Busy days...

It's the beginning of a new week, and not just any week...it's the 'week of the 4th'. This is a busy time around my house. DH is on vacation from work and usually has a list a mile long, of things to do that he doesn't usually find time to do, otherwise. When you drive a truck for a living, and just have one day off each week, and a wife who can no longer 'work circles around you', 'stuff has a way of piling up. The list of things needing our attention continues to grow...and so does our garden...and the grass...the weeds. You get the idea.
On Saturday, Tom canned 28 quarts of green beans. He started early in the am, picking. He picked, he snapped, he cleaned, he prepared each quart and then processed them all in a pressure canner (7 jars at a time). He finished all this around 12:30am on Sunday morning. Why did he do this alone? Because it needed to be done and I just happened to be having an extremely bad day and was not any help to him, whatsoever. But, this is the man I married. He is indeed a rare jewel...I think I'll keep him!

Farming...

Our vegetable garden is coming right along. We are set up to water from the pond if needed, and it's a good thing we are, because it's becoming rather dry around here, again.

Looks like we'll start picking beans today! We have two varieties planted...these are Roma II's.
These are called Jade beans. They're both delicious and both kinds can well. The Jade's are better for stir-frying.

Our first little squash...took this pic yesterday, so I bet I'll be picking a small 'mess' by morning.

We have four different kinds of tomatoes planted. We know what we like and we experiment every year, by planting something new. You never know...you might discover something even tastier.

I got so excited yesterday afternoon when I spotted a neighbor 'getting up hay' on his property that adjoins ours. I took this pics from our front porch.

I have been living up here for 6 years now, and our place is surrounded by cattle farms, but I had never witnessed this process from start to finish before. (the green field is our property)

It was curiosity for me to watch how this was actually done. I just love this farm stuff, so I grabbed the camera, adjusted the lens, and it almost looks as though I am right there with him, when he drops the bale!

Almost done...only a couple more 'swipes' before the field looked as green as ours! And I was happy that I got to see. You never know what you'll witness out here in the country. I've learned to make sure I have my camera nearby...

Another day in the life of this ole country girl. Oh...did I mention it's hot as crap?!? And Z is back home from his trip to the state FFA convention. He had a blast, and he didn't say, but I could tell, they got no rest at all. Not from the events...but from excitement of staying on a college campus and sitting up half the nights, while away. He took a four hour nap, when he got home yesterday afternoon, then went to bed at 11:30pm and is STILL asleep as I type this post. That's what tells me what he hasn't! Gosh, to be a teenager again...

Til next time, blessings!

List of thankfuls...

1. MY BED - for a restful nights sleep.
2. MUSIC - all types (except rap)...music soothes my soul.
3. RETRO TV PROGRAMS - Andy Griffith, Little House on the Pararie, The Waltons, etc.
4. MAGAZINES - I admit I have a (healthy) addiction to some, but would suffer dire withdrawal symptoms if publications should cease!
5. YARN - I've become a big fan of yarn and crocheting. A huge pasttime, that is enjoyable plus it produces something beautiful, every time.

There you have it, friends...another list of things I am blessed with and thankful for on this 'wealthy Wednesday'. It is truly a great day, indeed. Til next time, blessings!

Summer time...

Hot weather makes you sooooo thirsty!

...checking me out, wondering if it's safe to 'cop a perch'...

...hovering...with his little feet dangling in the breeze.

I captured a pic of this little fella coming in for a landing, over the weekend. Our front porch is much abuzz with about a half dozen hummingbirds, flying about at once. Go ahead and click on the picture to get a better look at him.

Summer has officially arrived now. It's time for hot weather, picnics, grilling out, fresh garden vegetables, gorgeous flowers, tasty fruits, homemade lemonade, fireworks, camping out under the stars, vacation bible school, beach trips and hummingbirds...oh, and for wearing the least amount of clothes that you can get away with!

My clematis vine is beautiful this year. Actually, there are two vines planted here...the other color is getting ready to bloom.

Zach left this morning for his trip to the FFA Convention being held at Va Tech. They will be staying in the dorms, on campus, so he was pretty pumped with excitement about the whole event. I'm pumped about having the house to myself, again, until Thursday! (I really shouldn't be so smug!) Maybe I'll get some painting done this week...something that I've let kinda fall to the wayside lately. And I miss it. I think I'll go get started right now, so...til next time, blessings!

Today is a celebration...

Today I'm dedicating this post to two of my most favorite men. Though I'm not with him today...I'm wishing my dad a very Happy Father's Day! I am undeniably your daughter, as I have you written all over me. And even though I'm much older than I act...I'll always be your little girl.

I'd like to also wish my DH a very Happy Anniversary and Happy Father's day, as well. Six years ago today, he took me as his wife and my son, as his own. We are blessed with his love, support, and devotion.

This day is for you guys. I celebrate you both with much love and appreciation.

Happy Birthday Zach!

The way mom sees him...neat, handsome...
One of my favs because of his great smile...

The way he sees himself...rugged, rough and redneck!

This pic reminds me of James Dean in "Rebel without a cause", for some reason. But here is my 'baby' with his first set of wheels. You might know it'd be a dually!!

Today is Zach's birthday. I don't know where the time goes but it certainly is flying by for this ole gal. At exactly 11:39am on June 20, 1992, Zachary Ryan was born, weighing in at 6 lbs., 14-1/2 oz. He was 19 inches long. Today, he stands tall, at 6 ft 2 in tall and weighs approximately 240 lbs. He is spending 'his' day, doing absolutely what he loves doing...he and Tom have gone to an antique tractor show, flea market, and auction. I call it 'junking', but whatever the term, he'll have fun, I'm sure. They'll probably arrive home later this afternoon with a truckload of 'junk' and parts...you know...parts for the other many pieces of junk, thats already accumulating in the shed!(my eyes are going round and round now and will probably begin to 'roll' as they show me the great 'deals' they got!) Men are so funny, but I love mine, just the same. So, HAPPY SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY, Zach. Mom loves you with all my heart!

'Wealthy' Wednesday...again??

I'm finding that the days of the week are literally flying by. Seems like I just posted for 'wealthy Wednesday' yesterday...and, well....here it is again...time for yet, another post on things that are blessings to me.

1. MY HUSBAND - He is my steady light even in the roughest of seas.
2. DIGITAL CAMERA - I'm sure it performs tricks that I'm not even aware of yet, but just the same, it brings me many moments of pleasure.
3. CELL PHONE - I really am OLD SCHOOL...appreciating the simpler things in life, but it's nice to know that in case of an emergency, I have a 'travelin' phone, within reach.
4. COCK UP WRIST BRACE - For mornings like this one, when my right hand is totally numb!
5. COMPUTER GEEKS - I have a new-found appreciation for these people. Without them, this blog (which has become very important to me), would not be possible.

I could truly go on and on, however, I'll save 'em up for a future post. And Zach and I have some Father's Day shopping to do. This weekend is going to be chocked full of activity. Zach has a birthday on Saturday. The Southeastern Antique Tractor show is in Rocky Mount this weekend. We love to go, but I think the guys will have to go w/o me this year. Father's Day is Sunday and so is our 6th wedding anniversary. Lots going on, but right now, I think Z and I will go have lunch at the nearby mexican restaurant, then go do our shopping for the fathers on our list. It's pouring rain, but our spirits are bright. Til next time, blessings!

A country drive...

I absolutely love this barn. It sits right below our property and yesterday I finally got a couple of photos of it. You can probably see that it was drizzling rain...
I decided we'd take a ride out through the countryside. We took roads we'd never been on and I was so busy trying to sight-see and keep my eyes on the road, that we didn't take too many pics. I'll have to practice the art because I plan on making this an habitual thing...at least once a week. We live amongst some of the most beautiful farmlands and mountain views that I've ever seen. I don't think it should go un-noticed. Zach managed to snap a couple of shots of this river and dam as we passed over the bridge. And that was our 'outing' yesterday. Blessings to all!

Reason...

The color of this gerber daisy represents my mood this morning...bright, sunny and content. I can't always say this because my moods are on somewhat of a rollar coaster ride on a daily basis. But, I do, however, feel very thankful and fortunate, to have the life that I do have. My God planned it this way, for a reason. I'm not sure what that reason is, at this time, but what I am sure of, is my faith in Him. I believe His reason is good. Til next time, blessings!

New hope...

Yesterday I saw my doctor and was given sample packs of a new drug called Savella. It is specifically for patients with Fibromyalgia, and I'm excited to be trying it. With the drug being so new to the market, Dr. B. had only a couple of success stories to share with me. However, she was 'hyped' as these couple of women had suffered years of pain, and had tried various drugs, without much relief, for their symptoms, at all. Since prescribed Savella, these same women, are experiencing remarkable results...one stating that she feels the best she has in YEARS! I'm trying really hard not to get too excited, because I do realize that everyone is different. But, I cannot help myself...I'm totally 'pumped'! I guess now, we'll play the waiting game, to see what the results are, over the next few weeks. Til next time, blessings!

Blooming blessings...

I am thankful for...

1. BLOOMS - My flowers are popping with color and 'oh so pleasing' to my eyes.
2. BLOOM'EES - The 'pre' bloom stage
3. BLOOM'ETTES - This is the organization that the blooms and bloom'ees join, upon retirement.
4. BLOOM'ITIVITIES - Flower arrangement; or any enjoyment given by blooms.
5. BLOOMERS - undershorts; lingerie; under'wear' or panties. (which has absolutely nothing to do with flowers, but is just as equally important in my book!)

Today I'm adding an extra blessing...

6. HUMOR - Without this I WOULD be crazy as a bat. (Yes, I made up some words!)

Savoring every last minute...

I've been playing around with new looks for this blog. I'm also enjoying the last couple of quiet mornings I have left before the teenager gets out of school for the summer. Last day of school is Wednesday. I'm not looking forward to this. He is going to attend the FFA Convention, at Virginia Tech, for 4 days, later this month. After that, he's got a couple of parttime jobs that I'm hoping will keep him busy enough that his boredom won't completely drive me out of my mind! I guess you wouldn't understand unless you lived here and witnessed it, first hand. But, believe me...I KNOW what I'm talking about here!
I'm missing that new little great nephew of mine. In speaking with Nicole, I'm learning he's packing on some weight, and changing a bit, every day. They grow and change so fast...I'm sure he won't look like the same child when I see him again.
That's pretty much what's happening here in my neck of the woods on a hot and muggy Monday morning. What's happening in yours? Til next time, blessings to all!

changing the furniture around?...

I'm trying out a new look. I get bored pretty quickly with decor, so I guess this trait has flowed over into my blog 'room'. Leave me a comment and let me know what you guys think. Have a great weekend and til next time, blessings!

Rainy day photos...

Wealthy Wednesdays, cont'd...

Is it Wednesday again already? Don't fear...I have plenty to be thankful for...

1. COFFEE - I look forward to my coffee each morning to jump start my day
2. MY HOME - Though it's still not 'exactly as I'd have it, it's quaint and cozy, and depicts my love for country decor.
3. VEGETABLE GARDEN - In July and August, there's nothing like being able to walk a few yards to pick fresh veggies to serve up on the table.
4. CANDLES - I like to smell the fragrances and I enjoy the soft glow that radiates from them also.
5. DIRTY LAUNDRY - I didn't say I enjoy washing dirty clothes! However, if there's dirty laundry, it reminds me that we're blessed with ample clothes to wear.

Have you considered your true wealth lately? Til next time, blessings!