Brrr...

We had a great weekend. I started off on Friday afternoon/evening going and helping a good friend chop and prepare things for their children's Michigan reception. (Their son and daughter-in-law were married in Colorado, so they had a get together for all those who were unable to attend the reception this summer) Doug met me at their place and we headed off to B.C. and got a few groceries and ate out at Panera...Yum!

On Saturday, Katie & I went to the Women In the Outdoor day at Centerline Shooting Club in Bellevue. My sister-in-law Shelly met us there along with her neighbor and friends. Katie and I did archery, self defense, and hand guns. I have proof from the huge bruise on my right forearm from archery...it was fun though. Later Katie had to babysit.

Erik went to the Consignment Auction as planned. He bought a plethora of items. Everything from tractors, running gears, tires and lots of accessories. His friend Stevie did go with him as planned and then spent the night to gear up for Sunday.

Sunday started early around here. Erik, Stevie and Katie all left shortly after 6 am to to work the pancake breakfast. Because the breakfast was slow they were able to leave in time to go to the early church service. They came home and Erik wasn't feeling well for a while and I thought the afternoon plans were going to have to be cancelled. But, after they hung out a while, he got feeling better and soon they were on their way to the Hillsdale County Fair to watch the Combine Demolition Derby.

We went to choir then out with our local Ag dealership to dinner at Schuler's. We were there for a time and had a nice time visiting with another local farm family from the Springport area.

Today we have the usual Horse Bowl and a fire meeting tonight and one tomorrow as well. We had a former Fire Chief pass away. It was the Chief that Doug started with in 1982. We may have to put together a honor guard for his funeral tomorrow. Tomorrow night we are actually celebrating, because our Fire Department earned money from a Federal Grant for fire turnout gear. So, we have a vendor coming to measure for sizes and fit us with turnout gear, leather boots and gloves.

Today the new combine came home...so we are now putting the Myers touch on it so it can become field ready. We are planning on the end of the week...but you all know we can't start on Friday! :) Thursday one pass is all that is needed to get-r-going on Friday! There is my redneck moment!! :)

You are now up to date with me...where are the rest of my fellow bloggers...are you not planning on updating your blogs soon? I miss you!!

Blessings to you all on this cold September evening! :)

SQUASH!

Hi all...hope you are having a good day today. I am officially tired of squash. Yesterday my mom came over and brought me about 30 more squash. We split, cleaned, baked, dug out, packaged, and froze those squash most of the day. In the middle of the day though, I made dinner for my family, my parents and my Uncle Dave who was up for the day. Luckily I had a big steak out. So, we had grilled sirloin steak, grilled fresh vegetables, fresh coleslaw, and of course, squash. It was really good and we enjoyed eating outside on the deck.

Later my mom and I went to our basement and started in on some boxes. I had moved a bunch down there when we started finishing our bonus room. Mostly we went through books (lots of them), keepsakes, some throw away items and some for goodwill. If anyone would like some books give me a call. They are more for younger kids, early readers and some horse series as well.

We just had an awesome lunch of Chili that Katie made up this morning. It was perfect given the weather outside.

I am going soon to give blood. I haven't given since last year. I enjoy giving but the way I give it takes so long, nearly 2 hours. They divide my blood when they take it to use it more ways. I have only done this one other time.

Tomorrow Katie and I am going to a Women's Outdoor day up by Bellevue. Then in the evening she has a babysitting job.

Erik will be preoccupied by an Auction tomorrow. It is his biannual Consignment Sale he attends near Battle Creek. He has some items over for sale and he always brings home treasures as well. He will go with his friend Stevie. They always have a blast.

Sunday is the 4-H Pancake Breakfast. Both kids will work that on the morning shift. Usually 6:30 to 10 a.m. Later I believe Erik wants to go to the Hillsdale County Fair to see the Combine Demolition Derby. He has to start learning methods for his strategic attack for next year. :)

So you are all updated. Enjoy this weather, and be safe all.

~Blessings to you~

Autumn Days

Hi all...Today started out abruptly. This morning at 5ish in the morning someone decided to stop in the road right near our house and honk repeatedly at a deer that either needed to cross the road or one that was in the road. This thing happens all the time, at various times of the night, but when it is so close to the time one needs to wake up, that just isn't nice. Then when you try to fall back asleep, and the alarm goes off because you really should be up...YIKES! Needless to say I have been dragging most of the day.

When I did get up at 6, I pulled together the Morning Maple Muffins to go along with the Cappuccino and Fudgy Banana Muffins. After some thought and some taste testing I decided to make the Espresso Spread to go along with the Cappuccino Muffins.

Doug did breakfast. One the menu was scrambled eggs with bacon, cheese, and broccoli, and of course muffins. We are kinda boring cause we do mostly the same stuff on Wednesday's. Next week though the kids would like Omelets. I told them I would get the ingredients they like and be ready to make it next week.

They seemed to have a good day in Jackson. On the way home Katie convinced Erik to stop for donuts at an orchard near Homer/Concord area. Yum!

The leftover muffins from bible study went to my friends at the Bosserd's. We found out that the spread goes really well over fresh apples. My friend Kim, who needs things gluten free, was smelling those muffins and decided she could have some of the fun with the spread. So she took some and smeared it on her apple. And then we followed suit. Wow...that was good. Then she and Pam went to pick pumpkins. I was banned from the Pumpkin Patch, cause I had nice clothes on, and shoes that would be ruined in the field cause it was so wet. So I stayed at the barn and chatted with Jolene and put together a few baskets for them. (The baskets consisted of corn husks, indian corn, and gourds.) Before leaving I went and picked a pt of raspberries, yellow grape tomatoes, some peppers, an eggplant, zucchini, and some cabbage to bring home.

Once home I have put together dinner and am running back to town for an appt. Katie is going to pull weeds at the church to help pull the gardens together for winter.

You are now caught up on our day.

Rest well this evening...I plan to! :)

Fun Fall

Today I actually have nothing officially on my calendar. Seems rather strange. Katie started her day by making another batch of fudgy banana muffins. I made a batch of cappuccino chip muffins. They were ok, but I think they would be better if I made the espresso spread to go with them. Tomorrow or later today I will make some called morning maple muffins. Why all the muffins you ask? Well, I am in charge of the treat at the Bible Study tomorrow morning.

I got a call today from G. Geese and she has tons of extra squash left that doesn't seem to be keeping due to the heat, so that may be on the agenda for later. Baking squash and freezing it for this winter. It isn't too bad to do, just takes a little time. I would have to go over and retrieve them first.

Erik has a load of scrap steel loaded and ready to go to Sherwood. Doug plans on going with him. They will stop on the way home at the Pig Roast/Corn Days that is being held near Athens. We could go too, but I may pass this time.

The weather seems to be turning out nice today, like yesterday afternoon.

Have a good day all!

A Drizzling Monday

Today is one of those days you wonder if it ever going to just rain. It has been overcast and drizzling all day. Enough to flatten your hair, put clothing layers on and back off because of the humidity, and just put a person in a bit of a frump. Of course, I'm not just going to sit and watch the day go by and eat my bon bon's. Wouldn't that be fun sometime? I would like hot coffee and scones or muffins though.

Oh yeah...I did have my hot tea and Katie and I made Fudgy Banana Muffins this morning. And, after my Monday meeting I took some coffee and a few muffins to a friends house and shared with her and her hubby. We actually sat a minute and ate them. So I did sit around and do nothing. Of course, she does sit a lot as her customers roll in and buy her fresh product, that magically makes its way to to her awaiting baskets. :)

I then went in and got a few groceries and headed home.

This afternoon we are headed to Bellevue to meet up with the Equine Chiropractor. Hopefully he can put Chip back in-line and he will have absolutely no excuses at that point. I may take Mikey up with us too.

This evening, Katie has Horse Bowl. I need to get a walk in, so hopefully that will fit into the schedule too.

Yesterday we went to church. We then went to a School Reunion for the Eckford Township, Country Schools. There were quite a number there. The bad thing was there was no one from my grade. Actually, there was no one within 10 years of my grade.

Later we went to choir and looked over the Christmas program. It looks really good. We are excited to be a part of this again this year. Actually, I think everyone in our family is going to be involved. Even Erik may be a townspeople. I may have to do more coaxing to make that happen though. I do hope more people become involved. They were going to have the main choir and then other singers moving throughout the play type program. So that is my plug to anyone wishing to be part.

~Have a blessed day all~

A Sunny Saturday

What a gorgeous day. The horses feet look great after the farrier was here last night. I did go out with a friend while Doug & Katie stayed and finished up with the horses. After that the two of them went and got Chinese takeout (Katie's favorite, its food Doug eats it) and rented a movie. When I got home I was able to sit and watch the last part with them. When I first started down the stairs I was told at first it was daddy/daughter time and I could not join them...then they laughed and said I could...obviously, that was planned! :)

While Erik is away his sister thinks she needs to do some cleaning. She loves to clean. So, we are taking down curtains, cleaning shades, windows and everything in his room. I'm sure he will be thrilled. Just kidding. It drives him nuts when she gets like this. There are some weekends she will wake him up just so she can get started on cleaning the upstairs and wants his help. She must have picked up a gene that jumped from my mom, bypassed me and went directly to her.

Katie has small group tonight in Battle Creek. If Erik is home, I may have him take her. Or, he may just want to drive around the block and visit a friend. Sounds like they may be home about 5ish tonight.

We are planning on enjoying the weekend, and relaxing!

Blessings to you all!

Mackinac

I got a report from those up north...my little man, Erik, (I know old habits die hard...he is hardly my little man any more!) has found several tractors he would like to call his own. He looked over the bunches that were ready to cross the bridge last night. Today they are watching them. I went online and found a web site that shows the bridge and the tractors crossing, but it isn't a continual process, one must update the site yourself. So to watch it from here is rather boring.

Today we are waiting for the Farrier, hopefully that will be soon.

Doug and I just got back from taking some scrap metal over to Sherwood. Then we had a medical run, and we went over and let the chickens out at G & G Geese. He is now headed to B.C. to get products to close our pool, an oil filter for his truck, and things for the hot tub.

Oh yeah...Katie is diligently working on her school work! :)

When he gets back we have to go put in One Eye. (she lost and eye to pink-eye a few years ago, yes we are so creative with our names! :) We have to give her a shot of ova-cyst. We have decided to bred her instead getting rid of her at this time. She lost a set a twins earlier this year, and G. Geese thinks we should give it another try. So that will be our afternoon.

I may be having a girls night out tonight with a friend, if so, Doug is going to take Katie out to eat and to a movie.

So now you are updated.

Blessings for a beautiful weekend!!!

Busy Times

Last night we were busy. We got the corn done around 9 pm. The ears were on the short side so we only ended up with a little over 50 qt. bags, but that will do us for now. (Thank you Billybob!) Between blanching I made 3 peach pies. Unfortunately, they didn't finish baking until 11:45.

Today Erik is heading up north with G & G Geese. They are going to witness the antique tractors cross the bridge. He would love to drive over himself, but its an age thing, you must be 18 to cross for liability reasons. We will miss him, he will be gone till sometime Saturday. Funny thing is, he may not come home with them. They may stay up north and he will hitch a ride back with his other grandparents.

Katie is home with us. Tonight there is a babysitting job. She watches a group of kids while their parents have small group. It is always a fun night for her, but sometimes challenging. The reason being, she tries to have a fun activity for them to do, but with the age range of the kids, it can be hard at times.

Today we are going to pull together the horse barn. The mats have gotten crazy and we just need to tidy. I am also going to work Mr. Chip. The goal is to get him back in shape to get to work. Katie has a ton of homework, so I told her I would for a few days. Mikey gets time off til he gets his shoes, I hate to aggravate his foot any further.

So overall a busy day. I hope you all have a good one.

Blessings to all!

Feels like Fall!

I can't believe I missed blogging yesterday, so I will fill you in. Yesterday I worked Mikey and Chip as Katie did her school work. Poor Mikey's leg hurts him bad. He will get shoes on his front on Friday. He usually feels better then. Then there was Chip. No problems what so ever. I only ran them in the round pen. So maybe he has a saddle phobia.

Late afternoon we went up to Johnson Systems and the kids had their picture taken for the local paper. They wanted to promote what they do with the steers they buy at the 4-H Auction. They have them butchered and distribute some of the meat to their employees. Then we went to Cascarelli's pizza in Homer. Doug's Grandma wanted pizza for her 95th birthday. After that we visited some friends houses.

Today the kids woke up ready for a day in Jackson. This morning they had scrambled eggs, with homemade sausage, broccoli and cheese. Along with that they had a New England Blueberry Coffeecake. This was a recipe I found years ago in a Country Living, it has pecans on top. It is so good.

After the kids got off to Jackson, I went to the Church and started a new Beth Moore bible study. It looks like its going to be a good one. (I miss you Melissa!!)

Next I went to the Bosserd's. I always have fun there. A hung out with Pam and helped her a little by picking a few things and I helped her set up the Corn Maze. We had so much fun trying to find our way through the maze. I recommend going there and make your way through. This year it is all about Farm Facts.

Soon I will be getting two bushels of sweet corn to do yet tonight. Might be a late night, but my supplier had school today.

Until later, have a blessed day.

M.S.U.

Well we had our appointment. You know when you don't feel good and you finally call and make your appointment with the Dr.'s office cause you feel so bad. Then, when you get in to see the Dr. your head actually clears up and you don't have that fever any longer?? Well...that was our day. Yes, it is true, no sign of lameness today. It blew my mind. Maybe the things that Dr. Irving did are kicking in and working, maybe a few weeks off waiting for an appointment. (Even though we saw him being gimpy in the pasture just two days ago), maybe the trailer ride up there put everything in place. (hardly!) But that was our day. Dr. Stick said go home, put him to work and push him as hard as he would work getting ready for fair. Push him to the point that if he is going to be sore he will be. Then, if he shows signs of lameness, bring him back up and see them, Dr. Stick and Prange. We, then will go from there to determine a diagnosis. But until then, have fun. Ok, so that is what we are intending on doing.

The farrier will be here on Friday, the round pen is going up tonight. Mikey is going back to work as well. The only one who will be missing out is our sweet little Dexter. I wish he was cart broken. That too will come with time.

The boys went over to get the cows in to have Swatch bred. She was the only one we haven't bred cause she had a late calf. Her calf will be Katie's steer for next years fair. I, for some reason, got off the hook. I could have used a run to bring them up. Always is more fun running to bring critters up, than running to burn calories. Now running to get something tasty to eat, I can do that! :)

So that was our day. Tonight Erik has a fair board meeting. Katie has Horse Bowl and 4-H horse club meeting, thankfully they are at the same place. Maybe I can get a walk in tonight downtown.

One last thing...Olivia was bred the other day...Yeah!!

Starting Book three later tonight Em. :)

Have a blessed day!

Sunshine and Swimming

Today we enjoyed a beautiful day of rest. We went to church and had an nice sermon, I then worked in the 2-3's room during second service, what fun!! I always have fun playing with the kids. I am the one who ends on the floor crawling around with them, go figure! :)

We then came home and actually hung out at the pool. We actually sat out most the afternoon. I started reading a new book which is really good. (Emily S...I need to get you the first of the series to read, I'm on the second one!) We then had choir and small group. Our small group involved a fish fry from fish that were caught in Alaska, from a couple who went on a cruise this summer. It was an awesome dinner. But you know when any get together involves food...it is always fun. I was in charge of dessert. I made two. One was a torte that had angel food cake, pudding, whipped cream, and fresh raspberries, topped with grated semi-sweet chocolate. The next was a peach cobbler, with bite sized biscuits. The peaches were peeled by by loving husband. (he wanted me to tell you all that) :)

Katie went to Youth Group after choir...and Erik went to Uncle Ted's then to friends and participated in a Bon Fire. Both had a blast and came home very excited with all their adventures.

So that was our weekend. We are off to MSU in the morning to see the Dr. Wish us luck!

Blessing for a good start to your week!

Remember When...

I went to a friends blogspot and she had a country music video playing with all the scenes from September 11, 2001. Wow...as a person goes along with their life, it is easy to forget some of the particulars of that day. It actually was a day like today. Kinda cool and foggy.

If you would like to see her video. It is http://www.asheracres.blogspot.com/ This girl is such a thoughtful and sweet girl who seems to have a heart like no other.

Things here seem to be coming together. After hearing from Michigan State yesterday that the vet, Dr. VanWessun (sp), we were supposed to see about Chip was no longer with them, we were rescheduled in on Monday with a Dr. Stick. So, hopefully, he will provide some answers.

Today we are having a few cows pregnancy checked to make sure we are good to go. If any are not, they are being shipped. It will be a sad day if Olivia isn't bred. We all love Olivia, but she absorbed last year and so far this year we have bred her twice. Maybe we could make her our Gomer?? Or maybe not. Anyway...that is what is in store for us. We also will treat the cows and calves for flies.

This weekend we have a field day we always look forward to in Marshall. It is always a good time with good friends.

Have a safe and blessed day all!

Back Home Again

Yes...you read this right. This morning at 5:45 I got a phone call that my mom was having severe leg pain. So off we go again to Borgess. I like that hospital...only not that much anymore. It is 11 am and we are back home...but man am I tired. They did an ultrasound of her leg and everything appeared good. The funny thing, it was the opposite leg from the angio from yesterday. But all the same when we called in they said she needed to be checked out just in case. Of course it would help if I would go to bed before midnight. So I think a nap is in order for me today. I may go out and sit by the pool...it is looking like a beautiful day!

Oh...the rest of the family...Katie is babysitting for a neighbor and doing school work there, and Erik and Doug went to Dundee for a field day.

Blessings to all!

Back Home

We are back home already. Thanks to all for your prayers. My mom had an angio and they checked her secondary artery and both carotid arteries and all clear. So that is a good thing! The Dr. was very optimistic. But stroke is a very mysterious thing, not something you can predict.

We sent the kids to Jackson today early. Katie had Pioneers and Erik had his classes at RWC. He spent his time between his classes working on soil sample results. Katie said the first day went great. She is taking Anatomy and Physiology, Sign Language, History/Geography, and Speech/Debate there.

They got a great breakfast this morning consisting of scrambled eggs with ham, broccoli, and cheese and coffee cake.

The boys are off this evening golfing with the Anderson's of Albion golf outing.

One more thing...Melissa...my tomorrow is now wide open...call me!!

Thanks again for all your prayers...Have a wonderful evening! :)

On the run...

Today I took my mom to B.C. I had a meeting and we had to get some things...so we were at Sams Club, Walmart and Hobby Lobby. Then we had a nice lunch in Marshall.

I got home only to get in the truck with Doug and head to Dowagiac to get Peaches. We were very fortunate, the peaches were priced right. They were free. The person we contacted got a hold of their neighbor who grows them, and always borrows his tractor. Well, the neighbor said he owed him and the person we contacted said he owed us, so he said no charge! I told him...that it didn't count too much...cause his contribution is costing me time. But, I am very appreciative of the peaches. He is a good person.

Tomorrow my mom is having an angio. 9/9/09 @ 9:00 a.m. Please pray. They will go up her thigh and make sure her secondary artery in the back of her neck is clear cause she only has one left. If necessary, they will stent it. Dr. Al Ali of Borgess is the best!! A person can go on-line and read articles about him. So that is where I will be tomorrow. I may end up over there overnight. We will see!

If you will, please be in prayer for her tomorrow.

Labor Day

We had a nice day yesterday visiting with neighbors and friends. The boys worked on a Derby Combine. Katie babysat.

Today we made an awesome pork roast on the grill with winter squash, corn on the cob, a salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, and peach cobbler. Then we went over and picked stones on the new alfalfa seeding, returned some movies and got coffee and a hot cup of tea. I'm tired and ready for bed and its only 8...maybe the hot tub is calling.

The Munchkins are Here

Today we are having fun with 4 extra kids that Katie is actually babysitting at our house. There are three boys and 1 girl, ranging in age from 8-3. The little princess is the youngest. I say that because she actually arrived wearing her Cinderella dress. It was so precious. They so far have made cookies with Katie, watched a short movie, had lunch, played with kittens, and have gone swimming. We are going over to G & G Geese's house soon and they will see the baby calves and take a walk by the pond and play with the dogs over there and see chickens. Pizza is planned for dinner later. Wow, this is a lot of work...but it is fun!

Erik went to the big garage sales in Tekonsha and hung out with some good friends, and now is on his way up to bale hay at the place Katie takes lessons.

When we go to the Geese's, Doug & I will take the round bales off the field, so that will be done.

We are planning on going west at some point during the weekend to get two bushels of peaches. I wasn't planning on canning this year, but Katie insists that yes we are. Doug says Peach cobbler everyday till there are gone would be fine for him. We will see.

I hope everyone has a relaxing Holiday.

Blessings~

Change of Plans

Today our plans for MSU has changed. We got a call yesterday afternoon that the Dr. had a family emergency and had to cancel his appointments. So, we will take priority next week when he resumes his schedule. The bad thing is, we have such a busy week ahead with school and other commitments and G. Geese's angio. But as always things will work out if it is His will.

So today will be grocery shopping and tiding up for the extras here tomorrow.

Blessings for a great day all!

The Cleaning Continues

Thanks to Katie bug, my house is finally starting to look like something. She is such a great help. On top of everything else, she has made two pies and two batches of cookies this week. She also is getting started on her school work a few days early.

Erik also has had a busy week, he has been to Jackson twice for classes, mowed hay, raked hay, went goose hunting. Thankfully, he didn't bring any home for me to cook. Now he is getting some items around for the big Labor Day Garage Sale in Tekonsha. He is selling his weight machine he was given by moving it out of a persons basement. So after moving it into our basement and having it here for about a year, it is being moved out and off to someone else. (Yeah) I like free weights best anyway...and man did it take up room.

I have a lunch date today...Yeah for me. That will be fun. We did meet up with some awesome friends last night after a late dinner for desserts. We always have such a good time with these people.

Tomorrow we are off to MSU with Chip. He is to see Dr. VanWessun (sp?) I guess he is quite good at what he does.

Now you are up to date with us for now.

Have a blessed day all!

Work Day

Today I have no excuses. I must get my house pulled back together. After the fair and the floors it is time. You see the contents of my living room are in my garage and have been for quite some time. We had our floors re-sanded this summer. We started with the living room then went to the rest of the house and moved it all in the living room. So as we are putting things back and reorganizing and getting rid of a bunch of things, I tend to drag my feet with wanting to keep things. Then with fair smack dab in the middle, and you know nothing got done then.

I find it hard throwing some things away...but I have to go with the concept...if you haven't used it in a year get rid of it. YIKES!

Oh...update on Chip...we have a call into the vet awaiting the next move.

Have a great and productive day all!!

Update...

We went up to ride and decided to lounge Chip a minute before Katie got on. Mr. Chip was way off on his right back side. He is tracking nearly 6-8" behind the imprint of his front foot. So he gets more rest and more tests. Very frustrating. So Katie didn't ride him...but, we got to play with Maddie and hold baby Ava. So fun. And...we got a new car today. We replaced the Old Yukon Cornelius (remember from Rudolph) with a new one...Yeah!

Katie & Chip

Today we are going up to the arena Katie rides at when she has a lesson. She is going to ride Chip for the first time since fair. Nerves are working a little on my part that she is safe and that we can figure out everything we need to with Chip. I hope it was fair overload that was sending him over the edge with stress and his need to buck so much. I know Katie B. (the gal who gives Katie M. lessons) will be anxious to want to get on the horse...but just having had a baby two weeks ago...that can't happen. So, think of us around 11. No we did not put him on his meds yet. We think that might only be for fair time?? I will keep you all updated.