Thursday, September 6, 2012

TurT: Coming buy to say hello as I write and peck a few ants under the big ole Tree.

   I really enjoy siting in this particular spot on Mom and Dad's farm.. It isn't a very big farm or a very big spot. The farm is just 6 acres but full of kids, chickens, and sheep.  This spot is just under 6 feet squared between two big American Oaks that have secret hide outs for the many animals and bugs that live here. On the bottom of the largest tree (to the South East) has hollow spots all over it. There is one in the bottom with tree roots shooting in and out in every direction. I guess they have a place to go but can't make their mind which way.  There is a hollow haven about 3 feet up from the base of the tree. An owl lives in another hollow hole about 6 feet up from that. This tree is my favorite because of all the animals living in it, the big shade it provides and the soft breeze that rustles the leaves at just the time I need it. The bark on the tree has some green moss which interest me because green is a scarce color these days. The old Oak I am leaning on now is a bit younger but not as healthy.  It has been struck by lightening I think and half of the tree is bare. It one day be blown down by a gust of wind or cut down by human hands. This little spot on this little farm is surrounded by buildings, orchards, barns and streets. To the South East is the prison and leaning against these trees is a barb wire fence.  It keeps the people away but the animals like to cross their boundaries every chance they get.  I wander what purpose the fence really has because it seems to serve as only a reminder that nature left alone is few and far between. Just South of me is an orchard. It provides a wonderful scent of pear and apple for my nostrils, as well as fruit for the residents in the corrections facility. To the West is the paved road this spot resides. The whizzing sound of passing travelers only blends in with natures songs.  The birds chirping and the chickens clucking seem to sing in rhythm with passing cars. When I look North serene hideaway, I see three barns, 16 sheep, several chickens, and 6 rolling acres.  TurTee, my parents old turkey bird, waddles over to join me as I watch the bugs and ants dig around the bottom of the Old Oak.  They hurry for food as TurTee hurry's for food.  She pecks the ground once, twice, three times then looks my way as if she just did the best bug pecking job a girl could ever do. I lean in to pet her soft old feathers and know that one day, nature will take her too.  God made all of this just for me and my sisters and brothers who wish to take care of it.  I lift my eyes to see specks of green and blue. The leaves rustle now as I thank Him for this serene piece of nature.  It makes the best place to talk to God. In this small 6 foot space, nature meets man, and man meet nature.  One day, both will die and new birth will arise.  God created it all. I am thankful. I am blessed to enjoy all that is before me. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Paper, and too much of it!

Wow! It has been almost forever since I posted anything on my blog.  I am cleaning and decluttering my home and realized that I have a lot, TONS EVEN, of papers.  I have recipes, homeschooling records and portfolios, magazine clippings, to do list, books I have read, ect. ect. I have got to cut back on how many paper items sit around my desk and clutter my table.  I love having a beautiful table to work at.  That is the reason for going electronic. My beautiful work area, my dining table, is the central hub in my home.  When you walk into my home, you are greeted by my dining table and two Jack Russell.  Right now, my jack's are more inviting than my dining table.
See what I mean.  YIKES!
So today, I will begin to throw away the wonderful, precious paper.  I love paper, particularly pretty looking and pleasant smelling paper.  Tomorrow, I will post a better picture of an inviting table.  It will be great.  You are going to want to come over and have tea and scones at my table.  When I make those, I will let you know.  I will be posting some of my helpful ideas that are currently on scraps of paper.  I hope you enjoy.  Here is one to start with. I am not sure where I came up with it but it is my go to for laundry soap.  

Liquid Laundry soap
1/2 bar Fels Naptha, grated
1/2 c wahing soda
1/2 c borax
2 gal Bucket

Add soap and 6 c water to pot. Heat until soap melts. Add washing soda and borax. Stir well until dissolved. Remvoe from heat. Pour 4 cups of hot water in bucket. Add soap mixture. and stir. now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of cold water. Stir. Let sit for 24+ hours to gel up. Then break up gel mixture. Add
 to old laundry containers. Shake well before each use.. You only need to add 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load. This takes longer to make than powder but you get more than and it is inexpensive. If you want a scent to your soap, add an essential oil (health stores have them) to the hot water before adding cold water to the pail.


BTW, I am not tech-y.  Those of you that know me understand why.  I have a tendency to short electronic, battery operated, and light bulb things out over time. My mom just told me a few weeks ago that she stopped replacing so many light bulbs since I moved out. Guess who replaces them now?  You got it, me.  I still put blame on the old house.    And this is why I am not tech-y.

I can't believe I posted my cluttered table/work station/ prayer place/ craft spot.... OK you get the point.