Have Ya'll Noticed Spring Has Shown Up Early?

      Back in early Feb, we noticed our mesquite trees already budding along with some other of our fruit trees that made it through last year's drought.  I find it worrying how the seasons seem to be all messed up with climate change.  My heart goes out to all those who were harmed by such early tornados and then snow right after.  This leaves me wondering if this summer the United States will be plagued with hurricanes.  La Nina has been doing some really crazy things with our weather pattern.

What do ya'll think?

      I want to thank those of you who have inquired as to why my posts have been greatly reduced.  Seems, I have been in a bi-polar funk after my knee injury back in November.  I did not go see a doctor simply because after 20 years of being poked and prodded by doctors who were adept at treating symptoms.  I just did not want to waste my time listening to lectures or theories. I was just happy to be alive and able to stay with my boys. 

     Two weeks ago, I had to go to the emergency room because I was having muscle spasms so hard; I could not move or turn my head. Let me tell you, when spasms hurt worse than contractions, you have issues.  There the doctors found my blood pressure (BP) to be far too high at 240/120.  Even though I was in pain after a shot and flexeril, there was little reduction in my resting BP.  Basically, I could have 'stroked' out at any time.  The kind doctors there gave me meds, told me to rest, and make an appointment with my regular; which I did.

     This week's visit with Dr. Beasely was wonderful.  She actually listened to my concerns and complaints; asked tons of questions.  She told me I had a middle ear infection plus my BP was still too high at 180/110. The next thing she did was doubled my dose of BP meds, ordered a ten day dose of azithromycin, and put me a Symbyax which is a med for bi-polar disorder.  Let me tell you; this med has made a HUGE difference in my ability to function as a human being.  Just after four days on medications I am back to zooming around taking care of my menfolk and not over or under sleeping.

     This leaves me to wonder about all the other 'care-givers' out in the world.  How often do we put others first so much in our lives; we in effect forget to nuture ourselves? Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen.  Heart diease is the number one killer of people in the US.  Ya'll get your cholesterol and bp checked.  High blood pressure is a silent killer and gives little to no warning. 

For you homeschooling parents,

     Have you tried Reading Eggs grades K-3 or ages 4 through 7?  It has been such a sucess, the company is going to expand to other grade/age levels with ABC Reading Express. Also the site allows a trial offer of two weeks to try it free with no use of a credit card. Zephyr adores the online reading program.  He doesn't even realise he is working.  Homeschoolbuyerscoop is having a 25% off special for an annual subscription.  I will be writing more later about our choices this year in curriculum.

     So now,  will leave ya'll with a picture of Roux, going on 4 months at a hefty 5.8 lbs.  She is such a funny puppy, follows me everywhere, chases her own tail, loves to chew dirty socks (dog chewing gum?), and still falls asleep in the strangest of places.  As you can see, she is sleeping on my crossed legs, head down and body up. 

Take Care,
Mal

We Have A Visitor - Blue Indigo Juvenile

I am thoroughly convinced that snakes are territorial creatures who; have a space in which they hunt, breed, and live.  I have seen this one right outside my window for about two weeks now but, have not had a camera to catch a shot.  Well I got lucky this time because our special guest had helped himself to a meal so I got a couple of shots of him/her.  This is a blue indigo snake and is definitely only a juvenile at just over three feet.

 I was standing less than a foot away to take these shots. It is such a lovely snake and has been documented at up to 8.75 feet long.  We had one that our second year here that was pretty close to 9 feet and its body was as thick as my forearm; heavy bodied snake.  We respect these beautiful animals and feel blessed that one has taken up home in our inner yard.  Which means less rats, mice, and possible rattlers where our boys tend to play.

 Saenz loves these.

 Crooked yellow neck squash will be ready soon.  This plant has four fruits.

We picked some snacks right out of our garden: some onion to go with our zucchini and of course right out of the garden raddishes -- rinse and eat. (We got the raddish seed from a lady in England who sent them as a gift.) 

Life is good and we are counting our blessings and saying thanks!

The Art of Friendship and Good Neighbors

Yesterday, we went to the Maguglins to trade eggs and just visit.  My boys are just thrilled to run around their property. It is fun to watch the children play together outside because they run around and burn up energy.  What is really cool, each time we go there we learn something new.

Mrs. Sobrina taught us about caring for show rabbits   We had no idea they had to be of a certain weight nor the standards for judgement for the farm shows around the area. Their rabbits are weighed daily, have tattoo'd ears, have to have their under coat brushed out and look like their litter mates.

WHO KNEW? 

Then, we watched their show pigs which are Hamsphires (English breed); and they require a certain type of ration to lay down weight and fat properly for judgement. What is interesting about their show pigs and a major difference from our hogs (feral)are their body structure.  The Hampshires have really large hind quarters that are heavily muscled and makes them look quite hippy.  Then on top of their backs are deep crease to which helps to show their fat content.  Mrs. Maguglin which probably weighs a 100 lbs soaking wet just hopped -- right into their pen and herded the pigs into their play yard.

Zephyr loves to run about their place looking for spent shotgun shells like a treasure hunter.  And Saenz loves to chat and be a boy with the Maguglin's oldest son.  The best thing about having another homeschooling family so close by, who are from this area; is knowing we can ask questions.  This means I have a source to learn how to become a better farmer, mother, and teacher.  WIN WIN in my book.

Later in the day they came over to drop off some homemade bread.  Saenz and Zephyr took the Maguglin children out to see the animals and swing under the oak tree.  Overall, Tuesday was a lovely day spent with good friends and great neighbors.  Can't ask for more....

Hope ya'll are enjoying your slices of heaven!
Mal

You Know a Frigid Cold Front is Coming When?

It is flipping in the 80s, and bee scouts keep you from your winter garden or hanging clothes on the line.  Yeppers, Ladies and Gents each time I have went outside today.  I have been kamikazied by bees; they are taking sore advantage before the next artic front is supposed to move in tomorrow -- dropping temps to the 40s tomorrow and in the freezing range later in the week.

Can you believe South Texas, has a possible chance of snow?  I wanted to bring in the broccoli  for dinner to go with some cauliflower and left over grilled chicken.  Those little winged monsters keep chasing me in the house and away from THEIR FOOD. LOL

We have been busy this passed weekend.  Do you remember we bought hubby's new car the day after Christmas? Well seems the dealership held up the issuance of the state license plates because; we did not give them two titles (we only had one).  So, if you ever buy a car, and trade one in with an original Maryland title. (It was registered in Texas yearly since 2006.) Remember you will need two titles.

Who knew? I will say this; those folks wishing to buy from GILLMAN HONDA in Selma, Texas just a -- note their customer service is lacking nor are they proactive in completing their transactions.  This meant, we had to drive back to Selma, 1 1/2 hrs each way to sign a form.  I had to tell them which forms they needed and the website the forms are located. 

On the way home from there we stopped at Texas Pride Barbecue, which has been featured on Food Network's 'Drive-ins, Diners and Dives,' and had lunch.  I loved the antiques with all the enamel signs and items it reminded me of an episode of American Pickers.  However, none of us really liked the barbeque, the brisket was kinda greasy with a salty rub and the chicken was cooked dry.  We did eat all the beans and homemade mac n cheese though.  We watched Zephyr play at their play ground and then came home.

Cubby's new trim his poppa gave him.  

Cubby is hard at work.

Banjo supervising, He says, "HEY GIL you missed a spot!" 

Sunday, hubby pulled out the tiller to prep the first of our garden beds.  So far, we have a small area winter garden that our broccoli and cabbage have, it measures 10' by 15' and this will become our herb garden in a few weeks.  The bed he is tilling in the picture is 15' by 45' and will contain our primary vegetables that do no vine. Lesson learned from the first year, do not put in watermelons or squash near other beds; they take over and make the garden too snakey especially in this area. 

This is how I encourage fire ants to leave my garden beds or planters.  I make them mad and then pour corn meal on the angry mound.  They eat the corn meal and take it to their nests; after drinking water.  No more ants. Simple treatment which may have to be done a couple of times but, effective and green way of controlling fire ants. 

Off to enjoy the rest of this lovely sunny day with the boys outside.

Take care Ya'll

What We Have Been Doing?

Well I got to really thinking about survival, food prep and storage and just being prepared.  I like MD Creekmore's The Survivalist Blog and he does a post asking his followers what they have done to become better to take care of themselves in case the need arises. 

I got the idea to buy a book for each (same title) of our boys on a topic they both love to encourage more free time reading. Not only will they learn more information on the specifications on weapons but, I will have them write about their findings.  Though Zephyr will have to dictate his until he learns to write.

 Zephyr is taking the birds out of the brooder so, I can clean out the dirty bedding.

This week we got our 25 Ameruacana chicks in to replace the layers who have become lazy.  Once I teach myself how to slaughter the older hens; I will use a pressure cooker to make lots of items for our pantry.  I love reading Melissa's blog http://kidsandcanningjars.blogspot.com/ and will be using her blog as a reference. 

We also went to Mrs. Lily's house yesterday to have lunch with her and her mom, Ms. Gefford.  The boys love Mrs. Lilly to pieces -- she is the nicest lady ever.  Saenz was able to see one of his beloved cats we had to give to her; after we found out he was allergic to Topsy and Turvy.  What a tough year it was to not have our crazy cats but, both are outdoor moms now. 

 This morning, we went to Mrs. Lily's flea market booth to stock up on items I needed for our picnic basket and camping items.  Yeppers, Saenz even found a knife and it is safely put away from his little brothers nosy hands.

So we have been busy outside the house this week.  There is a front coming through that is supposed to drop the temperature and bring lots of rain to middle Texas.  Let me tell you; it has just been so flipping gorgeous outside once school work was finished completely on Wednesday off in Sheikh (the Volvo)for adventure and fun.  Homeschool is working really well for both boys. Saenz only has 37 more lessons to complete the fifth grade math and long way from where he was at third grade level just last May.  Zephyr even picks up on some of the drills Saenz and I practice. 

Our next major hurdle will be Zephyr and reading for Saenz will be a focus on world history, spelling, grammar.  Little does Saenz know that I have had him keep a daily journal as his language arts. Sssssssssh don't tell him okay?

Our next adventure will be in cooking and baking since, my books have come in with recipes in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Soups, One Pot Meals, and many more. Plus we will be have many attempts at baking breads, rolls, and flatbreads.  Wooo Hoo, I just love science and math that we are allowed to eat upon completion.  Oh yeah, can you believe both boys love sushi as much as I do?