Weeds in Tennessee!

 God has blessed us with the most beautiful and amazing array of “weeds”. Last year I changed my mind about them. They are beautiful even helpful if you know which ones are the good ones for you and how to use them.  I have a free app on my phone that identifies them for me so that helps. I made a salve that helps with poison ivy itching ( thanks be to God)  I have begun to think that we lost so much knowledge about the earth and what it provides us naturally  I know that our forefathers and mothers had to make medicine from something!  So, I bought a reputable book and am dipping my toes into what I can find to help myself on our property.  Think of that!, I started with the salve which is a wonderful thing and goldenrods that I dried for tea for my sinuses  it does help! 

At any rate, today on my hike to the mailbox I found these teeny tiny lil buggers. I would say that the flowers are maybe 1/4 inch across but they’re everywhere! My app calls them Blue field madder😀❤️

This white flower is called Garden star-of- Bethlehem. If you look closely there are those tiny purple flowers just below. Anyway I hope you’re enjoying your weeds. Now, there is something out there making me itch all over, except the soles of my feet,haha. I’ll be happy whenever that particular lovely gets ta gettin’

As always blessing to you all from the holler,,,,Enjoy the weeds! :)

It’s a new day!

 I’m so blessed. My husband’s grandmother gave us her beautiful china cabinet long ago. I keep little treasures there. For a long while it remained closed except for Christmas when I got out some nativity scenes that I display. Then one day I decided to decorate my kitchen window with a few things and enjoy the items instead of locking them away. I am so happy that I did. Life is meant to be enjoyed and we’re given gifts, not to be buried away but used until we pass them along to others. 

Well the lighting isnt very good but yall get the jest.  Tell me about your treasures! I would love to hear from you and as always…blessings from the holler…

God is always good. New year’s blessings from the holler

 I made this quilt for my mom 

Buster is still on guard here and so spoiled 

Look at this woman! She’s amazing and she’s my mom. We’re laughing because I don’t know how to take a selfie haha,

I haven’t been on here in a while

 I miss this space where I can come and share my love for creating things, cooking and of course, my family. God has blessed. One big thing that happened is that our son finally retired from the military!  We’re so thankful for his safety for 26 years 

The dogs are good! Buster, the pitie mix loves to go and see my mom.  They’re such a pair and she spoils him rotten.  The girls, Trudy and Olive are 3 yrs old now and also spoiled  :) They behave when they must but the backyard is their domain.  

I’ve been sewing some too.  The bear rag quilt was a monster when all was done  He was 4 feet tall!  Also, I repurposed a denim jacket that was my husband’s when we met 40 yrs ago! I added a quilt block and boom it’s a girly jacket  

Our precious granddaughter is in college! Our grandson is working as an RN in an ICU!  We’ve had lots of changes that goes along with time passing.  In all this I look back and see God’s faithfulness and blessings  I am finding that the longer I live the more I understand that He doesn’t want me to worry about things, it does no good.  Just do today and let tomorrow worry about itself.  Blessings, as always, from the holler….

The Girls are growing so fast...

Trudy

Olive

They really do everything together 

Blessings from the holler...

Did I say puppies?!........

These first pictures are from early October when we got them.  The first picture is Olive and the second is Trudy.  Our neighbor came over and took these wonderful pictures. 

 

I’m excited for Christmas! Going to be a simple thing here, how about where you are?

This blessed me so much that I had to share..

"The unsearchable riches of Christ."
Ephesians 3:8

My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think him to be when your thoughts are at the greatest. My Lord is more ready to pardon than you to sin, more able to forgive than you to transgress. My Master is more willing to supply your wants than you are to confess them. Never tolerate low thoughts of my Lord Jesus. When you put the crown on his head, you will only crown him with silver when he deserves gold. My Master has riches of happiness to bestow upon you now. He can make you to lie down in green pastures, and lead you beside still waters. There is no music like the music of his pipe, when he is the Shepherd and you are the sheep, and you lie down at his feet. There is no love like his, neither earth nor heaven can match it. To know Christ and to be found in him—oh! this is life, this is joy, this is marrow and fatness, wine on the lees well refined. My Master does not treat his servants churlishly; he gives to them as a king giveth to a king; he gives them two heavens—a heaven below in serving him here, and a heaven above in delighting in him forever. His unsearchable riches will be best known in eternity. He will give you on the way to heaven all you need; your place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, your bread shall be given you, and your waters shall be sure; but it is there, there, where you shall hear the song of them that triumph, the shout of them that feast, and shall have a face-to-face view of the glorious and beloved One. The unsearchable riches of Christ! This is the tune for the minstrels of earth, and the song for the harpers of heaven. Lord, teach us more and more of Jesus, and we will tell out the good news to others.

Blessings from the holler...

I rarely journal anymore,

Yesterday as I drove home from my shopping I heard this pastor talk on the radio about a couple of verses, so I decided to look them up this morning for my readings. Wow, what a blessing.
I read John 15:4-5 where Jesus says “ I am the Vine & you and the branches; he who abides in me bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”   I think that’s nothing of eternal value.
However, in Philippians 4 Paul is basically giving the recipe for life which I encourage you to read but for this subject I looked at verse 13  He was talking about how he could be content in any situation. I challenge you to look up some of his “ situations “. But, he said in vs 13  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” I.e. All things can be done by me But only thru my Lord’s strength in me! And vs. 19 says “ God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

I know these facts to be true. I’ve seen God supply my needs. I’ve looked back and things have been done not by my puny strength but God’s.
So, how long will I remember these things so necessary for a fruitful and peaceful life?  Surely this will drive me to pray more to Him who is gracious and wants to hear my prayers. Prayer is my link to my gracious Heavenly Father who delights to hear from me. I will close with my new favorite quote.

Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.
John Newton ( author of Amazing Grace)

As always, blessings from the holler...

I am going to try to do this again ,,

straight away I’ll tell you there have been some changes in the pack. My keeper, my other darling is now gone and thus the absence from the blog. I just couldn’t talk about Charlie not being by my side, even now it stings.  Corrie has also gone to the bridge of rainbows at a ripe old age.  Sigh...

That being said, we have a bouncy new couple of loves that I want you to meet. Our oldest of the two is still young and we’ve had him since he was a pup is Buster. His mom was rescued pregnant and desperate, we are honored that we got one of her pups from my new favorite rescue place. They have the best foster mom’s called FOR out of Huntsville Alabama. He’s the most chill puppy we’ve ever had and God knew that’s what I needed at the time.  Buster is a Staffordshire terrier - Pit bull mix and is a love bug.  He would snuggle with me all day if I let him. 

This first picture cracks me up because when he was a pup he did this thing with his tongue.  haha.  He's so cute and I just can't say it enough, just so layed back unless our neighbors, the cows or deer come calling and then he is all business.  He is a treasure as they all are.

 Here he is at one yr old and looking like quite the little man.

So, I just know in my heart that our home isn't complete without a German Shepherd.  That's just us.  So, we went to FOR for our newest member of the pack and got a Parvo survivor.  She was left at a Vet's office I believe and they really worked to keep her alive maybe that's why she's so cocky.  Her name is Lola, (she was a showgirl, and she wore feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there) okay, I'm back.  Our girl's name is Lola, because I like that name, she's a spitfire, she's a barker.  She barks at thing, for thing, for nothing, because she's tired, because she's bored, because someone has her bone, a leaf went by,,,you get the drift...She's a nutt!!  

These first two pictures were taken by her foster mom and I looked at them daily as I prayed for her survival as they tried to stabilize her tummy and pack on a little weight.  Those ears, that smile!

Here she is at our house after a few months of good living and many pounds later.  Don't let the mellow look fool you, she's a drama queen.  I love her haha!  Oh, one thing I forgot to tell you about Lola, she loves to lick Scrappy and Violet in the face hello.  I've never had a dog do this.  I really hope is goes away with puphood and I know Scrappy does because she's her favorite victim.  Scrappy is super cute and all but the poor thing also has the cleanest face in the house!

Both Buster and Lola are being taught basic obedience by me and we will hopefully progress to off-leash and advanced obedience in the spring.  Buster loves the treadmill, Lola is going to love it because I say so :)  A good dog is a tired dog, especially is that dog is a super drama queen. 

I pray that God has blessed you all since we've talked  I pray that you're walking with Him and that you all have a blessed Thanksgiving if I don't post before then.  Although, I'm going to try to do better.  As always, blessings from the holler...

We're a summer haven,,,and then there were four...

Let's get this over with, quick like a bandaid being pulled away.  My darling Speedbump is gone, soon after my last posting the cancer took her apetite and we made the hardest decision a pet owner ever makes.  I was with her, in her ear until her last sweet breath.  I still miss her; she was and always will be my darlin.  And so, now we are a four dog house; really it feels like two and one/half because Charlie is my only big one left.  He is my keeper still.

Below, if you look in the middle of the heavy laden peach tree you'll see a turkey momma and a baby or two.  These ladies have taken to mornings under the peach tree and a few blue berries on the side.  I'll let them have it, why not!!  The Japanese beatles have taken two trees worth, so far, of peaches.  I made the mistake of following the directions on the pesticide spray and I stopped spraying 21 days before harvest.  Well, that worked out just "peachy" for them.  haha!  I did get one batch of white peach jam and hope to salvage one batch from the tree you see here.  We'll see...

I hate this being a sad news Sarah everytime I post something.  I'll try to keep the camera handy and do better.  I just don't do as well as I should, but I wanted to have closure.  I still think of you all, you're my friends in a real way, I'm just that crazy friend that blows through when she feels drama I guess and needs to unload.  Thanks for being there for me.  As always, I and we do pray for you blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ, from the holler...

p.s. excuse the poor gramar, I didn't have JP proof this one,,hehe

Just some pictures and a breakthrough

Wednesday morning as I left the holler, a flock of turkeys (we call them turkey nation because there's so many) was beside the road and then decided to fly in front of me a little way. In a few months they'll be escort in their chicks up and down the hill where they roost. 

Also, we had some strawberries recently that were so good.  We made them twice as nice by adding chocolate syrup

Speedbump has decided that she will eat hamburger mixed with Charlie's food. She eats only small portions but something is better than nothing. We are thankful for each meal she enjoys and each day we get to enjoy with her. 

Blessings to you all, in our Lord Jesus Christ, from all of us in the holler...

Now it's Speedbump!

My friends, it seems like bad news follows bad here and I'm asking for prayers for our family and our Speedbump. She is ten, so youngish old in my book for her size.  She is my beautiful girl. I think she has the eyes of a "Precious Moments"figurine.  I digress. She is sick, very sick. Her hips started being weak, then her appetite waned. So to the vets office we went.  He felt a mass at her jaw (thought it was a tooth) and also palpated a small something in/near belly,,we did an x-Ray that confirmed the belly mass but he couldn't tell if it's outside or what. Looks like it's outside, near the spleen, and its cancer (later confirmed).

Her apetite is none. So we did a week of antibiotics and the jaw gland went down considerably. Also, her teeth looked bad. So, he and I both thought,,tooth is bad. (Looks like a duck, acts like a duck, we treated her,,well you get it). Okay, dear ones, still with me? Her pre-labs showed pre-kidney failure, but just a smidge. So, I told him to go on with it. It turns out that she didn't have any bad teeth.  But during her anesthesia my dear vet did a couple x-rays (at no charge) to confirm the belly mass. So, she was sent home with chewy pain meds and an apetite stimulant. 

She has lost so much weight, I won't post a picture, you can imagine. My question is what have you fed your finicky ones? I've done, chicken broth and instant mash potatoes, canned food all kinds,   Ideas, prayers!!!  We are so grateful for The Great Physician and Creator of all comfort. And, of course we send blessings from The holler...

I just remembered something that happened on the way...

I was reading Maxmom's blog and remembered something funny that happened to me during Christmas. Go ahead and read if you haven't already, it's really short and it sets up my story perfectly, I will wait until you return.

MAXMOM's Cracker dog

Awe,,isn't Toby the cutest?  Okay, I needed to deliver a gift to a friend and I would only be in town one more time before Christmas. So, I called her and it was going to be great because I would get to meet the mom of her exchange student from Australia. I was so excited. As usual, I call beforehand to let her know I'm on the way only to learn that the airline had lost mom's luggage and they had to rush to the airport,,so sorry,,just leave the gift on the counter where yours is,,the side door is open don't let the dogs get you wet the groomers will have just left. Whoosh!!!

I was so bummed, but what can you do. So, I drove into the subdivision where my friend lives and saw two golden retrievers out in the road and they were wet, oh and the temperature on my car dash said 38 degrees!  Well, that silly groomer must've left the door open!! I thought I would take them in and dry them.  So, I pulled into the driveway where they were and called them to me and one of them tried to jump up on me which, of the couple, they usually do but I said no and we went in the house well behaved. That is when my world got fuzzy, my friend's house opens up into a great room; I was in a hallway.  But, I chalked that up to not always going in this particular door. Then I glanced to my right and the wall was COVERED in diplomas that ended in the wrong name and to my left was a elderly gentleman rising up from a mahogany reading chair, with reading glasses down his nose.  I sputtered "I thought these dogs were my friends, they just got groomed as well and it's so cold outside." "They are four houses that way" he pointed back up the street, well I was so embarrassed I retreated promptly to my car and went to my friends house where her dogs were laying in their beds so sleepy and dry after being bathed by her groomer (and dried).  I was told later that the other two
retrievers get loose and go swimming.   Well, my friend and I had a good laugh. JP said it could be called breaking and entering, but really, the door was open and I was returning his stuff.  Plus what a funny story I gave them (hopefully) he was able to laugh about it.  I didn't stick around to see.  Haha
 Preview isn't cooperating so I hope this works,,,
As always, blessings from the holler...

We are still in the holler!

I am the worst blogger ever.  One post a year is hardly even a blog at all but I do think of you my friends. I see some of you on Facebook, my new distraction. But I thought I would write a few lines for those I don't see there.  JP and I are well, the pack is minus one. our sweet Daisy died 2 days before her 16th birthday. We miss her so much and the pack seems so much smaller going from 6 to 5 you wouldn't think but you all know they are family member and we mourn the the same way.

You know, this is how we will remember her, playing the stick game with Charlie! Which, by the way, Scrappy has taken up that mantle and is his stick buddy or bully rather. Haha. He and that little jack Russell run all over their yard chasing sticks and squirrels they run into the trees.

God is so good to prepare us for life's moments. I am in a Bible study now of the book of Revelation and the week before we had to take Daisy in we studied in chapter 5 verse 13, there are every creature  praising God in the end,,,,on earth, under the earth and on the sea and the are all singing:

To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be

Praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!!

Wow, that's gonna be something!  Doesn't that give you hope in these trying days?  Make sure, dear friend that you belong to Jesus. He died for you to be with him in that glorious moment. As always, blessings from the long lost holler.  Haha. I will try to do better 

I'm not gone, I just haven't been here....

I don't mean to depress you but I am taking this space to tell my year in review in all it's facts and glory to God.  This year has posed some unusual challenges for me; I attended two funerals of people that are so very dear to me.  My Aunt died early in the year, suddenly, and is with her Lord.  My sister-in-law died after a long battle with a difficult disease; also, safe in the arms of her Savior.  Both were more like dear friends.  But I am so happy for them because they are in heaven and not here on this earth where things are so uncertain.  I'm thankful that my brother is now free from being care giver (after 20 yrs.)  I honestly don't know how people go through these things without the comfort that comes from God's Holy Spirit that has lead our family.

We are, by nature, a happy, laughing family.  And so, life goes on.  We put all our trust in God's Sovereign plan happily.

Now to the pleasure of celebrating HIS-story.  Galatians 4 says
When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman.....
We get to celebrate this because God made a way for us sinners to come to Him, through His Son.  For God so love the world that He gave is only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16



JP is our substitute pastor now and is doing a really good job.  He served last week.

All our furbabies are doing well. Daisy, our eldest, shows that she sometmes has trouble coming up the back two steps with her back hips so we help her then.  She is 13 yrs. old...for A GSD that's pretty old!!  But, she is so fiesty, still with the stick game and she can see a squirrel in trees at the end of the yard that I have trouble seeing!   My shadow, Charlie, is still a big lug love! as they all are it's just that I spend more time with him since he literally take every step I take (can get old by the end of the day,,,haha)

We here in the holler wish you all the best and Merriest Christmas season.  Blessings from the holler...

Chicken bake and happy Remembering weekend to you...

A few nights ago I made a dish that's been a staple in our house since I met JP.  He had a version of this dish at a friends house in college and then made it his own.  He actually cooked for himself in college, therefore, had many friends!  Oh, he still cooks for himself and me sometimes,,yall know that haha.  This recipe is so good, good for you and easy, that I had to share it.  Here goes:

Grease your baking pan with bacon grease or spray (whatever you choose)

chop up the vegetables you like and dump them in there.  We use onion (quartered), broccoli (tops and bottoms), potatoes, zucchini, and yellow squash.  Just use what you like and looks best at the store or out of your lovely garden!  I season this layer with Adobo (a mixture of garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper).  I also mix up my sauce which is olive oil - 1/4 c, red wine vinegar - 1/3 c, and Worcestershire sauce - 1/2 c or more taste it and see what you like.

The next layer is chicken seasoned with Adobo or you can use Montreal Chicken seasoning or salt and pepper work fine too.  This recipe is very forgiving and easy to make to your taste.  One thing we do is cut the breast in two pieces so it's all about the same size.  Then I cover this with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for about 50 min to 1 hr..until the potatoes are almost done.  Then I uncover it and bake it for about 20 more minutes to brown the chicken.

This is what it looks like after two hungry people have already helped their plates!  I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture when it first came out of the oven.  This recipe reheats well, and goes into lunch for a hubby well.  Enjoy!

Our deepest thanks and respect to all of our military family and friends.  Our respect and honor to those who have fought and served this country.  Blessings to you all from the holler...

Springtime in the holler..

We have been so blessed with Indigo Buntings this year.  This afternoon, JP spotted one of these tufted titmouse birds gathering up some of Charlie's hair, from when I brushed him, they'll have a really soft nest.

The turkeys are on their usual trek in the mornings.  These two gentlemen are the escorts; the ladies come up from the creek and go to their roosting spot behind the house.  They made several trips that day.

We are blessed and doing well.  I hope that this finds you all enjoying the spring too (or whatever season you might be in :) Blessings from the holler yall...

Who's a good listener?

Who's a good listener?  Charlie is, and apparently Violet too.  

Although, Charlie's attention span might be a tad longer than Violet's. haha. I had just charged the battery on our camera and was going to put it in it's case.  Charlie was following me as he does 24/7.  I heard something on the T.V. and repeated it.  JP, was watching the three stooges, so it might have been something like "wise guy huh!"  I don't really remember what I said, just that sweet expression on his face.  It's one I see all day because Charlie is truly devoted to me and listens to my every word and follows my moves and expressions.  What a blessing he is, although sometimes I turn around and he runs into me because I put the brakes on and he doesn't. haha. That gets on my nerves!  But then I see this look and I can't stay upset for a minute.

In other news from the holler, JP made a delicious Paella.  It was our first and it was delicious.

I pray you are well and staying close to The Lord of all.  Blessings from the holler...

Some regular visits from the locals and a favorite recipe...

I find life here in the holler a constant blessing.  I know God put us here because He knows where we need to be and He chose to bless us with what delights us.  For instance, the deer that come by our yard each day to graze.  You would think that after seeing them every day for so long it would become common place.  It never gets old.  I am just like the dogs, who bark at them, I get excited everytime I see them.

Today, I slipped out the back door and walked into the front yard to take these pictures.  We have many pictures just like these, but hey, it's the thrill of being out there with them.  My hands still get a little shakey as I try to get the best and closest picture without the deer running off.  So, I'm sorry these pictures aren't better.  I did have my long range zoom lens in but it was almost dark and I was in a hurry and freezing!

What fascinated me anew yesterday was how God made them perfectly camoflaged for their environment.  

Earlier this year we had Redneck Tacos.  A local bar-b-q restaurant named this dish and we started making them at home because I love them.  It's easy.  It's a cornbread pancake (johnny cake or hoe cake) on the bottom, pulled pork w/ our homemade sauce next, followed by cole slaw.  Oh, it's so good.  It's so good, I forgot to take a picture until I was half way through eating mine!

Well, that's all.  Blessings from the holler...