Friday, May 2, 2014

I'm a Bad Blogger



I have no excuse.  Really.  I am just busy.  Sitting down to write on my blog, doesn't get done.  Life has been going on around here. 
 
 I have written several blog posts in my head.  Such as~
 
Another Marriage Attacked, Will Satan Get the Victory?

Godliness With Contentment IS GREAT GAIN

Camping, Good Husband, Garden

Lazy Cats, Bad Dogs

Sewing, Toyota, Car Shows
 
Eye Doctor and Glasses
 
--------------------------------------------------
 
I present an update with pictures!
 
 The above picture was my garden at the beginning of April.  Later on down the page there is a not so good picture of the garden now.  It is producing collard greens, rainbow chard, lettuce, spinach, bok choy, green onions, and we enjoyed broccoli rabe.

The next picture is my Sully's Ninja Smoothie maker.  It makes a mighty FINE peanut butter milkshake...

 The last week of March, we drove to Encinitas, California, just a bit north of here, to catch a free lunch concert at the library of my FAVORITE piano player, David Nevue.  ((big sigh))

 It must have been a warmer day.  Life here on the Lizard Farm picks up on warm days.  This guy was waiting to greet us on the patio when we returned home from somewhere.

Craving a bit of sweetness.  I made a "Zucchini Apple Pie" and managed to snap a picture of it before it was totally consumed.  It was very tasty!
 My WONDERFUL husband, (he gave me permission to call him that on this blog..) bought me a fishing license for my birthday and took me to the Colorado River with the camp trailer, #2 son, dog and canoe.  We went camping, fishing and hiking.  It was a lovely trip.  Not too hot.  Hardly any mosquitos yet.  Peaceful and relaxing.
 My canoe buddies.  It had been two years since we canoed and had to remember how to balance and get along with each other and NOT hook Mom in the face with our casting methods.
 Our Sully...did you know?  One of the games he plays with Dad, his nickname is "Commander Demander"  we think it fits him very well.
 My favorite part of my birthday trip was the hike up in the mountains we took to find the wild burros.
 We found them.  They even had a little baby burro with them.
 This was the view I saw during my afternoon quiet time.  Gorgeous!
 Toward middle April,  I went with my best girls to the San Diego Wild Animal Park.  It was over 90 degrees that day AND the beginning of spring break.  But Ienjoyed my companions.

 Tonya is trying to console baby Alex.  She didn't like the butterflies landing on her.

 My husband recruited me, I was selected, I was voleen'told' to sew seat covers for the 'TOY'ota.  It is hard sewing for things that you have to make your own pattern for.  My customer had grand visions of the finished project in his mind also.
I think the sewing job turned out rather well.  The seat covers have been installed and inspected by the general public at the Grand Opening of El Cajon Classic Car Show April 23.
 We had a busy Easter weekend.  Our Pastor and his little family came and stayed three nights with us while their house was being tented for termites.  We practiced  Resurrection songs to sing with a small ensemble group to perform at Easter services.  Our church does Easter in the Park every year. It is a big service with coffee, egg hunt, games, special music, a potluck and set up and clean up of such a service.  We were ALL tired after that weekend.
 This last weekend we again left home to go camping before the weather turns too hot around here.  We went to the mud caves and camped in the Anza-Borrego Desert.  We had NO facilities folks.  We took a bright orange Home Depot bucket and pretended we had all the comforts of home...ha-ha!

 While hiking, we almost stepped on this little guy, a Horny Toad.  It's a bit hard to see, but his head reminded me of pictures of dragons.
 Under the blog title Lazy Cats, I have photographed the perfect example.  Shadow cat loves to sit on the dining table and look out at the yard through the big picture window.  She gets a birds eye view, literally.  She sees the Hummmingbirds at the feeder and other little birds flitting around the palm tree.  She can just turn her head the other way and watch us come and go out the back door.  But watch out, she may try to dart outside to be with her people!

And Bad Dogs...well must we talk about the dog who eats poo?  All kinds?  He has no poo preference and treats them all like fine chocolates.  If he can't easily access the aforementioned articles, he will try to eat the cat food.  The cat food that is kept 36 inches off the ground because said Bad Dog would never let the poor cat eat her own food if it was on the floor like his.  His redeeming quality?  He takes good pictures.







 This is a marigold from the garden.
 These tall yellow flowers are actually the bok choy, going to seed.  I need to get out there and whak the plants back.  They are regrowing from the stalks!  It's very amazing.
 I've got a bit of wildflower seed planted back in the garden this year and the flowers are just starting to bloom.  I don't know what they are except for the California Poppy.  Everyday, it seems a new flower blooms AND it's a different color.
 We are having weird weather.  Last week we enjoyed seasonal 70 degree temperatures.  This week we've been in the high 90's.  We just ended April.  What's up with that?

One thing we talked about last summer was installing shades on the eaves to help cool off our bedrooms in the afternoons.  I installed the shades Wednesday morning.  It's only been two days, so I am undecided, how much this is helping.
 I think I may have to add one more hook and move them to the left one more eave.
 Oh yes, another sewing project.  I ordered enough Toyota seat cover fabric to also cover the foam pad my WONDERFUL husband purchased for the camper.  I also had no pattern to sew this.  It turned out very well.  We slept on it this past weekend.  I felt no difference but it sure was attractive looking...


 AND... I was noticing how far away I was holding things to read.  My WONDERFUL husband wanted me to make an Ophthalmologist appointment just to make sure things were okay with my eyes.  My  doctor questioned me as to why I was there.  He chuckled and said "You are getting old, like me.  You probably need readers."  My eye exam was perfect.  Not other problems with my eyes.  Now I had permission to go out and by magnifying readers.  I'm a little vain.  I had a certain color I wanted, purple.  I couldn't find anything locally, so I ordered 2 pair of purple readers.

My WONDERFUL husband likes this pair, delicate with little daisies on the sides and no frame around the lenses but all the metal is purple!





  I like the bling-bling pair.  They have rhinestones and etchings of flowers.

 
As for the other things I thought I may write about, I'll save those for another day.  My marriage is safe and secure, 25 years strong.  We are getting ready to purchase tickets for our second cruise, also a 25th wedding Anniversary Celebration.  We are taking a two week cruise through the Panama Canal sometime in the fall.  You must, must, must, be committed to stick and stay.  Be centered around Jesus Christ, both of you.  Surround yourself with Godly things, Godly Friends, good encouragement.  Satan is trying and succeeding through the pornography industry to break up many marriages.  I am praying soo very hard for a dear friend who is going through this trail right now.

On contentment.  I've got 5 journal pages full of bible verses and thoughts on contentment.  That will be a good bible study to add on here, when my time allows.
 
Stay tuned friends for more updates.  
 
Love Ya!
Beth
 
 


Monday, February 24, 2014

Making Jam


I had friends over today and we made jam together.  Two kinds, one Carrot Cake Jam and the other, Kumquat Marmalade.


One Friend
 Two Friend

 The Jam



We all had a wonderful day!


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

February- Almost a Catch Up Post!


FOR TODAY
Outside my window...Do I get bragging rights because I live here and not the snowy, windier parts of the United States?  Well I do live in beautiful southern California.  The weather has been gorgeous.  We were in the 80's last week and the 70's this week.  We badly need some rain.  I fear what fire season will be like this year.  We haven't seen devastating fires since at least 2007.
I am thinking...Thinking about a to-do list.  Thinking about going cruising.  Thinking about clothes,  thinking about juicing.  Thinking about walking.  Thinking about camping.
I am thankful...  I am thankful that the Lord continues to meet our needs.  He answers prayer.  The Lord is good.
In the kitchen...  I've got several leftover baked potatoes.  They are being worked into the menu until they are all gone.  Tonight we're having fried potatoes with pepper and onion, Chicken and Apple Sausages, fried apples, wilted kale.
I am wearing... I am wearing a purple skirt, white top and gray sweater.  My hair is pulled back and I am NOT wearing makeup.  I'm not sure that I will put any make-up on, but this is a church night.
I am creating...I'm kind of taking a break from creating this week.  Last week I hosted our church Sweetheart Banquet.  I've got a list of sewing projects that I will start on in March.  I am hosting a game night for our church's single people and calling it a Single Mingle.


You’re invited to attend a Single Mingle!
A game night for single teens and adults.

Hosted by the Ledford’s

 March 1, 2013
5:30-9:00 p.m.

Menu~
Barbecue Ribs
Macaroni and Cheese
Baked Beans
Cole Slaw
Chocolate Twinkie Cake

Please bring your favorite board game. 
We will have a fun time of food, fellowship, devotion and games.


please r.s.v.p.
I am going...  My husband is frustrated with his work schedule and needs some down time.  We're going camping Monday and will return Thursday so I can prepare for my party.  The first Tuesday of March we are going on a home school field trip to Museum of Natural History to see a pirate exhibit.
I am wondering...  When is Easter again?  I think not until the end of April.  I'd like a new outfit.  I want to sing a special at church for that day as well.  Out church tries to have services in the park.  Not sure about this year.
I am reading...  I am between books.  Tonight I will start one by Lisa Scottoline.  I've not read her books before, it will be a surprise to see if they are decent.
I am praying... I am praying for the desires of my heart.  I am praying for far away family peace, contentment, wisdom, healing.  Some family are going through some major issues.
I am looking forward to...I am looking forward to Rib Dinner, a new dress, camping, unrestricted star access, toasted marshmallows,  rock hunting, metal detecting, peace in the countryside.
From the learning rooms...  My student is halfway through.  Roughly 18 weeks left to go, depending on when I get tired of teaching.  He will be learning some new things next week.  We took a week off last week.  It was nice.
(After growing out his hair for almost two months, to learn how to comb it, we both were ready for a high and tight.  He said long hair was itchy)
I started again with my Bachelor of Christian Education studies.  I am almost done with the course New Testament Survey.  The only difficulty with the end of course is making a 'Proposed Reading Schedule' for the New Testament.  My goal is to be complete with all studies by December.  I want to do another degree after this one, the subject of the degree I will announce at a later time.  It will be from the same college and also a correspondence class.
Around the house...  Because I hosted the Sweetheart Banquet, my house if very clean.  If you don't count the rug in the kitchen.  I spilled sour cream on it the night of my party and let Banjo the dog lick it up. His clean up job is not quite the same as a a pressure wash cleaning.
 Sweetheart Banquet
 Dessert Table- Brownie Sundaes
 Food Table= Steak, baked potatoes, salad, asparagus, bread sticks
A favorite quote for today...
"Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need."  
Sarah Ban Breathnach
One of my favorite things...  I could say one of my NEW favorite things is Pandora.  We can listen to it on our t.v. through the same box we receive Netflix.  It's nice.  I also am listening to it on the lap top while I type this blog.  My son's favorite station is The Piano Guys...mine is David Nevue!
A few plans for the rest of the week:  We'll be taking it easy the rest of the week.  We have piano lesson tomorrow.  Sunday afternoon we'll probably pack the truck for camping.
A peek into the garden...



Thank You Simple Woman for helping with my update!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Just For Fun

Just For Fun

Several weeks ago this was on facebook.  I don't like to post too much public stuff on facebook but was curious.  I took the test to post it onto this blog.  Enjoy reading the results, I think it reflects me pretty well..  I've included the link if you'd like to participate.  Link back to me so I can see the results!

The Reliable Realist

Reliable Realists are down-to-earth and responsible-minded. They are precise, reserved and demanding. Their most prominent quality is reliability and they will always make every effort to keep any promise given.
Reliable Realists are more quiet and serious persons, they do not talk a lot but they are good listeners. They sometimes seem reserved and distant to outsiders although they often have a great deal of wit and esprit. Their strong points are thoroughness, a marked sense of justice, doggedness bordering on pigheadedness and a pragmatic, vigorous and purposeful manner. Reliable Realists do not dither about if something has to be done. They do what is necessary without wasting words.

This personality type not only expects a lot of himself but also of others. Once Reliable Realists have set their mind on something, it is difficult to persuade them otherwise. They do not like to leave anything to chance. Planning means safety to Reliable Realists, as well as order and discipline. They have no problem respecting authorities and hierarchies but do not like to delegate tasks. They are certain that others would not deal with them as conscientiously as they do. In management positions, they are very task-oriented - they make sure that things are well done; however, they do not have a great deal of interest in personal contacts at work.

In relationships too, Reliable Realists are reliability itself. As partners, they are faithful and consistent, well-balanced and sensible. Security and stability are very important to them. They have little time for extravagances and flightiness. Whoever has them as friend or partner can rely on them for a lifetime. However, it takes quite a while for Reliable Realists to enter into a relationship or friendship. They have little need for social contacts; they therefore take great care when choosing partners and friends and limit themselves to a small but exclusive circle which meets their high demands. They tend to show their closeness to people who are important to them by deeds - their partner should rather not expect romantic declarations of love.

 Adjectives that describe your type
introverted, practical, logical, planning, tradition-conscious, organised, persistent, objective, tidy, conscientious, cautious, loyal, peace-loving, sensible, down-to-earth, responsible-minded, reserved, careful, independent, punctual, precise, demanding, ability to concentrate, trustworthy, pedantic, reliable, persevering

Take the personality type test here.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

All Worth While

This was in my email inbox this morning.  I had tears in my eyes as I read it.  After a discouraging weekend in my personal life, this was a pick me up!  It helps me to know that the Savior I serve lets me be a blessing to others even if I don't know how strongly I affect them.  Wonderful.  Thank You Natalie for this encouragement.

Dear Beth,

I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for what you meant to me when you lived here in Kodiak.  I was just reminiscing about you after having read your Christmas letter.  You did so much to help me through my first pregnancy with Cason.  You let me come over even when I had to stay off my feet, you made me maternity culottes, and nursing dresses, you allowed me to come over and relax while you just held the baby.  You might not have realized then what a huge impact that had on me.  I might not have realized it either and thanked you properly, but having had three children (and lost three children) and going through different experiences in my life I look back and treasure your welcoming spirit, your bright smile, and your gracious hospitality.  I enjoyed working with your family singing, and still think of Sully when I hear “In the highway and the hedges”.  It is hard to believe that my Cason is now older than your Sully was when you lived here.  I know you have many churches and church families across America as you transfer often and I am sure you have some special memories of each one.  Our ladies that have been here long enough to remember still talk about your tea party with us.  I know you were a great help to Maggie and I know you probably enjoyed every minute of it.  You were always a baby magnet.  I just really appreciated you and being able to hand Cason off to someone when I needed to play piano, or just needed a break.  I know it is long overdue, but I just wanted to tell you thanks, and to thank you for all the memories I have of your family.  I never got the hand of your weird lighting system in that house, or how the tub became the dividing factor in two bathrooms.  I remember house sitting for you guys and watching Banjo and kitty.  I remember fires in the fire pit outside by the lake.  You were such an asset to the church during that time, and now as we have been here for 8 ½ years it is amazing to see the changes as we look back.  Kaylee and Aaron have gone from teens to parents, and David has a girl on the line soon to be his bride.  I was reading in a devotion book and thought of you when it said to think of an “older” women who has ministered to you as the Titus 2 women.  I just thought I’d write you a note and say thanks.  May the Lord continue to bless you as you serve Him there at your church in California. 

With fond memories, (in Kodiak)
Natalie Stafford 


 " A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. "
John 13:34-35 

    And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17
  
 

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Another New Year





Happy New Year!

When last we spoke I was in the midst of cookies.  Cookies for neighbors and making cookies for a Christmas Cookie Exchange I hosted December 21st.  Thankfully all the cookies and deserts are now gone and out of the house.  My cookie party was a success.  Including husbands and children I hosted 23 people.  We ate appetizers and COOKIES.  We also played some fun games.  One game was draw the Christmas scene on your head without peeking.  The other fun one was Reindeer Game.




We've had an eventful past few weeks.  Christmas week was a down week.  I was able to blissfully relax and not do too much.  We spent a quiet Christmas Day at home.  I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  We feasted on steak and lobster tails in the afternoon after a day of playing with our new toys.





 Daddy received two music stands and a hymnal.
 Sully got lots of stuff.  Lego's, Halo men, Halo computer game, Lawn darts, a football, nerf guns, chocolate and cash.
 I received a Barnes and Noble Nook tablet.  It is kinda neat.  I don't know how much reading I will be doing on it.  I do prefer to have paper pages beneath my fingers.  But I can surf the internet, check email and watch Netflix with it too.  I also received a large pair of diamond and opal earrings.  When I was putting the earrings in my ears, I noticed one opal had a crack all the way through it.  when I went to return the earrings, they did not have another pair.  I exchanged them for a different type of earring altogether.  I will have to take pictures of the new earrings another day.
I jumped right into a couple projects this past week.  One was cleaning out the garden and prepping the soil for the new plantings in a few weeks.  I'm really missing the fresh zucchini.  

The other project is the mulch job I started back in June(when  the power steering in the monster Truck broke.)  I hauled 3 pickup loads of mulch yesterday with only my #2 son to help me.  Manly Man took the day off to help me, and I ended up doing it myself...that is a story for another day... I am still peeved just-so-you-know.  My muscles are sore today so I'm taking a break from finishing that job.  I need one more load to finish that project.  I saw an idea on YouTube I wanted to try.  Placing mulch over the top of cardboard boxes.  The boxes kill the grass and eventually break down under the mulch.  It looked like a lot less work than spading the ground by hand so I thought I'd give it a try.  I'll let you know how successfully that turns out.




Well then, I believe we are almost caught up on my life.  Home School resumes Monday morning.  I'm going to motivate myself to finish my correspondence bible course this year. Really, it's one of my goals :-)  I'll start that Monday morning as well.  Christmas decorations must come down and be put away.  they've been up for almost 6 weeks already!  I must make some  more of that heavenly Carrot Cake Jam.  We were only able to sample one little jar.  It was super good tasting and pretty easy to make.


Carrot Cake Jam
Ingredients

  • 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped peeled ripe pears
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
  • 6-1/2 cups sugar

Directions

  • In a large saucepan, combine the first seven ingredients. Bring to a
  • boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pears
  • are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in
  • pectin.
  • Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute,
  • stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; skim off foam.
  • Ladle hot mixture into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in.
  • headspace. Remove air bubbles; wipe rims and adjust lids. Process in
  • a boiling-water canner for 5 minutes. Yield: 8 half-pints.
**I did use my immersion blender for a few pulses as my pears did not break down like I expected.  This  gave it a nice consistancy, still chunky but not as chunky as it could have been.

Have a great week dear friends!