Recapitulation...

The farm team has been busy this week.  They've dispatched two possums and one feral cat that was as big as Ki-Anne.  I suspect this was the chicken catcher/carrier we have been unable to catch.  The team continued their good work by sorting cattle by color when our neighbor's cows came to visit. This amazing team cut them out of the herd and sent them packing.  They knew exactly which cows were ours and which ones did not belong.  Dogs are an enjoyable essential tool to every thing we do here.

I have had two nephews to visit so things have been busy.  My sister is still remodeling my house to her specs.  They left today so I am going to run around with no clothes on and relax...kidding....not about relaxing.

The high line crews have been through and I ran them off.  I have no idea why they choose the wettest day to come with their big equipment and want in our fields.  Hubby told him them where to get in and I'll be darned if they didn't head up the road and came back to turn into our orchard.  I don't think so. Needless to say, they left.  Wednesday afternoon they were at the top farm with all their vehicles parked.  I begged Hubby to stop the truck and let me tell them we owned that land too.  He would not, said they had been scared enough this week.

I keep some secrets as we all do but now that the problem is solved, I am sharing.  We have been fighting the employee division of Arkansas since October 2012 because they insisted we owed them money from 2011. They've ignored my calls, my faxes, my certified letters, and my emails. They have threatened liens and garnishment of (what) wages!  Tuesday I called all the numbers I had and told them if the stress from this killed my Hubby, they would pay.  Amazingly I received three calls that very same day.  Wednesday the solution began.  Suddenly they were able to see Someone was working at a Mexican restaurant in Minnesota (with Hubby's SS#) and it wasn't my husband!!!

I have talked to the restaurant owner and in broken English I was told she no longer worked there.  I told him to correct his records because I had called his local police and the state of Minnesota and my police and they had better get this all corrected.  IN  BROKEN ENGLISH he tried to soothe me.  Told him the police were on the way.  I think maybe half his work crew may be missing tonight.  I sure am sad about that.  I have no problem with immigrants but let's do it legal, okay?

Have requested credit reports, completed all police forms and got a call Thursday afternoon informing us we have a zero balance owed.  I await the paper proof.

So the sad Wednesday story about the depressed woman in the house shoes was a cover for a vigilante farm girl who has had it with many injustices in my world.

Sunday, My Day of Rest...

yep, sure was restful!  I woke with a bee in my bonnet and proceeded to direct the troops.  You know the troops I'm talking about, the ones who game or computer or tv or snooze in their chair all day...those troops.

I was tired of waiting on Someone Who Does Not Work to get it done!  I thought they might learn by example. I heard an expression used the other night related to hoarding...can't remember the expression but it was the inability to see the mess.  Both males in my home are suffering from this horrible malady...just can't see it.  Boy, oh, boy, I'm not blind just only so much of me to go around!

Yep, I'm not blind and I found out today, they are not deaf!  They heard, they listened, they worked as they wondered, I'm sure, who took the gentle Gail and replaced her with a slave driver.

They both had this shocked expression when I declared, "We are not living like pigs, anymore."  I proceeded with small lines; you drop it, you pick it up, you spill it, you clean it up.  They stood like zombies with a full belly...with a terrible blank look on their face.

We, now, have almost all the laundry done...except they have to put theirs away.  Took one truck load...a bed, a table, a big box and an antique baby chicken warmer, to the shop.  While we were out, we did grocery shopping, with every one's input...and every one unloading and putting away.

Hubbs was so scared (right!) he was hauling things out of the yard to the bone yard where they belong.  Andrew wasn't near as scared but he hasn't lived with me as long.

I have a box full of socks and shorts no one wears that will be a fine free gift to some one who has none.  I have a full trash can, a broken sewing machine needle and a hurt back but, by golly, they listened and they worked.

The sad thing is, I kinda like this so I'm not through with them yet!  As Mom used to say, Things are gonna change around here!

I grew tired of waiting for someone to fix the window sill in the bathroom...that is now sitting with it's second coat of paint after being scrapped, caulked and dried...that was my job, I gave up on every one else.

I may, just maybe, if they're nice, give them the rest of the afternoon off.  Don't want to shock their systems too badly.

Post note: 6PM Sunday...Hubb's napping, Andrew's playing guitar, fresh stir fry on the stove and I am hitting my soft chair.  We have earned our rest.

My Weekend Off and Catch Up...

My camera revived.  I had laid it in the morning sun in the kitchen window with all compartments open and everything removed.  I replaced the battery long enough to extend the lens and left it there.  God's light and the devil's heat did what I could not...it repaired it.  I did not get to try the dry rice method but do have it in my head, just in case, I need that information.

This was one of my test shots...my graduation photo from '72, one iron elephant bookend that I've owned forever,  and one Corning glass hen candy dish I found at a yard sale about fifteen years ago.  I wonder why I chose these two things to sit in the shelf beside me?

I had a wild hair, as some people say, this weekend.  I decided the tv room furniture needed to be in my sitting area and vice-versa.  I have had help moving one chair.  I still have one huge couch and one loveseat to move.  I am waiting on inspiration as to how to accomplish that.  When I get the furniture in the correct room, then I'll arrange it, I'm sure or I'm hoping with Bev's help because she is a true artist with furniture arranging (and many other things).

Bev came to help with my computer/craft/art/sewing room.  One chair came in here and two went out.  One chair went to Andrew's room from my sitting area.  One chair in the dining room and one from the den went to my room.  Are you confused yet?  I am!

Bev helped clean my floors...what a wonderful, sweet sister...moved some paintings and rugs around, dusted and washed dishes.  She was a life saver!  She has one big box of stuff packed for the shop.

Since my computer drama, I had not restraightened all the wires, etc...done.  My printer was returned and in now back by my computer. I have mended hubby's t-shirt pockets and altered some jeans.

Bev gave me homework, too.  I had one big box of toy parts to go through...broken ones, gone...collectibles in one box...just toys that someone else will enjoy in another. Working on another box to leave this house FOREVER.

Next on my list is sewing a tear in a chair arm and sewing a pillow seam that is partially undone.  Sadly, these will be by hand and I DETEST hand sewing.

Hey, I thought I was supposed to take it easy on a day off!  It has been a pure pleasure to see things go into a new spot and be cleaned, too.  It is very uplifting when you know a job is well done.

Now, a sample of outside photography, from my camera and my hot pepper, Ki-Anne.

No!!

This little bull is not running!

Ki's brakes are good.

They attempt to stare each other down.

Casually moving closer to each other,

The little bull is the winner,

and Ki, the chicken, runs out.

Grandma's Organ

Grandma Pruett's organ moved today.  It was in my sitting area, now it resides in a more proper place of honor in my huge dining room.  Now many of you may think, this is a strange place for an organ but not for our dining room.

The kitchen/dining room is where we always gather, at least, the woman congregate here, the men leave when their bellies are full.  We gather around the large hand made table of Mom and Dad's and visit.

Today Bev and I did some major rearranging and thinning...yes, thinning!!!  It was time.  Even though we live in an old large farm house, there were too many things...too much past.  We packed some boxes full of things that I could live without, things that no longer made my heart sing, and things we no longer used.  The past two days, we have packed eleven, yes, eleven, wonderful full boxes of THINGS.

Know I am not a hoarder, especially not like those on TV.  My things were organized and artfully displayed...just too many.  How many blue glass canning jars do you really need??  How many cookie jars?  How many cannister sets?  On and on, we sorted.

Simplify, simplify!  I don't want to spend my years dusting things I really don't LOVE.  If it did not bring a smile, a memory or a good feeling, it went into a box, all cleaned, wrapped and packed and taken to the shop.

Beverly asked what theme or direction do you want to go in here?  I thought and thought and believe I came up with a new one...Country Comfortable.  So Grandma's organ holds the place of honor and mother's old quilt cabinet is now the pantry full of home canned goods by Marcy.

Today I am five bar stools lighter.  Today I am one couch and one love seat lighter.  Today I am eleven boxes of treasures lighter.  Today my spirit soars because by letting go, I have grown. 

Snow

The weather man was right. We got snow and are still getting snow. The only thing that is good is most of it is melting when it hits the ground.

Huddling in the snow, yes, they do have a barn

The animals knew last evening. The horses were kicking up their heels. The roosters were finding a hiding spot. Birds were looking for seed.

I also know it is close to spring because the barn cats are romancing.

Bev, the miracle worker, was here today. She spent almost her entire day in Andrew's room with Andrew. They sorted alphabetically. They played guitar. They listened to music...and Bev cleaned and cleaned.

What in the world would I do without her help????

Miracles By Beverly

It was another productive day in my humble dwelling. Beverly worked my tail off! One daughter even took another truck load!

May I present my new used for nothing else sewing area? This was the old utility closet in the lodge BEFORE we built it onto to Mom and Dad's house. There may be a little finessing to do but the bones, once again are in place. My machine sets on an old treadle sewing machine. This area shall later be painted.

This is the sitting area in my computer room. Pink Lady has found her home. Side table is a wooden bar stool covered first with a curtain then draped with the same scarf that is on the foot stool.

The Now Cook Book corner has been covered with bits and pieces gathered carefully by Beverly. They must be in the same color and they all must connect, not in theme but in color. Beverly is an artist!

See how the colors are carried to actual cook book shelf?

Last but not least, the flower corner, where a few survive my brown thumb. The hangings to the right are Mom's. This window faces east so Bev placed a lacy curtain so the flowers would have all the advantage of the morning sun.

We are getting closer to being organized totally. Sometimes I think, I should not post these for I do not live in a fancy dwelling. Then I think, why not, it is my home and I love it.

Can't wait to see what happens today!

Did You Ever Notice...

How when a woman takes a day off, she works her tail off? My man takes a day off and goes fishing!My new entry corner, phone corner, whatever you want to call it corner. My favorite picture is the large one and it is called "Reflections".

I have photographed my humble home and its projects. I have two corners done in my homework. I'm in trouble! Bev will be here tomorrow to continue my organization and I am not through with the first part. This is a dusty chair in the tv room. I should have dusted BEFORE I took the picture.

As you can see one spot on my desk is clear and things are poked into the holes.


Why do I always see things after I take the picture? I will not retake it for a tilted lampshade so please imagine the shade is in place.

This cabinet was made by me by putting parts together from this and that. It is an old chest of drawers that fell apart. I made shelves and installed doors. The top shelf will hold my computer paper and the doors hide my uglies. I will unify the colors as I get to it. I emptied one box!

This old buffet was Mom's. I found it in the barn a few years ago. The veneer has come off in some places but plan to stain it all to match. I put new handles on it and also glued all the pieces back into place that I found in the floor of the barn. It had been placed at the entry door but Beverly has changed it to the tv table. I must say I love it here 'cause all the equipment can fit in one place. Behind it is an old sleigh bed head board dividing the room from my new business area(one of the places I was supposed to finish).

I know Beverly says you have to muddy the waters before they clear but boy, these waters sure are muddy right now.

The Secret Kitchen

Many of you know, to see the soul of a woman, look in her kitchen. If I had taken a before picture, you could have really seen my soul, lost. You have seen my private sitting area, even my bedroom, but no room reflects the soul quite like the kitchen.

Thanks to the magic of my sister, Beverly, once again, she has brought order and beauty into my life. And she used my stuff! We added nothing and took nothing away, except dust. Her artful arrangement and her extreme talent of seeing has turned my kitchen corner into a soothing place of functional beauty!

Each piece has a story. As Beverly cleaned, I was traveling down memory lane and enjoying the journey.

Every one should be so blessed.

I Am Back!!!!!!!!!

Marcy Art

I am sure you have been biting your nails and sitting on pins and needles waiting for me to get over it. That is my Motto, Get Over It! But for some unfortunate reason I could not. I was lower than a snake's belly, I mean underground!

Thanks to all my blogland Buddies, I have survived and am on the way to the top! Funny isn't it, how you can be kissing dirt one minute and flying among the trees the next. It wasn't that easy but from this good side, it seems that way. From the bottom, I could not see the sky.

Thanks everybody for not ignoring my whining. Thanks for all the good kind words. Most of all, thank you for letting me know I was not alone.

First step was taking a shower and painting my fingernails. Funny how showers don't seem so important. In the afternoon, I ventured out into the lovely warm afternoon in a clean pair of pjs and my painted nails.

Guess who would not leave me alone? Princess, that wonderful goat, that belongs to my sister. I think okay, I've had my shower so I no longer smell like a billy goat. I do not know if she was attracted to wonderful Bath & Body Works lotion or if she was just glad to see me. She circled all around me, rubbing her horns on me, bleating and just having a good time. I escaped into the house and she was at the door, at the window, bleating to me! I grabbed the bb gun and thought that might persuade her to go home...NO! Princess wanted me for some reason. By this time I am regretting my shower. My husband saves me with the paint ball gun. Princess is now brown, yellow, orange and white. Looks quite artsy and seems to know it.

The Paint is on the other side.

Marcy with Buddy, TP and of course, Princess

Today was much better. Den had been building fence on the west side and had asked me yesterday to come see. He knew better than asking me to come help. Today Marcy and I headed up the hill, behind the new pond, to see the wondrous work of THE MAN!

As you can see, I am really helping. It was cold on that hill!

The cold did not stop Seymour from running down the creek.

After that freezing trip, I came back and started to work. The Christmas tree and Santas are all tucked away. The kitchen was clean until Den cooked. Sent(bribed) my daughter's mate and Andrew to go pick up my groceries. Did ALL the laundry. Changed my sheets and even had time to watch a movie!!!! Even repainted my nails...how's that for recovery?

Work tomorrow and I am actually not dreading it.

Thanks to all you guys who dug me out when I needed more shovels than I could find!

My camera, God's art.

'Twas Four Days 'Til Christmas...

At The Farm,
I was dreaming,
Then heard the alarm!

Git up, sleepy head!
You have four days to go
Family to be fed
Start where, I don't know!

I sprang from my bed,
And fell to the floor,
Had tripped on the clothes
Left by my door!

Ran to kitchen,
With less than delight,
I cried as I saw an amazing site,
The sink brimmed with dishes from last night!

My floor was all dirty,
From farm boot steps,
There were mounds of sand,
Dropped and just left.

The clothing all piled
From ceiling to floor
My hopes for completion
Flew out the door!

Just then I heard
A knock at the door
My sister, Beverly
Wait, there's more!

Armed with a broom
Vacuum and mop.
Let's get this place cleaned.
Chop! Chop!

Sand disappeared,
The dishes did too,
The clothes were all folded
Then she was through!

Wait just a minute,
My presents are wrapped
How does she does that
Without even a nap?

Now we sit
With our feet propped up,
Holding hot cocoa
Steaming from the cup.

Gotta go now, Gail
Got things to do
The Pinto roaring loudly
And the cows mooed.

I heard Bev exclaim
As she drove outta site,
That's the last time I'm cleaning
We're going to fight.

A smile lit her eyes
As away she did drive
You know I'm just kidding
You've just have to try.

Written by Gail In A Holiday Funk