Home at Last Farm...

This blog is now closed

2011-01-03T07:35:00.000-05:00

Please visit my new blog:

thebiggreyhouse.blogspot.com

Went to a Veteran's Day Concert this evening

2010-11-10T20:27:00.000-05:00

It was nice to hear the patriotic music I grew up with. God, Glory, Honor and Duty.....all praised as things that were righteous and worthy. Imagine that. The high school chorus sang a version of American Trilogy. I always liked Elvis's version. To all those who've served, this is for you:

The end of daylight savings time..

2010-11-07T03:08:00.000-05:00

Did you remember to set you clocks back an hour last night?

I think I need an elegant adventure....

2010-11-05T07:53:00.002-04:00

Gee, I hate November. It's so grey and blah. You have to start looking around
for new projects and adventures, because unless you're one of those individuals, who actually likes a cold, wet, barren landscape; there is nothing to do outdoors..

I have been doing some "house cleaning" of sorts. I sold off the extra bunnies and chickens. And I put the pellet stove and corner sink on craigs list. Today I am taking a huge bag of unwanted clothes and toys to the Once Again Shop. So, the closets are cleaned out.

And now what? I am thinking of starting a new painting. I got my dress dummy down from the attic to, perhaps, make a few dresses. (Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find just a regular, everyday house dress? You just can't find them anymore!) I could always re- grout the kitchen tile (I keep saying I'm going to do this....and I will...eventually) But I need a new job or project or adventure.

I can't really get a job job because of the kids. I don't want just a job anyway. I want something half way interesting. If I am going to leave my nice warm house and go out in the cold and snow there better be a darn good reason for it! So....what? What to do? What to do?

What do you do when you feel at loose ends? How do you find your next adventure? I really want to know!

In the meantime, Happy Guy Fawkes Day! Today is the day the English celebrate the failure of a plot to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I by burning one of the plotters in effigy. (Those crazy Brits!)
Our friend Karen is from England, and celebrates every year by hosting a bonfire. I've never been, so we'll bundle up and go join the festivities this evening.

Hope your evening is wonderful..............

2010-11-03T07:43:00.001-04:00

It's election day....have you voted yet?

2010-11-02T08:34:00.000-04:00

I don't think I have missed voting in an election since I turned 18. It is a privilege that I take seriously. I try to understand the issues. I do not necessarily vote down party lines. I'm sure you and I might disagree on many different issues and/or candidates. But this one thing I believe. It is not only our right as Americans to vote; it is our duty.

So, before work, during your day, or after supper, go make your choices.. Make your opinions felt and heard. Don't let anyone tell you your vote doesn't count. And the more of us who believe that, the more we can show the politicians who REALLY runs this country of ours.

VOTE!!!

P.S. If you have neighbors or know people at church who are home bound or just aren't able to get out much, stop by and see if they need a ride to the polls.

Spooky Halloween greetings everybody!!!

2010-10-31T15:46:00.002-04:00

A night at the movies....

2010-10-30T22:18:00.000-04:00

The two youngest had places to be tonight, so the big boys and I (and Joey's girl, Kelly) went to the movies. We saw RED with Bruce Willis,Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary Louis Parker.

First of all, it's fun just being out with the guys. They are hardly ever home these days...always going somewhere and doing something. So it's nice when we can spend a little time doing something together.

The movie it's self was refreshing. At least I thought so....the stars were all 46 or older and they were sexy and smart and dangerous. Who says it's all down hill after 40? These people certainly don't show any signs of slowing down.

If you have the chance, go see this movie. Lots of action, some romance and a little humour too.

a sad farewell to a friend

2010-10-29T20:02:00.000-04:00

Life's Eternal Song

I hold you 'till Life's Breath is gone

I cry for all I'm worth
Even though I know we share a memory
Of you and I on Earth.
As I sit upon the windowsill
Looking out into the rain
There's still a brightness in the sky
That clears away the pain
As I look into the Heavens
I feel that you are gone
But I know that you are there with God
Singing Life's Eternal Song

-By: Rachel Schlow, age 10

Yesterday we lost our little Jasper. Well, he wasn't that little anymore! He turned out to be a good sized cat, considering he started out life an abandoned runt.

He was our friendliest cat. He was silly too. Lately he had taken to hanging from the screen door and peering into the kitchen. It was kind of creepy to be standing at the sink doing dishes and then, when you turn around, there's a huge pair of green eyes staring at you from outside!

Good bye Jas....we miss you so!

Don't be nervous.....

2010-10-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

On Friday I am having a colonoscopy. I am very, very nervous about the whole thing.

For those who didn't know, I had several surgeries when I was a child. The M.O. of the hospital staff back then was pretty much just grab the kid and do what you wanted. No explanations. No parents around to sooth a frightened child.

I'm a big girl now, but I have never gotten over the feelings of fear when I am around hospitals and/or medical personnel (which is ironic considering I was a critical care respiratory therapist for 13 years!). I no longer scream when I get blood drawn, but if there's a way to get out of a medical procedure, I'll find it!

Unfortunately some things you just gotta do. The annual pap smear and mammogram, and, now that I am 50 (OMG! How did THAT happen?) I need to add colonoscopy to my regularly scheduled procedures.

I am told that the worst part is the emmm...cleansing that occurs the day before. I have canceled all my plans for tomorrow and loaded up on T.P., ginger ale, and library books. At least, after the meds do their thing, at least for the day, no one can tell me I'm full of Sh##.

Colon cancer is the #2 cause of Cancer related deaths. If caught early, it's is almost always curable. To learn more about colon cancer check out this site: http://www.humc.com/coloncenter/fact.shtml
Then, be brave, like me, and go schedule your your colonoscopy. Even it it is a pain in the butt.

Anybody want a bunny?

2010-10-26T15:59:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy week. Swimming and football are done for the season and cross country is finishing up. I have to say I am relieved that the constant taxiing of children from meet to meet is nearly done...at least for

awhile.

Joey is still fighting to be allowed to enter the military. The DNA tests came back negative for Marfan's, but the Army, in it's wisdom, is asking for other tests to be done, so we are making appointments as quickly

as we can, so we can get this boy in uniform. I am so proud, and yet, at the same time, scared to death. It's

one thing to marry a soldier. It's a whole different game when you're the mom of a soldier.

Check out my new bifocals...what do you think?

The corn maze is back! We went on Sunday. It was fun, but MUDDY. We almost fell a couple of times. I ran into my friend Karen and her daughter, Emmy, Karen invited us to a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day (November 5th). That should be fun!!

This is Groucho. He, his mother and 3 of his brothers and sisters live in my basement. Sigh. This is too many bunnies indoors!! We have to get rid of some of these guys. Any takers??? Gillian loves them, but is getting overwhelmed caring for them.

As October is rolling into November we are still working on the house. Trying to finish up some outside work before the weather gets too cold. We had the eaves at the back of the house fixed and more of the gutter put in. I wish I could snap my fingers and have it all done in an instant.....but I will settle for slowly, but surely. I am so excited to see this beautiful house being brought back to life! It is an absolute joy to be a part of the "resurrection".

A thoughtful message from a wonderful woman

2010-10-20T07:28:00.001-04:00

If I Had My Life To Live Over

by Erma BombeckThe following was written by the late Erma Bombeck
after she found out she was dying.

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

Just stuff....

2010-10-16T08:05:00.000-04:00

So, how are you doing this wet autumn Saturday? It's been rather a long week, hasn't it? And chilly too! I can't seem to get warm these days. I finally turned on the furnace. Maybe it's time for the coal stove as well!

I have found many a bargain this week! First, on Monday, I took my trash to the dump like I always do. There, sitting by the worker's shed, were to off the prettiest bamboo and rattan chairs I'd ever seen. When I asked Les about them, he asked me if I wanted them!!! Hmmmmm YES!!!! Les is like me, he can't stand seeing something thrown away when it's still perfectly good. One of the chairs needs a screw put in the leg, but that's it. They are perfect otherwise!

Then, yesterday I went to go get blood drawn. While I was at the hospital their "plant lady" came by and was trimming the hanging plants. I asked if I could have a couple of her trimmings and she said sure. Then she said she was throwing out a whole plant and did I want it. HMMMMM. YES!

Looks at this gorgeous corn plant! I killed my last one and was looking for another. And this one is much bigger then the old one! Woo Hoo! I am just so tickled! LOL

I got bifocals this week as well. Checking out the new eye care plan on the insurance, I was able to get my eyes checked and get line-less bifocals in a rather attractive frame for $40. AND they made them within a few hours! I left there at noon and at 1:30 I was back to pick up my new glasses.

That same night there was a banquet and meeting for all the libraries in our local system. It was rather a celebration, too, because they just switched the library system and it went off better then might have been expected.

Diane

Beth

I went with some nice ladies including these two characters, Diane (who is the librarian in our little town) and Beth (who is the head library clerk). I love going to the library anyway, but these two make it a real joy. They are bright and funny and visiting with them can make my whole day!

So today I am waiting to see if I woman I met is going to buy my goats or not. I have decided to start over with a few head of sheep in the spring. I do hope she calls this morning!

Other than that, 5 weeks grade reports have come in and out of 4 children only 2 Cs, all the rest were A's and B's! Woo Hoo! Now that is something to celebrate, only not today, because Matt just left for a cross country event and Gillian is getting ready for me to take her to a swim meet. I will be very glad when things slow down a little bit in November.

That's all from my little world, what have you been up to lately?

Have you seen these?

2010-10-10T13:13:00.000-04:00

I am always on the look out for lovely ideas and when those ideas come with tasty recipes and beautiful photos....well I just gotta share. Look these books up in your local library. You won't be sorry!

The Swimmer: starring Gillian Pollhein

2010-10-10T12:48:00.000-04:00

So, our Gilli decided to go out for swim team this year. Mostly, I think, because her friend Hannah was on the team, but for whatever reason, she decided to try and she's doing really well!

Not being an athlete myself, I am very impressed with her tenacity and talent.

We just think she's pretty cool! Considering this is her first year on the team, she is doing pretty well!. We are very proud of her. She isn't nervous at all. Or even the least bit winded when she's done. I think she is amazing and her father concurs with my conclusion! So you know it's true.

2010-10-08T16:16:00.002-04:00

Sheep herding trials

2010-10-02T11:59:00.001-04:00

I noticed in the paper the other day an ad for a sheep herding trials featuring German Shepherds. Since I 've never seen a trial like this in person, and the only televised ones I've seen involved border collies (think Babe) I got up, finished my chores and headed over to Rushville to see how these things went.

The judge was from Bavaria. I learned that the type of herding they do there is different from the small herd stuff they do in this country. It was all very interesting and quiet beautiful.

The highlight of the morning was when the 3rd contestant walked down to the sheep pen, walked around it looking at the sheep. She then walked over to the judge, said something and pointed. I heard the judge say, "Well, that IS why we check them". The judge beckoned the farm owner who walked into the pen and promptly picked up 2 new born lambs!! It was perfect!!

If you are interested in this type of large herd sheep herding, check out this site: http://www.german-shepherdherding.com/sheepherding.htm

A sad little song for a grey morning

2010-10-01T08:58:00.002-04:00

Sexy chairs!!!

2010-09-30T17:40:00.000-04:00

So what do you think?

I like it much better then when I found it:

I've always wanted armless chairs. Several weeks ago I found two on the side of the road with a big "free" sign on them. I hollered and Joe sighed and turned the van around. The didn't smell or anything, so I grabbed them. I was planning on replacing the chairs in the game room anyway. (Between the kids and the cats they were in tatters) so this was my chance to replace them while fulfilling a little decorating fantasy of mine. I am rather proud of myself for my good luck and finding the chairs and for the pretty o.k. job of re-covering them.

Oh! Yeah Me! LOL

Just crazy busy...

2010-09-18T18:29:00.001-04:00

Be back soon!

I loved this book,but it made me so hungry!

2010-08-24T06:52:00.002-04:00

As you may know, I love books on tape. That way I can "read" while I drive or while I can the endless supply of tomatoes we've been harvesting. I just finished Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl.

Ruth was the food critic for the NY times. It is, arguably, the coveted job in the world for a foodie. Since being reviewed by the times is so important in NYC restaurant circles, the folks who work there are on the look out for her.

While it must be wonderful to have a fancy dining establishments bend over backwards to impress one, it is not the way to get an honest review. So Ms. Reichl resorts to wearing disguises. With each disguise comes a new personality. REALLY intriguing is how she comes to understand parts of her own personality (some nice...some not so nice) while inhabiting these characters.

OH! and the meals she describes! I spent the whole books craving whatever dish she was describing! Thank God NYC is 8 hours away or I would be fat AND broke! LOL

Let me put it this way, this book was so delicious, that I had bring it in from the car and finish listening to it in the house because I wanted to know what was coming up next.

As and added bonus there are recipes throughout the narrative!

Garlic and Sapphires gets 4 stars from me for a sumptuous summer read!

We're good for blue berries for the rest of the winter.....

2010-08-13T16:07:00.004-04:00

Jim, Matt and I drove over to The Sugar Shack today to pick Blueberries. Boy, am I ever glad we decided to go today. It's there last day of the season! I'm not sure why, they have acres and acres of Blueberry bushes and many of them still looked loaded!

In 30 minutes we had picked 5 gallons of big fat berries! The only thing better would be grow them yourself...

Speaking of which, I do happen to have a few blueberry bushes out in the garden, but we've never had much luck growing them. So, while we were out there picking I asked some questions of the owners.

It seems that it takes 5 or 6 years to really get the big berry harvests. Ooooooooh! Maybe we just weren't patient enough. I also learned that they apply dormant oil in the late winter and use a soil acidifier twice a year. They mulch well, but only every 2 or 3 years and they use drip irrigation.

So...I may have to wander over to Penn Yan for a few more years, but come 2015, LOOK OUT! We're gonna have some MAJOR Blueberry bushes right here at the home place. Oh yeah!!!

And now for this musical interlude:

2010-08-07T07:55:00.001-04:00

It's canning time!

2010-08-05T08:19:00.003-04:00

I normally get up early anyway, but this time of year it's especially important. It's canning time.

If I wait until later in the day the heat in the kitchen become so oppressive it's nearly impossible to think straight. But if you get up early enough you can get it all done before it gets too hot and don't those jars look pretty on the shelf?

I went and got more jars yesterday. I will almost certainly need a few more before it's all over. It's hard work, but I have to admit. I love it! I love opening those cupboard doors and seeing all the jars full of wonderful things we've grown in our garden. It just makes my heart happy!

And on this farm they had a cow...EIEIO!

2010-08-03T15:42:00.002-04:00

This is George:

George is a Brown Swiss. Brown Swiss are a large and (reportedly) gentle breed of dairy cows. Unfortunately for George, he was born a bull. There isn't a lot of use for a bull on a dairy farm since they don't give milk. So when my friend Karen (who has a dairy farm) had enough bull she gave some to me. I gave one to my friend Liz, who was so delighted she went and got 2 more!
We kept George the bull. Only he is not a bull anymore. He's a steer.

This is the marvelous pen Joe made for George over the weekend. It is a nice place for him to live and play and grow. Right now he is cute. Cute wears off real fast with steers. They bump you around and step on your toes. In about 7 or 8 months George will have a new home. Our freezer. My daughter is aghast. That's why I get her to help me with chores. Like I said: cute wears off.

Oh the harsh realities of where food really comes from.....anyone feel like a steak?