Life on Devil's Hollow

Today I Am Pissed

2023-06-11T11:52:00.002-07:00

I am in FB jail for 24 hours. They probably won't allow me to tell this truth I have caught them in. A lot of men are posting that their women should kneel down to them while they are speaking. Funny, I guess, if you never knew someone who had to do it. I guess. If you're into that sort of thing.

My reply- Yes, she should kneel down and grab her iron skillet and whop him over the head. Then, whisper in his ear, "Don't go to sleep. I'll be waiting." This, my friends, will generally stop a man from abusing you. If it doesn't, leave.

Abuse is nothing to joke about. I know women who have been made to do so many demeaning things at the hand of an abusive man. I know women who have been hospitalized. I know a woman who spent the rest of her life hiding in fear of a man that was dead. He was THAT mean. Some men think it's funny when they brag to each other about what they can make their woman do. No women are laughing.

My point- FB took my comment down but thinks the posts about making a woman kneel down while you talk are OK!!!! YES, IT IS OK TO POST ON FB TO MAKE YOUR WOMAN KNEEL DOWN TO YOU BUT NOT OK FOR HER TO DEFEND HERSELF.

This is exactly what is wrong with this country today. We glorify abuse. Defense isn't abuse.

Lastly. men who act like this,, as some of you claim to be Christians., what Bible verse do you use to justify this behavior? FB may not post this, but it is also going on all my social media.

And to the panty-waisted sissy pants that turned me in....I see you. I know what likely goes on behind your door. I hope you get the skillet

Seed Starting Begins!

2023-02-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

I finally started by tomato and pepper seeds today! As you can see, I had a little help from Ginger. (If he fits, he sits.)

I haven't bought any new seeds this year. I had plenty from last year. I am trying to practice restraint here. I am sure I will buy some seeds eventually.

I used larger seed starting pellets this year. I got them on Amazon. The trays are just pans from a local Dollar Store. As you can see, I am using heat mats to help them out.

What started out as a rainy morning turned into a sunny, beautiful day! I got a little repotting done and now to catch up on my reading. (Feel free to visit my other blog, Free Spirit Books. The link it on the above right.) Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday Thoughts

2023-02-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

No, he isn't stuck. Ginger (or Gigi, as I call him) is learning to get himself out of a tree. It's quite a handy talent if you think about it. Hopefully, he won't need to deal with enemies in his own yard, but you never know. Ginger is a "daytime outside cat". At night, we make him stay inside because of the coyotes. It's about time for me to start tracking him down. Sometimes he hides and refuses to come inside. He is far too naive.

I fully meant to start my tomato and pepper seeds today. (I also fully meant to do it last week.) Last week's excuse was that the weather sucked and my daughter was sick. Today's excuse is that the weather is perfect, my daughter feels just fine....and now here I go with the sniffles. (Yes, I hit the elderberry!)

I hope to be up to starting the seeds tomorrow. Last week would've been ideal. However, gardening isn't a race. You just want to give those babies a good start. I love seed starting! It gives me hope for spring. Nothing warms the cold, grey days of winter like seeing your garden plants popping their little green heads up!

Tune in tomorrow to see if I start those seeds.....

Spring in February

2023-02-06T13:52:00.007-08:00

Will there even be a winter?

It's over 70 degrees here on the mountain today. Started off the day with my daddy and my cousin having to repair a leaky faucet in my daughter's bathroom. (You haven't had fun on a late Sunday night til your kiddo comes into your room and says, "There is hot water running in my bathtub and it won't stop!") Up here, we only call in the professionals as a last resort. One quick trip across the mountain to town and we are good to go!

It was too beautiful out there to stay inside! Look at this sky:

Excuse the satellite photobomb on the left. I love living in a clearing in the woods. We have our own little private world here.

After picking up sticks that January's storms left in the yard (finally the mud has dried up), I worked on my raised beds. I need to get them cleared and ready. Today I pulled weeds and straightened them up a little.

It felt so GOOD to soak up this sunshine! And I was wearing SHORTS, y'all! I can't believe it is this hot in February. I took a little walk around the yard to look for signs of spring.

I found these baby buttercups. Look at those little buds!

This one sat alone underneath a tree. I have gathered all my buttercups (daffodils to some of y'all) from old home places out in the woods. They aren't native to the area but came with the first settlers. Finding them in the woods is like looking through a window back in time. They show us where a home place once stood. A woman planted these with pride. A family once lived on each of these old home places, their faces now lost in time. But the buttercups return every year. Never take them all--just take a few. They will increase in number year after year.

One last photo today. I got bit by a blackberry bush when I was trying to take a picture of this one. This means I have weed-eating to do this week, evidently. Wild blackberries are great, but they will take over your yard if you let them.

I have more pics, but I will save them for my next post. Time to see what needs cookin' for supper.

By the way, do you call them daffodils or buttercups?

Spring in January

2023-01-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I was talking about an old adage that the first 12 days of each year represent the 12 months. We had a mild day on Day 1, so January should be fine. Days 2 and 3 however, brought storms, rain, and high winds. February and March might bring some bad weather. Day 4, today, says that April will be lovely and mild.

Look at that moon!

When I went out earlier today, the air was warm (about 64 degrees). The sun was shining and the sky was a lovely shade of bright blue. The yard, however, was a mushy mess, thanks to the last two days of storms. As we left for an errand I was amazed at all the water. Water, water everywhere! Ponds, streams, and creeks were at full capacity. At one point, it was running down the middle of the mountain road!

The branch that runs beside our little road is full today!

It was like an early day in spring when the ice is melting (not that we get much ice) and water rushes down the mountain. Crashing over waterfalls, running through pastures and woodlands, The little branch (which has never had a name, that I know of) courses its way into the valley at the mouth of a holler where it joins the creek.

Even as the sun starts setting at 6pm, outside still looks like spring. It seems you are in the clear, April. Let's find out what Day 5 has to say about May!

New Year- Better Health

2023-01-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

.....And right after that last post I came down with a little nagging something that would not go away. Covid? No. Strep? No...MONO. I'd had it years ago and it came back! My daughter was also diagnosed, later in the fall. She recovered quickly. I am just now getting over it. So let's get on with this blog.

Yesterday was New Year's Day. It was a beautiful day. According to Appalachian folk beliefs, the first 12 days of the year represent the 12 months. Each month's weather can be predicted by the weather of that corresponding day. Therefore, January should be warm and pleasant, since yesterday (Day 1 of 2023) was fair and pleasant. (Almost spring-like, actually.) And, according to today's weather, February will be a rainy, ugly mess.

Here in the south, there are so many beliefs about New Year's Day. You cant wash dishes. No washing laundry either. (You will wash your luck away.) Do not take ANYTHING outside. Not even the garbage (You will be taking your luck outside.). And of course, there is the ubiquitous traditional New Year's meal of pork, black-eyed peas, and greens. Fish is OK, but no bottom-dwellers. Shrimp is ok, but no crustaceans that walk sideways or backward You can't eat chickens, because they scratch backward for their food. The point is to move forward into the new year, with greens representing paper money and peas representing coins. Last of all- don't sweep the floor! (Again, you would be sweeping your luck away.)

I am so glad to be at home on this dreary day. I did venture out to take my daughter to a friend's house. The fur babies are napping all about the house. Silence except for rain on the roof. I have some oranges with clove and cinnamon simmering on the stove. The house smells so good! Should I clean? Should I work on this old aquarium I am redoing? Should I write? Should I read? Should I create? Guess I will do a little cleaning first. It never ends.

I am definitely starting a pot of chicken and dumplings for dinner. Except, contrary to this version, I am adding a few other things and making homemade dumplings. Stay tuned...

Thanks for stopping by to spend some time in the country. Keep those bird feeders filled and leave a little something for the other critters as well.

First Day of the Rest of My life

2022-08-10T07:53:00.004-07:00

Public school starts back today here in Armuchee, GA. This makes it real. My first year as a retired teacher...and homeschool mom.

It feels weird but in a good way. Rain is falling outside, but we are snug inside our cabin. My daughter is stationed on one side of the couch, listening to The Knight's Tale. I'm on the other end, under a blanket, typing this blog. Our smallest dog is curled by my feet. One cat rests on my daughter's chest as if to say, "If you are forced to listen to this mess, I will go through it with you."

Of course, with retirement, money is an issue. I have consignment shelves in two different stores (in two different towns). I plan to drop off a set of Sears Cat tail dishes and a jewelry tray made from vintage dishes, at Farmhouse Vintage in Armuchee later today. Single moms- what are your side hustles? What works? What doesn't?

So this is my new life. Looking back, when this blog began, I was a married working mom. Now I am a single, retired homeschool mom. Out here in the boonies at the dead end of a dirt road on this sweet mountain I have always called home. Our cabin isn't fancy. Our life is simple. In exchange for lower pay, we have less stress and distraction from this crazy world. We aren't isolated- my daughter and I do have friends and a social life. However, we are introverts at heart. This works for us.

So join me on this journey as we figure out this new life..one day at a time.

2018-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

And..just like that I have neglected this blog again. With Haunted Northwest Georgia published and on the shelves I've been busy with Book 2 and teaching...and motherhood....I can honestly say, with all this going on, my life has never been happier...
I started tomato and pepper seeds today...getting ready to add a small herb garden this spring...I promise I'll be more faithful to this blog.
If you are on facebook, check out my pages Ghosts of Northwest Georgia and Shadows in the Pines...

Scenes from a (Sunlit) Sunday

2016-02-07T12:14:00.001-08:00

What a lovely Sunday! Looks more like spring than winter! I wanted to take a long walk but this lovely cold I'm battling won't let me. Intead I replanted my tomato seedlings, started some hot pepper plants, and took a short walk around the yard.

It's hard to believe they're talking about a wintry mix tomorrow when it's so lovely out today! I'm enjoying it while I can. Y'all know I'm just not much of a winter girl.

I refilled the bird and squirrel feeders just in case the weather man is right. I hope he isn't, although a free day off is always nice. My child is hoping for the blizzard of the century.

I found these egg sacks on the butterfly bush beside the goldfish pond. Are these praying mantis egg sacks? I HOPE so! Not only are they my favorite insect but they are also helpful in controlling harmful insects. There were three of them If you know about this, I'd appreciate your input!

The sky is an incrdible shade of blue today. I know it's early February, but days like today keep a country girl like me hanging on. It reminds us that spring is coming.

A couple of buttercups (daffodils to y'all yankees) are already blooming in the yard. I've said in previous posts that my daddy told me buttercups are notorious liars. You can't believe it when they tell you it is sprng time. It is comon to see their little yelow heads pushing up through the snow.

Forgive the shadow in the picture below. My camera has died on me. I've got to purchase a new one. I am making do with the phone until I can pick out a new one.

Hope your Sunday has been a lovely one whereever you chose to spend it!

Links:

Straight Out of the Camera

Sunlit Sunday

Life on Devil's Hollow: Goodbye 2015! (And Good Riddance!)

2015-12-31T22:31:00.001-08:00

Life on Devil's Hollow: Goodbye 2015! (And Good Riddance!): Gosh what a beautiful day! We had early spring temperatures which is weird for this last day of 2015, but so wonderful after so many days...

Goodbye 2015! (And Good Riddance!)

2015-12-31T20:57:00.000-08:00

Gosh what a beautiful day! We had early spring temperatures which is weird for this last day of 2015, but so wonderful after so many days of rain!

I spent the day cleaning out and throwing away. I felt this was a wonderful opportunity to weed out so many old, unused, and unneeded items from my home. Out with the old and in with the new!

I finished up by smudging with rosemary, sage, cayenne, bay and lemon balm. I'm ready for peace, new hope for the future, and new confidence. I'm ready for a renewed faith and a new outlook on life. So it wasn't what we expected. Does that make it less wonderful?

It is time for counting my blessings. I live in a beautiful part of the country... out in the country. I have great friends and a family that loves me. I have a job that pays the bills. Most of all, I have my beautiful, wonderful child. Life goes on.. We walk by faith, not by sight. Better times are coming.

I am ready!

What Brings You Peace? (AKA Filling Up Time)

2015-12-28T18:07:00.002-08:00

Another new aspect of my life...filling up time when my daughter visits her dad. That's new.

If it was spring time I'd be working on some outdoor project- gardening or adding to my wild bird habitat or doing some much needed work on the goldfish pond. But it's December- and RAINY and STORMY. I had planned to visit some indie bookshops in Atlanta tomorrow with a bestie, but the floods and flood warnings have put a damper on that. Instead, we are meeting with another friend for lunch in Summerville. Lunch with the girls is always good.

I NEED to clean out the back room (aka guest room). My plan is to create a study/ office in there. I worked on it a while this past weekend and made a pretty decent-sized donation to Habitat for Humanity. My pastor's wife works there and they are always glad to take donations. I've still got some work to do.

We are also converting the loft into a hobby room of sorts. It has been a rec room, a den, a play room, and now..well...it needs help. I've also got to repaint the front door where my German Shepherd "knocks" over and over, scarping away the red paint.

But to relieve stress, you need a creative outlet (or three). Recently I took a transparenting class (required by divorcing parents in Georgia). One thing I learned is that hobbies are an excellent way to relieve stress and depression. I agree. Right now, concentration and organization are not my strong points. I'm forgetful, I flit from project to project like a butterfly from flower to flower.

One minute I am reading, the next I am cleaning, the next I am working on my next book, and five minutes later I am blogging. I am rearranging furniture, looking at seed catalogs, and I have even taken up my old hobby of candle making...I'm a mess. Is this normal?

I'd love to hear from anyone who can feel me on this. I love your comments!

BIg Changes on Devil's Hollow

2015-12-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

It has been an unforgivably long time since my last post. Our little family has gone through some big, unplanned (well, on my part unplanned) changes in the past year. I'll spare the world the TMI details. Let's just say that we are no longer "a small family living in a farming community in Northwest GA". We are now a single mom and child living in a small farming community on a mountain in Northwest GA". Enough said.

So I had to ask my self, "Do I still keep the blog?" At first I decided to chunk it. Then, I got to thinking. The fact that our family has changed is not a reason to give up. Seriously...this is still a blog about country living. It might be interesting to see how the changes affect us here on Devil's Hollow.
Things are certainly different now.

Also, my daughter is watching me. Daily she watches the things I say and do. Does a woman curl up and die just because there is no man there to "take care" of her? Is that what a woman is? NOOOO! That is not the example I want to be setting. That is not who I am. I am a survivor, not a victim. So on with it.

I'm having to get used to either doing it myself or finding someone who can. (Thankfully I have some helpful relatives here on the mountain.) I grew up here. I know how to garden and can and all that. But there are somethings I can't do- like drive a tractor. You know this is the time of year I begin planning my garden. Did I mention I can not drive a tractor? Did I mention that I never really wanted to drive a tractor? So I guess things will be interesting. It's an adjustment, to say the least.

Everything has changed, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I have a new book coming out soon with Schiffer Publishing called The Legend of the Ghost Hearse and Other Spooky Tales from Northwest Georgia. This has been a long-time dream of mine- to be published-so I'm all excited about that.

And of course there are the usual changes that occur when a divorce takes place. Our schedule changes. The meals change. The laundry changes. The entire routine changes.Therefore, this blog has now changed somewhat. We are all going to find out whaat it is like to be a single mom way out here in the country.

Any advice? Been here and done that?

Snow :)

2015-02-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

After many a false prediction, they finally got it right--SNOW!! It started at 3:20 this afternoon. Once it started, it came down fast! Beautiful big flakes- amazing!

She made her own mini-snowman- first perched him on the car, then on the trampoline. She named him Olaf....go figure...

So it is still coming down- about 7 inches I think. Atlanta news says we have 3... LOL

The table on the deck and the pool...ugly, but it shows the amount of snow...

Some say it will all be gone by morning. Say ti ain't so! We have snowmen to build! We have angels to make! Seriously! Don't take it away!!!

A Mom's Thoughts on Survival

2014-05-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Originally, this was just a random post on my facebook page. I mean, it really did happen. I almost didn't post it, but I knew I had friends who were also survivors of breast cancer, and maybe they needed to know what other survivors go through.
I always had this fear- what about when my daughter finally asks about my scars? Will she be scared? Will she be afraid of having to go through the same thing? Do other mothers feel the same way?
Being a mother is the most awesome, most important thing I have ever done. It is also the hardest.
My thoughts:

I almost didn't share this, but for my friends who are also survivors I am. Yesterday Haley pointed to my scar (OK one of them...ok the worst one...LOL..so many)and she asked what happened. I told her that a long time ago I got really sick and almost died and the dr. had to make that scar to get out what was making me sick and save me.She asked first (of course) did I get shots (HA!) so I said yes for many, many months I got a lot of them. She thought awhile and asked if she would get sick like me....So I thought a while and I said no- that doctors know a lot more now than they did back then so if she gets sick it won't be so bad. She was satisfied with that. I always wondered what I would say when she asked. We survivors know- you fight the battle always- every time you see the scars. And there are so many feelings- mostly bad. But that conversation was like a healing for my heart. It finally told my soul that I've moved on. I'm not who I used to be (not a bad thing). But those scars are a part of who I am now. It just is what it is. I can't explain it but I hope my survivor friends get it. I hope it lifts you up. I can't explain it, but it did me a lot of good to have that conversation with my child. It reminded me that those scars aren't who I am- they are a reminder of what I can overcome- but the real me-- her mama-- those scars can't touch that. I finally get that. Finally

I'd love to hear what other survivors have to say. What is this part of the journey like for you?

Scenes from a Sunday

2014-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

We took a family walk this afternoon. It was so warm outside!! I'm so tired of winter!

I think the whole mountain is decorated in shades of green and purple!

My little rascal and her best buddy were having a ball. She is finally riding without training wheels.

This is the tulip tree in my aunt's front yard. Isn't it beautiful?

Spring is Getting Closer.... (Scenes from a Sunday)

2014-03-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is coming! (Thank Goodness!!)

Tiny signs of spring are popping up all over. (These pics aren't great, because they were taken with my iPhone.)

I had to re-pot some of my tomatoes and eggplants today. I still feel they are too small for this time of year. My husband reminded me that I usually plant too early (I get too excited!) and they get too leggy. I was right on schedule this year.

They look so tiny and short now that they are repotted! The tomatoes will grow roots all along that stem I covered up. By next week they should be taller and stronger.

It's been a long week. I'm still recovering from a nasty round of the flu. I feel much better, but still exhausted. I think I will be playing catch up from now on.

It's been a beautiful weekend! I visited the local flea market yesterday and found a guy selling old church and community cookbooks for a dollar each! (Those are the absolute BEST for real recipes!) I came home with a small stack to add to my collection.

After church and my re-potting session I've tried to take some time to just write, read, and relax. I went through some old editions of Mother Earth News (I never EVER throw those away). As usual, I learned something new...until I broke my favorite pair of glasses.

Oh well...now there is a chicken casserole in the oven. My hubs turned the garden, my daughter is practicing her new skill of riding without training wheels. Life is good here on the mountain. I'm blessed.

Berry's Eagle Cam

2014-02-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Berry College is has always been impressive to me. Not only is it the world's largest college campus, it is definitely the most beautiful. Not just a place for the students, it plays a large part in the life of the local community. Families visit to ride the bike trail, have picnics, view wildlife and learn about local history.

And now, Berry has added something that has got everyone talking- the Eagle Cam. The camera focuses on the nest of a pair of bald eagles. The female laid two eggs back in January. The first one hatched last Saturday. The entire Northwest Georgia area went wild! The other egg should hatch any day now. Everyone is watching and waiting... and talking. Students are watching and discussing it in class, families are watching at home. People are talking about it on Facebook and tweeting about it on Twitter.

My first graders sat in rapt attention and they watched the mother proudly feed her young tiny pieces of fish. Later, the father returned to the nest and fed the baby as well. It is fascinating to watch these beautiful creatures going about their daily lives.

To view the Eagle Cam, click here.

Thank you, Berry, for sharing this wonderful part of your world!

Starting Tomato and Flower Seeds (Using Cupcake packages!)

2014-02-23T13:49:00.001-08:00

Oh, how I love starting seeds!! It gets me all psyched up and ready for spring!! I finally started my tomatoes today. I had the coolest idea! I am a first grade teacher and we party a lot- birthdays, holidays...any excuse for a cupcake! I decided to put those cupcake boxes to a new use. I used a large thumb tack to put drainage holes in the bottom of each well. I then placed the container into an aluminum pan I bought at my local dollar discount store (2 for $1). I LOVE how that top just snaps right down over the container!

On my last post I was using organic seed starter mix, but this time I FINALLY found some pellets at a local hardware store for 19 cents each. After using HOT water to fluff the pellets I placed my tomato and pepper seeds inside. (Yes, I m starting more pepper and eggplant seeds. I just don't like the looks of the ones I started in the last post. Maybe they will surprise me, but better safe than sorry.)

*Before planting in your garden, remove that netting from those pellets. It's just too hard for those roots to spread out if you don't.

In the large cupcake container I started Aunt Ruby's Green German, Amish Paste, Pink Brandywine, and Bonnie's Best- all heirloom from Baker Creek.

The above pic is a mini cupcake box containing pellets and two plastic fruit cups (the kind mandarin oranges come in.) My daughter takes the oranges to school and I beg her to save the cups for me. I have her save her yogurt cups, too. (Bless her heart...) I covered the fruit cups with produce bags from the grocery store. (They are thin enough to let in some light, but still keeps in that humidity.)

In this one I started tomatillos, Jujube Cherry, more Brandywine, and Bonnie's Best.

In the last mini cupcake container I started more peppers (Orange Bell, Emerald Giant, Golden California Wonder, and Tam Jalapeno- also from Baker Creek). The round container (formerly a feta cheese container) contains eggplant.

I decided to start some cat grass for Phoebe, our cat. Supposedly it will keep her out of my other plants. Knowing Phoebe, there is no telling...

These (above) are tiny snapdragon seeds I saved a couple years ago. I'm not sure what the germination rate will be, since they are older. We'll just have to wait and see.

I also started more marigolds to guard my garden and basil to plant with my tomatoes. Basil is supposed to enhance the flavor of tomatoes. Marigolds are distasteful to many garden pests. (They add a nice splash of color, too.) Along with those, I started some large zinnias, bachelor buttons, and cosmos. Starting seeds is so much cheaper than buying flowers at the garden center. These were from saved seeds- either my own of those shared from friends.

Here are a few seedlings that have sprouted from that last planting.

The cosmos above are too leggy. My fault- I didn't catch them in time. I am trying to correct the issue with more mix, but I don't know that it will help. (They are in a sour cream container with drainage holes poked in the bottom, I used the lid as a tray.)

Above are tiny celery seedlings started in a styrofoam egg carton. I took off the lid and used it as a tray, covering it with a produce bag. It's a little late for these, but I'm going to try placing them in a cooler spot and see how they fare. You never know until you try. That's part of the fun.

These are dwarf marigolds, also in an egg carton. I agree with another blogger who said the cardboard egg containers are no good for this. They turn too mush way too soon for planting. They just can't hold up. I am NOT a fan of styrofoam, but if is making it's way through your door, you might as well make it work double duty.

I finally drug out my seed rack last night and my husband hooked up the lights. My rack is a metal shelf I purchased a few years ago from a local store. (To see how we made the rack, click here.) During the rest of the year, my seed rack doubles as a storage rack. (I am big on multi-tasking. Can ya tell?)

If you haven't started your own seeds, it isn't too late to start. It's easy and fun! Always buy from a reputable dealer and avoid those GMO's!! (Google that if you are unfamiliar.) You can find dealers who have signed the non-GMO pledge online.

Happy Planting!

Seed Starting and Hoping for Spring (Snowmageddon, Day 2)

2014-02-12T12:30:00.002-08:00

I feel like my guineas, Hugh and Sadie up there in the tree- cold and none to impressed with mother nature. Was it really just this past Sunday that I was starting some seeds and getting all excited about spring? Sure, the snow was beautiful, and I DO love snow. However, today it is starting to melt and that second wave of snow they called for has yet to prove itself to be more than a nasty rumor. What we have now is a combination of unmelted snow, yucky refreezing slush...and cold. Just plain cold. Southern folks don't do winter, y'all.

My seeds from Baker Creek arrived last week. I got all excited! (Forgive the glare on the photos- had to use my iPhone and the track lights in my kitchen are rather unforgiving at times.)

I've been ordering from Baker Creek since 2007 and have never been disappointed. I get high quality seeds with excellent germination rates- and, best of all, NO GMO's!!!! (If you are buying your seeds at a local store, you might wanna google GMO's and rethink that...)

My little seed stash is a big ol' hot mess, but I love it! It holds spring!!! I had to do a quick inventory to see what I needed. I made my veggie order, but I need to re-order some flowers as well. I can't order it all at once, unfortunately.

I went over my notes in my garden planner. I used to use a blank journal, but I bought this one on Amazon a couple years ago and I love it! It is full of helpful hints and advice, as well as a timetable for garden chores. You just fill in your own last frost date and go from there.

Another helpful item is this handy little sliding table I bought from Baker Creek. It has spring dates on one side, fall on the other. It cost me lass than $3.00 a couple years ago.

I decided to save money on seed starting this year by recycling household items. I used quite a few egg cartons. I'm also using Styrofoam meat trays (which I have used in the past), plastic produce bags from the grocery (as covers) and various other odds and ends. (Seeds don't much care what you start them in- as long as it is warm and humid.)

There are so many benefits to starting your own seeds. (See my previous posts here, here and here.) For one thing, when you purchase from a reputable company, you know what you are getting. GMO's are dangerous and, unless you enjoy being a guinea pig, you are better off buying heirloom seeds from a reliable source. Also, when you save your own seeds, you save tons of money and develop plants more suited to your own area.

So, here I sit in my hoodie and sweats while the rest of the family is out sledding. Atlanta News is calling for about 6 more inches of snow before morning. (Of course, they called for an inch today and I have yet to see that happen.) Thankfully, we are safe and have power. I think I will get out my pen and paper and draw off some garden plans.

Think spring.....

Snowmageddon 2014, Day 1

2014-02-11T15:15:00.003-08:00

Seed Ordering Time

2014-02-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

I've said it before, and I will say it again. The only thing that gets me through the winter sometimes is making plans for spring. The snow has melted, but it is rainy and cold. I've spent part of the afternoon going through my seeds- taking inventory, making a wish list. The catalogs are rolling in, and I pore through each one like an addict. OK, I AM an addict. Ha!
Just making my list and adding to my order at rareseeds.com has made me feel better. I feel hopeful. I feel happy. I can do this...Only 6 more weeks, right?

Surprised by Snow 2014

2014-01-29T20:06:00.001-08:00

So we knew from about a week ago there would be snow. But should we worry? Nooooo!ONly a light dusting, they said. Less than half an inch, they said.....

There has been a lot of laughter at the expense of the south this week, but please consider- we believed that the Weather Channel told us.....

When I arrived at work Tuesday morning I checked the National Weather Service, which said we'd get about 3 inches of snow. But then I checked the weather chaannel, and it said less than half an inch. Who did I believe? Who did most of the south beleive?

Let's face it- We rarely get snow here, RARELY!! Of course we believe the source that says we will get very little accumulation....

the goldfish pond

the driveway

the main mountain road

So, yes, we were unprepared. We put our trust in the wrong sources.
After hitting a ditch, I left my car at the foot of the mountain.

ice on the pond

The Duck Pond

Going Sledding (with a pool float)

This is our road about 5:00 today..not much change. We will have freezing temps tonight as well. I can say that this is one girl who will listen to the National Weather Service from now on. Lesson Learned....

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

2014-01-20T09:40:00.002-08:00

I was given the original version of this recipe from my friend, Penny. Of course I had to tinker with it a little to make it my own. You know its a hit when your husband loves it. I like this recipe because it is simple- a great Sunday supper. It makes enough for Monday, too!

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

3 chicken breasts, boiled and cut into bite-size pieces

8 oz bowtie pasta, cooked according to directions

2 jars Alfredo sauce (I use one home style and one artisan cheese) *If you prefer a thicker, less creamy casserole, use lass sauce.

10 oz spinach, cooked and drained (remove as much liquid as possible)

1 small jar marinated artichokes, drained and cut into bite-size pieces

1 small jar sun dried tomatoes, drained and cut into bite-size pieces

1 Tbsp. dehydrated onion

2 T minced garlic (from a jar)

1 small container shredded Parmesan cheese

1 small bag shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 325.

While pasta is cooking, cut up the chicken and add to a large bowl.

Squeeze all the moisture out of the spinach, and add it to the chicken.

Add the alfredo sauces, artichokes, tomatoes, dehydrated onion, garlic, and about half the parmesan and mozzarella (a large handful of each, anyway). Stir to combine, then add the drained pasta. Put this into a large baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Cover with foil and heat about 10 minutes. Uncover, add more parmesan and mozzarella, and heat uncovered until melted.

As always, I love your comments and appreciate all follows!

Blue Monday

2014-01-20T09:04:00.001-08:00

View from Clingman's Dome, Great Smoky Mountains.

This was taken on the last day the park was open, on the day before the government shut-down.