that not go with living on a farm or what? It fits me to a T- cheap, easy, and low maintenance!

Now when my dad asks if I was born in a barn, now I can tell him, well I kinda live in one....

2006-07-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

The storm that came and went....

Thursday night we finally got a little rain. I guess it was about a half inch when it was all said and done. The way the storm rolled in we thought we were going to get hit really good- but as usual most of it went around us. It's like we have something in our county that fends off rain or snow. Up north of us in Montevideo they received 4 inches and to the south of us I heard they had 3- and here we sit with 1/2 inch. Oh well we are use to it by now, with the weather the other towns received they also got high winds that took down corn fields as well. So I guess we should be thankful for what we did get and didn't. I know my plants in my raised beds really stood straight up. There is nothing like pure fresh country rain water....

2006-07-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Fresh from the garden!

Here was our supper for the day. Isn't is just gorgeous? I guess I got so excited about the salad & taking pictures) I got a little ahead of myself because the new tomatoes were not on the dish yet, but you get the picture...At 95 degrees it was perfect. No sense heating up the kitchen any more than you need to.

Last night we sat out on the deck, grilled steaks and watched the birds feed there hungry babies. I get such a kick out of the little wings flapping as mom or dad flies into the nest- I guess it means hurry up, I'm hungry? We have Mourning Doves, Blue Birds, Robins, Goldfinch, Oriole, Eastern Kingbirds to name a few. It is surely a busy back yard.

About 2 weeks ago I was mowing my lawn and came across a Mourning Dove all sprawled out in the lawn. I was about 5 feet from her and I figured she had hurt herself or a cat had taken a swipe at her. As soon as I got near she flew away leaving 2 new babies behind. I looked to see where they came from, here their nest had a blow out. Mourning Doves do not build good nests, so they were lucky I found them before anyone else. My husband wasn't home yet, and I'm not one for climbing too high so I went and dug threw my old hats and found a straw hat to use. I filled it with grass and put the babies in and waited for hubby to come home. When he did we got the latter up and put the hat into the tree and sure enough about an hour later the mumma was walking around the brim of the hat. Last night the babies were impatient and standing on the brim waiting to be fed. They made it!

This is a little guy I had to save from the Kingbirds last night. He made out O.K except for part of his wing...

2006-07-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home...

We are going to dry up and blow away out here! Those little wispy clouds are only teasing us into thinking that it just might, someday- rain. But not yet! It's been 3 weeks without rain, and my lawn is going downhill fast. The weather man is saying another 2 weeks without rain.... at 85 to 100 degree temps through out this period. Hopefully he doesn't know what he's talking about.

I can water my two raised beds easy enough, but my large garden is too big and too far away from any water source. My large bed consists of tomatoes, watermelon, squash and most of my herbs. Hopefully they have a good enough root system by now to withstand the heat!

Worked out side most of the day yesterday. Did lots of weeding, watering, and picking of the last radishes. It's getting way too hot for them anyhow. Picked about a half gallon of wild raspberries in our grove- going to make some jam today. One to the next project....

2006-07-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Everything is Rosy

Yesterday was a gorgeous day. I think I came into the house only to make supper. We have one of my step sons home this weekend. He came home for the local town events this past weekend so I grilled a fresh locally raised turkey, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes that were from my garden. This is why I love to garden. Also why I hate to shop.

If more people could go into there gardens and have supper sitting in front of them vs. going to the grocery store they might learn what is really convenient. I would much rather go pick out my supper in my own yard than drive 20 miles, get a bunch of tasteless veggies or meat that have sat around days on end, been handled numerous times by people I do not know and drive home another 20 miles. Convenience food is out my front door!! And all it cost me is a little time, a little exercise, and a few bucks for the seeds- There you have it! I know everyone does not have to choice or the want- but it works for us.

Well I am off to the soap shop. Good day....

2006-07-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

Thought I would introduce some of my animals so you know who I am talking about... <-Harley Rose is my mini daschund- fearless as they come, aka Chicken Chaser. She is from Florida. Sass-> is a rescued barn cat that was abandoned by his momma. I bottle fed him from about 1 week old and now he is larger than life!

<-Sweet Pea was also a barn rescue, my first.

So was Dottie, she was found running loose in another town.->

And last but not least was Jackson. He was also a rescue, but of a differnt type. My mom found him out along side of a corn field. From his nose to the back of his head was bald when we found him. His claws were pulled out on the front paws, starved and he looked just nasty but we couldn't figure out what happened to him.
I brought him to the vet, so they could help him and find a home....I had 2 in the house already! Turns out my vet had saw this before, he had been thrown out of a Moving vehicle!!!! And she said nobody would take him in his condition...They said he had 24 hours to be claimed. Hearing he had 24 hours to live- I cracked! He now resides in our home with the other 2. Lazy as the day is long, but happy!

The chickens and Kassys Dream can be found in previous posts.....Keep tuned in as there will be more animals to add to the list...Goats, Sheep, Donkey, Llama??????

2006-07-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle...

As you can see by the photo, I have even spoke with our birds about using our farm products. Hehehe. Ok- so I throw out Kassys mane everytime I groom her. I also throw out all of my dryer lint (when I have some) for my birds to use. I figure the birds can use some help too, right? This is the first time I have actually found horse hair in a nest though.

Well it is hotter than a pistol today. A town just south of us is having their local "Coming Home Days" this weekend. Last night was the fireworks, and tonight is the street dance. We don't go though, I guess I am getting to be more like an old hermit. I think the street dance has gone to the kids anyhow... (Does that mean I'm getting old?) My plans for this evening are to cut up some lime, throw it in my Dos Equis and sit on the deck and listen to nature, something you can not do at a street dance. Sounds a lot safer too and if I drink to many I can sleep in the deck without too much trouble. Unless I fall off....

A special church...

I know it doesn't look like much but this church is really special to me. It's a place I go to think when I need to get away from it all. It's only about 6 miles away from my home so I don't have to venture too far. This church is north of a highway I use to drive on, but I never actually went to it. I guess I use to admire it's beauty from afar.

When I (we) decided to get married I thought "I know just where I want to get married."

So I ventured out onto a quiet dirt road in hopes of finding a new church to belong to and a place where I could be married. Well, this is what I found. No windows, no pews, no pastor. But a beautiful structure albeit. I was able to walk inside and look around and wonder about the past. It's pink on the inside-yes baby pink... There is an old piano in the basement that was just left to be had. I was so sad, such a beautiful place just let go.... But, I decided to make the most of it. I may not have a pastor to preach, not that I make it to church as much as I should, but I have a nice place to go just be me. It has a nice little grave yard off to the left of the picture and it over looks a corn field that is goes on forever. You can sit and listen to the pheasants talk, the birds sing and the past quietly tell you a story.

2006-07-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

What a windy day. I keep hoping it will blow up a long rain shower, but so far it's not looking too good. My lawn is turning brown as we speak- now as I walk to the barn all I hear crunching under foot.

Not feeling so hot today. I took a third remedy the otherday, because I was starting to have a migrane and now I think all of my symptoms are coming back. That is normal for homeopathy, and I have gone through this before, it's just no fun even if you know it's going to happen. I just have to keep looking at the next couple of days, because it will get better. As far as I am concerned homeopathy saved my life! I had been through neurologists & rhumatologists and all I was given was more pills that I could take for the rest of my life, and still not feel all that good. One pill would make your mouth so dry it was like eating flour everytime you opened up. Another made me numb up to my knees and food taste like aluminum. Another made me gain all sorts of weight. Not too fun-Gosh am I glad to be off all that junk!!!

If you live in southwestern Minnesota, a good homeopath to check out is Ann Herdina- at rural homeopathy -she is wonderful!

Going to a homeopath is so different than going to a Dr- she listened to me for about 2 hours- asking questions inbetween, and really got to know me inside and out. When I pulled out of Anns driveway I had a huge smile on my face, plus I had such a different outlook on life- (hope) and at that point she had not given me a thing! I think after years of going to a Dr and not getting any real answers you lose faith in anyone who tells you they can fix you. Not so here. About a week later she sent me my remedy. I was scared to death! I know I sat in my kitchen for over an hour looking at the small vial she sent me. I was suppose to take 3 small pellets and put them under my tongue. All I kept thinking was; is it going to taste bad? Will my eyes roll back in my head? Is it going to hurt? Nope- the pellets were sweet, they just dissolved under my tongue within minutes. And nothing happened....

About a week later, I got sick- sort of like the flu, but with all of my problems included. I felt like I had been in a bad car accident. I hurt all over, plus my migranes, joint aches, back ache, tired all of the time, lack of interest all came back.... I wondered if I did the right thing. I really, really had to wonder, but then all of a sudden a week later things started to change. My migrane went away, my joints didn't hurt, I felt like I was getting rest when I slept. What the heck??

I stayed on all of my regular pills so I didn't mess up my system and because I wasn't sure if all of my pills were finally working or if homeopathy was doing the trick. I really had to wonder, but just for a while. I went to see my parents, and being the forgetful one, I forgot all of my pills at home- and when I remembered I was already 2 hours away..Do I go back or wing it? I kept driving, thinking I would have my husband send them to me because usually after I missed one dose, I was in major pain. The next day came and went- no pain, no side effects, no nothing... I have been off of those nasty things ever since! I take arnica montana for any pain that I have, either in pellet form or in cream form, but I have not taken an aspirin since! Yeehaw!

2006-07-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Kassy's New Duds

Well, since I have been doing as much as I can to be as natural as possible, I think it's fine time to get Kassy into the swing of things. I ran out today and bought her this new outfit, so I don't have to spray fly goop on her anymore.

She is a very sensitive horse, (like her owner) and when she gets bit by bugs, she has welts all over her. I have an all natural soap that I make out of neem that I wash her with, and also I have made a homemade fly spray with neem in it, and it works for a while, but that's about it. I figure if we don't have the maintenance of every half hour spraying (that can't be good for her coat) we should be ahead of ourselves.

I hope she gets over being mad at me. Sometimes she hold a grudge.....

My chikkers are getting use to being only a 4 some- they are still a little freaked out and don't split up too much but I guess they will get over it. I now have 3 astralorps, and 1 rhode island red. I know the picture shows 5, (I can count sometimes) but it's from another day. Well I have to go make supper, hubby just called and is on his way home.

2006-07-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

And then there was 4.

Good Morning! I didn't get around to writing yesterday because I was so busy.The morning started off at 5:30 am with a call from my hubby because he forgot his cell phone, so I jumped in the car and and went to where he was loading grain at, luckily only about 7 miles away. Then I went with a friend of mine to pick up our co-op order and went out to lunch afterwards. All of that was enjoyable, but the afternoon sure went downhill.

When I got home I let out my teenage chikkers so they could stretch there legs. I came back up to the house for about 20 minutes to put away my groceries from the co-op order and change clothes. When I got back out to the barn all my chikkers were nowhere to be found. At this point I was franticly looking for any sign of chickens, my dogs finally found two in back of the barn crouched down with a look of terror in there eyes. I found another one in my Quonset hut, and a 4th perched on one of my shelves inside the soap shed. I was missing one rhode island red. And I have not found her yet. This is the second that I have lost in a two week period. My husband thinks it's a fox or coyote, but this happened at 2:30 in the afternoon, I had just been out there with 2 dogs at my side, wouldn't the dogs have sensed something like that? I went up to the house and got my double barrel that was my grandpas, but never found a feather. I did find a wild cat, but couldn't get a good shot, or he would be outta here. I love all animals, and would never hurt anything without cause, but geesh my chikkers are going on 2 months, I have put too much time into them to lose them to some wild cat. Especially since I have trained all of my animals to love my chikkers. My barn cats rub up against the hens and wrap themselves around them like they are cats, so I know they would never eat one, and my dogs are just as good. They have to be, because my chikkers are let out of the barn at 6:00am and are allowed to run the property till they put themselves to bed in the evening.

Well, I am off to make more soap....I can atleast be out with my chikkers this way, I am sure they are wondering if they are next, I will be bringing my GUN, so wild cats beware!