a bountiful supply

This is Beautiful

2012-02-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

Valentine Images

2012-02-14T19:28:00.004-05:00

Came home to this on my bedside table

and this on the refrigerator from Malachi. A heart made from his hands.

Gifts from a couple of the neighbors....David has already sampled his goodie.

Selah's balloon

Malachi's balloon

Malachi's Valentine gift from little Olive

Thank you Olive. They are great!

Watching Twilight From the Kitchen Window

2012-02-05T18:56:00.001-05:00

Home... a Restful Saturday Evening

2012-02-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

Going to Try This

2012-02-04T19:33:00.005-05:00

Going to try this out very soon. Will post when I do.

Crispy Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas – healthy, whole food baked snack — Family Fresh Cooking

Good Morning

2012-01-31T08:23:00.002-05:00

Applesauce-Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour or any flour combination. I added 1/4 cup ground flax seed.
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup white sugar ( I used less sugar and they were still sweet enough)
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup canned or fresh pureed pumpkin
1/3 cup buttermilk or soy milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup golden raisins (optional)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups, or line the cups with paper muffin liners.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, set aside. Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, oil, applesauce, pumpkin, buttermilk, and beaten eggs and mix until well blended. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in the raisins and pecans, if desired.
Divide the batter evenly in the prepared muffin pan. Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the muffin pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan.

Sweet Potato ~Black Bean Concoction

2012-01-30T21:16:00.002-05:00

Let me say first off here...I am not a "measurer"of exact proportions. What is in the kitchen greatly determines the meal. We keep a variety of dried beans, brown rice, whole wheat pasta's, and other grains in the pantry. I usually start meal planning with one of the grains or potatoes and go from there. Tonight's dinner.....

I pressured cooked some black beans and cooked some brown rice to go with left over sweet potatoes and cilantro that needed to be used very soon

Added an onion, some chopped tomatoes, and a bag of fresh spinach

Sauteed the onion in olive oil. Added chunks of cooked sweet potato and spices. Gently tossed with onions and oil. Added chopped cilantro, tomatoes. a couple of pours from a store bought salsa jar and beans. Stirred over low heat. Added spinach last. Tossed altogether.

Placed most of the rice on the bottom of the dish. I had a scattering of spinach and potatoes that didn't fit in the pan. I just placed them on the rice.

Spooned most of the sauce on top of the rice. Had a little cheese that I scattered it over the sauce. Then put another layer of rice over sauce. Top with the rest of the sauce..Sorta like making lasagna. Cooked at 350 for around 30 minutes or longer if you have thick layers. Make sure all the layers get hot through and through.

Finished product

Black Bean -Sweet Potato -Spinach Bake/Concoction

sweet potatoes, peeled and diced ~ I used 4 smaller potatoes

2+ cups cooked brown rice ~cooked in chicken stock

2-3 cups of black beans, drained (I pressured cooked approximately 3 cups of dried beans to have left
overs or to make the dish stretch.)

2 cups of diced tomatoes more if you have them

1 medium onion, diced

1 bag of fresh spinach

an entire bunch of chopped cilantro

any type of salsa you may have around` add amount to taste

ground cumin (I did several hearty shakes from the pour side of the cumin jar)

ground cayenne pepper

shredded cheese if you want

I had some garlic but didn't think to use it. So add garlic, green peppers,.... what ever veggies you'd like...I also added fresh green onions too.

Workcrew's Last Day

2012-01-19T08:41:00.002-05:00

Today is the last day for the workmen. We get to move back into our kitchen this evening. This morning I made toast on a bedroom floor, used the coffee pot in another room in the basement and got some fruit from the refrigerator in the living room. I have enjoyed the guys that have done our home repairs. They have been very thoughtful, conscientious AND just plain good at what they do. Both of the guys told me they were thankful to get the work. I felt comforted in the sincerity of their eyes. Once again...I see the goodness of God.

Making toast on the basement bedroom floor

Thank you

New Walls and Kitchen Floor ~ Update

2012-01-18T08:22:00.003-05:00

We are still in the repair journey. The work crew arrived at 7:40 am. One more coat of mud on the wall and all the dusty white powder on the bathroom floor to clean up before bathroom is ready for paint. The tile is being grouted today. The molding has to be cut, stained and put up. Almost there. Maybe by the weekend. Notice how the stuff in the living room has sifted to the left since the post on January 13 to make room for more..

Here you can see the kitchen table,( all the chairs underneath the table), refrigerator, dishwasher, gas range, gas heater, stacks of grouting material...etc...

Malachi eats breakfast watching Cat in the Hat while mama wakes up by the little heater.

Kindness

2012-01-15T20:01:00.003-05:00

Oh Lord.... You are So Very Good.

We Don't Need It

2012-01-14T22:51:00.000-05:00

New Kitchen Floor ~~~ New Bathroom Walls

2012-01-13T12:51:00.001-05:00

Christmas with family was an absolute blessing. Getting away for a second honeymoon by the sea was wonderful. This has been our journey since January 2nd, water damage from a faulty pipe or clamp from the dishwasher. We have so many pictures of the damage and clean up. This is where we are today. I am very thankful to have a home. The snow and below freezing temps have repairs on hold. That's OK. Here is the "naked" home update.

Living area with kitchen

Kitchen

Mr. Kitty helps assess the situation

Yes, that is a dishwasher on top of the cabinet. Left a space for the refrigerator when they begin putting the tile down.

Bathroom under the kitchen

Ready and waiting

Grandson on his "boat". He is doing great with such a crowded room.

Supermarket Dancin'

2012-01-09T20:34:00.001-05:00

This link will make you smile. If it doesn't, please lighten up a little.

Now...be honest. Haven't we all at some point in time danced just a little while grocery shopping? Thank you Christy for sharing this fun with me.

Ocean Sunrise~ Piedmont Lunch ~Mountain Sunset

2012-01-02T20:37:00.001-05:00

We had a wonderful week on the island. The last sunrise before heading home.

David and I stopped by for a quick visit with my parents. It wasn't long before my dad said...I think I hear it's time for some Bo's . They treated us to lunch. I love my eastern NC roots.

A stop for gas. The station had a McDonald's inside. David and I got our first official senior discount. This made me happy. 50 cents a cup! and... I am NOT even a fan of McDonald's.


Sunset in the foothills...heading up the mountain

We are home. The wood stove is stoked. The household is growing sleepy and it is snowing. aaaahhh

Our Last Day by the Sea on the First Day of a New Year

2012-01-01T18:33:00.002-05:00

I ended the day standing on the deck over looking the ocean after sunset. Colors still painting the sky and ocean I talked to God. He heard my Psalm. My praise and prayers. He knows the wonders in my soul. The soul He created. I said Amen and Selah and came inside.
My heart is full of Him and all His wonders.

Another Sunrise

I am thankful for sunrises. This is the first sunrise of 2012

Mid day of January 1

Just passing thru

David was flying a kite. I started to take a photo as it nosed dived. Liked the tail of the kite midst the grass

Kites up and going

Sunset on January 1, 2012

Oh, Lord, You are a Wonder!

All I can say is Yes Lord. You are So Very Good.

The rocks, shells were singing praises in their created beauty

The Last Day of 2011 by the Sea

2011-12-31T16:07:00.005-05:00

Sunrise on the last day of 2011

Sunrise

Spent quite a bit of time cleaning and sorting pictures in the computer picture folder

The ocean looked like glass just outside my window. David took this picture.

A love letter in the sand

David brought me a snack. With the sand message and now this I think he is telling me something and I like it.

Sharing an early New Years Eve sunset with friends

What a wonderful thing to share the end of a year with friends.

The last sunset of 2011

Sunset on Topsail Island

A Long Walk With a Friend by the Sea on Day Four

2011-12-30T20:07:00.001-05:00

I rested/slept alot today. I have been refusing to admit I have a cold. Today it tackled me to the couch. I rested with the warmth of the sun coming through the sliding glass doors on my back. The sound of the ocean in my ears. Such good deep rest. A rest to my soul came today with a long walk~talk on the beach with a friend of many years.

Sharing a sunset with a dear friend. My friend Linda snapped this photo as we were involved in conversation of life past, present and future. Friends like Linda are few and far between. I am very blessed to have her as a friend.

Because I rested most of the day, I took only one photo of a shell David found on the beach.

By the Sea Day Three Sunrise to Sunset

2011-12-29T17:34:00.000-05:00

Sunrise

Dolphin. Seeing them always excites me.

David tried using an umbrella to soften the glare on the computer screen. I am going thru old photos.

Yes, I will pose for you.

Looking for rocks to bring back home for the garden path

OK David, Give me back the camera.

Searching for the best rocks.

a Jelly

My sweet man makes me laugh

He is still making me laugh

Oh how I love this man with my whole being.

I love seeing the sunset glow in your face.

The horizon showed up in the wine glass. Sunset....Beautiful....Again

By the Sea Day Two

2011-12-28T17:54:00.000-05:00

Cooking a spinach, mushroom, broccoli, brown rice, turkey soup by the sea. Lovin' every single minute.

I brought my huge container of photos to be sorted thru. Trying to downsize.

Beautiful gems of earth

Sand quilt. I thought this looked like a quilt with pulled through threads and buttons.

Wrapped in love

Oh, Lord, You are a Most Wonderful Painter of Skies

Heaven and Earth

Just before darkness falls.

Clouds and Waves

2011-12-27T18:29:00.001-05:00

David and I are away for a week by the ocean. This is day one.

No power. Rain. Winds. I sort through a box of family photos by the window. So lovely and peaceful by the window.

Heavy rains and winds. Loved every minute.

Taking a nap while the power is out. With out power for 2 1/2 hours.

It's Sunset!

Love winter sunsets over the ocean

My handsome man

Watching the sun set

Aaaah... Dogs

2011-12-15T22:28:00.000-05:00

Dogs are...just,... so... great

Dogs in Cars from keith on Vimeo.

Around the Table

2011-12-10T22:33:00.001-05:00

Papa and Malachi and I have been enjoying evening time sitting around the kitchen table by candle, Christmas tree and computer light. Malachi and Papa on Papa's laptop counting and singing in Spanish. I have been perusing many links and sites on my lap top.

I will share a some of my finds.

I like Fleet Foxes. Found this cool video. They really get going close to the 4 minute mark. Enjoy.

SHIPPING CONTAINER HOME

"You don't HAVE to take the stairs, you GET to take the stairs. Exercise is not a punishment, it's a gift. Plus it's profitable!"

NEST TREE HOUSE

LESS STUFF

Morning Window

2011-12-08T10:34:00.000-05:00

I noticed the shadow of the smoke rising from our chimney on the side of our neighbor's home.

Then I noticed this woodpecker

I enjoyed this fleeting,less than two minutes, show just outside our kitchen window.

I like Saint Nicholas

2011-12-07T20:35:00.003-05:00

Family traditions. Jesus. Festivities. Lights. A child's excitement. The Christmas tree. I like all of these ALOT.

Comparing Santa Claus and St. Nicholas

Everybody loves Santa Claus. He embodies holiday cheer, happiness, fun, and gifts—warm happy aspects of the Christmas season. How do Santa Claus and St. Nicholas differ?

Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.

Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.

Santa Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.

Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.

Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.

Santa Claus isn't bad;
St. Nicholas is just better.

—J. Rosenthal & C. Myers taken from this LINK

Would the real St Nicholas please stand?

A little history lesson

The Tree

2011-12-05T21:29:00.001-05:00

We all were going to get the Christmas tree this afternoon. It is raining. Papa went to get the tree. Oma and Malachi had a Christmas party with cocoa, cookies and a Christmas movie while we waited for the tree. The Christmas hat was a must for the party.

Cocoa and a silly straw

THE TREE!!! Malachi was a terrific helper

Diversion...

Yes....I think this is a great tree

This is a BIG wonderful tree

Decorating

Oh Christmas!!!!

Sights from the Weekend

2011-12-04T19:02:00.001-05:00

Dinner at The Pit with my Mom and Dad

A sight along an after dinner drive

Christmas time

Hodge Podge of the Week

2011-12-02T22:54:00.000-05:00


You are now 28 years old and have two sons. Happy Birthday Jesse Luke.

A week ago Emma and Ian were home. We went tree shopping.

Jacob waves the measuring pole to signal we have found THE tree. The four wheeler comes pulling a trailer to haul the tree down the hill.


There's THE tree getting ready,bailed, for the trip home.

Cleaning out and organizing Christmas stuff. I threw some wrapping paper, boxes, gift tissue, and other Christmas odds and ends on the basement couch. Took this just as it started to slide to the floor. I did organized it a little better.

The First Candle

2011-12-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

Our family Christmas advent tradition consist of 24 candles counting up to the last evening before Christmas Day, which of course is Christmas Eve. We light a candle for each day starting December 1st, sing a few carols, say a prayer for whom ever sent us a Christmas card that day and David reads a portion of the "Christmas"story from the book of Luke.

The First Candle

It's Been Awhile

2011-11-30T20:53:00.000-05:00

Some catching up to do. Let's start with today. Wakened to a lightly sifted snow fall.

Just outside of the front door.

The Chicks.

My Christmas frog was very happy about the snow fall.

Boone, I Love Living Here

2011-11-14T20:35:00.002-05:00

This morning I did some early morning grocery and Christmas shopping. As I was putting packages in the car I thought I heard horses. I saw three mule drawn wagons coming my way. I was thankful we had a small camera in the car to capture the event. Boone. Within the past two months I have seen a ginormous Santa lying face down at a gas station in the middle of October, Mr. President Obama ride through town, and now mules parking at store parking lot. I love small town life.

Love how they all pulled into a parking space... next to a sports car

So obedient

Sweet natured

I asked one of the drivers where they were from. They came up the mountain from Lenoir. Lenoir is a 40-45 minute drive by car. AND curvy.

I just had to get up close and personal before heading home.

House Blessing

2011-11-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

A friends early Thanksgiving and Home Blessing

Quiet front porch with much chatter inside

2011-11-12T20:53:00.003-05:00

Grandson Malachi's first trip to a pet store.

If you are a honey eater PLEASE read this article...Honey-laundering-fradulent-and-tainted-honey

2011-11-11T23:53:00.000-05:00

It is almost midnight. I did not post any pictures from the clean out day. I did take a few after the fact. Too caught up in getting as much done as possible. I did however take time to notice where I was and what I was doing at 11:11am and 11:11pm. Good night.

Down size, Declutter, Simplify

2011-11-10T20:04:00.001-05:00

I am down sizing, decluttering, simplifying, again. My family jokes about how much I clean out, reorganize, and rearrange. That's OK. Maybe...maybe, I will take some pictures in the morning. There have been many loads before this one. Feels so good. I will probably find more to get rid of in a few weeks. That is how I roll. Don't like clutter. It is stifling.

Here you go... I especially like the definition for declutter as a result~~~a less complicated life. YES!

down·size[doun-sahyz] 2.to reduce in number; cut back.

declutter (diːˈklʌtə) to simplify or get rid of mess, disorder, complications, etc: declutter your life

sim·pli·fy [sim-pluh-fahy] to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.

Just Had to Share

2011-11-09T20:14:00.000-05:00

Source: attackofthecute.com via Alex on Pinterest

Just Lookin'

2011-11-08T20:56:00.001-05:00

I am going to grow onions this winter. Please go to Gourmet on The Cheap at "this is reverb"

I could live in this "tree" house.

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Sarah on Pinterest

Now this is so very cool. What a great space saver and extra bedding.

Source: Uploaded by user via Wendy on Pinterest

Incredible

2011-11-07T21:51:00.001-05:00

It has been a wonderful day at home. Got in to my home zone. Friends came over for a potluck and fellowship. Everything is cleaned up and quiet except for the swish of the dish washer. It is late. I thought maybe this would be the first day I missed posting since the first day of summer. Decided to check around some of my favorite sights before heading to bed. Came across this and just had to share. It is ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL. I would be totally overwhelmed by the incredible energy and beauty of God. Share this with me, I will watch this over and over.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Remembering a Year Ago Today

2011-11-06T14:50:00.006-05:00

Our Daughter's Wedding Day.
Click the video for full screen

Emma+Ian 11.6.2010 from Authentic Exposure on Vimeo.

Composting

2011-11-05T21:40:00.000-04:00

Helping Papa compost

All in a Day, Afternoon and Evening

2011-11-04T22:38:00.002-04:00

Around the house. Around town. And the next town over.

Conductor pulling a passenger

Traveling around the house~ Like the hats guys.

Around town this evening

Drove over to a nearby town, about 30 minutes away, to celebrate a friend's birthday. Shirley thinking about her wish.

aaahhhs

2011-11-03T20:49:00.003-04:00

My arm thrown over the side of my man in the dark early morning hours.

My man's arm around me as we rotate spooning all night long.

Seeing deer in the back yard even though I know they eat from our garden and flowers.

Sweet little voices of children. Especially the grandchildren. Makes my heart smile real big.

Music.... Music....Music... Yes. I really, really like music. Like such a variety that moves my soul. Today I listened to country LOUD in the car as I drove around town. Thought about my man with every song. Tonight's music... thoughtful Teitur, Ray LaMontagne , Joe Purdy, Iron and Wine, Amos Lee, David Gray.

Rainy nights with the windows opened just enough to hear the rain fall.

First taste of the day. Deep dark french roasted fair trade coffee. Taste and smells so satisfying. No matter what the weather or temperature out side.

Wood heat. Nothing like backing up to a wood stove.

Hanging out clothes on the line. Even indoors strung across the basement in the winter.

My soul is full of aaahhs. My mind and heart are rolling with fullness of soul and spirit.

I will add snippets in later post as they come. aaahhh. yes.

Idea Window Shopping

2011-11-02T19:03:00.002-04:00

Like the wood combination of the walls, ceiling and floor in this picture

Source: themarionhousebook.com via amanda on Pinterest

I like the light over the table and the mixture of light and dark wood. Looking back I realize how much these two pictures are alike. I was looking for light ideas online here and ceiling ideas in the first picture.

Still looking around. Found the next two canning jar lights. Different types, sizes and colors of jars would be interesting too.

Source: etsy.com via Marilee on Pinterest

Twenty-Four Years and Thankful for You- David Jacob

2011-11-01T18:59:00.002-04:00

You have always liked to "travel" lightly

Snack time with the sibs

Jacob at his brother, Josiah's wedding 2006

Below just a couple of weeks ago.

The Pumpkin

2011-10-31T20:47:00.003-04:00

This is what happens to a carving pumpkin

Mama and son working away...last night

Side one of the pumpkin

Side two of the pumpkin

Waiting for trick-or-treaters by the front door

Side Two by the door

They came and Malachi gave out candy

Fall Sunsets are the Best

2011-10-30T14:47:00.000-04:00

Last night's sunset

Christmas tree farm and an apple tree

Great Holiday Baking Idea Sugar-Cookie-Bowls

Reuse of a Sweater and Pumpkin Spice Sippers

2011-10-29T12:52:00.002-04:00

Thought this was a great idea. Cut off the arms of an old sweater. I just had a thought. I could look for sweaters that I wouldn't necessarily wear but would like for leggings at thrift stores... Oh Yes! Another adventure.

Source: etsy.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

I want to try this recipe.

Spiced Pumpkin Sippers

4 cups whole milk (I think I may try Soy or Coconut Milk too)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and whisk together over medium heat. Whisk occasionally until hot. Ladle into mugs. Optional: Drizzle with whipped cream that has been softly whipped and sprinkle with ground nutmeg.

Serve hot.

Tips:

If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can reduce the sugar by half.

These sippers are a great drink to serve to guests. To ease the work at party time, prepare the recipe in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

Keep a crockpot full of the mixture to serve warm throughout your gathering.

Or, drink it one cupful at a time, simply reheating in the microwave.

Blessed Once Again

2011-10-28T20:44:00.002-04:00

The temperatures have fallen through out the day. I added some heat to the house by cooking. Made a big pot of bulghur and bean chili. Cornbread using the mountain cornbread recipe with Mr. Castle's corn meal. A peach-raspberry bread, which taste more cakeish. And a vegetable-swiss baked concoction. Son, Josiah's family dropped by in the late afternoon. We enjoyed just hangin' out. All of the days food was sitting on the stove top. Everyone helped themselves when ever they got ready to eat. Conversation and fellowship was more filling for me than the food. Blessed...once again.

Thank you Mr. Castle

Veg chili and cornbread

Vegetable medley concoction

Peach-Rhaspberry bread seemed a little too moist so I put it back in the warm oven for a while

A Couple of Hours at the University

2011-10-27T20:57:00.000-04:00

Malachi goes to Appalachian State University......For Candy and Surprises

Next?

Sorting... One for you, One for me, One for you, One for me, and...one for Malachi... One for you, One for me, One for you, One for me... No, seriously they were being careful and safe.

And it's not even Halloween Day yet

Just Enough Umph to Move

2011-10-26T22:20:00.000-04:00

I am thankful to be home today. Like many people in our community, I have a head cold. The type that makes your eyes water, and your nose go from stopped up to constant blowing. I worked my part time job in a haze on Monday and Tuesday. Today my body has been in very slow gear. Just enough umph to move. I got some house work and cooking done but at a slow pace. I allowed myself to rest and read some online without feeling guilty that I wasn't "gettin' 'er done". Here are a few links from reading today

Very Cool Tree Hotel Check out all of the rooms.

Shunning Water and High Blood Sugar

Drinking Coffee May Lower Skin Cancer Risk

No Power For over Two Hours

2011-10-25T22:04:00.002-04:00

We just finished dinner. The lights go off. No power. I find candles and light them. Sun has gone down. Getting dark. Everything goes into wait mode. I don't miss TV or internet. I do miss being able to see to finish up stuff at the end of the evening. We stop and everything is OK.

The power goes out

Playing by the door window for light

Sun is going down. Candles lit. Shouldn't take long. Probably a squirrel blew a transformer on the street.

Been a little while now. Here is a "mighty truck" come to help.

Malachi called this a Mighty Truck.

Workers looking for the problem.

We have been with out power for over 2 hours now. Bedtime. Malachi's not sure about going to bed in a candle lit house.

Workers work just outside while Papa rocks and sings

Malachi falls asleep and is put to bed only minutes before the power comes on.

Looking for School Buses

2011-10-24T08:12:00.000-04:00

Grandson Malachi comes out of his room when I come up for coffee. The sun is just beginning to peek over the mountain. I make a "look out hole" between the plants so he can watch for cars, trucks and school buses. He turns to me, wraps his arms around my waist and says..."I love you, Oma." What a wonderful start to this day.

Looking for school buses-so early

We watched the sun wake up. Malachi saw the glow in two places and informed me... "Look, there are TWO suns!" I tried to explain that the sun was so big it was stretching it's arms across the sky as the day woke up. I still think he thinks there were two suns this morning.

Digging up Potatoes and a Toad

2011-10-23T16:44:00.003-04:00

David dug some potatoes this afternoon. He picked up what he thought was a potato covered with a clump of dirt. Not so! He was a little shocked to see a puffed up toad in his hand. This little guy was down under 5-6 inches.

By the time I saw Toad it was not as puffy. Poor thing barely can move.

Miffed

I got up close and personal. Toad is NOT happy with the whole situation. Gotta start all over again.

*FACTOID --- from Scientific American

I had no idea.

*American toads (Bufo americanus) and other frogs that are good diggers burrow deep into the soil, safely below the frost line. Some frogs, such as the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and the spring peeper (Hyla crucifer), are not adept at digging and instead seek out deep cracks and crevices in logs or rocks, or just dig down as far as they can in the leaf litter. These hibernacula are not as well protected from frigid weather and may freeze, along with their inhabitants.

And yet the frogs do not die. Why? Antifreeze! True enough, ice crystals form in such places as the body cavity and bladder and under the skin, but a high concentration of glucose in the frog's vital organs prevents freezing. A partially frozen frog will stop breathing, and its heart will stop beating. It will appear quite dead. But when the hibernaculum warms up above freezing, the frog's frozen portions will thaw, and its heart and lungs resume activity--there really is such a thing as the living dead!

Early Morning Flight

2011-10-22T13:21:00.001-04:00

Heading out..Paused for mama to take a picture.

Sun rising at the Charlotte-Douglass Airport...There he goes.

David took me on a couple mile detour on the way back from Charlotte

Beautiful

Aaaaahhh. I will gladly come this way again.

It's Way Past Bedtime

2011-10-21T22:39:00.002-04:00

Staying up late. Time to be quiet.

Let's be quiet while we wait for mommie

They ended up in the same chair. Malachi "reading" to Selah.

Tired Cousins

Now we're silly.. and it's late.

And today's finds

PLEASE DON'T EAT THIS OATMEAL!!!! McDonald's new 'Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

World's Most Ethical Companies -from Ethisphere

Cooked and Enjoyed It

2011-10-20T19:51:00.005-04:00

I cooked almost all day. Letting the food cool down as I write before putting it away in the refrigerator.
Roasted a large pan of sweet potatoes, carrots, and turnips in the oven. While they were close to done I baked some whole wheat yeast -pesto rolls. I used up the rest of some pesto I didn't want to go to waste. Made a batch of chili in the crock pot. Pressured cooked some red beans. I used some in the chili. Made a small pot of chicken noodle vegetable soup. Peeled a half bushel of apples and cooked into sauce. Cooked down a purple cabbage with a little bit of oil and vegetarian beef flavored bouillon. We now have food to get us through the weekend. Hopefully. If not that's OK. I don't know how to draw, paint, or sculpt, but I really enjoying cooking. A lovely cool fall day to warm the kitchen with heat from the stove.

Food for Thought

It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato. ~Lewis Grizzard

Worries go down better with soup. ~Jewish Proverb

A good meal makes a man feel more charitable toward the world than any sermon. ~Arthur Pendenys

Wednesday and All is Well

2011-10-19T20:37:00.002-04:00

BevShots... This is interesting. Go see for yourselves

On the drive to pick David up from school I saw a rainbow. Went back to get a picture but it was gone. That's OK. I enjoyed the colors arching into the valley as I passed an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here are a few pictures coming home. The weather is changing from fall to more winterish.

I am thankful to live here everyday.

Heading home. Windy, rainy and in the 40's.