tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89037152024-03-19T04:03:31.287-05:00Doxie Archives on Hillbilly Hill FarmSnapshots & Idle Rambles about life on our farm and our adventures with our animals, making my own cheese, butter, soap & anything else I get into.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.comBlogger1523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-50110825324905623772018-10-04T20:02:00.000-05:002018-10-05T14:02:07.371-05:00Yes...I'm still alive!<br />
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<a href="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-WwVKgLW/A"><img alt="Early Morning Sunbeams" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-WwVKgLW/0/9d05690d/500x500/9-26-2018%20%285%29-500x500.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Early Morning Sunbeams</i></span></center>
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Hello to anyone out there still hoping I will post in my blog! (If there <b>IS</b> anyone.) LOL Between trying to heal from a few health issues the last couple years, and keeping busy doing whatever it is that I find myself doing around here, I found myself not blogging. Part of that was due to trying to avoid as much stress as possible...and trying to think of something to write, especially when I wasn't getting out and taking lots of pictures, can be stressful, least enough that I decided not to try. I AM still very much alive though, just not showing it here!<br />
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Just thought I'd share a photo I took early one morning a week or two ago while I let anyone who has wondered, know I AM still here, and I think...hope and pray...my health is improving, just slow it seems. I've had some issues for years, but they really had me down a couple years ago so I figured I HAD to try and figure things out. I have to praise God for the journey, AND helping me feel better little bits at a time!<br />
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<a href="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-Z3CmTPf/A"><img alt="Violet" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-Z3CmTPf/0/4e82966c/500x500/9-26-2018%20%2814%29-500x500.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>
Violet, this years calf! </i></span></center>
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Lately, since I've been feeling up to it, I've been helping to try and tame the calf that was born here earlier this year. With my hubby always being so busy she didn't get a lot of attention, and was quite WILD! But it was past time to wean her, so we had to get her caught and away from her Mom.<br />
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We had to have one of our wonderful Amish neighbors who is younger and more able to, come over and help catch her. He had to do it twice, because the first time she broke the rope we had her tied to a tree with and went back in with her Mom. LOL Course that was just AFTER he left, so it was a bit before he managed to get back over and do it again. This time we had a better rope I guess, cause she didn't break this one as she lunged trying to get away from it.<br />
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<a href="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-fw5Fr6P/A"><img alt="Curious Cow" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-fw5Fr6P/0/c54943a9/500x500/9-27-2018%20%281%29-500x500.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>
Violet & my hubby.</i></span></center>
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It's certainly been an experience, and I didn't know if we could do it, (I can train dogs decently well...but never have tried to a calf) but...she is coming along real nicely! I think I won her over with apple cores when I was getting apple pie filling into the freezer. LOL Once those were gone, hubby brought home some alfalfa cubes, and we give them to her as treats. She loves them, and will come running for them sometimes. Nothing like a bribe, to get those animals to calm down and come to us! ;-))<br />
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She treats me differently than she does hubby, I'm not good at "cow speak" so not sure what it all means that she does, but it's just good to see her trusting us more. I've been leading her around the yard some, getting her used to being walked on a rope, and she is doing better that way too. I have no idea if she would come to us if she wasn't tied up...we haven't gotten that far yet, but least there is hope she will be a good milk cow one day. :-))<br />
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We almost tried to sell her...actually put an ad online and everything, but something kept telling me to keep her, so we decided to take the ad down and see if we could get her tamed down...thankfully it appears to be paying off! God willing she will be a good one for us, like her Mom appears to be! She is her Mom's first calf...so Mom is still young, so hopefully we will have them for many more years to come. <br />
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<a href="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-xNNGgzw/A"><img alt="Early Morning Sunbeams" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2018/i-xNNGgzw/0/70b28401/500x500/9-26-2018%20%2818%29-500x500.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>
Beautiful Morning!</i></span></center>
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Anyway, just thought I'd share the fact I'm still here, just quiet and working on my health...along with my usual pursuits of keeping house here on the farm and enjoying my <b>MANY</b> hobbies. LOL I have to say it's GOOD to feel a bit better too!! I still have a ways to go, and who knows if I'll ever get to where I think I should be...but least I'm not where I was a couple years ago! :-))<br />
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No promises you will see me back here a lot...but...least I finally had the urge to post an update for once! ;-)))<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-47463577046377302012016-10-12T21:00:00.000-05:002016-10-12T22:39:56.217-05:0025 years and counting!<center>
<a href="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2016/i-33QkV2j/A"><img alt="25 years full of Love!" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2016/i-33QkV2j/1/500x500/1991-2016-500x500.jpg" /></a><br />
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I don't know how I got so lucky 25 years ago today, to marry this wonderful man I'm married to, but God was sure looking out for me when he brought us together! Yes, to some people he may not be perfect, but I'm so far from perfect myself, I think he's way to good for ME! I do know he's PERFECT for ME, and that's all that matters! I'm also blessed cause he thinks that I'm perfect for HIM, even though I don't know how most of the time. <br />
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He is the sweetest, kindest, most gentle...in words and actions...MAN I know, and I'm so blessed that he's mine! I will never be able to put into words, how much he means to me. All I can really say is, that without him, I don't know where I would be now as he has helped me make it though the tough times...when I'm not strong enough to make it on my own. God knows what we need before we do, and I'm so grateful he KNEW I needed this fantastic Man and kept him for me.<br />
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We may not be "where" or "who" we hoped we would be, all those years ago in some respects...but we are who and where we are...and I have to say I'm loving the ride, even if it takes us off the beaten track at times! Those unexpected turns usually turn out to be the best! <br />
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I love you Dearly, Galen, You light up my life with your smile...your love...your presence, and I'm a better person, because of YOU! Thanks for all the surprises that made this such a special day, I am feeling extremely spoiled! ;-))<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-84443828779845217572015-10-27T09:00:00.000-05:002015-10-27T09:00:03.758-05:00Family wedding<center>
<a href="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-KNxqNKN/A"><img alt="Kainsley having fun running around! She is just so cute!!" src="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-KNxqNKN/0/500x500/10-24-2015%20%28120%29-500x500.jpg" /></a><br />
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I see it's been a few months since I updated my blog again. *sigh* I think it's a lost cause trying to keep it up anymore. I get busy doing other things, and don't remember to come write in it any more. LOL Thought I'd make a quick post with a couple photos I took at my brothers wedding this last weekend though. This first one is my adorable young niece (great niece). She was having FUN running back and forth playing.<br />
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I've been busy, busy lately, getting ready for the wedding. My niece and I threw them a wedding shower the night before the wedding...and getting ready for that was keeping my busy, along with cleaning the house in case any of the relatives came over while they were here. I tell ya, I was so thankful when it was all over...we were totally lazy the day after, once our company left! LOL Did nothing at all. Not sure how I had to prepare for a wedding two years in a row...but I'm so done with weddings! ROFL <br />
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<a href="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-qnD4gWz/A"><img alt="Virginia looks happy!!" src="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-qnD4gWz/0/500x500/10-24-2015%20%2853%29-500x500.jpg" /></a></center>
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This is my new Sister-In-Law!!! She seems really nice, although I haven't been able to get to know her as well as I'd have liked to. Hopefully I can as time goes on.<br />
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It was great to see those who came to the wedding. It was just a small country wedding, at the same church hubby and I got married at, but love small country weddings. ;-)) <br />
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Looking forward to seeing all the photos from the official photographer, cause I've seen 4 and they are SOO much better than mine are. LOL I'm rusty....not to mention not as good at taking people photos, so am glad my brother listened to me and got this lady to do them, instead of insisting I did them like he asked me to at first. I will admit, my inside photos turned out better than usual...but still, she came up with better ideas for photos than I would have...not to mention them looking better. She even got my brother to SMILE! That's unheard of in photos! LOL<br />
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Now...I have to get ready for hubbies knee replacement surgery next month...so can't rest to long. I want to get some meals into the freezer, so when we get back I don't have to cook much right away. After his back surgery, it took me a little while to not be sleepy all the time, from the stress at the hospital, not to mention I'll have thanksgiving coming up that I will need to cook for...so would rather put my energy...what little I have...into that.<br />
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Prayers for rapid healing from his surgery would be appreciated! Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-88179935004343453462015-06-03T16:29:00.001-05:002020-07-11T10:42:50.612-05:00The lengths my hubby will go to, to keep me laughing! <center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-sD9rzXC/A" title="Galen got attacked by an exploding paint can yesterday...it took FOREVER to get it all off his skin and out of his hair. ROFL I had a good chuckle over it several times yesterday. ;-)) Praise God his glasses prevented it from getting in his eyes! Thankfully we were even able to get it off his glasses, so they are still usable...but even if we hadn't been able to, I'd still be thankful because they saved his eyes. This photo is AFTER he showered the first time...so some was removed, but still had lots to go. LOL"><img alt="Galen got attacked by an exploding paint can yesterday...it took FOREVER to get it all off his skin and out of his hair. ROFL I had a good chuckle over it several times yesterday. ;-)) Praise God his glasses prevented it from getting in his eyes! Thankfully we were even able to get it off his glasses, so they are still usable...but even if we hadn't been able to, I'd still be thankful because they saved his eyes. This photo is AFTER he showered the first time...so some was removed, but still had lots to go. LOL" src="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-sD9rzXC/0/500x500/6-2-2015%20%282%29-500x500.jpg" title="Galen got attacked by an exploding paint can yesterday...it took FOREVER to get it all off his skin and out of his hair. ROFL I had a good chuckle over it several times yesterday. ;-)) Praise God his glasses prevented it from getting in his eyes! Thankfully we were even able to get it off his glasses, so they are still usable...but even if we hadn't been able to, I'd still be thankful because they saved his eyes. This photo is AFTER he showered the first time...so some was removed, but still had lots to go. LOL"></a><br />
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Yesterday, I was at my computer when I heard my hubby come in the back door, and go over to the kitchen sink...and say "I could use some help up here!" I get up, and ask what's wrong as I go up the stairs...no answer. Wondering how bad he is bleeding, I reach the top of the steps, and see him bent over the sink. No blood showing...so I head over to him and he kinda turns a little so I can see his face and it's all black and is his hands and arms. He turns back and starts scrubbing again.<br />
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I kinda chuckle and asked "What happened!" thinking it looked like he was covered in soot, but didn't know HOW he could have managed THAT!<br />
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He said "A paint can exploded" and he continued to try and scrub it off him. It was a loosing battle...so I chuckled again and said you need to go down and jump in the shower. So he picked up his glasses, looked at them, then put them back down and headed down stairs.<br />
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I grabbed his glasses...and tried to clean them, but it was stuck good (they were good and covered too...both lenses were totally black)...so headed downstairs with them. DH was in the tub already, and the paint just wasn't coming off...a little did, but not much. The above photo is the result of the first shower...still a LOT of black left! *giggle*<br />
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I tell you, when he tries to cover gray...he COVERS it! ;-))<br />
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So....here he is, his face, hands and arms covered...I have some on my hands I can't get off, from his glasses and we are wondering what the heck to do...neither of us can touch anything much because we didn't want paint all over the place...and I'm still having giggle fits, every time I look at him.<br />
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So...I gingerly grab the phone and call Mom, and ask if she can google how to get paint off...since I didn't want to get paint all over my computer. Naturally in the middle of the phone conversation Galen reminds me I COULD put gloves on. DUH! ROFL So...I get some medical gloves out of the cabinet, and put them on, so least I can again touch things.<br />
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We decide to try paint thinner...which we didn't have as Galen doesn't use it, so I meet Dad part way to his house to get some he had...and Galen is going out to at least try getting some of the paint off with Gas while I'm gone. <br />
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When I got back, we went to work getting the paint off his skin, with the paint thinner...and it got some out of his hair, but it still wasn't coming out of that very good. Galen was just SURE he was going to have to shave his beard and head...but I kept saying NO...it's working, we just have to keep trying. Galen jumped back into the shower, to get the paint thinner off, and used laundry soap as soap since it's harsher.<br />
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I called Mom and said it worked on his skin, and she said she read to try mayonnaise to get it out of the hair, so I went up and got some and we sat with that soaking for a little bit, then he used more laundry soap, cause it was working somewhat before...and he managed to get the rest of it out of his hair. No shaving required! <br />
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As he was drying off, hubby quipped "Real men don't use hair dye....they use paint!" ROFL That's my silly goofball!!<br />
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I chuckled about this ALL DAY yesterday! It was just to funny...had me worried a time or two, cause I know paint isn't good to have on your skin...and I was so thankful that his glasses stopped it from getting in his eyes, as that would have been disastrous...but God was good and helped us get it off...and I have to say, I do LOVE laughing, so it was good to have that chuckle not to far away all day. <br />
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That event pretty much filled up my morning...slowed me down a lot, but oh boy, did it keep me entertained! As I was headed over to help my Mom that afternoon, I stopped off at our neighbors house, to drop off a jacket he had left in our car...and I just HAD to share the photo I had on my phone of hubby with them. *snicker* <br />
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I just HAD to share it with the neighbor...as hubby has enjoyed telling a few stories about him...so I made sure HE had a good story about hubby this time. *giggle* I'm sure that one will get around our little Amish community over the next few days...several others have, but that is an extremely good one! Not to mention...the neighbor now has a printed photo to go with the story! I printed the one from my phone (which wasn't real good...my phone doesn't take good ones) and he took it when he came over last night. ROFL<br />
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I had a good ol time sharing that photo...sent it to my brother...two nieces...and as I mentioned showed it to our neighbor, all the while laughing my head off. Stuff like that just doesn't happen all that much...where I can laugh at something that happened to HIM...usually it's myself I have to laugh at...so it was good to have the tables turned for a change! :-)) <br />
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Poor hubby...he may be the talk of the neighborhood for a few days now...oh wait...he already has been! He's famous with the Amish around here, they get a kick out of him and his stories I think. Now they really will. ;-))<br />
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I'm thankful it all turned out ok...makes it ok that I laughed at him. *snicker* He does love to see me laugh...he really doesn't have to go to this length to get me too...but since he did, I took advantage of it! ROFL<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-63256022963814665692015-06-02T16:30:00.000-05:002015-06-02T16:50:31.717-05:00Spring was beautiful again this year!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-nhzrgvx/A" title="We have a bunch of red bud trees here...sure do love it every spring when they show their colors!"><img alt="We have a bunch of red bud trees here...sure do love it every spring when they show their colors!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-nhzrgvx/0/500x500/4-17-2015%20%284%29-500x500.jpg" title="We have a bunch of red bud trees here...sure do love it every spring when they show their colors!" /></a><br />
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I was so glad to see signs of spring showing itself this year! I was ready for some color to be added, and it came out with a vengeance...green grass, the trees starting to come alive, and flowers bursting out all over! <br />
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Such a beautiful time of year!!<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-BW8scPq/A" title="Love this time of year!!"><img alt="Love this time of year!!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-BW8scPq/0/S/4-17-2015%20%2818%29-S.jpg" title="Love this time of year!!" /></a></center>
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I was out walking in one of our pastures, admiring the beautiful redbud trees and even saw a few of these pretty little violets. One of my favorite flowers of early spring...least on the ground...I always love the redbud trees which we have a ton of here on our little farm!<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-FrbRhsG/A" title="Our iris sure seemed early this year."><img alt="Our iris sure seemed early this year." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-FrbRhsG/0/500x500/4-21-2015%20%2824%29-500x500.jpg" title="Our iris sure seemed early this year." /></a></center>
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Then there were my iris. They sure seemed to be early this year...may not have been, cause I know they are an earlier variety...just seemed really early. But they were sure pretty, and I thought of our Sister-in-law who died a year ago now, as she loved them so. It's hard to believe it's been over a year since she died. Course, it's hard to believe it's been 4 months since Clara died...time does fly. <br />
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Spring is always my favorite time of year...it's the time the frogs come out to sing, and life seems to be reborn here on the farm. This year was no exception. There have been a few hard times the last few months...but with spring back, it helps renew my hope that things will be better eventually. It doesn't always happen, true...but least it helps to be able to put one foot in front of another, with all that beauty springing forth around you. :-))<br />
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Praise God for his fantastic paintbrush, and the beauty he LOVES to give us! Now spring is almost over...but that brings it's own beauty with different wild flowers and the sweet smell of fresh cut hay! ;-))Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-54034977982856383752015-05-29T17:30:00.000-05:002015-05-29T17:40:00.669-05:00Tractor's, Company & other Rambles<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-BCMV3R2/A" title="Galen & Kirk getting the old McCormick-Deering 10-20 running."><img alt="Galen & Kirk getting the old McCormick-Deering 10-20 running." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-BCMV3R2/0/500x500/4-21-2015%20%287%29-500x500.jpg" title="Galen & Kirk getting the old McCormick-Deering 10-20 running." /></a><br />
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It's been a somewhat busy spring here when it comes to visitors too. We've had our niece Abbie here a couple times for several days. It was good to catch up with her.<br />
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DH's friend Kirk also came over for several days, to help hubby get one of his old tractors running again. They had to totally rebuild the motor I think, but they did manage to get it running before Kirk had to leave. It's always wonderful to have Kirk here. :-))<br />
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They both rode this old tractor around our yard a time or two, once it was running...it left some holes in the yard, from the wheels...but it wasn't long before you couldn't see them with all the rain we've been getting. It was nice to see a cute tractor running around here for a change...as the other ones hubby has worked on weren't near as "cute" to me as this one was. LOL<br />
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We have also had the neighbor kids here for a few nights, while their Mom had to go out of town...so yep...been rather more busy with the company aspect so far this spring!! <br />
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As for hubbies knee replacement surgery...we still don't know about that one. He keeps having more and more trouble with his knee...but God willing it will hold out as long is needed, till they get around to doing the replacement. Prayers are still appreciated if you can send some up for him!<br />
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Anyway, that's about all the major stuff that I can remember at this moment in time. I'll share a few photos tomorrow of our "spring" beauty if I remember to and have time to, and then I think I'll be up to date least photo wise! <br />
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Hopefully I can get a few taken in the next few days...depending on the rain for some of them, since it seems we are in a major rainy season lately, and update you on a little more newsy stuff. Until then...I'll be in my soap room, or at my craft table if I'm not busy cleaning, cooking or helping my Mom at her house! ;-))<br />
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Or...as the case of this evening and tomorrow is, in my kitchen helping butcher a cow that we were just given because it was down and the vet said it wouldn't be getting back up. Hubby, my Dad and a neighbor just went to get it...and I'm taking a break for a sec, to post this...and just had to add our latest news on there. LOL Guess we will be busy tonight! Least a neighbor or two will help us, for a share...and that way we don't have to try and find room for a whole cow in ours and Mom &Dad's freezer since we do still have some of our last one in there (although I was getting low on ground meat). So...Praise be to God for giving us more, before we ran out!<br />
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God is Good All the time!!!<br />
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See ya when I see ya!!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-5223029242923133972015-05-27T17:00:00.000-05:002015-05-27T17:14:56.540-05:00And then there were four...again!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-pfzkN9Q/A" title="We thought we were thinning our herd...but someone who Galen had talked to a while back, called out of the blue, and said they had one they would like to sell...so we got another cow. ROFL"><img alt="We thought we were thinning our herd...but someone who Galen had talked to a while back, called out of the blue, and said they had one they would like to sell...so we got another cow. ROFL" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-pfzkN9Q/0/500x500/3-21-2015%20%281%29-500x500.jpg" title="We thought we were thinning our herd...but someone who Galen had talked to a while back, called out of the blue, and said they had one they would like to sell...so we got another cow. ROFL" /></a><br />
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About a week after Daisy left, we were sitting in the living room chatting when hubbies phone rang. He talked for a little while, told the people on the other end, he's have to talk to me then hung up. <br />
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I asked what THAT was about, and he said it was someone he had talked to several months ago, who had a cow for sale. <br />
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I laughed, and then asked how much...figuring it was sky high, knowing how the prices seemed to be going up...and up...every time I checked out craigslist.<br />
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He told me, and I replied..."whats wrong with her", cause it was pretty low, less than half of what I'd been seeing them for. Less than we paid for Daisy when we got her several years ago when cows WERE lower in price.<br />
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I guess she had a mild case of mastitis...she was located at an organic Amish dairy, so either they couldn't give her what most people do, and still be considered organic, or just wanted to get her out of their herd, if she was going to be having that trouble...I don't know just what was going on there, but we'd had good luck using Raw Apple Cider vinegar with cows that had mastitis...so hubby wasn't real worried about THAT issue. <br />
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Since I was tired of not having milk (cause our cows dried themselves up late last year, hopefully cause they were pregnant) and hubby wanted her...we decided to get her since she WAS cheap! She was still in milk...although is suppose to have a calf in July, so should be drying up soon, so least I could start having some more milk for butter, ice cream and cheese!<br />
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So...meet Poppy, our latest cow purchase. She was rather dirty when we got her as you can see...but has since gotten clean now she is out on good pasture enjoying what spring brings to this neck of the woods...nice fresh green grass!!<br />
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So...we are back to four cows again. *sigh* No sign of more calves coming...so least we only have two in milk so far...but hopefully that will change. LOL Course...who knows, we may decide to sell one of our other ones...depending on how much trouble they get into. LOL Will see how it goes, as the year progresses. Just had to laugh, that yet again, we got a new cow...hubby just CAN'T cut down on how many we have...even if he's not really wanting to milk that many. <br />
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Poppy really has turned out to be a good cow...I think she is hubby's favorite! Her very MILD case of mastitis cleared right up with the apple cider vinegar hubby put on her food...and we got to start keeping her milk, much to the cats sorrow. Their warm breakfast they had been getting while we didn't use the milk, turned into the leftover COLD milk I had after skimming the cream and making cheese. LOL<br />
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Poppy got her name cause at the time we got her, I was learning to use alcohol markers (cheap ones so far) to blend colors together on a picture and get one that has different shades, where shadows and all would be. I happened to be coloring a poppy at the time, so said..."we could name her Poppy" and it kinda stuck. LOL (Remember, we have been naming all our girls flower names.)<br />
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Thankfully our cow money is gone now...so we can't afford any more, if someone offers to sell us one hubby will just have to say NO! ;-))<br />
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I think that's all the cow news caught up now...that I can remember anyway. The "flowers" of our farm are doing well!! :-))<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-62195120097782867382015-05-26T15:15:00.000-05:002017-07-25T21:24:52.263-05:00Goodbye Daisy<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-v8sdPbL/A" title="We sold my favorite cow to our neighbor lady. She was wanting a cow, and I knew she couldn't afford much...also thought Galen wanted to thin out our herd, and with Daisy being the oldest, figured she had to be the one to go. So... I gave the lady a good deal on her, since I knew she couldn't afford much. Least she is close, so we can still see her! (She had a baby girl a few months after we sold her...so the lady got a two for one deal!! I was hoping it would be a girl.)"><img alt="We sold my favorite cow to our neighbor lady. She was wanting a cow, and I knew she couldn't afford much...also thought Galen wanted to thin out our herd, and with Daisy being the oldest, figured she had to be the one to go. So... I gave the lady a good deal on her, since I knew she couldn't afford much. Least she is close, so we can still see her! (She had a baby girl a few months after we sold her...so the lady got a two for one deal!! I was hoping it would be a girl.)" src="https://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-v8sdPbL/0/500x500/3-6-2015%20%283%29-500x500.jpg" title="We sold my favorite cow to our neighbor lady. She was wanting a cow, and I knew she couldn't afford much...also thought Galen wanted to thin out our herd, and with Daisy being the oldest, figured she had to be the one to go. So... I gave the lady a good deal on her, since I knew she couldn't afford much. Least she is close, so we can still see her! (She had a baby girl a few months after we sold her...so the lady got a two for one deal!! I was hoping it would be a girl.)" /></a><br />
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After last year, when we had at least three cows in milk at the same time, I knew my hubby wasn't really wanting to HAVE to milk so many...so I started thinking we needed to cut down on how many we had (we had 4 that were of the age to be able to give us babies). He agreed...so since my cow Daisy was the oldest one we had, we figured we'd get rid of her if we ever got around to selling one.<br />
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It kept getting put off...cause after all she was my FAVORITE cow...and I guess I just wasn't quite ready to let her go. Then, I think it was November or December of last year, our neighbor lady was over, and we were talking about cows...and she mentioned she wanted to get one...but didn't know how she could for a while. Knowing how strapped for cash she was (being a single Mom with 3 kids still at home) I mentioned we could give her a good price for an older cow with a few issues, but nothing that should be a major problem...she would make a great starter cow at the very least.<br />
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Since she did have a bag issue from being bit from her last calf...and since she has to be at LEAST 10 years old, I figured we could sell her for cheaper than most are going for on craigslist (it's hard to find one for less than 2000 on there now, YIKES!). Since we've gotten several calves from Daisy, I figured we got our money out of her...and could help out our neighbor lady in the process. I might have asked for more, had we sold her on Craigslist, after all she was pregnant...so it was a two for one deal, but this way she would be close so I could still see her. So we all agreed on a LOW price and that we could take it in a couple payments, since she didn't have that much at the time.<br />
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Our neighbor finished paying for her in February...and when the weather was good...and hubby had the time, he loaded Daisy up to take her down to her new home...just down the road, where we could also visit if we wanted to. I was still sorry to see her go...even though I'd had time to become used to the idea, but I was happy she would be close. But...least we were down to three cows, instead of 4!<br />
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We have answered questions from time to time...and when Daisy dropped her calf, we went down to help get her back into the barn...and check on her. She was doing fine...and she had a little girl! So, now the neighbor lady has a backup for when Daisy gets to old to have calves...which is what I was hoping would happen. <br />
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Gotta love it when things turn out like you hoped they would...especially when you are trying to help someone out! God is Good!!!<br />
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So...that makes two baby girls out of the cows we own or at least owned at the time they were bred, this year! What will the other ones have...if they EVER get around to having one this year! LOL That is the question...we will just have to wait and see!!! ;-))Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-9123372850428197912015-05-25T15:13:00.001-05:002015-05-25T15:14:47.234-05:00First things first!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-hxsDqNb/A" title="Our first calf of the year...hopefully we will have a few more. This one was a little girl."><img alt="Our first calf of the year...hopefully we will have a few more. This one was a little girl." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-hxsDqNb/0/500x500/4-22-2015%20%2841%29-500x500.jpg" title="Our first calf of the year...hopefully we will have a few more. This one was a little girl." /></a><br />
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We had a calf born in April this year!! It was a little girl, and she is totally adorable!! You KNOW how much I love our farm babies...this is the first one of the year. So far, she is the only one...but hopefully some of our other girls will be giving us some babies sometime this summer! It's hard to tell if some of them are pregnant...but I'm sure hoping ALL of them are!! :-))<br />
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This little one will be sold once she is able to be weaned. I totally think it's better for them to stay on their Mom till then, as it gives them a better start and a better chance of living a long happy life! So...we don't sell them till they are wean-able...even though plenty of people do and plenty of people successfully buy a bottle calf and raise it, I just prefer that our precious farm babies stay here till they are able to eat solid food! ;-)) That's not to say I might not sometime...if we HAD to, sell one early...just that I prefer not to.<br />
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But...really...isn't that little thing so adorable?!! ;-)) It's so nice to see her scampering around playing and enjoying life!<br />
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More to come on my updates...just had to sneak this one in FIRST...cause I do love our farm babies!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-24659469758917261972015-05-24T19:30:00.000-05:002015-05-24T19:35:16.193-05:00Paper Crafting is addicting!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Hobbies/D-Projects/i-7RzBV4R/A" title="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday."><img alt="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-7RzBV4R/0/500x500/made%205-24-2015a-500x500.jpg" title="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday." /></a><br />
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I know, I know...it's been a LONG time since I blogged! I just got into learning to make cards, and while I did take a few photos...I forgot to get them off my camera, so I didn't think to blog either. *giggle* I DID finally get some off my camera...so hopefully in the next few days I can do at least one update post. *sigh* We will see how things go though. LOL<br />
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This post however, will be about a card I made, as I want to enter it in a challenge I saw on the <a href="http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/2015/05/cheery-lynn-designs-challenge-186.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CheeryLynnDesignsBlog+%28Cheery+Lynn+Designs+Blog%29" target="_blank">Cherry Lynn Designs blog</a> and I think I have to blog with it not just post it in a gallery...so if you aren't into paper crafting, you probably won't care to read this post...so catch ya later!! ;-))<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Hobbies/D-Projects/i-Z6kW7th/A" title="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday."><img alt="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-Z6kW7th/0/500x500/made%205-24-2015b-500x500.jpg" title="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday." /></a></center>
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I made my first step card today!! I've been seeing them a lot, on my journey of learning to make my own cards, just hadn't gotten around to making one yet. They even have dies out there that will cut out and score the step cards...but I don't have any of them, so did all that myself. <br />
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I'm still not as good as a lot of people are with this card making thing...and have trouble "arranging" things on my card at times...but have made several I really like, and have a lot of fun with it anyway. :-))<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Hobbies/D-Projects/i-b4JMGZS/A" title="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday."><img alt="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-b4JMGZS/0/500x500/made%205-24-2015c-500x500.jpg" title="My very first step card, that I made with dies from Cherry Lynn Designs, which I got for my birthday." /></a></center>
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One of my favorite things to do, is make paper flowers and use them on cards. I don't use them on every card...guess that would get old after awhile...not to mention, making them different since I suck at arranging them would be hard for me to do...but I do have fun with them when I can. <br />
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I got several dies for my birthday this month from Cherry Lynn Designs, and used several on this card along with a wood grain embossing folder from Sizzix. The dies I used were: <a href="http://www.cheerylynndesigns.com/sunflower/" target="_blank">Sunflower</a>, <a href="http://www.cheerylynndesigns.com/barbed-wire-set-of-2-b405/" target="_blank">barbed wire</a>, <a href="http://www.cheerylynndesigns.com/tiny-fanciful-flourish-right-left-set-of-2-b387/" target="_blank">tiny fanciful flourish</a> & <a href="http://www.cheerylynndesigns.com/mini-butterflies-w-angel-wings-d138/" target="_blank">mini butterflies</a>. I got lazy, so instead of cutting the middle of the sunflower out of brown cardstock, I just colored the yellow one brown with a bic marker, it seemed to work quite well. LOL <br />
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While I may not be the best at creating "to die for" cards, and don't have much hope I'll win this challenge prize...I'm still learning, and having lots of fun at it, so guess that's all that is important! I've learned a lot in the last three months that I've been doing this about making cards. I'm sure I still have LOTS to learn...but that's part of the fun! <br />
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If you made it this far...thanks for looking! I'll try to do a post or two of catching up with photos...we've had a lot going on, it's just my free time has been spent at my craft table, or if I'm on the computer I'm watching card making video's or reading about making cards...and totally forgetting about this thing I used to love called blogging! *giggle* <br />
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Hope everyone has a great week!!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-28707148348590504592015-03-04T10:35:00.000-06:002015-05-24T19:44:55.228-05:00New (almost old) hobby.<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-HPmdcV9/A" title="I'm having way to much fun with my new hobby of making my own cards! Learning a lot...this one I made with one one particular in mind...actually I started out not planning on making a card, just learning to make flowers...and loved them so much I had to put them on a card. ;-))"><img alt="I'm having way to much fun with my new hobby of making my own cards! Learning a lot...this one I made with one one particular in mind...actually I started out not planning on making a card, just learning to make flowers...and loved them so much I had to put them on a card. ;-))" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-HPmdcV9/0/500x500/made%203-4-25%20%282%29-500x500.jpg" title="I'm having way to much fun with my new hobby of making my own cards! Learning a lot...this one I made with one one particular in mind...actually I started out not planning on making a card, just learning to make flowers...and loved them so much I had to put them on a card. ;-))" /></a><br />
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I've been spending any spare time lately, learning how to "paper" scrap, so I can make some cards with some of Clara's scrapbooking papers I got, while helping my brother clean out her craft room. I never really thought I'd "paper" scrap, cause while it's pretty, I don't really like my photo albums to have all that raised stuff on the page, that makes the albums not close to well. However, after receiving several wonderful cards from a friend who makes her own...and my brother wanting to get rid of his late wife's scrapbooking supplies, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to learn to make my OWN cards!<br />
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I really should have known better...it's not like I don't have enough OTHER hobbies to keep me busy, I shouldn't have thought "I could make a few of my own cards with this stuff." and think it would end at that! *giggle* ESPECIALLY since I'm a recovering DIGITAL scrapaholic! I say recovering, since I haven't done to much of that for several years. ;-)) I should have known, that ANY form of scrapbooking would be addicting to me...but for some reason I didn't think making cards would be. Silly me! *giggle* <br />
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It's all I've thought about lately..."I could do this"....or "that"...or "I'd rather be playing with my paper"....or "when can I take a break and go play". *sigh* Yep...scrapbooking in ANY form...is bad for me...or least bad for my productivity (and pocketbook). *giggle*<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-vpmmf8F/A" title="I'm having way to much fun with my new hobby of making my own cards! Learning a lot...this one I made with one one particular in mind...actually I started out not planning on making a card, just learning to make flowers...and loved them so much I had to put them on a card. ;-))"><img alt="I'm having way to much fun with my new hobby of making my own cards! Learning a lot...this one I made with one one particular in mind...actually I started out not planning on making a card, just learning to make flowers...and loved them so much I had to put them on a card. ;-))" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-vpmmf8F/0/500x500/made%203-4-25-500x500.jpg" title="I'm having way to much fun with my new hobby of making my own cards! Learning a lot...this one I made with one one particular in mind...actually I started out not planning on making a card, just learning to make flowers...and loved them so much I had to put them on a card. ;-))" /></a></center>
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This is my latest card. Its the first one I made without a destination in mind for it. LOL I was just learning to make little flowers last night...liked how they turned out so well I had to stick them on a card! So...if you end up recieving this card from me, and have already seen it here act surprised! LOL I just had to share...and since I didn't know for sure who I'd give it to figured oh well...maybe whoever it is won't have seen it, and if they did...OH WELL! ;-))<br />
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Poor Galen...least with digital, I didn't have stuff strung all over his (and my) desk, when I was scrapping...now I scrap on the back half of his desk...and I'm going to run out of room to store all my supplies and tools, if I ever manage to get all I want (which I realize won't happen...since I keep finding things I want...but still. LOL). We need to add onto our house, so I can have more room and have a dedicated scrapping/jewelry making desk! *giggle* <br />
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I could chuck our day bed, and use the area it's in...but haven't gotten around to totally thinking that's a good idea yet. *sigh* What if we NEED it? (Like we have that many people over who need to spend the night. LOL) It isn't comfy right now, but could be with a new mattress...so I hate to get rid of it...but it's sure looking tempting, when I think of what I could do with that SPACE! hehehe ;-))<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-DKm26dj/A" title="This was the 2nd card I made...thought it didn't turn out to bad, for someone who didn't really know what they were doing AND who didn't have many tools to do it with! LOL I made it for my Dad."><img alt="This was the 2nd card I made...thought it didn't turn out to bad, for someone who didn't really know what they were doing AND who didn't have many tools to do it with! LOL I made it for my Dad." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-DKm26dj/0/500x500/made%202-15-2015-500x500.jpg" title="This was the 2nd card I made...thought it didn't turn out to bad, for someone who didn't really know what they were doing AND who didn't have many tools to do it with! LOL I made it for my Dad." /></a></center>
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The card above is the 2nd one I made. I made it for my Dad's birthday. It's not perfect...but I was happy with it, considering it was only my 2nd...and I hadn't acquired the "good" tools yet. ;-)) I still haven't got all the "tools" I hope to get, but have gotten a few more since I made this card, and sure am enjoying them!<br />
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I just thought I'd share what I've been up to lately, when I'm not busy doing other things. It's keeping me from blogging...and getting into my soap room, so next week, I'm going to HAVE to get busy in there. (This week I'm doing a little extra cleaning and organizing when I'm not playing...or I'd get into my soap room this week LOL). <br />
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As for blogging...well...obviously, that's not going to happen all that often, the way life has been the past year or so...so guess that's my new normal! While I haven't got a problem with being bored (AT ALL!), sharing my life on my blog makes it seem boring...cause I don't have much to share that is "new"...so I don't "get around" to doing it as much as I used to! LOL Guess if I was taking more photos I might...but even that has slowed down a bit for some reason. If I ever get back to doing that more, you may see more of me on here!<br />
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So...till next time, hope everyone is having as much fun as I am! ;-))<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-70701389344400224452015-02-03T20:00:00.000-06:002015-02-03T20:02:06.358-06:00Crazy for Carrots<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-7TKhJZx/A" title="Pearl hoping for some carrots."><img alt="Pearl hoping for some carrots." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-7TKhJZx/0/500x500/1-19-2015%20%282%29-500x500.jpg" title="Pearl hoping for some carrots." /></a><br />
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"Do I smell CARROTS?"<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-qRrc6Z4/A" title="Still searching for those elusive carrots."><img alt="Still searching for those elusive carrots." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-qRrc6Z4/0/500x500/1-19-2015%20%283%29-500x500.jpg" title="Still searching for those elusive carrots." /></a><br />
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"How about you?...YOU have to have some for me!!"<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-4VSqSrm/A" title="Poor Pearl...she just wasn't getting her beloved carrots."><img alt="Poor Pearl...she just wasn't getting her beloved carrots." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-4VSqSrm/0/500x500/1-19-2015%20%284%29-500x500.jpg" title="Poor Pearl...she just wasn't getting her beloved carrots." /></a><br />
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"Someone has to have some...where are they?!"<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-W4s2DjP/A" title="Pearl...trying to will me to give her some carrots."><img alt="Pearl...trying to will me to give her some carrots." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-W4s2DjP/0/500x500/1-19-2015%20%286%29-500x500.jpg" title="Pearl...trying to will me to give her some carrots." /></a><br />
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Pearl...using the "force" trying to WILL us to give her some carrots.<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-zFTwW6J/A" title="Pearl, realizing that she may be getting some carrots!"><img alt="Pearl, realizing that she may be getting some carrots!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-zFTwW6J/0/500x500/1-19-2015%20%287%29-500x500.jpg" title="Pearl, realizing that she may be getting some carrots!" /></a><br />
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Is it? ... Could it be?<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-MVFvgqb/A" title="Pearl finally getting her wish...using the force worked on Galen anyway! LOL"><img alt="Pearl finally getting her wish...using the force worked on Galen anyway! LOL" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-MVFvgqb/0/500x500/1-19-2015%20%288%29-500x500.jpg" title="Pearl finally getting her wish...using the force worked on Galen anyway! LOL" /></a><br />
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"Oh Thank you, thank you, thank you!"<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-wPwzVvr/A" title="Pearl finally getting her wish...using the force worked on Galen anyway! LOL"><img alt="Pearl finally getting her wish...using the force worked on Galen anyway! LOL" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-wPwzVvr/0/500x500/1-19-2015%20%289%29-500x500.jpg" title="Pearl finally getting her wish...using the force worked on Galen anyway! LOL" /></a><br />
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"I'll fight you for it! LET GO of MY carrot!"<br />
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-38279032426637860212015-02-02T23:06:00.000-06:002015-02-02T23:18:25.490-06:00The Personal Touch<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-tJjz7cK/A" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day."><img alt="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-tJjz7cK/0/500x500/1-30-2015%20%281%29-500x500.jpg" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." /></a><br />
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I've known for a while now, that when it's my parents time to go, they wanted a super simple ceremony, with a homemade casket and the personal touch of us getting them ready for burial. I have to admit, I've been somewhat on the fence about that, mostly cause I wasn't sure I could handle the hands on part. Now I know I can...although for me it will be harder with my parents of course, since I'm closer to them.<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-Wp8nJKB/A" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day."><img alt="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-Wp8nJKB/0/500x500/1-30-2015%20%282%29-500x500.jpg" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." /></a></center>
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While I love the old fashioned ways for the most part...doing an old fashioned funeral was never on my list things I wanted to do. You know...where you use a homemade casket...and the women get the body ready for burial? Seriously....Me? NOT! However, I'm also a firm believer in, you do what ya have to do, and since that's what Mark wanted...and I knew Mom couldn't do it herself, that meant it was up to me to help.<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-DsM5bLj/A" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day."><img alt="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-DsM5bLj/0/500x500/1-30-2015%20%283%29-500x500.jpg" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." /></a></center>
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So since it's what my brother wanted, that morning that Clara died, my hubby went in and purchased the wood that was needed for the homemade casket, while my Dad was doing other things in preparation for the funeral the next day (a snow storm was forecast for Saturday...so we couldn't wait till Saturday to have it). Then, when hubby got the wood home, my Dad started making the casket...while Galen and I went back to our house, to get ready to have people over after the funeral.<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-tf9s6sW/A" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day."><img alt="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-tf9s6sW/0/500x500/1-30-2015%20%286%29-500x500.jpg" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." /></a></center>
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Once the casket was made, it was brought into the house, where Clara was laying, still in her bed. We lined it with a pretty soft blanket, placed a pillow in one end, then placed Clara into it with the help of a lift and the guys. Mom and I then went to work getting her "dressed" in her tartan skirt and shirt that went with it and fixing her hair. Since it's the first time I'd ever done anything like that, I was not really sure what I was doing...but we managed to fake it, and things turned out pretty good I'd say. Least everyone was satisfied with how she looked anyway. Most of all I discovered I really COULD handle giving that personal touch to the end of someone's life.<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-9FQBFpx/A" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day."><img alt="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-9FQBFpx/0/500x500/1-30-2015%20%2815%29-500x500.jpg" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." /></a></center>
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The next day, we gathered at the old country cemetery, where three of my grandparents are buried, along with my beloved Uncle and baby niece. Dad had hired someone to come open the grave, since the ground was frozen...and we are all old enough we don't need to try to dig a hole by hand anyway. Family and friends joined us as we said our last goodbyes to Clara. Bagpipes playing Amazing Grace played on our car stereo at one point during the service. <br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-9tdhcDz/A" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day."><img alt="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-9tdhcDz/0/500x500/1-30-2015%20%2818%29-500x500.jpg" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." /></a></center>
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The pastor who married Mark and Clara (as well as Hubby and I...he is the Dad of my best friend from high school) did the service, with a touch here and there from another pastor friend that my brother went to school with. My brother stood by Clara throughout the service in his kilt. I naturally wandered around from time to time snapping photos...that's my beloved Uncle's influence showing, as he would take them at funerals too. <br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-G66cHPk/A" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day."><img alt="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2015/i-G66cHPk/0/500x500/1-30-2015%20%2820%29-500x500.jpg" title="A simple yet more personal ceremony was held the day after Clara died before a snow storm moved in the next day." /></a></center>
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Once the service was over, people viewed the casket if they wanted, then it was closed, and several of the men who were there grabbed a rope and helped lower the casket into the grave. <br />
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You all may ask, if this was legal. To be sure it was, we asked the coroner what we could and couldn't do before we even got started...and he was there at the funeral to oversee it...so yes, it was all legal, least in this state.<br />
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After the casket was in the grave, hubby, Mom and I headed out to our house, with some of the people following, for the after funeral meal while my Dad stayed behind to bury the casket. He came after he was done and we all enjoyed time with friends and family till after dark that night.<br />
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It may have been a simple service...and it was certainly way less expensive...but it's the personal touch I keep being drawn back to. I'm glad now, that I was able to be in on it ALL. I'm thankful for all the family and friends who came that day on short notice also, to help us say goodbye, and give us a few happier memories for the day too.<br />
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All in all, I think it went well...and while it may not be what everyone would want...I'm not opposed to it at all now...and kinda like the idea of the personal touch myself. :-))<br />
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-76428489940984438012015-01-29T22:00:00.000-06:002015-01-30T05:19:59.722-06:00We lost another sister-in-law today.<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Family-Friends/Family/i-c3KC4tS/A" title="Mark & Clara"><img alt="Mark & Clara" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2009-1/i-c3KC4tS/0/500x500/3549740197_90bd552f07_o-500x500.jpg" title="Mark & Clara" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">My brother and his wife Clara. May 2009</span></i><br />
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The past almost year, seems to be full of hard times for family members of ours. This time it's my brother's wife we lost. They say things come in threes...does that mean we will get a break now since this is the 3rd we lost in the last year? <br />
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Clara, my sister-in-law, was in kidney failure, and spent several weeks in the hospital, till they finally almost kicked her out this last Monday, because she was on a swing bed system the last three weeks, and wasn't "improving" like I guess she had to do, if she was to stay there. (They were giving her physical therapy to try and get her up on her feet again...that's what wasn't improving.) With no other place my brother could afford to put her, my parents put a hospital bed in their living room, and settled in to take care of her with a little help from me. <br />
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Since she was to have dialysis three times a week, my brother purchased an older van with a wheelchair lift so we could get her in to her appointments, since she was now totally unable to walk (since she went into the hospital...although truthfully she wasn't walking to well before she went in), and therefore unable to get in and out of a car. We used it all of two times for her...once to get her home from the hospital and then in to one dialysis appointment. :(<br />
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Clara and I weren't close like sisters, but she was family, and since we moved back here close to her we had some good times as a family getting together for game night and holidays. (Game night was HER ...really good...idea!) Sadly it only lasted a year or so before she was unable to get out to come to it...or even see to play the games as she was also loosing her eye sight.<br />
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After Clara couldn't come to game night, my parents decided winter wasn't a good time to try and get out at night...so we put game night on hold, and somehow last summer things were so busy for me, I never started them back up again. Hopefully I will manage to do better when spring comes...but as we all know, only time will tell on that one since I'm not exactly good at keeping up with things lately. LOL <br />
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Over the years that Clara was married to my brother (16 years), I learned she could be blunt, and say things I wouldn't to people, but we learned that was just her way. She had a kind side, least to certain people at times, that I have seen more of since we moved back here. She was always worried about my Mom which I was always glad to see.<br />
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She was a strong, opinionated woman, which doesn't always work, but it didn't seem to bother her when it didn't, she still went her own way. While I didn't always agree with her, I had to admire how she stood up for herself, which is something I could be better at. She was generous, always wanting to bring something to contribute to game night or planning and funding an outing for "just us girls" which was her, Mom and I. She was also good at retelling things that happened...sometimes in a way that would have me laughing.<br />
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We really didn't expect her to go so soon...didn't know if dialysis was helping yet, but sure didn't expect THIS! I won't go into details, as I don't think it's appropriate, but lets just say that something started in the hospital just before she was released...they talked to the doc, who basically said it's nothing, without actually SEEING her...so they sent her home and it got worse. We called, they didn't seem concerned...and she was gone before the next morning came...less than three days out of the hospital. <br />
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While frankly, I think that hospital and the doc is just plain incompetent, Clara was ready to go, she couldn't get up on her own, or see and she didn't want to go back into the hospital, but that won't make it any easier for my brother to deal with loosing her. It's heart breaking she died so young (52) but all I can say is at least she is at peace now, not in pain and stuck doing nothing because of her blindness and not being able to walk. God knows what is best and he decided it was time to take her.<br />
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She will be laid to rest beside her daughter.<br />
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Prayers for my brother would be appreciated. <br />
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RIP Clara, I'm glad I got to spend a little more time with you these last few weeks. Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-65534112034216653282014-12-31T16:27:00.000-06:002014-12-31T16:28:43.797-06:00Another year bites the dust!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-N3TWRtN/A" title="Love the color God sometimes paints in the sky at Sunset!"><img alt="Love the color God sometimes paints in the sky at Sunset!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-N3TWRtN/0/500x500/1-14-2014%20%2811%29-500x500.jpg" title="Love the color God sometimes paints in the sky at Sunset!" /></a> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>
A 2014 Sunset.</i></span><br />
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Wow...once again I can't believe that another year is pretty much over. Seriously, where does the time go?<br />
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Yes...I know, I wonder that EVERY year! LOL<br />
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DH's surgery that was suppose to be next week got canceled...a bad lab report snookered us, so now we try to get him "healthier" and wait a few months and try again. *sigh* Not sure if we will be able to should the labs come back better next round...because of our cows having calves around that time...but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.<br />
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In the mean time, we pray...for DH as well as our sister-in-law (my brothers wife) who is in the hospital with congestive heart failure and failing kidneys. It's been a hard year in some respects...with loosing family and having health problems but we've had worse! We've also had some blessings, so for them I'm grateful. :-))<br />
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We got our office moved downstairs...and even though it turns out we didn't need it quite so soon, I'm thrilled with the move so far!! Don't know that hubby is, but wow is it wonderful to be cooking supper, and need something out of one of the freezers, and not have to go down the stairs to get whatever it is!! I LOVE having those freezers up there, where they are so much easier to get to!!!! :-))<br />
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Now if DH can just find time to get his stuff unpacked and put away...so we can get the downstairs looking better for once, I'll be a happy camper! *giggle* It already looks better than it ever has...but I'm still waiting to see what it's like once the boxes are all gone!<br />
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Anyway, I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Years Eve and Day...and that this next year will be better for everyone than the last was!! Have a wonderful 2015!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-4477578371980348532014-12-14T14:25:00.000-06:002014-12-14T14:25:11.126-06:00Busy Beavers....<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Family-Friends/Galen-Deb/i-r8TTRdp/A" title="An arm full of Love! Galen holding our two fur babies, Belle and Peaches."><img alt="An arm full of Love! Galen holding our two fur babies, Belle and Peaches." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-r8TTRdp/0/500x500/1-11-2014%20%285%29-500x500.jpg" title="An arm full of Love! Galen holding our two fur babies, Belle and Peaches." /></a><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Hubby and our fur babies almost a year ago.</span></i><br />
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I'm going to stop saying that things are slowing down around here...as soon as I think it will, and I'll have more time to do fun things (like blog or play in the soap room...or cook new things, not to mention reading) things happen and time gets away from me again...so sometimes I'm lucky to get the basic's done around here that need done. So much for learning new things or relaxing more! *sigh*<br />
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Lately, I've been trying to spend at least one afternoon a week with my sister-in-law, who has major health problems (going blind AND can't walk to well). I've helped out a little around the house, as well as sit and talk with her so she has a little company. We've never been real close, but she IS family and as such deserves to be cared for since she is struggling. It really has been nice to get out and see her more...who knows, maybe this can bring us closer?!<br />
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On top of that, I've been trying to pack up our office, so we move it downstairs, and move the freezers/fridge's that are down there up to the porch where the office has been. We never have gotten around to getting that back porch built, where I was hoping to put the freezers, and have no idea when or IF that will happen...so this is the next best thing, and will kill three birds, with one stone.<br />
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First, it will put the office on the same level of our bedroom/bathroom, so we don't have to do stairs, to get to our office if we are in the bedroom or outside. More on why this is important in a little bit. Second, it will put the freezers on the same level (for the most part) as our kitchen...REALLY important to ME, cause my knees are protesting going up and down so much! The 3rd reason this is hopefully a good thing, is so then once we can put a door in between the dinning room and porch, we can keep the house warmer/cooler depending on the time of the year. The porch lets in lots of heat in the summer, with all the windows...and lots of cold in the winter, cause it's not got the heat in the floor out there...or any other way to heat it. So...all in all, hopefully this will be a GOOD move for us! LOL<br />
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Why do we want the office on the same floor as our bedroom? <br />
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Cause, that way, since it's a walk out basement, and is the ONLY door we have that doesn't have steps up to it, DH can stop having to many steps to do, when he wants to take a break and check his e-mail while relaxing in his comfy office chair...and more importantly, the office is down there where he will have to stay for a week or two after he has his knee replacement surgery early next month. I have my tablet I can use upstairs, so hopefully won't miss having the office up here to much...and if I do need my computer upstairs, I can always carry it up in the morning when I come up to start my day since I have a laptop. :-))<br />
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So...some of our wonderful Amish neighbors will be coming over next week, to help with the "move"...and I'm trying to get things packed up in between everything else we have going on around here as well as a few added trips over to my sister-in-laws as we try to get some things done with her. <br />
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While things are changing around here, one thing that HASN'T changed, is we STILL haven't really slowed down all that much! Go figure! LOL<br />
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There has been some blessings come out of the last few weeks, even if we did find out that hubby was going to have to have knee replacement surgery. Once again, we've seen how blessed we are with the neighbors we've got here, Now that we are racing against time trying to get ready for me to take over the chores that have to be done, DH has had help from one of the neighbor kids with a few things outside, mainly getting the wood stacked up closer and now today with changing out a door we've been putting off but that HAD to be done, since it was hard to open and close and would be getting used way more once DH has his surgery.<br />
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Also, the guys at the Amish saw mill close to us asked hubby if he wanted them to put some scrap wood blocks on a pallet as they get it, cause it's smaller and "would be easier for me to handle". How SWEET is THAT! That's the same men who will be coming over and helping with the office/freezer move. Truly wonderful neighbors! I have no doubt, if I need anything while DH is laid up, all I have to do is go ask, and they will be here to help. Now THAT'S what I call being neighborly! I've never been THAT comfortable asking for help from neighbors before, but I am with those we have now, because they have proven themselves as true neighbors. Talk about being blessed! We ARE!!!<br />
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We are in the process of drying the last two remaining cows who are still in milk up...because that's one thing I don't want to have to do. One of the cows is NOT real happy with anyone but hubby milking her, even our Amish neighbor had trouble the last time he had to, so it will just be best if they are dry during the next few months. I'm just hoping they are actually pregnant so they will be back in milk come summer, when I will need to be stocking up on butter again. LOL<br />
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We actually have one cow sold, to a neighbor (once she gets the money to buy her)...Daisy, the cow I got for my birthday a few years ago. She is getting older, and since we probably don't really need 4 cows to milk, decided she was the one who should go. Besides, we let her go cheap, as she IS older, and has a few bag issues, so the neighbor lady could afford her, and couldn't one of the others. I hated to part with my cow...but yet realize keeping the younger ones is a smarter idea! LOL<br />
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Needless to say...we've been busy lately, even though we SHOULD have been in the slower season. We had a WONDERFUL thanksgiving, with my parents and hubbies friend from Nebraska. It was probably one of my favorites since we moved for some reason! We had some good laughs, as we all remembered the funny things we have all done over the years.<br />
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I hope all of you who are still "following" my blog are doing well and had a great holiday too! It's hard to believe that a new year is almost upon us already! If I don't get back to blogging...you will at least now know why! LOL <br />
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Oh one last thing...in the "other news" department, our niece Abbie, has moved her stuff into a storage garage, and will be spending more time with her husband out on the road, with time spent here from time to time. So...we have our house back for the most part now, yet can look forward to visits here and there. As much as I love our niece, it IS still nice to have the alone time we were used to also.<br />
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Before I go, I would like to ask for prayers for my wonderful hubby...that his surgery will be a huge success, and his recovery quick! Thanks so much (in advance) for your thoughts and prayers!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-69421490650081633622014-10-17T10:19:00.001-05:002014-10-17T10:22:23.051-05:00Our "Amish" LGD<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-HP4VrJF/A" title="After Emery, our neighbor gave James and Abbie a buggy ride, he put his hat on Yani. She makes such a cute Amish! LOL"><img alt="After Emery, our neighbor gave James and Abbie a buggy ride, he put his hat on Yani. She makes such a cute Amish! LOL" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-HP4VrJF/0/500x500/10-10-2014%20%2823%29-500x500.jpg" title="After Emery, our neighbor gave James and Abbie a buggy ride, he put his hat on Yani. She makes such a cute Amish! LOL" /></a><br />
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DH set it up, so that one of our Amish neighbor's would come over with his two seater buggy, and give Abbie and James a buggy ride the day before their wedding. After they returned, he let us get some photos of them in the buggy and by the horse. While I was out there with my camera he bent down to look at Yani's sore foot, and put his hat on her head...I couldn't resist getting a photo of her looking like an Amish dog! LOL<br />
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Even our animals are going "amish"...just goes to show what wonderful neighbors our Amish neighbors are...if our ANIMALS are wanting to convert! *giggle*Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-55911034163577288512014-10-16T10:51:00.000-05:002014-10-16T21:12:30.563-05:00Slowing down finally!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-kffNSHN/A" title="I revised this photo because Abbie wanted me to. Not saying WHAT I did to it...but this is for you Sweetie!"><img alt="I revised this photo because Abbie wanted me to. Not saying WHAT I did to it...but this is for you Sweetie!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-kffNSHN/0/500x500/10-11-2014%20%28326a%29-500x500.jpg" title="I revised this photo because Abbie wanted me to. Not saying WHAT I did to it...but this is for you Sweetie!" /></a><br />
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Just wanted to quickly share my favorite photo so far that I took at the wedding this last weekend. We are slowing down here a little bit...least I've actually been able to relax a little...but still haven't gotten all the photos ready for smugmug. Will be doing that slowly over the next week or so.<br />
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Canning is mostly done for the year now though...and while I LOVE to can, I'm rather grateful for THAT being done with again! It was a little much, mixed in with getting ready for the wedding. ;-))<br />
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It's laundry day today, so I need to get back to that...just wanted to share the photo and say I survived the wedding...although I HURT by the time we got home cause I was on my feet almost ALL day. I MUST be getting old. LOL It was kinda fun though...so thankful the cake disaster was the worst disaster...and the day went well! <br />
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Praise God for my parents though...they helped a LOT at the wedding, with the food and clean up. WAY more than they had to, to say the least, since they aren't even related to our niece since she is from hubbies side!<br />
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I am so blessed with my hubby AND my parents! :-DDebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-87996600571702967242014-10-09T16:38:00.001-05:002014-10-09T16:44:43.123-05:00Sanity is overrated<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-ZDmLHz6/A" title="A beautiful morning!"><img alt="A beautiful morning!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-ZDmLHz6/0/500x500/9-24-2014%20%281%29-500x500.jpg" title="A beautiful morning!" /></a><br />
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I caught another beautiful sunrise a couple weeks ago...just didn't get it off my camera for the longest time with everything going on. It was nice to see it when I did though...a calm breath of fresh air in the middle of working on getting everything done for the wedding.<br />
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We had a huge problem with the cake...almost a disaster, but thankfully we got it fixed by ordering one last minute...thank God for being able to, even though I REALLY didn't want to spend that money on THAT! Seriously...hopefully that's the WORST disaster, and everything else goes smoothly...or least only little things going wrong if something has to! LOL That was NOT a good day...when we discovered the cake was not happening.<br />
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Life was kinda insane THAT day...<br />
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Only two more days...and it will be over! Can't wait!! LOL Then...our 23rd anniversary is the day after the wedding, so maybe we can enjoy the day together...or crash, I'm not sure which. LOL I'll probably be canning more tomatoes on Monday...so it will be a short crash if we do...but that's ok I guess. Life doesn't wait for recovery usually...and tomato's need canned when we have them, so we do what we have to do so we have food for the winter. :-))<br />
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Needless to say...I'm so tired...and tomorrow promises to be a LONG day...not to mention Saturday. So...I took a little time to relax this afternoon, before the REAL insanity begins! It was NICE! LOL <br />
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Fall color is WAY behind this year. There are a few trees changing...but not lots. So sad we won't have lots of good color for wedding photos...but least most of the trees aren't bare...so hopefully they will still turn out ok...as long as my camera cooperates, and I don't turn into a complete idiot with it! LOL<br />
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Enjoying the sane moments in our insane life...Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-81519179123378437152014-10-05T17:43:00.000-05:002014-10-05T17:44:51.292-05:00Small break...<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-X7DbLNQ/A" title="Kainsley sure is growing up! She is walking now...even on my table! LOL"><img alt="Kainsley sure is growing up! She is walking now...even on my table! LOL" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-X7DbLNQ/0/500x500/10-5-2014%20%282%29-500x500.jpg" title="Kainsley sure is growing up! She is walking now...even on my table! LOL" /></a><br />
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We took a small break from wedding chores (and boy are there still LOTS of THEM to do!) for a small family get together. My parents and niece and family came over for lunch today. I haven't seen my great niece since she started walking but she sure is doing a great job of that now! LOL She even managed to walk around on top of my dinning room table after lunch for a little bit.<br />
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Right after I snapped the above photo she got the cutest grin on her face...naturally AFTER I took the photo. I didn't have the camera ready to capture it either (of course). She is adorable...and full of energy and I bet she's a handful! Not seeing her very much I don't really know what she is like, but she acts like she would be. :-)) <br />
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It was good to take a break from worrying about getting things done for the wedding...but now we have to get back to it, along with more tomato's to process tomorrow...I'm thankful for the tomato's, but sure wouldn't have minded a break for this week...but then I wouldn't have more for my winter's food supply, so I guess I'll take them while I can. I am however letting a neighbor have most of our milk and cream this week...so I don't have butter I have to stop and do! She is grateful, as am I! :-)) <br />
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The neighbor lady is canning some of the milk she is getting this week...and told me how, so guess what! After the wedding, I'll have to do a little of that and see how it is, so I have some for cooking with, when the cows dry up. LOVE learning about canning new things! :-))<br />
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Gotta run! Abbie's wedding is in less than a week now...and there is still SO MUCH to do! :(Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-1037079393967674402014-09-21T16:56:00.000-05:002014-09-21T16:56:26.002-05:00A "cute" break...<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-b4ZHJHp/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-b4ZHJHp/0/500x500/9-19-2014-500x500.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br />
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Hubby took this photo of our niece's puppy and a cat on his phone the other morning. I thought it was so cute, even though the quality of the photo leaves a bit to be desired. Maybe one of these years we will be able to get a phone that actually takes GOOD photo's...but I won't hold my breath! LOL<br />
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Loved this one even so, so thought I'd share it for a "cute" break from the canning/wedding posts I've had lately! ;-))Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-32196983752559830482014-09-20T23:00:00.002-05:002014-09-21T11:50:00.380-05:00Chaos<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-SJKb99m/A" title="Crowder State Park...looking for the best place for wedding photos I snapped this photo of the lake."><img alt="Crowder State Park...looking for the best place for wedding photos I snapped this photo of the lake." src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-SJKb99m/0/500x500/9-18-2014%20%2817%29-500x500.jpg" title="Crowder State Park...looking for the best place for wedding photos I snapped this photo of the lake." /></a><br />
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Life seems to be in chaos right now...time is slipping away, and we are so busy between the wedding and canning that I'm looking for that peaceful life we used to lead...till our niece moved in with us temporarily...which is turning into a bit longer than temporary it seems. I love her to death...but kinda miss that boring laid back life we lead before she interrupted our peaceful existence. LOL<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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Oh well...God has his plan, and I'm trying to trust him and enjoy the time we have with our niece as much as I can...even if I do get exhausted sometimes by the drama that seems to come with having her here. <br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-BBchNXC/A" title="We drove around looking for the perfect spot to go for some wedding photos the other day and this was one of our favorite spots!"><img alt="We drove around looking for the perfect spot to go for some wedding photos the other day and this was one of our favorite spots!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-BBchNXC/0/500x500/9-18-2014%20%2813%29-500x500.jpg" title="We drove around looking for the perfect spot to go for some wedding photos the other day and this was one of our favorite spots!" /></a></center>
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We went to pay for the wedding venue the other day, and then drove around looking for the best place to go for wedding photos after the ceremony. We found the perfect spot...on a bridge by the water. It will be even more perfect if there is GOOD fall color by the wedding! <br />
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Course, I'm a little worried about being able to get good photos. Between being out of practice, and my camera being old I sure hope I manage to get something decent on the big day. It seems to have some strange pixels these days...and I STILL can't afford to get a new camera, so I'm still using my first dslr that I love...but it's just not the new ones I'd LIKE to have. LOL I so want one that will take movies too...but that doesn't seem to be in the cards right now. Thankfully Abbie isn't real picky...but sadly I am, and will sure be disappointed if I can't get some good ones for her.<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-xCWtfdL/A" title="Abbie working on the mints for her wedding! I've made a bunch of mints for at least three different weddings over the years, and each time Abbie got in on helping me...I guess it's fitting that we finally made them together for HER wedding. :-))"><img alt="Abbie working on the mints for her wedding! I've made a bunch of mints for at least three different weddings over the years, and each time Abbie got in on helping me...I guess it's fitting that we finally made them together for HER wedding. :-))" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-xCWtfdL/0/500x500/9-8-2014%20%2816%29-500x500.jpg" title="Abbie working on the mints for her wedding! I've made a bunch of mints for at least three different weddings over the years, and each time Abbie got in on helping me...I guess it's fitting that we finally made them together for HER wedding. :-))" /></a></center>
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We do have the mints made and in the freezer now...and are working on the cake. This week should see it in the freezer, and hopefully some practicing going on with frosting and cake decorating tips. LOL Before we made the mints, we went looking for new molds for making cream cheese mints cause I didn't have a heart shape and Abbie kinda wanted one but it seems that cream cheese mints are "out of style" or something, cause we couldn't find any molds in the stores and when we asked they acted like we were stupid for wanting them. LOL<br />
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Oops, I guess I'm a bit behind the times as usual. ROFL<br />
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That's ok, I still love the mints, even if they are not "in" at the moment. I've made them several times over the years, and each time (somehow) Abbie seemed to get in on helping to make them, so it's only fair that we finally make them together for HER wedding...even IF they are not in style. <br />
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If this wedding goes off without a hitch...I'll be somewhat surprised, but you know, it's the screw ups that make the day memorable, so thats ok. Course, in the drama that surrounds us at times now, the wedding was canceled for a very short time...then was back on, so I guess nothing will really surprise me at this point. I can't say I will be sad for it all to be over...I want life to slow down a little bit again, so I can savor the fall color when it shows up and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. <br />
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Hopefully we can enjoy a peaceful fall, once the wedding is over...and maybe even, if we are lucky....get back to normal around here! Is it even possible?! LOL Time will tell! <br />
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This week we have a couple dr appointments to go to, which means I won't be around to help my Mom with her tomatoes since she plans on doing more on one of the days we will be gone, but will have to get a couple bushel of apples into our freezer, between cleaning and making sure we get more done for the wedding. I also need to decide if I actually want to BUY a few tomatoes so I can make a little more pizza sauce and maybe diced tomato's before we get a frost and the tomato's come to a stop. I wouldn't hesitate...but I'm afraid we won't have time, so haven't decided what to do yet.<br />
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I just finished up getting some beef broth canned, cause we butchered a problem steer last week...a bit earlier than planned but it worked out good so that's ok. I cut up almost 4 gallons of meat into cubes and turned it into <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/4420/corned-beef-brisket/" target="_blank">corned beef</a> and then canned it and WOW, it really turned out GOOD!! LOVE it!! I had made it twice before with a roast, and baked it in the oven, but this time I wanted more so decided to do it this way, so it was ready to grab when we wanted some. It really makes great <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2010/03/corned-beef-hash.html" target="_blank">corned beef hash</a> with my home canned potatoes too! ;-))<br />
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That's just a few of the things I've been up to the last few weeks. No time to update most of the time, but decided to get an update in here since Abbie is gone for the weekend and I had a little time. Course my "quick" update, turned into a short book but what else is new! LOL :-))Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-56692250492267743692014-08-24T20:24:00.000-05:002014-09-21T11:53:57.955-05:00Exciting Times!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-wPNrbSj/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-wPNrbSj/0/500x500/8-20-2014%20%283%29-500x500.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br />
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We've been canning up a storm here, but we've also been planning a wedding!!! Our niece is getting married, and since she is living here for now, I'm getting in on the fun!<br />
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I never thought I'd be in on planning a wedding this much since we weren't blessed with kids, but since Abbie lost her Mom this summer and is living here, I get to enjoy the fun planning and shopping trips her Mom should have been in on. She told me earlier today she didn't think she could have gotten married this fall, without our emotional support, because she misses her Mom and couldn't do the shopping trips by herself since that's something a mother and daughter usually does together. I totally understand that, cause it was fun shopping with my Mom when we did MY wedding shopping all those years ago.<br />
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I do feel for her though...cause I know I can never "replace" her Mom, and I'd never try to. Hopefully I can help ease her through this sad yet happy time though!<br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-Rf8CGtM/A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-Rf8CGtM/0/500x500/8-19-2014%20%2813%29-500x500.jpg" title="" /></a></center>
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Abbie is just having a small wedding, but we found the venue for it and it's beautiful! If all goes well, it will be an outside wedding, with the reception inside. If it's bad weather then, we can have the wedding right there where the reception will be...but we both are hoping for good weather, and hoping the fall color is popping really GOOD when the wedding date gets here in October!<br />
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With canning still in full swing...and the wedding to plan for, needless to say we are BUSY! Money is tight for everyone, so we are trying to do this in a frugal manner too...but yet still give her as many nice memories as possible. My hubby (who's Mom used to own a bakery...so he's had experience with making wedding cakes) will be in charge of the cake decorating. It's been a few years since he's done that kind of thing though...so will need to do some practicing before he starts on the cake. LOL However, that will save some money, AND give her a nicer, larger cake for the money which is great. <br />
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I'm going to be the official photographer (poor girl! LOL) so hopefully I can manage to get a few nice photos for her. I'm so out of practice lately...so we will see. I warned her she may not get anything GOOD...but she is ok with that, so I'll just do my best. It's not like when our other niece got married...I wasn't going to deal with her Mother so I said I wasn't going to be the "official" photographer. Besides...it's more fun that way for ME. LOL However...I know there is no money for a different photographer, so I will pray that God guides my hand and lets them turn out. If it's nice weather so we can have the wedding outside, there will be a better chance that they WILL turn out, as my outside photos are usually better than the inside photos. :-))<br />
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So anyway, cake is figured out...photographer is chosen *roll eyes*...venue is reserved...and invites are printed. A little bit of shopping has been done...but still have lots to do as soon as we have the money together. More plans will be made over the next little over a month, and cake and mints will be made in my humble kitchen. <br />
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Exciting times are certainly here! Now you know what's been keeping me busy...not much extra computer time for me. LOL We will see if I can update at all before the wedding date gets here. And yes...I realize I always have an excuse for not blogging lately! *snicker*Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-24426088153301832722014-08-02T08:51:00.000-05:002014-08-02T08:52:22.668-05:00Canning Season is well under way!<center>
<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-bX2zFGq/A" title="We've done a BUNCH of canning the last few days...this is only PART of what we got canned up!"><img alt="We've done a BUNCH of canning the last few days...this is only PART of what we got canned up!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-bX2zFGq/0/500x500/8-1-2014%20%2824%29-500x500.jpg" title="We've done a BUNCH of canning the last few days...this is only PART of what we got canned up!" /></a><br />
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The first couple days this week wasn't to bad in the busy department...but then we got hit with lots to can, and we've been busy, busy, busy!! <br />
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We've canned 101 quarts of potatoes for Mom and I, 40 quarts of green beans (for our niece Abbie...cause DH and I can't stand the things...but since she loves them and I'm trying to teach her to can too, they got canned this week also) 48 pints of peaches and a few of the left over pickle relish we did last week. Today we are finishing up putting the last of the green beans through the canner...and doing a few more potatoes for Abbie. The photo is only part of what we canned. :-)) <br />
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Praising God for the bounty we were blessed with this week!! Love canning season, although this week was kinda brutal...I was tired but so far so good on my foot pain not flaring up so I'm extremely thankful to not be fighting that while getting the canning done. <br />
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Gotta get off here...just thought I'd do a quick update, since it's been awhile! LOL Life is Good...and we are blessed...and have a good start on our winter's food supply already! :-))Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903715.post-78244168337637902562014-07-17T19:27:00.001-05:002014-07-17T19:32:23.938-05:00Belle turned 1 today!<center>
<a a="" birthday="" cake="" cupcake.="" href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-vC6JWfp/A" lol="" small="" title="Belle getting her " unfrosted="" was="" which=""><img a="" alt="Belle getting her " birthday="" cake="" cupcake.="" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-vC6JWfp/0/500x500/7-17-2014%20%283%29-500x500.jpg" lol="" small="" title="Belle getting her " unfrosted="" was="" which="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>
Peaches and Belle getting Belle's birthday cake!</i></span></center>
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Today, our sweet little singing troublemaker (Belle) turned one! She has sure added fun to this house...more trouble than we have had in some area's with our fur babies, but lots of love too which makes up for the trouble. LOL<br />
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She loves to play, sometimes it seems she is non stop playing...if she can't get someone to play with her, she finds something to play with. I see her tossing her toy's up in the air, flinging them around a lot and running to get them again. It's so cute, seeing her play by herself. <br />
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<a href="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-dqS68Jd/A" title="Belle eating her birthday cake!"><img alt="Belle eating her birthday cake!" src="http://hillbilly-hill-farm.smugmug.com/Yearly-Photos/2014/i-dqS68Jd/0/500x500/7-17-2014%20%286%29-500x500.jpg" title="Belle eating her birthday cake!" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Belle eating her Birthday cake. She sure looks like Autumn in this photo since her ears are back.</i></span></center>
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DH had to run to town today, so he went to the bakery and asked if they had a couple small cupcakes that weren't frosted so we could give our fur babies a special treat since it was Belle's very first birthday. (Peaches 4th is coming up at the end of the month...hard to believe we've had that special little sweetheart for almost 4 years already!) They enjoyed their cake and it vanished quickly. <br />
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Belle has been entertaining us lately by singing. We started watching Star Trek Deep Space 9 on netflix and when the intro music comes on, she will sometimes sing for us. Even going so far as to throwing her head back and howling at times. It's only during one spot in the music...and not near as long as I'd like it to be, but it's so FUNNY!! LOL <br />
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I actually got her to sing with a youtube video I watched this morning, but didn't think to have my phone ready to capture it on video (since I didn't know she was going to do it)...it was longer that time, and would have been great to have a record of it. LOL I did get a decent one of her singing to the deep space 9 theme music...just haven't gotten it off my phone yet. If I ever do, maybe I'll upload it and share it on here. Anyway, she has sure been entertaining us with her singing lately. She talks to us a lot too, when she wants something, not by barking, but with her strange little talking howl that she has. It's priceless!<br />
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All in all, it's been wonderful having Belle in our lives...it's always an adventure when you have fur babies! <br />
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Happy Birthday Sweet little Belle!! :-))Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705079404375820029noreply@blogger.com1