..we should not call anything trouble which brings to pass good..

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Shanda

“I am anxious, and it soothes me to express myself here. It is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.” —Mina Murray in her journal

Sunday morning. I had considered going to my parent’s house for the day as it was only an hour and a half drive from where we were in Pennsylvania. But I was suffering with a cold and we decided to stay where we were. Grace showed us a nice coffee shop and the three of us had breakfast together there.

We spent the rest of the morning at a bookstore and Grace bought a journalling Bible with a beautiful cover and nice wide margins for her thoughts.

She was craving macaroni and cheese for lunch and we went to Ruby Tuesdays.

By this time, Joanna’s family was back from church and she was able to meet us with her daughter.

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I love her.

Joanna took Sarah along home with her. Grace and I went to the hotel to get her things so she could do homework at Aunt Joanna’s house. And then we spent the rest of the afternoon until bedtime with them. It was as cozy as could be with all the family and me and my two girls all together in the cozy kitchen, dining room, and living room. We had delicious Dominoes pizza for dinner.

We love to exchange our big journals and look through them as we visit. Joanna’s journal is big and heavy and full of quotes, pictures, found papers, and art. Coco stayed by us and was inspired enough to get up and find things to glue into her first journal.

((red shoe))

Inspiration, Idea, Execution (the top corner of her journal shows a picture of how she came up with the art on the wall—her own photography))

(green page)

(brown)

(old recipe)

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(photo by Jo)

“Some may say [journal keeping] is a great deal of trouble. But we should not call anything trouble which brings to pass good. I consider that portion of my life which has been spent in keeping journals and writing history to have been very profitably spent. If there was no other motive in view [except] to have the privilege of reading over our journals and for our children to read, it would pay for the time spent in writing it.” —Wilford Woodruff

“Never forget that writing is as close as we get to keeping a hold on the thousand and one things — childhood, certainties, cities, doubts, dreams, instants, phrases, parents, loves — that go on slipping, like sand, through our fingers.” —Salman Rushdie

walking in the woods

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Shanda

***

We decided to go on a family walk through the woods. Rich had to caution Seth several times because a broken collar bone doesn’t slow him down anymore. Gentleman Gray made us all happy by coming along with us and being a funny cat. We followed the trail. David brought one of his sharp knives which gave me anxiety about someone getting accidentally cut but all in all it was a nice little walk.

***

This morning I almost forgot to get David and Caleb to their physicals. I had just enough time to shower, go get them from school, and take them. They are old enough that I sit in the waiting room. The nurse took them back first to get their weights and heights, and check their ears and eyes, then she took them back to the doctor. She returned to the waiting room to tell me, “I just love your boys, I had to tell you, they are such good boys.” Of course this made me proud and happy so when David came out, done with his appointment first, I told him what she said. “I’m sure she was referring to ME,” he said with his nose in the air. “I’m sure you’re right,” I said rolling my eyes. “You gave birth to warriors.” he continued………. (I really gave birth to funny people)

***

I found several good recipes in the Family Circle magazine while I waited in the doctor’s office. I took pictures of them; Roasted Kale and Butternut Squash, Pork with Cauliflower and Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and Jamaican Coconut Collard Greens. I’m trying to eat lots more fruits and veggies. I had a smoothie for breakfast; canned organic pumpkin, ice, milk, frozen banana, cinnamon and nutmeg. YUM

***

I need to get myself organized for Thanksgiving dinner, which I am preparing this year for my family. One good thing is that I’ve done it enough to know what I’m doing. I just have to get that big grocery shopping trip done. What are your plans for the day?

***

The first photo is of *the first ice of the season*, which is always celebrated, on the stream. The children said it looked “like South America.” Sarah has been going outside every day to skate around on a frozen puddle at the end of the yard.

***

Rich is working late tonight. David has already told me he wants to make dinner; spaghetti with meatballs. And no doubt we will watch some of Monday night football.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

for the children

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Shanda

A wickedly lovely Halloween to you and you and you. . . . . .

I asked Sarah if she was a little witch today and she said, “You can be the witch. I will be your cat.”

Therefore, I’m snuggled on the couch with a Sarah-cat on one side and a real-cat on my lap. The real-cat is not Black. When I ordered him from my Witch-Supplies Catalogue, I was certain I had checked off “Midnight Black”, but when he arrived he was as gray as the most foggiest of dismal mornings, but otherwise the very best witch’s cat companion as could be, so we kept him of course.

The sun is slowly coming up in a cloudy sky, clouds as gray as my gray cat.

Spooky beings fly by the house, not on brooms, but in cars.

It’s scary out there.

But the most scariest of all??????

No school for my little offspring. “BOOoooooooo” they cry.

The weather was positively scary on Sunday night, the wind moaned and pushed, and as tree-pruning by wind power is most unpredictable, the roads are covered in debris— no school Monday or Today.

*********

So I write with inky words, the tale of Aunt Amanda-Witch’s Halloween Party.

Aunt Amanda-Witch

She isn’t scary ALL the time, just some of the time.

She planned and she planned, she visited a few stores and bought supplies 70 percent off! Good witches always spend their money wisely.

She set to work, happily making her party as nice as she could, and invited good little girls and boys to attend a most wonderful party. Good witches work hard and shower children with love.

A Black, Red Eyed Rat

ready to bite anyone who went upstairs.

Gorgeous light, draped in the blackest netting……….

The table was set with skeleton cups from the dollar store, pumpkins, black garland over a sparkly gold table runner, orange pumpkin paper plates. . . . . .

Cobwebs completed the look.

“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.”
— Charles R. Swindol

“The soul is healed by being with children.”
— Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“I added touches of sparkles–they always pop at a party–and the kids love the little details, too.”

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These spiders could be clipped on anything and were a favorite item from Michael’s. She found most of her decorations at Michael’s and Dollar General. She bought the spray paint (must be oil based so it sits on the water for the hydro-dipped pumpkins) and the piñata from Walmart.

Come to the party, four o’clock on Saturday, said the invitation sent by Magical Text Messaging.

The children had so much fun! They hit a piñata, and either carved or painted their pumpkins.

Aunt Amanda-Witch thought of everything, she had even researched Youtube for exciting ways to paint the pumpkins. Search HYDRO-DIPPED pumpkins and MELTED CRAYON pumpkins.

And then there was a boys against the girls Bobbing for Apples contest!

They ate donuts off strings!

There was also Halloween music playing (iTunes kid bop Halloween), a cheerful campfire, string of lights, and yummy s’mores for when it became dark outside.

And a very spooky menu:

Mummy Hot Dogs
Veggie Skeleton
Ghost Fruit Kabobs
Zombie Boogers
Mummy Mini Pizza
Deviled Spider Eggs
Spooky Jello Jigglers
Dirt Worm Cups
Apple Cider with Eyeball Ice

At the end of the party, each guest received a special gift bag to take home, along with a caramel apple and their pumpkin.

Aunt Amanda-Witch and her husband Uncle Jason-Warlock really outdid themselves with this special party. The children absolutely LOVED it. When we had to leave, Sarah ran and frantically questioned Aunt Amanda-Witch if she was going to give any more parties sometime. I think Aunt Amanda Witch should consider a side-job in party planning, don’t you?

What we remember from childhood
we remember forever —
permanent ghosts,
stamped, inked,
imprinted, eternally seen. ~Cynthia Ozick

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beavers near my house

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Shanda

The woods have been extra interesting lately with revived beaver activity near our place. Did you know that beavers are huge rodents? Yes indeedy, and they are on my list of “favorite animals”. How could anyone be afraid of a beaver or upset by a beaver? They are practically harmless. They’re too busy working to be a bother to anyone. After you see a photo of a baby beaver you’ll never be the same again. Those tails!

Anyone walking on our street could see the new beaver dam that I first noticed last week. It’s where the stream goes under the road, so obvious. It must be a favored spot because I remember years ago they made one in the same location, and the town dug it out. Consequently, if I hear a loud truck these days, I run to the window and look to see if the town is digging the dam out of the stream like they did last time, with my heart filled with fears and woe. I imagine all the work that the beavers put into their dam, all the gatherings of twigs, branches, grasses, stones, and mud. Everything gathered and collected by a large rodent! Imagine!

Here is the most precious sight; of a lone stone on top of the dam, placed oh so carefully by a beaver.

Well, and then I discovered ANOTHER ONE, this one is deeper into the woods in a place where no heavy truck or digging equipment can go. My heart is lighter as I ponder the beavers that live near my house.

*******

This morning I was cleaning the kitchen and there was a pot of burnt peas in the sink. They were burnt because Sarah and I were sewing pants for her doll and forgot about the peas. (True story) So I left them in the sink until this morning, and then I walked them to the chicken coop. Chickens are partial to burnt peas. Then I continued on my way, looking at how the ponds were filled up nicely after two days of rain. When I got to the stream I could hear the beaver again. Oh joy! It was about 8 am in the morning. I rushed to the house to get my camera, a towel to sit upon, a breakfast in a sandwich bag consisting of cheese, raw mushrooms, and trail mix, and I also put on a pair of jeans because I was still in my pajamas. Then I went down and sat. Very soon I heard a loud splash and then another one. Dang, I thought. There are at least two and they know I’m here. I sat and sat. Then, finally my dreams (beaver dreams) came true. I saw the first one. I saw the second one. And then, one more.

The third one allowed me to take its photo.

It was very hard, as it was behind branches and leaves, but I did the best I could.

It was silent the entire time. Silkily silent.

“A beaver’s forepaws are quite dexterous. They can fold individual leaves into their mouths.” Backyard and Beyond by Edward Duensing

gliding through the water….see the glimpse of the famous tail?

I encourage each and every one of you to visit your local library, go to the children’s section, and find every book you can about the beaver and check them out. Read them this weekend, look at photos that are actually clear and nice, and be amazed by this animal.

Oh I forgot to mention that this morning I also found their lodge. It’s by the stream under the old dead pine tree on our property. The first two beavers I scared ended up swimming toward the lodge and then they dived under the water to “go home and hide”, from me, presumably.

I found the perfect place to sit and stalk them, so conveniently at the bottom of our lawn, on a bank in the briars near the pond. No one can see me. I just have to remember to shut the dog in the house or he will stand and bark and scare everything away.

In fact, as I write this, I am filled with longing to throw the computer aside and run back down there. Typing as fast as I can…….

After many photo attempts, this one also eventually vanished under the water to the lodge. “Goodbye for now” I said. I sat for a little while longer and then got up as I was freezing in certain areas, namely my behind, hands, and nose. I ended up walking down the edge of the stream, through the woods to the bird forest, through the dam field, into the woods again, across the rushing stream (very exciting) back across the field, down the little dirt road to the main road, and up it to home again.

I finished cleaning my kitchen and then had time to blog.

I saw this sweet bird and several more just like it. Autumn is nice because everything is going to seed, there are berries, too, and the bird activity increases as they fly about looking for food.

See the spot of yellow?

I discovered a crab apple tree. They were at the end of their peak but maybe next year I can harvest some and make jelly. I did eat one. . . . .it was nice and tart.

reflections in the water

One last beaver quote:

“When alarmed, a beaver dives under water, its tail slapping the surface as a warning to other beavers. But in sum, beavers live unhurried lives.”

Ah, we can learn from the beaver, can’t we?

sarah’s hair

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Shanda

Everyone knows that one of the many job descriptions of “MOM” is “HAIR STYLIST” whether she wants to be or not, it’s inevitable.

As I look through the recent photos I have taken with my phone I see a theme developing. It all started on Monday night when my young daughter/hair client came to me with a case of the grumps AND tangles.

“Get a brush, Sarah, and I’ll brush your hair nice and soft,” I said.

I brushed and brushed and she just loved it. It was very relaxing to sit and have a super wonderful mom hair stylist gently brush her long hair.

I admired how pretty it was, clean and sweet smelling, with little waves and a variety of color, everything from blond to dark brown.

I took a picture to show her how long it was getting.

I held up the blondest piece and the brownest piece and took another photo. I even called Rich over to look, “Rich, look how pretty Sarah’s hair is.”

We remember when she was a toddler and she was practically bald, it took years for her to get any length to speak of. In fact, her siblings called her “Baldo” now and then.

Sarah went to bed that night feeling much better.

The next evening after school she walked over to me and raved, “Moooooooom, Ariana came to school today with bluuuuuuuuuue hairrrrrrrrrrr.” Sarah had been quite impressed by it. I knew what was coming….sure enough, I found her five minutes later, digging through the crayons looking for her hair chalk that we bought a couple years ago. “I found it! Can you put blue and pink in my hair before school tomorrow?”

“Only if you pay me in a five minute hug, a happy smile, and a kiss on the cheek.”

(A good hair stylist ALWAYS prices her services accordingly.)

Naturally I had to take a photo to show my youngest client her hair and to make sure it was just what she desired. I only get paid if it’s done right. “It needs a little more blue, please.” I colored a few more streaks and off to school she went.

When she came back home, I noticed the pony tail was out and her hair was all over the place again. She and her brothers grabbed a snack and then ran next door to play with the neighbors.

About 45 minutes later, the Dad next door came to the house with Caleb by his side and Sarah walking a few steps behind looking distressed, with her hand on her head. They stopped to explain what had happened but Sarah kept going into the bathroom. I noticed a long piece of hair in Brian’s hand. “I was in the house when the boys came running to tell me that Sarah needed help. She was on the swing and her hair was caught in the chain. I got her all untangled but……yeah, she has a little bald spot on the top of her head now.”

Brian and Caleb left to go back next door and I reminded Caleb to come home in 10 minutes for dinner…………

Then I turned to go check on Sarah’s hair. I may or may not have been laughing. I encouraged her that it really wasn’t that bad and I knew just how to fix it so no one would know. Soon she was happily playing on the kindle with her hair brushed back into a pony tail, with lots and lots of hair spray in front.

(As this was a true need, I didn’t request payment.)

Here is a photo of Sarah’s bald spot before school this morning, right before her most talented hair stylist worked on it.

And here is a photo of her happy smile afterwards; priceless.

home happenings

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Shanda

Good morning! It’s good to be home, my children are home…..for it’s Columbus Day.

“One misty moisty morning, when cloudy was the weather……”

That’s us this morning, rainy and cloudy, cozy and cool inside, oh so beautiful outside.

The colors are always so vivid with a washing.

EVERYTHING outdoors is covered in a fine coating of dew. My camera lens instantly fogged up, making a lovely “filter” for these orange flowers in the garden.

I wanted to show you the trenches in the lawn. Rich wants to heat the garage with propane and I said, “Only if you bury the tank.”

We are also having the upstairs bathroom remodeled and it is currently gutted down to the bare boards.

Seth and Caleb both had a game this weekend, and as their parents we were so very proud of them but alas both teams suffered losses this time. And as it was damp and a little drizzly, we spent most of Seth’s game sitting in the truck. The weather for Caleb’s game was nice so we sat in our chairs, side by side, while Seth, Sarah and David ran around and played with their friends. I ate TERRIBLE yesterday……not only a dunkin donut but also a reeses pb cup. My chin feels a little extra dumpily today. But oh, so good.

After Caleb’s game, Rich went right down to wait for his son, ready to comfort and encourage after a tough loss.

“The gardener knows the seasons better than other people, for he tells time by Nature’s world, by what the garden yields each week or month. It has given us a purposeful feeling to complete the cycle, to know the beginning and the end.” ~Home Gardener’s Cookbook

I found this 1974 vintage cookbook/gardening book recently. It made a pleasant “porch read” this weekend while sitting in my rocking chair. (Along with the book Gentleman Gray used as a pillow). Always have to be reading…..how about you? Any engrossing recommendations?

This morning was an excellent morning for muffins. And so,

(yes I gave him one)

“Mom, these muffins are GOOD!” ~Seth
“EVERYTHING Mom makes is good!” ~Caleb
“Thank you, boys!” ~Mom

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cobwebs

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Shanda

I went out the door this morning to sweep a little pile of cat puke off the porch and noticed how lovely it was what with the fog as thick as pea soup.

So I put the broom away, dusted off the camera, and ambled a bit.

top-heavy sunflowers

I didn’t know it yet but these cobwebs were a foreshadowing of things to come. . .

(namely, this blog post)

And it came to pass. . . . . that nature was getting ready for halloween a month early.

S P I D E R W E B S

It’s a good year to be a spider, a population explosion, lots of neighbors, no loneliness.

Perhaps a shortage of meals, however.

perfect works of wonder

And dew-bright webs festoon the grass
In roadside fields at morning. ~Elizabeth Akers

spooky cat

“I come to the garden alone….while the dew is still on the….cobwebs….”

“Perhaps no structure made by a creature lower than man is so exquisitely perfect as the orb web of the spider.” Anna Comstock

ordinary morning, I love you

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Shanda

Exciting!

We have three black swallowtail chrysalises in our butterfly nursery and the first one emerged today and unfolded its wings.

“I think this is how we’re supposed to be in the world
~present and in awe.” Anne Lammott

homemade rolls, warm from the oven

There’s the pretty-pretty pinterest way (which I love)….and then there’s the “I took old bread down to the chickens and used the empty bag to gather the eggs” way. (which I also love).

Happy Monday, friends.

You are loved. 🙂

It’s ordinary to love the beautiful,
but it’s beautiful to love the ordinary.

snippets

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Shanda

Dryer is humming.

Lights are on; it’s 5:30, very gloomy, and raining.

When cars go by they splash up rain off the road, a lovely sound.

I made chicken and dumplings for dinner.

Seth got mad at Sarah because she started to give him a candy and then took it back.

The coffee table is covered in books and toys.

I finished a book today, and started another.

Sarah acted so guilty as she walked by me that I asked her what she had in her hands. It was a package of crackers, a package of fruit snacks, and a granola bar. “I’ll drink some water after.”

Caleb watched numerous youtube videos of football clips when he got home from school.

Seth liked dinner for the second day in a row and gave me a hug. “I’m on a roll this week,” I tease. “You’ve been on a roll with me since I started eating your dinners,” he replies.

I tried calling Rich but he didn’t answer and then he called me back later to make sure everything was okay. Practice is cancelled so he might take the boys for haircuts later.

I took David to the orthodontist this morning, and then drive-thru breakfast.

Then to high school—–HIGH SCHOOL!

I found a vintage fiesta teacup (no saucer) for 50 cents today.

I took a newly hatched butterfly outside.

Seth and Sarah are busy running a bath, for their stuffed animals.

This was after I said “no” to washing the cat.

They are calling it the Shower Pet Shop.

There is a pile of shoes and backpacks by the door.

Mail on the counter.

I heard from Grace today, briefly; she had a quiz in math.

And Ethan got an “A” on a paper. He had interviewed his Dad about being a Manager.

Rich says it’s his first college “A”.

I think Caleb fell asleep in his room.

I know David did. I took his picture.

I normally don’t allow 5:30pm naps.

But today it just seems right.

adventure

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Shanda

We are leaving to take Grace to college on Friday morning. Jacob will be coming home this weekend while we are gone, to pick up Ethan and take him back to college with him. So we are savoring the last week at home before a very busy weekend.

I’m sitting cross legged on the couch, still in my pajamas. The kids are playing a game and Parker the dog is stretched out next to me, snoring. Gentleman Gray is grooming himself on the end table.

We had rain in the night. The outdoors is fresh and clean and the sun is shining bright. I ate a piece of pie out on the porch and watched the morning birds fly about. I saw a hummingbird chase around a titmouse and a bee sipping nectar from a flower in my garden.

I recently made a pound cake and it turned out so good I thought I would share the recipe. Click HERE for a yummy Vanilla Bean-Brownie Ripple Pound Cake from Southern Living. And it used up five eggs so it was a winner in every way. (I’m always looking for recipes that use up the eggs from our flock of 14 hens).

I quartered some baby potatoes and fried them with an onion and some peppers. When they were done, I made a spot for four eggs and cooked them with the lid on until they were just soft in the middle but not gooey in any way (I hate runny eggs). It was a delicious breakfast and so easy.

I was gazing at the monarch caterpillars when I saw Gentleman Gray trot by the window with a frog in his mouth, legs every which way.

Cats are funny.

Ethan spent over an hour yesterday morning learning a new song on the guitar.

It was like he couldn’t stop, he was so focused.

Why yes, she WAS singing “Do you Want to Build a Snowman?”

Caleb got his summer reading assignment done.

Grace and Tessa worked on a puzzle.

Watching a movie with the kids (Lego Batman).

The two swallowtail caterpillars finally stopped eating and began the chrysalis stage. Instead of dangling like the monarchs do, they hang themselves under a stick using a loop of silk.

And then, like magic, they turn into something that looks just like a stick.

I recently got this at Goodwill. “Five little maidens out on the green, Happier maidens never were seen.”

legs

I have about 10,000 peaches to take care of thanks to our one and only tree being LOADED this year! (I made a pie yesterday).

YFUH3359

Grace and I finally got her college preparations done yesterday. AND manicures and pedicures.

*****

“The less we are attached to life, the more alive we can become. The less we have preferences about life, the more deeply we can experience and participate in life. This is not to say that I don’t prefer raisin toast to blueberry muffins. It is to say that I don’t prefer raisin toast so much that I am unwilling to get out of bed unless I can have raisin toast, or that the absence of raisin toast ruins the whole day. Embracing life may be more about tasting than it is about either raisin toast or blueberry muffins. More about trusting one’s ability to take joy in the newness of the day and what it may bring. More about adventure than having your own way.”

~Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. in Kitchen Table Wisdom