tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61987692116502810732011-12-29T09:10:14.428-05:00Valley Visions"Lord, High and Holy, Meek and Lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory." Arthur BennettLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.comBlogger1341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-19145077007610018682011-12-23T08:36:00.000-05:002011-12-23T08:37:28.470-05:00Christmas Blessings"For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his
shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."
Isaiah 9:6-7
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-15365837061180931472011-12-10T10:49:00.001-05:002011-12-11T18:22:47.779-05:00Dad's Lunch BucketSome folks may call it a lunch pail, a lunch box, but my dad always called it his lunch bucket. He carried it everyday along with a thermos of hot coffee to work at the Sintering Plant in Saxonburg, PA. For many years of cold winter mornings and hot summer days, the lunch bucket would make it's trip to Saxonburg from Meridian. When we moved to the farm, the commute was longer and there were Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-77402124428695824432011-12-02T15:05:00.000-05:002011-12-02T15:05:44.038-05:00Frosted FridayThe sky was beautiful and clear--full of stars last night. Driving home from a meeting last night, I could see the frost forming when I looked at the bright parking lot lights. It was almost as if it was "raining" frost. This morning, everything looked as if it had a light coat of snow, but it was frost!
Frosted hedges
Frost on our Burning Bushes
It certainly made things a bitLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-50811137240953562872011-11-29T16:27:00.000-05:002011-11-29T16:27:24.259-05:00Post-Thanksgiving Family TimeNeither my husband nor I grew up with guns in the house. My husband's previous profession required him to be ready to use a handgun at a moment's notice. He also had to be familiar with rifles.
I've taken a women's handgun safety course promoted by the local sheriff's department. ( I have a certificate and everything!) Alas, still no gun.
My husband was given my father-in-law's .22 rifle,Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-3700151922594439462011-11-29T15:57:00.000-05:002011-11-29T15:57:14.793-05:00Happiness Arrives in the MailboxIt is not even December and Johnny's Seed Catalog has arrived!
It used to be that my mom would say that the Sears or JC Penney Spring/Summer catalog would arrive on the coldest day of the year. (It is not that cold today...yet. The wind is picking up and the weather people are forecasting a wee bit of snow.)
Being that I still have the remains of Thanksgiving that need to be dealt with, Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-47871875489170752372011-11-21T15:14:00.000-05:002011-11-21T15:14:51.909-05:00Family FarmsWhen I pulled this article from the Drudge Report, I knew it was going to be sad. Indeed, it is a sad day for America when the small family farms continue to be sold at an alarming rate. A source of family traditions and rural wisdom that is rapidly disappearing. It won't be long until the "old ways" are only remembered by a few...and that is when we just might need them.
Wishing everyone a Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-58604094203617847132011-10-29T17:50:00.000-04:002011-10-29T17:50:55.909-04:00What is Reformation Day?Tomorrow, Sunday, October 31, is Reformation Day. What does that mean for us?
Here is a good article by Robert Rothwell, Associate Editor of Tabletalk magazine. In this piece he explains what Reformation Day is and how it came to be.
Wishing you a blessed Reformation Day.
Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-85752469964794198042011-10-21T11:34:00.000-04:002011-10-21T11:34:51.441-04:00It's About the GospelWith Reformation Day just around the corner, I wanted to share this link to The White Horse Inn and an article written by Michael Horton, It's Not About Luther, It's About the Gospel.
"The Reformation isn’t over. Not by a long shot. What we need most right now is not the rehabilitation of Luther, but the rehabilitation of true proclamation. We need it now, even in Protestantism-perhaps Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-25800971833368906622011-10-11T11:06:00.001-04:002011-10-11T11:11:08.112-04:00Potatoes!As you may have guessed, most of what I have learned about gardening was 'caught'. Dad didn't say much or explain much so I just learned by watching was he was doing. That being said, there is a great deal of the technical stuff and the doing it correctly stuff, I just don't know. Potatoes is one example.
When I was a young teenager, dad and I planted a ton (well, it seemed like it) of Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-65505834011238518822011-10-08T18:38:00.002-04:002011-10-11T10:22:33.210-04:00What a Beautiful and Busy Fall Day!We have enjoyed some lovely days lately. The trees are turning such vibrant colors, too.
Today my husband and I did a bushel of apples into sauce. My daughter-in-law offered to pick up some apples for me at an orchard we used to frequent when we lived in that area. Their prices are a bit better and they offered her "blemished" apples at half the price! My husband wanted me to mix some appleLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-18919106398066689822011-10-01T16:52:00.000-04:002011-10-01T16:52:08.487-04:00Back at It......Tomato soup that is. There were a few poor tomatoes that needed a home. Since it is raining, again, my husband was here to help with the cutting and squeezing.
I found a similar recipe to the one I use online only it had beets in it. (They call it a "vegetable juice cocktail", but we use it as a soup.) Being that my husband was being so helpful and that he loves beets, we decided to run Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-30134651295171862722011-09-30T18:56:00.000-04:002011-09-30T18:56:44.368-04:00Apples to ApplesauceIt ended up that I did have help for applesauce day. Between my husband and I we were able to get done in no time. We cut them up and cooked them until they were soft enough to go through the Victorio. (Believe me it is an ancient one. We paid $19.00 for it when we bought it probably 30 years ago. It's a bit rough around the edges, but she gets the job done.)
We scoop the cooked apples intoLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-23161935101341689922011-09-29T15:51:00.000-04:002011-09-29T15:51:35.802-04:00Apples!!The plan for tomorrow is for this half bushel of Cortlands:
to become several jars of this:
It is calling for a much cooler day tomorrow...a great day for making applesauce! The house will be filled with warmth and the delightful scent of freshly squeezed apples. Almost the perfect day!
Since I'm kinda slow and I'll be by myself, a half bushel is very doable and still not be overly tired Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-42217770844839279682011-09-19T17:02:00.001-04:002011-09-19T20:58:02.602-04:00Somethings I Would Rather Not Do TwiceA couple of weeks ago, I made a large batch of tomato soup. This is a rather involved process which includes the gathering and steaming of various veggies like carrots, celery and peppers. There are herbs to be gathered and added as well such as parsley and basil. Of course, the tomatoes need to be gathered, in our case bought (which is a sad tale of our tomato crop). I get rather bothered Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-33003473772321109332011-09-15T13:00:00.000-04:002011-09-15T13:00:54.345-04:00James Madison QuoteI found this quote on Agraian Nation:
"The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent. It follows, the greater the proportion of this class to the whole society, the more free, the more independent, and the more happy must be the society itself."
—James Madison
Thanks, Herrick Kimball!Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-40443075516893956952011-09-14T13:11:00.000-04:002011-09-14T13:11:07.729-04:00Muslin and moreThe weather is a bit cooler in the evenings, which makes it much more comfortable to quilt. I was able to get a project out that I've been working on for some time the other night. It felt so good to have the thimble on my finger. There is a comfort to having the the soft touch of muslin in my hand. With no known babies approaching, perhaps I can actually finish this quilt this winter!!
WithLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-66846210240681881152011-08-30T15:17:00.000-04:002011-08-30T15:17:53.319-04:00Summer Updates and Good (and not as good) ReadingWhile visiting The Midland Agrarian, I saw that he had posted a link to an interesting blog, The New Agrarian. One of the posts is The Eightfold Agrarian Way. There appears to be a great deal of wonderful reading on his site. I hope to indulge as time permits.
Life seems to have consumed me of late. A new grandbaby in Minnesota, needing to do more chores by myself, which at this stage of my Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-16212790523846396502011-05-21T15:05:00.000-04:002011-05-21T15:05:31.643-04:00Sunshine--At long lastIt has rained for most of the last month. Our yard has areas that are laying with water and are unable to be mowed. The sun has arrived today with great delight to everyone in Western PA. People are cutting grass, working in flower gardens and generally enjoying a long awaited beautiful spring day.
My clothesline is also happy.
As Mr. Rodgers would say, "Its a beautiful day in the Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-75730720181174616602011-05-04T02:49:00.001-04:002011-05-04T09:47:37.288-04:00Meet Hazel
This is Hazel. She is all ready for this year's mowing season. She's been washed and waxed. Her 54 inch mowing deck has been cleaned. The hoses fitted and everything that is supposed to have grease has been greased. Her oil has been changed and filters cleaned and she's full of diesel fuel. All thanks to my husband.
She and I spend many pleasurable hours together during the grass cutting Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-9786922982300708172011-04-29T16:57:00.000-04:002011-04-29T16:57:31.264-04:00Raw Milk UproarAnother unbelievable move by the Federal government: A sting operation to crack down on Amish farmers selling raw milk. A stink operation?!? It is the Amish! This is, yet again, another example of government overreaching and waste. What did our ancestors do before pasteurization?? From what I am finding, pasteurization did not begin in the US until 1947. Not that long ago.
From this Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-589021697233759402011-04-08T16:44:00.001-04:002011-04-09T15:29:37.360-04:00It is Ready for Ada...finallyAda is now over a year old.
Since my only daughter was expecting her first child, I wanted to make a special quilt. Emily loves the reproduction 30s and 40s fabrics. So I chose some of those. Em also likes "random". This means that, unlike her mother, she prefers the abstract. She does not like the standard quilt block designs. Being someone who needs a pattern for any project no matter Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-75197144581252972692011-04-03T16:52:00.000-04:002011-04-03T16:52:30.306-04:00Signs of SpringIt seems spring is slow in arriving this year...or is it just me feeling a bit elderly?
On a walk around the garden lately, I did see some signs of spring...
Yep! That is rhubarb making it's appearance. Not real impressive, I know, but still ya have to take what you can get. Can't wait for rhubarb crisp!!
Some of my bulbs are up and the croci have bloomed adding some much desired color.
Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-52851965426019660212011-03-12T16:45:00.000-05:002011-03-12T16:45:00.010-05:00The King's SpeechAs usual, I stumble on things. Not only around the house, but on the Internet.
Here is a delightful and insightful piece by William H. Willimon entitled, Voice Lessons. It is written as he reflects on the movie, The King's Speech.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-38143913790469843182011-03-02T19:58:00.001-05:002011-03-02T20:03:25.085-05:00The Lost Tools of LearningThis piece written by Dorothy L. Sayers was found by way of The White Horse Inn. You are invited to learn and enjoy, as I did.
I long to fill all my time for thee,
whether at home or in the way;
to place all my concerns in thy hands;
to be entirely at thy disposal,
having no will or interest of my own.
Help me to live to thee for ever,
to make thee my last and only end,
so Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-40397578476612613672011-02-24T03:54:00.003-05:002011-02-24T17:57:48.408-05:00Seed OrderingColor has been arriving by mail over the past couple of weeks by way of seed catalogs. These bright and cheerful items come during the bleekest days of winter. Not only do they arrouse interest in the planning of the garden for the coming year, but they are a delight to they eyes.
Inside these pages are all sorts of new varities that, while they may not tempt me, are amusing to read about. Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-12141388156742322102011-02-11T15:41:00.000-05:002011-02-11T15:41:42.513-05:00There Is Much To LearnIt seems I don't get out much. Not only does that apply to my physical body, especially in the winter, but to my spiritual mind as well. I fear being swept up in bad doctrine. I may hear something that may delight my ears, but is not True. My concerns come from a fear of not knowing what I believe in a well-grounded way that I can communicate it properly and that do not discern truth from Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-73481906806277593992011-02-09T20:31:00.000-05:002011-02-09T20:31:50.883-05:00Color!Some of these winter days have been cold and gloomy. The usual Western Pennsylvania winter. It was nice to see that my "Christmas" cactus came through with some color for me!
Even though it is not much, I'll take it! What a nice bright color to make these days seem less oppressive.
I've often wondered why this plant is called a Christmas Cactus. Mine has never bloomed at Christmas--Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-22967645210694478032011-01-26T16:21:00.000-05:002011-01-26T16:21:27.509-05:00Dorothy L. SayersRabbit holes. It seems I fall into them regularly when it comes to the internet.
While trying to find information about one professor at Grove City College, I stumbled on this Q & A with Dr. Janice Brown, an English professor at the college, about Dorothy L. Sayers. Although the session is dated from 2007, the information was valuable to me as I attempt to learn more about this British Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-72368931353150859042011-01-20T17:03:00.000-05:002011-01-20T17:03:51.746-05:00FrostingYesterday morning just a hint of snow had fallen. It left the pine trees with the appearance of having been frosted.
There is just a hint of green under the big pines. The way it is snowing right now, that won't last much longer. The weather man is calling for 3-6 inches. We'll see, of course. He has been known to be wrong once in awhile. It may be that, Hazel, the John Deere will see someLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-8463025128903064462011-01-20T06:10:00.000-05:002011-01-20T06:10:36.153-05:00It's the Big 448!!Happy Birthday to the Heidelberg Catechism!
Here is a brief history taken from the Christian Reformed website:
The Heidelberg Catechism was composed in Heidelberg at the request of Elector Frederick III, who ruled the Palatinate, an influential German province, from 1559 to 1576. An old tradition credits Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus with being coauthors of the new catechism. Both Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-40020103982205831112011-01-19T00:31:00.000-05:002011-01-19T00:31:36.860-05:00Bread Baking Day (with a quilt side show as an added bonus)While I cannot claim to be a bread baking expert, I enjoy doing it. I enjoy the eating of fresh baked bread even more! There is nothing like a slice of warm homemade bread with butter or homemade jam or jelly. It just doesn't get much better.
Baking bread is an art, of sorts. There is still much I need to master. There have been times when I have crafted a beautiful brick. Then there are Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-10667077336132137322011-01-14T21:42:00.000-05:002011-01-14T21:42:30.319-05:00Something new...Yes, I have entered the 21st century and received a digital camera! (Thank you Sarah!!)
Those of you who are not as "Amish" as I am have been accused of being, will surely notice that I have a great deal to learn. (The big pine tree is not really leaning, but it does appear that way because of the big branch.)
This is the west side of our U-shaped driveway. My husband has already shoveled Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-60215139558944258742011-01-06T20:56:00.000-05:002011-01-06T20:56:45.282-05:00The 2010 Holidays: An OverviewThis was going to be easy. There are only three children--all adults--two spouses, and three grandchildren. And not all of these people were staying 24/7. It was only three days that the house would be full, as well as my heart.
My meal planning is shabby at best. I get ruffled and things get changed, people sleep in and my plans go to pot. Wednesday night was our family's Christmas Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-26425612732044980422010-12-31T15:13:00.000-05:002010-12-31T15:13:48.939-05:002011Best Wishes for a Happy New Year to all of you!
O LORD,
Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed
in thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains,
sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on thy Spirit,,,
...Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comfortsLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-55997938536514248962010-12-24T13:03:00.000-05:002010-12-24T13:03:06.659-05:00Merry Christmas! Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear Desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart. Merry Christmas everyone!Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-83494067014179422442010-12-16T12:46:00.000-05:002010-12-16T12:46:42.512-05:00A Father's Role In this article, found on the Gospel Coalition website today, it talks about how important the father's role in church attendance is to the spiritual growth and church attendance of his children as they mature into adulthood.
There are some sobering statistics cited.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-43607912087154944132010-12-15T09:55:00.000-05:002010-12-15T09:55:47.940-05:00While Shoveling Snow...It is another brisk and snowy morning here. Yet, I must be thankful that we did not get near as much snow as our neighbors in Butler County or even up in Grove City, where my son lives. It seems this little snow storm, with it's lake effect bands, really dumped in some places and yet left others relatively unscathed. Although, since Monday, I have had to shovel and plow each day the couple of Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-80910693269947474132010-12-11T13:29:00.001-05:002010-12-13T11:17:22.298-05:00Observations While Shopping During the Christmas SeasonA"quick" trip to the local grocery store and farmer's market to pick up some apples, milk and beer (for making the best chili), turned into an extended shopping trip.
First stop was "The Apple Guy". Bless his heart, he will be there with apples and cider until just before Christmas--in any weather. It is a delightful day (in comparison to what we have had lately) and we were able to chat a bitLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-83240183306004375652010-12-09T10:04:00.000-05:002010-12-09T10:04:25.225-05:00Winter DelightThe 2011 Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog arrived yesterday! It is full of the lovely colors of spring and summer fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers. A true delight during this cold spell.
Those Christmas cards may have to wait for a bit...
Thy bounty is seen
in the relations that train us,
the laws the defend us,
the homes that shelter us,
the food that builds us,
Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-8690297914421731122010-12-08T10:05:00.001-05:002010-12-08T14:50:57.419-05:00Big Sis on the Big Screen at Wal MartOne of my favorite blogs is Granny Miller. This woman really does know so very much about life and living it in an agrarian, true American way. She has taught me so much!
This is from her latest post:
Walmart is Helping Big Brother With Propaganda
While Katherine and I do not agree on everything, she has a great deal of wisdom.
I'll let you ponder her insights.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-33650358846135625422010-11-03T16:37:00.000-04:002010-11-03T16:37:41.454-04:00Election Day 2010This was my third election where I was able to actually work at the polls. A poll worker. Not a person handing out literature, combs or nail files, but a real poll worker. My job was to take the voter's name and check to see if there was any request from the county election board for ID and have the voter sign their name, checking their signature, of course.
It was a most interesting day. Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-9980064585426551872010-10-31T20:40:00.000-04:002010-10-31T20:40:15.076-04:00More Reformation Day InformationLigonier Ministries has some great stuff! Today their blog post included the article entitled, What is Reformation Day All About?
I trust your Reformation Day was a grand one!Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-601314688786085392010-10-30T00:27:00.000-04:002010-10-30T00:27:03.816-04:00Reformation DayWHAT IS REFORMATION DAY?
Reformation Day is an important liturgical festival that is celebrated by Lutherans and Christians of many Protestant denominations. It commemorates Dr. Martin Luther's posting of his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. This act triggered the movement in world history known as the Reformation. While the Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-60729317852476353982010-10-22T22:50:00.000-04:002010-10-22T22:50:50.897-04:00Busy Fall DayO LORD OF GRACE,
The world is before me this day,
and I am weak and fearful,
but I look to thee for strength;...
Be thou my arm to support,
my strength to stand, my light to see,
my feet to run, my shield to protect,
my sword to repel, my sun to warm
--an excerpt from God All-Sufficient, from The Valley of Vision
Usually I sign off with something from Valley of Vision or Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-9360893551444646722010-10-19T12:02:00.000-04:002010-10-19T12:02:35.022-04:00More Thoughts on Sabbath KeepingThis was posted by Lee Wishing, who has a regular column with WORLD Magazine (for whom my son-in-law worked for several years), on the Grove City College Vision and Values site.
Entitled, Sabbath Wrestling, the piece certainly is aptly named. When you read the comment section, you'll understand.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-29907313561398945752010-10-16T09:36:00.000-04:002010-10-16T09:36:11.914-04:00Inversion UpdateIt is going to be a busy day today. Sheets are in the washing machine as we "speak" and there is more to wash. I've also been invited to a Quilt Show this afternoon. It has been quite some time since I've been to a show, so this will be a treat. Along with spending time with a new friend.
The Inversion Table that we bought has been very helpful. I'm trying to use it twice a day for about 3-Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-42347711173219047582010-10-14T10:33:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:46:20.258-04:00Rejecting the Kingdoms of this WorldThis was on the Ligonier blog the other day. I just am now getting around to reading it.
Augustine had great perspective.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-22710248741945695722010-10-14T10:07:00.000-04:002010-10-14T10:07:15.555-04:00One Man's Look at the Sabbath Keeping IssueThis excerpt from an upcoming book, Is the Sabbath Still Required for Christians?, was posted on Justin Taylor's blog. This is one man's answer to my Sabbath keeping question.
I think the comments are interesting to read as well.
Yes, I do believe the Lord's Day is what we observe and the ceremonial and dietary laws do not apply. We are not saved by keeping the Law, but, I believe, we show Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-73862677704474500432010-10-12T18:55:00.000-04:002010-10-12T18:55:04.064-04:00A Wonderful Fall Day!It was supposed to rain and be dreary today. We were blessed with a beautiful blue sky and a delightfully comfortable temperature in the mid to upper 60s. My husband and I even enjoyed lunch on the porch. Those days are rapidly coming to and end I am afraid.
The forecast says that we will get our first frost tonight. And if anybody is going to get a frost it will be us. It seems we live in Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-61531166294452881422010-10-10T18:39:00.001-04:002010-10-10T19:10:01.715-04:00Sabbath KeepingOur Sunday school class is looking at what the PCA, my denomination, believes on certain issues. The last several weeks has been on worship. Today, we were ending the worship discussion and the homework that we were to read included a section of the Westminster Confession of Faith (scroll down to pages 19 & 20) and it's statements about the Sabbath or Sunday and what is expected. The last partLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-84869866870407315972010-10-06T20:03:00.000-04:002010-10-06T20:03:28.482-04:00Fall and the Love of ApplesThe western Pennsylvania area had been pretty dry until lately. We have received a good amount of rain and I can't seem to remember when I last saw the sun. The days have been damp and dreary. It got cold enough in the house so that we finally had to turn the furnace on Monday. The dear weather man says that the sun is coming and that the weekend looks to be beautiful! I'm looking forward toLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-52014872375773995192010-10-05T05:38:00.000-04:002010-10-05T05:38:15.828-04:00Updated Web AddressI found out that the Abiding Radio web address had changed and I just wanted to update this. Not only do they have a nice loop of Sacred and Instrumental Music, but they will have their Christmas music up soon, No doubt.
I'm sorry I missed this until now.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-51981408944092459622010-10-04T03:57:00.001-04:002010-10-04T04:01:54.196-04:00When God Says to the Sun and Moon: "Do it Again!"This is from Justin Taylor's blog. In it he has a quote from G. K. Chesterton that I wanted to share.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-49129116814961956092010-10-04T03:50:00.000-04:002010-10-04T03:50:47.340-04:00Fall Garden UpdateIt is a bit chilly! Down into the 40s at night and not getting up to 60 these last few days. We have received some much needed rain, though. No doubt, some time this week my John Deere, Hazel, and I will be out cutting grass.
I seem to be having a hard time this year adjusting to it getting dark sooner. ACK! 7:30 and it's dark! It just seems as if it is 9:30 instead of 7:30.
There has not Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-78317947948790851412010-09-30T17:29:00.000-04:002010-09-30T17:29:09.107-04:00Cold ComingSounds like temps are to drop around here this weekend and I still have stuff in the garden.
My pepper crop was sad this year. There were plenty of blossoms and I was all excited that we got some rain, but we'll have to see how cold it really gets. My hubby has to help me with the sweet potatoes and they are still in the ground. I'll need to get the rest of the carrots out, too. The Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-58585848790643247462010-09-30T17:14:00.000-04:002010-09-30T17:14:39.370-04:00Invert That!For years my hip has been bothering me. It began as an ache after aerobics class to lately, it has been difficult to go up stairs, let alone get through the grocery store. Several doctors and chiropractors later, we have invested in an inversion table.
My current Chiro thinks it will help my hip out. We bought a good one, so we are hoping that it will help both of us. I tried it out this Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-16005712289369331052010-09-27T20:19:00.000-04:002010-09-27T20:19:29.087-04:00Amish BirthdaySaturday was my birthday. My dear husband said he would take me anywhere I wanted to go or do whatever (within reason) including shampooing the carpets. (To be honest, I did consider that one, but the dirty carpet can wait a bit longer.) While I thought about my options, I went to the Farmer's Market. It was a beautiful day and if I have a chance to get away, I'll go to my "happy place".
Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-58990597503968353252010-09-24T13:21:00.000-04:002010-09-24T13:21:02.855-04:00Gun ClassIt occurred to me that I never reported on my Women's Handgun Safety course I took this summer.
The Sheriff's Department in my county puts in on with help from the NRA. They only accept 50 women each year. The room was full, to say the least! What a wide variety of women, too. One delightful lady sat with me and shared that she already carries a .22 with a laser. She works in Pittsburgh. Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-49518327865132256882010-09-23T23:18:00.004-04:002010-09-23T23:49:30.321-04:00Life ChangesIt has been difficult to get to this place. I have not written for some time because the words just are not able to form. It is difficult to grasp and understand...communicate.In late January, I spent a snowy weekend in the hospital believing I was having a stroke. Wrong. Turns out, after many tests, that I have MS.I have gone from being a person who despises going to a doctor, to having Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-79900628493102873942010-07-10T20:10:00.005-04:002010-07-10T21:02:15.979-04:00Deer, Birds, Rabbits: Getting a Grip on SovereigntyThis year the garden has been a source of stress. Not only was the garden late in getting tilled, it seemed that every time I was able to get out to plant, it rained. The plants were bought in plenty of time, but finding a time when the soil was not overly damp was becoming a problem.Fast forward to June. Things are planted and growing well! (The weeds seem to be doing well, also.) One morning, ILinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-21092536948302993382010-04-12T18:50:00.006-04:002010-04-13T12:33:32.397-04:00A Good DayWhen life gives you lemons...go to New Wilmington--Amish country.Going to visit Amish friends is a guessing game. Are they home?? Is it some special auction day?? They don't have phones so an impromptu trip 50 miles away is a big gamble. Saturday was just such a beautiful day and I have missed my friends. Knowing that my husband was gone until after dark, it seemed a perfect choice. I just Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-80610178802071302062010-03-13T14:03:00.004-05:002010-03-13T18:52:34.086-05:00Thoughts on Getting Older and Eating (of course)My dear husband and I have always been notoriously slow eaters. When the kids were young, meal time was an opportunity to catch up on things, take stock of needs for the remainder of the day, and enjoy a quiet respite from the day.The kids are now grown and gone most with families and starting traditions of their own. Even now that it just two instead of five, meal time remains a time for us toLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-51235677253927675452010-02-19T19:19:00.003-05:002010-02-19T19:51:42.449-05:00It's That Time Again...Seed Ordering Time!My favorite seed catalog arrived not long ago to brighten my winter days. Johnny's Selected Seeds has wonderfully bright and colorful photos in their catalog. Their website is so very helpful and when I have called them, they are able to skillfully answer my questions. There are, I am sure, a great many seed companies that are reputable as well. Johnny's serves those of us in the northern Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-37753427650413944352010-02-19T19:00:00.004-05:002010-02-19T19:19:00.553-05:00Sunny Winter DaysHere in Western Pennsylvania, we value sunshine quite highly. During the month of February, the sun has rarely been seen. (And it is not just winter when the sun is often hard to come by around here.) The snowfall has reached record-breaking levels and that brings with it the seemingly endless gray days. This is when I wish I had a digital camera to show the snow piles! It may be June Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-36155529799906135232010-01-18T13:48:00.005-05:002010-01-18T14:08:41.551-05:00Dorothy Sayers on WorkThis quote is on Justin Taylor's blog, Between Two Worlds. It speaks volumes, in my opinion, about the lack of understanding in broad evangelicalism about the sacred vs. secular split that divides the church from the world.The world needs garbage collectors to do the best job they are able to do. Cleaning up garbage is part of being a good steward of the Kingdom. It keeps things decent and in Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-19766804186902188742010-01-10T15:23:00.003-05:002010-01-10T16:04:03.485-05:00Getting Caught Up.Happy New Year to all!As we crawled into the car for church this morning, the thermometer read -9 degrees! By the time we arrived at church about 25 minutes later it was 4 degrees. Of course, it is January in Western Pennsylvania. The trip to church was a pretty one, with the trees all frosted from the clear night air. There are plenty of icicles on many homes that seem to be growing and growing.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-23490732036027964992009-09-02T20:04:00.005-04:002009-09-02T21:18:19.533-04:00A Different SummerIt has been some time since I last posted. So much has happened and I'm not at all sure how yet to process all of it.Our summer has been great--temperature-wise--for those of us who melt into grouchiness when the temps get above 86. However, the garden has suffered from the damp, cool summer. We lost all our tomato plants to the late blight, which came early. A groundhog decided to take up Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-46342976702321692422009-07-07T09:04:00.005-04:002009-07-07T16:28:43.002-04:00Working in the Garden of SanctificationNow that it is early summer, the garden is beginning to give us veggies. All the planting and weeding and cultivating are showing results. It is also the time of year with which I struggle. I even hesitate to write this as it only reveals one of the many sins that give me trouble. One of my besetting sins. (Thank you John Owen.)Shortly before we moved to this home, I was reading in the Old Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-56187806538471404492009-06-29T10:21:00.002-04:002009-06-29T10:29:36.184-04:00Farmers and the Rest of Us"Vocation is all about how God works through human beings."This article by Gene Edward Veith is in the June issue of Tabletalk. While other things are discussed, I thought his insights into our vocation and God's calling in our lives was very well written."We are not all called to be farmers. But whatever our vocations, we can all be sowers who go out to sow."Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-86248821120616840812009-06-12T16:20:00.004-04:002009-06-12T16:39:37.860-04:00Successful ReplantingIn my daily tour of the garden, I was pleased to see that the green beans that I replanted are up! Thanks to a wee bit of rain, a noisy aluminum pie pan and, mostly, The Master Gardener.It is a relief to see them up. As long as nothing else happens to them, we should be up to our eye balls in beans. I'll need to keep an eye out for critters since the beans are in the new part of the garden andLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-42276611658851677632009-06-07T16:46:00.004-04:002009-06-07T17:24:10.676-04:00Crop FailureOn the 25th of May, I planted my green beans.Green beans are the main veggie in our household. They are easy enough to can, which our family seems to prefer over frozen. This is OK with me, since we eat to many, it leaves more room in the freezer. Green beans eaten freshly picked with melted butter...oh yeah. My hubby likes them with olive oil; he likes everything with olive oil. There is Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-26930842192933792592009-06-07T16:18:00.004-04:002009-06-07T16:46:32.069-04:00Heavenly ScentIn my weed-infested perennial gardens are one of my favorite flowers...Dianthus Bath's Pink. These dainty pink flowers have the most amazing scent. It is almost reminiscent of fresh cotton candy. These flowers have been in full bloom for a little over a week filling the air all around the back patio with the most refreshing aroma. It seems that my Bath's Pink smell especially wonderful this Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-40404808151326627612009-05-25T22:14:00.003-04:002009-05-25T22:51:23.396-04:00Who's Bright Idea Was This Anyway??All winter I was anxious to expand our garden. We have not had room to plant things that have big vines such as cantaloupe or watermelon. We have not planted corn since we moved here either.My dear husband has spent over a week trying to get the sod off so we could plant so new and exciting plants. Since he has a backhoe, he thought that it would make it easier to tear the sod off and try and Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-41809116319787527572009-04-29T20:54:00.006-04:002009-04-29T21:19:23.212-04:00First FruitsWe have experienced some beautiful and rather warm lately and that has brought on the rhubarb and asparagus!These 'first fruits' of the spring are so welcomed. Rhubarb can be wonderful, it just needs a bit of sweetener. We have had some stewed, which just means that I cooked it in a pan with some sugar and a bit of water until it was runny. So good, warm or cold. I make Rhubarb Crisp this eveningLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-52188699676024962792009-04-13T11:50:00.003-04:002009-04-13T11:55:19.339-04:00Pop? Coke? Soda?How often have you had the "pop vs. soda" argument??This is a fun map and a great look at our country in a different way.http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/74/Sodavspopvscoke.pngThis was posted on a friend's site...I just thought it was very interesting!--thanks, Dan.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-85833102641074860802009-04-11T18:49:00.001-04:002009-04-11T18:54:06.135-04:00Happy EasterRichest blessings to everyone this Easter!"He is not here; he has risen!" Luke 24:5Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-2269963438861019782009-04-06T11:46:00.004-04:002009-04-06T12:04:20.919-04:00Dirt WorkWhen the seeds I ordered arrived, I became anxious to plant something, anything. It was just not time yet, to cold for anything. I was hoping to get my peas planted by March 17, but didn't quite make it. But the sunny day that I was able to get out and run our little tiller enough to work up a spot in the garden for the peas was a good day. Three rows of peas are in--one more than last year. LastLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-14736591656090141222009-04-06T05:40:00.006-04:002009-04-06T12:05:07.637-04:00Feed Mill MemoriesI'm sure you've heard about how Spring is a time for renewal, growth and new life, and it is. This year, spring has been a time of nostalgia.One of the delights of the spring planting season for me is a trip to the Bowser's Feed Store. It may sound like I have no life when a trip to the feed store is a big event, but it brings back fond memories.The feed store has two areas. One is the "inside" Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-13990684969930311012009-03-18T22:51:00.005-04:002009-03-18T23:13:27.202-04:00Poking PlantsMarch has arrived in style to Western PA this year. We have enjoyed some beautiful weather. Many times March gives a snow storms that really dump a ton of snow on us. The snow doesn't last long, but it is a dumping none the less. This year, at least so far, we have been snow-free. Of course, it's not over and it has been known to snow in April. March could go out like a lion.Our beautiful Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-13337330276418600732009-03-05T09:56:00.005-05:002009-03-05T10:34:54.445-05:00Yeah for Sunshine and Warmer Weather!Nothing gets me more excited for Spring than a warmer, sunny day in March and placing my seed order.Today I finally sat down and made out my seed order. One order was to Johnny's Selected Seeds and it contains my seeds for lettuce, spinach, edemame, garlic, carrots and sweet potatoes. The garlic will be shipped in October for fall planting and the sweet potatoes will be shipped in late May. Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-23393006430382350352009-02-28T23:15:00.007-05:002009-03-01T00:07:50.467-05:00Homemade Ice Cream with PizzaWhat could be better than homemade ice cream with good friends?For three or years our family has been trying to find a date that would suit our Amish friends to get together in the winter for homemade ice cream and a good visit. It has been difficult finding a day that would suit so many and not have the weather be an issue. Well, it finally happened on Friday.My husband and I brought my mom, Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-12700736954019690192009-02-18T21:52:00.005-05:002009-02-18T23:11:16.039-05:00So, Who Is In Control?It seems awhile since I have posted anything. There has been sewing and quilting that has required my attention lately. There is a comfort to having fabric in your hands and doing something creative and constructive. One baby quilt is completed, the one for Zachary is about half way quilted. My sister's birthday present is cut out and started. Another baby quilt needs started--at least I Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-79614290014966479442009-02-09T12:59:00.003-05:002009-02-10T10:51:10.879-05:00An Hour of Darkness?While listening to the radio this morning, I heard an advertisement for Earth Hour to be 'celebrated' on March 28th at 8:30 pm.God has called us to be stewards of the Earth and all that is in it. We need to be faithful to what he has called us to do. However, I do believe that he gave wisdom and insight to men and women to invent things...like electricity. We should not be wasteful of anything Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-19906447362261368962009-02-09T12:21:00.004-05:002009-02-09T12:57:54.975-05:00The Struggling Economy Hits HomeI was privileged to see God at work the Body of Christ on Sunday. It was, what most would call 'normal', quite ordinary. There were no bright flashes of light or angels. It was amazing.Our eldest son lost his job on Thursday. It was totally unexpected. He is the father of our two little grandsons and husband to a beautiful, loving wife. He is a hard-worker and a good provider. He called me Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-78078278772159530182009-01-31T11:38:00.003-05:002009-01-31T11:42:59.047-05:00Commercial Food IssuesPlease read this important post at Mrs. Dewey Smith's blog.It will be vital to families and the country to grow our own food in the coming growing season. It's cold and snowy...a great time to check out those delightful, colorful seed catalogs.Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-4185369436087420592009-01-27T11:50:00.004-05:002009-01-27T12:45:41.748-05:00ReorganizedWhen we first moved into this home, I was determined to get on a schedule that would help me keep up with the cleaning. This house is considerably larger than what we came from--three full floors--so I needed to get my act together. It worked great...as long as I kept to the schedule. Now I am at the point of needing to be back on a stricter schedule.It seems that most folks work best when there Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-12278895845634165462009-01-22T17:05:00.005-05:002009-01-22T17:20:44.206-05:00Sunny Days and Game NightsIt was a beautiful, sunny day today...and actually above freezing! It is amazing how warm 32 degrees feels after below zero temps at night and frigid, wind chills during the day. We have over 12 inches of lovely snow on the ground! My hope that is that a good snow pack will kill off some pesky bugs and we won't be so "bugged" this summer. We told our kids that this is the kind of weather we Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-2087181618966691152009-01-22T16:32:00.003-05:002009-01-22T17:02:57.860-05:00A Life RememberedIt has been some time since I posted last and I am not even sure where to begin.My father-in-law was buried yesterday. He died on Sunday. While he was ill with cancer and in the hospice unit at the local VA, we did not expect his passing this soon. It is a blessing that he is no longer suffering. Our lives have been full with loving family. My father-in-law was an amazing man. He could tell Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-17610085188454207002009-01-22T10:06:00.004-05:002009-01-22T10:09:31.962-05:00Reselling ClothingThis was posted on "Our Plain and Simple Life" the other day. It may be beneficial to continue to write Congress.window.google_render_ad();This was posted at Choosing Voluntary Simplicity...and I just got around to reading. Doesn't really give a breath of relief to folks like Etsy, EBay or even simple folks like us with yard sales and such, but maybe it's a small bit of common sense coming Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-33507936194813520312009-01-12T13:37:00.006-05:002009-01-12T14:08:21.863-05:00Seed Shopping in the SnowIf you are doing some shopping for seeds while you are perhaps snowed in, here is a website that you may enjoy. Botanical Interests found me and I have explored their family-owned business on line. The site is colorful and informative. It is a "happy" site. For me that means that the colors are pleasing and the well-done artwork is delightful. A bit of Spring and Summer in the midst of the cold Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-14322842593786726292009-01-12T12:45:00.005-05:002009-01-12T13:28:09.978-05:00Weekend Snow and Tieing Up Loose EndsSaturday we received eight inches of snow here! To some folks that might not seem like much, but that is a lot for us, especially all at once! My husband and I spent a good part of the day plowing and shoveling out the driveway and trying to find the car. As soon as the snow was off everything, is began to rain--freezing rain. How lovely. It took us 15 minutes to clean off the car and even Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-80904323327860740092009-01-09T00:59:00.003-05:002009-01-09T01:17:22.963-05:00A Christmas PostscriptRemember my Christmas wish list? Well, no, I didn't get a gun or a rototiller. I did get a new blender and a bigger food processor. These items will be a big help at canning time. Hubby and I also have come to love hummus and our tiny food processor just was having a difficult time of it.It has been said that one should never buy a woman a gift with a plug on the end. Well, I used to think Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-79024846436479805172009-01-09T00:24:00.002-05:002009-01-09T00:56:23.704-05:00Quilting SeasonMost of the Christmas decorations are put away--only the tree remains. The days and evenings are quieter and chillier. Time to get back to my quilting.It is shameful to admit that I am behind before I even get started. One baby blanket is close to being completed. It should have been done months ago and the little one for which it is intended will be walking before I get it done if I don't Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-60586397578469449872009-01-03T13:11:00.004-05:002009-01-03T13:37:45.568-05:00Of Mother Earth News and Broken ClotheslinesWhile in the local market, I noticed Mother Earth News on the news stand. I've never bought or read the magazine before, but what caught my eye was the banner: "Grow a Bigger, Better Garden". I'm all for that! Also, there are articles on How to Grow Potatoes, and Anyone Can Raise Chickens This looked like a good purchase for $4.99.Someday I still want to pursue chickens and the article looksLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-80457460207289643922009-01-01T18:26:00.006-05:002009-01-12T13:32:02.490-05:00Spring and Summer Arrive at the End of December...Along With the 1040 FormThe last day of December brought color to the mailbox, even if it also brought the tax forms. My first seed catalog of the season: Johnny's Selected Seeds. They say they have varieties for Northern gardeners, but most of their seeds, I believe, are pretty adaptable. The descriptions are very helpful. I have ordered from Johnny's for several years. I like their variety. The catalog is very helpfulLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-4294896829925898102009-01-01T15:44:00.004-05:002009-01-01T16:49:51.639-05:00Christmas Joy and SurprisesHAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!The holiday week has been one that has been full. Not only have I enjoyed the children and their families around the same table for more than one evening, but also family game night with the in-laws and visiting friends. The night after Christmas we had all of the in-laws over for the traditional Game Night! All of us pitched together and brought what ended up being enoughLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-80333784219983094962008-12-23T16:01:00.006-05:002008-12-23T16:45:11.939-05:00Christmas ThoughtsIt has been awhile since I posted anything. It is a busy time for so many and I am among them!We are excited that all three of our kids and spouses will be here for Christmas. If I don't get another gift, that will do.Part of my family will be here for brunch--wonderful sister Ann and her family, along with my mom. We started a White Elephant gift exchange a couple of years ago and this has Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-36544755801229744602008-12-17T14:17:00.006-05:002008-12-18T00:04:04.301-05:00All I Want for Christmas is... a Rototiller....Here is a woman with a unique Christmas list! She has a great perspective on purchasing gifts that make sense instead of frivolous items. She has a list of common-sense, long-term use gifts, such as canning jars and lids, a chainsaw and clothes drying rack. I couldn't help but laugh. My poor husband is dealing with a woman who wants a gun and a big rototiller for the Ford tractor on her list! Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-15740214036709891462008-12-16T00:07:00.006-05:002008-12-16T00:56:18.786-05:00An Afternoon With the AmishSince gas prices have fallen, I wanted to get in a visit to some of our Amish friends in New Wilmington. This was to be a short afternoon visit since my daughter-in-love and grandson were going along.When I know an Amish visit is on the horizon, I am like a kid at Christmas! It is a big event for me to get to visit them. A very special day.There are two young women that I visit with, Lizzie andLinda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198769211650281073.post-72101274543467190662008-12-15T18:09:00.003-05:002008-12-15T18:21:42.334-05:00Are You Able to Survive Another Great Depression?Here's an interesting test to give yourself. You Are 80% Likely to Survive Another Great DepressionYou have been saving for a rainy day... or a rainy few years.While most people may not have as grim of an outlook as you, they're also not as prepared as you.If society collapses, you'll have plenty of food and resources for you and your loved ones.And plenty of ammo for anyone who wants to steal Linda J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08102763517035586371noreply@blogger.com1