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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Summer is taking it's time....

to get here. It's been a slow warm-up for us here in the Northwest. I've been working more than usual and went to Texas to see my brother with cancer. So I just wanted to give a quick update and will write more later along with pic's of my garden. It's up and running, and I'm just hoping it will warm up here soon. I've got cauliflower, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and snowpeas in the ground over the weekend. A few tomatoes and cucumbers will remain in the greenhouse just in case! The fig tree is really growing, and the apple tree has lots of blossoms on it. Strawberries are turning red and we should be enjoying them in another week or so.

Every Tuesday I get to spend a few hours with the "boys", Reese and Kade while Jen goes to school. You know I have really been enjoying that! I've finished reading Joel Rosenberg's latest and last book in a series, "Dead Heat". I sure hope the things in there don't come true, as with his other books. But it really does look inevitable. We all know it's just a matter of when, not if.

And, this weekend we are going camping at the coast with Kade. I know he will enjoy all the bunnies and horses at the campground. The 5th wheel is about ready to go and so are we! I'll send pic's soon. I hope you all are enjoying these days, as we never know how many we have left! Make the best of them, I always say.

First Day of Spring

Yippee! My favorite time of year is here. Two first pictures are from our recent weekend trip to Cannon Beach. It was rainy (of course!) but good to get away. The rabbits at Sea Ranch are very friendly. And there are many of them. We plan to return in May with our grandson. The horses will be there then and I'm sure he will have a great time.

The last picture is what I have been busy with for weeks. The greenhouse! I think I should find a good name for it. If you have any ideas, send them along. Zac was a BIG help, and now it houses some 60 vegetable plants getting ready for the ground May 1st. I'm trying purple cauliflower, red bell peppers and white rice popcorn this year, to name just a few. There is also 2 kinds of cucumbers, salad mix, 2 varieties of tomatoes, snow peas, sweet peas, and more growing. Oh, and water cress; one of my favorites for salads (rich in nutrients) and hard to find at the store. I'll keep planting that at 2 - 3 week intervals so I'll have some all summer.

Yesterday I went to Shorty's Nursery and purchased a fig tree (yum!) and a self fertile Chehalis apple tree. The fig will do well in it's pot in the greenhouse for this year. The apple will be planted along the back fence (where the sun is good all day) and I am training it to just grow up the fence and out. Not into the yard. Saves space that way. Next week I have raspberry plants, roses, Passion flower plant and garden accessories coming in the mail from up north. This winter has turned out to be satisfying, in that I started planning early and will reap the rewards earlier because of it. I really do love gardening. If you need help in that area, I found 2 dvd's from Netflix that helped. Jerry Baker's gardening tips, and Rebecca's gardens. Lots of good ideas from those. I also ask the nursery a lot of questions. And of course, read a lot, too.

But for this weekend the focus is The Resurrection Celebration (better known as easter). I never cease to be amazed at what a wonderful God we have, the best friend in Jesus, who died for you and me. This world can be depressing, and unpredictable. But in Him, our future is secure and something to look forward too! Hallelujah!! Have a great weekend.

Knock, knock, knockin' on Heaven's door

I find the mysteries of the parables in the bible compelling. I want to know more. And I find that as I keep looking for answers to the mysteries, they are revealed every time I read them. He does promise to answer our prayers, but maybe we give up too soon sometimes.

"There was a certain city with a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. There was a widow in this city, and she came to him, saying 'Get justice for me from my adversary'. And he would not, for a while. But afterward he said to himself, 'Though I do not fear God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' Hear what the unjust judge said. Now shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you, that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" The words of Jesus

I want to be found faithful. There are many reasons, the least of which is what He has waiting for me. To be found faithful, is a crown all by itself. To be invited to supper that He has prepared for us, is a gift I don't ever want to walk away from because I am too busy in this life with 'things' that the world has set in front of me. He has more for me than that. And for you. Find them in the mysteries of the parables.

The Shack

Well I spent 8 hours engrossed in the most awesome book I've ever read. Click on the title for a preview. I couldn't put it down. It will change your life, I can guarantee. And I don't dare give any of it away. You just have to go there, to the shack.

It is very cold here. With the wind it is below 20 degrees. BUT..... sunny! I can live with the cold if it is sunny. I have a week to myself, and my goal is to get busy with a couple of things I would like to do to start a home business. Wish me well, and pray if you like. I wouldn't mind, at all! I'll keep you posted. Enjoy the rays. I'm sure they will be short lived, but at least we can get a little Vitamin D back in to our blood. C U you soon.

Our most recent sunshine!!

I have sent many of you this link, but for those who haven't seen this, it is amazing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvxWVHzEZ1w. You may have to past this in your browser and if that doesn't work, just go to the youtube website and look for the "Everything" link.

The sun is out....yippee. We in the northwest consider it a truly great blessing to see the sun this time of year. Spring fever sets in and I'm ready to start the garden. But not yet. Timing is everything. But I am getting it ready now. I'll be building cold frames this week to get some things started. My seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom seeds will arrive this week.

Bennie has started a new book......yes he has actually been reading!! It's called simply "The Shack". He couldn't put it down so you know it has to be good. I can't wait until he gets home so I can start it.

Here's hoping God is watching over you and sending His "Sonshine" in more than one way, your way!!

Time to plan ahead

While watching the Seahawks get whooped by the Packers, I felt a little excitement because of the days getting longer, and the promise of Spring around the corner. Although the weather this winter has been crazy, it will change soon. The tornado in Vancouver was pretty close, but did little damage compared to mid-west tornado's. But a bit unusual for us here in the Northwest.

East of us the snow is still piling up. Just very rainy here, as usual. Cabin fever usually sets in about this time of year. So I start looking at seed catalogues and thinking of springtime. It's actually coming around more quickly than I expected. I suppose that's typical of us getting older, you know. Time going by faster.....

Baker Creek Heirloom Co. is a new source I'm trying for seeds this year. Non-hybrid seeds are available through them. Their website is www.rareseeds.com if you're interested. I will keep you posted on any other new finds. I'l be traveling with Bennie east this month while he works there. Crocheting and dog walking will take up some of my time, while I hope to visit Aunt Cherri. Our last visit that way didn't work out, so we'll try it again. Hopes this finds you all keeping busy, and filled with joy because of who you are.....to Him. A precious child!!

2007, going, going......almost gone!

They say as you get older time goes by faster. Someone knows what they are talking about. It is true! So many things we thought would happen, didn't. And many things caught us off guard. Who knows what this new year will bring?! I guess life would be pretty boring if we knew what was coming. I had a couple of prayers answered this week. One was that it would snow Christmas Day! And it did!! But melted by evening. That's OK. It looked beautiful and made the day more special.
We've had very little snow so far. The picture above of Roxy and Chewy playing in the snow at our pond, is from last year. What we've had this year hasn't stuck. But Winter isn't over yet.
We've started one new year resolution; we worked out at the gym this morning. My back has been in bad shape, and then after getting rear-ended, it will take some work to get it back where it was. They tell me I just have to keep moving. It's the secret to staying younger longer. We all want that. But it takes work.

We've no great plans for this year, just taking it a step at a time. Jennifer, our youngest daughter and her family, may move east to Spokane. There is a chance we may follow. It's something we've talked about for a couple of years. I'm going with Bennie this month over there while he works. Aunt Cherri lives there so it's a good chance for us to visit and for me to look around. Definetly colder there, but DRIER! That's what I'm talking about!

We've almost finished Love and Respect. Excellent help for any couple. Anything good in this life takes work. And I'm not afraid of that. The benefits are priceless! Well my pot-roast is in the oven, and I'm off to make a lemon meringue pie for my sweetie. His favorite! I hope your New Year holds promise of better things for you and your families.

Love And Respect

This time of the year seems to be more difficult for relationships than any other. I find myself spending more time pondering that. Did you know the R-E-S-P-E-C-T was originally written and sung by Otis Redding? Not Aretha Franklin? Learn something new every day. The latest book (Bennie and I) are actually reading together, is called Love and Respect. It accurately describes the "Crazy Cycles" many of us get on and are on at any given moment. And the reason being, like everything else in our life; we get off the track! Take a look at what is stated in Ephesians 5:33: Husbands, love your wives unconditionally. Wives, show unconditional respect to your husbands.

Whoooooa! I'm detecting the reigns being pulled in tight! Isn't unconditionaly respect an oxymoron? I suppose it could look that way, but no more than unconditional love. We all have the tendency to reserve the right to wait until someone earns our love...OR respect, before we think we have to actually give it. But....these words in Ephesians aren't suggestions for us to ponder. We're actually commanded as children of the King to obey these words on how to live towards each other, even when we don't feel like it.

Our first allegience is always to the Lord God Almighty! You know, the One who created us in the first place. It is Him we obey, serve and.....adore. And when we do all the above, we show Him to the world, making Him proud of His children. Our faith is not based on how we feel towards someone, just as His love is not based on how He feels about us, thankfully! If we all got what we deserve .... ouch!

So for me personally, respect is one of the things this book is helping me to understand the importance of. I know the other part is coming soon, the unconditional love thing I want to hear about. God wired men and women a little different from each other. (You think??) And I admit it is sometimes very difficult for me to cough up some respect, especially when I can't see why I should! But it doesn't matter how I feel about it. If I make a habit of living my life according to how I feel about someone or a situation, then I am no better than the rest of the world.

I will update you on the rest of the book as I get through it. The unconditional love part is what we women are naturally wired for, and it talks a lot about that need we have from our men. For now I am just focusing on being obedient. Past experience has proven to me there are rewards for me in doing so; peace, assurance I'm on the right track, harmony in the house, power to stand my ground despite all the opposition, a viscious circle becoming a road I can actually see down, with light at the end, and Who knows what else.... Remember the "golden rule".... in Matthew it says "Treat others the same way you want to be treated." Makes sense, just not always easy to remember.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:2-7

And the angels sing......

Ho Hum.....

Work, eat, sleep. That's what goes on after the holidays, right? There is always something more to tend to. But the gray skies and coooold air seem to slow me down. It didn't even reach 40 today. And it just started raining. Should be icy roads tomorrow.

We enjoyed a day at the beach on Thanksgiving. The weather was just perfect. All the kids had other family places to be, so we waited until Saturday to cook the turkey. It was different, but nice.

Well I did pick up some apples from the local produce shop on my way home from work. It's time to make applesauce. Then my stock will be complete for winter. Baked one of the pumpkins yesterday and will make soup with it tomorrow and maybe a small pie with a spelt, walnut and butter crust. Now that I can have. The challenge of cooking minus wheat, dairy and sugar, not to mention fats (besides butter) keeps me thinking. Maybe that is why I am so tired. Send me your food ideas. I will be printing some new recipes later this week. And I promise to update you all on Bennie's Mexico trip. I'm just waiting for the pictures. Until then.....keep doing what's imperative so you can enjoy the benefits later. I think that's how it works?!

New items to watch for

I've added two new areas to the blog; Video Picks and Food Picks. Please feel free to send in good ideas for recent movies you've viewed that you would recommend or great food finds. Recently I have had to restrict my diet because of food sensitivities so I'm always on the lookout for good substitutes to dairy, sugar and wheat.

And as the winter months are approaching, I find myself looking for good videos to watch. I'm a Netflix member so I get them through the mail. It's a great convenience since I dislike shopping anyway. Even in a video store! New ones come in the mail within 3 days after I return the old ones. It's a great deal. So look for my video picks on the side columns and send me in some of your favorties.

Remembering refreshing times

Part of my family of friends and co-prayers....what would I do without your encouragement.

After feeling somewhat overwhelmed, well, downright flattened, I know where to look for strength and so there I go. Not always seeing immediate results, I am reminded that He keeps no clock. And especially not mine. My burdens are the friends and family around me that can't carry their own. As I woke up this morning an hour before the alarm went off, and prayed for those I care about, I realized how many of those people on my list are out of work. They comprise almost 50% of my prayer requests! I thought, WOW.....I want to encourage as many of them as are able to pray....pray with me...and believe. I read the book of James last night and was reminded again, my faith does count for something, and my prayers do move mountains. Imagine the prayers of the many.....He is just waiting to hear from us. So I encourage you.....put on your armor today.....and believe God. His promises are promises! He does hear his children!!

Now I'm off to the kitchen to bake the rest of the cookie dough I made last night for the students. Yeah, my students are adults but they never tire of home made cookies. And I've found since I can't work in the garden, making cookies and giving them away makes me feel better. And since I am a woman and can multitask......Praying while baking works great!

Be still.......

I was given a book a couple of weeks ago on the 23rd Psalm. An interesting observation by the writer was that sheep don't drink out of rushing streams....they need the water to be still or it frightens them. They understand that if their wool gets wet, they could drown from the weight of the wet wool. They seem stupid in a lot of ways, but their fears are real and they know to guard their life in that way. In part of the story, the Shepherd also realizes their fears and finds a way for them to drink out of still waters. He would even dam up water for them in one part of the stream so that the water was still.

And doesn't the Shepherd of our lives find ways to keep us calm, and lead us away from the rushing streams of our lives? More often than not we ignore His leading and keep going our own way......the outcomes not always so refreshing! This is not a 'be still' society. But.......we miss so much when we aren't. So much!