tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46394633290899423402024-03-14T03:54:40.319-04:00Lemonade Adventures <center>The wonderful adventures</center> <center> of making the best of life,</center> <center> no matter what you start with!</center>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.comBlogger384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-22428041436871293012012-06-07T16:55:00.002-04:002012-06-07T17:02:22.077-04:00Is This What's Known As An Epic Pail - I mean Fail?.<br />
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As I finally get back to this, I see that it's been too long - AGAIN.<br />
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Google is killing me.<br />
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I have to log out of everything I do in life to post here, then start all over again. I logged into Blogger and watched all my labor that I had open disappear. You might say, just log back in and open them all up again...<br />
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Ha. I repeat, a BIG, FAT, HA!!!!<br />
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It's not just 'out of sight, out of mind' but if something disappears from view where I can continually keep my mind fresh, it's like a black out in my brain cells. My neurotransmitters fizzle, then burn up like a fuse that turns to ash right before the whole thing blows up.<br />
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Once, I prayed for amnesia... You know what they say.<br />
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.... what do they say, anyhow?<br />
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Once, I prayed for amnesia... You know what they say.<br />
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.... oops.<br />
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We took a vacation we've been saving up for years, and boy, did we need it.<br />
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We spent a very quiet week on Hilton Head Island. This is the sunrise. This is what I look forward to the most. Being down on the beach, in the water, watching the sun rise and standing in wonder, awe, and amazement at God's glory.<br />
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I say with some guilt that we wanted so much to visit with very dear friends while we were there, as well as having them come over for a day. But when we got there, we just shut down. We did not know just how exhausted we were until we laid aside our stress, tensions, to-do lists and just let go. We spent the entire week pretty much without calling or texting anyone, but just hanging out together and swimming, boarding, biking, tennis, puzzling, reading, eating, sleeping, rocking, and all the other things you are supposed to do on a real vacation.<br />
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We did end up doing 15 miles on the beach one day. My seat is STILL sore!<br />
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On another day we biked across island to the big touristy spot, but all we did was buy some cold drinks, sit on some chairs, and watch the yachts come and go in the harbour. We did not even buy a souvenir. <br />
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HOORAY for being BORING! <br />
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And now we are back home and we still often imagine the feeling of that water around us as we just relaxed and let the waves gently roll past. Many wonderful memories.<br />
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I did find this very cute and light summer dress with scads of flowing skirts. I wear it all the time at home. I still feel like I'm in the tropics.<br />
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So the skies have been magnificent lately; all blue and puffy. Just like Spring loves to be.<br />
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I could not resist and expanded little garden in addition to the three tomatoes. It's doing very well. Just some summer squash, bell peppers, and cucumbers. I keep it small as we could be asked to leave at any moment, but it's just a little bitty one.<br />
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Here's to Spring's first tomatoes!<br />
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~Faith<br />
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.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-13293852471970035532012-05-05T21:10:00.002-04:002012-05-06T07:29:13.810-04:00. <br />
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Getting exercise in the last year or so had been increasingly difficult. I've become what I have always dreaded; a pc potato.<br />
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I work at a computer for most of the day. This gives ample time for me to... become ample.<br />
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But today was a fabulous day. Michael's plans fell through. He was going to be gone with a friend at a park all day, hiking, running, playing sports, swimming, and whatever else two energetic young men can find to do. Staying home was a bit of a let down for him.<br />
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Gladly this all worked out into my favor. I had determined that while he was gone I was going to find ways to be active all day long, whether walking in the beautiful weather, doing some dancing, perhaps some exercise DVDs, etc. But instead, I got to be active with my son.<br />
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We spent some time practicing Shitō-Ryū karate, did some calisthenics, then headed out to the barn loft for some working out up there, rope climbing, and clearing out more areas to hang the rings later on. We've got to go find our power drill this week. It's hard to find anything these days. We and our stuff are like ships in the night, perpetually missing any contact. I wish someone on that ship would cannon shoot some supplies over. --- A batch of freshly baked cookies to the first person who can find my checks AND give them to me.<br />
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I had a grand time walking for a couple of miles down our country road, while Michael ran circles around me in his newly acquired ACUs and hiking boots, his black A shirt, and him stopping every few minutes to roll out another set of pushups.<br />
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We met some colorful characters along the way. Had some callouts from one house that I'd rather not have had. Then we had an enjoyable conversation with some motorcyclists who were retracing a ride after having dropped and lost their keys somewhere in the last few hours.<br />
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By the time we got back we were really missing our old pool that we'd have jumped into and floated away our sweaty exhaustion from a grand Saturday oot and aboot, as our Canny friend would say. But we enjoyed sitting on the front porch in the shade for a while to cool off.<br />
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Nice view from the rocking chairs. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/7106415787/" title="IMG_9284 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9284" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7106415787_0cbc667499.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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Now we are done playing some games and eating dinner and both of us looking forward to a good night's sleep.I am gonna be sore tomorrow!<br />
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Grateful for achy happiness,<br />
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~Faith<br />
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<br />Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-29524673753464294562012-05-03T21:26:00.000-04:002012-05-03T21:28:57.844-04:00You Know You Need Rest When.... <br />
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1. On the way to take your man-child to Man Class, you have pillows in the back seat so you can steal a nap in a parking lot somewhere...<br />
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and<br />
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2. The policewoman who pulls you over for speeding over roads on which everyone is going the same MPH, but you happened to be the one passing by when she flipped on her radar, asks you if you are on drugs because you look just, well, awful. <br />
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Ah well, no matter! I am achieving yet another first adventure. I am writing a blog post from a McDonald's booth. I have a wadded up red and white paper bag in which lies an empty French fry holder just to my right, alongside an icy swig of caffeine, and to my left is a lovely bouquet of white daisies. I just reached out to see if they are real and sure enough!<br />
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I did bring along a book in case I feel like reading. "The Biblical Flood and the Ice Epoch". A VERY cool read, if I do say so. But I'm pretty sure this will keep me busy.<br />
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I had half prepared a post about our annual winter ballet production. But I sort of got carried away with the photos. My long term blogging friends are well aware of this weakness I have for telling a story with images. So now I am trying to decide how to whittle down over a hundred photos to less than a dozen. Eeny-meeny-miney-mo...<br />
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Instead, I will bludgeon you with a few photos of Michael, the man child. You haven't seen a lot of him lately. Actually, neither have I. He's rather busy with adventures of is own. Well, OK. It's true I do see a lot of him, but it feels like I don't as I have to frequently share him with all his activities. <br />
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He has taken to making some humorous videos. Here is a self portrait while explaining 'hats' to the world.<br />
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Flipping out in gymnastics with some friends.<br />
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All dressed up and ready for both weddings and office cleaning. What a versatile young man!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/7106261259/" title="1495 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img alt="1495" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7106261259_23703e9f27.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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A mobile video. This one on the subject of strange things that happen in parking lots while waiting for your mother.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/7106257507/" title="1481 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img alt="1481" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7106257507_47cc85bd97.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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At a Seder dinner we celebrated last month.<br />
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He asked for gift certificates to the local Home Improvement Center to begin his collection of quality tools. He is very happy to have two nice chests (semi) full of tools with lifetime warranties. Those are expensive so it didn't go as far as filling them, but he's got a great start.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/6959924524/" title="IMG_9178 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9178" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/6959924524_cd44a749e8.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Wish I could show you his belt ceremony from martial arts earlier this week, but I missed it. I was sleeping in the car outside....<br />
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However, he is doing really well at it. He is enjoying all sorts of violent things lately. All that testosterone, you know.<br />
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This is not Michael. It's one of his friends who kindly posed for some portraits for Michael's photography class while they were out and about. But this is often how Michael looks; blended into the local surroundings, wearing lots of ammo - and a huge grin.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/6958623080/" title="IMG_8869 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8869" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6958623080_a66e51a61a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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OK. I should be getting a text any minute now, giving me an estimated time of departure for going and picking him up. <br />
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Grateful for caffeine these days,<br />
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~Faith<br />
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<br />Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-71921939431876993712012-04-23T08:56:00.002-04:002012-04-23T08:59:13.847-04:00Anne Frank and Saturday Ups and Downs.<br />
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After a lovely Friday of work, school, and more work, we went to town to try to get in as much office cleaning as we could before heading off to meet friends and see The Diary of Anne Frank, in which several of our friends are performing. <br />
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They did a fabulous job! It was even better than the one we saw a couple of years ago, and had cool audience participation as though we were in a prison camp - with guards all around us. They nabbed Josh, drug him out and shot him. However, in his next life, he also became a prison guard for the rest of the play. Lots of sniffles in the audience. It is heart wrenching, knowing what evil man does to one another, but I was determined not to run any mascara, and I was thoroughly successful - lots of focus on chewing my delicious, if rubbery, mint chewing gum, during particularly touching moments.<br />
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My dashing young man and I went to Taco Bell afterwards, had a great time chowing down on a 12 pack of tacos and talking about the evening. <br />
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Today was a day of ups and downs!<br />
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I was all set to break myself into posting pics again, but I actually broke my camera today. Yes, I had a good cry over it, too. Boohoo!<br />
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This was the first day Michael and I have stayed home all day in - I have no idea how long. It was strange, but just a bit like Heaven.
The weather was wonderful. I baked and glazed a ham that had been oinking at me every time I opened the fridge.<br />
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And about the time we got around to doing anything else, I went outside with my board, my borrowed wood burner and a nice glass of iced tea and proceeded to torture the Bible verse plaque I mentioned.<br />
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Out on the front porch in a comfy rocking chair with birds singing madly all around.<br />
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Opening the kit...<br />
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Perusing the selection of tips...<br />
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Cool! It has a soldering tip as well. That will come in handy later, while working on Michael's Airsoft gun modifications. I actually decide that the soldering tip will work the best for my lettering as well.<br />
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It's been a long time since I did any wood burning. The reasons it has been a long time came flooding back. Either I always have low-performance tools, or it takes a maddeningly longer time than I have the patience for. But I was determined. One letter, two letters...<br />
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And, in my exuberance, I flipped that board around - knocking my camera right off the table. In hind sight, if I'd just never gotten up to go check it, and just pretended it never happened, I'd have been a lot happier.<br />
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Michael arrived within moments to see what his mother was sobbing about and did his best to take the lens apart and fix it, but it was pretty munched.<br />
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No way around it, if the body of the camera is OK, I've got to get a new lens. After this point, most of the photos are going to a bit poorer in quality, as my good camera is now merely collecting dust.<br />
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Anyhow, we had a great day despite that little tragedy.<br />
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We planted 3 blueberry bushes that I took with me when we left the farm, as well as some blackberry plants in pots I'd brought along. Here are some of the first photos of our current digs. Speaking of digs... If at all possible, you must enlist help to dig into the red clay.<br />
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Here's the sweet little picket gate that is the passageway between the garden area and the yard. Is this not adorable? Not sure what that shrub is, but it's going to be some sort of fruit. And the peonies smell wonderful. <br />
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Yes, the man child is hard at work as I bring out supplies and another shovel. That's a very old apple tree on the other side of the fence, along the road. <br />
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I cried "Uncle!" and finally forked over for peat moss. I think I have a tendency to expect things from plants they are not ready to give. "You have dirt, sun, rain, darn it. I am not going to dump another 5 dollars because you want more than that!" But after quite a few failed blueberries... I bought the bag. This was about 10 bucks and will probably do about 5 bushes. I've heard of people using an entire bag in a really big hole, and even planting bushes directly INTO the bags, but I asked a professional blueberry guy what he did, which was mix about half and half. So that's what we are doing.<br />
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Right there in the hole with our stirrer. <br />
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OK, this one was not mixed well enough. Plant was removed, earth mixed up, and plant replaced. <br />
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Then we mulched the three bushes and sat down, imagining sweet, juicy blueberries, which we will probably not get to eat, unless we dig them back up again, as this is not our home. However, SOMEone SOMEday will have some nice berries.<br />
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We put in some tomato plants, Grape, Roma, and a Better Boy or something similar (lost the tag).<br />
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The owner, unbeknownst to us, also gave permission to another person to run some cattle on the nine acres and will be just beyond this fence. He put in some electric fencing to keep them back but, in the interest of tomato safety, we will probably move the wires just a little bit further away from our succulent tomatoes. <br />
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I don't want to put much in the ground, as we don't know how long we'll be here, but I had no where else to put them and I can always dig them up again. All our friends are already overflowing with plants we gave away.<br />
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We had a great time cleaning out the loft in the barn, getting it ready for a hangout place and workout area for the guys.<br />
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Lovely view, lovely day. Looking toward the mountains on the walk from the house to the barn.<br />
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The whole bottom of the barn is about like this. Difficult to navigate. Nothing of value, just stuff. We hope to sort it, stack it neatly, and be able to utilize some space here and there. <br />
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Heading up to the old hay loft. <br />
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This is to be Michael's indoor hangout area and workout room. But it needs some CPR first. First thing is to remove all the poles that are stretching across the rafters, so we can get some head room. They mostly used this for drying tobacco, many years ago, so they are all over the place. I have no idea how old this hay is.<br />
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Looking down through the maze of rafters and tobacco poles. <br />
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I've already been moving some of the bales that could still be grasped. Michael is putting off going and getting the rake and broom, surveying his domain. Remember Mikka? We had to send her away to a friend for a couple of months, but she's back with us.<br />
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That side over there is rotted through, as the roof is missing in a few places, but when clear, we'll know exactly where NOT to step. Plus it will dry out more quickly and rot more slowly.<br />
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Boy, I wish I could move like a cat!<br />
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Handing tools up through the hay loft door. Of course he jumps out. Using the barn stairs and regular door would be so boring.<br />
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Coon poo? It's everywhere.<br />
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That's better!<br />
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We can use this old hay for mulch when we need it, so we're keeping it near the loft door for now. When it's gone, he'll have another 100 square feet of space to use.<br />
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One rotted area, and one broken rafter over here, means not a lot of use unless we decide to repair it. there is enough old spare scrap wood laying around that we could do it, but the roof hole remains, so it would only be a temporary fix. It would last beyond our stay here, however.<br />
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At this point my head is stuffy, I'm sneezing... what's going on????<br />
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Great Scott, Batman! I think I might be getting allergic to something. I could not believe how badly my sinus passages behaved while we worked in the barn! This is just not right. I don't DO allergies!<br />
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After enjoying the sound of a short rain on the metal roof of the barn, we headed back up to the house. Michael tried his hand at wood burning and worked on one of his Airsoft guns, getting ready for his next team outing.<br />
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I cut my first bouquet of peonies here, they smell amazing!<br />
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Grateful for ports in storms,<br />
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~ Faith <br />
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.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-86305153784413340052012-04-20T08:32:00.004-04:002012-04-20T08:50:20.185-04:00Broken RibsWow!<br /><br />It's a beautiful, sunny, Friday morning! <br /><br />Taking a little break before fixing breakfast to try to build up my blog habit. <br /><br />Last night I ended up finding some stolen moments to work on a project I've wanted to do for some time, which is begin creating Bible verses to hang up on my walls. The one that I chose to begin with was Exodus 34:6-7. At that point God wanted Moses to truly know what He called Himself.<br /><br />If it was that important, I think I ought to know it and proclaim it as God did.<br /><br />It's sometimes referred to as the 13 attributes of God. But actually, God was proclaiming His own name.<br /><br />So I spent some time with a friend and her computer set up, since all my stuff is in storage, and worked up some templates to transfer onto a 1x10 board. Last night, while waiting for Michael, I listened to some Christian teaching on the radio and copied it twice onto the board, one for us and one for my friend.<br /><br />It's too small to router, sadly. I'm out of practice on planning out things like this, so instead I borrowed her wood burner. I hope to get that done this weekend. I've got to get my photography habit going again so I can share it. I like pictures and fewer words.<br /><br />As an aside, I fell a few weeks ago and busted my ribs. Wouldn't you know, it was right on an office cleaning day. That was fun. Not.<br /><br />I keep re-breaking them, but it's getting less each time. Wish I could lay around while they heal, but instead I will focus on the fact that every new break simply makes them stronger! Doot-do-do-doot--- (Insert Rocky theme here, but for Pete's sake, don't dance.)<br /><br />OK, I'm off to work. Ask me how I'm going to get in 10 hours of work, a play at the college theater, a martial arts class, and regular stuff all in one day. No, don't ask. I have no idea.<br /><br />Sumpthins gotta give, sumpthins gotta give, sumpthins gotta give...<br /><br />~ Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-53939483139207088122012-04-19T17:32:00.006-04:002012-04-20T08:50:50.611-04:00Pheonix Rising?Well, maybe not. I think that's rather pagan.<br /><br />I will be extremely surprised if anyone catches this post - I confess to having abandoned my posts for a year now. <br /><br />Wow!<br /><br />In this year, the changes have been great. Not great, as in swell, but great as in massive!<br /><br />It took 4 years, but I am now officially single. My attorney said he'd never seen a case like mine and probably never would again. It took a very long time and there were a whole lot of crazy things that happened, but it was finally finished in March of this year. Whew!<br /><br />Our beloved home and farm are gone. We are moving from one house sitting job to another. What a challenge!<br /><br />I work a lot to provide for Michael and I, so our lifestyle has been altered considerably. Michael works a lot as well. <br /><br />But I have learned a lot of things and am grateful for the chance to continue learning and seeing what God will be doing in our lives.<br /><br />I have no photos at this time and I'm having a tough time with figuring out how to get things done when we don't quite know where any of our stuff is, or when we'll be in one place to the next, so I've not taken many photos lately.<br /><br />But we are in a sweet little old house right now on 9 acres. I will write more about the challenges of this little spot, as well as the wonderful things about it later.<br /><br />Michael is now almost 5 foot 11! LOL What a man he is, and such a blessing to me. He turned 16 a couple of weeks ago and is preparing to go get his license. I am looking forward to being able to sit in the passenger seat and do tasks during his driving time to and from town, which takes about 20 minutes each way.<br /><br />I will see if I can get moving on the blog. I have so much to do, so much I am considering and praying about and need to focus on. It will be good to be able to share it with others, for encouragement, as well as for feedback.<br /><br />Is anybody out there? LOL<br /><br />Off to gel the dashing young man's hair before we are off to town for his "man class" and I find something with which to occupy myself.<br /><br />Still listening to birdsong and smiling because of it,<br /><br />~ Faith <br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-16094351602923647842011-03-06T11:36:00.002-05:002011-03-06T11:59:03.157-05:00Hey all!.<br /><br />So sorry about the lack of updates.<br /><br />In all honesty, I've been too busy scrambling to find ways to make ends meet. My husband has completely stopped supporting us and there is simply not enough money to survive.<br /><br />I'm saying that with a smile, because we've been watching the Lord provide for us on a day by day basis. Things are really hard, but we have been blessed beyond all ability to even count the ways!<br /><br />Nuts and bolts of it is that Michael is having to work for his own food and clothing, right alongside me, and he has no anger or bitterness. We talk about our love for for my husband and pray for him daily. It's not a mushy kind of love, but we care about his future. We may not be able to depend upon him, but we can surely depend upon our Lord!<br /><br />I have no idea what will happen to us here, but I know that it is good. <br /><br />Not much has been going on here on the farm, as it takes money to do things - most of you are quite aware of that fact. But we are going to do our best to try to find a way to do another garden for canning. As the world's economy crumbles and hyperinflation is being discussed in more and more sure terms, it would be irresponsible of me not to put all we have into trying to provide food for ourselves.<br /><br />As it is, we walk out of the grocery store with bare essentials in two bags and it's still 40 dollars. Ouch! I keep looking at all the yards filled with decorative plants, and thinking that every home owner ought to be pulling them out and planting food-bearing trees, bushes, and gardens. <br /><br />We'll do our best. We've been getting as many cuttings from as many places as possible. I recommend we all do the same. Raise your own food plants, and raise enough to give away to all your friends. Buying plants is too expensive. In this way we can all help provide for one another.<br /><br />Our power bill alone last month was half of all our income. 'Nother ouch! I bet lots of you experienced that one. <br /><br />We are continually amazed by the hand of our Father, and our lives are filled with the things money can't buy. I hope you are all doing as well. :o)<br /><br />This post is not thought through really well, just hurried, as we get ready to head out and work, so if it's disjointed, now you know why. :o)<br /><br />I'm sorry I have not been around to your blogs in a long time. I miss you and the wisdom, knowledge, fun and friendship that provided. I've not given up on blogging, but it's going to have to wait for now.<br /><br />I may have some fig tree seedlings to give away soon. If you are interested in getting one, let me know. I've put in hundreds for trial purposes. If they've taken, I don't want them to go to waste. <br /><br />May the Lord bless you!<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-83896790099100925122011-01-17T09:02:00.005-05:002011-01-18T06:03:37.400-05:00Ballet Rehearsals.<br /><br />The crunch is on. We've got rehearsals all week.<br /><br />Here are a few photos I took from Saturday's run through.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is Cinderella.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/5361730561/" title="20110115_00701b by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5248/5361730561_e33826ffbc.jpg" width="458" height="500" alt="20110115_00701b" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And here is Prince Charming!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/5362650350/" title="20110115_00633 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5362650350_f47bf6eb74.jpg" width="315" height="500" alt="20110115_00633" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Michael has three parts; the tailor for the bratty step-sisters, a dancer at the Palace Ball, and here he is as a "boy who throws rocks at the bluebird".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/5362590236/" title="20110115_00620 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5362590236_263bf3d765.jpg" width="500" height="344" alt="20110115_00620" /></a><br /><br /><br />And a scene of grand ballet, featuring the fairies.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerieeden/5359815073/" title="20110115_00655 by valerieeden, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5359815073_d0a7091114.jpg" width="500" height="187" alt="20110115_00655" /></a><br /><br />He's having a great time. It's quite a thing to be involved in a production like this, but great memories of friends, a shared project, learning and being pushed to do things you have never done before. He is quite tired, though.<br /><br />So is this mom!<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-12360179235877524392011-01-17T09:01:00.001-05:002011-01-17T10:01:59.153-05:00God's Watchcare Over Us..<br /><br />Things have been tough financially for a while. My DH has been in contempt of court for nearly three months, and we have received very little to live on. If it were not for our office cleaning jobs and the help of others we'd have been unable to make it at all.<br /><br />Our faithful little minivan, which is always a mess because it sees constant use as transportation to home school activities, work, window washings, as well as being our farm vehicle until we can find a way to repair the truck, has needed repair for months.<br /><br />I've put it off, not having any money to do so, and hoping it would come in. It hasn't. But every day the car has become worse and worse, until last night I decided I was simply afraid to drive it. You see, the front wheels wobble while we roll, and riding in there is rather like sitting on a drunken, trotting pony. Not to mention that now a clunking noise accompanies every single wobble. I had Michael check it yesterday to be sure, and you should have seen his face when he got back in the car. <br /><br />We are down to our last 20 dollars after I buy gas today and pay the phone bill. And the power bill is coming due. It's going to be almost 300 dollars. Yikes! There is no money for repairs. None.<br /><br />But the Lord has always provided for us when things were tight. And this has been no exception. The Lord moved someone to pay to have our car repaired. I get to take it in today, if any place is open on this holiday. <br /><br />Ever since my husband left us it has been this way. When we can't make it, the Lord provides. He gives my husband the opportunity to do so, but when he does not, the Lord does it Himself, through our brothers and sisters in Christ who know our need and respond because of their love for Him. Every year I have to find a way to come up with property taxes, every year there has been, somehow, a miraculous way that they've been paid. Miracle may be too strong a word, but it was certainly obvious that the Lord moved someone to act on our behalf. How many times has someone quietly handed us gas money, or a gift card to the grocery store, and Christmas presents? Too many to count.<br /><br />I cannot say Michael and I deserve to be cared for this way. We don't. But He cares for us anyway. There are others areas of our life that we have lost a lot in, and the Lord did not prevent it. All I can say is that I know He loves all those who love His Son. And He cares for us in the very best way. It's just we often don't agree that it's best at the time. <br /><br />Our prayer is to somehow be a blessing to our Father and Yeshua, and be a blessing to all those around us.<br /><br />The greatest commandment?<br /><br />Matthew 22:37<br /><br />Love the Lord your God <br /> with all your heart <br />and with all your soul <br /> and with all your mind. <br /><br />Micah 6:8 <br /><br /> He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.<br /> And what does the LORD require of you?<br />To act justly and to love mercy<br /> and to walk humbly with your God.<br /><br />These two verses alone are enough to keep me busy reining in my sin nature 24 hours a day and, I hope, blessing my Creator and Father, who loves me.<br /><br />Please take the time to watch the video below.<br /><br />May you be richly blessed today, in exactly the way the Lord knows is best for you.<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cncEhCvrVgQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cncEhCvrVgQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-22760505664269457962011-01-16T06:25:00.004-05:002011-03-17T08:56:48.180-04:00Sunny Morning Chores with Beet Pulp..<br /><br />My citrus grove, happily enjoying a new flush of growth, due to some fertilizer.<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00328" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359929664/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5241/5359929664_c0241f162a_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />I am just enjoying the light. Forward lighting can take a back seat today.<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00327" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359928812/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5010/5359928812_427e8ca06d_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Thaw is in full force. Not real warm yet, but the sunlight is hard at work.<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00345" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359333155/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5086/5359333155_ccf7c98e2f_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Is there any breakfast today?<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00326" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359928550/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5169/5359928550_0cb593be7d_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Why yes, as a matter of fact. There is!<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00329" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359930352/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5210/5359930352_9c00c09bc5_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Beet pulp!<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00330" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359318119/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5044/5359318119_2ebf8371ba_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Stirring up in some warm water. Don't want to take any chances, even though the information of dry versus wet is still a bit conflicting.<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00332" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359932902/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5166/5359932902_dcc16e9f05_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Oh, yes. Warm, sweet, tasty, healthy, fibrous, metabolism-boosting, lovingly prepared beet pulp. Just for you!<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00334" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359934818/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5042/5359934818_9a000157cf_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Breakfast is served!<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00336" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359324377/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5162/5359324377_fcf688d0b8_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Is this for me? You are too kind!<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00337" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359938156/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5210/5359938156_8384519121_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />This is new. What is it? Mom, come on over and try this.<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00338" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359939180/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5204/5359939180_4a91e40179_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />What is this slop?<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00339" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359940172/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5242/5359940172_fbd37aa3d2_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Maybe this one is better.<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00340" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359941230/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5086/5359941230_f0f593af14_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Nope, same stuff. I don't like it, do you like it?<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00342" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359943114/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5044/5359943114_2b8c39564f_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Maybe the 20 dollar a bale stuff will come on the next delivery. We're not eating this!<br /><br /><a title="20110114_00341" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5359329269/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5161/5359329269_d66264c216_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Tune in next time for "As the Stomach Takes Turns" when the ruminants arrive and happily enjoy this same meal four times as much. <br /><br />I'll trade two horses for a Dexter cow! Any takers?<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-24573739454371440742011-01-13T20:22:00.005-05:002011-01-14T08:54:29.601-05:00Old Stuff.<br /><br />Some things that were my grandmother's.<br /><br />Circa 1970s<br /><br /><a title="20110113_00317" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5353424632/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5001/5353424632_3418089bd9_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Circa..... ?<br /><br /><a title="20110113_00318" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5353425376/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5130/5353425376_e1070ddcc9_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />The containers are metal.<br /><br />Now you get to see the tops. I'm not going to clean the dust off of them. That could very well be the dust my grandmother swept off her porch while drinking her tree-ripened lemonade on a beautiful sunny June morning! That, and the fact that I tried cleaning the dust off once before and it didn't work. I was afraid to scrub to the point of damaging them.<br /><br /><a title="20110113_00319" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5353426148/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5170/5353426148_850ec7a86d_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And her old bread box.<br /><br /><a title="20110113_00320" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5353426818/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5208/5353426818_c82555ce68_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Air vents in the back as I lift the hinged lid.<br /><br /><a title="20110113_00321" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5353427458/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5006/5353427458_46e94f2a44_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />I keep my cookie cutters in there.<br /><br /><a title="20110113_00322" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5353428302/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5202/5353428302_c3a2e70ba2_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Wishing I had better photos up there. Those are about 10 years old. <br /><br /><a title="20110113_00324" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5353429904/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5209/5353429904_9cce28e1ef_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Someone is watching Mythbusters, who are testing to see if you can escape the state pen with antacids. <br /><br /><a title="20110113_00323" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5352816465/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5126/5352816465_005e369094_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />You never know when that is going to be a necessary bit of knowledge.<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-63477270241490093822011-01-13T18:32:00.004-05:002011-01-13T20:33:08.526-05:00I Miss Two Things At This Moment..<br /><br />Time to do this, and mild enough weather to do this.<br /><br /><a title="DrivingRangeEvanGrandmaGrandpa" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/1402627513/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/1150/1402627513_d407aa7e8e_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />This was taken in January of 2007. Michael and I were focusing on sports that home school year. We played tennis, every sort of _______ball you could think of, swimming, skating, and pretty much everything.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for that last year before my DH left us. It was a fantastic year for Michael, to be able to experience those things before we no longer were able to do so.<br /><br />My folks even came a long a couple of times, and that made it extra special.<br /><br /><a title="DrivingRangeGrandmaGrandpa" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/1403516014/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/1166/1403516014_9f24475246_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />But four years later...<br /><br />We are hibernating as much as our garden beds!<br /><br /><a title="20110109_9999_5" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5346199090/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5050/5346199090_b0a4ac7b86_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Not a lot to blog about beyond that. I've been working really hard on learning computer things. I am reminded at just how near to being brain dead I am. Michael has been working on school and is the brains of the family. <br /><br />I'm getting really good at driving on ice. That will be helpful in the coming ice age, um brought on by global warming?<br /><br />Life is good<br />and cold.<br /><br />From the woolly mammoth den,<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-17861221694896997422011-01-11T08:36:00.004-05:002011-01-11T09:19:58.836-05:00A Photo Montage.<br /><br />For 2011, I've decided to look at the world in a whole new way.<br /><br /><a title="20110108_9999_10" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5345580931/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5122/5345580931_0cd7bf2924_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />Maybe not. I can see the plates go flying on the way to the dining room.<br /><br />On Shabbat the sunlight hit the greenery we have still not put away, intensifying the colors. The lovely golden hue that was there was lost however.<br /><br /><a title="20110108_9999_7a" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5345617047/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5161/5345617047_f20f7721cc_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />Michael, testing and finding the roads still providing the perfect skating medium for shoes. Not so good, though, for driving to rehearsals and office cleanings. We went anyhow, very carefully, but there were many wrecks all over town, including in front of us.<br /><br /><a title="20110109_9999_9" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5345592267/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5201/5345592267_928506f69d_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />I had dug up our pepper plants to save for next year. They lost all their leaves, but had grown lots of new ones. We took them out on days above freezing, and brought them in before frost hit. Until one night we got home too late. I'm hoping they'll come back.<br /><br /><a title="20110109_9999_8" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5346202164/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5164/5346202164_0cdc0e43d7_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />Brrrrrrr.<br /><br /><a title="20110109_9999_1" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5345584461/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5205/5345584461_9721a3b7ee_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />The horses were shivering, poor things.<br /><br /><a title="20110109_9999_6" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5346200180/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5048/5346200180_bc3bdda35c_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />A snow angel from the day before.<br /><br /><a title="20110109_9999_2" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5346196156/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5249/5346196156_2e116ee5af_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />Photographing used children's clothing for ebay is using up a lot of my time. I can see this is a poor return on my time, but I am grateful for any income at this point. Now, if I can just figure out how to get them up and selling. <br /><br /><a title="20110107_9999_033" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5335344801/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5209/5335344801_c906a43a99_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />Michael is still getting used to the fact that these are indeed, man shoes.<br /><br /><a title="20110110_00003" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5345667211/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5045/5345667211_c0f0f3e217_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />And yesterday, after foraging food for the horses from where ever we could scavenge it from, making snow angels, and having a snowball fight. We did a little outdoor work, planting grass seed.<br /><br /><a title="20110110_00001" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5345666181/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5081/5345666181_352542fd62_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />I'm told that during snow is the best time to broadcast seed. You can not only see where and how much you've strewn, but as the snow melts, it pulls the seeds into solid contact with earth, and next spring it should do very well. This is Kentucky 31 blend, only good for the sunny side of the house.<br /><br /><a title="20110110_00002" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5346277236/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5045/5346277236_61f2775f09_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />I hope this old seed is still viable. We've tried to thicken up this grass for years, and it doesn't like to grow. I'm thinking something tall, thick and lush would be mighty fine. Except for mowing. OK, a modification; thick, lush and green. And bad bug repellent. And....<br /><br />Slap! <br /><br />Realistically, the days are getting longer. And we have passed the official date where the northern hemisphere begins to gradually warm up its average temperature. Hold on, any faint of heart, we are on the upswing!<br /><br /><a title="rubyslippers" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5345693603/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5125/5345693603_9c8a78a366_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />There's no place like Figi. There's no place like Fiji. There's no place like Fiji.<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-41670769054182253522011-01-07T13:39:00.003-05:002011-01-07T13:48:58.362-05:00She's BACK!.<br /><br />My beloved camera!<br /><br /><a title="20110106_9999_1Crop" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5332750281/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5208/5332750281_e9e864a293_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br />Thank you, so much, dear blog friend who provided the funds to repair my camera! Such generosity overwhelms me. <br /><br />I am greatly looking forward to begin blogging more in earnest again. Things are quite busy, and only going to get busier as spring approaches. Spring is probably going to be coming on this year like a whispery little butterfly, battered about by icy chunks of air, but it will come eventually.<br /><br />In the mean time, here is what a portion of our schedule looks like this month. See all those highlighted circles?<br /><br /><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5332763579/" title="20110107_9999"> <img alt="20110107_9999" src="http://static.flickr.com/5123/5332763579_36a142d739_m.jpg" /> </a></span><span id="flock-breadcrumb"><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span>Those are merely the continued rehearsals, classes, and set work for the ballet Michael is in. As you can see, we are doing a lot of running around. But that's another wonderful thing about home schooling; all the really cool learning experiences you get to share together as a family, and with friends.<br /><br />So, dear friends, thank you for hanging around and cheering me on, despite being without my precious picture box now for three months. It felt like a lifetime. <br /><br />I'm photographing items to sell on eBay today, what a chore! But a nice way to spend all this indoor time.<br /><br />Busily working,<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-91875660943104738492010-12-30T07:37:00.003-05:002010-12-30T08:14:02.162-05:00Endless Summer, Endless Winter.<br /><br />2010 gave us the summer that began in the first week of April and ended in the last week of November.<br /><br />It has also given us the coldest winter I've seen that began the first week of December, giving most of us a taste of cryogenics. Our pool looks like it has known many ice ages.<br /><br />This has give me an optimal window to work on some much needed projects indoors. For the last week I've had my nose to the grindstone working on several things. One of them being photographing a bunch of things to sell. My friends, having seen and pitied me unable to do this because of my lack of camera, came over and we had two really fun days visiting while photographing madly.<br /><br />What a blessing! <br /><br />I am looking forward to getting my camera back from repairs, hopefully very soon, and snapping happily away. We've got photography field trips to plan. We need a bus or something....<br /><br />Now comes the real work. Organization and getting them on eBay. Not much break in the weather, so I'm good. However, the ballet is going to be soon, and we are beginning to do a lot of running around for increased rehearsals as well as set building and painting. It's a busy time. <br /><br />Catalogs have begun arriving!!!! Spring is on our minds. I've been working on cuttings of whatever makes itself available. I'm going to make a nuisance of myself and begin asking people everywhere I go if I can take cuttings; keeping pruners and cutting medium in my car to ever be at the ready. Whatever I can't buy, I hope to find free to populate this place. What great memories, too. Every plant will have a pruning memory. Good thing I don't scrapbook, because THAT could end up being scary! "Aw, and little Celia Celery came from the lady that lives across from the BP. Isn't she cute?" <br /><br />My focus is on food crops, but maybe one day I can have a yard, and have some foofy things as well. A lawn would be nice. I love this earth the Lord created, but the red clay heel lifts I would not miss.<br /><br />I began working on learning to sew custom dress shirts for Michael, something that would actually fit those long arms, but haven't gotten very far, with Christmas and these more necessary projects in the works. Judging from our weather.... I will probably have more time to put into them for the next couple of months. I dropped by the thrift stores and found table cloths and curtains for sewing fabric. The thicker the better. I don't do well sewing flimsy stuff. <br /><br />Michael is officially taller than me! Shaving, talking in that deep voice. He says stuff to me and sometimes I just break out giggling. It's going to take me a while to get used to this big voice. His hugs are getting stronger too. Gotta love that. :o) <br /><br />No time at all for finishing that greenhouse. But as soon as this weather breaks, we have the supplies to finish it. While I was hoping to raise food through this winter, it would have been tough to try to learn to use it during this really cold weather, so I am not too heartbroken by the delay. I just really want it up for starting our own garden plants in February and March. I hope we get a week of mild weather for doing that.<br /><br />Well, I'm off to run Michael to town for working on sets today and I'm going to continue working here at home.<br /><br />Can you believe only one day left of 2010?<br /><br />Wowsers!<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-62872176727548920212010-12-22T23:49:00.006-05:002010-12-23T00:28:04.819-05:00Busy Christmas Season, and a Thank You!.<br /><br />We've just been running like crazy. Not much time to post anything. Lots of work, lots of activities.<br /><br />Bad news, I think I have another cracked tooth.<br /><br />Wistful news - I'm dying here. I have wanted a Dexter pair for AGES! I found all sorts of them for wonderful deals <a href="http://alberta.kijiji.ca/f-dexter-pets-livestock-for-sale-W0QQCatIdZ217QQKeywordZdexter">here.</a> Sadly, morosely, dejectedly, horrendously - they are in Canada!<br /><br />But what really matters is this:<br /><br />I have to tell you, going from a couple of months of bad financial news; months filled with unexpected bills, land taxes coming due, a call saying no support will be given, car repairs, etc., the Lord has blessed us. We have had so much kindness shown to us and generosity from Heavenly family, both far and near, we are fantastically grateful, humbled, and awed by your love.<br /><br />I was able to get Michael something he really needed, a replacement MP3 player for Christmas. He's already in possession of it, we shopped together and found an amazing deal, at about half price and free shipping. I think it must be a Christmas special. But he is as happy as a clam, and I could not help but shed tears at watching him receive such a gift from the Lord. In our work, we use them to listen to messages and worship music to encourage us. Others have given him lovely gifts as well. <br /><br />More than anything, the gift that is the greatest is seeing just how the Lord cares for us, even when we have no idea how it could be possible to make it. And how others want to be used by Him, and offer their love and friendship.<br /><br />Thank you so much! Some of you call, some of you write, some of you chat, some of you send surprises. All of you touch our hearts so deeply, there is no way you could possibly know how much your friendship and love mean. <br /><br />Yeshua Meshiach was not born in December. He was born most likely in September. But because of various historical events, we followers of Christ have taken up the habit of celebrating the joyous occasion of His birth here in human form at the end of December. We rejoice, we sing, we give gifts to one another.<br /><br />But the most wonderful thing about this world-wide celebration is the fact that so many people choose to set aside things that usually distract us, and instead focus on reaching out to others and loving them in tangible ways; from fun random acts of flash mobs, to giving to perfect strangers.<br /><br />What a beautiful thing to see! I pray every day that we are blessings to others and that the Lord would show us how to serve others in whatever way we can. I know I fail much more than I am successful, but I am grateful to be growing. What an amazing thing it will be when the whole earth is a reflection of Christ's love for us, when He returns. <br /><br />As I read of your own adventures, your own trials, your own walks, and share your loves and passions, I am blessed beyond all measure. I learn from you. I am humbled and grateful for all the blessings we have from the Lord; how He brings us through our trials and heals our pain. All our promise of the future, all our hope is in Him.<br /><br />Merry Christmas to all of you. May you all be blessed. But even more, may we bless He who loves us, who is our Savior and Provider. May we all learn to love Him as He deserves and learn to serve Him and minister to Him in whatever way He shows us.<br /><br />Much love to you all,<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-10881235757185647092010-12-17T13:18:00.003-05:002010-12-17T13:20:13.953-05:00Ice Storm.<br /><br />Sick then housecleaning.<br /><br />That's about it.<br /><br />Worst weather I've ever lived in, and it's not even winter yet. Whew!<br /><br />Stay warm and frost free!<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-66830389888381879862010-12-13T09:59:00.004-05:002010-12-13T10:39:00.461-05:00Wow! Cold!<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I can't help but wonder as I see the map of Canada, -40 wind chill factor.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I don't even want to think about how cold that is for man and animal; probably where they came up with the idea of garden statues.<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Last week, as the wintry weather set in, we had another example of how we are protected. This minivan we've got is only going to go so far without having the funds to make repairs on it, but we are nursing it along as best we can. I make sure to get it serviced pretty regularly, but the broken things are more difficult.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We got up very early and warmed up the van for getting to an office cleaning before church. We had two to get to that day and still try to make it. We did, and after visiting for a while afterwards, </span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span class="UIStory_Message">the car inexplicably would not start. It finally did with jumper cables but I know batteries and that was just not normal. Sure enough, at AutoZone they ran a test and said they'd never seen a battery do that before. The guage steadily dropped as they held it to the battery.<br /><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span jsid="text" style="font-family:arial;"><div id="id_4d063ae4b908d4e51448925" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">He said it looked like the battery had sudden catastrophic failure, and either my alternator was bad, or the battery, when it malfunctioned so badly, actually ruined the alternator. Yikes! Another 200 dollar part, plus labor! I thought I might cry. I think I'm tired. LOL<br /><br />My battery <span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">warranty was up. But one guy said he'd pro-rate it for me. I could get a replacement at a cheaper price. The guy in charge saw him and said, "Can't do that, it's too far over warranty."<br /><br />As I stood there wondering what God was going to do. The guy in charge suddenly picked up a new battery and carried it out to my car. This is the same guy that had previously said they were not allowed to work on my car because the battery is buried too deeply in the compartment.<br /><br />I asked how much I would have to pay for this new battery - the first guy quietly said that they were going to replace it for free! AND they were going to do it for me after all.<br /><br />Praise God! I sat in a sheltered car while the guy stood out in the snow for 30 minutes, rapping his bloody knuckles and changing my battery. Then he checked the alternator again and said it seemed to be fine.</span> <br /><br />I'm still looking for that milder winter that Accuweather promised in their long-range forecast. Maybe in January?<br /></div></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've been outside, moving very dry snow off of our porches. Michael is disappointed that it's not the best for snowballs, but it's very pretty, and we are even getting some sunshine trying to peak between the clouds. It is so light, it almost poofs up like talcum powder when you shovel it.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We winterized the pool in between these two massive arctic blasts, and it's a good thing because we are going to end up with several inches of ice on the top. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Since Thanksgiving and the cold weather occurred, I've not had the chance to get out there and work on the greenhouse any more. Actually, we've not done much outdoors at all. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've been sick for a week, and it seems to be really getting worse today. I'm hoping it's the peak of the germ warfare, and after today, my antibodies will be short. "Short", a military term for those who do not have long until their tour is over.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">So I've got on a Santa hat. Not because I'm dressing like Santa, but because as we have been slowly unpacking Christmas stuff and decorating, it came in very handy to keep me warm. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We are having to cut way back on everything right now. Christmas will be really nice. No gifts this year. Instead we are going to relish the joy of really focusing on the Lord and others. We've also got our thermostat set way down to about 60. So we are layering! WooHOOOO! It's actually helpful when we go out of doors, because we are not hit by a sudden shock of cold air that we are not used to.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And we are so thankful for a freezer full of our garden produce and canned goods we can freely eat from! <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I found an adorable framed print at the grocery store. A little girl, dreaming of being a ballerina, and I added some three dimensional ballerinas to the front. A little bit of paint, and it's going on eBay. All the thrift stores around here are having huge sales. That's helpful when I'm trying to find fabric for practicing sewing some custom shirts for Michael. Fabric is just to expensive for practice, so old sheets and tablecloths are like manna from Heaven! <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We had a fun dance after church yesterday. I knew I should not have danced, being sick, but I washed up well so as not spread germs, and then proceeded to have my lungs set on fire from being out of breath. Nothing will clear out your sinuses like good exercise! <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">~Faith<br /><br />.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-63135875923344313192010-12-02T08:02:00.005-05:002010-12-02T10:32:44.185-05:00Prayer for a Dear Friend..<br /><br />Yesterday a man who is so dear to our hearts, a really wonderful Christian brother, suffered a ruptured carotid artery.<br /><br />This was very unexpected. He is a healthy and active man, one who is always there to help anyone he knows is in need; wise and gentle. His wife is a sweet friend to me.<br /><br />This is very serious. The rupture is high up, even into the brain, in an inoperable area. If he survives, he was told that he will never be able to do hard work again, but must be very careful to not stress the artery any more than necessary.<br /><br />They have three beautiful teenage daughters. Please pray that we can selfishly keep him here, for his wife and daughters, for us. We have no doubts as to what will become of him should his body die, but we are selfish and do not want to do without him.<br /><br />Pray for comfort, peace and rest. I know so many of you have suffered equal losses in your lives and you understand these prayers so well. <br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-65438744489603056072010-12-01T11:26:00.005-05:002010-12-01T12:19:44.346-05:00Pumpkin Seeds.<br /><br />After Halloween I brought home large pumpkins for 50 cents each. I took one look at those cast-offs and said, "Whoa! That's food for a week!"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ApWbYhlqIUo/TPZ5FyAg8fI/AAAAAAAAAaA/IGiwbyyyaeg/s1600/pumpkinseeds-500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ApWbYhlqIUo/TPZ5FyAg8fI/AAAAAAAAAaA/IGiwbyyyaeg/s320/pumpkinseeds-500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545753131383583218" /></a><br /><br /><br />So I am roasting one of them right now. I can hear the coconut oil I brushed over the quartered chunks sizzling on the baking sheet right now, and I can't wait for the aroma of roasted pumpkin to fill the house.<br /><br />And I thought I'd give another try at roasting the seeds. I have not tried it in a very long time. Many years ago I tried a couple of times, only to have them come out rather unpleasantly. Sort of like mulch.<br /><br />I would love to collect some pumpkin seed recipes, tips and techniques if you've got some you love. <br /><br />Meanwhile, I'm housecleaning and sewing. I repaired Michael's frock coat for our annual Civil War Christmas Ball this weekend. I also did some work on my cape. I was just getting ready to put it all away when Michael requested repairs to the down jacket I found for him at the thrift store a couple of weeks ago. <br /><br />Picking up feathers and watching the snow come down,<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-66939610282006621002010-11-26T10:13:00.004-05:002010-11-27T15:19:53.714-05:00Greenhouse Ends..<br /><br />Let me see if I can get in a hilarious episode of, "Up Go the Greenhouse Ends!"<br /><br />But first, a message from our sponsor:<br /><br /><a title="PICT0637 Close Crop" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209261154/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5284/5209261154_a3024ca868_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Leftovers from the annual candy apple night made for some nice holiday additions to snacking.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0638" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208664233/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4089/5208664233_2fb7e2b5b9_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Tasty! But I was good and did not eat much of it. Yet.<br /><br />Here is the first end of the greenhouse.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0588" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208631389/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4127/5208631389_8fb97a84dc_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />This is a very low budget project. The hoops and side boards, and much hardware, I had purchased almost 10 years ago. It was a used greenhouse that the kids and I disassembled and brought home. Complete back then, except for ruined poly, it cost me 150 dollars and several days of labor. It has sat in the field since then, the end walls rotted out, the hardware rusted. <br /><br />When I remarried my DH, it was not something he wanted to spend any money to put up, so a lot of it was wasted. But I had hope for many years, and Michael and I are so excited to pursue this now.<br /><br />The straight pipes that hold the hoops up were immediately sunk into the ground when I brought it home years ago, and the hoops were placed in them as well, so I can't show you how those go in, but you drive them into the ground at a slight inward angle of about 85 degrees instead of 90 degrees perpendicular. Trust me on this. One of these pipes we had to reset 3 times. By the time you've got that much clay packed into your pipe, using your head as a bludgeon to get that pipe in the ground may cross your mind. If so, take 2 Valium and go watch Mary Poppins.<br /><br />The hoops just set inside them, resting on the bolts that hold the side boards you see in the next picture. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0589" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209229478/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5082/5209229478_17bb1321f9_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />It took Michael and I a long time to try to fit the boards back on as they used to be installed, lining up the bolt holes. We finally gave up on some of them and made new holes. The boards are also bolted together to form one long run.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0592" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208631901/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5001/5208631901_da844cb76c_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br />You might remember <a href="http://lemonadeadventures.blogspot.com/search/label/French%20Drain">our work last year</a> on two French drains, the pool and the side above the greenhouse. Here is that upper side drain.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0596" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208632591/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5047/5208632591_7a771c9baa_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />The top center purlin consisted of 3 sections of pipe, 45 feet long. I had shared on <a href="http://lemonadeadventures.blogspot.com/2010/11/great-greenhouse-grip-of-gr.html">this post</a> about putting that up. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0590" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208631659/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4091/5208631659_f38edc3475_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a> <br /><br />The purlin clamps that contained rusted bolts I had to cut through. Here they are with fresh bolts. Again the new hardware for the project was about 75 dollars, but I'd bought most of that over the last year, a little at a time, knowing greenhouse building time was coming near. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0591" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208631757/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4103/5208631757_da7fd795da_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We had nookered away money over the year to buy plastic and what wood we needed. The plastic was 100 dollars, and with the scrap wood we'd collected and had been given by dear friends, we only had to spend about 50 on that. Here is where it went to begin with.<br /><br />Two rows of purlins down the sides. I was going to go cheaply, buying 2x2s, but turns out you can buy 2x4s just as cheaply, so we went for sturdy.<br /><br />Now, I realize we need to turn them to the outside , but here is how we put them up out there. We wanted to be able to use them for power outlets, hanging tools by, plasma 3D TV for watching reruns of Gardening Naturally (OK, maybe not), and such, so we chose to place them at chest height and affixed them with pipe clamps,<br /><br /><a title="PICT0595" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209230298/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5130/5209230298_1dc9db9584_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />and spliced them with pieces of 2x4. I would like to say I held to organic standards, but at this point, income outweighs my capabilities for achieving that. So the lumber is treated for longevity.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0594" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208632161/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5243/5208632161_c54159830b_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Here are a few close-ups of the first end. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0597" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208632883/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4111/5208632883_c778a9ecc2_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Here is the opening for the intake fan. The cross pieces also proved necessary for Michael to scale the thing and work up top. We were not sure which side the fan should go on, so we chose this side, but made sure to place the studs on the other side the same, so if we must switch, it can be done fairly easily.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0598" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208633179/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4144/5208633179_072a2e1552_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />The boards across the door are to keep it from swinging around during construction. The doors were obtained at a thrift store for 5 dollars each. I love that place. They each need repair, but we can do that.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0600" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208633743/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4127/5208633743_3ee8d47c56_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />On our first end, we were figuring it out as we went along. We left the studs up, so we'd know exactly how to trim them. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0603" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209232440/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4110/5209232440_2ac6aaa387_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We did not do it this way on the second end. This was too difficult. We had to borrow this reciprocating saw from my dad. It's sort of like holding a sideways jackhammer, rattling your brain and causing me to believe I had motion sickness, until I finally became aware of a flu bug attack that rendered me nearly worthless for a day. Agony. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0602" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209232148/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4090/5209232148_df9ab5ae69_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Grinding off any sharp edges that might damage the plastic.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0607" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209233606/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4151/5209233606_b68bf76911_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />A couple of days later, we are ready to begin the second end, making a few changes after learning from our mistakes on the first end.<br /><br />A rope marking the straight line between the last two hoops, where the wall will go.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0609" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208636425/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4104/5208636425_0e05181a52_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We begin by creating a frame for the door, as that will be centered and posts sunk into the ground. We found that each door was different and that caused our plans to evolve. So beginning there and building off from it made the most sense to us.<br /><br />This door happened to have one long hinge, so we fastened a 2x4 to that hinge first.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0613" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209235276/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5130/5209235276_9e2394bce9_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />It was kind of munched, so we did a little cosmetic surgery.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0615" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209235860/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4090/5209235860_39b7898975_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Then we cut a 2x4 brace just 1/4 wider than the door, and used some gift scrap lumber to use for a brace holder, attaching the two. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0612" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208637319/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4113/5208637319_be5b2d5703_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />As we'd been planning this out in our minds, we (I) were assuming the end wall studs would be positioned the same direction as you see normal wall studs. I neglected to think about the fact that storm doors are rarely attached to wall studs or inner door frames, but instead are attached to the outside facing of the house. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0614" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208637911/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4124/5208637911_111b76c3a2_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />That little fact completely changed the wall construction from what we'd planned. The studs had to be turned to lay flat along the wall. That means attaching them together becomes more challenging. As we did not have money to spend on more hardware to hold studs fastened together this way, the extra gift lumber was a miraculous thing. Everywhere we needed hardware, we simply cut a larger piece of wood to attach to the studs, and that fixed our problem.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0612" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208637319/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4113/5208637319_be5b2d5703_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />That was probably confusing, but that was pretty much how we went through this project, confused and thinking on the fly. <br /><br />Here, I hope you can see Michael doing just this. The actual 2x4 stud, just the right length to allow the door free movement between the two future upright studs, has a backer board that extends beyond and is screwed into the future upright studs on their faces. This makes it all one complete unit.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0616" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209236144/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5287/5209236144_dc1c365edd_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We temporarily affix two pieces of furring strips (1x2) to each side of the door in the frame to hold the frame at the right width and to keep the door from swinging as we continue on.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0618" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208639057/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5242/5208639057_f8fa774692_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Now we know exactly how far apart to dig the holes to set the posts.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0619" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209237026/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5284/5209237026_efb7f6786c_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We measure the hoophouse opening to find the center point.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0620" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208639601/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5202/5208639601_5467478136_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And lay the short posts down, pointing to where we'll dig the holes.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0621" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208639873/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4091/5208639873_07cabdcc34_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />A quick check at the first end reminds us that the front of the posts will need to be flush with the front of the hoops.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0622" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208640181/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4147/5208640181_eb9831c50a_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />When we did the first end, the time involved was ridiculous. All our cordless tool batteries are dead, so we are back to using corded tools that are quite old, some of which I found at yard sales. They are stiff and changing out bits takes a long time. We also had only one extension cord that actually runs out to the electric fence we had to keep dragging over and using.<br /><br />Not only does my mischievous little filly know EXACTLY when that fence is unplugged and immediately comes to test it, but we spent a good 75% of our time just changing cords and trading off drill and driver bits.<br /><br />This time we borrowed cords and such, pulled out another old drill, and had quite an array out there. But it greatly reduced our wasted time. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0625" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209238588/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4089/5209238588_79ec53463c_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Either you are laughing and falling out of your chair by now, or you are incredibly encouraged to jump into projects no matter what odds you face. Maybe both. Either one, it's all good.<br /><br />The holes are dug.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0626" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209238846/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5126/5209238846_ef7d28a734_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />The posts are screwed to the door frame.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0627" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208641619/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4132/5208641619_b2dd70f301_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />It is set in, making sure the posts are aligned with the rope.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0628" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209239350/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5284/5209239350_b19b2c0312_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And leveled this way.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0629" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209239670/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5169/5209239670_1d8d6fce10_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And that way.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0630" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209239986/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4145/5209239986_bd62b99e49_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And affixed to the hoop with 1/2 pipe clamps. The regular pipe clamps are found in the PVC water pipe section, but the 1/2 pipe clamps are in the electrical conduit, gray pipe, section. Lucky us, the 2x4 came just to the top of the hoop. Whew! <br /><br /><a title="PICT0631" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208642789/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4111/5208642789_69f060e3fc_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Two other sources of lumber for this project were the old deck boards we'd removed a couple of years ago and replaced, and the wood I'd been slowly adding to in hope of getting a porch built off our sliding glass door. That pile is getting smaller. But this project is more important.<br /><br />So deck boards not safe enough for walking on were just fine for the bottom boards we put on to finish the work for the day.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0632" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209240606/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4087/5209240606_ac875c67a4_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Next morning. Looks so pretty! Beauty they say is in the eye of the beholder, and this is so pretty to me.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0633" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209260708/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4104/5209260708_08f42168e1_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />What? This first end was all perfectly square and level before! What is that gap in the fan opening?<br /><br /><a title="PICT0639" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208666825/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4125/5208666825_9bbfd9acf9_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And look at this door that hung so true just yesterday!<br /><br /><a title="PICT0640" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209264188/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5250/5209264188_7841f107ed_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Maybe it could have all been avoided by setting everything on blocks or in cement, but this a a budget enterprise, so this will have to do.<br /><br />Well, enough crying over spilt milk.<br /><br />We attached the outblowing fan temporarily to the door frame so we would know how far apart to set the next stud.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0641" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208667145/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4147/5208667145_a8c53fe88c_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We hold the next stud up to affix it top and bottom. At this point we are beginning to wonder about working so hard for level and square when the darn structure keeps dancing all over the pasture all night.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0642" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208667285/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5244/5208667285_2e4441e941_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We mark the board with a pen, following the curve of the hoop, and cut it. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0646" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208668097/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5209/5208668097_17ff792b24_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />I usually nick a little bit off, so the curve is better.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0647" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208668469/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4147/5208668469_fd4bd06a94_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Then we use a 1/2 pipe clamp to attach the top,<br /><br /><a title="PICT0643" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209264624/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4086/5209264624_3144ef7374_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And screw it to the bottom board.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0644" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208667593/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4126/5208667593_7c0fc84bb9_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Then we move to the other side to make an identical width stud placement in case we want to move the fan down here as well. Top...<br /><br /><a title="PICT0648" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209265964/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5001/5209265964_d81335effe_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />and bottom...<br /><br /><a title="PICT0649" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208669055/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4104/5208669055_b02c939496_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Yup, we're still leveling.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0645" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208667753/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4124/5208667753_90bbf83760_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Each one gets trimmed, a 1/2 pipe clamp,<br /><br /><a title="PICT0650" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209266626/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4085/5209266626_91db7293cb_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a> <br /><br />and screwed to the bottom. Pre-drill your holes. It's way easier, especially in awkward positions.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0652" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208669951/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5170/5208669951_4d0365153c_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We are ready to make the cross braces to hold up the fan. We want this outblowing fan to sit as high up as we can get it, to catch more hot air.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0653" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209267506/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5207/5209267506_2c2589b3f6_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Here is a 2x4 cut to fit right between the studs, and the extra board to screw onto the face of the studs.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0658" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209268970/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4151/5209268970_60946ed5f6_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We've got a top and a bottom, and we've run out of the right size screws, which are very expensive. So we are using longer ones and grinding them off.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0661" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209269892/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4113/5209269892_2c493098c2_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />It's like the Fourth of July.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0665" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209271300/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4129/5209271300_13722fe57a_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />The top joist, as far up as it will go.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0669" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208675397/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5207/5208675397_1ecf1a5e7d_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />But it's a problem, as it will get in the way of the boards we will use for circumferencing the end.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0671" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209273412/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5007/5209273412_8c9671926e_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />At the other end we put them inside.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0670" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209273056/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5202/5209273056_5a5dd6a363_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />But we could not do that here because the construction of the fan brackets were different.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0672" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208676345/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5005/5208676345_49493bb86a_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Michael came up with a plan and tried to explain it to me. But my flu-fogged brain could not process it. So he took charge and I was his lackey. The braces were taken apart, and refastened together a bit off-center.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0674" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209274380/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4113/5209274380_8bc41b8435_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Then affixed to the inside.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0675" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208677365/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5242/5208677365_042ab1d553_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And it worked very well. The fan opening is nice and high and sturdy.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0676" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209275064/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5243/5209275064_3dfefbdaf8_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We've got the last of the studs put on the end. These need to be not too far apart, no more than a couple of feet at most. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0677" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209275376/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4147/5209275376_53e410f19a_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />The ends of the purlins need to be trimmed flush with the rest of the studs.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0679" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209276046/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4132/5209276046_4422bab371_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Now comes the fun, sort of, part. Creating a giant jigsaw puzzle. Using the old deck boards, we cut pieces to fit all around the perimeter, meeting at the centers of each stud. Using plywood sheets for the ends would have been much simpler. But the price of lumber is astronomical, and this wood was free. <br /><br /><a title="PICT0682" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208679545/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5001/5208679545_0762f9fccc_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />Nothing scientific about this process. We hold a board up there, draw lines to do our best to match where we need to cut it. We checked them each several times making little cuts along the way. Not a lot of extra wood, so we didn't want to lose any.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0684" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5208680133/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/4153/5208680133_d4b703f002_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />And it's almost done.<br /><br /><a title="PICT0683" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10380813@N04/5209277332/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/5204/5209277332_3bd0e42eb1_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br />We still need to grind the edges and change the purlins to the outside. But today is Shabbat and we are happy to have some down time.<br /><br />I hope all your Thanksgiving memories were as lovely as ours and that your homes and families are blessed today.<br /><br />Sipping cocoa...<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-30994538455293983922010-11-22T08:30:00.004-05:002010-11-22T08:58:42.072-05:00Fun Night.<br /><br />A couple of nights ago we came home with our minivan packed to the gills. Fourteen lawn and garden trash bags filled with leaves from the town piles.<br /><br />Yesterday we came home from office cleaning and, while I worked inside to prepare for the party, I set Michael and his friend to work. I wonder if they thought they were going to play video games...<br /><br />We don't do a lot of video games here, so usually when he has a friend over that's one of the things they like to do. But that was put off in favor of the building of fig cages.<br /><br />They used old field fencing to create a circle around each of six trees (which look oddly like giant tumbleweeds) and then proceeded to fill them with the bags of leaves in preparation for the soon arrival of 20 degree, fig-killing weather. I was very disappointed to hear that all those leaves only filled up two cages. Now I realize our leaf collecting days have just begun, unless we go back to straw, which there is no money for.<br /><br />A call to the town to see if they can deliver some leaves here will be happening today, but I don't know that they'll come out this far. Wouldn't it be cool to have a huge truck drive up, aim that giant hose at each cage, and blow them full of leaves!<br /><br />The boys then set to making sticks for the candied apples, since every year that I've shopped for them, I can never find them. Dowel rods were snapped and whittled while they chatted on the front porch. Then came the video games.<br /><br />I did a few last minute house cleaning chores, then prepped the apples, made Eggplant Parmesan from the last eggplants from the garden, homemade caramel for dipping, beans and rice and tomatoes for homemade burritos, vegetable lasagna, whole wheat bread (which I finally cheated on myself and added 2/3 cup of white flour since I needed a successful loaf to occur today), and thoroughly enjoyed the additional beautiful day while waiting for the rest to show up.<br /><br />We've all been so busy lately, that I was thinking of not attempting our annual candied apple party, but when Michael was able to arrange an airsoft war for Sunday, I decided to kill two birds with one stone.<br /><br />So the young people all went up into the hills just before dark, and proceeded to practice killing each other with pellet guns. This is considered fun these days. When I was a child, if I shot my little brother with a BB gun, I would get a spanking. These days I'm assisting my son in doing this to his friends, mentors, and even acquaintances. <br /><br />It's a strange thing to see a dozen young people on your front porch, all looking like Black Ops in camouflage. But the living room was turned into a weapons base; a 25 foot square room, completely covered knee deep in weapons of war and gear.<br /><br />So the rest of us did some garden touring, food prep, began the candy apples, watched "Flightplan", chatted, made arrangements to go see a local play "White Christmas", and generally just enjoyed being together.<br /><br />It was a wonderful night, but this morning it's back to building the ends of the greenhouse. I'm going to take Michael's camera with me and try to post a tutorial for anyone who might be helped by it. <br /><br />"This is how you might, or might not want to do a greenhouse end."<br /><br />Another amazingly beautiful day here! <br />Counting my blessings,<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-61291131772957033112010-11-19T12:34:00.002-05:002010-11-19T12:42:28.650-05:00Stunny November.<br /><br />After reading about blogging friends being snowed in and bitter cold following, I'm again keenly aware of what a gift this mild weather is.<br /><br />We've been using it as intelligently as possible by continuing the work on the greenhouse. Despite diminished brain function that I choose to blame on fatigue and age, I am managing to communicate my thoughts just up to the level of basic understanding; most moments. <br /><br />As we speak, Michael is finishing his lunch and then we'll both head out to resume work. We've almost got one end completed. Now that we've figured it all out, the slowness that plagued the last few times out there has dissipated. But not in time. I don't think we'll be able to finish the other end before Monday. <br /><br />Monday being Thanksgiving week, I'm doubtful as to how far we'll be able to get, finishing it up. But we'll be out there trying, anyhow.<br /><br />It looks fabulous. It looks like a greenhouse frame - and that is definitely fabulous.<br /><br />OK. Heading back out. <br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-5152484965094629852010-11-16T17:04:00.002-05:002010-11-16T17:24:34.847-05:00Chewy Caramel!.<br /><br />I just made a batch. I'd made this recipe last year. I considered it a failed recipe, as it did not set well, but it was soooooo unbeleeeeeeeeeevably delicious that I couldn't wait to make it again. Our annual candied apple party should be happening again soon, so I probably need to made a firmer batch. Until then, this will do nicely.<br /><br />It's been raining ever since yesterday when we were drenched putting up the two rows of chest high 2x4 purlins on the greenhouse yesterday. We came in absolutely soaked to the skin and rivulets running, but I kept smiling as I looked out the window at the finished frame. I love progress.<br /><br />Today I've satisfied myself with a more domestic agenda. Namely attacking all these stacks of paperwork on the desk and floor. Mostly this is a variety of things I begin to do and don't finish. My mind works a mile a minute with gobs of ideas. These are the ones that hit me anywhere from 2 am to 6 am, when I can't sleep. I can't resist beginning to flesh them out, then I lay them aside to get busy on what cannot wait to be done around here. Also mixed in are research piles of information on various farm projects, like what blueberries to plant. I've got a stack of blueberry, ribe, and bramble information. Lots of schoolwork folders and papers, records and such. <br /><br />And the receipts. The ones I never take the time to file away, but just pull out of my purse and drop in one place. Months on end until I can't stand the stack any longer and I'm stuck in the house that day. <br /><br />So I own my desktop again. I am - Master of the Veneered Particle Board Expanse once again. There is a perfect spot for a cup of tea, just to the left of this screen.<br /><br />Michael has been doing schoolwork, cleaning his room, and messing with all his airsoft and paintball gear, so he's happy as a clam, with a gun. Hmmmmm....<br /><br />Working on those idioms...<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4639463329089942340.post-48876185743684429072010-11-15T09:45:00.003-05:002010-11-15T10:08:58.966-05:00The Great Greenhouse Grip of Gr.<br /><br />Just can't find a way to complete that title. So like so many things, it remains unfinished, yet hopeful for the future.<br /><br />Saturday, Michael had great fun at the paintball games. He came home unhurt but for a direct hit on a knuckle which remains awfully stiff, and remarkably devoid of paint on his camouflage outerwear. With 8 kills notched on his stock, he was sadly killed 9 times. Die Another Day, James Bond.<br /><br />However, he did bring home some germs and we both have been dealing with headaches, eye aches, body aches and sore throats ever since. <br /><br />While he was gone I managed to get the center purlin pipe up by myself. All the old bolts that came with the unit many years ago were cheap ones and had rusted in completely locked positions. Most of them had to be cut off. <br /><br />We don't have a bolt cutter, or a vice to hold clamps while we hacksaw them off. So I borrowed a hand-held band saw from my dad and reluctantly and extremely c.a.r.e.f.u.l.l.y held the purlin pipe clamps with their rusted bolts up to the inverted band saw. I still am a little more wary around a saw blade than I was before I ran my fingers through a skill saw a couple of years ago. But all went well, and after several hours, I got all the bolts off.<br /><br />The replacements were galvanized for long wear out of doors. I had purchased all our bolts when we dismantled the greenhouse originally. It's a good thing, because those alone were about 75 dollars. Ignore the sound of a body thudding backwards in a faint. <br /><br />So picture me, balancing on a rickety step ladder on a rough field, trying to hold up 45 foot of pipe and fasten it over my head.<br /><br />Pretty funny, eh?<br /><br />The day was beautiful and I enjoyed getting this project even further along. It's been a long wait. <br /><br />So after a Sunday of office cleaning, we came home and just crashed on the couch, hoping for a movie. I don't recommend the comic book action movie "Constantine". Hallmark seems to be running endless repeats of holiday movies. Why do so many holiday movies involve the death of mom and loss of a house? I am in serious need of chocolate after watching these things.<br /><br />Today we are back at schoolwork and putting two more rows of purlins along the sides. I was going to buy treated 2x2s for this, but they were 3 dollars each. 2x4s were only 2 dollars. Don't tell me it costs 2 dollars to run a board through a saw blade. We'll have great places to hang tools inside the greenhouse with these.<br /><br />Wish so much I had photos to share with you for future project ideas, but I'll try to document when it's all done. A dear blogging friend has sent me money towards fixing my camera. What a blessing. As soon as I've got a little more, I'm going to send it off and have my DSLR back and running again. WOOT!<br /><br />Off to the purly greens...<br /><br />~Faith<br /><br />.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491898004275353526noreply@blogger.com12