Saturday, February 28, 2009

I was talking about the Great Depression a few posts back and wished my family had talked more about it...if you have older family members who lived during that time..please think about recording or have them make a journal...it will mean so much to the generations....I do sell nice journal jars loaded with good questions to start someone to journaling but don't think I am trying to promote that in this post...I have a cassette tape of my grandfather talking about his early life so taping is a good option too...the older generations are fast disappearing.
I ran across a series on You Tube that is so so cool....

this sounds like such a good sounding cheap meal, especially if you have a family you are trying to keep fed and happy......she tells about life during the Depression which is very interesting as well as a good recipe.......what a treasure our older generations are!

I haven't posted much since the election, have been trying to decide how I want proceed. I read alot of conservative blogs...most are somewhat critical and a few are downright mean to the extreme. The far left and the far right are still taking potshots at each other while the rest of us look on in alarm at times....where is the common sense? Its common sense to realize that when you find yourself in a hole, you don't keep digging....the hole is so deep now, I don't know when we will be able to climb out of it......I don't think in my life time.

there is a growing movement of people protesting...its called the New Tea Party...there were over 40 protests all over American yesterday.. the Christian Science Monitor and the Washington Independent have some good photos.

I am rather confused about all the taxing changes...I know we are supposed to get a small personal simulus, what is it, something like $300 to $400 each..but then we here in California will be seeing an increased sales tax, vehicle tax, etc. as we have the highest taxes in the country.
I supposed the additional $13.00 a week tax break we are supposed to be getting will offset that, I don't know. I do know, none of it is coming very soon as they are so shorthanded in the Department of the Treasury....someone asked when we could see checks coming and they said they had no one to sign the checks....when we get our check, it will go right back to the government for taxes or on bills...we certainly won't be spending it on fun stuff.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Our cats seem to sense when someone is coming home and always give us a "heads up" when someone comes to the door at least a few minutes before we hear the knock or door bell. Our black cat, Smoky is especially good at this, I think he has alot of Siamese in him as he "talks" quite a bit, his body type, and his general personality. He also has alot of trouble with most commercial cat food and usually throws up most of it which makes for alot of clean up. But it doesn't seem to hurt him any, as his coat is soft/shiny and he is very active.

We adopted our other cat, Bandit after our dear old soul cat, Boots passed away last year...Bandit has an entirely different body type, more like a British shorthair

She has a stocky body and huge paws...she weighs a normal 10 lbs but looks heavier because of her long coat...actually Smoky and the Bandit weigh about the same....I wouldn't say they were best buddies but do get along. Bandit has a diva complex and has to be top cat most of the time...for a while, Smoky objected but they've come to an understanding of sorts.


What Cats Do for Us
Warm our laps
Give us someone to talk to
Help reduce high blood pressure
Bring the winter air inside, nestled in their coats
Create a kindred feeling with other "cat people"
Turn common household objects like bottle caps into toys
Make us more aware of birds
Donate their services as alarm clocks
Display daring acrobatic feats right in front of our eyes
Contribute to living a longer life
Make a window sill more beautiful
Keep mice on the run
Make us smile
Inspire poets and playwrights
Teach us how to land on our feet
Let us indulge our desires to really spoil someone
Make our homes warmer
Remind us that life is mysterious
Share with us the all-is-well experience of purring
Instruct us in the luxurious art of stretching
Show us how to lick our wounds and go on
Give us cool cartoon characters
Make even an old worn couch look beautiful
Open our hearts

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Wednesday Dog of the Week

Meet Whiskey, a papillion -poodle mix who is about one year old...he is a small dog, 18 lbs. with a big dogs energy...intelligent and active. He would enjoy an owner who likes to run and jog. He is very loyal and fearless so needs someone who can give him leadership. He is being fostered out and his foster mom says he walks well on a leash, uses a doggy door and loves chewy fuzzy toys.
He also gets along well with other dogs...if he sounds like a dog for you, you can call the Sun City K-9 Dog for more information....
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
My son surprised me last night and brought home a complete meal including a birthday cake! He also gave me some nice gift cards. Thank you for all your kind wishes .I really appreciate each and every one of you.
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
We didn't watch the President's speech last evening but I hear it was good and he was more upbeat..and encouraging...and even though we didn't vote for him...I do think his housing stimulus is a good thing....at least in our area......we have to get our home refinanced later this year and our house isn't worth as much as we owe....because of the foreclosures in the area, housing values have really dropped here. I know his critics are complaining that they don't want to bail out speculators and owners who bought more house than they could afford but there are many people who are in the same boat we are. No equity because of the crisis..we've always paid our mortgage on time and put down a very good sized downpayment, huge in fact. He is right when he says foreclosures bring down entire neighborhoods.....

Of course, I can't leave you without posting this cute photo...Kay sent it to me.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Today is my birthday...don't ask how old....but these candles are a clue...I woke up out of sorts..and kinda sad...but then I was reminded I should look forward, not backward

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”..wow!

Getting online, got lots of birthday greetings, , friends and family,Prim Mart, Etsy, even Coca-Cola sent me a birthday greeting....things are looking up!

You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake. - Bob Hope

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. - Lucille Ball

You were born an original. Don't die a copy. - John Mason

and my favorite.....

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened. - Jennifer Yane

and so, on my birthday, I want to wish you, the reader, the best in the next year...may you be healthy, prosperous, and have some fun along the way.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Monday

I usually promote my stores on my other blog, but Blogger has been fussy for me today....I went to the local thrift store and got the mother lode of vintage crochet books and pamphlets...our local thrift shop uses all its proceeds to help the unemployed and people struggling so everything goes to a good cause. I also found a piece of depression glass, a candle stick (Queen Mary) but as it really needs its mate, I will start looking for one.....I've had good luck finding mates to glass pieces here at estate sales.
This is a similar one I found for sale on Ebay, not the greatest photo but its very art deco, isn't it?
According to my Depression glass guide, a set of crystal set like this is valued at $30.00. If I can find the mate, I might just keep them. I dearly love depression glass and have a good sized collection, some of which is stored as I just have nowhere to display them. My china cabinet is full...we've been on the lookout for a sideboard or dresser for the dining room.
But anyway, I listed all the crochet/knit books in my dani1951 shop so check them out..especially if you like to crochet or knit...there are many afghan patterns, alot of classics plus a shawl, cape, wrap booklet, and a crocheted tops booklet...all vintage and collectible on their own.
later this week when the estate sales start, I will see what else I can find....sometimes nothing but alot of times something, if you know what I mean...wish I knew someone who would like to go with me as its more fun....
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
Bible Gateway, the online Bible reading program I am always talking about, is having a special Lent reading program you can sign up for....I will post the link.....it will cover all 4 Gospels in 40 days, 2-3 chapters a day with Sunday being a catch up day....here is the link if you'd like to sign up.....Bible Reading Program if you are not familiar with Bible Gateway, look at the bottom of this blog for more information. You can also hear the Bible on the left side of the blog, just click on the tiny speaker after the scripture.
My dear friend, Kay called the other day and we were talking about how after over 35 years the Bible is still exciting and fresh as ever..there is hidden jewels among the pages and the words sometimes leap off the paper (not literally of course)
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
We rented the movie "Fireproof" over the weekend and highly recommend it...even our 17 year old got something out of it...wonderful movie. How many of you have seen it?

Sunday, February 22, 2009

This is a very old photo of my grandpa when he was a young man...probably around the turn of 1900 - 1905 as he and my grandmother were married some time after that in 1908...I have a similar photo of her, but its in the wrong format to post. He had a hard life growing up in Carrollton, Missouri...his father passed away when James was only 3 months old. For some reason, his mother couldn't raise him so he was farmed out to his grandparents....who lived in a one room house and were very poor. He had to sleep in the same bed as his female cousin when he was tiny. He never went to school and went to work as soon as he was old enough. His grandmother taught him the 3 R's, reading, writing and arithmetic ...Grandpa always said, "I went to school, in one door and out the other".
He had a adventurous life, being a cowboy, homesteading in Montana, stayng in a tent for two bitterly cold winters on the homestead with 3 children, the bakery, etc.
I have a cassette tape that my uncle had made with Grandpa telling about his life, family and times...its very interesting listening. Memories are so important and inspiring. Yes, we've been having a hard time financially but as our family has had their share of difficult times and survived, I know we will too with God's help.

We did get several checks on Friday and can get some of our bills caught up...we are finding that the banks are being better about late payments...one bank who called pushed back the due date so that the bill wouldn't appear late...wasn't that nice?
Alan had alot of work yesterday, 4 jobs and one this afternoon too. Some of the banks only want us to rekey the front doors...which they found out to their liability isn't a good idea....Alan had to go back to such a house and finish re keying it. A neighbor came over and said that the previous owner was coming in and wrecking the inside, hoping to buy the house back at a low price...She had taken out cabinets and removed all the granite counter tops, sinks, etc. She also tried to get the lockbox off the front door and damaged the handle set. Thousands of dollars worth of damage because the bank was too cheap to pay an additional $10.00 to have the side garage door re keyed!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

I've been thinking alot about the Great Depression...the recession we are in is not near as bad as it was then....despite what the President says...I think he needs to be more encouraging..the American people are strong and hard workers....President Reagan always made you feel encouraged and stirred to succeed...
here are just a few of his quotes>>>>

"We who live in free market societies believe that growth, prosperity and ultimately human fulfillment, are created from the bottom up, not the government down. Only when the human spirit is allowed to invent and create, only when individuals are given a personal stake in deciding economic policies and benefitting from their success -- only then can societies remain economically alive, dynamic, progressive, and free. Trust the people. This is the one irrefutable lesson of the entire postwar period contradicting the notion that rigid government controls are essential to economic development. "

"There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits on the human capacity for intelligence, imagination and wonder"

"Government growing beyond our consent had become a lumbering giant, slamming shut the gates of opportunity, threatening to crush the very roots of our freedom. What brought America back? The American people brought us back -- with quiet courage and common sense; with undying faith that in this nation under God the future will be ours, for the future belongs to the free"

The other day, someone told me the difference between a democracy and a people's democracy. It's the same difference between a jacket and a straitjacket

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."

"Public servants say, always with the best of intentions, "What greater service we could render if only we had a little more money and a little more power." But the truth is that outside of its legitimate function, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector."

You can read more quotes and where I got these is from this website..President Reagan Information Page

If President Obama wants to get the people behind him on this stimulus/foreclosure package, he has to inspire confidence and trust...so far he isn't doing a very good job. He is doing a good job instilling fear, worry, and divisive mistrust.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Sunshine Bakery

As you know if you have followed my blog for any time, I love old things, especially vintage photos....and I have posted tons of them in the past....the blog banner is of my grandfather and Mama in front of Grandpa's bakery in the 1930s during the Great Depression.....Grandpa and another man who was the baker started this bakery during a bad time and they did make a go of it.....Mom told me stories about the time...the soup kitchens, etc. as the bakery was in the bad part of town....and she said, no one ever bothered them but were grateful for the day old sales they had....a cup of coffee and either 3 rolls, donuts or cupcakes for a whopping .10 cents....
here is a similar photo with my Aunt Alyce...they could get the day old stuff for only .5 cents.
This is clickable, you can read the prices and look into the windows...the bread was so good as Fritz the German baker was wonderful....he was very particular with his bread and watched carefully when the girls wanted to help him...Mom said he made her nervous and once she almost dropped a tray of rolls she was taking out of the big oven. The bread was so fragrant and the front of storefront, by the doors would stay warm because of the ovens...Mom said in the winter, the men would gather there sometimes to catch the warmth and enjoy the smell.
The girls had to work constantly, making sure the bakery was sparkling clean both inside and out...they took turns closing at night and would walk to the bus stop carrying the days earnings.
No one ever bothered them, in fact, the unemployed and "wineos" would look after the girls and make sure they weren't bothered.
Times were certainly alot different..people had higher standards. Even if they were down and out...wouldn't lower themselves to thievery. This was in a big city too.


Kay sent me a great old hymn.
 O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I'm hiding in Thee.

In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow's lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o'er me its power;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I'm hiding in Thee.

How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.

Chorus:
Hiding in Thee,
Hiding in Thee,
Thou blest Rock of Ages,
I'm hiding in Thee.
Thanks, Kay! .I've been not a little depressed lately and this really spoke to me...

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Thursday Funny






Early morning here and its about 28 degrees outside..another frosty cold morning.....I are getting ready to take our son to his geometry class.....I am going to stop afterwards at JoAnns and get some red floss to make another set of redwork towels......
What does everyone think about the stimulus package and now the foreclosure plans? As no stimulus in history has ever worked, I have my doubts but time will tell....I do hope the foreclosure programs will work...so much money..more than this head can even imagine!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Wednesday Dog of the Week

Introducing little Doc, a Basset mix...Doc is only a puppy, 3 months old and has a lot of personality...he won't be very large, has small Basset legs and a big heart....loves everyone especially kids. He is a healthy happy little boy who needs his forever home...
You can find Little Doc and many of his friends at the Sun City K-9 Dog Rescue, they also are very appreciative of donations that go towards the dogs care, vet bills, etc. All donations are tax deductible. The rescue is a no kill non-profit organization.....if you live in the area and are interested in little Doc, just call 951-679-6444 and ask for my son, Don.
Here he is with the two dogs he adopted, Lady (the smaller Australian shepherd mix) and Bruno,
the lovable mystery mix. Can't believe he will be 21 in May....

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

We are waiting for the mailman so thought I'd post a little.....Alan snipped off a small branch of our fig tree and put it in some water to see what would happen as an experiment..and well, you can see the result...we may have the makings for another tree....he is going to be putting it in a pot with some good potting soil soon....we never knew you could plant a tree like this but evidently you can..figs are very hearty vigorous growers...as they are pretty trees, it would be fun to have one inside...

My kitchen looks like a nursery as I have egg cartons and other containers filled with seedlings and seeds...the summer squash is up.
Its been really raining alot yesterday and again today...so far in our yard, we've gotten over 3 inches since January...its supposed to dry out now but there are storms forecasted again next weekend. The tomatoes, cabbage and lettuce we planted outside are okay...soggy but look happy. We've been covering them about every night against frost.
Not a whole lot going on right now...Alan had one job this morning and again one this afternoon...both of these are invoices and no cash....we had a job yesterday also in San Diego so we are busy most of the time. We are both praying that God will open the floodgates and we will open the mailbox to checks today.....and for the rest of this week....

Thank you Lord...just a report...we got 3 checks today so can pay our mortgage! God is good...

Monday, February 16, 2009

Rainy Monday

We woke up to the second storm of the two that were predicted.....wet but not too cold...rain is always a blessing here so no one is complaining.....we've been in a drought for the last 3 years.

Alan took a few photos yesterday of some of the old houses that will soon be disappear as our city progresses....this one is on the side of the busy freeway on a hill...we've noticed it for years...when the freeway was nothing but a two lane highway...it looked better of course...its headed toward oblivion soon....he took other photos too...down the freeway about a mile or so and across is an old farm with a red barn that looks somewhat Amish.....with a old Ford truck parked beside it...there are several other old buildings around and its a shame to have them all disappear...I wonder about their history and the people who lived there....as these buildings are on the side of a busy freeway, and the land is scheduled for industrial use, they will soon be gone...but hopefully not forgotten.
One day I hope to paint or do a cross stitched picture of them when life isn't so hectic and hurried...I would change a few things though...mainly the boarded up windows...Alan took off the graffiti already. I do love the rock fireplace and foundation. I'd take out the window AC unit too.
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
We were not able to make our house payment on time...and a few other bills too....We sent new invoices to all our late payers so hopefully we will be getting some payments soon so we can get caught up. I think it's unfair for banks to levy late payment fees during this bad time for our country....in fact, the banks are the ones not paying us...it reminds me of the parable of the unforgiving steward, remember that?

"Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars.> He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded.But his creditor wouldn’t wait.

He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.(remember the bank CEOS going to Washington DC, begging for money?) Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?
Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. Matthew 18:25-34

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sunday Musings

This photos is of my mother's family....the little girl on the far left is my mom, next to her is one of her two sisters, Alyce, the boy is my Uncle Marvin, and the girl with her arm across my grandma's shoulders is my Aunt Zelda....My grandmother was Jessie and my grandfather was James..This photo was taken right around the Great Depression of the early 1930s. They are all gone now with the exception of my Aunt Alyce who is in her 90s.....sorry, I don't have the scanner hooked up or I would have scanned the photo.
The younger girls have on handmade dresses that my grandmother sewed. Grandma always made most of their clothes, growing up and she even made a few for me....I still have a pretty little girls dress she made for me in the 1950s which I cherish.
The photo below is my grandmother's parents..my great grandparents...my great grandfather Henry Wagner was the son of German emmigrants who came here sometime before 1857. They lived in the area around Ottumwa, Iowa. and farmed. They later moved to Brunelda, Montana to homestead dry farming.This photo was taken on their Montana farm sometime before 1917.
I have a whole box of old photos, some older than these but haven't gotten them organized or scanned yet.....Grandpa had a huge trunk of photos, we only got a small part of them. After he passed, some of the family thought no one would be interested and threw them out (!!!!)
Many in my family knew the Lord and my grandmother was no exception.......when she was very ill with cancer...all the children came to stay with them and one morning, Grandma had been napping, she got up for lunch and told all of them.."I had the oddest dream...two people came to me and said they were taking me home...I told them I was home...they said they'd come back at
2:00 to get me.." No one thought too much about the dream but that afternoon she passed away in her sleep at 2:00. True story.

As I've gotten older, I've come to realize that our families are part of that great cloud of witnesses the scripture speaks about....all of those who have given their lives to the Lord. I am sure they are rooting for their children, don't you? Do you have family that were believers?
I've done research on Alan's family too and its the same...his great grandfather used to tell Bible stories to the neighbor children and was respected man in the community.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentines Day


We don't really celebrate Valentines Day but know alot of people do so here is wishing my readers a very sweet and happy day. Valentines Day is an ancient holiday with lots of legends associated with it..but there was a true St. Valentine, as they have recently unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to the saint. How the holiday has evolved into flowery hearts, chocolate and flowers is a bit of a mystery, but I suspect the Victorians has alot of do with it. As I tend to like chocolate, and flowers, I am not complaining!

Friday, February 13, 2009

I am a Winner!


As you know, I participated in the One World One Heart blog fest this year which ended on the 12th.....got an email yesterday from Trisha (Easily Amused, Hard to Offend) and I was one of six winners...I got to pick out which prize I wanted and I picked this great Edgar Allen Poe bookmark..the one on the left. I've always liked his writings. It was hard to choose as all her offerings were so nice....she is an altered art artist. I was rather surprised as I usually am not lucky at all.

.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
Alan had a job in San Diego today but I didn't go along...he had to re key a Taekwondo studio. He is branching out into industrial buildings and businesses and we just got our ad in the local Yellow Book.
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
We are expecting 3 more storms coming in the next few days....and its chilly....our vegetables are ok, holding their own and we are keeping a close eye on them. I haven't checked the strawberries, they've been covered all winter....I really need to go out and do some gardening but is so chilly and wet outside. We are getting weeds too so there will be lots of work as it warms up.
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
I think its very bad all the fuss made over the lady who had all the babies....over reaction by many people...yes, the doctor was at fault big time and should have his license suspended, and yes, I think the mother is mentally ill in some way...I think we should be more concerned with the babies safety and health. There are so many websites, and media coverage that is just plain mean spirited and shall I say it? evil ......and I think what is making people so angry is that the people of California will have to pay for this at at time when California is broke....a better solution would be to have the fertility doctor, the one that was so irresponsible pay for them, don't you?
What do you think? I mean, he was the one who allowed this to happen....he's the "professional".





Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Road Trip, Imperial Beach

As I said last night, we went on a road trip today to Imperial Beach,Ca which is very close to the Mexican border. Neither of us had been there before so didn't know what to expect....thought perhaps it would be like a typical border town but we were pleasantly surprised.....
The streets were clean and well kept....so were most of the homes. They looked like many houses in Southern California beach cities...built after WWII and were like the house I were grew up. The house was old, but in fair condition...needed new carpeting and flooring...some wood damage as someone pushed in the backdoor and one window was broken, but it had a lot of charm, with pretty woodwork....and the location was the best...it was within walking distance of the beach, stores and across the street was the community center, senior center and a nice park.
There was quite a bit of tropical plants in the yard..including .....this giant sago palm
On the way back, we drove down Old Castle road.. in North San Diego County, which winds through the hills with many lovely homes...we were trying to find the "Castle" which was a popular site some years ago..but couldn't find it. Perhaps the trees had overgrown the towers but it was built by a local writer, poet and artist, Issac Frazee..in the late 1880s, we both remember it from when we were teens and Alan even delivered lumber there when he worked at the local lumber yard...it was a little disappointing but we did take a few photos of the area
A eagle eye view but I don't think I'd want to go out for a milk run, would you?
well manicured acreage
Live oaks growing over the road....
a little tired tonight, it was close to two hours each way to Imperial Beach but a fun day......
*************************************************************************************
Please add to your prayers one of our blog sisters, Linda from Linda *Pinda* designs for financial help and a new baby on the way.....
thanks for the prayers too as I can really feel them....still no money coming in..and we are owed thousands......sigh....

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Here are a few photos...the first is our backyard with the frost...it was quite heavy and the next two are of the mountains.....its been chilly all day, in the 50s and tonight, its again very cold...the tomatoes, and lettuce are ok so far...I covered them well tonight again and from the weather report, it should get warmer in the next few days...
tomorrow Alan has a job at Imperial Beach, south of San Diego so its another road trip...I will take the camera!






Cold!




We woke up to freezing temperatures early this morning, it was 25 degrees...very cold for us...we knew it was going to be a cold night so covered our little veggie starts....so hopefully they will survive......the mountains are covered with snow again and are so beautiful.....Alan is off at a job but he took my camera so will get some photos.....
Matt is in the kitchen making pancakes...they smell good so this will be a short post.....just wanted to share that the HillyBilly Housewife has a new newsletter out...here is the link...HillyBilly Housewife blog there are some good recipes there, pea soup and also some good salad recipes..if you haven't signed up to get the newsletter, please consider it..its free and a good thing!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Rainy Monday


Photobucket


more rain skies today, good for us! our tomatoes and other veggies look very happy.

I've decided not to dwell on politics this week...if we look towards man to fix all the problems, and not God...we are bound to be disappointed. We were watching a new show and a reporter I was not very familiar with Glenn Beck....We were both very impressed with him, plain spoken and down to earth....one thing he mentioned that on D day in WWII, President Franklin Roosevelt asked the nation to pray with him on the radio and had a over 6 minute prayer...you can hear and listen to it here while the bombs were flying, our people were praying......I wish we had that spirit in our President today, don't you? On Glenn Becks site, there are videos you can hear (got to go through a commercial unfortunately, but its worth it) and yes, he really loves our Lord too.....he professed Jesus on the show and is very passionate.
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
I don't often promote artists on this blog but once in a great while, there is someone I think needs a little mention....I ran across this lady's work and I think its wonderful.....Her blog is
Bay Ray's Child and she creates the most wonderful art dolls...she has one on Ebay right now that I would dearly love.......



Her workmanship is extraordinary, don't you think? I've made dolls and know the work involved.
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
and speaking of prayer...would you please pray for us? we have alot of bills due this week and no one has paid us for the work we've done in several weeks.
also the following need our prayers...
Cora, Hidden Riches from Secret Places for continued recovery from cancer surgery
Jase,& his family, Farmhouse Blessings for a very scary heart condition.
Kay and Joseph, ....Mused News Joseph has health problems also...and financial help.

Ephesians 6:18"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

Saturday, February 7, 2009

We woke up to more rain and gray skies....still fighting a cold...we got a email to do a re keying up in a nearby city so off we went....but we were in for a nasty surprise.....


previously someone had cut this house in two making a apartment out of the garage...not up to code and the mold in the apartment was terrible...we held our breath and snapped some photos to send to the realtor, quickly replaced the locks and left...believe it or not, this was the best of the photos...the others are all worse. The bank will have to have a service come in and try to clean this but as its through the drywall, they will probably have to dismantle the apartment and return it to a garage again. Will cost big bucks, this is a Fannie Mae property. But its in a good neighborhood and worth perhaps repairing...I don't know and am glad I don't have to deal with it.
We were really glad to get out of there! Came home and disinfected our clothes, and selves, phew!
.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸><((((º>
I see that the Senate is about ready to vote on the bill....the Democratic Senators remind me of this


They've carefully worded some of the pork to make it sound "not like earmarks" for example, they have a insurance exemption for companies workers who make yacht's, military projects in Guam, and $198 million for WWII Filipino veterans most of who don't live in the USA. These may be at closer examination worthy but this bill is supposed to stimulate our economy.
I always remember that old saying, "Act in haste, repent in leisure"

Friday, February 6, 2009

Pull up a chair and have a seat....just got back from taking our son to his geometry class...he goes 3 times a week and does the rest of his classes at home. He will graduate this June and since he's been going to this independent study school, has gotten a 3.0 grade point average. We got a email about graduation ceremonies and when to sign up.......can hardly believe my baby is all grown up...seemed like last week I was walking him to his first kindergarden class..this will be a big year for him...graduating, getting his drivers license and studying for his locksmith license. He's decided to follow in his dad's footsteps at least at this point....Alan can sure use the help...I go with him on jobs and try to help, but am not very mechanically inclined...it takes me a good 20 minutes to put a lock back on and lots of times, I get frustrated. Its not my thing but I do try. I am proud of myself as I can take the locks off for him to re key just fine...its replacing them that is the problem.

A person asked where I get the graphics like the ones above.....I get them free through a talented blogger...Penniwig's I have lots of links on my other blog for free graphics, vintage photos, free craft patterns, etc. just check over there....DaniV1951's Newsletter
I keep adding to the list also when when I find new ones...and there are always new ones.....

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Thursday Book Review

Alan gave me several books for Christmas..one of which is this one
"Rediscovering God in America" by Newt Gingrich.
...this is a great book...I would recommend this to every family that is homeschooling especially.

I check in on alot of online forums and boards and every so often, I see where someone says we are not nor ever were a Christian nation. This book totally disproves that idea....by concrete evidence. The next time someone says that God doesn't belong in the public square should travel through Washington D.C. and view the significant monuments, memorials and documents in our nation's capital.
Newt Gingrich takes us through these chapter by chapter. The first chapter is the National Archives where the Ten Commandments are etched into the floor as you enter the building!
Other chapters are the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, FDR Memorial, the Capitol building, Supreme Court, Library of Congress,
Ronald Reagan building, White House, WWII Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
In each and every case, God is a integral part.
in the back of the book, is a walking tour of the capital, directions, photos and maps...if we ever get the privilege of going to Washington D.C. I am certainly carrying this little book with me.
I've really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to everyone who loves history.

This photo was taken in Grayling, Michigan...these lovely twin albino deer..very rare....