Dena's Blog

Feburary 7th, 2012

2012-02-07T08:09:00.000-06:00

I don't think it's snowed yet at home but I'll post this pic from last year anyway 'cause I'm homesick.

I'm still in Florida with Mom, she hasn't been feeling too well so I'm not sure when I'll be headed back.

January 13th, 2012

2012-01-16T07:28:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas & New Year!
I'm still in Florida with Mom, weather is great here but I'm kinda missing the Arkansas winter! Not much going on except doctors visits & mom hasn't been feeling too well.

December 6th - 15th, 2011

2011-12-15T11:52:00.001-06:00

My big project this time home has been to get my driveway fixed. The first section of my drive is an easement through my neighbors property and thanks to his having loggers come in and then his "fix-it" projects, in the last 3 years I've gone from having a great drive to one that was barely passable.

After lots of headache, a lawyer, and most of my savings - Mission accomplished!

Heading out this sunday to go back to Mom's for awhile......trying to get packed up and organized!

Nov 3rd - December 5th, 2011

2011-12-05T13:58:00.001-06:00

Fall view from the back deck

I've been home for the last month, hard to believe! I've been trying to get caught up and organized (as usual). Weather has been mostly chilly and windy or raining. Haven't spent much time enjoying the deck but I love it anyway!

Monique, Roy and Brandi came up for Thanksgiving and brought me this cool chiminea for the deck as a Christmas gift. That helps!

Brandi

We tried to get a little hunting done but the deer and weather wouldn't cooperate. It was fun anway.

Sept 13th - Nov 3rd 2011

2011-12-05T13:16:00.001-06:00

Left home on Sept 13th for Florida with a short stop in Louisiana to pick up a few things for Mom and do a little visiting. On the way there Monique called and told me Roy had had a stroke so I spent the couple of days there in the hospital with them. Roy doing well, I headed out to Florida.

Time in Florida was pretty quiet except for a 5 day stay in the hospital when Mom came down with an infection.

Left for home on Nov 1st and arrived here Nov 3rd.

2011-11-15T14:34:00.001-06:00

June 14 - Sept 13

2011-11-15T14:01:00.001-06:00

Planned on spending a few weeks at home then returning to Florida but had issues to tend to and ended up staying home till Sept 13. I managed to get one of my wish list projects done - a back deck!

My beloved Aunt Tut passed away on August 20th. She'll be greatly missed.

May 2nd - June 12

2011-11-15T13:53:00.001-06:00

In Florida May 2 - June 12. Spent a week in the Keys, it was great!

April 12-30

2011-11-15T13:42:00.001-06:00

Spent April 12th -30th at home. Three weeks of storms! Ugh! The last 2 days were nice and I busted my butt to do spring clean-up before I left again. Deer were happy I was here to fill the feeder.

March 14th - April 12th, 2011

2011-04-27T11:29:00.006-06:00

I spent 4 weeks with Mom in Ft. Lauderdale. Mostly quiet time except a trip to Mayo Clinic March 28th-30th.
Mayo wants her to restart treatment so I'll be going back in a couple of weeks.
My grandmother (Lena Leger) died on April 5th at the age of 98. I wasn't able to drive to Louisiana in time for the funeral so when Mom flew out I headed home.

March 13th, 2011

2011-03-13T11:50:00.002-06:00

If you haven't heard from me it's because my internet is broken and I couldn't get it repaired before I left. Nobody can get in.

My driveway is dug up while my neighbor removes the culverts and is installing a bridge -

I've been getting in the back way through his yard but last week I busted a tire on the rocks. Ugh!

Anyway, hopefully it'll be finished before I return home. I'm in Florida for a few weeks with Mom - and high speed internet!

March 4th, 2011

2011-03-04T07:47:00.003-06:00

I finally finished up my Middle Woods project! (Except for hauling the firewood up to the woodshed, ha). This chore has been OBSESSING me and I was determined to finish it even if it killed me! Weather never seemed to cooperate when I had time, and when the weather was right, I didn't have time. Anyway.............Whew!

Found these old pics of what the Middle Woods looked like six years ago..............

OMG!

Yuck!

February 23rd, 2011

2011-02-24T08:49:00.002-06:00

The weather's been warm! I've been spending my time cleaning and organizing the shop and cleaning up the middle woods. Two projects that never seem to get finished. The plan for the middle woods is for it to eventually be an extention of the backyard all the way down to the garden.

February 12th, 2011

2011-02-12T11:12:00.004-06:00

This past week we've had THE most snow (10 inches) and THE coldest temps (0 degrees, 2 nights in a row) in the six and a half years I've lived here. Up till now, the coldest was 7 degrees and the most snow at one time was 8 inches.

It's beautiful out but me and Tux are getting cabin fever!

Starting now, we'll be thawing out. Temps in the 50s today and 60s (!!!) for the next two weeks. Lots to do outside and I can't wait to get started.

Feburary 5th, 2011

2011-02-05T16:29:00.004-06:00

Sheesh. Have to look at my calendar to see what I've been up to since last post.

Had snow, then snow melted and some nice outside work days, more snow, snow.....tried to get down to Louisiana for Beetle's funeral (Jan 26) but had to wait on weather. Left home on January 29th, got stuck in Westlake for most of the time due to bad weather and finally gave up and came home the 3rd to get out before the ICE (!) hit Louisiana. Got home and the house warmed up just in time for more snow here. About 4" since thursday.

January 12th, 2011

2011-01-12T10:30:00.002-06:00

Nothing exciting going on. It's COLD. 9 degrees last night and tonight it'll be 6! We won't be above freezing till the weekend. I'm spending my time hauling wood in and keeping the woodstove fired up. And catching up on indoor chores. (And wasting time on the internet. Ha.)

January 10th, 2011

2011-01-10T15:21:00.002-06:00

First snow last night! Tux and I took a hike this morning...........

Lil Orphan at the corn feeder.

Look at all the deer tracks!

Trail to the back woods.

Looks COLD in the deer stand.

January 5th, 2011

2011-01-10T11:23:00.004-06:00

Way late on this post!
Christmas in Louisiana was nice but too many people to visit and not enough time. Saw a lot of people but as usual forgot to take pictures most of the time. The only reason I have a few is I gave Alex (Eric's grandaughter, Brandi's daughter) my camera at the Christmas Eve party. Here's one of me with Eric, his kids, and one grandbaby -

Aubrey, Ashley, Lil Eric, Me, Eric, Brandi

As nice as it was to see everyone, I was glad to get home and start catching up. I'm soooo behind on projects.

January 1st, 2011

2011-01-06T18:14:00.004-06:00

When you're lonely, I wish you Love!

When you're down, I wish you Joy!

When you're troubled, I wish you Peace!

When things seem empty, I wish you Hope!

Have a Happy New Year!"

- Anonymous

Wednesday December 22nd, 2010

2010-12-22T18:28:00.006-06:00

Santa Tux

Grandma gave Tux a red sweater and Santa hat for Christmas. Too Cute. We're heading out in the morning to Louisiana for some Christmas visiting and hunting.

Merry Christmas All!

December 21st, 2010

2010-12-22T17:38:00.003-06:00

Nothing exciting to write about so here's a couple of pics I've been wanting to post....

I took this picture a little over a year ago. It's unusual to see such a tiny fawn all alone. I was wondering if he'd make it all by himself, poor baby.

Well, here's what he looks like now. He's still hanging around. I call him Lil Orphan.

Finally got my new pipes in the pumphouse wrapped in heat tape and insulated. Of COURSE when I was "almost" done, one of the pipes came apart and I got soaked from head to toe. Had to take everything back off, dry it all, fix the pipe, and start over. LOL.

December 13th - 18th 2010

2010-12-19T10:21:00.003-06:00

I came home on the 13th, on the 14th I had the closing on my new land (!!!). With the new 33 acres - I now own 40 acres!

In the picture below, the red box is the 7 acres I already had, the green box is the new 33.........

After that excitement I came down with a virus and haven't done anything AT ALL the rest of the week.

Haven't even seen any deer lately but the wild turkeys have been coming right up to the house.........

26 hens were in this flock.

December 1st - 12th 2010

2010-12-19T09:51:00.003-06:00

This is what my new well looks like. All of the piping runs underground to my pumphouse and connects to the electric and plumbing there. SO glad I didn't have to redo all of that! Ignore the huge pile of shale I need to clean up. Ugh.

I was thinking of going to Louisiana for a pre-Christmas visit when my cousin Ann called to tell me my favorite Aunt "Tut" was in the hospital, so I went down.

Tut and John

The news was bad. Tut has pancreatic cancer.
Prayers appreciated.

November 2010

2010-12-14T10:56:00.004-06:00

November was also busy.
Had to find out what was wrong with my well, it turned out I had only 26 gallons of water with a half-gallon a minute return rate. In other words, I had to drill a new well. That took most of the month, off and on. Finally got the new (440 feet deep!) well online December 4th.

Meanwhile, rifle deer season opened on the 13th. Eric came up for the hunt and shot a nice 7 point opening morning -

I shot a 6 point that afternoon -

Spent the next several days cleaning, boning, and putting up deer meat. Also making my skull mounts. Finished that then shot this 8 point.

I've had enough deer stuff! It's hard work and I'm out of shape!

Barely finished all that and my Thanksgiving company came up for 6 days. Monique, Roy, Brandi and Eric. Brandi & Eric hunted but didn't see anything. Had lots of fun, food, and drinks. Of course I forgot to take pictures!

The last two days of the month I RESTED. Whew.

October 2010

2010-12-11T09:49:00.003-06:00

October was busy! Arrived home on the 5th. Besides trying to get settled and caught up after 8 months, I've had lots of company. Guess everyone missed me, lol.

Eric came up for a bow hunt the first weekend, the following weekend I went to Louisiana for the opening of deer season there. That was also my birthday and Eric gave me a Game Cam. It's SO cool to see what comes to my feeder at night!

The next weekend Monique and Brandi came up for a visit. Brandi discovered my new crossbow, I taught her to shoot it and she hunted the whole time. Saw lots of deer (and turkey!) but none close enough to shoot.

Also exciting in October, we're in severe drought and my well is going dry! More on that next post.......

Feburary - September 2010

2010-12-01T13:25:00.003-06:00

Believe it or not my New Years resolution last year was to keep up better with my blog and my email. See how well that worked out!

At the beginning of February I went back to Florida for Jack's memorial service. He wanted his ashes scattered at sea. It was a beautiful ceremony with friends and family........

Gerald, Mom, Me, Tom (Jack's son), Paula,

Julie (Tom's wife, in front)

I planned on staying in Florida with Mom for a couple of weeks, then returning home. Before I left Mom started feeling bad so I ended up bringing her to the ER to find out what was wrong.

Turned out she had a rare form of cancer (peritonial). The good news was it was treatable with 6 months of chemo and an operation. She wanted treatment at Mayo clinic in Jacksonville so I went home to close up my house, my brother Gerald found an apartment there that would accept pets, so Tux and I went to live in Ponte Vedra Beach (just south of Jacksonville).

September 30th Mom was given the all clear. Whew!

October 1st I moved her back to Ft Lauderdale, my sister came down to stay with her for a few weeks and I left for home on October 4th.

Tuesday January 5th

2010-01-05T09:39:00.003-06:00

I woke up to SNOW yesterday. First I've seen this year. Pretty, but brrrrrrrr.

Nothing exciting going on. Trying to get my place back to normal, catching up on bills and housework, mail, etc.

AND hauling lots of wood to keep the woodstove going. Frigid outside but toasty warm in here!

Update 2 - (December)

2010-01-04T12:25:00.007-06:00

At the beginning of December I was finishing up with the winterizing and the last little bit of hunting, getting ready to go back to Louisiana the following week for work.

Mom called to tell me Jack (my stepdad of 32 years) was in the hospital and not doing well. I left that day (friday 4th) and got to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday the 6th. He died Tuesday the 8th. I'm grateful I was there in time to tell him goodbye.

This picture was hanging over his desk. I don't remember what the event was but Mom says it was in France and one of his favorites. Boy do we both look young!

Left Fort Lauderdale on the 20th to come home and shut down my house properly, pay bills, etc...so I could go back to Florida and stay with Mom awhile. Stopped in Louisiana for a couple of days on the way then recieved a call from my neighbor on the 24th (the day I was coming home) telling me the culvert on the drive was washed out and I couldn't get in till the water went down and the culvert was replaced. I waited until the 28th to leave, got home on the 29th. Couldn't get in on the main drive but was able to pass through the neighbors yard and behind the pond.

Came home after almost a month gone to a totally frozen house, pipes in the pumphouse broken, and even the house plants dead (they froze IN the house, that's how cold it's been).

Since then I've fixed the pipes, thawed out the house, and trying to catch up so I can leave again.
Still, it's great to be home even if it's temporary.

Update 1 - (November)

2010-01-04T12:05:00.003-06:00

So.....I stayed sick most of November with whatever virus/bug I had.

Still managed to finish painting my deer blind.....

Had lots of company.

Eric came up for a bow hunt and got this nice 7 point...........
Monique and crew came up for Thanksgiving..............

Audra and Kenny came too...........

I hunted plenty but never saw anything but 4 points and does. Who knew I had so many 4 pointers?!? Before the season I had Big Bucks right in the yard.

Spent the rest of my time trying to get ready for winter. It came way too soon this year.

Wednesday December 30th

2009-12-30T08:23:00.002-06:00

Yes, I know it's been 2 months and everyone is wondering if I fell off the face of the earth.
I'm still here, everything's okay, just hectic. Update soon.
But first I have to fix pipes and maybe the well. (I've been gone almost a month).

Friday October 30th

2009-10-30T08:42:00.002-06:00

So, we went to the Miley Cyrus concert in Little Rock last saturday. It was better than I expected! The music wasn't kiddie pop but more like something I would've heard at a rock concert 20 years ago. (but yes, there WERE 15,000 screaming little girls!). I was in shock when she did Joan Jett's "I Love Rock and Roll" - and did it well! That one must've been for us old fogeys.

Came home sunday and since then it's been raining almost nonstop and I'm down with a virus so I've gotten absolutely nothing done all week except lots of sleeping. Woke up from a nap yesterday afternoon, looked out the window and saw THIS at my yard feeder -

Bet I won't see HIM during hunting season!

Friday October 23rd

2009-10-26T10:59:00.002-06:00

Drove in from Louisiana today. Wow. It's FALL here now! Monique and Brandi are with me, we're leaving in the morning for Little Rock to go to the Miley Cyrus concert (early Christmas present for Brandi), I'll be back here sunday. Can't wait to spend some time at home!

Thursday October 15th

2009-10-15T10:52:00.004-06:00

I'm back in Louisiana since monday. It's been raining nonstop so I haven't worked much yet. While I was home last time I was super busy trying to get caught up - and hoping to get a little ahead. (wishfull thinking there!) Eric came up for a bow hunt. (We're doing a swap hunt, I'll be at his camp for rifle hunting this weekend). While he was there we built a box blind! Woo Hoo! I've been wanting one FOREVER! I say "we" but really HE built it. I just helped. It's awesome!

I thought the deer would be spooked for awhile, but obviously not - this pic is from the morning after we put it in place -

I managed to get it mostly painted before I left -

Cool, huh? I'll finish it when I get home.

Sunday September 27th

2009-09-27T08:59:00.002-06:00

Saw four deer from the back window this morning. The one on the right is a little six point buck.

Here's a closer pic of him.........

Saturday September 26th

2009-09-26T05:37:00.003-06:00

I'm finally home after almost 3 weeks. It's GREAT to be here! I missed HOME. (Lots of work to catch up on though).

Spent 2 weeks working in Church Point then went to deer camp for a few days on my way home. It rained most of the time and we didn't see anything but it was still nice to get away.

Here's a pic of Eric and Tux at camp -

Saturday September 5th

2009-09-05T16:38:00.004-06:00

Nothing interesting to report. I was in Louisiana working for 2 weeks, been home for 2 weeks, now I'm (almost) caught up and I'm headed back to Louisiana tomorrow. Here's a couple of pics from around the yard. The fawns are out lately and too cute!
Click for full size picture.

Sunday August 9th

2009-08-09T08:28:00.003-06:00

Pics from the river last week.........

Coolness.

Me and Tux

Monique and Brandi

Brandi and Tux

Since last post I've had more company, got the 4-wheeler fixed, got the mower fixed, caught up on all the yardwork......Today I'm cleaning and packing so I can leave in the morning for Louisiana.

Monday August 3rd

2009-08-03T07:11:00.004-06:00

A few more pics from the Vegas trip......

Pierre and Estelle

Monique and Liz

Monique

Eric, Me, Monique

Cheryl and Estelle

I'm still super busy running back and forth and trying to keep up. Came home friday before last with Monique and Brandi, we had a great time hanging out at Buffallo River, even went canoeing. (pics next post). They left last wednesday. Since then I had to put Cheyenne down, destroyed the deck on the mower, and have been trying to get my place back in order so I can leave again.

Friday July 17th

2009-07-17T17:34:00.002-06:00

Boy am I behind! It's been a hectic couple of months.

Since last post I went home to a disaster of electrical problems. Seems lightening struck my power line, messed up the transformer, and I was getting way more juice than I was supposed to. Half my electrical stuff was fried and it took a week to get things back to normal. Also a critter chewed through the wiring to the well so I had no water till I fixed that. Thank God my house didn't burn down! Spent another week getting every thing else caught up and then came back to Louisiana and the very next day.............

Hopped in an RV with 10 other people and went to LAS VEGAS! Talk about FUN! One of the best trips ever!

Half the crew....Me, Monique, Cheryl, Estelle, Liz

We left a day early and came back a day late, 9 days total. Ha. More pics when I'm back on high speed internet.

Anyway, came back from Vegas, worked a week in louisiana then went home with my carpenter cousin Russell and his wife Cynthia to finish up the last of my construction projects. (We did! YAY!). They stayed a week and I spent the next week painting mostly - and mowing. Then I came back to Louisiana last friday and I'm here till next friday.

When I go back home I'm bringing Brandi with me (my 9 year old niece), the following week the rest of the family will come up. The following week I'll be back in Louisiana.

Whew........

Friday May 15th

2009-05-15T08:09:00.002-06:00

I'm in Louisiana doing some work on the farm. Been here since last friday and I'll stay until the 25th or so. I've had internet problems, that's why no updates but I think it's fixed now.
While I was home there were storms for the entire two weeks and then forecasts for more storms the next 3-4 days. Ugh! My nerves can't take much more of that!
Right before I left Tux was barking at something in the yard - it was a copperhead snake. Eeeeek! Glad I killed it before it bit him.

Wednesday April 29th

2009-04-29T07:29:00.003-06:00

Some pics I took about a week and a half ago of my middle woods project. The cleaned up parts and the not cleaned yet parts. Still lots to do....

Not clean
Clean

Not clean

Clean

The "Garden" is looking nice. Fruit trees are finally growing.

Tuesday April 28th

2009-04-28T18:28:00.003-06:00

I'm still doing spring clean-up when it's not raining. Nothing exciting but I'm making progress and the place is looking pretty good. Just got home last night from a trip to Louisiana to visit family. It was nice seeing everyone! Time to get back to work though........if the rain ever ends!

The little bird that builds her nest in the porch eaves every spring is getting much better at it.

Inbetween storms a couple of weeks ago the sun came out for a few minutes and so did this great rainbow!

Saturday April 4th

2009-04-04T07:32:00.006-06:00

Nothing exciting going on, I've been busy with spring yard clean-up inbetween spring storms. Things are turning green! Yay!

I saw five deer the other morning which is surprising since the feeder has been empty for over a month.

(Pay no attention to how trashed my middle woods are - It's next on my cleanup list. Believe it or not, it was looking nice just a few months ago! Ice storms make a mess. Ugh.)

Saturday March 28th

2009-03-28T11:02:00.005-06:00

Gerald & Mom

It was great spending time with Mom, Jack, and Gerald. The trip was way too short and I'm home now after 3 days (27 hours) of hell drive. Bad weather, bumper to bumper interstate traffic, wrecks....sheesh. Glad that's over.

Since I've been home we've had more storms but it looks like they're cleared out now. Hopefully we'll have nice enough weather for me to catch up around here. My place is a total mess after 3 weeks of neglect.

Gerald & Me

Gerald, Me, & Jack

Mom

Tuesday March 17th

2009-03-17T05:31:00.003-06:00

Yikes! They don't have these in Arkansas!

I can't believe I've been here over a week now and less than a week left before I head home. Here's a few pics, above is one of the iguanas that stalk the back patio. I had no idea they swim! When you walk up to them they jump in the water. Below is Mom's house.

And the view from the dock..........

Saturday March 14th

2009-03-14T08:00:00.003-06:00

I've been in Fort Lauderdale since monday evening but haven't taken any pics yet. Here's one of Brandi and Tux for now.
I'm loving the weather - blue skies, sunshine and 80 degrees. What a difference from home. Last time I checked it was 31 and sleeting. Ick! I'm sick of winter and glad I'm missing it!
More later when I remember to take pictures. Ha.

Thursday March 5th

2009-03-05T20:36:00.004-06:00

Looks like I skipped the entire month of February posting. It's just WINTER. Nothing interesting to write about and nothing new to take pics of. I don't know if anyone reads this or cares anyway, so I don't have a lot of incentive. Ha.

As usual at this time of year I have serious cabin fever and can't wait for spring. The daffodils and crocus are popping up so that's a good sign!

Cheyenne hasn't been doing well, having trouble getting around and some days couldn't even get up. I thought it might be time to have her put down so I took her to the vet last week to find out. He said she's in the best health of any 15 year old he's seen! Turned out she has one bad hip is all. He gave her a prescription for anti-inflamatories and since then she's been prancing around like a puppy again. Amazing!

In other news, I'm heading out in the morning for Fort Lauderdale, Florida to spend some time with Mom and Jack. Hopefully I'll have some interesting pics soon :)

January 30th, 2009

2009-01-30T13:25:00.002-06:00

We had an ice storm this week. Pics are from a break in the weather tuesday afternoon. Tuesday night we had much more ice and the power went out. Wednesday was too dangerous to get out and about because trees and power lines were snapping.

Yesterday (thursday) we started to thaw and ice chunks were falling out of the trees like rain! I'm very fortunate to have power back already. In the northern part of the state 230,000 still without and they're saying it'll be weeks till it's all fixed.

January 15th, 2009

2009-01-15T13:03:00.002-06:00

Fifteen days into the new year and this is my first post! There's just nothing interesting going on and nothing interesting to take photos of. It's winter. Right now we're having a cold front, 1p.m and it's 18 degrees. Tonight expected to be somewhere between 3 and 8. Brrrr! Me and the dogs are staying in the house where it's toasty warm with the woodstove going.

I found someone willing to cut up my downed trees for firewood so on the good weather days we've been doing that. Here's a pic down in the garden from a month ago....

And then about 2 weeks ago.........

Since then we've cut up a few more - only 10 or so to go - yay!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T18:44:00.003-06:00

Click here for your card.

Thursday December 18th

2008-12-18T16:24:00.004-06:00

Home Sweet Frozen Home

Looks like snow - but it's not. It's frozen sleet. When you walk on it, you walk ON it and don't even leave a footprint.

Icy!

Tux wants to play.

We were supposed to thaw out yesterday - and didn't. Today it's just starting to thaw into a nice muddy mess. Ha.

Nothing else new to report, lots of projects on hold till the weather clears up.

Sunday December 7th

2008-12-07T09:42:00.003-06:00

A couple more pics from the yard. The turkeys were last monday, the deer about 3 weeks ago.

Forgot to mention in yesterdays post how nice it was to have Men Who Do Things around for a few days. They inspected my roof, put up a shelf, fried a turkey (yum!), fixed the trailer tongue, installed a bamboo shade on the porch, fried shrimp and frog legs (yum!), cleaned a deer, and assorted other handy things I can't remember offhand.

Saturday December 6th

2008-12-06T10:01:00.002-06:00

Brandi on Pulpit Rock

Sorry about the lack of posts in the last 4 weeks. It's been hunting season. I managed a doe for freezer meat, that's all. (Still have the Christmas hunt dec 26, 27, and 28 to look for the big buck). Besides that I haven't had any new pictures and besides that I was getting ready for company for Thanksgiving. I had six people for five days. Monique, her husband Roy, daughter Brandi, mom Velma, brother Russell, and his wife Cynthia. Of course I forgot to take pics except when we hiked saturday afternoon.

Monique, Brandi & Roy

Brandi went hunting with me thursday and friday and really surprised me with how quiet and patient she could be. Even though we didn't see anything, she didn't get discouraged. Saturday she hunted with uncle Russell and they got a small buck so that was great. Wouldn't you know it, the BIG buck was seen from the living room window by the non hunters friday afternoon! Ha!

We had tons of fun, tons of food, and a great time. The weather had been miserable, cold, windy, and rainy but cleared up for the visit with sunny 55-60 degree days. It's back to cold and windy now. Ugh. Yesterday the HIGH was 38.

Dena & Tux

Saturday November 8th

2008-11-08T08:06:00.003-06:00

Opening morning of hunting season.

I had a hectic and frustrating week so didn't have my gear together to go out hunting this morning. I'll go later today. Looks like the view from the house was better anyway - I had 3 deer right outside the window! (A doe and 2 babies) Yesterday evening there were 8, also does and babies, but it was too dark to get any pics.

Saturday November 1st

2008-11-01T14:32:00.003-06:00

Fall view from the back yard

Nothing new to report, just thought I'd check in because it's been over a week. We had our first freeze already, last monday and tuesday nights. But weather is gorgeous now with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. Lots of does and yearling deer coming to the yard feeder, sometimes they come right into the yard. Yesterday morning one was about 10 feet from the living room window!

Tuesday October 21st

2008-10-21T18:59:00.003-06:00

I got tired of carrying enough water for both me and Tux when we're hiking, so I bought him his own backpack. I was afraid he wouldn't wear it but he LOVES it. He's so proud and important now. Ha. So far it's survived 2 hikes and he already gets excited when he sees it.

Spent the weekend cleaning house and working on trails and deerstands. Deer season starts Nov. 8th.

It's definitely fall now, leaves are falling and the temps have been in the 40s the last few nights. Brrr. Time to get the winter clothes and blankets out.

Friday October 17th

2008-10-17T17:49:00.003-06:00

Paula, Aunt Sue and Me

Oct. 17th 2003

Another old picture. This one from my birthday in New Orleans five years ago. I sure look more than 5 years older than that pic now. Today I turned 50, my big excitement for the day was getting my drivers license renewed. Ha.
I've been kinda cranky about it, then I think about Mike and how he barely made 45 and it puts things in perspective. I'd give anything if HE could've seen his 50th birthday.

Thursday October 16th

2008-10-16T08:45:00.002-06:00

My laptop crashed and I lost all my recent photos so I was digging around on desktop and found this pic of Cheyenne and Tux from 2004. What a difference a few years makes! Tux is a big as Cheyenne now and Cheyenne is aged, deaf, and barely getting around.

Not much going on since last post except I've been doing lots of running around. Today I'm going to Conway for the THIRD time this week. Normally I go there once every month or two. Or less. Tomorrow I have to go to Clinton (in the opposite direction).

Mom comes back from France today - Welcome Home Mom!

Monday October 13th

2008-10-13T08:13:00.002-06:00

This is how my house has been looking lately. Mom wanted me to have flooring for my birthday (50th, ick - But Thanks Mom!). Before the flooring though, I had to have the ceiling painted. The ceiling starts at 10 feet and goes to almost 20 feet so it's something I couldn't do myself. Scaffolding and lack of fear of heights required!

They did a great job trimming, caulking, and painting the ceiling.

Below you can see my Lovely New Floor! I just love it! Woo Hoo!
I haven't put the furniture back yet, I'm adding a wood floor sealer and finish first. Looked for it thursday all over Clinton, no luck. I'll have to go to Lowes in Conway, probably today.

Tuesday September 30th

2008-09-30T14:55:00.004-06:00

Mama and baby deer at the yard feeder from about 3 weeks ago. Since then they've split up and the baby has lost all it's spots. They still come around, just not together.

We've been having gorgeous fall weather - highs in the low 80s and lows in the 50s. Today the high was 76 and for the rest of the week lows in the 40s! Winter is on the way already.

I've been trying to get ready for deer season - I don't want to eat store bought meat again this year. I'm spoiled on good meat, home grown beef and pork from the farm and now wild turkey and deer, the grocery store version of meat really turns my stomach. Ick.

Tuesday September 23rd

2008-09-23T17:03:00.003-06:00

Can you find the deerstand?

Sunday I helped my neighbor make a shortcut across the creek and through the woods to his deerstand. It seemed far getting there (we found a few dead ends) but was just a short hike coming back on the nice new trail. Even Tux was worn out. He usually leaps onto the 4wheeler from 5 feet away but when it was time to go home he barely crawled onto it. Ha.

I've been getting the garden ready to plant the rye grass seed - don't want the deer going hungry over the winter. Today I worked in the shop all day. Nothing interesting.

Saturday September 20th

2008-09-20T07:52:00.002-06:00

Well, the storm came last saturday night. Electric was out for about 12 hours (till sunday afternoon). The yard was completely covered in branches and tree debris and a huge tree fell in front of the house. Thank God it didn't fall on the house or shop - which it would have if it had fallen in either of those directions. It side-swiped the pump house and wiped out the roof of the wood shed but other than that, no damage. My neighbor came over sunday and helped me cut up the tree. We made firewood and hauled off the big pieces with the front end loader on his tractor.

I think I've had enough excitement for this year! Sheesh!

Saturday September 13th

2008-09-13T08:13:00.003-06:00

Looks like a fairy pool

Nothing interesting to report except I had a nice hike with my neighbor sunday. We went to the NE corner of the property on the creek. Most of my pics didn't turn out because the lens kept fogging up. Then me and Tux spent the next 3 days itching and scratching chigger bites. I know better than to sit on the ground in the woods but did it anyway when we took a break.

The weather's been overcast and gloomy, haven't seen the sun in I don't know how long except a little peek yesterday.

Hurricane Ike is headed here and it looks like it'll be a scary night with tornado possibilities. Hopefully by this time tomorrow it'll be gone.

Friday September 5th

2008-09-05T09:37:00.003-06:00

The storms are gone, whew. No damage here but Little Rock got pounded pretty bad. Everything's flooded and news reported 100,000 without power in the state.

In other news, I sold the Boat and Jeep and bought a few pieces of furniture for my new spot. A bench, table, 2 chairs and 2 counter stools. Found the bench and table at an internet site - CSN Stores - Excellent prices, Huge selection, and Free Shipping. The table is WAY cool because it's small but flips open to a full size dining table.

Tuesday September 2nd

2008-09-02T08:11:00.003-06:00

The good news is the storm wasn't as bad as predicted. The bad news is it's headed here. Weather forecast shows storms all week long and possibly 5 - 10 inches of rain. The outer bands are just starting to reach here now. Wind has picked up and it's starting to rain so I thought I'd check in while I can, satelite doesn't work in bad weather. Also, local news said all of our electric workers went to help out in Louisiana so if the power goes out it might be slow to be restored.

Sunday August 31st

2008-08-31T06:58:00.002-06:00

I've been keeping an eye on the hurricane and now it looks like it's headed straight for all of my friends and family in Louisiana. Y'all stay safe and if anyone needs a place to go, come here!

Thursday August 28th

2008-08-28T15:56:00.002-06:00

Look what I found all over the ground yesterday. Wild Plums. I knew the tree was there but hadn't seen any fruit in the last couple of years so I wasn't paying attention to it this year. Now I have to decide whether to make jelly or wine. Grin.

Cheyenne is back to normal again and walking around fine. She must have just been having a sore day.

And the weather is back to summer sunshine and 90s so that's great.

Monday August 25th

2008-08-25T17:13:00.003-06:00

The view from the porch for most of the last week. Rain, rain, and more rain. And cool - it's been feeling like fall lately.

Cheyenne isn't doing too well. She's showing her age (15) more every day. She hasn't been going on our walks lately and last night when it was time to come in I had to carry her into the house. She went outside on her own this morning but hasn't left the porch all day.

Sunday August 17th

2008-08-17T07:25:00.002-06:00

I've barely had an internet connection since last sunday so no pic today. Don't want to push my luck - I'm surprised I was even able to log in to Blogger. If anyone is wondering why I haven't answered email, I can't even get into my mailbox! I'll try calling customer service tomorrow, haven't done it yet because until this morning I still had an earache and just the thought of being on hold for an hour with the phone stuck to my ear makes me cranky.

So, that's my news....down with an earache, non-working internet, Tuesday was my anniversary, and Wednesday was the first anniversary of Mike's death.

All in all a pretty sucky and non productive week. Glad it's over.

Sunday August 10th

2008-08-10T07:35:00.002-06:00

Nothing new to report, I've been down with a virus all week. Thought I was just tired from company but I caught on when I woke up wednesday with an earache, sore throat and aching bones. Feeling better today except the lingering earache. Hopefully I'll get back to busy starting tomorrow.
The good news is the heat finally broke. It's been low 90s the last few days and today it's RAINING! We desperately needed it, all the trees were wilting and even the grass was turning crispy.

Tuesday August 5th

2008-08-05T09:54:00.004-06:00

Velma, Brandy & Monique

I had company from Louisiana last friday until monday (yesterday). Mike's cousin Monique, her mom Velma, and her daughter Brandy. The weather is still in the 100s everyday so we decided to get cool. Saturday we went to Greers Ferry Lake and sunday we went to the Buffalo river.

The lake is about 10 miles from me, the river 50.

Brandy on the lake

Monique & Brandy floating in the Buffalo River

Mawmaw (Velma) keeping cool.

More floaters.

We had a great time! But I can't remember the last time I tried to keep up with an eight year old.

I'm worn out. Ha.

Thursday July 31st

2008-07-31T17:18:00.005-06:00

For being such a reluctant gardener, my garden is doing surprisingly well. I picked the 1st zucchini this morning. Lots of tomatoes coming but none ripe yet. Pepper plants at the far end are still small. The garden bed is long and narrow because I built it for blueberry bushes - which I never could get to grow, even though right down the hill they thrive. The other half (not in the pic) has thornless blackberries, green onion, shallots, garlic, and a few eggplants.

Wednesday July 30th

2008-07-30T06:44:00.002-06:00

It's not too often you can get two hummingbirds to sit still for a photo! They like hanging out on the fence of the dog pen right outside the living room window.

I'm trying to remember what I've been doing since last post. Ha.
The usual yard stuff and I started cleaning up the middle woods (again). Went to my storeroom to see whats what in there and brought home 5! boxes of kitchen stuff. Got all that sorted, washed, put away. Got my jeep all cleaned up and running - then sold it monday. Boo hoo. Saturday morning I was cleaning out my garden shed and got stung by wasps so I took benadryl and ended up napping my way through the rest of the weekend.

It's super hot and dry right now, 100 degrees every day with heat indices 105-110 so not too much mid-day outdoor activity going on. Two jakes (young male turkeys) came out yesterday but I only managed a pic of one.

Today is Mike's birthday, he would have been 46.

Sunday July 20th

2008-07-20T17:16:00.006-06:00

This deer came right into the yard in broad daylight friday.

Since last post I've picked and put up more berries, made banana-blueberry bread, yum, made more banana-blueberry bread, hauled all my non-burnable construction debris to the dump, burned the burnable, got the tractor running, started cleaning up the jeep to get IT running (needs a battery), ran some errands, weedeated, weeded, mowed, etc....

Today my neighbor Jim and I (and Tux) hiked down to the creek with machetes and reclaimed my trail. Yay! Once down there realized my trail is exactly across the creek from the trail we were on on the deer lease last time. Puts it in much better perspective. AND easier access from both sides. Way cool.

Wednesday July 16th

2008-07-16T16:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Tuesday July 15th

2008-07-15T16:09:00.000-06:00

Last thursday I picked a HUGE amount of blueberries, today I picked more. Eeeek! I've made 3 batches of jam, a couple of batches of blueberry muffins, lots of freezer packs and tonight I'll make some banana-blueberry bread. I've been waiting forever for the bananas to ripen so I can try this recipe. Also picked blackberries. As of today I had enough for a batch of jam (which I made this afternoon). While I was elbow deep in canning and freezing I decided to go to the veggie stand in Greenbriar and picked up some awesome fresh corn and purple hulls and put those up.

Besides all that and having to put the mower in the shop, we had rain most of last week so I've been trying to beat the yard back into submission. Weeding, weedeating, mowing, etc.... I'm still not caught up.

Sunday I took off and had a great hike with my neighbor all over the deer lease (after we put up my new mailbox, the old one dissapeared in the tornado). Saw some gorgeous views up top and great creekside spots on the bottom. I remembered to bring my camera but forgot to take pics. Ha.

Thursday July 10th

2008-07-10T09:53:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I was going to log in and post this pic of the pretty little yearling that came to the feeder around 5 tuesday evening. But it stormed all yesterday morning and then I was busy in the afternoon. Then last night around 7 I looked out the back window and saw a couple of deer on the hillside of the clear cut behind me . Looked through the binoculars and saw they were nice bucks. Kept looking and more and more came out! At one point I think there were eight but I managed to get a decent pic of SIX in one shot. You might have to click the picture for full size to get a good look.

Saturday July 5th

2008-07-05T08:33:00.004-06:00

After the storms this morning I had a visitor. A nice little doe deer.
Notice all the corn on the ground? That's NOT normal, the feeder scatters a bit but not nearly that much or all in one place. The racoons must have been at it again. I saw one a couple of weeks ago - it climbed the nearest tree, jumped onto the top of the feeder, shook it to get more corn out, jumped back on the ground to eat. Back up the tree, onto the feeder, etc.........

Friday July 4th

2008-07-04T17:24:00.005-06:00

Rainy day today. Puttered around the kitchen, read a bit, and took an afternoon nap. I didn't even go outside until it was "Take The Dogs For A Walk" time.

I was at the edge of the yard and saw something in the Bluebird house. Thought it was a spiderweb or something. Went for a closer look and a Flying Squirrel popped out! First time I've ever seen one in daylight so I left Tux to guard the tree and went and got my camera. When I was uploading the pics I saw it looks like a pregnant female. (check out that fat belly) When I came back in the house I looked out the window and she's back in the Bluebird house. I guess she's made a nest in there. No wonder I haven't seen the Bluebirds!

Wednesday July 2nd

2008-07-02T05:13:00.002-06:00

Paula sent me this pic of one of her beautiful orchids.

Not much interesting to report. I've been busy in a bunch of different directions. Clean up mostly. I've been working on the shop when it's not too hot. (carpenters left it trashed). Lots of yard work, some gardening, shelf papered the kitchen and washed every dish and put it away. Burned some trash, had my truck in the shop. Went to the Antique Warehouse sunday afternoon but didn't find what I was looking for. Renewed my hunting license......yep, it's almost that time already.

Speaking of hunting, yesterday evening around 8 I was looking out the back window and saw a deer crossing the hillside behind me. Looked a little more and saw there were three so I grabbed the binoculars to get a closer look and it was THREE HUGE BUCKS! From what I could see, all three had big wide racks. Tried to get a pic but I think it was too far for my camera. I'll check it later.

This morning I'm going to the neighbors to pick blueberries. They told me a few days ago they're looking ready and I've been meaning to get to it in the afternoons but haven't managed to so I thought if I do it first thing, it'll get done. I have a vision of Blueberry Cheesecake. Grin.

Tuesday June 24th

2008-06-24T16:11:00.006-06:00

I have a finished kitchen! Finaly! It took the carpenters SIX full workdays to install cabinets and tile countertops. They ran out of screws - twice!, and glue - twice! Last tuesday afternoon they told me the job would be over friday. I was IRATE because they were moving sooooooo slow I knew we wouldn't be finished with what was supposed to be done. (On the other hand, I was so glad to be rid of them). They finished the kitchen wednesday afternoon which left only thursday and friday to build the stairs. As you can see below, they managed to build them but that's all. I've got alot of work ahead of me to finish. But first I have tons of cleanup inside and outside to do.

Saturday I started cleaning and putting things where they belong. Sunday I painted the floor. (thought I would have a real floor with this job - maybe next time). Monday I ran errands. And today I put up the new rods and curtains. Rest of the week more of the same plus yardwork. I have a yard full of construction debris to burn and some to haul off - after my truck goes in the shop thursday. Hopefully by the weekend I'll go to the Antique Warehouse - (12 huge buildings stuffed full, only 20 miles from here) and find a bench seat to put in front of the big window. And if I'm really lucky, a small trestle type table to go with it. Grin.

Tuesday June 17th

2008-06-17T04:55:00.003-06:00

Eastern Phoebe

Finally caught a picture of the little bird who has her nest in my porch eaves. When I'm on the porch she flutters around on the fence of the dog pen fussing at me. There's babies in the nest - second batch.

No new progress to report. Spent the weekend catching upon my work around the yard and house and cleaning the new cabinets. Yesterday the carpenters showed up late then called to tell me they couldn't get in because of a tree that fell across the drive. I could tell they were dissapointed when I told them I'd come and get them, obviously they'd already decided they'd have a day off (not!). They worked about an hour then went to lunch. After lunch they helped Jim (my neighbor) remove the tree. When they finished that, they packed up and went home. So I'm pretty much where I was friday. Hopefully I'll have a kitchen by the end of the week.

Friday June 13th

2008-06-13T16:38:00.005-06:00

Ta da! The left side is done!

Another busy week. Spent Saturday and Sunday weedeating, mowing, painting, and running errands. More or less getting my personal work caught up and making sure I had everything ready and all the supplies for the week for the carpenters. (If you haven't been here for awhile and have no idea what I'm talking about, scroll down to May 14th for the explaination). Monday was a rain day so my carpenters didn't come. Tuesday morning we picked up the cabinets! Yay! So this week was spent finishing door and window trim, installing cabinets and cabinet tops and starting the tile work. Below is how the right side used to look. Ugh.

And here's how it looks today.............
Still need to finish tile, install sink, install stove vent, and add hardware.

Friday June 6th

2008-06-06T06:45:00.003-06:00

Busy week since last post.
Thursday I called Mrs Contractor and she assured me that my carpenter would be back monday so I decided to give them till then before calling someone else.
Friday I went to the feedstore to pick up some corn and even though I had no intentions of having a garden this year, I couldn't resist the baby plants so....
Saturday I spent the day removing the straw I had covering the garden, working the ground, and planting the plants.
Sunday it stormed most of the day
Monday my carpenter showed up. Early! And with another carpenter as his crew instead of just a helper.
Things have been progressing quickly since then. I've been working on paint prep and priming, today I'll start the actual paint. Plumbing is finished, electric is finished, sheetrock is finished, reblocking and leveling that corner of the house is finished.
Todays plan is to move the woodstove to it's new spot and start installing the window and door trim.

Friday May 30th

2008-05-30T08:03:00.004-06:00

One of the great things about having a half mile long - through the woods - driveway is it makes for an interesting (and easy) walk. Every late afternoon/early evening I take the dogs for a walk. Even when I'm feeling lazy, their pitiful faces convince me to go. They think it's SUCH an adventure, even if we've already been outside all day. Weirdness. Anyway, if we go halfway and come back it's a half mile hike. That's about as far as Cheyenne can go these days (the German Shepherd - she'll be 15 next week).

The other, and best, great thing is the peace and quiet. The sounds I hear most often are birds chirping and wind chimes tinkling. It's truly a blessing.
(You know you live in quietude when the occasional sound of a truck way out on the highway is annoying. Ha.)

Thursday May 29th

2008-05-29T06:39:00.005-06:00

More storms monday night and tuesday, finaly clear now and it looks like we'll have great weather for the next week. Tuesday I called my neighbor to see if their electricity was out too. They weren't home, they were at the hospital in Little Rock. Jim had a terrible motorcycle accident sunday. A punctured lung, 3 broken ribs and a broken shoulder - that I know of, I only talked to Karon for a minute. He'll be okay but it'll be awhile. Yes, same neighbor in front that the tornado hit hard.
Meanwhile I still haven't seen or heard from my carpenter. Looks like they might have lost TWO jobs by being greedy. Doubtful that the neighbors are concerned about remodeling right now. That's the job they left me for, that *I* recommended them to. Yesterday I went back to the lumberyard that recommended them, told them what they did and asked for a new referral. (It's unlikely they'll be getting any new referrals from them) They gave me 3 names. So we'll see what happens now.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T13:37:00.007-06:00

Freedom's Colors

Red is for Bravery; blood shed in sacrifice.

Freedom came with lives the price.

White is for Liberty; freedom's purity.

Life be free from God's decree.

Blue is for Justice; as vast as the sky.

Over freedom's land to occupy.

by Roger W Hancock

A special prayer today for our fallen heros.

Never Forget - Freedom Isn't Free.

Sunday May 25th

2008-05-25T07:00:00.005-06:00

I've been such an emotional wreck lately. Tornados, Tornado warnings (now even thunderstorms freak me out), my house in pieces, the carpenter dumped me for a better job (he says it's temporary).

Then the worst of all - friday morning when I woke up Tux was pretty much unresponsive. He wouldn't even lift his head. I thought he was dying and didn't know if he had tick fever or was posioned by something he ate. I doctored him all day and by the end of the day he had some sips of water and went for a small walk - though he was walking like an old man (he's 4). Yesterday morning he was a bit better and by yesterday evening he was almost back to his normal self and trailing me everywhere. This morning he seems fine but I'm still keeping a close eye on him.

Thursday May 22

2008-05-22T19:26:00.005-06:00

A spring on the hillside

Monday my carpenter called in tired from working the weekend. Tuesday they called in to say they had to be on another job for awhile. I was pretty pissed off that they're leaving me with an undone mess. But I've been able to get other things done and yesterday afternoon I decided I needed a break and took Tux for a walk down to the creek. Our trails are overgrown and gone (I'll have to bring a machete next time). We ended up spending 4 hours on our hiking adventure and came home covered in ticks and catbriar scratches. But it was fun. The creek was thigh-high in places and nice and cool. You can't tell in the pic below but that log was pretty high off the ground!

Indiana Tux

Sunday May 18th

2008-05-18T06:22:00.002-06:00

We had to halt progress to find and fix a roof leak but as of friday I have sheetrock (and a housefull of sheetrock dust, ha), and all the electrical is in. All that's left is finish work and trim. Then we'll move on to stairs and hopefully kitchen stuff.

The weather has turned gorgeous, it looks like we'll have about 10 days of no rain and temps 70-90. Yesterday I spent all day working outside but today I have to go to town and run errands. Boo hoo. I'd much rather finish up my yard chores.

Wednesday May 14th

2008-05-14T06:05:00.002-06:00

Alrighty, how to describe this. When you walk in the front door it's one big square room with the living room and kitchen. The back wall had kitchen on the left AND right with the door to the laundry room in the middle. Mike and I had decided to tear out the left side, add windows and have that be part of the living area. The right side will be the kitchen and fill more area that was empty space. That's the project I'm working on right now.

Above is the 'Before' of the left side. Ugly, isn't it? One of the last untouched parts of the house.
Below is the 'After'. Obviously it's not done yet but you can see what I'm doing and how much better it is already. (The post is temporary)

Tuesday May 13th

2008-05-13T06:47:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the lack of update since the storm. I've been sick, picked up a bug probably from getting repeatedly wet and cold in the aftermath. Been busy, trying to keep up my normal stuff before and after the carpenter is here everyday. (I've got a huge mess going on). Had another tornado scare saturday night that about sent me over the edge. These didn't touch down, Thank God.

Other than that, everythings fine. ::::::smile::::::
FINALY after waiting a year got my additional 2 acres as a buffer so nobody can build next to me. Got the second of my 2 new windows in yesterday. Love, love, love it. Amazing how different the house looks. Pics soon.

Jennifer, if you're reading this.....Hope you had a great baby shower saturday. Sorry I missed it. Maybe next time. Grin.

Tuesday May 6th

2008-05-06T06:24:00.003-06:00

Everything's pretty much back to normal here now. We even have phone service back as of yesterday afternoon. Bless my neighbors for clearing the road so utilities could get in and I could get out. Otherwise I'd likely still be back here with no power. If the power company had to cut their way in I'd probably have been last on the list.
The pics are of the road now that it's cleared. You can see in the last one that they killed the tractor at the not quite halfway point. After that they had to roll the huge logs out of the way by hand.

Sunday May 4th

2008-05-04T15:17:00.004-06:00

Thanks Roxann! Whew, 2 1/2 days later and I still can't believe my house and yard were untouched! I'm back with power now and the driveway is clear since friday evening. These pics are the driveway from friday morning when I was trying to walk out. The one above is 100 yards from my place and the others are as you go down the drive towards the highway.

All Okay!

2008-05-02T10:27:00.002-06:00

This is Roxann, Dena's friend. She wanted me to make a post here because she has no electricity right now and can't get on the computer. A tornado passed VERY close to her house this morning, damaging the neighbor's house but not hers. Still, it was very loud and very scary. Dena is not hurt, but the electricity is out, there are trees down all around, but her cell phone works. It only gets good reception outside, though, so if you try to call and she doesn't answer, she'll return your call later when she sees that she missed a call. Her home phone might work, I am not sure, but I think she mentioned that she had a non-battery phone to plug in. We spoke a few minutes ago and she was making some coffee with her non-electric coffee pot, whew! At least the coffee pot works - all will be okay :)

Tuesday April 29th

2008-04-29T15:17:00.004-06:00

Indigo Bunting

I've had a super busy week. Another few inches of rain and my yard was a wreck (and it was starting to look so nice). Had to get ready for company saturday (thought I was having 6 people stay over) and friday I found out the carpenter I hired to put in the final 2 living room windows is starting wednesday so I'm taking everything out of what was the kitchen area and boxing it up.

Mike's cousin Monique, her husband Roy and 2 other couples were taking a weekend motorcycle trip from Crowley to Russellville, about an hour and a half from here. So she called and asked if they could stop by. Of course! I invited them to stay over but by the time they got here saturday they were 8 people and they'd decided they needed to be part way home by the end of the day because sundays forcast was rain all the way. Wouldn't have been a fun 9 hour trip. So they just stayed for a couple of hours, had coffee and headed out.

It was great to visit though and Monique and Roy promised to come back for a longer visit when school gets out and they can bring their daughter and her 4wheeler. Everyone else loved it up here and wants to move in, ha.

Monday April 21st

2008-04-21T17:31:00.004-06:00

So, last week I was checking and refilling the corn feeders. (I feed the critters year round). The first one, up here by the yard was fine. You can see in the picture above what the funnel and spinner are supposed to look like. The other one, down below the garden and on the edge of the woods is pictured below. What the heck!?! Deer lips can't do THAT. I wonder if there's a bear in the neighborhood?

Speaking of the neighborhood, I had a nice chat with the new owner of the house up front yesterday. They're closing tomorrow and will be moving in soon.

Tuesday April 15th

2008-04-15T08:15:00.002-06:00

Last spring Mike and I got a big kick out of watching a mama bird (Eastern Phoebe) trying to build her nest in the porch eaves. Must have been her first time, it took her forever. Every day she'd work and work and then half of what she built fell down. Finally she finished and ended up raising 3 baby birds. This year she's back and built this much better nest in just a few days.

Monday April 14th

2008-04-14T09:59:00.005-06:00

Goldfinch are everywhere, they look like mini canaries.

I've let another couple of weeks go by. I swear, I don't know where the time goes. Earlier I didn't have much to talk about and now I'm way behind on news. The weather is still absurd. Half the state is flooded after even MORE storms last week. No flooding here except a little bit on the driveway down by the pond but Greers Ferry lake nearby is 10 feet over the norm and so is the Arkansas river at Little Rock. In between storms we've had some gorgeous spring weather but now we're back to winter-like with cold and howling winds. Tonight it's supposed to freeze. All the trees are in flower so I hope it doesn't kill the fruit again like the late freeze last year did.

Raccoons are still raiding the suet feeder every night. If I don't take it in this is what I see in the morning.

Floyd's place (in front of me) finally sold. The buyer is my neighbor behind me and across the creek, Dennis. He's a Baptist minister and missionary - just like Floyd was. He bought it for the mineral rights because of the huge gas field found in the area. He immediatly sold the house and front 20 acres (without mineral rights) to someone else so I should have neighbors soon. He also told me that he'll be putting the 33 acres between me and the front property up for sale right away (without the mineral rights). So who knows what'll happen with that.

Thursday March 27th

2008-03-27T08:07:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted because I don't have any new pictures but it's been a couple of weeks so I thought I should check in anyway.
Last week we had torrential rains and half the state was flooded. That kind of weather makes me glad I'm on the mountaintop! We had about 10 inches here and the only problems were the low spot on the driveway where water drains into the pond. My neighbor said it was impassable last tuesday, I didn't see it till wednesday when there was about 6" of water. But my truck passed through that just fine. My little pond in the back overflowed till the water was halfway across the garden. As of yesterday the pond is still full and the ground is still wet back there.
Other than that, the weather is finally warmer! Spring is officially here! About time!