"My Little Piece of Heaven"

8:09:23 PM EDT
Feeling Discontent

I had a completely different kind of entry prepared for this evening. I was about to hit send when I decided against it. It was full of cynicism, and doubt. It was full of more thoughts of just wanting to withdraw further and further into a shell. So instead of sending it out into the Universe, I deleted it and decided instead to work in my garden and cook. These two things are always a reminder to me of all the things that I still have to be grateful for.

I have been compiling some recipes over the last few weeks. Some of these recipes are for a change in diet that I have set up for myself. The other recipes are for the upcoming cooler days of fall and winter. It has been cool here for a few days and I pulled up a recipe for some potato soup. I have pulled up so many that I can't remember who to give credit for it. But it isn't mine. Still, I wanted to share it because I thought it was a quick and easy way to to make a favorite.

Since I am so busy, I need lots of quick and easy meals that I can make and freeze. I know that cooking from scratch is the best and the most healthy, but sometimes you have to improvise. I am all for that.

So here is the recipe that I pulled up for the soup.

Ingredients:

* 32 oz. Frozen Potatoes O'Brien

*2 Small packets White Gravy Mix( I chose Jimmy Deans)

*1 Large Chicken Broth

*Shredded Cheese

I also at the suggestion of the original recipe maker added cubed smoked sausage. You can also add pieces of bacon if you are really into meat and that smoky flavor.

Cooking Instructions:

Pour broth and potatoes in stock pot;heat. Once broth is hot, mix in both packets of white gravy mix. Heat to boil and simmer 20-25 minutes. Add cheese,salt and pepper to taste.

That is the original recipe and it came out delicious.

 

 This bowl was still steaming out of the pot. Someone (not me) requested some for lunch. Once it has sat for a bit the consistency is MUCH thicker and the flavor is very full.

I also baked a German Chocolate cake for the others and have some Flax Seed cookies for myself. They are quite good and quite filling.

While the cake was baking and the soup was simmering, I went outside to work in the garden a bit. I had the "wee one" water the plants inside the makeshift greenhouse, and I took care of the rest.

 

 Pumpkin up to the "Nogoodniks" of trying to jump the fence into my garden.

 More Tomato beauty. I love it!

 

Close-up of the trellised pumpkins.

 

 Winter squash and sugar snap beans next to it.

 

 My only remaining cucumber plant( in the middle) trying to grow.

I could just feel a calm pour over me and I truly needed that today.

And for all of you following the saga of "Belle and Beau", good news. There is a reconciliation in the works.  After seeing the headlines of the "Three B's: The Bailout of "AIG", the Buyout of "Merrill Lynch", and the Bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, Belle decided that Beau was right about not starting a family right now. They are continuing in counseling.

Well, that is it for this "Homestead". Have a "Fabulous Friday" everyone, and I will see you next time...

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6:56:33 PM EDT
Feeling Thoughtful

Well, today has been a pretty quiet day overall. I finished up dinner preparations, took care of the garden and have things almost ready for the upcoming week. Then it is off to take a nice hot shower, wash my hair and settle in for the night. I hate this part of Sunday because I usually dread going back to the routine. But, that being said, I consider myself fortunate to have a routine to go back to.

In the garden, I basically cleared some weeds from the aisles and raked into between them.

 I watered the plants and made a few discoveries. I put a little manure around the roots of some of the first plants that were planted, and I trellised the pumpkins as they were growing into the sweet potatoes. I was about to clean out the bucket from the cantaloupes when I came across this.

 It looks just like a little watermelon. The other little one that was growing fell off and I decided to just scrap the cantloupes. Now I hope to see the development of this new little find.

In my greenhouse, the plants are still growing. Not as much as I had hoped, but still growing.

 

 The watermelons seem to have stopped growing. I was hoping that putting them in the greenhouse would help accelerate their growth but again, I think I planted too late in the season.But, I plan to grow earlier next year and more plentiful.

In the flower garden, the Hibiscus are still in bloom as are the Marigolds.

 

 I am going toplant some mums as soon as things cool down a bit more.

 Remember how these plants and how they looked when I first rescued them? They are really thriving now.

 

 

Overall, I had a very enjoyable day in the garden.

Well nothing else to see around here folks. Hope a good week is ahead for everyone and I will see you...the next time.

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7:41:23 PM EDT
Feeling Thoughtful

Greetings and Salutations.

Before I get into my usual drivel I would like to send out prayers and wishes for speedy recoveries for all those affected by Hurricane Ike in Texas, and the survivors and families of all those affected by the train crash in Los Angeles. I hope that they get the help that they need speedily and that three years from now the Hurricane victims are still not struggling to get back to some sense of normality. And for all of us not affected, may we remember how fortunate we are, just how precious life is, and how in the blink of an eye it can change forever.

Now back to the drivel....

Over my way,it has been a busy Saturday. I woke up pretty early this morning. Didn't feel too great but pushed past it to do what needed to be done today.

There was the usual Saturday fare of chores, and today "The Wee One" had to work on his science project. He did a diorama of the "Okefenokee Swamp".

I had been looking for stuff for weeks and finally we...erm...he, put it all together. Uh...yeah, that's the ticket.

Here is the finished result:

 

 

 A Close-Up

 

I have been slow cooking a roast since late afternoon that should be just about done now. I will make mashed potatoes and green beans to go along with it on tomorrow. There will be a baked good for them and I will more than likely subsitute asparagus for the mashed potatoes for myself. Cooking is definitely up there with gardening,and simplicity as the things that give me a sense of peace and joy. Ahhh, simplicity.

I have ironing to do for the week and the garden to water and check on for tomorrow. After that, it will be a nice hot bath and hopefully an early bedtime. I have a history test on Tuesday, so that will take up most of my attention for the next couple of days.

And speaking of the garden, there is trouble is "Paradise". Remember this happy photo?

 

Well today, things looked like this:

 

Apparently, Belle wants babies, but Beau says no because their work is seasonal and "Kid-Crows" would demand a more stable income. Seems that Beau enjoys only having to work a few months out of the year and isn't ready to give up that freedom just yet. I sure hope those two get it together because I need them to be focused....What?

Well, that's all from ye' olde Homestead today. Hope that Saturday has been kind to everyone and that Sunday is even better. Enjoy it, and make every second count. Till the next time...

 

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7:47:48 PM EDT
Feeling Quiet

Well the test is over. I won't know how I did until Monday. I have decided not to think about it anymore. It will be what it will be and I did the very best that I could.

That being said, I came home feeling kind of out of it. I really can't explain it. I think a good word to describe it would be jaded. I just feel jaded right now. More and more each day I just want to find that little space that is calling me and go to it. Geesh.

To pacify those feelings, I went outside and walked around the "Homestead" today. I was going to take Pumpkin for a walk but couldn't find the leash. I thought she might enjoy a nice walk and I wanted to get out and clear my head. There are a lot of pitbulls in my area and sometimes the irresponsible owners just let them run free. Even my teenager warned me about going to far off the block and about the dogs. So I aborted the thought and just went into the garden instead.

I have so many trees around my house. With that comes leaves, pine straw and whatever else that comes from trees. I really need to get out and do a good raking and sweeping of the yards and driveway. It will be good mental and physical exercise. I will probably have to put it off until next weekend since the Science Project will take priority this weekend. Plus, I will have to break it down so as not to do anything to my back.

I must have been out there for at least an hour this evening. I had only planned to go out for a few minutes, but once I was there I started doing a bit of this and a bit of that. It made me feel much better just to have that bit of peace and quiet surrounded by my plants.

Each day I am surprised to find more tomatoes growing even this late in the season. Of the summer plants, here is some of what is left and the tomato plants still growing.

 

 

 

I also took the last measly serrano pepper off the vine.

 

 A few more of these hot peppers are left as well.

Still a lot of green going on.

 

 These are the peppers that I put under netting. Can you see it?

Every time that I think the Bell Pepper plants are done I find something else blooming. Guess I will just leave them alone and let them do what they will do.

 

 Here's the little Aloe plant that I had given up for dead. I just sat it in the growing area and it was behind some of the buckets. Looks like it is trying to come back to life.

Look who else has joined the "Homestead"

Her name is "Belle". So that is why "Beau" is smiling that sheepish grin!

 

I have to work on "Mama's Corner" and plan to plant some Mums which were one of her favorites. I remember mums growing under the kitchen window once in the house I grew up in. I guess it is one of those things you remember when it doesn't happen often.

I have some reading to do but decided to just relax a bit tonight. I will do my reading in the morning before I head to history class. Tonight I just want to eat something, take a nice bath or shower and then head in for the night.

Well,that's it for this homestead for now. Hope that everyone had a good Wednesday. I'll look for you the next time...

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7:31:00 PM EDT
Feeling Anxious

I know, I know, I am supposed to be studying. But I can't seem to sit still. I am always tense like this the night before a big math test. I just have to walk away from it every few minutes or so.

I usually feel better when I stall...erm... write so I decided to go ahead and post a bit of what would have been my next journal entry.

My garden is looking kind of ratty as I haven't been able to do the usual maintainence. There are still some veggies growing from Summer's crop.

 

 

 Check out my Pumpkins spreading out. Below is a night shot of them and selected other crops.

I have netted off the remaining peppers to keep them safe from the birds and I also got this little fellow to help me protect the remaining tomatoes.

 

Isn't he cute? I call him "Beau". Yes, he is "Scare-Beau". What?

Ok, I know, I'm stalling. It's back to the books. Be good until the next time...

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5:39:13 PM EDT
Feeling Listless

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6:13:26 PM EDT
Feeling Thoughtful

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7:40:55 PM EDT
Feeling Thoughtful

It is the beginning of a four day weekend. I am ecstatic. I am tired. I do not feel very well physically. I do not have classes on Friday. Since I don't, I use it as a day for catching up on household duties such as grocery shopping, laundry, bills, and planning for the week ahead. I still got up at five a.m. My body is used to that now.

I got the kids off to school with the last one out of the door around 7:45. I made a phone call, and then I showered and headed out. As thankful as I am that I get to go to the grocery store and am able to get enough food to feed us, I HATE GROCERY SHOPPING!!! It is one of THE most taxing things that I do. I have always been very budget concious. Sometimes, having to be on a budget, I am always asking myself if I could have shopped better, or smarter. But with today's prices, I am just happy to come out with something in the cart. It is not time for my general stock-up yet, but with the kids back in school, and being back in school myself, I have to do "fill-ins". I look forward to the time when I can stock up enough to not have to go back to the store for a while. I am pretty close, but not totally there yet. I'll get there though.

On the bright side, I did get some re-useable grocery bags thanks to a fellow " Greeny".(Someone has GOT to show me how to link in here).

 I often have an overflow of plastic bags and end up throwing them away. But research has shown( I would have put it here if I knew how to link) that these bags end up in landfills and can become mobile, and  cause major chaos to wildlife and sea creatures. The results are heartbreaking. So while it might not seem like a lot, I hope to get more re-useable bags if it means getting one step closer to helping with this problem.

In Other News.....

Last night my little one was recognized for being a "Good Egg" at school. It was nice to see the children recognized and cute to hear some of the little introductions. Isn't he tall?

 

 

My little man is also struggling with math. Hmmm, wonder where he gets THAT from? I sat with him while he did his homework this week. It wasn't pretty. He is REALLY having a hard time. Each homework session ended with him in tears from the frustration of not getting it. Oh do I know how he feels!!! But, the school has recognized his problem and is giving him help, and I will continue to help him in the evenings.It is amazing how he gets high grades in everthing else, but the math; crash and burn.  I am going to look for some software that he can do on the computer, and I bought him a small dry erase board. I know that for me, sometimes working out problems on the board or seeing them, in the manner that they were introduced in class helps. This way he can erase over and over if he needs to, before putting the answers on paper. I am also going to improve our study area while we have this long weekend. I have a larger dry-erase board, a cork board, and some other supplies to use in that area. I have some reorganization ideas that I want to implement in that area.

On top of that, his first Science Project came home today. He has to do something on the Habitats of Georgia. I'll have to get him to the library and get supplies,not to mention find the time to fit it in, with working with him on the math and other homework. I am tired already. I know, I know; Just Do It!!

 My math is heating up and I am already having trouble as well. College Algebra is much more intense than the math that I just finished. But I study it, and work on problems every night. I have a tutor, and two math-labs that hopefully will get me through it. Fingers crossed.

So far, my history class is pretty easy. The lectures are getting better and a bit more interesting. Good thing that I enjoy history.

And speaking of history...it seems that some of my tomato plants and peppers are heading in that direction. I have found what looks like scalding or something. After the heavy rains from Fay, several of the peppers had this. On the tomatoes is something similar but not quite as bad. Plus, something has begun to eat what is left of the summer produce. New peppers and tomatoes are still growing but with the weather having been so cool for a few days, I don't know how much more they will grow. We'll see. The fall crops are starting to sprout and hopefully will be ready for planting soon.

It felt good to get outside today. I hung out several loads of laundry and walked around the garden. Unfortunately, my lower back, left leg, ankle, and foot have been giving me LOTS of trouble lately. Sometimes the pain radiates into the buttock and hip area. I went to the doctor and was told that it was "probably" Sciatica, but I am going to make another appointment with the foot and ankle doctor to get another x-ray done. I really want to spend at least one day in the garden since we have a long weekend, but don't want to push it. I'll play it by ear.

Other than being extremely tired, I am in a good place mentally. I am doing whatever is necessary to stay focused and just keep going and pushing past whatever I am feeling. I have a good study schedule in place, but with little man's issues, I am going to have to adjust it. But we'll do it. My mantra is: I am a strong, capable woman. I am determined, I am focused. I can handle it.

 I have been trying to get everything done on Friday and Saturday, so that I can have at least one day off on the weekend. This worked well for me last week. So tomorrow, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I plan to put in a full day of chores and plotting out the wee one's Science project. I have several pounds of meat to cook for the week, and Sunday's dinner to prepare. The boys will help with the cleaning and this weekend the grass MUST get cut. So I have a full weekend planned and look forward to the extra day off on Monday. I am "dreaming" of getting in some extra sleep or maybe even a movie. It is amazing the joy that I get these days from just the little things.

I hope to have more pictures the next time I write, but until then, everyone enjoy the long weekend. If you will be spending the Holiday with family and or friends, embrace it, and them. If not, still make it count.Till next time.....

 

.

 

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12:20:43 PM EDT
Feeling Cheerful

Wow, I had no idea that it has been the 13th since I left an entry here. I was under the impression that I had written one last week. Not!!

So I am making the time to do a brief catch-up, and to say some thank-yous.

When I logged onto my computer on Friday evening, imagine my surprise when I saw more comments. I didn't know what was up because I usually have three regular readers and they had already commented on my entry. After reading further, I realized that "Deb"( sorry I don't know how to link properly) was "Guest Editor" on Friday, and she was gracious enough to choose me as one of her picks. It was a very nice surprise. Thank you Deb!!! I would also like to thank each person that stopped by to check things out and leave very nice comments. It was most appreciated and I would welcome a visit anytime.

On the catching up trail, of course I am back in school and have set my focus on my classes. I had three but dropped down to two so that I had room for intense tutoring. I have always struggled with math and am in College Algebra right now. I wanted to hit it running and have been coming home from classes and immediately getting started on my homework instead of procrastinating. This attitude is serving me well thus far. This enables me to get my work done, and to be prepared, and it clears up enough time for me to supervise the homework of my children. There a backpacks to check, agendas to sign, and still paperwork coming home. This Thursday, my youngest is being recognized at this year's first PTO meeting. He is a "Pride of the Patriots". Here is the schools definition of the program:

" Pride of the Patriots is a character education recognition program. Students are recognized for their integrity and positive character, which are exhibited on a daily basis in the classroom. Positive character traits include, but are not limited to, responsibility, respect, trustworthiness,willingness to help others, loyalty, honesty, and courage. Each month, homeroom teachers select one student based on the following criteria; Citizenship;Positive daily interaction with teachers and peers;Respect for others and self and Respect for school policies and procedures."

So my young man was chosen as the August Patriot of his classroom. He will receive a T-shirt, and will be called up to the stage and introduced. Way to go "Young Un".

The teenager is taking French and seems to be enjoying it thus far. I worried about this particular class at first but so far he is taking to it. C'est Bon. Which I hope means "good" in French.

Besides Algebra, I am also taking World History to 1660. I have always enjoyed history as a subject. There are 210 people in this lecture class. I was a bit overwhelmed at first not being a big fan of crowds, but found myself a nice little seat out of the way. A plus of the class is that the teacher is funny and the information is interesting. Of course it is more interesting, and she is much funnier if I am not tired or sleepy.

On the garden front, some of the seedlings are already pushing through. I have been harvesting the peppers and using them in recipes. There are still green tomatoes on the vine, and a few hot peppers still budding. The watermelons are still babies and I really don't expect full size melons. I think they have become a novelty item in the garden. I just love looking at them. Next year, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I will plant earlier in the season. This garden has definitely been  a lesson and has taught me many things. It has been a Godsend, therapeutic, and an absolute joy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today it is rainy and I think we are getting the tail end results of "Fay" over in Florida. But I don't mind. As stated here before, I simply "adore" rain. I was tempted to go and spend some time with my youngest in the tent. But, the rain cover had blown off and it was just too wet and messy. The wind is a bit high on and off, but I don't care. As long as my house stays put and a tree doesn't fall over, I am going to happily enjoy this wet, quiet, afternoon. Today is a sneak-peek into the coming of Autumn. I am so looking forward to Autumn which is my second favorite season only after Spring.

I worked all day yesterday to ensure that I could have today off. I read a bit earlier this morning, had two phone calls come in, and my little one wants to hang out for a bit. I cooked today's dinner yesterday and until around six, I don't intend on doing a single thing. Around six, I will start the week's preparations. I will iron my outfits for the week, set out what I will wear tomorrow, have the boys do the same, and then I am planning on taking a long, hot, bath and turning in early.

So that is pretty much it for this "Homestead". I hope that everyone has a great upcoming week and I will see you..Next Time.

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5:45:14 PM EDT
Feeling Quiet

It has been a few days since I have posted. With school back in session for the children sometimes, there is just not enough time to sit down and write something that feels worth sharing

I have also been spending the past couple of days de-cluttering and getting things back in shape for my own return to school on Monday. I have a LOT of things to tend to once I get back on campus.

 

Mercifully, the past couple of days have also been much, much cooler. We had some much needed and welcome rain last evening on through to the earlier part of this morning. I sat in the rain when it first began yesterday for a bit.

 

I cannot think of anything quite as peaceful as sitting outside listening to and watching the rain cascade from the heavens. Those are some of my favorite kind of moments. This was my perch for that special moment.

 

 

 

NO!!, I did NOT get so excited by the rain  that I wet myself!!! I SWEAR that is rain in the seat of the chair!!! I SWEAR!!!

 

I did some cooking as well and spent a lot of time just deep in thought.

 

 Skillet Cornbread

 

 The makings of Spicy Chicken used for tacos.

 

The rest of the week will be quite busy. I was told to expect what I call a “pass-through” visit( A visit when someone is heading somewhere else, but needs a place to sleep. Sadly, this is true) from the boys other grandmother anywhere from tomorrow to Monday. I just love it when I know the exact date or time, someone will be coming to the house, and how long they intend to stay. There is nothing that I like better than to have to entertain a houseguest when I do not even know when they are coming, Plus, I had planned to get everything out of the way by Friday, so that I could have a nice relaxing weekend before I am thrown into the school mix. Nevertheless, life is full of the unexpected and one simply has to learn to “roll” with it. Iam in “roll” mode. I will simply work around it.

 

Things in the garden are still looking good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Look at "Big Mama" Woot!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 This one is really doing quite well.

 

 

 

 These potato plants continue to push through no matter how many time I cover them with soil. No more room so I guess I will have to hope that a good crop will come from them.

 

 

 More Peppers.

 

 Look at this "little darlin".

 

 Watermelon plants originally planted in-ground that were re-transplanted.

Memba Them?

 

 

 

 They have come a long way!!!

 

I plan to begin seedlings for the fall crop on Friday.

 

 

 

I already have the seeds and will fill in the raised bed and use some containers.

 

 I look forward to when the temperatures are steadily cool. Especially is this favorable when trudging around the college campus and you do not have an 18-year-old body.

 

 I almost forgot. I finally was able to get a shot of my “Guardian Bee-Angel”. I have been trying to sneak up on him/her/it, but they were too nimble and I was not nimble enough. So I finally caught this wonderful little insect drunk out of it’s gourd on watermelon nectar. I  hear ya’ bee.

 

 

 

Can you see my new best friend? He/She/ It/ is sacred to me.

 

 

So nothing, much else is going on around the old Homestead except anticipation of the fall garden, and constant dreams of one day having lumber, chickens, goats, and maybe even a cow. There are also hopes that this coming school semester will have a little mercy on me, the boys will do their homework without starting a civil war, and that I find a way to just get it all done. Fingers crossed.

 

Till next time…

 

 

 

 

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