I Love Being Here

By that declaration, I mean my station in life.  I am the 'regular stopping place' for my family members to fill their hearts or unload their baggage.  It is quiet an alarming thing to realize you are the fulcrum in other peoples' lives especially children. Today I realized not only am I a grand mother but, have settled into the role my own grandmother had in my life -- balance, security, and open arms.

Each day I am the one responsible for setting the tone of our family.  I really don't think I could have done this in my twenties. I was just too self-centered to give to my full attention to rearing an emotionally secure child or being a part of a successful marriage.

There is nothing better in life than to have a home life (station) that completely meets my once wandering soul's drive for adventure.  

On a separate note: this morning we had a visitor.  Do ya'll love finding critters at your homesteads?  I know Saenz and Zephyr are nature lovers; I hope they continue far into the future to love the natural world. 

 This little garter snake is simply gorged on a mouse.  Zephyr found it behind one of our gardens in our inner yard.  I could have actually reached out and picked it up.  But, since its belly was full; we left it alone.

Have a glorious week in your slices of heaven!

Passing on Traditions: Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all who pass here. 

 May all your blessings be joyful!

Welcome to Hoe Hen Inn: Sarah, Tex & Mex

Meet Sarah and Mex. 

Tex is on the left. 

 Tex is heavier than Roux by a pound or so.

At six weeks they are already bigger than our little diva Roux.

Grand daughter Sarah has joined our little homeschool; she is 8 and will be doing Sonlight curriculum with us.  Here she is with Zephyr on the back porch with puppies Tex and Mex.  The pups are Blue Tick Coon Hound and Labrador mix so, I am guessing they will weigh between 40 and 50 lbs when grown. 

Today I will be finding out if my bp meds are working.  Let me tell you, each time the doc changes or ups the dosage; I have to get used to it.  The first couple of days and I feel wiped out.  Plus I will be finding out if I need surgery on my knee.  Yep, I fell back in November; it has given me trouble since.  Fingers and Feathers crossed will ya.........?

So what will ya'll be doing for Easter?

Do You Remember...

When you first started reading?  This year's main focus has been learning to read for Zephyr. Mrs. Jana (fellow Texas homeschooler & blogger) told us about The Well Trained Mind . I agree with the author's suggested use of literature to teach Zephyr and Saenz. 

We have also used: Hooked on Phonics, Reading Eggs, Reading Rabbit, McGuffey's, migratory flocks of primers, and sight word flash cards. 

The lovely thing is one afternoon we got my WALKING DEAD: Compendium 1  delivered and Zephyr realized he could read the words.  Mind you! He did sound out an expletive but, I was just so happy he connected his past lessons into actual reading. PHEW! I feel like I have done my job as a teacher.

Now Zephyr is reading whatever, he gets his hands on and has the confidence to tell me (SSSSSSHHHH) it is his turn.  Plus now I have been looking for movies with subtitles in English to help his fluency.  So this year we will be ordering Sonlight Multi Core C (2nd grade) plus more readers for him at 3rd reading level. 

http://www.sonlight.com/homeschool-curriculum.html?type=grade&grade=2&tab=multisubject

So let me invite ya'll to do a happy dance.

We have a new reader in the chicken coop!
Happy Easter to All who pass here.
Mal

4.3 LBS of Energy, February Update

Here is Sid talking to Roux.   She just loved to comb his chin hair every chance she could.  This month, Sid and Junior came down to spend Saenz's 14th birthday with us.  Both boys live in San Antonio and are financially struggling since neither have a job due to lay offs.   This economy is just not kind to 'blue collar' workers. 

Hubby was given a clean bill of health after a few tests.  Saenz, Zephyr, and I stayed outside in the parking lot when dad had to show up at 6:30 in the morning.  We had quiet the drive and could not believe how much traffic there is on the country roads now that the oil industry is DRILLING like crazy in South Texas.

We took the boys to lunch at Shorty's in Beeville after  their doctor's appointment.  Zephyr was impressed with all the animal displays there but, not so much with the quality of the food.  I have to say, I was disappointed as well and we are marking this one off our 'frequent list.'

Little Roux is growing up. This month, I tried giving her a bath in Dawn dishsoap to get rid of her fleas. Not only did it not work well but, she still smelled like a wet dog.

So I tried Listerine, and WAAAAA LAAAA! Success, those fleas just died on her pelt and then I washed her with Dawn --- no wet dawg smell.  No chemicals sprays or gels because she is just so tiny. We keep her indoors with us and until she reaches 6 lbs; I will not be allowing her around other dogs or to wander about in the yard alone. 

We put Banjo's old jacket on Roux to take a special picture for our friend Jennifer.  This week Jennifer had to put down her 15 year old Nimbi.  Nimbi was such a wonderful friend and diva that we are honoring her by dressing up.  May you find joy over the rainbow bridge Ms. Nimbi.  I am sure your sister Minki and humans Walt and Jennifer meet you there some day.

R.I.P.  Nimbi

Little Boys & Puppies

These two go together like fries and ketchup doncha think?  Zephyr and Roux spend their days running from one end of the house to the other.  Roux is a mighty 3.5 lbs now, tackles toes which invade her territory, and barks at the ghosts in our home. (Well at least I don't see what she is looking at.)

She is still small enough to take naps in my desk drawer which, just cracks me up.

Now for our year in review; we no longer have goats or pigs.  What we did not sell or giveaway found their way into our deep freezer.  Yes, we eat goat ( to include only castrated or really young male kids).  It just was begining to cost more to keep them as pets than to be able to feed, breed, and sell the goats due to the constant hunt for quality hay, grasses, and supplement feed.  This was true of the pigs as well, no one wants to pay what it actually costs to raise a pig to maturity especially since we do not give our animals feed with antiboditics and other chemicals.  

We are still raising chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl.  With all the snakes about; keeping birds is the best way to warn of impending reptile visitors.  It never fails, if there are birds in your yard -- be it chickens or wild birds; they will let you know if there is a snake near.  All you have to do is watch the birds; if you see them swooping about one area in your yard, on a fence constantly moving and fussing then you have a snake near.  I have no idea other than the explanation of our dire drought as to why so many snakes in 2011 but, 2012 will be about the same with the La Nina weather pattern.  During spring to late summer, I was constantly finding a snake or two each week; luckily only a few were rattlesnakes.

Any gardening this year will be strictly container due to La Nina.  Our water well is all we have; we can not have a large garden.  Kinda sad but, just a country fact in deep, HAWTER THAN HADES Texas.

The boys and I are still homeschooling.  It was the best decision we ever made as a family.  We made the choice of working mostly from workbooks instead of buying from Sonlight this year.  The cost is the biggest factor but, also because Sonlight is a literature based program.  Saenz's dyslexia makes it tough for a reading based curriculum and I had to modify the lessons plans to better match his learning style.  Zephyr on the other hand is really taking to reading Dick and Jane books I found on eBay; I could not afford the originals but found reprints. 

It is funny, both our boys are learning mathematics at a faster pace. Since being at 3rd grade level in April 2010, Saenz is soaring with me into pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry.  Zephyr has been learning his times tables before learning to actually read as a first grader.  I make sure each of them understand the use of budgeting and definitely the power of couponing.  I think they learn math more quickly because I have a knack for numbers so I am a better teacher in mathematics.

This year has been economically tough on our older sons.  We sold Sid our farm truck for work since he needed it for his construction, plumbing job at Lackland AFB.  Junior on the other hand has just been having a tough decade with the break up of his marriage and becoming a single parent to Sarah.  His car basically died on him; with no way of getting to work without the kindess of others; we made the decision to give him my 31 year old Volvo.  I miss having a working vehicle but, that is what you do for family; you scarifice.

Lets see what else can I tell ya'll?  In November, we were surprised when my mom and dad, Jerry, (Stinky Toes) drove up our drive way towing my first vehicle, Bubba Junior behind them.  I bought Bubba a small Ford Ranger in 1995, can you believe it has less than 100K miles on it?  Well back in 2002, we were assigned to rotate overseas to Portugal; we dropped Bubba off at my mom's house and there Bubba sat.  It was quiet a shock to see my mom and dad; they only stayed long enough to see our home, drop off the truck, talk to the boys, and then said their goodbyes on their way back home in Alabama.  Again, that family scarifice; what a wonderful gift. Thanks Mom and Stinky Toes!

Now hubby, Saenz, and our other sons are working to get Little Bubba running again.  I think this is a wonderful way for Saenz to learn mechanics and eventually it will become his first vehicle.  LOL! Yes, I have a tendancy to hold on to things for a long time.  Heck, my livingroom television was purchased in 2000 and until it dies will continue to stay just where it is. Any way, that is basically it for our year; I haven't had the time to write as much as I had been. 

I miss all of ya'll and will be popping in to check on my cyber neighbors real soon!

Take care,

Mal

Meet Roux, She Came to Us on Friday

She is part Dashund and Chihuahua.  She weighs less than a full soda can and has just tiny little milk teeth which she uses on our ear lobes or finger tips.   Right now she is sleeping wrapped in an old towel in my desk drawer as I type.  LOL That won't last long but, I forgot how much work babies are to have in the house.  I need to nap when she naps eh?

 Babies can sleep any where?

On Saenz 

 In an Easter basket.

She sleeps every where and at a moments notice.  We have no idea how big she is going to be when full grown.  I don't think that matters; she is a full fledged family member now.

Hope ya'll are having a wonderful weekend.  Will be back for more farm updates coming soon since we have been downsizing quiet a bit.

Take care,
Mal

I Never Realized Just How Much

I would hurt.  Last year when Banjo was killed right in front of me; I was ached all the way down the core of my being.  He was basically my baby.  I had a premonition about going outside with him and just felt something awful was going to happen no amount of tears, screams, or calling him to me stopped the event.  It took me three days after he was killed to get any sleep, a full month to stop expecting him at the door but, I still look for him as soon as I step on the back porch.  I loved him as much as I miss Toad (a stray I raised from bottle while stationed in Greece).  Some pets just have a way of working their magic on your heart.

This morning our son called to tell us of a possible puppy in need of a home.  Of course, I jumped at the chance because I am ready to love another pet again.  I am chalking that need up to Banjo because, he brought much joy in our lives.  So say a little prayer that our family will soon be blessed with a fur baby.

She is six weeks old and very adorable.  We here are all crossing fingers and feathers in anticipation of this lovely little creature's arrival. 

Thanks Sid & Patricia, she will be well loved.

Before You Judge, I Just Feel Like Railing

Yesterday, I read a story about a mother who applied for Food Stamps for herself and two children.  She was so upset she pulled out a gun and took hostages.  After awhile, she turned the gun on her children and then killed herself. 

http://news.yahoo.com/state-mom-shot-kids-self-denied-food-stamps-204249288.html

I have an idea there is much more to this story than what is being reported.  What I don't understand is how many more people out there in America is facing the same humiliating doom of applying for public assistance.  Personally, I have seen folks in local stores make faces and comments to those carrying the Texas SNAP card.  Really???? Just who are we to judge others? 

This story just makes me so incredibly sad because there by the Grace of God could walk my family so far, we have been spared.  $296 a month may seem like a lot to others but, from experience with teenagers who constantly eat --- it's not near enough for growing children.  I understand the SNAP card is supplemental assistance meant to augment a meager income. 

Another thing that just pisses in my Cheerios, it pundits much like Mr. Gingrich wishing to abolish federal laws concerning on child labor.  All I can say is: "WHAT AN ASS."   How the heck are children who have enough trouble in their homes getting their nutritional needs met to concentrate on their studies; let alone be put to work as janitors, library aides, or crossing guards? 

This makes the assumption that said children have no working parents at home. 

I am sick to death of listening to others make harsh judgements on families they do not know.  Just perhaps, if we take that mirror and look at ourselves with the same critical eye --- we may just be shocked. 

-- Not everyone knows how to budget; a skill that has not been taught to the masses.
-- Not everyone has access to lawyers to explain credit applications.
-- Not many know how to plan meals and work with sales or coupons & rebates, or stockpiling when able.
-- Not everyone has access to free banking with over draft protection (those with large accts.)
-- Not everyone has low interest rate home loans.
-- Everyone does not have a reliable mode of transportation.
-- Not everyone has cadillac health insurance provided for them.
-- Not everyone has been lucky to have an education.

Let me tell you gentle reader; I am sick and tired of Republicans wanting to take away from government employees as well.  I will tell you all about my own income. 

When I joined the Air Force in 1986, I earned a total of $5,111 for ten months of active duty.  Upon my last year, I earned a whopping total of $34,898 after 20 years of honorable service to my country.  Granted, I lived on base in Maryland and got approximately $300 a month for food allowance, and had access to 24-hr medical care. We as a family was so fortunate (lucky lotto-winners) to have a second income from hubby's job. 

All that went away upon my retirement with the exception of 1/2 of my active duty pay under $1,200 a month when adding our insurances for health and life.  My hubby was lucky to find a job with the Army; we watch our spending throughout the year.  We save a little each month to cover holiday gifts and emergencies.  However, the retirement system my husband is enrolled in will not give him a retirement check --- those went away in the 1980s.  We will only have Social Security and my retirement check.  We are the lucky ones....................

So far, with this economy we are waiting for the other shoe to fall to wipe out our cushion. On this day as we remember those who scarificed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Please keep in mind those who are scarificing just to make ends meet.

We'll Want to Be Rockstars!

His come hither and strum my gee-tar look!

Mistah Simmons has nothing on Daddy-O.

The Hair Band of the HOE HEN INN.

Cubby Man gets his picture taken with our Rock Stars. 

I Love Some Commercials

Allstate's 'Mayhem,' AFLAC duck, Geico Caveman commercials are a riot but, coming up quickly in our family is the Duluth Trading Company.  So this crazy Black Friday our family hopes you finished all your holiday shopping.  We decided to let ya'll in on a few of our favorite commercials.











Enjoy your holiday!
Mal & Family

Thinking Outloud

While I have been on a self-imposed bed rest after a knee injury 2 1/2 weeks ago.  I have been thinking about things when I could no longer tolerate reading. 


Have you ever thought about how much education you have acquired or achieved since adulthood? 


I would safely wager between the Air Force educating me in: how to be a solider, how to do my jobs, OJT in safety, plus all the extra professionalization courses for 20 years -- my brain was given around 500K+ in military (managerial) training.


Now this does not include all my college courses of which I have around 60 or more full 3 hr classes for a bargin rate of 150K.  Now this is not counting all the materials I have used to self-teach and fill my gray mater sponge through: reading, research, and exploring the world, 1000s of books, videos, actual visits to learning institutions, volunteer work and trial / error .  I would wager my brain (& yours) has had access to over 1 million USD in information, education, training, and maintenance.  AMAZING THOUGHT RIGHT?


So why is it folks assume a Stay At Home Mother (SAHM) has not attained an education equal or greater than that of a college professor?  I am consistently amazed at my own family assuming my life has not been fulfilled because I have not become a PAID public school teacher.  Mind you, I have done and achieved all that I said I wanted to be as a child.


Teacher: 
I am currently home schooling two very bright and happy sons.
Veterinarian: 
I have learned how to take care of animals through our farm life.
World Travel:
20 yrs on active duty


I feel sucessful because I am happy.  I may never have a fancy house yet, I have the best life can offer;  my family.  I know it may be hard to parlay this into my extended family's brain because some folks can not see themselves off the rut in the road they are traveling.  I am so grateful to have my husband and children.  I am grateful for all I was able to achieve in the Air Force.  I am so blessed to know it is not the size of my paycheck that gives me peace but, the faces of my menfolk with their sleepy faces each morning -- knowing they are my gifts.


I also want to recognize my husband.  Though I was told about 'lazy Mexicans' years and years ago.  My heart, you are the hardest working and smartest man I know. 


Much love and peace to all;
In your slices of heaven,
Mal

R.I.P. Little Banjo

Our hearts are filled with such sorrow. 

 Good-bye little buddy, we loved you so much.

May you find chickens to chase over the rainbow bridge.

And we find you there waiting for us.

Steve Israel DCCC Chairman Had No Reply

Yesterday, I recieved this email solictation from the DCCC asking for a donation to help re-elect President Obama.

"From: "Rep. Steve Israel, DCCC Chairman"

To: Malissa T saenznzephyr@xxx.xxx
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2011 11:19 AM


Subject: Tea Party Downgrade

Malissa --

When the Tea Party tells House Republicans to jump — the only question House Republicans ask is “How high?”

First, Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader Cantor, and the rest of the House GOP allowed the Tea Party to bring us to the brink of a catastrophic default. Now those very same extremists are trying to pin the blame on President Obama for our nation’s first ever credit downgrade.


We can’t let them get away it.


We just launched our “Accountability August” campaign to hold Republicans accountable for their extreme agenda while they are home in their districts. We’re putting Republicans on the defensive across the country but we must raise an additional $100,000 to fully fund our Rapid Response operation for next week.


Please contribute $20 or more to our Rapid Response Fund right now, and help us reach our $100,000 goal by tomorrow night.


It’s critical we stand strong and united against Republicans’ all-out assault on Democrats and President Obama.

Your dollars will be put to work immediately to hold them accountable. Our August Accountability campaign includes radio ads, billboards, phone banks, door-to-door canvasses, and grassroots organizing in key Republican districts across the country.

Stand with President Obama, and help us fight back and hold Republicans accountable while they’re home in their districts by contributing $20 or more today.


Rep. Steve Israel
DCCC Chairman"

------

My Reply back to Mr. Israel surprisingly I have gotten no response in return. (sarcastic hope here)

"Sorry, we no longer have any discretionary funds to support either party. Since we are a family that depends on a military retirement check (mine, 20 yr AF, SAHM homeschooling mother) and husband's a current government employee (who may be terminated) to live and pay our bills. Personally sick of both parties and not one person to include President Obama who will share in the blame though this fiscal mess has been happening for over 30 years. So good luck in raising monies from people who are living on rice and beans, white bread bologna sandwiches, and iced tea instead of 30K+ plates for a birthday dinner.


Respectfully,
Sorely-Pissed Off Voter
M Torres"
 
-----
 
The sad thing is;
 
I know no one in my community that is any better off by electing our government officials in 2008 and 2010.
 
Not one of our leaders has inspired HOPE or CHANGE other than the need to go without and the constant threat of economic ruin. 
 
Washington leaders do not care about the people they represent anymore because frankly they don't have to -- since folks continue to vote them into office. 
 
I have a hard time believing in a system that gerry-manders to keep seats, ear-marks funding for their districts, accepts special interest funding, wants to get rid of labor unions, says 'we will read the bill after it's law and then gets an exemption (Obama-care) for their state,' and threatens to not pay for "ENTITLEMENTS" that have been rightly earned by serving our country, paying into medicare and social security for decades. 
 
Somethings I would like to see though:
 
Popular vote of US citizens on Congressional Pay, Benefits, Vacation Time, and Health Care tied to their job performance based annually.  I don't believe they should automatically earn those hefty salaries.
 
Recall rights for all  Senators and Representatives.
 
A balanced budget agreement.
 
No funding for re-election by special interest groups or  corporations.
 
Term limits on: congressional leaders, welfare and other social programs, drug testing for all of the above.
 
Jail time for congressional leaders who do not honor their oath of office much like the UCMJ.
 
Then again I am just a middle-aged mother who has two sons to raise and educate in this lopsided country.  I am fearful for their future and the future of our three older children who are struggling to make ends meet.  I am worried for my husband's career and lack of job availability if he gets laid off from a government workforce he has faithfully served the US for 22 years.
 
I see so much disparity in this country and want to know just what the working poor is supposed to do to survive?  I don't even have to leave my house just look across our property line to our neighbors plight and struggle.  No one is safe from the bread line and lack of basic human needs are no longer attainable for many.
 
So what do ya'll think?

Do You Sometimes Question The Need

For posting a blog?  Really, I have been thinking about it and questioning need and/or desire to write.  At the time I started this blog; I was full of piss and vinegar ready to rant about things in my wayward mind.   Now, I am looking back and wondering just what is the use of this blog.  Things here are pretty durn quiet for us as a family.

We have a routine.  Dad leaves at 4 am and doesn't return until near 5 pm/later. He may work overtime plus, there are workdays on the weekend. The boys sleep in til, I get them up for school.  I use the mornings for focus, prayer, or meditation before trudging along in my daily chores -- sneak a soak in the tub.  Really; we are not exciting people at all. 

So why the need for a blog when the most exciting thing in our week or lately months is a rain fall equating to nearly 1/2 inch over two days of blessed grace.

Personally, I can not come up with a reason other than the occassional fellowship found by visiting others.  Week in and week out; we are pretty much contained within our little five acres.  Our animals with the exception of Banjo are not pets but, future food items.  Our garden is pretty much ready to be plowed under for a second planting.  I am not an exciting world chef, canning expert, sewing diva so why post about what others do better?  I am just a plain ole middle-aged woman devoted to our family life.

Most days when I check in here; I can see no one visiting from the stats page.

So what do ya'll think; what's the purpose of this blog?

Free Audiobooks, Yes I Said Free

As ya'll know, we have a son with dysexlia and Irlens.  Basically this means not only does he flip letters and symbols but, print moves on the page which makes reading a gut wrenching task. So I have a slow reader. Not only does Saenz has issues with reading but, the menfolk in my family do not like to pick up books. 

Well if the Mohammed does not want to read the proverbial mountain of educational tomes -- then this is a way to bring the mountain to Mohammed. 

My search began and sent me browsing eBay in search of books on audio tapes or cds in MP3 player format.  Normal audio books are pricey even if purchased used or from a person who got them for free from a library. 

I found a seller offering 233 classics for sale in MP3 zipped format on cd.  Yeppers, I made an offer and 'dude/dudette;' ignored my inquiry since Friday.  Now I hate to be ignored thus, I went searching.  What I did notice after reading the seller's description he/she told 'potential' customers the books were offered for free in the public domain.

Here is what I found gentle readers and I will pass this on to you. 

http://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks
http://www.librivox.net/

Some examples are:

A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, A Child's History of England, A House to Let or A Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens; A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, A Double Barreled Detective Story or A Dog's Tale by Mark Twain; A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare; A Story of the Stone Age by H. G. Wells; A Tangled Tale by Lewis Carroll; A Utopia of Usurers by Gilbert K Chesterton; Aeropagitica by John Milton; Aesop’s Fables Volumes 1-12 by Aesop


These books are offered in a zipped format and have to be loaded onto your computer. However once you download your choices; unzip and burn to cd, mp3 player, or whatever compatible device you own.  Yes, some file formats can be converted as well.  So on this lovely Father's Day weekend; I am downloading books but, am not tied to my computer.  In the next few weeks Saenz and the rest of us will be listening to literary classics while going about our daily life. 

(Oh, there are also free books for the NOOK and Kindle.  All you have to do is a search and WAAA LAAA; a world of classic literature is yours for the download.)

Now onto more exciting farm news. 

Thanks Sid for coming down this weekend.  We enjoyed your visit as always.  Dad just loves to put you to work around the place because well; you have the potential to be a work-a-holic like him. Haa Haa!  We appreciate you helping to install the attic ladder in the 110+ temp and with back room cleanup.  Many many thanks! Please come on by any time because we love your stories and funny immitations; you should be in the theatre.

This Wednesday, hubby and I were working together in the yard.  Normally Cubby Bear would be outside with us but, he had some kind of stomach bug and stayed inside. Dad was watering the critters and I was gathering mesquite beans.  So Hubby came over to help me and Banjo when, we heard a familiar and frightening sound.  Little Banjo had disovered a 4' diamondback in our yard.  Right next to the a/c unit; what a scary event and, the slithering mouth of venom crawled under a gap beneath the front porch.  I can not remembered shaking so hard since, finding other critters face to face.  There is just something about a mouth of angry venom staring you down to make you say a prayer for deliverance.

We were very lucky because normally Cubby Bear has Banjo chase him around the yard holding a hot dog as a form of entertainment while, we do our work.  All I can say is a resounding "THANK YOU," to the universe and God for sparing us any snake bite.  This reminds me; we still need to zip tie more deer netting to all our inner fence to keep those buggers from coming into our yard.  With the extreme drought, we are so fortunate with critters looking for a drink of water not to have just migratory flocks of snakes running the yard. 

May all who pass have a wonderful weekend.  Spend time thanking your fathers, remembering them, and offering a little prayer to Him above.

Peace and send rain our way,
Mal

18 Inches Equals Yummy Goodness for Winter

Hubby and I have been jobbing today besides mowing, errands and other chores. He brought me 4 new squash just as I had shredded 20 cups for squash bread to lay in the freezer for winter. I don't know about ya'll but, our old farm house just makes summer baking marathon sessions darn near impossible. Aren't these beauties?

I have been saving some seeds from these lovelies for next year and am thinking maybe I should run another giveaway for my followers.  The squash are heirloom and will grow next summer quite nicely.  This week; I am going to try sauteeing a few squash stalks and simmering some leaves; yes these can be eaten if cleaned properly. 

You can also eat the leaves of your broccoli plants as well.  Quite tasty and much milder than the actual heads of broccoli. 

And don't forget to roast extra seeds for snacks.  Get this; I love the taste of fresh shredded squash for a lite salad just add your favorite dressing or in my case; extra virgin olive oil and roasted seeds.  YUM YUM

Here is our first batch of okra these will be dried for seed; the larger pods. The smallish pods, I will be slicing this up for some gumbo and other cajun dishes this fall. Did you know okra leaves can also be consumed as greens?  Also the seeds can be roasted, ground and used as a coffee substitute which, after seeing the cost of a 36 ounce can of regular roast of Folgers is running near $11.  This will be the next thing I will be trying plus growing chicory.

Cubby Bear just wanted to show off a little; I thought ya'll wouldn't mind.  My next experiment will be shredding some green tomatoes for breads and of course Fried Green Tomatoes. 

Oh yeah on another note; we will be harvesting some mesquite bean pods for flour; I still owe Mrs. Barbara over at

3 Acreshomestead a lb from my 500th blog post giveaway last year.  Seems our trees took a year off from fruiting; I was quite surprised to see them loaded with pods due to our extreme drought. 

So what have ya'll been doing in your gardens?

Bigger In Texas; Happy Birthday

Can you believe this zucchini? Weighs a little over 2 lbs. 

 I used the $20 so, you can have a point of reference.  Hubby found this one tucked under leaves.  Just amazing.  So far we have eaten; raddishes, turnips, greens, onions, Greek oregano, zucchini, serranos, jalapenos, and yellow squash.

 Our corn is now over our heads, quite surprising with all the high winds we have this year.  We have to water nearly everyday to keep our garden up.  Our normal temp is around 100 sometimes; much higher counting the humidity.

 Our first apple fruit.  If you look you can see the wind burn on one curled leaf.  We are hoping as our fruit trees grow; they will toughen.  We were told that we could not grow apples nor, grapes here.  Well we have both so far.  Hubby and I don't mess much with our trees, plants, vines; other than feed and water.  We figure if it grows in the wild then it is meant to be here with us.

Do you see my Greek Oregano (Eleni) has a wide spread?  Hubby trimmed back 1/3rd of her branches and I dried the leaves for cooking later in the year.  It is crazy to know, a 0.5 ounce at a grocery store will cost a consumer $4 a bottle.  So my little investment in Eleni has paid off.  --- I got Eleni at WalMart for $1.77 and now look at her; soon she should flower for seed. :O) 

Our jalapenos are hotter than the serranos.  Crazy heat in these little fire bombs.  

We spoil our little country pooch, Banjo.  He gets bits and pieces of our meals.  This little six pound wonder is a macho small dog; who regularly chases wild critters off our yard in the night.  Here is he eating a slice of French toast; spoiled little monster he is!

This week has been a bit slower with the Memorial Day holiday.  To honor a vet; our family laid a wreath on Mr. Dennis's grave; Mrs. Lily we are so sorry for your loss.  We love you both.

Our son Sid's birthday is today.  Happy 25th, May you have a 100 more years in which is grow and explore the world.

For those who are following our homeschool progress.  We are using Sonlight for both boys this year.  And both love it; especially Saenz.  The stories included in this literature based program take him on adventures all over the world.  On the weekend; I just type up a daily checklist of assignments or milestones he needs to accomplish.  You will notice; I have not included physical or art education; we do those off line throughout the day.   For current events, Time magazine just happened to have an article about the political unrest in Sanaa; so we will learn more about Yemen and the African continent.

I type up this checklist because Saenz; has trouble keeping his binder orgainzed as well as, other materials needed.  This just works better for him over all because he can track his progress without the mess of multiple sheets of paper. 

Okay a short; 'Movies You Need to See:' 

 King's Speech,

Rabbit Hole,

127 Hours,

The Fighter. 

Don't forget this week on History Channel; there are special documentaries on the Civil War.  150 years since, we as a country have made lots of progress; the beauty of America is her flexibility to change as her people change. 

Think about this; when elections are in question; no soliders, para-military or mass mobs go on killing sprees.  America's strength is in her people's belief in our system; we know we things will eventually return to our norm; even after a disaster. The History Channel is running a donation campaign now; to save historical sites throughout the US.  You donate $1.50 and they will match it.

http://www.history.com/give150

Continue to grow and learn; we surely will be doing just that; in our slice of heaven.

Do You Fudge Some Days?

What I mean by fudge is; letting go and sitting back in quiet awe.  Or allowing things to slip by like dusting, sweeping and mopping; when your floors look like hell.  I just think we all are guilty of getting caught up in the minutiae of life.  Some days, I have to leave television off or just have it on for white noise in the background. 


Other days, the boys are all nice and kind to each other and I just scan them with suspicious eyes; wondering if they built a nuclear warhead when I turned my back.  Normally, they are  two sore-tailed cats who need to retreat to their respective marked terriority of 'MINE.' On these days, if they are happy to be brothers we sometimes cut school work in half. Sssssh, don't tell them the key to getting time off. :O)

Today was one of those days, we ran some eggs over to  neighbor Mrs. Maguglin.  Got home in time to be blessed with a visit from Mrs. Lily.  My boys just adore her and Zephyr especially tries to keep her occupied with her stories of his Lego battle warriors.  We hope you enjoy the onions, mustard greens, and squash we sent home with you.  Thanks Mrs. Lily for coming over, no worries we will pick up in the morning where the boys left off in their school work.

A thing I miss though since lasik, has been jumping on my Husky and mowing the grass.  With my eyes being so sensitive to bright light and irritants; I can only look out my window with a longing of horsepower.  HEE HEE it is so hard to give over the keys to hubby on the weekends.

As these days of summer are bearing down on us; please take some time to fudge days of work now and again.  I am sure our Creator doesn't mind a slower pace.

Just a Happy Life, Who Needs More?

I am amazed at the strength, love, and joy I receive from just being with my men.  This week, Zephyr graduated from Kindergarten and has started his first grade school year. We did not have a formal ceremony since, I could not find the correct church in Beeville.  So instead, we picked up Zephyr's favorite --- cup cakes in his birth theme of Halloween. 

My husband has been taking care of all the outdoor chores this passed week.  My surgery was awesome and I can see at 20/20 for each eye.  Though I am taking extra care while my eyes are healing from lasik.  Hubby has been taking up all my outdoor chores; he did not want me to get anything in my eyes since, he had an infection after his lasik.  Let me tellyou; this man is always working even when he is at home.  He is a Mr. Fixit.  I just love him to pieces; the almost 15 years we have been together has flown.  He is my best friend. 

 Our Ladies Bug beetles are almost fully formed.  Strange critters these little wonders of nature.

 Today, we took the boys to the Lexington Musuem.  Both boys love anything and everything to do with the military.  So it was a treat for them to touch or sit inside exhibits.  We are hoping to foster their desire to learn in any method we can find.  For the next two years, we will be taking them back to the Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and Zoo often.  I could tell each of them were quite happy to be here with us.  I love to walk behind them and watch from a distance. 

Little Brig Bird

Six men bunked inside an area the size of a modern closet.  

 They walked the plank.

They touched history. 

 They climbed and explored a new world.

 One of the eight book cases my hubby has built. 

This one is the latest, and hold 1 yr of curriculum for both boys. I am loving Sonlight especially the Instructor Guide, Read A-longs, and history materials.  Below is the pencil grip suggested by Jana that is working out well for both boys to learn a proper handwriting grip.

This weekend, when you are out enjoying the summer or grilling.  Take time out to remember all those who made our lives possible this Memorial Day.  The men and women of our Armed Forces, family members, civilians, and contractors; who support their mission. 

If not I leave you with this. God Bless