zztop's little piece of heaven

The reason for the season!!

2011-12-24T22:36:00.001-06:00

Don't forget to wish Jesus Happy Birthday!!!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!

2010-12-29T20:26:00.003-06:00

New post.

2010-11-17T15:59:00.000-06:00

I'm gonna start blogging again,.... just need to get my thoughts in order..

Rest in Peace Buttons.

2009-10-12T18:56:00.005-06:00

Feb 26 2004. Oct,11, 2009

Owls

2009-08-08T10:08:00.006-06:00

Young barn owl.
Isn't he gorgeous?He is just a baby, just fledged. The nest gets crowded as they grow.

They leave the nest very early, unable to feed themselves.

Mom and Dad find them at night and feed them.IF.. nothing gets them like a dog or hawk.
This one dehydrated and fell from a tree in our backyard. Fell in the neighbors yard which has 2 labs. The male lab attacked the poor owl.I twisted his ear and he dropped the owl.The lab didn't like me for a day or two!!! LOL

They are a protected species.These poor critters are disappearing because nesting places are becoming scarce.Do everyone a favor.....If you have an old barn or a hollow tree that isn't putting anyone in danger.Leave it for the wildlife.We've taken most of the wild and made it our own.Don't you think its time to return the favor?

I'm not dead....

2009-07-24T12:21:00.002-06:00

I just joined millions of others and I'm playing with friends and family on face*book. I can farm and chat without sweating and getting dirty, in my pj's and comfortable too.
So if you're looking for me and several others that are missing....You know where we're at.LOL
Be back soon....I think I have some corn to harvest...

Festival on the Ridge

2009-05-18T20:04:00.009-06:00

Festival on the Ridge is a annual thing here in N.E. Arkansas.The 3'rd weekend in May is date set.

This is some of the kids having soap-box races.
A friend of ours selling flowers.
We also can pay to have someone arrested and put in "jail". They have to stay in at least 5 minutes.
Here is Luci in jail....
Luci coming down the big slide.
A cute little girl with her face painted.
Just some of the crown having a good time.
The kids throwing darts to win a prize.
Another friend and grand-daughter.
A King of the hill game.
A clown blowing bubbles for the kids.
The DJ playing music for the crowd,later there will be live music and a street dance. The mayors Sister enjoying time w/ a niece. Crawdads anyone? This is an orchid I just couldn't resist.
This is what we did this weekend. To be honest, I did more sitting than walking. It did sprinkle a few times, but not enough to stop the fun. I just wish I could still dance like I used to. Spending times like this with your family is priceless. So find something simple to do and have fun and make some memories. I know the kids had a blast, and so did we.
God bless and have a good week. Donna

Still moving....

2009-05-08T18:08:00.007-06:00

As you can see...I'm still living :)...
Spring has really arrived, as you can see.
Things have really been busy around here.Between reunions and contest and birthdays and work.There just has"nt been any time to blog.

Last weekend was my hubby's 50th class reunion.That just doesn't seem right. It seems every time time we go, there are less and less people there.
This peony is almost as big as a dinner plate!!
I had to take time out to go to my grandson's birthday party Last Saturday.
We also have some new kids on the block......it went from 1 egg to the babies above.
Anyhow...today after work we decided to take pictures and try to catch up here.
As you can see, we have a yard full of flowers and wildlife. Now I need a huge umbrella to cover my house and yard.We've had more than enough rain. We usually have 4 ways to drive to the main road....BUT!!!! Not when it has rained 4 to 6 inches over night. I had one way out and had to go thru water to do that. Now it looks like its gonna do it again. I was really wanting a dry week and weekend. I have my garden spot tilled up, but its too wet to plant. I have lots of stuff to do outside and can't do a thing.
I did plant some potatoes, but the hens "helped" some of them back to the surface. So we are going to put up temporary fencing till the plants get bigger. I am going to plant a few sweet potatoes too, and several kinds of squash and pumpkins . We have 2 kinds of tomatoes too. I picked out a heirloom red, and hubby picked out a mild yellow. We have sugar baby pumpkins and lots of different kinds of squash. I am planting it next to the fence for it to climb on. I bet our yard will look like a jungle by next fall.
Well my hands have about had it for tonight, its gonna rain. I can tell.
I hope the world has been treating you all right, and remember. God is looking over your shoulder.So watch what you do and say:).
Before I leave I want to wish this little girl a HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY!!! WOO WOO!!!
Happy Birthday Emmy!!! This is a very tired Daddy, and a very relieved Momma :) Good night everyone, and God bless. Donna

2009-04-02T15:14:00.003-06:00

I have started playing Bingo at least once a week.This is my night to play. This gives me a break from homework and lets me visit with women my own age. Thank you hon, for watching the kids and giving me a little space.
My arthritis is a little better.My right hand is still swollen on top, looks like I've been bee-stung. But not as painful as it was. I have to get better its time to start up the tiller. I can't wait for fresh veggies.
I hope everyone is doing ok out there. Watch out for strong thunder storms tonight.
God bless, donna

A houseful of fun.

2009-03-14T20:02:00.002-06:00

I haven't said much lately, I have been rather busy. We have our grand-daughter with us again.
Luci came down for Christmas and stayed.We took her 2 weeks ago and had tubes put in her ears and her adenoids removed. The poor child could not hear and we had to yell just to communicate.
She had several tests done also. She does have asthma. Her Dr. in Mountain View had taken her off her *Singulair* and she was sick and coughing when she came here.We got a pediatrician and she is doing much better now.
On to the next sick child.Jon bless his heart,has had the old fashioned flu. The intestinal flu. He came home Monday from school and wasn't feeling well.He went to bed at 5o'clock.I knew then we had problems.2 days of aches and pains and 2 days of vomiting and the diarrhea started Friday. We have been really having a fun family time.
I have quit my night job as of 2 weeks ago. I can't do it and my day job. I have been to the Dr. several times and I'm living on steroids and cortisone shots. So far my hands are still swollen and have knots on top and in my wrists. So they are putting me on a chemo drug to see if that helps. I really don't want to take this drug, but I really need my hands.. I haven't been on here much. I pop in and read a few blogs, but it hurts to type so I just visit and leave. Or leave a short note.
I hope everyone is doing OK. My family are happy now that I spend more time at home.
God bless, and take care. Donna

More pictures

2009-01-29T17:11:00.003-06:00

Ice Storm!!!! Update Pictures*

2009-01-29T09:27:00.003-06:00

From the back of the house.
Neighbors yard.
Blueberries, buds under ice.
Ditch in front of house.
South down the street.People pulled the tree tops out of the street.
Pecan trees and saw tooth oaks, destroyed.

Pine trees almost wiped out.
Pine limb on my clothes line, its now 2 foot off the ground....
First things first!!! We are all ok. The power isn't dependable so I may or may not be on. The power was on a few hours last night here, then a limb fell on some lines and it was out all night. We were cold but okay. I'm gonna post this now while I can. We will all be back on as we can. Harrisburg has some electric, Trumann has none.(Cecil) lives in Trumann. Diane(Bay) has no electric. My home is up to 54 degrees now and the heat has been on an hour......Most if not all the trees are damaged. I will post pictures when I can. Please pray for everyone.6 have died already from this storm.
God bless, Donna

Arithritis and work.....

2009-01-24T13:21:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry I haven't been on more.But arthritis has settled in both hands and they are swelled and painful. One of the girls at my night job has quit and the load has shifted to the rest of the night crew.That means I'm working 5 nights a week till they hire someone else. If I want a night off, another girl has to work a 12 hour shift. That doesn't seem right to me me....so I keep plugging away. 60 hours a week isn't bad if you're 21, but at 55(next month) it isn't easy.
Now on to something else.... My hens have started laying. They average 3 eggs a day. I also have 8 roosters...Which mean all but 2 are history. I'm keeping the most dominate and prettiest one, and the banty (bantam) rooster. He has what we call Easter chicken blood. They have the colored eggs.
The ones I'm getting are small and light pink. The eggs will get bigger and the hens will start laying everyday when it warms up.My chickens are spoiled rotten and are very tame. When I go in the pen they will fly up and land on my arms and shoulders. You can reach down and pick them up they are so tame. I've had a lot of people want to buy them, NO WAY!!!. I told them I would set some eggs for them in the spring if they wanted. I want to find someone with chickens and set some of the eggs so my chickens will have new hens and roosters. I don't need in-breeding .
Jon bless his heart, lost his rabbit yesterday....... I really don't know what happened. He just started losing weight and got to where he couldn't get up.But the rabbit ate and drank all the time. So no more rabbits for us. Jon wants a duck for a pet, I've tried to tell him they don't make good pets.But they do make good duck and dressing!! LOL.
Well I started writing this about 2:00 pm. I also washed a load of clothes and went to work for 5 hours. Now I'm home and tired and getting ready for bed. I won't stay away as long next time. I hope everyone is doing ok and I want you to know I am praying for each and everyone of you. Good-night everyone and God bless.
Donna

Not a lot happening here2.

2008-12-12T12:31:00.002-06:00

Still not a lot going on here. I'm at home trying to get over a nasty stomach virus. I went to work this morning...and was sent home.Turns out the Dr. didn't release me to go back to work till tomorrow.....I missed that some how. So here I am.
I still don't have my tree up, I will this weekend though. I just hate to move every thing around to put it up. I will put up pictures when I do. You won't see any presents under the tree. We have a 13 year old that has a fit to get in them. He's not as bad as his mother was.She would cry from the time the tree was up, till Christmas day.Tammy had to know what was in every box under the tree.
I am in a baking mood, maybe some cookies.....Sure sounds good. I have the dough to make white/chocolate macadamia cookies. I know I have to make *Toll house* cookies too. I also bought a fudge mix to make, by *Eagle brand*.It was cheaper to buy the the mix than to buy everything separate.
I realize I haven't been around much. This time of the year I really miss Mom and Dad.Daddy died the 19/th of this month. But I start feeling better when I put the tree up and start cooking. We used to get together at Mom's and Dad's for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now I stay home and do the cooking for my Son and Daughter and Grand kids. We have to start our own tradition for our family's. I just wish I had a bigger house some holidays....
I hope and pray everyone is enjoying the up coming Holidays. This will be the first year I have 2 weeks off for Christmas. The first week I will spend cooking, the second week recovering!!! LOL. I know we will pile into the car the night before and drive a round looking at Christmas lights. We have done this since we married. We go out to eat and then look at the lights.
I'll try to get a round more, things are slowing down at work so I can be on more. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
God bless you all. Donna

Nothing happening here....

2008-11-17T16:10:00.002-06:00

Just work and more work. I really need to start thinking about Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
I am getting ornery. The cold weather is really getting to my arthritis. If I'm up, I have to stay up. When I sit down, I want to stay down......
I can't wait for it to warm up.I'm like an old bear, I want to hibernate.
I hope everyone is doing well out there. We are fine, just don't like the cold. Take care and God bless.
Donna

We went camping!!!!

2008-11-03T20:34:00.015-06:00

This is some of the scenery on Crowley's Ridge last week-end. Diane and I were brave and took 4 boys camping. We had a lot of orange, red and yellow trees to look at.
This is the sign going into the park. Everyone should look up Crowley's Ridge on wikipedia.com.It is the only formation of it's kind on earth.
Beautiful tree on a hill,Diane took this on the way to her house.
These are ducks that stay year round at Poinsett State Park, where we stayed.
Another view of the lake and trees.
This is looking back the other way.See the cypress on the right.Looks almost like an ever-green.
These are the heathens, I mean angels, that we had with us.
Another look at the ducks.
This is the play-ground, beside it is a field they often play ball in.
This is a shot of the visitor center.
This is the camping spot across from us,notice the hill rising up behind it. Lake Poinsett is located on the ridge.
You can't see it, but the boys are going down hill.There is a gully ahead of them.
Diane took this,I'm eating a brownie and reading. Notice the coat and the lovely hair-do.
Cooking sausage and biscuits,Coffee pot is ready.
Early morning shot of the lake.It was a nice day,about 70 F.
This is before everyone accidentally fell, slid, or was pushed in the lake.
Another dry,clean shot.Kinda chilly still.
This is the same picture that is on the web page for Poinsett State Park.
I don't know about Diane, but I had fun. The boys had fun showing off, and showing out. It was a little cool at night, some of the boys weren't prepared for cool weather camping.(one brought shorts to wear). The trails were blocked this weekend....The National Guard was doing maneuvers.The boys wanted to do the trails and protested a bit.
Someones cow was loose and lowed all night. That was a little bothersome. The deer are in rut right now, I saw 5 doe's when I came back from the store.(and from getting Jon's pillow)So deer were crashing through the brush less that 30 feet from camp. But all and all, it was a good weekend. The boys loved it, and thats what makes my world go round.
I hope everyone out there had a good weekend. I pray for the travelers in Arkansas and Missouri .With deer in rut, the doe's are on the run and no place is safe right now.You will see them every where. So drive safe and watch out for bambi.
God bless and watch over you. Donna

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!

2008-10-31T15:54:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween all.
I pray everyone will have a safe and Happy Halloween. We are on our way to Parker Homestead!!!
They have a haunted house, and give out candy every year.Please check your candy and watch out for the ghouls and goblins!!!!
God bless, Donna

Lets go back in time........(Warning long post)

2008-10-12T18:28:00.009-06:00

Lets go back in time for a little while. How about the Civil War? We made a trip (about 10 miles from here) to Parkers Homestead. I'm sure a lot of you have never heard of it.But it's a very busy place in the spring and fall.
First picture is a Army wagon.Used during the war.

This is hand guns and rifles used by both sides in the war.They are kept in top condition by their owners.
This is a 1949 Farmall tractor.
I didn't check the date on these.Bu I know thats a 4 row plow.
One of the lady's that works here and sells goods.
An old Chrysler some one brought .Nice isn't it?
Another old car.
Isn't this one a beauty? BTW, these were driven here :)
This is Jon on one of the first riding mowers.
This is for Jen,KansasRose...I know you love the oldies but the goodies!!!
This is my favorite place.I love old barns.I like to look and explore them. This one is still in use.
This is Jon and I looking in the barn.They keep animals in here when its bad.
This is the hay loft.Ready for Halloween. I didn't know I was in the picture. This barn is huge. My house would fit inside of it.
Another picture,this shows the logs and how they fit together.
A picture of a regiment of Confederate Soldiers.This hangs over the 4 poster bed I in a cabin here.
My SIL and I checking out some sweet taters.
Man running the Sorghum press.I love this machine.I could squeeze a lot of juice from those blackberries. Jen could make a lot of wine this way too!!!
A little girl wearing a sun bonnet.
One of my favorites, Quilting!!! Look at that new rack!!!
Broom making.Everyone needs brooms!!!
Cooking Sorghum, its hard work.Hot too. All done with wood heat.
My BIL. He's a Mason. They cooked 96 Boston buttes yesterday and sold out!!! You could buy a sandwich or the whole butte. I don't know how many they cooked today.
This is a log cabin.The 4 poster bed is in here. All are set up and usable.They even have a fancy slop-jar.(pottie)
This is inside the cabin, click twice to enlarge. Notice the rice-bag pillowcases.
Jon and I entering Parker Homestead. This covers 15 acres or more, counting crops.
This is the smithy. he had another forge out side that was bigger.Notice the anvil. About 100 lbs or more.
Hubby pointed out this was a left handed Blacksmith.
I'm not sure what this is.But it held liquid I know.But it had a long shaft with a propeller in the barrel contraption.
This is the mule that turned the sorghum press. He protested loudly when asked to move faster .LOL. He wanted to eat the sugarcane.LOL
So thats what we did today. I was ready to have some family time after working all week. Jon had a friend over Friday night. It seems our weekend are a mess here lately.One weekend I had a tooth ache the next company and over night visitors. Or I'm working or both.
I had to work last night after all, But I did it under protest.That made 30 hours at school and 25 at the restaurant. So I was ready for a day away. In a few weeks I want to go camping for Jon's birthday.I'll take Jon and his friend Destin (they have the same birthday 1 hour apart) to Poinsett Park to camp out. I will see if Diane wants to go too.There is fishing, canoeing and lots of trails and snakes to keep the boys busy while we fish.
Now for the tooth fairy story.There wasn't anything wrong with my tooth. The tooth was broken loose years ago when a Dentist pulled the tooth next to it.It just got looser and finally starter to really bother me.So it had to go.It was waking me up at night hurting.So bye-bye tooth.To make things worse, I had to get a cold with the tooth ache. So I wasn't a happy camper. I tried to stay away from everyone, because of my foul mood.
This last week was much better, except for working too much.Now there's a full moon coming up (sigh). That always makes for some cranky, and strange mood swings. Our family is usually pretty sane(don't laugh Diane). We are a little nutty, but not INSANE.
I want to thank everyone who came by and checked on me and I thank you very much.I don't have much time to blog anymore, but I will try to do better. Some nights I read and run, but I have to sleep some times. I try to get on between 2:30 and 5:00.
But family wants to see me sometimes too. I'm hoping to have more nights off this week so I can get around to visit everyone. Until then, God bless everyone .
Donna

Just really busy....

2008-10-09T21:19:00.001-06:00

Hey folks, just really busy here.But I have Saturday off!!!!
I'll get back to everyone then.
God bless, Donna

2008-09-26T06:21:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!! You are sorely missed!!!
I love you Daddy.

2008-09-21T11:37:00.001-06:00

Sorry folks, I have a major tooth-ache. I am trying to make it till tomorrow and get it pulled.
Wish me luck.
God bless. Donna

Applesauce applebutter

2008-09-14T16:18:00.009-06:00

Hi everyone, I'm sorry I haven't been on much. I'm still working some weird hours.
I may have an hour, sometimes 2 in between jobs.Anyway I promised you pictures of apple butter and applesauce and here they are.
This is my chicks I hatched this spring in the incubator.(they are getting big)
This is Jon's new rabbit. Looks like a hamster doesn't he?
This is Patches, She has to come in and rearrange my cook books for me, everyday.
This is my fig tree, it doesn't know fall is coming.It's still covered in figs.
Another picture of the chickens. I have a very mixed up flock of chickens.
This is how they greet me every time I go out to the pen.
As promised, apple butter, applesauce, and apple pie filling.
This is a new apple dumpling recipe I made tonight. It is so easy and sooo good!!!
A new baby quilt I'm working on.It's cut out and ready to sew.
This is one of my banty's hatched out last month.I have 4 of them in the box.
I don't know if you can see him, but this is my shark.He's in a tank next to my bed.
This is my D-I-L, Gail. They were over yesterday for a visit.
My grandson William
Grand-daughter Victoria Alexandria.Her name is bigger than she is. LOL
Closer look at my hard work :)
The apple butter is in the dark looking jars. It has more sugar and lots of cinnamon in it. I also added a little allspice.
Recipe for apple dumplings.
2 cans crescent rolls
2 granny smith apples.
1 & 1/2 cups sugar. 1 can mountain*dew.
cinnamon to taste ( about 3-4)
2 sticks butter or margarine ( I use one of each)
Melt butter and mix with sugar & cinnamon.
Peel and core apples, cut into 8 pieces. Open rolls and place apple on wide end of roll. Do each roll the same way. Do like you do crescent rolls, except with an apple in it.place in baking dish or pan. I used a cake pan. Pour sugar and cinnamon -butter mixture over rolls. Pour mountain*dew over all and bake 45 minutes in a 325F oven.
I know everyone will love this easy recipe, if you want to be fancy add ice cream too.
Well time for this old gal to call it a night. I hope everyone is well, and happy. I'll say a prayer for us all. May the world treat you right and remember, God loves ALL his children.Especially the ones that are wandering and lost. So forgive each other and yourself' s. Remember, it's not what religion you believe in. Its the fact that you believe.
God bless everyone, Donna

Edited to add: I'm raising the chickens for eggs. If I have too many roosters I will make fryers out of them. If you have too many they will fight and they will kill the hens.
The shark in the picture was about 2 or 3 inches long when we got him. He is now about 8 or 9 inches long. I don't have a net big enough to catch him anymore. He's just too big and heavy. He was raised on tropical fish food,he will also eat any other fish in the tank. Thats why he is the only one in there.When hungry he try's to knock the lid off the tank. I call him Big Boy. LOL

Labor Day

2008-09-01T20:39:00.002-06:00

Today Is Labor Day so.... That's what I did. I haven't taken pictures yet, But I will.
I tackled those apples I told you about. I had to cull some of them. Too many worms. The apples I used are home grown and NOT sprayed or treated. So you're gonna have some critters.
Any way, I have 6 quarts of apple pie filling. 6 pints apple sauce, and 5 pints of apple butter. Not counting what I made a few weeks ago. I also made apple chips out of some of the tart apples. I used 4 trays in the dehydrator for those. It made about a quart and a half of chips. If I need them all I have to do is put them in water and heat them a little.
My schedule this week is a little better. At school its the same every day, 8am till 2pm. At the restaurant's a little different: off Tuesday , Wed. 5 till 10:00.Thursday: 3 till 10:00.Friday 5 till 10:00. Sat. 5 till 10:00. So only 24 hours at school this week and 22 at the restaurant. That beats 59 1/2 hours last week, for sure.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday, and made it home safe. I feel so sorry for the people in Louisiana today. The hurricane has got in for that poor state. I hope and pray the poor folks have a home to go back too. It also looks like the east coast is going to get some bad weather too. I guess it's the season for it .So everyone get on their praying hats and see if we can help some folks out. I read several blogs from over east. I would hate to lose anyone to a storm. A storm is just so impersonal, It doesn't care who or what it hurts. Lets pray it misses everyone and goes out to sea.
I hope everyone has a safe and simple week. God bless you all.
Donna

Working Woman again!!!

2008-08-23T14:29:00.002-06:00

I have a few minutes....(because I'm taking them) to come on and tell about my new jobs. Yes I said jobs. I really only intended to get 1 job, but sometimes stuff happens.
I recently decided it was time to go back to work. I prayed about it, worried about it and finally decided to start looking. Be careful what you pray for, you might just get it. I saw an ad in our local paper for our school. They were needing cooks and helpers, you only had 1 day to apply for the jobs. So I did. I went in and applied for a job, there were several others there also. Some were coming from other schools in the county. I sat and listened to some of the interviews of the others. Some had more experience than me, some had never worked before. Hmmmm. I waited my turn, was asked a lot of questions and was told about the job.Never an exact position , just that they had several openings.The lady Delores said they would call by Thursday of the next week if they were going to hire me.
It didn't really didn't look too promising though. I waited around till the next day and called my ex boss at a local restaurant. I talked to the woman in charge and they were really busy. She asked if she could call me back, I said ok..... I wondered if this was another dead end.
About 2 hours later she called me back, I told her I was in the job market again. She said she'd check and call me again. I thought, well here we go again. She called and asked if I could be there at 5pm. I said sure, that was quick.I started that night working part-time. 5 hours that night 4 hours the next day. I worked 5 and 4 every other day. On Thursday after I had given up hope on the school job,(School started the following Monday) I came in from work and hubby said the school had called. Report to work the following Monday, Did I still want the job? YES!!!
hubby said, she sure does!!!.
Hubby says.... now you can quit the restaurant. Nope, I can't do that. I don't quit without notice. I just don't do that. It's not right. So I had to talk to the owner when I got paid and arrange to work nights only. I DIDN'T KNOW SHE MEANT EVERY NIGHT!!!!!
When you hire in you are the jr, even if you have done the job for 10 years or more. I had to was dishes and bus tables . OR, any other job that needed done. Some nights I cook, some nights I waitress, some nights its ALL THE ABOVE!!! LOL
I had 29 1/2 hours in at the restaurant.
I also stared at the school Monday. I kinda floated around the first day. The next day Tracy (my boss) told me that I was the baker.Could I whip up about 400 wheat yeast rolls. OK THEN!!!. Point me in the right direction, and do you have a recipe for this? She smiled and asked "Can you read a recipe?".... Duh.. Yes I can. "Have you ever made yeast rolls before?"
Well yes, just never this many. But I think I can do it. "Thank heavens someone I don't have to lead by the hand"she said. That is how my week has went. Ever made rice* crispy treats for 400 people before? Neither had I till then. We survived our first week. Ask in a few weeks and I might be ready to give up my night job, just not yet. You see, when we are hired we are told we are on a 2 week trial. So we will see. The boss says she wants to keep me. She announced this in front of her boss and the other girls in the kitchen. Some like me, some I don't know, but I'll make it.
One other thing I found out too. We do 1 job for 3 months , then switch jobs for 3 months. This way in a years time you will be trained to do everything in the kitchen. If anyone misses, another can take over without a problem. I work from 8 am till 2 pm. thats 30 hours a week.
All together thats about 60 hours a week that I'm working. I'm 54 years old. I hope I can keep up with all this work. I'm sure gonna give it a try. If the Lord's willing and the creek don't rise, thats what Mama used to say. Meaning: I'll go till I can't go anymore.
Now on the home front. Sitting in my kitchen waiting on me is about 8 gallons of apples just begging to be put up. I have a 5 gallon bucket of red , and 2 big bags of tart apples. Tart for pies, and I think I'll can pie filling. I will dry some of them, maybe a lot of them.
I guess I better get started on them soon.
I also need to give a big Thank You to the hubby too. He has pitched in and taken over the house work and fixing supper for him and Jon. I haven't done any thing when I come home. He has did it all.He's even went to meetings at the school, bought supplies and did laundry when I'm working. So Thank You Sugar, you are the BEST!!!
God bless everyone, I'll try to visit when I can. I sometimes read and run this week, but I haven't forgotten you!!! Just time is a little short right now.
Take care, Donna

New jobs!!!

2008-08-22T13:40:00.002-06:00

Sorry I haven't been on.I barely have time to look at anyones blog right now. I have started 2 new jobs, I will try to come on tomorrow and tell everyone about them.
Everyone take care and God bless.
Donna

I got an award!!!!

2008-08-14T07:15:00.004-06:00

I recieved this award from Jen@ Prarie Farmeress!!!!!

This is a friendship award.You know friends don't have to live in the same town, or even the same state.Jen is a go-getter, a hard working Lady farmer.She raises cattle, grapes, and wheat, all the while taking care of a husband and daughter and family pets. Jen is also an Artist. I have watched her create and develop her Art over the last 2 years.Only the last 2 years though. I found her through my sister Diane's blog 2 years ago.With talent like hers she had to have been born an artist.
So I Thank You Jen, a friendship award from you means a lot. I hope we are friends forever. I wish we lived close enough to drink coffee/tea, and try out new recipes together. We could also share the chores!!! LOL.
lOVE YOU FRIEND!!. Now I have to pass on this friendship award to some deserving people.
Don't forget to pass on this award to your friends, and while your at it pass some prayers with it.
Everyone needs prayers.Even the ones who don't think they need it.
God bless everyone. Donna

Now to pass it on: 1: Aunt Jenny.
2: Whats up down south.
3:Greeneyes
4:Michelle@Ozarksewandsews
5:Nancy
6:Perri@My lifeinbitsandpieces
7:Pea
8:Anita @prairiedreams
I hope you all take this award, and don't forget to pass it on!!
Have a good day everyone!!! Works calls!!!

Applebutter

2008-08-03T21:15:00.002-06:00

Did you know you had to make applesauce before you can make apple butter? I didn't,til the other day. I really wanted to make apple pie filling and apple butter. The apples are Jonathan apples. They were given to me and I was determined to use them.
I don't like frozen apples. To me they have a funny taste.Anyways, I cooked the apples yesterday and made applesauce. Today I made the apple butter. It was late and I needed sugar for the apples..I was tired and didn't want to go to the store. I started looking to see if I had some stored in one of many containers....Nope, but I did have brown sugar.
So that's what I used, and its good.Very tart but good. The recipe called for cloves, I'm not too crazy about cloves so I only used about half of what it called for.It also called for cinnamon to taste.
Hummmm, I love cinnamon.I used a lot of cinnamon. I then cooked it down and canned it.
I like it, Luci likes it, and hubby likes it too!!!! Poor Jon don't know what he's missing.
I made 7 pints out of 1/2 bag of apples. Now I wish I had something else to can. I did put up another quart of pickles, the ones I put up recently are going fast.We have eaten 2 quarts ,and started on the gallon jug.So it was time to start again.
I have also put another dozen eggs in the incubator. I have 12 chickens out of the 19 I started with. I was leaving them out at night, I went out one morning and something had killed 7 of them. I borrowed a live trap, and started baiting it. So far I have trapped 2 possums.. That's opossums to some. Here they are possums. Young possums. Small enough to go through a chain link fence. Now I'm not opposed to putting a pest like this out of my misery. But 2 kids that live here are against that. They think they're cute......You ever see a possum? They are NOT cute. Anyways, I happen to know the ranger at our local state park. So I called him to see about releasing wild animals in a state park. I get the usual questions : is it a baby? yes it is. Is it weaned? uhhhh, Yeah its teething on my chickens. Anyway I've caught 2 possums so far and my chickens are coming in at night. The kids are enjoying the trips to the park too. The little possums are glad to see the end of us too.I never saw a possum run that fast.LOL
Jon bless his heart, wanted to know how many I was gonna catch....uhhh, Jon, I don't know how many are out there.
Anyway,nothing else happening here. I'll try to get some pictures on here in a few days. It's bread making time again. So I will be doing that and maybe pick some more apples. I missed the peaches and the corn. But we don't really like canned peaches or corn. I have put up soup, and odds and ends. So the grocery bill is a little lower.With gas prices what they are, every little bit helps.
Take care everyone, stay out of the heat. God bless.
Donna

Family Pictures

2008-07-28T14:30:00.003-06:00

I think we have changed a little over the years.......................................................................................This Luci 5 yrs. Jon 12, Johnny 66, Donna 54. We aren't spring chickens anymore....LOL
This Victoria 1, and Luci.
This is William, he is autistic.He doesn't like to be touched. He is also a junk food junkie.
William has his own world, he lets us visit sometimes. I'll tell his story sometime.
Here's some pictures for you Diane and Cecil. When I see you I'll give you copies.
Have a good week everyone!!! God bless, Donna

Big DadGib is spreading the news...

2008-07-25T22:02:00.004-06:00

I know a lot of you have seen the Logo, CWO on a lot of blogs.Most of you know what it stands for too. Well, I don't know how to break to everyone, so brace your selfs. WOMEN AREN'T THE ONLY TRUE BELIEVERS ON LINE!!!
We are doing a miss-service to a lot of men out there.BigDadGib decided to start a blog where everyone is welcome.A Christian place for everyone, that sounds so cool.
Now that some of you are over your shock. I want to tell you a little about the CBO. You can visit CBO thru the link above.Each month a fellow blogger will be featured, isn't that neat? This month its MountainMama. A very nice lady from the Northwest. She has lots of pictures and does almost everything. She cooks, gardens and makes beautiful wedding cakes. I have read Bev for over a year, and her stories really touch your heart.MountainMama's link is in my blog roll.I hope you give her a visit and tell her zz sent you.
Be sure and visit BigDadgib too, and see if nice clean blogs are for you.I for one would rather read something nice than to see all the nasty stuff on TV. I do hope you'll come for a visit you are all welcome.
God bless everyone. It didn't work...so here is the addy:http://cboblogroll.org/
Donna.

(Now to see if the link works, if it doesn't I'll be hollering for Diane) LOL mumble grump mumble.Nope didn't work.....

An Award for me and You!!!

2008-07-20T20:51:00.008-06:00

I found it!!!!!! LOL

Here are the rules:

1. Put the Logo on your blog

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you

3. Nominate 7 fellow bloggers for this award

4. Add Links to the recipients

5. Leave a comment to recipients or email them to let them know they have an award

Well since blogger deleted the text off the award, here it is again.....by its self. LOL.
Thanks Diane and Greeneyes for the award.I don't receive many awards and this one means a lot to me.
I would like to pass this on to everyone on my blog roll.I can't pick just 7 blogs that I read. I read everyone on there if not everyday, then every other day. I try to comment on almost all of them. If they have a couple of hundred comments I don't always though.
There are a few that are really dear to my heart,such as family.You know who you are ;)
Then there are the ones that are having a rough time and are asking for prayer.I pray for you and All the people on my blog roll. Even if you think you don't need it.So there;) Everyone needs some prayer lovings.
I would like to mention a few that I never miss reading and checking on EVERYDAY!! These bloggers are as dear to me as my own family.Here's to you friends.God bless everyone!!Donna

Aunt Jenny
Cecil
Diane
Jessica'sworld
Linds
Nancy
Michelle(Ozarksewandsew)
Perri(mylifeinbitsandpieces)
Anita(prairiedreams)
Prairiefarmeress(private blog)

I read these everyday without fail.I consider these some of the best of the best.
Now this old fat gal is going to bed.
God bless everyone.Donna

Ok, first the award only showed up. now ....No award!!!! I give up tonight. I'll wrestle this tomorrow hummmm.LOL

Bread and cake

2008-07-20T17:17:00.009-06:00

This is a part of our supper tonight, You will find the recipe on my picture blog in the side bar.

Believe me, this is one of the best blueberry cakes I've ever eaten.I was in a baking mood today ,so I made 2 loaf's of french bread and one regular loaf.

I realize this picture is in the wrong place..but blogger keeps deleting it!! anywhere else!!
I'm not saying they are big, but I did let them rise a little too much. They are 17 inches long!!!I will freeze one whole. Cut the other in half.One will be used for spaghetti.The other for sandwiches.
This is the regular loaf in the oven w/ bbq chicken.
Our menu: bbq chicken, ranch beans,shells and cheese, fresh tomatoes,sweet and sour cucumbers, bread, and blueberry cake..
This one of the plums I made jelly out of.Very tart.
This is pear preserves.I finished them about 11:00pm last night.
Homemade marinara, I just added spices and sugar till it suited my taste. In the back ground you can see the gallon and a 1/2 of pickles I put up yesterday.
I hope everyone had a good weekend...its been a busy one here for sure. Tomorrow wash sheets and hang them out.It's gonna be 100F tomorrow.Gonna save the power for the AC. We are gonna need it.
Hubby took the kids for ice cream today to cool them off. When they came back they put swim suits on and he sprayed them with the water hose. If I hadn't been waiting on the cake to come out I might have joined them!!! LOL.
Time for this old gal to do the 2 B's.... Bath and bed. Night everyone, take care and God bless.
Donna

Jelly, rambling, and bird watching.

2008-07-17T13:12:00.007-06:00

I realize that this picture might seem like it has nothing to do with canning ,but it does.

Because you see,canning generates a lot of scrapes and trash. Hubby is helping Jon carry out

a heavy garbage bag ;)This is one of our trading friends. We feed him, and he lets us watch him and take his picture.
This is a sparrow who is trying to steal the food.

This is a bolt of material bought at a yard sale for $2.00Below is another one.
This is a roll of lace,below is 2 more.Price .25 cents.

Tomatoes, I think I'll try to make spaghetti sause.
Homemade pickles.I just took them from the refridgerator.Can you tell? LOL
Jelly I had left over.
A afghan I made a couple years ago for Jon.
Another afghan I made about 3 years ago, fits a queen-sized bed.

More little pests.
This is who we want to feed.
Now this was a lot of work. 21 pints of red plum jelly.Whew I think thats enough.
I'm going this afternoon to pick up a 5 gallon bucket of cucumbers. I'm giving some to our neighbors. There's no way I need that many. Plus I still have pears to do. Not many, thank heavens. I'm ready for a day off, just to sit and read. Time to go,have to get busy.
Take care everyone, and God bless. Donna

This weeks happenings........

2008-07-12T14:36:00.014-06:00

OOPS!!
I wanted to add this cactus, it belonged to our Mom.It is covered in pale yellow blooms.They look white in this picture.
First let me say I'm sorry, no 4th of July pictures. My hubby took movies, not pictures.
But I do have pictures of things I'm doing and flowers that are growing to show you. So here they are . I hope you enjoy them.A daisy,don't know where it came from....Just found it beside the house.
The female downy woodpecker.we have a couple of pairs that think this is a restaurant.
This is a hosta that comes back each year,blooms are lavender color.
This is a clematis that climbs w/ my jasmine.This one is blooming late...
This is "Rose of Sharon", we have a lot of this.Also a pinkish purple.
This is a female finch, the male has a red head.Very aggressive.
This is hydrangea, also called snowball bush.
This is our 1956 chevy pick-up. It belonged to hubbys Dad. It will be having some work done on it this summer, then a new paint job.

This is one of my little time consumers, and worth every minute.
These are my chicks I hatched out.They are about 3 1/2 weeks old. I put them out in the morning and get them in at night. They have learned to climb the wire.hmmm. I'm going to cover the top.Bet that stops them.LOL
My lavender colored crepe myrtle.
My pink crepe myrtle.
This is over 3 cases of jelly I have put up.
Some figs from my tree.This is a small part of them.I have given friends and neighbors some too.
This is what I'm doing to some of the figs...I had 2 trays to put in the dehydrator.Not counting what I froze too.
This is patty-pan squash, I'm going to bake it tomorrow.
This is more berries I picked yesterday.It was close to 100, Thats too hot for me.I only picked 1 gallon, and almost got too hot .I'm though making jelly. I am just putting them in the freezer now.
This is a Care-bear dress I made my grand daughter.I also made a baby quilt for a friends daughter.I forgot to take pictures of it.
I went to a yard sale and got 2 whole bolt's of material to make baby quilts. I will make several , and save them till needed. I also picked up 4 rolls of lace....I don't use lace but it was 25 cents a roll. I do like a bargain you know.The material was $2.00 a bolt, another bargain.
I'm trying everyday to play catch-up with the everyday house-work. I don't think I stand a chance till the swimming and playing in the rain is over.(its raining right now too).
Monday was Dr appt's for hubby.Tuesday was Dr appt's for Luci.The rest of the week was cooking, and "other".
Today we picked up a baby rabbit for Jon. A friend raises them to eat.Jon wanted one for a pet. While we were there we went to the field and picked cucumbers.Now I have to pickle some of those and eat the rest.(I'm not complaining, they are food and FREE). Another friend gave me a gallon can of dried white beans. This is the first time I ever saw dried beans canned. I will cook them and can them. I know Clint and BJ will be wanting some of the canned beans.LOL
Sure beats trying to cook them after getting off work.
I want to can some potatoes, pork roast, beef roast, chicken, and tomato's. I like to eat tomato's and cornbread,just love it.The lady next door is giving me tomato's radishes ,onions and peppers. I'm giving her jelly, cucumbers and figs. We all trade back and forth. Thats the way it should work. If we have extra, we share.
The friend we got the rabbit from has a large place, about 30 acres. most of it is in garden crops.His wife cans and freezes their winter food. The only thing they buy is beef and pork. When they get all they want,Bobby calls me.This is where I get my peas, corn and cucumbers and other vegetables. I almost always get enough for the whole winter. This year he has a new pea, is a purplehull crossed with a whippoorwill. He said it looks like purplehull except it has spots!!! I'm gonna ask for some of the seed to save for next year.
I'm supposed to go to my son's tomorrow and pick plums.IF it doesn't rain. Plus I have 3 kids here tonight, I hope I have the energy to go.LOL.
Time for me to post this and put the kids to bed. Then put me there too. I hope everyone had a good week. I hope you have a good weekend too. Take care and God bless.
Donna

Here's a few pictures taken this weekend.

2008-07-06T13:12:00.004-06:00

There will be more later!!!

I now am going to cook supper for 9 people.

The menu :barbecued chicken.
mashed potatoes,soup beans,
cornbread, and blueberry cake.
Be back later!!! Donna

Happy 4th everyone!!

2008-07-03T22:29:00.004-06:00

I''ll try to post pictures tomorrow.We're supposed to have a few people over tomorrow.
Have a safe and cool holiday!!!
God bless,Donna

"Edited"

Sorry folks, I've been rather busy. The battery's need to be recharged on the camera too.
We did get some of the fireworks photo's, so I'll post a few of them.
I'll also post pic's of what has kept me so busy ;)
I hope to get the blog up a little later.
Donna

Blackberry jelly(and blogger woes)

2008-06-25T20:19:00.010-06:00

I tried to post this yesterday.
But blogger kept stealing my pictures.Here are fresh blackberries.
This is the blender I tried to wear out yesterday.I had over a gallon and 1/2 to do.This is the pulp I had to strain.This is cheese clothe ,It gets very messy too!!!I had to measure the juice to know how much sugar to add. I had 8 and 1/2 cups of juice.So added 11 cups of sugar.

I also added 2 boxes of fruit pectin.Recipe says to cook 5 minutes at a full boil.... I like mine thicker ,so I cook it for 15 extra minutes.(watch or it will boil over).I then pour into hot 1/2 pint jars.Place hot flats and rings on jar and let cool and seal.
This makes it worth all the chiggers and ticks and snakes.13,1/2 pints of jelly for winter.
What I didn't show was the The cheese clothe broke and squirted me with juice/berry seeds.
I also had to clean the stove top and burner where the juice cooked over. I had just mopped my floor and had to re-mop it before I was done. But it was all in a days work. I'm going in a few minutes to pick more berries. I love doing things like this and have picked for years. I really like that they are free for the taking.(Ask permission first).Hubby wants a cobbler to eat, and I want more jelly so its off to pick I go.
Everyone take care, and God bless.
Donna

Making jelly and canning!!!

2008-06-22T20:00:00.010-06:00

This is jar cakes. Diane turned me on to them. I went on line and found other recipes and gave them a try.What you see here is pumpkin, zucchini, and strawberry, They(hubby) has eaten all the applesause, and they are working on the blueberry ones too.. These are great to have around and they are good for a year. These are the right size for a bed time snack or a dessert for a late supper. These are so easy to make and seal. I'm planning to make lots more for this winter.
This is figs on my fig tree, seems to be quite a few on there, I'll be picking them soon.

Isn't this a pretty site? I now have 19 of these little feathered friends. I started out with 29 eggs. Some weren't fertile, and some just didn't hatch. Normally it takes 21 days for chicks to hatch. These made an appearance in 18 days. This in an 11 day old chick.This is blueberries... I have been picking for about 2 weeks now. I may get a handful one day. Or a pint the next. They come off a few at a time. I have 4 large bushes, and they are different varieties.By the time one is through, another starts getting ripe.

This is some of the berries I have picked.(time to clean out the freezer)
This is some of the canning I have been doing. I can dried beans and peas when they are on sale.
Sweet corn is being sold in some of the vegetable stands too. I have white beans, black eyed peas, cranberry beans,pinto beans, split-pea soup, beans and rice, and home made vegetable beef
soup.
This is one of the blueberry bushes that I am picking from.(me and the robins)
This is some blackberries I picked this morning. This is only about 1/2 gallon. They are just starting to get ripe here, they are about 2 weeks early this year. Where I pick is snake and chigger infested. Long pants and tall boots are required. The name of the place is Rattlesnake Ridge, it is well named. I make lots of noise when I'm there to run the snakes off. Copperheads don't run!!! I try to keep a long stick in case I have to educate a snake or two. Chiggers and ticks are very bad this year. I've seen more snakes this year than I've ever seen. A neighbor was weed eating our backyard and killed a copperhead. We live in town........
This is some tomatoes of of ours, they didn't have a label, they seem to be a small variety.

So this is what I've been doing besides cooking out 2 or 3 times a week. Washing and hanging out clothes.(my white sheets and towels)Doing the rest of the laundry, and everything that goes with keeping house for 2 (some-what) grownups, and 2 kids(ages 12 and 5).
I have been making a lot of homemade yeast bread, french bread and rolls and dough-nuts. I love homemade yeast doughnuts.Cinnamon roll are good too.I made long flat loafs for sandwiches too. They were good. We shared with the neighbors Thursday night so she wouldn't have to cook.She doesn't cook as well as her husband and they both put in long days at work, They also have 3 kids to feed bathe and put to bed. We set up my tent and put a table and 6 chairs and a small table and bench in the tent for 3 of the kids. We had cold sandwiches a veggy tray and strawberry shortcake for desert . It was all good. :)Had very little clean up and the bugs couldn't get to us.

I've did a little sewing lately too. I'll try to post some pictures on here next time. I'm a little tired now,and I need to go pick berries again in the morning . So I'll bid you a good night and God bless you all. Donna

a new meme(from Dianes of course)

2008-06-13T14:34:00.003-06:00

ANOTHER NAMELESS MEME

Favorite person (outside family): , I don't play favorites.

Favorite food: seafood

Quirks about you:. I'm an outside person,rather be fishing than eating.

How would the person who loves you the most describe you in ten words or less. different very different.

Any regrets in life? of course, who doesn't.

Favorite Charity/Cause: St Judes childrens hospital

Something you cannot get enough of? family fun.

Worst job you have ever had? car hop when I was 15.

What job would you pay NOT to have? babysitter.

Guilty Pleasure: dark semi-sweet chocolate.

Got any confessions? not on here.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? put most in the bank, and take Diane and the kids camping ;).

Favorite thing about your house? over half paid for.

Least favorite thing about your house? the windows in front, are 6ft tall and 3 ft wide. and theres 4 of them.

One thing you are good at? cooking for large crowds.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what would you change? I'd pay off our house and get new windows.

Who would you like to meet someday? The good lord.

What makes you feel sexy? A certain look in my husbands eyes...It always caught me off-guard.

Who is your real life hero? Our lovely Mom.

What is the hardest part of your job? Trying to explain to a 12 year old that cleaning house and cooking IS a job!!!

When are you most relaxed? Just before going to bed and the house is quite.

What stresses you out? Loud tv's or all of them going at one time, or large crowded rooms.

What can you not live without? love from my family.

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? First I had to look up the meaning of narcissist. I think some people looking for bovine fertilizer and maybe they did find some... But I blog to keep in touch with family and friends.
why do you blog? see above.
Thanks Diane, I needed something to blog about and here it is.
Anyone else can do this if they want. I'd like to see your answers if you do. So drop me a line if you do.
God bless and take care. Donna

Weddings..

2008-06-07T10:41:00.003-06:00

Dear Jen,
I hope and pray that today is perfect for your daughters wedding. I pray also for a life time of happiness for her and for you!!!! I would have put this on your blog, but you don't have a comment section open ;).
I hope you have time for a mini vacation too. Lord knows you deserve one. I wish you a calm and relaxing week.We'll see you when you return (with lots of pictures I hope). Wishing you the best!!!
Love you friend, Donna

A meme got it over at Dianes....

2008-06-03T22:48:00.006-06:00

I give you....The Unnamed Meme!

In your entire life, have you ever...

gone on a blind date? no way, I had enough problems with the ones I could see,

skipped school? yes and got caught too.

watched someone die? More people than I want to think about family : my Daddy in December 2004 and my Mama in April 2005. All from cancer.my FIL and MIL and my hubbys aunt.

been to Canada? No, but I've been close.

been to Mexico? no

been to Florida? no

been on a plane? yes and I loved it.

been lost? Literally, no. Spiritually, yes. But now I'm found, thank God.

been on the opposite side of the country?I've been up to the great lakes and out to Pennsylvania.

gone to Washington, DC? Nope.

swam in the ocean? nope

had your booze taken away by the cops? no never, besides that, they have their own.

lettered in a high school sport? high schools have sports? learn something new everyday ;)

cried yourself to sleep? Yes, but it's been a long time.

played cops and robbers?lots and lots of times.

played dolls? Yes,but I'D RATHER play cowboys and Indians, Wheres my guns???

recently colored with crayons? It's been a while,

sang Karaoke? Uh, no.

paid for a meal with coins only? Many times in my life.

done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Oh, yeah. Who hasn't?

cheated on an exam? Not that I recall.

made prank phone calls? Nope.

laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose? Yeah, and still don't like it.

caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes, but its been a while.

danced in the rain? Yep, and had mud fights too,

written a letter to Santa Claus? Yes.

been kissed under the mistletoe? yep lots of fun!!!

watched the sunrise with someone you care about? Many, many times.

been arrested? heck no!

blown bubbles? Oh, yeah, with Luci a few weeks ago.

gone ice-skating. Uh, NO. I had enough trouble roller skating

been skinny dipping outdoors? Yep, a time or two.

had a nickname? my grampa called me skeeter and his friends called me donny,

been to Africa? Um, no. If theres something over there that belongs to me please send it.

eaten cookies for dinner? I'm sure I have, but I can't remember when..

been on TV? never

stolen any traffic signs? never

been in a car accident? Yes Daddy was driving...got my nose broke..

What is your....

mother's name? Jessie Lurene

favorite drink? Tropicana pink lemonade.

favorite alcohol? Asti,by Martini and Rossi, white wine. Or straight vodka,with water chaser. Haven't drank in years.

birthplace? Jonesboro arkansas

favorite vacation spot? Gunner Pool in The Ozark Mountains.

favorite salad dressing? Ranch, Italian.

favorite pie? pecan

favorite number? 4

favorite movie? days of thunder,lonesome dove,dances with wolves.

favorite holiday? Christmas, of course.

favorite food? just about everything, mostly Chinese.

favorite day of the week? Any day that I wake up able to get up and go.

favorite brand shampoo?suave coconut, or head and shoulders extreme clean.

favorite toothpaste? Colgate Complete, peppermint.crest extra whitening mint.

favorite smell? I have so many,clean sheets after drying outside. cakes baking.A clean house after a good airing out.

Do you have any...

tattoos? 2 tattoo.

body piercings? Ears, 3 times.

Do you drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 1, 4 door. 2 pickup trucks.

What do you do to relax? Crochet or read or sew.

How do you see yourself in 10 years? older and trimmer I hope.Maybe do a little traveling.

Have a blast with this, it's not too hard.It really rakes over some old memory's.
God bless and keep you safe. Donna.

Please help the children.....

2008-04-24T09:41:00.003-06:00

Please help Boomama reach her goal of 50 nets in fifty hours...These children need all the help they can get.Just click on the link to see what you can do to help.
God bless you and the children. Donna

We are alive...I think ;)

2008-04-19T20:42:00.004-06:00

First let me thank everyone who's been asking about us. It's been a rough 4 months around here. If one of us hasn't been sick the others have. The dr's were treating me for a sinus infection and bronchitis that antibiotics weren't helping at all. They finally decided it was bacterial instead. I'm on medicine for that w/a built in steroid, and a decongestant called medent ldi. This gets rid of all the goop in my other-wise empty head. Jon started us out at Christmas with the stomach virus, then the croup, then the old fashioned flu. I finally told him to STOP bringing home other peoples germs...We had enough of our own. I had the virus 3 weeks ago on top of the other stuff yuck!
We have added another member to our house as of February 5th. Our granddaughter Luci has come to live with us for a while. We put her in head-start and will start her in kindergarten next month. We have been hustling to buy her clothes and necessity's . I think I'm gonna buy her boy's jeans to wear. I don't like the little girl jeans...what and why does a 5 year need to wear low rider jeans?? The jeans don't stay up on little girls...They have no hips...At least with the boys jeans I can find the right size .This little girl is TALL. She can wear a five slim now. I think when school starts a 6 or a 7. (her dad is 6ft 5.)We have had a battle or 10 about cleaning her room, we learned that I think. We also had a little tantrum...you noticed I said 1.
I won't bore you with all the other stuff going on here, but I will tell you its been interesting.
Now on to spring....I have roses that will be blooming soon. I have figs about the size of quarters.Most of my flowers are up and doing some what good (we had frost the other night). My blueberries are blooming and some have small berries. I may have to put in a garden this year, the prices here are outrageous for canned goods. Some of them are up to 2 for $3.00....no thats not a mistake.Thats the price. I may have to start making my loaf bread again. What I really want is some homemade yeast dough nuts.There is nothing better than that.Well maybe toll house cooking right from the oven.The kids stand and watch me take them out to see if they can sneak one.
I want to leave you with a funny story that happened yesterday. Jon who is 12. Had a friend to come over yesterday to spend the night. The boys wanted to ride bikes and Jon needed his front tire aired up. So hubby did it for them. The boys rode about 30 minutes and pulled up in front of us to talk for a while. As they were setting on there bike we heard a loud pop like a 22 rifle makes. The other boy jumps off his bike screaming that someone was shooting at him. Johnny and I were almost rolling on the ground laughing at him. Jon was sitting on his bike with his mouth open stunned...
I had to get up and show the boy he wasn't being shot at, Jon's back tire had just blew out!!! I guess over the winter they had dry-rotted.It was a good laugh anyway.
I think I'll post this and look at a few blogs and call it a night. Till next time, may God bless and watch over each and everyone of you.
Donna

The flu....

2008-03-09T19:42:00.001-06:00

Sorry folks, the flu and the creeping crud and the stomach virus is still going on here. When we get better I'll be back.
God bless and watch out for the bugs!!! Donna

Tornado pictures...The aftermath.

2008-02-22T14:50:00.007-06:00

This is Mountain View after 2 tornadoes went through Feb,5 2008.

new car dealership....used to be. 2.new home. 3. parts of dealership visited the hospital.4. another new home.5.older home made of brick.6.another view of new home #4. 5.I think it was a house...not sure. I'll post more pictures tomorrow. I should have more time then. I hope you'll pray for these folks. They have a lot of good people helping them clean up.... but it will never be the same. Donna

Thanks Everyone for the B-day wishes!!!

2008-02-20T22:01:00.002-06:00

Thanks Diane and everyone who stopped by for a visit :). I'll try to get on tomorrow with a longer post.
Thanks and a a big hug to Diane for the surprise b-day party for Cecil and me. A big hug for all of the friends and fellow bloggers for taking the time to visit us too. I'll try to find time to visit you all later.
Love ya sisters. Donna

I missed my blogaversary!!!!

2008-01-30T15:39:00.000-06:00

It was January 5th, I was going to schoo l and I missed it. Life happens to us sometimes. We get busy and forget whats happening in our little world. I agree what is happening in the Big bad World, is important. But what happens in our little world is important too. Having a home where you can relax and be yourself is as important as it gets. Where else can you sit all day in your pj's or bloomers as I call them, and be comfortable as can be.
I have become more comfortable with myself over this last year too. I have checked out a church close to our home not long ago. When I find the right one no one will be able to pry me out of it :) I have come to realize that no matter what anyone thinks, I am going to do what I feel is right. Because it is right for me, not them. I have grown away from my 2 older sisters and closer to the 2 younger ones I think. I have learned not to judge my older sisters and to accept that this is what they are comfortable with.
I have learned to pray a little harder this year and more often. To make my prayers simple and to the point. To not ask for anything I can work for. I ask for forgiveness and help for others. If I live right and teach Jon right from wrong I think I'm doing good. I've learned that a clean house is nice, but not necessary to make you happy. I was getting stressed over house-work... Not anymore. If the dishes are done and we have clean clothes I'm happy.
I have really missed Mom and Dad this past year. I 'm happy to to know that they are in heaven and no longer in pain. But I seemed to miss them more this year. I don't get to see my sisters as much as I'd like, this bothers me sometimes. This ties into missing Mom and Dad. We just spent more time together then. We all have made our own small world that we live in, and sometimes they come together and we visit.
I want to do more camping this spring and summer. Jon is dropping out of boy scouts and we will spend more time together this summer. Diane loves camping and I love it when we go to Mountain View. I should have a weeks paid vacation this year, but I'll take it a few days at a time. That way we can have some long weekends.
Now that I have written a book, what about you? Have you grown over you're blogger year? Are you happier with your life now a year latter?
I am. I'm happier when I come home from work. I'm at peace with myself and my hubby and son. I ask you.... What else is there?
Take care and God bless you all. Donna

Got this over at Barbs!!!

2008-01-17T15:05:00.000-06:00

What Donnalou Means

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.

You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.

People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.

And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.

You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Long lost blogger...

2008-01-14T16:43:00.001-06:00

That would be me I think. I thought I'd drop a line or 2 so you'd stop looking in the obituaries. Believe me this last week has proven once again to me that school is for kids!!!
I didn't have a problem learning when I was younger(and thinner). I think my brain has gotten fat along with a few shall we say ' other areas".
Not that I failed or anything... I was second in the class when we took the test.(92%). I just think I could have did better. I find now that that its harder to stay awake in class.....I'm used to moving and doing not sitting. My tolerance for monotone voices seems to be lower than ever.
Sitting still is something I seldom do. When I sit now I get sleepy.....LOL
Anyway, I'm back at work and loving it :) I have a request for you too. Does anyone have some good (and cheap) recipes to feed 30 to 35 people? They can't be too hot(pepper) or bazaar (no squid) for our older people to eat. I use a lot of old-fashioned recipes now, that was passed down in our family. But like anything else even food gets boring after a while. Sooo, I need some new ideas please!!! And thank you too!!! If you have some posted please leave a link. If I get to try them I'll let you know what the people thought of them. Thanks for any help you give,I'm sure the people will thank you too!!!
Now on to other things. I'm going to put some spring pictures on here from last year. I'm dreaming of SPRING!!! I don't like cold. Diane does but not me. I'm a spring and summer kind of girl. I love flowers blooming and gardens growing and vegetables right out of the garden kind of girl. What kind of season are you? And why? I'll be waiting for your answers, I hope I don't have to wait long!!
God bless you all, and keep warm/ cool. Donna

School...

2008-01-08T22:34:00.000-06:00

Sorry folks.... I'm doing in service this week. Classes 8 hrs a day, and lots of homework and quizzes. I just finished 6 different subjects and tests. I'm quiting tonight and will get up at 5am to do 2 more and read what amounts to a small book.
I'll be back as soon as I'm able. I hope all are well, and God is blessing you everyday in every way.
Donna

Wedding Bells...

2008-01-01T19:47:00.000-06:00

You all guessed right... 15 years ago today we tied the knot. I'll try to get hubby to scan some pictures tomorrow!!! I don't have a scanner but he does... Ya'll did some good guessing on that one.
I'll get back in a day or two. Right now I'm going to spend some time with Johnny ;)
God Bless you all, I hope ya'll had a safe and Happy New Years.
Donna

P.S. I forgot to add.. we lived together 5 years before we married....That makes it 20 years...LOL

Guess what I did January 1st 1993...

2007-12-31T20:55:00.000-06:00

Come on take a guess :). I'll be on tomorrow and tell you If you got it right.
Family, you know so don't tell...LOL.
I'll tell you and see if I can show you tomorrow.
Have a safe and Happy New Year, please NO drinking and driving!!!!
I'll keep all of you in my prayers tonight. God bless and keep you all safe!!!
Donna

P.S. All guesses will be read!!

Merry Chrismas to all, and to all a good night!!!

2007-12-24T20:45:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!! Please share the joy of your life's, Jesus shared his :) Aren't you glad?

May you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Donna
Click on the picture and watch it light up!!!

A little test I took...just for fun :)

2007-12-21T19:03:00.000-06:00

You Are Internal - Realist - Powerful

You feel your life is controlled internally.

If you want something, you make it happen.

You don't wait around for things to go your way.

You value your independence and don't like others to have control.

You are a realist when it comes to luck.

You don't attribute everything to luck, but you do know some things are random.

You don't beat yourself up when bad things happen to you...

But you do your best to try to make your own luck.

When it comes to who's in charge, it's you.

Life is a kingdom, and you're the grand ruler.

You don't care much about what others think.

But they better care what you think!

The Three Dimension Luck and Power Test

George Franklin Cook

2007-12-19T15:31:00.000-06:00

Three years ago today a whole families life changed forever. This is the 3rd anniversary of our Daddy's death. We knew it would be different, we just never knew how different. Daddy was born
September 26th 1923 to December 19 2004. Daddy was the oldest of 3 boys, his Mom died when the youngest was less than a year old. Daddy was around 6 at the time. Not having a Mom put a lot of responsibility on him at a young age. I'm afraid at this time Daddy learned a lot that he shouldn't have known. But times were hard and you can't drag 3 kids (1 a toddler,1 a baby) around when you're trying to work and just trying to get by.
So Grampa had 3 boys tagging along when he was making moonshine just to make ends meet. The boys also learned to fish and trap and to eat whatever they caught. The boys also learned to drink at an early age...not so good. Grampa also married a couple of times after that more trying to find someone to help raise the boys than for love I think. Growing up we had extra grandparents on both sides...we thought it was normal.
Daddy was a trouble maker...he would teach us something and here would come Mom and un-teach us...sometimes with a peach tree switch or a hedge switch. We learned at an early age that Mom did NOT need to know everything.LOL.
Growing up was a barrel of laughs with Daddy. He taught me to hunt and fish,how to work on cars,how a cigar tastes and how vodka and whiskey tasted too.I forgot he also let me chew tobacco......... This did not go over well with Mom at all. I quit right then too!!! This is the kind of
things that Daddy would do.
Daddy taught me how to change spark-plugs and the oil in the car, how to change and fix a flat tire. I liked it so much I went back to school and got my GED, then went on to take automotive.
Growing up we never had much, we got what we had by working and not taking welfare. We learned to like hard work from Mom and Dad. We were taught cooking and house-work and to do laundry in a wringer washer by Mom. We pumped our water for laundry and drinking and for bathes.So yes it was hard, especially in the winter.Wood had to be cut, split and brought in everyday. Fires had to be kept going all night , and some mornings the water would have ice on it in the buckets and the wash pan. We had an outdoor toilet that would make you do your business in a hurry in the winter, and stink you out and burn you up in the summer.
In Daddy's middle years he started going to church with Mom and the younger girls. The girls started first, Mom followed and Dad followed her. Dad had his own ideas about the Bible and lived his own way. But he believed in God, I'm happy to believe he's in Heaven. I think Daddy decided to go first so he'd be waiting for Mom when she followed him 4 months later. That's one time Dad lead and Mom followed LOL. Dad always thought he was THE MAN of the house. But we knew who had the rod. She wasn't afraid to use it either.She wasn't above keeping him in line at times either.
Here's a toast and a prayer to our Dad: We had our good times and our bad, we grew as a family and grew up. We loved, fought, cried, laughed, and sang together on Sundays at home with you both. We miss ya'll just as much today as we did 3 years ago. I pray that someday we'll all join together again around the big eating table in the sky. I know we'll be joined by all our loved ones who have gone before us, I can hardly wait!!! I love you Daddy, I miss you. Please tell Mom and the grandma's and grandpa's we miss them too!!!
We'll be seeing you soon, save a place for us, and don't eat all the cake!!!.
I Love you Daddy :) Donna

Still in the land of the living :)

2007-12-15T20:42:00.000-06:00

Just a short post to let you know I'm still living...... I'm afraid the meds the dr's gave me are not agreeing with me. The meds for arthritis cause stomach upset and diarrhea. The steroid shot has weakened my immune system and I now have shingles...Oh boy, how fun.The meds for shingles cause upset stomach too. Dr says the shingles have a long time recovery...
I'm stopping the meds for shingles and arthritis...I'd rather hurt than not be able to eat. I'll call The dr's Monday and see if I can get something else,If not I'll not take anything.
The shingles are on my upper right outside thigh, everything I put on rubs it. Dr says it won't stop till it reaches my back where the virus is hiding.(where ever that is). I can't be around anyone that hasn't been vaccinated or hasn't had chicken pox.Or anyone taking chemo or radiation.
I'm used to hurting, but this is a different kind of hurt. Time to get well and enjoy x-mas. I'm gonna enjoy Christmas in spite of it all.
I haven't put my tree up yet but I'll try to get in the attic and get the tree tomorrow. I know It's gonna be a mess putting it up. The cat is going to steal all the ornaments he did last year.
I'm going to do a post in a few days about Daddy, his dod is coming up in a few days.
Take care everyone, I'll be back in a few days.
God bless and take care. Donna

Thanks for the good wished my friends!! I'm off the medication until further notice. It's just not worth the pain and misery. God bless you all:) Donna

I got this over at Anita's!!!!

2007-11-22T15:42:00.000-06:00

Your Native American Name Is...

Sooleawa Pauwau

Your name means: Silver Witch

What's Your Native American Name?

What I am thankful for.

2007-11-20T16:57:00.001-06:00

This post isn't about Thanksgivin g....It's about people, my raising and my life.

This post is dedicated to my family and friends.
I am so glad my parents got married,in spite of having a bad marriage behind them. Without them we wouldn't be here. Thank you Mom and Daddy.
I'm glad for all the mistakes you made in your lives because it helped shape ours.
I'm glad for all that you taught us what was right, because we have never forgotten it.
I'm glad for all the mistakes we made (and you let us) growing up, because that is a part of growing up and learning. I'm grateful you let us have our own opinions even if it was different than yours.That's what makes us different.
I'm so very thankful for my 4 sisters, each so very different yet the same.
I'm thankful for my brother-in-laws, the ones here and the one that's gone.They have kept my sisters happy over the years.( All any of us has to do is call and they ALL will come when we really need them. Day or night.)
I'm thankful for my friends, some I've had close to 30 years and some I just met.
I'm thankful for both my kids, you have taught me more than I have taught you believe me. LOL
I'm thankful for my hubby,for understanding(putting up with) a mid-life menopausal grouchy and sometimes blond, Not the best housekeeper , and likes to ditch everything and go camping or fishing wife. He doesn't complain or fuss when I decide at the drop of a hat to just go and get away.He took a year off work when Jon was a tiny baby, he learned from scratch to diaper and take care of a sick baby. He does most of the homework thing with Jon now.He goes to games and freezes his buns off, so his wife can rest and go to work.
He doesn't fuss if we have sandwiches or pancakes for supper. SO YES I HAVE LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!!!
I am also thankful for Jon... You might be 12 years old, I am not the one who gave birth to you,
But ....you'll always be my baby.
THANK YOU GOD!!!!.. I can still get up in the morning and go to work. I still have a home and people I love to share it with. I'm thankful for the the people I work with and the ones we take care of. I'm just grateful to be able to wake up in the mornings and know That I am loved....
Thank you God........ Donna
I hope each and everyone of ya'll have the GREATEST THANKSGIVING EVER!!!!!
Please have a safe and happy holiday!!!!! Donna

Whine fest...I've been very busy too..

2007-10-27T15:29:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone, long time no blog!!
I'll try to make up for that now. I'm trying to blog in between house work cooking and chasing 3 boys. We just got home from a boyscout pack meeting. Jon has earned his arrow of light, and he received it today.WTG Jon!!!!.
Last weekend we camped, it was a pack camp out. We had 3 different camps marked off Tigers, Wolves, and Webloe"s. Jon has to camp with the Webloe's though he's a boyscout. Jon is a lone scout now. None of the other boys are old enough or been a Webloe long enough to become a boyscout.
Other things have been going on too. I have been going back and forth to the Dr. I have a mass in the bottom of my left foot, beside my little toe. It's like trying to walk on a huge rock. My regular Dr. sent me to a orthopedist. This Dr sent me for a cat-scan...2 weeks later a return visit. He looked at me says" I don't know what it is". hmmmm. Now this Dr. has referred me to a rheumatoligest?sp". I already know I have arthritis of the spine...found last year with a cat-scan.
Now he thinks I have rheumatoid arthritis , but none of the blood test show it. I have fibromyalgia too. My right hand has a large knot in the top of it. Dr # 2 said, We don't know whats wrong with your foot but its in your hand too... Well duh.. That's why I 'm here.
Between hurting all the time and trying to work 40 hours a week...and not sleeping well. I'm a little tired. I sleep pretty good in my puter chair. I have allergies and when the farmers go to work so do my allergies. So I can sleep in my chair.....except it doesn't have arms and I get to leaning sometimes.. It can be very funny I tell you.
We've had a big change over at work too.... My ex-boss was fired and her mother too. I won't go into detail, but it was a great big old mess. I ended up staying till our second shift came in. One of the aides quit when the boss was fired so that left only me to take care of everyone til the next crew came in. The owner is running the place and trying to get everything straightened out. She is doing a good job too.My hats off to her for cleaning up a such a bad mess.
I owe Jenny of prairiefarmeress an apology, Jen I still haven't mailed your package .I'll try to mail it this coming weekend. I have wore out the homestead cook book you sent me. I cook for around 30 people a day. Breakfast lunch and supper. Recipes are always welcome. Like all places like this , we try to stretch our grocery's as much as we can.
Time for me to get off of here for a while. I hope everyone has a good weekend.. Good night and God bless you all. Donna

P.S. The pictures on here are just random pictures I up-loaded to see if everything was working right!!! LOL.

I've been tagged again, in the 2 for 2 meme!

2007-10-02T13:44:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!!
Jen, of Prairiefarmeress, has tagged me for a meme. The meme goes like this.......

2 names you goe by. Donna and mom.
what are you wearing? scrubs and clogs.
2 things you want or have in a relationship. Love and respect.
things you like to do. cooking and camping.
2 things you want very badly at this moment. to come out of this bra, and a shower.
2 things you did last night. visited with friends and laundry.
2 things you ate today. chicken dumplings and peas and carrots.
2 people you spoke to last. my boss and the fish.
2 things you're doing tomorrow.
working and boy scouts.
2 longest car rides. from here to Harrisburg pa. from Harrisburg pa to Kentucky.
2 favorite holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas.
favorite drinks. coffee and lemonade.
2 jobs you've had. building furniture and grounds keeper.
2 movies you'd watch over and over. sister act and ghost.
2 places you have lived. Trumann Arkansas, and Wynne Arkansas.
2 favorite foods. seafood and Chinese.
2 places you'd rather be right now. with my whole family and we'd be fishing!!!

2 people to do this meme...Cecil and Aunt Jenny!!!!
If ya'll do this leave me a comment!!! have fun ya'll, I did :)
Have a good week and God bless.
Donna

The Meme thing...

2007-09-16T14:11:00.000-06:00

I saw THIS MEME at Diane's and my little sis tagged me

Here are the particulars for this meme:

Instructions: Google the phrase “(insert your name) looks like” and find the best ones from the first page of results. DON’T FORGET TO PUT IT IN QUOTES, otherwise it won’t work.

(For example, "Donna Looks Like". Of course, if you do this meme you'll need to replace my name with yours. Unless you want to get the same results I did. Some of the answers were way too vulgar, so I skipped them.So here goes.......
Donna looks like... we gotta cut some grass....Are we talking about me??? I DON'T CUT GRASS...without a riding lawn-mower.

Donna looks like... a lotta fun.....that ones ok..

Donna looks like....a disaster waiting to happen...I know I'm clumsy.you don't have to rub it in.

Donna looks like.... you're showing WS
Ted a good time....1, WHO is Ted... I don't have good times with any man EXCEPT my hubby. Thank you.

Donna looks like... Cassie (Cain)...Ok I give...Who is Cassie cain?

Donna looks like....You're going some where...NOT unless they drag me kicking and screaming. I just got off work.. and I'm tard.

Donna looks like... Mike Tyson... OK Then....1: I'm not a man... 2: I'm not 6ft 1 and weigh 250 pounds.. And IF I DID....YOU BETTER NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

Donna looks like... She's gonna kill me...ONLY if you say I look like Mike Tyson.

Donna looks like.... She's from Venus.... Thank you very much;).
Donna looks like... the boss cat...What does the boss cat look like???
Donna looks like...a exciting place to visit..???? I'm not a place.
A thing maybe....
Donna looks like....a good time you had again???? I must have slept right thru it???? What good time????
Donna looks like... we are the only cool kids here...Sorry, I don't want to look cool....Just want to be me. :)
Last one.
Donna looks like....a fresh faced kid......Thank you, Thank you..

If you want to do this one ,have at it..Be sure to tell me in comments so I can come and read yours..
Have a good week ya'll...God bless you all.
Donna

Middle Name Meme!!!

2007-09-08T19:27:00.000-06:00

Whats your name mean????

I've been tagged by my friend Jenny at Prairie Farmeress for this meme. Fortunately I have a short middle name! Here are the rules: RULES: You have to post these rules before you give the facts. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged and to read your blog.
My middle name is Lou. Our Mama's name was Lue, so I was sorta named after her and her Aunt ;). Here goes~~~~
L= Love and laughter, I hope to have plenty to share and have as I get older.
O= Outgoing. I hope to continue to be outgoing, and never meet a stranger.
U= Understanding, I hope to be understanding of people and try not to judge them by any standards. We need to look in peoples hearts, not at their appearance.
People can and do change, not always the way we want:But , God knows what he's doing.
I'm supposed to tag 3 people for this.1 for every letter in my name ;)
But I don't always go by the rules...LOL. Ask my family.
Anyone wants to do this, drop me a line so I can come read yours. It was fun trying to think up what I wanted on here. Try it, you might like it!!!!
Have wonderful weekend everyone, and God bless you all.
Donna

I've been tagged (again) By KansasRose.!!!

2007-09-07T20:56:00.000-06:00

I'll do this tomorrow...I'm too pooped to percolate right now :)
Donna

Goodies from PrairieRose!!!!

2007-09-07T19:28:00.001-06:00

Look what I got in the mail!!!!
My friend PrairieRose had a give away and I won!!!
I received so much I'll have to make another post to cover it all!!
One of the things she sent I'll always teasure. See the note she sent me? I know she was thinking of me when she wrapped the gifts and books.This means a lot to me Jenny.

A long with the note, I am the proud owner of a new "cookbook"(I will share :). It has lots of new (to me) recipes I can't wait to try.
I also have 2 (count them) 2 new aprons to wear....You can ohh and aweee now. One of the aprons is to look at only!!! Its sheer and a lovely sea-green. The other one is a very pretty cotton and will be appreciated at Christmas. It's a very pretty mix of flowers on the pocket and ties /with a blue back-ground and holly and flowers. You can see it in the pictures.Thanks Jen!!!.
I also received a lot of hand made doilies, anyone who's ever done this, knows how tiny the stitches are. Some of the designs are amazing. Can you see the one with the southern-belle on it? Can you imagine counting all those stitches? Our Mama used to crochet, with what I called twine.(That's what it looked like to me). She made doilies too. Jen this brought back a lot of good memories, Thank you.
I have spent the last 2 nights reading the 2 journals that were tucked in here. I loved looking at the old pictures, and reading the stories. Take a look at the dates on these. They are in amazing shape for their age,( like us). LOL. I can't wait to try some of the recipes in here too.
* BUT!!! The best thing of all in this package is the collage, That Jenny made with her vivid imagination and her own 2 hands!!!! Isn't it beautiful?!!!!! I can't thank you enough Jenny!!!
Do you think we can catch that rooster for Sunday dinner? I bet we could together!!!
Look at the family picture on it. This is Jenny's great grandparents and gg-grandparents!!!
This is family history at it's finest!! I am so happy you took the time to make me a collage out of something so dear to you, Thank so very much my friend.
I would have shown the pretty wrapped packages, but I ripped right into them.LOL.
I'll try to post more of the pictures tomorrow, This old girl is tired.
Take care all, and God Bless.
Donna
P.S.. double click pictures to enlarge;)

I've been tagged!!!

2007-08-30T16:30:00.001-06:00

My sweet little sister has tagged me!!! So lets get on with it ;)

Accent? : I aint got no accent( except when I get irritated).
alcohol?: a glass of wine maybe once a year.
Chore I hate: dusting....I have too many doo-dads.
Pets?: 2 cats, 2 turtles, 2 tanks of fish, 2 birds, one small mixed up dog.
Essential electronics: home pc, and a lap-top for on the go.
Perfume?: Night Magic by *A*von*. Lady Stetson.
Gold or silver? jewelery? money? I really don't care...I like it all ;)
Insomnia? Thank heavens for *amb*ian...I'm a night-owl..I sleep average 3-4 hrs a night without it, I still wake up a lot at night.
Job title?: I'm a cook...I cook for around 40 people a day.NOT counting my family at home.
Most admired trait?: never met a stranger...I can talk to almost anyone.
Kids?: 2, A son Frankie 36, a daughter Tammy 30. Jon a grandson we are raising age 11.
Phobia?: I can stand anything but cleaning up puke...I can wipe your behind, or you can bleed on me.I can kill or clean any animal...But don't PUKE on me.
Religion?: Southern back-pew Baptist.
Siblings?: 4 Sisters. 2 older, Shelia, Martha, 2 younger, Diane, and Lisa.
Time I wake up?: 3:50 am to 4:15 am (if I hit snooze).
Unusual talent/skill?: I have a way with critters, and love to cook.
Vegetable love/hate?: I don't like Brussels sprouts...... I love tomatoes.
Worst habit?: I smoke...enough said.
X-Rays?: I had a full body scan: arthritis, everywhere..enough said again.
Favorite meal?: Sesame Chicken, egg-drop soup, and happy family on rice,and egg rolls.

Ok, now it's your turn. Just jump right in there and let us get to know you. If you decide to do this let me know, I'd like to get to know you better. It doesn't take long at all. Who knows, we may have something in common.
Have fun with it;) Have a good weekend ya'll.
Donna

Hot and Dry!!!

2007-08-25T20:09:00.001-06:00

I don't know whats wrong with blogger!!!!
It is determined to unline everything no matter what I do!
So , here are some pictures from last years camp out.
I forgot my camera, Diane has pictures on her blog
of this years campout.
We had a very interesting time I can tell you.
I wish you could have seen Diane when she looked over and saw the coon at the table.

She made the weirdest noise....and JUMPED,and tried to be still at the same time..LOL
I said what is it!! She said theres eyes looking at me!!She shined the light and there was a coon sitting on the bench with his paws and head on the table looking at her.Like,"Where's the food?"LOL.
I pulled my chair closer to the tent, so I could watch for the coon.Then, I heard something under my chair kinda behind me. I told Diane and she shined the light. OH WOW, a very pretty
stripped kitty!!! SKUNK!!! I stayed very still till it wandered off. I didn't want to have to wear roller skates and have Diane pull me at the end of a very long rope ALL the way home.
No Sir, don't upset the kitty!!!!.
Other than the uninvited visitors we had a very hot time...literally, around 100 degree's in the daytime.
The camp-site we wanted had a nut parked in it. I mean a very strange man. He had lots of fun all by himself. He talked, sang,and had a good time..ALL BY HIMSELF. OKEY DOKEY.....
To each his own. I slept with my little friend(I have training and a license)380 beside my bed.
I don't like surprises at night,or 2 legged visitors. We had plenty of fun from the 4 legged furry visitors.
The water was lower this time, but it still was cool and clear. We hoped for a good rain while we were there....no such luck. It would have been nice though. The mountains are still beautiful and I'd still like to live there. I don't see that happening anytime soon.But I love to visit anytime of the year. Our next trip won't be til cooler weather. Us fat girls can't handle the heat anymore. Even Jon just wilted if he wasn't swimming.The horsefly's were awful too.It was fun watching Jon try and out run them.
Time for this old girl to hit the hay...Until next time I bid you Adieu
Donna

Nice Matters!!!

2007-08-11T22:38:00.001-06:00

Hey ya'll I just received this from Jen; Prairiefarmeress!!!!!
Thanks a lot Jen, You are one of the best!!!
Thanks a whole heap!!!
I'll pick some good folks out tomorrow for this award.
Look out I know theres lots of good folks out there!!!
"UP DATED"
Heres the list!!!!!
I think these good bloggers should get "Nice Matters Award!!!
(1) Diane of Dianes Place.
(2)Lisa of Cecils place
(3)Jen..of Prairiefarmeress...(invite only blog)
(4) Pea of Peas corner
(5)Granny of rocrebelgranny
(6) greeneyes of greeneyedgirlonplantetearth
(7) meow of varietiies of life
(8) Susie of susies place
(9)rachel of sliding thru life
(10) and last but not least Boomama of Boomama (of course) This lady keeps us on the straight and narrow, and keeps us southern too!!!!
Know-one told me how many to nominate so I did it my way!!!
Good day all:D and have fun trying to choose a few to pass this along too!!!
Donna
OOOPS!!!! I WANT TO ADD 1 MORE TO THAT LIST!!!!!
Aunt Jenny of Aunt Jenny's World, shes a great read ya'll!!!!!

Nothing happening here....

2007-08-11T20:28:00.000-06:00

Nothing much going on here.....Just work and housework. Its too hot and dry to do much. Diane and I thought about going camping this weekend, but..... my tent isn't air-conditioned...hmmm. So... we'll try for a little cooler weather, like next weekend. LOL.
I'd like to get in 1 camping trip before school starts and this is our last chance.
I also get off work at 2:00pm...I have to pick up Diane, come back home and get Jon .Its a 2 hr drive up to Mountain View. Diane will have to get supper while I set up the tent. If we can get a spot close to the bathroom and in the shade we will be very lucky.
I have been very busy at work lately. I have had to get back in the habit of cooking for a army, at least thats what it feels like. The girl that cooked before me tried to feed these poor people out of cans. These are older people that were raised on home cooking. I make scratch cakes and yeast rolls for them. I made potatoe pancakes one day and it had been so long since they had them, they wanted to know what they were.LOL. I still have to make out my menu for next week and my grocery list too.
If anyone out there has extra produce they don't know what to do with, consider donating it to the nursing homes or assisted homes. These places are on fixed incomes and can always use food.
Here are some of the things I've cooked lately.
1)potato pancakes.
2)buttermilk biscuit's.
3)white beans\ brown beans.
4)pork BBQ and fixings
5) pork roast \potatoes w/carrots gravy
6)potato soup
7)chili
8)cornbread
9)chicken and dumplings
10)hamburger soup.
11)cakes/ pies/ cookies

Very little of this is prepared food, it takes time and a good sense of timing to get everything out on time. They have eaten a many a hot cake or pie too.LOL
I gave them hot blueberry muffins one day as a surprise.
Now I have a problem, some of the residents are gaining weight. That is good for some, they need it. But some really don't need it. I have to serve everyone the same ,
unless asked not too. I tell everyone to eat, just don't eat it all. I think I need to join some of them on their diet. I'm starting to get a little round where I shouldn't be round.oh well.
I hope everyone has enjoyed their summers.. it's dry enough now we have a burn ban. One little spark and everything would go up like matches. Even the poor birds and resting in the hottest part of the day. Our dog has been staying in most of the day. The farmers don't have to spray for weeds, just not water them. The neighbor down the street has a bumper crop of okra and tomatoes. I buy from him, he gets 3 lbs for a $1. It doesn't matter what it is. So I get mine there just picked.
Time for me to get a little rest, I did laundry and dishes, cooked and did dishes. I'm still tired, so I'll post this and get to bed soon.
God bless and take care everyone.
Donna

So sorry I've been away so long...

2007-08-10T18:25:00.000-06:00

Hey folks, I'll try to do a post tomorrow. This old gal is kinda pooped...
Donna

Free coffee ya'll!!!

2007-07-28T20:36:00.001-06:00

Hey ya'll, this came from over at Bev's!!! Thanks Bev!!!!

a href="https://folgersgourmetselections.offerprocessingcenter.com/">

Monk and Neagle !!!!!!!

2007-07-20T15:16:00.001-06:00

I singed up for this over at Boomama's. Guess what?
I GOT ONE!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!
Thanks Mrs Boo!!!!!!
You really should try some of their sweet music...... While you're there you can sign up for some of their free cd's!!!!
Donna

2007-07-15T06:30:00.001-06:00

Hello!!
I'm the long lost blogger!!! Its been a little hectic around here,but I think its starting to calm down some. We made a flying trip to Mountain View yesterday to take our grand-daughter home.
I wish they lived closer, its over a 100 miles both ways. I do all the driving and I have to stop a lot.
I have arthritis in my back and sitting to long kills me.
Now on to other things.......
This is Luci.. while I'm combing her hair after a bath, hubby is outside trying to round up 2 rowdy boys to get in the bath.
Please don't look at my junked up bookshelf....I'll get to it sometime soon.
The blackberrys are about gone now but I did get a few. I almost missed them, I wish I had gotten more. In the picture above, thats a quarter laying beside the berry. These are called Logan berry's. They are a lot bigger than blackberries but taste the same. I made jam with the first berrys I picked (seeds in). Diane will use this to make Mom's jam cake for Christmas. I ended up with 5 pints,and 10 half-pints. I use the smaller jars so it doesn't stay in the fridge to long. I also make grape, plum and strawberry freezer jam. So I don't want a lot of open jellies in the fridge.
Most everything is being harvested now, so I'll be doing some canning when I get off work. I also can homemade soup, and beans...ALL kinds of beans. I can greenbeans, dryed white beans, brown beans, butter beans , cranberry beans, navy beans, and kidney beans. I also put up kraut, cabbage, pickles, salsa, purple hulled peas, black-eyed peas, potatoes, roast, chicken, chicken and dumplings, and corn...... sweet and whole kernel. I also love the Boston baked beans in the Ball canning book. So I can these about 2 times a year. As you can tell, I've been a little busy.
I've also started a new job. I'm the new cook at a assisted living place. It's NOT a nursing home. These people are Mobil... They can come and go as they please. The cook they had was a fill-in. She cooked mostly from a can or it was frozen. I cook from scratch.
I cook for about 40 people a day...... I cook breakfast, dinner and start supper for the night crew. Friday we had chicken and rice, potato pancakes purplehulled peas,cornbread and bread pudding. I made 13 bean soup and cornbread and a cake for dessert.
I have a dishwasher or I couldn't do it. I also have lots of help from the staff and residents. Since they found out I really can cook, I have even more help in the kitchen!!! Tomorrow we are having roast-beef mashed potatoes and gravy,broccoli and cherry pie. I also have a pork roast out to do bbq on Tuesday.
I like my new job people, but I'll have to adjust to the new hours. I was working (old job) from 8 am till 2 pm. Now I'm working 6 am till 2pm...in another town. That means up at 4 am, leave the house at 5am to be there at 6 am..... I'm used to staying up till mid-night, this is a big change. I did it for years when I worked at Trumann.... but I got out of the habit. Plus who wants to cook all day then come home and cook.... but I can't let my family suffer because I'm cooked out. So, I need to sit down today and do some menu's, for home. Then latter today I have to shop for said menu's. I hate shopping, thats why I buy in bulk. Besides that, I buy that "stuff" then I don't know what I want..... nothing sounds "good". Ever done that? I bet you have.
Well its time to get Jon up for church, and the house is a mess. So you know what I'll be doing.
Everyone have a good day, and think of me once in a while :). I'll be having fun, doing what I do best ;).
Take care and God bless.
Donna

May I present Victoria Alexandria Cook

2007-06-30T20:36:00.001-06:00

Victoria looks a lot like our Daddy ;)

As promised here are pictures of our new grand-daughter. Victoria was born June 27th
at 10:22 pm.
6lbs 10 ozs 20 inches long. She has sable brown(almost black) hair past her collar in the back. Gail my DIL,went from dilated 5 to fully dilated in about 5 minutes.....There wasn't an epidural..LOL. She bit my son on the thumb during one contraction...LOL.....
He didn't see the humor in it...but We did..lol.
Miss Victoria joins her brother William and her Mom and Dad at home.
William is autistic..and rather a hand full. I know that I've been run off my feet since Wednesday.We also have our grand-daughter Luci here,My daughter Tammy is her mother.
I worked all day Wednesday.When I got off work at 2:00pm Luci and I went blackberry picking at a friends house on Crowley's Ridge.We picked(I) over a gallon of berries. The more Luci picked the blacker her mouth got...but she didn't have very many in her bucket hmmm.
She would pick a while then try to spit out the seeds.Our friend Mr Wilson taught her that, something she will show her Mom I'm sure.
When we came home we showered and went to boy scouts. We came home and I made 5 pints and 10 half pints of jam. I had just finished the last of it when the call came to come get William at the hospital. That was about 8:30 pm.
I arrived at the hospital about 9:30 or so... William and I waited in the waiting room and the baby was born at 10:22pm.. Not long at all.Gail had to stay in the hospital till this morning due to all the stitches she had to have. You may not can tell it but that baby girl came home in a 3 to 6 months onesie. She's not as tiny as she looks...and she had a 13 and a quarter inch head.(ouch!!) I know that newborn clothes are not on the list for this little girl ;).
Since Wednesday we've had a 5 yr old,a 4 yr old and a 11 yr old.+ The neighbors 2 little girls swimming,Jon's friends in and out here swimming also. I also have 2 incubators going, chickens in one turkeys in the other. If the chickens don't hatch this weekend I guess the thunderstorm killed them. Thunder rattles the eggs and kills the embryo. Several I've talked to have lost their chicks due to this. The turkey eggs have only been in for 2 weeks,so they missed the big thunder boomer.
I'd also like to pick more blackberries to make jelly,I don't care for the seeds in mine. Plus my DH have asked for a cobbler.That's not too much to ask after this last week believe me. But it was worth every minute to see that healthy little girl join this loud and loving family:) believe me. I thank the Lord for every minute of it.
Now this grandma and grandpa are tired.. so take care and God bless.
Donna

New baby!!!

2007-06-28T00:40:00.000-06:00

I'd like to announce the birth of my 5th grandchild a baby girl!!
She arrived June 27th at 10:22pm.
Name Victoria (haven't decided middle name) Cook
6lbs 10 oz, 20 inches long.
when I get pictures I'll post them, right now I'm a little busy ;).
One more day she would have been born on Mama's birthday:(.
Have fun everyone ;).

Blackberry time!!

2007-06-27T15:28:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone,I'll be back shortly. It's berry pickin time and egg hatching time too!!
When I get a minute I promise I'll post soon!!!
Don't get too hot and take care of yourselves!!
I'll be back!! Donna

Summer is here ya'll !!!

2007-06-02T21:52:00.000-06:00

(R) This ornery little bird is a barred tail woodpecker.About the time you take his picture,he turns upside down and shows you his behind....I wonder if he's telling us something...
(Double-click on pictures to enlarge).
(L) Tigerlillies are growling at my hollyhocks.
(R) Jasmine is smelling good too...
(L) My hollyhocks are blooming.
(R) Hubby and Jon taking life easy ;)
(L) What we put up last weekend.
(R) I don't know what this is but I like them.
(L) My climbing rose.
(R) This was our moon last week...
Left,Jon working on a old,old bike he bought.My old bike is behind him.My bike was given to me, it's about 50 years old!!!(like me)
The bird on right is a female hummer.
The photo on right is a young ruby throated hummingbird.
The pic,below is a goldfinch.On the left,baby cardinals.The nest is in a cedar tree,about 4ft off the ground.

I guess from my absence you can tell we've been
busy.Not so busy I couldn't take pictures though.
In the evenings we sit out in the front yard and watch the birds.Some of these I took
and some Hubby snapped.
The picture of the white cat is my baby Snowball. Poor baby is almost blind but he gets around good.He's broken his nose several times missing the doorways or running into closed doors.
Right now he wants outside to terrorize the birds, but the neighbors dog is loose so he just watches instead.This dog a lab,killed my old cat.
I didn't see him do it,but he did it. It was natural I know, but I still miss her.
Today Jon and I put 28 chicken eggs in the incubator.They are mixed eggs...bantys and mixed breeds.The rooster was a banty......so we'll see.LOL. I have a 12 x 12 x 6 foot dog pen in the fenced in backyard. I dug a trench and put the sides in it,then poured cement in it last summer.
The dogs can't get in, so now I only have to watch for possoms and snakes.Speaking of snakes.....
Jon and the dog found one today in the backyard. Jon yells "It a copperhead"!!!. I send him after the rake,and I go look at it....It's a little hog-nosed snake...completely harmless. I showed him how it "played" dead when threatened. Around here it has another name too, we call them spreading adders, because it flattens it's head like a cobra.I'll post pictures later if they turn out.
The rain we had last week is long gone.The next day the farmers were back in the fields,and dust was flying. The temperatures have been in the upper 80's and low 90's already.The humidity is outrageous, and allergies are going wild. The skeeters aren't too bad yet, but the flies are terrible. The no-see-ems (tree-mites) are awful this year too. I had on a white t-shirt and they were all over it.(they bite too).
Well it's very late here and I have a full day tomorrow. Have a good day all, and
don't forget to say "Hi" ya'll.
Enjoy the pictures everyone. Donna

My DNA........

2007-05-24T20:35:00.000-06:00

I got this over at KansasRose's. It seems pretty good to me!!
Thanks Jen!!!!!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

2007-05-20T10:13:00.000-06:00

How's everyone doing?
I've noticed no-one is posting regularly. I don't think our inner clocks have caught up with our outer clocks. In other words I'm not on day-light savings time yet. Here's what I've started doing:
When I get up I turn on the coffee pot and head for the nearest day-light.I'm resetting my inner clock. It has helped a lot. I have more energy now than I did,and I feel better. Now if I could only sleep more than 5 hours a night.
I worked all day yesterday putting carpet in my bedroom, it looks pretty good. I'll be posting a picture in the near future to show it and a surprise I found recently.
I won't be going to as many ball-games now, Jon has called it quits and I don't blame him. We spent half the night in the emergency room with him and he missed school the next day also.
These boys play fast pitch baseball. A ball hit Jon at the top of the shoulder and dislocated his arm.
This was enough to change his mind about the game.(and mine too). The arm popped back in,but we had to find out if anything was cracked or broken, so off to ex-ray we went. Nothing broken but badly bruised. Poor boy had the loveliest shades of black,blue and yellow I've ever saw. Now he wants to play football....LOL. ..... He's 11 years old,one of the smallest in his grade. He weights 65 pounds and wears a size 10 slim jeans...... And he wants to play football....
I don't think I can wrap my mind around that.
I have a few pictures I'll post today. We've had lots of flowers blooming and lot's of birds visiting.(and babies arriving).I'm doing a major clean-up in the house and yard. I did laundry yesterday and hung it on the line. It's just a busy time around here, and it's time I got started.
The only thing I've did today is clean the oven and the kitchen...... so it's back to the grind-stone. Have a good day and a good week... I'll to post more now we have NO MORE BASEBALL....
Take care friends.....

Remembering Mama

2007-05-13T20:07:00.000-06:00

Instead of putting up a post today,I spent it remembering Mama.
And all the fun and hurts growing up.
I love you Mama.
Jessie Lue Cook
June 28, 1929
April 13, 2005

My top 5 favorite blogs

2007-05-03T19:54:00.000-06:00

My friend KansasRose tagged me for this.
I have to pick 5 of my fav-or-rite blogs....This is almost imposable for me because, If your in my side-bar you are my favorite for a talent or just good reading. I have a soft-spot in my heart (or head) for each and every one of you.Without further ado,here are my picks.
(1) Diane @:Diane's Place http://lenadianejennings.blogspot.com.
Diane is one of my younger sisters and I love her dearly.She is very,very funny,and a GREAT read.She is very down-to-earth and a godly person.
Diane is extremely smart and devoted to her friends and family.I'm not saying this because I'm her sister,I would love her in spite of her hard head.(Cecil would be here too,if she'd post more)LOL

(2)KansasRose @ meadowrosewines. Jen would fit in with our family without any trouble at all. We share a love of family, the land,and home, and critters that are beyond understanding unless you feel the same. I love her devotion to her home and family,and her critters are out of this world. Jen works her fingers to the bone for home and hearth.
She loves cooking and sewing ,and gardening.What more could you want. Her big heart could hold this whole world if she could.
(3) Boomama@boomama.net/ This southern Lady can teach anyone to speak southern.
She will either have you laughing or crying,or laughing till you cry.Her god and family,and friends are in that order.But her son is is the sun and moon to her.Drop by and see her,you are bound to find something you like.
(4)Pea@peascorner.blogspot.com. Miss Pea is funny and speaks of daily life and a very good read. Her family is very important to her and it shows.The photo's she post are outstanding and she shows us life in Canada,in living color no less.LOL. Carole doesn't let life push her around and lives life to the fullest. Shes a good cook and house wife and I think she's great.
(5) This spot has 3 people in it.Barb@anewchelseamorning.blogspot.com
Barb does it all. I love to read her daily life.
Mountainmama@mountainmama-new.blogspot.com.Bev is a great grandmother and loves life. I respect her beyond believe.She is a lovely person and it shows.
Last but not least.Ann@ rocrebelgranny.blogspot.com.
Life has been harsh to this beautiful Lady,but she always comes back for more.My hat is off to you Ann.Your love for your husband and great grand children staggers me.If I could be there for you I would.You have a open heart and a open house.I think the world of you.
If I could pick a favorite place to live it would be in the Ozark Mountains. If I could pick my neighbors it would be ALL of you in my blog roll. I know there never would be a dull moment,and no-one would ever be hungry. I think the world of you.
Have a good week....my friends.

I found this at Kim's

2007-04-28T21:18:00.000-06:00

You Have A Type A- Personality
You are one of the most balanced people around
Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want
You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you.

When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back
Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love!
You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

What we been doing and other stuff

2007-04-25T19:39:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted much as you can tell. We have been really busy around here. Between boy scouts, baseball, laundry and housework........There just hasn't been a lot of extra time. I have been trying to read everyone,though I might not leave comments all the time.
We have a free weekend coming up,and the yard needs to be picked up and my flower bed planted. I bet it will rain......but maybe I can do some of it between showers.
Diane and I had a good time camping......except for the rude people across from us with the barking dogs and the yelling man. I yelled back once..he said he was sorry....I kept thinking, I know you are. There was 3 groups in one spot across from us. One group was in our spot till my husband told the man I had rented it. The gentleman was a little irritated that they had to move.
(member of the group across from us.) But we had fun in spite of them.)
Diane caught several large bream which we threw back. She will post pictures I'm sure. I only caught one small one,and the kids none. Jon climbed a dead tree and succeeded in breaking the limb he was on and every limb on the way down. It was so funny to hear the limb CRACK, and the screaming as he hit every limb only to have it break too....He wasn't hurt and he landed on his feet.
Diane cooked for us the first night, we had round steak, roasted potatoes and grilled mushrooms. All cooked on the grill.....Yummy too. For breakfast we had sausage,eggs and bread. Lunch was grilled burgers...all was very good.
Now on to the pictures of some roses and blueberries and other stuff....My grapes are leafing out again, I didn't lose all my blueberries after all and they are getting big too. Some will be ripe next month. My roses are blooming, not too well but they did survive. The fig isn't budding yet but it will. The peonies have buds on them so they made it.
We survived the camping with Luci only hooking herself twice,on the pants leg and on her back.
Jon trying to break down on dead tree. Diane and I wanting to shoot one irritating camper and lock up 2 barking dogs. And last but not least, we survived all the ball games and practice games, and cold windy nights and travelling we've had to do.
Have a great week everyone,enjoy all the camping and little league ball games while you can.
Donna

Jack Frost came here too, and other rambling

2007-04-11T18:23:00.000-06:00

i

My Fig tree... My Crepe Myrtle
My Azalea...It never got to bloom...
The Hosta is doing great though...
My Clematis is blooming it's little heart out too.
Jack Frost didn't get everything,my peonies are fine and so are my roses..They must be very tough.I'm hoping the grapes and blueberries are ok too...I can't tell yet.Blueberries are pretty hardy also.Most of my flowers are going to make it,but we sure were hurt by the cold weather and frost.I hope it warms up soon.
We were told tonight that 2, count that 2...camping trips are planned for later this month. Rain or shine:(. I don't mind a warm shower or a hot bath...But I can't stand cold wet rain going down my collar.When I get wet all over I want some soap and a towel, or I get very cranky...to put it mildly. I would hate to educate some of the troop leaders if it rains very hard...and I get cold...I have a car, and I know where home is...Thank you very much.
We've been getting some much needed rain here. I hope we have a spring this year,but the last several years we've went from 50 degree days to 90 degrees without warning. We are due some bad weather too. We had a fair summer last year and a couple of years before.But this year is starting out rough with a wide range of temperature's, that's not a good sign. I believe in signs, weather comes and goes in patterns.I watch these patterns and the signs are here for a summer of storms.
I've called Cecil several times over the last few days but I haven't heard from her.I hope she and B are ok...I imagine that things are still in a turmoil at their house. It was a terrible time for B and Cecil I know.
I'm going to stop rambling now, it's been a very long day...Take care my friends, and I hope your plants and tree's did better than our's.
Have a safe and warm week... Donna

Happy Easter!!!

2007-04-07T22:53:00.000-06:00

Last month Pea hosted a "Bunny Exchange" for Easter.My partner for this is a lovely
lady from Ca.If you get the chance please drop by and see prettylady21.blogspot.com.
Carmen took the time and found me some wonderful gifts.The Easter bunny sent me a pot-holder,a oven mitt,and tea-towel,and a cute little windup lilly that scoots around every where!!!LOLAnd also a little candle in a pretty tin ;D.It's all very pretty and I thank you Carmen ;D it's all GREAT!!
I want to take this time to wish everyone a Happy Easter.If you're on the road traveling,please be careful.I wish the weather was warmer...The eggs here are wearing special-designed over coats in many colors...can't have frozen yokes,you know..LOL.
I think I'll hide eggs in the living room if it's too cold.
Cecil hosted Jessica's baby shower today at church.About 30 or more people showed up.. and we had a blast :D Thanks Cecil..I'm posting a picture of the baby quilt I made for Little Miss Emmy,it's reversable..she gets tired of one side,just turn it over.
On a sad note,Cecil's MIL passed away this evening at 6:30pm.I'm sorry for the family,I'll pray that Cecil and Brian find comfort in their God and family.Brian,if you read this you know how sorry I am.
I hope you all have a great Easter,and stay warm!!
Donna

BTW,I though in a couple of pictures of Poinsett Lake too ;D.The top photo's are the quilt :)

I've been Critiqued!!!!

2007-04-05T18:42:00.000-06:00

I found this at Diane's Place,
So of course I wanted to see how I'd stack up.Not too bad...To be honest...my blog does need some help.I think Mr Bill McCaffery has a lot of good pointers for my blog.
I truly think you would benefit from a visit here.Everyone can take or leave his advise,myself...I think I will take it ;D.
I've been thinking about changing the color on here anyway.It is a little rough on my old tired eyes..LOL. Have fun with this and DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL!!!!.
Many Thanks Kind Sir.
Donna

This blog is only a few months old but by the looks at the comment sections it has alot of steady readers and popularity. I enjoyed reading through this blog with lots of good stories and photography. I am going to give my opinion and some constructive criticism. The blog is not complimented by the template you've chosen. The green is hard on the eyes. The blog has alot to offer in the content and I think if the template was softer it would jive better with the posting. Also it looks like you were experimenting with labels that are stuck at the bottom of the page and I am confused by the idiot report that is there. If you are going to keep a label section you might want to edit and move it to the sidebar. Other than that I think the blog is moving in the right direction and I truly enjoyed reading through it.

Spring has Sprung..

2007-03-31T18:50:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,I thought I'd share a few photos taken in our front yard today and yesterday.
I guess everyone knows by now that we love critters..ALL kinds of critters.We feed the birds and the squirrels.If you've been reading Susie's blog....you know you're gonna feed the squirrels anyway.LOL...We have suet hanging in the tree's,and mixed seeds on the ground for what-ever wants it.
I'm also gonna post a few pictures of my inside critters too.We have Patches..a calico about about 8 years old. Then theres Snowball, he's about 18 months old.When we open the cages,its not unusual to find Patches asleep int he bottom of the cage.The birds pay no attention to her.
I would have posted picures of the turtles but they are outside and it's late and wet out there.I have a 12 x 12 dog pen in our fenced in backyard,and thats where the turtles are.
As you can see we have all kinds of birds and squirrels here.One photo is of our dog Buttons,and Jon is spreading
birdseed under the oak tree.
The vines with the white blooms are dewberries.The
skinny looking tree with fruit on it are figs.Azaleas are
the pretty pink blooms.As you can see my roses are going to
bloom.The peach tree and the blueberries are in full bloom.
The picture of the broad-leafed plant by the fence is
poke-salad.
If you'll notice the brown on the ground and on some of
the plants,it's dead blooms from the oaktrees.Another
pictures shows the pine trees blooming.That is bothering a
lot of noses around here.All the cars had yellow all over them.
The bottom photo is of me,Jen our Prarie Farmeress was
kind enough to send me this beautiful " Aunt Bea" apron.
This apron will fit anybody,and keep the flour off my clothes
when I make bread.(As well as make me look good).LOL
Thanks again Jen, I love it!!!! I sent you a little something
yesterday.I hope you like it ;D.
Prettylady had my name for the bunny exchange,I recieved
yesterday.I'll post on it very soon....Thanks prettylady,I like
it a lot.I can't wait to show everyone ;D.
Thats about all for tonight folks....I'll try another post
tomorrow.Take care everyone and have a safe weekend.
The little bit of picture above is one of my roses,double click
on it to see it.Double click on all of them to inlarge.

Weekend at the Park.

2007-03-25T11:02:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,
Did ya'll miss me?I bet you never knew I was gone.....
I just got back from a boy scout camp out.We went out to Poinsett State Park and stayed 2 nights and one full day.Lake Poinsett State Park, isn't very big.But its full of surprises.
This was a Webelos only camp-out.Which means 10 or 11 year-olds only.Later we will have family outings so everyone can come.
Friday 5:00pm check in.
Set up tents and sleeping bags in assigned tent.
6:45 supper:which the adults cooked.Hamburgers and chips and drinks.
7:00 carry wood to fire rings.
7:15 play till 9:oo pm.
9:00 hike to bathrooms before tent time.
9:30 tent time.
9:30 to 10:00 pm quite talk till 10:00.
10:00pm to 7:00 am sleep time.
You know the adults don't sleep right away,they have to unwind.
Saturday the boy's planted bulbs and picked up trash till noon.
The park has an area that's just for the local boy scouts,We all stay free of charge any weekend we want.The boys pick up the trails as a way of thanking the park.Plus it teaches them also.
I love their motto,"Leave no trace".The last thing I want to see when I'm fishing or walking is someone else's trash.
The boys earned belt loops and badges for fishing and cooking also.We had a good meal cooked in a foil pouch last night,it was easy.I made my own and it was great!!!
take 2 layers of foil about 12 inches square,lay a hamburger patty,sliced potatoes and onions on top season.Then lay on the coals in a fire.Cook about 20 minutes and its done.Each boy chose what they wanted and an adult placed it in the fire.
This morning we had boil-in-baggie scrambled eggs and sausage and biscuits.Coffee for us orange juice or milk for the boys.Then we broke down camp and came home.
Now I have to clean out my car,its full of camping stuff and covered in pollen.Did I tell you the Oaks and Pine Trees are blooming?The pollen is so thick,you have to wash the wind-shield before you can see.This is NOT good for my nose,it tried to run off all weekend.But it was worth every minute of it.Because we had a blast....now I have to go back to work and rest up;D.LOL.
My hubby came out and took a few pictures I'll post at the side.Enjoy all. Click on title to see the park.....

This is news to me.....

2007-03-22T18:10:00.000-06:00

You scored as Judaism. Your views are closest to those of Judaism. If you are not a Jew, do more research on Judaism and possibly consider becoming one; however, realize that conversion to Judaism is difficult.

Judaism was the first of the Abrahamic faiths; it precedes both Christianity and Islam.

Judaism

75%

Christianity

67%

Hinduism

58%

Islam

42%

Buddhism

42%

Paganism

33%

Satanism

25%

agnosticism

atheism

Which religion is the right one for you? (new version)
created with QuizFarm.com

I knew I believed in The father the Son and the Holy spirit , but not exactly where I fit in....

What kind of horse are you?

2007-03-20T16:54:00.000-06:00

What breed of horse are you? Find out!
I got this from Prarie Farmeress

Spring is in the air...and in my yard.

2007-03-15T18:46:00.000-06:00

I went out today in the back yard armed with our camera.I found several signs of spring and wanted to share them with friends that are still stuck in the ice-age.
The hyacinths are the giant variety.They are any where from 12 to 18 inches tall. I received them in a Valentines flower arrangement about 7 or 8 years ago.When they were thru blooming I planted them in the back yard.
Next on the list is my blueberry bushes. I planted them in 1994 and 95. I usually have enough for all the sisters and fill my freezer up too.I also share with a few friends.One year I picked till I got tired,then let the birds finish rest.My freezer couldn't hold anymore and no one wanted to pick them.(that was before they went up to $2.99 a quart).I lost one of my bushes and replaced it last fall, it looks like a baby beside the other ones..LOL. I also noticed the fig tree is budding out.I hope it doesn't get frost-bite....it won't hurt the blueberries.
I'm still fighting the cold thats going around..but so is everyone else...it does like to linger.I hope everyone is having a good week....This waitress is tired and I'm going to look for a real hot bath...to soak my feet in ya know?LOL
Have a good week and enjoy the pictures...I think spring fever is getting to everyone.

2007-03-10T01:16:00.000-06:00

I "borrowed" this from Ozark Sew and Sew's

I'm a Ferrari 360 Modena!

You've got it all. Power, passion, precision, and style. You're sensuous, exotic, and temperamental. Sure, you're expensive and high-maintenance, but you're worth it.

"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

2007-03-09T14:41:00.000-06:00

I "borrowed this from Pea ;D.Thanks Pea!!!!!!

Your Irish Name Is...

Sinead Fitzpatrick

What's your Irish Name?

On the road again

2007-03-03T18:40:00.000-06:00

Little Luci. Diane w/Baby Jessica;D

As most of you know Diane is with Baby Seth and his parents this weekend.Mikki had to make another trip to the Dr yesterday.Her blood-pressure is still up...So they have to change her medication,and there will be no breast-feeding.It was decided that this would be better for Mama and Baby.It's not determined what might get into the breast milk so to be safe ,to the bottle we will go.
From my understand ing,Seth doesn't like to wait for his food:D...and he doesn't like his diaper changed either....and makes it well known..LOL..He promptly wets on any unlucky soul who changes him..LOL. Anyone who has a boy can tell you this.Stand to the right when changing boys...It's safer.Other than this...ALL IS WELL.
Aunt Diane is basking in being a (Great) Aunt ...and Mikki is talking about moving her in...Forever....NOT!!!!.
I think its the new mother fear,but she'll be a old hand before you know it.I think we all mothers and father go thru this.Then we get used to it.
Now to our bunch..My daughter is going home this weekend and the Grand-daughter is going with her.I'm sure she is excited to about going to school in their small town.I know she will miss her friends here...but she'll love there I know.
I'm sure she'll be back this summer for swimming and camping and all.Her Pop will see to it;D
We spent all afternoon at the Boy Scouts..The Pine Wood Derby was today.Jon didn't win,but he did place.We had fun watching the kids and seeing all the cool car's.
I think I'll go thru some of my old recipe books.I have a friend that sent me a WAY COOL Apron and some delish jelly too;D .Thanks Jen:D. I think I have some old...OLD recipes she would like.I know we have some of Mom's she would like.
I'm gonna go now and make me some hot tea,for my cold you see.When I talk to Diane again I'll post again.Have a good week-end all., and GOD BLESS.

Wecome to the Party

2007-03-02T18:42:00.000-06:00

Come on in,make yourself at home.I think you'll like it here in Arkansas.
My name is Donna,sister to Diane and Cecil.I have a lot of interests,from cooking,fishing,camping,sewing,and quilting.Just to name a few....
My job isn't glamorous,but I like it.I'm a waitress by choice,I like meeting people and this is one way to do this.Another thing this does is keep me in touch with what goes on in our town.
So come on in and set a spell...I'm sure diane and Cecil will show up shortly.I'd like for you to meet them too.I'll make some homemade biscuits and get out the butter,and some of the Damson plum jelly I made last summer...It sure is good on these cold days:) So be welcome....

Times they are achanging

2007-02-24T20:08:00.000-06:00

I had plans this weekend,but thanks to the storms I'm at home(pout). As you know Cecils and my b-day was Monday.I wanted to take Jon shopping today,then go eat out tonight.But due to a change in the weather,we had to stay home.
For some reason our storm season is now anytime of the year.When we were growing up we had snow in the winter,in April we had showers,in May we had flowers.In the summer we had storms or rain every 2 or 3 weeks.
Now we have storms at anytime,floods instead of showers and cold in May.We no longer have a spring,it's either cold or hot.In the fall we have more of the same.
The local news tonight,a small town called Dumas was hit by a tornado or a very strong storm,they aren't sure which.No one was hurt at least.Someone bigger than us was watching over this town.
When Jon and I were shopping it started hailing when we were in the store.The people were going crazy.Their car's were getting hit(oh my).I say the heck with car's.......What about the people out in it,or the animals?Something seems a little wrong with this picture......
Since when did possession's become more important than people or animals?
The world is changing and I don't like it.Since I'm not ready to leave this world.....I'll do my best to change my part of it.
Most of you know that I'm a waitress at a local restaurant.I see a lot of people there that are lonely.I know because they spend a lot of time away from home.I try to speak to each one when they come in the door where I work.I want them to know I see them and know they are there.
It keeps me smiling and makes them smile too.This is what we're missing today.
What ever happened to knowing your neighbors,and the kids playing at home or down the street.We always knew if we did something wrong that Mama would know before we got home,and we'd better tell her before she asked.
What happened to us that we are afraid to correct our kids,because someone would call the police if we do.I knew growing up that if I did something wrong in public,I got a spanking in public.I learned my lesson a lot quicker too believe me.I never hated my parents or the neighbors or my teachers in school.
I'm not talking about beating a child,I'm talking about a swat on the behind or a swat on the hand.It might hurt your pride for a while but you remembered it longer.
I want to know if the kids that are taking guns to school were corrected at home or just heard,I quote"You know you shouldn't do that",In a whinny voice I might add.I have saw toddlers and young children slap their mothers in the face and scream at them.The parent would say (above quote).I've seen 11 -13 year old kids get down in the floor and have kicking and screaming fits when they don't get what they want.
We as parents are not teaching our kids to control themselves.The kids are controlling the parents nowadays.Its because a very small group of educated people have decided that spanking a child causes mental problems as an adult.I personally think they are the ones that need a trip behind the woodshed.I think the world would be a better place.We all need reminded that we all answer to someone when we do wrong.....if not in this life then later on.
I guess I've rambled on enough for one night,and I realize a few people will not agree with me.
But you better look around people,for times are achanging.Not necessarily for the better.

This picture is of our momma,she was about 13 at this time.
It was taken at a carnival,we still have one every August.Right after school starts.....

Sorry,I didn't mean to rant and rave.....

We are Birthday Girls..

2007-02-18T20:15:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd take walk down memory lane today.After all it is Cecil's and my Birthday;).
53 years ago today I started giving Mama a hard time.
I was her first child born in a hospital,the others were born at home.Mom was sick a lot with me,
in more ways than one.I'm sure she had the usual morning sickness and all that.But she also had to have gallbladder surgery when she was 6 months along with me.
Mom told me when I was born,I was long and skinny and looked like a little old man.How's that for a ego trip?It wasn't long till I turned into a skinny little tom-boy:).But not until I had every childhood disease that was going around.She said I had everything in a row.I had Big red measles,little red measles,chicken pox and strep at the drop of a hat.
The only thing I didn't get was the mumps...........I never had them,never been vaccinated against them,don't want them either.
I would have posted baby pictures of Cecil and I,but we don't have any.The picture (R) is of Mom on left (me)and grandma(Moms mother).Taken about 1958 or 59.I remember it was early spring.
The other picture is of Grandma,Susie,Ducky,(me)in grandma's lap,and our cousins from St.Louis.It was 1961 or 62,I know it was summer.
About a year or so latter Mom forgot what caused baby's and Diane came a long.Now i wasn't the only child with a odd birthday:).I turned 9 in February and Diane was born October 23,1963.
Our older sister's were born November 3rd, 1949(Susie) and 1951(Ducky). This was when I found out I wasn't the baby anymore.I was very disappointed.But I got over it.
Till about 16 months later,That's when Mama gave me Cecil.I wanted a cake...not a baby.I decided that (1) baby's woke me up at night,(2) you couldn't play with them,if you set it down it would fall over and make a lot of racket.(3)they smelled good after a bath,but if they stated grunting and get red in the face...they didn't smell good very long....
Top it all off........my older sisters started getting married.THEN......THEY started having babies too.....Then not too many years down the road I started a family of my own...I had a son at 17,and a daughter at 22.
Like a lot of marriages in the 70"s and 80"s, it just didn't work.I won't go into detail,because I don't want to bore anyone.
I was divorced for 5 years and before I married again. This one has lasted.We've had our ups and downs and our in and outs.We've both lost our parent's in our 19 years together,we have watched our kids get married,have kids,get divorced.Get married and above all give us grand kids that we love dearly.You know,we used to be the young generation,now we are the older generation.
I was lucky in my 53 years.I got to see Joe(Diane)and Cecil(Lisa) be babies,grow up and now Diane is gonna be grandma,and Cecil a doting aunt.If we're lucky we'll be around to see Emmy(Jessica) and Seth(Danny and Mikki) and my newest grandchild(don't know what sex yet)grow up and bless this family too.Just like Diane and Cecil did;)
BTW,I want to Thank Pea for the special birtday wishes she posted for me.It means a lot to me that someone I have would do this for me;)THANKS PEA(HUGS). I also want to Thank my friends and family here and at home for stopping bye and calling,it means a lot to be so loved:).
Ya'll have a good Monday.I know I will.......Febuary 19,2007

This is cool....

2007-02-13T21:00:00.000-06:00

You Are 84% American

You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges.

Tough and independent, you think big.

You love everything about the US, wrong or right.

And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you!

How American Are You?

I'm a Donut!!!

2007-02-13T19:58:00.000-06:00

You Are a Boston Creme Donut

You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you.

But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft.

You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily.

You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

What Donut Are You?

2007-02-11T11:10:00.000-06:00

Get your own valentinr

How's this for mixed up?LOL

2007-02-10T13:29:00.000-06:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

70% General American English

15% Dixie

10% Yankee

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

zztop's little piece of heaven

The reason for the season!!

New post.

Rest in Peace Buttons.

Owls

I'm not dead....

Festival on the Ridge

Still moving....

A houseful of fun.

More pictures

Ice Storm!!!! *Update* Pictures*

Arithritis and work.....

Not a lot happening here2.

Nothing happening here....

We went camping!!!!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!

Lets go back in time........(Warning long post)

Just really busy....

Applesauce applebutter

Labor Day

Working Woman again!!!

New jobs!!!

I got an award!!!!

Applebutter

Family Pictures

Big DadGib is spreading the news...

An Award for me and You!!!

Bread and cake

Jelly, rambling, and bird watching.

This weeks happenings........

Here's a few pictures taken this weekend.

Happy 4th everyone!!

Blackberry jelly(and blogger woes)

Making jelly and canning!!!

a new meme(from Dianes of course)

Weddings..

A meme got it over at Dianes....

Please help the children.....

We are alive...I think ;)

The flu....

Tornado pictures...The aftermath.

Thanks Everyone for the B-day wishes!!!

I missed my blogaversary!!!!

Got this over at Barbs!!!

Long lost blogger...

School...

Wedding Bells...

Guess what I did January 1st 1993...

Merry Chrismas to all, and to all a good night!!!

A little test I took...just for fun :)

George Franklin Cook

Still in the land of the living :)

I got this over at Anita's!!!!

What I am thankful for.

Whine fest...I've been very busy too..

I've been tagged again, in the 2 for 2 meme!

The Meme thing...

Middle Name Meme!!!

I've been tagged (again) By KansasRose.!!!

Goodies from PrairieRose!!!!

I've been tagged!!!

Hot and Dry!!!

Nice Matters!!!

Nothing happening here....

So sorry I've been away so long...

Free coffee ya'll!!!

Monk and Neagle !!!!!!!

May I present Victoria Alexandria Cook

New baby!!!

Blackberry time!!

Summer is here ya'll !!!

My DNA........

Remembering Mama

My top 5 favorite blogs

I found this at Kim's

What we been doing and other stuff

Jack Frost came here too, and other rambling

Happy Easter!!!

I've been Critiqued!!!!

Spring has Sprung..

Ice Storm!!!! Update Pictures*