Homemakerkate

Trying to keep up with it all

2009-01-17T18:29:00.004-05:00

Here is my buddy Sam, keeping warm next to the firebox. Today is my oldest DS's birthday. Wow time sure does fly. Yesturday Andrew Wyeth passed away at the age of 91. Many of you will be familiar with his painting of "The Master Bedroom" and "Christina's World". However my favorites are among the Helga series of paintings. He is by far one of my favorite American painters.

All is well here esp. since we seem to have broken free of the DEEP FREEZE. Kids have been home alot with holidays and snowdays...I am ready for a break so that I can get back into sewing.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T17:33:00.003-05:00

Much love to all of you out there in cyber world! I wish for you many new and inspiring blessings! Take a leap of faith this year in yourself! ooohhh Crickets eye's are looking a little freaky here...but she sends her adoration as well, she cant help but send love! HUGS kate

New Years Eve

2008-12-31T18:48:00.002-05:00

Just some more thoughts...I took the day off today. I stayed in bed and slept and slept. Then my youngest son made me breakfast. This daughter here, my pumpkin paige, she did all the dishes with little sister. Then I stopped in to the quilt shop, where owner Vickie is busy trying to get a jump on her inventory. I might (depending on hubby's plans) stop in tomorrow and give her a hand. I feel so tired. I think that the holidays and dad's passing have caught up with me.

I dont normally keep or make new year's resolutions. I find I was making resolutions that were great ideas but nearly imposible to keep. At the least, unrealistic in nature. There are changes in my lifestyle I would like to make. Financial and career goals I would like to attain. Maybe making a resolution to Act in that direction rather then reach some unattainable finish line is more reasonable. Have you made any resolutions of your own?

just some thoughts

2008-12-30T21:25:00.004-05:00

OK yes here is the face behind the words. This is me and my baby at her Christmas program at school. So it is a recent photo. Today is a good day. It has been cold and it is now snowing. I have been spending much time today trying to figure out my new computer, getting on line and getting the kids' electronics on line too.

I should mention here as well a life changing event. My father passed away on December 11th of this year, just a few short weeks ago. His obituary can be found at kinsey-garett I will find the link later...still working on my multi-tasking computer skills. I will also find a photo to share. Am now chatting with my sister about dating. Dating and how it works (or doesn't) for women, in particular women in their 50's. In particular how men and women who are single in this age range seem to view the dating scene.

My home is busy right now, an extra child to spend the night. They are busy and getting a little loud. OK so I must go and tuck these wild creatures into bed. Checking in with you later.

End of December

2008-12-27T21:16:00.003-05:00

Hello to all both near and far! Have we all survived the holiday season?? All went fairly well here. Kids are happy! I was stressed more then I should have been. Had a few moments with extended family that I could have lived without.
If you are a snowmobiler... this is the place to be. We still have a good base dispite warmer temps today. Call ahead, looks like freezing rain in the forcast.
If you are a movie buff, I just saw Hellboy 2 and Mama Mia, both great movies. While Hellboy might be a great film for guys, Mama Mia was the PERFECT movie for any mom over 40. I personally would not mind living on an Island...how 'bout you? The sisterhood of it is touching and the music, well lets face it, we really did not need the Singalong words, as we already know them! LOL! Did purchase "The Women" as a gift for someone else, havent seen it yet though.
Ok mommies one more week till my 'chitlins' go back to school. I am thinking plenty of outdoor time, sledding maybe would be a great idea for us all. I had also thought to take them bowling, will have to call ahead to see if there are open lanes...it is team time and I forget that.
What is the vote? Keep the tree up till Jan 6th? Keep the tree up indefinately, maybe even long enought to put hearts or shamrocks on it? OR take the tree down now if not earlier?? I have done all three. Dear husband thinks I am a grinch to take it down early. (ok, yes one year is was Christmas night) I like to take it down a few days before the kids go back to school to get them in the mode of Yeah it is time to Get Back to Business. In some odd way too, putting valentines on my tree seems like a great idea too.
That is all that is on the forefront of my mind right now. Have a Happy day lovies!

July...Summer is half over

2008-07-15T20:14:00.002-04:00

I can hardly believe how fast this summer is going by. We took our dog Sam to the vet today and then went to the beach with the kids. It was nice to get out of Ewen for a while. Things did warm up here, into the 80's. This weekend looks to be really busy with Johnathan and Dulcie coming home and the staff of FLLC coming to breakfast on Sunday morning.
I have been a wee bit disappointed that our Stimulus cheque is STILL not here yet. Grrr. If it does not show itself on Friday, the day last Promised by the IRS, then I am going to have to get VERY creative with Sunday breakfast. HUM????
The "new to us" truck is working out nicely. Did the financing for that on Monday...another reason things here are a bit on the slim side. But it was the lesser of the two evils, considering that the old truck needed Way too much work on it.
It is a silver Ford. Very nice and runs smmmooooooth. SWEET!
hugs to all,
catch ya later.

End of June

2008-06-29T21:55:00.002-04:00

well friends, cant believe that June is coming to a close, but it is. My pumpkins and watermelons went into the ground a little late, just 5 days ago, but I already have sprouts so I am happy. Lets hope for a longer summer to give them the time they need to come to fruition. The recent rains here have done wonders for the rest of the garden as well. Every thing is popping up and growing so fresh and bright green. My corn might reach "knee high by the fourth of July" after all. My strawberries are out and have picked a small batch yesturday. So esspecially for anyone south of me, you must have been out to gather already. I have been trying to reach A-1 strawberry U-Pick in Nisula to see if he is ready for buisness yet...still trying to find the phone number.
I am also hoping that the way I staggered the plantings this year that I wont be overwhelmed with Mega canning all at the same time.
That is all my news for today. Hope that all of you are out and enjoying the summer. It doesnt last near long enough. It wont be long before snow flies again, so gather your wood, chop and stack, do your canning and drying and with any luck we will save some money come winter.

Judging Criteria..just a little disturbing

2008-06-09T13:29:00.002-04:00

While I am and will continue to be an advocate of county fair participation, I have some serious concerns about the judging criteria at the Michigan State Fair level, for the contest of Homemaker of the Year.
Here they are:
Homemaker strength:
Definition of a Homemaker 10pts
Priorities of Life 10pts
Poise 5pts
Proper dress 5 pts
Grooming 5pts
Communication Skills
Ability to express or think on his/her feet 10pts
Desire to promote title 5pts
Community Involvement
Goals 5pts
School/Church 5pts
Family 5 pts
Volunteer 5pts
Enthusiasm
Attitude, Eye contact, Composure 10pts
Personal Interest
Hobbies, Crafts 10pts
Any Other 10pts
Total 100pts
While I don't have a problem with this criteria in general, this combined with the on-line photo of last years winner and the 5 runners up makes me wonder if this is some sort of odd "beauty contest", at least at the state level. The Homemaker of the Year is given a tiara, sash and flowers.
It has been my hope and desire that the role of Homemaker be one that is viewed with an open mind. That the role of homemaker in this new millennium is one that is defined by more then just a conservative dress and demeanor. That we as a society are open to Stay at home dads, to Single mothers working full time jobs or often more then one job to raise her family, that we are open to non traditional roles of women in Michigan society. Like Firefighting women and women who protect and serve as officers of the Law.
It is my hope that whoever becomes This years Michigan State Fair Homemaker of the Year can pull it off with out having to don a prom dress. That she can honor all women of all walks of life in every capacity. Women who's daily struggles in the unequal workforce, who have drive and determination to provide for her family, give back to the community, set an example for other homemakers and other young people often go unnoticed. That yes while the ability to bake a cake from scratch is great, that a box mix for your child's birthday is time saving, economical and Acceptable for the busy Homemaker.
I love being a woman, and dressing up in the right situation is fun. I just have serious concerns about the message we are sending when our Homemakers of the Year are on parade like a beauty contest. Why cant the contestants be on stage in scrubs if they are a nurse, or a waitress uniform if she is a server and is on her feet running all day, why can we see women as they truly are?

Michigan 4-H

2008-06-08T18:57:00.000-04:00

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/index.html
Michigan 4-H

Homemaker of the Year

2008-06-08T18:38:00.000-04:00

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/PremiumBookDept5_156132_7.pdf

Michigan Dot gov

2008-06-08T18:29:00.000-04:00

https://www.michigan.gov/mistatefair/0,1607,7-109-37067---,00.html

2008 Premium book

2008-06-08T17:09:00.004-04:00

http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:t7dhm23IwtoJ:www.michigan.gov/documents/PremiumBookDept4_156104_7.pdf+Michigan+4-H+Homemaker&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=14&gl=us
That ugly long address will take you to a web page with the Michigan Fairs Rules and whatnots for the Michigan State Fair entries.

Ontonagon County Fair 2008

2008-06-08T16:59:00.002-04:00

Dates:7/24/2008 - 7/27/2008
Fair Address:Depot StreetGreenland, MI 49929
Mailing Address:725 Greenland RdOntonagon, MI 49953
Phone:906.883.3162
- Fair officeE-Mail:ontcofair@yahoo.com
Web Site:www.greenlandtwpnews.org
I did not find the web page address to be too helpfull. http://www.michiganfairs.org/locator.asp
The above address is for a listing of county fairs and their locations. Hopefully whatever fair you are most interested in has an updated and running web page. http://www.gogebiccountyfair.com/
Gogebic County fair in Ironwood, 50 miles to my west, and on the most westerly end of the upper peninsula, has a nice web page to visit.

Marquette what a Great Smile

2008-06-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

I love this photo. Her smile is contagious! Big hugs you two, I miss you both! Glad you are having fun!

More Marquette

2008-06-06T09:59:00.001-04:00

Marquette Bon Fire on the Beach

2008-06-06T09:57:00.003-04:00

My son John and his girlfriend Dulcie with friends on the beach! (They are the couple on the far left!)

Aunt Nira's High School Photo

2008-06-05T13:01:00.002-04:00

It is amazing what is out there on the net! Hi Nira!

Kalinovik

2008-06-05T12:59:00.002-04:00

In Bosnia. The municipality of Kalinovik.

The garden is IN

2008-06-05T12:35:00.003-04:00

I am happy to announce that the garden is finally in. On Tuesday I spent five hours outside, mowing the lawn and picking up last years wood chips. and on Wednesday dh put the garden in. At least the majority of it. We have had sprinkly rain today and some expected through out the next week, so good for those seeds. YEAH.

Flying Cottonwood Snow in Summer

2008-06-01T11:58:00.002-04:00

The cottonwood is flying today. It is impossible to sit outside with a uncovered cup of coffee and not get some of this in it. My neighbor has a grove west of me, so it is flying by like snow. Otherwise it is bright and sunny, with temps rising into the seventies today. A great day to be out in the open, on the water, fishing or just taking a jaunt throught the woods. Kids just left to go rollerbladding with the dogs. Hope all is well with you.

Just for laughs

2008-05-27T00:28:00.002-04:00

I just love this guy. Happy Bunny. Cute and Rude. Hope you had a great holiday weekend.

Can woman live on chocolate alone?

2008-05-25T17:36:00.002-04:00

I am sure that not all the food groups are represented here, but hey...this is a diet I can embrace! Let's Eat!

Stormy

2008-05-25T17:32:00.003-04:00

A view with feet on the ground. Amazingly the weather matches my mood, my physicality today. I am a wee bit tired, feeling slow, lazy, like I am growing too like the spring plants. I want to soak in this day, and burst forth in tomorrows sunlight with energy to spare.

Lake Superior From Space

2008-05-25T17:27:00.003-04:00

I thought that this photo from space was cool. It is interesting to me that in the photo, the shape of Lake Superior looks bigger, wider then on the flat maps. It is humbling to see where I live from this perspective. We are starting to get thunder storms here now. We could use the rain. I am worried that we are going to have another very dry summer this year. Not a good thing, two summers in a row like that. The wild fires are scary and quickly destructive. So bring it on, bring on the rain...

Animal Planet Hero of the Year

2008-05-24T21:45:00.002-04:00

http://animal.discovery.com/sweepstakes/hero/2008/index.html

Please take the time to stop in at the above addy and nominate someone you know who has been an animal hero.
You will need that person's address, phone, birthday, email, and you will need to write a 250 word (with spaces, ect) essay (all on line) describing why this person is an animal hero.
I nominated the folks at the Southwest Pennsylvania Retriver Rescue. You can visit their web site at:
http://www.sparro.org/
We all need more heros in our lives!
The winner gets to donate $10,000 to the animal welfare organization of their choice. Best of Luck to you Joe!