yepperz, it's official - fall has landed. the plants have all been brought indoors with the exception of the petunias, who seem to have survived the past cold fronts with ease fer some reason.
it upsets me that i'm missin' this time of change from a photog's viewpoint, no leaves collected. no pics of the horses as they develop their coats fer winter - the color changes there are as beautiful and magical as the changin' on the trees, shrubs, vines & grasses.
the pond is clogged with fallen leaves from the various trees surroundin' it. a great shame it only seems to bother me, as nobody else seems blue that the waterfall is silent. and yes, i've broached the subject with the spouse and youngun's. it is an unpleasant job, but necessary. i've hopes that the fish who live their will be ok durin' this time.
i have been strugglin' with the tremors, spasms, tics, slurred speech, the inability to walk even somewhat "normal". has sure been a tryin' few months. hope is gettin' closer, at least a diagnosis, a place to start the healin' would be most welcomed.
hopefully before the trees and critters have finished their wonderous transformations in preparation fer winters arrival!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
some much welcome rain
nothin' quite like watchin' it rain up the road and then gettin' pleasantly surprised that some of it made it to yer place!
the ones that got away.... have spent all spring and summer watchin' storms form, then blow over to Texas.
woohoo! 3 blooms at once from this lovely hibiscus :)
Saturday, September 1, 2012
brilliant ideas or wishful thinkin'?
with the news of mom & the aunt movin' back into town, many thoughts of what's to be done with my grandparents lil house have been surmountin'. some say, "rent it out" - i have no desire to do so. i grew up with that lil house. can't stand the thought of strangers bein' in it. they would see it's faults and not the heart of it. no, can't "sell it to be moved" either. don't like that option. it's not much, less than 950 sq ft i believe, but what papaw thought he could afford. he was a farmer/rancher most his life and strived to live within his means.
it's original, in it's neglected state. work that needed to be done couldn't be done because of fumes that would effect mamaw's weakened lungs. then mom's, then the aunts. lack of funds. windows need replaced, to stop the massive heat gain/loss. the foundation needs some help as there are cracks runnin' throughout. but it's got "good bones".
a "ready-built" made in lubbock, tx and hauled to here back in 1957 i believe. it's withstood 90mph straightline winds, dust storms, poundin' softball sized hail, sheets of rain comin' from angles that have flooded through said windows as if there were none. it needs some lovin' care.
we live "next door", in a fallin' apart 1984 single wide mobile home. we've raised a family in it. it's been a good home. the addition of a back sunroom and livin' room increased our footprint, gives incredible views of the backyard and all it has to offer. it, too, needs new windows, sidin' and a real roof.
it came to me yesterday that the best, most cost effective solution would be to move the mobile home out, have a foundation poured & move the lil house over here. attach it to the back porch & livin' room we love. i was almost half intimidated to tell the hubs of my vision. he typically tells me it's not cost effective or finds fault with my lofty plans.
he was quite impressed with it in fact. "brilliant", he said along with "why didn't i think of that?" with worded plans, we went through the changes to be made to the small 2 bedroom house. a master suite with walk in closet, larger bathroom. big laundry/sewin' room, new kitchen along with 2 more bedrooms and another bath.... his vision was loftier than mine, but i am most excited at the prospect.
i ponder if mamaw & papaw would be proud of our decision. to show the lil house with so many memories the love and attention it deserves.
it's original, in it's neglected state. work that needed to be done couldn't be done because of fumes that would effect mamaw's weakened lungs. then mom's, then the aunts. lack of funds. windows need replaced, to stop the massive heat gain/loss. the foundation needs some help as there are cracks runnin' throughout. but it's got "good bones".
a "ready-built" made in lubbock, tx and hauled to here back in 1957 i believe. it's withstood 90mph straightline winds, dust storms, poundin' softball sized hail, sheets of rain comin' from angles that have flooded through said windows as if there were none. it needs some lovin' care.
we live "next door", in a fallin' apart 1984 single wide mobile home. we've raised a family in it. it's been a good home. the addition of a back sunroom and livin' room increased our footprint, gives incredible views of the backyard and all it has to offer. it, too, needs new windows, sidin' and a real roof.
it came to me yesterday that the best, most cost effective solution would be to move the mobile home out, have a foundation poured & move the lil house over here. attach it to the back porch & livin' room we love. i was almost half intimidated to tell the hubs of my vision. he typically tells me it's not cost effective or finds fault with my lofty plans.
he was quite impressed with it in fact. "brilliant", he said along with "why didn't i think of that?" with worded plans, we went through the changes to be made to the small 2 bedroom house. a master suite with walk in closet, larger bathroom. big laundry/sewin' room, new kitchen along with 2 more bedrooms and another bath.... his vision was loftier than mine, but i am most excited at the prospect.
i ponder if mamaw & papaw would be proud of our decision. to show the lil house with so many memories the love and attention it deserves.
Friday, August 31, 2012
folks with lofty expectations - yes, a rant that surpasses the others
knew it had to happen, things to get my mind off my troubles, and it has. dunno even where to begin? so many topics have my sore feathers ruffled, but will try to get it off my shrinkin' chest.
1st, i am deeply saddened by the greed of some of the folks involved in the Aurora shootin'. this horrible tragedy and the lives that will be affected fer an eternity should never leave one's mind. BUT, i think it's even a bigger tragedy fer 'em to complain about not receivin' money's from it that were donated. have none learned there's no "fair" dollar amount to one's loss? of life, of fear, of an innocence lost? there's social security survivor benefits to aid those with children left behind. one woman in particular sticks out in my mind. the interviews she gives sobbin' that her children lost their father (her ex-husband) and where's her money? all tragedies have victims, be it nature or man made. folks get sick, have wrecks, die from a myriad of things - it's part of life. the kindness of strangers (the folks who've sent funds from around the globe, as we do in times of horror) should not be quibbled over. if the funds aint figured out proper, those who feel they didn't get "their share" will continue to cry about it, makin' the tragedy that much more unbearable...
2nd, those folks who got hit by hurricane Isaac. i do believe ya were told to evacuate. did ya not learn a thing from that awful Katrina that killed so many? i understand wantin' to hold onto yer home, possessions and such, but was it worth the risk of ya dyin'? or someone else riskin' their lives to save ya once the flood waters hit, to come to yer aide? why is it the governments fault and the taxpayers that ya chose to reside below sea level? and the folks who have had all the fires and floodin' the past year - i pose the same question. why on earth do ya continue to whine & complain? if ya build yer house in a forest, guess what? the risk of fire danger is high. it is no one's fault. there is drought. the bears, wolves, mountain lions, etc are gonna come down as well. they are hungry, and it's not their fault. if ya build yer house on a hill fer that spectacular view - guess what? when the rains come, ya already ruined natures protection and the land is gonna give under the stress. again, no one's fault, quit whinin' & wantin' to know what the government is gonna do about it. i don't believe they said, "hey, i think it's a great idea fer ya to build in danger zones. and what the heck, don't worry about insurance & such, we'll bail ya out when the inevitable happens". these folks then complain that the government didn't do enough....
3rd, prayer in schools. a touchy subject, but while i'm on a rant, why the heck not? the majority of the folks complainin' about not havin' it in the schools don't even practice it at home - so what's the problem? prayer & religion are a personal choice. yes, i grew up with a mornin' prayer at school, followed by the pledge of allegiance to our beautiful flag - things of the past. it offended some. is that not why our ancestors traveled to great lengths to get to this country & build a life? freedom of religion. either practice it, or don't. so much is passed on to the government as blame - accept responsibility fer yer own youngun's upbringin'. if prayer every mornin' is important to ya, do it with yer youngun's and quit expectin' others to do it fer ya.
in times of troubles, disasters and the like, folks turn to God in search of answers and comfort. otherwise the mass majority seems to ignore His existence. practice what'cha preach. i believe the "goal"is to do no harm, take care of one another - it's universal and covers all religious beliefs. folks jest appear to live by it when its convenient and they can get somethin' outta it.
1st, i am deeply saddened by the greed of some of the folks involved in the Aurora shootin'. this horrible tragedy and the lives that will be affected fer an eternity should never leave one's mind. BUT, i think it's even a bigger tragedy fer 'em to complain about not receivin' money's from it that were donated. have none learned there's no "fair" dollar amount to one's loss? of life, of fear, of an innocence lost? there's social security survivor benefits to aid those with children left behind. one woman in particular sticks out in my mind. the interviews she gives sobbin' that her children lost their father (her ex-husband) and where's her money? all tragedies have victims, be it nature or man made. folks get sick, have wrecks, die from a myriad of things - it's part of life. the kindness of strangers (the folks who've sent funds from around the globe, as we do in times of horror) should not be quibbled over. if the funds aint figured out proper, those who feel they didn't get "their share" will continue to cry about it, makin' the tragedy that much more unbearable...
2nd, those folks who got hit by hurricane Isaac. i do believe ya were told to evacuate. did ya not learn a thing from that awful Katrina that killed so many? i understand wantin' to hold onto yer home, possessions and such, but was it worth the risk of ya dyin'? or someone else riskin' their lives to save ya once the flood waters hit, to come to yer aide? why is it the governments fault and the taxpayers that ya chose to reside below sea level? and the folks who have had all the fires and floodin' the past year - i pose the same question. why on earth do ya continue to whine & complain? if ya build yer house in a forest, guess what? the risk of fire danger is high. it is no one's fault. there is drought. the bears, wolves, mountain lions, etc are gonna come down as well. they are hungry, and it's not their fault. if ya build yer house on a hill fer that spectacular view - guess what? when the rains come, ya already ruined natures protection and the land is gonna give under the stress. again, no one's fault, quit whinin' & wantin' to know what the government is gonna do about it. i don't believe they said, "hey, i think it's a great idea fer ya to build in danger zones. and what the heck, don't worry about insurance & such, we'll bail ya out when the inevitable happens". these folks then complain that the government didn't do enough....
3rd, prayer in schools. a touchy subject, but while i'm on a rant, why the heck not? the majority of the folks complainin' about not havin' it in the schools don't even practice it at home - so what's the problem? prayer & religion are a personal choice. yes, i grew up with a mornin' prayer at school, followed by the pledge of allegiance to our beautiful flag - things of the past. it offended some. is that not why our ancestors traveled to great lengths to get to this country & build a life? freedom of religion. either practice it, or don't. so much is passed on to the government as blame - accept responsibility fer yer own youngun's upbringin'. if prayer every mornin' is important to ya, do it with yer youngun's and quit expectin' others to do it fer ya.
in times of troubles, disasters and the like, folks turn to God in search of answers and comfort. otherwise the mass majority seems to ignore His existence. practice what'cha preach. i believe the "goal"is to do no harm, take care of one another - it's universal and covers all religious beliefs. folks jest appear to live by it when its convenient and they can get somethin' outta it.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
a trip off the beaten path - a sneak into my yard and beyond this spring
whirlin' butterflies (aka guara) nestled behind lavendar, bunny fer whimsy ~
the sound of water always soothes my savage soul. i like the softness of this lil fall coz it takes me back to babblin' brooks and creeks of another lifetime
the fish are becomin' more active as the temps rise (this taken in march 2012).
the vivid orange of a cacti that resides in the front yard - amazin' beauty and danger all at once....
the pond upon enterin' the back yard via garage. looks so small in this pic...
remnants of an era gone by - a wooden wagon wheel sits upon a pine, nestled amongst the trees and pond..
a kind welcome by the door, i have become quite fond of the corkscrew plant
a herd of deer - not a common site in these parts. the drought has affected all livin' things.
a gentle cattle drive, the babes to be branded, vaccinated and those cute lil bulls to become steers. the absense of green saddens me, troubles my ranchin' friend.
an indian blanket in bloom amid the dry, arid land. the colors of our new mexico sunsets, to me it emits the hope fer a better time.
never figured out what flower this is, native to this land. the cows sure did eat the dickens outta 'em though!
the hubs on Bo as they gently walked the cattle in. mesquites tryin' their best to be productive. alas, with no rains they failed to bloom, no beans fer the cattle this winter to stay fattened on.
menfolk workin' in unison - was a great day
what a face :)
last one to be branded
from the pergola to the porch. i sit here many a morn & eve tryin' to soak it all in
snakes matin' on the porch...unsettlin' to some, fer me it says "no rattlesnakes will venture" coz these are the "good guys"
Sunday, August 26, 2012
searchin' the net in search of answers
this may very well be a most comprehensive site fer those that suffer from peripheral neuropathy and i deeply & profoundly encourage ya to read it & then do more research on yer own:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/peripheralneuropathy.htm
i'm in the possibility that i've inflicted more damage to my neurological disorder by smokin cigarettes. perhaps i was too hard headed and in denial to see any link betwix the two?
have watched my step dad perish of cancer, my dad as well. some links perhaps to smokin', more so were the other ravages they were suspect to in the line of duty both home and abroad fightin' wars and fires as both were fine Air Force men.
also saw the sufferin' of so many while workin' the local hospital all those years. fell on "deaf ears" as we always seem to justify things of this nature with the old adage "that won't happen to me".
why are we so much in defiance? i shall prolly never know that answer to share...
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/peripheralneuropathy.htm
i'm in the possibility that i've inflicted more damage to my neurological disorder by smokin cigarettes. perhaps i was too hard headed and in denial to see any link betwix the two?
have watched my step dad perish of cancer, my dad as well. some links perhaps to smokin', more so were the other ravages they were suspect to in the line of duty both home and abroad fightin' wars and fires as both were fine Air Force men.
also saw the sufferin' of so many while workin' the local hospital all those years. fell on "deaf ears" as we always seem to justify things of this nature with the old adage "that won't happen to me".
why are we so much in defiance? i shall prolly never know that answer to share...
Friday, August 24, 2012
the need fer comfort foods...
i stumbled amongst the kitchen today in the need of the comfort one can only find in chocolate & peanut butter. tried that recipe fer the flourless chocolate peanut butter cupcakes that looked so divine, one could almost taste 'em from the pic!
i carefully measured out the ingredients. made a makeshift double boiler to melt the honey & coconut oil together, gently whisked in the other ingredients. spooned/poured the "batter" into the carefully laid paper wrappers & popped 'em in the oven. my sniffer & taste buds are still malfunctionin', but i could envision the yumminess permeatin' throughout the house....
18 minutes seems an eternity while waitin' on baked goods. i checked 'em, nope, still soupy. added the other 4 minutes (recipe called fer 18-22) and alas there they were! beautiful mountains of chocolate settin' high above their papered pan. a true vision of loveliness. i carefully removed 'em from the oven and gently set 'm on the stove to close the oven door and turn it off.
i'm beside myself in anticipation awaitin', only to turn and see what appeared to be 12 sunken souffles! yepperz, sunken, fallen over the sides. hmmm, now what? what the heck, might as well try one, right? i flipped one out with the aid of a spoon onto a plate. upon inspection a spoon was in order. somethin' akin to a cake bottom with a chocolate mousse toppin'. not bad i reckon, again, the taste buds are on hiatus.
what's a gal to do? well, me in my infinite wisdom chunked those puppies back into the oven fer another 5 minutes... then another 8... then another 5. i think they are finally "done", startin' to get a lil dark around the edges. will have to await a cool down to see fer certain.
this goes along with replacin' the belt on the vac twice, it soundin' like a jet roarin' & vibratin' like the tens unit that i occasionally wear. as if i didn't already have enough tingles goin' on in my body. i know, but i did get 2 rooms vac'd before the final straw on the last belt. i yield. i am unhappy with bissell. adore their shampooer, was in love with the suction of the vac. shame they aint made to last 6 months of near daily use, eh?
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| aint that jest pitiful :( |
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