Sunshine Is Still On The Nest

According to Sir Winston Churchill, "Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. What about chickens? I like to picture my pet chickens as a bevy of matronly English ladies, since this breed comes straight from England. My hens love attention. I pick them up and fondle them. They gather around me like a group of chattering ladies. They love feeding time. I always give them scratch, a mixture of corn, wheat and barley. It is a treat they enjoy twice daily. Fresh water is always available. I keep their food in the chicken house full, so that whenever they are hungry they can go to the feeder and be satisfied. They are special pets that give me happiness and fulfillment.

Broody Hen-- In December!

Her timing is off. We have really been busy during this holiday season. Going, Going, Going. I did notice that this hen has been setting since Christmas Day. What to do? I have never had this situation before. These hens are only 6 months old. Should I let her set? Should I take her off the nest? Will the chicks live? I looked on the internet, but to no avail. I am just going to let nature take its course. I heard these girls were good mothers, but this is ridiculous.

 

 Hubby with his VCU hoodie on

 Christmas at  The Johnson's

 Dylan with a hand made pen and pencil holder

 

 

Apron Meagans mom made me

 

With our warmest thoughts to our faithful bloggers. Here's wishing you a very happy New Year that's filled with every blessing!  

 

 

 

 

Have a Wonderful Merry Christmas

 

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

I love Christmas carols and cookies, and I don't even really mind shopping.
Snow on Christmas!
A beautiful Christmas tree.
Watching Christmas movies.
Going to church on Christmas Eve.
Watching the family open Christmas gifts.
Traditions on Christmas.
The spirit of Christmas.
Beautiful Christmas cards ETC. ETC.

 Julie's House

 Assortment of Cookies

Holiday Cookie Exchange

This is how the scenario goes: You bake one kind of cookie, you end up with a flavorful assortment. I was invited to a AKA cookie swap today. Everyone introduces themselves and their cookies and any story that might accompany the cookie. Don't tell anyone, but I bought mine at Riley Bakery. It was a fun morning, and I came home with a great assortment of cookies. I think I may host one of these exchanges next year.

Alternatives To Wrapping Paper

I don't like to wrap gifts. They never look pretty when I am finished. I love those little reusable gift baggies and I keep them in my rotation until they are pretty ragged. But in case you are looking for something a little more creative than the run of the mill gift bag you can try these ideas. Wallpaper. You know those leftover wallpaper scraps you have hanging out in your attic? Everyone loves a gift basket, so instead of hiding your gift under wrapping paper, display it proudly in a coordinating basket. Tissue paper. Yeah, decorating it with colored pencils and stickers Even the kids can help. Pillow case. Add a draw string for that big present , or odd size gift. Feed sacks. Perfect wrapping for the homesteaders on your list. Hope this helps with wrapping those Santa presents. 

SUNDAY

Yesterday we went to the Capitol to see A Christmas Story. Ralphie has to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's. I had seen the movie years ago. It is a must see. I love to attend Christmas plays, and holiday festivities this time of year. Afterwards we went to Fazoli's and then onto see Christmas lights throughout the neighborhoods. It was a delightful evening.

New Zealand

This past weekend we were in Cincy to visit Brad and Meagan. Brad and I were discussing the new Hobbit film. The Hobbit is a series of three epic fantasy adventures. With the world in grave danger, the Hobbits courageously set out on their next adventure, which comes complete with dragons, enormous spiders and the epic fight scenes. My kind of movie! Love this setting in New Zealand. Think I will check out this place and see what I think of it. Maybe we will settle down there.  

Put A Stop To Your Cold 

Colds are not attractive in the slightest. When it comes to determining who gets affected the most by the common cold, a person's gender plays a big part. But as time passes on, the gender factor will disappear. It turns out that a person's everyday habits can eat away at the immune system. Don't put off the workout. A person that keeps up with exercise is less likely to become sick. Don't let stress at work control you, or stress in our daily lives. Do something that will get you outside. Vitamin D is essential. Gravitate to foods such as fish, and yogurts. Don't stay in or eat comfort food all winter long. The only comfort food that should be around are fruits and vegetables.   

The Surprising Health Benefits Of Humming 

My husband always knows when I am in a bad mood. I stop singing. That's right! I sing most of the day when I am home. While I work, in the car, etc. It is just a part of who I am. But I was surprised when I came upon the article about humming. Humming for the heart produces a positive effect on both heart rate and blood pressure. Humming to reduce stress; who doesn't need that today? Humming brings a sense of calm. Bringing feelings of relaxation. Humming is also good for sinusitis. When a person hums, the vibration can decrease blockages in the sinuses. I am adding humming to my singing.

 

The Miracle Of The Season

The winter months bring about change. Days get shorter and nights get colder. We live in a world where change can be seen all around us. People both rich and poor get stuck in ruts, lows, and poor life choices. People say, they won't ever change. I think it often takes a miracle to change people. I know there are many who choose to celebrate the holidays, and focus more on Santa Claus than on Christ, but without Jesus there would be no Christmas. There would be no Miracle. There would be no Savior. He can change your life!

US Banks May Soon Begin Charging Customers To Deposit Money

Many younger Americans may find this shocking, but once upon a time, banks actually paid you to deposit money. Money deposited in savings accounts earned a decent amount of interest every month, because it was the bank's way of thanking you for your business. These days, however, with taxpayer funded bank bailouts and Federal Reserves printing more money, the tables have turned. And now, thanks to another government policy, banks may begin charging you for the hassle of handling your money. It used to be the case that government policies encouraged personal savings growth, but this kind of ridiculousness is precisely why Americans increasingly feel pinched and punished by their government.  

Finally, a word to describe what's going on in our country...

Beat The Winter Blues



With these cold dreary days ahead, sometimes it is hard to be upbeat. Christmas is around the corner and when it is over, it can be a let down. Even when the weather is overcast and uninspiring, it's important to spend at least a small amount of time outdoors during the day. Furthermore, avoiding caffeine, stimulants, refined sugar and alcohol is helpful in balancing your mental state. Focus on eggs, a variety of vegetables and adequate B vitamins all of which encourages a bright and positive mind. 

 Our Thanksgiving Table

 Thanksgiving with our Daughter and Family

 Celebrating with Family

Thanksgiving

393 years ago a small band of religious pilgrims set sail from England to the New World to establish a better life. Upon arriving at Plymouth they founded a new settlement and agreed on how it would be governed. Their covenant began in the name of God. Amen. Today, we know this agreement as the Mayflower Compact, and these pioneers as Pilgrims. This Thanksgiving, we hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the many pleasures of life with family and friends.

Super Healthy Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are among the world's healthiest foods and most delicious foods. Their health benefits, including weight management and cancer fighting abilities. They are great sources of vitamin A and also contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Many people are not aware of how versatile sweet potatoes can be in the kitchen. Besides baking them, they can be roasted, pureed, steamed, or grilled and used in a wide variety of dishes. So load up on this super food for Thanksgiving minus the marshmallow topping.   

 Bee Products That Make Great Health Supplements

The bees are pretty much dormant this time of year. Although I did see one bee on a solo sun flower the other day. See it in the middle of this sun flower? It was a bee that will winter over, and was very sluggish. All the summer bees have died off and the winter bees are in the hive. But today happened to be a spring like day so the bee was getting some food.  I am fortunate to have bees, and I take advantage of the bee propolis and honey that the bees supply. With the depleted nutritional value of many of our healthiest fruits and vegetables, more and more people are starting to seek out less conventional foods to meet their daily vitamin and mineral requirements. I use honey in everything that calls for sugar. I swallow the propolis and it is suppose to contain vitamins A, B, C and E as well as many amino acids and over 60 trace minerals. UNBELIEVABLE!  



Beauty surrounds us; yet weeds strive to choke it out. We must be ready and willing to pluck the weeds from our lives. How do we do that? When we procrastinate weeds grow quickly, like in our gardens. Challenging our financial well being. Late charges, over the limit charges, and extra accumulated interest can create havoc in our lives. Wouldn't our lives be better if we paid our bills first and splurged on the extras last? We are now in the autumn season of the year. We will harvest what we have sown in the spring and the summer of our lives. If we have plucked up weeds in our hearts and minds and replaced them with forgiveness and organization, we will discover that as the seasons change, we can find greater joy and happiness. Won't you pull up the weeds along the way instead of allowing them to choke out your peace of mind?

Morton

Today was a sad day, because I lost another rooster to a hawk. I had been looking out the window and all the chickens along with the two roosters were in the chicken house. What's with this? The sun is shining and it is 50 degrees. I look out a few minutes later and still no sign of the chickens. I decide to go out, and when I do, I see a hawk fly out of the chicken yard. Oh no! He has gotten Morton. We have fishing wire up, but I guess it wasn't enough. I am going to look for some netting today at Stockdales. Chumly is in charge. Go Chumly. Keep our hens safe. 

Gettysburg Address 150 Years Ago Today

Its opening line is one of the most famous in the history of political speeches. The Gettysburg Address, delivered 150 years ago today by US president Abraham Lincoln, begins: "Four score and seven years ago"...Can you recall any of the rest of the speech? The beauty of Lincoln's speech lay in its conciseness, is probably the greatest speech ever written. In just a few sentences, he summed up American history and democratic ideals as well as giving a new motive for keeping up the fight, so that those who fell at Gettysburg "will not have died in vain".

Washing Eggs And Why You Shouldn't

To wash eggs or not to wash eggs.. that is the question! Except that it's not much of a question for me. Washing eggs is something that can be on the risky side, if you do it wrong, so I don't wash my eggs unless they're soiled. Even then, I don't wash then unless they are VERY soiled. And if they must be washed, I make sure to eat them before any of my good, unwashed eggs. The reason I don't wash them is that eggs are laid with a natural coating on them. This coating helps keep bacteria out of the fresh egg. Washing removes the bloom and can actually contribute to bacterial contamination. But unfortunately store bough eggs are washed, and that is a no no.