Pretty...but March is going out like Lion

Going out like a Lion...March is almost over.... and this is what I awakened to this morning.. It soooooo Pretty when the sun is shining on the property but I am still looking for spring flowers and warmer days... rain & more snow predicted for tonight & maybe tomorrow & then  the 4th month of April will show her face in a couple days along with possible rain and those pretty May flowers , or so the poem reads... What's it like in your corner of the world today?

What a lazy cold wintery day

Buster here telling you My mom thinks Spring is coming... Boy, does she have it wrong! It's 39 degrees outside and believe me I say that's Cold....I went outside when Dad filled the birdfeeders, & moved the big bags of birdseed & chicken feed to the coop...I hurried back here as fast as I could...& now I will sit here on the arm of dad's chair and sleep in the partial sun....I have been looking for signs of that"spring" mom keeps talking about and I cannot see it... The ducks are on  the pond but they have no babies, no new holes  of the rabbits to explore,  the chickens are scratching for something in the fields but  I don't see them eating anything I'd like. (Unless my mom tosses out the compost pot,  of leftovers & cooking goodies, but she shoos me away so her  "Golden girls" & "Black beauties" get it first....)  So I will just sit here and soak up any warmth the sun shines my way for today.....what did somebody say it was lunchtime or was I dreaming?

Too Nice to stay home

Today was just too nice to stay home when an adventure beckons from the south. Warm near 80 degrees in Redding California called us out today to explore and only 120 miles from home we were glad to take the journey. We have talked about checking out the boat launches and campgrounds in the area and today we were not dissappointed. We parked our car and walked along this trail about 1/4 mile to reach the viewpoint. What a view!  Below is the view of the Castle Crags. and a peak of Mt Shasta, when we got to the top in full view was her magical beauty.

We took the opportunity to snap a shot of the Sanfrancisco Arm of Lake Shasta as well. A promising camping outting I can see coming later this summer... 

The lake is goregous and huge and has 4 main arms of water flowing from the main lake. Summer time will allow us to explore the other 3 arms for sure.

Monday's list for Tuesday. Vacation over...Spring is coming

Home sweet Home .  Monday's list is now Tuesdays...
Ever notice how being away a few days can spur an awakening of energy to get 'r done on the home front? After seeing a glimps of spring, flowering trees leafing & blooming, bright yellow  daffodales  baby lambs and calves in pastures as we made our way home, I mentally made a list of things to do this week. I know from experience I can get ahead of  things unless I write down the most important to do's and tackle them one at a time... Clay checked the bee hives yesterday and we have several frames of honey to extract this week..yummy.... our weather forcast looks promising of low to mid 60's so thats the plan... We will have to order more bees however as the winter did a number on them... only a few remain in the hive so that will be a project to keep Clay busy getting the hive ready for new bees..... but first I think a second cup of coffee is needed before I begin my day.....

Taking My Mom home....

Today we will be back on the road.. Taking my mom to Woodburn, Oregon where my sister Karen will pick her up for the continued return to Kent Washington... I  have really enjoyed her visit and will miss her. I will return to Blogging Tuesday next week... Have a great Weekend my friends.
My sisters & I are planning  a Mothers Day Weekend at the Beach however and  Mom will join us. The Beach is one of her favorite places to visit. I am sure there willbe lots of fun in store for us there and of course I will be sharing thew events here. 
Cheryl

Life is like a puzzle or two and more...

Do you like to spend time doing Jigsaw Puzzles?   Well My mom sure does and now she has perhaps started me on a new time passer... She has a puzzle going all the time at home...Her neighbors drop in for tea & every member of our family has dropped into a chair for their share of "helping" complete and start new ones.  I can see how each day a new piece is added to make a complete picture of the days of our lives....We are working today on #4 of 5 that we have picked out too complete before she returns to her own home next Saturday.  She will not be going by train however as my husband & I will drive her to Portland where my sister & her husband will pick her up for the rest of the journey to Seattle. It has been fun drinking tea & sharing stories about what we do here at Blue Sky Farm and comparing the work and pleasures of what she & did as a child growing up in her family of 10 children..Oh MY!Gramma really had her hands full... It is interesting to hear her tell stories of gardening, canning, cooking, housekeeping and playing with how things were "back in the depression days" were for her. I suppose its because I choose to save, recycle and refurbish as she and my ancestors did. I know now why I like doing things & living my life.. Roots go deep and this country  apple didn't fall far from the tree......I think I will go make a cuppa tea for her, I am so Blessed to have these days with her..

A visit with my mom

 I made it back..finally,  but to tell you the truth, I am amazed at how tired I am. I guess this ol' gramma is not as spry as she used to be...but  traveling, visiting and shopping  really was fun. I brought my mom back with me to give her a change of scenery.  We are going to relax a couple more days, do some jig saw puzzles and enjoy our time together before we go to Medford for a bit of shopping. My mom will be  81  the 31st of this month and really enjoyed the train trip even though it was a 12 hour ride. She has a lot of stories about her childhood I enjoy hearing. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can take her site seeing around the Lake and country side.
She will be here with us for a couple weeks before we take her home. I hope I am able to travel when I am 80.

On Vacation for a couple weeks

Hello everyone,
I will be back to blogging March 1st. Headed to visit my family and friends in Washington.
Keep warm, safe and busy....
Cheryl

More Farmgirl fun....Today

Today is our Mary Jane Farmgirls Monthly Meeting. We have all made cookies or cupcakes to give to our Local Women & childrens shelter. We meet once a month as I have said before on  this blog. We laugh & share what we are interesed in and talents we have to share.We are quickly approaching  a new membership number of 12 chicks.  Thats a lot of Clucking  going on...and You know that Being a  Farmgirl is a "condition of the heart". We don't all have farms, or ranches or animals, chickens, or gardens but we do love living the country life and doing what we can to live that life as organic and sustainable as possible.  We share interests of shoppng for antiques, thrifting, recycle and sew, cooking,  scrapbooks, quilts and gardens, raising  chickens, & farm animals, fish & even camp. Our hens ages range from 30 something to 74! I have a link on the side bar to our chapter. Klamath Falls Charming Chicks. Basically we like to get together to have "girl fun" and are growing close as you know how we farmgirls friendships can evolve. Since I am the "Mother Hen" of the group after starting it early last Spring, Today I am going to give each of my "Chickie Friends" a special Valentine treat of cookies & choclates. ( who can't resist that?".) all wrapped up in these cute bags. We have also drawn "secret sister names" so today there could be some more Valentine Surprises unfolded. I love my farmgirl friends. If you think you are a "farmgirl at heart". Go to Mary Janes site ( also linked in my side bar) and check out a chapter near you. We do have One Heck of a lot of fun and chapters are open in every state.
Oh my! it's getting late & I have to get the vacuum put away, clean the bathroom..& put the coffee pot on before the chickies start to arrive... Happy Valentines to all of You!  &  Happy Trails!

Cheryl

The lost art of Line Drying

Here my clothes line is waiting....Oh how I wish it was warmer, I love to hang my laundry outside to dry. I asked Clay to make me a clothes line shortly after we moved in two years ago. I can hardly wait to start using it again. My laundry smells so fresh and sparkling clean when hung to dry.
I can remember as a child when my mother hung our clothes to dry, my sisters & I would run under and through the sheets as they blew in the wind. Ahhhh those great memories! Did you ever do that?

Did you realize that, hanging your clothes, by line drying is a huge savings, and your clothes will last longer. Clothes hung outdoors do not get static cling. another benefit is it's good for your body, The bending, stretching and lifting it takes to get the laundry on the line is a good way to get in some exercise, without realizing it.   I like that and who couldn't save some on the electric bill?
Here are a few tips on hanging your laundry outdoor:

First if you have clothes lines already, you may want to wash your lines with warm water if they have not been used in awhile because dirty clotheslines will get your clothes dirty as well. Make sure your lines are strong and taut. Laundry will not dry evenly on sagging lines.

Choose a day that is sunny and windy or at least breezy. The motion of the breeze prevents clothes from stiffening.  You can just add vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine load to help soften the clothes you hang ( they will not smell like vinegar when they are dry.) or make your own fragrant fabric softener. You can save even more money by making your own laundry soap. I will post the recipe another time. It is so easy to do  and only costing about 4 cents a load!

Hanging sheets & whites in the sunlight early in the morning you will get full bleaching effect of the sun rays. Have you ever slept on sheets dried in the sun? Pure Heaven!

Hang colors & brights in partial shade or in the afternoon to prevent fading. You can also turn them inside out before hanging.

Hang shirts & blouses on hangers to prevent clothes pin marks on th eshoulders. Hook and pin the hanger to the line.
Just try hanging your laundry  and  I bet you will love it as much as I do.

I've started a new cooking blog!

 I have decided to put my food stuff, recipes, tips & wine paring  along with  photos of what's cookin in my kitchen on a seperate blog. Please come pull up a stool and join me .  I have added a place setting for you..and will share a glass of wine or cuppa tea  along with a few bites with you.

Bon Appetite!

I think I'm becoming a Shutterbug..

A country drive  this morning was a photo opportunity for me. Since my  wonderful husband bought me a new camera  for Christmas, I have become a shutterbug, snapping pictures of anything & everything. You know, old Barns and old homesteads have always been a favorite of mine. It was cloudy and not a spectular day like a sunshine day would be but we did enjoy our outting. As we drove  up to the hill above our farm in the tree line, we had only gone   1000 ft higher than  we live, and we were in deep snow. So pretty and peaceful, not particulary cold but fresh. I took a few shots of the pine trees covered with snow. We then traveled down to the Wood River  a bird watching area where I got a few more shots ( no birds could be seen but we could hear themin the marsh. )  On the way home we were above Upper Klamath Lake around Fort Klamath, where we came upon the perfect homestead setting & barns. I was on cloud #9 ...and then  I took a couple close up shots, I couldnt resist temptation... I think I am getting pretty good at this...check out the raindrops... Cool

Two Nice Suprises...

#1 Suprise! I am here blogging so soon after I thought I was doomed..I will be using my cell phone (smart phone) to connect to the internet for afew days. The problem will be solved when I return from Washington. I wont leave until Feb 13th and will return March 1st. I am going to visit my sister, mom and daughter. Really looking forward to  a two week mini vacation. I am taking the train which is always relaxing , even though a 12 hour trip! I willstock up on hand sewing, reading to occupy myself. By chance my good friend Gail is going to be traveling the same way that day so we will keep company for the first 5 hours of the trip. We will be chatting away the time will fly....

#2 Surprise, today when I went to the mailbox I found a very nice surprise from another Blogger friend and Mary Jane farmgirl. We have  not met in person but share many interests. I read her posts everyday and I know she follows mine. She lives in New York and the chances of us ever meeting are.... well who knows? She sent me a darling bookmark she made  of Raggedy Ann  for my old 1918 printing. She recently got herself a copy at  athrift store. Thank you so much Nancy Jo.  Look how she matches the page in the book.. You can read her blog at
http://nancy-jo.blogspot.com/
I will be posting until the 13th as my daily adventures unfold thanks for folowing.
Have a great weekend..
Cheryl

Yikes, I really "screwed up "

Well I have done it now...Not sure it was the right thing to do.. I am really confused about my internet connection and use of my modem. I have never had official computer lessons, as I have always pretty much practiced the trial & error method of anything.  Today I bought a new cell phone and a new modem to use for my internet connection since we have no good reception without an external dial up modem. I had gone over my allotted amount of 5g usage last month so I learned now I could have solved this problem another way & decided to "tether" my new phone capability to make sure that doesn't happen again..  Thats what the tech support person told me...and willl save me  money in the long run...Long story short.... Now I can use both a modem & my cell phone for connecting to the WWW. However.. Until the 20th of this month I am really "Screwed" If I use my phone for relief from adding more Overage on the modem... I cannot use my phone separately. I planned to be out of the state for a few weeks and Clay needs the computer so I cannot take it along.. but I  will want  & need my phone?  * are you following me here?," Do I suck it up , bite the  bullet and pay a HUGE bill by continue using the modem adding more overage fees, stop using the computer all together... That means no blogging, email or web surfing... YIKES" or do I forfeit my cell..phone? I cannot  do that. I was on the landline with the tech support for over 2 hours while he walked me through the whole downloading process.  Now we are on first name basis..but I probably wouldn't get him again if I called tech support...although he was very helpful, pleasant and made me feel not so stupid.....I told you I am not totally computer literate...Oh What to do? Maybe  I'll best use the cell phone connection  only for backup..? and go ahead   re hook up the modem? Clay knows even less than I do about this stuff... of course, so it will be impossible to explain to him  how to simply hook up or un hook the connection.......so bear with me....I will not be posting as much until I return March 1st.
I think I will pre post a few blog entries and let go of the connection. I can use my daughters computer when I get to Washington. That will be the smartest thing to do...and pay the price of overage use... grrrrrrrrrrrrrr I think I need a tall glass of wine right now...after I disconnect my phone.....so good bye for now... I"ll be back posting soon.

When Opportunity Knocks..We Go!

This morning, The sun came out and out we went to take some photos of the birds that might be at the marsh. It looked warmer than it was. Clay had captured the two fabulous photos at the bottom of this post last week of a Bald Eagle in its nest eating, but today We saw a few birds but not as many as we had hoped. The great migration will be here mid month. I did take a few photos of the refuge and will share them.

A mature  American Bald Eagle and  a youngster ( notice his splotchy feathers  at this stage they look kinda scruffy..They will be nicer and look like the adult we love to see, in their fourth year...

Here they are in a field looking for mice to eat or any other small rodent. They do hang out near the marsh, waiting for ducks and the fields for smaller prey. 

a Gray Herron hiding in the tree along the marsh land. The reflection of the blue sky in the marsh land was pretty. I will be in Washington State for a couple weeks, while Clay stays home to takes care of things here at BlueSky & the chickens.. So I will miss the begining of the migration. Klamath Basin is know for its thousands of birds migrating North during the spring.

These were flying overhead, we could hear them coming. White Snow or Ross geese we think. Sure pretty don't you think?  Here are the two Clay took pictures of earlier. It made a nice morning outting..now I gotta do laundry...(sigh)

Is that Mr.Groundhog?

Happy Groundhog Day everyone....."I don't know where or what time that Mr.. Groundhog saw his shadow, it sure wasn't here. But I did hear something outside and when my mom let me out to check it out ...... I see it was "Jack" and he was hiding. That is One big Jack Rabbit  and he's as big as me too.  Boy, can he run fast. Maybe he stopped to see me... But It sure wasn't his shadow cuz I couldn't get even close. It sure is fun to chase him though...and By the way, If there is going to be 6 more weeks of winter.... let it be on the East coast..wherever that is... cuz I want some sunshine & spring around here...maybe there will be more Bunnies to chase.  I think I will go take a nap now that was fun..."

When will Spring come?

I just read a few posts of  others who I follow off my blog and am jealous that they have some spring weather closer than I do.  I can only start to invision the fruits of my labors once the sun stays out long enough to warm my garden spots. I want to plant Lots of flowers this year  along with my veggies. As I look out my window right now I see the thermometer hanging and the news is not good. As I write this It is even starting to snow big flakes.....I captured a shot out the window.
 So I guess I will start with spending some time planning what & where I will plant when its Warmer.
I have some thoughts and plenty of books to be inspired by.

 In the meantime I will enjoy my "Store bought beauties." while I wait for my own bulbs to burst through the frozen ground.... But aren't they pretty? 

School day memories

Yesterday afternoon  I found a picture of my sisters and me taken when we were quite young. I think I was maybe 9 years old  and my youngest sister was 5 years old . Our dog was named Skippy.  I noticed we were all wearing dresses ( that's what we wore when we went to school, no jeans or pants except when the weather was cold & snowy) then we could wear them under our dresses. Anyway, I was thinking back about how much work it must have been for my mom with 4 little girls wearing dresses to school everyday.. Her ironing must have taken forever to do. That was in the mid  50's. I remember my old elementary school and looked on line for a picture. This is the only one I found.  Roosevelt Elementary in Yakima, Washington.

I do remember the school being old with lots of steps up the front and inside it smelled of old paint stain and had really shiny polished wood floors.  Outside were two huge old trees where we sat, giggled and carved our initials in the trunk, when we weren't playing jump rope or hopscotch. Those trees are gone now & the school has been demolished and re built.

I recently purchased a lunchbox like I had when I went to grade school on Ebay.  My mom packed it with  a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, an apple or a banana and carrot or celery sticks and one cookie all wrapped in wax paper..I remember how that lunch box smelled after I broke the thermos and the milk soured, even after several scrubbings. My first grade class was in the basement, and we had a cafeteria where we took our lunches upstairs and bought milk for 5 cents for lunch and another 5 cents for afternoon snack during school or somedays we bought them for 25 cents.  We could also buy ice cream for 5 cents and sometimes I would spend my nickle on that instead of the milk, hoping I wouldn't get in trouble if my mom found out....I think we must have been really on a tight budget and 5 cents was not often extra change. Yes, those were the days...do you remember your elementary school? I have very good memories of this school that I attended for 5 years before we moved out of  the city.