Monday, February 29, 2016

 Sunday was such a pretty day in South Central Ky. Jennifer and I decided to work in the back of her yard. I uncovered all these leaves to find out there were Iris, Periwinkle and lots of rocks. I imagine at one time it was a rock garden. I am going to try to restore its original image as I see it.  There's lots to do, but I love working in a yard and turning it into a lovely creative space. There are lots of options here. David is just sitting in a lounge chair enjoying the sun. You see who does the work here.

Look at Micah! That sweet tongue out. He is feasting on meatballs. I think he likes them. What do you think? What a cutie! He is now 17 months old. My how time flys.



Saturday, February 27, 2016


Yoga In The Fading Of Winter

So here it is: The time for transition. The new year is in full swing, Valentine's Day is behind us, but the cold, long nights and unpredictable...sometimes scary... weather shifts are still very much a part of our lives. March marks the end of winter and hints of new life as spring officially opens its sleepy eyes.
Keeping your motivation for healthy living, positive changes, and intentional movement can be challenging.
It all comes down to you. But in addition, it comes down to how you inspire others. In your actions, not simply your words, you can really make a difference in others lives through your examples of  healthy habits within your life. Really! There is an old adage in business: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."
Drink water, practice a brief yoga flow, eat a high protein breakfast, drink water throughout the day, and speak life!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016



We hear about God’s power and greatness to help us when we lose our job, when our health falters, when we go through a painful divorce or when our dreams are smashed. Yet, the main question we can ask ourselves is, “How do I rely on His power?”

The answer lies in the word: “And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Ephesians 1:19).

According to Paul, we rely on God’s power to work in us by faith. As Christ-followers, our hope is greater than we know because Christ resides in us. That means you and I have Divine greatness in us. Those who believe in Him experience the wonder of His power.

No matter how ill-equipped we are, we have the assurance that in our situation God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV).

God isn’t limited by what we ask. He can go beyond that. In fact, He does exceedingly greater than what we ask or dream. However, the key is in believing that He can.

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD!

Monday, February 22, 2016

 
 I just love my black multi colored chicken that I acquired from Murray McMurray hatchery in September. She is a bully though.
 I have life in both hives. Saturday was such a beautiful day in South Central Ky. My 2 hives were alive and well. Taking a cleanse and looking for that first dandelion

It seems that people suffering with minor aches and pains have recently started to opt for Yoga Emergency Therapy over a visit to the urgent care clinic or hospital emergency room. Yoga Therapy Clinics specialize in problems relating to pain or anxiety, and have become increasingly popular as an alternative treatment for those who don't want to visit an urgent care center or wait until their next yoga class.

A Yoga Therapy Clinic offers a fast way of getting relief for pain or anxiety, without the need for a prescription. Using these specialized breathing and relaxation techniques to calm your mind and relax your body, yoga therapists hope to relieve some of the pain and help the patient feel stronger both emotionally and physically.

Yoga, in combination with medication for an illness, has proven to provide greater relief from aches and pains than medication alone – and it is a great way to take some time out of your busy life and focus on yourself.

Friday, February 19, 2016

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International Friendship Week
Winter is the time when the gray outside dulls the light within too unless you survive like the little boy in an Ethiopian folktale, who stood on the mountain top exposed to the biting wind without clothes, shelter or fire, he only survived by gazing at the blazing fire lit up by his friend on a flat rock across the valley. The warmth of love and faith in his friend and the power of his mind alone helped him to face the challenges. So friends we do not have to mind the external situation but keep our mind focused always on hope, happiness and friendship.

So rejoice in the warmth of this sweet relationship. Remember to pack in a lot of fun moments. Know that the best way to deal with anything is to laugh and take the sting away from it. Laugh at your failures, setbacks, laugh at your absurdities and bounce forward.


 
For Your Information!
You see, most people are totally confused and brainwashed into thinking that whole eggs are "bad" for you and that egg whites are somehow the epitome of health.  And while there is nothing necessarily "wrong" with egg whites (they're a quality protein source), the YOLKS are where the majority of an egg's nutrition lies.

**The yolk contains more than 90% of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants contained in an egg

**The yolk contains ALL the fat, and it's super healthy, hormone-balancing fat (fat is not bad for you)

**The yolk contains HALF the protein, and is actually needed to balance out the amino acid profile found in egg whites

Why in the world would anyone throw out all that nutrition?  Just another case of misinformation to blame!

Bottom line, whole eggs are premium, quality nutrition, and even better, they're one of the most inexpensive forms of fat-burning, health-boosting nutrition around.  Even organic, free range eggs come in at less than 50 cents for 10 grams of protein and more vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants than you can count.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

 Our corn crop on the farm
Chandlers Chapel farm

Sometimes, we act as if we have forever, and we put too much emphasis on what others think. Or we get so tangled up in our to-do lists that we forget to enjoy the moment with those we love the most.

Sure, we have tasks to do and they are important, but no more valuable than the sweet pockets of play and silliness. As my grown children gather around the table, they don’t talk about how spotless my kitchen once was (or wasn’t), or how I managed to have it all together. Instead, they laugh as they remember going frog gigging, and playing with make believe friends.

Those flashes of time have become precious markers of their childhood that settled as memories. As this  verse reminds us, "The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more" (Psalm 103:15-16).

I know we’re busy, yet today is a good day to laugh with a child. It’s a perfect day to stop comparing ourselves to others. It’s a good time to put down the to-dos for a few minutes and enjoy the moment.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

TIPS
1. Bananas - Storing bananas in the refrigerator can actually disrupt the ripening process.  In fact, once refrigerated, a banana may never be able to resume the ripening process even if returned to room temperature.  Just think of how devastating that is for the banana :(

2. Sweet Potatoes - When exposed to cold temperatures, starches found in potatoes will turn to sugar, disrupting their flavor and texture, not to mention increasing their sugar content. If you prefer tasteless potatoes that cause weight gain, however, please refrigerate.

3. Tomatoes - Ever had a really amazing tomato right out of the fridge?  Me either.  Tomatoes actually lose their flavor and become mushy when refrigerated.  Yumn't.

4. Apples - Same as above, apples lose their texture and flavor when refrigerated.  Instead, place an apple in the fridge about 30 mins before eating if you prefer your apples cold.  That's what I always do anyway.

5. Onions - If you love soggy onions while also causing the rest of your food to taste and smell like onions, then you'll definitely want to refrigerate your onions immediately.  Otherwise, try storing them in a paper bag (within a cool, dark cabinet) for maximum shelf-life.

6.  Avocados - Much like the banana, refrigeration shuts down an avocado's ripening enzymes.  If you want guacamole next month, this may be OK, but if you're like me, you probably want guacamole today.

7. Coffee - Contrary to popular belief, coffee is best stored at room temperature to allow the natural oils within the coffee bean to activate its pungent aromatic scent.  On the flip side, refrigeration can actually cause coffee to absorb odors from other foods in your fridge.  Onion flavored coffee anyone?  Don't make that mistake twice guys...


Tuesday, February 16, 2016


9 Foods That Last Forever

You've just gotten halfway through a recipe, only to discover that a key ingredient is missing because you tossed it during your last cleaning spree.

It’s a predicament you shouldn't have to face again — at least when it comes to the nine kitchen staples we've listed here.

When stored properly, these everyday items will last for years — sometimes decades — even after they’ve been opened. And they’ll lose very little, if any, of their original quality as time passes. So think twice before tossing one of these items. If you've been handling it correctly, chances are it's just fine.
 
  
  
1.     HONEY
Pure honey is as durable as it is delicious; it keeps safe indefinitely. Honey may change color or crystallize over time, but that won't make it unsafe.
Keep it fresh: Store in a cool area and keep tightly closed. Revive crystallized honey by placing the opened jar in warm water and stirring until dissolved.
 
2.     RICE
White, wild, arborio, jasmine and basmati rice all have an indefinite shelf life, when kept free from contaminants. The exception: brown rice. Thanks to its higher oil content, it won’t keep nearly as long.

Keep it fresh: Store in a cool, dry area.
Once opened, place rice in a sealed airtight container or place original package in a resealable heavy-duty freezer bag. For added protection, store rice in the refrigerator or freezer.
 
3.     SUGAR
White, brown or powdered sugar never spoils because it doesn’t support bacterial growth. The real challenge is to prevent it from becoming rock-hard.
Keep it fresh: Keep sugar in a cool, dry area. To prevent sugar from hardening after opening, place it in an airtight container or cover the original package in a heavy-duty plastic bag and seal tightly.
 
4.     HARD LIQUOR
Whipping up some penne alla vodka and a pitcher of cocktails? Distilled spirits vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila and the like don’t spoil, even after opening. The taste and aroma may fade gradually, but it’ll take ages before you notice.  
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dark area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use.
 
 
5.     MAPLE SYRUP
Pure maple syrup not only makes your pancakes special, it adds tremendous flavor to a whole range of dishes. Best of all, it keeps forever in the freezer.
 
Keep it fresh: Refrigerate after opening. For long-term storage, freeze maple syrup in airtight plastic containers.
 
Yes, it’s more expensive than its imitation counterpart. But pure vanilla extract keeps forever, so you’ll never have to waste a drop.
 
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dark cupboard and keep tightly closed when not in use.
 
A reliable standby in everything from marinades to salad dressings, distilled white vinegar will remain virtually unchanged as the years pass by. 
Keep it fresh: Store vinegar a cool, dark area and keep tightly capped after each use.
 
8.     CORNSTARCH
A must-have for thickening sauces, gravies, and puddings. Cornstarch will keep indefinitely if it's kept dry and free from contaminants.
 
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dry area; keep package tightly closed between uses.
 
 
9.     SALT
From the basic table variety to fancier versions like kosher and sea, salt is a flavor enhancer that never spoils or goes stale.
 
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dry area.
 

Monday, February 15, 2016


Yesterday's Snow Storm
Five and a half inches respectfully
We live in a fallen world. Hardships, tragedies, sickness, death, betrayal, all come our way. It’s inescapable. But we do not do this life alone.

Hold tight to these beautiful promises.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:37-39, NIV).

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you … When you walk through the fires, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze … For I am the LORD your God …" (Isaiah 43:2-3a, NIV).

Saturday, February 13, 2016


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sCqUiFcqFk
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
They are calling for more snow in South Central KY.. starting tomorrow early afternoon. Accumulations 3 to 4 inches.  I can't believe this weather! Ending with a mixture of snow and rain Monday!
 
Big image






Friday, February 12, 2016

Running Away With Her Dog
 
It's no secret that the United States is filled with obese people; it's estimated that over one-third of adults are obese, as are approximately 17 percent of the country's youth. That's a lot of folks walking around with stomachs spilling over their waistbands, tired just from climbing the stairs.(1)

Still, many of these same people continue with their junk food diets, demonstrating a preference for all things processed, sugary and filled with chemicals.

While at first this may sound as though it has all the trappings for falling back into unhealthy food choices, just the opposite is true.

Aim for "good food" instead of perfect food. Ditch the food rules. Eliminate cheat days. Own your own choices and stop rationalizing.
Go easier on yourself, and the good health that comes with weight loss and exercise will be yours!

Wednesday, February 10, 2016


 This is such a great idea. Chalkboard paint on the wall for the kids to experiment with. Write notes, grocery list etc. It is available in various colors. I personally like the black. It reminds me of the good old days when the chalkboard was used in the schoolroom.

Too Funny!

Monday, February 8, 2016

February
There is something about February that gives me a real spring in my step. Maybe it's the increase in daylight or seeing the amorous courtships. There is much dancing and preening, not to mention the deafening vocal sparring between the  two cockerels as they compete for mates.
Egg production has picked up. A few hens have gone broody in the nesting boxes and, if successful, may raise some young the natural way, too. and  you can't beat an omelet made with their offerings.
Apart from observing my flocks' daily antics, one of the most enjoyable jobs is collecting their freshly laid eggs on chilly mornings – it still feels utterly magical.
Feeding your hens high-quality layers pellets as their main diet is essential to keep them healthy and ensure they produce excellent eggs. Reserve treats for the afternoons – by which time they will have eaten some feed – as, like us, chickens favour them over the healthy option.

Valentines Day

Can I gently remind you of an important truth? A truth that made all the difference to me?

If you are God’s child, you are involvedn the greatest love story ever created. Jesus created you, knows you inside and out, and loves you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. You can celebrate love this year just like everyone else, knowing that you’ve got a deeper understanding than anything that’s advertised or on the shelves in a store.

20s Val girl on sofa




"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

Wednesday, February 3, 2016


Old Cincinnati Library

Sometimes it’s hard to understand how God could love us, especially when we consider all the mistakes and times of disappointment we’ve struggled through. Or, when we feel like we don’t measure up because we don’t do enough for His kingdom and His glory.

Or when we feel unloved or rejected by others and wonder if God might have abandoned or rejected us as well. What comfort it brings to think about God loving us the same way a mother loves her babies.

As moms, we sing over our babies because we love them, not because they deserve it or can do anything for us in return. They bring delight to our hearts, because they are ours. And the same goes for our heavenly Father when it comes to His own.

God’s quiet love and gentle whispers of acceptance and delight are the greatest love song our spiritual ears will ever hear.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016


So That's Why People Act The Way They Do! 
The real reason society is so incredibly insane at every level is rooted in the consumption of toxic heavy metals through food, water and other environmental sources. It's exacerbated by the poisonous heavy metals being fed to factory farmed chickens (and other animals) whose poop is harvested and spread on soils that are used to grow foods for humans. Once humans eat the contaminated food that's laced with lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, their own feces is "recycled" and turned into "bio solids" that are placed back onto commercial farm lands as "fertilizer."



Monday, February 1, 2016

All About Micah
 Micah with Grandpa's hat on.
 Micah at the park.
 Playing at the park.
Look at that slide!
This past weekend we spent time with our family in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our grandson Micah is 16 months old and what a cutie!  Breakfast was served at Green Dog in Tusculum Columbia. All organic breakfast foods. It was amazing!  We went to a flea market in town and found some great pieces. On to Dixie Chili. My personal favorite. You should taste their coneys. They are to die for. We had such a good weekend. Lots of fun things to do, but our favorite was spending time with family.