I'm sure you are all familiar with the song "Home on the Range", "where the deer and the antelope roam". Well, I've been thinking that song might apply well to our farm. We have seen a myriad of animals roaming in the fields and in the yard this year and all in abundance. (We have our food supply of meat!)
We have many deer running around, along with their fawns. Rabbits and chipmunks are all over the place and I scared up 18 geese yesterday when I drove the Ranger down to the creek to find some way to cool off. The killdeer are back this year, nested at the same spot - at a bend in the driveway) and had four babies. They are the cutest birds, with their long legs and speedy walk. We have to be very careful where we drive and slow down because they run right ahead of you for quite a distance before they veer off into the grass.
We had a campout here last two weekends ago for the fathers and sons from church and some of them reported seeing a bear cross the creek and go into our woods. I had just been thinking of starting to walk the paths in the woods for exercise but now I'm reconsidering that. Maybee I'll just carry some pots and pans and make a lot of noise while I walk - I was told that would scare off bears. There goes the nice peaceful walk in the woods, with time to reflect and think.
Back to the chipmunks - one day I was filling the bird feeders and left the basement door open. I had been warned by Grandma that animals (chippies in particular) would sneak in but I thought since I was only a few feet away, nothing would happen. I was wrong...one came in. I heard some scratching noises in the basement later that day and I saw the chipmunk by the freezer by the window. I tried to get him to leave with the assistance of a broom, but he ran the other direction. I opened the window and screen, hoping he would go out that way but then you run the risk of him inviting his friends in because it's nice and cool there and there's a lot of food stored in the basement (wheat, bird seed, crackers, cereal, etc) - all things they would like. So what do I do? Everytime I go downstairs, I make a lot of noise and close the door behind me - I don't need a chipmunk in the main part of the house although he could squeeze under the door to the kitchen (old farmhouse - not real tight). I'm not scared of this fellow, but I don't like to be surprised.
Now I have heard a new noise coming from the basement. I swear he's in the heat ducts - I hear claws scrabbling on metal. I stomp on the floor of the dining room (where the noise is loudest so I'm assuming he's right below) to try to scare him but where is he to go? I have no idea how he got in there, but I have taken the precaution to cover up the floor vents with books and boxes just in case he can somehow work his way up and try to escape that way and give me an unwanted surprise. Even as I type this, I am hearing noises from the ductwork...time to go stomp on the floor!!!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sundays
I serve in a district calling and we have been holding branch conferences in March, April, and May. I traveled an hour north yesterday to attend one and it was very enjoyable. I really like meeting and seeing members that I don't know very well and I like to observe them and see how well they work together and how much they accomplish with few people. The YW there had a "light" in their eyes and seemed to be happy with life. It was so refreshing to see!
Of course, there are glitches in all well-laid plans. My counselor was scheduled to speak and by 11:00 she still hadn't arrived. I had some advance warning that she might be late because of a reaction to an allergy medicine but she said she would try to be there. During sacrament meeting, I was looking over my branch conference talk (used at another conference) and trying to adapt it to a lesson so I was partially prepared.
We met with the YM/YW and I stretched out introductions - luckily we had a big group (9 kids) and just as we finished that, in walked my counselor. Prayers were answered!!
At branch conferences, we always get fed well. Yesterday was no exception--taco salads and a nice selection of desserts. It was a chance to visit and laugh and enjoy each other's company.
After that conference, I drove back to my branch building (45 minutes) and sat in on a district council meeting, waited after that to attend part of a priesthood leadership meeting (sat in on the YM info section), and then Chris and I went to sing "happy birthday" to the oldest member of our branch (89). We got home at 8:00 so it was a long day, but a good day. I am sure many readers can relate to Sundays like this. This wasn't the first, and I'm sure it wasn't the last!
Of course, there are glitches in all well-laid plans. My counselor was scheduled to speak and by 11:00 she still hadn't arrived. I had some advance warning that she might be late because of a reaction to an allergy medicine but she said she would try to be there. During sacrament meeting, I was looking over my branch conference talk (used at another conference) and trying to adapt it to a lesson so I was partially prepared.
We met with the YM/YW and I stretched out introductions - luckily we had a big group (9 kids) and just as we finished that, in walked my counselor. Prayers were answered!!
At branch conferences, we always get fed well. Yesterday was no exception--taco salads and a nice selection of desserts. It was a chance to visit and laugh and enjoy each other's company.
After that conference, I drove back to my branch building (45 minutes) and sat in on a district council meeting, waited after that to attend part of a priesthood leadership meeting (sat in on the YM info section), and then Chris and I went to sing "happy birthday" to the oldest member of our branch (89). We got home at 8:00 so it was a long day, but a good day. I am sure many readers can relate to Sundays like this. This wasn't the first, and I'm sure it wasn't the last!
A New Skill?
I don't think the title is exactly correct because doing something once probably doesn't make it a skill and I probably won't ever do this again.
Saturday our neighbor called with the offer of a 15-inch brown trout that her daughter had caught while fishing with her grandfather. They were about to leave and didn't want the fish to sit in their refrigerator for any length of time so they offered it to us. I asked if it had been cleaned and she hesitantly replied, "no". That was when I should have said thanks, but no thanks. But I thought "Chris has probably cleaned a fish before and I have watched my dad and brother clean fish when I was young, so it should be okay". So I said we would like to have the fish.
Ten seconds later they were walking up the driveway to my kitchen door with a big brown trout hanging on a stick. I thanked them and put it on a cookie sheet We talked for awhile and then Chris came in from mowing the fields and looked at the trout and told me he had never cleaned one before. I was in trouble now. After the neighbors left, the suggestion was to throw it out because it had been out of the water for awhile and it hadn't been gutted yet - both facts causes for concern about how safe it would be to eat.
Being the frugal person I am (sometimes!), I decided we couldn't throw out a perfectly good fish, especially a trout! So I wrapped it up and put it in the refrigerator while I made some phone calls to fishermen in our branch. I finally reached one and he gave me the specifics of gutting and cleaning and preparing a fish. It was exactly as I remembered seeing my dad do it....so I got brave, put the fish in the sink and started to scrape off the scales (under running water so the scales wouldn't fly everywhere - advice from the fisherman). Then came the more difficult part, slitting open the belly and cleaning it out. There is amazingly little "innards" in a fish and, lucky for you, I don't know how to take pictures and download them or you would get visual step-by-step instructions. After cleaning the fish, the head needed to be removed with one quick slice. The fish was then wrapped in saran wrap and cooked for supper on Sunday. Chris wouldn't eat any and I had to put it back in the fry pan a few times because it wasn't quite done when I started to "flake" the meat off the bones to eat it. I guess raw fish, or partially cooked fish, is safe, but I like my fish done. It tasted fine, and I was very careful about the bones.
All in all, it was a "flashback Friday" experience if I can use Hannah's phrase. Probably won't have the chance to do it again, but at least I can say I did it!
Saturday our neighbor called with the offer of a 15-inch brown trout that her daughter had caught while fishing with her grandfather. They were about to leave and didn't want the fish to sit in their refrigerator for any length of time so they offered it to us. I asked if it had been cleaned and she hesitantly replied, "no". That was when I should have said thanks, but no thanks. But I thought "Chris has probably cleaned a fish before and I have watched my dad and brother clean fish when I was young, so it should be okay". So I said we would like to have the fish.
Ten seconds later they were walking up the driveway to my kitchen door with a big brown trout hanging on a stick. I thanked them and put it on a cookie sheet We talked for awhile and then Chris came in from mowing the fields and looked at the trout and told me he had never cleaned one before. I was in trouble now. After the neighbors left, the suggestion was to throw it out because it had been out of the water for awhile and it hadn't been gutted yet - both facts causes for concern about how safe it would be to eat.
Being the frugal person I am (sometimes!), I decided we couldn't throw out a perfectly good fish, especially a trout! So I wrapped it up and put it in the refrigerator while I made some phone calls to fishermen in our branch. I finally reached one and he gave me the specifics of gutting and cleaning and preparing a fish. It was exactly as I remembered seeing my dad do it....so I got brave, put the fish in the sink and started to scrape off the scales (under running water so the scales wouldn't fly everywhere - advice from the fisherman). Then came the more difficult part, slitting open the belly and cleaning it out. There is amazingly little "innards" in a fish and, lucky for you, I don't know how to take pictures and download them or you would get visual step-by-step instructions. After cleaning the fish, the head needed to be removed with one quick slice. The fish was then wrapped in saran wrap and cooked for supper on Sunday. Chris wouldn't eat any and I had to put it back in the fry pan a few times because it wasn't quite done when I started to "flake" the meat off the bones to eat it. I guess raw fish, or partially cooked fish, is safe, but I like my fish done. It tasted fine, and I was very careful about the bones.
All in all, it was a "flashback Friday" experience if I can use Hannah's phrase. Probably won't have the chance to do it again, but at least I can say I did it!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Ahhhh.....
For our anniversary in March, the kids got us a dual control heated mattress pad. When we opened the box, I must admit we thought it was a nice gift, but just a little extravagant, especially after we saw the price on the invoice. Dad thought we should send it back, but I said let's give it a try...we don't have to use it if we don't like it. So I put it on the bed and thought those little wires running through the pad are going to be annoying to sleep on - kind of like the "Princess and the Pea" story.
Time for bed and I turn on both controls to 'high' before I brush my teeth. While I am brushing, Dad gets in bed and calls out to me "you're going to like this". I go to the bedroom and dad is enjoying the warm bed so I climb in and he was right....I really liked it. I had never put the flannel sheets on the bed this year and sometimes the sheets were so cold. When my feet are cold, I can't sleep - I rub them on the sheets for friction or hold them against Dad's legs but they just don't warm up. Finally I resorted to soaking them in hot water before bed which someone in the house thought was ridiculous but it did the trick. But since getting the mattress pad, so more soaking my feet. It is wonderful to have a warm bed.
But a word of warning - don't fall asleep with the control still set at 'high' because you will wake up in the middle of the night, sweating, and looking for a cool spot which you won't be able to find.
Thank you, kids, for the gift - we won't be using it much more this year but I am already looking foward to winter and those cold nights when I will be toasty warm!!
Time for bed and I turn on both controls to 'high' before I brush my teeth. While I am brushing, Dad gets in bed and calls out to me "you're going to like this". I go to the bedroom and dad is enjoying the warm bed so I climb in and he was right....I really liked it. I had never put the flannel sheets on the bed this year and sometimes the sheets were so cold. When my feet are cold, I can't sleep - I rub them on the sheets for friction or hold them against Dad's legs but they just don't warm up. Finally I resorted to soaking them in hot water before bed which someone in the house thought was ridiculous but it did the trick. But since getting the mattress pad, so more soaking my feet. It is wonderful to have a warm bed.
But a word of warning - don't fall asleep with the control still set at 'high' because you will wake up in the middle of the night, sweating, and looking for a cool spot which you won't be able to find.
Thank you, kids, for the gift - we won't be using it much more this year but I am already looking foward to winter and those cold nights when I will be toasty warm!!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Not much news from PA
All right, it's time to write again. I have been hassled by my children for not writing - but it's because I haven't had anything to write about. I've been busy with church (YW), volunteer work, etc, but nothing exciting has happened. Still fighting the faux ladybugs.
I taught "Strong Women" at the nursing home on Monday and made a dollar. Didn't even pay for the gas to get there but it sure is nice to visit and talk to the women I've met. I must admit that my children are fodder for our talks - most of it good!!
I started a "Biggest Loser" group at church and we met on Monday. Four other women came and we talked about exercise, weight, and food in general and laughed (until we did the weigh-in). There is a pregnant women in our group so if our numbers are bad we will blame her. Did you know that Ben and Jerry's ice cream - Chunky Monkey - has four servings per container and that a container has 1200 calories? So as I sat on the couch and read and absently ate half the container, I consumed 600 calories!! Each one of them tasted so good!! Another woman at the meeting understood exactly what I said when I shared my experience with "bad" food in the house - instead of tossing it out, which would be wasteful, I eat it to get rid of it. I was brought up with the "clean your plate" mentality. I hate to waste food. We're meeting again on Monday and I said I would lose 2 pounds this week. I bought journals for everyone and we are supposed to record what we eat and drink. I'm only two days behind..... Wish me luck!
Here's my update on the Prevention exercise plan: 6 days last week, 3 days so far this week. Each day the exercises are adding distance and time so it's becoming more challenging. But I'm hanging in there.
Since American Idol honored Dolly Parton this week with her music, I think next week the contestants should all sing John Denver songs. That would be the best show ever!!
I taught "Strong Women" at the nursing home on Monday and made a dollar. Didn't even pay for the gas to get there but it sure is nice to visit and talk to the women I've met. I must admit that my children are fodder for our talks - most of it good!!
I started a "Biggest Loser" group at church and we met on Monday. Four other women came and we talked about exercise, weight, and food in general and laughed (until we did the weigh-in). There is a pregnant women in our group so if our numbers are bad we will blame her. Did you know that Ben and Jerry's ice cream - Chunky Monkey - has four servings per container and that a container has 1200 calories? So as I sat on the couch and read and absently ate half the container, I consumed 600 calories!! Each one of them tasted so good!! Another woman at the meeting understood exactly what I said when I shared my experience with "bad" food in the house - instead of tossing it out, which would be wasteful, I eat it to get rid of it. I was brought up with the "clean your plate" mentality. I hate to waste food. We're meeting again on Monday and I said I would lose 2 pounds this week. I bought journals for everyone and we are supposed to record what we eat and drink. I'm only two days behind..... Wish me luck!
Here's my update on the Prevention exercise plan: 6 days last week, 3 days so far this week. Each day the exercises are adding distance and time so it's becoming more challenging. But I'm hanging in there.
Since American Idol honored Dolly Parton this week with her music, I think next week the contestants should all sing John Denver songs. That would be the best show ever!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
I'm Bugged!!
Before you start to read, here is my disclaimer....the topic is disgusting and gross. I am not writing this to keep you from visiting us, but just to let you know the situation I am in at the moment - buggy!!
Pennsylvania, especially our home, has been inundated with beetles that look like ladybugs - I call them "faux" ladybugs - they are small with dots on their backs and when you pick them up they smell so you want to use a kleenix or papertowel to get rid of them. But since we have so many, we just keep the vacuum out to suck them up.
Today I went into our bathroom and it looked like a combat zone - it was scary to walk in because of all the bugs on the floor, window and walls. So I got out the vacuum and started counting. I have been counting in the past but today I could see a record being made! Now there are some flies in the head count here because they are as disgusting and bothersome as the beetles. Are you ready? 168 of those horrible creatures!!! I sucked them up and then went to my bedroom to take care of the problem (about 2 minutes away from the bathroom), went back to the bathroom and found more!! I don't know where they come from but I am ready to call an exterminator.
Okay, so now I go downstairs to my living room. There is a bird outside the window, trying to get to the bugs that are inside the house flying around and sitting on the window sill. I couldn't believe it! I pull out the downstairs vacuum and get to work....at least 70 bugs and flies. Finally, I have them all which is difficult to do because they seem to come out of the woodwork so you have to look very carefully.
Done...or so I think. I put the vacuum away and glance down...and there's a bug on the front of my shirt....aarrrgghh (a Charlie Brown favorite saying).
Life in Pennsylvania.....come and visit anytime!
Pennsylvania, especially our home, has been inundated with beetles that look like ladybugs - I call them "faux" ladybugs - they are small with dots on their backs and when you pick them up they smell so you want to use a kleenix or papertowel to get rid of them. But since we have so many, we just keep the vacuum out to suck them up.
Today I went into our bathroom and it looked like a combat zone - it was scary to walk in because of all the bugs on the floor, window and walls. So I got out the vacuum and started counting. I have been counting in the past but today I could see a record being made! Now there are some flies in the head count here because they are as disgusting and bothersome as the beetles. Are you ready? 168 of those horrible creatures!!! I sucked them up and then went to my bedroom to take care of the problem (about 2 minutes away from the bathroom), went back to the bathroom and found more!! I don't know where they come from but I am ready to call an exterminator.
Okay, so now I go downstairs to my living room. There is a bird outside the window, trying to get to the bugs that are inside the house flying around and sitting on the window sill. I couldn't believe it! I pull out the downstairs vacuum and get to work....at least 70 bugs and flies. Finally, I have them all which is difficult to do because they seem to come out of the woodwork so you have to look very carefully.
Done...or so I think. I put the vacuum away and glance down...and there's a bug on the front of my shirt....aarrrgghh (a Charlie Brown favorite saying).
Life in Pennsylvania.....come and visit anytime!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Prevention is the best medicine
I forgot to write about the "Prevention" challenge that Emma, Molly, and I are doing (Hannah and Shauna - are you in the loop?). Molly found an article in Prevention magazine about walking a marathon which included a day-by-day plan to prepare for it. I can't imagine myself walking for five hours one Saturday, but we'll see what happens when that day arrives - I'll probably be busy that day....
Anyway, here's my update. Day Three has been accomplished - I'm right on target, having started on Monday. I hope to keep you updated on my progress. The day I don't write about it will be the day that I quit, fail, give up, don't see any progress, sleep in, get lazy, all of the above. Wish me luck!! And good luck to all who try this program.
Anyway, here's my update. Day Three has been accomplished - I'm right on target, having started on Monday. I hope to keep you updated on my progress. The day I don't write about it will be the day that I quit, fail, give up, don't see any progress, sleep in, get lazy, all of the above. Wish me luck!! And good luck to all who try this program.
The last few days have been busy - played dominoes with my nursing home buddies (and won four out of seven games!). Dad asked me once if I let them win, and I usually do, but this time I decided to win if I could - not that dominoes is very hard to play...Anyway, I won four and could have won another one, but decided to draw more dominoes instead. I just told the ladies that I must have gotten up on the right side of the bed that morning. It doesn't take much to get these women to laugh. I then played a little "dinner music" for another group for an hour before going home to spend some time with Gma and Gpa Siebach.
I took Gma to the library with me while I did my volunteer work - she sat in the reading room and enjoyed books about the history of Ford City, Kittanning, and Butler. When I was done we all went to Brookville for dinner at Fox's Pizza.
We watched American Idol too - Gma and Gpa had never seen it before. Kristy has got to go. I had control of the remote (unbelievable!) and would switch back and forth between American Idol and The Biggest Loser. At the end of that show, Gpa decided he wouldn't have to watch that show again. I think the tears and hugging of the men didn't appeal to him too much - pretty dramatic.
I visited with another library volunteer today while I worked - for some reason we were talking about books and then it turned to war and she mentioned her brother was a POW in Germany for six months during WWII - he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was captured then. He didn't talk much about his experiences and I remember my dad (who also served in WWII) didn't talk about it either. I guess they just did what they had to do and fortunately survived. We are lucky we live where we do and have not had to experience war in our backyards.
I took Gma to the library with me while I did my volunteer work - she sat in the reading room and enjoyed books about the history of Ford City, Kittanning, and Butler. When I was done we all went to Brookville for dinner at Fox's Pizza.
We watched American Idol too - Gma and Gpa had never seen it before. Kristy has got to go. I had control of the remote (unbelievable!) and would switch back and forth between American Idol and The Biggest Loser. At the end of that show, Gpa decided he wouldn't have to watch that show again. I think the tears and hugging of the men didn't appeal to him too much - pretty dramatic.
I visited with another library volunteer today while I worked - for some reason we were talking about books and then it turned to war and she mentioned her brother was a POW in Germany for six months during WWII - he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was captured then. He didn't talk much about his experiences and I remember my dad (who also served in WWII) didn't talk about it either. I guess they just did what they had to do and fortunately survived. We are lucky we live where we do and have not had to experience war in our backyards.
Monday, March 24, 2008
You're Never Too Old
I guess it's time to catch up with my kids and try my hand at 'blogging'. I enjoy reading everyone's blogs - and that's all you'll be doing with mine, at least for now - because I don't know how to add pictures. Give me some time.
Today I spent time with four women at a senior living center. We lift weights together for about an hour and it's been great for me (and hopefully for them). I like to ask them questions about their lives, families, and sometimes we just laugh and talk about food - like ice cream and banana cake (which my mom made for me on every birthday - we didn't get gifts, just our favorite cake and ice cream to go with it). Growing up with six brothers and sisters didn't allow for a lot of presents and we were alright with that - I never knew anything different. I think these women probably had similar upbringings - not a lot of money but a treasure of memories. One of the women's parents owned a candy factory and she worked there and remembers eating lots of candy. Her name is Wilma and she is tall and thin. When I first started the class, I asked them each their name and told them to tell me something about them so I could associate it with them. Besides the candy factory, she told me to think of Wilma Flintstone - and it was a perfect fit! I can't look at her now except to think of Fred and Wilma. She's very nice and very active and is in her 80's. I admire these women for their energy and willingness to try new things.
More later....
Today I spent time with four women at a senior living center. We lift weights together for about an hour and it's been great for me (and hopefully for them). I like to ask them questions about their lives, families, and sometimes we just laugh and talk about food - like ice cream and banana cake (which my mom made for me on every birthday - we didn't get gifts, just our favorite cake and ice cream to go with it). Growing up with six brothers and sisters didn't allow for a lot of presents and we were alright with that - I never knew anything different. I think these women probably had similar upbringings - not a lot of money but a treasure of memories. One of the women's parents owned a candy factory and she worked there and remembers eating lots of candy. Her name is Wilma and she is tall and thin. When I first started the class, I asked them each their name and told them to tell me something about them so I could associate it with them. Besides the candy factory, she told me to think of Wilma Flintstone - and it was a perfect fit! I can't look at her now except to think of Fred and Wilma. She's very nice and very active and is in her 80's. I admire these women for their energy and willingness to try new things.
More later....
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