Ahhhh!!!

It has been a long summer -- long and dry. Very dry. My plants and my lawn have suffered. But this week there was a change.

Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day and Happy September - FALL is almost here!! Yesterday I competed in a 10k race in our little town. Number 90, that is me - red and sweaty after it was all over and done with. The other gals are members of the walking club that I belong to. It was a glorious morning for a run - today will be some shopping with #1 daughter and grandson. What are you doing for Labor Day?

Bad, Bad Blogger!!

The BAD Blogger!!

Yep, that would be me - away from my blog and my blogging friends for the last week. Shame, shame on me! Wish I could tell you I was out having fun somewhere BUT that was not the case. Blogger caused me some grief and I wasn't able to log on AND more importantly, I had some family issue to deal with. One of my dear children is facing some of life's difficult moments. Please hold us up in prayer -- this too will pass but when you are young, you don't always have the life experience to know that. Thank you for both your understanding and your prayers. I will be catching up on my blog visiting this week!

I did not get the winner of the Quail Ridge Press GIVEAWAY posted. Thanks for everyone who entered in and all the nice comments that were posted. And BIG thanks to the wonderful folks at Quail Ridge Press for providing the books for review and giveaway (they are sending me another book for review so watch for that).

Without further delay..........................................

The LUCKY winner of this giveaway is

Kimberley from Kimberley's Front Porch (I thought it fun that Kim was the winner and her blog is named Front Porch and my review was my Front Porch party -- too fun!!)

Congratulations Kim :)

Thank you to my daughter for always tallying up all the entries and determining the winner for me!



Simple Sunday ~ Can You Believe It?!

My little special man is 6 months old today -- this is him at Gigi's house yesterday all determined to be a crawler -- he ALMOST  has it. Watch out :)

HAPPY 1/2 BIRTHDAY Baby Boy -- LOVE you to the moon and back -- to infinity and beyond!!

Joining Elaine at her Sunny Simple Sunday!

Don't forget to get entered in for the Quail Ridge Press Cookbook Giveaway!!

Taking Tea

Image: Flickr

Good Morning!

I just loved the above image when I came across it on Pinterest....doesn't she look like she is having such a great time. I LOVE surrounding myself with these kinds of people - JOYFUL!!

So pull yourself up a chair and pour yourself some tea, hot or iced -- I am going to prattle for a bit.  I thought I would answer some of the email questions that I have been asked recently.

Have you made your 100lb weight loss?

I did. Thank you for asking. Back in April I finally crossed that line -- it isn't the finish for me. I am about 12-13 pounds away from the magical number I weighed on my high school graduation day. I am pretty sure I can get there - I'd like to set the goal of getting there before my 52nd birthday in mid-September BUT will be happy to get there whenever I do. Thank you all for the encouragement you give to me!!

How was your company?

We had a lovely visit. My Mom and Dad (in their 70's) are both in good health and enjoy traveling - I hope they will be back this way soon. They will be headed to spend Labor Day camping with my youngest sister in California. I am planning a quick trip to Arizona in early November - a good time to visit Arizona!

My Minnesota company wasn't company at all but #1 son and his visit wasn't a visit either -- he has moved to NEBRASKA and currently is camping out in my basement until he finds a place. I now have all 4 of my kids close -- I am a super blessed Momma!

How is Baby Gabe?

Well, that boy is my joy! Can you believe he will be 6 months old this month?! He has cut his first tooth (on the 4th of July), is rolling everywhere and attempting to get up on his hands and knees -- watch out, lol! He is a bitty boy, weighing in the 25th percentile and not even on the charts for height -- he takes after his Gigi -- a little shorty!

How are you doing working a 2nd job?/Are you still Fiscal Fasting?

Working a second job has been an adjustment but I feel quite blessed with this arrangement. My weekdays are pretty rushed and mostly work-oriented but I have my weekends free and through the summer months take Thursday's off too. I am still taking the last week of the month and declaring it a NO-SPEND time. Living frugally is my nature and it isn't a hardship and makes me more accountable for the spending I do the rest of the month. I haven't written more about it because, well, no spending is somewhat BORING, lol. I am working on a couple posts though that will fit into Frugal Living. Look for those soon.

How are you adjusting to life after the divorce?/Do you date?

Well, I think I've adjusted well. My marriage was broken for a very long time and I had been separated for a long time too....in many ways, there wasn't much of an adjustment to make -- I'd been adjusting all along. I did get a call this week from a friend who also has gone thru a divorce. She was very sad that her ex-husband had recently remarried and was surprised by her own reaction. I guess like any other grieving process, you find yourself going backwards sometimes. About a year ago a friend recommended DivorceCare. He found it very helpful when his marriage ended - I did too. I recommended it to my friend and I hope it is encouraging to her also. As far as dating is concerned, well, that has to be up to the Lord. Right now my time has a lot of demands on it. I did date a little but found it to be pretty much a disaster, lol....better to leave that in the Lord's hands. Maybe someday :)

Thank you for your sweet comments and emails and always offering me friendship and encouragement. I try to answer each email and Facebook message personally but I do find myself behind at times. If I haven't answered, please email me again. God Bless You :)



The Sounds of the Times!

HAPPY MONDAY and Happy July!! I thought I'd tell you a little about the sounds of my weekend.
Now to qualify what I am going to write next -- I grew up in Southern CA where fireworks, except for licensed, public displays, are outlawed. Way too much of a risk of fires. As a child I never set off fireworks and am as far away from being a piromaniac as you can get since I don't even like striking matches, lol.

The last few night have been LOUD in our area -- lots of fireworks action. It will all come to an end on the 4th -- until then, I keep thinking I am hearing the sounds of war. Do you set off your own fireworks or enjoy a display in your community?

My company arrived late last week and we have been having a time just visiting and enjoying each other's company. Over the weekend I got to go with my Dad on 2 LONG walks -- such great talks happen on walks....especially LONG ones. I love the sound of my Dad's voice -- I hope I can remember what that sounds like forever!

Flatwater Music Festival 2012

On Saturday we ventured out to enjoy the Flatwater Music Festival. What a nice time that was -- perfect evening too -- weather was lovely and enough of a breeze to keep the skeeters away.


Gigi and Gabe at Flatwater Music Festival ~ Hastings, NE

We enjoyed some great Bluegrass, Folk and Old-Timey Country & Gospel music by a variety of different bands. There were also local crafters and artists that had their wares for sale.

Aren't these wind chimes just lovely? You would not believe what a lovely, tinkling sound they made.

As I sat with my grandbaby on my lap and my 2 grown daughters to my left and my Dad and Mom to my right, I couldn't help but think what a blessed woman I am!

I'm Farming & I GROW it!

I  thought this was WAY too cute not to share. These young men are Kansas farm boys which are not too different from Nebraska farm boys! Love seeing young people with a passion for farming!

Fern(s)

It was second-grade. I was in Mrs. Swisher's class at Central Elementary School. At literature time she read aloud the book Charlotte's Web (oh, I hope my friend Rose isn't reading this -- she HATES spiders, lol). I instantly loved Fern -- I wasn't even sure what a fern was, but I loved this brave, spunky little girl who was lucky enough to live on a farm. Me, a city girl thought her life simply perfect. I wanted to be Fern -- what a gorgeous name she had -- so much better than Gail. Over the years, I have read this book again and again and loved getting to read it to each of my own children. I don't hear or read the word FERN without thinking of the relationship I had with Fern Arable.

All that to say that I have ALWAYS wanted a big old porch fern -- such an old-fashioned thing in my mind....big old Victorian porches adorned in ferns. Well, there are a few things were needed to fulfill that. ONE is a big old porch - got that - and the other was getting over the fear that I'd kill it, lol.

I do fine with growing vegetables and even annuals and perennials, but house plants, as I rule I kill. With the exception of my African Violets, I generally avoid plants in the house. I knew if I took on the commitment of a fern on the porch, the time would come that it would have to come into the house.

Last summer I said that *next year* would be the year I'd finally get one. Next year came around. I did do some research and decided on what kind I wanted and I even shopped (a little bit anyway) and didn't find what I wanted. Then my friend Rose (yes, the same one who doesn't like spiders -- and that is a gross understatment), came in to the office and told me our favorite little plant source for the season was selling everything 50% off. I had given up on a fern for this year but still wanted a hanging basket for my back deck. I scurried on over there. I found a perfect basket -- planted in my red, white & blue theme and scooped it right up.

As the cashier was checking me out we had a conversation about the plants she was buying at 50% -- a couple baskets like the one I bought and a FERN -- what, you have ferns still? -- do you have Kimberly ferns? -- why, yes we do -- I bought not 1 BUT 2 of the hugest, most gorgeous ferns for my porch! Wish me or maybe I should say, wish the ferns good luck -- don't they look stunning on my porch?

I am sharing at Yvonne's Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits Party! And Sweet Honey is back to blogging and posting to her Potpourri Friday.

How to care for your fern:

Placement - Put your fern in a location with a lot of light but little direct sun. Early morning and late afternoon direct light is enough, with shade during the rest of the day. An area of high humidity is helpful, but with proper watering (see below), a fern will be fine in a drier area.

Because ferns are so fragile, it is important to place them where tBecause ferns are so fragile, it is important to place them where they will not be crowded or brushed up against. Be sure to allow them to have plenty of "personal space" so that they can spread out and expand. When a fern is crowded into a small space, it tends to do poorly.

The Pot - Use a clay pot or a hanging basket lined with sphagnum moss togrow your fern. Plastic pots aren’t good for drainage, and adequate draining is crucial for a healthy fern.

Because a fern’s roots are near the surface, they should only be grown in shallow pots (about 6 inches deep).

Soil and Mixes - Many horticulturists recommend planting ferns with a special fern potting mixture, which can be found at a nursery. Ferns require loose, quick-draining mix. It is also acceptable to use regular potting mix and add about 20% peat moss.

Watering - Over-watering kills more plants than anything else. Only give your fern water when the soil is starts to look dry. Don’t use a plant mister on your fern. It can cause the fronds (leaves) to brown and wilt.

The soil of your fern should be moist, but never wet. Over-watering a fern is a common mistake. Over-watering can damage a plant’s roots, and once the roots are damaged the plant may not survive.

Because ferns like humidity, fill a tray with pebbles and water (enough water to cover all the pebbles) and place the potted fern on the tray.

Fertilizers - Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer once a month, during the growing season. Only use one-quarter to one-half of the recommendations on the fertilizer package.

Pruning - New ferns will not grow from cuttings.

If you notice brown around the edge of a leaf, and the fern’s condition doesn’t improve after a couple waterings, cut off the sick leaf. Also cut off any dead leaves at the base of the fern.

If the whole fern looks bad, or pests have invaded, just cut the whole plant right above the soil and let it grown again.

Re-potting - Ferns should be re-potted at least once a year, and can be divided easily in more potted plants. Just remove the plant from the pot, divide the roots with a sharp knife, untangle the leaves, and place the ferns into new pots.

But how do you know when to re-pot a fern? The basic rule is this: if the roots have reached the sides and bottom of the pot, it's time to re-pot it.

Growing Outdoors - In favorable climates, ferns can also be grown in a shady garden spot protected from wind and heavy rains. Keep the fern out of direct midday sun and make sure it gets enough water to keep the soil damp. A couple inches of organic mulch (for example, chopped leaves) will help keep an outdoor fern healthy. And again, give the fern enough room – it shouldn’t come close to touching other plants.

Welcome!

This is the week that company is coming. I'm so excited to see my parents from Arizona and #1 son from Minnesota. I have been sprucing and fluffing and will be putting the finishing touches on a couple projects this afternoon - BUT for the most part am ready. What do you do to welcome others into your home? Is hospitality one of your gifts or do you have to work at it? I am in the latter category -- I am good at fussing over the details but maybe not so great at the actual art of hospitality - well family is easy but I do tend to allow myself to get bogged down in fussing over what is not important -- yeah, I am probably a Martha who wishes like heck she was more of a Mary.

Joining Sunny for her Simple Sunday's.

Goodbye Old Friend!

I have been doing some down-sizing. Actually a lot of down-sizing. The divorce meant a smaller house and still lots of BIG furnishings....and a garage FULL of STUFF. I've done a great job of reducing the stuff. It feels great to have a lighter load - in every way possible. Honestly, some things were easy to part with and some things a little harder.

The LAST of the BIG things I wanted to have gone was my antique upright grand piano.

I do want to say that I love this piano - it is beautiful and I have enjoyed having in my home all this time BUT it isn't too practical in a small home and I don't play and daughter had no interest in taking it with her - that meant finding it a new home. No easy feat. Actually, I was recently told it would be impossible -- "no one wants those old things" was what I was told. I talked to a guy who had come to pick up an old wood burning stove from the garage for scrap and he said he'd take the piano. I couldn't do it. I told him I'd call if I changed my mind but there had to be someone who would want and love this old beauty as much as I have. Maybe they would have little girls who wanted to take lessons. I have no issue with little boys playing piano but this one was bought for my daughter to play and it came from a home where the daughter played -- just seemed like it needed to go to a little girl. I began praying......then I listed it on Craigslist.

I got lots of groovy spam-like responses and then the one I had been waiting for. A young woman was looking for a piano for her daughters (3 of them). She came over the next week-end and loved the piano. Her eyes lit up when she saw it and told me she was excited to decorate it for CHRISTmas...... I knew it was a perfect fit - THANK-YOU LORD!

Today is the day it gets moved from my home to hers. I am sad to see the piano go but will smile each time I think of those sweet little girls playing it. I feel blessed in every way....and I think the new owner feels the same way!

The movers showed up at 7AM and made short work of what seemed like a monumental task.

Goodbye old friend ... I will miss you but am so very thrilled for you too. Enjoy your new little girlies!

A DIY Weekend :)

Photo Creidt: Curbly

Are you a DIYer? Seems I always have a LONG list of projects to get to. This weekend I got to a few of them -- I had motivation. Company is a coming :)

Although I did get to a few projects, we are still *in process* on most so basically I am going to *tell* you about them and then will share some photos -- BIG-reveal-style -- SOON.

So what do you think of when you read BABY ELEPHANT, HOT COCOA & INSPIRE AWE? Recently when I posted about the trees being removed, I posted this photo ......

Really shows the worn and dated paint on the house. Not a big fan of butter yellow and forest green. Well, I am not going to be living with that UGLY (sorry, no better word came to mind) paint any longer. The house is now Baby Elephant - a gorgeous light taupe color (Clark & Kensington paint from Ace) with Inspire Awe - a creamy, off white trim -- on Thursday, I will do the LAST job -- painting  the porch floor and steps. They will be Hot Cocoa - a darker taupe. It is AMAZING what paint can do!

Once  the porch paint is dried and cured a bit, I can put my vintage wicker furniture back out. Do you

Faithfulness Farm: Nebraska Junk Jaunt

remember my story of how I acquired my olden wicker set last fall? I was so blessed to find it and knew it was going to need some work to freshen it up. Work done. I've painted it and made some covers for the cushions and some festive pillows - they are sitting in the garage EAGERLY waiting to come out and party on the porch! I thought I would share a couple informative articles I found -- Wicker Furniture Cleaning Hints & Tips -- and -- Painting Wicker Furniture -- both very helpful for the wicker furniture enthusiast. I cannot hardly wait to show you my beauties!! BTW, this is another showing of that horrid paint AND can you believe that my porch had carpet on it? -- that was ripped up earlier this spring and the floor is ready for it's paint job :)

Now that my yard has so many more sunny spots sans the trees, I've been looking for gardening inspiration like CRAZY! I ran across this image on Pinterest.....

Samplers and Santas

AND was TOTALLY inspired. I've made 2 new little flower beds utilizing my galvanized wash tubs. I have the edging to finish on the 2nd one and will do the big reveal :)

ALL those projects and I also rearranged the living room -- I'll share WHY I did that later this week.

Isn't it great to have company come (my Mom & Dad from Arizona and #1 Son from Minnesota) to light a fire under the hiney and get some of the STUFF crossed off the list!

Wishing a WONDERFUL week -- I'll be putting finishing touches on THINGS -- can't wait to show YOU! What is on YOUR DIY list?

Adding this post to Yvonne of StoneGable's new Linky party -- TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS  - oh, what FUN!!

Happy Flag Day!

I LOVE the holidays of summer -- Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day (okay, so the first 2 are not technically summer but they count as summer holidays don't they?).

Every year I plant my annual pots in some sort of *theme* -- this year is red, white & blues! I simply love these blue petunias and their white *stars* -- they seemed made just for my theme. I'll show more of my annuals in the next couple weeks.

Have I mentioned that in the summer months I only work a 4 day week? I take Thursday's off. It is my fluff my nest day and I simply love it. My current fluffing includes painting my front porch. It has been quite a job and I am really looking forward to having it completed. My antique wicker is all refreshed with a new coat of paint and cushion covers and I am looking forward to hanging my buntings and having my porch all *decked* out for 4th of July -- I'm having company. Mom and Dad are coming from Arizona and my oldest son will be here from Minnesota -- oldest son was born on 4th of July! :)

TIMBER!!

Do you remember me saying last winter that my favorite tree had been damaged in our last snow storm? As a rule, trees don't fair well on the prairie.

That prompted a visit from the *tree guy*. He said he would be able to trim and save this tree.

BUT he recommended the removal of 4 others.

That was such sad news to me.

I love these old trees.

BUT they were at the point of being dangerous.....and my yard gets little to no direct sunlight.

Things change -- better to have them removed before they come down on the house.

Looking to the brightside -- less leaves to rake in the fall AND no more picking up dead branches after every storm or blowing of the wind.

So after a day of downing and then stump grinding......

I am left with my pine AND one trimmed up old friend -- and the rest are a memory....

AND I've planted SUNFLOWERS because now the sun can reach them.

Things change -- change can be good!

Posting to Sunny Simple Sunday's!

Mother's Day Musings!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

What a fabulous spring morning we have been blessed with in Central Nebraska -- hoping it is the same where you are.  This morning I have none of my little chicks in my nest -- #1 son is in Minnesota, #1 daughter is working her every-other-weekend rotation, #2 son is spending the weekend with his girlfriend and her family in another town (yesterday was girlfriend's birthday) and #2 daughter is babysitting (Keller and his parents are back to Boston for another check-up and daughter is staying with baby sister Kora). The two daughters will both make it here for supper -- in the meantime, I have grandbaby here to help me celebrate a lovely Mother's Day morning. He will help me finish my flower pot planting this afternoon.


Graduation season is in full-swing in Nebraska -- CONGRATULATIONS to both the graduates out there and their parents who helped them along the way. Yesterday I was blessed to spend the afternoon and evening with my #2 daughter. She is such a busy bee that it felt like ages since we had spend a large block of time just visiting -- we had about 5 hours of windshield time as we traveled to and from Omaha to attend the graduation reception of one of her best friends, Rachel. It has been such a blessing to see these 2 young women grow up and blossom.

Jay & Rae met when we first moved to Nebraska in 2006 - they were instant friends. Rae was the daughter of our then Pastor. They moved to Omaha about 3 years ago and that hasn't changed a thing in their friendship except they appreciate the time that they have together so much.

Jay & Rae doing flips in the church basement

Back in November 2010, when Jay's friend committed suicide, Rae came from Omaha - newly licensed driver and icy conditions, she made that 5 hour round trip alone to be with Jay -- I was so grateful to both Rae and her parents.

Hamming it up for the camera

Every summer they made the trip to Missouri for church camp -- what wonderful memories they have of those weeks at camp.

Camp, Summer 2010

Rachel's Graduation May 2012

Now they each move on to a different season in their lives -- knowing they have been blessed with a very special, life-long friendship.

Rachel's Graduation May 2012

In The Merry Month of May!

Super Moon photo credit

What a WONDERFUL month May is shaping up to be. Do you have plans to get out and view the SUPER MOON this weekend? I sure plan to.....I have lots of plans for this month. Starting with VACATION -- I am taking off some time from my job. Some of that time will be vacation and some will be STAYcation -- I am looking forward to BOTH. I have plans for flower planting and porch furniture painting and graduation receptions attending. Leisure mornings with a cup of coffee in hand, lunches and dinners with friends and working on some cookbook reviews. Ahhh!

Look for a Low-Carb Living post next Friday. Enjoy your weekend!!

10 Things I LOVE About Spring!!

HAPPY MAY DAY!! Okay, so I know that spring is in full swing -- has been for a while. That said, until April 17, I really didn't have much time to notice. I've been making a point of noticing since then.

I do have to admit that I usually don't think of myself as a *spring person* but as I thought of my list, I found that there are TONS of things I love about spring besides that winter is finally over. This list is both random and in no particular order - just what popped into my noggin.

Longer days - the longer days do come along kind of gradually and then Daylight Savings Time starts and there seems to be so much more day for spending.

Sleeping with the windows open - Sleeping with windows open only happens in Nebraska in the spring and fall months -- too cold in winter and too hot in summer. I love hearing the outside sounds -- a distant train, crickets, leaves rustling in the breeze, thunder in the distance.......

Spring Cleaning - YEP, I even love spring cleaning. That doesn't happen until tax season comes to an end but once it does I LOVE digging in and cleaning up. Organizing, clearing cobwebs and rearranging things are all things I enjoy.

Green – the entire greening process of the grasses and leafing of the trees! Seems like the prairie goes from black and white to GREEN in a flash.

RAIN – we sometimes get some more severe weather in the spring . Although I love a good thunderstorm at times, the soaking, gentle rain is my favorite. The robins out hunting for worms are such a fun sight.

NO Coat (or scarf, or gloves, or hat) – Okay, this is the Southern CA girl (I was raised in San Diego) showing. I HATE coats and all that goes with them, lol. Mostly I hate being all bundled up and then going into stores and such that are warm -- do you hear the menopausal, hot-flash prone complainer that I can be, lol.

FLOWERS ~ My dear Grandma instilled such a love of flowers in me -- like me, she had many favorites but Irises were pretty much at the top of the list -- MOST of the spring flowers are on my list but Irises do have a special place in my heart.

More time OUTDOORS ~ Running, walking, biking, gardening, puttering in the yard, sitting on the porch or deck with a cup of coffee or glass of wine, lunch or even supper on the deck......I just love being outdoors!

Sale season ~ No matter what they are called in your neck of the woods - garage sales, yard sales, rummage sales, tag sales -- spring is when the season opens for the year. Also, spring is prime time for thrift shopping. Gotta love that!! I am 2 (TWO) sizes smaller than I was last spring/summer so I have been a shopping fool :)

Sunrises, Moonrises, Stargazing ~ and just about any other times on the porch w/cuppa in my hand. Really enjoying my wicker furniture find from last fall and getting in lots of porch time this spring!

So there is 10 and I didn't even mention baseball, gardening, sandals, baby animals (REALLY have enjoyed seeing the calves this year) or any of the other wonderful things that warmer weather brings :)

Get out and enjoy what is left of spring -- better start thinking about my summer list :)