Remember Honey Bees Are Very Mellow By Nature! 

Just don't step on them, or take their honey. The bees are having a great season so far, with lots of sweet clover which they forage on and produce honey. I am going in the hive the end of July and take more honey off. I know the hives are getting full by now. The bees are plentiful, and the clover is abundant, plus I have the garden, which is swarming with bees. Will let you know what I find!

If you like creamy, sweet potatoes with a buttery like texture, then cooking them in the slow cooker is for you! Sometimes I feel like when I cook my sweet potatoes in the oven, they don't quite get soft enough. This method in the slow cooker is not only incredibly easy, but they turn out so good they literally almost melt in your mouth. So rinse, and put 4 in a slow cooker and cook on low 6 to 7 hours depending on size. I'm telling you smooth, creamy, sweet, mmmmmmm!

 

As July 4th fast approaches, patriotic Americans begin to think about the core values that make this country great: Barbecues and beer. And why not? This country was founded on both. George Washington hosted a barbecue on his plantation in 1773. In addition to a barbecue, both Jefferson and Washington brewed beer. Beer was truly an everyday drink for everyone from adults to small children, who were served beer and whiskey from the age of three. I know when I was a child there was a tavern on every corner. Isn't that strange, now its a bank, or a gas station. 

 Don't you just love this hand holder. We stopped at M.A. Hadley Pottery in Louisville on our way home. I can't resist that outlet store.

The guys, taking a beer and smoke break. 

We always stop at a Frisch if it is anywhere near our destination. Their Big Boy sandwich is delicious!

 

Trip To Floyds Knobs In.

This past Monday we traveled to David's  sisters house in Indiana. It was a great trip and an eventful one. Sharon bought her a Mac and we had a restful time together as family.

 My garden 2014

 My beans

26 Tomato plants  

 Sunflowers

Squash

I am usually complaining about too much rain. We are definitely having a dry spell. No rain in 2 weeks here. What to do? They are calling for a 50% chance Monday. The peas did great this year, but are slowly wilting. I froze 22 packages. I will plant another crop in July for fall picking.  I am concerned if we don't get rain, things will not be good. I have to can this lot of veggies. This garden is our livelihood. Come on rain.

Flat Roof

Flat roofs aren't architecturally logical, as rain and snow will shed much more quickly off a sloped roof. David built the screened in porch thinking that he had sloped the roof. Not so much. It has been leaking since day one. He finally thought that tar would solve the problem. I can't tell you how many buckets of tar he has put on that roof. Today he, Kevin and Dylan are covering it with a tarp. I say do it!  Cross your fingers. Hopefully no more leaky roof.

Did you know that a 23 year old woman in Houston was killed in a car crash? After she was killed, onlookers stole the groceries out of the back of her SUV. Keep in mind this took place during a time when society is relatively civil. This, I believe, is a sign of where things are headed. And it's not a pretty picture. Fortunately, we have it good right now. I enjoy living in a relatively civilized society where most people obey the laws. I courteously stand in line at the grocery store and adhere to the kind of boundaries every civil society must have in place in order to function.
There is no question in my mind that America is headed for a crisis of such magnitude that within the first week of the crisis, most of the population will be begging for Martial Law. Look at the signs people and you will come to the same conclusion. 

I have been drying my herbs for tea. I cut some lemon balm, mint and celery. My husband loves celery tea in the winter time. Mint tea is great for the digestion, and of course lemon balm flavors ice tea perfectly. I cut my herbs and place them in a paper bag until they dry and this year my son gave me a packet of loose leaf tea bags for making your own tea bags. How neat is that!

The boys went off to camp yesterday. Grandpa had to see them off. Landen and Alex really enjoy camp, and why not? There is swimming, crafts, three buffets a day, etc. etc. I can remember when I was a counselor at camp. The kids had such a great time. And it looks like the weather will be perfect. Hot and Dry! 

They Grow Up So Fast

One day they are content close to mom, then they are off on their own, stirring up trouble. 

 Henrietta is setting on 10 eggs. After she hatches her brood, I am going to put a stop to it all!

I am running out of room in the chicken house and yard. In a few months cold weather will be upon us. I don't want baby chicks going into the winter.  

Because They Can

Hens have a habit of sitting in the same nesting box. Even on top of each other which is the case in this picture.  Why? I don't really know, other than they just have favorite boxes in which they lay their eggs. They are too funny.

Look at this dozen eggs.

Do you see anything different. Your right! There is a large one in the back. Actually it is twice the size of the others. I wonder who is laying this one? I wish I knew. Good job! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObIfPlirLvA

Natural Energy Boosters To Keep Going And Going

Many times when we want a boost of energy, we reach for the coffee, or even an energy drink. But as modern science has indicated, energy drinks can be down right bad for you. There can be some side effects of drinking too much coffee such as disrupted sleep.  But natural energy boosters such as honey can help take the place of a sugary drink. Honey will wake you up in no time! Nuts can add quite a punch. Water, being dehydrated can be one of the leading causes of fatigue!  Fruit can get you back on your feet with a dose of fiber and carbs. The next time you feel fatigue creeping up, reach for one of these all natural energy boosters to put some pep back in your step!

Still Cool After 84 Years 

My mother made it in the 50's. My grandmother made it in the 30's. I'm talking about The Zebra Cake. The recipe goes as follows: First of all take a chocolate cookie, spread a spoonful of whipped cream on top of it, and top it with another cookie. Repeat until you have a little tower. Lay it on its' side. Frost the log with remaining whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate all night. Garnish with coconut, or chocolate chips.   

Cincinnati Trip

Every year, Brad and Landen have this standing date to see a Reds game. This year was no exception. Wow! look at that stadium. 35,000 people Saturday afternoon at 4:00 to see the Red legs play. The Cincinnati Reds used a well rounded effort to end their losing streak on Saturday with a 6-5 win. We had a great time with Brad and Meagan in Cincy this past weekend. Looking forward to the shower on the 12th of July in Bowling Green for Meagan and Micah. Soon Brad, Micah and Landen will be going to the game together. Life is Good!

How Does This First Picture Turn Into The Second Picture?

With a lot of sweat equity. I extract my honey the old fashion way. I uncap the frames, and let the honey ooze out naturally. Then I strain the pure golden honey twice, and fill the pint jars with this golden treasure. My children and grandchildren love this honey, and it doesn't last long around here as I use it in baking etc. All natural and straight from the hive.

My yoga friend is moving to Louisville June 12th. I hate to see her go. She has been a good friend and I enjoy her company. She was asking me if I need any porch furniture. My porch looks like a furniture store now, but I couldn't resist this wicker rocker and ottoman for $25. A little paint will do it.

FOOD SUPPLY

I need to stay off the internet, and stop reading all of this propaganda about food collapse. The only reason most people obey laws and agree to live in a socially polite manner is, because their bellies are full. Take away the food and all illusions of social friendliness vanish in about nine meals. Here is another reason why I freeze and can my food. I have a supply at my fingertips. Hopefully others won't put their hands on my food.  I just hope it doesn't come down to this!

Footnotes

Its summer, and your feet are meant to get you where you need to go. So it is no surprise that the average person walks close to 75,000 miles before the age of 50. Unfortunately, feet don't always get the recognition, much less the respect, they merit, especially in the summer. They may be sweaty from the sweltering heat that builds up in stinky sneakers, or dried and parched from the sun while squiggling in sandals. It's not difficult to give your feet the care they deserve. Moisturize your feet with a soothing foot cream daily. For us ladies, how about a pedicure? I love it!  And for the summer our feet look so good, because lets face it, feet aren't the most beautiful parts of the body.