Them Stinkin' Frogs!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-03-22T06:54:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY March 22, 2010 (yes I am running a day behind!). . .

Outside my window . . . cold but is supposed to be gorgeous later in the day

I am thinking . . . I love my job, I love my job, I love my job -- but man I sure do HATE being in Houston all week and dealing with training!!

I am thankful for . . . a job that pays well and has excellent benefits, I know I am whining about the training but the job itself will be good it's just being stuck in Houston all week for 5 1/2 weeks (yep, until April 7)

I am wearing . . . black slacks, maroon shell with cute colored squares around the neckline, black cover up

I am going . . . to training for 8 hours and then have to go out somewhere to eat, ugh!

I am reading . . . Bible and The Bliss Factor by Penny McCall

On my mind . . . who would have thought the words "I am tired of eating out" would ever have come out of my mouth?!?!?!?!?

Noticing that . . . all the whining in the worls will not get me out of here any sooner and that people who live in big cities all the time HAVE to be a little nuts!! Whew!!

Pondering these words . . . There are alternatives to becoming healthy (other than eat less, exercise more). Laugh more often. Munch on almonds. Take up yoga. Eat more dark chocolate. Go out for Indian food. Floss and brush regularly. Go to the mall. Get enough sleep. Medidate regularly. Try it. -- Anita Renfroe

From the kitchen . . . nothing -- eating out all the darn time while I am stuck in Houston

Around the house . . . things are blooming and I am not there to enjoy them!! The daffodils have already bloomed and gone, the white irises are going strong, and the pear tree has bloomed all the way and is gorgeous!! I mowed the yard for the first time last Sunday and it was glorious!! I LOVE spring!

One of my favorite things . . . home in all its disarray and clutter and things that need to be fixed!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-23T13:16:00.002-06:00

FOR TODAY February 23, 2010 (yes I am running a day behind!). . .

Outside my window . . . sleet, snow, rain, and COLD

I am thinking . . . why do I feel the need to decorate and nest everywhere?!?!

I am thankful for . . . food I don't have to go out in the weather to get

I am wearing . . . black slacks, brown sweater, green jacket, HOSE, brown flats, and amazing brown/green beads which I absolutely LOVE and don't get to wear nearly enough (but I will be wearing them a lot more with the new job where I have to look prefessional!!)

I am going . . . to help Will make and bag sausage this afternoon after I get home

I am reading . . . Bible and Now and Then by Robert Parker (a Spenser noverl!)

On my mind . . . I actually like dressing nice everyday and having to put on makeup and fix my hair. I know it's only been a week and a half but it makes me feel more profesional and smarter. I think that sounds weird but oh well!

Noticing that . . . bad weather seems to bring out the crazy in people who are driving. What's up with that?

From the kitchen . . . sausage and sausage and sausage! Probably with eggs and toast (if I go to the store and get bread after work!!)

Around the house . . . down to 2 puppies (Thank GOD!!!) and they are staying unless they fail to prove themselves on a hog!

One of my favorite things . . . homemade blackberry jelly

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-08T12:04:00.002-06:00

FOR TODAY February 8, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous—sunny and warmer and amazing!

I am thinking . . . why do I have so much stinking stuff at work?!?! Why do I feel the need to 'nest' everywhere?!?!?

I am thankful for . . . a new job!

I am wearing . . . denim dress, black shoes

I am going . . . to have to start cleaning more . . . ugh!

I am reading . . . Bible and The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles

On my mind . . . what was I thinking when I applied for a job I have to dress up for?!?!?

Noticing that . . . people tend to say the appropriate thing instead of what they really want to say

Pondering these words . . . Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes unto us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday. —Inscription on John Wayne's tombstone

And I wonder, have I learned anything? When did tomorrow become something else to worry about?

From the kitchen . . . made buttermilk pies over the weekend, OMG they were good!

Around the house . . . I gotta start shoveling the stuff out the door!!

One of my favorite things . . . fried chicken

From my picture journal . . .

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-25T16:11:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY January 25, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous!

I am thinking . . . it was great to see Lace and Trent last week

I am thankful for . . . my Daddy

I am wearing . . . brown t, blue jeans, tennies

I am remembering . . . all the you-know-what we used to pull back "in the day"

I am going . . . to make more jelly, ugh!

I am reading . . . Bible and The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy

I am hoping . . . that I do well on my interview on Wednesday, I really want this job (I NEED it too)

On my mind . . . what to wear to a job interview since it's been almost 9 years since my last one

Noticing that . . . while I do like the church I have been going to, I really loved the song service at another church we visited to hear Lance preach

Pondering these words . . .

From the kitchen . . . 40, count them, 40 pints of plum jelly on Saturday and that much more juice in the fridge just waiting for me to make jelly in small batches this week. Whew!

Around the house . . . new curtains in the living room, the thick kind that keep out light and temp.—they are freaking awesome!! We should have invested in these years ago!

One of my favorite things . . . true southern sweet tea, nothing better!

From my picture journal . . . from the archives of my youth

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-18T11:34:00.001-06:00

FOR TODAY January 18, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . sunny and WARM!! Woo Hoo!!

I am thinking . . . I have tons of stuff to do when I get off work—Lance and Trent are coming for supper

I am thankful for . . . I got to go hear Lance preach his first sermon on Sunday

I am wearing . . . denim dress, black shoes

I am going . . . to lunch with my dad

I am reading . . . Bible and Allegheny Hopes by Janice A. Thompson

I am hoping . . . that supper turns out well

On my mind . . . Why can't I let go of things/emotions/relationships and give them to God without taking them back?

Noticing that . . . what some people perceive as unfriendly is just shy

Pondering these words . . . "O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8

From the kitchen . . . Chicken fried deer steak, squash from my garden cooked in the microwave with a little butter, purple hull peas from my garden, corn (from HEB!!), biscuits (homemade hopefully!!), and gravy

Around the house . . . puppies have got to go!!

One of my favorite things . . . Sensual Amber Body Lotion

From my picture journal . . . What do you think—sunrise or sunset?

Read through the Bible in 90 days

2010-01-07T09:53:00.004-06:00

I am doing this!! And I am excited! Thanks to Tamara for giving me the link to Kimberly at Raising Olives. It was really weird how God worked this around to me.

I did my normal Woman of Simplicity post on Monday, checked out Tamara's Woman of Simplicity blog and she mentioned she was doing a 90-day challenge. I asked about it and left work for the day and was out on Tuesday. Welllllllllllllll,Wednesday, while on the way to work, I was listening to Focus on the Family and they had a guy from Haven Today on talking about the 90-day challenge and how it was taking the blogger community by storm. I thought it was an interesting idea then forgot about it. Lo and behold if the 90-day challenge I asked Tamara about was the same thing!! It hit me that God was seriously suggesting that I get involved with this!

So, here I am. Signed up. Ready to start reading and praying for all the other women who are doing this challenge. I will be posting at least 3 days a week on my progress and what I have found interesting and what I have learned that is new.

If anyone is interested, you can sign up with Kimberly at Raising Olives and with Mom's Toolbox. You can also go to Haven Today to get the info. All of these sights have the reading schedule and links where you can order The Bible in 90 Days (a special edition of the NIV Thinline Large Print Bible with 'start' and 'end' markers to help you know where to begin and end each day) but I am doing it with my own personal Bible and a schedule.

AND if/when you fall behind, here is some encouragement for you from Amy @ Mom's Toolbox.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-04T10:45:00.005-06:00

FOR TODAY January 4, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous, glorious day! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, it is freaking COLD!! hehe!

I am thinking . . . I have to start new habits for the new year. You know, habits like actually doing the laundry before Will runs out of underwear, keeping the dishwasher emptied and ready for dirty dishes before the sink overflows with the dishes, dusting the furniture before you can write your name in it and it looked like it is engraved into the surface, stuff like that . . .

I am thankful for . . . new dish towels, pot holders, and an apron. Mine were from when we got married and that was, well, um, 11 years ago. I tend to hold onto everything then I had a God breeze on my birthday. Why hang on to towels that are stained and icky looking and pot holders that make me cringe and remind me of all the uh-ohs from the last 11 years (like the time the fry daddy overflowed and I used the towels to mop up the grease, or the time I dropped the cast iron skillet with bacon grease on the floor and down into the pot holder drawer, or when I left the pot holder too close to the burner and it was scorched)? Why torture myself like this when I could buy 12 cup towels, 6 pot holders, and an apron for about $20.00? That freed up two, count them, TWO drawers (did I mention I NEVER throw towels away?!?!?) in my kitchen. Now I have pretty dish towels that I like, and cute red pot holders that match my kitchen and this makes me smile while I am cleaning and in the kitchen.

I am wearing . . . jeans, blue shirt, tennis shoes.

I am going . . . to the library and then to Bealls (gift card!) then to Wal-Mart (another gift card!)

I am reading . . . Bible and Stone Cold by David Baldacci

I am hoping . . . that I can get everything done and home early enough to help Will

On my mind . . . I know you stand in front of your cabinet and do the same thing I do—look for your favorite glass or mug to drink out of. Why do we do that? Like the container changes the contents? Not one iota—just that the experience of drinking from it is greatly enhanced by the container. ——Anite Renfroe I read this and I think, yeah, I do that and I have a few that I love to drink out of and some that I refuse to drink out of but Will loves those so I can't throw them away. What's up with that?

Noticing that . . . people are still in a hurry and in a bad mood, even thought the holiday season is over.

Pondering these words . . . Paula Deen said "I think no matter what the occasion may be, you can never go wrong by showing up at the dinner table with a hot plate of fried chicken." And I was wondering, when the tradition of showing up at your neighbor's or friend's house with food went out of style? When did we get so busy that we forgot Southern manners and grace? Or is it that we are just so busy we don't have time to do the things that made our mothers and grandmothers stand out in the neighborhood? I remember when you could actually predict what dish a person was going to bring b/c they always made the same thing!! I wonder if it is a time problem or an 'I don't care' problem? I am guilty of it myself so don't go around saying "She's judging and picking on people!" But, this year, I resolve to have people over more (goes along with the keeping the house clean!!) and giving more. More of my time and more of myself. Maybe that was what made neighbors lifelong friends—fried chicken and green bean casserole!

From the kitchen . . . I got Paula Deen cooking stuff for Christmas!! WooHoo for me!!

Around the house . . . We cleaned the living room, kitchen, and dining room the Sat. after Christmas b/c were having guests over for lunch. Well, I have re-cleaned and kept it clean and all that for over a week!! Yahoo! That is a record for me! I am slowly working in Flylady habits as my resolutions for the new year and praying that God will help me stick with it. He knows that house could use it!!

One of my favorite things . . . pizza, thinking I am gonna have that for lunch today!

From my picture journal . . . what I was hunting for this year

Raindrops on roses . . .

2009-12-23T11:53:00.008-06:00

At this time of the year, I thought it would be appropriate to make a list of a few of my favorite things. Okay, I'll admit, I heard the song this morning and thought what a great idea! So, as a reminder to me and to help keep me sane in this season of crazy people, here goes:

1. Books, books, books!!! I love books. Old books, new books, short books, long books, small books, big books, fantasy, murder mystery, crime, historical, romance, western (Louis L'Amour is awesome!), paranormal (vampires, shapeshifters, and other 'creatures' rule!), Christian, fiction, non-fiction. Other than Stephen King and his genre (and I'm sure everybody knows why but, just in case someone out there is clueless, the first book of his I read was The Stand and I finished it at midnight and had the rest of the night to dream and shiver and be scared out of my mind, the second was the Tommyknockers—'nuff said. I don't like scary!) I read a little bit of everything.

2. Chocolate. All shapes and flavors are welcome at my house (as attested to by the size of my butt!!).

3. Westerns. Especially John Wayne westerns but all westerns—movies and TV series (who did not want Marshall Dillon to marry Miss Kitty?!?!?!). Even the new westerns are great but my all time favorite book and movie is Hondo—two of my favorites all wrapped in one, John Wayne in a Louis L'Amour story.

4. Crime shows. Law & Order (all of them!!), Saving Grace, The Closer, CSI (but only the original in Vegas), Criminal Minds, In Plain Sight, NCIS, NCIS Los Angeles, Bones, Cold Case, Columbo, Numbers, Castle, JAG, Leverage, Life, Cold Squad, and my all time fav. Nash Bridges—who can resist Don Johnson in a 'cuda? Oh my, it makes my knees go weak!

5. Hunting. Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader. As my nephew says, it's all good.

6. Crochet. I know it seems at odds with hunting and other outdoor things that I like but it calms me.

7. Volleyball. I love all volleyball but my favorite is beach volleyball. Mens and womens. Two person teams. On the beach. Jump serves. High flying blocks. My fav. teams are Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh (whom I followed before they won Olympic gold!) and Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers.

8. Cute flips. Beads, rhinestones, wedge heels, the tackier the better. Will says I have ugly shoes, I tell him they are deliciously tacky!

9. Paula Deen. What else can you say? She's a woman after my own heart—a southern woman with a wonderful accent who loves butter and deep fried anything. I wanna be her when I grow up!!!

10. As shocking as it is to most people who know me, I adore 80s hair bands. Love, love, love them. All of them. Even the not great ones. I know it shocked Will when he found out (and I managed to hide it from him for years!). And then there was my nephew Taylor. Oh my. He thought all I listened to was country (I will admit, I do listen to a LOT of George—who wouldn't?—and tons of older country musicians like Hank Sr., Patsy, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Loretta, Willie, Waylon, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, etc. ). Then he caught me in the living room rocking out to Bon Jovi 'Wanted Dead or Alive' and he nearly fainted!! hehe! Sigh. And Bon Jovi has a new CD out!! Woo hoo! The movement lives on (without the hair unfortunately). Is it wrong of me to miss the hair and clothes and bling of the 80s?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-12-21T15:01:00.004-06:00

FOR TODAY December 21, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous, glorious day! The sun is shining. The wind is slightly blowing. It is warm.

I am thinking . . . it was great going to church with my SIL and her kids and my MIL yesterday and then spending the afternoon with them as the kids opened presents. And that, while Twister was a great idea for the kids, I probably should not be playing it with them. At least my back, neck, and swollen knee this morning is telling me that!!

I am thankful for . . . the Christmas season. This year it is a reminder of the things we should be thankful for and the things that are really important. The people that are really important.

I am wearing . . . denim dress

I am remembering . . . Christmas seasons past.

I am going . . . to finish my Santa Hat toilet paper cover tonight, or at least one of them

I am reading . . . Bible and The Cold Light of Mourning by Elizabeth J. Duncan

I am hoping . . . that Will remembers to NOT check the mail b/c his gift is supposed to come today or tomorrow and he is off both days

On my mind . . . Why are Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah known by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (the Babylonian names the chief eunuch gave them) throughout the book of Daniel but Daniel known as Daniel? When Daniel is mentioned, it is Daniel or, when someone calls him Belteshazzar it goes on to say "Daniel who was called Belteshazzar." I don't know why this jumped out at me when I was studying Daniel but it did. I know, I know, it doesn't matter, I am looking too deep . . . sigh. Oh well.

Noticing that . . . the holiday season is not a joyous one for shoppers. Am I the only one who thinks that the shoppers in the stores are getting ridiculous with their manners, or lack thereof?

Pondering these words . . . The mirror doesn't lie and you don't walk out the door without looking in the mirror. People are always telling you what is wrong with you and that makes you feel bad about yourself. So, why don't you make God your mirror? He doesn't lie. When you know who you are in Christ, you are confident and strong and you feel love for other people and pity for the very ones that are trying to tear you down b/c you know they don't know how much they are loved and are trying to make themselves feel better by putting others down.

From the kitchen . . . We are going to fry a whole turkey for Christmas. Yeah for Paula Deen!!

Around the house . . . afghan, toilet paper cover, lapghan, hat—all in progress

One of my favorite things . . . the game of 42. I am going to have to see if I can talk the neighbors into playing while I am off next week.

From my picture journal . . .

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-12-14T10:10:00.002-06:00

FOR TODAY December 14, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . gloomy but it is going to be an awesome day! My attitude determines the type of day I have and I choose to have a great day!

I am thinking . . . I found a great hat crochet pattern and I am making a granny square lapghan for a present to some lady in the nursing home (not sure who will get it, doing it so my MIL can give it to someone whose family failed to provide a gift for the Christmas party this friday)

I am thankful for . . . the fact that I have a talent for crochet so I can make something that will bring someone else comfort and joy

I am wearing . . . brown t, black pants, tennis shoes—but I do have makeup on today!! Woo Hoo for me (and everyone else who will see me today!!!)

I am remembering . . . the parade and Christmas lighting last Saturday night at Kennard. It was great and I got to visit with people I rarely see.

I am going . . . to have to get on the ball to finish a lapghan by Friday, even though I am hoping to get two done just in case they are needed

I am reading . . . Bible and nothing else right now, going to the library today b/c I have finished all the ones I have. I am going through withdrawal symptoms!!

I am hoping . . . that I get all of my projects finished on time, Christmas is right around the corner and I still have a few things to finish

On my mind . . . what to think about a preacher who says "When it comes to the Bible I am really dumb." Was he joking? Was he serious? Am I being too nitpicky about this remark? Sigh. For some reason this is really bothering me. I think I want a preacher to know the Bible, or at least be actively studying it.

Noticing that . . . the deer population is only moving at night when I am driving home NOT when I am pursuing them!

Pondering these words . . . Faith without works is dead

From the kitchen . . . I made brownies yesterday. yay for me!

Around the house . . . going to rearrange the furniture in the living room—I need space!

One of my favorite things . . . A&W Root Beer, it just seems to make the day better especially when it is poured over Blue Bell old fashioned vanilla!!!

From my picture journal . . . don't ya LOVE deer cams?!?!?!?!?

Thankful Thursday

2009-12-10T15:54:00.003-06:00

Thankful Thursday is being hosted by Laurie at Women Taking a Stand. I just want to say Laurie!!
I am thankful that my neighbor gave me a little push to step out of my comfort zone last night. She leads a Women Ministry group on Wednesday at her church (Community Full Gospel Church). Well, it was amazing! I have been thinking about going but figured I would not know anyone there and the people there would be well versed in the Bible and make me look like an idjit. But it was not like that at all. I knew all of the women there and I knew some companion verses for what Sheila was teaching. Whew!
It was amazing and I am thankful for life's little nudges that lead you to do something you are a little afraid to do. And for an awesome Women's Ministry right down the road from me!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-30T15:58:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY November 30, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . cool and humid and sunny, it rained and rained and rained last night!

I am thinking . . . it is going to be great to get home and have time to myself before Will gets home

I am thankful for . . . books

I am wearing . . . blue jean dress with black velvet collar, black shoes, huge spoon ring that gives me a different attitude (and don't think I am the only one who accessorizes according to their mood and then the accessories take over and affect your attitude!!)

I am remembering . . . the smell of Thanksgiving when I was little—chicken boiling, cornbread cooking, ham baking

I am going . . . to do some laundry and get it hung out on the line this afternoon

I am reading . . . Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble and next up is Undead and Unworthy by Mary Janice Davidson (a guilty pleasure to be sure!!)

I am hoping . . . that I remembered to pay all of the bills!!

On my mind . . . why do some married men act as if they are single? If they did not want to get married, why did they?!?!?

Noticing that . . . there are a lot of odd people out and about and they all seem to want to walk up to me and start a conversation about oranges and home raised vs. store bought meat and the price of cleaning detergent. What's up with that?

Pondering these words . . . If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your wonderful uniqueness is precisely what brings God pleasure. It gives you "character," and He's smitten with you. So don't just embrace your uniqueness; revel in it. (Anita Renfroe perpetual calendar)

From the kitchen . . . I made candy for Thanksgiving!! I know it is traditionally a Christmas thing but I WANTED some Divinity so I just got busy in the kitchen and made Divinity, Peanut Butter Balls, and chocolate covered pretzels (don't give me more credit than I deserve with this, I just melted the chocolate almond bark in the microwave and dipped the pretzels in it)

Around the house . . . I have started a little decluttering in one corner of the living room and one corner of the bedroom. This is going to be a long, drawn out process b/c it pains me to throw perfectly good stuff away, no matter if I haven't used it in the 11 years I've been married!! I blame my grandmother who lived through the great depression and who, when she died, still had the carbon copy of checks from the 1960s. It was interesting to see how much stuff cost back then but needless to hold onto them. Sigh. I say this as I just threw out my bank statements from my first bank account in 1990 . . .

One of my favorite things . . . DIVINITY!! I think I may be the last person on the face of the Earth who knows what Divinity is and/or likes it but, to me, nothing says holiday like Divinity!!

From my picture journal . . . Taylor's pig Little Red

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-23T16:17:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY November 23, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . is gorgeous!! Sunny, breezy, and warm!!

I am thinking . . . I am so thankful for the holiday season that is coming up—that everyone is healthy and happy

I am thankful for . . . the time I am getting to spend with my Dad. It is frustrating to be down to part time but great to be able to spend more time with my Dad.

I am wearing . . . black slacks, blue shirt, brown flips with blue beads on them, blue/coral necklace/bracelet/earring set that I absolutely love!!

I am remembering . . . the Thanksgiving dinners we used to have when I was a kid and am a little sad that so much has changed since then

I am going . . . to start cleaning/decluttering my house—it is fast becoming a necessity!

I am reading . . . trashy romance novel. Sometimes I need to read something that engages the romantic side of me b/c I fear I have no romance in my soul.

I am hoping . . . that we get to keep Taylor over the holiday weekend so he can hunt with us

On my mind . . . to think of all the new technology that has come about even since I was little

Noticing that . . . a lot of people forget their manners and lose their tempers around the holidays

Pondering these words . . . Faith without works is dead

From the kitchen . . . breakfast burritos last night . . . wonder if I can get him to eat them again tonight?

Around the house . . . I STILL need to do laundry. Ugh!

One of my favorite things . . . the time of day between daylight and dark when the fog slips in over the fields, the sun is easing it's way to it's resting place behind the trees, the night birds are starting to come out and sing, and you can smell the night coming in.

From my picture journal . . . not a great pic of my favorite time of day, taken with my cell phone from the deer stand last night

Matthew 4

2009-11-18T10:47:00.003-06:00

Our preacher was on vacation this last Sunday so his grandson filled in. His name is Ryan Lavin and he gave an AWESOME sermon!! The scripture was Matthew 4: 1-4:

¹Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

²And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

³And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

⁴But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

The main thing that struck me as he was preaching (and y'all know I make notes upon notes!) was what he said about the sin. He said that one could think that it was sin because Satan was suggesting it. But, and here's the whammy, God is the author of righteousness therefore He (and He alone) sets the standard for what is sin. Satan does not have that power. Satan does not tempt us to do right and then it became sin, it was sin to begin with but he does disguise sin so that we do not recognize it.

WOW! Duh! God does not tempt us. If we are tempted, guess who it is? And we know that when we are tempted, it is because Satan wants us to 'come over to the dark side' so to speak. So, what was the sin in Jesus making food? He fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fish. The sin would have been in not trusting God to take care of Him. The sin would have been to rely on Himself and not God. The sin of self-sufficiency. And that hit me like a bucket of cold water.

How many times have I said I can do this alone? How many times have I been bound and determined to do things all by myself, asking for no help? How many times have I felt that if I could just find another job that pays more, all would be okay? How many times have I been tempted to be proud of the stuff we have and the place we have? Not just tempted but jumped right off the edge of that river and wallowed around in it? And enjoyed it like a pig wallowing in mud in the sunshine? The sheer number scares me white headed!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-16T11:06:00.006-06:00

FOR TODAY Novermber 16, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . it is cloudy and has been raining for most of the night. I liked it, though, because the sound of the rain on the roof is soothing and reminds me to thank God for the roof.

I am thinking . . . I have to go to the library and grocery shopping at lunch AND manage to eat in that time frame.

I am thankful for . . . a MIL who is willing to make coconut cake for Will's birthday!! The last few years he has complained about my cakes (too dry, too dense, too much coconut, not enough coconut, icky icing, not enough icing, too much icing . . . you get the drift here). So his mommy made his cake this year and it was perfect. Okay, not perfect, but he did not complain about it and that made my life easier!!

I am wearing . . . black slacks, black/gray shirt, black and white beads from Mrs. Dianne, I was asking her where she got the beads she was wearing yesterday b/c they were loooooong—long enough for her to wear them as a belt—and I have been looking everywhere for long beads for this outfit, so she brought these to me. Her mom gave them to her and they from her mom's friend, apparently neither Mrs. Dianne nor her mom liked them but I LOVE them!! It's three white beads, one black, three white . . . and long enough to loop twice around my neck and put a pin on the bottom. Very little old lady but I absolutely LOVE the look!!!

I am remembering . . . fishing with my grandmother. After the fish in the pond got big enough to catch, I swear she fished everyday!! hehe!

I am going . . . home to start cleaning after work. I dread it but something has to be done b/c my house is horrible!!

I am reading . . . nothing right now! I finished up several series' this weekend and the last of the two-book series by Gilbert Morris this morning! I am going through withdrawals!!

I am hoping . . . that our friend John learns to tell his boss no. His boss is always not planning ahead and then, at the last minute, asking John to fill in. This has happened the last two weekends and messed up plans John and Rita had with us.

On my mind . . . it is amazing how someone who is in his early 20s can preach a sermon that is valid and meaningful to everyone in the audience—from 80 something to teenager.

Noticing that . . . a lot of young people think that happiness and joy comes from success and taking care of yourself and not from God. No amount of stuff can make you happy and you shouldn't keep stuff just because someone gave it to you. This revelation has made me determine to clean out my house and get rid of all the stuff that I don't love.

Pondering these words . . . Luke 10: ³⁸Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

⁴¹And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

⁴²But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

From the kitchen . . . I got up this morning at 4 (couldn't sleep) and I made breakfast for Will, pork loin, scrambled eggs, and toast. I have no clue what to fix tonight. Last night was deer steak. Hmmm . . . maybe something with chicken since I have to go to the store today. I tried planning meals for the week but I am way TOO unorganized for that (hey, I forget things all the time and I tried making lists but ended up losing the lists!!). Sigh.

Around the house . . . I STILL need to do laundry. Ugh!

One of my favorite things . . . puppy breath

From my picture journal . . . sometimes I think this is what people looking at me see—gnarled branches and tangled messes

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-09T14:21:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY Novermber 9, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . sun is shining, birds are singing, squirrels are frolicking—at least until I get home and start looking for donations to squirrel dumplings!!

I am thinking . . . How difficult it is to see ourselves as God does. The sermon yesterday was about how, when we are saved, God sees us through Jesus Christ NOT as we see ourselves. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that we are a new person in Christ and that God sees us through 'rose-colored glasses' so to speak.

I am thankful for . . . my Daddy who loves me enough to help my nephew with 'manly' duties such as skinning a deer b/c we all know women know nothing about stuff like that. hehe :)

I am wearing . . . olive green capris, brown t, brown plaid Skechers flips (are y'all starting to realize that I live in either the brown ones or the blue ones?)

I am remembering . . . the days when Uncle William, Uncle Ben, Uncle Oscar, John, and Charles would show up early in the morning on the opening day of deer season, drink coffee (yes, even us kids) and then head out. Granny and I would work all morning to have a HUGE dinner ready when they came back from hunting in the middle of the afternoon (I was not allowed to go hunting with the men, even though John was and he was only a few years older than me!! oh well, I am now the one who is carrying on the hunting tradition so na na na na na na!!)

I am going . . . to go home and read, read, read. Went to the library at lunch!!

I am reading . . . The Prometheus Deception by Robert Ludlum, The River Knows by Amanda Quick, and The Courtship by Gilbert Morris (yes, I read more than one book at a time)

I am hoping . . . that Will's birthday is good, it's Friday and we are going to his mom's house Saturday to take Taylor hunting up there and so his mom can cook his cake this year—I am tired of him complaining about mine!

On my mind . . . why are some churches so appearance oriented? Don't they realize God doesn't care what you wear?

Noticing that . . . there seem to be more idiots on the farm road where I live this deer season than ever before. Just because you are from the city does not mean you have the right of way. It's a two lane road for a reason!!

Pondering these words . . . So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. 1 Peter 5:6

From the kitchen . . . not enough squirrels for stew or dumplings so probably pork loin with toast and eggs (unless I am completely out of jelly and then it will be Hamburger Helper!)

Around the house . . . I so need to do laundry. Ugh!

One of my favorite things . . . the feeling of having a library bag full of books I have yet to read!

From my picture journal . . . me at the Hobo supper a few weeks ago at church. It was awesome!! We have so many musically talented people at my church! I dressed as an old woman hobo who was dressed in her finest for a party. Will was not happy when I got home and he saw me. Said I looked like my grandmother. Well, he better batten down the hatches and gird his loins, b/c I have news for him, this is how I will look when I get older!! I have seen the future in my grandparents and it ain't pretty!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-02T11:13:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY Novermber 2, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous fall day

I am thinking . . . I hope I answered all of Taylor's questions well yesterday

I am thankful for . . . our nephew Taylor who puts priorities in order

I am wearing . . . long sleeve denim dress, brown plaid Skechers flips

I am remembering . . . the great day hunting with Taylor Saturday and the time spent in church yesterday

I am going . . . to get a few groceries at lunch

I am reading . . . Even Now by Karen Kingsbury

I am hoping . . . this week goes well for Will, big people visiting the store this week

On my mind . . . wondering why people don't do stuff with their own kids! Took Taylor hunting and now he has told another kid that he will ask if we will take her and his mom has asked if we will take Taylor's little brother. Now, all of these kids have parents, grandparents (multiple sets), and they all hunt. Why are we the ones who get nominated to take the kids hunting? I know it is a lot of trouble but EVERYTHING with kids is a lot of work. I don't mind taking Taylor. He is very appreciative and loves doing stuff with us. I am sure his friend would be great. The little brother, well, his behavior is getting better. Sigh. It is just frustrating when you know the parents have great leases, have all this hunting equipment, and yet want you to take their kids so they don't have to do the work and miss their hunting time. What about our hunting time? Why is our time less important than yours? I am just having a difficult time with anger this morning.

Noticing that . . . a lot of parents are not involved in their kid's lives and they should be, these years pass in the blink of an eye and you cannot build a relationship with them when they are grown

Pondering these words . . . John 14:⁶Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ⁷If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

AND

John 20:²⁹Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

From the kitchen . . . deer steak with peas and mashed potatoes for supper tonight

Around the house . . . the leaves are turning and they are beautiful!

One of my favorite things . . . the excitement on my nephews face when he is helping skin one of his deer!

From my picture journal . . . Taylor, Saturday with his second doe, now he's onto the bucks!

Korah

2009-10-27T08:25:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, my Bible reading was from Numbers 16. I felt compelled to read it today and go beyond simply reading to studying. It is the story of Korah who got together a group of men and challenged the rule of Moses and Aaron. Now, it's not like Korah did not have an important job to do—his clan (the Kohath clan) was responsible for carrying the ark, the table, the lampstand, the alters, the utensils of the sanctuary, and the screen (Numbers 3:27-32). But he wanted more. Sound familiar? He thought he was more than capable of leading the people—a job God had called Moses and Aaron to do. And he may have been. He might have made an awesome leader. But that is not what God wanted from him.

I am the first one to raise my hand and say guilty when it comes to impatience and wanting more. I find dissatisfaction in the house, the yard, my clothes, my husband, and myself. I want to be tall and thin. I want my husband to find me imminently desirable and adore me all the time. I want to get a bigger deer than my husband (yes, I hunt). I want the house to be clean all the time and for my husband to help me clean out the clutter.I want the flowers in the yard to weed themselves and be gorgeous all the time. I want, I want, I want. And I want it right now!! Then I read about Korah in Numbers and it hits me square in the head. What does God want from me? What does He want to see in me? What does He want me to do? It's supposed to be about Him, not me. Ugh! What a light bulb moment!!!

So, I then read on and see what happened to Korah and his fellow power/position seekers. They were swallowed up by the earth. Literally, the earth opened and swallowed the up—with their families and livestock and possessions (all except Korah, in Numbers 26:10-11 it says the children of Korah died not). In Numbers 16: 26 Moses says "Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest ye be consumed in all their sins." Can I get a moment of silence here to reflect on that thought? Wow! That goes along with the whole birds of a feather flock together saying my grandmother used to use on me when she did not approve of my friends. The theory being, you are the people you hang out with. If you hang out with good people, you will be good. If you hang out with bad people, you will be bad. The morals and ethics of your friends influence you, whether you want to admit it or not. Just something to think about.

Upon more study I found this in my Life Application Study Bible—4 things to take away from the story of Korah:

1. Don't let desire for what someone else has make you discontented with what you already have.

2. Don't try to raise your own self-esteem by attacking someone else's.

3. Don't use part of God's word to support what you want, rather than allowing its entirety to shape your wants

4. Don't expect to find satisfaction in power and position; God may want to work through you in the position you are now in.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-10-26T17:26:00.002-05:00

FOR TODAY October 26, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . wet, wet, wet!!

I am thinking . . . it was a great idea to go to the library at lunch so I can go straight home

I am thankful for . . . they reposted the job I applied for before the state put a hiring freeze on in August

I am wearing . . . PINK!! Black capris w/pink flamingoes on them, pink shirt, black flips (not the smartest choice when it is raining but oh well!)

I am remembering . . . the stupid stuff we used to do when we were kids

I am going . . . home to read, read, read!

I am reading . . . Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury and my Bible, I made it through the NT but it took me 42 days b/c I got caught up in Romans so I am thinking I am going to go back and really study Romans now that the 40 day challenge is over.

I am hoping . . . to make it home dry!

On my mind . . . the freaking skeeters on steroids down from my house and worrying about malaria and other nasty diseases. I am talking these things were almost as big as horse flies and they had GPS b/c they kept finding us in the dark!!

Noticing that . . . I seem to go everywhere and do everything by myself

Pondering these words . . . The prayer in Prayer of Jabez has caused massive weight gain in Christian women. Just think of that prayer: "Enlarge my territory." Before we prayed that prayer we should have gotten more specific. (Anite Renfroe, perpetual calendar)

From the kitchen . . . what to cook? what to cook?

Around the house . . . Confederate Rose is in full bloom, Abigail had 9 puppies, the new dog (that followed Will home) still has no name

One of my favorite things . . . new book smell

From my picture journal . . .

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-10-19T10:23:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY October 19, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . sunny and chilly, a great change from cold and rainy last week while I was on vacation to hunt!!!

I am thinking . . . isn't life supposed to get easier?

I am thankful for . . . a job (even if it is just part time), a job posting close to my house, both Will and I being back at work (I will NEVER AGAIN take vacation at the same time as my husband!!!)

I am wearing . . . a long sleeve denim dress (the one Will hates b/c it is straight down), black slip on shoes

I am remembering . . . when I used to hate picking pears from the pear trees!

I am going . . . to get dog food today, plus go to the library and apply for the posted job (prayers needed here!!), tomorrow I’ll have to inventory my Avon orders and bag them, then deliver them Wednesday.

I am reading . . . Forever by Karen Kingsbury and the New Testament (reading through it in 40 days with others in my church)

I am hoping . . . to get everything done at lunch so I don't have to shop after work, I hate shopping after work!

On my mind . . . my neighbors, there was a huge shake up in my corner of the world when one of my neighbors committed suicide last week. I am just sick about it.

Noticing that . . . everything can change in a second and worrying about Will's heart which seems to be getting harder every day

Pondering these words . . . Your life is of infinite worth and impacts many others, regardless of your recognition of that fact.

From the kitchen . . . meatloaf tonight with creamed potatoes and peas. We had that last week while John was over and it was a hit so I am making it again tonight (just b/c it is fast, easy, good, and that is what I want to eat!! hehe!)

Around the house . . . need to mow one last time, need to get the last of the pears off of the tree before Will and my dad get them all to use to lure hogs into the trap!

One of my favorite things . . . fresh fried pear pies

From my picture journal . . .

Garden no more

2009-08-26T16:35:00.003-05:00

I blasted through the back yard a few days ago and hit the back gate to go to the garden. Turned the corner, looked up and stopped so short I almost fell. It was GONE! Yep, you read that. The garden was no more. All that was left was the cucumbers b/c they are on a piece of cattle panel and the peas b/c we are waiting on them to dry for seeds next year. Will had taken the initiative and mowed the rest of it down. To the ground. Gone. I know I was wishing it was gone and contemplating salting the earth but I was floored when I saw it gone. Then I thanked God for my husband. He knew I was feeling stressed out and was dog tired but he also knew I would have hung in there to the bitter end b/c I felt guilty about just letting the stuff go to waste. So he mowed it down when he was mowing the pasture. Problem solved. A happy wife. I'm not sure if he did it to be nice to me or out of self-preservation. At this point, I don't care.

School started around here on Monday so the teachers are gearing up for homework and the kids are already dreading it. Plus there's the getting up before noon and going to bed early. My prayers are with the kids in school and the parents they are coming home to this week. Give them all patience and cookies!

Tornado Scooter

2009-08-11T11:38:00.002-05:00

I went out to the garden a few days ago and our new, donated cat who absolutely loves to go to the garden, went with me. That's fine because Kitty weaves in and around the plants. Kitty is such a gentleman when it comes to the garden. He never does his business there, he never pounces on the plants (no matter how appealing a bloom may look), and he never shreds leaves.

Unfortunately, Scooter, the half-lab/half-who-knows-what puppy, loves Kitty and follows him around like he's on a leash. Suffice to say, Scooter does NOT weave in and around the plants. He flops and pounces and stomps and tramples. The peas were laid low, the tomato plants were toppled, and the cucumber vines were wrenched from their roost on the trellis. It was a catastrophe. Then he went after the squash plants and decided the squashes were his new chew toys. You read me right. Chew toys. Not that I don't have enough squash put up. Not that I haven't been secretly stashing it in unsuspecting cars at church (and fleeing the scene of the crime!). Not that my friends are begging me to stop donating squash to them. It's just that I hate to see food go to waste. Something about starving children in Africa/China/South America (you had to live my childhood to understand this one).

I did not want to look but could not look away from the horror. It was my worst nightmare (okay, second worst, worst would be to be turned into a vampire and being overweight with bad nails and summer skin problems for eternity, but I digress). So, what to do, what to do? I got it!!! Oh my, I can't believe I did not think of this one sooner!! I'll send Will to the garden from now on because Kitty and Scooter don't find him as fascinating as me! Wonder what Will thinks about my solution? He's not a happy camper but he's leaving to go to Colorado for weeks next month and is being all sweetness and light so I won't hide his hunting stuff from him. Oh, did I say that? I meant he's being sweet because he is going to miss me so much while in Colorado next month. hehe!

Oh my freaking peppers!

2009-08-07T09:20:00.005-05:00

Will has been whining and whining and whining about doing something with the jalapeno peppers before they ruined. So, I made bread and butter jalapeno peppers. I found some a few years ago at the grocery store and bought several jars. Every year I find them in the spring and buy several jars to last him through the year. This year we planted jalapeno plants so we could make them because, according to Will, homemade would have to be better than store bought (yeah, I could hear the sucking up as he was saying it). I told him he would have to help. And help he did! He sliced all the jalapenos with even a single whine, packed the onion and jalapenoes in jars, put the lids on the jars, and dumped the water from the hot water bath. Did I mention he did this without whining? That was quite an accomplishment! hehe! Anywho, the day after I made them he had to try them. Apparently mine are hot and the ones from the store are just sweet. But he professed to like mine better. I think he just likes sleeping in his bed and eating food he did not have to cook but he's stuck with them. hehe!

Here is the recipe I used. We had 5 pounds of jalapenoes but I did not increase the onion. I made two batches of the syrup to fill all of the jars and still ended with a few being a little short on juice. Plus, I ended up with 4 quarts, 9 pints, and 3 half pints. Not sure where all the extra came from. Maybe we did not pack the jars or something. Who knows. I don't like hot stuff but Will ate about half of a 1/2 pint jar so, apparently, they are good.

Awright already!

2009-08-04T16:34:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted in forever and my conscience is nagging me. It keeps telling me to either blog or delete the entire thing. Sigh. Why do I listen to the voices in my head?

This summer has been busy. Jess is leaving Sunday for college at Clarendon. Nana and Melissa are going with her to get her settled into her dorm room. I have been crying all year and this is going to hit me hard. I know she's not my child (Will) and I know this is a great opportunity for her to play volleyball (Nana) but it's still a day away. And when I see her, I don't see the gorgeous talented, awesome young lady she has become. I see the little girl just learning to walk. I see the ponytailed girl racing her Nana to the mailbox on her tricycle. I see the little one who was so short her legs stuck straight out on the horse. I see the first goat show where she won Junior Showmanship (and I have the pictures from that too!!!). I see the little girl jumping on the trampoline and getting me to jump with her. Sigh.

Okay, now onto things that make me cry for different reasons. We planted a garden this year and I have been busy!!

Pepper Sauce, 2 quarts and 1 pint. Do you know how many little peppers it takes to fill a jar?!?!

Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles, my grandmother's recipe, 2 batches (24 pints) and counting

My canner on the stove. I have cooked 2 batches of greens in it (greens to the top, water, boil till done). I now have 5 quarts of greens in the freezer plus the ones we ate and still have some leftovers in the fridge. Whew!

I started the last batch of peas in my corn pot but it was lipping brimming full and had no room for the peas to boil. So I brought out my trusty canner again. This was batch 2. Batch 1 was last Thursday and we ended up with what we ate and 3 quarts in the freezer. Batch 2 was yesterday and I ended up with 4 butter bowls, 1 HUGE Cool Whip bowl, 2 quart and a half Glad containers, and 1 quart in the freezer. Plus some in the fridge and what we ate. I cook my peas until they are done then I freeze them. That way all I have to do is thaw and heat, no cooking required when I am in a rush.

Now I have a gallon of jalapeno peppers in the fridge and twice that many to pick. Making jalapeno bread and butter pickles for Will. Plus the squash that just keeps coming!!

Livestock show and tears, baby afghan

2009-04-09T09:48:00.004-05:00

Oh my!! It's been almost a month since I posted anything! I must admit I have been in a funk, or depressed, or really busy. However you want to word it. I am now only working part time (not my choice but I am over the bitterness, mostly). But my dad is loving it and I have been home less in the last month than in the entire almost 11 years of marriage. I have been going and going and going with my dad so much that I haven't seen my house in the daylight unless you count the sun breaking in the morning. Sigh. It's been good for him but not so great on my checkbook.

Now onto the great stuff! This week is the fair and my niece and nephew were showing goats last night (along with Taylor's aunt and uncle). Taylor and Brittani got last place with their goats and they did not make the sale. Emily and Gus (aunt and uncle) made the sale. Emily also showed a lamb and won showmanship for the lamb. Here's Brittani and Taylor with their goats:

Jess (my baby who's graduating this year and who was participating in her last show) only showed a lamb b/c her goat died. She won first in her class, grand champion lamb, and senior showmanship. Okay, here come the tears again. After the show she was so excited and I went back to the pens to hug her and tell her how proud I was for her. Then I was crying while hugging her (I had warned her and her grandmother that if she won showmanship AND grand champion I was going to leak). She asked if I was crying and I told her yeah and then I asked her if she was crying and she said yeah but only because I was crying. As if she has not had enough practice being around me this year and me leaking all over the place. I don't understand it. Her mom's not crying. Her grandmother is not crying. I am bawling at all the lasts that are coming this year. Who knows?

Jess and the guy she bought the lamb from and her belt buckles from last night:

Jess and her mom:

Now, onto other things that don't make me cry. My SIL asked if I would do a baby afghan for her for a friend of hers. I said yeah if she would buy the yarn. The soon-to-be mom is doing the nursery in lady bugs and my SIL brought me red and black yarn. So, this is what I came up with.

Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me

2009-03-10T11:30:00.002-05:00

I am having trouble reigning in my frustration and anger.

I know my SIL basically wants someone to do the work for her but I keep hoping that she will grow up. I know her mom and dad did not make her do anything (other than clean her room and I have my suspicions that her mom did that for her so her dad wouldn't go off on her) and I know that she cleans the kids rooms for them b/c she does not have the patience to make them do it themselves. I also know that people who have no kids should not judge but it is so stinking difficult!! I know I ticked off all three kids on Saturday but I told them it was my house and my rules and if they did not like it, tough. Guess what? It worked. The oldest one laid on the couch and watched the western channel (the only one I would put it on b/c I don't like the majority of the cartoons and did not have time to police the TV so, the western channel). The two younger ones played outside. Together. No fighting. No fussing. No hitting. No in your face all the time. My SIL was amazed b/c they don't do that at her house. You can't be your kids best friend, you have to be their mother and make the hard choices. It may not make them happy but, in the long run, they respect you and learn something. Sigh. I have talked it over with Will and we have decided that she is not going to do this again. This is the third time she has done this to me and I will not be used like this again. I have shown her how to make jelly. I have provided the Sure Jell and sugar and lids (some jars, too, that mysteriously did not make the journey back to my house so I told her I did not have any extras). I have worked and worked with her on how to boil down the berries and strain the juice so you don't have any seeds in it. I have provided all the equipment and the space. I have been patient (even when I wanted to scream and curse when she 'forgot' the jelly on the stove and it boiled over). But no more. It is her time to do for herself.

And it may be just because the frustration and anger is fresh but I have the support of Will and the wisdom of Mrs. Pat who said "There are some people who will use you and use you until you say enough is enough. Three times you have done this, she should be able to do it on her own now. If she can't, she needs to go to her mom because you are obviously not getting through to her."

Grace be with y'all and me b/c I need it now more than ever!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-09T14:46:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY March 9, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . .

Cloudy and windy but warm, warm, warm!!!

I am thinking . . .

I am never making jelly with my SIL EVER again!!

I am thankful for . . .

friends who understand the need for a nice, sit-down steak dinner

From the kitchen . . .

Friday was fried chicken, cream potatoes, and gravy. Saturday my SIL and her three kids came over to make jelly. Sigh. As in, her idea of an early start was 11:30, she fed her kids donuts and chocolate milk, she had not boiled the berries down, and all she brought was berries, jars, rings and lids. No sugar, no sure jell, no pots, no freaking clue!! Then she was doing a batch all by herself (I was loading the washer, hanging clothes out, taking clothes off the line) and she let it BOIL OVER ON MY STOVE!!! And I don't mean it was a little, I mean she managed to smear it all over the freaking stove and on the floor!! That batch was not quite 2 pints and you usually get 3 and a half pints. So a pint and a half of jelly was all over my stove. How do you manage that?!?!?!?!?!

Last night was steaks and blackberry cobbler. Tonight is going to be fried bologna sandwiches.

I am wearing . . .

gray capris, teal t, blue plaid skeechers

I am creating . . .

more homemade jelly (all we did Sat. was hers, and she took juice home b/c I had to get cleaned up and go to Lufkin to meet friends and go out to eat).

I am going . . .

to the store to get some salt pork, Daddy brought more greens down to the house yesterday.

I am reading . . .

Trading Places by Fern Michaels

I am hoping . . .

the weather holds until I get home b/c I have towels on the line

I am hearing . . .

silence, it is golden

Around the house...

clan clothes and quiet broken only by the sound of birds

One of my favorite things...

sunshine

A few plans for the rest of the week:

more jelly (since I did not do it last week b/c had plans to do it Saturday when I had help—HA!! as if the help was really help!!!)

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . this is a picture I took a few years ago when we did a 3 hour trek across the Amazon rainforest. Sigh. Okay, I am kidding. It was 3 hours but it was across the road a ways from our house but it was hot (over 100 degrees that day) and muggy and full of mosquitoes and on a day when I was majorly PMSing. For some reason I fell in love with the colors in this mud puddle. Or maybe I was just using it as an excuse to stop and rest. Who knows? Anywho, this pic reminds me to just say no when Will mentions going for a short walk to look for sign!!

Recipe Friday

2009-03-06T16:06:00.002-06:00

Since I am cooking this for myself tonight (DH is not fond of fried chicken so I don't usually cook it but tonight I am going to the effort for myself!!), I thought I would post my grandmother's recipe for fried chicken. I am going to serve it with cream potatoes, gravy, and biscuits (not homemade b/c of the time involved but really good frozen biscuits).

I soak mine in sour milk overnight in the fridge. You want the skillet to be half full of grease and almost smoking hot. Then mix 1 egg with some sweet milk in a bowl. In another bowl mix salt, pepper, and flour. Dip the chicken in the milk/egg mix, roll in the flour, back in the milk/egg mix, back in the flour. Then put in the hot grease (carefully!! it will pop and smoke!). Once the bottom side is golden brown (this takes a minute or less) turn the chicken over. After about a minute (more or less depending on how long it takes the other side to become a golden brown), turn the fire down to low and cover the pan. Cook for about 45 minutes (maybe more depending how the chicken looks when you cut into a piece).

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-02T16:16:00.006-06:00

FOR TODAY March 2, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . .

Cold, cold, cold!!! Not a lot of wind, the sun is shining, but it is COLD out there!! It was 26 this morning at my house . . . weather temp. courtesy of Will who is obsessive about telling me how cold it is. As if I can't just open the door to see what I need to wear for the day.

I am thinking . . .

washing and de-stemming greens are a lot of work

I am thankful for . . .

doctors who work on Friday. Did you know that 99.99% of doctors don't work on Friday? UGH!!!

From the kitchen . . .

I washed and de-stemmed a whole bag of turnip greens and a whole bag of mustard greens yesterday. I also made 19 pints of blackberry jelly. Can you say long freaking day?!?!?

I am wearing . . .

blue denim dress and black slip-on shoes

I am creating . . .

more home made jelly. I have a gallon and a half of blackberry juice, 2 1/2 gallons of plum juice, and one gallon of mixed (blackberry and plum that thawed out and ran into the tub I had it in). I will be making a few batches of jelly each day this week until all the juice is gone.

I am going . . .

to see if I can find some more canning supplies, apparently it is a seasonal item and only a few stores stock the stuff year round.

I am reading . . .

The Key-Lock Man by Louis L'Amour, and You're The One That I Haunt by Terri Garey, and White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison

I am hoping . . .

I can get all the jelly made before the juice is icky

I am hearing . . .

silence, it is golden

Around the house...

jelly, clean sink

One of my favorite things...

books, books, books

A few plans for the rest of the week:

more jelly, ever think I am stuck on one thing each week? sigh.

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . blackberries

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-23T10:53:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY February 23, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . .

Gorgeous!! This morning the water in the bird bath was frozen over, the birds were all over the feeders, the clothes were frozen on the line (maybe not a great thing but it was awesome looking!), and there was frost all on the ground. Including on the two rows of potatoes we planted yesterday!! Woo hoo!!!

I am thinking . . .

how come Will can drink water instead of Dr. Pepper and lost 5 pounds while I live on slim-fast and water for a week and I GAIN 5 pounds?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I am thankful for . . .

my dad and his pull behind the tractor tiller. He let us bring the tractor and the tiller down to our house yesterday to till up the garden. It was great!!!

From the kitchen . . .

Last night we had deer steak and french fries with boiled corn on the cob. Will took some to work for lunch today.

I am wearing . . .

blue denim dress and flips

I am creating . . .

still working on camo afghan but have been doing more reading and gardening than crocheting

I am going . . .

to work in the garden this afternoon, make more rows and see about setting up an area for the cucumbers with t-posts and cattle panel

I am reading . . .

Mountain Top then Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow (it is two novels in one book although, now that I have looked up Deeper Water I find out it is Book 1 in a series)

I am hoping . . .

that Slim-Fast beats no Dr. Pepper in no time!

I am hearing . . .

Native American flute music, it is amazing!!

Around the house...

stuff is growing!!! I now have okra, squash, tomatoes, tomatoes, and corn popping up in the little greenhouses in the house. It is great!!

One of my favorite things...

White Grape Crystal Light drink mix

A few plans for the rest of the week:

More rows in the garden, start some marigolds, sunflowers, and catnip to eventually plant in the garden to repel pests

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . my Confederate Rose bloom from last year

Recipe Friday

2009-02-20T16:42:00.003-06:00

Okay y'all, I was in a John Wayne/Johnny Cash mood yesterday and it has been held over until today. I am wearing chukkas and jeans and I have a new haircut and the lady at the tax office loved my hair color (na na na na na Will!!!). So, the recipe for today is my famous pinto beans b/c I am wanting some serious BBQ!!! I know, I know, how famous can they be if you've never heard of them? Let's just say Will says they are better than his mom's. And that's saying something!!! hehe!

Pinto Beans

1 pound package sausage (I use homemade sausage but the store bought stuff will work)

1 pkg. salt pork sliced

1 small bag of pinto beans

1 medium onion, chopped (I put mine in the food processor so there are no onion chunks for Will to pick out and complain about)

1/2 bulb garlic smashed in the garlic press (more or less depending on how much you like garlic)

Chili powder, salt, pepper to taste (go easy on the salt b/c of the salt pork and sausage)

Put all in a crock pot and cover with water (I add water almost up to the rim of the crock b/c the beans will absorb lots of water). Cook on low 24 hours or 12 hours on high. If I am putting them on one night and want them for supper the next night, I put it on low. If I am putting them on the morning for that night, I put the crock pot on high.

Make a pan of cornbread (I use Martha White's Mexican cornbread mix) and you have a whole meal!!

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-19T10:26:00.004-06:00

Today I am in a John Wayne/Johnny Cash kinds mood so this is gonna be a lil bit different—I'm gonna use my words to be thankful but there are also three clips at the end of the post. One is my absolute fav Cash/Carter song (as if everyone else doesn't love it too!!) and the other is the best punch line—EVER!! The last one is, well, it's just awesome. So, today I am grateful for people like this. The ones who say what they mean and don't pull no punches. The men and women who see things as either right or wrong. People who remind me of the attitude and determination that build this great nation.

Technology gal I'm not!

2009-02-17T15:42:00.002-06:00

What is the deal with technology? I am happy for most of it but when it comes to phones I admit to be an old fuddy-duddy. Have you read about the second Android phone? It is on hold but there is a first Android phone. You know what? Half of the features sound like something out of Star Trek and none of it makes a darn bit of sense to me.

What happened to a phone that, oh I don't know, made calls and received calls? What happened to green meant on and red meant off? Why must we be able to check our e-mail on every street corner? What happened to being unavailable at lunch? Is there a reason we should be accessible to all people at all times? What is wrong with a little wire running from your ear to the phone? Remember Walkmans? Sigh.

So, when y'all see me running around town, I'll be the one with a phone up to my ear or a chord running from my ear to the phone. I'll be the one without a touch screen (is it just me or does that sound kinky?). I'll be the one using a digital camera (or 35 mm if the mood hits me and I can find film for it!!) to take pictures. I'll be the one using the video recorder that still uses tapes that go into a larger tape and then into a VHS player (look it up if you don't know what that is!!). Not my phone. The phone is for making and receiving calls. Mostly because all the features scare me and I can't hit the right keys with my nails . . .

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-16T11:21:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY February 16 . . .

Outside my window . . .

It is chilly and cloudy and windy. Not a great day to be out and about.

I am thinking . . .

Why must we as women suffer like this every month? Plus there is the expense of all that 'personal' stuff. Sigh. It's a blue day for me today.

I am thankful for . . .

Sweatpants and t-shirts and a job that allows me to wear them to work

From the kitchen . . .

We had steaks and new potatoes with cheese sauce last Friday night. Saturday and Sunday we ate out of Frank's concession stand at the Trade Days (cheeseburger, chili cheese fries, waffles). Good but not great for you!

I am wearing . . .

gray sweatpants, gray T that says Crockett Baseball (a mom shirt from a few years ago when my nephew played fall-ball in Lufkin), tennies

I am creating . . .

camo afghan still!! It's for a friend's son and it is going to take some time to finish b/c she wants it to be 'man-sized' not 'boy-sized'!

I am going . . .

to get some puppy chow for the little one who was pulled from his mommy and doesn't want to be a big one!

I am reading . . .

L.A. Outlaws by T. Jefferson Parker

I am hoping . . .

the sun comes out to cheer up the day

I am hearing . . .

silence, golden silence

Around the house...

I really need to clean up the house and throw lots and lots and lots of stuff away

One of my favorite things...

cute pens. I love pens!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Do some cleaning.

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . can you see him? This was last year in spring time.

Recipe Friday—Pepper Sauce

2009-02-13T10:12:00.002-06:00

Today's recipe is pepper sauce—my granny's recipe! Actually, I am thinking that it is not so much a recipe as a how to but oh well!!

Pepper Sauce

Peppers to suite your taste   (I use hot peppers but you can use banana peppers)

Cider Vinegar to fill container

1. Put the peppers into a jar—I use a quart jar but a friend of ours used whiskey bottles—until full.

2. Bring the vinegar to a boil, and pour over the peppers. (Careful, boiling vinegar is pungent stuff.) 

3. Let it sit a few days to absorb the flavors. The longer it sits the better.

4. Drizzle over peas, greens, or pork roast.

Some people say you can add more boiling vinegar to the peppers after you have eaten all of the vinegar. I don’t do this because I don’t think the flavor is the same and I always have too many peppers to even think about reusing some!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-09T09:47:00.002-06:00

FOR TODAY February 9 . . .

Outside my window . . .

Wet. Wet. Wet. It was raining when I got up this morning and it still looks like it could rain again at any time.

I am thinking . . .

I am so glad I got my laundry done yesterday. It was a gorgeous day for hanging out clothes and I did four loads. So I slept on sheets that smelt like sunshine last night. Oh la la!

I am thankful for . . .

Jiffy who makes inside greenhouses. It is a plastic container that has a plastic lid and small disks of potting soil in net. You put water on the disks and they swell up. Then you can start your seeds inside in a warm place. When it is time to plant outside, you just harden the plants for a week or two and viola!! It is great!

From the kitchen . . .

I fried chicken Saturday night and it was so stinking good!!! I love fried chicken!!

I am wearing . . .

gray lounge pants, teal t-shirt, blue plaid skeecher flips

I am creating . . .

crochet hearts, red trimmed in white and white trimmed in red. hmmm . . . maybe dark pink trimmed in light pink. That would be sooooooooooo cute!!

I am going . . .

to get a few more seeds to plant in my second greenhouse. I am waiting to plant the onions until it is the right phase of the moon but, other than potatoes, that is the only root plants I have.

I am reading . . .

Cut to the Quick by Dianne Emley. Yes I started it last week but I took a break and read Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn.

I am hoping . . .

that Mike (Rose's husband) gets well soon and that his broken hand heals quickly

I am hearing . . .

XIII with Val Kilmer on NBS

Around the house...

we have a new lab puppy

One of my favorite things...

dirt. I love the smell of fresh dirt right after it has been plowed.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Get Will to hook the disk to the tractor and disk up a garden space.

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . .

Recipe Friday

2009-02-06T10:02:00.004-06:00

This is the first post of my new thing. Every Friday I am going to post a new recipe. I'm gonna call it Recipe Friday. Now I'll have to come up with a graphic. Hmmm . . . what do we think it should look like? Oh poo, I'll think about that tomorrow. Now, onto the recipe, this one comes from Rose (my absolute fav aunt!!).

Mexican Cornbread

1 pound hamburger

1/2 medium onion, chopped

—Brown these together and drain.

Add to meat:

1/2 cup jalapeno peppers, chopped

1 (reg. size) can cream style corn

1 small jar pimentos

1 cup grated Monterrey Jack cheese

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese

—In a separate bowl, mix:

2 pkg. cornbread mix (she uses Martha White's white cornbread mix)

2 eggs

Buttermilk to moisten

Mix all ingredients together. Bake in a greased 9 x 13 pan at 400 degrees until done (until knife comes out clean).

And then . . .

2009-02-04T16:21:00.003-06:00

Ever have one of those days? You know the kind I'm talking about. You are rushing b/c you are running late (be it from sleeping too long or from not realizing what the actual time was). You get all of your stuff from one end of the house ready and walk to the other end of the house. You are getting ready to go out the door. Then you realize you did not put on your watch. Trek back to the bedroom at the other end of the house. Back to the outside door.

Then you realize the shoes you want to wear are still in the closet b/c you got out the wrong ones. So, another cross-house trek. Hmmm . . . where's the other shoe? Well I can wear these. No, it's cold outside. Where is that stinking shoe? I know I put them in the closet in twos. Ah, there it is. How did it get on the shelf? Oh well, gotta go. Another cross-house trek.

Bye honey, I'm out the door. Oh no Abby! What did you do to cooler and where is the meat that was thawing in it? Sigh. Deal with that. Go to the car.

Where are my freaking keys?!?!?! ABIGAIL!!! Did you take my keys? Go back in the house. Oh. Sorry Abby. They were still hanging on the key rack. Where is my purse? On the porch swing. Where is the outgoing mail? Still on the table. Go back in the house and get mail.

Crank car. Where is my phone? Back in the house. Cell phone still on charger by door. Hmmm . . . I'm thirsty. Get water out of fridge. Ready to go. Oh no! Where is the book I wanted to finish at lunch? In the bedroom, of course. Another lonely cross-house trek. That is IT!! If I've left anything else I will do without it!!!

Get in the car. Halfway down the driveway realize you are still wearing your house shoes—the pink, faded, stained ones you wear to run out to the wash room. Go back to the house and put on your shoes.

Drive to dad's house to pick up his bills to pay while in town (to save him a trip). Meet him b/c you were running late. Get the bills. Head to town.

Get stopped at road construction you usually miss (they don't start before 7:30 and you are usually at work at that time). Wait. Wait. Wait.

Are they building the Brooklyn Bridge while you are in line? ARGH!! Get to work. FINALLY! Then think of all the things you have to do at lunch and realize you will NOT get to finish that book at lunch. Bummer.

Sigh. And then there is the return trip. Hopefully not as dramatic!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-02T15:08:00.002-06:00

FOR TODAY February 2, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . .

It is a beautiful day! Sunny and warm!

I am thinking . . .

grapes. White seedless grapes. I can snack on those instead of M&Ms. Better for my health but not for my disposition. I am so missing that chocolate!

I am thankful for . . .

the fact that little dribblers is not an all year thing and the endless games WILL end.

From the kitchen . . .

Nothing. When Will is being mean and hateful, I don't cook. Period.

I am wearing . . .

blue denim dress and flips

I am creating . . .

nothing. Doing a lot of reading.

I am going . . .

to finish the clothespin bag I have made and make another one for Mrs. Pat (since she gave me the pattern)

I am reading . . .

Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz. It is an Arcane Society novel and, if I like it, I may just have to buy the whole series and read it from the beginning.

I am hoping . . .

grapes are really healthier than chocolate and my hips shrink

I am hearing . . .

Fringe—great new series!!

Around the house...

still clutter and chaos

One of my favorite things...

pink

A few plans for the rest of the week:

get caught up on the washing

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . raccoons and snow.

A hunting tale

2009-01-29T16:56:00.004-06:00

Found this from when I wrote about it last year and forgot to post it here (old age or dementia, you pick). So, here's a tale of woe and love, from my house to yours.

I took my nephew hunting on the 25th for youth season. He has killed a doe and a small buck (we only knew it was a buck by his equipment and it was his first deer, killed right at the end of the last day to hunt).

The day started off good. We were in my dad's box blind bright and early and raring to go. Saw nothing but heard the neighbor's dogs running deer on the other end of the pasture in the the pine plantation (will be speaking to them rather sternly about keeping their dogs at home now that we have seen the dogs and know where they belong ). He was so disappointed. But we had the afternoon hunt.

That afternoon we sat on the 60 acre lease where our friend's grandson shot a 7 point that morning. Sat there and sat there. Small blind, lots of sunshine, and he drank all the water within the first hour. Note to self: make him bring his own water to the stand and refuse to share mine next time.

The feeder goes off. Nothing. Then "Aunt Shannon, Aunt Shannon—LOOK!" I have to say SSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH because it's not like deer have exceptional hearing or anything like that. So I watch and watch and watch. Ok, I think he is good. Get your gun up and get ready. Taylor, be quiet. DON'T drop the shooting stick! Breath, Taylor, breath. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me. Okay, breath, stop panting like a dog. Close your eyes and take a few deep breathes. Okay, now, wait for him to turn. Get a good shot. Take the safety off first . . . remember to squeeze the trigger. WAIT! STOP! Let him turn sideways . . . okay, now (and I hear the voice of Ralph in my head like a bad dream) aim for the other shoulder. Then I heard it come out of my mouth so it must make good sense.

I get the "huh?" look. So I am telling him to aim for the other shoulder b/c that is where you want the exit wound to be. Oh, okay. Did Uncle Will tell you that? Um, no. Someone much smarter and shorter did. (hehe! Luv ya Ralph!) Then I am back in the moment. Remember squeeze the trigger. Don't jerk it. Squeeze, when you're ready. Then, we hear CLICK!! Yep. We forgot to put one in the barrel. Oh. My. Gosh. Taylor don't move. Don't even breathe deeply. Wait for it. Okay, hand me the gun, slowly.

I am easing the lever up and the bolt back, ever so stinking slowly, easing the bolt back up and the lever down, ever so slowly. WHEW! And the deer is still there. What a fluke! So we go through the whole aim for the other shoulder, squeeze the trigger, breathe, don't jerk routine again. Only this time he is angling a little away so I am telling him where to aim so it goes through. He fires! Who can tell if he hit the deer?!?!?! I was watching him instead of the deer and he is too excited. Okay, we wait a few minutes. Then I have to use the bathroom and tell him to wait in the blind. No, don't get out with me. Sit there. Okay, I am going to slip my croc's off and ease down to where the deer was to see if there is blood. You stay here.

I do the whole sneaking through the forest thing (and hear the deer fall out to the left). Yes there is blood. Yes it is lung blood. Motion to Taylor to come down there. STOP!!! Get the gun. STOP! Don't sound like a herd of elephants running, slow down! Ease down here. Okay, good blood. Let's get the stuff out of the blind, take it to the truck, call someone to let them know what time it is and where we are going, then come back and see if we can find your deer. When in doubt, get out (stupid voice in my head, wonder if drugs can get rid of it???).

An hour after Taylor shot the deer we are ready to head back and look for him (not that long to get to blind and back to the truck but I made him walk slow and easy and take some time to breath and calm down—mean, cruel, horrible aunt/witch that I am!!!. We are leaving the truck to go back and we hear my dad crank up at his house and floor his diesel to get to where we are (he lives a dirt road and a pasture over from where we were hunting).

We start at the beginning and ease down through the woods. Taylor stay behind me. Don't walk in front of me. What if you step on the blood and we have trouble finding the trail? Don't just go crashing out in the middle of the forest not knowing where you are going. Follow the blood.

Then we see the deer. I mean me and my dad. Taylor couldn't see it until he almost stepped on him. I made him trail the blood until he saw the deer (yes, I know, Taylor thought some harsh things about me too!). Then it was Katy-bar-the-door! Oh my goodness! Talk about one excited 11 year old! All the horrible thoughts he was having about me just flew right out of his little blonde head!!! EIGHT POINTS!!!! Are you sure? We all had to count them, just in case we did not believe him and I had forgotten from studying him in the binoculars earlier!

Then my dad offers to tote the gun and let me and Taylor drag the deer out. Yeah. Lots of help considering Taylor is almost as tall as me and could turn sideways and hide behind a t-post. Who do you think did the work dragging that darn thing out? Oh yeah, candy a** me. Sigh.

So I have one 11 year old who worships the ground I walk on and one upset husband who is upset because he wanted to be the one to get Taylor his first "real" deer. Life at my house is never boring.

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-29T11:46:00.004-06:00

My post today will be a pictorial post. As in the pics I took this morning when I went outside to hang clothes on the clothesline (the pic of the clothes on the line will not be included b/c I realized after I looked at it on the computer that a few 'unmentionables' could be seen from the angle I took the picture and THAT's not gonna be on display for the whole world to see!!). So, without further ado, my Thankful Thursday pictures. These are the things that were gorgeous at my house this morning and that I thanked God for as I looked outside. Man He is something!!

Red hair and all

2009-01-28T15:26:00.002-06:00

After talking to neighbors and having them ask about the red hair I used to have when I was little, I asked my husband about my hair color. While I realize that it is not the carrot orange it was in my youth, it still has a reddish tint. WELL that was a mistake! He (being bluntly honest, to a fault) said "You must admit it is an icky brown."

So, I dyed it. Flaming red. Unfortunately, the flaming part was not even. There are still a few ends of "icky brown" on one side. His words, and I quote b/c I am traumatized beyond belief by this, "What in the h*ll did you do? Your hair looks like sh*t!" After I said that it was no longer "icky brown" in color, he says "Even that looked better than this sh*t."

I am now looking at using henna to dye my hair. Lucille Ball used henna and her hair was gorgeous. Of course she had hairdressers but I have been looking at how to do it at the house. It looks like it should be as easy as the chemical stuff that I have been using. Plus, it appears that the stuff that I was using is manufactured in China (and other places). You know, where they don't have regulations and all that stuff about what you can/can't put in the stuff and where they don't have cleanliness standards and where there are no inspections. Who knows what they can do there? Who knows if someone has blown their nose in the bottles? I know, I know, the whole disgusting scenario could happen anywhere. But if I do the henna powder mixed with lemon juice and water I know what I am putting on my hair. I'm also looking into making lots of stuff to clean the house.

National Chocolate Cake Day

2009-01-27T11:22:00.002-06:00

Today is National Chocolate Cake Day and we should all celebrate appropriately!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-26T11:09:00.001-06:00

FOR TODAY January 26, 2009 (My daddy's 66th birthday!!!) . . .

Outside my window . . .

It is an icky looking day. Showers are predicted but who knows.

I am thinking . . .

About what I am going to do for supper

I am thankful for . . .

my dad having a drier

From the kitchen . . .

We made 40 pounds of ground meat into chili and put a hog and 3 chickens on the pit yesterday. I also made (from scratch) a banana pudding and a pecan pie for my dad for his birthday. Talk about a busy day.

I am wearing . . .

blue denim dress and flips

I am creating . . .

pretty much nothing this week. I am reading a lot.

I am going . . .

to have chocolate cake tomorrow for National Chocolate Cake day!

I am reading . . .

Pride by Rachel Vincent and next up is Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr. Both are in a series and are great!

I am hoping . . .

the rain will come and go so I can hang stuff out on the line

I am hearing . . .

silence

Around the house...

it is chaos and clutter

One of my favorite things...

new book smell

A few plans for the rest of the week:

survive

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . gotta love him!

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-22T11:10:00.005-06:00

I need to be more attentive to God and Will so I am going to start the list every Thursday with them, but with a twist. I will come up with different reasons for my thankfulness. Last week it was provider of all things and Will be a decent man who comes home, has a job, etc.

So, onward, ho!

I am thankful for:

God. The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you. I need to rely more on His grace and less on myself.
Will. He has a stressful job as a manager at Sam's in Lufkin and I need to be more understanding of the difficulty of his job.
Birds. The Eastern Wood-PeeWees I see at my feeders all the time, the American Male Goldfinch I saw several times while hunting in October (he still had his summer plumage), and the Red-Bellied Woodpecker I have seen for several days out the window at work (must have been a female b/c the red on the males heads go all the way to their beaks and hers was just on the back of her head). Can you tell my bird book came in?!?!? I love it! It is Field Guide to Birds of North America by Kenn Kaufman. The cover is on upside down on mine but I bought it used for very little so I can't complain. In fact, I kinda like that it is not perfect. It gives it character!
Sweet tea. I'm from the south and I think it is a law here that you have to drink sweet iced tea!
Anita Renfroe. I have her perpetual calendar at my desk at work and it makes me smile each and every day.
The color pink. It makes me happy.
The smell of the air before it rains. It is a clean, fresh, humid smell. I love it!
The wind when it whistles in the trees. It almost seems as if it is talking to me.
Sunshine. I like to sit outside on one of the first few days of warm sunshine after along winter and soak up the sun. Kinda like a lizard but without the green scaly skin.
The smell of burning leaves. Who can honestly say they don't like that smell? It announces to me that spring is officially here and it is time to clean out the flower beds and get to planting!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-19T17:01:00.005-06:00

FOR TODAY January 19, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . .

Beautiful sunshine but lots and lots of blustery wind!

I am thinking . . .

I am going to paint my clothesline poles red! hehe! They are in the ground and I am going to sand them down and paint them (to keep them from rusting) and am looking at red. Or maybe hot pink. Hmmmm . . .

I am thankful for . . .

the members of my church. They are good eggs!

From the kitchen . . .

Taylor and I made a crustless chocolate pie (with meringue) for church yesterday. Janet and her mom made cowboy stew for everyone and I couldn't go without taking something (that's just not in my nature!). So we started with sugar, corn starch, milk, eggs, and chocolate. That's a lot of stirring and timing!

I am wearing . . .

capri jeans and teal t-shirt

I am creating . . .

time to read!

I am going . . .

home and am thrilled to be doing that!

I am reading . . .

Fresh Ground Faith by Jennifer Rothschild (Devotions to awaken your spirit) and Night Huntress by Yasmine Galenorn

I am hoping . . .

my pear tree cutting root and grow and that my seeds I am going to plant in the house this week do well

I am hearing . . .

birds, there are tons of them out and about this afternoon

Around the house...

It is quiet post-Taylor! He spent the weekend with us and it is amazing how much noise a quiet 11-year-old can make. I cannot begin to imagine a noisy one!!

One of my favorite things...

hummingbirds

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Get the clothesline poles painted and the lines up

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . .

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-15T11:04:00.003-06:00

I am thankful for:

God. The provider of all things.
Talk radio. I was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about people wanting Darwin's Theory of Evolution to be taught as fact in schools and how it is just a theory and if we are going to teach one theory we should teach them all. Then they went on to talk about the belief that the universe was born on the back of an elephant. One question: Where did the elephant come from? Talk about an AHA moment.
Good neighbors. We have had bad neighbors and they make the good ones that much better!
Will. I know, I know, I grumble and fuss about him and there are times I could just squeeze his neck until his head pops off. But he has his good qualities. He comes after work instead of going to a bar. He doesn't drink his paychecks away. He has a job (which is a great thing in this day and age!!). He gets along with my dad. He is willing to take Taylor hunting. He goes to church with me (on occasion). All in all, more good points than bad.
Chocolate. God was in a great mood on the day that He invented that stuff!!
Root beer.
Chili Cheese Fritos (can you tell I am PMSing today?)
Guns. I like knowing I can take a gun that I own and shoot something for supper. That I am capable of providing for my family in that area.
Books. I love to read and I love the things I can learn from reading. I have ordered a book on birds (so I can identify the ones at my feeder) and a book on gardening (actually it is Gardening for Dummies, I figured I should start slow and work my way up). What a great idea to have all this knowledge in a book?
Birds. I am amazed and delighted every day when I see all the different ones in my backyard. They thrill me to no end. Thanks to Mrs. Eason (who used to feed a couple sacks a week and watch all the birds with a bird book in hand) I now know the joys of watching birds. This spring I will put out hummingbird feeders but for now the big birds reign supreme!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-12T11:09:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY January 12, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . .

It is a gorgeous day! Cold and sunny. Hopefully the sun lasts today and for several days b/c our drier on/off button croaked Sunday morning (after an all-night marathon to get rid of the Mount Washmore in the master bathroom). So, we strung the clothesline that I was saving for a craft project and that I will now have to replace with something else b/c, apparently, clothesline stretches when it is used. Who knew?

I am thinking . . .

that I want Will to get busy and move clothesline poles a friend of ours gave us. I love hanging clothes out to dry (love the smell of sunshine, even though Will says I am crazy to think that I can smell sunshine in the clothes). Sigh. I WANT those poles!!! hehe!

I am thankful for . . .

my friends—the ones who love me and support me no matter what and are there when I need a friend.

From the kitchen . . .

I made hamburger patties smothered in gravy last night at Will's request. Turns out that has always been one of his favorites from when he was a child. Who knew? Why hasn't he said something about it before? I love stuff like that (what isn't better with gravy?!?!?). Anywho, it was great and I will be making it again now that I know it is something that the picky eater in the family loves.

I am wearing . . .

Blue jean dress with changeable collar and new brown/green multi-strand beads that I am absolutely in love with (they also have matching earrings!!).

I am creating . . .

a pink scarf (duplicate of the one I made for Jamie) for Jaycee. It will fit her personality to a T.

I am going . . .

to exchange the shirts I got for Mr. Robert (they are too small), starting to do meal planning (for health reasons, sanity reasons, and money reasons). hmmm . . . squash with onions and butter sounds divine for supper. Wonder what I could fix with it that Will would eat.

I am reading . . .

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

I am hoping . . .

the sun continues to shine and it gets colder than cold so I can get some cuttings from the pear trees at my Dad's house. I may try some cuttings from my tree at the house this week after a few days of colder weather just to see.

I am hearing . . .

the fluorescent lights humming

Around the house...

The clothes are washed with the exception of the sheets and the few that have gotten dirty since the all night marathon of washing.

One of my favorite things...

new book smell

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Work on decluttering the living room

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . .

Finally Friday

2009-01-09T16:16:00.003-06:00

I was starting to think that this week would be one without end. Whew! I don't know why I am so thrilled to see it end. This weekend is the trade days in Lufkin so I will be up at the bu** crack of dawn the next two days and be out in the weather (it is promising to be freaking cold!!) and dirt. Somehow I seem to get filthy even though we have a tent and all the stuff is up on tables. Sigh. Oh well. Hopefully this month won't be too bad.

Okay, this is what my friend and her two grandsons got me for my birthday:

Isn't it adorable?!?!?! You pop the 'crystal ball' (think Trouble for those of you out there old enough to remember playing board games!). The dice in it gives you the answer to your question (think Magic 8 ball answers!) and dispenses M&Ms on the side. How stinking cool is that? I love it!! It is so me—deliciously tacky combined with chocolate! How original can ya get??? hehe!

Anywho, I'll be back on Monday with The Simple Woman's Daybook and hopefully some extra money in my pocket.

Tottles y'all!

Thankful Thursdays

2009-01-08T15:21:00.006-06:00

I have so many things to be thankful for so I will do it in list format (and probably few paragraphs along the way!). I think 10 is a good round number

The peace I have when I am sitting in a deer stand—no one asking me where something is, no one expecting me to cook/clean up, no one calling me, no time limit. Just me, my thoughts, and books (yes, books, plural, I take several with me in case I finish the one I am in the middle of reading b/c it just wouldn't do for me to run out. I have extra books in all the vehicles—including a few in my dad's vehicles—and the mule.).
The support of my dad in a traditionally "male" activity. Actually, his support in all things I end up doing that are thought of being in the male domain (bunching logs, feeding cows, fixing fence, running a bulldozer). Granted I am usually helping him when I get in the midst of all this but he thinks that women should be able to take care of themselves and stand on their own (that way they are never in an abusive situation with no options and end up having to stay).
Jess. She keeps me grounded and reminds me what it was like to be a teenager. Plus she is my social world. If it weren't for her playing volleyball, basketball, softball, and showing goats and lambs, I wouldn't go anywhere or meet any new people!!
My grandmother. Even though she is gone now, she raised me and I still find myself quoting her and saying things like "Well, that's how my grandmother did it and if it was good enough for her, it's good enough for everyone else!"
The box blinds I get to hunt out of. I love the windows and the heaters!!
The opportunity to take my nephew hunting (and get him his first deer with horns!!!). It doesn't matter what you are doing, what you enjoy, you should always find a way to introduce a kid to it. Even if it is nothing more than walking in nature. They need the time with someone who cares and you need the time teaching someone else about the things you love (but don't come whining to me when you run out of answers to their million and one questions!!!).
The flowers that come up in my yard.
The birds at my feeders. I have several different types in the winter and hummingbirds in the spring and summer. This is another thing my grandmother instilled in me. She would sit for hours and watch the hummingbirds and squirrels.
The pond at my dad's house. The one I helped dig the summer I learned how to drive the bulldozer (thanks Mr. Author!! the man who turned me loose on one and took up for me with my dad when he found out!! hehe!). It means to much to me to know I helped build that. Plus I stocked it and kept records on it the entire time I was in FFA. My grandmother fished almost everyday after the fish were big enough to catch. Daddy would come home from the woods and she would have several fish in the sink (in water, of course!!) for him to clean. He got tired of that quick, fast, and in a hurry and taught me how to clean the stinking things. UGH!! You know, I miss cleaning fish every day for my grandmother.
Red fingernail polish. Seriously. My grandmother used to try to lighten my hair b/c it was red and she would not allow me to wear red anything b/c red was a 'whorey' color and only 'floozies' would be caught wearing it. Oh yeah. And you wonder where all my weirdness comes from!!

I have been thinking about my grandmother a lot this week—it happens around the first of every year when I have been cooking a lot of stuff using her recipes and when my mind turns to planting a garden (not that I have done one in years but I always think/talk about one every year). She would have been 86 January 30 and loved to go out to the garden with a salt shaker and eat tomatoes off the vine that had been warmed by the sun. She would take a knife out to the pear orchard and eat several while out there picking them and she always told the story about Aunt Lou while we were peeling pears. Aunt Lou was little and they were all peeling pears. Aunt Lou was eating them almost as fast as she could peel them. And, we all know what too many fresh pears can do to the digestive track! Yep. She did not make it to the outhouse in time. The boys (there were 6 boys and 5 girls) were teasing her about it and chasing her around the house. So, she took her underwear off and threw them at the boys. Granny would stop here b/c she was laughing too much to finish the rest of the story so I don't know if they ever stopped teasing her or not!

Garden Plotting 101 . . . NOT!

2009-01-07T13:08:00.010-06:00

I am planning a garden this year (I know, I know, Will has already groaned and made the obligatory derogative remarks so y'all can just leave that alone). I don't want a huge spot b/c I don't want to invest forever and a day in this endeavor. I want a small plot for a few things (tomatoes and jalapeno for salsa; chili peppers for pepper sauce; cucumbers for sweet pickles; squash, okra, potatoes, multiplying onions, watermelons, and cantaloupes). So I started out in my search for how to plot out a garden spot. There are no stinking pictures!!! All the sites I seem to come across have tons of words telling you to plant tall plants on the south side, short plants on the north side, and watch the shade b/c lots of things don't want direct sun. Where are all the pictures of garden plots that I can work with? Even the sites for beginner gardeners seem to think you should have a basic knowledge already. Well, guess what? I don't.

The entire time I was growing up we had gardens. I can remember the order of the two gardens that held corn and peas (yes, you read right, peas, plural, as in different types—purple hulls, zippers, creams, big boys, red rippers . . . the list goes on and on) b/c I picked them year after year after year and sold them to make money for school clothes and supplies. Lest you think I felt left out in the fall, I also sold pears by the bushel in October.

But, for some reason, I cannot for the life of me remember the order of the third garden. I remember cucumbers were the last row on one end next to the pear orchard so they could run out the edge. Then there were several rows of potatoes. Then a few rows of butterbeans (absolutely delicious food, heck on the person picking and shelling those little buggers—they were about 4 inches tall and the hulls have sharp points on each end). Then who freaking knows?!?!? I know we grew onions, multiplying onions (which we ate fresh from the garden with fresh peas that had snaps in them!), tomatoes, squash, okra, turnip greens, beets, radishes, sweet banana pepper, hot peppers (for pepper sauce), and eggplant (ICK!! not in my garden!!). I also know that there are some plants that should be planted next to each other and some plants that should be planted rows apart (very good information here). But who knows what goes where? I finally found this great chart and will use it extensively!

I do know that I am going to build a trellis as seen here for the cucumber plants to grow on instead of having them run across the ground and the cucumbers rot on the bottom b/c they are on the ground.

I'm sure there will be more garden posts as spring goes one. For now I am going to have to figure out how to unhook the mower from the tractor and hook the disk up to the tractor. Sigh. Not that I am not capable of this but it's not my favorite thing in the world.

Butterflies

2009-01-06T11:21:00.001-06:00

Myspace Graphics

Am I the only person who loves butterflies?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-05T12:17:00.005-06:00

FOR TODAY January 5, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . .

It was raining and now it is drippy and ugh!

I am thinking . . .

about my friends and acquantiances and wondering what it takes to make an acquantaince a friend.

I am thankful for . . .

so many things! I was sitting in the deer stand yesterday thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for. In fact, I am going to start a thankful journal but I am going to do it here on Thursdays. In fact, I will be using this button (kinda like I do the Simple Woman’s Daybook on Mondays):

From the kitchen . . .

Salads and fruits!! One of my resolutions this year was to eat healthier and cut down on the chocolate (oh. my. gosh. this is difficult!!). So I have a huge bag of salad I mixed up last night that will come to work with me tomorrow (got too many errands at lunch today!). It includes lettuce, spinach, cucumber slices, grated carrots, diced multiplying onions, and chunks of green bell peppers (I'm not overly fond of tomatoes except on cheeseburgers!). I have fully cooked baby shrimp for a few days and am going to grill some chicken for others. All with a catalina dressing.

I am wearing . . .

Blue jean dress with a black collar and black slip on shoes.

I am creating . . .

a red scarf for a friend and an afghan for Jamie

I am going . . .

to the grocery store at lunch. Have I mentioned how I hate grocery shopping? No? Not since last year? Well, I have to admire my restraint!! hehe!

I am reading . . .

the Bible and End of the Drive by Louis L’Amour

I am hoping . . .

the rain clears out or at least goes on hiatus while I am running errands at lunch!

I am hearing . . .

silence. It is golden.

Around the house...

I did not get anything done while I was off!!! Went hunting morning and evening and did other stuff with my dad in between (did I mention we have two new puppies at our house from last week and have moved logging equipment and skinned a hog???).

One of my favorite things...

realizing someone has been sent into your life by God at a specific time for a reason. I felt like I should return a book to Dawn on Tuesday. It was no hurry, no reason for it to be returned on that specific day but I just couldn’t get over the feeling it should be that day. Then I find out why. She was going with an outreach group to a maximum security prison for the weekend to pray and teach the word of God. Her husband was not going to stand in her way if that was what she felt led to do, but he was concerned for her safety (as is understandable). She wanted to put me down on the list as someone who would be praying for the women in the prison during this weekend and for the volunteers who were going in. And she wanted to know that I would pray for her husband. It was God’s will that I return her book to her on that day and talk with her about her plans. I get goosebumps when I think about it. (P.S. I have talked to dawn today and it went so well, she had a great time, the people she was working with had a great time, she felt safe at all times. Life is good.)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Clean the living room, work on getting Will to eat some salads, start organizing the bills/etc. (another new years resolution), order knives for this weekend (trade days in Lufkin).

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . picture of one of my flower beds just before everything pops open. Why can't it be that warm?!?!? Hopefully it will get cold and stay cold for 4-5 days. We are wanting to get cuttings off of pear trees behind my dad's house (they were at least 137 years old when I was in the 4th grade and we did the research for a historical marker at the end of my dad's driveway on Coltharp—that was the earliest stories we found about people coming to get pears from the grove). We have tried before but something always ended up happening to them. This time I am planting them in huge mineral tubs for 2-3 years before we plant them out in the ground.

The last of the year . . .

2008-12-23T12:25:00.002-06:00

We are having our office Christmas party today and then we are gone until January 5. Woo hoo!!!

So, from our house to yours:

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-22T16:43:00.009-06:00

FOR TODAY December 22 . . .

Outside my window . . .
It is absolutely freezing!!! Saturday it was in the 70s and now it is in the 30s!!!

I am thinking . . .
I will have to get busy and finish a scarf for a friend/co-worker since we are having our party tomorrow!

I am thankful for . . .
my dad. We spent the entire weekend together and it was great. We hunted, went grocery shopping, moved equipment, and just had a great time.

From the kitchen . . .
I am making Whiskey Glazed Carrots for the office Christmas party tomorrow and maybe Holiday Bacon Appetizers (depending on how lively I’m feeling when I get home!!!). Thanks to Ree at The Pioneer Woman for the recipes (I salivate on my keyboard while reading her recipes!!!).

For Christmas, my MIL has decreed that we are having untraditional foods. SO, brisket, beans (I’m making them), potato salad, cole slaw, etc. What fun!!! DH is not happy about it. Apparently he dreams of chicken and dressing all year long. I did not have the heart to tell him I could cook it later. He is seriously bummed. Oh well.

Okay, beans. I make them totally different than his mother and he made the mistake of telling me that early on in the ten year marriage. He gets them only when we BBQ with my dad and on special occassions. I put a package of homemade venison pan sausage in the crock pot, then I add a hunk of salt pork (for flavor, y’all), half a yellow onion smushed in the food processor b/c DH doesn’t like onion and will refuse to eat something if he sees chunks of onion in it (but he LOVES onion rings, go figure), then the beans and water. My secret ingredient is chili powder. Some people add tomatoes. I am a bean purist. Tomatoes belong on hamburgers, NOT in my beans. Other people don’t want meat in their beans, but honeys, I make beans that are a complete meal with cornbread and you gotta have meat!!!

I am wearing . . .
Blue jean dress with a black collar and black slip on shoes (did I mention it’s freaking freezing out there?!?!?! I am wearing semi-real shoes today in honor of the temp).

I am creating . . .
a red scarf for Pam and a Santa Hat toilet paper cover (cute and useless—perfect for so many people!!!)

I am going . . .
to be so stinking busy for the next few days

I am reading . . .
crochet patterns and Welcome to Serenity by Sherryl Woods (a Sweet Magnolias novel!!)

I am hoping . . .
that everything I cook turns out fabulous!

I am hearing . . .
Christmas Cookies by George Strait

Around the house...
it is cluttered and messy and I don’t have time to even care. Will does though so I am sure I will spend lots of time on my week off attempting to organize the clutter. Or maybe not. It is still deer season. Hmmmmm . . .

One of my favorite things...
The day after Christmas. I can sleep in or go hunting and nobody is expecting ANYTHING from me!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Cook, cook, and more cooking! Oh, and crocheting.

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . Merry Christmas from our house to yours

Me and My Favorite Aunt (at least until she kills me for this!!!)

2008-12-19T11:21:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer for the link to this awesomely fun site—ElfYourself!!!

Rose is my half aunt (I think that is how it works!!) and I LOVE her!!! hehe!! And I am sending her this link so who knows how long she will be speaking to me or how many more days I have to live!

Me and Rose

Fiesta Giveaway!!

2008-12-15T16:19:00.006-06:00

Oh wow!!! Can you imagine!!! FIESTAWARE giveaway!!! As in, if you are picked, you could win 4 place settings of this—in the colors you pick!!! Just click here, follow the link through time and space to 'The Ravings of a Mad Housewife' and enter. She will draw one extremely lucky winner on Christmas Eve.

Good luck y'all!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-15T11:34:00.009-06:00

FOR TODAY December 15...
Outside my window . . .
It even looks cold!!! brrrrrr!!!!! Last night we had no heaters on and I woke up at midnight hot. This morning was stinkin’ cold!!! I predict record numbers of cold and other sickness this year with all the funky weather changes we are having!

I am thinking . . .
Where oh where are all my winter coats and turtle necks? How can they dissapear so quickly?

I am thankful for . . .
indoor plumbing and running hot/cold water! Seriously. I talked to the Thompson’s on Saturday (they are the adorable couple who have been married 47 years and have the booth next to us at the Lufkin Trade Days) and he was telling me that his dad refused to have indoor plumbing. So, until the day he moved out, he had to trek to an outhouse. Oh. My. Color me grateful for modern inventions.

From the kitchen . . .
Will baked some elk steak last night in Italian dressing. Eh. I ate a piece with A1 (is there anything A1 doesn’t make better?!?!?!). Not my favorite. But the boiled corn on the cob was perfect!!!

I am wearing . . .
Mossy Oak sweat shirt, Rockies that are ages old, slip on clogs (brown plaid, purple patches w/pink flowers—too stinkin’ cute!)

I am creating . . .
purple curly scarf trimmed in red fun fur for my MIL when she has her Red Hat Meeting at the nursing home

I am going . . .
once again, grocery shopping. This time I need soap for the dishwasher (hmmm . . . maybe not after I google cheap cleaning supplies—ok, mix equal parts of Borax and baking soda, use 2 Tbsp. per dishwasher load) and milk. Did you know they make a powdered buttermilk? A lady was telling me about this Saturday (I learn so much from older women at the trade days!!!). How perfect is that?

I am reading . . .
‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ by Judith McNaught

I am hoping . . .
that the people who saw me stumble and nearly go head over tea kettle at Wal-Mart and said (later on in the parking lot as they were walking to their car and in a loud voice to make sure I—and every other person in a one mile radius—could hear them ) “Some people should pick up their feet when they walk!” are not visited by the mean fairy b/c I know every time I say something mean and rude like that the whole ‘do unto others’ thing comes back to bite me in the bu**.

I am hearing . . .
Christmas music

Around the house...
I am almost through with the Christmas presents. Almost.

One of my favorite things...
Anita Renfroe. I found her 1 year flip calendar at Wal-Mart today and have almost read through the entire year. That girl is funny now!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Finish the kitchen sets for the SILs.

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . a plateful of divinity. You can tell by the size of my bu** and thighs that I LOVE to eat. Mrs. Oma used to make homemade candy at Christmas and the one thing that I adored (and would beg for, if the truth be known) was divinity. So, here is a pic of that much loved ambrosia and a recipe (just in case your Mrs. Oma, like mine, has gone on to make this in heaven) from my all time favorite cook, Paula Deen.

Ingredients

4 cups sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
3/4 cup cold water
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir only until sugar has dissolved. Do not stir after this point. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.

While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 250 degrees F, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in pecans.

Using 2 spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using 1 spoon to push the candy off the other. This may take a little practice because the technique is to twirl the pushing spoon, making the candy look like the top of a soft serve ice cream. If the candy becomes too stiff, add a few drops of hot water. You will need to work fast when making this type of candy. After you spoon the cooked sugar and nuts onto the waxed paper, you're done. Cool the candies on racks completely. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Scarves finished!

2008-12-12T14:31:00.005-06:00

Finished!! Well, with three of them anyway.

I finished three curly scarves. A red one trimmed in black fun fur, a purple one trimmed in white, and a red one trimmed in white (it's Christmas, what did you expect?). I made the purple one smaller b/c it's going to a 4 year old. I wore the red and black one in to Wal-Mart this morning and people were just staring. As if they had never seen someone wear a scarf before!!! Okay, I'll admit, it is East Texas. Even though it was cold this morning, they may have never seen someone wear such a GORGEOUS scarf before!!! hehe! I am now working on a cream one trimmed in brown for a lady that works with Will. She wears scarves all the time and a lot of brown.

Southern Snow

2008-12-11T11:38:00.005-06:00

It snowed last night!!! Oh it was so beautiful when I left the house this morning!!! Unfortunately it was also colder than a witch's t . . . uh, well digger's a . . . uh, hmmm. I have just realized that I don't know any 'colder than' phrases that are repeatable here. Who'da thunk it? Let me do a quick google search for something southern I can type here. Okay, it was colder than an old maid's bed in March or colder than a bad marriage.

They just don't have the same zing, do they? Have you ever noticed how many southern expressions were only used by men (b/c women did not use that language) but were absolutely scintillating?!?!?! I mean, let's be honest here, women were not crass or crude and did not use such language. Where was the fun in that?

And have y'all ever noticed that a southern woman can get away with saying anything about anyone if she prefaces it with "Lord love her/him, and you know I do, but . . ."? What is up with that? Not that I don't use that phrase all the stinkin' time!

And heaven forbid a southern lady ever spit out what she is trying to say. I personally believe that all the great euphemisms came from southern women. 'Born on the wrong side of the sheet' (who knew there was a right and wrong side to the sheet?!??!). 'Three sheets to the wind' (why not just say so drunk he couldn't even crawl up the steps?). 'Ruffled feathers' (why not just say you ticked them off?).

Anyone else have a quant southern saying they love?

Tuesday's Child was re-wearing clothes

2008-12-09T16:40:00.004-06:00

Today was just like any other—what is in the closet that I feel like wearing? Where are my faded capris, oh, dirty. Where are all of my mom shirts from Jess's volleyball team, oh yeah, dirty. Are y'all seeing a pattern here?

Can I just admit, once and for all, I HATE housework?!?!?!?!?!? To be fair, it hates me back. Seriously. I think my house gets dirty and cluttered just to aggravate me. MIL was a neat freak and her house was spotless while DH was growing up. Guess what he expects from me? HA! Ask him how many times it has actually happened.

So, how to solve this problem? I vote for having a HUGE estate sale and starting over. Will votes for me cleaning the house. He will even get tacky about it. Guess what? It doesn't bother me. I don't care if there are trails through the house, I just figure it will alert me if someone breaks in.

Anyone else out there living with the polar opposite when it comes to clean/cluttered house? Please tell me we are not the only ones on the planet with this issue?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-08T15:45:00.007-06:00

For today December 8

Outside My Window . . .
Windy and dark. The forecast is calling for rain tonight, tomorrow, and tomorrow night.

I am thinking . . .
I am so glad I am closing in on the end of Christmas presents.
I am thankful for . . .
the time I get to spend in a deer stand on the weekends. It is relaxing, a time to read (uninterrupted).

From the kitchen . . .
I am frying deer steak tonight for supper. We will have corn on the cob and I don’t know what else.

I am wearing . . .
teal t-shirt, blue jean carpris, fuzzy pink slip-on house shoes (I run around in them here at the office)

I am creating . . .
Christmas gifts galore!

I am going . . .
home

I am reading . . .crochet patterns!

Around the house . . .
the puppies have discovered the porch so we are tip-toeing around little ‘land mines’ until we find new homes for them or they learn to go in the pasture. Anyone want an adorable puppy for Christmas?

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week
get a few more things done for the weekend and hang on. This weekend is trade days in Lufkin AND Christmas in Kennard. I will have to pack up early Saturday in Lufkin and boogie to Kennard b/c I am one of the judges in the Christmas parade.

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . . Taylor and JR with Taylor's first doe of the season.

Christmas stuff

2008-12-04T11:52:00.008-06:00

I am aspiring to make Christmas gifts this year instead of the all out gorgefest of shopping that usually happens about this time. Ugh! You know what I am talking about. At the beginning of December you realize that Christmas is a few days away and you have nothing!! So you run out in a rush and buy something for everyone you know. A few days before Christmas you realize you either a. forgot someone or b. they have completely changed their lifestyle since last and are no longer into that.

This year I am making kitchen sets

for the 2 SILs (the black/white one on the left belongs to Jackie b/c her house is done in zebra prints, cheetah prints, peacock feather, etc.) and my MIL (I am safe saying this b/c they don't read my blog and wouldn't know how to find it if they knew about it—not a computer literate one in the bunch!) that include two towels, two dish cloths, two sponges, and some coasters. I will make a Santa hat toilet paper topper for each one of them if I get the pattern in time (they will get it next year if not this year). Why? Because they all go all out decorating for Christmas and this would be the perfect gift!! hehe!

For Jamie I am making the throw in sunburst colors. Her mom is getting a couple of Christmas trees because she also decorates and the ones I am making are perfect for a table topper. I'll have to post a picture when I get finished.

A pictorial walk down memory lane

2008-12-03T13:35:00.007-06:00

Granny, me, Lance, and Trent. No idea when but Lance and I were probably 3 or 4.

My granddaddy and me with my second birthday cake. Oh my I was so stinking cute!!
My granddaddy, Trent, and me. This was in Dec. 1975 (pic was developed in 01/76), so I would have been almost 1 (if taken on Christmas day b/c I would have turned 1 on the 30th).

Daddy, Hoss (dog), Bo, Brandy (dog), Bubba, Air (dog). March '97. Notice the ever-present Coke bottle in my Dad's hand?

My granddaddy and me at my 2nd birthday party (man I had gorgeous hair!!! hehe!)

Daddy and the mule that was 17 hands high (no name here b/c was very bad!!). The truck is the yellow Mack he had forever that I rode in all the stinking time to the mill when I was bunching logs for him. Ugh! I do not miss the mule nor the truck!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-02T09:04:00.003-06:00

For today November 24

Outside My Window . . .
It is freaking cold!!! It was 26 this morning at my house.

I am thinking . . .
I am going to have togo shopping on my lunch hour and I am not happy :(

I am thankful for . . .
Friends who have great ideas for homemade Christmas gifts!

From the kitchen . . .
we made sausage yesterday and hamburger the day before but still have two coolers of venison to deal with. Gotta love deer season and 4 people hunting!

I am wearing . . .
Rockies, Mossy Oak sweatshirt, and Chukkas

I am creating . . .
Christmas presents. Planning on finishing crochet kitchen sets for MIL and 2 SILs (two dish clothes, two sponges, two dish towels—add a top to a dish towel so it looks like a dress, and four coasters). Will thinks this is not a good gift b/c no one would use them but I like them and that's what they are getting! Stuff that is useful, cute, and made out of love. Isn't that what Christmas is supposed to be about?

I am going . . .
grocery shopping (again!) :( :(

I am reading . . .
The Last Goodbye by Reed Arvin

Around the house . . .
the three puppies have found the porch!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week
finish up several of the Christmas gifts

When I was little . . .

2008-11-25T14:21:00.012-06:00

When I was little I had a stool at AJ's package store. He had an old-timey cooler in the back of the store—the kind you slid the glass top back and the bottles were held by their tops in metal racks that you had to slide the bottle to the very front before there was an opening to release the bottle and it had a slot in the front to pop the bottle cap off. There was a step stool there for me so I could climb up and get a Dr. Pepper because I was too short to reach the top without it!!! Then I would climb up on a stool a the bar (he did not serve drinks there, just sold beer and liquor but the bar was old and he had stools so people could sit and visit with him) and drink my drink just like I was a big girl.

When I was little my dad drank Seagrams 7 and coke. The coke had to be in a glass bottle and I knew how to mix it just right. Pour half of it into another bottle (until it was down to the first line from the bottom), add Seagrams 7 from there to the second line, hold the top of the bottle with the palm of your hand (b/c my thumb was not big enough), and shake until mixed (shaken not stirred!).

When I was little my dad and I would sit on the front porch, he with his coke and 7, me with my coke, eating rat cheese, summer sausage, ritz crackers and swinging our legs b/c neither of us was tall enough to touch the ground off of the porch.

When I was little my dad plowed up our gardens using a white mule named Kate. I would follow behind them with bare feet loving the feel of fresh turned dirt in my toes. We raised all kinds of peas (purple hull, zippers, cream, crowder) and picked them with snaps. We also had corn, tomatoes, potatoes (sweet and irish), cucumbers, okra, butter beans, watermelons, cantelopes, multiplying onions, regular onions, and greens. I hated picking peas. For years I picked and sold peas by the bushel to buy my school supplies and clothes. Talk about a lot of stinking peas!!! My grandmother would take salt shaker to the garden and eat tomatoes with salt right off the vine. I was not fond of tomatoes.

When I was little I also sold the pears from our orchard that was over 134 years old. They were sweet and juicy and some of them wouldn't fit in a 5 lb coffee can. We sold a lot. We also made fresh pear cakes, pear jelly and preserves, and ate them off the tree. My dad would take out his pocket knife and peel a pear in the orchard then cut off pieces for me and him to eat. Oh my! There is nothing better than a juicy pear, warmed by the sun, shared with your dad.

When I was little I split and hauled wood b/c we had an ashley heater. There would be a stack taller than me on either side of the carpet leading into the house. My dad would cut the oak trees up and we would work together to split it (lest you think it was child abuse, he had a wood splitter that worked off of the tractor, had a chain and grapple that would pick up the blocks off of the ground).

When I was little I learned to drive on a red 1974 international tractor. I raked and tedded hay, ran the post hole digger, ran the back hoe, hauled wood from the wood pile to the porch in the bucket, moved hay, and used the front end loader of it to hang deer (rope around the neck, rope around the front end loader, hydraulics do the rest, no fuss/no muss).

When I was little I hated deer hunting. Nothing against killing/eating deer but did not want to get up that early and be that cold for a chance at one. But I dearly loved the weekends when everybody came down to hunt. Uncle William, Uncle Ben, Uncle Oscar, John, Charles. Lots of work for my grandmother but tons of fun for me.

Uncle Oscar now and with a pic of him when he was in the army:

Uncle Ben, Kenneth (2nd cousin), Hulen (2nd cousin), Uncle Oscar:

When I was little, we spend many weekends at Uncle William's house doing whatever. John went through a phase of eating nothing but cheese. He went hungry a lot. He also cried when his show hog was too big to show and we butchered it and made sausage. I remember using a 55 gallon drum to boil water, scalding the hog and scraping the hair off. Then we cleaned out the intestines and made link sausage. Uncle William smoked it for days. It was wonderful.

When I was little I learned that not all girls refused to wear dresses. Who knew little girls were supposed to like fixing their hair and wearing girly clothes? I couldn't figure how they worked cows, fixed fence, bailed hay, dug ponds with bulldozers in a dress or stayed clean. I was in the middle of the people working on log equipment and came in the house at night looking like a grease monkey. Apparently they did not.

When I was little I thought I could do everything boys could do, and better. Guess what? I still think that!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-24T04:21:00.002-06:00

For today November 24

Outside My Window . . .
It was raining earlier this morning. I’m talking frog stranglin’, gully-washing rain. The kind Johnny Cash sang about in ‘Five Feet High and Risin’. His quote on this song: "My mama always taught me that good things come from adversity if we put our faith in the Lord. We couldn't see much good in the flood waters when they were causing us to have to leave home. But when the water went down, we found that it had washed a load of rich black bottom dirt across our land. The following year we had the best cotton crop we'd ever had."

I am thinking . . .
I should have gone grocery shopping at lunch instead of waiting until after work and, Lord love ‘em honey, the peoples is gonna be crazy today!

I am thankful for . . .
sweet iced tea (yeah I’m from the south!!!) and fried catfish

From the kitchen . . .
I am gonna make sweet potatoes (baked, whipped with butter & brown sugar, marshmallows melted on top), roll ups (cream cheese mixed with green onions spread on flour tortillas, add ham and roll up, slice when chilled), and lemon ice box pie (1/2 c. lemon juice, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs in a graham cracker crust) for Thanksgiving with MIL, her husband and his daughter’s family.

I am wearing . . .
a blue jean dress that is straight all the way down to my ankles, the blue collar with buttons on it (it has 2 collars, each has a different color/design on each side), and brown plaid skeechers

I am creating . . .
a clean kitchen and mind. I am working on getting my act together and cleaning up the house, starting with the kitchen. And I am reading the Bible (and making a journal thank you Jen Hatmaker for the wonderful suggestions!!!) and a book written on the book of Revelation so I am delving into the end time mysteries—and wondering if I am smart enough to understand any of it!!!

I am going . . .
grocery shopping, to my dad’s, then home

I am reading . . .
The Bible and Utah Blaine (yeah I am working on cleaning up my mind).

Around the house . . .
you could eat off of my kitchen floor but DON’T because I would just have to clean the darn thing again and my knees are not up for another round of scrubbing!!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week
get through three days of work, get everything ready for Thanksgiving, get the two does I am allowed this weekend!

Here is picture thought I am sharing . . .

Political Correctness run amok

2008-11-19T12:04:00.010-06:00

I was listening to KAVX this am on the way in and they were talking about Jesse Nieto being ticketed and banned from driving his vehicle on Camp LeJeune military base b/c of the stickers on his vehicle. His vehicle is the one on the bottom. The pic on the top is other stickers on vehicles on base that could be termed offensive. The others have not been ticketed.

Camp Lejeune bars civilian vehicle from base because of bumper stickers | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC

And from another site:

Jesse Nieto, a 25-year Marine veteran, served two combat tours in Vietnam. His youngest son, Marc, was one of the seventeen sailors killed in the terrorist bombing of the U.S.S. Cole in October of 2000.

Since 1994 Nieto has been a civilian employee at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. In 2001 he began displaying various decals on his vehicle expressing sentiments such as “Remember the Cole, 12 Oct 2000,” “Islam=Terrorism” and “We Died, They Rejoiced.”

On July 31, 2008, two military police officers ticketed Nieto for displaying “offensive material.”

I find several of these to be offensive but have no problem with people displaying them because everyone has an opinion and I don't have to agree with all of them!!! What a novel idea!!

I don't like the Islam=Terrorist that he originally had b/c that smacks too much of labeling a group with the actions of a few. I don't like the nude silhouettes b/c, well, no one should be subjected to filth (and, yes, I do think it is filth and demeaning to women). The comment about "Your child may be an honor student but your driving sucks" is mildly amusing but only b/c the whole honor student bumper stickers are obnoxious. The darwin fish is sick—do people really believes we evolved from pond scum? Who wants to trace their ancestry back to green slime? Puh-freaking-lease! But I would NEVER presume to say "You can't have that on your vehicle b/c it offends me."

Has our country gotten so childish? Whatever happened to freedom of speech? When will they come for the gossips because they are always offending someone!