The little dog shelter in the holler

Down by the old creek...

2012-02-03T14:07:00.007-06:00

This winter is so unusual, so far, it has been really mild. So, the buttercups are up by the creek which means I had to get down there and get up close. I love our buttercups, some were here when we bought the place but some of them are from JP's grandmother's house. My mom had gotten some from her back when we got married and then when we moved here she gave me some...you follow?

The creek in the holler.

Ya'll have a great weekend. Blessings from the holler...

Goings on...

2012-01-25T14:04:00.005-06:00

These are the roses that JP brought to me for our anniversary. They actually smell like roses! I just love the burgundy flowers, they really serve to set off the pink roses.

We've been having visitors each afternoon. Anywhere from 4-9 deer come to the edge of our back yard and graze. I just love it. The dogs don't feel the same though. I endure the barking and pleading eyes as long as I can so the deer can graze but eventually I cave and let the dogs run. Then the dogs come back in and the deer come back out,,,,and repeat above. Sorry for the picture quality, my hands were shaking.

Charlie says hello.

This is Corrie's latest thing. She sits at the front window with her chin rested on the window sill looking out, so pensive. I think it's adorable.

Today, and for the past few days, I've had the windows open. I love being able to air out the house but this is weird Mid-January weather. I think we better brace ourselves for February. Other than these few things there's not much going on. So, blessings to you all from all of us in the holler...

Happy Anniversary to my Dearly Beloved!

2012-01-18T08:35:00.003-06:00

I just want to take a moment this morning and make this post to, once again, let Mrs. JP know on this, our 27th anniversary, that she is a better wife than I ever deserved and that I love her dearly, more and more each day.

May God bless your day, dear, and continue blessing you for all eternity in Christ Jesus, as I know He will.

He has brought us a long way in our walk together and blessed us richly, praise be to Him.

Us in 1985.

Oh, and one more thing: No, I love YOU more!

That's what little sisters are for...

2012-01-16T16:29:00.005-06:00

Scrappy's latest fascination is licking Charlie on the face or in his mouth. This poor guy just wants to sit as close to me as possible and be at peace but as you can see it's not happening.

Charlie is giving me the "help me" look.

Yep,,,really annoying!

Absolutely no peace around here for the handsome fellow!

Blessings to you all from the holler...

Another really good recipe...

2012-01-11T17:08:00.002-06:00

I made this salad last night and it was so good. When we lived in Florida I became a fan of fruit in my savory salads and this one is my new favorite. I made one exception to the recipe, I didn't add the olive oil because it just seemed like there was enough with the bacon grease. You all know that given the choice,,,I'll always choose bacon. :O) Sorry, no pictures, we ate it as soon as it was plated!!

Ingredients
8 pieces smoked bacon, reserve grease ( fried crispy)
4 ounces spinach, Fresh Baby Spinach ( stems removed)
2 fresh pears, sliced, or bite-size pieces
1/2 cup fresh blueberries (optional)
1/4 bunch fresh mint leaves, torn
2 ounces goat cheese, soft, crumbled
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
8 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
4 tablespoons bacon grease, reserved
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
fresh ground pepper

Directions
Fry smoked bacon to crispy stage. Remove from skillet, let cool and reserve grease for dressing;
Wash and Plate Spinach (remove stems); Wash and slice pears (using red pears will add color) -
arrange over the bed of spinach; Add Blueberries if desired; Tear mint leaves and add to the
plates; Crumble the crispy bacon and goat cheese over top. Dressing is simple -- Add vinegar,
Dijon mustard and honey to blender, mix well. With blender set on low speed, add bacon grease,
and add EVOO slowly to emulsify dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste' mix well on high for the
last couple of minutes. Drizzle on salad, and serve.

Let me know if you try this recipe. I think you'll like it. Blessings from the holler...

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pull Bread...

2012-01-05T09:44:00.003-06:00

I have been meaning to make this recipe since before Christmas and finally did last weekend. We really enjoyed it.

1 unsliced loaf of (round is preferable) sourdough bread
8-12 oz cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
3 oz bag Oscar Mayer Real Bacon bits
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix

Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. Do not cut through the bottom crust. Place slices of cheese in between cuts. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, making sure to get in between cuts. Mix together butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap in foil the entire loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Blessings from the holler...

I got my copy of MAXDOG!...

2012-01-02T09:22:00.005-06:00

Actually, I got my copy of MAXDOG just before Christmas. It is such a good book. Some of you know MAXMOM's blog and have and idea of part of the story but it's so wonderful to have the blanks filled in. I've been reading it slowly and enjoying each page; this book is so relatable and uplifting. It is a must read. Here's the information so you can get your copy because, although I love you all, I don't think I'll be sharing mine :)

“MAXDOG”

AUTHOR: Caryl Moll
PUBLISHED BY: Porcupine Press
Available from: early December 2011
Price to be advised.

MAXDOG is the story of a Golden Retriever who becomes a rock of emotional support for his owner after she faces a series of devastating life events that plunge her into deep depression. Years later, the tables are turned and roles are reversed, when Max is diagnosed with a cancer that will soon take his life.

In her journey to personal healing, Max's owner rediscovers her love of writing and begins an inspirational internet blog sharing Max’s final months with her readers. MAXDOG of South Africa, the blog, captures a world-wide audience giving Max's owner new purpose and direction in her life.

MAXDOG is filled with laughter, tears and bittersweet moments that will pull the reader into its pages. This heartwarming tale is testimony to the enduring power of the human spirit, and the unconditional love shared between a Golden Retriever and its owner.
“This is my dog;
Nothing he lacks.
My faithful companion,
This is my Max.”

Should you wish to reserve a copy of this book, please email the author:
carylmoll@yahoo.com
“Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!”
083 324 7921
http://www.africanwhitechild.blogspot.com

Blessings to you all from the holler...

It will soon be another year...

2011-12-31T17:47:00.003-06:00

What does this mean, really? Another date I have to remember as I date things. Our insurance deductible starts over. But nothing really remarkable. In former years I stressed that we should "see" the new year in! Ha Ha Ha...Now, my motto is what better way to "see" the new year in than by being in my super comfy jammies and in my warm bed. Also, the turning of the calendar meant all sorts of pressures put on myself in resolutions! Why do we do this? Who needs the extra stress or disappointment of not living up to a "resolution?" Not me, I've stopped setting myself up like that.

Okay, new paragraph :O) Did the first one make you feel sad for me like maybe I'm bitter over the changing of the date? Don't!! I know that I am so blessed to be able to sit here, comfortable in every way, and share my thoughts with you. I am blessed to be at peace with God who loves me no matter my downfalls. My family is as healthy and happy as we would possibly ask for and I am so thankful.

I pray that you all have a wonderfully blessed new year. Blessings from the holler...

Instant Hot Spiced Tea...

2011-12-27T12:13:00.003-06:00

I got a new recipe book this year that has some of my old favorites. My Mom and my Aunt used to make this tea and so now it's become a comfort food for me. It was called Russian Tea when we made it then, I don't know why the name, but this recipe is the same and still just as comforting. Oh, it's also good for a dose of vitamin C so here you go.

Instant Hot Spiced Tea

1/2 - 3/4 cup Instant Tea
2 cup Tang drink mix
2 cup Sugar (I use sugar substitute)
2 tablespoon lemonade mix
2-3 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix up all ingredients well and store in an air tight container. Mix 2 teaspoons in a mug of hot water and enjoy! Blessings from the holler...

Merry Christmas to all...

2011-12-21T10:27:00.008-06:00

We are doing the usual Christmas stuff in the holler. I've been baking Christmas cookies, sourdough cinnamon raisin bread, pretzel hugs, etc. I've been enjoying all of your Christmas posts so much. So, since it's a rainy day here I thought I would try to get some Christmasy pictures of the dogs. It was crazy!

Here is Charlie, he absolutely would pose for a picture but absolutely NOT with a hat.

Almost as soon as that picture was shot Scrappy came running up and snatched those flowers and took them to her perch. That little so and so!

Our sweet Daisy didn't mind posing with the Santa hat.

Since Daisy did it Speedbump decided she would take a turn and sit for her Christmas portrait...with the support of friends of course.

There was absolutely NO WAY the sisters, Corrie and Violet, were going to be a part of any of this action. They just don't do cameras as you see in this, my only picture of Corrie. Isn't that a nice picture? I think I'll use it for our Christmas cards next year..hahaha.

I hope that each of you have a wonderful Christmas and remember the reason we celebrate it. For unto us is born a Savior, Jesus Christ The Lord.

Christmas blessings from the holler...

One of my new favorites...

2011-12-08T17:19:00.005-06:00

I love Christmas songs and sing in a choir most every year. This year one of the songs we sang was Still, Still, Still. I've found a really good video of Manheim Steamroller doing it. Also, I put the lyrics for you. Enjoy. Oh, a warning should accompany this song.....it is a very sweet lullaby--so watch with coffee or blankey in hand :O)

Lyrics to Still, Still, Still :
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

I hope you enjoyed it and are still awake! Blessings from the holler...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-07T13:24:00.008-06:00

We've got our decorations out and today it started snowing! Corrie was just so glad that I put that tree up for her. Last year, her sister Violet claimed the place under the tree.

It's nice to have special things on the mantle. I collect manger scenes so I enjoy having them out. I even put them in the kitchen window.

Today when I got home it was snowing so hard it was like standing in a snow globe. These pictures of the dogs look blurry but the snow was just coming down too fast!

This is Speedbump's kind of weather. She's smiling inside :O)

Guess what? I'm so thrilled that the bird feeder is being used. Two lady cardinals are in there. It looks like they're talking about the change in weather and how nice it is to eat inside.

Blessings to you all from the snowy holler...

Calling all birds and bird watchers....

2011-12-02T09:54:00.004-06:00

I saw this idea in Birds and Blooms, a magazine I get and really enjoy. It's a gallon plastic juice jug made into a bird feeder. It said to cut out bird sized holes on two sides, poked holes in the bottom for drainage, tie a hefty piece of string for hanging, fill with seeds and watch.

I added a little extra to ours by hot glueing some rope at the bottom of the holes so it would be a more comfortable perch, put a piece of chopstick inside for additional perching possibilities, and stickers just for the heck of it. It's so easy to fill because of the twist off cap on top.

So, here it is hanging with our regular feeder and suet just outside the kitchen window. I put some little apple pieces in there with the sunflower seeds. Ohhhh, I hope they like it. It was so easy and will be a fun project for our little granddaughter and I to do the next time she's here.

By the way, thanks to JP for changing the background on our blog. I took some frosty pictures and he made it happen. Blessings to you all from the holler...

Easy Peasy Salt and Sweety...

2011-11-26T12:50:00.004-06:00

I made a test batch of these and they're so good they're addictive. I did try both the hugs and kisses in my test batch and prefer the hugs :)

Pretzel Hugs
You will need:
2 bags of Hershey’s Hugs
1 “Pounder” bag of Pretzel Snaps
Big baking sheet
Waxed paper – for easy removal.

Preheat oven to 300
1. Unwrap Hugs
2. Line baking sheet with waxed paper – if you don’t have waxed, use parchment, but I strongly suggest you use paper just for ease. If you don’t have either, just use a non-stick
baking sheet.
3. Lay one pretzel down for every Hug and top each pretzel with a Hug.

4. Pop in the oven for 2 min, just until they are glossy and softish.
5. Remove from oven and let sit for 1 more minute, to continue the softening process.
**This is the only step you can make a mistake on – by laving them in the oven too long they will completely melt and run through the pretzel and all over your sheet and you won’t have a sandwich, just a mess.
6. Now top each hug with another pretzel pushing down gently, so it sticks together.

7. I pop the baking sheet in the fridge for 20-30 min. to cool them off.

You could most certainly let them dry at room temp, it will just take a little longer and trust me, you are going to want to eat these right away!!

Blessings and Pretzel Hugs from the holler...

What are you thankful for?...

2011-11-22T15:44:00.010-06:00

Last Sunday our pastor asked us that question and suggested we make a list of all our blessings. There are so many things to be thankful for - our Faith in Jesus Christ, our family, health, the country we live in and liberties we've been given, flowers, rainbows, money to buy food...the list should be much longer. There are so many things. What if we had in our life ONLY the things we are thankful for? That makes me think. I take so much for granted but I want to take this time and refocus. Here are a few pictures I gathered of my blessings.

God's Word--what a miracle.

Family...JP is in this one I think. Yall know that I'm thankful for him!

The beautiful scenery we see out any window we look

Sunsets

Our crazy pack

Flowers

I have only scratched the surface of my blessings; these are just a few. So, tell me, what are you thankful for? Thanksgiving blessings to you all from the holler...

Just one of the perks of a rainy day...

2011-11-16T13:17:00.003-06:00

We've had a couple of rainy days here in the holler. We are transitioning into wintery weather. So,,,,,out come my cutie rain boots. They make walking through the puddles in the grocery store parking lot fun. I resisted the urge to jump and splash but it was hard.

That's Daisy checking out this new thing mom has on. She approves :O)

Blessings from the holler...

America's Best...

2011-11-11T06:49:00.001-06:00

A few years ago JP wrote this lovely post for Veterans day. Since I couldn't improve on his message I'd like to share it again. Thank you to all our Veterans and their families.

It is no accident that our Republic was established and has endured the test of time until now. It is the result of men of vision and courage, willing to give their all when their fellow countrymen needed them. It is the result of their parents teaching them the importance of liberty, honor, right and duty. It is the result of spouses willing to support their efforts and to keep the home fires burning with love and order during their frequent and long absences when duty calls.

We wish to salute all American's who have served their country with honor on this Veteran's day.

Mrs. JP's grandfather served in the Army in WWI.

Mrs. JP's father served in the Navy during the Korean war.

My grandfather served in the Navy in the War in the Pacific during WWII.

One of my brothers was in the Army and retired after over 20 years of honorable service, including stints with the 82nd Airborne Division and serving as a drill sergeant.

Our sweet daughter-in-law served in the Air Force and was on deployment in Oman when our son met her.

Our only son currently serves in the Army, and we could not be prouder of him, his wife and his children. Happy Veteran's day, son. We love you and are so very proud of you.

I pray that we would all, as still free Americans, honor our Veterans on this day and thank them wherever we encounter them; that all who call Christ Lord would elevate their prayers on behalf of all of our brave military men and women and their families; that Americans would remember that these folks are heroes, not victims or villains; and that liberty and righteousness are still worth fighting for.

Blessed Veterans day from us in the holler!

Still catching up...

2011-11-03T10:56:00.005-05:00

I realized that I have just a few more pictures to show you. They are unrelated but I still wanted to share them so this is going to be my "catch up miscellaneous" post.

One last picture of our cute little visitor Cacique. Scrappy is sharing HER chair with him. She was such a good hostess.

Next, we have a Buckeye tree down by the creek! My neighbor pointed it out and that it had one buckeye hanging way up on top. It became an obsession for me because I wanted it and knew that if it dropped and I wasn't there to retrieve it that it would roll into the creek. So, I threw sticks a-plenty up at it to no avail. By brother-in-law shook the tree (which I had also tried but couldn't do) and I GOT IT!!! Now I have it in my kitchen window so I can look at it daily.

Last but not least, my sweet Charlie is still bringing me his bowl after he eats. He's such a love. For those of you who haven't seen it, we posted this video back when he was eating outside.

Sorry for the creepy eyes, I tried to make that go away but,,,

Well, that pretty much catches me up...I think :O)
Blessings from the holler.

Bad, bad, bad blogger.....

2011-10-28T11:50:00.004-05:00

First, let me apologize for not posting in forever. Next, would you like to hear my reasons/excuses? I've been busier than usual, got a stupid sinus infection-cold, and then needed to get ready for company/entertain company when they arrived! Okay, that's all I've got...forgive me?

It's been good to have some of JP's family here. My mom-in-law came from Puerto Rico and my brother-in-law from San Antonio; we had his 50th birthday party and now he has caught the cold I had. I am so sorry about that!

We've had a temporary addition to the pack (brother-in-law's doggie.) His name is Cacique (Ca-see-ka) and he's a Brussels Griffon. We are getting along like peas and carrots. I wonder if I can sneak him out of his car before he leaves..hmmmm. He and Charlie are quite a pair. They are opposite in size but alike in their cute personalities.

It's fall here in the holler and the trees are turning vibrant shades. I love to see God's wonderful creation as it changes in all the season.

Alright then, I'm off to visit your blogs and catch up on all I've missed while I was on my sabbatical. Blessings to you all from the holler...

What takes the edge off turning 50?...

2011-09-26T15:35:00.005-05:00

Well, there really never was an edge. I don't mind turning another year older. I am another year blessed! But,it's been fun - we had a family birthday party yesterday and here I am enjoying being the center of attention.

Then, today, I took four of the dogs for a walk and checked the mailbox and there was a box in there with my name on it! Deborah from What Matters Most is Kindness sent me two bottles of lotion and a new ink pen. Thank you Deborah!

JP sent me shopping and I scored some really cool boots and two new dresses. So, now I've milked this birthday for all it's worth and can sigh and say I am so blessed. I have a wonderful husband, a family who loves me, good friends and most importantly I have Jesus Christ blessing me daily.

Blessings to you all from the holler

We haven't left the holler...

2011-09-23T09:16:00.003-05:00

We've just been so busy I haven't had time to create a post here. I've enjoyed visiting your blogs and keeping up with you all though. But, this morning I found the time to take a picture or two. Warning, the next paragraph contains gross dog stuff.

Scrappy, was obsessed with the fence line. She didn't even want to come in for breakfast! When I yell out the back door, "Are you hungry?" That usually starts a stampede of doggies inside. So, I knew this was an intense obsession and went out to break it up. Finally she came trotting down the hill looking like the cat that ate the canary. She was the Scrappy that ate the mouse! I saw it's tail hanging out of her mouth, then crunch, crunch, gulp....it's gone. YUK! EEEWWWWWWW!!! No puppy kisses from her!

On a lighter note, Daisy has claimed her own stick for the ongoing stick game. Now she likes to throw it down in front of Charlie to see if she can entice him into playing with her stick. I'm so glad I could end this post on a lighter note.

Have a good weekend and blessings from the holler...

Wordless Wednesday? No Way!....

2011-09-07T15:17:00.001-05:00

Today was the perfect day for working outside. I have been needing to go out and pull up the garden that was pretty much a bust. I pulled up the tomato plants and weeded around some and realized that there is hope for the brussel sprouts (JP has been saying this all along.) So, encouraged in that fact, I kept clearing what I could. It just looks so much better.

The marigolds are blooming and remind me that fall is here.

I kept clearing around the sprout plants and was glad that I'd put newspaper and paper bags around them to keep the weeds down. I noticed one clump that looked like it was rotting so I pulled it back and.....squint to refocus,,,,gulp,,,gasp!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR (my newest exclamation from an oreo commercial) there are little baby bunnies laying in that hole.

I quickly replace the stuff on top of them horrified that I just mowed right beside them. To make amends I went and got an old bale of straw from the dog yard and covered them up. awwwwwwwwww I hope that they are okay and the momma bunny doesn't mind that I disturbed her,,hole?...nest? Whatever the term I hope their heart beats are getting back to normal...mine finally is.

Blessings from the holler...

Rainy day exercise...

2011-09-06T10:15:00.006-05:00

It started raining Sunday evening. We are so thankful for it because everything was so dry. Also, the rain has brought cooler temperatures which I love.

The downside is that the dogs are inside all day and have no way to rid themselves of their energy...well, no way that we allow! So this morning we had treadmill time. They love it, and I love it because they come away tired and relaxed.

The treadmill gives them physical exercise, but the most important thing is the mental challenge. I am a big fan of Caesar Milan, his dogs respect him but they don't fear him. Dogs need exercise to be happy, period.

We have three treadmill junkies: Charlie, Scrappy and Speedbump. They jump on it and look at me like,,,turn it on,,,let's go!

Violet likes the treadmill but she's been spoiled and wants me to walk with her. Oh well, I need the exercise too.

I'm still working with Corrie. They have to be comfortable jumping on the treadmill and she's just not ready, she doesn't like anything where all of the attention is on her. She'll get there though.

Daisy, our eldest dog, has hip trouble, so I don't let her do this exercise. She is calm enough and she gets her mental exercise constantly because she is focused on home security, and she gets her physical exercise when she and Charlie play stick, etc.

Well, I'm off to clean the house and maybe work on a quilt I have going. Blessings to you all from the holler...

Our little nursery in the holler...

2011-09-02T20:15:00.006-05:00

I just have to post these pictures of our new guests we've had in the holler the last few days. One day this week I told JP that there was a momma deer with twins and I saw them grazing up the hill in the area behind the dog yard. For the last couple of days we've noticed just the babies were hanging out in the front yard with the turkey clan. I hadn't seen the momma and thought either they might be orphaned or just maybe she was doing like I've seen cattle do with their little ones, park them in the shade during the heat of the day while she grazes.

They were in our front yard all day today and they kept moving closer to the house. At first they were down by the creek, then they moved to the shade of one of the trees lining our driveway. Well, happy ending, the mom came and picked them up and we watched them go off into the field. I guess we've been given the honor of watching the babies while she goes off on her errands for the day. It's a tough life in the holler--blessings to you all...

Peas and Elderberry Jelly...

2011-08-29T11:05:00.009-05:00

Wow, this year hasn't been a productive year as far as our garden goes but we put up a few things anyway. Fortunately, neighbors sharing and the farmer's market made up for what we lacked.

Today is the last day as far as "putting up" for this year. I blanched some purple hull peas and set them out to cool and dry before bagging them up for the freezer.

Next, I got the elderberries we'd gathered along the roadside out of the freezer to make into jelly.

Here's the recipe that I use from TennZen's blog.

I put the berries in a stockpot, covered them with water (just enough to cover the berries), and simmered for 15 minutes. Then I strained the juice into a bowl by pouring through a colander lined with a damp flour sack towel. I don't have a true muslin jelly bag and I find that cheesecloth is too porous and flimsy. Flour sack towels work quite well and they can be easily tied up and hung for the juice to drip.

I ended up with about 3 1/2 cups of juice - just perfect for my jelly recipe:

Elderberry Jelly
3 1/2 c. elderberry juice
1/2 c. lemon juice
1 pkg. powdered pectin
5 1/2 c. sugar

Stir elderberry juice, lemon juice and pectin together. Bring to a full rolling boil. Add sugar and return to full rolling boil. Boil exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat, skim off foam and pour hot jelly into hot, sterilized half-pint jars. Place hot caps on jars and screw on bands finger-tight. Process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes. Yield: 5-6 half pints

I had about a cup of juice leftover so I made a pint of elderberry syrup for when we have colds this winter. It has so much vitamin C it's as good as Tamiflu!

Speedbump, Corrie and Violet are enjoying the weather that's not so hot.

As you know, the stick game rages on!

So now all I have left for today is laundry and cooking supper! Blessings to you all from the holler...

Never be a Christmas card...

2011-08-19T15:46:00.004-05:00

I stood out in the back yard with the pack and a treat bag under my arm to try and get one of those perfect Kodak moments. The best picture I got was this one. Of course, Scrappy is running after something.

Mostly, the outing consisted of me sweating lots in this humidity and the dogs running around totally oblivious. There was lots of this...

And lots of this, one of them is definitely watching Charlie carry his stick around...shesh!

Oh well, I tried. Let's face it, without photoshop we'll never have a doggie Christmas card. Lesson learned, no big dealio.

Have a great weekend and blessings from the holler...

Out with the Shepherds...

2011-08-10T14:47:00.008-05:00

Basically I avoid the out of doors in the heat of the day. The air is so hot and thick it makes breathing hard. I really don't know how athletes train/play in this weather. Maybe that's why they're skinny and I am not. Today, though, Daisy and Charlie gave me the "please mom" look when I came in from filling the hummingbird feeder so I grabbed the camera and braved the heat for a few minutes.

We went to the garden to see what was still out there. I have officially given our garden over to the critters. A few weeks ago all of our ripe tomatoes were picked and eaten by birds of every size. Then, the bunnies moved into the zucchini patch so I let them have it. All I want is the few cherry tomatoes we get for eating salads and fresh pasta and today I snagged a couple of slicing tomatoes. The marigolds are thriving :O)

Daisy and Charlie like to go and salvage any berries or tomatoes they find on the ground. Today, they were ready to go back in soon and they were on the front porch before I could get up the stairs. So, I played the mean momma and made them sit while I took one more picture. I love those two faces to pieces. Now, you all know that I love the other four as well but the Shepherds are king/queen of the front yard.

Blessings to you all from the hot holler...

Recently from the kitchen...

2011-08-09T14:10:00.007-05:00

Lately we've really been turning out some good eats. Well, we think they are at least. On months with five Sundays, we have lunch at our church on the fifth one. Our smoked, pulled pork and barbecue sauce have become favorites there. My Mom and Dad are always ready to help, so we make a family day of pulling the pork.

Also, JP made some Mexican Chorizo which is dynomite! We make it into patties (as shown here) or scrambled with eggs to make a breakfast burrito. Also pictured here is our first attempt at making some bacon, which we cured and then smoked with apple wood. It is also delicious.

Okay, I'm through bragging. We are truly thankful for all we have and I just wanted to share these yummies with you. As always, blessings from the holler...

The Only Chocolate Cake Recipe you'll ever need...

2011-08-02T19:14:00.005-05:00

Our grandson is turning 15 this week and I got to make his birthday cake. He is such a good kid and of course, I adore him. Anyway, I looked in the pantry and found no cake mix. Ugh,,,so I poked around on the world wide web and found this chocolate cake recipe.

The Only Chocolate Cake Recipe You'll Ever Need!

Well, I checked the reviews and decided to go for it. After all, it had been a long time since I'd made a cake from scratch. It was a moist and delicious cake. I could have just dusted it with powdered sugar and it would have been enough. I did frost the cake with a chocolate-peanut butter icing recipe I found since the birthday boy loves Reese's cups. I made mine in a bundt pan but you can use this recipe for a sheet cake or layer pans. If you make this cake, have no fear at the thinness of the batter it's supposed to be that way and is probably why it was so moist.

I know you've noticed the candles. My mom has a few numbers and if we don't have what we need we are totally fine with home-made numbers. Maybe that should be one of the "you might be a red-neck" jokes. If your birthday cake has numbers drawn on paper and taped to a candle....your whole family just might be red-necks!

Blessings from the holler yall....

I've probably said this before...

2011-08-01T12:08:00.002-05:00

I know that I've probably said this before BUT,,,I think it's so funny when, after mowing the yard, the dogs come in and look like they have on green shoes. I know, I'm easily amused. I come from a long line of people who love to laugh.

Blessings to you all from the holler...

Guess what found a new home?...

2011-07-29T04:53:00.007-05:00

For all of our family that reads the blog.....Psych!!! It's not a new dog. Stop worrying, six is enough. There is nothing new here in the holler---hot summer, garden limping along, and dogs doing their doggie thing. I think the picture above is so funny of Scrappy and her "demon eyes."

But, yesterday I went to donate some clothes and found myself looking at the glassware. I don't know how it happened that I began shopping, I think I was transported to my favorite section! I found these two pitcher vases that I fell in love with. I don't need them, but, they're so pretty and it was a shame to leave them on that shelf. Nobody would appreciate them like I do, right? So, $4 later I'm walking out with them.

They'll look great spring flowers in them and until then they can sit on my kitchen windowsill. I rotate my pretty stuff that stays in the china cabinet to window where I stand in the kitchen so I can enjoy them. Life is too short to leave things put away!

I hope you all have a great weekend and blessings to ya from the holler....

Be our guest...

2011-07-21T10:55:00.008-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted some humming bird pictures. So I stood at my window waiting. I must apologize for the quality of these pictures because my windows aren't the cleanest in the county by far. First I saw this little gal waiting her turn I suppose. She just sat there waiting her turn unlike her male counterparts who insist on fighting for a spot at the feeder.

Then, to my surprise and delight, this little bird flew up, sat down and rested a while. I couldn't believe it! I don't know what it is about our front porch that makes birds so comfortable that they think they can lay down and take a nap but I love it. The year before last a blue bird did the same thing. JP suggested then, that I should make some tiny pillows and velcro them to the railing.

Do birds yawn?

So, it was a great treat to get to see so much of God's creation up close. I believe that He knows exactly what delights His children and sends us these blessings to brighten our day and keep in our heart forever. Blessings to you all from the holler...

Where have I been?...

2011-07-18T11:29:00.009-05:00

I've been having fun with our granddaughter!!! We had her with us last week and it was a blast. We packed as much fun in every day as we could. She is a fun kid and she was ready for whatever was on tap for the day.

The first day we made Stuffed Pasta Shells. They were so good. We didn't have pancetta so we substituted bacon and it worked fine.

The next day we made chocolate cupcakes with white filling.

Thursday, was great because she got to have her first riding lesson. She did very well. Oh, before we went to the stables we made a stop at the local Sweet Shoppe for jelly beans and an ice cream cone.
Friday was her last day and we made her a message board for her room. She learned to sew and iron.
We had a great time last week and now it's back to business. I hope that you are having a wonderful summer. Blessings from the holler...

Friday catch-up...

2011-07-08T09:20:00.006-05:00

I've just got a few things that I've been meaning to show you. Last weekend JP made the BEST beef short ribs I've ever had. He marinated them in grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for about and hour, then grilled them. They were sooooooo delicious. We had them with a dish called Mofongo. It's made with fried green plantains, lots of garlic, pork cracklins and a little chicken broth. It's just all smushed together in a mortar and pestle, and I love it. It's a Puerto Rican dish that I fell in love with the first time we went to PR.

I've been working on peaches. I made my standard peach jam(below.) This year I tried a recipe from Ball Preserving for honey spiced peaches (I made the half recipe.) I'll let you know how they turned out this winter when I'm stirring some into my oatmeal but it looks like it will become a staple. How can it miss? Honey, cinnamon sticks, and peaches all swimming around together has to be good.

Well, other than those things it's just summer stuff as usual in the holler. We're going to have our first zucchini this weekend and waiting on the tomatoes to ripen. Everyone in the pack is doing well and we are blessed by God far more than we deserve. Have a great weekend, blessings from the holler...

The whole family came to visit...

2011-07-06T11:32:00.003-05:00

I was so excited to see Mr. Turkey come to visit with the ladies and their babies. They wouldn't let me get very close and this is as far out as the zoom on my camera would go. Can you see the babies? They saw me and decided to move a little further away from the paparazzi.

Blessings to you and yours from the holler...

Lazy days.....

2011-06-29T11:25:00.007-05:00

We have had some lazy, rainy days recently. I couldn't help myself from taking these pictures of Scrappy. She has napping down to an art.

Today I picked these peaches. There are more on the counter waiting on me to peel and get in the freezer so it's time to tie the apron strings and giddy-up.

Blessings to you all from the holler...

Outside the house...

2011-06-21T09:13:00.014-05:00

Let me take you on a tour outside our home. I am trying to get used to our new camera so bear with me on the photos. While I'm outside the pack stays in their part of the yard.

Well, except for Scrappy, she didn't want to go outside so she's napping on "her chair."

We've had some rain lately and there's more to come. I love it because that means I don't have to water the garden. The peach trees are heavy laden with fruit that will soon be ripe.

In the vegetable garden we have zucchini, lots of tomatoes and some brussel sprouts. Last year we had one zucchini plant and had more than enough but the plants I got came in a four-pack so we'll have loads to share.

Our tomato plants are just starting to have fruit. These are called "Big Mamas" they are a roma with less seeds so they make excellent marinara sauce.

Cherokee Purples that are so tasty.

This is a patch of basil, both Thai purple and regular sweet basil. I planted it last year and let it go to seed and now we have a really nice patch. I love a perennial!!!

The blueberries are doing pretty good. They are young plants but I hope to have enough to make a pie or two.

I found this blooming yesterday. Is this a tiger lily? I don't know, but I like it.

These white daises are to the point of being invasive but they are pretty when they bloom.

This is also a new flower that my mom gave me a few years ago and is just now blooming. I think it's a gladiola,,am I right? Oh, I need to call and ask my mom. She had a bouquet on the table for Father's Day.

While walking around the peach trees I found this bird's nest that fell. I guess they had to start over after the storms. It's so interesting to see that they gather dog hair for the inside of the nest. I see both Speedbump and Charlie hair!!!

Blessings to you all from the holler...

Think cool...

2011-06-14T10:29:00.005-05:00

Today I saw a winter picture on another blog and it was so refreshing. It has been really hot and dry here in the holler lately so I decided to post some winter pictures too.

Thinking cool thoughts and blessings to you all from the holler...

Turkeyish baths...

2011-06-07T13:05:00.005-05:00

Turkeys like to lay in the dust and flap their wings. It's fun to watch because they really get into it. It's called dust bathing but I like to think my name fits too. Here's one at it...

Last week our neighbor mowed and baled the hay in the pasture next to us. This made for excellent bathing for the turkeys. See, the two dusty blobs behind the turkey walking?...

This is a couple of males strutting in the front yard. They really make a big show of themselves trying to impress the ladies.

So, pretty soon we'll see the momma turkeys marching their brood up the hill beside us where they roost at night. Of course, I'll try to get a picture of that cuteness.

The garden is growing and the only flowers we have blooming now are the lilies.

Blessings to you all from the holler...

Amusing to me...

2011-06-03T16:58:00.004-05:00

When we went to Puerto Rico we saw these signs in someone's yard. I found it amusing.

Well, maybe gross is the word. But, it's their property so whatever!

Have a great weekend. Blessings from the holler...

The day after the storms last week...

2011-06-02T10:13:00.013-05:00

I could title this post, "A day without electricity" or "Blessed Simplicity." Oh, sorry; I haven't typed one sentence and already I'm rambling. You can tell what kind of post this will be--haphazard meandering thoughts. Anyway, last week, while some around us dealt with downed trees, and even worse devastation, from the storm front that came through here, our electricity went off around midnight. It was so dark and a fitful sleep without any air moving (we didn't dare open the windows, due to what it can do to my sinuses added to the dogs barking at every little noise outside). The dogs were restless as well, so I got up, lit a candle in the bathroom and that helped them to settled down.

When we got up that morning, I told JP "you go to Hardees for breakfast." I was throwing the towel in immediately. But JP said "we could boil water and run it thru the coffee filter and have coffee" - genius! We are blessed (and sometimes cursed, depending on the price of propane) to heat our home, heat our water and cook with gas, so our stove functions even when the power is out. Then he thought we could open the refrigerator one quick time to grab some ham and cheese, he was concerned that Hardees might not have power either and he would have to go hungry and w/out coffee all morning; so I did that and he got off to work with his usual coffee and a grilled ham and cheese. You can figure that that also means that I had my morning coffee - bliss.

Next came dog breakfast time - no problem. It was hard to read my Bible because it was still so cloudy and dark in the living room, but what I did manage to read was such a blessing. Next, I started my daily chores. I pulled some jeans out of the dryer. They weren't quite dry so I stretched them all over the place. As I did this simple chore I remembered that as I grew up, when we had a hard job or inconvenience like this, my Mom (champion of chores) would not complain but would make it play or an adventure - what a blessing. Oh, I must tell you that it was cool outside after the front passed, so with the windows open that day it felt like the air conditioning was on, so there was no hardship. I finished my chores and grabbed the camera to go see what I could see!

All the flowers were especially happy, and looking up close I could see the rain still on the blooms.

Behind all the other plants, I noticed that our amaryllis was blooming.

Spaceghost accompanied me during my walk around the yard. He's a good hunter and keeps the mice, etc., at bay.

Next up, the Cicadas, our visitors that come every 13 years. They aren't quite the plague that the media makes them out to be, but they are freakishly loud and really annoying when you're mowing, and they land on you like a kamikaze. Also, I find them really creepy with those red eyes...eeewww. I'll be glad when they go away.

After, my little yard tour I came in and decided this would be the perfect day to sit and harvest some oregano that I'd been drying in the house. It was so relaxing.

As I sat there, I realized that I am sensory overloaded, we all are. Technology, news, T.V., internet, all the noise that pulls at our thoughts. I think that sometimes I do too many things at once and don't do anything really well. Life isn't simple anymore.

Then,,,YIppee,,,the power came on!! The ceiling fans sart going, A/C starts running. I knew we'd sleep good tonight. Next, I felt myself pulled to turn on the Television or run to the computer. Instead, I turned the air conditioner off (it was still cool outside) and decided that I was going to gradually ease back into the noise of what it means to live in these days.

Don't get me wrong. I love my modern conveniences, but what I learned is to try and keep my heart quiet. Also, if it had been a hot day this would have been a much different post!! I can't stand to be hot. So, God gave me a little break and His peace flooded my soul. We are thankful that He protected us and our family during these storms and pray for all of those who lost loved ones or homes and possessions.

Blessings to you and yours from the holler...

Home again, home again, jiggity jig...

2011-05-24T10:36:00.013-05:00

We have been on a little vacation to Puerto Rico. Most of JP's family is there and we went over for a surprise birthday party for his Mom. She is a wonderful lady and she was really surprised! It was a whirlwind trip but it was good to see that part of our family. We were able to stay in their beach apartment with this view each day.

I know, we were really roughing it, huh? It is a beautiful beach with turquoise water. We had a party with family and friends for JP's mom. She had a great time and so did we.
This is JP, one of his brothers and all the sisters. We got a new camera before the trip and had not mastered using it obviously. I wish these pictures were clearer.

All the family that was there...

One day we went to the other side of the island where JP's grandmother lives. She is such fun. We had only met once before in all our 26 years of marriage but we've been pen pals for a long time. I love her; she is 96 and lives in this beautiful home built in 1873. She speaks and reads Spanish and English, is very smart and up on current events more than I am. What a wonder!

She looks so tiny in that big old door way.
We had great food. We visited family. It was great. Now, it is good to be home. We boarded the dogs at our vet while we were gone and boy were they happy to be home too. Now, the house is just now getting back to our normal and we are so blessed. I'm going to try to catch up on your blog posts soon. Blessings to you all from the holler...

Nothing like a new hairdo...

2011-05-10T15:27:00.005-05:00

In the winter Speedbump's hair grows out really thick and long. That's why she looks forward to the snow and frigid temperatures--she is built for it.

But, in the summer I always give her a new "spring do" and she loves it. She lays there while I shear her and enjoys the attention. I have to stop a few times to let the shears cool off and she runs around barking at me and the rest of the pack. She really enjoys being able to get closer to the air vents. I put her hair in the garden tomato trellis to scare the rabbits away.

For some reason I can't take her picture without a German Shepherd or two crowding into the frame. Speedbump is all about staying cool!

Blessings from all of us in the holler...

Happy Mother's Day...

2011-05-06T09:14:00.008-05:00

JP and I want to wish our Mom's a Happy Mother's Day. My mom will be here on Sunday for steaks and celebration. JP's mom lives in Puerto Rico and we wish we could see her too. They are both great and we love them mucho!! You can tell from the picture above that the flowers on the table will be pink and purple. I'm gonna try to stop taking pictures of those blooms - I know you're sick of them but I love them.

Today I picked enough strawberries for us to have a bowl each for dessert tonight. They're really producing now and I'm fighting the birds for them. I really need to fix a net or something out there.

Yesterday, I planted the tomatoes in the garden. I have some with these trays around them to keep the weeds away and funnel the water to the roots. I ran out of trays for the other side so I decided to put paper down all over to keep the weeds down. It feel so good to have them in the ground! They look so small out there but they'll be growing soon. I put a banana peel, crushed egg shells and one teaspoon of sugar in each hole. I read where these things provide the nutrients needed to be strong plants. We'll see.

These irises grow at the base of our flag pole.
We hope that you have a good Mother's Day. God's richest blessings to you all from the holler...

She almost dug to China...

2011-05-04T17:03:00.002-05:00

Blessings from the muddy holler...
You know, I assume everyone knows my dogs like they're family. This little innocent (ha ha) face belongs to Scrappy.

All is well here in the holler...

2011-04-28T11:12:00.009-05:00

I'm hearing of so many throughout our area and other southern states that have lost so much. We are so blessed to have no damage at all. The storms were all around us and we did without power for a little while but that is all, and we are thankful. Our prayers are with all the families hurt by these storms.

I walked outside to see what's growing and everything is getting started.
The Flowers are flowering...
The Strawberries are berrying...
The peach trees are peachy...
The tomato plants are getting ready to be put in the garden..
Blessings from the holler...

Happy Easter...

2011-04-22T16:07:00.003-05:00

Redemption, forgiveness, love, kindness, selflessness...to me and you; this is what Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection are all about. Easter Blessings from all of us in the holler...

My Morning Blessing...

2011-04-21T10:29:00.009-05:00

This morning I was standing at the sink with my last cup of coffee looking out at the bird feeder (you didn't think I was doing dishes yet did you?) and what did I see? A male cardinal, male gold finch, and male indigo bunting! It was like God's primary color set - it was such a treat to see. Of course I didn't get their picture, but I tried. These are the birds that graced the lens.

The finches and friends...

Mr. Bluebird checking in on the wife and kids..

These Blue-jays were on the other side of the yard...

Mr. Cardinal thought I couldn't see him behind that branch. Come closer sir!

And today's mystery bird. Is this a lady indigo bunting? I don't know. Maybe I'll google it unless you know. It's a beautiful color nonetheless.

We've had some really loud storms recently and this is what happens in our house. As I try to move around and do my thing, it's like I'm the center and I and the dogs move as one. Just trying to walk through the kitchen I have the three big ones waiting to move with me.

As I sit at the computer this is what I see. Speedbump is underneath the chair. No, she doesn't fit there? Really guys? We've been through storms before.

Well, April showers certainly do bring May flowers but they also bring clingy dogs too. God bless your Easter. Blessings to you all from the holler...

Continued Blessings...

2011-04-14T16:56:00.007-05:00

Have you ever tried to imagine how much God loves us? I have been schooled on that very subject recently in the study of Isaiah chapter 53. This book was written several hundred years before Christ died and it describes so many things that happened and the reasons behind God's actions! He loves us!
When you take into account all the detail in the writings in the book of Isaiah about His suffering, death and burial, it is just amazing in light of how long before the events, these details were recorded by the prophet. In my opinion, it takes more faith NOT to believe in Jesus Christ than to believe. I read a book last year or the year before of a man named Josh McDowell who set out to disprove the Bible and ended up proving and believing in Jesus. If you are curious or uncertain, let me recommend his book Evidence that Demands a Verdict .

Isaiah 53 says...
³ He was despised and rejected by mankind, (nobody stepped up to defend Him)
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
⁴ Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions, (spear, nails)
he was crushed for our iniquities; (the weight of the cross He bore, His own weight as he hung)
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed. (lashing, crown of thorns, nails, spear)
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

That said, here's a couple of pictures I took today...
Lady Gold Finches

Flower garden pickins'

Blessings from the holler...

A new batch, bumpy toes, and new tricks...

2011-04-03T20:14:00.006-05:00

This post is going to be sporadic so just hang in there. Okay?
This weekend we bottled a new batch of wine, it's blackberry.

On Friday I noticed that Speedbump's feet had as much hair as a Clydesdale horse so we got the scissors and clippers and got down to business.
Before:
After:
Violet and Corrie have learned to "down" just in the last week. I'm so proud of them because they're both wild and crazy girls. I didn't get a picture of Corrie, but, trust me she can do it. So, here's Violet in her "down." Notice that she's ready to bolt. Maybe we should've introduced "stay" first :O)
I took this picture tonight. This is what Violet does, she likes to go around and visit (pester) with either Charlie or Scrappy. It was Charlie's turn for a visit.

Blessings to you all from the holler...

Spring blooms still beautiful...

2011-03-29T16:49:00.007-05:00

These blooms are our first apple blossoms. It's sad that we have to pick them but the tree isn't old enough to bear fruit.

The weeping cherry tree will be beautiful soon.

These little guys are weeds. There are some solid purple and the variegated white and purple. The are tiny pansys and they are all over the yard--I just hate mowing over them.

We also have blue bells in quite a few nooks because when we moved here my mom brought some of hers over and we planted them everywhere.

The red bud trees are so pretty against the gray backdrop of the trees that haven't put on the new leaves yet.

Spring time blessings to you all from the holler...

Wednesday with less words...

2011-03-23T09:15:00.007-05:00

Monday night JP and I were in the office and he said something like "look at her." Luckily I was able to grab the camera and snap a few shots as Violet emerged from her cocoon. Who knows how she got in there..

The look on that face gets her out of all kinds of trouble. Blessings from the holler...

We're loving this spring...

2011-03-21T11:24:00.010-05:00

Corrie is convinced that she is solar powered. Since the sun has been so warm she gets in her spot and won't come in unless she is forced.

I saw this idea in a recent magazine. After pruning the peach trees I brought some twigs in that had buds on them, put them in water and in a few days I got to have spring blooms inside. It is supposed to work for any budding tree or bush, give it a try! I think forsythias would be beautiful.

JP bought some massive shelving for the garage, we put them together and we got most of that area straightened up. This inspired me to give my sewing area a much needed redo!
Before -
After -
It's amazing how junked up I had let this area get but now it's beautiful and I'm ready to get one of my unfinished projects out and sew some.

JP took some days off last week and we got so many chores done. He said the other day that our next post should be titled "hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go." Spring brings so many chores with it but the warm weather makes it nice. We cut up some trees that fell during the winter and hauled them to our burn area, pruned the peach trees some more, mowed the yard, and washed and waxed the truck - well, almost done with that one. Oh, JP smoked three slabs of ribs and they were delicious. The days off were very productive and now it's back to regular stuff. But, all in all it was a very nice time. We are so blessed and thankful for all God has provided. Blessings to you all - it's springtime in the holler...
p.s. thanks to JP for changing the blog background over to spring too!

Say hello to my new friend...

2011-03-16T12:36:00.002-05:00

We just got this cart/dump cart and put it together last weekend. As soon as it was hooked up to the mower JP was headed out for a test drive. It's going to be so handy - when I go out to the garden I can pile all my stuff in there and drive it out there. I've been lugging my tools in a bucket. Then when harvest time comes it takes many trips up and down the hill. But not anymore, I'm stylin' and profilin.' I've already used it when I planted some elderberry bushes and replaced some blueberry bushes the other day.

We're ready for spring and excited that it's supposed to be in the 70's for a couple days. Yeehaw and blessings to you all from the holler...

Girls only today...

2011-03-14T16:12:00.002-05:00

Today was the day of days I dread each year. Have you guessed what it is yet? Oh, I think you know,,,mammography day. It's like scheduling humiliation. I heard statements like "okay, relax" and "be real still!" Smart remarks are going thru my head but I didn't dare voice them because she was IN CONTROL. I also suffer from nervous laughter, it's a curse, I can't help it. In times when I should be serious, high pressure, it's all I can do (and most times don't) not to just laugh until I cry. But really, did she expect me to relax AND did she think I was going to run out of the room when she had my boob in her vice grip?

First, you go in and they tell you to put on THE TOP. It's only a "top" in the sense that it's fabric on your top half. There are no sleeves, your uh "test subjects" are there ready to be laid on the uh alter. Next, you get to be repositioned like about 18 times so I just start looking around at the pictures and counting the ceiling tiles (anything but start laughing.) Have you noticed that the vice grip - like alter is clear? I'm sure there's a reason for that other that finding out just exactly how flat your boob can be.

Well, that's all the rambling I've got for today, this day of days. Oh my, if you've never had this procedure done, ignore the above and let me know how it goes. I think if I have some chocolate I'll feel better. Sorry, the only pictures taken today haven't been developed yet. Blessings to you all from the holler...........

Thankful Friday...

2011-03-11T14:55:00.007-06:00

I missed Thankful Thursday but I think any and everyday is a good day to be thankful. As always, we are abundantly blessed by The Lord. Spring is on it's way and we are being blessed by the first blooms in the yard. Our forsythia reminds me of yellow fireworks!

Today I finished a blanket for a very special baby. Some people we know opened their home as a foster home a couple of years ago. Then, as God would have it, they were able to adopt the sweet baby girl that they raised from just a few weeks old. She is a delight to all and her grandma is taking special care to spoil her as is her duty.

Speedbump is smiling to show you her fresh cleaned teeth. She is happy to be home but the girls at our vets office spoil her when she's there so she doesn't mind going at all.

Isn't it nice to hear that there are good things that happen in this world filled with trouble? I don't want to ever take these simple blessings for granted - - new baby in a family, spring flowers, and our Bump having clean teeth. Make sure to count your blessings; it'll make you smile like Bump! Weekend blessings to you all from the holler...

Quiet little signs of spring...

2011-03-02T15:37:00.006-06:00

If I hadn't walked up the hill I would have missed these little crocuses. They are so short I wouldn't have seen them except I saw their bright yellow heads!

The first to bloom in the front flower bed are the buttercups.

Blessings from the holler...

Rainy day sleepyheads...

2011-02-24T10:48:00.010-06:00

Today is a rainy day in the holler. My Grandma used to say "it's a dreary day but I guess we'll take it." The fog has rolled in outside and the dogs look like they've all been given a sedative. They're just resting up so they can bark at the thunder later when JP and I want to sleep.
Soon, though, we'll pull that straw covering off of the strawberry bed. The blueberries (center) have been fertilized and the peach trees pruned so we are getting ready for spring. I need to get my tomato seeds sown so I'll be ready when garden time comes. Have you done that already?

Scrappy only opened one eye.

Speedbump looks absolutely drugged.

Oh, this black cap chickadee didn't want his picture taken but I waited until he hopped around the feeder.

Charlie stays in his kennel when he can; it's his little den.

It's a rainy day but our spirits are thankful for the liquid sunshine. Blessings from the holler...

What a day - and it's only noon!...

2011-02-17T12:22:00.011-06:00

Today has been such a good day so far! I got JP off to work, had some breakfast, grabbed the mail and went for a walk to the mailbox and back. I must have gotten too much fresh air or something on that walk because I came in the house and decided that this is the day I'm gonna finally shampoo our carpets....hoo boy did they need it! So, of course, I had to detail vacuum before getting the shampooer out. So, here I go vacuuming along, even getting some of the dust on the tables when schwoop---there goes my favorite gold chain and cross necklace!! Sigh... I emptied the contents of the canister into a bakery box so I could pull it out and get on with it---was it there? No. Heavy Sigh... I knew I was gonna have to take that stupid (who's stupid?) thing apart. So, I got my little screwdriver and took the back part off and fished out my beloved necklace. Of course, I had the help of Charlie and Violet.

I must explain this picture. I've named it Violet's temptation. I had a Kleenex next to me while I was working and that is her absolute favorite thing to steal and eat, so she was waiting for me to turn my back. It's kind of like me trying to ignore a brownie--it's just one of those things.

So, I finally got the carpets completely finished! Yippee... :O) I decided to go outside where the dogs play and walk the fence to make sure no unwelcome guests can just waltz in and Scrappy can't get out. I found a few spots that needed attention and fixed them and, of course, there was a stick game going on.

I have forgotten to show you our first batch of homemade wine! It's White Grape/Cherry and it turned out really good.

The day isn't over, Corrie and Daisy have their annual check up this afternoon. Corrie isn't going to like it but Daisy loves any opportunity to get attention. Tomorrow I'll take Speedbump and Violet and we'll be all done for another year. Did I say there wasn't much going on here in a previous post? What planet was I on that day? We're enjoying the spring like weather here in the holler and so thankful for it.

Blessings from the holler to you...

Nothing new under the sun...

2011-02-15T08:49:00.002-06:00

Hello all, we've been such slackers about doing posts. There's really nothing new under the sun here in the holler except (insert sound of angels singing) that we've had SUN!!! Mild temperatures and sunshine,,yeehaw. Yesterday I went out and pruned back some winter dead stuff that needed to go a long time ago. I saw signs of spring and felt the sun on my back as I worked in the dirt--heaven on earth.

Pictures, pictures...

2011-02-03T11:38:00.008-06:00

What do you do with your pictures?

When I have nothing to do (oh, sorry, I almost fell out of my chair laughing) I like to scrapbook. I need to carve out more time for this because we have so many pictures from before digital cameras that need to be preserved.

Small scrapbooks make great gifts! I made four books, one for each of my aunts and my mom of Grandma before she died and they cherish them. My grandson loves to get pictures of his time with us memorialized.

Currently, I'm working on a book to hold all of our pictures from when we were into whitewater paddling. When our son was about 8 or 9 we started canoeing and got the fever. JP paddled a canoe and son and I paddled kayaks.

JP on the Ocoee River, TN

Me on the Nantahala River, NC

Our son on the Cartecay River, GA

These pictures are so blurry but they deserve to be in a book where they won't yellow anymore than they already have.

See you never know what you'll find out about us. Recalling happy memories is so soothing. We pray that you all are doing well. Blessings from the holler to you...

Ssssshhh, Wednesday...

2011-01-26T15:20:00.010-06:00

I had every intention of making this a wordless Wednesday post but I can't. I've got stuff to say!! Those roses are from JP for our anniversary which was last week-- 26 years.

Last night and this morning we had another snowfall. As soon as I got home today I changed into my mud boots, grabbed the camera and Daisy and I went for a walk up the hill. It was stunning. The contrasts of dark and pure white, to me, are beautiful. You can see the shape of every branch on every tree.

Look how weighed down our little pine trees look. The snow was wet and heavy. Of course, before I walked back down the hill I went to each tree and gave it a little kick so the heavy stuff would drop off of the top.

What in the world! JP, as soon as I snapped this picture I told Spaceghost to quit it and that he is a bad boy.

Corrie and Violet say hi - sorry the picture is so dark, while walking around in the snow I didn't even notice that the clouds had moved back over.

I've been seeing good Florida strawberries at the store recently so I got a box last weekend and dipped them in chocolate, they were so delicious!

We're so thankful for our warm home in the holler. I'll be quiet now and blessings to you all...

Why today?...

2011-01-20T12:23:00.004-06:00

I feel like I should just do this post in bullet form because I doubt I'll be able to tell the story of my morning and make any sense of it. Thank you, in advance, for being patient with me.

I've had a really rough couple of days with headaches and last night that was coupled with stomach cramps. It's all sinus related, not to worry.

We are having our home appraised and the appraiser arrived 1 hour after I wake up to do a "walk through." Of course, the dogs (except for Daisy) were outside in their yard. He finished taking pictures inside and all he needed to do was go outside and take a few more pictures. Within a minute or two he's tapping on my window saying, "Your dogs have just killed a skunk out here!"

So, I quickly change into clothing suitable for the occasion, get my handgun, shovel and go outside to see what's what. Sure enough here lies Pepé Le PEEEUUUU! The dogs are all wired up and with one yell I sent them scattering. Next, I scoop up Pepé and flip him over the fence. All the while, mind you, the appraiser is laughing and trying to tell me about the time he was hunting with his father and their hunting dogs got a skunk. Oh yes, he also said "I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you." Ummm, I was thinking, first of all, I'm not laughing and second of all, can't you just leave me to clean up this pack of fools?!?! He did leave.

With Mr. Skunk out of the way I tromp back inside to mix up my special, no fail, get rid of skunk odor potion. I keep these ingredients on hand always. Want the recipe?

1 box of baking soda
1 bottle of peroxide
1/2 bottle of dawn dish washing liquid
1 small bottle of listerine
3 gallons of warm water

Let the bathing begin! Each of our little darlings was doused with the potion and you have to let it stay on them for at least 15 minutes. It was so cold that I had to rinse, bathe, and repeat, inside, starting with the least foul among them. Speedbump and Daisy only had their faces sprayed so they were first, followed by Charlie and Scrappy. The vilest offenders were Violet and Corrie. The appraiser told me that Corrie had Pepé in her mouth shaking him. YUK! Well, anyway, they got three baths and are, for the most part, back to normal. Oh, after their baths they were sprayed with "Odo-ban" - great stuff.

So, all that was left to do was clean the bathroom, wash about 2 dozen towels and take a shower. Then I decided it was time for some toast and coffee! What a day,,before breakfast! I can smile now.

I'm kinda glad there are no pictures to document this morning. I probably had some kind of fierce crazy look going on. At least the appraiser has a new funny story to tell. Oh, did I mention that he got sprayed just a little? Gotta love it. Life in the holler, we truly are blessed and hope you are as well...

Is It Spring Yet?...

2011-01-13T10:35:00.011-06:00

The answer to that question is definitely NOT! Wow, we got lots of snow and we continue to have flurries each day. The dogs like it and are having so much fun, especially Speedbump and Scrappy. That Charlie was being a photo hog today.

On my walk to the mailbox today I took a few pictures for you. I'm not getting out in the snow much, mostly, I'm drinking hot drinks and trying to stay warm while getting the daily chores done. It's coffee until noon and then I switch over to hot tea for the evening. Too much caffeine and I start to feel and think like Spongebob Squarepants. I happened to look at my favorite tea box yesterday, Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane, and saw this quote, "Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius" - Pietro Aretino. This struck me as downright dumb! Love winter? Na, I don't think so bub, you love it if you want. Then, this morning as I walked back up the hill and by our flower beds it came to me. There, under a foot of snow, are bulbs and flowers of all kinds waiting for God to bring the next season, Spring! Okay, maybe I'll try to like winter a little more Pietro.

Did this post make any sense? I may have rambled on but hopefully you can make some sense out of it. See, it's about time to switch to de-caff. Blessings to you all from the frozen holler...

More Fun Than New Years Eve...

2011-01-06T16:04:00.010-06:00

The weather forecast says we'll be having wet/snowy weather for the next few days so I decided to spread more straw out just beyond the back porch to help with the muddy spots. In Scrappy's world there is no more fun than popping open a bale of straw. She tears into it like it's filled with cheese.

All the other dogs think it's a super fun time but Scrappy is over the top crazy! Charlie and Daisy bring the stick game to the fresh bed of straw.

As you can see, Speedbump even dives into a fresh pile of straw but look behind her, that blur is Scrappy.

Even the sisters, Corrie and Violet are having a good time. You'll just have to trust me on that one :O)

Scrappy butts into the stick game.

The sun is going over the hill on "fun straw day." It's time to go in for supper.

Okay weather, we're as ready as we can get. Bring it on! Blessings to you all from the holler...

So what if it's cold outside...

2011-01-04T11:25:00.003-06:00

This afternoon I am braving the cold to grill some Thai steak kabobs. They are so good and you know, there's just something about food prepared over coals. I've had this picture since I made these last and if you'd like to make them here's the recipe. We'll have these with zucchini and I'll fix a batch of pot stickers to round out the meal.

Thai steak skewers

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp lemon juice
1 can coconut milk
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Mix all the above together and save out 1/2 to make sauce.

Put the marinade into a 1 gallon ziplock bag with 2 lbs of sirloin steak cut into 1/2 inch cubes and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. I stand the bag in a bowl so it doesn't make a mess in the refrigerator. Then get your grill ready, skewer the steak chunks with onion or whatever vegetables you like, and grill for 6-8 minutes turning occasionally.

In a small sauce pan heat the other half of the coconut milk mixture with 1/4 cup peanut butter for the sauce. That's it and it's so good!

We hope that you all had a great Christmas and will be blessed in 2011. We're grillin' even though it's chilly here in the holler...

Say it again...

2010-12-28T11:05:00.004-06:00

Our darling Speedbump has always been a talker. She started popping her jaws to get attention and she tells us when she wants to go outside. It's very convenient and entertaining, but now that it's cold outside she likes to go outside enjoy the north wind blow so she's talking all the time! This past summer, I was inspired by MAXMOM to teach Bumpy a hand signal for her to "speak." I touch my mouth and she woofs! It's funny, sometimes she stomps her foot if I happen to ignore her. Charlie is also a talker but your eardrums wouldn't survive the video :O) So, I took this video this past summer and wanted to share it with you. Oh, in the background is Sweet Violet picking on Charlie, she's just a typical little sister.

Blessings from the holler...

How did they do that?...

2010-12-24T09:19:00.003-06:00

It's amazing to me how they got all these dogs to "stay!" We have a hard time getting a picture of our pack without costumes!
Merry Christmas, again, from all of us in the holler...

What shall I give Him?...

2010-12-20T11:39:00.010-06:00

Last year I got to sing in our local town's Christmas choir and it was so much fun. We sang this song, In the Bleak Midwinter, which was a new one for me but it soon became my favorite and I could barely make it through the song because the words are so beautiful it made me cry (happy tears.) You can hear it at the link below. This girl sings like she's just standing there having a beautiful conversation...so effortless. Enjoy.

In the Bleak Midwinter - Christina Rosetti 1872.

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshiped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

We are so thankful for the gift God gave us of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Christmas blessings to you all from the holler...

Where have we been?...

2010-12-14T17:02:00.008-06:00

Actually, no where! But we had our granddaughter here for a few days while her Dad and Mom went skiing. So we did crafts, decorated the house, made cookies, watched Christmas movies and played in the snow. She left yesterday and I'm still recovering but it was fun and worth every memory we made.

OH, it snowed and snowed. We had only about 4-6 inches but it was enough for the dogs to enjoy and of course we got out and played in it too.
Our snow angels...

The dogs had fun, of course...

And lastly, Violet has adopted the Christmas tree as her very own.

Blessings from us in the holler to you...

Let's get in the mood, shall we?...

2010-11-30T17:49:00.004-06:00

This was sent to me in an e-mail and I just had to share. Enjoy!

A Nativity scene was built in a church yard.

During the night the people came across this scene.

The abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep. He chose baby Jesus cradle as his comfort. No one had the heart to send him away so he stayed there all night.

We should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap for comfort in this weary world.

Okay, that was the e-mail. Nice, warm fuzzy thoughts. I wouldn't have left the dog out all night but that's probably why we have six!! In my imagination, someone took him home and he's living happily ever after. I hope that in this month you will relax and not let the busyness of the time distract you from the really important things. As always, blessings to you all from the holler.

Thankful here in the holler...

2010-11-23T17:07:00.004-06:00

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. JP has put up with me for 25+ years. He is a wonderful father and provider, he loves me. You know, he doesn't even mind when the house is messy! Plus, you all know he's a great cook.

I'm thankful for my family. We all get along great, I even am blessed with wonderful in-laws. I like to call them in-loves because that is what they are to me :O)

Thankful for our church family--they're just great!

The grace and mercy of God towards me is astounding. He has protected me from serious harm and, to be honest, from myself. The lesson I'm learning (it's hard to learn lessons) is that I can trust Him for the outcome of my and my family's life. He cares about each detail!

Also, I find it amazing that I can be thankful for people that I've never met but we share our lives here in blogland. So, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and, as always, blessings from the holler

We don't need words...

2010-11-17T16:04:00.003-06:00

It's true, we don't need words today, the picture says it all...BUT
Yippee!
We are cone free!
Scrappy is healthy and happy!
Mom's legs can finally heal from those bruises from when Scrappy would run into her!
All is well and balanced in the pack.
We are thankful and blessed in the holler.

Great day in the holler...

2010-11-11T17:10:00.012-06:00

We had a glorious day today. The weather was warm so I walked all six dogs (not at once) and then they played in the back yard. Of course, the game is "stick game." Charlie grabbed this little stick and he and Daisy went at it.

Then he brought out his latest toy.....the monster stick! I have no idea how he got such a big stick but he loves it and so does Daisy. He must be trimming the tree line for us.

Scrappy is doing so much better and is a menace with that cone. She uses it like a weapon and I have bruises on the back of my legs from her running into me! She runs like nothing is wrong.

In this picture I'm holding up a dead mouse that I took away from her! She thinks she's getting it back,,,,she's wrong.
Dogs adjust so well to whatever circumstances they happen to be in (most anyway.) I could learn a lesson there for sure.
Here's the rest of the gang, just chillin'.

Charlie didn't want to go inside, he was just starting to have fun with his new stick. Doesn't he look like he's saying...."Five more minutes,,,PLEASE!!!!

Have a blessed weekend from all of us in the holler.

Poor Little Thing...

2010-11-01T18:39:00.006-05:00

Last Friday, Corrie was out sunning in the yard by herself as she loves to do. THEN something caused all the other dogs to want to be outside at once - they saw a deer or something had their interest. Scrappy is ALWAYS the first out of the door. Corrie met her and attacked her. Corrie is stocky and outweighs Scrappy by at least 20 lbs. I was yelling at the top of my lungs and had a small shovel that I was trying to use to separate them. It seemed like it took forever but it was probably only a minute or two. Never the less, the damage was done and Scrappy was bleeding. She had one very small puncture wound on her chest so I gave her a bath to make double sure that there were no lacerations. Corrie was fine except for a nip on top of her nose and, needless to say, has been under extra-close supervision. She simply can't be allowed to be in the yard alone because she claims it as hers and will fight for it. We can not allow this behavior!!

I was sure that Scrappy was sore so I started her on an anti-inflammatory and was sure she'd just need a few days to recover since she never bled after I brought her inside. On Saturday she started licking her wound occasionally and then we noticed she was obsessing. At least that's what I thought she was doing. By Sunday she had licked a raw spot all around the wound so I got Charlie's cone from when he was neutered and cut it down to fit her. Problem solved, right? NOT! This foul odor was coming from her. I didn't know where but it was definitely her.

So we decided that on Monday morning she would be the first to the vet since it's about time for their annual check ups anyway. He shaved the area and oh my, it was disgusting. That smell was coming from her wound!!! They put her on antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory and has to wear that cone until she heals. We decided to leave her with the vet for a couple of days so that they could keep a close watch on the wound and take care of her. Poor little thing...

Now she's home and in good spirits. We are thankful that God made warning signs like foul odors because if it hadn't been for that the infection would have gone much longer undetected. So, for a while, we will hand feed her and baby her until she's back to her scrappy self. We are still so very blessed and thankful in the holler. Blessings to you all.

Harvest musings...

2010-10-27T13:23:00.012-05:00

Wow, all of a sudden I just have all kinds of things to post on here! You know how it is. Anyway, a couple of days ago we had some fierce rain which is great for all the plants and to decrease the pollen. The down side to rainy weather, and something which I brace myself for each year, MUD and more mud! Scrappy likes to get me ready for the muddy days to come by giving me a little taste of how they will all be trotting in soon. She usually runs in full out and I try to intercept her before she makes many tracks around the house. Notice the dirty nose too! The other day she killed a mouse and brought it to me. I really appreciate the effort but hate picking up those little buggers.

Anyway, Scrappy came in full of herself and wanted to play. It looks like Violet was telling her that she's got dirty feet and doesn't want to play but that's only half true, as soon as this picture was snapped Violet pounced and the games were on.

Charlie is so handsome. It's hard to get a picture of him because as soon as I get anywhere near his level he's in motion my way--he's such a momma's boy!

Daisy and Speedbump usually come in and lay right down. I like that because their mud tracks are shorter!

I've been working on the last of the canning this week. I made a batch of elderberry jelly and have one more batch to make (these are Christmas gifts.) We had a less than average harvest this year in our garden because I let "end rot" get the first of our tomato crop. But I know to nip that in the bud next year because I've got two new favorite tomatoes, the Cherokee Purple and Big Mama Roma. The Cherokee Purple was a good slicing tomato and Big Mama was great for processing into marinara because it has so few seeds. How did your garden grow this year and what were your favorites? Here's some oregano I dried.

This is what time JP gets home! He's been so busy at work lately, he comes home when the harvest moon is up. Well, I'm off to get my carpet scraps out to strategically place around the back door for muddy paws!

Harvest blessings to you all from the holler.

True Love Story...

2010-10-25T10:14:00.004-05:00

I visit a blog called "What matters most is kindness" and this story just blew me away today. It beats any "chick flick" I've seen all to pieces. It's about a couple that has been married for 71 years - I really go for the "true love" stories. So here's the link,,,please go read and be blessed.

True Love

I'm here in the holler with hearts popping above my head like Olive Oyl for Popeye.

News from the holler...

2010-10-22T17:40:00.003-05:00

Really, the news is that we are so busy these days that I only sit at the computer to get the weather. I don't watch the news so I jump on here and find out what to wear, should we have the windows open, etc. It's been lovely here. The temperatures are mild and kinda cool at night; it's my perfect weather (JP's too.) The whole pack is in good health and happy.

The picture above was taken at my parents house. That's our two grandbabes taking a little fall walk a couple of years ago. It's one of my favorites.

One bit of very important news to us is that our soldier is home and with his family. Praise the Lord! Blessings to you all from the holler.

Falling...

2010-10-07T13:21:00.000-05:00

Now, I can tell you that the minute JP sees the title of this post he will think that I'm reporting one of my many stumbles. I am a klutz and there's no help for it. He always says that he thinks I should be wrapped in bubble wrap when he's away. He's a funny guy.

No, this post is celebrating this season of change in the weather. The temperatures are mild, the trees are changing color and I love it. One of the showiest trees we have as far as fall color is this maple.

The dogwoods are beautiful too.

This is a different kind of dogwood and it has these little red balls. Does anyone know what kind of dogwood this is. It's the one that has flowers after it's put on its leaves in the spring.

Guess what! As I walked around taking these pictures I noticed that there were strawberries still on the plant. Uh, sorry honey, I kind of ate them as I went along. Trust me, they weren't that good...
Our Purple Thai Basil is beautiful now as it goes to seed.

The gang was so interested in the cat and I as we walked around the front yard. Well, most everyone was interested.....

Speedbump started getting sleepy sitting there in the sun and I left her alone for her little nap after I snapped this yawn.

Happy fall blessings to all of you from all of us in the holler.

Elderberry Wine...

2010-09-29T16:51:00.002-05:00

I know Elton John did a song about it, but frankly, I grew tired of ol' Elton decades ago, so let's just leave that song out of it for now. If it's stuck in your head, maybe try singing Amazing Grace to the tune of the Gilligan's Island Theme Song. I've heard that helps.

JP here. Yes, I think it's probably been over a year since I posted much of anything on here, so don't faint.

We managed to gather quite the wild elderberry harvest this year, much more than what Mrs. JP needs to do a couple of batches of her elderberry jelly, and being the curious and adventurous foodie that I am, I decided that this year I would put that excess of berries to good use and learn the skill of wine making. I read and read information about it, and it is clearly an art that could take years to master, but I found some good information, a good recipe, got the equipment needed and last weekend we set about wine making.

I won't bore you with all of the details. A large part of wine making involves getting the right animate and inanimate things into it and keeping the bad animate and inanimate things out. There is good yeasts and bad yeasts, good acids and bad acids, and on and on. The process of sterilizing gloves, spoons, etc. has become a part of our days.

As we collected elderberries this year, we would freeze them, and then Mrs. JP would go through them to take out any bugs and large stems, put them in a freezer bag and back into the freezer they went. So Friday evening, we put all of the berries into a nylon straining bag, dropped it into a primary fermentor, known in common parlance as a clean, sterilized plastic bucket, boiled some spring water and dissolved the required amount of sugar into it, poured that over the bag of berries in the primary, pressed the berry bag to release juices, then proceeded to add the necessary chemicals.

Day two, more chemicals went in. Day three we woke the wine yeast up by re-hydrating it and encouraging it to procreate and multiply, by feeding it, of all things (hmmmmm? haha). Then, when it had been spurred into all kinds of activity by small additions of must (that's the stuff that is in the primary fermentation bucket, all of that stuff we mixed, the water, the sugar, the berries, the chemicals, whatever, it's all collectively called the must), and was bubbling away happily, we added it into the primary fermentor. Now, we have what's called an S-type air lock on the bucket lid that keeps the oxygen out and lets the excess carbon dioxide out; it kind of burps on a regular basis. I never realized how active the fermentation process is. The must is fizzing like some champagne or old fashioned grape soda pop, and it really bubbles up when we have to stir it.

Once a day, we take the lid off, squeeze the berry bag gently and stir the must. It's supposed to ferment like this for fourteen days, then it gets put into a large carboy bottle to continue to ferment and clarify for six months, at which time we stabilize it, make any minor taste adjustments necessary, bottle it and let it age for a year before we get to try it. Hopefully, we will get some good wine and not some vinegar or cooking wine.

If we do this all over after next year's elderberry harvest, about the time we bottle up the second batch of wine, the first one should be aged and ready to taste. Delayed gratification, I hope!

I have no idea how I'm going to keep twenty some odd bottles of wine sitting on a wine rack at an ideal 55° Fahrenheit for months on end, through spring, summer, fall and winter. I guess I'll have a little over six months to figure that one out. I really hope the temperature thing is an ideal, and not a requirement, because I can't afford a walk in refrigerator right now.

Anyway, as my dearly beloved says at the end of her posts, "Blessings from the holler, y'all!"

My Birthday...

2010-09-27T16:11:00.006-05:00

Today is my birthday. I've been thinking about how blessed I am and am just so thankful for my wonderful life. It really is wonderful! I have a great family that I love--I even have great in-laws, both mom-in-law and daughter-in-law are dear to me. I've been pretty spoiled all my life. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and son, not to mention grandbabies. I can worship without fear or oppression. I do not know what it is to starve. I've never been rich by the standards of most people but I certainly count myself as rich in every way that counts.

Yesterday, my mom made a wonderful lunch for all of us and she made my favorite birthday cake. I got to talk to my son who is on the other side of the world doing his thing and hopefully will be home in a month. My daughter-in-love bought me a cool musical birthday card (James Brown singing.......I FEEL GOOD) and some sweet University of Tennessee pajama pants. My brother and sister-in-law gave me a Starbucks gift bag, kitchen towels and a recipe book. JP gave me some lovely sapphire earrings and some other stuff he doesn't know he bought!! LOL. He's so great. Speaking of JP, he out did himself on birthday cards--he got me two. I have to share them with you, so here goes.

First one says: (he gave me this one at my parents yesterday)
Front of the card......... I really hope you like this birthday card...
Inside........ Somebody farted in the card shop and I could only hold my breath long enough to grab this one!
Happy Birthday and many more.
(I told him he was probably the inspiration for the card)

And this one I got this morning: Ready???
Front:

For My Wife with Love
A Birthday Poem for You

When I kiss ya
When I miss ya
When I'm feeling
tired or lazy,
When we're busy,
In a tizzy,
When I drive you Kinda crazy

Inside
When we're romantic
or almost frantic,
When we're apart or we're together
One thing's certain
(And I'm not just flirtin')
I love you with all my heart, forever.

Okay,,,everybody say "aaaawwwwwww." Wasn't that nice? See, I told you, I really have a wonderful life. I'm having a great birthday and hoping that you are as blessed as I am...here in the holler.

Barbecue...

2010-09-23T15:07:00.010-05:00

Two weeks ago we had Homecoming Day at our church. It was a great time, we honored three of our members who are over 90 years old and had grown up going to this little church. Our church building was built in the late 1800's and the cemetery on the property has graves from before the civil war, some dated as far back as the early 1800s and late 1700s.

I didn't mean to get off on that rabbit trail but the history of our church and the surrounding area is so interesting to me.

Anyway, we had volunteered to bring smoked pork and Barbecue sauce for our part of the meal, and what a meal it was. Everyone liked the Barbecue and we sent plates home with lots of people.

The Thursday before, we bought a case of pork butts at Sam's and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight with dry rub on them (we put two in a 2 gallon plastic bag and stack them up that way).

Then we got up super early on Friday morning and got them smoking. Notice that it's still dark outside in the picture.

They smoked all day and into the night --18 hours total. After they reach the proper internal temperature, they go in plastic bags to rest and cool. Then the next morning, we pulled the meat and JP chopped it up some to make it easier to serve.

Here are the cooked butts after resting for a while, ready to be pulled apart.

(JP here: It's especially delicious piled high on a soft hamburger bun, with some of the barbecue sauce poured over it and a large dollop of cole slaw to finish it off..... yum, yum.)

Also, we didn't want to waste all of those smoky bones, so JP made stock with them. We froze the stock and can use it to make soups when the weather is cold, or to flavor rice dishes, etc.

It's always a lot of work to crank out a case of pulled pork barbecue, but it's worth it. We still have some in the freezer and gave some to my Mom and Dad.

JP again: We can have barbecue sammiches, barbecue potatoes, barbecue fried rice, barbecue pizza.... I'll quit now because I'm starting to sound like Bubba from the Forrest Gump movie.

Dog For Sale (wink)...

2010-09-16T11:26:00.004-05:00

A Guy is driving around the back roads of Montana and sees a sign in front of an old shanty style house: "Talking Dog For Sale." He knocks on the door and the owner tells him the dog is in the back yard.

The guy goes in the back yard and sure enough there's a nice looking hound back there.

"You talk?" he asks.

"Yep" the dog replies...

After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?' The Dog looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years. But all the travel really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I discovered some incredible dealing and was awarded a batch of medals. Then, I retired, got married and had a bunch of puppies and now I'm retired.

The guy was amazed. He went back up to the house and asked the owner how much he wanted for the talking dog.

"Ten Dollars" says the owner.

"Ten Dollars, that dog is amazing, why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"

"Because, he's a liar, he never did any of that stuff!!"

I got this story in an e-mail and it made me laugh....maybe it was the sinus medicine. Have a happy day from all of us in the holler...

We're still here in the holler...

2010-09-07T11:09:00.008-05:00

I've wanted to post something new. I'd sit and think about what I could tell you, pictures I could take, and you know, there has really been nothing new here in the holler. Life goes on--I'm so thankful for the routines and sameness in our lives.

Okay, really, now that I think about it there have been a few things. The temperatures are not oppressive, even pleasantly cool in the evenings. Fall is in the air and I like that lots. The trees are just barely starting to change. Our neighbors (the cows) come to see us in the evenings because they like the light outside our house. I love the babies, especially this little white-face baby.

Today, I cleaned out the smoker so that we'll be ready to smoke some pork at the end of the week. We're having "Homecoming Sunday" this weekend at church. So, we'll have a big lunch after church and we're taking pulled pork. There will be so much food there, I really should eat less all week so I can hover over the buffet (desserts of all kinds,,,yummm.)

After I cleaned out the smoker I was so dirty I decided to get another chore over with that I've been putting off. I pulled up all of the garden except the pepper plants, marigolds, and these tropical pea plants that look like small trees. The peppers are still producing. The pigeon peas are just now putting on pea pods and I don't think we'll ever get any before frost but they look neat to me, so I left them.

Oh, I did finish a scrappy fall lap quilt. I used leftover pieces of quilts I'd made to make it. I bought a darning foot so I could learn to do free motion quilting and decided to learn on this quilt. Let me just say that I have a long way to go in learning this technique. To me it was the quilting equivalent to a full body workout. My shoulders were cramping, my back was hurting and I'm pretty sure that I clenched my teeth through the whole ordeal. I did learn some but it was painful--I guess that's how a lot of life lessons are, huh?

So, I guess the next time I think that nothing is new around here I should sit down and just start typing and I'll think of all kinds of things I want to tell you. We are blessed beyond measure and so very thankful for The Lord's daily mercy to us. Blessings from all of us here in the holler...

A Big Ole' Dose of Cute...

2010-08-26T12:05:00.009-05:00

Who in this world doesn't love puppies? I mean, really! My friend, MaxMom, is going to get a new puppy soon and she said that I could post pictures of him. I look forward to her posting the pictures of her visits with him like he's going to be mine. Go to her blog - LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX, for updates. Don't worry, JP, I'm not getting puppy fever; I know we are at full capacity!! So, everyone relax and soak up the cuteness. I guarantee that you will smile.

This is one of my favorites, look at him chugging along.

But then there's sleeping puppy, awww...

Blessings from the holler to you all...

Liquid Sunshine...

2010-08-18T16:10:00.012-05:00

I went to the porch to snap a picture of these pretty butterflies. We've had lots of butterflies this year and I should have been taking more pictures. There's a pretty one that's black with turquoise spots but I've missed taking that picture.

Then, the rain started and I just sat down in my rocker (good old fashioned wood rocker) and enjoyed the view until I was chased inside by blowing drops. God has blessed us with such beauty. I look around and remember why the mountain range near us is called the Smokey Mountains. The fog raises between the hills and looks like smoke--so beautiful.

This shower is such a nice break from the hot summer days. Fall is just around the corner; I'm really looking forward to it. Blessings to you all from the holler... FYI
Definition of holler -
noun - valley -toThe shepherds took the sheep to graze in the hollow.

t to define our little place until a friend asked the other day. So sorry!
We hope that you all have a wonderful week.

Hollow pronounced by locals (holler) - a valley: They took the sheep to graze in the hollow. Where we live there are steep hills. You either live on top of the hill or in the holler!

Bath day...

2010-08-18T15:59:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was the dreaded bath day. I say "dreaded" because no one likes it. But, bathe we must. I start out with Corrie first because she really, really gets nervous and so we just get it out of the way "quick like pulling off a band-aid." Next was her sister Violet, Charlie, Daisy, Speedbump and Scrappy (she's always last because hers is the easiest.) Afterward I clean the bathroom and gather the pile of towels and walk through the house enjoying the calm after the storm. They're all so relaxed and taking their good "after bath" naps.

Whew, we're all glad that's over. What they always forget is that tomorrow is brushing all the loose fur day! It's not so bad and helps with the shedding until next time.
Squeaky clean in the holler...

Front yard to Back...

2010-08-17T09:36:00.013-05:00

Just in case you were wondering, here's how our garden grows. It's a jungle out there! Notice the garden glove on the fence post in the picture above. It's like my garden is shaking it's fist at me. Anyway, the tomatoes are almost done; the Lima beans, cucumbers and zucchini have been pulled up; the peppers are in their peak (what am I going to do with all these jalepeños?) The tall plant you see on the left is a tropical pea called Gandules or Pigeon peas, it apparently needs a long growing season because it's just now started blooming and putting on peas. I hope we get to, at least, taste a fresh batch of peas in a pot of arroz con gandules (rice and peas Puerto Rican style.)

This morning I was able to get a few pictures of our standard routine. First, someone spots the turkeys trying to have a nice calm walk up the hill. As you can see this momma turkey wants no part of pictures and gets her little one on the move.

Next, Scrappy or Corrie spots the movement at the top of the hill and the begging and whining starts at the door. Scrappy is bouncing like Tigger at the door and Violet is whining in piercing barks at the rear of the pack. So, to save my hearing, I make my way through the pack to the door and release the hounds! Up the hill they go, as fast as they can (Scrappy is always in front!)

Charlie nearly always turns and runs back down the hill. He's not really into confrontation :O)

If I happen to be standing there, he grabs his Frisbee and trots around trying to lure me into a game of fetch.

Daisy is always available to give him her opinion and play.

JP, wouldn't you say this happens all day? It's not always turkeys that they are chasing, sometimes I think Scrappy just gets bored and leads them all on a wild goose chase! Okay, I thought that was pretty funny. JP knows, I crack myself up sometimes. It's nice to be able to entertain yourself!!

Blessings to you from the gang in the holler...

Zucchini cakes...

2010-08-09T10:54:00.004-05:00

This year I planted one zucchini plant and I've been really impressed with it's versatility. I've made bread, relish, muffins and these super easy and good cakes.

Zucchini Cakes
1 ½ cup shredded zucchini
1 egg
3 Tablespoons Bisquick
3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons bacon bits
1 tsp. salt
pepper to your liking

Combine all ingredients and pan fry in olive oil until brown. Enjoy!

Blessings from the holler...

This cracked me up...

2010-08-06T17:21:00.002-05:00

I'm so easy! I love to laugh and I look for opportunities to just "get my tickle box turned over." Latest favorite show to laugh at-- World's Dumbest........ I know it's not the cleanest entertainment but I look forward to laughing at them every Thursday. You all have a great weekend from all of us in the holler.

The attack of the toilet paper...

2010-08-02T16:36:00.005-05:00

The other night as I sat in my chair watching television with our visiting grandbabe I saw the weirdest thing. Charlie was backing up, down the hallway, as fast as he could; he had his head down and then I recognized what was on his head, toilet paper! Not only was it on his head, it was all the way down the hallway coming out of the spare bathroom. I had to laugh at the poor goof. I think he was probably checking out the trash can (good smelling stuff in there), raised his head and that's when the toilet paper jumped him. He tried to get away from it but it wouldn't let go!

These pictures are recreations, of course.

Awww Charlie, we know you didn't mean to make a mess you big goof. Good times in the holler...

Where do I begin?...

2010-07-28T09:37:00.012-05:00

It's been a busy week thus far, but, tonight our sweet granddaughter is coming to visit for a few days, so we kick into fun times!! I must share something first. During my quiet time this morning I read a verse in Proverbs that struck me as so profound.

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

If you think about the influence you have in your home, on your husband and family, it is quite sobering. I can build my home with a kind heart and kind words, with prayer, organization, provision, a good attitude and respect. I can also tear it down with bitterness, laziness, a quick temper and by being judgmental. This is the lesson I learned today. And please, know that I'm judging myself here. I really want to be more simple, not mentally (LOL), but spiritually. Life is too short to be hard to figure out, moody and complex. Wow,,,okay,,,I'm done with the heavy stuff, but I had to share what I learned from God's Word and I pray that it blesses you.

This week, I've been trying to keep up with the produce from our tiny garden and from the peach trees. Peach season is officially over. We have some peaches to eat on and I made my last batch of peach jam.

The zucchini is producing more than we can eat so I made a small batch of relish. I don't know how it'll turn out; when I tasted it I thought it was more like a chow chow. Either way, it's something we'll use.

Lena reminded me of the salsa recipe I used from last year, so I made a batch of that. The one jar that didn't get filled all the way is for us to enjoy this weekend!

And, also from Lena, I used her starter resipe to make sourdough bread. The one on the right is cinnamon/raisin bread which I will put a glaze on. I've been craving french toast, so I pretty much know what I'll be doing with the other loaf. :O)

I took these pictures of the gang (the ones who would cooperate anyway) sending you greetings.

This little goof is coming to visit today. She took this picture of herself using her mom's cell phone. Our daughter-in-love was taking a nap (I think that's what happened anyway) and someone decided to play with the cell phone.

We send you all blessings from the holler...

Bird Bed and Breakfast...

2010-07-22T10:33:00.006-05:00

We have a nice front porch that gets morning sun. JP and I really enjoy the evenings there because it's usually cool and our view is wonderful with the hills across the road. The birds love it in the morning, they will come just to sit there and soak up the sun. This blue bird just decided to lay down on it's side and take a nap. This is not a sick bird, I saw it fly away to the nesting box seconds after this photo was taken. Maybe it's the mom and this is her little get away from the kids.

That picture was taken in 2008. This morning, after JP went to work, as I walked in the den I saw it again!! I didn't get another picture because I wanted to see if it was ill or just resting. What is the deal? Have you ever seen a bird lay down on it's back or side like that? Should I make some tiny pillows and Velcro them to the porch in intervals so everyone is comfortable? My word, I don't want to be a bad hostess!!

I wish it was wordless...

2010-07-21T09:51:00.004-05:00

Who knows how to beat the heat? Scrappy, that's who. She is so spoiled it's funny. She has developed a new talent. She looks out the back door, growls really low, then barks and gets everyone all stirred up to go out and bark at whatever....THEN, I open the door, they all go out except Scrappy!! She walks away like, psych, I just wanted you all out of the house so I can go back to my chair.

Now, about the wordless part. I heard my voice on our answering machine several times yesterday. I sound like a hick!! I mean I'm as country as you can get and proud of it. We're talking raised listening to country & gospel music, watching Hee-Haw (JP thinks it's funny that I know the songs on that show), I learned to drive out in my Dad's hay field; you get the picture. I think maybe we should go back to the pre-installed computer guy's voice.

Ya'll have a great rest of the week now, ya hear! Blessings from the holler.....

Here we go...

2010-07-16T16:59:00.006-05:00

Our garden has started to really produce, and I pray the blessings will go through to the fall. Please don't quote me on this later, because I'll be whining for sure in a month. I've learned that one zucchini plant is plenty for two people, with enough to share with others (that's my favorite part). The tomato plants are doing pretty good, although, we've got blossom end rot on the Roma variety again, so I'm boosting their calcium. The peppers are junin' along as are the lima beans, but it'll be a month before we have to do anything with them. Those darker colored tomatoes are heirloom Cherokee Purples, we'll see how they taste!

Speaking of blessings, yesterday I was driving along listening to my music in the truck and this song came on that is one of my favorites by MercyMe. As I sang this to God, I felt so thankful that He spoke my name. I hope you enjoy the lyrics below and have a blessed weekend from all of us here in the holler.

When I first spoke Your name
I used it like a blade
Cutting sharp a mask to hide the pain
When I first spoke Your name

When I next spoke Your name
I could no longer bear the weight
Of years hiding behind the ache
When I next spoke Your name

But when You spoke my name
Oh I swear the angels sang
Peace came and stole my shame
When You spoke my name

Now when I speak Your name
I sing it like a sweet refrain
I have found a peace I can't explain
When I speak Your name

Cause when You spoke my name
Oh I swear the angels sang
Peace came and stole my shame
When You spoke my name

I can hardly speak
Knowing You know me
Thank God I'm free

Now my world has completely come undone
For I can hear the Son
Calling out to me

Cause when You spoke my name
Oh I swear the angels sang
Peace came and stole my shame

When You spoke my name
Oh I swear the angels sang
Peace came and stole my shame
When You spoke my name

Just trying to keep up...

2010-07-12T11:35:00.003-05:00

Is anyone else remembering just how busy summer can be? So far, I've frozen peaches, made peach jam and dill pickles. That's just the start of it because the garden is just starting to produce. Pretty soon I'll be blessed by tomatoes everywhere!! During the winter, when I'm picking out what I want in the garden, I have forgotten what a whirlwind it can be. But isn't it a blessing to have a little piece of land where we can have a garden? We have zucchini too; we've been enjoying that sauteed with olive oil, salt and pepper. So how does your garden grow?

Blessings to you all from the holler!

Bumpy's spa day...

2010-07-08T10:16:00.004-05:00

I'm late this year, as with most everything, in giving Speedbump her summer hair cut. I'm not a groomer but she doesn't care; she enjoys the attention. The other day I got out the shears and got it done. Mostly, I just thin her mane so she can get closer to the air conditioner vents - her first love. The hair I clip off her (a shopping bag stuffed full) I take and spread around the garden to keep varmints away.

So here she is before.....mid-yawn.

And here she is after her hair cut and just before I clipped those ridiculous nails. That's as demure as you'll ever see Bump.

We're keeping it as cool as we can here in the holler. Blessings to you all.

Chicken in pockets...

2010-07-03T10:16:00.009-05:00

We don't entertain guests much here in the holler and when we do, more than likely, we're serving up something from the smoker. But this recipe is one of my favorites and it's good for company. I got this recipe from JP's boss, she is a wonderful chef too. I call it chicken pockets. Here are the ingredients you need:

One box of puff pastry,
3-4 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless - I like the thin sliced for this),
prosciutto ham (can substitute country ham or leave out),
Fontina cheese and preserves (whatever you like - I used peach)

First, season and saute the chicken breasts in olive oil until just done and set aside. Cut the chicken in two or three pieces. Then I fried my country ham. Of course, you wouldn't need to fry prosciutto. Set all this aside and let cool to room temp.

I flour my counter and roll the pastry dough out just a little and then cut it into four pieces.

Layer the goodies in the pastry like the picture and then seal the pastry by bringing corner to corner and folding down the top. Don't worry about how they look because when they bake they look wonderful. I put them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed. Then bake at 400° for 18-20 minutes, this gives the cheese time to melt. I roasted some asparagus to go with our "pockets" but I pull them out at 10 minutes so they're still a little firm. I just cut off the tough end and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

After supper, we went out and picked this bowl of peaches. The big ones are white peaches and the small ones are just regular old sweet peaches. Yum, yum, yum.

We are grateful to celebrate another Independence Day and are thankful for those who worked and sacrificed to form this nation. Blessings to you all from the holler.

Project way over due...

2010-06-29T16:31:00.006-05:00

I've finally finished a baby quilt that should have been done in January! I'm almost embarrassed to send it now but she can always use it for a lap quilt.

So here it is...ta da. Pinwheels on the front.

Funky on the back.

This is what I did today. My mom needs a summer table runner. This is what I came up with out of my stash. I like the bright colors and the vege./fruit print. It's not finished; I'm gonna put on a border and then quilt it. I'm so proud of it I wanted to show you today.

Last night, JP and I shared out first peach from our little trees. It was so good. This first tree to ripen is a white peach. Jam, cobbler, Yummmmm!

JP has a three day weekend coming up so hopefully, we'll have some nice recipe posts and maybe something to celebrate Independence Day. We send blessings from the holler...

First Day of Summer...

2010-06-21T12:24:00.018-05:00

Are you kidding me? I glanced at the calendar this morning and that's what it said! Well, we sure had a warm spring. Do you remember how very cold it was, way back when we were posting about our snow accumulation, and when we started our little gardens off as seeds? Wow, time goes by so fast. Is it just me? So, now that I know what season I'm in let me embrace it with a few photos of what's been going on in the holler.

This butterfly was keeping me company while I hosed off from being in the garden this morning.

We have the occasional turkey visit.

The hay was cut next door which leaves such a lovely view.

The flowers and weeds are in full swing.

The vegetable garden is coming along nicely.

This little tomato is called "sugary sweet." What I wanted you to see in this picture is my use for pantyhose - cut into strips, make the best tomato ties. As far as I'm concerned, there is no other good use for them :O)

The peach trees are doing good, at least we think they are.

The gang says hello. Violet is hiding but is in the picture and Scrappy was not available today. She decided she'd rather stay inside and do her nails or something.

Oh, there she is. She's claimed my chair as her command post.

So, as you can see, we are abundantly blessed and thankful. May The Lord bless you and yours; this is our prayer for you from all of us in the holler.