Starting Over

Seed Silo's

2012-02-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

I just love these old seed silo's. There's one in just about every town here. They are making them State Monuments so they won't get tore down. Great idea I say. It's a piece of the past and I think we need to spare more from being turned into a pile of rubble This grand silo is in Burly.We do about 75% of out shopping there, I love the town and would move there if given the chance. We haven't done much this winter, just stayed warm. I have been doing some sewing, but not much else. I will be waiting for that warm spring air to get back on track. I hope to be back walking soon, I do love that. I feel so at ease when I am in the great outdoors. Our hens are still laying, most of the other coops have stopped for the winter. We are all losing weight and our dogs are putting on the pounds. Both are on diet dog food, sad! No good food around here. I was so thankful when the nurse said take your shoes off and get on the scale. I can use all the help I can get. Five ugly little pound that are hanging on by their teeth. Dee and Ed got a Wii, so now we both have one. We have been working out with the Biggest Loser's. I hope to be in better shape this summer and able to travel some. It's all going to work out with the sun shine.

Great Estate Sale

2012-02-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

Howard and I got up early today and went to an estate sale. I put a patch on, took a pain pill, got a soda, my camera and off the Rupert we went. It was great fun! I came home with the car loaded. The birdhouse is a lot bigger than it looks like in the picture. It has holes on both sides. I can't wait until Spring! The corner shelf is so cool. Perfect shape and needs a good spot in the house to live. The little cabinet is a folds out on top and has the bottom doors. I love it, I need to give it some love, can't wait to get my hands on it. I got enamel pans, doilies, wire basket, two large saw blades, another barrel for chicken feed and lots of small things. We have lots of farm estate sales here and you can get so many neat things. One of the best things were two of the small kerosene heaters. The big one in this picture is mine and the little one is the fine buy. They were out by a barn covered with yuck. We cleaned them up and they worked, a great buy only $8.00 each! Dee and Ed got one and we have one. We use the big one when we need it and now we are using the small one. It has been burning all day and hasn't used much fuel. They don't smell and burn clean, important to me. We have three more estate sales coming in the next few weeks, so excited!!! Fatigue got me and I napped for a few hours, now I'm up! I think I'll go and look at my stuff.

Just A Little Water!

2012-01-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

We got a little wet snow and then days of rain. This is what we woke up to. The fields were small lakes all around us.

Howard and I had to go in for supplies and there was no way out without going threw the water. We should take the truck, but the car did fine. Slow and keep going!

This picture was taken out of the car window. It was just one of the many pools of water we went threw to get to town. Town was just as bad!

The road ahead is under water. Howard said, "We are fine as long as we can see the yellow strips on the road". I think by the time you don't see the line, it's too late.

When they took the other cows out they missed one! Bummer!!

The beet piles have a lake around it. "No work today, everyone go home!!"

The field are nice and watered. Enough already!!!!!

This is Hunt Road. We got enough supplies to last weeks. It has been nice out everyday sense!
We still have an ice pond in the back. It will dry up and we will have mud. Next????

Our Lake!

2012-01-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

We now have a lake in our yard. We had a very wet snow and a bigger rain. Next year will be better, we will have more rocks and lawn here. I got to wear my new rubber boots to get out for pictures. I will be going in for supplies and get pictures of the flooding. We hope to get some done on the bedroom this next week. Pictures will be posted when we do. I am working on making the best of not feeling so great, I can do that if I stay busy! I did take time to go threw old pictures, I cried. I haven't done that in years, I have a hard time with that. I will get the paint for the bedroom and stay very busy.

New Years

2012-01-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

This is how we spent our New Years Eve, It all looks so pretty, right? The problem is our power went out and we had to use the candles. Over eight hundred homes were out of power. We have a heater, so we were warm and it did look nice with the candles all over the house. It was too quiet which made the sound of the wind unbearable. We have had some big winds and the wind chill was bone chilling. I haven't blogged much lately, but I hope to get back to it. I got out today and walked 20 laps around the track. It looks like a track now, we have worn it down with all the walking and running. Martha loves to go out with me, then she sits down and waits for me. When I say "ma ma's done", she beats me to the gate. I hope to be back to jogging in a few days, maybe a week. I dress warm and enjoy the morning jog. I feel better and notice a big difference when I don't get out. I have been doing good, but I want to do great in the new year. The lights did come on before midnight, but I fell to sleep. I was woken by a kiss at midnight, then back to sleep.

My Trees

2011-12-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

I love my silver retro tree. The wheel goes around and the color changes, so great. I got the color wheel at a yard sale one year and a few years later found the tree.I think it was just luck, I would never find them again, right place at the right time.

Yes my white tree again, love it! This year it has white lights and all my favorites to dress it up. I think some of these things are over thirty years old. I think my trees are my favorite part of the holidays. I put up three trees, I just haven't gotten to the last one yet. We had one small snow this year so far. It is very cold and the wind chill is the worst. I am not feeling at my best yet, after the fall I took. I was doing so well jogging, up to fifteen laps, on my way to better health, I think tomorrow I will give it another try. I hit my head a little hard, good thing I have a hard head! I hate falling all the time, I just have a harder time getting back up! Howard wants me to just use the Wii, but I love getting out. Maybe I will walk for a few days and take Martha with me. She is a joy to watch, she runs once then cuts across, then sits and watches me. I don't take her when I run because she trips me and stops to tease the chickens. I know things will be better in the Spring, I am looking forward to it!

Sugar Beets

2011-12-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Sugar beets and more sugar beets! This huge pile of beets will more than likely be here until Spring. The Fall is when the beet trucks just keep on coming. All the farms have their beets hauled to loading areas like this one, the sugar plant trucks pick them up , hauling to the plant. then the trucks pick up what is left after the sugar is removed and haul it to become silage. Then that is feed to the cows at the dairy. For a while the trucks work around the clock and then it all but stops and the beets sit. Maybe they have all they can process and the pile is on hold, I have no idea! Sugar beets are big ugly things, not usable except by the sugar plant. Bummer, they are free, all over the roads, free to pick up! Yuck!!

I'm Jogging!

2011-12-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

It's so cold outside, Howard bought me a Wii so I could work out with it. I have been jogging, really! In the last 4 days I have fallen 3 times, once in the middle of the road. That is why I got a Wii. It has fun exercise games and it make it fun. The only problem is Howard has been Bowling, all the time. He has some work to do tomorrow, looks like I will get my chance! I am determined to get into shape. I have very little weight to lose, but I am so out of shape. I have been jogging to the rock pile to get my heart rate up. My goal is a mile and it is possible. I never thought I would say that, I hate running! I started for my health and now I like it. It still hurts, it's getting better, it gets my day going. I get up, dress warm and start on the path Dee made. I will be back on the road as soon as my knees heal. Maybe the Wii will work and I would love to dance pounds off, but I will still jog. I am hoping to better my health, get off all the meds and lose the doctors. I am eating good food, getting great exercising, now I am working on peaceful thoughts. The New Year will be off to a good start.

Winter is here

2011-11-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

I would like to say I did something meaningful this week. No, really. I would like to say that! What I really did was move things from room to room. Too cold to do much. We did have a couple nice days, but I didn't know it because it looked cold through my window. By the time I found out it was so nice out, the day was ending. Well. Thanksgiving is upon us! I am thankful for so much. Sometimes I have to remind myself of just how fortunate I am. I have to say I have done a lot of growing this year, sometimes painfully so. We have worked so hard to have a nice place, I wish I had taken more time to enjoy. I have this little problem, I clean! When I am worried, ill or just hurt, I clean. So, if my house is covered with fly's, I am having a good week. I am not looking forward to the long winter, I can't clean in the winter. No really, I hide under my electric blanket and wait, like that groundhog, for spring. This does create a problem, what if I am not doing well!!!! I sit and pick the fuss balls off the inside of the blanket, I'm on my third. I am so thankful for electric blankets :)

Wooden Wall

2011-11-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

The building is down. Well, almost all down. See the utility pole in the corner of the structure? The frame of the building is holding it up. I seems the pole is rotted just below the ground. If we took down the frame we would have to secure it. If we did that we would have to take the responsibility if for some reason it came down, started a fire or fell on anything. We got the best of it and went home happy. I have enough wood to do the wall in my bedroom and then build an outhouse. Not a real one, ick, it will just look real. I have tried to buy a real one at estate sales, but no. I want to plant flowers,vines on and in it. So, in the Spring Howard will build me one. He has put up the wood on my bedroom wall and it looks great! It;s too bad I want to paint it, the old barn wood is so pretty. It is just not the right color, it's gray. I will put pictures on as soon as I take some. I will have to wait for a good week or two for me. It has a shelf on the top of the wall, I'm sure I will fill it up!! Hoarder? Maybe!!!!

Good For You?

2011-11-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Yeap, I am back to the pumpkins. Two good reasons, Howard's health and I am still trying to lose the four pounds I put on my middle!! Four may not sound like much, talk to my clothes!! Because he is diabetic we have to come up with new foods. He has a sweet tooth and I have come up with things that feed that. No sugar, no flour, how do you come up with good food? Practice, practice, practice!

My pumpkin pie has no sugar in it. He just had a piece and said it is good! I don't know why I second guess myself. I guess it's because I haven't cooked much in many years and it's hard to get back on the horse. My next pie will be nicer looking, this one is the practice one.

Pumpkin bread! You can't have all that pumpkin without making pumpkin bread. [ put raisins, chunky applesauce (made from our apple tree), fake sugar and any spice that smells good. Another winner!!! This is getting to be fun, practice, practice, practice!

My 'anything goes oatmeal cookies'. I used that chunky applesauce. It comes in handy to add the sweet taste, along with the raisins. I think it's good not only for him, but it makes me feel better. I am exercising, watching what I eat and taking care of my health. It feels good! I am going to go now and do my sit-ups (on my big blue ball).

Putting Up For Winter

2011-11-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

Bountiful Baskets, what a great idea! We paid our $15 to the co-op on line and pick up our basket on Saturday. They give you a one hour window to pick up your baskets. If you miss it the basket goes to charity, Because they can't sale the food your money is donated to them. I think it is a good thing. I love the idea the basket is a surprise. We get to try new things and we get fresh things we do use. I think I will be getting a basket every two weeks, it's so much food! I have put up so much, it will make the winter a lot easier. I am getting so prepared for any unwanted event and it's fun too.

When you live in Idaho you buy your potatoes on the street corners. There are many other things you can get, but the potatoes are a must. I shared with Dee, we split a bag of Red and a bag of Yukon gold. The bags are big and weigh 50 lbs. I have been making mashed, french fried, diced and shredded potatoes. When you freeze potatoes they have to be cooked ever so slightly.
So a full day with an Idaho spud, what a life!

Cjickens And Cows

2011-11-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

It's nice to have cattle in the back of the house. It adds to peaceful feeling. No fences, just a thin electric wire! We just have to remember it's there! I really love the open feeling. I can sit on the patio and watch them on two sides. There is just something about nature that is so calming.

Isn't she a pretty girl!! She just gets better all the time. She is very shy and hard to get to close to unless she wants to. She lays perfect brown eggs.

Howard and I were sitting at the picnic table and two of the chicks came to see us. I think the blond one is a favorite. I hate to say that, because they are all so different. We have four that lay brown eggs and four that lay white eggs.

This is the queen bird of the coup. She runs the show and she will peck the head of anyone who makes waves. I love the way they grew up and we learned their personalty. Yes, even chickens have their own personalty.

Howard holding the queen! I am afraid they are our pets! It' a good thing they lay eggs. As long as we keep the red warming light on we will get eight eggs a day. Love the fresh eggs!!

Putting Up Pumpkin

2011-11-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

One small giant pumpkin makes 9 quarts of ready to use pumpkin. It only took most of a day to clean and cut it up. Then after 3 days in the crock pot 'Done'! I did make some with all the spices in it and will use it next week some time. It taste yummy! I will have to do one more giant as soon as the memory fades. That should last me until next season. Tomorrow morning we pick up our baskets from the co-op. I am so excited!!!! This saving money thing is great, just exhausting! I am so tired tonight. Just want to blog some before I crash.

Craters Of The Moon

2011-11-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ed wanted to show us the Craters of the moon, we had heard about it and wanted to see it, so off we went. The Fall colors are so lovely this time of the year. It was a nice day, a little wind, but we will go back again.

Black lava for as far as you can see. What a odd feeling, just like being on the moon! Spatter cones, cinder cones, lava tubes, kipukas, fissures and rifts. We learned so much about this very rocky state we live in. It's hard to believe we live in farm country and yet have so many volcano's around us. 15,000 years ago lava welled up from the Great Rift to produce a vast ocean of rock. How beautiful all that black looks!

Dee and Ed at the edge of a spatter cone. Lava did just that it spatters and made some of the odd shapes. A spatter cone is a miniature volcano, but would send globs into the air to form strange shapes.

The mountains that you see in the Craters of the Moon National Preserve are the volcano's. The last eruption was 2,000 years ago and can do it again at any time! (Get the Trucks loaded, honey!)

I.m sure that sign side, "NO CLIMBING"! Don't look down, you both are above another spatter cone, a very long ways down!!!!

Plant life does grow here, just not to great and very odd! There little white flowers are every where, very cool. The name of the flower is Bitterroot, it too goes on as far as you can see in that direction. We will be doing back to this black ocean, maybe in the Spring, I want to be able to walk the many paths. It's just not the same from the car. Nature at it's finest!!

Lots To Tak About

2011-11-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

The estate sale buys. We had a great time. Because I haven't blogged mush I have some things to catch up on. Tomorrow I will try to put on some. The internment camp is getting a face lift and I have a few pictures. Ed took us to see the lava rocks and flows, I will get to that too. We have cows out back and a chicken left us a one inch egg! Wow, lots to talk about. Oh, I will be making pumpkin cookies, bread, jam and pies for a year!

Fall

2011-11-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Dee and Ed doing the Fall clean up. The job will go on and on, we can hope for one great wind. It's so nice to have other's that will just do what needs done. Four adults, it don't get better than that. They were so funny. They worked well together, I am thankful Donna and Ken (the folks across the road) went to town this morning. A great way to start my day. I had more test this week, I getting tired of them now. I have decided it is all mind over matter. I am going to look for other ways to get healthy. The first thing I am going to do is to stop thinking or talking about it. Think happy, healthy, wise thoughts. I finished the day at an estate sale buying a little old building. Dee and Ed got a great cupboard for their kitchen. It was a real nice day.

Summer Is Gone

2011-10-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

I think I missed Summer!!! I want it back (with out the bugs, please)!!! I guess I do need some time to look at these four walls again for another 4 or 6 months (sarcasm). I do love the Fall colors, just keep all them colors outside, the leaf stick to the bottom of shoes (in Martha's case 4 at a time by paws). We got all the bounty in, Yeah! The pumpkins were amazing. The yard is ready for Winter. I have lots of indoor things lined up (boo boo). Howard folded clothes (what?), Yes folded them (they can't die, they are just clothes, I keep telling myself this). At least I have a great sense of humor, I want ice cream!!!!!!!!!!!

Get Some Chickens!

2011-10-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

One of our girls is laying eggs, yeah! Its about time they earn their keep. If we had known how much fun they would be we would have gotten them sooner. I would tell anyone thinking about it to get them, so much fun! I had bad news from the doctor and it tells me one thing, life should be more fun. My heart is so full of love, but I guess my heart is not so good. In the doctors words, "I am a ticking time bomb"! I won't cry or let it get me down (I did that on the way home). I am at peace with it all, strange huh? Maybe after all the test are done, we will find some answers, that will be good. I only write these things to get them off my chest (a play on words, a great sense of humor). Tomorrow I will be 60 years old and I am going to have a great daym So, get those chickens and have some fun.

Busy Time

2011-09-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

This is all I managed to get put up this year. I did freeze some too. It's more then Howard and I will use before we have another crop. We got ,ore beans from the farmer across the road, nice people. I sat and cleaned beans for a day, doing this is a pain, but so worth it. We have enough for a few years now. yummm! We have put up large cans of food for any emergence that comes up. It's good for thirty years unopened and I rotate them so we get use of them now. I have apples, apple jam, plumcotts, plumcott jam, elderberry jam, apple sauce and more/ We found our tree that never produced before is a plumcott tree. It is so pretty, bright red, and loaded with fruit. We gave bags away and have raked up tons. We found that we have a red apple tree, it fruited this year for the first time too and the pears! Wow, more work to be done! Next year we will have potatoes in the field, so we will have plenty of those. It is such a busy time here, all the trucks running, the fields are full of action, the roads full of trucks hauling and canning being done by all. I have to do most sitting, but have a great view for doing that. Today I think I may get out for awhile we have few days left of nice weather. I feel so at peace, love to you all.

I'm Back

2011-09-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on in what seems to be a very long time. I have been ill and run out of the energy it take to do my blogg at night, so I am going to try and get it done in the day time. I love my blogg and miss it. I have a vascular disease that leaves me very light headed and tired. Friday I will find out what the problem is and what they will do about it. I have way to much to say and better get started. I had a visit that blew me away and I was in no shape for any visit. I was sitting on the kitchen floor cleaning under my sink. I had the whole floor covered with cleaning supplies. My bed was unmade, I was putting up some fruits, so the cupboards were covered in canning stuff. A knock at the door sent Martha and I to the door, I opened it, there she was! This very small elderly woman, not just any woman, the matriarch of the of the whole valley. She is in her 90's and lives alone now, she lost her husband this year. They were one of the first families to settle this valley. Everyone knows who Mrs. Waters is. She said, "Hi, I'm Harriet". It took me one second to remember the name. She came barring bags of things she had grown in her garden. She had already met Howard and had promised him fresh veggies. She asked if she could just take a peek at the house and I said sure and started apologizing for the mess. She walked around for a little while and said only the kindness of things. She asked how I was doing, said I look great and told me not to give up. She has a daughter in law who has MS. She had heard I was sick and then she did the sweetest thing, she asked me if she could hug me! I welcomed the hug, it was a warm hug, full of energy and caring. She said she had to get going and went to the door to put her shoes back on. Yeah that's right! Mrs. Waters took her shoes off to come into my house. She asked if she could come back again to see what we do next. What a nice person! I would love to sit and lesion to all the stories. She gave me a kick and I am going to keep going, wish me luck!

Apricots Almost Ready

2011-08-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

We have apricots! Dee you need to come home and pick the wonder berries. Soon, very soon the apricots. The poor tree is hanging with them. The pear trees have so many pears it is looking sad.

I think I will take the small ones off to lighten the load. The plum trees are not having a good year and the apple tree is over the top in golden delicious apples. If the birds stay away we will have a bumper crop this year. I do think its a good thing all the fruit trees don't fruit at the same time, what a job we would have. The chickens are taking care of the strawberries, so we don't have to. We will have to build a cage over those and the other berries next year. I love the chickens, but you have to be ready for them. They are in the goose berries most of the day, nice and cool in there.

Picnic Table

2011-08-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the best picnic table you have ever see? It needs some love from Howard, but how cool is that. A table that turns into benches or two one sided picnic tables. We saw it at an estate sale, but we had driven over to it in another town by car. I was so stressed about it Howard and Jim went back on their way fishing to get it. It was only $10.00, just needs a little work and I love the old wood. The wood is big and their is just a hint of red paint left on it. I love the farm estate sales here! We find some of the most amazing things. Most estate sales start on Thursday and end on Saturday, church is on Sunday, some start on Wednesday if they are too large. I have the best time looking at the past in an old farm house. Great fun!

Elderberries (Lazy Spelling)

2011-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Not a great picture, too sunny out today. The elderberries (not sure how to spell that and too lazy to look) or wonderberries as we kids once said, are about ready to pick. We have so many this year. If they weren't in the yard the chickens would have picked them for us. They will have to be moved before next year, they grew in a bad place, between the rocks leading to my gate. Oh well, they are safe for now. I'm not sure how we will protect them next year, maybe a fence. I'm just happy to see them all doing so well.

Sewing Table, Love It!

2011-08-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

My new old sewing table! Dee and Ed got it for me at a yard sale. We were at one end of twin and they were at another end when I got a call, with a picture on my phone. "Do I want it for $5.00"? "Yes I do". It takes up less space, the sides go up or down, it's the right height and I love it. They bought it for me! Thanks guys, love you.

My Home

2011-08-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

We have worked so hard to make this a nice place. It has come a long way from where it all started. We are proud of our work and have so much more to do. The neighbours are happy with our progress. Even strangers have told us how much we have changed it and it looks so nice. Hard work pays off even with all the injuries. Bruises and smashed fingers seem to be the worst of them. I love the peace and quiet we have here. I don't miss the noise, the hustle, the lines, the short fuse of living in a city. I do miss the convenience of a short ride to the store, the ease of getting to the places we loved to visit and my family. A place can be wonderful, but it is just a nice place. People we love are what we count on. I do have loved ones here, don't get me wrong, my heart breaks for those I have lost. I will keep building my life here and it does get easy with time. I sit, have time to just breath, have time to think and sort out life. Many people don't have the quiet time to do that. I try to make the best with every day and enjoy the time I have.

A Bed For Miss Martha

2011-08-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

We found this childs head and foot board at a yard sale. We have been looking for something to make our Miss Martha a bed. They are perfect for the job and will keep her off the floor. Howard built the bed part, putting in the soft mattress. Martha doesn't chew anything but her chew toys, so we can use this old set for her. I will stain the wood used to build it and it will look great. Martha wakes every morning stiff with arthritis,an accident when she was younger. I have wanted to get her a warm bed and this is it.

Great Shade

2011-08-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

I now have a cover on the deck. Howard worked in the rain to get it done, then it stopped raining and hasn't rained sense. I do love the shade it provides my bedroom. Martha spent the day laying in the cool shade. I will paint it white as soon as I can. The top is metal so it will stay the same for now. It will be closed in for the time being and become a 4 season patio at a later date. Window all around, with a great screen door, covered walkway all around the house. I can sit in the lovely room and do my sewing, so great. I have the best husband, my soul mate for the last 40 years. Money is what stops it for now, it will just take time. Until it becomes a room I will sit happily sit and enjoy the wonderful view.

Truck and Chickens

2011-07-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

We got an almost flatbed truck today. It will need some work done. I love it, Howard is very pleased on how much he got it for. I am thinking he will have that project he has needed outside of building, all work. Great fun.

The girls are getting so big and very independent, such proud parents we are. They are a joy to watch. I can wait to see what they will be like when they are fully grown. We have to be watchful chickens have been killed at two different hen houses that we know of. They say it is skunks that are doing it,but Earl said he shot the one that killed his. About two miles from here two mountain lions were seen, one killed. We just have to make sure they are closed up at night. Dee does a great job of locking them in for the night and letting them out in the morning. We are having fun with them.

Martha's Window

2011-07-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Miss Martha looking out the screen window Her Daddy made for her. She would have hated it if she couldn't see, She thinks it's her job to watch the yard and the field. Martha and Lizzy have to stay in the yard until they can be nice to the chickens. Liz is doing great, Martha is not. We will give it some time, let the chicks get bigger, so they can hold their own.

Nice Sunday

2011-07-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

We had a nice Sunday. Nothing more needed done, we worked all morning, so it was just kick back time. Howard and Ed played horse shoes, Dee picked berries for jam and Nick pretended to be a chicken. He scared them so bad he won't be doing that again. We barbqued hot dogs and just enjoyed the sunset. Yes it was a very nice day.

Cute Chickens!

2011-07-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Can you love your chickens? We try not to, but it's hard. We let the girls out this week and found that we were counting them all the time. The other thing we discovered was they are better at being chickens than we are at being chicken owners. We expected them to be more afraid of the great outdoors than they were. It's not easy to think of them as not being pets, we will have to try. I am only talking about Dee and I, the guys think they have always been chickens. First timers, we will get better at it, I hope. We started with 12, lost one and found we had 3 roasters, we gave then away promptly. So now we have 8, more eggs than we need, we will be giving them to friends and family. I hope it's not like squash and no one will visit thinking we will send them home with arm loads! We did learn our lesson, no squash, just pumpkins this year. Anyway back to the chickens. I will try to slow down with taking pictures of them, but aren't they cute!!!!!!!

Shady Spot

2011-07-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Howard built me a shady spot in the yard. I would love to have these all over the place, maybe in time. I will plant vines on it as soon as I can. We are putting grass here as soon as we can too. I guess we have lots to do. I do enjoy working in the yard and will get back to it in a day or two. There is something about working in the dirt that is calming. Thank you husband, you are so good to me.

The 4th Of July

2011-07-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

The fireworks were great, what fun! We are already looking forward to next year. Rob and Nick did all the works and we all enjoyed it lots. The food was fun and the smores were fun, We were all covered with chocolate (not a bad thing). Back to getting those extra pounds off, not so easy. I loved the 4th being out here and everyone getting to be a part of it.

Our Fire Pit!

2011-07-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

Dee and I built a fire pit, yeah! It was more work then I thought it would be.Rocks are not bricks. The rocks just don't fit together like the bricks would have It was 90 plus outside and we were in the sun, not good. It did help the mortar set up, that's a good thing, but it did send Dee in to a bad headache, bad thing. We wanted it to be ready for our big 4th of July blow out. It will be great, giant fire and fire works, can't get better than that. Family, friends, food, drinks and a fire show, what fun. I do miss the good old days, but we are building a new tradition. The fire pit is 6' across, big enough for lots of hot dog's on a stick. Later we will have smor's, love them! The non drinkers will set off all the mortars and then be the drivers for those who did partake in the drinks. I think that will be Nick and Rob, thanks guys. Happy 4th everyone, have fun and stay safe!!!!!!!

Balanced Rock Park

2011-06-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Nick takes a dip. He was helping get some mos away from the fishing spot. Cold and he had no swimming shorts!!!!!!

Howard's first fish! OK, baby fish.It got better after that, he got his limit of nice trout. We had a nice picnic and the guys did some fishing, great time. This is balanced Rock Park, what a nice place. It's down in one of the canyons, the walls are so cool. I love it!

So green and shady. I have been feeling a little ill and this was a great change. We will have to have more time for play , less for working.

Robin's Nest

2011-06-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today I finally trimmed the plum trees. I have been trying to get to it, but put it off. Climbing up a ladder is not such a good idea for me, but it had to be done. After cutting, shaking and falling limbs I saw the nest.I stopped and realized the mother robin was chirping, just beside herself. I love the robins, such a lovely bird. The blue eggs are so wonderful, what a surprise! The plum tree the nest is in is very small. I will be keeping an eye on it, happy to do so. Mom hurried to her nest as soon as I walked away, all well.

Stone Patio

2011-06-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

We decided to put grass in the whole yard. This is a big job, too big! So, the best solution is to cover some of the dirt first, another big job. Our problem is weeds and the answer is lawn. All the farms out here have huge lawns, weed control in the yards, who would have thought. I always thought having big lawn was more work, nope just the opposite! Watering is no problem, we use irrigation water, weeding is less a problem with lawn, mowing, nope riding mowers. No to save some of the cost we have to be clever on covering as much dirt as we can. Rocks are free and make wonderful patios and we can use them around anything in the yard, like the strawberries. We may go around it a few more times, but it looks great. Now we are working on a patio in the orchard. It is a cool place to sit and ponder life. The the fire pit, we are building one and that will be fun. We want a big round stone one, great for sitting under the stars. I have built thing with bricks before, this will be a first with rocks, then on to that stone garden shed! We do have houses, sheds, garages and out building around us made of the locale stones. We have never seen them used as ground cover, I think we may be the first!!!! I do know we are the talk of the area, all good. I love how it is all coming together and it's all worth the work.

New Screen Doors

2011-06-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Howard brought home an old screen door from a remodel he did. His plan was to copy it and put screen doors on the french doors in the bedroom.

It turned out very nice, I can take advantage of the great outdoors. There was only one problem, Martha couldn't see out. So, a little more cutting, a little more screen and Martha has a great view too.

Having a cup of coffee is much nicer with the doors open. I have a feeling he will be making more. Next I need another window in the bedroom or a front door, maybe my closet remodel!!!!!! Poor Howard.

The Chickens Are Out!

2011-06-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Such proud parents we are! Our babies are outside for the first time. It took a few hours and out they all came. The big chickens in the pictures are not real, just there for now, I think they will be coming out soon. The little chicks run, jump and fly, We will clip the wings and let them out into the yard as soon as they get big enough to defend themselves. I think we may have a few rosters and will give them away, sad, but don't want any. We will find them a good home.

Muddy Me!

2011-06-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

It started out a nice day. The pump was up and running, so I watered the whole yard (big job). When I water I am as wet as what ever I am watering! Then I cleaned out the hen coup ( Crappy job). Yes, now I have chicken poop stuck to my pants! Still watering the front yard and start pulling weeds (dirty job). I fell down twice and skinned my knee. I am now a muddy mess! What could be the worst thing to happen? Taking a break on the back porch the lady next door and her mother come by, Jerry wants to show her mom our yard. So, I am one big mess and Dee having a reaction to something she ate, had a red swollen face and neck, we looked great! The day is done, it's around 6:oo, I turn the water off, it starts raining. It was a very warm day, so this was wonderful! Then the lighting and thunder started, how neat!!!! A perfect end of a long day. A warm rain and the show in the sky lasted for a couple hours. Dee did get a picture she had been trying to get for years, lighting striking! (Good day).

Estate Sale!

2011-06-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Scary, huge estate sale last weekend. Scary because the lady who's estate was being sold was very odd. She had four houses on the property and the must have been full, hoarder? The sale went on for two weeks and it could have gone on longer, the son decided to have what was left sent to an action. I have never seen so many dolls, there were at the least five or six hundred. Boxes of doll parts were everywhere. She had been a quilt maker too. I got five old quilt tops, the fabric is amazing! I did get the cookie jar, wall sconces, batting and boxes of fabric. I managed to fill the car, but the list would take too long so I won't list it all. Dee went back with us the second time and we had more fun, she helped fill the car again. It's always sad to see a persons life's things being sold, but she must have had a great life. Her things will have a second life and will be treasured.

Lil Chicks

2011-05-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

The chicks are getting big. We have eleven now, we lose one of the black ones. It was the smallest and just failed the thrive. Sad, but it happens. I hate the thought we could lose more. The folks down the road had all their hens, except two, killed by skunks. Chicken killing skunks!! I never thought I would say that, life has changed. We have worked over the chicken coup so they are safe in there. Next we will make the wired off area, so we can feel safe about them in there. Grow little chicks!

Growihg Again

2011-05-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

The growing starts again. We have had so much rain the crops are doing well. Small problem, the weeds are growing great. It all keeps you very busy. The crop dusters are flying over the house almost every other day. It's funny that the dogs will bark at the rare air plane that may pass over, but pay no attention to the very low flying bright yellow duster. We now have country dogs, with one exception, ours don't get to chase cars or trucks! Life just starts anew out here with all the babies in the fields, so cute. Our chickens are getting bigger, we are very excited about letting then out, as soon as we have nicer days. I have been in too much, itching to get out into the soil, make mud, plant a seed or just sit in the glorious sunshine. New pictures of the chicks tomorrow, they are growing fast every day.

Shine Nick!

2011-05-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our youngest grandson graduated from high school, yeah!!!! We are so proud of him. He is such a good guy, I love him dearly. It has been a joy watching him excel in life. It took so much for him to start a whole new life in Idaho, but he did it. It has taken me longer, I still have to work at it. You have so much in front of you my sweet Nick, go on and shine. Lots of love, Grandma

Chick Are Bigger

2011-05-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

The chicks are about ready to go to the Chicken coup. OK, maybe not for a little longer! They are so cute and changing every day. They have wing, tail feathers and flutter about. We will get the coup ready for them this weekend, but I think with Dee's help they need more time. Elizabeth is keeping her eye on them too. She was told they were puppies, so she would leave them alone. I think she is getting wise to it, just a little longer.

Dates!

2011-05-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

We have had the old french doors up for months and just learned of the little writings on them. It looks like someone measured their children on the doors. I will not paint the doors, I love the look of age on them. Now I have more reason not to paint. I have many things with names or dates on them. It makes it so much better to think I am the keeper of the past. The places where hands have worn themselves into the wood, It all feels so warm.

Still Sewing!

2011-05-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

I know I have been sewing all the time! So, why is my piles of fabric keep growing? I have been trying to get some thing done every day. It has been too windy or raining, it gives me time to do so much! I find I just sit and stare at the table. I am filling plastic tubs with all the quilted work. I need to make me a new quilt for my bed. Maybe I can work it in, sure I can. Every time I go look at new fabric I change my mind. Wonderful colors! I want a job in that kind of store, just think of how much new fabrics I could get, but then how much time will I have to sew. Well, I better get some sleep I need to get up and get my house work done, so I can sew.

Nick And Chicks

2011-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 19th Birthday Nick!!!! I am so proud of you, You are one of the best. I am sending all my best wishes your way. I love you so much. Love Grandma

Dee and Martha getting the chicken coup ready for the chickens. Martha is so much help!

Well, there they are! So cute, sweet. We got everything ready for them, feed, water, pine chips for bedding, a heat light to keep them warm. OK, four hours later, it's dark, the wind is blowing, a little colder. Dee's text "want to check on them?" With flashlights Dee, Nick and I head out. We broke!!!! They are sleeping with Nick in his bedroom!

Getting Water

2011-05-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

We had trouble with the water last year, it would sputter and spit. Hard to water that way!The pivot would do the same, something had to be done. A cage around the pump keeping all the stuff that clogged it before. It has one filter, now it has two. The hole that Howard and Ed are in will be full of water. The hole will be full again as soon as they do the big pump. We get little sea shells, moss and rocks in water from the ditch, it clogs everything. Dave had this great idea, I hope it works. The top picture shows them working on the pump, look close. I took the picture from the house. Dee and I hoed weeds, then I cleaned the silo. I am a hoarder, but one with great taste!!!! Tomorrow the tool shed turns back to a chicken coup. Yes, we will have chickens! So much to do, having a late spring has put everything so far behind. Maybe we will have a longer summer.

P.S

2011-05-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

P.S I forgot to add a few things to my last post (Bad week). They were tearing down a house down the road. We were going to stop on the way home from the store and ask if we could have some of old wood siding. I guess we were a little late. Bummer!

Ok, this was not bad for me, but bad for poor Ed. He made me coffee!!!!!

Bad Week!

2011-05-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

Husband and I went to an estate sale today. I got this great USA vase! I have been collecting them when I can find them. It's perfect! Now let me tell you about my week (not so perfect). Went to the doctor and it wasn't great, but not too bad either. The bad part comes in when we returned home. Along with the wet weather comes swollen knees and my left knee (the one I had fixed) has been giving me a time. The wind was blowing hard (Wizard Of Oz hard), so both Howard and I filled our hands and arms (He caring my glass of soda, the things we picked up in town and the keys to the door. Me with papers from the doctor, prescriptions, purse and a bag of fabric) and made a dash for the house ( OK, Kerry dose not dash!). Howard opening the door and I missing the first step. I throw all the papers in the air as I hit both knees (Ouch!!). OK, it gets better! Howard bounds down the steps to save me, reaches down to pick me up and pours my soda in my hair and down my back. He turns to run after my paper work, Martha seeing mama on the ground thinks it time to play (picture a 90 pound bulldog running at you while you are on all fours climbing up the steps). She knocks me back a few times until Howard comes back to save me again. As soon as we got in side and shut the big wind out, Howard turns to this pitiful wet, cold and crying woman and says "What should we have for dinner?" Well, we will end that day there, it wasn't pretty!!! Now, I have to admit I put on a few pounds last winter, not mush, but enough to make me uncomfortable (If winter would have lasted longer I would have had to be cut out of the house, hate winter). OK, its not that bad, I just colored that a little (I still hate winter). Today I thought I would cheat a little, I have been doing so well. I don't diet and just eat good and small portions ( I deserve it, right???). Howard gets a breakfast sandwich and I get a large chocolate milkshake (This is looking bad!). Yep, I threw it up in the air coming down between me and the door. Howard pulls over and hands me a napkin to clean it up. Me, covered in chocolate am throwing hand fulls of the wonderful cold delight out the open door. After saying help, he hands me some flour bags I had bought at a yard sale. I did my best to clean what I could, I am washing my hands with the germ killer I carry in my purse. I saved about two inches of melted shake, turned to Howard who is eating his dumb sandwich. No, not his fault, I cheated , I got the shake, but he is still unorganized!

Piggy Banks

2011-05-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

Piggy banks go back into the boxes.Dee and I made these about three years ago. They are so cute, I love them. I would sell them, but I am afraid they wouldn't make it in the mail. They seem to have made it fine after being in boxes all this time, Just wouldn't take a chance. We did get very creative with those plant pots, so much fun! I have been doing lots of sewing and enjoying it. I will put some on as soon as I can. The sunshine seems to have improved my creative mood. I am ready to get a hammer and build something, but until I find out where Howard hid my hammer I will just sew.

Barley, Great!!!!

2011-04-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

We have had about three days of rain now and I am getting some sewing done. The field is planted and the rain is a good thing. Dee and I can't wait for this crop to come in, we will have lots of barley. We are so tired of field corn (cattle feed) and happy about the barley (people food), great and we will get to see over the field at the glorious view. The hawk sitting on the pivot is so pretty, I can sit and sew and watch the most wonderful sights. Soon after I took this picture it hailed so hard (poor hawk). I like rain, but I am ready for the flowers, getting out into the dirt. The flowers are up, we just can't get out to enjoy them. Have a great Spring everyone!!

Sweet Martha

2011-04-22T02:09:00.000-07:00

Me and my Martha, Martha is a mama's girl, her eye's never far from me. It makes it hard to leave her even to make trips to the store. When I get ready to go she goes to bed and won't look at me. She has fun with Daddy and that helps but those big brown eyes, oh my! English Bull Dogs are so sweet and friendly, she is a shoe licker, anyone coming in is here to see her. She has my heart, never thought I would get close to another dog after I lost Babe, I have.

From Daughter

2011-04-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

I was washing quilts today and thought I would put some of the ones Dee has made me. These were the first ones she made and they were great. She is self taught and these are a prize to me. I love home made gifts the most, she has made me some of the best.

This is a wrap with snaps so I could wear it on cold nights. I love it! It's a scrappy quilt, made of bits and pieces left over from other projects. I think these are my favorite kind or one of my favorite's!

The drunkard's path. The picture came out bad, but it is all pastels, I love pastels and she did a great job on all those circles, hard to master.

This one is very cute! I had it on the back of my sofa for years. She did the applacades on the boarder. It washes great and after lots of washing it looks as good as the first one.

A flower lap quilt. Very nice to cover my poor cold legs with. I should have taken pictures of the backs, the quilting is very good.

If I mention I would love to have something she makes it for me on my birthday or Christmas. She has a great memory and surprises me every time. I wanted a crochet blanket like the one on Roseann's Sofa on TV. I thought it was so cool. What do you think she made me!! It took her a long time, but she did it. Thank you Dee. I would put more on, but I haven't got it all unpacked yet. I have a very thoughtful daughter.

What A mess!

2011-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

My new company! It takes place in my bedroom and bathroom (what a mess). It will be a quilting paradise. I have been at my sewing machine when I am not cleaning, eating or sleeping (what sleep).I hope everyone likes my work, my creations. I still have a ways to go before I can open up my on-line store. I would be working at a real store front, but I don't think now is the best time. We have friends wit stores on-line that are doing well, this includes Dee with her wonderful Sock Monkeys!!!!! I hope everyone visits her store, just click on the monkey at the right. It takes so much work to be the work force and the boss. I have been quilting for so many years so I decided this would be a good start. The fabric stores love me, I along with Dee have kept them in business. OK, we all know I have enough fabric to start my own store, but it is just not the right color or design. Most of my stuff is old enough to be retro! I hope you all stop by when I am up and running. Before I sign off I want to say I am thinking of you John and love you so much Jules. A big hug to the kids too, you three are the best. John I pray your heart grows strong and you are back making people laugh, the world need more like you.

Strande Farm!

2011-04-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

The farm was large and the yard was full of odd things, you never know what you will find out on those farm roads. Howard had found this farm and wanted me to see it. I didn't get a picture of the firetruck or the mounds of strange things. I feel uncomfortable taking pictures of a strangers house. They can surely see the car stopped and a woman hanging out the window taking pictures. I love the idea that there are people out there that will do something like this. I'm not sure I would want to live next door to them, but it's great when it's some where it doesn't bother anyone. The house was very neat and the yard was taken care off. Now I can't say the same thing about the barn or the area around it, what a mess!

Old Quilts And Squares

2011-04-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Theflowered, blue one and the star are some old quilts I bought at yard sales in the last ten years. I don't remember how much I paid for them, I don't think I paid over ten dollars for any of them. I was just at the right place at the right time.

I bought the pink framed one and the one to the wild colored square one a few weeks ago at an estate sale for five dollars each. I was thrilled.

The two lap quilts were in with a box of fabric I got at a yard sale last Summer. They are just the top and a bottom, very light.

Both the red one and the blue one are just the tops. Hand stitched and ready to be put together. I will have to look into it before doing anything to them.

A quilters dream! All the remaining quilt squares were found in a box at an estate sale years ago in Reno. The box was under a table and marked five dollars. I didn't even look through the box, just paid, got it to the car and home to look at my find. Around two hundred squares, signature, paper pieced, assorted kinds and the dates of 1929, 1934. Happy dance, is is what we quilters live to find.

I would love to find out more about these fabrics. I will have to find a good quilt show around here and see what they think. Some I would like to frame, the patterns and colors are great. I have been working on quilts, it keeps me busy, I love it. I hurry to get my house work done and start sewing, only to stop when dinners on. I will put some of my work on when I get a few done. I am a self taught quilter of thirty years. I still make many mistakes, but I love to learn more. I don't quilt by hand, wish I could, but the hands don't work well enough. I just love it anyway.

Tin Man And Coffee With Jerry

2011-03-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

I love this tin man. It's out here at the corner road, in the middle of not much! The farmer must have some time on his hands, love it! I had some time to get out this morning, so I went over to visit with Jerry. Jerry and her husband Earl live close by and she has been supplying us with eggs all winter. We sat and had coffee and got to know each other better. I like her, she has much to offer. When I meet someone I look for something to build a friendship on, Jerry has many life experiences. I am so looking forward to a full Summer. I feel great and things are going the right direction, life is good!!

My Sewing Table

2011-03-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

This is one of my sewing tables, the bigger one is to big for my room.I love them both, but this one has a great feeling to it. I can see the woman rolling out the bread and making the dinners on it. It has so much wear on it, I have so much more for it. Love, love it!! I am ready to do some creative sewing. I have so many ideas, what will come first? Maybe finish the three quilt tops I have ready to give away to a cold child or the ones for the chilled elderly lap top. Maybe the odd visions I have in my cluttered head. I will take a little sitting in front of the fabric waiting for the idea to hit and it will!! I find the hardest thing is cutting the wonderful piece of cloth. I know that is strange, but if you sew you will understand. Yes, trying to use my time better, take the time to do things I have all but forgotten to do. Lets see what I will use this aged table to create????

Pantry Floor Is Done

2011-03-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

Howard finished the pantry floor, yeah! Martha seems to like it or she just doesn't like me to close a door between us. We will be building cabinets at some later point, right now there are other things that need done. The first thing is some rest and then the closet in the bedroom. Storage in that area is so needed. So until later I will just use what I have, I just need clean, neat and orderly. Now if I can just get Martha to do the floors!

Lost In The Doing

2011-03-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

The stripes on the wall are coming along (note to self, try to tape so the paint covers the line). I love it so far, not sure where it will go from here. I used a retro pink metal shelf, metal tissue box and 60's glass mermaids. The little room needs yellow and green to finish the look I want. (If it doesn't turn out I will blame it on Howard) I have been putting too much time in on the house and had a small melt down. I think I just need some me time. I am feeling better and want to get back on my feet again. I am going to start by driving, learn to find out where I am. (sounds nuts huh?) I have been reminded lately I need to get a life. Howard told me I can do what ever I want to do. (I guess I have lost myself slowly, not really knowing it.) At first it hurt my feelings and then it made me think. *Wow, I can!) I have had such a time and lost my Independence, well then get with it Kerry!) I can do and be more than a home repairer chick. I have always been one to clean and do, not just clean. I will get lost a few times, but I will find my way. I might even find friendships along the way, scary, yes, but I need to take hold of this life I have. Hey sis, I think I can get lost finding your house first!

The Tile Floor Is In

2011-03-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

The tiles for the kitchen came! Yeah!!! It didn't take long for Howard to put them in and now the floor looks so much better. He still has the pantry to do, that will go fast. Some trim, cut off the screen door (it's to long with the floor tiles down) and put in a new front door. Then all that will remain is the bedroom, closet, and a little more in the bathroom. We have come along way and have s far to go. We work so much to get the look we want, it is coming around. It's not a job we enjoy it, not the work so much, but we know the finish is so great. It takes so much, we have to do as much as we can using labor and use our money wisely. It's fun to come up with a new idea, do it and see what the end looks like, so far so good. Coming up with something we haven't done before makes it all an adventure!

Internment Camp Cellar

2011-03-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

The door to the root cellar. I love the little door to the left, not sure what it was for, very cool. The cellar is just down the road from us. I am so interested in the history of the Internment Camp on Hunt Road.

The roof is falling in now, at one time it must have been very dark inside.

The timbers used are very large. If you look close you can see this one breaking, the load must be very heavy.

Not sure what this was used for, but it is a conveyor belt of some kind. I have been in here before and never seen this, hard to miss!!

This is a large place even if the outside makes it look small. I am so struck with the wonder of it all. I can only imagine the life it has had.

This is the section that has fallen in. All the newer boards are trying to hold it all up, not working I am afraid. What a shame.

My Shelf is up

2011-03-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

I found an old shelf I have wanted to use. I have so many things yet to go through, it's a big job. Taking a large house with so many rooms and trying to fit the things I love into a smaller house, is so hard. It will be better when we get a guest house and work shop here. I have some great stuff, opening a box is like Christmas! I keep changing my mind at what I will keep and what must go. None of my Fiesta, Bauer, McCoy, California or U.S.A will go. See as I wrote that my hands started to shake, a tear got stuck in my eye. Maybe a few more out building is the answer!
Well the shelf is up and I love it, all the color makes me happy. I was afraid it would look like a circus. What do you think? Less is more??????

The Bathroom, Love It

2011-02-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

A new old chandler for the bathroom. I love them and would have them all over the house if I could. The problem is finding them. I want at the least two more. This one needs a little work, I can do it.

I love to use different textures and found things in the house. So, when Howard striped this metal off a building at the dairy I had to have it. Corrugated metal with a little cow poo on it. No not the poo! To the car wash with it, a good cleaning and it's as good as old!! I love the idea, a little shabby with the sheik!

I need a shelve on the wall above the tub. Great, another job for my Howard to do. Oh well, he loves a to try new ideas.

Well that turned out so great. What a talented man I married. Just perfect place for all the bathing needs, What will I come up with next??? No really, that's what he wanted to know!!! Funny guy, how did he know I was thinking of a second story on the house.

All done with the chandelier. It just shines, so pretty. White with a little silver on it.

Looks good and no cow poo! Now the floor is the last thing to do. We will do that this summer when we can open the windows. We will tape off the door to the bedroom and sand the floors then stain. The bedroom will be a big job. Next we do the closet, I have some great ideas for that, sorry honey.

Paint The Floor

2011-02-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

Because the tiles I want a not sold in store's any more, we had a hard time finding them. We did finally find them at the last place on earth. We will have to check it out before sending our money and ordering. Lots of bad people taking advantage of people in need. Now that that was said, I am very OCD about everything right now, OK I always am. I decided to paint the floor until we get the tiles. I have lived with it looking real awful long enough. It turned out great, very clean and neat. One thing about a white kitchen it has to be clean at all times. White shows any and everything.

Now that it's all white I am thinking, maybe some stenciling or maybe something like squares. It's a good time to practice it will be covered anyway. I will not freak if it turns out looking bad, that's not true I will so freak! I can always paint it white again, I feel better now.

Spring Please!

2011-02-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

I got desperate and went to an antique store. I love walking through the maze of wonderful colorful delights. The problem is I want it all! It is hard for me to pass up or limit myself, to all that eye candy! I did come home with these to great finds, the yellow duck is a Mcoy and the little pitcher is just cute. I can see how easy it would be to become a hoarder, to surround myself with the things that bring me comfort. I love every thing I have, get the joy of dusting and washing it all (not). I am having estate, yard-sale melt down! Please Spring, please, please, please!!!!!

My Mystery Glass?

2011-02-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

This is my mystery. What is it? I have had it for years, it's crystal, very fancy, heavy and pretty. It has scalped edges and not likely a lid. I keep it with all the other glass, so it gets cleaned and dusted, then put back into a glass cabinet. I have asked everyone and they all have come up with ideas,but all different! I would love to know the answer to my "what is it" mystery? Anyone have an idea???????? I love to read your comments, let me know you came by.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Flowers and a box of candy, thank you honey. I am feeling so much better, still need pain pills to get through a day. I just want Spring to hurry along. I have a great idea for the ceiling in my bathroom. I need my Howard to put it up and I will finish it off. As soon as it is done I will put pictures on. I don't want to keep you hanging, but I have to see if it works first. Thinking outside the box is what I love. I do need the Spring weather to clear my head, I know it will be awhile yet.

It Just Keeps Getting Better!

2011-01-31T21:15:00.000-08:00

My husband and I lost our home when the banks went bust. We had worked so hard on our home and I was so sad to leave. I was sick and things were getting worse, I would need help. We had bought our home in Idaho for our retirement, we would have years to work on it, not! Dee, Ed and Nick had gone on before us and I was having a hard time. It was hard in the start, but it has become home more and more every day. I will always miss what I lost, but look what I have gained!

This is what we started with, a giant purple building. We had our hands full, a great challenge. First to make it work we had to do some work to get the bank to loan on the abused old place. Pull up what carpet we could, paint it all cream color, make a bathroom work and make it look like the kitchen worked.

OK, we got the loan, yeah! Now for the real work to begin. Build a wall to separate it into two houses. We had to work fast, the only bathrooms were on Dee and Ed's side. We broke threw that purple wall it had to be removed, there was another room on the other side. Frame the walls fast, get a bathroom! Thank you brother Jim, sis Sharon and wonderful nephew Rob for all the help.

The dinning room. When it was one big room the church put a shuffle board on the floor. It was used as a church and a rec hall. It was later sold as a home, but was not taken care of.

Walls up. paint the walls and Howard spends day's sanding the floors in the dinning room and the front room. The dinning room only had two windows, that won't work, poor Howard puts in the third and Kerry is happy!

Put up the wood to make the ceiling, now hang the chandelier. Windows into the pantry, extra light and it looks great.

Paint the ceiling white and finish the floor. I still feel the pain, what a job, worth it, yes it is.

Now just trim and a chair rail, this room is almost done.

Build the arch into the kitchen honey! He is so good to me.

It does look good and it only took two years. Not really. we have done so many rooms and worked outside.

The front room. It looks so small, but it isn't. This room is not one of my favorite rooms. I need a new front door with leaded glass in it, more light, I love light!

Finish the walls, ceiling, hang the small chandelier, still no front door!

Good job sanding the floor dear! What do you mean you can't stain the floor, you have to go to work, fine!

I finished the front room first to have a place to put everything and I mean everything! Can you say hoarder!!

So pretty, I still don't have a door, but now it feels better in there.

I need to re-paint the ceiling in here. It needs to be a lighter color and we will be putting up wall paper in here too.

Poor Miss Martha, all this dust is hard when your so close to the floor. Can't get to her food the kitchen is full can't play when mom and dad are tired. She slept most of the time, just coming out to check on us ounce and again.

The white door leads to my very large bedroom. Can a room get too big? I think some times yes. I am sure I will fill it up, again does the word hoarder come to mind? That is for another time, it is still under construction.

I know the pictures go back and forth, it is the only way I can make some kind of sense of it all. All these rooms join together. It confuses even me, which is not hard at all.

Miss Martha likes the rug and hates the floor. She said it smells bad!!

We thought we were living high when we got a sink in, a stove and refrigerator. We have worked so hard and it just keeps getting better!

I love the kitchen, so warm feeling. As you can see the floor is not done, the reason is because it is to be tiled. The little table is just used when I need extre space,

We have so much more to do, but all work is bad and I think we will enjoy this summer more. I am feeling better and will be on top for the good weather. I have been so ill for so long, I am now sure I will be better and I will get that front door!!!!!

A Lake!

2011-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

My first walk outside in over a month will probably be my last for awhile.The snow has been melted by the rain. We live where if you dig down you will hit lava rock. In some places it can be inches and then in some it will be feet, but you will hit the solid rock. The State of Idaho is built on lave flows. When the soil takes on enough water, you end up with a lake! Next year this will all be lawn and we will be adding some topsoil before we plant that lawn. We will add it in small batches so we can give it all our attention. It was nice to get out for just a few minutes. It is still very cold and if you walk on the mud you'll lose your shoes, didn't like them much anyway!

Getting Closer!

2011-01-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

Because we started the house with two large rooms, we had to take the wall between them down, then start building rooms. This is the bathroom after Howard put in the tub, toilet and sink.

Patching nail holes, putting in a chair rail, doing some primer and building a partition. Just a little privacy, please!!!!!

Doing a little more painting makes it feel cleaner. Still not enough alone time!!!!!!

So, now Howard gets started on that alone issue. Down comes that partition and up goes a little room in the room. I love the idea!!!!

Old french door found at a yard sale, there are two like this one. I have to give this one to Howard it was his idea, good job honey!

The room is built, pretty ugly, huh? Needs some paint and a little something?

A little stained glass. OK, it's not real, but looks good. In the middle of my work I have surgery and take some time off. I am itching to get back to it!

No sitting down for awhile, I need a shower. So, Howard built me one! We will replace it later with a real chrome setup, but it is good for now,

I finished the windows. Look how far we have come from those two big rooms! Now finish the walls, floor and ceiling and we are almost done with the bathroom! I wonder if I will live to see the end of it all!!!!!!

Toitet Room

2011-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is a sneak peek at the toilet room in my bathroom. I will put good pictures on as soon as I can finish it. I am doing some stained glass on it. We built the small room from very old french doors we found in a yard sale. We paid just a few dollars, but had to replace two broken windows . This divides the toilet from the bathroom. I love the look and am in a hurry to finish it. I had a visit to the doctor yesterday, he said I am doing great. I am still not able to sit, not liking it much, I will do what it takes. In four more weeks I will be 60% healed and may be starting to sit some. It's funny how many thing you think of doing when you can't do anything! I really shouldn't say I can't do anything, I still get around. We will be having Christmas for awhile. My house has the trees and all still up. That is OK for me I think it is so pretty.

On The Mend

2011-01-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

I am on the mend and can't wait to sit. It sounds so small, I want to sit. I am trying to think positive and use my down time wisely. A wireless mouse and keyboard are so great! Spending some time with those audio books I have put off because I have never had time. Doing some writing on that children's book that has been playing in my brain for so long. I am not one to watch movies so the new OWN network is a blessing to me. I love Oprah she is so inspiring and gives my heart a lift, I would have missed her show, now I can watch so many more valuable and enlighten shows. I will be down for some time yet and it can be boring. I do have to remember how bad it was and how much better it will be. After almost three years, shots, pain medicine and lots of crying I can look forward to a much better life. Not completely pain free, but I will take what I can get and be thankful. The doctor found my tail bone was broken in two places, it was completely detached. He had to do a lot of scraping, the area where it was attached at one time was shattered. He was amazed along with me how I had worked and sat on it for all that time. I had gone in for help one year earlier to be told after x-rays and a kat-scan that nothing was broke. I cried all the way home knowing I still had all that pain to live with, even with pain pills. I fell so blessed to have found some true angels in the last year. John and his staff of doctors and nurses working on a grant are so caring , I love them for all they have done. Dr Krell and Dr Smith, I could never repay them for what they did for me. All I can do is pay it forward at some point. I will have plenty of time to give this thought. I feel so good about that! I am excited about getting back to work on the house. A great start to a New Year!!!

My Resolution

2011-01-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

New Years Resolution???? It has been a rough few years and I have so many things I would love to change. All the changes are about me, Kerry. I think only making them once a year is just not enough, I have to much work to do, not enough time. I think the only resolution I can honestly make huge efforts toward, sometimes fall back and pick myself up to continue is a everyday thing. I have always tried to learn something new as often as possible, but I now think working on one's self is as important, if not more! Being on a time out gives you time to reflect on what is most important. What do I think is most important? I have to be healthy both physically and mentally before helping others. I have been misunderstood and blamed others for the unhappiness, I now own it. I can now think it through, let it go and put my energy's to the future. Yes I know that is easier said then done, I have almost 60 years behind me. Not all bad, some great, some wonderful and some just comfortable, that is good too. These things are what made me who I am, I would never change them. Today is the start of being in the moment as much as I can. That is my resolution, being in the moment.

Coccygectomy Ouch!!!!

2010-12-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

I will be going into surgery at 1:oo today. I hope to be back on real soon. Then I will be telling you all what kind of an experience it was:( I'm sure I will be well taken care of,thanks in advance! I will chat later.

Martha Grew Up

2010-12-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

Miss Martha has grown so big. She was a toe bitter when she was just a baby, now she licks them. She will still bite Dee's, we don't know why? We do have a problem with her licking company's shoes. I give her the look and get angry, but everyone says "She is fine, she is so cute". I can't stand it and have no idea how to stop her. As far as Dee's toe's, she's on her own!!!

Snow Day

2010-12-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Our last snow really dumped on us! It was so lovely, sparkling like diamonds, silent, so white for as far as you can see (which is Sun Valley about 60 miles from us, the mountains in the far background). Poor fence, I guess we won't use that gate for awhile!

Dee and Nick walking down the road. Nick was skating down the road with his shoes on. The trucks driving back and forth to the dairy made it slick as ice. We take s lot of pictures of this road, almost as many as the dead tree out back!

Dave and Earl did come over and help get the car out. Only one problem, that buried my yard truck and the hauling trailer. I need the little truck and the trailer is full of things to go to storage. We get things from the storage in Reno, then put them in a storage here, what kind of sense??? We will build a garage and shop in the Spring, I need a shop. I hope to be up and around by then. I am getting a bit scared now that the date is so close!

As soon as we could get out there Howard cleaned an area and got the trailer out, the little blue truck is free too. Funny old man loves big toys!!!!

Martha And The Bunny

2010-12-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

Martha has had a time of it with a cotton tail bunny. The bunny comes into the yard to dine on what ever is still green. We sit in the bedroom having our morning coffee and watch the cute little critter. Martha gets so upset, so we let her out!

The bunny is at the far corner of the fence. Martha doesn't see it yet. She is looking the wrong way.

She sees it and off she runs. What she doesn't know is the rabbit is way faster then a bulldog! The little guy is now on the other side of the trailer.

This is a picture of poor Miss Martha heading back. She will try it again the next morning. just to lose again. It's hard not to enjoy the chase and it gives her a morning run. I think the cotton tail is having a great time too, it waits for her. Funny !!!!

Just Venting!!!

2010-12-02T05:10:00.000-08:00

We are not doing much around the house right now. Howard is busy working on his truck (It froze or something) and I am on pain medicine (not good for making decisions). Just a couple weeks left until the surgery. I will be blogging on our winter weather (holly cow)!!!! It just isn't letting up (thank heavens for my happy pills). I have been out slipping, falling and sliding in the yard (30 minutes is good). The holidays are hard on me (again my happy pills) and I need to get out every now and again. I am just venting, really I will make it and be good in the New Year to come.

Snow and more snow!!

2010-11-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

Well, our blizzard hit us! It was like being in a snow globe that was shaken every 20 minutes. We will be digging out for some time. The picture above is of the gate, gate???? We were snowed in until this morning. We were below zero and will be in the single digits in the day time. It gives you a odd feeling knowing you can't get out and in an emergency no one can get in. I guess if things got bad we could ride a tractor out. How cold would that be!!!!! We will have to dig the gates out before the freeze, or wait until spring to use them. It is very pretty, gotta love it. (Do you see the little bunny in the top picture?)

Our First Snow

2010-11-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

The first snow of the season. This picture was taken yesterday, it has been snowing all day today. We will be going to town for some supplies. I don't get out much, but this should be fun!

I love an adventure. The fields look so nice with the white winter coat. The world seems to slow down when the snow falls.

A Vist From England

2010-11-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Dee's friend, Jules, from England came for a visit. She brought with her her daughter, Amber, such a lovely girl. Jules and Dee have been on-line friends for 6 years. They met for the first time in the Boise airport. It was a great week and we want them to come back anytime. I want to some day see my dear friend, Joy. Maybe I will get to England, I would love that!!! Love you Jules, Love you Amber.

The Sun Rise

2010-11-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

We had the most amazing sun rise yesterday. I had to take a picture it was so grand with the blue so deep in color. I didn't know Dee had done the same thing, took pictures! Later in the day I was talking to Sis and she had the same pictures. I wonder how many people have those pictures? Mother Nature is so wonderful! I am reminded to slow down and enjoy the view.

My Christmas Tree's Are Up!!!

2010-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

My Christmas tree in the kitchen-dinning-front room. A 6 or 7 foot white tree, with pink lights. Depending on my mod the color can change every year. The tree rotates, which is so great it shows all my ornaments. Some going back 30 years I add one or two every year. This year is a pink year, I love it!

The silver tree is in my bedroom this year. It was made in the 50's and the color wheel turns it different colors. Only painted silver ornaments are on this tree. I can lay in bed and watch it, very soothing. I know i put the trees up a little early this year, for one thing I haven't had a tree up for three years, for another I will be in bed for Christmas and want to enjoy them now. I would like to do one more tree with all my very old treasures on it. I have hunted every yard sale and antique store for them, I hope I don't run out of time or energy, I want to use the bubble light, they make it very reminiscent. I don't do much for the holidays, but the warmth of the inside of my home is important to me, a time to ponder.

Ceiling is done!!!!

2010-10-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

The ceiling is done at last! I worked on it for days and it was worth it all. I will never be able to lift my arms again, but really who needs to!!! On to the next thing finishing my bathroom. I have until Dec. 17th to get it all done. I will never make it, it is worth a try. I love the ceiling, it brings light into the front living room, so nice. I am just so happy it is all done, I was not looking forward to painting it.

Sad Trip

2010-10-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

We left Martha at home when we made the trip to Nevada. I hate to do that, it is just too hard on her and me in the truck together. I did so much better than I thought I would, but sadly it may be my last. It was so sad to be there. I just wanted to get what we needed out of the storage and get back home. I always wondered when it would feel like home here, it did as soon as we entered Reno. I felt so much hate for me, it smothered me. It was a lonely, sad and sleepless night in the hotel. I will not be going back, I am at home here on Hunt.

Painting A White Ceiling

2010-10-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Painting the dinning room ceiling is taking more time than I had planed. I am good for about three hours before I have to stop. White is such a great color. I know to most it is not a color at all, but it really is my favorite. It makes it feel warm, it really does, so much can be done in a white room. I think you have to keep a cleaner house when every thing is white, dirt shows. I have lived in the bedroom most of the time. The problem is the dirt, dust and flys from the farms does end up on all the place. Between Martha's shedding and the farm's, I do a lot of dusting. I will have to get help to keep it all up, or just don't look, I am a little OCD!!!!! I am happy I held out until we moved here, I will need so much help. Thank you. Maybe I should stop with the white for awhile!

Sinks In!

2010-10-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

We are done with the new-old sink. I have so many projects to get to and am happy to have the sink in. One more down and hundreds more to go. I am some what in a hurry to get a few more done before the surgery. I thought it would put me out of the remodel for a little while, but now I found out it may be up to 3 or 4 months before I can get up and just sit. I will have to have my family do for me! I have a little while until they get me worked in, so I will do as much as I can. I am hoping for a fast recovery. I hate just laying in bed. Send me some good thoughts, I really need them!!!!

My Bathroom sink

2010-10-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

We have found the perfect desk or what ever it is, to put the bathroom sink in. Howard saw it in the window of an antique store. My next big task is to re-remodel the bathroom. I want it to be more fun, more me! I will put the pictures on as it goes along. It will have to wait a bit but I want it do before the snow flys. Howard and I will be headed to Nevada to start clearing out the storage. More stuff for me to deal with!!! I do miss it and am happy to be getting it home. It will be the last trip for me, I need to help with the first load and then the guys can get the rest. I won't be able to travel for some time, back surgery! It will make me happy to see all my collectibles, my treasures!

Rock People!

2010-10-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

It seems I never have enough time to get it all done. Well, I think some people have too much time. While out doing some yard sale we came across this house. Wow! Don't get me wrong I love it when a person steps outside the box and does the odd things. It shows we are all so different, special in our own way. This house is very special!!! Rock people line the walk way. Too funny, love it!!

New Old Stove

2010-09-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

Just when you think your getting close, you buy a new old stove. Now rip the kitchen apart and rebuild the counter. I guess your never done! Now the whole house is a mess, start in the bathroom and end up in the kitchen. "It will get done, just keep saying that, it will get done".
The little stove will be used in the shop. It works great, but time to move over for the great find, a new old stove!

Howard and I went out to look at what was advertised as a big yard sale. When were got there, two towns away, it was in the barn and looked to be another antique store like so many others that are cropping up everywhere. I tried to find the one great thing that would make it a good day. After looking through it all I gave up and went to look for Howard. As we found each other, we found it, the stove. In perfect shape. It dates somewhere in the 1950's. It was a wonderful price $125.00, it works perfect too! Now it's time to get back to the bathroom!!!!!

Summer comes to an end

2010-09-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

The corn is in and it is a good crop. Cleaned, frozen it will last the winter, good feeling. The tomatoes are eaten too fast to save any. Howard will be eating the peppers for a sew years, very hot!

Two new trees are planted. Two different maples, both will grow to a large size. I do hope I am here to sit in the shade. We have so many trees, just not where we want them. Nick digs all our holes here and does a great job at it. We have decided to put the whole yard in lawn. It is the best weed control out here. We have been told the large back yard was once grass. It was so badly taken care of, all has died. The front has bounced back, just more to keep us hopping!

The Wood Is On The Ceiling!

2010-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

It's ready to paint!!!! It has taken some time to get it done, but it is done, yeah!!!! With all the work at the dairies, the work for the farms. the work around the home, he found the time to get it all done. I really love the look, it is perfect. Now it will be painted white, just like the ceiling in my head! Sometimes I am not sure how my idea's will come out, perfect I love it. We have had so much work to do, time short, money short, my illness, tired Howard, but it is getting done. We talk about how we wish we were young again, with all that energy. Starting over is so hard.

Grand Old Chair

2010-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

While out at a yard sale we came upon a pile of great wood. I love odd wood for birdhouses or other building stuff. The guy who was having the sale said it was an old chair at one time.He had drug the pieces around for years and was sure some pieces were missing. The chair was from the early 1900's. Well, I had to have it just to see if the wood puzzle could be put back together. Dee, Howard and I sat on the floor and tried to get any idea how it would go back to it's charming self. One thing was for sure, it was a rocking chair. Dee went home, I went to wash my hands and Howard went and got a few tools. He sat there until to my surprise it was again a chair.

He put new foam on it and proudly sat back, his part done. It is in my hands to recover and touch up a little. It still had the old fabric under some newer old fabric. It will take me some time, but it will show it's grand old self again.

Chandler Finished!

2010-09-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

The chandler is done. It is so pretty with all the crystals on it. As you can see we have been working on the celling, the construction part is almost done. It has been half done for a long time, now it is in the short strokes. It will be so neat to get that done. Howard has been so busy it's hard to find the time to finish things. He is doing what he can do on the weekend and evenings. I haven't done much in the house, so much yard work. I am going to try and get some done in the house now. We take Saturdays off to yard sale or antique store shop. We enjoy doing that. I am so happy with my treasures. Look at how wonderful the yard sale chandler turned out!!!

The County Fair Returns!

2010-09-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Dee and Ed having the great fair food elephant ears!

Sis Sharon and husband Jim enjoying those elephant ears!

OK, we all had those ears. We decided to have them and anything on a stick. We did have all we could, but the favorite deep fried candy bar on a stick was missing!! I guess we missed it and the stand showed up later. Oh well, next year. Fair food is so great and we always walk away saying we will never do that again, then we do it again!!!

Dee, Howard, Nick and Ed on the food train. Just funny and funny pictures.

Yes, that's me, an onion. I love the county fair. It is so nice to just wonder from building to building looking at all the exhibits. We are not so good on rides, leave that to the young ones. We just enjoy the laid back strolling and shady sitting.

The emu gave us all a good laugh. Lots of fear on who would pet him! Guess who did it? Me!!! After I did I was told it bit the boy who did it before we arrived. Funny!! We had a great time at the Twin County Fair. Next year we will be there again, looking for those deep fried candy bars!

How Much Am I Loved?

2010-08-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

The elk picture is one of my husbands favorites. I love my husband for so many reasons, but how much does he love me? I think I was reminded how much this week! He makes my dinner most every night, that's not the reason. He cleans up the plates, that's not it either. After dinner on evening he took my salad container away to the trash, we had bought the salad already made. The next morning I asked him if he was going to take the trash to the dump. I never ask him that question, but I had a few boxes to go. He said he would and took half a bag from the kitchen, he rarely takes half a bag, but today he did. After he was gone and at work for a few hours, I called him in a panic! "Did you take the trash to the dump"? He replied that he had. All morning I had been looking for my memory stick for my camera, not finding it I sat down to think of where it could be. Then it hit me. I had placed it on the shelf above my computer after showing Howard this picture I had taken of the elk. That was the same place I had put the salad container the night before! It didn't stick to the bottom of the container did it and end up in the trash????? I panicked, all the pictures of the last three years were on that stick!!!! I burst into tears, gone all gone. Howard tries to comfort me, but I am beside myself. He said "let me see what I can do" and hung up. He was at work and had to explain he had an emergency at home. I next heard from him as he was standing at the dump pit. The dump truck was loaded to the top and was on it's way to the main dump in another town. "Honey, I am going to follow the truck and see what I can do". They said he had less than a 5% chance of finding the stick, he would try. I spent the next few hours feeling the loss and feeling sorry for myself. I heard his truck pulling up, afraid to look or know. He came in with the very bag we had thrown out. What if it wasn't even in there, could I have been wrong??? He sat across from me, his clothes covered with the grosser of gross dump stuff, his shoes with the unthinkable on them. With another bag in hand he goes through the trash piece by peace. Out he takes the salad container, no memory stick on the bottom. Was I mistaken, had my poor husband spent hours going through all that trouble for nothing??????? Then out he pulls his hand with my years of pictures in it!!!!!!! I stand up crying and run to him with a tight hug. He holds me and says three small words, " YOU OWE ME!