Y’all…I had my whole day planned out. I really did. Then this and that took over and before I knew it, it was 9:00! I had very little to show for it, save for a quick trip to the grocery store. Then I had to clean out the fridge to make room for the stuff. Then I had to empty the science experiments so I could put the containers in with dishes that needed doing. I ran hot water over them.
Then the phone call that took me away from all that. Something about Mineral Rights. I’m following up on that…maybe I had a long lost rich uncle somewhere!
No sooner done till my old friend, The Cowboy called to catch up. Forever larger than life, an opinionated man with a quick wit and a sharp mind, but he had a pretty profound stroke a couple of years ago and he works so hard to talk and do his daily routine. If he calls, I get a cup of coffee and patiently listen to stories of his days as a Marine and how proud he is of his children and grandchildren. He says the “Old Man” hasn’t ushered him to the door yet so he’s doing ok for the shape he’s in.
I had hardly hung up till my cousin called to catch me up with a health scare they’re dealing with. Please keep AH & TH in your prayers.
By the time that was all done, it was nearly 6:00 and the groceries still weren’t put away! Mr FixIt came home and I apologized profusely that I didn’t get more done. Then I thought to myself…the dishes will be there tomorrow. The Cowboy and my cousin needed me right then.
Priorities.
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
#groceries #shopping #family #friends #priorities #prioritize #people #prioritizepeople
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Foggy Bottom, Sunny Sky
I awoke early enough to catch the frost. The sun creeping up the far hill spread liquid gold on every changing leaf. The sky, a cerulean blue. A crisp 36° had me reaching for a sweater and long fleece-lined leggings.
Scooter, the new truck, has an incredible defrost function. Within a minute or so, the windshield began to clear enough that the wipers cleared away the frost. And that heated seat was most welcome! It works a lot better than Freda the 2013 Ford did.
I climbed the hill into the sun. As I crested the top, I could see the river basin filled with low lying clouds. AKA fog. What an incredible vista. I looked in the rearview mirror and there was no one behind me so I pulled over and turned on the emergency flashers. I HAD to catch a photo of this incredible view. To think these things happen all the time, but only a lucky few get to capture it!
Knitting was fun. All four of us were there for the first time in what feels like ages. Loretta showed us her bow tie quilt top she’s nearly finished piecing. It’s so pretty! Colleen was doing needle punch and Sandy was crocheting a basket. I worked on the pretty pastel green sweater I’m making for my sister in Florida. I’m about halfway through the first sleeve. Then I’ll only have the other sleeve and the collar/placket up the front, around the neck, and down the other side. This is why I don’t knit something big with little needles and yarn.
It. Takes. For-ev-er!
I can’t wait to get back to socks or something else quick.
Mr. FixIt goes to town today to do some finishing touches on his buddy’s shower that he tiled. That gives me the day to get some serious work done around here. We’re out of bread so that’s a must!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
Proverbs 27:9 NLT
#knitting #sweater #cleaning #baking #freshmilledflour
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Nothing’s Too Small
Mr. Virgo bought me diamond earrings for our first married Christmas. I’ve worn them just about every day since. One of the studs has a tendency to unwind and hang precipitously and I’ve caught it just in time. As a matter of fact, Ive actually lost it twice and prayed for Jesus to come help me find it. He always has.
I’ve made it a habit to check every morning. I tightened it yesterday morning and never thought a thing about it. Last night, I took my evening pills and went to lay down when I heard something drop on the sheet. I thought maybe I’d dropped a pill, but…
It was the earring that works loose!
I decided to just take both of them out and see about getting new backs on them rather than risk really losing one.
It got down to 33° Saturday with more of the same for the coming days. I took a nap in the camper yesterday afternoon, then decided enough was enough. I’ll sleep in the house now unless there is a fluke in the temperature.
This is always a bit of a sad day for me. I love that little camper and we really didn’t get to use it much this year. I’ll get her all cleaned up and winterized and put her to bed till spring.
Mr. Fixit wanted sausage gravy and biscuits yesterday. I don’t know why, but it seemed like it took forever! I’ve never been good at keeping the dishes washed as I cook and the kitchen looked like a bomb went off! It feels like cooking and washing dishes is all I get done.
This morning is knitting group. We haven’t met regularly this fall so I’m hoping this is the beginning of some good “girl time!”
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude”
Psalms 68:19 NLT
#diamond #DiamondEarrings #frost #fallvibes
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Sunday Evening Prayer Circle
Please pray for:
Those in the path of violence, shootings, arson, etc. Is world getting more violent or has it always been this way and the spotlight has focused on evil?
Everyone in the path of severe weather. And those who are hungry and need shelter.
The people of Ukraine as they prepare to enter a bitter winter. Hopefully it is not without helpers.
Pray for all the helpers who run to these tragedies and help wherever they can.
Also, please pray for:
Debbie in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
P.B.S. for her recent eye surgery and glaucoma.
GB’s continued recovery from her elbow injury. (Prayers answered but still needs improvement)
DM and BM for his broken ankle and her broken leg. (Prayers answered)
BB’s cancer treatments to be effective.
Pray these wicked storms slow down.
Pray for peace, wisdom, strength and courage for us all. You all are loved!
Please feel free to add your own prayers in the comments so we can pray for you, as well.
🙏
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24 ESV
#prayer #prayers #prayer #circle #prayercircle
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It’s Time
Frost. There, I said it…the F-word! Freeze. TWO F-words!
sigh
Mr. FixIt and I put the mums under the deck. He says that will protect them from frost. Hmmm…I’m skeptical but I trust him. We also scrounged up some old sheets to cover the roses with because they’re still blooming.
I just read an article about “30 Things to Get Rid of Before the Holidays.” Old sheets that don’t match any of your beds? If we did that, what would we cover the flowers with when there are late spring frosts and early fall ones? Nope, I’ll keep those sheets. And the pillow cases that are mismatched. Who am I…a gazillionaire?
“Get rid of kitchen gadget you don’t use.”
clutches heart
You take that back right now! You’ll have to pry my milk frother and French press out of my cold, dead fingers!
Pens that don’t work.
Yeah, ok…might as well take them all. I think I have a crayon around here somewhere.
Seriously, who thinks these things up? Gen-X Barbie? I have news for her, I have a set of plastic storage containers that once held fake butter that I use for leftovers. They’re older than she is. That’s WV Tupperware, sweetheart!
Ok, I will confess we have WAY too much junk in this house and it’s getting out of hand. I thought I’d tackle one room yesterday, but…..football! C’mon…WV beat Cincinnati 45-42 yesterday! Go ‘eers!
I made homemade pizza for the game and when it was done, I was thinking about going out to the camper. I have an electric blanket out there, too. I’d be fine. Then Mr. FixIt reminded me the power will be out from 1am to 5am for system upgrades. Yeah, I’m tough, but… I just brought my things in here. Which brings me to what I accomplished yesterday.
I put the blankets on my bed.
There!
dusts off hands
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28 NLT
#frost #freezing #winterize
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Storing Grains
I’m almost finished putting the grains to bed for goodness knows how long.
It was a long day so I’ll just share the photos since I’ve talked about this I. Other posts.
Picture 1:
Lining a clean five gallon food safe bucket with a 14ml Mylar bag.
Picture 2:
You can see how it has a flat bottom to use all the space.
Picture 3:
Brown rice. I poured it in a clean bucket first to visually check for contaminates.
Picture 4:
Here you see the rice in the bag.
Picture 5:
Deoxygenator packets kill bugs or eggs of any little critters that hitched a ride from the farm.
Picture 6:
Zip the Mylar bag closed.
Picture 7:
Seal the opening with shot hair straightener. Fold a piece of parchment paper over the edge to keep the plastics from sticking to your straightener.
Picture 8:
Fold sealed bag over to tuck into bucket completely.
Picture 9:
Spin the gamma lid into the ring on the bucket rim and tighten
Be sure to label the buckets with the contents, the origin, and the date you packaged them. Then store in a cool, dark, and dry place. They should last up to 20 years or so.
This has been a bit of a chore but I’ve only worked on it sporadically over the last month. Restocking will be much easier to handle because I won’t run out of everything at once.
I’m hoping to bake today!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
#whole #grains #wholegrains #bulk #storage #BulkStorage
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Night Reading
I’m making a concerted effort to cut my screen time and information overload. I’m going to have to stop watching the news again. The elementary school shooting and the errant driver who accidentally drove through a day care yesterday just broke me. I get hundreds of political texts and emails. I get notifications about weather and accidents in my area not to mention social media. I need to do a better job of policing this inflow of info. It’s too much.
I’ve decided to replace all this doom and gloom with love and light. I know, I know…I’ve said that before. But addictions are hard to let go of and the compulsive need to know and the fear of missing out are monkeys on my back. I’ve quit other addictions. I can do this, too.
When we were on our camping trip last week, I stepped into a thrift shop. As I checked out, I found this book on the counter.
“Hmmmm, what’s this?”
“Oh, someone was going to buy this and decided not to.”
Max Lucado. I haven’t read much of his writing, but I would like to read more. And for 50¢? This book came home with me!
We went to appointments yesterday and I wore my new sweatshirt.
“Can’t throw stones while washing feet.”
True words, indeed.
Several women stopped me and smiled and told me they liked my sweatshirt.
Sometimes the quiet testaments deliver the message better than pounding on a pulpit with a megaphone.
If you’ve read this, or any really compelling books lately…drop the info in the comments. We need to get our winter reading lined up!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.””
John 8:7 NIV
“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13:5 NIV
MaxLucado #MaxLucado #ChristianEncouragement #FilterTheNoise #faith
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The Camping Queen
I’ve been staying out in the camper as much as I can on these cool nights. Before I know it, the temps will plunge and it will be too cold to sleep out there. I emptied all the water out after our camping trip last week but I haven’t winterized Gracie yet. Soon…soon.
Sigh.
The weatherman said to expect heavy rain and thunderstorms later this evening so Mr. Fixit and I went out to mow in the afternoon. I was moving right along…mulching leaves and getting the yard ready for winter. I had to stop the mower and get off every once in a while. After about the third time, I noticed the mower started acting wonky. The switch to engage the clutch and the mower deck wasn’t working right. It fizzled out till it won’t turn on at all. It almost acted like it hadn’t had oil in it and was burned up. But Mr. FixIt and I both checked the oil and it was fine.
Finally, it gave a great sigh and died. It was sad. Well, more than that actually…we both felt sick over it. I did what I always do. I quickly handed the mess over to God and I believe He will take care of the problem in due course. No need to worry.
In the meantime, we were definitely done for the day. I warmed up the sauce from Tuesday and cooked some pasta. Leftover spaghetti and leftover chili both taste so much better the second, and even third day.
We’ve been overrun with spiders this year. They. Are. Everywhere. In every nook and cranny, outside and in, from little tiny spiders to nickel sized varieties that run like the wind. Now…I love spiders. Mr. FixIt does NOT. I’m the great spider trapper (snakes, too). I turned my pollinator gardens into pollinator meadows this spring. We also had trouble keeping up with the mowing around the house this year. Consequently, we have all varieties of diminutive livestock surprising us every time we walk around a corner. So, I acquiesced to a little bit of spray around the windows and the door jams to deter them from crawling over our faces at night. I HATE it, but we went with the least amount that we could and made sure it didn’t drift. I feel so guilty…like I’m killing my friends. I mean, we live in the country. We had to treat for termites about 4-5 years ago so it has to be done from time to time.
Mr. FixIt’s precious roses are still blooming. I know it won’t be long and they’ll freeze and go dormant till next summer. We’ll enjoy them as long as we can!
One of the pictures shows a little “Hobbit hole” in the mown grass around the meadow’s edge. We have a lot of moles, voles, field mice, and chipmunks. Even snakes that can make that round entrance into what must look like a forest to little critters, so who know what was coming and going through there.
The guys will be out before long to brush hog the fields and put them to bed for winter. That’s when I’ll know the summer is really gone and it’s time to prepare for the holidays. I have so many indoor projects on my list this winter!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Hebrews 11:3 NIV
#mowing #autumn #spiders #spiderseverywhere #pollinatorgardens #meadow #reclamation #meadowreclamation
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Good Eyes
When I had my eyelid surgery this summer, they gave me a pair of those ugly old person sunglasses that you wear over your prescription glasses. I usually wear clip-ons but I couldn’t find them fast enough so I grabbed those. They were uncomfortable so I took my prescription glasses off and put the old lady gasses on alone.
I was shocked. I could see!
I took the sunglasses off and…
I could SEE!
What the hey?
I’ve had to wear glasses to see distances since I was in 7th grade. Now all of a sudden I could see to read street signs and landmarks from quite a distance. Of course, my arms aren’t long enough to stretch out when I try to see close up. But that is what readers are for, right?
Last night, Mr. FixIt and I celebrated our anniversary at Western Sizzlin’ Steak House. As I stood and looked at the menus behind the register, I had to smile. There was a time in my life that I’d have been insulted if we didn’t go out somewhere fancy to celebrate such an important date as an anniversary or a birthday. And now, here I am at 73…choosing steak tips (hold the peppers…they don’t agree with me) and a baked potato from the Senior Menu….happy as a little clam because I was where I wanted to be…with my sweet man.
There was nothing wrong with me back in my former lives. I’m just a different person now…and I like this Ginny much more!
So, back to the good vision. We always like to look out the window when we’re at a restaurant. (And the lighting is better because it’s still daylight out when we eat dinner!)
I looked out across the parking lot and spotted our truck. There was something hanging down from under the engine. Oh, no…we just bought this truck! Please don’t let anything be wrong with it!
We finished our meal and paid, then we headed out to the truck. I knew it was going to be me getting down on the ground in the parking lot to see what was going on under there. Turns out it was a piece of the dust cover that helps keep the engine clean. The material it’s made from feels like a heavy felt. There was no ripping it. And I had nothing to cut it with. So I tucked it up over the control arm. (That’s part of the suspension.) It was still there when we got home so it’ll do till we can get a replacement.
So, yeah…it was the best anniversary and I wouldn’t have changed a thing!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
#anniversary #dinner #anniversarydinner #WesternSizzlin #steak #mechanical #aptitude #mechanicalaptitude #fordf150 #happy #ever #after #happyeverafter
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Eight Years
We had a big tent erected in the near field. We decorated it with pumpkins and hay bales and old quilts. We served smoked pork butt sandwiches from my smoker along with chips and slaw. And of course, there was cake.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate with us. It was SO cold! We had propane heaters scattered around but we were so excited, we didn’t feel it.
We’ve known each other since 10th grade. Never sweethearts till fate brought us together when we were old enough for Medicare. That happens more than you might think.
We’ve had some rough patches but not between us. It’s been from extraneous circumstances. We just lean in closer when the winds blow and ride the waves when the sun shines.
Happy Anniversary to us…two peas in a pod!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.””
Matthew 19:6 NIV
#anniversary #memories #true #love #truelove #goals #so #happy #sohappy #sohappyandblessed
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