A Rural Journal

Tuesday Muse

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

kk_May by Kim Klassen + nc_Toulouse by Nancy Claeys

The viburnum have hung in there like troopers this spring -- but as with anything --

nothing lasts forever.

I took some macros of the best blooms still present and there you have it.

It was a particularly humid morning and

you can see the water droplets on the petals as evidence.

nc_Toulouse (Download here.)

For those of you subscribed to the Texture Newsletter -- I've decided to post all new textures here -- hoping this makes it easier for everyone.

Thank you for your continued interest in these textures.

Sharing with Texture Tuesday, Communal Global, NF Blo-Ma

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Tuesday Muse is a weekly photo meme

where you may share any photo you've created .

The Tuesday Muse Photo Meme post will be
available at 12:00 am every Tuesday.

I'm looking forward to seeing your submissions.

Guidelines:

1. Link up a photo. (It does not have to be textured or edited.)
2. Share the Tuesday Muse icon or a text link on your post to this post.
3. Visit a few other participants. That's it!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 06/16/13

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Oh my -- it's been ages since I participated in SHS. But let's give it a go today!

The prompts this week:

Summer - ripening fruit.

Dance - to bring in the hens.

Laughter - Phyllis Diller chicken is a comical gal.

Helper - never too far away.

Water - evening rain storms create awesome puddles.

Wishing a Happy Father's Day to everyone.

I'll be spending some time with my mom and sons today, so I'll catch up with you all later on.

{So fine was the morning}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Sharing with Camera Critters, The Weekend In Black and White
Weekly Top Shot

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Have a great weekend everyone!

{Random 5 Friday}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Random 5 Friday, where you may link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

Here are mine this week:

1. This data-mining situation has negatively impacted my feelings regarding sharing on social networking sites. That's all I really have to say on the matter.

2. I ordered something for my mother online the other day. Two hours later, I received an email from the same site that shipping would have been free if I had waited a couple of hours.

3. I'm really enjoying the longer days right now. I wish it didn't have to be so short-lived.

4. I recently learned that a blogger I followed passed away in December. We weren't the closest of virtual acquaintances and eventually lost touch -- yet it left me feeling sad I wasn't there for her during her illness.

5. I'm happy to say my oldest son started his new trucking job on Monday -- in Omaha. So it seems I'll have him around for a little bit longer than planned.

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Now it's your turn.

Guidelines:

1. Link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

2. Posts not containing 5 random facts may be deleted (sorry, but I don't ask much!)

3. Visit a few other participants if you are able. This is a very friendly community!

{The Pups: Good, Bad and Ugly}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:00:00 +0000

This past weekend, my two German Shepherds, Buck and Sioux, managed to get themselves into a few predicaments:

The Good: While putting the birds in for the night on Sunday, I noticed one of the little goslings was missing. As I so often do, I was talking to the geese and to myself: oh no, we've lost one of the little goosies. Where is that little goosie? Come here, little goosie...

The adult geese seemed to be oblivious that they had somehow misplaced one of their babies. How is that even possible?

Just as I was about to go looking, I see Buck trailing behind said lost gosling, gently pushing him back into the pen to be with its family.

My hero.

The Bad: Letting the dogs in Monday morning, I failed to notice that Buck had brought me a present. The back half of a rabbit. Thanks Buck. You shouldn't have.

The Ugly: Sioux somehow skinned her upper right foreleg -- leaving a 2-inch section of bare skin. She had been licking it for who knows how long. It looked pretty nasty.

I retrieved some gauze pads, stretchy bandage and antibiotic ointment from the medicine cabinet and cleaned it up really well before dressing it.

Once I put the bandage on, she was mope-y for the rest of the evening. I think she was reliving her ACL surgery experience all over again and not enjoying the memory.

Readers, any good, bad or ugly stories about your pets this week? I'd love to hear them.

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Sharing with Little Things Thursday, NF Winged

{Pizza Alfredo}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

To be honest, this is a recipe I threw together with what I had on hand in the way of leftovers. The neat thing about this pizza, you can substitute to your heart's content -- depending what you have in your fridge or garden.

For the pizza dough, my go-to recipe is from Betty Crocker:

Ingredients

2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt (I use garlic salt)

1 package regular or quick active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

1 cup very warm water (120° to 130°)

Directions

Mix 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons oil and the warm water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in enough remaining flour until dough is soft and leaves sides of bowl. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 5 to 8 minutes or until dough is smooth and springy. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes. Continue as directed below for thin crusts or thick crusts.

For Thin Crusts: Heat oven to 425°. Grease 2 cookie sheets or 12-inch pizza pans with oil. Divide dough in half. Pat each half into 12-inch circle on cookie sheets. Partially bake 7 to 8 minutes or until crust just begins to brown. Add toppings* and bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

For Thick Crusts: Grease 2 square pans, 8x8x2 inches, or 2 round pans, 9x1 1/2 inches, with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide dough in half. Pat each half in bottom of pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place 30 to 45 minutes or until almost double. Move oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 375°. Partially bake 20 to 22 minutes or until crust just begins to brown. Add toppings* and bake about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

*Toppings for Pizza Alfredo:

1 Jar Prego Classic Alfredo Sauce (14.5 Ounces)
Thin Deli Ham Slices - enough to cover entire pizza
1 Cup Chopped Onion
2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese

Spread Alfredo sauce over the warm pizza crust. Cover with thin deli ham slices. Add chopped onion, then cover with mozzarella cheese. Bake as above.

My husband really liked this concoction of mine. You can substitute any type of meat for the ham slices -- chopped chicken, turkey slices or cooked ground beef.

Try adding mushrooms, black olives or cooked asparagus in place of, or in addition to, the onions.

Enjoy.

Sharing with Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop.

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{Tuesday Muse}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

kk_nesting and nc_columbine

Our peonies are a bit sparse this year -- not sure why.
But still very pretty, even if in scant numbers.

You can download a new texture, nc_columbine, here.

If you'd like to sign up to receive free textures by email,
you may do so here.

nc_columbine

Tuesday Muse is a weekly photo meme

where you may share any photo you've created .

The Tuesday Muse Photo Meme post will be
available at 12:00 am every Tuesday.

I'm looking forward to seeing your submissions.

Guidelines:

1. Link up a photo. (It does not have to be textured or edited.)
2. Share the Tuesday Muse icon or a text link on your post to this post.
3. Visit a few other folks. That's it!

Sharing with Texture Tuesday, Tuesdays Around The World

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Loading InLinkz ...

{Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:10:00 +0000

Heart of Me Dress

I was recently approached by Shabby Apple to host a giveaway.

If I was the dress-wearin' type, I would have chosen this dress -- but since I'm not (the dress-wearin' type that is,) I'm offering it up to one of my readers to win.

I really like Shabby Apple for their vintage clothing. I think whoever wins this dress will look great in it. I'm imagining a dainty white camisole underneath -- what do you think?

I want to thank my friend Di from The Blue Ridge Gal for helping me to select this particular dress for the giveaway. I appreciate the time she took to go through each offered piece on Shabby Apple's website and give her savvy fashion advice. Please consider visiting and following Di -- she has a wonderful blog about her life in her new home, her helpful hubby and her two adorable boxers, Rowdy and Izzie.

If you are interested in winning this dress, please be a follower of A Rural Journal and leave a comment below, indicating you'd like to enter the giveaway.

The dress is available in sizes 0 - 12.

You will need to have an email address where I can reach you. The dress will be sent to you directly from Shabby Apple. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, June 14 at 12:00 PM CST. Entries will be accepted up until that time. Thank you and good luck!

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{Floribunda}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:44:00 +0000

I don't know whether this is a true floribunda (latin for many flowering) rose, but this year that's the name that comes to mind.

We acquired a small cutting from a neighbor thats long since moved away -- and it has take over one side of the house since then.

It actually grows more like a briar and is likely some wild variety -- multiplying every year. I'll will need to cut it back after it has finished blooming for the season.

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Sharing with Sunday Snapshot.

{Leaving the nest}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 12:37:00 +0000

Sharing with Camera Critters, Weekly Top Shot

{Random 5 Friday}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Random 5 Friday, where you may link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

Here are mine this week:

1. I'm having issues with leaving comments on some Wordpress blogs. It may have something to do with my satellite Internet connection.

2. I've been extremely busy this week taking care of bid-ness for our trapping supply company. I am enjoying the "feel" of having a job to do each day. I find it satisfying.

3. A quote that made an impression on me this month: "I'm not afraid of dying. It's the pain associated with dying that scares me." (Loosely translated from a reality show about Alaska I watched in the past month. There are so many of these shows, I can't recall which one it was or who said it.)

4. My ornamental layer chickens are spazzy. Except for the Cochin.

5. Freddie our old 15 year-old mallard has won over the female black duck and she follows him everywhere. I'm happy for Freddie, but sad for the male black duck who has no female attention.

Now it's your turn.

Guidelines:

1. Link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

2. Posts not containing 5 random facts may be deleted (sorry, but I don't ask much!)

3.Visit a few other participants if you are able. This is a very friendly community!

{Jackmanii Clematis}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:32:00 +0000

As are all of our trees, shrubs and plants this year, this Jackmanii clematis is putting forth much growth and a profusion of blooms.

After a previous year with periods of little or no precipitation, I'm pleasantly surprised to see how most of our plants have bounced back to display the best color and form they have to offer.

A lesson in perseverance and quiet strength.

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Sharing with Madge's Rurality Blog Hop, Little Things Thursday, #ruralthursday

{Crimson}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:18:00 +0000

Featuring a few photos this week from last year's Gateway to the West Festival in my hometown of Blair, Nebraska.

What is it about carousels that bring out the child in us? This woman obviously is enjoying the ride. If only we could approach every day with similar youthful abandon.

Sharing with 52 Photos Project {Crimson}

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{Tuesday Muse}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Featuring a few photos this week from last year's Gateway to the West Festival in my hometown of Blair, Nebraska.

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Tuesday Muse is a weekly photo meme

where you may share any photo you've created .

The Tuesday Muse Photo Meme post will be
available at 12:00 am every Tuesday.

I'm looking forward to seeing your submissions.

Guidelines:

1. Link up a photo. (It does not have to be textured or edited.)
2. Share the Tuesday Muse icon or a text link on your post to this post.
3. Visit a few other folks. That's it!

{A few facts about raising geese}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Toulouse Goslings

We ordered our first goslings in 2000.

Some of those geese are still in our flock. Yes, they are very resilient and have a rather long life span.

We've seen many a goose set on her nest, in hopes of raising a gosling or two.

With domesticated geese, there are issues with this process. Especially if you have dogs, cats and other critters roaming the farmyard.

Here's what I've learned over the last 13 years or so in regards to raising geese:

1. Geese will usually start mating somewhere between March and May. A pool or pond is an important aspect of successful mating. It's also important to provide some type of nesting material and a safe shelter area for the goose to build her nest.

2. If a goose decides to build a nest and lay a few eggs, she may not necessarily last the duration to hatch those eggs. It takes a special goose to be a Momma Goose. So it's a good idea to check each nest every day in case it's been abandoned. Clear the eggs so that they don't go bad. Mark down on a calendar when each goose starts her nest, so you can be prepared for goslings.

3. Once a goose has decided she's going the distance, she may not eat or drink during her nesting period, which is about 28 days. I put a waterer near each goose in case she wants to drink -- and I will also offer her some grass -- though she usually will not eat it.

4. If a goose has been determined to hatch her babies and actually does so, my best advice is --
let Momma Goose raise her goslings herself. Let me tell you why.

One year, I decided to take a gosling to raise with baby chicks, because its brother was stepped on by one of the other geese and died. It broke my heart, so I felt I would be this baby gosling's momma.

I raised it in a steel wash pan until it had its feathers -- then I turned it loose with its chicken family. It thrived until it noticed the adult geese and naturally wanted to be with its own kind.

Only, the flock has never accepted this particular goose and it has been an outcast for several years now. It's not allowed within the inner circle -- always prodded away and made to feel different.

Because of this, I won't ever take a gosling away from its mother to raise, unless there is no other choice. It's just not fair to the goose. Of course, this is based on my experiences -- and the flock that I have had for 13 years now. Your situation may different, depending on the breed, flock size, coop or nest location, etc...

We have two, two-day old goslings that are being raised by their momma. I have put out waterers and feed for them. Now, it's up to her and the flock to raise these two to adulthood.

I hope and pray that they will be successful.

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Homestead Barn Hop

{Confidence}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Featuring a few photos this week from last year's Gateway to the West Festival in my hometown of Blair, Nebraska.

I can't imagine experiencing a carnival ride solo.

It takes courage and real self-confidence to buy a ticket and step into the car.

All by yourself.

I'm much too self-conscious and socially awkward in these situations.

Something I've struggled with for many years.

Readers...

Do you ever go to movies, eat out or go on carnival rides alone?

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Sharing with Sunday Snapshot

{Learning to Drive}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I took this photo at last year's Gateway to the West Festival in Blair, Nebraska.

I'm so looking forward to this year's event, which is scheduled for next weekend.

A boatload of interesting photo opportunities of children and just good ol' ordinary people -- subjects I don't usually get to capture out here on the farm.

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Sharing with Weekly Top Shot

{Random 5 Friday}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Fri, 31 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Dame's Rocket

Welcome to Random 5 Friday, where you may link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

Here are mine this week:

1. Love the movie, Dazed and Confused. Best 1970's teen-experience flick to date.
2. Buck is back on his eye drops. The left eye continues to develop pannus if he isn't on them.
3. I hate award shows. It actually causes me pain to watch them. So I don't.
4. We've gotten almost 5 inches of rain this week. We have mini-ponds developing everywhere.
5. I'm determined to get the rest of my bedding plants in their pots today, rain or shine.

Now it's your turn.

Guidelines:

1. Link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

2. Posts not containing 5 random facts may be deleted (sorry, but I don't ask much!)

3.Visit a few other participants if you are able. This is a very friendly community!

{Milk Paint Recipe}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Thu, 30 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Lots of stuff going on here.

Chokecherries in bloom.

A galvanized metal ewer I found at Hobby Lobby many years ago.

A DIY milk paint recipe of mine you can use as you will.

A new texture -- Lichen -- which I'm loving at the moment.

First, the milk paint recipe:

Ingredients

Colored spray paint for base layer -- I chose white
Clear spray paint to seal
Water
Powdered Milk
Food coloring
20 Mule Team Borax
White Vinegar

Directions

Thoroughly spray your object with your base layer. Two coats might be needed. Let dry.

Select a color from your food coloring stash. I chose blue.

Once you've selected a color, measure equal amounts of milk powder and warm water in separate containers.

Add the powder to the water, and stir until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Add one tablespoon borax and one tablespoon white vinegar. This will inhibit bacteria growth.
For a thinner paint, add more water. For a thicker paint, add more milk powder.

Add your food color to suit.

Mix thoroughly for about 3 minutes, then let the paint stand for about 15 minutes.

Using a regular paint brush, paint layers of the milk paint -- you can use a wet sponge to spread out the milk paint as needed. Let dry at least 2 hours between layers.

Using steel wool, remove layers of the milk paint down to the base layer of spray paint, distressing to your liking.

Finish off with a layer of clear spray paint to seal.

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New Lichen Texture

Lichen Texture @ 65% Hard Light

Download Lichen Texture here.

Sign up for the newsletter to receive future free textures like this.
You can sign up here.

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Sharing with Show and Tell Friday,
Little Things Thursday

{Wordless Wednesday}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Wed, 29 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000


Viburnum

Sharing with Rurality Blog Hop

{Tuesday Muse -- Wild Mustard}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Tue, 28 May 2013 10:34:00 +0000

At least I think that's what this is.

It appears all over the fields here in eastern Nebraska in May and early June.

Whatever it is, it makes for a cheery landscape.

: : :

Tuesday Muse is a weekly photo meme

where you may share any photo you've created .

The Tuesday Muse Photo Meme post will be
available at 12:00 am every Tuesday.

I'm looking forward to seeing your submissions.

: : :

{Best Banana Bread Recipe Ever}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Mon, 27 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Three bananas leftover and they were getting r-i-p-e.

I know it's somewhat lame to make banana bread -- but I found this recipe that is so good.

You really need to try it. I mean now. Go find some funky bananas stat. And make this.

The secret?

Sour cream.

So moist and flavorful. My husband said I need to send the recipe to his mother -- so you know it's awesome.

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Sour Cream Banana Bread

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup butter

1-2/3 cups white sugar

2 eggs

3 very ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease one loaf pan. In a small bowl, stir together 3 tbs. white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Dust pan lightly with cinnamon and sugar mixture.
2.	In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix in salt, baking soda and flour. Stir in nuts. Place into pan.
3.	Bake for 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (I baked mine for an additional 1/2 hour due to the low oven temp.)

Source: Allrecipes.com

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Gratitude today (and every day) to our veterans --

those currently serving,

those that have served,

and especially to those that gave their lives

in service to our country.

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{Barn Storming}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sun, 26 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I mentioned in yesterday's post I went driving around my

area to discover some new (well, new to me) barns.

This one doesn't appear to be used for any real purpose now --

other than posing stoically for a few snapshots

from a passing fan.

: : :

Sharing with Sunday Snapshot

{Texas Longhorn}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Sat, 25 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I took a little drive yesterday.

It had been some time since I went barn hunting and it was a beautiful day.

Even though this fella looks a little down

-- I choose to believe he was smiling on the inside.

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Sharing with Weekly Top Shot, Camera Critters.

{Random 5 Friday}

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy @ A Rural Journal) — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Random 5 Friday, where you may link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

Here are mine this week:

1. These metal chicken waterers had rusted and were no longer useful, so I followed this tutorial to transform them into something interesting to place around the yard.

The waterslide decals took some practice (okay, I went through almost an entire package of decal paper to do these,) but I am pleased with the results.

The same technique can be used on cookie tins, recipe boxes, bird houses, flower pots, glass vases or other similar objects

2. My first iris bloomed this week and I still have tulips. Weirdest spring ever.

3. Shane and his friend Jim collected 14 pounds of morel mushrooms last weekend. (Eight ounces of dried morel mushrooms runs about $108.00 online. Unbelievable -- but we don't sell ours.)

4. I bought the last remaining four turkey poults (on clearance) at our farm store this week.

5. I trimmed our hedge that runs all the way around the house -- took me three hours but it looks so much better. Yay me.

Sharing with Show and Tell Friday, Farmgirl Friday.

: : :

Now it's your turn!

Guidelines:

1. Link up a blog post with 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

2. Posts not containing 5 random facts may be deleted (sorry, but I don't ask much!)

3.Visit a few other participants if you are able. This is a very friendly community!