tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39103782275992439452024-03-18T10:02:36.136-04:00It's All ConnectedIt's All ConnectedMaureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-66852293228340961212016-06-11T18:34:00.000-04:002017-08-30T21:49:32.972-04:00I Really Liked You Gordie Howe!Yesterday, Gordie Howe, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mr. Hockey </i>passed away at the age of 88.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6msdzPMo_a_k6IEXKpL_Qh_yy_66u-J7xQQk_I1_L_At5hx4QHG0-NEV8Wy881TFGFKOcGVvkr1FPuM2A2AEVNf2feLYwfIYQoJx__3GreS1hNBT1qWoQTukY01MAL2fgtwG-gfziKLQ/s1600/GordieHoweVipers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6msdzPMo_a_k6IEXKpL_Qh_yy_66u-J7xQQk_I1_L_At5hx4QHG0-NEV8Wy881TFGFKOcGVvkr1FPuM2A2AEVNf2feLYwfIYQoJx__3GreS1hNBT1qWoQTukY01MAL2fgtwG-gfziKLQ/s400/GordieHoweVipers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was lucky enough to get to know Gordie and have some insight into what makes a truly great and memorable athlete. He was one of the finest examples of commitment and dedication to a career, a sport, a team and the fans that made it all worthwhile.<br />
<br />
His accomplishments as a hockey player and pride of Canadians are well known.<br />
<br />
We met when he was retired and came to my recording studio to do the voice overs for some commercials. I was used to working with stars of the music world, television stars and film producers. It was all in a days work. But, for a girl who grew up in Northern Ontario, the chance to watch a hockey legend record was awe inspiring. These players were the idols of kids, especially those growing up in out of the way, economically disadvantaged areas. If you could play like Gordie Howe, you could get out of going miles underground to eke out a living in the nickel mines and young boys collected hockey cards and dreamt of the day they'd wear a Stanley cup ring.<br />
<br />
I snuck away to a phone and called my dad. <i>"Guess who's in the studio? <b>Gordie Howe!!!</b>" </i>I only called my dad about a client one other time and that was when Johnny Cash was there.<br />
<br />
The studio control room was overcrowded with anyone from the advertising agency or business hiring him for the commercial who could possibly find an excuse to be there. I went to my office and carried on answering phones and doing the boring business side of things.<br />
<br />
During a break for editing, there was a tap on my open door. It was Gordie. My assistant had directed him to my office a place to get away from everyone. He was a shy man and not comfortable with all those business types. Many a rock star had hidden in there to escape record company executives.<br />
<br />
I told him to make himself comfortable and carried on with work. He picked up an acoustic guitar and ever so quietly picked out a few notes. I told him the sound wouldn't carry to the control room and it certainly wouldn't bother me if he played.<br />
<br />
<i>"You don't want to hear me play with these awful old hands."</i><br />
<br />
I looked at them and saw how deformed they were from arthritis and broken bones.<br />
<br />
<i>"Go ahead and play. I bet I've heard worse. You hear music after we've fixed it up for them."</i><br />
<br />
That's the moment when we became comfortable with each other. Over the next few days, he stayed in my office as much as he could. We chatted about growing up in a large family, his childhood in Saskatchewan and my relatives in Alberta and all that prairie life entailed. We talked about sports and the entertainment business as the dream for so many kids as a way to live the good life.<br />
<br />
Artist James Lumbers did a painting of Gordie showing his mom helping a neighbour out by giving her a bit of cash, she couldn't spare, in exchange for a gunny sack of used items. Inside that sack was Gordie's first pair of skates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhKm_ZSvytREjvJQaQ0fvwjd7fxqzWApE6SQNPzDIeRwt1NfbzjjaIwvxNi0rv1scbLB0ogZa4Zbxl3dd_f7qSYQgkRcYNwwnC0SInDGPvQ2mWCMrT5SqW7EjzCavJP6bixa5y8U3MS93/s1600/lumbers-mr_hockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhKm_ZSvytREjvJQaQ0fvwjd7fxqzWApE6SQNPzDIeRwt1NfbzjjaIwvxNi0rv1scbLB0ogZa4Zbxl3dd_f7qSYQgkRcYNwwnC0SInDGPvQ2mWCMrT5SqW7EjzCavJP6bixa5y8U3MS93/s640/lumbers-mr_hockey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We talked about my home in northern Ontario and how I loved the forests and rivers and all the wildlife that had surrounded me. In the early days of radio and television, players didn't benefit from all those advertising dollars that hockey games earned. They didn't make enough to live on and had to work at something else during the down time. Most played other professional sports. Gordie worked at a fishing lodge in the summers as a guide and pro angler. He loved fishing but hated being away from his family for months on end.<br />
<br />
A few months later, Gordie was back to record another commercial and back hiding in my office. While we talked he glanced over at a hockey stick sitting in the corner. He picked it up tried it for balance or whatever players test sticks out for. Halfway up the stick was electrical tape wound around to make a barrier to the stick flying out of the players glove.<br />
<br />
Gordie frowned.<br />
<br />
<i>"Who's stick is this?"</i><br />
<i>"My grandson's."</i><br />
<i>"You better break him of that habit."</i><br />
<i>"What habit?"</i><br />
<i>"That tape part way up the stick. You start in with bad habits like that and you'll never play well. You tell him I said so!"</i><br />
<br />
<i>"Um, Gordie, he's only two. the stick is going to be cut off above the tape."</i><br />
<br />
We laughed and he asked if I wanted the stick autographed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIqyU9-xA-CKpVD2ivlBGX24VgDzs7QI-P3z3cmPXC1LpN8B0s3hhmWoRCg7dCmOMohoo63FSuQ4l74B3to0QWpqrMZ53ot-9QyePM8Q2DfBme0Rz9GgN3KhJQ5oe5jiFVwX3p6p1Iq69/s1600/hockey+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIqyU9-xA-CKpVD2ivlBGX24VgDzs7QI-P3z3cmPXC1LpN8B0s3hhmWoRCg7dCmOMohoo63FSuQ4l74B3to0QWpqrMZ53ot-9QyePM8Q2DfBme0Rz9GgN3KhJQ5oe5jiFVwX3p6p1Iq69/s640/hockey+stick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The year was 1997 and <b><i>Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey</i></b>, was signed to play one shift for the Detroit Vipers, making him the only player to officially play NHL hockey for six decades. He was 69 yrs. old.<br />
<br />
The signed stick was never cut. My grandson still has it. And, I never forgot that modest, shy and genuine man that played a game he loved and made it better than it had ever been before.Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-55885195032361217522016-05-01T14:19:00.000-04:002017-09-07T14:01:23.887-04:00I'm Too Busy Studying Anthropology To Blog!Where has the last month gone? Gone to <i style="font-weight: bold;">KIDS </i>is where! My one day a week babysitting two toddlers job got somewhat expanded when the original babysitter quit. It's going to get much easier next month. The kids turn 2 and 3 in May and I'm expecting their birthdays to turn them into rational human beings.<br />
<br />
Then, I'll be back to blogging full force. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Do not wake me from this dream!</i> I haven't been spending much time online for two reasons. First, I only to want to fall asleep or drink wine and fall asleep or pretend I'm watching a movie and fall asleep when the girls go home. On the days, I'm not babysitting and my special needs grandson isn't staying with me, I vacuum. All three generate enormous amounts of debris. The second reason I'm not online is that only toddlers can hear a laptop cover being raised. That sound penetrates their super sonic hearing from two rooms away and makes them rush in to start <i>helping</i> me. They can even hear the laptop lid while totally engrossed in the most riveting episode of the<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbee3h5UkoV0diP8CF8oKu4zSUvPo3HYcVDDGWgbCRXb5rKXw6T8C-MDQ7keC4DDt1lMKt3aY6VwxQFuPsDxywxArZH9mNi4_GJiqAXR7MDSTSDc7y8A7EtPKhL7j5z6ZMUejtD_3dJky/s1600/kidsguppies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbee3h5UkoV0diP8CF8oKu4zSUvPo3HYcVDDGWgbCRXb5rKXw6T8C-MDQ7keC4DDt1lMKt3aY6VwxQFuPsDxywxArZH9mNi4_GJiqAXR7MDSTSDc7y8A7EtPKhL7j5z6ZMUejtD_3dJky/s320/kidsguppies.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a whole weekend to myself, I was excited to do some writing. Hmmm - what to write about?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>My blog trendy framed chalkboard in the dining room has degenerated into an ever changing piece of modern art. ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48SLYWLnFbNe968m_FhgQXxNFygFtAQs8Ili9yz9UvfrUgC0_boFMRbloehvGy6N85EUqpYv4yDVeHJ2TWyeqLMnEOQ8860HXHwAI-1DTm0VKBZfvsPeblu0ouj_p0vUDreAcNBK82Icx/s1600/kids+chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48SLYWLnFbNe968m_FhgQXxNFygFtAQs8Ili9yz9UvfrUgC0_boFMRbloehvGy6N85EUqpYv4yDVeHJ2TWyeqLMnEOQ8860HXHwAI-1DTm0VKBZfvsPeblu0ouj_p0vUDreAcNBK82Icx/s320/kids+chalk.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't think the new decor look will get many Pinterest pins.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The course I'm taking in anthropology. <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Study Of Humans Under The Age Of Three 101,</i> is fascinating. My minor is <b><i>Pokemon And The Fifteen Year Old Boy</i></b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm making great progress in learning the language. Occasionally I speak the language to adults. I'll call a granola bar a <i>Bobby Boke</i>, a cat a <i>Tzsee tzsee</i> or a butterfly an <i class="">applefly</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Applefly was Thursday's lesson. No matter how many times the youngest one asked me or how many ways I tried to get her to explain what she wanted, the word was escaping me. She buried her head in her blanket, cried huge crocodile tears and said, <i>"I just want the applefly"</i>. I carried her around the house asking her to point to the applefly. At the fridge we hit paydirt!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJWsev_DZaIkwtBwmuNZAMbqXybYtH7osgcwZVhhnKSLuLqN7fu5d_3gdvJmbLwPN2wxAn7SHLjvT4Rtxvn3YBxKKJHNhHnwdsavhyphenhyphen5KU02Q7jWyYZpcrotzGMpMMVI9ZLlOxQ9ZAhIeK/s1600/kids+applefly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJWsev_DZaIkwtBwmuNZAMbqXybYtH7osgcwZVhhnKSLuLqN7fu5d_3gdvJmbLwPN2wxAn7SHLjvT4Rtxvn3YBxKKJHNhHnwdsavhyphenhyphen5KU02Q7jWyYZpcrotzGMpMMVI9ZLlOxQ9ZAhIeK/s320/kids+applefly.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Their mom has been reading her an alphabet book. <b><i>A </i></b>is for apple. <b><i>B</i></b> is for butterfly. She seems to have mixed the two pages up in her mind. When studying the Under Age Three Human be aware that they do not appreciate hysterical laughter at their expense.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Their society has complex rules of etiquette and social mores. Most of these revolve around ownership. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The traditional toddler foods are well received unless said child has specifically asked you to make that food. Then, it will be rejected when it arrives on the table. ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXVP66Mtda2ejlQJeNy0OWKkjQPF8MbZ9tj4_D714xFaD9-hK37pr1mIog00PTYzrWPev04LBnD30V49ZZq0Xap0Guo-3l1J8aTFzh0YxfxlWR-VjPXmwyvkh2LScoz6kOW1hGrxn4YaW/s1600/kids+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXVP66Mtda2ejlQJeNy0OWKkjQPF8MbZ9tj4_D714xFaD9-hK37pr1mIog00PTYzrWPev04LBnD30V49ZZq0Xap0Guo-3l1J8aTFzh0YxfxlWR-VjPXmwyvkh2LScoz6kOW1hGrxn4YaW/s400/kids+egg.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Under <i style="font-weight: bold;">NO CIRCUMSTANCES </i>should you allow another under age three human to eat the rejected food. Do not think repeated assurances that the first tot doesn't want the food actually means they are willing to give up ownership of the food. The result is inconsolable crying. The second tot doesn't care if the first one is crying and will make a great show of eating it in front of them. By now, they have ownership of the food and will not give it back. Forcing a return of the food results in inconsolable crying. You may, however, give the unwanted food to the chickens. Perhaps they have a pact with chickens where they return unwanted eggs to the original giver.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNBMzJ1a0QT8-eonxBxi5Fhj22QH3IsprwB7RIFHFLRo2ME68DNomhl5JclNq7uOOmm5mnDRBPf3fuVQb0nl0a-uJyViWQa2jdfNvvm5iFwqGFy-eg_NrVFdHWPw3i9ACzkGQOdKmLZXs/s1600/kids+rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNBMzJ1a0QT8-eonxBxi5Fhj22QH3IsprwB7RIFHFLRo2ME68DNomhl5JclNq7uOOmm5mnDRBPf3fuVQb0nl0a-uJyViWQa2jdfNvvm5iFwqGFy-eg_NrVFdHWPw3i9ACzkGQOdKmLZXs/s640/kids+rules.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Do not believe advertising that says the members of this society will play with new toys. They will ignore them and go back to playing with a wooden wagon full of blocks that you paid $2 for at a thrift shop. ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXVOHdXwUYNy0PJ0a-PANm8_lgWl4PVfcV1Q2tDRx6iPZF6rEbuFjPakFy5DE8CdJfDmZqTvRNC-pCcNnf0ZIt0NZ9OB9dV3tfoi_fFvP1jPpF4_PEDDwKnLVi9WnhCJ9TQ0XMShGEd7e/s1600/kids+blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXVOHdXwUYNy0PJ0a-PANm8_lgWl4PVfcV1Q2tDRx6iPZF6rEbuFjPakFy5DE8CdJfDmZqTvRNC-pCcNnf0ZIt0NZ9OB9dV3tfoi_fFvP1jPpF4_PEDDwKnLVi9WnhCJ9TQ0XMShGEd7e/s400/kids+blocks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Or, make you draw the same picture of a cat over and over again on a $ store magic writer. They will return the favour by drawing you a monster. ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdYkh8rukx6XVhF8xggMX-Pk7oIN7u4Nxk03QuIWk3a4YxnZf__bxca_V1yy5x1XsZO_AIyL4oJ1Km8Pt7CgH_JKX1rZFqqX0j1ZV3IN2QcCzMFscUc2ltUTJOwfxu3LnLG9UbGWzx8oW/s1600/IMG_8705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdYkh8rukx6XVhF8xggMX-Pk7oIN7u4Nxk03QuIWk3a4YxnZf__bxca_V1yy5x1XsZO_AIyL4oJ1Km8Pt7CgH_JKX1rZFqqX0j1ZV3IN2QcCzMFscUc2ltUTJOwfxu3LnLG9UbGWzx8oW/s400/IMG_8705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This society worships repetition on repetition (and Bubbleguppies).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The human under the age of three does not like to follow directions in craft kits. They do like to be amazed at helping you make a dolly bed out of a tangerine box and a scrap of flannel. They are, therefore, free-form artists. They are not willing to share the dolly bed with each other but happy to let the cat sleep in it, carefully covered with the blanket. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1di23wI9tAu3oPOvKgIgRda8BMQTeVlU_qFYTzSHu-cgY88-rFsm6cVtlyJWCr2iIrJWVLX2BdRwy0NglaS6BTAc821w_4-OesM7prsxuNQ-OzoLWJAxa4oDcmv3SOQoak2DWikv9t8I/s1600/kids+doll+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1di23wI9tAu3oPOvKgIgRda8BMQTeVlU_qFYTzSHu-cgY88-rFsm6cVtlyJWCr2iIrJWVLX2BdRwy0NglaS6BTAc821w_4-OesM7prsxuNQ-OzoLWJAxa4oDcmv3SOQoak2DWikv9t8I/s400/kids+doll+bed.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So much to learn and so little time! In the blink of an eye, they will change entirely and I'll be on to studying the next phase.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They are learning too. They know I won't give them sugary foods. They've learned they are hidden in the house somewhere and they can access them by using the potty. They've learned that any transgression or tantrum is instantly forgiven if they climb up on my knee and smile like a cherub. Even the cats will forgive a poke from a plastic dinosaur if they give them a pat and a kiss.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Maybe, just maybe, I'm getting the hang of this thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>But why, oh why, did I retire from interior decorating!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-4697469651954762792016-03-08T18:04:00.000-05:002016-03-08T18:41:11.380-05:00It's International Women's Day & I'm A Women's Libber!International Women's Day is the perfect time to look back on our gains and losses in the last few generations.<br />
<br />
I'm amazed when someone tells me they've never been one of those <i style="font-weight: bold;">Women's Libbers.</i> Are they telling me they believe women should be chattels, unable to vote and their property passing to their husband on their marriage? Are they saying they don't believe in equal pay for equal work, equal education and equal opportunity in employment? Are they saying they don't care about violence toward women? <br />
<br />
It's easy in 2016 to forget the path cleared by the courageous women who went before us; the novelists who brought the plight of women to the general consciousness, the suffragettes who endured scorn and imprisonment to gain the right to vote and to forget the tireless lobbyists for women's rights. <br />
<br />
I was reading <i>Marilyn French's</i> last novel written before her 2009 death, <b><i>The Love Children</i></b>. Amid the nostalgia of my era of coming of age, is the realities of North American society in the 60's. I was struck by the things we <b><i>didn't</i></b> know were wrong with our place in our society at the time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmZ3sC-km23RLxINL21y18Xl79FZwnI8ROX450frqk2BE6dCjgZO_pV0H1QHCojlQsjpIdNo-mU5m0kQXz5rRz5eos70rP6E7Q44VugO599LyukEvziqNlt1oQDNSdWz2podrIrMnn1qi/s1600/simple+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmZ3sC-km23RLxINL21y18Xl79FZwnI8ROX450frqk2BE6dCjgZO_pV0H1QHCojlQsjpIdNo-mU5m0kQXz5rRz5eos70rP6E7Q44VugO599LyukEvziqNlt1oQDNSdWz2podrIrMnn1qi/s320/simple+book.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You can thank the <b><i>Women's Liberation Movement</i></b> for coining the term <i>sexual abuse</i>. It didn't even exist before then. Although all the women from my generation have our stories, at the time we didn't really know how wrong it was. An example is a friend of mine who tells of being a young woman in her first office job at a manufacturing plant. Her boss would sit behind his desk fondling himself while looking at her through the window into her office. Did she take a complaint to management? Of course not. When she was forced to go on the factory floor, she endured men saying the slogan from a fast food restaurant, <i>Hot & Juicy</i>, as a play on her name. Did she put in a complaint to their superiors? Of course not. We didn't even know we could complain.<br />
<br />
We were so used to cat calls walking by construction sites and holding our books in front of our chests so the boys wouldn't make rude jokes in the high school hallways, that this didn't seem all that bad. We wrestled with groping boys on dates and tried to give creepy uncles a wide berth at family gatherings. We didn't even tell our parents any of that happening. It was somehow shameful and we felt we brought it upon ourselves in some way we couldn't understand.<br />
<br />
It took women to start talking loud and long and often for mainstream media to focus on women's issues. It took marches and slogans and placards and, yes even an attempt to burns bras at a beauty pageant, to begin to make changes.<br />
<br />
We could now openly talk about how uncomfortable men made us feel. In fact, we were afraid of men. Not monsters of men, just ordinary fathers, brothers, husbands, sons. No one told them their actions were hurting us. It was all in good fun, right? It was a compliment to a girl to whistle at her or pinch her bottom, wasn't it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kq3QrYYG4oEZWdHovnsbYCdgCr3qKpwSTqFU2b37nw8syAxPmSZMhdTha19DLtofKJFdM2GZULHOGYH9ghZfBdNO4ht3RDXZcKV9lV0V9k_50qXTNpYufl60MmPSjcP60SJqux-g8ZPo/s1600/one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kq3QrYYG4oEZWdHovnsbYCdgCr3qKpwSTqFU2b37nw8syAxPmSZMhdTha19DLtofKJFdM2GZULHOGYH9ghZfBdNO4ht3RDXZcKV9lV0V9k_50qXTNpYufl60MmPSjcP60SJqux-g8ZPo/s400/one.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
No, it wasn't fun or a compliment. We were afraid you would force yourselves on us sexually. We were afraid you would beat us. We were afraid you would leave us with children and no one would make you pay support. We would have to manage on our own, undereducated, at low paying jobs.<br />
<br />
You were our doctors, ministers and teachers and yet, at some level, we were afraid of you.<br />
<br />
By the time I was raising my daughters, we talked about these things. I could tell them they were equal to any man and must never allow themselves to be abused in any way. I could encourage them to enter any field of employment they chose.<br />
<br />
But with all the gains, there is a very long way for the Women's Liberation Movement to go. In Canada, according to Statistics Canada, women earn 72 cents for every dollar men earn for comparable work. Higher levels of education for women has not closed the gap. A traditionally male occupation of truck driver pays an average of $45,000/yr. Early Childhood Education, traditionally a female occupation requires a college degree and earns $25,000. Women put in 3 to 6 hours daily of unpaid work in the home compared to men's 30 mins. to 2 hrs. of unpaid work. This has to affect job performance between the sexes.<br />
<br />
Violence toward women is increasing and will continue to do so until the courts hand down stiffer penalties for these crimes and our attitude toward them encourages change in how we raise our boys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXviSh8IALzufVUh5dpfJyZUlgUwn_hRsSYGsF1XAs83JpozqP7kI0qKIbu57IgdjoIl3jQ5bAijXJTl9RTPNMoP2bUEEZNmsIYUx__sQWffB2DftgF8Vvg_OqL4IeJhv0lGvBE3FBp1c/s1600/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXviSh8IALzufVUh5dpfJyZUlgUwn_hRsSYGsF1XAs83JpozqP7kI0qKIbu57IgdjoIl3jQ5bAijXJTl9RTPNMoP2bUEEZNmsIYUx__sQWffB2DftgF8Vvg_OqL4IeJhv0lGvBE3FBp1c/s640/two.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am a Women's Libber!</i></b> I'm proud of it. It doesn't mean I don't like good men. <b><i>I love them!</i></b> Without good men, we women could not have achieved any basic, human rights. After all, it was and remains, men who hold the balance of power in the world. Good men listened to what we had to say and passed legislation and laws that empower women. Good men passed good values on to their sons, students, and employees. Good men enforce our rights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1iEtPsE2vOMREGYTN4ensbeUXDWptYI7BvhwPgb99tlwClVWm8BfqO2UscBYurC-xWYlB5pP2tMNwgc9sa859l2F87AjgZB7JLk3OePYBujlYgZ8DuBut0H3q2dwDcJffREzZGDU_ae5/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1iEtPsE2vOMREGYTN4ensbeUXDWptYI7BvhwPgb99tlwClVWm8BfqO2UscBYurC-xWYlB5pP2tMNwgc9sa859l2F87AjgZB7JLk3OePYBujlYgZ8DuBut0H3q2dwDcJffREzZGDU_ae5/s400/three.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As women of 2016, let's be proud of being part of a movement that extends around the world; free and equal in every way. Let's raise a cheer for the good men who will carry the banner alongside us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38URAaK8EQeWu1yk1-q-cCoBndOXZcJHnEA-Kq_xZ-9XDS_IqOddAIggJ8gbooQjBM58fUJIT5hM0hHK8OWEnu2xjkkNuR0dqKsB1tLtLxsqZayrTcOWfrM-MslXt6SgqlrPq6CSWIGWd/s1600/four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38URAaK8EQeWu1yk1-q-cCoBndOXZcJHnEA-Kq_xZ-9XDS_IqOddAIggJ8gbooQjBM58fUJIT5hM0hHK8OWEnu2xjkkNuR0dqKsB1tLtLxsqZayrTcOWfrM-MslXt6SgqlrPq6CSWIGWd/s400/four.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>My granddaughters are counting on all of us!</i></b><br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-54220482528127059172016-03-06T17:56:00.000-05:002016-03-06T17:56:15.515-05:00This Is AwkwardIt's hard to know where to begin when I haven't done a post in over a month. A simple <i style="font-weight: bold;">thank you</i> to those of you who sent messages asking if all was well with me seems like a good start.<br />
<br />
I'm fine. It's been a busy time for me the past few months and each day I thought I would write about what I was doing. It just never happened. <br />
<br />
It all began after Christmas. I was turning sixty-four, winding down my home decorating business and wondering, <i>"Where do I go from here?". </i>An answer didn't pop into my mind so I decided to open the door, figuratively, and see who or what walked in. I know the universe abhors a vacuum and something was bound to present itself.<br />
<br />
Well, kids walked in. Lots and lots of kids filled the void.<br />
<br />
One day a week I was minding one and two-year-old girls for a young mom, newly returned to work, who's regular sitter couldn't take them that day for a while. It's been many a <strike>decade </strike> year since I've had to chase around, feed, bath, diaper and entertain toddlers for a 12 hr. day. I have tiny grandkids but their parents do all that stuff. I just do the fun Grandma things and pass them back when the stinky part happens. It took me quite a while to get back in the swing of it!<br />
<br />
You can't really write a post about the girls picking the flowers off the geraniums and teaching them that the flowers and herbs in the house have to be treated nicely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJsUypsnOzsqHQ8WZgCRKNOVl5mBfbX2Y_jB8dB9p00boci3nh63fMYb3pxWZU7nS8Igyvqw1G9-a1LR7yCDGDELqrwjwbo_aLohI23Ohj67W878QhR4WDrB7H4yuUy5-7OZge76r9X2d/s1600/new+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJsUypsnOzsqHQ8WZgCRKNOVl5mBfbX2Y_jB8dB9p00boci3nh63fMYb3pxWZU7nS8Igyvqw1G9-a1LR7yCDGDELqrwjwbo_aLohI23Ohj67W878QhR4WDrB7H4yuUy5-7OZge76r9X2d/s640/new+flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They're getting pretty good with leaving them alone as long as I let them do the watering. We put one of the broken blossoms in a jar of water and they saw new roots form. We planted it and they were excited that they would soon have a whole new geranium to take home with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmygE-mDuZUsghAeoaUesMfnApsV_swW-xbQ0j5HkISrWW9N_7grWhjAexpvH54vtmekVEzz9faIAALhtoPzXS7tfKedYqkRUvuXJgyC9u42y-fVq4CfrWYUVxxRbN5NeEK9aCqZguuPHX/s1600/new+roots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmygE-mDuZUsghAeoaUesMfnApsV_swW-xbQ0j5HkISrWW9N_7grWhjAexpvH54vtmekVEzz9faIAALhtoPzXS7tfKedYqkRUvuXJgyC9u42y-fVq4CfrWYUVxxRbN5NeEK9aCqZguuPHX/s400/new+roots.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, they will have if I can ever get the youngest girl to stop pulling the plant out of the soil to see how the roots are doing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My 15-year-old grandson has been coming here to stay for 4 or 5 days at a time. Outside of the usual mounds of food to cook and dishes to wash that come along with teenage boys, he is a little more work in that he has to be under constant supervision. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsEWr7wPM_ysFf3EikqJuIXlHhHzTvzMAFkfz5TWsG9CZuPMxQm_CFpyj2l_CW37Rd2SVTIf5Og-WmsHKG4RWoufJoqZ813emcG1TzOjTrt9C4dtHckVO3AMw2KF74MnoIZfMTE7GrFHq/s1600/new+zach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsEWr7wPM_ysFf3EikqJuIXlHhHzTvzMAFkfz5TWsG9CZuPMxQm_CFpyj2l_CW37Rd2SVTIf5Og-WmsHKG4RWoufJoqZ813emcG1TzOjTrt9C4dtHckVO3AMw2KF74MnoIZfMTE7GrFHq/s640/new+zach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
He has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and it gives him a wide range of problems from learning difficulties to impulse control issues to the poor self-image that comes along with living with disabilites. He panics if he thinks he is alone.<br />
<br />
When his younger sister, suffering from FAS as well, became very difficult to handle, and with six kids in the family, my daughter and son in law were happy to have my grandson spend some time with me. I can keep things quiet here and he loves having my undivided attention, not to mention being able to order up whatever he wants to eat. I come from a big family myself and know that never, ever happens in a big family. He isn't disturbed by his sister's outbursts here. All is calm. In fact, last time he stayed here I heard him tell his sister he might bring her along next time and she could get calm, too. Ekes! What have I got myself into!<br />
<br />
The good news is, the school had been discussing having to let him go before graduating because of his unruly behaviour. I use the term <b><i>graduate</i></b> loosely of course. Since he has been coming here, he has turned that around. His special ed. teacher is thrilled with the progress and feels he will make it through. It's not that I'm doing anything wonderful, it's just that I have the place and time to be of assistance to my daughter and her family.<br />
<br />
In the middle of all this, daughter #2 was having child care issues of her own. She has a daughter in kindergarten and a one-year-old boy. When she returned to the workforce, she hired a nanny and thought all would be well. She lives in a large city and there is a shortage of daycare spaces. That also means nannies are in high demand. As soon as she got one worked in, the nanny would quit for a better paying job. Even shelling out most of her paycheck for babysitting wasn't holding them. She lives an hour away from me and did her best to not call me in, except as a pinch hitter, so when she called I knew she really needed it.<br />
<br />
At one point, I felt I was juggling an awful lot of balls and trying to keep them all in the air! One week the girls I mind had to come an extra day in the week. The next day my grandson arrived. He stayed for four days. Daughter #2 called to see if I could go mind her son for two days. I couldn't do the first one because I already was babysitting but I could leave the house at 6:30 in the morning to do the second day. Have I ever mentioned that I am not a morning person?<br />
<br />
The good news is, things have settled down for me. Daycare spaces have opened up and I'm not pinch hitting anymore. My grandson will continue to come for respite care and I'm getting quite good at chasing toddlers around again. <br />
<br />
Spring is coming and I'm catching my second wind!<br />
<br />
<b><i>The ice went out of the river. I breathed a sigh of relief as I stood and watched it crack and groan and race away carrying all kinds of debris with it. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTQ29iUmadZ7rVCNpz3XSuji7UVPLKkS2UNV2XLwRWfySL6CphW9NRyHbj3lAuBvwwkGULzMOGWXD9nqvU-J4ZxMyBwBqQfCMcE9Gx2W8A4yem2uoAOqM3DgtJFhFnUencTMMD9pkmMQa/s1600/new+ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTQ29iUmadZ7rVCNpz3XSuji7UVPLKkS2UNV2XLwRWfySL6CphW9NRyHbj3lAuBvwwkGULzMOGWXD9nqvU-J4ZxMyBwBqQfCMcE9Gx2W8A4yem2uoAOqM3DgtJFhFnUencTMMD9pkmMQa/s640/new+ice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We made it through the winter! We stuck together and helped each other and everything turned out fine. I even got a little more physically fit from the toddler workout sessions!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Although .... I may be a little more careful next time I say I'm going to throw the doors open and see what comes in. Maybe I'll install a peephole and take a look at what I'm getting into first!</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-66032119016467629872016-01-24T19:46:00.000-05:002016-01-24T22:55:31.600-05:00Be Odd If It Makes You Happy<b><i>You know it has been the best of Sundays if you find yourself smiling at nothing in particular. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-PE02Fi82tznTIEZ_WW96bLGZkqSggEjA2ZtExNPEGVuU8y_LKiZXkPG8R-JLolFR1cCB46cc4sq2KdSqD4xgyJ4egx9wpd6haF7b2LQ0Icv5w5UZKZ7NpoNFFXn-MOAx2oYo2g6AecR/s1600/happy+let+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-PE02Fi82tznTIEZ_WW96bLGZkqSggEjA2ZtExNPEGVuU8y_LKiZXkPG8R-JLolFR1cCB46cc4sq2KdSqD4xgyJ4egx9wpd6haF7b2LQ0Icv5w5UZKZ7NpoNFFXn-MOAx2oYo2g6AecR/s400/happy+let+go.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can honestly say I never thought, at the age of 64, I'd be hanging out with chickens. It certainly wasn't any part of my life plan. But, hanging out with those girls does make me happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Today I cleaned the ashes out of the woodstove ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoqbBL2cVlvtz2xUV1JZ009V16f-ZIPucxdL00KgfzMbO-CAFXz671UnzYLztCFSCUX9PD1J3YNnQdnxONjAGTcBqJnNTq-zWeZxnJH5UNmYBHdphsF-_Zn7pFqnaLWWsu6kSH8DoWZxi/s1600/happy+ashes+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoqbBL2cVlvtz2xUV1JZ009V16f-ZIPucxdL00KgfzMbO-CAFXz671UnzYLztCFSCUX9PD1J3YNnQdnxONjAGTcBqJnNTq-zWeZxnJH5UNmYBHdphsF-_Zn7pFqnaLWWsu6kSH8DoWZxi/s640/happy+ashes+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
and took them out to the coop to add to the dirt bath the girls have made under the quarantine coop. Clever girls to find a place that will stay dry all year!<br />
<br />
<b><i>It made me happy to see they had a great time fluffing their feathers in the ashes. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmNgHfbDOrjk4m3ZHPIxZU38HJvl0c3EwD_ltlv7evoHw2YNCl6GY1x3oTpVdsvs_JDWR9QTObBGmCihrhskMks26g_1Th7puy-MbLnnfOM3t8PlSFbMI6wHbLrM8FXjMzVV9IR4s79aq/s1600/happy+used+ashes+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmNgHfbDOrjk4m3ZHPIxZU38HJvl0c3EwD_ltlv7evoHw2YNCl6GY1x3oTpVdsvs_JDWR9QTObBGmCihrhskMks26g_1Th7puy-MbLnnfOM3t8PlSFbMI6wHbLrM8FXjMzVV9IR4s79aq/s640/happy+used+ashes+final.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
If you have a fireplace or woodstove, put your ashes out for the wild birds to bathe in. As long as there is nothing but clean firewood that has been burned, it's good for them to be able to clean their feathers in the winter.<br />
<br />
It was a cold day and, in the afternoon, I made some oatmeal for the girls.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Who wouldn't be happy to see them all lined up, making little hops of excitement when they know I am coming? ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMF8ej_VOeflKXb8jBSxTfnv6cVFEX0kPswqwEqgGLBcNphBXEk4wEXJYIIQWgjPD3BPuj04hJRPZiHWyACUMjDx0FQeXKb9w1-JEnDqAwK7qWPkxEO21CyTVYLa1Qo1PddJ3x5jG1TStJ/s1600/happy+gate+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMF8ej_VOeflKXb8jBSxTfnv6cVFEX0kPswqwEqgGLBcNphBXEk4wEXJYIIQWgjPD3BPuj04hJRPZiHWyACUMjDx0FQeXKb9w1-JEnDqAwK7qWPkxEO21CyTVYLa1Qo1PddJ3x5jG1TStJ/s640/happy+gate+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>I didn't even mind staying out in the cold to see if they liked their treat and to make sure old Vivian gets her fair share. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40h20Zlsbnh5hvmBrFECwlYxGHRwR4ATvMlYS5Kg0R7gwpoID1Uf6Esu0xXY9GwEjnmjHQDxEbTFHIeYKmNYtbnTSB5kIXWWqup4PAya4CPbZkPIFVj0JLCfDOlcq_b5EBn1iZ4Gy72ra/s1600/happy+eat+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40h20Zlsbnh5hvmBrFECwlYxGHRwR4ATvMlYS5Kg0R7gwpoID1Uf6Esu0xXY9GwEjnmjHQDxEbTFHIeYKmNYtbnTSB5kIXWWqup4PAya4CPbZkPIFVj0JLCfDOlcq_b5EBn1iZ4Gy72ra/s640/happy+eat+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I know it is odd to prefer watching chickens to shopping or travelling or fine dining but I've done all those things. They were fine for their time. For the present time, hanging with chickens is what makes me smile.<br />
<br />
The sun was setting and I looked at the tracks crisscrossing my yard. Tracks from my feet and the two-year-old girl who is so excited about being able to identify her prints, mine, a squirrel, a raccoon, a cat and a rabbit. They are the prints of life going on all around me. They are my life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLUs5TGXlrbBA1xgGxQVIt9bDp4Byp9U36KdBk-HiX-QmmzvSKT1_EviHGVT0vYXyK3SSHtVb_ymHjPhmU9ZS3EBxD1agRsYS_LPf2NFv6xoqbuLAHynSvjG7_0_plRC7S35ATbVKxtfA/s1600/happy+sunset+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLUs5TGXlrbBA1xgGxQVIt9bDp4Byp9U36KdBk-HiX-QmmzvSKT1_EviHGVT0vYXyK3SSHtVb_ymHjPhmU9ZS3EBxD1agRsYS_LPf2NFv6xoqbuLAHynSvjG7_0_plRC7S35ATbVKxtfA/s640/happy+sunset+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr7VB1jTYbKr546T_eVFaLS1PP0VGDB8T66puSGAHwRiWxPtxymbu3mFhQPEpPj4BKw-GsONHBvhz1SrPQodn_5gOZXZLVjlIBdMeN1QDpQWs1G_rIiudCUeEDegC1hExsVd98c5xeytu/s1600/happy+crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr7VB1jTYbKr546T_eVFaLS1PP0VGDB8T66puSGAHwRiWxPtxymbu3mFhQPEpPj4BKw-GsONHBvhz1SrPQodn_5gOZXZLVjlIBdMeN1QDpQWs1G_rIiudCUeEDegC1hExsVd98c5xeytu/s400/happy+crazy.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />
I take my fair share of ribbing over being a <i style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Lady. </i>I really don't care if I'm a little to the left of centre. Orrrr - even a lot to the left.<br />
<br />
Be as weird as you like this week and soak up all the happiness you can! Sing marching songs at the bus stop, wear your hair in pigtails, dance down the hall at the office, eat chocolate cake for breakfast; whatever sets your sails, just do it.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I'll be here, hanging with a cool bunch of chicks!</i></b>Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-60258475878344316792016-01-20T18:16:00.000-05:002016-01-25T12:07:31.289-05:00Collecting Vintage Napkin RingsNapkin rings are ideal to begin collecting. They don't take up much display room, are functional, plentiful, affordable, useful and the design variations are endless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNHxpGBwcKL6Dj3VjbJmuVbA8ooLQhETkdkpWGZLac9eCIKhAJVyjfnfunZKrzMsi64YibCuWhoydv-hqTA15lfy4-rnc51kNqXxVnmqV1_SS5Y3jhgSgQ_I9CLw3Hz-_k5-WK_m-52dN/s1600/ring+group.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNHxpGBwcKL6Dj3VjbJmuVbA8ooLQhETkdkpWGZLac9eCIKhAJVyjfnfunZKrzMsi64YibCuWhoydv-hqTA15lfy4-rnc51kNqXxVnmqV1_SS5Y3jhgSgQ_I9CLw3Hz-_k5-WK_m-52dN/s640/ring+group.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They first appeared on the dining tables of the upper crust sometime in the 1830's, probably in France. Throughout the Victorian era, they were widely in use on all but the poorest dining tables.<br />
<br />
The beauty of collecting rings is they don't have to be matched sets. The original purpose was to identify who the napkin itself belonged to. Each member of the family had their own ring, with a distinct design or engraved with their initial.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXn2YGLUcu8Z7_6hIWjaTQwW_3wgeHvW4ZWjjo9r2usxMVq9a9MV8urtHTua6hEkJvAETAdqMQJyp12SKMXJbnBW8YH9Cyz2mghZe2DrjNBWARfmqhGE1i100DYH3cQzYx5jpMaaWByPz/s1600/ring+t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXn2YGLUcu8Z7_6hIWjaTQwW_3wgeHvW4ZWjjo9r2usxMVq9a9MV8urtHTua6hEkJvAETAdqMQJyp12SKMXJbnBW8YH9Cyz2mghZe2DrjNBWARfmqhGE1i100DYH3cQzYx5jpMaaWByPz/s640/ring+t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the end of the meal, the napkin was folded and put back inside the ring. Table linens were only washed with the once weekly laundry and you used the same napkin all week.<br />
<br />
Place setting purists only use napkin rings for informal dinners, the theory being that the ring denotes a used napkin and that's probably not going to make your guest feel all that comfortable. I take the liberty of assuming my guests know I gave them a clean napkin and go against the purist rule.<br />
<br />
My rings are silver plate but you can find them spanning all eras from the 1830's on, and in a wonderful range of materials. From the Victorian era to Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts era to the 21st century, they have been made in everything from sterling silver to glass, bakelite, French Ivory and wood.<br />
<br />
Foral designs were popular with the Victorians and in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcjNRF_wEarLGnoNAnwK_xkthVDoHxo9VjPuB0TSQJxfdr7oq4L8UadG42a-kWJlR4g4kXvpiSxYy3LW7qOYuGFhyvQ77O1cLHGliYpj3gJ6Oa0saKXDu1O1ACOfsqpAj9z7159qlLdx6/s1600/ring+floral.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcjNRF_wEarLGnoNAnwK_xkthVDoHxo9VjPuB0TSQJxfdr7oq4L8UadG42a-kWJlR4g4kXvpiSxYy3LW7qOYuGFhyvQ77O1cLHGliYpj3gJ6Oa0saKXDu1O1ACOfsqpAj9z7159qlLdx6/s640/ring+floral.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've picked up most of my napkin rings for around $5 each. Figural rings are more expensive unless you find one like my horse ring that has had a tragic tail bobbing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqkwF9uBp2BzhhQWcpEjsjnVIkzsRQB_cjcogXkGNB1kyVZg0ctoV8FpPMGjev_aMfo9QIZroEzo0oIH8tm7U19SypftCiNIW4HxjnRvQdDEGw1ghrYPln0j6gYEbLVnk6_T-PVIsOeXZ/s1600/ring+horse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqkwF9uBp2BzhhQWcpEjsjnVIkzsRQB_cjcogXkGNB1kyVZg0ctoV8FpPMGjev_aMfo9QIZroEzo0oIH8tm7U19SypftCiNIW4HxjnRvQdDEGw1ghrYPln0j6gYEbLVnk6_T-PVIsOeXZ/s640/ring+horse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some appeal to me because of the shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffrMTForHNwXGqCqu8Dc1vM-ddv28XcnV3VCxV5g3qZAEssXczyt9sdokOo45X5sGMeKKaBkugUIjHVceMb1PAq2Lzf_L8b0d6-B7u4WwmY__E4uDCcL43tTKAxjj1g4Eg7jYVtnLABqO/s1600/ring+shape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffrMTForHNwXGqCqu8Dc1vM-ddv28XcnV3VCxV5g3qZAEssXczyt9sdokOo45X5sGMeKKaBkugUIjHVceMb1PAq2Lzf_L8b0d6-B7u4WwmY__E4uDCcL43tTKAxjj1g4Eg7jYVtnLABqO/s640/ring+shape.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some commemorate a special event, such as a world fair or coronation. I snapped up this one from the 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth for $6.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0jqzEh3BX4wBlIX9riG-zRSXfQrAEC8Q8NcDDAAr-nIFoR-lipG14VUnZzb8aqGbjzwSiGPyPlGJ_Iznbm3UpRwB-9g63_wTeN9Hu_sKfTra3SWc-Tk4J_FbBQ5G-ToNNdqAa6P5sSZe/s1600/ring+coronation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0jqzEh3BX4wBlIX9riG-zRSXfQrAEC8Q8NcDDAAr-nIFoR-lipG14VUnZzb8aqGbjzwSiGPyPlGJ_Iznbm3UpRwB-9g63_wTeN9Hu_sKfTra3SWc-Tk4J_FbBQ5G-ToNNdqAa6P5sSZe/s640/ring+coronation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My favourite ring has the crest of the SS Duchess Of York set with enamel. The ship was part of the Canadian Pacific Steamship Co. fleet. She was one of three sister ships named after duchesses and nicknamed The Drunken Duchesses for the rather rambunctious handling of the ocean waves. Someone brought this napkin ring home as a souvenir before WWII saw the Duchess Of York pressed into service. She made two trips from Britain bringing evacuated children to safety in Canada. Then, she ferried Canadian troops overseas, brought injured service personnel and German POWs back to Canada. Sadly, the Duchess of York came under enemy fire and sank off the coast of Spain in 1943.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdhYcmtvl7Q_RWyPrHPmDBYafoyRh1LTx9gCZJsrUj7UVl8-57peYqwiJQM69OogUgaNfR6Cr3p882ebpbCsHYZKpOPmmz1S1lYg7au3WBTaLcjQhlhkaE0_qejdfsKip1MSkrwOxmiJf/s1600/ring+duchess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdhYcmtvl7Q_RWyPrHPmDBYafoyRh1LTx9gCZJsrUj7UVl8-57peYqwiJQM69OogUgaNfR6Cr3p882ebpbCsHYZKpOPmmz1S1lYg7au3WBTaLcjQhlhkaE0_qejdfsKip1MSkrwOxmiJf/s640/ring+duchess.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are my guest and I give you that napkin ring, you will know you have a favoured spot at the dining table.<br />
<br />
I just realized all the napkins are in the rings upside down in these photos. The pointed end of the napkin goes toward the guest. We're already breaking one etiquette rule by using rings at a formal dinner so let's not compound our offence!<br />
<br />
I have eight vintage, silver plate rings so far and on the hunt for many more just to seat my immediate family.<br />
<br />
Each one will come with its own story and I hope our happy gatherings around the table will add much more to their history.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Happy collecting!</i></b><br />
<br />
I'm sharing this with: <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.ca/2016/01/show-and-share-no298.html" target="_blank">Show & Share</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-70774478078178142782016-01-16T01:18:00.000-05:002016-01-16T01:18:06.692-05:00My Simple Life Got A Whole Lot SimplerThere I was all geared up with all kinds of Christmas projects completed, photographed and ready to blog about when two things happened to take my deliberately simple life and turn it positively pioneer.<br />
<br />
The first thing that happened was I blew the brake lines out on my car. It's an old car and not really worth putting any significant money into repairs. Since I opted for semi-retirement last year and discovered I didn't have nearly enough money to get by on comfortably, I had to go without a vehicle until I could find a good deal on another used car. Have I mentioned <i style="font-weight: bold;">I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY! </i>That freed up a whole lot of time I would have used for last minute Christmas shopping.<br />
<br />
The second life altering event was getting caught between internet providers. I cancelled the original service only to discover that the new provider was at capacity for customers and I would have to wait and wait and wait until they could determine whether they could get me enough signal, send someone out to test and set up an appointment for installation. Did I have any options to waiting weeks for service? No, because <b><i>I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8eNi7sOLq6XsPSzqZy_yFjwoODADnGtrbuz0ehlylVT1ow9GdPMOpgYtkrxZ_2QHOvjRgmpQ8KhZI6oT7uyW2ob4_ek2E3UzaxiVWkFoiOonNgPdde9cQVFiJnRPaR7QvET075xsBkKD/s1600/simple+life+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8eNi7sOLq6XsPSzqZy_yFjwoODADnGtrbuz0ehlylVT1ow9GdPMOpgYtkrxZ_2QHOvjRgmpQ8KhZI6oT7uyW2ob4_ek2E3UzaxiVWkFoiOonNgPdde9cQVFiJnRPaR7QvET075xsBkKD/s320/simple+life+2.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
I decided to zen out about it all and assume this was a sign that I should slow down and reassess my daily life. What did I want to keep and what did I want to let go? What did I enjoy and what did I do out of habit? What makes me happy and what has become a burden?<br />
<br />
I discovered things I had no idea were going on in the house. The mystery of why the onions I planted weren't growing was explained by seeing where Clara Jane chooses to take her afternoon nap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxIkscZJVYQmBcISOTLPozCuHS0exg8Jaga5NYLPEP2VI8cFEO2kD2EZtaBxUG2JdriQmLy2XJGCEdqgvPXJnhULRd9KsBz8bJrhp7_PqMmmFO1cLolSo7lLTSKitFrG0t1oOdDB1Tfof/s1600/simple+onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxIkscZJVYQmBcISOTLPozCuHS0exg8Jaga5NYLPEP2VI8cFEO2kD2EZtaBxUG2JdriQmLy2XJGCEdqgvPXJnhULRd9KsBz8bJrhp7_PqMmmFO1cLolSo7lLTSKitFrG0t1oOdDB1Tfof/s640/simple+onions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>The unseasonably warm weather we've had here in Ontario gave me a third harvest of lavender on the 23rd. of December! ~ </i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-KF3lXkJsFH1LwiN6ZGE7T54_Ifv-3etJkBpbraLeSPUZaYu559T6pWEpPPFi36XSPZFf8Y5Zz3XyxO7rlPp5W8i8-azP0jLSbU-keDvV8HoPVpPCevag774U7kry6eLrLmrisAULaRh/s1600/simple+lavender+loose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-KF3lXkJsFH1LwiN6ZGE7T54_Ifv-3etJkBpbraLeSPUZaYu559T6pWEpPPFi36XSPZFf8Y5Zz3XyxO7rlPp5W8i8-azP0jLSbU-keDvV8HoPVpPCevag774U7kry6eLrLmrisAULaRh/s640/simple+lavender+loose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Now, there was time to take the lavender buds off all the bundles I had drying and the fragrant stems are in a basket by the woodstove to add a little something special to the evening fire. ~</i></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxtjSe21TC9gM6pfO3gObCvyPOMMN9HQmLMtbIjcopSgySp3d-VX02aFTSkerrJea5CuaX20EsTBa94x3dpFVKxYd_ODme6Un00-WDZIJ2gsDdFToQF9-xPSmRK3xtpg0_L8IZzBidLh3/s1600/simple+lavender+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxtjSe21TC9gM6pfO3gObCvyPOMMN9HQmLMtbIjcopSgySp3d-VX02aFTSkerrJea5CuaX20EsTBa94x3dpFVKxYd_ODme6Un00-WDZIJ2gsDdFToQF9-xPSmRK3xtpg0_L8IZzBidLh3/s640/simple+lavender+basket.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm minding two little girls, one and two years old, each Monday for a friend. Their regular babysitter can't take them that day for awhile. I'm sure it was a shock to them to discover they were in a house with no cable TV. But, the age old things that have entertained children for generations still work.<br />
<br />
<b><i>We baked Christmas cookies. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozvRj8HUsxtM-cwYh-fnI0u4Oee7rgcc26WwgYcZUNw5LBdBP7N1BCmwIvqUUYaRCuStoiCgq8KGFosPOFyT3hcPOYgxoK1PKPW3_ZAb9PEgXttWc3AGWBmwVbN5qOO8WtsdQlEFJc1kd/s1600/simple+baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozvRj8HUsxtM-cwYh-fnI0u4Oee7rgcc26WwgYcZUNw5LBdBP7N1BCmwIvqUUYaRCuStoiCgq8KGFosPOFyT3hcPOYgxoK1PKPW3_ZAb9PEgXttWc3AGWBmwVbN5qOO8WtsdQlEFJc1kd/s640/simple+baking.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>They taught me there is no such thing as too many sparkles. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkfkHo_w-86JXKWHW0JjrlrBIls15TToHR53XrPU0hqdo0K_HEwax4MdgVdEZOzHhsH16q31kBUvmzQWqwbPizotWZRUnw0LoQzrawFIX1yQYVDIwdXKzJe2dnDwBVFbyqiBtjiB6QlZJ/s1600/simple+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkfkHo_w-86JXKWHW0JjrlrBIls15TToHR53XrPU0hqdo0K_HEwax4MdgVdEZOzHhsH16q31kBUvmzQWqwbPizotWZRUnw0LoQzrawFIX1yQYVDIwdXKzJe2dnDwBVFbyqiBtjiB6QlZJ/s640/simple+cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Clara Jane learned that the safest place in a house with two toddlers is the top of the fridge. The one-year-old learned to say, "Tzee tzee (kitty) is high! ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb1zwZvhiYQJV3n88ZuHYRjyrV7MsGyrD3GTk9ykvsK0xUvTitHxq11B3Ogoff0AiskmOPLkyn_xg9syD-cu59eZIFNj3juKcLnk88lAAK7QEfgJkgsCc4Mr4CklvnR9rY12zPk2i7zDd/s1600/simple+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb1zwZvhiYQJV3n88ZuHYRjyrV7MsGyrD3GTk9ykvsK0xUvTitHxq11B3Ogoff0AiskmOPLkyn_xg9syD-cu59eZIFNj3juKcLnk88lAAK7QEfgJkgsCc4Mr4CklvnR9rY12zPk2i7zDd/s640/simple+cat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Serves Clara Jane right for killing my onions!<br />
<br />
There was time to devote to a grandson that chose to come for a five-day visit. This is a big step for him for, although he is a teenager, he has many developmental and emotional issues and has not stayed away from home before. It was quiet here and no car meant no running around to entertain him and that stopped any chance of sensory overload for him. We did fine together and he was making plans for a month-long summer visit before he left. In fact, he decided it would be best if I left the house to him in my will and he could move in and take care of my cats and chickens. I kind of like that plan. He's an old hand at chicken keeping and the cats love him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkizqDc9Qxn90RIFqmJMu7gS_AOJxJevU49HMTnAFv3K6KddBEzbg3boB9Cw74bGGpliVjRoFXpmDNeASUUrta5ZSSMYJWp1Yg7dEIqNqeYtrayPpNwwTJ-Gy5FCq3a4piLk7VZW7vaIjs/s1600/simple+grandson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkizqDc9Qxn90RIFqmJMu7gS_AOJxJevU49HMTnAFv3K6KddBEzbg3boB9Cw74bGGpliVjRoFXpmDNeASUUrta5ZSSMYJWp1Yg7dEIqNqeYtrayPpNwwTJ-Gy5FCq3a4piLk7VZW7vaIjs/s640/simple+grandson.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
They say nothing ever really happens by accident. I think I had this enforced slow down so I could spend some time on things that matter a little more than what I was doing.<br />
<br />
I'm glad I've had this time to gather my thoughts together and begin the new year in a more conscious way. One thing I know for sure is I'll block out lots of time for whatever kids need me.<br />
<br />
And, I know you'll still get lots of chicken posts because slowing down reminded me of how much I like to go out into the dusk and see the trees silhouetted against the sky as I put my girls to bed for the night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoSv0TDgSOTUIbPFfFy1Zk2dmVUmhYVlIh4C6_E2XnJifE66vV86GwnfRhSr71uIQN0xekblck1IBS93bOM_G6QGCtn9iHAWsdijriZdPVlUiDV8ZrM4Ua1kk0TJzB0QcPMSyWlLjvL5u/s1600/simple+chickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoSv0TDgSOTUIbPFfFy1Zk2dmVUmhYVlIh4C6_E2XnJifE66vV86GwnfRhSr71uIQN0xekblck1IBS93bOM_G6QGCtn9iHAWsdijriZdPVlUiDV8ZrM4Ua1kk0TJzB0QcPMSyWlLjvL5u/s640/simple+chickens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Nothing calms the soul more than the cooing of happy chickens as they settle down for the night.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I think this past month I have been cooing in the evening myself!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrub9zpCoHp8g-NmpsYUk-B-lvZ4OPuiV_gEWX7oCDBb1zdBZw-UYS-N7Uf_XsLU7Qx9z6iMpFds1DOfeQZUZlfZl5spww1I_0aPZ7s6UCmSlWYXXyFD6GvIGoFoC-9qOWgTU4KAfYdG-/s1600/simple+life+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrub9zpCoHp8g-NmpsYUk-B-lvZ4OPuiV_gEWX7oCDBb1zdBZw-UYS-N7Uf_XsLU7Qx9z6iMpFds1DOfeQZUZlfZl5spww1I_0aPZ7s6UCmSlWYXXyFD6GvIGoFoC-9qOWgTU4KAfYdG-/s640/simple+life+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-71228091650588461402015-12-08T17:09:00.000-05:002015-12-09T02:19:37.034-05:00A Bit Of British Styling On My SideboardClara Jane and I have been decking the halls for Christmas.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The first area we tackled was the sideboard in the family room.~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1haVlowWYT2QrGmMEdNRz5qIaserQTdF6Ml0buJbUuCky7J2T6dDt9EqknLzHeVLBaFTZGE4ECQcgjugehx8he2dMdm3liceF3JNevYn48aOdvwKOEhg4gyvtuXLGvVNdCN7yaQNMab8L/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1haVlowWYT2QrGmMEdNRz5qIaserQTdF6Ml0buJbUuCky7J2T6dDt9EqknLzHeVLBaFTZGE4ECQcgjugehx8he2dMdm3liceF3JNevYn48aOdvwKOEhg4gyvtuXLGvVNdCN7yaQNMab8L/s640/Christmas+sideboard+night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The sideboard is a William IV piece from Britain so I went for an English country look. Or, what I imagine an English country look is. I've never actually been there, but I think I've seen enough BBC costume dramas to fake it. You Brits reading this will have to let me know how close I am.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I started with a garland of cinnamon sticks, apples, twigs and greenery; fake, of course. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSX5b3xWbpGsppZwPAnHK4tcj7P64UDcSaGk_AUDRxrMgbrDXeelAXCUa37VU7YrJCi-O3w854Suws44S2L3qZgmL1_k7zn66XZE70u7TxVqt_5AAGGl5rMhZ7cNbFUeqk8fe_fMN58fC/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSX5b3xWbpGsppZwPAnHK4tcj7P64UDcSaGk_AUDRxrMgbrDXeelAXCUa37VU7YrJCi-O3w854Suws44S2L3qZgmL1_k7zn66XZE70u7TxVqt_5AAGGl5rMhZ7cNbFUeqk8fe_fMN58fC/s640/Christmas+sideboard+garland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The ceiling slopes down on this side of the room until it is only 7 1/2 feet tall. To give the illusion of height, I pulled the garland up to where the ceiling meets the wall and added a large, red bow. It's a decorator's trick that we often use when hanging draperies to give a window more presence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmJ584yfaje5kwrO6gCS6YYHYQv19BGTn_zPMA5Ol8K5BVG3J65e0TJb0BmY5Xe4aFE1lWkO17r_pGnIXlNk-dc5c_7Co5XsF9ynJf3zgjG08KGtG2NuQV81MK0HmHTISxq1YqutLxMkY/s1600/christmas+sideboard+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmJ584yfaje5kwrO6gCS6YYHYQv19BGTn_zPMA5Ol8K5BVG3J65e0TJb0BmY5Xe4aFE1lWkO17r_pGnIXlNk-dc5c_7Co5XsF9ynJf3zgjG08KGtG2NuQV81MK0HmHTISxq1YqutLxMkY/s640/christmas+sideboard+bow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm minding two little girls, one and two years old, every Monday for a few weeks and will have my own one-year-old grandson here over the holidays, so all decorations have to be well back out of reach on the sideboard.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Clara Jane is helping weave a string of beads through the pierced compote dish. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sw3U__evWow9PcOuXKW8x60UyMNCDmIHOBv2CD7wxNq1TjbFqY9tXOAmSddH0PpSf2n07lcNhKmVn_Cz8aLU7YgToWendjWEC3Ipc0jmV7NGhcta1p849Q06ol0T8njC-NT1uWvuN4KG/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sw3U__evWow9PcOuXKW8x60UyMNCDmIHOBv2CD7wxNq1TjbFqY9tXOAmSddH0PpSf2n07lcNhKmVn_Cz8aLU7YgToWendjWEC3Ipc0jmV7NGhcta1p849Q06ol0T8njC-NT1uWvuN4KG/s640/Christmas+sideboard+cat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The pedestal bowl dates from the mid-1800's. I picked it up for next to nothing because clear glass never sells well in antique stores. Because this one has a pierced edge to the bowl it always dresses up nicely with some ribbon or beads wound through it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk95r4dQ6fN7Xf6K93aK_UHY6U7HcrZ7h3dQpuN8n3kig-K-lxq0flDGs6i1XvdAlheRHBE9RUCtWMXUfPqH9u_n5zsHrm4RIk0TX-T3eA_giiyNCpXCzQ5pzWEhapWShacsrI9gNK7o1/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk95r4dQ6fN7Xf6K93aK_UHY6U7HcrZ7h3dQpuN8n3kig-K-lxq0flDGs6i1XvdAlheRHBE9RUCtWMXUfPqH9u_n5zsHrm4RIk0TX-T3eA_giiyNCpXCzQ5pzWEhapWShacsrI9gNK7o1/s640/Christmas+sideboard+apples.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Some shiny apples and a pomegranate give an old time Christmasy touch. My dad and I always shared a pomegranate at Christmas. No one else in the family liked them and it's always nice when you are one of six kids to have something special you share with a parent. Dad isn't with me anymore, but I keep the tradition up.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The bowl shares space on a vintage, silver edged tray with a green depression glass dish of sugared nuts and a candle kept contained and far back from little fingers. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeS-m0IiobrJ0H3S3eLB1RHp1ROXq7aO7dYWtv3mAAUwCUyLay9Z64VEcgbsF59dvw3YFDbQGDojVODF-ZyB6KP8OTHMz2dSsuLj64esJNyXURghHpWZmUVeNO96FPqIT0GFcESgvdeFA/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeS-m0IiobrJ0H3S3eLB1RHp1ROXq7aO7dYWtv3mAAUwCUyLay9Z64VEcgbsF59dvw3YFDbQGDojVODF-ZyB6KP8OTHMz2dSsuLj64esJNyXURghHpWZmUVeNO96FPqIT0GFcESgvdeFA/s640/Christmas+sideboard+tray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>A little tree I covered with buttons from my Grandma's button box and a wooden Santa carved by my brother in law stand in front of a triple mirror. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInGjsdtZ3dQGSJ3TTy6ES5IMfaHOe2_gM4bCCzauAw6LMDt-dWXc46QqswBdozy7AACUTR_ym99z2Wk9gZPSPKHp2cTpf8Kn_XEuatNMf4YUshK0f3rBFyIoCtNC_td2Vh71AsWCy7FEF/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInGjsdtZ3dQGSJ3TTy6ES5IMfaHOe2_gM4bCCzauAw6LMDt-dWXc46QqswBdozy7AACUTR_ym99z2Wk9gZPSPKHp2cTpf8Kn_XEuatNMf4YUshK0f3rBFyIoCtNC_td2Vh71AsWCy7FEF/s640/Christmas+sideboard+santa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>On the opposite end of the sideboard is a darling wooden soldier painted by a friend, a vintage book bundle tied with lace and a pinecone and the letters JOY that I dressed up with gold foil. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmGBQNrPjTNLtroGGL-C5uD_vLPkD7ZyhHszIZtlAXSPRHyQtHKJW85E4kuKg349Y2ZErYxC_4ZBc4g1vnls-u0WqSeQKyiFAm0zv3tQAyTmHcdP01avVE2OGyQcImKkKgK5gtgDuZqmt/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmGBQNrPjTNLtroGGL-C5uD_vLPkD7ZyhHszIZtlAXSPRHyQtHKJW85E4kuKg349Y2ZErYxC_4ZBc4g1vnls-u0WqSeQKyiFAm0zv3tQAyTmHcdP01avVE2OGyQcImKkKgK5gtgDuZqmt/s640/Christmas+sideboard+joy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>All done but for the sconce chimneys drying out after a wash! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jdgItcIEANAPRC9KVQj8-7qWlpv_0zmcdAd0NdDoe15W3knGG6gnYJHPyJiXB2pKMU6QL9w0_0raQDoC9ZpAc8v9dWfKlWswdOVTgj5Wh_fCVDfGt2wscIplH-CMweUawGrhoh8yRugS/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jdgItcIEANAPRC9KVQj8-7qWlpv_0zmcdAd0NdDoe15W3knGG6gnYJHPyJiXB2pKMU6QL9w0_0raQDoC9ZpAc8v9dWfKlWswdOVTgj5Wh_fCVDfGt2wscIplH-CMweUawGrhoh8yRugS/s640/Christmas+sideboard+done.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to show you one more photo. That's tiny Maeve guarding the tissue paper. I'm thrilled that her fur has grown back in and she's feeling well and playful after two months on the homemade cat food. I honestly thought I was going to lose that girl and it's Christmas present enough for me to have her on her way to wellness!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv323sU1aLP2W68C6Fd8gPmX_HgkHXviwB44Ewg_ZQn35DQgPFjHtARLv4w5dzB22m5yaGCoKxrLKaIIMiTv5l2ojGB-xsQbCPg13CATG-93k-dL4drDmwlmK_K1lWG-sfYa7HlgrDyGJ/s1600/Christmas+sideboard+maeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv323sU1aLP2W68C6Fd8gPmX_HgkHXviwB44Ewg_ZQn35DQgPFjHtARLv4w5dzB22m5yaGCoKxrLKaIIMiTv5l2ojGB-xsQbCPg13CATG-93k-dL4drDmwlmK_K1lWG-sfYa7HlgrDyGJ/s640/Christmas+sideboard+maeve.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-19876943499543932932015-12-04T13:50:00.002-05:002015-12-09T21:19:30.055-05:00My Music Christmas Tree!I can never resist vintage music books when I find them in flea markets and thrift stores. The artwork on the covers, the aged pages with music notes dancing merrily across them and the thought of people gathering around to hear someone play these songs draws me in every time.<br />
<br />
This Christmas I was determined to use some of those books to make one of the wreaths or trees made entirely of sheet music that I've been admiring on blogs and Pinterest the last couple of years.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I won't say this was a quick craft. Thank heavens I settled on covering a 10" styrofoam cone and not an entire wreath! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB89OUM0Sq1qFImERvRaGXQwYzWzA0en9s7xxlvfy8lZx5BbocsJ_iJxIwVZ899DUVC1kDXPezCv3SsqTSVTViirEZ_nLK8nnl5wZsw8lzVf5iLoIEe7bmmQiJx8R5IVuQKPpjnbN-4HbE/s1600/music+tree+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB89OUM0Sq1qFImERvRaGXQwYzWzA0en9s7xxlvfy8lZx5BbocsJ_iJxIwVZ899DUVC1kDXPezCv3SsqTSVTViirEZ_nLK8nnl5wZsw8lzVf5iLoIEe7bmmQiJx8R5IVuQKPpjnbN-4HbE/s640/music+tree+final.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
The process is simple, but it does take a few practice shots to get the roses shaped nicely.<br />
<br />
<b><i>My music pages were 12" X 10" each and I cut them into four sections. I stacked the four sections so I could cut them all at once and rounded the corners to make the rough shape of a circle. Then, I cut a spiral into each circle. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij50TKkkrcGtJCipL-P0EhdUKi9whSWdiF100MPJAKCjZsYgxxzvJ89mGgsTX-8q_54UPPgROgVw6gld5rEeCA5r8dicmK4WSdf82H6coqCg9HkDhRx12HioQmKjGzahlGoGbZHyOm0ePR/s1600/music+tree+circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij50TKkkrcGtJCipL-P0EhdUKi9whSWdiF100MPJAKCjZsYgxxzvJ89mGgsTX-8q_54UPPgROgVw6gld5rEeCA5r8dicmK4WSdf82H6coqCg9HkDhRx12HioQmKjGzahlGoGbZHyOm0ePR/s400/music+tree+circles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Be sure to leave a round piece at the end of the spiral. You will need it to push a pin through when you assemble your tree. ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-jCbgcwXlGLM8VPzQAYFW9vpWwxVhr2un680t6XVsIGXpJNTIY__58shPboQsnIy8dpAGPIQXJ16GGyEl_CR_seox95Ts0BsBt45hj4v3peuO-CRWxxhGjXCcaPChXkNKd3Szlbuq7F-/s1600/music+tree+sprial+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-jCbgcwXlGLM8VPzQAYFW9vpWwxVhr2un680t6XVsIGXpJNTIY__58shPboQsnIy8dpAGPIQXJ16GGyEl_CR_seox95Ts0BsBt45hj4v3peuO-CRWxxhGjXCcaPChXkNKd3Szlbuq7F-/s400/music+tree+sprial+end.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
From the opposite end from the round piece, begin rolling the spiral tightly until you have wound all the way to the centre. give it a pinch with your fingers at the bottom and release the paper. It will begin to unfurl into a rose shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T0Po5hQjIsXbxDDvZoW9SOG4PTLIlL1c_G2DTTbqnyx_1Bo6tkSPSuN4QTdHKtkJccXU6EyfDgke314e_9dRTOJ0SdPn3UOlrEZY0FS-MBpoArKyZrtEiAp79eBGd0SahAhWHwm9WbHc/s1600/music+tree+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T0Po5hQjIsXbxDDvZoW9SOG4PTLIlL1c_G2DTTbqnyx_1Bo6tkSPSuN4QTdHKtkJccXU6EyfDgke314e_9dRTOJ0SdPn3UOlrEZY0FS-MBpoArKyZrtEiAp79eBGd0SahAhWHwm9WbHc/s400/music+tree+rose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Stick a pearl topped straight pin through the centre of the rose and make sure it has gone through the centre of the round piece that is now covering the bottom of your rose. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_t1GboKslYNQoN6JGEyEfzDP6hRnnKnKFWKLhvboVXBpNmou9MBIk1dGFFZT49KooXanrLDwymlRk4PThTGsQg01Jgp-t7p8yoNOzZR5Oa17MGLEy95dEoy1fTbGOFzKH3iEaGt19ugg/s1600/music+tree+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_t1GboKslYNQoN6JGEyEfzDP6hRnnKnKFWKLhvboVXBpNmou9MBIk1dGFFZT49KooXanrLDwymlRk4PThTGsQg01Jgp-t7p8yoNOzZR5Oa17MGLEy95dEoy1fTbGOFzKH3iEaGt19ugg/s400/music+tree+pin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>Stick the pin into your styrofoam tree. I added a dab of hot glue to my roses to make sure they stayed put, what with grandkids and cats that are sure to be touching them. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTZqlXhfVqKtNHbysQBPe6kThcYlnhTK3YovQo2Kx4ZQkblHJ2r7M6p_ROn0wkFq-w5UuZzDC_bv1Ilk5U3PW4Jg-Sa9n5VgP1ss5bFWsd8DWZ0lVeMHdV735FnhjbfEusYm7sK2blHYX/s1600/music+tree+attach+roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTZqlXhfVqKtNHbysQBPe6kThcYlnhTK3YovQo2Kx4ZQkblHJ2r7M6p_ROn0wkFq-w5UuZzDC_bv1Ilk5U3PW4Jg-Sa9n5VgP1ss5bFWsd8DWZ0lVeMHdV735FnhjbfEusYm7sK2blHYX/s400/music+tree+attach+roses.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>If you are as lucky as I am you will have a supervisor for the assembly process. I feel I should put an 'inspected by Clara Jane' label on my tree. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c5WkAU2sQWpd5Dy1JhLuVaweusn_56k12fKOhuOyaCK92H0SC5lfLorzREKDPoRhfv6a0QJvuWzVvzBaGbbBQ1pTx4-LcOC43ljzs1U8XuvIKNtnM2-t1s-_x4sx05nGzcH3Polq-9zp/s1600/music+tree+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c5WkAU2sQWpd5Dy1JhLuVaweusn_56k12fKOhuOyaCK92H0SC5lfLorzREKDPoRhfv6a0QJvuWzVvzBaGbbBQ1pTx4-LcOC43ljzs1U8XuvIKNtnM2-t1s-_x4sx05nGzcH3Polq-9zp/s400/music+tree+cat.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Keep on cutting and rolling, pinning and gluing for the next four days until you have the whole form covered. I cut the sheets into smaller sections to decrease the size of the roses as I moved toward the narrow end of the cone. At this point I'd stabbed myself with the pins and burned my self so many times with the glue gun that I was seriously considering handing the whole project over to Clara Jane to finish! Instead, I roped my friend Wendy into rolling some of the roses.<br />
<br />
You won't need to finish the bottom of the styrofoam form unless you are attaching it to a base that raises it up. I was putting mine on a hand turned wooden base that I had in my stash and some of the white styrofoam on the bottom showed, so I added a bit of fringed trim to cover that up.<br />
<br />
That brought the whole decoration up to 19" tall and makes a showy piece for my Christmas decor.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>There are lots of musicians, professional and amateur in my family and I'm hoping they love this ode to music as much as I do! ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp1b8R0UCU90iYthMlgx9D7xIK5oe6JgB9-Npixgix8wKuoQfHYpedwSbDPidkZw9hJDFiKx20DjlgDcuiT4EDlRiuulyB534kfWPsUP0KpfIOTHfpUtdGimJFPhVVESlsVAZa1sgVfY9/s1600/music+tree+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp1b8R0UCU90iYthMlgx9D7xIK5oe6JgB9-Npixgix8wKuoQfHYpedwSbDPidkZw9hJDFiKx20DjlgDcuiT4EDlRiuulyB534kfWPsUP0KpfIOTHfpUtdGimJFPhVVESlsVAZa1sgVfY9/s640/music+tree+final.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<br />
I'm sharing this with:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.ca/2015/12/vintage-charm-8.html#more" target="_blank">Vintage Charm Party</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2015/12/simple-saturdays-blog-link-party-125.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SunnySimpleLife+%28Sunny+Simple+Life%29" target="_blank">Simple Saturdays</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2015/12/pj-308-an-upcycled-link-party-repurposed-diy-projects.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FKCcu+%28Funky+Junk+Interiors%29" target="_blank">An Upcycled Link Party</a><br />
<a href="http://mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.ca/2015/12/creating-christmas-very-thrifty.html" target="_blank">Creating Christmas</a></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-64590249240407243252015-12-01T19:47:00.001-05:002015-12-02T16:33:11.475-05:00Sign, Sign - Everywhere A (Christmas) Sign!It's been a Christmas craft marathon here for the last two weeks. A month ago I said I'd have a booth at the craft bazaar in the neighbouring, small town. I've no idea what possessed me to agree to such a thing except that it was the first one for the organizers and they didn't have enough people participating.<br />
<br />
The fact that I didn't have any crafts made for such an event should have told me this was a bad idea! As fate would have it, I was very busy with work leading up to the bazaar and it all had to be done in about 12 days.<br />
<br />
When all else fails, paint signs!<br />
<br />
My sister was getting rid of a sign that she had purchased at a thrift store, intending to paint it over to her own taste. That got a coat of white paint. I traced the lettering on a stencil to make painting a little faster than doing it freehand. I chose a rusty red colored exterior paint so this sign can be hung outdoors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GuNkU3Im7f3xR2vexkUeugueg_6YxtnJ4WbcEfrF3kZXMfqqP9NLkYvEsCe_qSPg1mpvMQC1DLMiBFpVPMVFeDRos1tZhNiRVc6mlIY6KeMNkUq5Ab36um1fgMSKn05Ob9-aOW4Uz0fw/s1600/sleigh+bells+sign+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GuNkU3Im7f3xR2vexkUeugueg_6YxtnJ4WbcEfrF3kZXMfqqP9NLkYvEsCe_qSPg1mpvMQC1DLMiBFpVPMVFeDRos1tZhNiRVc6mlIY6KeMNkUq5Ab36um1fgMSKn05Ob9-aOW4Uz0fw/s640/sleigh+bells+sign+done.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What to paint the next one on? Aha, I had some new, wood shelf boards that I picked up at a thrift store for $1 each. A friend cut two grooves in the boards and I drilled holes for a wire hanger.<br />
<br />
I really liked the idea of a countdown to Christmas sign. A cedar closet freshener already had the hook attached and 3 coats of chalkboard paint was all it took. It is easily removable to write on.<br />
<br />
<b><i>This one is done with green lettering shadowed with bright red. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E125zc_sfHSEAoYNDpccWYZqxUYsu8a8zI7aP-U2nmuelh2WVm4dQUp8aMVXKVHgEC9xdF2c0PJi2PlbKL3OJzuhBoUyCiqzHehC0MWp20gXKTlognmJL8_Z3p0-fsy5bAGKVfYEwbr3/s1600/days+til+christmas+ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E125zc_sfHSEAoYNDpccWYZqxUYsu8a8zI7aP-U2nmuelh2WVm4dQUp8aMVXKVHgEC9xdF2c0PJi2PlbKL3OJzuhBoUyCiqzHehC0MWp20gXKTlognmJL8_Z3p0-fsy5bAGKVfYEwbr3/s400/days+til+christmas+ornament.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W9AsCX6Ru7dC5JKUDcZc7ggVdmXA-W5IJqC4ZHNs_0PZjpPzQcXvlWIOfW5V4fnc5Ooa1HeSdg-kgfF20rGYw-F8WVkKGt2EbsV6tIWrBoI_EJWyIkdaOYSaHMBYTuZmrSQMHnlzgeNe/s1600/days+til++christmas+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W9AsCX6Ru7dC5JKUDcZc7ggVdmXA-W5IJqC4ZHNs_0PZjpPzQcXvlWIOfW5V4fnc5Ooa1HeSdg-kgfF20rGYw-F8WVkKGt2EbsV6tIWrBoI_EJWyIkdaOYSaHMBYTuZmrSQMHnlzgeNe/s640/days+til++christmas+sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The third sign was the most fun for me to make. My sister wanted an<b><i> 'Oh Deer'</i></b> sign. I couldn't seem to find just the right sort of deer image for such a cheeky sign until I came across an elf and deer picture my granddaughter had drawn for me.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Love the funky take on it! I scanned the picture and sent it to Picmonkey to invert and turn to black and white. Once that was done, I printed it out, and trimmed it as close to the image as I could ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPm4w7cagoNINu4Sj6sq9NaZRI-_2SmttiZLfZzzt4RvXPWnfX1Owy2Ay36S5FJPDa6gfgTQ-ZMYPkQqGdsRV4ivYhN2mvMYUC0muwx7XqJa7x_nHLHUIHkb9FmQDU_W5NUBRoOLqklFB/s1600/deer+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPm4w7cagoNINu4Sj6sq9NaZRI-_2SmttiZLfZzzt4RvXPWnfX1Owy2Ay36S5FJPDa6gfgTQ-ZMYPkQqGdsRV4ivYhN2mvMYUC0muwx7XqJa7x_nHLHUIHkb9FmQDU_W5NUBRoOLqklFB/s640/deer+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>I painted a coat of Modpodge on the ink side of the design. Then you position the picture, glue side down, on the board and smooth out any bubbles. Leave overnight and in the morning, dampen the paper with a sponge and slowly begin rubbing the paper off until the image appears more black than grey.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Here she is all done! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOMkHrAb3bfV_56llMyrzQp36eRiIgtiJFX16fsVisHvmWIxF1bQVcIS7mUFxA__8ZlNYQAA3Mlhq7FdeL310lxR0lxw2l1oDHjX5U4jcQszrkoTjKcqw5B_q7QGaICWf9-M5jL6y8OmV/s1600/oh+deer+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOMkHrAb3bfV_56llMyrzQp36eRiIgtiJFX16fsVisHvmWIxF1bQVcIS7mUFxA__8ZlNYQAA3Mlhq7FdeL310lxR0lxw2l1oDHjX5U4jcQszrkoTjKcqw5B_q7QGaICWf9-M5jL6y8OmV/s640/oh+deer+sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
There's still lots of time to paint whatever sign grabs your fancy.<br />
<br />
<b><i>For the most fun of all, immortalize your tiny tot's artwork on a Christmas decoration to bring out year after year!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>I'm sharing this with:</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.ca/2015/12/whats-it-wednesday-194.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-22376189828366937352015-11-11T15:31:00.000-05:002015-11-11T15:31:35.973-05:00I Remembered Them All TodayToday is filled with memories of all the war veterans I have had the privilege to know in my life. So many of them have passed away and their stories may be forgotten.<br />
<br />
I live only a few miles away from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and today many of those carefully preserved WWII planes have rolled out of the hanger and proudly flown over my house on their way to do a flyby over the various cenotaphs in the surrounding cities and towns.<br />
<br />
<b><i>It's a special treat to me to see the Lancaster bomber fly overhead. Only two of these remain in the world, one in Britain and the other a star in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. ~ </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6UtH4LAuHILFh0FMa1GuAeBKpZm6O8sJkM5kDcvg-U_V3puEGjDebExLMOSBaQZJr0ZTTQZHtylki2rHsUyOqG1C2RMKa_tKjQf1_ipNBzmbrCZIEVtHpFqggbx0NlOV8Zli3Z9lsy8y/s1600/glider+lanc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6UtH4LAuHILFh0FMa1GuAeBKpZm6O8sJkM5kDcvg-U_V3puEGjDebExLMOSBaQZJr0ZTTQZHtylki2rHsUyOqG1C2RMKa_tKjQf1_ipNBzmbrCZIEVtHpFqggbx0NlOV8Zli3Z9lsy8y/s640/glider+lanc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>My father was only 18 when he signed on as a tail gunner for the Lancaster bomber. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wdg3Kn00FyQJZjcu-g9kQbiORgq4A-6c5a_qFbbUBexVKZwWx2C2jHe-L7ufYmlY-Sy32lVnoyX-QK_flkDGJpj60wtvdREE7eN9ZaY1bIt0fxrd483NgxnYo3R03cn9fhFpNCmVLy_e/s1600/glider+dad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wdg3Kn00FyQJZjcu-g9kQbiORgq4A-6c5a_qFbbUBexVKZwWx2C2jHe-L7ufYmlY-Sy32lVnoyX-QK_flkDGJpj60wtvdREE7eN9ZaY1bIt0fxrd483NgxnYo3R03cn9fhFpNCmVLy_e/s400/glider+dad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As I watched the planes fly overhead today, I remembered the first flight of the newly restored Lancaster back in the '80's.<br />
<br />
I was going into an important meeting with the comptroller for the wealthy man who had loaned me the money for my business. Some restructuring of the repayment schedule was critical to getting the business on it's feet. The comptroller was a no-nonsense man that I had never seen crack a smile and I was nervous entering the meeting. He seemed such an unlikely business manager for the open and friendly man who had given me the loan. I knew he was a devout Christian and stay at home kind of guy, yet I'd been told he had been best friends with his wealthy boss, a jet-setting, devout Jew, for 40 yrs. It was a mystery to me.<br />
<br />
As I entered the meeting, I had to tell him that I would have to leave to go outside for a few minutes to see the maiden flight of the Lancaster. I was very apologetic but firm about it. He looked carefully at me and asked me why it was so important to me and I told him my father had been a tail gunner on Lancs during the war. He smiled and said my father must have been a very brave man. The tail gunners didn't make it out if the plane was shot down. They didn't even have parachutes.<br />
<br />
I told him the piano tuner was in the building and he would be joining me to see the flyby although he never flew in the Lancaster. He had flown gliders into Holland. The comptroller gravely asked me if he could join us and have the honour of meeting the piano tuner. I must have looked very surprised because he offered an explanation. He had been a navigator on the Lancaster bomber and my wealthy backer had been the pilot. Now I understood the bond between these unlikely friends!<br />
<br />
Then he said, <b><i>"Hands down, though, your piano tuner is the bravest of all airmen and I would very much like to meet him". </i></b><br />
<br />
That conversation led me to do a little research on glider pilots during WWII and find out what the quiet, unassuming piano tuner had done.<br />
<br />
These gliders were enormous wooden boats, with no engines and no armaments.They were tugged into the air like kites and set free to be flown on air currents. They transported men and equipment and landed behind enemy lines, usually to take key positions such as bridges. Once the glider landed there was no way to fly back out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoEKfTX-ey9Yg16vYyx9dob5aQGX9sPmO4NyDJ7SPNt2kkUXJskZsdkZGCHAw-5-4QSGZM6eWafM6DKnOo618vlnJ5Uc2kiQC3doSaODdKjI-u9e3ARUnEEpleP9MMc2pwG4cSwi0GsDZ/s1600/glider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoEKfTX-ey9Yg16vYyx9dob5aQGX9sPmO4NyDJ7SPNt2kkUXJskZsdkZGCHAw-5-4QSGZM6eWafM6DKnOo618vlnJ5Uc2kiQC3doSaODdKjI-u9e3ARUnEEpleP9MMc2pwG4cSwi0GsDZ/s640/glider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The two pilots and the servicemen they carried had to secure the position and hold it until Allied troops reached them. The battle my piano tuner flew into was to secure the north bridge at a place called Arnhem in Holland. It was the largest airborne operation of WWII. The Allied forces were not able to reach them and of the 11,900 men who were flown into the area, only 3,900 escaped or were evacuated. Of the remainder, 1,400 were killed and 6,500 became prisoners of war.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've heard it said that WWII veterans say the G in the centre of the insignia worn by glider pilots doesn't stand for <b><i>'glider' </i></b>but rather for <b><i class="">'guts'</i></b> because that's exactly what it took to do the job!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWcmYCNgUHlyNc5aCh_y-x-iBiGF8GuoJxPlIg5B_flbv_d-xdYDgF58NHRpv2R2Rprixmf9oTddDNNdI1DRhHfwbGZKdSfMT4lM9UshhUMl0a80KEyy1WcLopDz5cHsrd7CiM8eS0-yo/s1600/glider+insignia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWcmYCNgUHlyNc5aCh_y-x-iBiGF8GuoJxPlIg5B_flbv_d-xdYDgF58NHRpv2R2Rprixmf9oTddDNNdI1DRhHfwbGZKdSfMT4lM9UshhUMl0a80KEyy1WcLopDz5cHsrd7CiM8eS0-yo/s640/glider+insignia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so glad I had the chance that day to learn a little more about the sacrifices that were made for me by those who fought to secure freedom for all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went back to our meeting and I continued presenting my proposal for refinancing. The comptroller listened seriously to what I said and picked up the papers to take back to his boss.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On his way out of my office he gave another of those rare smiles and said, <b><i>"I'm sure this will be fine with him. We can do that much for a tailgunner's daughter."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>I remembered them all today and saluted the warplanes as they flew overhead. My gratitude knows no bounds!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-23064015174569383262015-10-29T19:08:00.003-04:002015-10-29T19:33:15.150-04:00Twice Baked Potatoes Are Perfect For The Freezer!In one of those around the kitchen table conversations, my cousin Kathy mentioned she buys baking potatoes when they are cheap in the fall and freezes them. Any conversation that has <i>cheap</i> and <i>potato</i> in it has my full attention!<br />
<br />
This is the same cousin who clued me in about freezing apple slices in pie plates so they would fit perfectly into a pie shell while still frozen. You can read about how she does it <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3910378227599243945#editor/target=post;postID=3508147948803758758;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=16;src=postname" target="_blank">here</a>. Kathy and her husband were ranchers in Alberta and she could feed an army on a moments notice. Even now that she is retired to town, she keeps her freezer well stocked.<br />
<br />
I didn't actually get around to doing potatoes for the freezer yet but I told my friend Wendy about it and she did. She not only made them, she gave me some for my freezer. Yay!<br />
<br />
I'm always run off my feet shutting the yard down for winter and getting the chickens snug before cold weather hits. Yesterday was even more of a panic with battening down the hatches before the tail end of the hurricane brought us some nasty weather.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Out came one of those frozen twice baked potatoes to pop in the oven with a simple meat loaf. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVnn3B7Pg8O0yk-VKWSmR_tysvLBcgNDJPJoj-AjsGFOBqs4Kp6dSnSLkHa3jiJ9xnPkeKO8ZioUjE-BhxA_1A0HsPp-cD3RJuacSyBdETdiDTGg6BwWIzx06Ob-YHLuB5ivYuu-uMyeC/s1600/baked+potato+frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVnn3B7Pg8O0yk-VKWSmR_tysvLBcgNDJPJoj-AjsGFOBqs4Kp6dSnSLkHa3jiJ9xnPkeKO8ZioUjE-BhxA_1A0HsPp-cD3RJuacSyBdETdiDTGg6BwWIzx06Ob-YHLuB5ivYuu-uMyeC/s640/baked+potato+frozen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are lots of recipes online for twice baked potatoes if you haven't made them before. For the basics, you can click <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-twice-baked-potatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-99738" target="_blank">here</a>. Once the potatoes are baked and stuffed, freeze them on a cookie sheet. Once they are frozen, you can bag them individually and they will be good for at least three months.<br />
<br />
The frozen potato goes in a 350 degree oven, lightly covered with tinfoil, for 30 mins. Remove the tinfoil and continue to bake for 15 mins. more.<br />
<br />
<b><i>A perfect comfort meal ready for me when I came in from the yard! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebnfFmYTtN5lNBpqWpqIxvlww8P6VwPs6xFx7Rs9ob1yTXr1dcdSsJr5AegMz6JCwvethR4gZN7pKVFf16p_sQcleFYypbcowLr6SeBu8cSGBsfSi7x40SEV6nQ18hOILMUfKwGDiofn7/s1600/baked+potato+cooked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebnfFmYTtN5lNBpqWpqIxvlww8P6VwPs6xFx7Rs9ob1yTXr1dcdSsJr5AegMz6JCwvethR4gZN7pKVFf16p_sQcleFYypbcowLr6SeBu8cSGBsfSi7x40SEV6nQ18hOILMUfKwGDiofn7/s640/baked+potato+cooked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>Thanks Kathy for the tip and thanks Wendy for getting it done!</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-14938001249154603962015-10-25T03:09:00.001-04:002016-01-18T00:17:05.285-05:00Let's Talk Holiday Season and Overspending<i><b>Really, Maureen, you say. You want to talk about money management at the most expensive time of the year???</b></i><br />
<br />
I do and I'll tell you why. I'm constantly hearing from people around me that their financial situation is changing or they're afraid it's going to change. Unexpected expenses with kids, divorce, job insecurity, loss of a spouse, stock market fluctuations making pensions insecure, the government cut backs on assistance programmes, illness or disability, world financial crises, rising living costs and unstable property values. On and on the list goes and we don't seem to know how to prepare ourselves for any of it.<br />
<br />
<b><i>We could begin by making friends with our money. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP-vzu05n6__cyijZf6i50aWYw2Uj6YVTqyIQ_WQcCzlHZXHghEpP1otaUHhYK5x5EPCEGXZg8OHfc2XfnxoWgW4pesRAVG8XIXM_0pZk8bd4AGUiybA4nyHpzp-o_ICNwfKI6sQtu2Yk/s1600/%2524+savings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP-vzu05n6__cyijZf6i50aWYw2Uj6YVTqyIQ_WQcCzlHZXHghEpP1otaUHhYK5x5EPCEGXZg8OHfc2XfnxoWgW4pesRAVG8XIXM_0pZk8bd4AGUiybA4nyHpzp-o_ICNwfKI6sQtu2Yk/s400/%2524+savings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We start by taking stock of what we have and what we owe. Seems simple enough. Unfortunately, we prefer a head in the sand approach more often than a dose of reality.<br />
<br />
I was just reading a <b><i>Ladies' Home Journal</i></b> from 1932. The Depression has devastated rich and poor alike. The article said,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>"We must learn the new values of money ... Keeping up with the Joneses is out of fashion ... Where we were specialists in spending, we are becoming specialists in living. There is a new thrift for new pioneers."</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My immediate reaction was that it is rather difficult to be thrifty with the holiday season creeping up on us. My next thought was, that there would never be a better time than now, before the credit cards and cash cards get pulled out to host lavish dinners and buy expensive gifts. I count on spending about $200 to give a large family dinner, including wine and spirits. Is that entirely necessary? Somewhere in the last 30 or 40 years we got the notion we had to have enough selection in alcoholic drinks in the house to make a small tavern look understocked. Next I considered the number of side dishes that have been added to the menu. There certainly weren't eight selections of vegetables at my parent's festive meals and tomato juice, milk, coffee and tea were the drinks I see on any of their tables in the old photos. I could pare it down a little and have the added bonus of the fridge not being packed with leftovers. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That train of thought reminded me of when a family member fell into dire financial straights a few years ago. One of the endless recessions was going on and he was let go from an executive position. Finding a new job took a couple of years and they were getting by on a fraction of their former income, earned by taking low-end jobs and his wife going back to work. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As we chatted on the phone one day, he told me one of the things they missed the most was having friends over. I said it was too bad that we couldn't entertain the way we had when we were young. We'd make a big bowl of spaghetti with hardly any meat in the sauce and serve it up with some crusty bread. There were no salads, appetizers or dessert as a general rule. The guests usually brought a bottle of cheap wine. We listened to records and talked and if there weren't enough chairs in the living room, some of us sat on the floor. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKRVIyuo50oPd8ANe7GaiN8j3WtS07qUqxx5Bb5B9JP0jqQcLZuYwmJUz-8Ds0H0loBVuVmTQ1ICGPW_CK8tlIJnZNZaYfSWMiRe09Pfrwti9tulHz95Pdka9LFNwnVjnYI3QHZJbxgRs/s1600/%2524spaghetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKRVIyuo50oPd8ANe7GaiN8j3WtS07qUqxx5Bb5B9JP0jqQcLZuYwmJUz-8Ds0H0loBVuVmTQ1ICGPW_CK8tlIJnZNZaYfSWMiRe09Pfrwti9tulHz95Pdka9LFNwnVjnYI3QHZJbxgRs/s400/%2524spaghetti.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was the week between Christmas and New Years and they decided to give it a try. They didn't invite one of the couples that were used to coming over when the food and drinks flowed like there was no end to funds. Instead, they had a couple they liked but had not spent much time with. They told the guests it would be a simple meal and a chance to spend a quiet evening together. The guests offered to bring wine as their contribution. The hosts baked a loaf of fresh bread and made a big bowl of spaghetti. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Serve that on a checked tablecloth or even put a checked tea towel in the centre of the table and you have an instant Italian bistro! ~</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEEzVnKuxFkOvm6JGRSEpjnmLObdhAiOL04LDsvLphyphenhyphenjQC0wl1yem7mFaCcICVjLN5ylk-NxKZRLY6iej6ASVtsUYwOaQJA_N60gwqASm9QatX5lRzludqC31oKGWBU32LpSFKGvIPULT/s1600/%2524tablecloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEEzVnKuxFkOvm6JGRSEpjnmLObdhAiOL04LDsvLphyphenhyphenjQC0wl1yem7mFaCcICVjLN5ylk-NxKZRLY6iej6ASVtsUYwOaQJA_N60gwqASm9QatX5lRzludqC31oKGWBU32LpSFKGvIPULT/s1600/%2524tablecloth.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day I had a phone call from the host. They had the most wonderful evening they had in years! That was the year <i>So You Think You Are Smarter Than A 5th Grader</i> was all the rage. Their daughter had received the game as a Christmas gift. They were talking about how hard the questions were to answer and the guests said,<i> "Bring it out and let's see how we do!"</i>. They spent the evening laughing and playing a kids game and formed a firm friendship that has grown beautifully over the last few years. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL68VG_QKJWc1NTvY9RDrIAr9dTKJWjT2Ol72dkqF4nnG9iyysiZC4mnKu1Xs3Pln2TkIIc6nxCEZymlmK92ACc3BjRwsV_JdMmpg3KlKbV1VubAriEHyyG6cizvudNcOUSxd43uSvFdx5/s1600/%25245th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL68VG_QKJWc1NTvY9RDrIAr9dTKJWjT2Ol72dkqF4nnG9iyysiZC4mnKu1Xs3Pln2TkIIc6nxCEZymlmK92ACc3BjRwsV_JdMmpg3KlKbV1VubAriEHyyG6cizvudNcOUSxd43uSvFdx5/s320/%25245th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That 1932 Ladies' Home Journal article said, <i>"New satisfactions are being found in simpler living and simpler pleasures"</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maybe we could lower our stress levels a notch or two <i>(or a thousand) </i>by taking some of that old advice to heart. Leave a little more of the money in the bank and we'll all enjoy the season a whole lot more!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-E_1Ds_-vSx-ORCQqXUrpGEGM9KcWukdzw1HoFX_RQy0GepTQuQGXbyqk_vlSlyFh8ryPa-GjZHgPsP-wUYqWT0osGBC8FU57VdkofqRtpHQRefWRXVVDzWoQWuxU8AakzC_6zWaXiGr/s1600/%2524christmas+means+more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-E_1Ds_-vSx-ORCQqXUrpGEGM9KcWukdzw1HoFX_RQy0GepTQuQGXbyqk_vlSlyFh8ryPa-GjZHgPsP-wUYqWT0osGBC8FU57VdkofqRtpHQRefWRXVVDzWoQWuxU8AakzC_6zWaXiGr/s400/%2524christmas+means+more.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'll still have the turkey dinner and I'm sure a few bottles of wine will be served. But, I will look at finding ways to make the meal special without the excess. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Look out Pinterest, here I come and I've got my craft on!</i></b></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-8346611606615392112015-10-21T01:03:00.001-04:002015-10-21T01:52:53.293-04:00You Won't Believe What's In This Cookbook!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFEEsEJc39zN8i1QPhwVRGjDrZNQq2kNZx6FZOoUap2bW74i-Tl4lGnW9e5zY-bOPVbepwEEQv5B37BPEjUg1aXyW8uhcox3q1-2IDXE9TSOFHU70jqv7NqfuxuCPNPtW8Ng6_pG4Luta/s1600/cookbook+closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFEEsEJc39zN8i1QPhwVRGjDrZNQq2kNZx6FZOoUap2bW74i-Tl4lGnW9e5zY-bOPVbepwEEQv5B37BPEjUg1aXyW8uhcox3q1-2IDXE9TSOFHU70jqv7NqfuxuCPNPtW8Ng6_pG4Luta/s400/cookbook+closed.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
I preordered <i style="font-weight: bold;">happy hens & fresh eggs </i>because the author, chef <i>Signe Langford,</i> is a friend of my daughter. Signe has been a good chicken mommy to many of the rescued battery hens that my daughter brought to her farm for rehabilitation and rehoming. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I didn't expect was my absolute delight in the book itself. It has everything I <i style="font-weight: bold;">love </i>in a good read!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where else will you find beautiful photos of gardens, vintage kitchenware, backyard chickens, coop plans, and practical information on caring for your own flock? Okay, maybe you could find all that in one book but how about <b><i>100 egg recipes by the author and contributing chefs!</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>The photography is beautiful. ~ </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKxjHk6jSGVSP3BdZiU8yuyUwlaWNAjmtt2RjTE02bnhKSgB_fkPemGoA1OlTgV4V2B0ysVgf6Ws_6OuKGVVBzWEaL4IXlP1CqmBl9NlhAeAFGnRiQVSDxEPi-9-Gpuzqo4egzIBBTeVl/s1600/cookbook+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKxjHk6jSGVSP3BdZiU8yuyUwlaWNAjmtt2RjTE02bnhKSgB_fkPemGoA1OlTgV4V2B0ysVgf6Ws_6OuKGVVBzWEaL4IXlP1CqmBl9NlhAeAFGnRiQVSDxEPi-9-Gpuzqo4egzIBBTeVl/s640/cookbook+open.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
If you daydream about keeping your own chickens, Signe walks you through the highs and lows of having adorable feather balls hopping up on your knee as you sip a cup of tea in your garden and gives peeks into her stylish coop dubbed Cluckingham Palace. She also lets you know what happened to her meticulous landscaping when those feather balls started scratching and chomping their way through the garden like miniature, ravenous dinosaurs. You all know what my gals did to my yard so that won't surprise you much. There's lots of practical chicken keeping advice from Signe and two bloggers I regularly follow, Karen at <i><a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/" target="_blank">The Art Of Doing Stuff</a> </i>and Lisa from <i><a href="http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/search" target="_blank">Fresh Eggs Daily</a>.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><i>The author is as passionate as I am about stopping cruel factory farm practices and I was thrilled to see a picture of my granddaughter, holding a rescued hen, included in the book. ~</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvxt7G8wSk5BXt4IvDIceK-yxy6QwHJKFQ4v8m0e5xksieFt2aA7KYB8r_EdXaxbUxSJrKeg8m8BgPG-Z6NznkqPUQmEZiK0h5_8vGQdc4s-QOpnhHrL9I27WzQTV6o3aG3oMeSeOtr4H/s1600/cookbook+sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvxt7G8wSk5BXt4IvDIceK-yxy6QwHJKFQ4v8m0e5xksieFt2aA7KYB8r_EdXaxbUxSJrKeg8m8BgPG-Z6NznkqPUQmEZiK0h5_8vGQdc4s-QOpnhHrL9I27WzQTV6o3aG3oMeSeOtr4H/s640/cookbook+sam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
I couldn't put <i style="font-weight: bold;">happy hens and fresh eggs </i>down until I'd read it cover to cover and by then I was famished! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>I flipped through the book and settled on whipping up Hangry Eggs. They turned out beautifully and tamed the 'hangry' beast in me! ~</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC13PUgmSC3xNbTqU-k4y2Mo3YlMRr5B91ATF7r6H9ktt7dI_gyR9vgBBNgZrJpN2QnVnkMoxZR5wKJCb8ENZnZOTzXq1k8k5hLnBFTcQhyw-MhiUlj8p4u3cNnDlYIOcUvX6pmwbpYepo/s1600/cookbook+hangry+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC13PUgmSC3xNbTqU-k4y2Mo3YlMRr5B91ATF7r6H9ktt7dI_gyR9vgBBNgZrJpN2QnVnkMoxZR5wKJCb8ENZnZOTzXq1k8k5hLnBFTcQhyw-MhiUlj8p4u3cNnDlYIOcUvX6pmwbpYepo/s640/cookbook+hangry+eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Tomorrow, I'll try something a little more refined. I think iles flottantes will do nicely. ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TwlPlIjniuxfUEy7sAlQnBoDZsuva7dkoGMU3g4Z8yyjq7gHTGIRgBjHyblODRZY7rlxL7wQoTGtmHBLw9nE3ybwqpxJ0_KWxm0OysDBBGAOwiuiuRZFjYuDfB5EqVo3y-aH0E_z0bxl/s1600/cookbook+illes+flottantes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TwlPlIjniuxfUEy7sAlQnBoDZsuva7dkoGMU3g4Z8yyjq7gHTGIRgBjHyblODRZY7rlxL7wQoTGtmHBLw9nE3ybwqpxJ0_KWxm0OysDBBGAOwiuiuRZFjYuDfB5EqVo3y-aH0E_z0bxl/s640/cookbook+illes+flottantes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>The gals in the coop have their work cut out for them. I intend to cook my way through the entire book! ~</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMhOPYhLcx22nco3ZfZD-dV9LRIpi5D5cJyqtNYvRKUDhfp2DPjCVx8u9Clj3ptWF-TH_YTqZaWZVPWhRBLGPgO3N361xiRSkHOKMhiKiiHTf8rDUIiCLU-n-55Ltu8oapM_2HPcPJmmT/s1600/cookbook+egg+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMhOPYhLcx22nco3ZfZD-dV9LRIpi5D5cJyqtNYvRKUDhfp2DPjCVx8u9Clj3ptWF-TH_YTqZaWZVPWhRBLGPgO3N361xiRSkHOKMhiKiiHTf8rDUIiCLU-n-55Ltu8oapM_2HPcPJmmT/s640/cookbook+egg+bowl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Luckily I have lots of 'happy hens & fresh eggs'!</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
To order (and I highly recommend you do!) click <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Happy-Hens-Fresh-Eggs-Chickens/dp/1771620978" target="_blank">here</a> </i>to take you through to Amazon.ca. </div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-45256699440129363342015-10-16T00:02:00.000-04:002015-10-16T00:02:37.668-04:00Some Serious Pruning In The Raspberry Patch<b><i>When the Burning Bush looks like this ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzfxqzB66-PuKJtcK6ff8c_eC7gWwX-D45tKA-oaP5svLt-_XdgAvK53Ig1lm3rEKKRrkQNpSbeh2DSBTPiNLAwkgNJDEtsCMQwyK_oxOaG6_gxt8DdiPV38SPc36kvJvar-WbV5cuED1/s1600/raspberries+burning+bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzfxqzB66-PuKJtcK6ff8c_eC7gWwX-D45tKA-oaP5svLt-_XdgAvK53Ig1lm3rEKKRrkQNpSbeh2DSBTPiNLAwkgNJDEtsCMQwyK_oxOaG6_gxt8DdiPV38SPc36kvJvar-WbV5cuED1/s640/raspberries+burning+bush.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>and the Sumac looks like this ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwvQuF4G-Ygl3HEpDyCyT7NRXhIueOK-aZtQfV4aM6WAs-xIeI64UXh3OhPbfmELC_uqjyhwEGepJvw6I4cGYPabJOe-2ZXpdJaEDPtppcegkNHj34O0rp5ocVrSVa21SSn_i4HwKMZEs/s1600/raspberries+sumac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwvQuF4G-Ygl3HEpDyCyT7NRXhIueOK-aZtQfV4aM6WAs-xIeI64UXh3OhPbfmELC_uqjyhwEGepJvw6I4cGYPabJOe-2ZXpdJaEDPtppcegkNHj34O0rp5ocVrSVa21SSn_i4HwKMZEs/s640/raspberries+sumac.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
<br />
I know it's time to prune the raspberries.<br />
<br />
This particular patch was planted three years ago and it's time to thin them out as well as do the usual annual pruning. If you are new to raising raspberries, you may be reluctant to prune too many canes out, so it's helpful to know how raspberries grow.<br />
<br />
Raspberry roots send up new shoots each year. The first year, a cane produces only leaves. The second year it produces leaves and fruit. After the fruit matures on the second year canes, the cane dies.<br />
<br />
<b><i>You can see the dead wood easily at this time of year. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFJGqINvnsyM1mlB94Obkh1MeVIK-7Gr8gv9OM6FFB68EPXozsxJil61XtZWABvH7urYLhmyd0hXI8vhEntIELK_8Z5eJE3_oUlEIgd6jQPm2-oo-m_CTNFdBR8vVezaO45YcqOO6o3JV/s1600/raspberries+deadwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFJGqINvnsyM1mlB94Obkh1MeVIK-7Gr8gv9OM6FFB68EPXozsxJil61XtZWABvH7urYLhmyd0hXI8vhEntIELK_8Z5eJE3_oUlEIgd6jQPm2-oo-m_CTNFdBR8vVezaO45YcqOO6o3JV/s640/raspberries+deadwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
All of the dead canes need to be cut off at ground level with sharp pruners and removed. They harbour bugs that over winter in them and stop air, water and sunshine from getting to the new canes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6phdq5CZMmQUIzSzxUkVneZGScvw_g-jI2AlR5EFXr1F37yiXC5HFTPD-c0bB135UpGbiBuY4vDq2DRba0OhRmYRZSGp5wG8now82OadNZslf8v6DhV6E26f99j_VwfxiVQYGcHiYFDSt/s1600/raspberries+cut+offs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6phdq5CZMmQUIzSzxUkVneZGScvw_g-jI2AlR5EFXr1F37yiXC5HFTPD-c0bB135UpGbiBuY4vDq2DRba0OhRmYRZSGp5wG8now82OadNZslf8v6DhV6E26f99j_VwfxiVQYGcHiYFDSt/s640/raspberries+cut+offs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After three years of growth, my patch was becoming too dense with new canes as well and needed to be thinned out. They are a heritage variety and a little harder to control than the modern raspberry canes. They tend to be floppy and I need to cut them back to about 3' high in the fall and trim another 3 or 4" off in the spring to stop the canes from bending over onto each other. In the interests of plant biodiversity, I'm willing to go to a little more trouble in my patch.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The chickens loved this before version of the patch as their secret hiding spot. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5XXVLcchVN9ZhhR-cj5v68U8653ooYFL5yVhUBZTzCtWt-f-nretQq06ncvbrS1KuEUBGPT4lp2fm1c4dpY6h0VRlaW4itV0hjEbKrN-QXmsUpobqz0cd7XqSzC3e86kqYHFkeUYZu09/s1600/raspberries+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5XXVLcchVN9ZhhR-cj5v68U8653ooYFL5yVhUBZTzCtWt-f-nretQq06ncvbrS1KuEUBGPT4lp2fm1c4dpY6h0VRlaW4itV0hjEbKrN-QXmsUpobqz0cd7XqSzC3e86kqYHFkeUYZu09/s640/raspberries+before.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Sorry girls, you can't do much hiding in the pruned raspberries! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITo7YblCUg_sPjcG18Qh357YKuvQ7nspbNypbgtheAhIQQSahwWBUgww9eEP4WSMI0z9am6PEcu2IZEEF1OP4CXJKDlVqFsHPhiETh-mjFz4WoDlIlYwz7eMIV15HL8nHLt_oziU5Evie/s1600/raaspberries+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITo7YblCUg_sPjcG18Qh357YKuvQ7nspbNypbgtheAhIQQSahwWBUgww9eEP4WSMI0z9am6PEcu2IZEEF1OP4CXJKDlVqFsHPhiETh-mjFz4WoDlIlYwz7eMIV15HL8nHLt_oziU5Evie/s640/raaspberries+done.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I never mulch my raspberries in the fall. They are very hardy plants and I feel wood mulch takes too much nitrogen out of the soil as it's breaking down. Raspberries love nitrogen!<br />
<br />
This time of year is a race against the elements in the country. I have a little more work to secure the chicken coop for the winter and, of course, there are the never ending leaves to blow, mulch, rake, burn, compost.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The leaves are starting to turn a pretty red on the canes today and we won the race against the snow warning for this week!</i></b>Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-16379690257512459602015-10-11T16:00:00.000-04:002015-10-21T10:05:28.800-04:00Reviving My Gratitude JournalDaily life has seemed to be contrary lately and even my favourite season of the year, Fall with all the beauty and abundance it bestows on us, failed to inspire me to decorate.<br />
<br />
As I was leaving a friend's house, she asked me if I would like the Hydrangea blooms from her garden.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I put them in an antique crock on the dining room table. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIUj03fEftwXE-KhV4qNqHUaoSglrMO891BvQPFwogJ7B-J_28F4UqmRpg-vqEwC4eHgXcJn5OXhfXD9GZvIWLuwdA5ciIN7x9rzQcaDQPirh5kLuw4v2NtpE56XWR7-OnhLLA7YCAUMj/s1600/gratitude+blooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIUj03fEftwXE-KhV4qNqHUaoSglrMO891BvQPFwogJ7B-J_28F4UqmRpg-vqEwC4eHgXcJn5OXhfXD9GZvIWLuwdA5ciIN7x9rzQcaDQPirh5kLuw4v2NtpE56XWR7-OnhLLA7YCAUMj/s640/gratitude+blooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>The crock gave me the idea to add the stoneware jug that was my mother's first antique purchase as a new bride. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViEdo06Wr3wHtVHutBnaR6Ojm3XnIaLx3wX_HJ_BwjPPGoGLh1U2NNyPveECXZppYkC3GTFZ6KUZZHfytL4uPDgxw5cfNznJBJzqiB9j-S3KBtSqOExyVy4n0Zp9od9Zf8KWYzMxFBTpF/s1600/gratitude+arrangement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViEdo06Wr3wHtVHutBnaR6Ojm3XnIaLx3wX_HJ_BwjPPGoGLh1U2NNyPveECXZppYkC3GTFZ6KUZZHfytL4uPDgxw5cfNznJBJzqiB9j-S3KBtSqOExyVy4n0Zp9od9Zf8KWYzMxFBTpF/s640/gratitude+arrangement.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
An antique glass compote filled with apples struck my fancy and a primitive, wooden crow joined the grouping.<br />
<br />
<b><i>These solid lead cast farm animals, a child's toy from the 1800's, always bring a smile to my face and I added them to the side of a berry wreath. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W0FkshwHa8RoA0UfZsuFHdlhKiaOurzI7jo3sJmkhRjFi_WlLE9ljQk0tHuTz-LB9K-gXRvtVKstcXRLZQb6VsVLaEE1DPyrrsnYVSBxPtd41S0zDEKAGLD7xYZX2Zmo4Iljf4TD4-mI/s1600/gratitude+farm+animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W0FkshwHa8RoA0UfZsuFHdlhKiaOurzI7jo3sJmkhRjFi_WlLE9ljQk0tHuTz-LB9K-gXRvtVKstcXRLZQb6VsVLaEE1DPyrrsnYVSBxPtd41S0zDEKAGLD7xYZX2Zmo4Iljf4TD4-mI/s640/gratitude+farm+animals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>It struck me that I was choosing items that gave me happiness just by seeing them. Why not add a bowl of eggs, daily gifts from my tiny flock of chicken friends? ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTK4MoZIqLGNzV7F8O3uO4FyOpKN7_rIvXeCKXZCOKz89yJZZalq6HhG5YvLUrwDnZ2b2mS5tHnvU2ctv28BzJNmOxo9AMF7l6x6_tsg3bY8d9QGyCkIbIAqgun8hYeu1CURKqQHL-uTj/s1600/gratitude+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTK4MoZIqLGNzV7F8O3uO4FyOpKN7_rIvXeCKXZCOKz89yJZZalq6HhG5YvLUrwDnZ2b2mS5tHnvU2ctv28BzJNmOxo9AMF7l6x6_tsg3bY8d9QGyCkIbIAqgun8hYeu1CURKqQHL-uTj/s640/gratitude+eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>And, why not enjoy the sight of an inquisitive cat that has to be part of the decorating process? ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWeUWHMBleg5_2Edhd2xjFsT0fLBLPPcPf8PaH4zzOk2uhkEfZIhyphenhyphenZcE7ymJYawOk6zfzYiXKd5Eu4vbUP9QcIyuvLzptyXRxaMrxcM8CoNLj6-rbXtzl5E9tn8I8FceiKLXDIM9-3paT/s1600/gratitude+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWeUWHMBleg5_2Edhd2xjFsT0fLBLPPcPf8PaH4zzOk2uhkEfZIhyphenhyphenZcE7ymJYawOk6zfzYiXKd5Eu4vbUP9QcIyuvLzptyXRxaMrxcM8CoNLj6-rbXtzl5E9tn8I8FceiKLXDIM9-3paT/s640/gratitude+cat.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
<br />
Grouping things I find beautiful together made me stop and see the beauty I was overlooking. I could have filled that table in minutes with everyday items that bring me joy when I take the time to acknowledge them.<br />
<br />
I went to my library shelves and pulled out a book, <b><i>Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach</i></b>. That book was a great comfort to me fifteen years ago when I was going through a very difficult time. Sarah introduced me to the idea of keeping a gratitude journal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxLam6p2m41A-uZajzPhwCnFE2F3OFa7xSW0joISX-NL9MMJbKGoJXemrbZ6bPyTNbCmnLfLpa8VQHi7zztpG8EBAv7vqX5c8ve9cL0IgSQPp46jueVHa21zw3HGPuUfPGGZN49UG2vMd/s1600/gratitude+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxLam6p2m41A-uZajzPhwCnFE2F3OFa7xSW0joISX-NL9MMJbKGoJXemrbZ6bPyTNbCmnLfLpa8VQHi7zztpG8EBAv7vqX5c8ve9cL0IgSQPp46jueVHa21zw3HGPuUfPGGZN49UG2vMd/s640/gratitude+book.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Each day I wrote down in my journal five things that I was grateful for in the day that was ending. It was difficult to think of anything to be grateful for in that stressful and heartbreaking year. I started with little observances of sunsets, horses grazing in a field or a warm fire. It became a habit to keep my eyes open for nice things in my day so I had something to write down that evening. Soon, I had more than five things to put in my journal. I was seeing beauty, kindness and goodness all around me. My situation hadn't changed one bit; only my way of viewing my world had improved. But, that made all the difference between wallowing in misery and stepping back into life with all its wonder and joy.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Putting together some Thanksgiving Day displays reminded me of all that I am blessed with if I will only stop long enough to see it. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjYYVKt3vji52qSc0cOm4owJmIHpnuJbSrDFq-Na0-bC5bH36sZ6DurCiDLRugii93MyFMaUP7bg1QkskfdOeAypnQW07-4tXt_sL-ReprTeOSE_788TZaczeaUizhaYkgqcW3F5fn4ni/s1600/gratitude+bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjYYVKt3vji52qSc0cOm4owJmIHpnuJbSrDFq-Na0-bC5bH36sZ6DurCiDLRugii93MyFMaUP7bg1QkskfdOeAypnQW07-4tXt_sL-ReprTeOSE_788TZaczeaUizhaYkgqcW3F5fn4ni/s640/gratitude+bench.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Sarah's thought for the day I started decorating was perfect. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLu1apuYCN82GwtZK_STBQf4fr5fUWhf8UvUJIMIvGbNuKlXwoT6U2FTYy1YBMD2GOjQNqulEj8Ewb0h24Nx6brjBscnNTECVDtvkqNeD9Jx9xbK6NJo6eV8hSNjxOF6F6z5epUinCu2a/s1600/gratitude+beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLu1apuYCN82GwtZK_STBQf4fr5fUWhf8UvUJIMIvGbNuKlXwoT6U2FTYy1YBMD2GOjQNqulEj8Ewb0h24Nx6brjBscnNTECVDtvkqNeD9Jx9xbK6NJo6eV8hSNjxOF6F6z5epUinCu2a/s640/gratitude+beauty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
We all have different ideas of what is beautiful. It only matters that we see the beauty we already have around us. A gratitude journal is the best way I know of healing a wounded soul. It says to the universe, <b><i>"I appreciate all that is good in my world and I'm offering back to the universe my sincerest thank you for the gifts I receive." </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I pulled out my old gratitude journal and made a new entry. I listed the Hydrangeas first, not just because they were beautiful, but because they were a gift from a friend. a perfect way to begin a Thanksgiving weekend that was filled with love, sharing and happiness.<br />
<br />
Today, I will write in my journal that I was fully present and enjoyed every moment of the day spent with my family. Every hug, every joke, every conversation, every snuggle with a grandchild was a gift. My heart and soul were full of gratitude.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. May you find many wonderful memories to take up a pen and write in your journals!</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-65839672332890138082015-10-01T13:37:00.000-04:002015-10-01T13:37:38.898-04:00The Gleaners<b><i>I had this print of The Gleaners, by Jean-Francois Millet, hanging on my dining room wall for many years until it faded beyond saving. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIH4axqthNMCuDNOs9vM0MjrnTF1Ee5q3AzswzQrgqP0j0-lQfXEaboLMwMIyYYPsRqxTaDt1BqkrCU6scC7QiUL2mtdqjp9iSDx2udXHtLulz2xOZBmwK8LKVcBWgSk-zonznKUHsh_n/s1600/gleaners+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIH4axqthNMCuDNOs9vM0MjrnTF1Ee5q3AzswzQrgqP0j0-lQfXEaboLMwMIyYYPsRqxTaDt1BqkrCU6scC7QiUL2mtdqjp9iSDx2udXHtLulz2xOZBmwK8LKVcBWgSk-zonznKUHsh_n/s640/gleaners+print.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Only recently I discovered it wasn't a depiction of a biblical story but rather a criticism of the French upper class and the poverty it imposed on the lower classes.<br />
<br />
Gleaning bits of grain left behind the harvest does indeed show a hard way of life, but I focussed on the resourcefulness of the women, who found ways and means of feeding their families.<br />
<br />
I admit I am a diehard gleaner. It makes me feel good to busy myself in the fall gathering and storing for the long winter ahead.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>The last of the tomatoes go into the pot to peel and freeze. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKtbGL1if_C3mcff_ub0WgHQESfwiCqcVz5e6nV7MR7ZgXlkPM9dD9yxcIh-Qri-2X9uL2L8Y4rXKBvsxgmXKgOo-EnJm66MTp-XTWQztjACu-y3TH1MFw3eAthvNtU19p5LCmeGZStFZ/s1600/gleaners+tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKtbGL1if_C3mcff_ub0WgHQESfwiCqcVz5e6nV7MR7ZgXlkPM9dD9yxcIh-Qri-2X9uL2L8Y4rXKBvsxgmXKgOo-EnJm66MTp-XTWQztjACu-y3TH1MFw3eAthvNtU19p5LCmeGZStFZ/s640/gleaners+tomatoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Basil is chopped and covered with olive oil to freeze. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMb3utM7LLUp_RQAl7JmeZNkjkcIrX0L0jHlifyfGzDtMr7CxLzJM6z9M_caG7d7SC6b70XsBn-w6THKoreUlDay7IJvLT9H5_sBa-TxNCfhGHKQ4qiQmmWJZ1C4uhzwVSm8ORvXB9OXr/s1600/gleaners+tomatoes+basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMb3utM7LLUp_RQAl7JmeZNkjkcIrX0L0jHlifyfGzDtMr7CxLzJM6z9M_caG7d7SC6b70XsBn-w6THKoreUlDay7IJvLT9H5_sBa-TxNCfhGHKQ4qiQmmWJZ1C4uhzwVSm8ORvXB9OXr/s640/gleaners+tomatoes+basil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>The last of the corn has been blanched and frozen and the chickens, the ultimate gleaners, have feasted on the kernels left clinging to the cobs. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwSqWuMvFbtb3ZxQNduN_3x-XURNJ6BxOD-gVSBNiSOe-mZnA0UgTvAu_OJ1SB9RsxXQGq4sPEzxZPwxrV-QSYg3z6pEcl0pEa-gJK7-brVJTPpNfUrt8VeK93vfB9aIrSxf63LKo99iE/s1600/gleaners+chickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwSqWuMvFbtb3ZxQNduN_3x-XURNJ6BxOD-gVSBNiSOe-mZnA0UgTvAu_OJ1SB9RsxXQGq4sPEzxZPwxrV-QSYg3z6pEcl0pEa-gJK7-brVJTPpNfUrt8VeK93vfB9aIrSxf63LKo99iE/s640/gleaners+chickens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls are scurrying about the yard all day at this time of year, pecking at bugs, fallen fruit and grasses gone to seed to put on the extra weight they will need to keep warm in the winter months. They've finished molting and grown a nice, thick coat of feathers.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Don't you just love Vivian's bloomers? ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXiI9NdnhheGMYplIGs8ffo4TBnVmgG3V9PC64cuHtb5Aa0o5S8tESC9-AQzJH65_RwPJzbOrxG5gLJzGm7AiILjPHEuV1JTpgwtk4DcDvnBpoIkFVvQqMo8t1PJ1EXv8czWrIYJ7A4Nb/s1600/gleaners+pantaloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXiI9NdnhheGMYplIGs8ffo4TBnVmgG3V9PC64cuHtb5Aa0o5S8tESC9-AQzJH65_RwPJzbOrxG5gLJzGm7AiILjPHEuV1JTpgwtk4DcDvnBpoIkFVvQqMo8t1PJ1EXv8czWrIYJ7A4Nb/s640/gleaners+pantaloons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
This year I've added <i class="">nutting</i> to my foraging. My sister called to say the row of hickory trees just outside the village were loaded with nuts. No one has ever gathered them to my knowledge. To be honest, I didn't even know what one tasted like. A little Google session later, I discovered Hickory nuts are right up there with macadamias for a gourmet treat. Shelled, they sell for $24/lb. online. One site said that while walnuts are the Chevys of the nut world and pecans are the Oldsmobiles, hickory nuts are the Cadillacs. They were right! They are murder to crack, but the fruit is<i> soooo</i> worth the effort!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-i4vy3sQeAHOndnrRL61Sg4ZqdsGerGLbhjXvP9_CxI8pSlTVqdFm6oM4-fvT-6ahwDia-OFzNGhp9CIYEhD9tKgkD3gqO6ncr7iqL5YQ_NNCpOsQNbOEFC_T8POae9MAC_x1a3s1YWh/s1600/gleaners+hickory+nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-i4vy3sQeAHOndnrRL61Sg4ZqdsGerGLbhjXvP9_CxI8pSlTVqdFm6oM4-fvT-6ahwDia-OFzNGhp9CIYEhD9tKgkD3gqO6ncr7iqL5YQ_NNCpOsQNbOEFC_T8POae9MAC_x1a3s1YWh/s640/gleaners+hickory+nuts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>The temperatures dropped dramatically here last night and it's time to haul the potted herbs indoors. The freezer is full and the sealer jars are lined up on the shelves. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wv7xcc9BLBq5DVyBGXvI2e9xmdOBUUorP96mMcc1Pp0fzV4fsuXFrue9ExHqIRrS_hgY3YGK0onPByb6WSJi4wZKYZRZXx-JD4AqlmlJ1UW09jk8aoHGZbkzB2IVvpOVHjKjuJ9zjGng/s1600/gleaners+pickles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wv7xcc9BLBq5DVyBGXvI2e9xmdOBUUorP96mMcc1Pp0fzV4fsuXFrue9ExHqIRrS_hgY3YGK0onPByb6WSJi4wZKYZRZXx-JD4AqlmlJ1UW09jk8aoHGZbkzB2IVvpOVHjKjuJ9zjGng/s640/gleaners+pickles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Yup, I'm happy with my tendency to be a gleaner and storer!</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-49395504026531269002015-09-23T00:26:00.000-04:002015-09-23T00:26:37.342-04:00Did You Know Ovarian Cancer Researchers Need Your Help?I'm using a new colour for my fall decorating this year, and for a very good reason.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I'm breaking out the colour teal and loving it! ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDwYG3C1N6hDI9MROiLnWo5zdDYUxrfrN8342KWAIfFdBfrGqwnFnCaXH-gMPS8mli4pCIAx1rV4VtNWpErCRrvQchbCNLFJxQdUNjj0gv0diLPVogPRzRaZDJXU6w-2ZcuUMpqZGF3Jh/s1600/teal+close+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDwYG3C1N6hDI9MROiLnWo5zdDYUxrfrN8342KWAIfFdBfrGqwnFnCaXH-gMPS8mli4pCIAx1rV4VtNWpErCRrvQchbCNLFJxQdUNjj0gv0diLPVogPRzRaZDJXU6w-2ZcuUMpqZGF3Jh/s640/teal+close+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Acorns are getting painted teal and nestled in coffee filter roses, beside vintage globes sporting teal oceans. It's all nestled beside a shabby plaster angel on my bookshelves.<br />
<br />
It is a daily reminder that the race for a cure for ovarian cancer needs the help of legions of angels and each of us can be one of those angels.<br />
<br />
I'm going to do some blatant bragging about my son in law, Dr. Trevor Shepherd, now. He leads a team of scientific researchers at the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Lawson Health Research Institute</i>, in London, Ontario.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTlx-9hOlbFV6C5wrTuOUrkclaHL9vH7otn_mgwU467PMfes9cto2mzVi4-R1gtXl_79APcMszmAdEg-QRnUxTS2UCkl_Cm91DADDqmhteD9r04gkRlI9JOpMB4hlLigRsYTkaFLLpWei/s1600/Lawson+Institute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTlx-9hOlbFV6C5wrTuOUrkclaHL9vH7otn_mgwU467PMfes9cto2mzVi4-R1gtXl_79APcMszmAdEg-QRnUxTS2UCkl_Cm91DADDqmhteD9r04gkRlI9JOpMB4hlLigRsYTkaFLLpWei/s400/Lawson+Institute.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They have recently made a breakthrough discovery of what is being called a <i>Jekyll and Hyde molecule</i> and this discovery can have a profound effect on treatment protocols for women suffering from ovarian cancer. To read about this discovery, you can click on the link <a href="http://www.lfpress.com/2015/07/22/scientists-at-lawson-health-research-institute-in-london-identify-jekyll-and-hyde-molecule" target="_blank"><b><i>here</i></b></a>. Ovarian cancer is a silent stalker, usually not diagnosed until it has progressed to the later stages. This kind of research can save lives and, with 2,800 women in Canada alone being diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, that's a whole lot of women praying for angels to step up and help fund life-saving research.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ovarian cancer research is poorly funded. It doesn't have the corporate sponsorship that breast cancer research has through the pink ribbon campaigns. Think of all the products you see with a pink ribbon on it. We are always happy to know that a portion of the sale goes to such valuable research. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Teal is the colour for ovarian cancer awareness and raising research funds. How often have you bought a product with a teal ribbon on it? It's just not out there for us to buy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Trevor spends countless hours filling out grant forms and drawing up research proposals to keep his research funded. It uses up valuable time that would be better spent in the lab and in working with physicians on clinical trials. Still, there is never enough money.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've often wondered if local fundraising was truly important to this kind of work. Trevor tells me it is critical to his work. He praises the organisers of fundraising events in his area and considers them important members of his research team. He never spends Mother's Day with his own mom or with his wife, the mother of his six kids. Instead, he gives a speech and joins in the London Run For Ovarian Cancer. It costs $200,000 to $300,000 to run the lab each year. This year, the run raised $189,900 of that money.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to be shining angels. Small donations, even as little as $10 can make a big difference to your local ovarian cancer fundraisers. I urge you to look up your local fundraiser for this cause and give a little (or a lot if ya got it to give!). I guarantee you will be encouraging some research team to keep fighting the good fight!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>This fall, bring on the teal. Wear it, paint it, talk about it and donate to it! ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94DqTXrL0YIZG3dfJQOu8FJd_uKrmpZoAQLzQCvvghMcWjtNS83Lk_txwhayWJ2JMY3Y1OgleBtrDOaEdYe9jL2NhA7MLWp27qv2YTGRryT9kTrVKidBz87KNBFhmBqIIh2cHUWo89nZo/s1600/teal+far+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94DqTXrL0YIZG3dfJQOu8FJd_uKrmpZoAQLzQCvvghMcWjtNS83Lk_txwhayWJ2JMY3Y1OgleBtrDOaEdYe9jL2NhA7MLWp27qv2YTGRryT9kTrVKidBz87KNBFhmBqIIh2cHUWo89nZo/s640/teal+far+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Don't forget to add an angel to the decorations because your help officially makes you one!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-85251920463629215162015-09-20T02:43:00.000-04:002015-09-20T11:21:41.199-04:00Why I'm Making My Own Cat FoodPoor Maeve became very, very sick this summer. She developed urinary crystals, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. I dealt with that. Next, she showed symptoms of a thyroid condition. Veterinary treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats ranges from daily medication to radioactive iodine therapy. Neither is a good option in a cat that has started having violent allergic reactions. There was even a question of her being diabetic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyz0I7JP5vnw1eeCOfiUQVQKlk8s_ZVML7Ox6cLVkgjIAxIfQkA-rRd8LcEfqIjppKQgxV4gHhGc2ELYuLeKtcgHgrIrU5Pl8Ylsuzf_NxL_vg4ALSMRmF2DSp22Bsm-b90VP6mkyTOoY/s1600/cat+maeve+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyz0I7JP5vnw1eeCOfiUQVQKlk8s_ZVML7Ox6cLVkgjIAxIfQkA-rRd8LcEfqIjppKQgxV4gHhGc2ELYuLeKtcgHgrIrU5Pl8Ylsuzf_NxL_vg4ALSMRmF2DSp22Bsm-b90VP6mkyTOoY/s320/cat+maeve+final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This little gal is only 4 yrs. old and her internal organs were failing, one after another. Treatments would run in the thousands of dollars and the prognosis still wasn't good. The first clue to what was making her so ill was a simple attack of hives. She was covered in them and clawed at them until she was raw, bleeding and almost bald. I took her outside with me to let the sun give her some relief. She seemed to feel much better and the hives began to heal over after a couple of days in the yard. Then, I discovered she had picked up a bad case of fleas outside. A single drop of the flea treatment you put between the shoulder blades caused such a violent reaction that she nearly choked to death.<br />
<br />
That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands and go the holistic route. Maeve is a true feral cat, meaning she comes from multigenerational cats that have lived without human contact. She was undersized and only weighed in at 3 lbs. at her heaviest. I know all this information will make this a long post but I think important to any decision you make in changing what you feed your cats. Ferals survive on eating rodents and birds. The feline digestive system naturally breaks down the raw food and takes the nutrients, moisture and protein it needs and regurgitates the rest. That's the nasty, gooey thing your cat throws up if it eats the prey it catches. It's a perfectly normal process. My cats stay indoors and don't have access to wild food.<br />
<br />
I had been feeding Maeve, and two younger ferals I've taken in, with a diet of canned cat food, a small amount of dry cat food and the odd serving of canned fish. It was the equivalent of Europeans introducing their diet to the North American Inuit people. Their systems couldn't handle it and neither can my feral cats. The dry cat food had grain in it. Removing the dry food immediately stopped Maeve's skin condition. Over the next few weeks, her urinary tract problems improved as well.<br />
<br />
The food I found worked the best for her was <a href="http://freshpet.com/products/freshpetselectroastedmealsforcatschicken/" target="_blank">Freshpet Select</a>, a semi-moist food. Even grain free kibble had an immediate bad effect on her. Maeve is tiny and I'm treating her like the canary in the mineshaft. If a food isn't good for her, it most likely will start to compromise the health of the other two cats in time.<br />
The problem I had with Freshpet Select, is that it is only available at one store in my area and they didn't always have it in stock. It was also a little pricey at $1/day per cat. It did have all <b><i>species specific</i></b> ingredients, but they weren't organic and I didn't know if there were chemicals that would build up in her system and cause new problems. I've done a lot of research on cat food now. Raw food is probably the best for felines, but I just can't bring myself to do it.<br />
<br />
After that long preamble, I'll get to the cat food I made for round one.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>I had 2lbs. of organic, chicken stock bones. I put them in a large pot, covered them in water and brought it to a boil. I reduced the heat to a simmer and cooked it just as you would making soup stock, for about six hours. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXSjCeZ1LQhKJsAWVPSBngoFO7NSc9a94hggmhcrp913H9eSuPZF2uXX7JNppZ6Aqsn6xmgXmTExrHqKdlk3WUt37Uuk7jYY-EyVjXGTuF6wmf7xHIc8JgEStKKRbSYhJkbMWFuIFDCjE/s1600/cat+food+bones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXSjCeZ1LQhKJsAWVPSBngoFO7NSc9a94hggmhcrp913H9eSuPZF2uXX7JNppZ6Aqsn6xmgXmTExrHqKdlk3WUt37Uuk7jYY-EyVjXGTuF6wmf7xHIc8JgEStKKRbSYhJkbMWFuIFDCjE/s400/cat+food+bones.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>I'm going to add 2 hard boiled eggs, 2 organic carrots, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, a can of kippers and 2 Tbs. of coconut oil to the finished chicken. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzRnUOZ3MPwRNpHtplDx_NeGMNJIslmQx9A3yP-KD1Sx5b9AVSXEKVYMJ3pfxu77_LhRWLDxbPiisHiMeTNVzHX_BWgRaQqLhALDExk2cnXk_w8rE1i85f6YFBEZPp8Zy5lw_yIJqMqbi/s1600/cat+food+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzRnUOZ3MPwRNpHtplDx_NeGMNJIslmQx9A3yP-KD1Sx5b9AVSXEKVYMJ3pfxu77_LhRWLDxbPiisHiMeTNVzHX_BWgRaQqLhALDExk2cnXk_w8rE1i85f6YFBEZPp8Zy5lw_yIJqMqbi/s400/cat+food+ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kippers, sardines or canned salmon have soft bones that the cats need for calcium. The carrots and parsley are great sources of vitamins and minerals. The eggs provide protein. I could crush the shells and add them to the food for extra calcium but didn't want to have anything the cats might find odd in this new food while I was switching them over.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I cut the carrots into a small dice and chopped the parsley ready to parboil it when the chicken was done. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_6Sw0D9UzK6ERQGoFd8m-UMOGLb15QMq7qbPrZXC958b7oGgRd3DIAWeEyVuygf6X4NJbcL4KijnyKre6x5btc3zXSI0Ak1C5wUtsJdnLCWlC9gC64BlXw09cyhxLSiWnQh9idC-WZUJ/s1600/cat+food+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_6Sw0D9UzK6ERQGoFd8m-UMOGLb15QMq7qbPrZXC958b7oGgRd3DIAWeEyVuygf6X4NJbcL4KijnyKre6x5btc3zXSI0Ak1C5wUtsJdnLCWlC9gC64BlXw09cyhxLSiWnQh9idC-WZUJ/s400/cat+food+eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I put a colander in a large bowl and poured the chicken pot into it. This separated the chicken and bones from the broth. The broth is reserved. While it was cooling, I used 2 cups of the broth to boil the carrots and parsley for 5 mins. That's just to soften the carrots and get the chicken flavour through them. I don't want the cats eating around veggies and missing out of those nutrients.<br />
<br />
Being careful to remove all bones, I combined the chicken, carrots, parsley, chopped eggs, kippers and coconut oil with two cups of the chicken broth.<br />
<br />
<b><i>This is what it looked like done. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRznthZxkqdmV6sY2uHShyNvCc8ewu_dHfmNt94PIcThApWHF4aGn5zz5v1dhBdcH7nw2ipBt4NJca35TsiPw7txILeEz9IOTRP4gzlJnbFm45V_MlxZrlEvatYLYUJAhYNouM1llWedk/s1600/cat+food+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRznthZxkqdmV6sY2uHShyNvCc8ewu_dHfmNt94PIcThApWHF4aGn5zz5v1dhBdcH7nw2ipBt4NJca35TsiPw7txILeEz9IOTRP4gzlJnbFm45V_MlxZrlEvatYLYUJAhYNouM1llWedk/s400/cat+food+done.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It may not look pretty, but you could feed this to your kids. Seriously, there's nothing in here but good food.<br />
<br />
This recipe gave me 2 lbs. of pet food. I'm not sure how to cost it out for you. The eggs come from my own chickens, the soup stock bones were free with an organic meat order, the carrots might have cost a quarter each and the parsley is from my garden. So far, I've spent $1.09 on the can of kippers and a few cents on the coconut oil. In the future, I'll introduce other meats, probably leftovers, and use the remaining chicken broth for flavour and nutrients.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>Next weeks food and the extra broth is all ready for the freezer! By saving the broth, I can make another batch by simply cooking some chicken and veggies and adding the other ingredients. It isn't a six-hour process every time. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBDtQogAqWI-_mXonV8wEE-FD67hszXVKWkbUTGvB-5hOI29s0uOVQebQmlDZ_Ly3-uim6eHAXarid9ojvoV-CFqRZMlx4H-7Ke5vvy48Z5ZIXNC8ut6tV6-wAZzbu8aFPmtvTwQSLOyM/s1600/cat+food+packaged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBDtQogAqWI-_mXonV8wEE-FD67hszXVKWkbUTGvB-5hOI29s0uOVQebQmlDZ_Ly3-uim6eHAXarid9ojvoV-CFqRZMlx4H-7Ke5vvy48Z5ZIXNC8ut6tV6-wAZzbu8aFPmtvTwQSLOyM/s400/cat+food+packaged.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>In case you would like to give this a try with your cats, I've done a printable of the recipe for easy printing or pinning. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlsODsIyafqDA2u5sgu3pScdx-NoxFdY7NvuWTrybA7asmsJzMBKp1doto084oajkMNAv215KCjBLWA4P0CYoJesHoqcelEE6cZIzMSKMX4xk3t8Y9B1wodkk66G24e0az-72BzFsYLyM/s1600/cat+food+recipe+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlsODsIyafqDA2u5sgu3pScdx-NoxFdY7NvuWTrybA7asmsJzMBKp1doto084oajkMNAv215KCjBLWA4P0CYoJesHoqcelEE6cZIzMSKMX4xk3t8Y9B1wodkk66G24e0az-72BzFsYLyM/s640/cat+food+recipe+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<b><i>Did Maeve, Michaela and Clara Jane like it? Never in my life have I heard cats purr that loud all the way through their dinner! I couldn't even get them to lift their heads for a picture. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHjaKtcfkg7793UiSrmutAX-gbef_pdL2VzhDlYscDHHgNdABmMtG4Dx6YRZVmY47N3ay8bMNL7mmKpBRBM2z5BZIpXcoWHW0PJ7jkq26XpJU8ZBStd0RVkCxTPj-Rlv88TRrThyphenhyphenhA0qk/s1600/cat+food+taste+test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHjaKtcfkg7793UiSrmutAX-gbef_pdL2VzhDlYscDHHgNdABmMtG4Dx6YRZVmY47N3ay8bMNL7mmKpBRBM2z5BZIpXcoWHW0PJ7jkq26XpJU8ZBStd0RVkCxTPj-Rlv88TRrThyphenhyphenhA0qk/s400/cat+food+taste+test.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i>Not one speck of food was left in the bowls!</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-71290622571237486432015-09-14T18:15:00.000-04:002015-09-15T23:44:03.708-04:00Vintage Sealer Jar Meets Vintage Sewing SuppliesWhat are you going to do when a friend brings you a whole case of vintage sealers that she has taken the time to date? Why, you match them up with collectibles from the same year!<br />
<br />
A little rummaging in my stash of <strike>hoarded junk</strike> fabulous vintage sewing supplies yielded metal sewing machine bobbins, wooden spools of thread, Bakelite buttons and snaps and hooks still on the cards. I never could bring myself to get rid of these goodies, so carefully saved by generations past.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsemBNg0TWdf4walLF_UrolhS5xuMe_Jve1O44uCaWOHrwGtUCH8FD5pIjxoHZdgZqw0gRW3NvGPdHjKjS-65UTDJNbcCVQnlm96RhjasQM6MwF-PMxOB_FjE20Juoc7yM5pKpJesKChY/s1600/sewing+sealer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsemBNg0TWdf4walLF_UrolhS5xuMe_Jve1O44uCaWOHrwGtUCH8FD5pIjxoHZdgZqw0gRW3NvGPdHjKjS-65UTDJNbcCVQnlm96RhjasQM6MwF-PMxOB_FjE20Juoc7yM5pKpJesKChY/s640/sewing+sealer.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<br />
Marilyn has dated this jar as 1944. World War II is still raging and the folks at home are struggling to make do, with what they have, under rationing conditions. I remember my Auntie Kay talking about taking her sister's winter coat and making it over into a coat and leggings for her own little girl. Her sister wouldn't be home for awhile to need it as she was serving overseas as an RCAF nurse.<br />
<br />
A bit of vintage lace wrapped around the neck of the jar makes a pretty backdrop for a scrap of fabric stencilled with the date. Of course, I used teal coloured paint in honour of September being <b><i>ovarian cancer awareness month.</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zziETZcQpWW_Tx3YX9-cBm6XqnrdVtTk0frH0EM7MRwo5gNG3HTfp8pg2_p9_OfceeN10b-L218NvxZ2T_orfN3_mzMPrpugwMugjK5AlAwSKqD2bSQ9yyrx05DjzClZ4_SWxcM14ILs/s1600/sewing+sealer+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zziETZcQpWW_Tx3YX9-cBm6XqnrdVtTk0frH0EM7MRwo5gNG3HTfp8pg2_p9_OfceeN10b-L218NvxZ2T_orfN3_mzMPrpugwMugjK5AlAwSKqD2bSQ9yyrx05DjzClZ4_SWxcM14ILs/s640/sewing+sealer+date.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think it's a lovely way to organize this little collection and I hope it conveys my appreciation to all those clever ladies who kept the home fires burning and the children clothed, without taking a thing away from those who were so valiantly serving their country.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF8ad3Hl2i8cu6oYnETmWzRtxdtkbVsn1NwYO-8u8FDC1vSA4FuYI83mH9QQbEyOewGzCbu1nZiniMSMV5JCmTa8X7qWLv5hAf_jGBYr-leJih39F0NUk8moxLvIE2yOICPUGFbZiZ1ds/s1600/sewing+sealer+far.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF8ad3Hl2i8cu6oYnETmWzRtxdtkbVsn1NwYO-8u8FDC1vSA4FuYI83mH9QQbEyOewGzCbu1nZiniMSMV5JCmTa8X7qWLv5hAf_jGBYr-leJih39F0NUk8moxLvIE2yOICPUGFbZiZ1ds/s640/sewing+sealer+far.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Well, to be honest, my RCAF aunt wasn't all that thrilled to come home and find her sister had chopped up her good coat for a snowsuit. The reason I know the story is because she was still complaining about it twenty years later!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Thanks for the jars, Marilyn. I had fun with this project!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I'm joining the parties at - <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/luAddLink.php?ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thededicatedhouse.com%2F2015%2F09%2Fmake-it-pretty-monday-week-150.html%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BTheDedicatedHouse%2B%2528The%2BDedicated%2BHouse%2529&id=563800&cookie=10c0b3cb22e1" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday</a>Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-8494375787688251262015-07-24T16:49:00.001-04:002015-08-25T16:20:40.085-04:00Making Soap From ScratchThe first half of this summer has just sped by and I've been very remiss in getting blog posts up. The good news is, I've been learning some great, new stuff to share with you!<br />
<br />
<b><i>I had the most wonderful time taking a two-day soap making course. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww_tXkXEdcpDUxGNPlzNLgNkyWjq2AncV4iY1tSJhwRjnLSpH7AcApD4viwBQTpIuOpWpZYTXJU8wGyyvpS4NXYt67kbhictRoDEkhAvC-HrhjSoEZmzO8eJA42Ayi1l7kvF07U0tLcj4/s1600/soap+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww_tXkXEdcpDUxGNPlzNLgNkyWjq2AncV4iY1tSJhwRjnLSpH7AcApD4viwBQTpIuOpWpZYTXJU8wGyyvpS4NXYt67kbhictRoDEkhAvC-HrhjSoEZmzO8eJA42Ayi1l7kvF07U0tLcj4/s640/soap+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend, Wendy's, husband gifted her with the course for herself and a friend for her birthday. I was the lucky friend!<br />
<br />
I'm glad we had someone as knowledgeable as Kerry Turcotte, from <a href="http://lyerlyer.ca/" target="_blank"><b><i>Lyer Lyer Soapcraft</i></b></a> to guide us through the process. It is chemistry and a whole lot can go wrong <i style="font-weight: bold;">(really, really wrong!)</i> we discovered. When things go wrong in soapmaking someone gets burned, something blows up or the plumbing gets destroyed. Kerry made sure none of that happened to us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lnpqdQEOAOolWjZGaSyLverwb8-cxKJ0CAyJ6cZ4E2mhNz6kFMfgpSxnGv419Ot4m6CnoPic5zKmNDnXm0K0iirCqR1srNaPO31yrY6LE5fN7fzbOd6_k6xiJcbnV7JDVxksOa2AwIEG/s1600/soap+instructor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lnpqdQEOAOolWjZGaSyLverwb8-cxKJ0CAyJ6cZ4E2mhNz6kFMfgpSxnGv419Ot4m6CnoPic5zKmNDnXm0K0iirCqR1srNaPO31yrY6LE5fN7fzbOd6_k6xiJcbnV7JDVxksOa2AwIEG/s320/soap+instructor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We're the kind of gals who want to know how to do everything from scratch, pioneer woman style.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The first day we rendered tallow from beef fat. That involved cleaning off any meat bits, chopping the fat into pieces and boiling it for hours and hours. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xIhQX4cdXYn49pEVqOu87wZRFs7grpoDUjch4BFIbS6W-ggOr06PzyVW7NkjPyF7FHNDCcAG4h4StGYHNJS6kbPpfxDuMHdv0UJ8998SKnbRuNMhwLHPSQX1x3vcPmO2VrHqHA9deE9u/s1600/soap+fat+trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xIhQX4cdXYn49pEVqOu87wZRFs7grpoDUjch4BFIbS6W-ggOr06PzyVW7NkjPyF7FHNDCcAG4h4StGYHNJS6kbPpfxDuMHdv0UJ8998SKnbRuNMhwLHPSQX1x3vcPmO2VrHqHA9deE9u/s640/soap+fat+trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Watching beef boil down to separate fat is a tich on the boring side. We felt a nice bottle of wine was most helpful in whiling away the hours. We call this<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Tipsy Tallow</i> soapmaking technique.<br />
<br />
<b><i>After chilling the liquid in the fridge overnight, we had pure tallow solidified on top of the buckets. A bit of a scrape to get rid of the gunk clinging to the bottom of the tallow and we were ready to go. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPJmVmS4DlXVEbON-qTlr9NhCzp5Jv7LWrrT5NkGJUhLc0sjTf4Q_BjlMPVzF8RacCO1mfXfVCbsp48rq0XYIU_RrTez8552TRl4M-O9w-zgWkHrCowIG9Al_zXdyhZ2Aot-C1e78elyW/s1600/soap+rendered+fat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPJmVmS4DlXVEbON-qTlr9NhCzp5Jv7LWrrT5NkGJUhLc0sjTf4Q_BjlMPVzF8RacCO1mfXfVCbsp48rq0XYIU_RrTez8552TRl4M-O9w-zgWkHrCowIG9Al_zXdyhZ2Aot-C1e78elyW/s640/soap+rendered+fat.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I feel I've done the whole thing by myself often enough to feel sure of what I'm doing, I'll do a step by step tutorial for you. Dealing with the chemical reaction of the lye heating up and mixing this hot mixture with a hand blender was, shall we say, a bit of a scary experience. Or, maybe I'm just a chicken about thermal burns.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Here's my friend, Wendy, suiting up for the scary part. Rock those goggles girl! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3f0gxVUQAc318KRN7_XLToYlVa4MdvYCuJ4TJQ_MtU_mouXcJh8mTdfm4gmyNFstJCIXJVqfVrbgAqE5h1pVkaRij-RfdenwKOXErTaB14To7zMKYe_1NW-3Fi-eNscCCmcCzxdPSGzG/s1600/IMG_7665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3f0gxVUQAc318KRN7_XLToYlVa4MdvYCuJ4TJQ_MtU_mouXcJh8mTdfm4gmyNFstJCIXJVqfVrbgAqE5h1pVkaRij-RfdenwKOXErTaB14To7zMKYe_1NW-3Fi-eNscCCmcCzxdPSGzG/s640/IMG_7665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>And, me carefully pouring the hot soap into the mould. ~</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tAdCG6NOwOFtlOP21IuatI9VDrqdUyhXzHMr_FjAk0AJ-LZZGK6J6cv1SeAXao4-iIKl-CuMcXZqitH6IAJnUDxQph4D8cBUpNotfXj_XSLiJD223vly1FOLabInOHDqBWUeob5SEssk/s1600/soap+me+pouring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tAdCG6NOwOFtlOP21IuatI9VDrqdUyhXzHMr_FjAk0AJ-LZZGK6J6cv1SeAXao4-iIKl-CuMcXZqitH6IAJnUDxQph4D8cBUpNotfXj_XSLiJD223vly1FOLabInOHDqBWUeob5SEssk/s640/soap+me+pouring.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>The really fun part comes in mixing up the dye colours and</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-nDNG-2WoD7n6UQtm8exC8Lrb-4PbRelAZTy3Lk3MjZsAzy9hJouXC5C9Fkz6QCfXlq2gAXpsMOT9QHj8p2RtWSe4DVqTXrQqhmEt397ec32AU7INhZJDjUA0swKNbS2eCncapVN0geq/s1600/soap+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-nDNG-2WoD7n6UQtm8exC8Lrb-4PbRelAZTy3Lk3MjZsAzy9hJouXC5C9Fkz6QCfXlq2gAXpsMOT9QHj8p2RtWSe4DVqTXrQqhmEt397ec32AU7INhZJDjUA0swKNbS2eCncapVN0geq/s640/soap+colour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>choosing the blends of essential oils to scent the soap. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHmvzFWv-LbaRa0tpaKu_rsY8zSrPheMOuPbteI-ycuiw9gc_nOd0rM4MufWtxMHM1e67b3ocsoNS6z7UYHsmAJ77bW2rFtR412DRBj8hRoBShjHfDmQ12Yx9ukaRNSbNCDVaD7FdZc51/s1600/soap+scent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHmvzFWv-LbaRa0tpaKu_rsY8zSrPheMOuPbteI-ycuiw9gc_nOd0rM4MufWtxMHM1e67b3ocsoNS6z7UYHsmAJ77bW2rFtR412DRBj8hRoBShjHfDmQ12Yx9ukaRNSbNCDVaD7FdZc51/s640/soap+scent.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Voila! Twenty-four hours later, we had one batch of tallow based soap and two batches of vegan (vegetable oil based) soaps ready to cut into 72 good sized bars and curing in a drying rack for 4 - 6 weeks! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4994tV8_c6gnvxZoV08nbOGWEAsZM5QdgbtQtdiKmsAFBxk1IVVSQwBWfUMux17OiPJhm_xEAA2b8Aneq8Mj__sK0VBbLz6GlOMlHe-E60uC2xr_dlE3e15llwprP1CwVnBZ9e6EsH9qB/s1600/soap+in+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4994tV8_c6gnvxZoV08nbOGWEAsZM5QdgbtQtdiKmsAFBxk1IVVSQwBWfUMux17OiPJhm_xEAA2b8Aneq8Mj__sK0VBbLz6GlOMlHe-E60uC2xr_dlE3e15llwprP1CwVnBZ9e6EsH9qB/s640/soap+in+boxes.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, the scent of <i>satsuma/mandarin/jasmine</i> or <i>rosemary</i> or <i>lemon/ylang ylang</i>! I'm hooked on soap making now.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Give me a bit of practice time and then I'll try to get you all hooked on it too!</i></b>Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-57036302513932688282015-07-01T14:29:00.000-04:002015-07-01T15:44:32.304-04:00It Took A Lot To Become Canada & I'm Proud Of Us!It's Canada Day! We are celebrating everything it took to become this wonderful nation and keep it <b><i>"The True North Strong And Free".</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJEYNpDpIo5Rh9miGuY_pG_x4IuQrc75LP7SLGVsXbV8MGVsOUQI6uclxT4FvVrYzIkpC7KOU6PmBMBY0jTQR9Iv1dLtLPGDfXlwFP0NYYJSBmtJubXLQdYKNuDXJolidU6OLN4R2Jqwg/s1600/canada+maple+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJEYNpDpIo5Rh9miGuY_pG_x4IuQrc75LP7SLGVsXbV8MGVsOUQI6uclxT4FvVrYzIkpC7KOU6PmBMBY0jTQR9Iv1dLtLPGDfXlwFP0NYYJSBmtJubXLQdYKNuDXJolidU6OLN4R2Jqwg/s400/canada+maple+leaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> If you aren't quite sure how we became a nation, here's a brief history.<br />
<br />
The French and English fought it out for who would claim this expanse of bountiful land. It wasn't a question of the French and English settlers being unable to get along or even the First Nations people refusing the immigrants a place here. It was a political, territorial fight between England and France. To make a long story short, in 1763 France relinquished her claim.<br />
<br />
In 1867, four regions, <i>Upper Canada</i>, <i>Lower Canada,</i> <i>New Brunswick</i> and <i>Nova Scotia</i> thought it would be a great idea to form a country and call it Canada.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Canada's revolution for independence consisted of nicely asking Queen Victoria for it in 1867. She said "yes". Yay! ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-CE_xB6ToKXMbpjQIQEd27ML3a-1Fp7fcWC9AgenekYO8yCEIjIi5vi0qnYMifU6J_9KWJvku9tJXzIkpSt8u_Yuqh4kghmaVrl_g1cPNGqeAl0FE3m3E6SmJFtHlh68LKNbasjcC94B/s1600/canada+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-CE_xB6ToKXMbpjQIQEd27ML3a-1Fp7fcWC9AgenekYO8yCEIjIi5vi0qnYMifU6J_9KWJvku9tJXzIkpSt8u_Yuqh4kghmaVrl_g1cPNGqeAl0FE3m3E6SmJFtHlh68LKNbasjcC94B/s400/canada+day.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a good thing she was so nice about it because she was sure going to need our help, on August 4th, 1914 when Britain declared war on Germany.<br />
<br />
It was during <b>WWI </b>that Canada became a full fledged nation. We didn't even have a flag before the war, just an ensign, usually used to identify ships at sea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBZooaxnBAX-A3H6Gv3hEcYbSY1bX_pRe593X-Pk2Hw_pGV4jw4wrr0XnoNKdoj2UFAlWhWOymJX6N-tV8IA5EU3wsE5DX58BbY7_ERgSv5gRQUA2Daxsy4BkjXodridHZXkzsrsuKUPu/s1600/canada+day+ensign.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBZooaxnBAX-A3H6Gv3hEcYbSY1bX_pRe593X-Pk2Hw_pGV4jw4wrr0XnoNKdoj2UFAlWhWOymJX6N-tV8IA5EU3wsE5DX58BbY7_ERgSv5gRQUA2Daxsy4BkjXodridHZXkzsrsuKUPu/s400/canada+day+ensign.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Maple Leaf flag is only turning 50 this year.<br />
<br />
The boys came from the forests, the fields, the towns and the fishing villages to lend a hand. They came as colonials, but by the end of the war, they were undisputed brave Canadians.<br />
<br />
They took <b><i>'untakeable'</i></b> key positions from <i>Passchendaele</i> to <i>Vimy Ridge</i> and even the Kaiser referred to them as <i>Storm Troopers.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> We came of age in a time of terrible conflict and showed the world it is much better to have us as friends than force us into a fight. As a nation, we prefer the, <i>"Be nice to us and we'll be nice to you" </i>attitude, but don't ever mistake us for sissies.<br />
<br />
I've commemorated Canada Day 2015 by honouring this coming of age era.<br />
<br />
The Victory Garden was an integral part of supporting our troops during the two, great world wars. When the government said to plough up our yards and plant potatoes, that's exactly what we did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDap2hNyTu5nNQZFyok10hKM09zkDidUIgzadWrNasm2mjPsgfVWpnXfRqcnRL4N-KNVdXdGQvRxCmJOndQG7K0EteqD6OfuWx4mhB_lPhyphenhyphenMQSC-DAhNU-WEjg5h7qA57hyphenhyphenBi8_griA63D/s1600/canada+day+food+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDap2hNyTu5nNQZFyok10hKM09zkDidUIgzadWrNasm2mjPsgfVWpnXfRqcnRL4N-KNVdXdGQvRxCmJOndQG7K0EteqD6OfuWx4mhB_lPhyphenhyphenMQSC-DAhNU-WEjg5h7qA57hyphenhyphenBi8_griA63D/s400/canada+day+food+poster.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love the idea of a Victory Garden and have painted and aged an old board in replica of a WWI sign as reminder of how important it is for all of us to do our part to preserve and protect our Charter Of Rights and Freedoms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPMNSFOZZx2Sr3c46om3qRAmRKkwdz8ObOtvXlQpNi1rYtmRR5JC50qAG9YKyzceT93AFbKc67_oIkpuZKjA5yW3-Sb3fIDOH_D99Q9tZJNzt55ReaCI-ZCJ_CxOBQCYAljUayxJ4d6BM/s1600/canada+day+victory+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPMNSFOZZx2Sr3c46om3qRAmRKkwdz8ObOtvXlQpNi1rYtmRR5JC50qAG9YKyzceT93AFbKc67_oIkpuZKjA5yW3-Sb3fIDOH_D99Q9tZJNzt55ReaCI-ZCJ_CxOBQCYAljUayxJ4d6BM/s640/canada+day+victory+sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Happy Canada to us! We earned it!</i></b><br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-87417336503752944742015-06-25T12:42:00.000-04:002015-08-25T16:21:40.285-04:00Second Season For The Lavender Bed<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>I have my first lavender harvest! ~</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n6rQWRS-0TaSnJXr6qfjjnq-RwVEctu5oIY3AV894QBttz5j1SNhLqumAiKWhx0edL1HRzpuzVhuIpfmgU7VllGlOxfoJA0g8gMZFNBptJUgApuuVTd5CmAJwBEg_9nSA3HCJNKajk20/s1600/lavender+scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n6rQWRS-0TaSnJXr6qfjjnq-RwVEctu5oIY3AV894QBttz5j1SNhLqumAiKWhx0edL1HRzpuzVhuIpfmgU7VllGlOxfoJA0g8gMZFNBptJUgApuuVTd5CmAJwBEg_9nSA3HCJNKajk20/s640/lavender+scale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Last year the bushes were teeny, tiny things and they had to survive the coldest winter on record in my part of Canada. ~</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBV79W8A5xPlYnw3PAid0AQMB2OY4pTmG8Y_SYE-lZAW-HgkmgPx0B1W9cXwG9D3odJeZoN3ZR1WUCOz4O9F5lu-4W7UqSv2pEywNnyoIrVy0IRTdFoUqGb0Du8gUST763Y8Rk3I7yNr2/s1600/lavender+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBV79W8A5xPlYnw3PAid0AQMB2OY4pTmG8Y_SYE-lZAW-HgkmgPx0B1W9cXwG9D3odJeZoN3ZR1WUCOz4O9F5lu-4W7UqSv2pEywNnyoIrVy0IRTdFoUqGb0Du8gUST763Y8Rk3I7yNr2/s640/lavender+new.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I followed all the instructions I linked to in the original post about planting lavender. You can read that post <a href="http://www.itsallconnected.ca/2014/06/what-ive-learned-about-growing-lavender.html" target="_blank">here</a>. All but one of them made it through. Because of the harsh winter there was a fair bit of deadwood to cut off and a few of the bushes didn't reach the size they should have, but they should catch up over the summer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>I managed to harvest about a pound of blossoms. Then, I trimmed the bushes back by about 1/3 and pruned away any straggler branches around the base. ~</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt8zdZ7I3sYQSek0txKdU48MWaZi4a0zziMnYs5N64GtGFZL0Kp0IUHiJTwDx4t3l1lFnat2gJqyDFpJDKp6EosQwdGCw5R1ezZ_APC9shaefWikeltNsAQukVraeZstiWw-_Pb25D9ir/s1600/lavender+pruned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt8zdZ7I3sYQSek0txKdU48MWaZi4a0zziMnYs5N64GtGFZL0Kp0IUHiJTwDx4t3l1lFnat2gJqyDFpJDKp6EosQwdGCw5R1ezZ_APC9shaefWikeltNsAQukVraeZstiWw-_Pb25D9ir/s640/lavender+pruned.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From what I've been reading, I may get a second blooming. Fingers are crossed!</div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>My entourage has come out to inspect our progress. They helped with the planting and weeding, so it's only fair they get to be there now. ~</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypzpMLAf1tXl9fC2p1-LoYdTkvK8mTkY_Vn6LORFAheIprJ6oB_wf357E8Y7ig93ozEV8TjeYGJp2PA3vYAADV7iBW8QykZGtzTmnYCr5AyneYn-7_zI9EafRQcsYyTj0_O2Vz4kf0go8/s1600/lavender+entourage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypzpMLAf1tXl9fC2p1-LoYdTkvK8mTkY_Vn6LORFAheIprJ6oB_wf357E8Y7ig93ozEV8TjeYGJp2PA3vYAADV7iBW8QykZGtzTmnYCr5AyneYn-7_zI9EafRQcsYyTj0_O2Vz4kf0go8/s640/lavender+entourage.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After several failed attempts at growing lavender, I can't thank <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5pJs99MV28" target="_blank">A Guide To Lavender</a> enough for finally showing me how to do it right.</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lavender's blue dilly, dilly</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lavender's green</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>When I am King dilly, dilly</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You shall be Queen</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>There's no sign of a king around here, not even a rooster, but I feel like a medieval princess with bunches of lavender hanging to dry all around the house! ~</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8t82wv_pFWZCV-d2sPUtQ-JwydoPi6VT5PuOP3FMNNWy9BwYPDsFkla4E2LznMiFrJ7pr10raXjX-9qX3spApUcl3pKk96MTwqlysBV_bQFfTvc_mBWN3qCPYp2xzg8kxCMxSn8FaSKO/s1600/lavender+dry+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8t82wv_pFWZCV-d2sPUtQ-JwydoPi6VT5PuOP3FMNNWy9BwYPDsFkla4E2LznMiFrJ7pr10raXjX-9qX3spApUcl3pKk96MTwqlysBV_bQFfTvc_mBWN3qCPYp2xzg8kxCMxSn8FaSKO/s640/lavender+dry+close.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-3168807750828482962015-06-23T00:29:00.000-04:002015-06-23T11:30:27.757-04:00Listening To The Chickens TalkThere isn't much to do on a rainy day but go for a little visit to the chicken coop and see what the girls are chatting about.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Kay sighed and said she wished the rain would stop and she could fly outside.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnXDfeg2ylcmHtC6WIt3ojkZbBVv_5_OzPFr-h4tfFiekK5-NenG-9ThOrsquhsD7DIy4_QalJrrdfxtnPyx8xt91zXKxZyEmY0ASJGCCcpzQsA8pRmLcFNmhFTZBrQyu7jfW7Mm2bs-v/s1600/fly+believe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnXDfeg2ylcmHtC6WIt3ojkZbBVv_5_OzPFr-h4tfFiekK5-NenG-9ThOrsquhsD7DIy4_QalJrrdfxtnPyx8xt91zXKxZyEmY0ASJGCCcpzQsA8pRmLcFNmhFTZBrQyu7jfW7Mm2bs-v/s400/fly+believe.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"Why do you always want to be flying, Kay?"</i></b>, asked Elizabeth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"You three little ones have always had a nice life. You never had the only thing you lived for be a dream</i></b>," Kay clucked and ruffled her damp feathers. <b><i> " You lived in a nice barn with pigs, goats and a friendly cat. Your mother spread her wings over you to keep you warm and safe. When you were a little bigger you ran outside and played in the sun."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Old Vivien clucked and fluffed her feathers. <b><i>"Kay is right. You have no idea what the world can be like out there for us. Even though I came from an organic farm and ranged freely in the barn, I was never allowed outside. That is until I got old and wasn't laying so many eggs. One day the farmer opened the barn door and let me run out into the field. I was so happy to be free. In the evening, I came home to roost in the barn and found the door barred to me. Night after night I tried to come inside to sleep. Winter was coming and my old bones were aching. I could hear coyotes howling and knew they might take me for their dinner."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-style: italic;">"That was too bad of the farmer to cast you aside like that when you had given him so many years of fine</b><i><b> </b><b>eggs,</b><b>"</b></i><b style="font-style: italic;">, </b>clucked Kay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Vivien preened herself, glad to have an understanding friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"Still, you were not without hope as we were in the battery farm. Thousands of us were crowded into hot, smelly, dirty barns. I would have died of the horror of it if I hadn't had my dream of flying. All around me the chickens were sick and sad. Their tails drooped and their feathers fell out. Some of them died."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkANBOBRNfpXwKC2ncKE6cz4J3pu3q4XqmH8T6zN8U0DnK25HSTMCPNu02pqHWLg22aIog6oECI0iI3BsvSLSRaPNLHCB19BQc1eL0MPcn4gLv-zGi7p8FbnfiTnfx-TGG60UXkDXwadY/s1600/fly+battery+farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkANBOBRNfpXwKC2ncKE6cz4J3pu3q4XqmH8T6zN8U0DnK25HSTMCPNu02pqHWLg22aIog6oECI0iI3BsvSLSRaPNLHCB19BQc1eL0MPcn4gLv-zGi7p8FbnfiTnfx-TGG60UXkDXwadY/s400/fly+battery+farm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth, Rukmini and Madeleine squawked in dismay that such conditions existed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"But I never lost sight of my dream. Every day I stretched my legs and wings as far as I could in that little space. You must always be sure you are getting yourself in shape for the time when you are free to go after the life you want, girls."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"One day a truck came with new, young chickens. Now, I thought, they can take over the egg production and I can be free. The barn door was open and I could see the sky for the first time in my life! Why, then, were two ladies pleading with the farmer to give them some of the spent hens. Am I a spent hen? Is that a good or a bad thing? It is so hard to know with humans."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-style: italic;">"I know exactly what you mean," </b>said Vivien.<b style="font-style: italic;"> "My farmer always said I was his favourite because I was his first chicken." </b>She shook her feathers again as if to shake off the memory.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"Well, the two ladies bribed the farmer with something in a bottle and he said they could take twenty of us. The rest were going to be loaded into a truck to go to the factory. I don't want to go to another factory. I want to fly! I stood up as tall as I could and stretched my wings to show them how fine they were. The ladies started putting chickens in carriers. They didn't seem to care that they were sickly and dejected. They didn't even hold their tails up like a proud chicken should. Pick me, pick me I clucked as I hopped up and down in my cage!"</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kay hopped up and down on the perch as she told that part of the story and that got the young girls hopping up and down. Vivien, of course, is too dignified for hopping.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"Well, as you all know, I was picked and put in a carrier to come here."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKizz3LZHwof3oy9U2n80VabQiS9M9f-PLhvPY7AcHTnyreZwxtiZWINs2HJ2TogSvSWVW6QMezq-e3e53MFItLUj3nejre8wZNZEHIxgoFtmThHXp_gE_qydlVDpKtzVXfH8Xvg-vRCUA/s1600/fly+carrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKizz3LZHwof3oy9U2n80VabQiS9M9f-PLhvPY7AcHTnyreZwxtiZWINs2HJ2TogSvSWVW6QMezq-e3e53MFItLUj3nejre8wZNZEHIxgoFtmThHXp_gE_qydlVDpKtzVXfH8Xvg-vRCUA/s400/fly+carrier.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"It was time to fly. I ran toward the fence, flapped my wings as hard as I could and soared eight feet into the air; right up to the top of that fence!"</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhZqNM56bYPq4AdMwZ5JzBwMLy0l6MYUV5SGZY2t19X1ZxB1Hxo93mgBSEncUI3e13sL0YOaovQi5CMb3ZER0J7G-Yag7OK8cFs8o9Nvz71skhlk4N8a9oaoBz_xtHmKY8hsOBgx30qeS/s1600/fly+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhZqNM56bYPq4AdMwZ5JzBwMLy0l6MYUV5SGZY2t19X1ZxB1Hxo93mgBSEncUI3e13sL0YOaovQi5CMb3ZER0J7G-Yag7OK8cFs8o9Nvz71skhlk4N8a9oaoBz_xtHmKY8hsOBgx30qeS/s400/fly+fence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"I've practiced every day and taught all of you how to fly, too. Even Vivien does a grand job of flying out the coop door every morning."</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-style: italic;">"But why don't any of us fly as well as you, Kay?", </b>asked Elizabeth. <b><i>"We practice every day, too,".</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>"Because it's not your dream, dear. Once I lived for that dream, now I live the dream!"</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That is exactly how the chickens told the story today. Or, maybe I told the story to them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>For certain, we all agreed that you must get yourself ready, try your hardest and never, never give up on your dreams!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910378227599243945.post-84892426762926400632015-06-18T23:34:00.000-04:002015-06-19T16:49:36.600-04:00Faux Cement Look For Plastic Flower PotsIt's still raining here and I suppose I should start building an ark for my next project. Luckily, I have a good start on filling it with cats and chickens.<br />
<br />
There isn't much to show you in the yard unless you are interested in puddles, weeds and wind debris, so I thought I'd show a little faux cement planter project I did.<br />
<br />
Last year a friend gave me a bay laurel tree. Really, it was just a teeny, weenie stick with two leaves sprouting from the top. It has to come indoors for the winter and, since I have absolute faith it will grow into an actual tree, needed a big pot to hold it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl0kJfDU8FnruZYk7Z5lHTUEfhxuTGRiawHvyvUAlHzShzeRpFbh0RIfm_e4MKKa3amJ5Gdf-KTIPfiYDTlpdt5ycGdMtgnsiIhhp0-4WCmx04kM4h-kbuHEgMU8Z_jCLhokhMUKlV0xl/s1600/faux+cement+bay+and+basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl0kJfDU8FnruZYk7Z5lHTUEfhxuTGRiawHvyvUAlHzShzeRpFbh0RIfm_e4MKKa3amJ5Gdf-KTIPfiYDTlpdt5ycGdMtgnsiIhhp0-4WCmx04kM4h-kbuHEgMU8Z_jCLhokhMUKlV0xl/s640/faux+cement+bay+and+basil.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It looked a little lost in the big pot so I planted some basil around it. It's growing ever so much better now that it's outside and the cats aren't chewing on the leaves!<br />
<br />
Of course, buying a new pot just isn't my style. I had a perfectly good one, with a built-in drip tray, that would do fine with a bit of a paint makeover.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Here's the sad before picture. ~</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9urWv-oWmube07yhOYsbWhJK2XaIxPrOQXQR4cnruMwOi8FqrmRMCLyXxIIY83J5qWzawW6fgJDT4nHBfqqCCnzMyOuWiXP56_19QUu_y9mRQf2wbUIWkkhWOyv-IN3C_mrWPQDSNyAh/s1600/faux+cement+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9urWv-oWmube07yhOYsbWhJK2XaIxPrOQXQR4cnruMwOi8FqrmRMCLyXxIIY83J5qWzawW6fgJDT4nHBfqqCCnzMyOuWiXP56_19QUu_y9mRQf2wbUIWkkhWOyv-IN3C_mrWPQDSNyAh/s400/faux+cement+before.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the kind of paint project that benefits from a slapdash kind of treatment. It will look more authentic if you don't fuss over how you are applying the paint.<br />
<br />
Latex paint stands up well outdoors and adheres well without primer on any plastic that has weathered enough to become porous. I've had it last for years on plastic patio furniture.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Start daubing on grey and taupe latex paint and try to get it on a little thicker in some areas for texture. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbaVHYxVELJanAo7GLWiw5kZH93yNW4TyWlT73XEtN_fTAIEnTFq8XdbjuFo18OcgpYqhgbwFZaKfvDBmfgzL1wzZf2DOBpSAotbY3bniMt_msekM7pBOGEV3FfqHnauk3Wjj1kyNMczJ/s1600/faux+cement+daub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbaVHYxVELJanAo7GLWiw5kZH93yNW4TyWlT73XEtN_fTAIEnTFq8XdbjuFo18OcgpYqhgbwFZaKfvDBmfgzL1wzZf2DOBpSAotbY3bniMt_msekM7pBOGEV3FfqHnauk3Wjj1kyNMczJ/s640/faux+cement+daub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> Keep layering paint until there's fair coverage of the pot. Then, cover it overall with a light grey. I used <b><i>Benjamin Moore Silver Fox</i></b> for the all over coat. When applying the overall coat of paint, lift the brush slightly when you come to the daubed sections and let bits of colour show through.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Carry the paint over to the inside as far as your soil line will be. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vIbPFxawUEL8Iwhhm0yXxy1_pOy-Thk1E_UfapdTXQP4raXGvL0n0fiJ9mfSzwvGJY5dqBwtO1ZRkqDmmJbNO7yoj3TUhpCcPaL7WPglVQHRbH97lDAJWFNqkTjXL8afnw-LZPEHOJ4e/s1600/faux+cement+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vIbPFxawUEL8Iwhhm0yXxy1_pOy-Thk1E_UfapdTXQP4raXGvL0n0fiJ9mfSzwvGJY5dqBwtO1ZRkqDmmJbNO7yoj3TUhpCcPaL7WPglVQHRbH97lDAJWFNqkTjXL8afnw-LZPEHOJ4e/s640/faux+cement+inside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> Don't worry if it looks too dark or light in spots. You can add daubs of colour wherever it is too light and dry brush light paint on anyplace it looks too dark. Honestly, it's impossible to mess up this project!<br />
<br />
<b><i>To give the pot a look of age, I daubed shades of green on in spots to simulate moss. ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojDbV2cUQYIGy2erZ4iQ3iYp-z2b8SN1mWocbPvXYxgTA4_kf-EscyHvIMzJMNKxU5Cd_m7oCmrkpkz_ExEkyIxWjpKM-kE0CqgvEMnPWB8YsaVPMxm0Q9ohmKBAV4jDoVEuXWcQN4BKK/s1600/faux+cement+green+shading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojDbV2cUQYIGy2erZ4iQ3iYp-z2b8SN1mWocbPvXYxgTA4_kf-EscyHvIMzJMNKxU5Cd_m7oCmrkpkz_ExEkyIxWjpKM-kE0CqgvEMnPWB8YsaVPMxm0Q9ohmKBAV4jDoVEuXWcQN4BKK/s640/faux+cement+green+shading.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> I dry brushed some of the light grey on top to tone the green down.<br />
<br />
<b><i>All done and at a cost I like. $0.00!!! ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxRBEaRZiTJMiRe9TzS6OSE22F1LrJClU4knP8sQdeSgi9HJKwgrxdba_pHOlRQozlhGhsl3Y-pPFNQL5-SYuukdHormoPXqsvbUarSrAOhNpjP6ZKBlUGfBJDFQ4n_i-jjTyk5Lo6C9I/s1600/faux+cement+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxRBEaRZiTJMiRe9TzS6OSE22F1LrJClU4knP8sQdeSgi9HJKwgrxdba_pHOlRQozlhGhsl3Y-pPFNQL5-SYuukdHormoPXqsvbUarSrAOhNpjP6ZKBlUGfBJDFQ4n_i-jjTyk5Lo6C9I/s640/faux+cement+done.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b> It looks real enough, sitting on the cement patio, that someone asked me how I was going to haul a cement planter indoors every winter. I think the mud splatters add to the look. At least, that's the attitude I'm going to adopt for this rainy year!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Now, I'm off to brave mosquitos the size of dragonflies and pull those weeds around the patio!</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Maureen Wyatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.com0