Who do you order chicks from?

I've been ordering from Murray McMurray for about 25 years now. I only had one really bad experience and that was due to the post office taking them to the wrong address. Then they shipped them back to me...ugh! It was horrible on the heart, eyes, and nose, but Murray McMurray made it right. Other than that, we might have one and sometimes two dead, but they usually throw in an extra one or two. When I call within the first 48 hours as they specify, they always give me a credit. This past order of 61 chicks had an extra four chicks in the boxes. I felt that was generous.

Newbies

So, on our way home from one of our camping trips, we decided to do the Bald Mountain Jeep Trail off of Cole Road going down. It was at the halfway point of our journey home so it gave us a good break. We had always come up the mountain before, and we wanted to see how a descent would change the experience.

After we got a little way into it, a Toyota truck came up behind us. When we stopped to let them pass, a polite young man named Jerrod asked Clint if it was OK to follow us down the mountain so he could learn from us. He had just done a lot of work to his truck so he could start off-roading and this was his first off-roading trip! He was with three buddies of his Tristan, Bill from Tucson, and Hunter with a puppy named Chuck.

All of us had a blast!! Emily and Hannah loved having them around and were cheering for them. The soldiers were very patient in answering the girls' questions about their truck and their dog. Clint gave them some good off-roading pointers, and I made them a list of other off-roading places to explore.

The soldiers asked Clint if he was a Marine. Clint replied, "Almost!" and explained how he was disqualified from service just a couple of moments before swearing-in due to a tube in his ear. Jerrod looked Clint in the eye and said, "That is their great loss, sir."

from them that...

“The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

Are you an Alexander the Coppersmith or an Apostle Paul?

 BREAKING NEWS:

Special Force soldiers discovered an ancient letter in a sealed pottery jar while looking for Ali Saed Bin. It was in a cave system in Northern Syria. A translated transcript of the letter follows:

Dear Apostle Paul;

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know about all those letters that you wrote. Well, they got sent to me in one large packet, probably by mistake.

First of all, Paul, I want to let you know that the moment I realized they were not addressed to me, I forwarded them directly to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, as well.

I didn't mean to pry. I didn't even realize they weren't addressed to me until I started reading them. While I was skimming over the letters, I realized I have several concerns regarding what you wrote:

The letter you wrote to the Romans was really, really hard to understand and it sounded like you were really hard on them right off the bat. Now, I can say this: If I didn't understand it, well, I certainly doubt they will! It was like really out there! They probably didn't get what you were trying to say.

It also seemed like you were really down on the Corinthians and Galatians. You certainly could have salted your letters with a little more grace and love, if you ask me. Speaking of which, calling out individuals and saying to beware of them, or have nothing to do with them, or don't eat with them... that seems pretty harsh. We need to love them to the truth! We need to be in their sphere as an influence.

It also appears, in some of your letters, that you picked out favorites to remember by name. That is a bit embarrassing, if you ask me. Think of all the people you, like, left out! That's just crass!

Since we are on the subject, I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you that your letters were just full of do's and don'ts. There was not enough love and grace. Isn't that that the problem that Jesus had with the Pharisees, dumb rules? I mean, like, Jesus talked about love, mercy, and grace all the time!

Really, when you think about it, especially the Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, they weren't raised like us. They didn't have the same type of religious bakground. They aren't even familiar with the basic rules More love and grace should be showed to them than anybody. We should understand that it is a lot for them to bite off, this new life in Christ. I don't think we should raise our expectations too high. On the one hand, you berate them for their divisions, then on the other hand, you say we need to have sound doctrine! Like duh! That's why there are divisions... so we know who has sound doctrine!

By the way, that little short letter you wrote to Philemon: Why didn't you tell him how immoral it is to have a slave? You should have used your apostolic power to tell him to let his slaves go! Didn't we do enough time in Egypt 1,500 years ago? That's like, just wrong!

I appreciate that little blurb you put in one of the letters saying you are human, like the rest of us, and always doing the wrong thing when you wish you could do the right thing. Yes! That's why we have grace! None of us can do the right thing and that's why you should be a little less judgemental! To quote you, "There is therefore now no condemnation..." Those are very beautiful words, Paul, you should just stick with them, but instead, generally speaking, the tenor of your letters was largely negative. Not good! It almost sounds like you are trying to make the perfect church. Don’t you know you cannot make the perfect church? We are just flawed people. I don't even think Jesus ever expected the perfect church. That's why we have grace!

BTW, say, "hi," to Gaius, the jailer for me. I met him one of the times Peter put his foot in his mouth. Me and Gaius are buddies. He can really cut your time down if you give him a little information.

I really feel God wanted me to tell you these things, brother. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I forwarded your letters on.

Sincerely,

Alexander the Coppersmith

--Author Unknown

Work from your RV

https://www.workamper.com/ copy and paste

I know a man, with a wife and three children, who has been forced out of his home. This was a suggestion from a friend of his. 

A New Generation

Around seven years ago, a friend of ours took an interest in Caleb's woodworking. Caleb used the measurements he was given along with the pamphlets about bluebirds and built bluebird nestboxes. He then placed the nestboxes all over our farm. We have had so many babies born here, that we lost count. This is one of this year's nests. If you search the blog, you can see other images of past year's babies.

Reaping the Rewards of Following the Lord's Leading

Brandon was telling me how a person he trained had gone on to do very well. He said it was very rewarding to see someone he taught go so far. I sat there smiling.

I homeschooled Brandon.

God is the one who turned it into a success. :-)

Now, Brandon is teaching others and watching them succeed!

Seeing how the Lord used my yesterdays to bring me and my family to a good place today encourages me to keep trusting Him today for my future.

What will help with my aches and pains?

Question: What will help with my aches and pains? (This person was looking for something that can replace OTC pain relievers specifically Tylenol and Advil.)

Capsicum which is in a lot of peppers works both topically and internally. It is used in topical OTC ointments. My husband and I notice that if we eat jalapenos (roasted with a little salt) a few times a week, it takes care of any aches and pains. You can save the ends that you cut off and extract the oils in rubbing alcohol for topical application.(That process is in the blog. Please use the search bar in the top left corner.)

MonkeyPox

https://www.wnd.com/2022/05/adviser-monkeypox-random-event-spread-gay-sex

Other experts confirm media spinning up 'unfounded' fear

Put not your trust in princes in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Psalm 146:4-5

Repost: Those Parenting Moments

Originally posted July 2014:

If you have children spaced about 18 months or less apart, you know they will find mischief together. I have two sets of children spaced about that far apart. As of this morning, I have another story to add to my collection. Yiddee and H-Bug decided upon a midnight snack last night. H-bug is in a growth spurt so it makes sense she would be hungrier than normal. I would have happily fed her IF she had asked me. Only, she didn't ask me. 

My little girls raided the fridge together, took a smorgasbord of foods to their beds, and made an enormous mess! Then, I think they fell asleep in what they spilled! Yuck! I woke up to two very sticky little girls, stained clothes, a mattress that had to be thrown out, and a BIG mess to clean up. The mingled food smells weren't easy on the stomach. Blech! So much for the sugar and spice...wait, I think they had some of that on the bed too!!

Em is independent and likes to take care of things she feels should be done. That is a very desirable quality in appropriate situations. "Train up a child" means we encourage what is right and discourage what isn't. It means we give a lot of thought to our parenting, respond with a goal in mind, and don't just react to the situation by letting our frustrations take control. We should discipline with wisdom, grace, and patience with a goal of building and not tearing down. 

I don't want to discourage Emily's independent nature that has her acting where she sees a need, but I am working to teach her wisdom and discretion. For Hannah, we discussed about going to the appropriate person for help and for not going along with doing wrong even if it gives personal gain. I am thankful for experiences like this, as frustrating as they can be on an already busy day, because they give me opportunities to shape their character. 

It also gives an opportunity to to self check myself. Am I exampling self control, patience, forgiveness, etc? This morning, I did OK. If it had been another morning, I may have had to apologize for my reaction. 

Apologize?! To children?!! The Bible tells us to apologize to people when we do wrong. Children are people too!! Humility goes a long way in building strong relationships. Please apologize to your children when you mess up, fellow parent. It will only sting your pride for a moment, but they will love and respect you more for it. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (Do a Bible study on pride vs humility, and see what is reaped from each.)

Take heart young moms: ALL of us mothers have these types of stories to share; even the mothers who pretend otherwise. Children do crazy things, and like their parents, none of them are perfect. Start seeing "those moments" as divine appointments for parenting and growth for your own walk. Each situation is the perfect opportunity to mold and shape your child for the Lord. Each situation is also used by the Father to mold and shape you for His purpose in your life.

May there be JOY in your parenting!

More Changes Ahead?

We have another family member who was interviewed for a new position today and will have their third interview on Wednesday. If this position is gained, it will open other doors in the future. However, we are not sure about the timing with the current economy.

******

Another family member has been applying with other companies.

*****

We have asked the Lord to open or close the doors according to His will in each situation. Thank you to any who pray with us.

Brandon's Exciting News

I can share it now that he has turned in his notice to his current employer. 

Brandon has been hired by Honeywell!

He will be working in the industrial sector setting up and migrating industrial computer systems throughout our region.

They were impressed with his broad-ranged credentials and the multi-facility supervisory roles he has achieved at the age of 29. They said he interviewed extremely well and has expertise in the areas they want. 

They gave him an incredible offer! It was one he could not refuse! They have more opportunities for him to advance in the areas he desires, so he is very excited!

While he was willing to sacrifice in pay to get to a company that will help him move further along in his career, he did not have to do that. They exceeded his current salary, gave him a car, phone, computer, vacation, and better benefits. The only thing he had to give up is seeing his Dad and sister now and then at work and his 8 1/2 year tenure.

Homeschooling led by God works! Don't let fear or naysayer's comments hold you back from walking where the Lord is leading! Our five oldest children have performed so well that they were put into leadership roles very quickly. Emily and Hannah are not of employment age.

Thank you to those who were praying with us! Thank you to those who are giving God thanks and rejoicing with us now!

You are not God. God is not you.

There is a current trend to filter the Bible through the words of man when what we should be doing is filtering the words of man through 

The Word of

The Most High. 

Many authors and some pastors today are saying in a very subtle and deceiving manner that we are God or a part of God or like a god. "All you need is inside of you." 

While it is true that we are created in his likeness, we are not omniscient, omnipresent, or omnipotent. We, the created, can not be the Creator. We have no power outside of Him. He is complete without us. 

We are incomplete without Him.

We stand in need of a Savior.

There are those our family knows who believe they are part of the "god head" or the "inclusive trinity." They believe they have all kinds of power they can tap into and use for their own benefit. 

They are adopting the lies of a mere man and giving them more importance than the Word of God. They are embracing false teaching and helping spread it. 

What words/attitude had satan kicked out of Heaven? Do you really want to embrace teaching along those lines? 

Walk carefully in this world.

Dear Reader, I care very much about the people our family knows who have embraced these beliefs. It grieves my heart deeply to see them turn from truth and embrace lies that echo the fallen one. Please join me in prayer for them. The Bible warns us to be sober and vigilant because there is a mighty predator prowling around waiting for an opportunity. He is a liar and a deceiver. He is cunning, manipulative, and very intelligent. If you are reading the words of a fallible man, my advice to you is to filter them carefully through the Word of God. My love to all!

The time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching. But people will find more and more teachers who please them. They will find teachers who say what they want to hear. People will stop listening to the truth. They will begin to follow the teaching in false stories. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Holes in gas cans? fuel lines? Might be this bug...

These are now present where I live. I know of two people who have had holes drilled into their gas cans and mower fuel lines. 

https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2018/06/22/misguided-beetle-causes-woe-for-boats-mowers/

Little Notes

My family has always left little notes like this around for each other. We did it a lot when the children were little. Now, with everyone working and leading very busy lives of their own, it happens less than it use to. I am thankful it still happens. :-)

Dear Reader, Is there someone you can build up with a little note of love or appreciation? Don't hesitate. Life is far too short.

Which Christ will you face? Jesus on the Bema, or Jesus on the Great White Throne?

The closer you get...

 Romans 12:9 says to "Abhor what is evil" and "cleave to what is good".

To Abhor something.. is to HATE it.

So the Bible says to hate what is evil.. and cling to what is good.

All sin is evil, so we should Abhor it.. hate it.

But OBEDIENCE (to God's commands) is good... So we should strive to cling to it.

God hates all sin, because sin is a transgression of God's law.

(1 John 3:4)

Sin is "rebellion" against the will of God.

What parent likes being rebelled against by their children when they instruct a child to do something? Parents want to be honored by their children through obedience and faithfulness.

God is no different.

So the more a child of God grows in the knowledge of Christ, the more our love grows for God.

The things that we know break God's heart, will break ours as well.

The closer you draw to him...

The more you will love what he loves, and hate what he hates.

-author unknown

Strong Man

He is in his mid-50s and is still very strong.
It's because he stays very active and is not afraid to work.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights.
Habukkak 3:19

Prayers for a friend's brother

A friend of mine's brother was in this accident. He is OK. They are asking prayers for all involved and especially for the deceased person's family.

https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/suffolk/3-vehicle-crash-closes-hosier-road-in-suffolk

Prayer for Mark

Please pray for my friend's husband. Mark has had long-term Lyme and coinfections. Things are very serious. He has a severe infection in a wound and has heart issues. They are talking about a PICC line and multiple trips to a far away clinic while at the same time, the family car has broken down. They are in another state, or our family would offer to work on the car. Thank you to all who pray for them.

Home and Big News Coming

I am on my usual late morning break. 

Clint and I are home! We had a wonderful adventure that was both thrilling, relaxing, and very restorative. I so enjoyed the exhilarating 4WD-only roads, the beautiful scenery, the abundant wildlife, the exclusive access to trails we were given, the historical buildings we had the privilege of sleeping in/using for one night, the absolute quiet, the amazing view of the stars, the people we met, and so much more! We covered so many miles doing the overlanding. We came home both tired and rejuvenated! Both of us want to go again. We actually talked about taking another trip next weekend, but we decided to wait. We have a long trip planned in the fall with most of our family.

We were able to share the gospel with well over 200 people on this past trip! That was more than twice what we had hoped for before we left!! It is double what we did on the last trip.

Once we were where our phones could pick up a signal, our phones buzzed for several minutes straight! We are still in a vacation frame of mind. We will get back to everyone over the next few days. 

We were in touch with our children every few days to check on home, but it was only for 10-15 minutes at a time.

One of us Asbells has big news! I will share soon.

Another one of us has an opportunity that may open up. 

And, another one of us is seeking an opportunity!

I will be soon at our private vacation spot so Clint and I can do a little work there. I am also considering starting a couple of new projects. I am still bouncing around ideas about the timing. I enjoy being highly productive and trying new things, but I want to make sure I can manage adding more to my already full schedule. 

Life is very exciting at the moment! 

My love to all!

Please Pray for Walter

Walter had to have another surgery due to continuing episodes of his trachea collapsing and cardiac arrest. They did a three-in-one surgery like last time and have also put in an ND tube hoping it will stop the episodes. Please pray this gives him and his parents some relief.

Sarah is very weary and could use prayer. He pulled out his tube overnight. They are going to put in a new ND tube. The student nurse has not relayed Sarah's concerns correctly. The doctors are also trying to do procedures Sarah feels are unnecessary, so she is having to advocate hard for Walter during this stay. Please pray for her. 

It's because of the stories...

Graveyards don't scare me.
I would spend more time walking through them if I had the time to spare.

We found a foundation

You can see Emily, who is wearing her crazy Christmas sweater, walking away. We found these old stone steps, a stone foundation, stone flower beds, and a stone chimney from a dwelling in the forest. We crawled all over it! It was a fun find! We plan to go back and recon the rest of the area on another trip.

"But why do you call Me "Lord, Lord," and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49

Trees

If you have been reading the blog for any length of time, you know I take a lot of pictures of trees. Like people, they have stories to tell.

 

two shall become one

 

This one reminds me of the pictures of trees with hidden objects in them.

At one time she was strong and beautiful. The scars of living left their mark on this ridge-top sentinel.

A Very Effective Camping Heater

Maggie (white), Mercury (red), Marty (black). Sweet little Rachet laid near my feet.

The weather unexpectedly changed while we were camping in April. It went from comfortably crisp days to downright freezing.

There were four of us and four tiny dogs, so we each slept with one. It really helped keep us warmer. I cut socks to make "coats" for our dogs to keep them warm. However, I took those off at night for their sleeping comfort.

I sent this picture to Amanda by text and told her it had turned very cold and damp, but I found a heater so I was toasty. She wrote back that she had the same type of heater but "a different model." :-)

Everything around us was soaking wet

...and I was happy about it! Usually, when we go camping, the weather is great. On the April trip, I was able to really test my fire-starting skills!
I found dry tinder inside of a hollowed-out log. I showed the girls how to collect it, keep it dry while transporting it, and use it to start a fire.

I always carry other forms of tinder, but I like to learn and experience new ways of doing things. This camping trip allowed us to learn quite a bit.

from my mind would not depart

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill.
living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

__ extra stanza __

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

Dr. Seuss Bush and Amanda's Sketch

 

 

This was outside of a church.
Clint, the girls, and I went into town for a few things early one morning and stopped here to check our phones. I sent the picture of the bush to Amanda and told her it looked like a Dr. Seuss creature. She sent the hastily done sketch back to me before we were out of range again.

Just a picture of an awesome man standing on a rock

We saw signs others had turned around. There were no fresh tracks on the other side either. He wanted to check the depth. I went down with him and walked back quickly so I could get this shot while he was still down there. I do that alot :-)! It is deeper than it looks and had a bit of a current. We went on through and found beautiful places!

Awww, Poor Baby!

Courage has been altered.

He is no longer a threat to my breeding program.

He wasn't feeling that great when Brandon took him home, but he's doing better now.
I'm going over to check on him in a little while.
He has to stay home by himself until his stitches are healed.

Stay Salty

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”" Luke 14:34-35

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13

Dear Reader, Being lukewarm is believing but showing indifference to what you believe. Showing indifference in what you believe is the worst of attitudes and comes with warnings. If your faith in Jesus has any value, it is worth everything to you. There is no room to believe in Jesus and be neutral in how you live. Salvation through Jesus is LIFE and ETERNITY CHANGING. Jesus wants people to declare themselves in earnest as either for him or against him. Hot or cold, not inbetween.

Note that both passages end with a stern warning and dire consequences: “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” and "no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." As ambassadors for Christ, we should be creating a thirst in other people for righteousness that comes from knowing Jesus. 

Are you serving Him, yourself, or some idea? Which of those is your passion, gets you motivated? People often say they are serving Jesus through serving an agenda or another person's desires. That's a trap (distraction/diversion)! We are called to carry out His work which is spelled out in the Bible.

Paul was battling this very thing in Corinth. He was having to correct people in the Church who felt the only way to get others to believe in Christ was to use philosophy which he called the “enticing words of man’s wisdom" to which he replied, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, I came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1–2. 

Paul is saying that the core of his ministry was that Jesus was/is the Redeemer of the world. Nothing outside of Jesus can break the hold of sin and death. We don't need to dilute that message. Instead, we need to examine what we are putting out there to make sure we are sticking to the simpicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We do not need to mix anyone or any ideas with Jesus to make him worthy. Break free of "man's wisdom" and man's agendas and share the gospel of Christ! 

My love to all!

Gardening Inspiration

Weak-minded people make excuses while the strong-minded
find their way around the obstacles.

Lyme and Mental Health Connection

The investigators found that people with Lyme disease had a greater risk of mental problems and suicide attempts. They also had a 42% higher incidence of depression and bipolar disorder, and a 75% higher rate of death by suicide, compared with people without Lyme disease. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-08-17/lyme-disease-can-wreak-havoc-on-mental-health

-shared from a friend who is battling very hard

Please lift my friends who are battling Lyme Disease and the co-infections that are almost always present with it. I personally know of several people with this horrible but often medically unrecognized disease.

It was way off the road and had a fabulous view...

You never know what you will find...even deep in the forest!!

While I was scanning a pond for signs of fish, Emily and Hannah came running out of the woods laughing so hard.
I don't know if Rodin would appreciate Clint's adaptation, but he enjoyed making us laugh.

Happy Mother's Day

 Happy Mother's Day 

to our family and friends

near and far, 

old and new,

close and estranged

with a loving mother's heart 

no matter if you have many children or none. This includes those who conceived and lost, those whose child grew and left for Heaven, teachers and social workers who see the hurting child and respond, and fathers who step up to fill both roles. I hope you know your love and concern matters in a child's life, and you are worth your weight in gold! 

The only life people get from their human parents is physical. But the new life that the Spirit gives a person is spiritual. John 3:6

Mother's Day and Beyond

Update: Our trip plans are fluid because Clint's job is flexible. We have already added more time to our trip...and might add more. Brandon is watching over 2314. I also had the date wrong in the post below. It is the 20th we are due back, not the 10th. For those who are concerned about us being out of cell tower range, we have Clint's HAM radio with us. We also carry a first aid kit, trauma kit, food, water, multiple ways to start fire and purify water (if needed), etc. We like to get way out there and go for long hikes..and see what we can see!

____

Brandon and Clint are on a roof doing the work for the family that I asked they do for my Mother's Day gift. They are installing 8 panels that will provide power for our pool pump and other things. We are supposed to also put one on our Suburban.

Then, tomorrow, we celebrate all day with the whole family and a meal together. 

Soon after, I will be out of state with Clint until the 10th for a "kind of surprise but not*" overlanding adventure to an area I have never visited before. 

The blog will have posts that were prescheduled, but I am not home. I also will not have a working cell phone or internet for much of this time. SO...

if I do not respond to a phone call, text, or etc, that is why. :-)

My love to all! 

*He had to let me in on it so I could inventory and pack our gear. I also made a few new purchases for just in case.

Thumbs and Such

So, I have something eating produce in a garden bed. I'm thinking it is a rat or a vole. I pulled out a trap.

Emily looked at it and said, "That thing can take your thumb off!"

She volunteered to bait it and set it for me.

She later came in and told me, "I can't figure out how to set it, (big sigh) AND (a pause and then continuing with lots of laughter) that thing will NOT take your thumb off!!"

She stuck up her sore thumb and walked out laughing at herself.

Dear Reader, I am so thankful for these joy-filled days of having the children I was told I shouldn't have. "After 35 is TOO OLD!!!" Don't listen to people. Earnestly seek the Lord and follow where He leads you without looking back. He brings us to good places!

What ate my chickens?

Wendy, what ate my chickens? (It was accompanied by pictures)

From the hole size, I'd guess a skunk. What got the chickens is not the most important question to ask. How to make the coop stronger is what you need to know.

As you can see, the bricks around the outside of the pen were simply pushed aside. From there, it was an easy dig on soft soil to enter the coop.

What works for me is to have a woven wire bottom on the ground where the pen will go. That bottom extends some from the side of the pen. If I do not do that, I ring the outside of the pen with chicken wire folded in half. Half goes on the ground and half goes against the pen's wall going away from the pen. This way, if the predator runs up to the pen and begins to dig, it digs on the wire. 

All of my pens for poultry also have woven wire fencing or chicken wire on the top. Not only do we livestock owners have to worry about ground attacks, but air raids from predator birds are a real threat.

I also keep a dog in a large run near my poultry. This has been very, very effective. I'd say it was one of the best things I have done with our livestock. 

For the pens that border our wooded areas, I use predator lights that mimic predator eyes and motion solar lights. 

I also ask my menfolk to urinate around the pen. The smell does seem to be a deterrent. When I have employed this technique where I have had multiple strikes, the losses stopped. We are blessed that no one is close by and our men can do this. Friends have their men urinate in a bucket and they pour that around. Eons ago, I read it was the testosterone in the male urine that makes the predator go away. In other words, the predator knows the human has laid claim to and will defend the area because of the scent marking.

Every once in a while, something still gets taken by a predator. Our geese free-range and we have goslings waddling about the acres. One was taken recently. I saw a very large fox in the driveway, so I believe it is the culprit. Something also struck the outdoor aviary and took a few parakeets. It had to have been something fairly small like a young weasel. The only entry point I saw was a very small area at the corner of the door. To give you an idea, the manufacturer made a square opening for a rounded door. I will be working to tighten up that pen this week.

I believe we should live with nature as much as we can, but I also believe in dealing with problem animals. My livestock count on me taking responsibility for their safety. The predator is working against that. Generally, I will ignore one gosling being taken, but if it becomes a problem, I start setting traps. Anytime I have something taken by a predator, I alert my neighbors so they can watch out for their livestock also. They appreciate it and often offer to help out.

How did your morning start?

I am MamaBear over all at Contentment Acres. The crows alerted me early this morning that the predator that has been killing our chickens and goslings was moving our way again. I ran out there barefoot for an opportunity to protect our livestock. It was going to use a well-worn deer trail in the woods to cross the driveway.

Foaming Tree

 I saw this tree foaming, so I had to find out why...

"As rainwater trickles down the tree stem or trunk (called stemflow), it collects deposited dust particles (i.e. salts) and plant residues (i.e. acids) that have accumulated on the bark surfaces. Bubbles are formed through the process of “stemflow mixing”. As this dissolved, simple soap solution flows down the trunk, it encounters barriers and bumps, like bark plates, furrows, and ridges. The solution is then tumbled, mixed and aerified, during its downward flow to the ground, generating the bubbles or soapsuds, which collect at the tree base. Occasionally, a light coating of foam may even be visible higher up on the tree trunk. Stemflow mixing has no known deleterious effect on tree health.

Tree suds can happen in all types of trees and has been observed occurring in all continents where trees grow."

https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1595

Please pray for T

Please pray for T. who has stage 3 lung cancer. Please pray also for his salvation. I will share his name and more details later. 

Here

Cooking Oil Substitutes

Cooking oil rationing is happening in other countries. Supplies of cooking oils are very low in my area at the moment. The shelves are about 25-33% stocked of what is normal and that is after they reduced the shelving space to hold less. Prices have skyrocketed. Tips:

Use a little less of what you have to make it last longer.

Learn the substitutes for oils. for example, I have been using fruit purees in cake mixes since the 90s. Applesauce is an example of a fruit puree that can be substituted for oil.

Research the health benefits of and learn how to render these fats: schmaltz, lard, tallow. You may already have invested money in and are throwing away replacements for cooking oils. I have found that I can use quite a bit less and still have a nice finished product in most dishes. 

My generation was been taught that fats are bad and that we should avoid them. However, fats are very important for health. The stick margarine that was pushed as "healthier" in the 70s is detrimental to heart health in more than one way. I also think that time period's advice on fats has something to do with the rising cases of Alzheimer's and dementia. I'd rather use something that comes to us naturally. 

My favorite fat to render is lard from our pasture raised hogs.

There will be a lot of people who will tell you that you can't keep tallow or lard on a shelf or that you can't keep it on a shelf for longer than xx amount of time. When I have cared to ask, most naysayers on whatever they are talking about have not even tried the thing they are saying can't be done. So, I don't give most of that advice much attention. I just go ahead an try it. 

Tallow and lard, rendered properly, are shelf stable. I have lard that is a couple years old on my pantry shelf that still looks, smells, and tastes as fresh as when I put it in the canning jar. Your nose will tell you very quickly if it is spoiled. It will smell chemically. Mold is also a sign it had gone bad. If the taste is sour, it's bad.

I pour the hot tallow or lard into the canning jars via funnel and cap them after they cool. Waiting until they have cooled prevents condensation that can cause mold. I fill them to within 1/2 inch of the top before I move to the next jar.

Schmaltz needs to be refrigerated or frozen. Schmaltz is made from the yellow fat layer that forms on top of the gelatin like layer. Once we cook chicken, we strain the juices into a wide bowl and put it into the fridge until it solidifies. We separate it with a spatula and make the schmaltz. I use the gelatin like layer to flavor soups. 

If you do have fat that goes bad, especially the tallow or lard, remember there are other uses for it like lubrication, candles, etc. 

Dear Reader, I learned a lot of what I know from reading books from authors other times and other cultures. These people survived or are surviving just fine without modern conveniences like refrigeration. They often possess a wealth of knowledge for anyone who cares to learn. My love to all!

No Need to Ask "Are We There Yet?"

 “I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army (1829-1912)

What are some herbal or alternative antifungals?

Here is my answer:

natural antifungals: garlic, oregano oil, turmeric, olive leaf extract, coconut oil (caprylic acid), goldenseal, barberry, onions, black walnut, tea tree oil, cloves, etc. Neem oil is used internally and externally in some countries, but it is not common in the US. 

Dear Reader, I encourage you to thoroughly research each and also research and consider contraindications (other medications or health concerns that may cause harm if taken with a specific herb). Learn the difference between maintenance dosages (daily) and therapeutic (healing) dosages. Therapeutic dosages can be much higher than maintenance dosages. What you see on most labels are low maintenance or maintenance dosages. They want to keep their liability down because most people will not do the underlined part in this paragraph.

Update: I forgot about honey!! Raw honey is also a strong antifungal. It is also a good antibacterial. This is because it contains naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide. 

Found with the Excavator

Shenango China Bowl from 1926. The number code is the date code.

I am amazed this was not broken when the excavator brought it up.

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a teacher, an archaeologist, a nurse, or a vet. I homeschooled my children, have a farm full of livestock I do 99% of the vet care for, am an herbalist, and have been unearthing things on my farm and other properties for decades now. I sought the Lord on what I should spend my life doing, and He gave me all of my heart's desires. Thank you, Father, for loving me the way you have! You lead us to good places!

It was my view for a couple of hours...

Clint is tireless and gives sacrificially. I am so thankful God gave him to me.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7

Motherhood is an art

Motherhood is an art. And it is naive to send a mother into an arena for twenty years with a child and expect her to come out on top. Everything is in the child's favor. He's little, he's cute, and he can turn tears on and off like a faucet. ~Erma Bombeck~