Next, Eatible plants. We will be learning how to identify and actually cook some up to eat! That one is a two day workshop in August.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Botany Day at Racoon Creek
Next, Eatible plants. We will be learning how to identify and actually cook some up to eat! That one is a two day workshop in August.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
And the garden is finished!
Here, we layed weed cloth down and got the frames with chicken wire in place.
My gate. This gate was built in Georgia when we lived there. C built it for me and I loved it so much we hauled it with us. Yes, he rolled his eyes, still does. But that's ok. I like my gate. :-)
I started with 1 4 x 4 garden last year. This year it has grown. I hope to Keep It Simple, yet have an abundance of food to freeze and can. If you are interested in Square Foot Gardening, check out his website or better yet, buy the book. It is fantastic!
Peace,
Dee
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
As a daughter of God, her faith was important to her, important enough that she studied and knew her "Bible", the old testament, so very well. She had confidence and faith in God. Her obedience to Him is so natural, and her faith so strong that when the angel Gabriel came, she didn't doubt, she was confused as to how it could happen. The Yes that Mary said, the "be it done to me according to His will", could only come from a surety of faith in God. Putting herself in His hands.
As a wife, her obedience to Joseph. HELLO! If your husband woke you in the middle of the night and said we are leaving now...and you were 8 mths pregnant, would you not look at him like he lost his mind! She was quiet, always keeping things in her heart. Meditating on the things that people spoke of. She didn't run to Sally her neighbor and "dump" if you will, all that has been happening, or all that Joseph is asking her to do. She pondered them, quietly in her heart. Should we not give our husbands the same respect, and come closer to achieving that Proverbs 31 woman of being a asset to our husbands?
And finally, but not least, as a Mother. I don't need to go on about her Son, Jesus. I want to write about her role as a Mother. Her angst and panic when Jesus was lost for 3 days. Then her total relief when she and Joseph found him. Her teaching Jesus, knowing...pondering in her heart all the things people had said through the years (at His birth, at the temple..both times), her teaching this little boy. Giving all she had- a mother's love, teaching when He was very little, and ultimately, giving her heart. Her Son had to do something for me and you. He HAD to. For all generations past, present, and future (that would be us back then!). Mary didn't jump in and say - No, Jesus, not now, don't do this now! No, she remained quiet. Maintaining the quiet, humble spirit that God had seen in her to choose her as the Mother of His Son. For even to the point of being on the Cross. She cried, she hurt - for all the things happening she still had human feelings, feelings of a Mother. Her Son was being beaten and NAILED to a wooden cross. As He hung there, the soldiers and people had enough respect for her that they didn't push her away. She was there at the foot of that Cross, the cross for you and me. With blood running down her Son, and His flesh torn. She was there. Supporting Him, Loving Him, and caring from a distance because all that pondering through the years had lead her to understand what had to be done. She accepted God's will for herself early on, and she was accepting God's will for us at the foot of the Cross.
Please pause just for a moment to thank her. She is so deserving of just a moment of your time.
God's peace,
Dee
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Ruthless Spring cleaning
Out with the old...
In with the new..
So, this week I am concentrating on finalizing clutter in the office and linen shelves while getting back to the joys of routines. Tomorrow, Laundry and House blessing day along with shred the mile high mountain of papers.
Decluttering and paring down your home always brings about peace. If you can't do like I've done, and I realize the Lord has blessed me with the time and ablity to do that, you CAN take it one day at a time. Start with a list of all the things bothering you. Break it down by room, then break it down to the top thing to accomplish that day, then the next. Don't get to far ahead, remember...If you ever want to see God laugh, make plans. When I am addressing my list in each room, I tend to mark A B C for Monday, then when Monday is done, A B C for Tuesday. That way if things come up, like Molly has an eye infection so off to the vet we go, it won't mess up a whole week's worth of plans.
My home is coming together, finally. After almost 2 years I am able to settle in. I think we are staying for a bit, at least until the Lord says otherwise.
May God's peace be upon you,
Dee
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Graduation Day!!
Danielle's platoon doing a "Pass by" on the parade deck.
Sisters, a bond that can never be broken.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
3 days until Danielle's Boot Camp Graduation

We will get to see her Thursday for family day, that will be the first time since January 12 when she left. She called last Sunday for the first time, and we were gone. (insert really sad face here). That's ok, the Lord allowed Chris to hear her voice and he said she seemed excited to see us on Thursday...so she made it through the Crucible!
We leave this afternoon, driving for 3 hrs then will finish the drive (9hrs) tomorrow. Our hope is we will be back in time for Easter service Saturday night. God willing we should be.
Please keep her in your prayers, and us as we travel.
God's peace,
Dee
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Quote about Proverbs
"Proverbs is like a multi-vitamin, take one daily."
by me!
Cute huh?! Though I can't take the credit for it, the Lord gets the glory.
God's peace,
Dee
Monday, March 30, 2009
Basket Weaving Weekend
As one friend said, not only did the Lord bless me with the spark inside being ingnited, but also gave me some books and supplies as if to say "yes, this is what I want you to do, oh and here is a bag to carry it all in." I could never have afforded all this without saving for a time for it all.
God knows what we need and if we are willing to step out in faith, He will be there to bless our efforts. Know Him. Trust Him. He will always be faithful to you.
Dee
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Giving from your living

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Houston, We have pictures!!!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
New Camera!!
Yippee!! Yippee!!
I went to Circuit City's closeout sale and the camera I had my eye on a few weeks ago was on sale (praise God)...and it was the last one, the display model, so I got an extra savings. AND I AM LOVIN' IT!! God is so good.
Now if I could just figure out how to use the dern thing LOL. Oh the pictures it is producing. I can't even begin to describe.
As I get used to it I will be posting, just wait and see.
This camera means so much to me sometimes I just carry it with me, just because. The night I got it we went to dinner and it sat right in front of me...never with in reach of C (how do you make that little sound when you are being sneaky or ornry, well imagine that here.)
Now if I can just figure out a way to carry it with me all the time, and my purse, and my water, and whatever else needs to go with me for that moment. Because don't you know. The very moment I leave without my camera, there is something amazingly beautiful that I spot, and this beautiful fandangled gadit is at home!
Any suggestion from those who carry theirs?
Oh the place's I'll go, .
God's peace,
Dee
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ice Day!!
Today is an Ice day here, sort of like a snow day...only snow then ice. It is a mess. In all my life of living in the north-east (all of 1 1/2 yrs :-) I have never seen anything like it.
Yesterday it snowed 3-4 inches, then turned into rain. Only to wake up this morning to the 4 inches of snow completely ICED over. From the top it looks like a glaze on top, a shiney glaze. I will post a picture later.
So events of today:
-Chris' classes are all canceled.
-Roads are closed except to emergency vehicles (or the random wife who feels it's a real emergency to drive to Kroger to get Cold-Eze b/c her hubby is trying to stay healthy and ward off anything that's developing. And she really wants to start her new job next week healthy too!!)
-Trees are snapping like crazy and everything outside is covered with a sheathing of ice.
-It has already rained all day, then turned to ice rain (again) and a big snow dumping ontop of the mess we had.
-So, Chris is napping, I'm doing laundry and our budget and getting ready to make some tea.
Anyone else for tea? Tea always calms the nerves and let me tell you, almost every hour I am praising the Lord for electricity and a heater.
God's peace,
Dee
Thursday, January 22, 2009
First letter
But all in all...she says "I'm doing what I can to become a Marine." She is doing good...Praise God!
Please keep her in your prayers.
God's peace,
Dee
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Burrr
It's MINUS 4 degrees outside this morning!!!!
(eyeballs are poppin' out here, and frozen while popped out!)
Nobody ever said anything about MINUS temp's when we moved here!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009

To reach out with love and forgiveness to those who have hurt us time and again in the past - and possibly may do it again.
To open our arms to those who have only taken from us and never filled us when we needed it.
To NOT be a director over others lives - but to allow God to be their director.
God gives us the grace to do this.
It is our will, our choice, to do God's will and love our brothers and sisters, or to do our will and be lost and far from Him.
The awesome part is - He is always there should we wonder. Waiting for our return. Like a loving parent to a child who has wondered away to do what he or she wants. That parent loves them enough to let go and let them discover themselves - but is there when they come back. God does this for us. How can we turn away and say "I want to live this way not that. The Lord is coming but not today" to a God who loves us enough to give us warnings and offers the teaching we need to live.
Do we love Him enough to show Him through our actions today? Right now - in the next person that crosses our path?
God's peace be with you today,
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New Dutch oven on the way!!
I already have Lodge cast iron's, which are slowly getting seasoned (though don't try scrambled eggs. If you do add one extra egg to make up for what sticks!! LOL) and now I have found Lodge has enamel cookware just like Le Creuset! For a fraction of the cost! How awesome is that!
I was concerned about the lead content in the glass that is used in the enamel and this is what Lodge Logic says:
Are Lodge Enamel products tested for lead safety?
Lodge utilizes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Test Procedure 7.5.1.4a Leachability of Lead and cadmium for Glazed Ceramic Surfaces. The FDA Division of Compliance Programs uses ASTM-C738 as the Standard Method of Test for glazed ceramic. In addition to information provided by vendors, Lodge Manufacturing Company uses third party testing to ensure that products with the Lodge name comply with standards set forth by the United States Food & Drug Administration. All our domestic as well as imported cookware complies with the FDA Standards. We are also in compliance with California Proposal 65, the world’s most rigid standard for lead and cadmium content.
I'm convinced. So it's on the way. A nice, red (Island Spice) 6 qt dutch oven by Lodge Logic. Check it out...

Nice huh?!
I am still shopping for a new camera, though I started my photography class last night and found out I can get the close up pictures I want with a good Macro lens for my Minolta 35mm. That would save a bit of money. The tough part is that I've gotten spoiled. I like looking at my pictures BEFORE I get them printed. Silly I know, but we all have our quirks!
God's peace,
Dee
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Tagged
But alas, I am getting the opportunity to play the game and tag others so here goes:
7 Unusual things about me:
1. I love to be outdoors, especially at 5 am..alone with God.
2. I wear boots (Ropers) all the time, unless we've had snow..then I break out the fur lined Merrel's.
3. I enjoy making things and giving it to someone anonymously.
4. I am taking a photography class this semester.
5. I have raised 2 step-daughters for the past 17 years.
6. My soul is comforted by the hug of a horse or dog.
7. I dream of having a home with a bit of land for a few animals.
Ok so here's who I'm tagging - Susan , Rhee , Cyn , Ang , http://prairieportraits.blogspot.com/ , that's it for now...breakfast is ready. Priorities ya know!
So for the blogs I tagged, here's how you play the game:
1. Put a link in your posting to the person who tagged you.
2. List 7 unusual things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 other bloggers and let them know.
God's peace,
Dee
A New Chapter
After finishing a 4th step inventory (many of you know I'm in Al-Anon) I have been given the grace to see into myself. The good, the bad, and the space in between. With my birthday, I am celebrating the good, while reviewing and remembering daily I am a good person. God created me to love and be loved. I am a daughter of the King of Kings, and He loves me! I have found my values. I have found the woman who has been lost for years, and along with that, the anxiety of how in the world to make changes using 2%, as my dear loving sponsor is teaching me.
The grace to see within myself the bad. The thinking that I am not worthy of taking care of myself or putting my needs and wants out there to tend to. The grace to see how I have been treating myself. All from the years of growing up with an alcoholic, my thinking has been skewed. Some of my belief's just evolved from circumstances, some from things I was told.
But as my dear sister has put it on This Day...this day I am a good person who loves to give of myself to others - I just have to learn to do it without losing myself. My focus this day is on me, learning about me, understanding what it is to take care of me, and how to have fun all over again. Today, I am letting others keep their problems, emotions, and schedule's for it is not mine to manage or fix. Today, I am celebrating the next half of my life. And there will be change, for I am created by God and I deserve to know I am worthy!!
Today, This day...I am loving me!
The more I read the Bible and learn, really understand, the person Jesus Christ, I am learning He lived in a state of loving and caring for others but with detachment. He took care of himself first (going off to pray, sleeping when he needed it) yet He gave of Himself to anyone that crossed His path and ASKED Him for help. That is the eye opener for me. They asked. He did not go out and search for people to help, or get in their business and tell them how they could better themselves. He healed, He taught, and He loved all with those who came to Him. What an example to live by.
I am grateful for God sending His son to teach me, and to tell me I am worthy just because I breathe!
May God grant you peace...This Day,
Dee
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Without a camera!
As my life journey continues on I have learned:
* I love to be a housewife, but I need to do things that "fill" me too.
*Cleaning is important but not "all that". There are more things to life then a "routine" of daily cleaning, maintenance, and planning.
*When I focus on C or anyone else to much I lose myself. Currently I feel invisible so I am working to change that by doing things that make my heart sing: Photography class, drawing class and attending a Winter Weave basket weaving 3day workshop near Cleveland in February, volunteering at our church's thrift shop.
*Turning 40 in two weeks can bring two choices...1) Whoa! I am starting a new chapter in my life! with Oh my gosh! Where has the years gone...what am I going to do with the rest of my life? OR 2) Yikes I'm turning 40! How did THAT happen!
It is fitting that the Lord has brought me to this point in my life now. With the Incarnation of Christ and meditating on His coming, I have been standing back and looking at me, my life and where I am with Him in my journey.
My current meditations: Perfect Love casts out ALL fear. This leaves me to ask Him what is this Perfect Love? How can I get it to sink from the head to the heart? He is working on me, slowly, in a way only I will know. But for today, He asks me to be quite and come to spend time with Him so He can tell me how much He loves me. {smile}
I wish you a Merry Christmas and may God's peace be upon you~
Dee
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
It's about God
~God's peace...
Obama won the presidency. Many people may think, "Oh great! This country is going to hell in a handbasket" or how "this person can devastate our country."
But wait! This is perfect grounds for the Lord to work miracles and we can praise & glorify Him.
We must draw near. We must pray, fast and give of ourselves. Sacrifice. For the Lord must know we belong to Him, not to a person. God made Barack Obama. God can do anything. I have hope and believe in God, as my guide, as my protector, as my creator.
I see this as a beautiful opportunity to give praise & glory to God for miracles He can do. For we will know they are from Him - all the more to praise Him.
We needed this! For our faith's sake.
