Friends or Foe?

I have been wandering around our property looking at all of the flowering that is taking place. And I began to wonder how many people see the flowering plants as a friend rather than a foe? Each plant has a purpose, we may not always see that it does in a positive light. But there is a positive purpose for each one, just like us. We need only to look for it. So here is a few pictures that I took of some friends that I saw. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Guess you can decide for yourselves whether they are your friend or foe.

FRIEND OR FOE?
Although not an actual flowering specimen, these Bees do help to pollinate the flowers we do enjoy. I am not totally sure of the right name for them. As there is one type of the species that are called "Wood bees", who have a foe reputation of eating holes in the wooden pieces on our homes. This little bee had been seen visiting the blooms on the pots of flowers sitting on the porch. Doing his job of ensuring next years seed production as he dusted each one with pollen. So until further notice I am going to call them my friend. After all I don't believe they will sting you, unlike their cousins the yellow jackets, who have a mean temper.

FRIEND OR FOE?

These are what I have been told are Fox Grapes. I have been waiting for them to produce all summer. They grow wild around here and according to the Internet, are useful in making jelly and wine. Mine are rather small and I am unsure if it is due to their nature or some other environmental factor. One taste though has left me wondering about whether they could be a foe . . . . having a tart, sour flavor. But all in all they are quite hardy and provide a food source for the birds if not for mankind. So on that note I will call them friend, for I have been gifted with an array of birds feasting on it's goodness. . . . Mocking birds, Brown thrashers, Blue birds, Jays, Cardinals just to name a few. Flurry of color and activity right out side my kitchen window, for free.

FRIEND OR FOE?

Pictures of wild Morning Glories. Usually seen in shades of purple and blue. They pop up in any plowed area, seeding themselves from some unknown source. These were twined around my tomato cages and vining across the garden area. Dotting the landscape with splashes of bright purple here and there. Bees love them for the nectar and I have had a host of bright yellow butterflies hovering over them, since they opened up their flower cups for sipping. Left to their own decisions they could possible take over a garden. But kept in check they offer color to an otherwise brown & green pallet right now. We pay money for the cultivated ones at the store for our yards, why not enjoy the ones who grow themselves? I call them friends ~ for I never miss having a smile when I spot them.

FRIEND OR FOE?

Pictures of Goldenrod, often mistaken for that pesky weed that causes hay fever this time of year ~ named ragweed. A beauty of yellow in a landscape of fall colors, often visited by late season butterflies and honey bees gathering nectar. By the way it does not cause allergic reactions. I call them my friend ~

Have you seen any of my friends in your yard this year? What did you decide? Friend or Foe? Maybe seeing them as I do has changed your perspective of them. Be on the watch for friends while outside and marvel at the positive purpose they have. You just might enjoy nature a little more with a thankful heart for a job well done.

Looking for friends,

Deborah

Another Week Begins . . .

Sunday was a quiet day for the most part. I did have 2 visitors late afternoon, who came by to discuss nursing decisions that one was needing to make. I had been working on Heartland blog entries and had gone outside to sit and write at the picnic table, when they arrived. We had a nice chat for almost an hour rocking the day away on the front porch. I stayed outside as Sassie was desiring my company. Thinking I could do two things at once, serving to accomplish two purposes; writing and visiting with a horse.

It was a perfect Fall day. . . one blessed of lite breezes with a hint of coolness on such a sunny day is the right combo for me. One that made me want to ride Sassie all the more. Filling my thoughts with rides taken across the pasture/ prarie open lands, along a trail nestled in the woods, just about anywhere at this point. Right now I could be happy with just "yard riding". I keep thinking soon I will be able to get a saddle. My visitors promised before leaving to search out their storage area to see if they still have one. They used to own horses, but have sold most of their things already. Soon, very soon I may get to ride.

Monday was a day of not much and a few things. Both my husband and I are dealing with a health issue right now. One that keeps us from getting much done around here lately. We left after lunch today to run a few errands and dropping off the chainsaw to be fixed before going to pick up lumber and nails. Both are needed items to build a new goat shelter. One sideline stop was at a feed & seed store nearby. Lon has decided to put some rye on Sassie's pasture, along with all we have already sown for her winter grazing. This "feed & seed" store is an old establishment with new owners. So we spent some time there just visiting with the owners. Small town chatter and sharing of news. Quaint, friendly and a lost art in the rush-rush world of today. But very much alive in the rural setting we are now living in.

Food plot area for Deer Hunting

The lower edge of the pasture had to be cut before sowing the rye. It was a good thing I had put a pot of soup on earlier. For the day was slowly slipping away towards sunset. Took half of the bag of rye seed and sowed it over Lon's food plot area he is establising for the local deer. We finished our chores just in time to enjoy our meal eaten out at the picnic table as the wonderful Fall day ended.

A wonderful lazy kind of day. . . . .no rush,

Deborah

Rain, Ruin and Rockers

Rain has returned after only one day of dry weather. The progress of clearing out trees in an effort to dry out our "barn" continues. The hope of having a larger, warm, dry shelter for the goats has been delayed. Due mostly to the unending rains and also our tired bodies. All of the cutting, noise and disruption near the laying boxes has upset the hens I think. For our egg production has dropped to an all time low this month. I am hoping the trend doesn't continue long, as we need a steady supply for our egg customers and ourselves. Though we have been blessed a couple of times lately with a "two for one" deal.

Yesterday on the way to the feed store we came across a yard sale event in the town where it is located. Lon spotted a vendor who was selling wooden rockers, swings and Adirondack chairs. After picking up feed, we stopped by to check things out. Finding well built oak rockers and cypress Adirondack chairs to our liking. Both sat and rocked wonderfully. My family has been after me to discard the rockers I have been using. They are a little worst for wear, as my son's dog used them as teething toys when he was a puppy. My plans were/still are to redo them. I believe I can re-cane the bottoms so that they are useful again. May not be perfect as I have never done one before. But I have studied several books and would like to try my hand at making them over. Even if they are off a little in the pattern, who would care as long as they held you up when you sat in them. I just hate to throw away something just because it needs a little repair. Any way, long story short, after returning home to unload the feed and eat lunch we went back to get some new things for our porch. Brought home 2 large rockers and 2 chairs destined for the yard. I plan to put a staining sealer on all of them to help protect the wood from the elements. Then place the 2 Adirondack chairs out under the big old oak out front.

I have already added a few lap quilts and cushions to the rockers for comfort when the air turns Fall-ish. I need to make a trip back to the old house to gather up our Fall decor box to finish up the sprucing. Picking up some more craft supplies while there wouldn't be a bad idea either. There is several Autumn themed ones that I need to finish.

Rocking my cares away,

Deborah

P.S. Tell me what your favorite Fall item is, so I can add it to our list.

Farm Visitor of the Two Legged Kind

How is it possible to be worn out from the constant chatter and activity of a three year old one minute, then have your heart ache for her the next? Leah came out to visit with us this past Wednesday morning bright and early. A visit that required that I drive one and a half hours round trip to pick up her and her sleep-over bag. Meeting her mommy before going to work was the only way to get her here without too much fuss. She has spent almost 3 days with us, leaving under protests this afternoon.

Every room in the house speaks of her presence here, these past few days and tugs at my heart. Tears sprang easily enough to this grandmother's eyes as she left and again as I see all the reminders in each room. I miss her already and understand the longing her Mommy had in her absence. I do look forward to a sound night of sleep, but will miss my "bed fellow". As tiring as she can be at times for this 53 yo. Nana. I long to hear her spontaneous "I love you, Nana" and all the free hugs and kisses she gives without being prompted. I pray that we are making memories that will bring a smile to her face and a tug at her heart when remembered one day. That the pleasant sights, sounds and smells will flood her with memories of a joyful time spent with her Papa & Nana on the farm. Like the ones that sweep through me of my own childhood spent out in the country with my grandparents. Life is so precious and passes so quickly that I am afraid we let too much of it slip through our fingers unnoticed.

I lost an uncle today, my last one, to death after a sudden illness at 87 years of age. He was my Mother's only living sibling up till 4:32pm today. All of her brothers, sister and parents are gone now. Her heartache is so ever real and haunting at the same time, of her own passing years and aloneness now. I can't imagine how it must feel. Sorry Mom for your lost. Lon and I discussed the issue this evening as we rocked away our weariness over a pot of coffee, as rain once again covered our world. He has already lost both of his parents and knows the pain of separation it brings, I have not. We spoke of those who have lost a spouse and how that must put a heaviness in the heart of the one who is left behind. Neither of us like the idea of being a widow or widower. We pray the Lord will allow us to go home together one day or give us the grace to go on alone. One may have children or even grandchildren around them. But I am sure they will never take the place of your parents and especially your spouse. All of these events happening this close together today has already served to make me quite weepy.

Reflecting on life,

Deborah

Autumn has Arrived!

I love this time of the year, though if I was to confess, I have reason to enjoy every season of the year. Guess I just love living and can find something pleasurable about each one. It just depends on your perspective. The weather has been rather cool lately and is serving to stir the blood towards thinking hibernation. Our leaves around the farm are already showing hints of color, with a few spreading their bounty across the lawn. Breezes of the snuggling kind have caused me to add quilts and blankets for our outside sitting pleasure. A few mornings have even required a sleeve and a briskness to our morning chores. We have turned off the air conditioning and in turn have opened the house to the refreshing air. A sure way to save on electricity and increase our time sitting close together .

Changes can already be seen in the stores and around town. Everyone is placing their fall decorations out and mums can be readily found at the garden centers. I plan to get a few to dress up our porch and yard too. A trip back to storage will be needed in order to get my rather large box of Autumn decor to use at the farm. Wishing at present that I had been able to put in a pumpkin patch and few corn stalks to be used now. No worry, I am sure I can find a few dried up stalks in a neighbor's garden and pumpkins of all sizes are available in the grocery stores. With all these changes my mind wanders off to the collection of recipes I have gathered that taste like fall to me. One especially enjoyed is a flavorful pumpkin bread recipe that I want to share with you.


Pumpkin Spice Bread

1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 plus 1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon canned unsweetened pumpkin
1 large egg

Preheat oven to 350*. Grease and flour an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan. Sift together the first 5 ingredients; stir in salt. Combine sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a large bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add egg, beating until well blended. Gradually add dry ingredients, beating at low speed until blended. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake at 350* for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until loaf is golden and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes our clean. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes; remove from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Hope you are enjoying this early taste of fall weather that we have been experiencing. Dig out some of your fall favorites and cook some up soon. Before you know it these days will turn into the cold days of Winter. And pumpkins will be a thing of the past, along with ever changing leaves, mums, Friday nite football games, fall fairs and other pleasures of the season. Grab some now while they are available.

Don't forget to leave me a comment on a post with your favorite fall item, so I can add you to the list on this blog.

Digging through my fall favorite list,

Deborah

Visitor in the Night

Awoke this morning to find Spirit standing fence side with Sassie. Seems from the looks of things in the yard (poo piles) that she thought it was a good idea to spend the night and invited herself down. Her owners generally let her run around their yard loose, which seems like an unwise thing to do, especially when they are not home. But it is their horse, not mine to decide this for. Spirit is on the bony side and could use some good grazing and obviously some "horsey companionship" too. I feel sorry for the horse and her unhealthy condition, but I have to think of my own horse's health first. So I gathered Spirit up and started the trek back up the driveway. I didn't have to go too far before I met her owner who had come looking for her. Guess he knew where she would be after yesterday's adventures. She is sweet horse and leads easily enough. But her physical shape has me wondering if it is due to malnourishment or disease. Plus we need all the grass around here for Sassie's grazing, there's not enough to share.

Horsing around the farm,

Deborah

Four Legged Exercise vs Two

I am feeling under the weather today and the skies are cloudy and wet with rain. Lon nor I am moving very fast this morning. He had a sleepless nite after drinking coffee too late in the day yesterday. He also has his own physical aches to deal with today as well.

It appears that Amber, our milker is in heat and with Samson's "moves on her" we are unsure if he will be able to get the job done. Samson is 7 months old and this is his first breeding rut of his short life, though bucks are fertile as early as 3 months. So we decided to travel down a nearby road where we had been told that a family raised Nubian goats. We hoped to find a "buck for hire" for our girls. Had a wonderful ride down back country dirt roads but never found anybody that appeared to have goats at least from the roadside. We will have to keep searching and/or pray that Samson steps up for duty. As we want all of them to be bred and in milk next year. Plans are to use the extra for making goat cheeses, yogurt and soap besides all that we can drink.

Sassie gave me my exercise this morning by getting loose from her tether and going to visit the neighbor's horse. Hiking up the driveway to retrieve her only led to the other horse following us home. Second trip up the LONG driveway to walk it back to it's home resulted in it promptly returning to ours. Third trip up the LONG, LONG driveway (did I mention we live way off of the road?) involved Lon and I both with a roped horse in tow. Taking her all the way to her owner's front porch steps, we learned that her name is Spirit. Guess that speaks of her persistence and drive to be with Sassie. Throughout the day she would appear in our upper pasture intently watching Sassie graze out in the front yard. Who by the way I had to convince twice that it was not a good idea to return to the top of our drive.

Lon was able to sow the grass seed and clover over her future home today with high hopes of getting a good stand for next year's grazing. With all the rain we've been getting it should be a good time to plant. A load or two of chicken manure would help it along as well.

Catching my breath,

Deborah

Family Time

We have been having a busy week, kind of sounds like all of the rest of them, doesn't it? But this involved a visit from my parents for a few days. We had a good visit with them, did a couple of odd jobs together and gathered with our boys, daughter-n-law and granddaughter. When ever they come into town we try to get everyone together for a visit and so they can see their much loved great-granddaughter. A cook out this past Sunday was enjoyed by all. We actually got 8 people around a 48 inch dining table. It was close, but doable. Introductions of Sassie to the family was made, as some did not know she was even a part of our farm yet. Leah loved her and kept wanting me to let her hold the lead rope. Conversations on the porch, grilling in the yard , visiting with the livestock and wandering in the woods were enjoyed by all.

Lon and I reworked the play yard for the chickens today. Built stable fencing (goat-proof?) and turn the biddies out with the rest of the free-ranged flock. Twenty five Isa Browns and Silver-Laced Wyandottes join the ranks of happy chickens. Open grazing will help them mature and should start laying come November. If the fall moult doesn't hurt production we may be over run with eggs by then. Just in time for holiday baking.

Gathering the assorted extra roosters we have running around, we clipped one wing on each and placed them into a holding pen until harvest day. It sure has been considerably quieter in the barnyard since we penned them up. No more fighting over the hens, who have in turn been a bit more relaxed it seems.

While Mom & Dad were here on Monday we burned the large trash pile of limbs that had gathered in the backyard. Cutting down 2 trees nearby add to the fuel of it. Having them cut down and split into firewood has started us towards a log pile for winter heating. We have been wanting to remove them along with a few others in the yard. It is hard not to get overwhelmed at times when looking around the place with all that still needs to be done. But if we do not work off a sort of priority list, we can get "off track." It is in those times of being off track that some one's physical needs won't be taken care of. Don't want that in either man or beast.

I have started letting Sassie out into our yard since yesterday to munch on grass. The pasture she has been staying in has a small grassy area that is starting to look low. I "bush-hogged" the other pasture that will become her permanent home with our mower, in preparation for sowing it with a mixture of grass & clover seed. With a little effort and money on our part, we can get it in shape for next Spring's growth. Searching for a good hay source is up most in my mind right at present. As this year's grass will soon be gone and supplemental feed will be needed by both the goats and Sassie.

Autumn is upon us and there is so much to do still. If left undone it could prove to be a hard Winter for us and our farm. Stepping up our pace is what appears to be needed. But you don't have to look far around you to see those in worst shape than we are. With the Lord's help and guidance we will make it just fine, regardless if it all gets done or not.

Working a little faster,

Deborah

Saturday Glance

I have been quite busy the past few days. My husband and I went this past Tuesday to pick up Sassie. I still can't believe I have a horse. She traveled like a pro, but I was a little nervous with the loading and unloading having never done it before. We had to borrow a trailer for the trip which added to the unknown factor as well. Thanks, goes to Mr. Mac for letting us use his. One day it the future we plan to have one of our own. Until then we will have to depend on the generosity of others to meet our needs.

Lon commented after we arrived home and had her deposited into her new surroundings. Just how beautiful she looks out in the pasture. From this and other comments about her, I think she is winning his heart.

I have been busy trying to work on her trust issue with me and to come when I call her. She is responding quicker than I could have wished for. I have sought the Lord about what I should do on several occasions since her arrival. He has blessed me with guidance and help each time. Praise the Lord! I am not sure how long it will be before I can ride her. I will need to make sure we trust each other first. Then there is the issue of not having a saddle, don't think I am ready for bare-back riding yet. A friend of ours has stated that he will let me use his saddle and bridle until I can find one. A blessing from the Lord for sure!

Received another blessing the same day from a couple of visitors from the church we had attended recently. One of them is a beekeeper, Clyde knows several horse people in the area that could help me with her training and care. I am going to get their numbers from him so I can chat with them about horse ownership. A plus in the conversation was that he invited us to the local beekeepers meetings and said he would help us get our hives set up for next year. He also sell wonderful local honey that is sure to help us with our allergies. Yummy!

Last Thursday I had a trip I needed to make back to our old town for a haircut, doctor's apt. and to help my son buy a used fridge. Long story just know that we were not ready for another break down with money involved. Grrrr! It made for a busy afternoon without much time here at the house. There's so much to do that really needs to be done soon. I would like to get the plumbing fixed a the barn and re-do the chicken's play yard. Putting up some extra roosting space would probably be a good idea in their mind as well. But the day was quite full already as Lon was having to do truck repairs and then stop by our old house to fix the well. Seems like something is always either broken or in need of some sort of repair. That's life, at least for us.

Looking forward to the future,

Deborah

Guess Who Came for Dinner and Stayed . . . .

Here is a clue. . . . . .

This will be a picture post for you to enjoy.




















Beautiful face of my dinner guest.



















Menu for the meal. . . . . grass served for all courses.














Meet Sassie, she is my first horse and my
newly acquired lawn ornament.



Waiting to ride,

Deborah

First Week of September

Pull up a chair, this is a long one. . . . been busy.

Tuesday 9/1 our plans were to finish the fencing. You will notice that I said were. An opportunity for an overtime shift ended those plans. Pushing everything off a day or two. I was so looking forward to turning the goats out by the weekend.

We are loosing some of our Welsummer pullets some how. I could only count 3 hens, having only 6 left out of the original 10 is not good. We have no idea where or why they have disappeared. Considering the fact that we had planned to only keep one of the three roosters out of the bunch. It narrows our breeding pool considerably. But I have a contact that wants to swap one of my roos for one of his chickens. So I may be able to gain another hen for egg laying after all. They are a calm bird with beautiful markings, that lay lovely chocolate eggs if we ever get any old enough to lay.

Tuesday's skies were overcast and a cool breeze blew. Looked like more rain. . . . again. Crickets were chirping, a sure sign of rain. May even speak of impending changes towards Autumn's arrival. With the cloudiness it made for a good day to work outside. Though it did nothing to help dry my load of whites. But inside chores called to me also, what is a girl to do on a day like that. It is hard to believe the first day of September has arrived. I am curious to see how the trees will change around the farm. We have lots of them and a variety too, so the fall color should be great. I have heard it said that a wet summer makes for a brilliant fall display. Guess we will have to wait and see won't we. We've had the rainfall, now bring on the fall leaves. A couple of trees need to come down before any bad weather arrives though. If my memory serves me right, I think last year this area saw a couple of snow storms that left everything white. This brings up a certain element that we need to think through in regards to caring for our livestock in such weather.

The air was cooled enough to think that a sweater would feel good to my arms while working outside. Fueling my mind with thoughts of quilts and crocheting warm blankets. I even wondered if a crocheted sweater vest would not make a warm covering for barn chores on chilly mornings. I will have to do a search of websites for free patterns that fit this idea. Not that I don't already have plenty of projects ready for my attention that I can work on.


Wednesday 9/2 brought a cool crispness to the air again, as Lon and I sat on the porch enjoying our cups of hot brews. Cool enough that sweatpants and sleeves were needed by me. Just enough chill to stir up the internal fires of fall in our blood. I love Autumn for that very reason, waning warmth of the sun, kissed with a crisp chill in the air. We had a funeral to attend on that day, which lefts us with only time for a leisurely breakfast before having to leave the house.

Jason once more made the trek out to the farm to help with the fencing, which with all three of us working together we finished it. YEA! ! ! We turned out the goats for their first taste of freedom about milking time that evening. It will be interesting to see how they put themselves to bed for a change. Or where they will be come mornings now.

We were appreciative of the coolness that hovered over the day and lingered into the evening. Leaving the windows open in the house to catch it is a pleasure I enjoy ever chance I get. May even make the covers feel good at night, as the pleasant coolness seeps in the moonlit windows.


Having extra covers on the bed against the chill of Wednesday's lows almost made me oversleep on Thursday 9/3 they felt so good. Several challenges faced me on this day as I had to figure out how to feed the chickens and turkeys without having the goats join them. Having an opening to the nesting area that Sugar can't fit through is another one to figure out too. The goat's freedom which we have been looking forward to is going to cause a few headaches I believe before everyone settles into their new homes. Hopefully we will see the two extra hours that we gain from their freedom and not having to take them out to browse each day. Things are improving around here. Each project that we have worked on has served to make the farm run more smoothly. Freeing up more leisurely living for us in the process.


Friday's 9/4 chores went better than they did the day before. Long story short the goats discovered all kinds of new things to hold their interest. Like scratching on the side of the biddy pen and collapsing it's walls, finding the chicken feeder and helping themselves, and multiple other pleasures that made my morning difficult yesterday. A tearful call to my son brought him out to help me reign in the wayward goats and bring some order to the farmyard again. With re-enforced fencing today was an easier day of choring.

A bonus to all the frustrations of yesterday is that I may have found a horse. Plans are to go see her and talk more with her owner to see if she is the one for me. I am excited and nervous since I do not know anything about the care of horses. But I didn't either about chickens, goats nor turkeys before I got them. Reading books, magazines and websites was the basis of learning how to care for them. So I guess a trip to the library is in order for Horse 101. I will have one safety net, as an retired fireman we know lives down the road a piece. He knows all about them and has offered to help me any way he can.


Our trip to check on the horse was an enjoyable trip for both of us. Sassie as she is called was apprehensive to start with. But with some gentle words and a bucket of grains tempting her, I was able to put my hands on her. All was going well until "Buckshot", her pasture companion interrupted our getting acquainted. From all appearances she has been bred by him and if all goes well she will produce a foal next July. Much discussion on the way home, led to a phone call to her owner to let her know we have decided to add her to our farm family. Plans were set to pick her up the first of next week. Wish I could have brought her home now instead.


Saturday 9/5 took us around the world on a journey to pick up some wooden fence posts I had found advertised at a good price. It was an all day trip requiring lots of riding and changing our plans to attend the "Founder's Day" celebration for the little hometown we have moved into. A generous offer from friends to come eat, spared me the job of cooking after such a long day. Good fellowship and meal helped to soothe our road-weary bodies. We haven't been out socializing since we started this farm back in April. It was good to get out for some fun since we had missed the festival and meet our neighbors down the street too.


The day looked promising on Sunday 9/6, with the gentle breeze caressing the air. The overcast skies may never clear as the forecast is for more rain. I love sitting on the porch in the early hours of the day. A needed reprise after Saturday's demands and a restless night of sleep. Anxious thoughts have invaded my dreams, stealing sleep from me in the early hours of the day. Centering mostly around bringing a horse into the mix of barnyard animals we have. Unknown variables fueled them I am sure. I would hate to cause injury to any of the goats from a horse frightened by her new surroundings. There is so much more we need to do just to secure winter housing for them, much less building a shelter for a horse too. Starting from the ground and building up a farm takes both time and money. All of which seems to be on short supply these days. The posts we picked up on Saturday will help secure fencing for another pasture to put Sassie in. But we will still need to purchase wire and the additional T-posts that will be needed to complete it. Then my thoughts wonder to how do I gain her trust, what do I feed and how much, and what type of hay will she need come Winter. Lots to consider, but I must take them one at a time or risk the chance of missing out on the fun of having a horse.

Live and learn they say. . . .I am certainly doing that. I knew there would be lessons to learn with farming and having livestock. Each day brings one or two for my daily workout. There will be many more to face, learn from and live through I am sure. As hard as it is sometimes, I am enjoying the process. You just can't beat sitting on the porch, sipping coffee, reflecting on life and thanking God for all He has blessed you with, as the sun rises higher towards a new day of possibilities.

Learning and Living the days I have been given,

Deborah