Boy, Winter Has Arrived!

And maybe just a little more than we wanted. Nevertheless, we do get a white Christmas this year! We have 9" of snow covered and weighed down by 1/4 inch ice. 2 - 4 more inches of snow expected today. We're pretty much socked in but no need to go out anyway. Except that Bennie has to go to work and has just left. He's headed east where there is much more snow but no ice. And that is good! Say a prayer for him tonight. Here are some pic's of our area. Hope you all are enjoying your time at home this weekend.


The pond today!
The house yesterday.
Enjoying being stuck at home in front of the computer.
The greenhouse warm and cozy!
A couple of nights ago.

Fun times at the "farm"

Kade and Reeese had a great day at a friends mini farm. We celebrated Walt's 60th birthday and the boys enjoyed playing with the new chicks there, who are only about 4 weeks old. They will be fine egg producers the Spring.

Well I have no job as the industry has slowed down a bit. So I have been busy canning fruits, stacking firewood and getting ready for winter. It comes as quickly and decisively as summer. One day sunny, the next day rain and rain and rain. Until May of next year. My tomatoes have barely started ripening. The greenhouse will continue (hopefully) to provide winter vegetables such as cabbage, peas and spinach. And hopefully the neighbors won't suspect I am growing anything but legal vege's! I installed 2 grow lights to extend the growing season.

Bennie is getting ready for his trip to Nicaragua. I hope to make a trip to Texas and Tennessee to visit my siblings. My brother is not doing too well. We hope to all spend Thanksgiving together.

A San Juan Summer?

Of sorts. The weather didn't cooperate very much (that seems to be this summers' theme)! I was a little disappointed, but it was good to be on the water and see the islands again. We couldn't use the heater at night because the batteries wouldn't stay charged, and it was cold! But other than that, it was a good vacation. I suppose if we had gone south instead of north, it may have turned out different. I really do like camping in our trailer just fine though! We will try to squeeze one more weekend in at the end of this month.

Is Summer Going to Appear This Year?

Well ready or not, we're plunging in. Has the weather where you are been stranger than normal this year? My poor garden is so confused. But I have found one method that ANYONE can put together. Even the kids! I experimented with many different methods this year and the one that did the best is called "lasagna layering" which consists of placeing a layer of newspaper ANYWHERE, (on top of grass, weeds, dirt) and then putting 2" of peat moss shavings, organic matter (grass clippings) and water, making 5 layers. You can put it within a border or without. Then stick your plants in and keep them watered. They LOVE IT!!!

We are so excited about a sailing trip to the San Juan Islands coming up (courtesy of Uncle Sam). We'll take lots of pictures. We haven't been on a real vacation for years. Not that life hasn't been good! Don't get me wrong. But I'm feeling spoiled with this one. Like a 4th honeymoon. I guess that's not bad in 37 years! Yes, we sold or boat almost 2 years ago. I hope we can still remember how to sail. So what fun things have you all been up to??? Life is getting stressful for many of us; I hope you are able to take a fun break and forget the troubles in your life for a time. "Laughter makes the heart glad!"

Anyone...anyone?

Is anyone besides me reading this blog????

Well, Debbie, I guess maybe it's just you and me, Babe!

Is Anyone There?

I don't know if anyone is there, but I will do my monthly update anyway. I know it's been getting farther in-between times for my updates. Work has slowed down some for me so it's time to take advantage of this time I have.

I have another book to add to my collections of good books to read. This is another life changing one though......just a warning! K.P. Yohannan, Revolution in World Missions. Even if you are not "mission minded", there is some eye-opening info here that will change the way you look at our world.

We enjoyed a weekend of camping at White Salmon over the 4th. It was good to get away and just talk. We have a need to figure out what it is the Lord (Who owns us), wants to do with the rest of our lives here. It is something, I am ashamed to say, we should have been diligent about much sooner than this. But I guess as we get older we get more serious about what we have done with our life, and what should we be doing with the rest of it. BUT....even more importantly than that, He has been speaking to both of our hearts about the shortness of time, and how we are wasting it! And as His children, what business is it that we should be about? Making money, buying, selling, eating, visiting with friends, etc.....and in and of itself, that's not bad. It's the typical life here in America. But is it what He has for His children? Have things become more important than people? Hasn't He promised He will always take care of us, if we trust Him? Those are the thoughts He has been bringing to us quite strongly lately. So we know He wants to re-direct our paths.

I'll keep you updated on what He speaks to us. We will be spending much time in prayer with Him. It's exciting to wait on Him. Never a dull moment:~) I hope you are enjoying this season in your life.

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