Miscellany

Hello there, peoples! *smile*  I haven't done a Miscellany post for a while, so get ready...

: :

There's a chance that Pastor Saeed Abedini could be granted clemency and released from prison!  Sign the petition and find out more at the BeHeard Project!

: :

The second video in the YouTube series The Monaco Files filmed, created, and edited by my talented bro and his production crew!

Follow their YouTube channel and stay tuned to see what Jack and Jason will be trying next!

: :

This week at Bible study, I invented the Hymnal Game.  The object of the game is to carry on a conversation using only the titles of hymns.  Try it sometime.  The results are hilarious and awesome!  For about 5 minutes, everyone at the study were looking through the index and shouting out titles while laughing until we couldn't breath. *grin*

: :

We watched Monsters University finally.  I was prepared for it to be good, but I wasn't prepared for it to be every bit as good as everyone said it was!  And it was!!  Little Mike was completely adorable, and Art made me laugh so hard.  Definitely a win, in my book.

: :

Well, we have snow again.  The first big snow of the year, finally!  We usually have over a foot of snow on the ground from just after Thanksgiving until sometime between March and the end of April.  So it was highly unusual to have no snow all through January.  But we have it now!

: :

Wednesday morning, I drove downtown to attend a volunteer orientation at the Open Arms Real Choices clinic.  It was snowing like crazy, the roads were bad, everyone was going about 35 mph on the highway, and I was so scared that my legs were shaking.  But, I made it, found the clinic, and was only 20 minutes late.  *grin*  I am so, SO excited about volunteering at Open Arms!  I've known that it was something the Lord wanted me to do for about 4 years now, but everything was so crazy at home that I couldn't until now.  Now, I just need to finish filling out the volunteer application, get some references, turn them in, have my interview, and start training.  So EXCITED!!!  You'll definitely be hearing more about this in the future!

: :

I've been so encouraged by this song lately.  The Lord does some of His most powerful and effective work in our lives when we've come to the point of giving up.  When we are weak, He is strong.

: :

What have you been doing this week?  I want to know!

Miscellany // Horse Aspirin

Mission accomplished! Just finished re-bandaging Dewey's leg and everything is looking good so far.  Oh yes, Friday night my bro's silly horse went and got a very bad cut on his right hind leg. Ahaha - "cut" doesn't even begin to accurately describe the extreme laceration. There was blood everywhere. I don't do blood. It took the vet 2 hours to patch him up, and since she wasn't able to get to our place until 10:00 PM, that was around midnight.  Alex entertained us with jokes....because, he's Alex. ;) I was very brave and watched some of the stitching. Yes, from between my fingers, but I did watch! As of tonight, the swelling has gone down a lot, the wound looks like it's going to heal well, and he's putting full weight on that leg.  Thank you Lord for giving me strength - wounds and first aid are not my forte whatsoever.  But, if I can handle what it looked like before the vet arrived, I can certainly handle changing a bandage.  And, I did.  Besides the bandage, Dewey is on antibiotics ("It's the only thing! The only thing that will save you!";) for the next few days and Bute (horse Aspirin) for the pain.  Playing vet is fun for a while, but I can't wait till Dewey is all better.

Oh, and my bro got a lot of footage of the vet fixing Dewey up, so if you're so inclined, you'll be able to watch that on his YouTube channel at some point.  I'm sure you're all as breathlessly awaiting the video as I am...not! ;)

In other news, I now have all of the hay I'll need for the sheep over the winter safely stored under shelter.  Last week I brought home the most beautiful 2nd cutting alfalfa hay you've ever seen!  It's so beautiful and smells so good, I could almost eat it myself.

I'm listening to the Elizabethtown soundtrack.  I love that movie so much...it's so wonderfully weird and awesome.

Saturday, we began fencing a new 1.2 acre pasture for the sheep.  My bro and our friend Christopher pounded t-posts (I think they did about 50) while my dad and I used the auger on the tractor to drill holes and install wooden gate posts and corner posts.  I had way to much fun operating the tractor - raising and lowering the auger, operating the clutch and PTO.  SO much fun!!  And it's going to be so nice having more space for my expanding flock!

Looking forward to helping with the Bible Bee at our church next week.  The lure of pizza and banana splits was too tempting. ;)  I get to operate a scanner.  Hooray!!  Not really sure what that entails, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.

Today, I applied to work at our local theme park, Silverwood.  It's literally only 3 1/2 miles from our house (which used to seem really weird, driving out in the country and suddenly "rollercoasters!"), and according my friend Laura who works there, are desperate for more employees right now.  They're only open for 3 more weeks (rollercoasters and cold weather aren't really compatible), so I thought "why not?"  So, I'll let you know how that turns out.

And right now, I'm going to go to bed.  More fencing tomorrow...en garde!

Happy Trails!!

Miscellany

Now that the weather is finally warming up, I've been spending as much time as I possibly can outside.
This afternoon I brought a towel out to the backyard where my sheep were grazing, spread it out in the sun, and stretched out for about an hour soaking in the warmth.  It felt like heaven...until Maggie came over and started nibbling on my feet.  That might have been cute when she was a baby, but it's not cute now!

Since my final lamb count this year was only three, and I'm keeping the two ewe lambs, I needed to buy more lambs for meat.  Last week, I drove up north to look at some Katahdin lambs.  The Katahdin is a hair breed, which means they shed every spring instead of being sheared.  I'm definitely not interested in them for breeding, but I think they'll be great as meat lambs.  I had a marvelous time talking sheep with their owner, Tess, and walking around her sheep pen examining the lambs and enjoying the sun.  I ended up putting a deposit down on 5 lambs, which I will be bringing home in about a week, and I'm giving her one of my llamas.  Finally, I found a home for one of the llamas!!  I have three, but I really only need two to guard my flock.  You would not believe how hard it is to find someone to take a llama, even for free.  Do not ask.  I'm so thankful that the Lord led me to Tess' place through the recommendation of a mutual friend.  Love when He turns the seemingly bad situations into unexpected blessings!

Next on the list will be dropping off the llama, picking up the lambs, and then sheep shearing.  Looking forward to all of that next week!

If - IF - I were ever to sing at church again, I would sing this song...

The beautiful melody and lyrics have been uplifting and blessing me all week.

And this is so true it's not even funny...except it made me laugh, so apparently I laugh at things which aren't funny.  But I already knew that.  Anyway...

This picture of David Tennant makes me extremely happy.

Like, really, really happy.

And that's about it.  Hope you all have a marvelous weekend! :)

Question: So...how have all of you been?  I talk about myself a lot here because...well, it's my blog.  But seriously, I want to know how all of you are doing!  What have you been doing this spring?  Anything new and exciting happening in your life?  Any songs that have blessed you lately?  I want to know!

Miscellany

Due to my life being incredibly full and busy right now, I didn't really watch anything besides Season 5 of Star Trek: Voyager (which I am LOVING!) last week, thus there was really nothing to share for Saturday Matinee.  There should be one this week though, so keep your eyes open!

Last week the Bonnie dog had to have eye surgery.  She is now the Nick Furry...er, Fury, of the dog world.

Yep, she's just got one eye now.  But she's cool with it, and so am I...sorta.  I'll admit that I was extremely upset when I realized her eye was not getting any better, and that the only option was to have it removed.  Extremely upset is really a bit of an understatement, to be completely honest.  My poor, patient brother can confirm that the day of the surgery I closeted myself in my room all day, and when Bonnie came home I spent the evening {trying} not to freak out.  Yeah...that didn't work so well, the trying not to freak out part...especially when there was a bit of blood seepage, which was completely normal, but it scared me just the same.  And sorry if that was TMI.  But we got through that, and I'm happy to say that Bonnie is doing very well.  And it really does not seem to bother her having just one eye.  The "cone of shame", now that's a different story. ;)

On February 13th, my baby brother turned 21.

Ouch.  That wasn't supposed to happen!  Happy Birthday, Alex!

And then three days later, my bestie also turned 21.

Happy Birthday, Kellie!

We met up with Kellie and Aubrey in Sandpoint and proceeded to have a simply splendid afternoon.  It included delicious food, "wicked" snacks, and watching The Princess Bride.  Friends, films, food - a more delightful way to spend an afternoon could not be found. 

Our "naughty" snack table...and Aubrey's foot. ;)

Here's a short film my brother just completed.  I think it's pretty awesome...

And the accent he used?  Totally awesome!  If for no other reason, like it for the accent...or the supremely cool score he wrote and recorded!  My brother...well, he's the best. ;)

Make sure to check out the HUGE giveaway going on at Accordion to Kellie during the Literary Heroine Blog Party!  It is without a doubt the giveaway and event of the year.  Just sayin'...

I'm totally looking forward to Bramblewood Fashion's... 

Judging from how life has been lately, I don't know if I'll have time to participate, but whether I do or not it's going to be a fun blog fashion event! And I think that's enough randomness for one day.  Have a lovely week, y'all!
p.s. I just finished responding to all of the comments from this past month.  If you asked me a question, it's been answered now. :)

by the spoonful

Hey.  I'm just sitting here, watching The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, snarfing apple slices with peanut butter and nutella.  I seriously don't understand how anyone - ANYONE - could not like peanut butter.  This stuff is delicious.  I mean, if you don't like it you're certainly entitled to your own opinion and taste...but you're missing out.  I eat it by the spoonful.  Just saying.  Also, the Lizzie Bennet Diaries are insanely awesome!  

{note: some content is inappropriate for my younger readers, which is why i'm not linking to the videos.  please be aware and watch with caution.}  

Anyway...

Lately, I have been in a blogging rut.  A HUGE blogging rut.  The kind of ruts you see in dirt roads during spring in North Idaho.  Deep.  Muddy.  All of my posts lately have been a bunch of randomness thrown together with a title slapped on.  I simply cannot think of anything to say.  The fact that January always has been and always will be a boring month, does not help.  No offence if your birthday is in January, btw.   But, it is a boring month.  Christmas and New Years have come and gone and what's left after that?  The flu season.  I'm not sick, by the way, nor do I intend to be, Lord willing.

Back to me having nothing to say...

I actually have a lot to say.  My mind is full of wonderful thoughts and plans...but I can't share them here.  They're not the "sharing on the internet for the entire world to read (not to mention real life friends)" kind of thoughts.  And since they are the kind of thoughts that take up all of your time and energy, there hasn't been any room to think of brilliant blog posts.  So, there you have it!  My {somewhat} silent blog is explained.

:smile:

Today was a good day.  The weather was gorgeous, although very, very cold.  Which meant I didn't really want to be outside.  I narrowly escaped a cabin fever collapse of epic proportions by discovering and watching The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (LBD from now on).   Which is not all I did today.  Goodness, no.  

I got up and ventured into the arctic world to feed the animals at around 8:30 this morning.   

After that, I read my Bible, made coffee cake, consumed 1/4 of said coffee cake, deep conditioned my hair (using a honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar concoction which has to stay on for an hour), did laundry, watched some LBD episodes, did more laundry, washed my hair, sang in the shower (Think of meeeeeee!  Think of me fooooondlyyyy!  When we've said goooood-bye!), checked on the laundry, watched a few more LBD episodes, cleaned the outside of the kitchen cabinets with Pledge (that has been on my list for a looooong time.  finally did it!), ate the rest of the coffee cake (what was left after my bro found it, that is), ate lunch, wrote a letter to my new pen pal (hey, Kelsey!:), started a letter to one of my church friends (Amanda), watched more LBD, worked on packaging an Etsy order, did laundry, played my mandolin, ate dinner (it was my bro's dinner night:), called my Aunt Liz (no answer so I left a message), finished a book I've been reading, ventured back into the cold to feed the animals again, came back inside, checked to see if my toes were still there, blew my nose...twice, changed in to my flannel pajama pants (with sheepies on them, of course;), watched more LBD, and ate apples slices with peanut butter and nutella.

Life ain't bad at all.

Happy Trails everyone!

p.s.

okay really quickly, I had to select a new contest winner for the DW necklace giveaway.

I know, I know - what?  This again?  Yep, this again.  

It was Christmas time.  That's my excuse and I'm stickin' with it.

So, the new winner is...

Katherine Sophia

Congrats!  Please contact me at this email (edithmacalpine{at}gmail{dot}com) with your mailing info within the next 7 days to claim your prize! 

p.s.s.

one more thing...

I still have two Purple Charm Quilt chain letters and blocks that I haven't found homes for.

Anyone interested?  Anyone?  Just send me an email if you're interested!

edithmacalpine{at}gmail{dot}com

Miscellany

After several days of silence, we now have our internet back.  Hooray!!  Due to the wonderful, snowy weather we've been having lately, our internet was knocked-out for a bit.  In all honesty, it was rather pleasant not having access to the internet for a few days.  It definitely made the day less busy.  More time for reading, crocheting, spending time with my mom and watching movies.

Ah, yes - movies.   I have official broken my record for movies checked out from the library in one day.

24

I repeat, 24.  Before you look completely shocked, it was not my intention to take home twenty four movies.  No, that was the library's idea.  All of my requests (some of which I have been waiting for for months) all decided to come in on the same day.  Thank you, library dear, I love you too. *sarcasm*

I felt like sinking through the floor.  My brother said it was embarrassing, walking out of the library with me toting two bags full of DVDs.  I it makes it look better, I also took home five more books.

One of those books was titled Teach Yourself Visually: Knitting.  This book finally unlocked the mysteries of knitting for me.  I can now knit.

*applause*

And I completely recommend that book.  Very clear, easy to understand instructions and pictures.

Now to invest in a few more knitting needles and I'll be off and running.  Who knows, you may be seeing some knitted items in the shop soon.

About a month ago I received a chain letter in the mail.  The old-fashioned kind with a stamp on it.  It was from one of my new church friends, and it contained two, purple quilt squares.  The idea is for me to pass on copies of the letter with quilt squares of my own to four people and eventually I'll have enough squares to make a Purple Charm Quilt.  How fun is that?!  The only problem is, I've run short on people to send them to.

So, I had an idea - would any of you ladies be interested in receiving and passing on this quilt chain letter?  If so, please send me an email here:

edithmacalpine{at}gmail{dot}com

And our power just went out...but we have a HUGE generator which kicked in after 30 seconds.  Thank goodness for that!

Our church's Christmas Program last Sunday was excellent.  They took the story of the census, Mary and Joseph and turned it into a Channel 7 News Report.  Very, very well done.  Especially the hilarious inn keeper who kept popping out of his "inn" and saying "Helllloooo".  His inn was a small cubicle about 5'x2'.  Very roomy.  My favorite was the "commercial".  The shepherds came up on stage and were beating their socks on rocks to clean them, and then a guy comes on and sings a catchy jingle about Star Beam, the #1 detergent for cleaning socks!  It was awesome.   I think the best part was seeing all of these adults and kids from our church up on stage in costume.  So much fun, especially the pastor's cameo as a wise man.  My bro and I sat with a friend and whispered and chuckled through the whole thing. ;) 

Who all has seen The Hobbit already?   I keep telling myself, "You waited a whole year, you can wait a few days more...", but I cannot wait!!  Hopefully this Saturday we'll be able to go.

And that's all I have time for now.  I've got to get outside and do some snow removal from the top of the chicken coop ASAP before it collapses.

Have a wonderful day and Merry Christmas!

Lately, life...

If they were giving out prizes for the best screen scream, Janet Munro as Roberta in The Swiss Family Robinson would get my vote.  A very close second would be Faye Wray in the original King Kong.

:smile:

My life continues to be full of wonderful busy-ness this month.  Good times with friends and family, decorating for Christmas, wishing for snow (finally got some again!), shipping Etsy orders, sipping hot cocoa, and crocheting while watching The Bishop's Wife, Christmas in Connecticut, and White Christmas (among other Christmas favorites - we haven't watched my very favorite yet, It's a Wonderful Life).

Life also includes looking for my first "real" job.  I've never worked outside the home, and after much thought and prayer I've decided it would be beneficial for me to have the experience of "going to work" under my belt.  Right now, at the suggestion of a friend, I'm looking into working at a florist shop.  Doesn't that sound perfectly delightful?!  It's so me, too.  I love designing things and I love flowers.  So, last Monday I drove downtown, took a deep breath, strolled into a shop and asked for a job.  They don't have any openings right now, but they did give me an application to fill out and return.  I'll admit to being ridiculously proud of myself for being so brave.  That sounds rather pathetic, but it was a big deal for little, formerly homeschooled, shy me.  And do you know what?  It felt good.  Being stretched beyond your comfort is a good thing sometimes.

:grin:

Enough talk though - here are a few pictures from our last Game Night, thanks to Kellie and Algy.

This was during our "snack time" when we sang Happy Birthday to Mandy and Matthew.  Alex found this frankly awesome Incredible Hulk children's board book at the used bookstore.  He thought it would be the perfect gift for Matthew.  And it was.  Especially when Alex started reading it aloud to him.

"Ooh, see who's peaking through the window, Matthew?  It's Captain America!"

My brother is awesome.

Kellie has this knack of taking candid pictures right as I'm "chewing" in my lip.  I've got to break that habit...;)

We had a marvelous evening playing Pictionary, a new game called George, and Balderdash. 

The Lord has blessed me with so many wonderful friends.  Each and every one of them are so special.

Happy Trails, folks!

Question: What are some of your favorite games to play with your family or friends?  Do you prefer board games or action games?  I want to know!

Miscellany

Right now I'm listening to Christmas music and gazing happily at the gently falling snow outside.

Yep. we got our first "real" snow of the year a week ago!  It starting snowing during the night and didn't stop till the next night.  It wasn't snowing very heavily though, so we only got about 6-8 inches total.  Like I said, it's currently snowing again and it doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. =)

Last Friday, my bro and I had a bunch of our friends over for a game night.  We all had way too much fun playing our special version of Pictionary for several hours.  In our version (sometimes known as The North Idaho Homeschoolers Version;) there are two teams, one list of words, and whichever team gets through the list first wins.   Plus each team is in a separate room with the list somewhere between the two, so you have to run out of the room, get your word, and run back to your team.  Yep, it's lots of fun!  After two families had to leave, the rest of us played Apples to Apples until around 11:30 PM.   And yes, we were really starting to lose it towards the end there. *grin*

Do you know what happens when you're trying to open something that requires a sharp object, there are four guys in the room, and you innocently ask, "Does anyone have a knife?"   Almost instantly, there are four assorted pocketknives being held out to you.   I only needed one! ;)

Right now, my ewes are visiting Earl the ram at a friend's house.  I'm sure they're having a grand time, but poor Maggie (aka The Nibblin' Lamb) is missing her mommy a bit.  I've been spending extra time with her to try and make up for that.  The girls will be coming home around December 8th.  I'm hoping and praying for clear weather.

Oh, and the most exciting news - my Grandma Barbara is coming up from CA for a visit!!!   She'll be here in less than a week.   I think it's been about 2 or 3 years since I last saw her, so yeah, I am super excited and cannot wait! :D

I'm set for winter reading material for a while!   I decided I needed to read The Hobbit again before the first film comes out next month.  It's no fun if you can't point a finger and say, "That wasn't in the book!"  Hehe - at least for me.   Reading Ben-Hur, Wuthering Heights and David Copperfield for the first time, although I've only started Ben-Hur so far.  I'm LOVING it!!  The other two, Angel Train and The Parting, are just what I call "filler" books - light, easy to read in one or two days.  Angel Train...well, I love westerns, but this one was rather poorly written (imo) and I found much of the plot twists and story line to be a trifle cliche...not to mention the heroine was rather irritating.  The Parting I have read before and loved, so I thought I might want to read it again.

And lastly, something to think about...

This includes both those you meet in real life and those you meet online.

Well, I'm going to make some hot chocolate and curl up by the fire with a book.
Happy Trails, y'all!

Miscellany

I am absolutely thrilled at the wonderful response and excitement over the Doctor Who blog party!  Hooray for Whovians!  We're so awesome=D  Hop over to Bramblewood Fashion to read Ashley's party announcement and find out more about her DW inspired fashion posts.

I'm thinking about doing some sort of video post sometime in the near future.  Sereina suggested the idea a few days ago, and I've been seriously considering it ever since.  After all, I do love it when other bloggers share a vlog or video.  As Sereina said in her comment, you feel like you "know" the blogger better when you've seen and heard them talk.  So...what do y'all think of me doing a vlog/video post?  I'm not really sure what I'd talk about, although I thought I could take y'all out to meet my sheepies.  Would any of you be interested in that? Or do you have another idea?  Please do let me know your thoughts! :)

And hey, look at that - over 90 followers!  

A warm welcome to all of my new followers!  I'm so happy to have you here!  Also, I admit, excited to have 90+ followers...;)

So, what's new on the farm...I've been wanting to share some pictures but just haven't had time lately.  Maybe at some point.  For now, all of the lambs have gone bye bye.  They'll soon be coming back all wrapped up in white butcher paper.  Can't wait to have the first lamb chops!  Yum!

Now that the lambs are gone, I'm concentrating on getting my ewes ready to go visit the ram next week.  They're living the life right now - alfalfa hay, grain and what's left of the pasture.  No complaints from them!

I picked everything in my garden the other day, except for the carrots and beets.  Some of my tomatoes ripened but mostly they're green, which is fine by me.  Fried green tomatoes are the best!

I finally got the pictures from our Yellowstone trip this spring off of my dad's camera.  Seeing as that was in May, I wonder if anyone is still interested in seeing them...are you?

Life has been so wonderfully full lately.  What with church, Monday night music jams at a friend's house, and getting ready for winter, I've not had much time to be bored.  I'm loving it!  Last Sunday was potluck Sunday.  I love those Sundays the best - extra time to visit with some of my favorite people and extra singing after the potluck.  I do love to sing.

And that's about it as far as random-thoughts-in-my-head goes for today...this morning, actually. *grin*

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Miscellany

I'm enjoying wonderful weather here - it's cool in the mornings and evenings but pleasantly warm and sunny during the day.  Love this early fall weather so much...except for the days getting shorter.  I'm going to miss our badminton evenings at Farragut very much.

Yesterday, I got to go canoeing on the lake with friends.

More pictures coming later. :)

After I washed my hair this morning, I stepped out in the sun on the front porch to speed up the drying process.  I'd not been there a minute when I heard stones rattling on the hill across from our driveway to my left, and looked up to see a huge bull moose with an impressive rack coming down the hill.  Um, wow!  I hopped inside quickly, partially because I didn't want to be outside with a bull moose (they can be quite dangerous) and partially to tell everyone there was a moose outside.  That sort of made my day. :)

Sorry, but I didn't get any pictures - he walked down the driveway and back into the bushes before I could get the camera.

I finally had the opportunity to watch The Hunger Games last week.  Wow!  That was a seriously awesome movie.  It totally did justice to the book, in my opinion.  Great casting and acting.

We had a totally awesome movie night on Wednesday watching The Avengers.  Now there's a totally awesome movie, one which I would watch over and over and over again.  I love watching movies with good friends, especially when it's one you've all seen before.  Then you can talk and laugh and make up alternate story lines for the characters without disturbing anyone.  So much fun! :D

And, as if I haven't had enough epic-ness in my life, I got Series 6 of Doctor Who from the library today!  I'm not saying how many episodes I've watched already, but more than three. *grin*

My lambs will be heading off to the butcher's on October 11th.  I've been focusing on getting them fattened up and ready for that - I cannot wait to have our freezer full of meat!  And after that, the ewes will be heading out for their month long holiday, visiting Earl the ram.   Life on the farm goes on.

Happy Trails, y'all!  

Miscellany

Last week was crammed full of fun and business.  Kellie and I had a marvelous time at Pickin' on the Prairie.   As Kellie said everything I wanted to say in her post (and as I didn't take any pictures), you can read her post here.

David Tennant sings.  The end.

Also, I really, really, really want to see Catherine and David in Much Ado About Nothing.  They're so great together.

I went for a lovely little ride on my Bobby boy this morning.  Just hopped on him bareback and took off, with the Bonnie dog trailing along behind.  About 30 minutes later, I remembered why I don't usually ride him bareback without a bareback pad - he's got the most uncomfortable, bony back ever.  I think I'll be walking funny for a few days...but it was so worth it.

Dewey, my bro's horse, has been getting the royal treatment here lately.  He shed the frog (sole) of his hoof, and being the big, flat footed, tender foot that he is, he got sore feet.  (shedding the frog is normal, btw)  Tom, our farrier, recommended soaking his hooves twice a day for a while to prevent abscesses.  So, every morning and evening Dewey's had his front feet soaked.  15 min. per foot in warm water and epsom salts.  He's feeling very special and is definitely on the mend.

As much as I hate to admit it, it's definitely starting to feel and smell like Autumn here.  There's an unmistakable crispness in the morning and evening air.  *cringe*  Noooooo!!!  I love Autumn, it's my favorite season, but I'm not ready for summer to be over yet!  However, I am looking forward to pulling out my sweaters, scarves and hats again.  There's always a bright side:)

My brother was at the fair today selling and signing his books and playing with his Bluegrass band.  He and Christopher (one of my "extra" brothers) came home with pizza and donuts.  We ate them while watching Megamind.  The perfect way to wrap up our day.

Speaking of the fair, I'm looking forward to going this year.  I'd love to catch the rodeo, especially since I haven't gone for the past few years.  The jokes some of the clowns were telling were rather crude and vulgar last time I went, and I haven't been brave enough to go since.  But, I'm feeling brave this year.  I love a good rodeo:)

Happy Trails, y'all!

Miscellany

Sometimes, I get wild, insane impulses to clean.  Like yesterday.  A routine vacuuming and dusting in our daylight basement.  And then...it hit.  That one spot that's been collecting junk for several years now.  It's gotta go.  Within minutes the entire basement looks like a disaster area.  And then, looking at the huge mess I've created...the cleaning impulse fizzles and dies a violent death. 

Can you relate?

I've been listening to the Doctor Who soundtracks on YouTube.  Thank goodness they're on there, or I would have spent money I shouldn't have and bought them;)

Here's my playlist, have listen...

I had to start a new Doctor Who pinboard - my first one has over 600 pins and takes too long for my computer to load. *grin*

Cherry pickin' tomorrow!  I love having friends over to pick cherries.  Sadly, my dear Kellie is still out of town and won't be there. :'(

Speaking of Kellie, if you haven't already you should check out the awesome ModCloth giveaway going on at Accordion to Kellie!

We finally got some more hay.  Thank you, Daddy!!  It's amazing how much my stress level has gone down just knowing I have hay in the barn.  Plus the horse pasture was running low and the horses were starting to look a bit thin, which isn't good.  Now they've got plenty of green, leafy, grass hay to eat.  We always buy hay from the same place, and their hay looks soooooo good and smells soooooo good, I could almost eat it myself.  There's never any mold, dust, or rocks in it either!  I love this hay. :D

My bro and I went swimming in our pond the other day.  The water was the perfect temperature - warm-ish on the surface and cold further down.  There's nothing like swimming in a pond or lake.  It's the best.  We caught several different turtles, of which there are many in our pond.

It's raining today, so I've taken this opportunity to catch up on laundry, drink tea, devour English muffins with butter, create Sherlock desktop wallpapers (coming sometime soon!), clean (a bit), and watch Get Smart (the original 60's TV series).  Life is good.

I hope you all had a wonderful day, too!
Happy Trails, y'all!

Miscellany

Wow.  I received way more comments to the "why do you follow my blog?" question than I thought I would!

Although my intention was to simply find out why you all read my blog, I was blessed more than I can say by each and every one of your comments.  Thank you so much for sharing and for your encouraging words!  You're the best, most amazing and wonderful readers ever.  Period.
And I replied to all of your comments on that post:)

 I finished the five bow belts and the bow tie which were ordered from my shop for someone's wedding.
They turned out just loverly, if I do say so myself!

  I loved working on this order, knowing that what I was creating would be used in someone's wedding.
Does it get any better than that?!  Nope, it doesn't.

Because I actually do this...

via

This song.  I love it.

The rain we got today was perfect.  A light misty rain...which put me in a fine, Scottish mood.  Methinks I need to watch Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue (1953) tonight.

Or perhaps I should just curl up in a chair and read The Scottish Chiefs again.
It's been awhile since I last read it, and I think it's time I did.

Or maybe I should just watch the Doctor Who episode Tooth & Claw where David Tennant got to use his real Scottish accent for once, and then die happy. *grin*

Either way, I'll be wearing me tartan and bonnet - you're never too old to play dress-up.
That's one of my life rules.

And I should get going - I have some things to work on in preparation for the most epic photoshoot in history this Thursday.  Kellie and I are pooling our creativity and doing a photoshoot for our Etsy shops together.   It is going to be awesome.  And I believe our friend Emily will be coming along, too, which will make it even more fun! =)

So, Happy Trails!

Miscellany

Today was an absolutely wonderful day!

Why?  An extra hour of daylight!!

Yes, it was also a very rainy, wet day, but I didn't need to use my flashlight while doing the barn chores this evening=D

Having been born in California and living there till I was 11, I crave sunlight.  It makes the short winter days in Idaho rather difficult to bear sometimes.  I do love the cold weather...

But I'm ready for SPRING to arrive.

Any time now.

The horses have begun to shed their winter coat (which means we'll soon have white hair all over everything), my ewes are getting bigger around the middle, closer to giving birth (they're due anytime after the 21st) and my dad and I saw the first robin of spring the other day

I can't wait to go barefoot again...

Source: tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

During family Bible study this morning, we read from the 6th chapter of Mark, the story of Jesus walking on the water.  

And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

For they all saw him, and were troubled.  And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

And he went up unto them into the shop; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Mark 6:47-51

Something that jumped out at me this time, was that the disciples were rowing and rowing and rowing, but making no progress...until Jesus came to them.  There are several ways to look at that, one is that you aren't going anywhere without Him.  The other, is that even when you seem to be getting nowhere, that you're just spinning your wheels uselessly, Jesus is using you.  He's right there to help you.  Also, notice that He would have passed by them, but they cried out.   In fear, yes, but they cried out.  Sometimes, we just need to cry out to Him for help.  And how did He respond to them?  It is I, be not afraid.

Those thoughts were so incredibly comforting to me.  There are so many times that I feel like I'm getting nowhere, that I'm not doing enough for Him.  But I know that He is using me, that this is where I need to be right now, that He has a plan for me, even though I may not see it right now.  That when I cry out, He will answer me, and sooth my fears.

I spent the afternoon resting in my room, working on a few last details of the Silver Screen Blog Party, and watching the BBC Robin Hood TV series (2006).  I started to write a mini review here, but soon realized that it was long enough to deserve it's own post.  Be on the lookout for that sometime tomorrow.

I'll be doing double blog duty for a while here.  My dearest Kellie will be out of town for several weeks and has promoted me to the exalted position of Temporary, Honorary Keeper-of-Kellie's-Blog while she's gone.  My main duty will be to publish the comments that her lovely readers leave, but I might do a few guest posts of my own...in fact, I did invite her readers to my blog party today.

I'm sure missing my Kellie though...and she'll be gone for my b-day, too...and the blog party:(

But we'll do something extra special when she gets back=D

I am so, so excited about the blog party next week!  I had no idea a cyber party could be so exciting to look forward to;)

Besides Robin Hood, I've been watching my share of classic films...

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Designing Woman 

(^I'm so reviewing this one!^)

The Blob

(^an old sci-fi from the late 50s starring Steve McQueen in his first leading role!!!^)

Dark Passage

Key Largo

The Quiet Man

...to name a few.

In case you're wondering, no, I do not spend all of my time watching movies;)

I spend many, many hours of my day doing useful, productive things to keep the household and farm running smoothly.

Just thought I'd mention that least you think me a total couch potato;)

Peter Ronson, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl and James Mason - Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

I bought everything I need to begin my garden the other day - vegetable seeds and peat moss starter pellets.

Yesterday afternoon was spent hydrating the pellets, tucking seeds into them, and then placing them by the window where the sun can reach them.

It's such a relaxing thing to do, planting seeds and knowing that they'll grow into something that will benefit and feed me and my family.

I hope you all had a blessed Sunday, my dear readers.

Happy Trails, y'all!

P.S. Congrats if you made it all the way to the end of this post - I had a lot to say this evening;)

Miscellany

I haven't had much to say lately, have I?  I guess that's because there just isn't much going on right now.

Winter is a slow time of year around here.  A time for resting...in between shoveling snow, feeding animals and hauling buckets of water from the creek. ;)

Source: thelittlehermitage.tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

It's a time for curling up by the fire and reading a good book.  I've been reading lots of Nancy Drew and Beverly Lewis this year, a rather odd combination to be sure.  I also read the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.  I LOVED it!  So, so funny!!  And I'm working my way through our A encyclopedia.  Someday, I'll have read them all from A-Z.  At least that's the idea;)

Source: feelingstitchy.com via Jill on Pinterest

It's a time for crocheting or sewing like mad while watching an indecent amount of classic films. =)

This week it's been The Major and the Minor (so, so cute and funny!), Guys and Dolls (Frankie!!!), The Caine Mutiny (awesome performance by Bogie), On the Waterfront (Brando), The Guns of Navarone (Gregory Peck), and The Razor's Edge (Tyrone Power).

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I had a marvelous sleepover with Kellie in her wall tent the other day in honor of her 20th birthday.  We ate chocolate, drank chocolate mint tea, watched an awesome movie, laughed, giggled and squealed.  We may or may not have screamed a few times from sheer delight.  The little hoodlums (aka Kellie's younger sisters) were busy elsewhere, so we had the entire evening to ourselves. =)  The next day was spent driving up to Sandpoint for some window shopping and singing along to crazy songs in the car.  I might have some pics to share at a later date, but I'm not sure how many we actually got - having too much fun. :)

Speaking of Kellie...if you haven't already, then you really should go join in the fun over at her blog.

We're all having a simply marvelous time at the Literary Heroine Blog Party!

And you may be seeing some of my handy work over there sometime during the festivities...:)

I've been working on sewing a dress from the vintage pattern I bought.  I decided to make my first effort red gingham, like the one on the pattern envelope.  It's a pretty simple pattern, but I'm having some difficulty getting it to fit me correctly - thank goodness for Betty, my dress form!  I don't know what I'd do without her. :)

I'm planning a surprise for you all next month...but I can't tell you what it is.  I'll give you a hint though - it has to do with my Etsy shop's one year anniversary, my birthday and one of my hobbies.
Ok, so that was three hints.

As I was browsing through some of my old Wallpaper Wednesday posts, I decided that this wallpaper of Aragorn needed some help.  He looked rather green before...well, more green than he is now=)

Here's the updated wallpaper...

Much, much better! 

You can find this wallpaper, and over 40+ others designed by me, on the "for {You}" page.

And I believe that wraps it up - I can't think of anything else I absolutely needed to say.
Happy Trails, y'all!

Miscellany

Today is a simply gorgeous day!  Blue skies and sun! =D


Have you heard the news?  My dearest Kellie is hosting...

Yesterday, I discovered a marvelous blog - a blog devoted entirely to The Scarlet Pimpernel!  =D

Sink me!

My latest obsession is the 60s TV series Mission: Impossible.

It. is. awesome. period.

Source: google.com via Natasha on Pinterest

The Impossible Missions Force team from seasons 2 and 3....
Cinnamon Carter, Rollin Hand, Willie Armitage, Barney Collier and Jim Phelps.

Rollin, the Man of a Million Faces, is completely awesome.

Source: google.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Even my incredibly picky friend Ani (Matthew), agrees with me on that. ;)

Fun Fact: Martin Landau (Rollin) and Barbara Bain (Cinnamon) were married.  It's always fun to see a husband and wife together in film. :)

Ok, enough MI...for now;)

My actor for this week is Charlton Heston.

I requested as many of his films as possible from the library.

I'm quite steeped at this point.

Recommended flicks:

Ben-Hur

The Ten Commandments

El Cid

The Big Country

Source: doctormacro.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Charlton Heston did much of his own driving in the chariot race.  Very cool=)

One that I haven't watched yet is The Far Horizons.  It's the story of the Lewis and Clark Corp of Discovery.  Highly fictionalized, I imagine, and with a rather interesting cast including Fred McMurray, Donna Reed and Charlton Heston.  I'll let you know how that goes. :)

I think it's time I got outside and enjoyed the delicious weather.
Have a wonderful, blessed day everyone!

Miscellany

The question is, is it "grey" or "gray"?  I've always wondered.  Finally, I looked it up on Wikipedia, and what-do-ya-know?  Both are correct.  I prefer "grey", though.  Always have.

I'm lovin' this song from the film Fireproof right now...the lyrics speak to my heart.

The 1 1/2 or more feet of snow we got last week is now melting again.  Hello, ice!  Hello, slush!  I missed you...not.

Oh, here's my updated blog button.  

There was a slight error in the blog address at the bottom previously.
Tis' fixed.

<center><a href="http://natashamarieh.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Day by Day" src="http://cedarspringsranch.org/tasha/blogbutton-daybyday.jpg"/></a></center>

Got some yummy books from the library and I can't wait to dig into them!  Historical fiction rocks. =D

Ok, so I don't know anything about her and I haven't really liked any of the movies that I've seen her in, but I think Anne Hathaway is absolutely gorgeous.

But you know something?  My best friend is even more beautiful...

Kellie is beautiful clear through - both inside and outside. 
I've said this many, many times, dear, but I so treasure our friendship. 
You are so, so special to me and I love you more than I can say.

And that's all of the little thoughts that have been bumping about in my head this week. :)

Happy Trails y'all!