A Bump in the Road

As many of you know, I have spent the last month prepping to join CountryBoy out west.

Items from the house were sold, donated or left intact.  Animals were sold or adopted.  Decisions were made on certain items whether to leave or take with us.  A custom cargo trailer was ordered, manufactured and picked up from another state.  A date was set for CountryBoy's arrival back home to finish packing up, celebrate Christmas and then begin the trek from Florida to Nevada in the Jeep pulling the cargo trailer with two cats and a dog.

Everything was moving along as planned.

Then a week before CountryBoy was supposed to fly home, we hit a major bump in the road.

CountryBoy started having issues with his heart.

Without going in to a lot of detail for personal and private reasons, I will say that ten years ago, at a fairly young age, he suffered a major heart attack resulting in emergency triple bypass surgery.  By all rights, he should not have survived the last one.  But, he did!

And, here we are again ten years later reliving the same thing yet without surgery.  Too risky they say but here's some medicine to keep you from having heart attacks.  Again, he has survived.  Thanks be to God and to many prayers!

Meanwhile, we are on a self-imposed, strict diet (I will post more on this later) and will seek a second opinion.

We chose  to continue with our plans to head west (since our fifth wheel, truck, tools, etc. were already there) but we flew out last Friday instead of driving and leaving the day after Christmas.  My Dad and brother will be driving the Jeep, the cargo trailer and the two cats out once we're sure CountryBoy can handle working.

Lady LizzieBelle flew out with us.  She did fantastic and only those that were seated by us knew that she was even on board because they saw the crate/carrier!  We never heard a peep out of her even though she had to stay in her crate for more than eight hours, poor puppy.

I wanted to take her for a walk during our layover but our first flight was late which left us with a twenty minute layover and I would have had to take her outside past security for her to relieve herself.  There was no time.  (I wish the airports offered a small, indoor area where dogs could relieve themselves between flights.  If only I was an architect, heehee!)  And, the airline we were flying did not allow dogs to be taken out of there crates while on board, sigh.

But, like I said, she was a doll making her Mommy & Daddy very happy and proud!

Here she is in her new surroundings and her new coat because Baby it's cold outside!

We are all getting adjusted and getting settled in.

CountryBoy did OK yesterday at work.  Thankfully, it's kind of slow right now.

I mentioned a self-imposed, strict diet earlier that we've been on for over a week now and we've already seen improvement in his blood pressure.

I'm not going into the diet in this post but I am a firm believer that we are what we eat and we are in the process of feeding his body the necessary fuel for his body to heal itself.

We are also praying for a miracle and would appreciate your prayers on his behalf.

On a lighter note, it was a cold, cloudy day yesterday.

CountryBoy said there was snow at the job.  No snow in the desert though!

I wish you all a happy, healthy, wonderful New Year!

Till next time,

Miscellany Updates

Not a very interesting title, but my brain is going 90 to nothing and that's the best I could do.  What's one to do!

Since I have so much to do today before my CountryBoy comes home tonight (YAY!!!!!) let's get right to the update shall we?

Animal update:

Hunter is recovering nicely from his declawing surgery last Wednesday.  I know, I hated to do it to him but I figured it would be less stressful on everyone in the 5th wheel if he weren't tearing it up.  He got his last dose of pain medicine this morning but still has four more days of antibiotics twice a day.  He takes his pills rather well for a cat.  I have found that giving them to him while he's lounging on the bed on his back (don't worry, I put him down when he's ready to get down rather than letting him jump) is the easiest way.  I open his mouth and because of his position, the pill goes to the back of his throat and he swallows it right away.  Whew!

Here's Hunter before his surgery lounging in LizzieBelle's crate.  I was thankful that he went in there on his own before the surgery because he had no problem going in there afterwards to rest rather than jumping on the bed.  He was able to come and go in there since I never closed the door but he seemed to be content.  I think he was just trying to get LizzieBelle's goat by sleeping in there!

He is walking around  fairly well now and is dying to go outside.  Unfortunately, his days of being outdoors are over.  If I hadn't used up most of my brain cells with this move I would have started to train him in the litterbox before his surgery but I just didn't think about it.  So, he had to learn how to use it afterwards and finally gave it go last night.  In fact, he was the first to use it even when our older cat knew how to use the box from days ago.  He's such a good, smart boy!  I have to pick up some more special litter that has to be used for ten days.

Trailer update:

The trailer is here!  I drove yesterday from Central Florida to South Georgia to pick up the cargo trailer that I had ordered online.  Do you know how scary it is purchasing something online and adding options and yet you've never physically seen the item that you're purchasing and have to trust that it's not a scam?!  Yea, I was a little nervous but I had to trust the Lord that all would work out well.

And, it did.  There was a little setback when we tried to hook up the trailer because of the spare tire that is located on the back of my Jeep.  Once we were able to get the tire off (another problem because of a special lug nut for avoiding theft) there was no problem getting it hooked up.  But, while I was hooking it up, I noticed a defect at the bottom of the shaft that raises and lowers the trailer.  It was all smashed in on one side.  They graciously changed it out and then I was on my way.

The Jeep handled the trailer really well.  It was extremely windy yesterday yet the trailer hardly swayed at all.    The traffic on the interstate was horrendous from the moment I got on it until the moment I got off.  Nothing like getting practice pulling a trailer in thick traffic right off the bat!

Overall, I am pleased with the trailer, the options were put in correctly and it was a good purchase.  It wasn't all peaches & cream along the way but, in the end, it all worked out!

Now, I will buy some shelves to put on one side of the trailer for vertical storage.  

Fence update:

Half of the line posts were installed yesterday.  The guys will be back tomorrow and Monday to finish it up.

Packing update:

I don't even want to go there.  Still so much that needs to be packed.

Husband update:

CountryBoy flies in tonight, YAY!!!  Even though I have so much to do before going to pick him up, tonight just won't get here fast enough!

Christmas Gift update:

All store-bought gifts have been purchased.  I still have a bit more to do on the handmade gifts.  And yes, I  know there are only THREE more days until Christmas!

Another abstract flower shot from one of my bouquets.

I hope y'all have a great weekend!  Mine, will be busy...

Till next time,

All Coming Together

It's been a tad crazy around here the past few weeks with a million things to do and only half of them getting done.

BUT, it's all coming together.

I'm heading to south Georgia today to pick up our custom-made cargo trailer.  We will haul the trailer behind my Jeep and use it for extra storage space.  I had an electrical package installed so that we can take a small fridge and our old freezer.  I also had an e-track installed on all walls so we'll be able to strap down the fridge, freezer, grill, generator and some shelves to use for vertical storage that will help us stay more organized.  I'm also using clear, plastic storage bins to pack our stuff in making it easier to see what's in each bin.

Work begins today on fencing off the perimeter of our property.  We have a neighbor who has decided that it's OK to use our property to back his big-rig into his own drive.  Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with that except that he has plowed over three of our pine saplings tearing off two feet or more of their bark completely destroying those trees.  My opinion, if he can't back a truck without being on or destroying someone else's property then he shouldn't be driving a big rig.

The last of the chickens and ducks will be bought and picked up by their new owner Saturday morning.  Thankfully, we were able to sell them all at a reasonable price.  Everyone that purchased them knew they were given a deal compared to auction prices so everyone was happy!  (Except for me, I am going to miss my chickens and ducks.  I'm keeping my eye on our 'dream farm' goal!)

CountryBoy flies in Saturday night.  WOOHOO!  I am SOOOOOOOO excited to be together again.  For good this time!  Yay!

Sunday morning, we'll sing a duet one more time for the church before leaving.  It's going to be hard leaving our church friends.  Such good people with huge hearts for the Lord and for one another.

I am almost finished with the handmade Christmas gifts and I have one more gift to purchase.  Then everything needs to be wrapped.  (I'm saving most of the wrapping for CountryBoy since he enjoys wrapping gifts!)

I have the office files to sort through and pack up as well as my tons of recipes.  (Of course all my craft stuff has already been packed... I have my priorities, you know!)  Last minute items will be clothes and some kitchen stuff simply because I'm out of time.  My family will be coming over Christmas Eve morning to help us pack and load the trailer, possibly even putting some shelves together and installing them in the trailer.  All depends on how much I can get done on Saturday.

I'd best get a move on it.  Happy Trails!

Till next time,

Abandoned Mine

The town of Searchlight, Nevada is an old mining town established back in 1898 and at that time was larger than Las Vegas.  The mines were very successful in mining gold, silver and a few other precious minerals.  There are a few mines still in operation but most are abandoned.

One day, CountryBoy and I checked out this abandoned mine by the side of the road...

  
What a gorgeous backdrop!

The cars were pulled up a very steep incline...

Steep stairs with no hand rails.  Wouldn't OSHA love that, hahaha!

CountryBoy leaned over a tad too far and got his shirt caught on a barb!

Thankfully, he managed to get 'uncaught' with no damage to the shirt.

While meandering around the mine, I found a few treasures from back in the day...

I love these old nails...

I'm not sure what this is or what it was used for.  It was up on the hill behind the main building.

I have a lot more photos of the beautiful scenery surrounding the old mine that I will show you another time.  So, stay tuned!

Till next time,

My New Toy

During the last year or so, I have been working on broadening my sewing skills.  I've never taken a sewing class; never took Home-Ec in school and really, was never interested in sewing at all until recently.  I was always more of a tom-boy and sewing just did not enter my mind as something I would ever be interested in.

Now, mind you, I've had a sewing machine for over twenty five years all because I wanted to make a small purse that matched my caroling outfit (Dickensian era dress) that would hold my keys and some money while on a gig.

I had no idea what I was doing but I managed to make a small purse with a shoulder strap and it worked perfect.  After that, I think I could count on one hand the times I've had that sewing machine out.

But, a couple of years ago, I decided to try my hand at making a casserole carrier like my Mom's.  She won a simple, handcrafted casserole carrier at a White Elephant Christmas party one year and she used it quite frequently.

I borrowed hers and managed to make one just like it.  Problem was, it wasn't that simple to make!  I did manage to make several more to sell on my Etsy site but they never got any easier to make so, I stopped making them.  

I recently found a pattern at Joann's for Quilted Casserole Carriers that are much easier to make and I actually enjoy making them.  Once I'm settled out west, I plan on making quite a few of them to put on my Etsy site.

But, back to my old sewing machine... while it worked great for my simple projects it did not work so great for several of my recent projects.  One being the new casserole carriers I was making.

There are several layers of fabric and batting involved and when it came time to sew everything together my old machine just couldn't handle it.  In fact, it wouldn't even budge!

While I was visiting CountryBoy out west a few weeks ago, I found a quilting machine at Joann's that was on sale but since I was flying home I knew there was no way for me to get it home so I only looked at it.

Once I was home and realized that my old machine wasn't going to do the trick on the casserole carrier I decided to go ahead and get the machine.  A neighbor and I drove almost an hour to the closest Joann's.  The machine I saw out west was not on sale but would be in a few days (thanks to an awesome saleslady who took the initiative and checked to see when it would be on sale).

There was also another machine that was going to be on sale, as well, that would do quilting and more.  The sales lady was excellent and told me to check out the reviews for both machines to help me in my decision.

I did just that and decided on the more expensive machine pre-sale ($449.00) vs. the other one ($399.00 pre-sale) which were both on sale for $199.00.  Also, this machine had all positive reviews whereas the other was 50/50.

I chose the Singer Patchwork machine...

Isn't she a beaut?  It was well worth a second trip back to Joann's for a $250 savings!

I'll be honest with you, after unpacking it, I sat there and stared at it and instantly became overwhelmed. My mind said, what in the world are you going to do with that thing?!

So, after spending a day being completely intimidated by a sewing machine, of all things, I sat down and watched the hour long DVD that came with the machine.

Can I just say WOW!  This machine can do almost anything.  That is, if the operator actually knew what she was doing, heehee!

I was encouraged after watching the DVD so after attaching the even feed/walking foot I tackled finishing up the casserole carrier.

Amazing!  The many layers of fabric slid underneath the foot like buttah'!  Three quarters of the way through I ran out of bobbin thread but that was a simple fix and before I knew it that project was finished, woot!

Yes, I am in awe of my new toy!

Since I will have some time on my hands after moving west (no farm chores and a very small place to keep clean) I plan on taking some sewing classes at Joann's and hopefully I will soon be able to put my new toy to the test and see what all she can do.

When I was unpacking the machine, I was curious about all the different feet that came with it so I slid out the container in the base where they are stored and just shook my head.

All the feet and the rest of my accessories were contained in this sealed plastic bag.

Really?  There's not even a zipper top on it.  Once opened there is no way to seal it back up so that all my bits and bobbles (accessories) won't fall out.

I didn't want to store them loosely and haphazardly in the container that attaches to the base so I figured one of my first projects would be to make some sort of pouch to store them in.

I was telling this story to my friend/sewing mentor one day when we were running errands and eating at one of our favorite cafes.  She liked the pouch idea.

After we finished eating, we browsed one of our favorite shops in the cafe and we happened upon a collection of Vera Bradley 'stuff'.  I found a little pouch (I think she labels it as a tech bag probably for cell phones) that would be perfect but I didn't want to pay the price they were asking.

My friend went to another section of the store where she found the same pouches on clearance.  She picked one out and asked me if I liked it.

Ah, she knows me so well.  Do I like it?  I love it!

It was on clearance because that pattern is so last year, hahaha!

Anyhoo, I said I would buy it for that price but she wouldn't hear of it.  She bought it for me and openly stated that this was a bribe to try and keep me here and to not move out west.  Bless her!  I'm gonna miss that dear, sweet lady.

It's perfect for holding all my bits and bobbles and every time I see it I will think of her...

It's too bulky to fit back into the container but I'd rather have them more easily accessible so this is perfect.

I'm planning on taking this little sewing table and trying to fit it in the 5th wheel somehow.  I think we'll have to remove the recliner in the living room to do so but that's OK.  It's not that comfortable.

I think I'm going to attempt one more project before packing her up for the move and that's making another blanket for LizzieBelle so that when one is in the wash she'll have another one to bundle up in.  I had such a time making the last one (attaching the quilt binding to the fleece) that I had decided not to make any more.  But maybe, just maybe, with this new machine it won't be so difficult.  Cross your fingers!

Till next time,

Many Thanks

I want to say thanks for the kind words y'all said after my opinionated post on the Connecticut shooting.  I hesitated in writing it and I even considered turning off the comments because, let's face it, even though we all have a right to have and share our own opinions we all know a few people who get bent out of shape over opinions.  But that's a whole different issue and one I'd rather not get into *smile*!

It blessed my heart and encouraged me that there are other people that have the same values as I and see the need to get back to the basics of God and family.

I also want to thank those of who you said a prayer for me last Sunday evening.  The cantata went well.  The choir did an outstanding job and made my job of directing pretty easy.

I have to say that I have a whole new respect for those that lead music, whether it be a choir, orchestra or band.  Talk about multi-tasking!  They read the music, follow the words, watch for time changes, listen for missed notes or parts to be worked on later, all while waving their arms or batons around in the air!  Yep, a whole new respect for their talent.

After I cut the choir off on the last note, I breathed a sigh of relief, gave a huge smile and nod of approval to the choir then made those that were seated stand while I stepped aside.

The congregation was on their feet and clapping.  I think they enjoyed it!

All the hard work from the choir, sound tech, lighting tech/Pastor and stage manager paid off.

I received two beautiful bouquets of flowers.  One from my family...

 and one from the church...

Aren't they beautiful?  I think I was as red as some of the flowers!

It was a lovely evening.  I led the congregation in singing a couple of Christmas carols; the children made their handbell choir debut, sang a song with hand motions and recited a poem leaving the choir with a hard act to follow then the Pastor said a few words (OK, a lot of words, but that's what Pastor's do, hahaha!)!

Then, of course, their was food afterwards with a visit from Santa!

Now this week, I can concentrate on everything that needs to be done last minute when moving, fun, fun!

So, thanks again!  Y'all are the best!

Till next time,

Countdowns

As of late, my life has been full of countdowns to various events or happenings.  Some appear to be approaching fast, some slow.

For instance, the first countdown is approaching fast and will be here in less than nine hours... our church's Christmas Cantata at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern).  What, no big deal you say!  Well usually it's not a big deal when I'm singing in it or even have a solo.  I read music which makes it a lot easier and not very stressful.  I also enjoy singing so it's fun.

Then why all the fuss?  Well, this year, I'm directing the cantata, yikes!  This is my first attempt at directing so I'm a tad nervous.  The choir is ready.  Me?  Let's hope I'm ready too!  (Say a prayer for me... I'd appreciate it!)

The next countdown... in six days my CountryBoy flies home, woohoo!  He's flying home to celebrate Christmas and to help finish packing up for our trip out west.

A big countdown after that... is Christmas in nine days!  Nine days, yikes!  I'm not ready.  Are you?  I still have a few handmade gifts to finish up and I still need to purchase a few more.  

Christmas Cactus

And in ten days, the day after Christmas, CountryBoy and I are pulling out and heading west driving the Jeep with two cats, a dog and towing a cargo trailer.  I'm REALLY not ready for that either.

LizzieBelle is ready.  See her checking every thing out?  And all the pink stuff?  For a change it's not mine, hahaha, that's Miss LizzieBelle's new bed, towel and warm jacket for life out west.  Spoiled much?  Naaahh!

So, needless to say, a lot's been going on around here... making gifts, selling chickens, choir practices, changing addresses, vet appointments, meeting with friends to say 'see ya out west sometime' rather than goodbye, purging for garage sales, packing, making lists of last minute stuff to pack, buying a cargo trailer, picking up cargo trailer 3 1/2 hours away, having a fence installed, etc.  My motto right now?  One day at a time!

Do you have any countdowns other than Christmas?

Till next time,

Senseless & Inhumane

My 400th post and it's a doosy...

I do not own a television and I really don't miss it either.  I have found that there is very little on TV these days that I enjoy watching.  I also enjoy the quiet and solitude and I have found that I get a lot more accomplished without it.

You may ask, How do you keep up with the news?  I'm on the computer often enough throughout the day that I can check out the latest headlines if need be but otherwise, I'm not that interested in bad news or hearing half-truths from the media.  And, I am on Facebook where one can learn a lot about news events.

Such as yesterday's tragedy.  I went to town to pick up a few items and to get my hair trimmed and deep-conditioned.  I came home and started perusing Facebook when I came across a former fellow EMS coworker's status where she was talking about the triage area and how the yellow and red tarps were empty which meant there were no patients to treat.

I wondered what she was talking about so I kept scrolling and I found several news articles about the senseless and inhumane shooting at the elementary school.

My heart and prayers immediately went out not only to the parents, grandparents and siblings of the victims but to the First Responders, EMS, Fire and the Police personnel who were trying to help the survivors in this traumatizing situation.  I pray that everyone directly involved in this tragedy will seek the counseling that they will surely need.

I have a lot of opinions as to why we are seeing such tragedies more often and I'm sure my opinions will probably make some people mad because nobody wants to be at fault for events like this.  But since our freedom of speech has not yet been taken away I am going to voice my opinions.  If you care to read them then keep scrolling, if not, feel free to go ahead and exit right now.  I'll never know!

My first opinion, we as individuals and as a nation need to get back to being 'one nation under God'.  We have pushed Him out of our schools and out of our lives.  The majority of churches are almost empty Sunday after Sunday.  Children are not being brought up in the church anymore nor do they know that a Saviour was born (thus the reason for celebrating Christmas) that would save them from their sinful selves.  We are all born as sinners and only by the saving grace of our Heavenly Father can we be forgiven of our sins if we ask.  It's our choice.  The further we stray and try to be removed from Him the more these senseless and inhumane acts will occur.

You may ask how and why a loving God allowed, in this case, innocent children to be murdered?  He loved us so much that He gave us the freedom of choice.  The freedom to follow Him or not.  He does not DEMAND that we follow Him.  Again, this is our choice to do so.  For those who choose not to follow Him, sin becomes more prevalent in their lives sometimes leading them to do such senseless and inhumane acts.

My second opinion, we as individuals need to get back to the basics of family and stop chasing the almighty dollar so that we can have 300+ channels of garbage on TV, the latest electronic gadget, the fancy car and home, etc.  As a nation, our economy needs to get back to the point where even the most frugal of families are not forced to have both parents working outside the home just to make ends meet.

The majority of children are being raised in daycares.  Raising a child is a full-time job.  I find it hard to fathom that parents are able to teach their children right from wrong in only a few hours each evening on top of cooking dinner, feeding them, bathing them, helping with homework, etc.  Children need a sense of security, they crave attention that can't be given in a couple of busy and rushed hours each evening and they need to be taught right from wrong.  These things don't happen in a daycare.  It's not the daycare's job to raise children, only to babysit them.

I realize that many mothers choose to work outside the home because it helps define them as a person and they feel as though they're contributing financially.  Again, that's your choice and you're free to do so but a woman's greatest contribution to her family is to nurture her children and the family as a whole.  That is the greatest contribution of all.  Never underestimate how far that contribution will go in life.  I also know the majority of women that would like to stay home are forced to work just to make ends meets... even after they've cut out all the 'luxuries' in their lives and are living as frugal as possible.  It's the way of life now for many due to the economy and for that, I am sad for those mothers who desire to raise her own children.

A third opinion, many people are talking more and more about is gun control.  I believe we have a right to bear arms.  I also believe that the honest individual(s) that acquire guns legally are not very likely to use them inappropriately.  The person that intends to do harm, will acquire a gun by stealing it or using a gun that they have access to because the guns are not properly locked up.  It's plain and simple... guns do not kill people, people kill people with guns.  Again, it's a choice.  The gunman chose to perform this senseless and inhumane tragedy.  And even though guns may be taken away from everyone, the sinful, unlawful person will still obtain a gun to do his will.

I firmly believe that we as individuals and as a nation need to get back to the basics of life... God and family.  Those two should be THE most important things in our lives; not our material things.  If we can get back to those days then, in my opinion, we should see less of these senseless and inhumane acts.  If not...  God be with us.

Till next time,

Handmade Holiday

Amid the decision-making, the packing, the planning and prepping, the choir practices, the farm chores, etc., I am in the process of making several handmade goodies for the family for Christmas.

I really enjoy the whole process of a handmade item.

Deciding what to make for a certain individual.

Choosing a color they might like.

And the whole experience of crafting and creating a special gift for the special people in my life.

They may be simple gifts but each are created and crafted with love.

Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

Till next time,