Today was really boring. I went to my real job for 10 hours (so I could bring home the bacon) & that really takes up a lot of your free time.
It was sad too. I really wanted to ride the pony since he looks like he needs a few good bucks, squealing & a run.
I didn't even have to cook! Nanny did that for me & Bryan & I mooched off of her.
Cleaning? Nah. Just got home. Laundry? Not a chance.
We did go out to the other farm & help tarp round bales for the coming rain. I mostly supervise though.
So what did I do all day? I looked at a bull sale catalog & spoke with the seller to pick out a new bull for us!
I love boring days!!
Until Later
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Betty Crocker in Training!
I have had the BEST weekend & I hope everyone else has too! One of the most wonderful things about this weekend is that I was able to spend almost the entire time with my husband!!!!!
What did we do, you ask? 4 words. AppleSauce and Apple Butter! Yumminess!!!!
You see, Bryan & I both have a facination with preserving food (it must be a farmer thing). I have more kitchen gadgets than I have shoes. And I use ALL of them! (Ok not all, I have an aversion to the George Foreman grilly thingy)
But this latest cooking adventure was the awesomist! I got to buy a new Cuisinart Immersion blender with a Whisk attachment! (FUN! Thanks to Bed Bath & Beyond for their picture!)
And, I bought a Grinder/Sieve attachment for my KitchenAid Mixer. People, I am tellin' ya, if you don't have a KitchenAid Professional Mixer - go buy one! They are SO worth the money!
(Dear Cuisinart & KitchenAid, you can make that check out to Amanda Cross for the plug in my blog. Thanks!)
If you are reading this and have never made your own applesauce, you should! It is very easy to do and easy to can. Just rough cut some apples & throw them in a pot with a little water (and I do mean a little, the juice will cook out of the apples so it won't boil dry) and cook until soft.
Then run the cooked apples, drained, through the Grinder on the mixer. The result is Applesauce!
And, of course, what do you do with Applesauce besides canning it? APPLE BUTTER!
Jealous, yet?
Until Later!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Technologically Advanced (not so much)
Is there anyone else out there in the 30-40 crowd that has issues with technology? I do. Ask me to halter break a rank 4 year old bull - gotcha covered. Need help making your roses bloom bigger & longer - no sweat! Want me to add new interest feeds to your Facebook business page - are you kidding me?
So, I was playing on FB and I found a really cool page that I wanted ours, Cross Brothers Enterprises, to emulate. I have spent ALL DAY on this! Ok, not all day. Just between the Applesauce and Apple Butter making spree.
I just want to add some "spice" to our page - is that so much to ask? Why do the directions for these things read like a Hungarian Travel Guide?
I need a 5 year old to do this for me... I will stick with riding the tractor from now on!
So, I was playing on FB and I found a really cool page that I wanted ours, Cross Brothers Enterprises, to emulate. I have spent ALL DAY on this! Ok, not all day. Just between the Applesauce and Apple Butter making spree.
I just want to add some "spice" to our page - is that so much to ask? Why do the directions for these things read like a Hungarian Travel Guide?
I need a 5 year old to do this for me... I will stick with riding the tractor from now on!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Missing Moo-Moos...the saga continues
Familiar with the Jimmy Buffett song "Stars on the Water"? This morning, the tune was running through my head & that prompted me to look heavenward. At 5:45 a.m. this morning. It was 42 degrees at the time too.
Since none of you were even thinking about being awake, take my word for it - The stars were gorgeous this morning on the Plateau! Bright & clear, Orion's Belt was directly over my head. LOVE FALL!
This begs the question - "Amanda, whyyyyy were you outside at that dreadful hour?" Because I have cows, that's why. I have this pesky job away from the farm which means that I have to be up before the chickens (yep, inserted a Southernism on ya there!) and since the redheaded ladies decided to run away from home the other day, Bryan and I are on High Alert. This means that Imust drag myself joyfully spring from the bed, pull on my best boots (not really) and trudge while dragging one foot skip out to the pasture to make sure all the nasty creatures lovely ladies are accounted for and content. I am SO NOT a morning person!
I have discussed with Bryan and next year we will have a better plan for coping with things like this... I will retire at 33 and become a full time farmer! What was that? The angels singing? Why yes! The Hallelujah Chorus just began! (That was really Bryan sighing loudly but I can still dream, right?)
To leave you, here are pictures of thehamburger in waiting sweet girls!
Until later!
Since none of you were even thinking about being awake, take my word for it - The stars were gorgeous this morning on the Plateau! Bright & clear, Orion's Belt was directly over my head. LOVE FALL!
This begs the question - "Amanda, whyyyyy were you outside at that dreadful hour?" Because I have cows, that's why. I have this pesky job away from the farm which means that I have to be up before the chickens (yep, inserted a Southernism on ya there!) and since the redheaded ladies decided to run away from home the other day, Bryan and I are on High Alert. This means that I
I have discussed with Bryan and next year we will have a better plan for coping with things like this... I will retire at 33 and become a full time farmer! What was that? The angels singing? Why yes! The Hallelujah Chorus just began! (That was really Bryan sighing loudly but I can still dream, right?)
To leave you, here are pictures of the
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Case of the missing Moo-Moos
This week has been eventful. The kind of week that I just itch to write about. The kind of week that confirms the belief "Truth is stranger than fiction". But nothing this week compares to what happened last evening. (That's just a few hours ago, by the way).
Saturday, we weaned 2 cows and brought them from the Wartburg farm to our farm so they can rejoin the main herd. This sets the scene...
About 5 p.m. yesterday, I go out to work the cows. I notice that the 2 mommas aren't around. I think to myself "I need to go look for the girls & make sure they are good." Them not being around the herd isn't unusual since they aren't very social. Bryan arrives & we finish up the cattle that I have penned. We go back inside & I am putting dinner in the oven.
Me: "Honey, I never saw the girls & I think I'll go look for them. "
Bryan: No, finish supper, I'll go look. They are [probably hiding in the trees in the far corner.
Me: I'll be out in a minute to help you look. They could be anywhere.
Never was a truer statement uttered!
So, we search for about 30 minutes & realize that the ladies have vamoosed to parts unknown. So we head back to the house to change clothes & call in reinforcments, Michael & Company.
While the rest of the family is driving over, Bryan hops in the truck & heads to Hwy 70 where we think the may have gone. I crawled under a section of fence & began looking for a track to tell me where they have gone.
I drop down a steep hill, over a wet weather creek, down the steep hill some more, back over the creek, etc for about half a mile. (By the way, It's really pretty down there!) I went all the way to Hwy 70 and never saw a cow track, manure or any other indication they went that way. So.... Back up the hill I climbed!
I reached a border fence line that has a pretty green field in it (not our field BTW). So I trespassed for another quarter mile before I climbed over the fence line again onto a private road, all the while praying that no dogs decide to eat me. Still, no cows.
SO I walked down the private road to the main road and headed home. As I neared my driveway, my family pulled up in the truck & reported that they had no luck finding them while driving the roads.
The girls are Houdini's I tell ya!
The family continued up the driveway to go help Bryan with a different section of field & I decided to canvas neighbors. I also corralled a neighbor into helping me.
As I stood in the middle of the road deciding what to do, I prayed that I would find success and find my girls alive & healthy and that whomever had them would admit to it and give them back.
God was watching over me as the first driveway I decided to take was the man who had them!!!!!!!!
He was so nice about the situation and was gracious enough to offer "boarding" for the girls until we can come & pick them up. I couldn't have written a better ending to this story but when you finally place your troubles in Gods hands, he WILL provide.
Until later,
Me: "Honey, I never saw the girls & I think I'll go look for them. "
Bryan: No, finish supper, I'll go look. They are [probably hiding in the trees in the far corner.
Me: I'll be out in a minute to help you look. They could be anywhere.
Never was a truer statement uttered!
So, we search for about 30 minutes & realize that the ladies have vamoosed to parts unknown. So we head back to the house to change clothes & call in reinforcments, Michael & Company.
While the rest of the family is driving over, Bryan hops in the truck & heads to Hwy 70 where we think the may have gone. I crawled under a section of fence & began looking for a track to tell me where they have gone.
I drop down a steep hill, over a wet weather creek, down the steep hill some more, back over the creek, etc for about half a mile. (By the way, It's really pretty down there!) I went all the way to Hwy 70 and never saw a cow track, manure or any other indication they went that way. So.... Back up the hill I climbed!
I reached a border fence line that has a pretty green field in it (not our field BTW). So I trespassed for another quarter mile before I climbed over the fence line again onto a private road, all the while praying that no dogs decide to eat me. Still, no cows.
SO I walked down the private road to the main road and headed home. As I neared my driveway, my family pulled up in the truck & reported that they had no luck finding them while driving the roads.
The girls are Houdini's I tell ya!
The family continued up the driveway to go help Bryan with a different section of field & I decided to canvas neighbors. I also corralled a neighbor into helping me.
As I stood in the middle of the road deciding what to do, I prayed that I would find success and find my girls alive & healthy and that whomever had them would admit to it and give them back.
God was watching over me as the first driveway I decided to take was the man who had them!!!!!!!!
He was so nice about the situation and was gracious enough to offer "boarding" for the girls until we can come & pick them up. I couldn't have written a better ending to this story but when you finally place your troubles in Gods hands, he WILL provide.
Until later,
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Say What?
Have you ever noticed how many colloquialisms are used each day? (Oh yeah! Snuck the BIG word in on ya!) Truly, how many "catch phrases" do you hear in conversation each day? How many do YOU use? Count them one day - you'll be shocked. Just sayin'.
My current cringe-worthy phrase is "God love her". Duh! Of course, God loves you! I hear it used by a lot of people around me lately and it seems to refer to people who have done idiotic things. No offense, but God has a sense of humor. His love is unconditional but no one escapes his humor. A better phrase would be "Somebody help her get a brain".
In seventh and eighth grade at Friendsville Elementary, my English teacher was Mrs. Lynch. Anyone reading this blog who went to Friendsville knew her well. I wasn't overly fond of her when I was in her class but as an adult, her constant nagging about grammar to make us learn to write properly is priceless. Do I speak properly? Not all the time. Do I write properly all of the time. Nope! Especially not on my blog! However, I can turn it on when necessary.
4-H also was a HUGE influence on my public persona. Public Speaking (yuck!) was the one project that my mother FORCED me to do each year. I thank her for that now because I have to speak to people each day that I have never met, speak to crowds, relate to all types of people from all over the country AND make certain they can understand me. Have you ever spoken to a true Southerner? The hype about the slow drawl is all true!
Now I said all that to say this (see, another one! I'm just full of them today! Ooops, there's another one) It is another pet peeve of mine to receive professional correspondence from people who write JUST LIKE they speak! Please, for cryin' out loud people, learn how to capitalize and use a period! I should not have to read your email 6 times before I mentally insert grammatical corrections & determine what you want! Throw me a bone! I'm not psychic and can read your mind! Argggggggggg...
if you writelike this allthe time no one can really understand what you say. are englisch skills lack eny inteligentce whatsoever and we all seem dumb. maybe we should ALL TAKE TYPING LESONSS AND LERN TO SPEL TWO
That just made me cringe at myself...
Until later!
My current cringe-worthy phrase is "God love her". Duh! Of course, God loves you! I hear it used by a lot of people around me lately and it seems to refer to people who have done idiotic things. No offense, but God has a sense of humor. His love is unconditional but no one escapes his humor. A better phrase would be "Somebody help her get a brain".
In seventh and eighth grade at Friendsville Elementary, my English teacher was Mrs. Lynch. Anyone reading this blog who went to Friendsville knew her well. I wasn't overly fond of her when I was in her class but as an adult, her constant nagging about grammar to make us learn to write properly is priceless. Do I speak properly? Not all the time. Do I write properly all of the time. Nope! Especially not on my blog! However, I can turn it on when necessary.
4-H also was a HUGE influence on my public persona. Public Speaking (yuck!) was the one project that my mother FORCED me to do each year. I thank her for that now because I have to speak to people each day that I have never met, speak to crowds, relate to all types of people from all over the country AND make certain they can understand me. Have you ever spoken to a true Southerner? The hype about the slow drawl is all true!
Now I said all that to say this (see, another one! I'm just full of them today! Ooops, there's another one) It is another pet peeve of mine to receive professional correspondence from people who write JUST LIKE they speak! Please, for cryin' out loud people, learn how to capitalize and use a period! I should not have to read your email 6 times before I mentally insert grammatical corrections & determine what you want! Throw me a bone! I'm not psychic and can read your mind! Argggggggggg...
if you writelike this allthe time no one can really understand what you say. are englisch skills lack eny inteligentce whatsoever and we all seem dumb. maybe we should ALL TAKE TYPING LESONSS AND LERN TO SPEL TWO
That just made me cringe at myself...
Until later!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Another Day in the Neighborhood
Sometimes a day should be classified as mundane. These don't come along very often so I feel the pressing need to write about it.
Today, I feel like a heathen because Bryan & I didn't go to church. We couldn't go because 15 minutes before leaving, his work called and he had to fix something. This seems to happen every Sunday morning but most of the time, he can put it off until later in the day. Today was not one of those days.
So I took the opportunity to watch the service online (our church is cool like that) but NO! I am certain that my spiritual health is quite good because obviously I wasn't meant to hear a bible lesson this morning! Our Internet went down (argggg) and after a 30 minutes wait time with ATT, we were told that it would be 24 hours before the service was restored - bummer!
Since Plan A & Plan B have both fizzled, I moved right along to Plan C - clean the house (gagging right now).
So far, I have burned copious amount of paper that seems to multiply like rabbits at my house, washed clothes, rugs, curtains and more and cleaned the tool area so we have more than a path to walk on when coming in the back door. It looks pretty good so far - I am proud of myself!
Next on the list is the farrier, who should be coming up the drive even as I write this. I went out to the barn a bit ago to get the pony ready. Was he anywhere to be seen? No! He was in the great unknown which is at least half a mile away. But, like the wonderful, handsome guy he is, he came galloping across the field when called. It does my heart good to see him happy & playful!
Today, I feel like a heathen because Bryan & I didn't go to church. We couldn't go because 15 minutes before leaving, his work called and he had to fix something. This seems to happen every Sunday morning but most of the time, he can put it off until later in the day. Today was not one of those days.
So I took the opportunity to watch the service online (our church is cool like that) but NO! I am certain that my spiritual health is quite good because obviously I wasn't meant to hear a bible lesson this morning! Our Internet went down (argggg) and after a 30 minutes wait time with ATT, we were told that it would be 24 hours before the service was restored - bummer!
Since Plan A & Plan B have both fizzled, I moved right along to Plan C - clean the house (gagging right now).
So far, I have burned copious amount of paper that seems to multiply like rabbits at my house, washed clothes, rugs, curtains and more and cleaned the tool area so we have more than a path to walk on when coming in the back door. It looks pretty good so far - I am proud of myself!
Next on the list is the farrier, who should be coming up the drive even as I write this. I went out to the barn a bit ago to get the pony ready. Was he anywhere to be seen? No! He was in the great unknown which is at least half a mile away. But, like the wonderful, handsome guy he is, he came galloping across the field when called. It does my heart good to see him happy & playful!
After all, who doesn't love a blond?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Time flies when we're havin' fun!
Did you know that it is 13 WEEKS AND 1 DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS! That's 92 days people! I need to start baking NOW if I am going to get all of the goodies together. Not to mention getting gifts made and purchased... And building a hay barn... And finishing the hay crop... And planting the fall veggies... And working a 40 hour week off the farm... And refencing pastures for the winter rotation... And buying more cows and a new bull... And winterizing the honeybees... I'm tired just thinking about it!
So, please email me with your Christmas order! I need to know NOW what you want if I have a chance of getting it done for you :)
Do you want one of these?
It will be much bigger IF I ever get it done...
Or one of these for the cooks out there - The best Hot Pad / Trivet EVER!
Or maybe a nice scarf or something... This is what I have now (notice the 2 unfinished projects in the background? Yep, that's my MO)
Or you just need yummy goodness from my kitchen? My truest wish in the world is to fatten everyone else up so I look skinnier! I think I will start with Amanda 3 - Nursing School has helped her loose weight & it's not fair... (This is also why I bought her a cake decorating kit for her Birthday!)
I should mention a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME and AMANDA 3! We both celebrated birthdays this past week. I feel REALLY old though as we are 10 years and 2 days apart... I was in middle school when before she was even thought about by her parents. Oh, my arthritis just flared up again... I think I need some Geritol now...
Let the Holiday Rush begin! That's right, BRING IT!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A Common Sense Obituary
Todays's posting is stolen from a friends facebook posting. It was really to good to pass up! Please read on & spread this to others who might remember...
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:-Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm;- Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge.
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, do nothing
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:-Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm;- Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge.
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, do nothing
Monday, September 19, 2011
Bed, Bath & The Great Beyond!
I hate to shop. Really, it pains me to present myself in public to search needlessly for things that I may not need.
Yesterday, I had a mission in mind so I headed to BB&B after church with Bryan. I had searched the Internet for the perfect "It". I had consulted with others to make certain that "It" was the one. It should have been so easy!
Alas, we arrived and "It" was not seen. I asked a salesperson. He looked at me as if I had 3 green heads on my shoulders and replied "Huh?". I showed "It" to him on my handy-dandy IPhone to prove that he should have this in stock. He checked is handy-dandy inventory system & informed me that only 123 "It"s were in the country and none within 500 miles... BUT, he could order it, I would pay shipping (of course) and it would be at my home in a week.
This is why I don't even try to shop anymore. If I have to pay shipping when I go to a store, why not stay at home & pay shipping instead? At least at home, I can shop in my PJ's!
Yesterday, I had a mission in mind so I headed to BB&B after church with Bryan. I had searched the Internet for the perfect "It". I had consulted with others to make certain that "It" was the one. It should have been so easy!
Alas, we arrived and "It" was not seen. I asked a salesperson. He looked at me as if I had 3 green heads on my shoulders and replied "Huh?". I showed "It" to him on my handy-dandy IPhone to prove that he should have this in stock. He checked is handy-dandy inventory system & informed me that only 123 "It"s were in the country and none within 500 miles... BUT, he could order it, I would pay shipping (of course) and it would be at my home in a week.
This is why I don't even try to shop anymore. If I have to pay shipping when I go to a store, why not stay at home & pay shipping instead? At least at home, I can shop in my PJ's!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Business of Farming & other Dumb Laws
"If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." - Unknown
Let's face it, who else would happily ride around a field in circles for hours & hours? You have to love what you do & I do love my animals and I love caring for them. Sadly, putting up hay is not my favorite farm chore but a necessary one.
Actually, hay is our most consistent moneymaker on the farm. Especially with the wildfires and flooding and drought this year, we could be charging three times as much for our hay & rolling in dough. We aren't though, because taking advantage of other's misfortunes isn't ethical or Christian. I don't want to go to hell, after all :)
Anywho, we have decided that we NEED and IPAD! OK, so it's a cool toy to have BUT there are lots of awesome apps that can help us farm more efficiently. What!?! Apps for farming you say? YES, apps for farming! Those computer geeks think of everything don't they :) Afterall, how handy would it be for our customers to pay for their hay while still in the field AND pay with a credit card AND have a receipt printed onsite from the truck? Pretty cool, huh?
So Bryan goes to the Verizon store this morning to get the handy-dandy IPAD and was greeted by more rules and regulations than our US Constitution. After, being questioned by the Verizon FBI and being told that he has to produce documentation on our business, credit history, his personal information & more, needless to say, we don't have an IPAD (yet. We are going to ATT after church tomorrow).
So my question is this: why can illegals get a new Cadillac Escalade, open a business, get free healthcare, buy expensive clothing, live in a nice house, close said business, default on payments for said Escalade, still get free healthcare and get government assistance when we (a legitimate business) can't even buy one stinkin' gadget and PAY WITH CASH!!!!!
SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME!!!!
BTW, I have disliked Verizon for many years because they are a horrid company to work with. Today reminded me of the depth of my SEVERE dislike.
Arg... I'm going to go finish laundry and cook something yummy - probably bread so I can pulverize it and it will still taste great...
Until later,
Amanda
Let's face it, who else would happily ride around a field in circles for hours & hours? You have to love what you do & I do love my animals and I love caring for them. Sadly, putting up hay is not my favorite farm chore but a necessary one.
Actually, hay is our most consistent moneymaker on the farm. Especially with the wildfires and flooding and drought this year, we could be charging three times as much for our hay & rolling in dough. We aren't though, because taking advantage of other's misfortunes isn't ethical or Christian. I don't want to go to hell, after all :)
Anywho, we have decided that we NEED and IPAD! OK, so it's a cool toy to have BUT there are lots of awesome apps that can help us farm more efficiently. What!?! Apps for farming you say? YES, apps for farming! Those computer geeks think of everything don't they :) Afterall, how handy would it be for our customers to pay for their hay while still in the field AND pay with a credit card AND have a receipt printed onsite from the truck? Pretty cool, huh?
So Bryan goes to the Verizon store this morning to get the handy-dandy IPAD and was greeted by more rules and regulations than our US Constitution. After, being questioned by the Verizon FBI and being told that he has to produce documentation on our business, credit history, his personal information & more, needless to say, we don't have an IPAD (yet. We are going to ATT after church tomorrow).
So my question is this: why can illegals get a new Cadillac Escalade, open a business, get free healthcare, buy expensive clothing, live in a nice house, close said business, default on payments for said Escalade, still get free healthcare and get government assistance when we (a legitimate business) can't even buy one stinkin' gadget and PAY WITH CASH!!!!!
SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME!!!!
BTW, I have disliked Verizon for many years because they are a horrid company to work with. Today reminded me of the depth of my SEVERE dislike.
Arg... I'm going to go finish laundry and cook something yummy - probably bread so I can pulverize it and it will still taste great...
Until later,
Amanda
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 year Retrospective
Yep, it's been 10 years since my generation experienced the most poignant moment in history in our lives to date. 10 Years since I was driving to class at UTK and heard the news come across the radio & thought someone was playing an unfunny joke on the listeners.
What have I learned since then?
I have learned that this country was built on strength an backbone and our President showed that he had both. I think George Bush had a "John Wayne" moment when he declared war and John Wayne was exactly who we needed in the Oval Office at the time.
I have learned that Christians will always be persecuted, no matter how accepting and politically correct we are to others. So why should we try to be nice & make friends with people who want nothing more than to see us eradicated from the planet? I have no idea.
I have learned that I have more respect for those that keep our country safe than I ever thought possible. These people are the most patriotic, fearless and selfless people that I have ever met. We should all strive to be like them instead of the selfish, entitled attitude that many of my generation have adopted.
I have learned that I am proud to be an American and Christian.
I believe Mr. Black says it well.
Proud to be American - Baxter Black
I challenge each of you to thank someone tomorrow - military, police, fireman, first responder, ambulance driver, etc. These people save lives every day & don't take enough credit for their service. Better yet, write an old fashioned "Thank You" note and mail it.
Until later my friends!
I have learned that God is my rock everyday and should be yours too.
What have I learned since then?
I have learned that this country was built on strength an backbone and our President showed that he had both. I think George Bush had a "John Wayne" moment when he declared war and John Wayne was exactly who we needed in the Oval Office at the time.
I have learned that Christians will always be persecuted, no matter how accepting and politically correct we are to others. So why should we try to be nice & make friends with people who want nothing more than to see us eradicated from the planet? I have no idea.
I have learned that I have more respect for those that keep our country safe than I ever thought possible. These people are the most patriotic, fearless and selfless people that I have ever met. We should all strive to be like them instead of the selfish, entitled attitude that many of my generation have adopted.
I have learned that I am proud to be an American and Christian.
I believe Mr. Black says it well.
Proud to be American - Baxter Black
I challenge each of you to thank someone tomorrow - military, police, fireman, first responder, ambulance driver, etc. These people save lives every day & don't take enough credit for their service. Better yet, write an old fashioned "Thank You" note and mail it.
Until later my friends!
I have learned that God is my rock everyday and should be yours too.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Just another day at the office
Today I thought I would try out the Blogger for IPhone App. Let's see how well this turns out, shall we?
So today was dedicated to saddles & their owners. So bright & early today, I had to go visit D at the leather shop. Why? Because I managed to lose a D-ring strap. If you have seen my house, you wouldn't be surprised at this. Nonetheless l am delivering the saddle to it's thrilled owner.
I love making riders and horses happy!
Want to see where I am?
I love my job!!
So today was dedicated to saddles & their owners. So bright & early today, I had to go visit D at the leather shop. Why? Because I managed to lose a D-ring strap. If you have seen my house, you wouldn't be surprised at this. Nonetheless l am delivering the saddle to it's thrilled owner.
I love making riders and horses happy!
Want to see where I am?
I love my job!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sleeping & Coon Dogs
So, I haven't posted in a REALLY long time! I feel bad for depriving everyone of my titillating tidbits of wisdom gained through my fabulously weird life.
At this point, I should thank Rachael for guilting me into posting again. Thanks, Rachael! Until today, I didn't realize that anyone ever read my blog except my husband, mom and my crazy stalker from Timbuktu. (I don't really have a stalker but I figured that I needed a bit of intrigue too)
Nonetheless, TONS of stuff has happened since you last heard from me! PREPARE YOURSELF! I'll start with the most recent...
Last night was supposed to be a nice quiet night at home with the husband. I love these nights because almost nothing in our lives is quiet & relaxing. (I shudder to think how nuts I will become once I have kids!)
After work, I met Bryan at his parents, had dinner & home we went. Beckoning me was a hot tub of bath water for soaking all the knots out of my body before the crazy exercise class on Friday morning. Around 9:15, I removed myself from the tub and... the phone rang. Phone calls after 8 p.m. never mean anything good at my house. This was no exception.
The phone call was from M and A3, Bryan's youngest brother & his fiance. THEY LOST THE DOG. No kidding, they lost the dog. You see, M is a budding coon hunter and he decided to go run the dog for training before the hunting season officially begins. Seems reasonable, right? The dog had other ideas. The dog decided that it would be more fun to just stretch his legs & pretend to tree something.
You see, coon hunting is a nocturnal sport done in the woods. So even though the dog has a lighted collar that you should be able to see (in the dark, in the woods, through the underbrush, in the mountains), hunting dogs in top shape can run faster & farther that you & I can dream. And he did.
So Bryan and I, A3 and M walked around in the woods until we found the jokester canine. I WANTED TO SHOOT THE DOG & LEAVE THE COON. Did I mention that I don't find running around the woods in the middle of the night, chasing a dog, fun? I don't. But I do it for family.
I should SO get an awesome Christmas present for this...
BTW, after traipsing through the woods for an hour & logging about 2 to 3 miles at a fast walk - I did not make it to the gym this morning. Grrrrrrr... Guess, I'll have to go tomorrow instead!
At this point, I should thank Rachael for guilting me into posting again. Thanks, Rachael! Until today, I didn't realize that anyone ever read my blog except my husband, mom and my crazy stalker from Timbuktu. (I don't really have a stalker but I figured that I needed a bit of intrigue too)
Nonetheless, TONS of stuff has happened since you last heard from me! PREPARE YOURSELF! I'll start with the most recent...
Last night was supposed to be a nice quiet night at home with the husband. I love these nights because almost nothing in our lives is quiet & relaxing. (I shudder to think how nuts I will become once I have kids!)
After work, I met Bryan at his parents, had dinner & home we went. Beckoning me was a hot tub of bath water for soaking all the knots out of my body before the crazy exercise class on Friday morning. Around 9:15, I removed myself from the tub and... the phone rang. Phone calls after 8 p.m. never mean anything good at my house. This was no exception.
The phone call was from M and A3, Bryan's youngest brother & his fiance. THEY LOST THE DOG. No kidding, they lost the dog. You see, M is a budding coon hunter and he decided to go run the dog for training before the hunting season officially begins. Seems reasonable, right? The dog had other ideas. The dog decided that it would be more fun to just stretch his legs & pretend to tree something.
You see, coon hunting is a nocturnal sport done in the woods. So even though the dog has a lighted collar that you should be able to see (in the dark, in the woods, through the underbrush, in the mountains), hunting dogs in top shape can run faster & farther that you & I can dream. And he did.
So Bryan and I, A3 and M walked around in the woods until we found the jokester canine. I WANTED TO SHOOT THE DOG & LEAVE THE COON. Did I mention that I don't find running around the woods in the middle of the night, chasing a dog, fun? I don't. But I do it for family.
I should SO get an awesome Christmas present for this...
BTW, after traipsing through the woods for an hour & logging about 2 to 3 miles at a fast walk - I did not make it to the gym this morning. Grrrrrrr... Guess, I'll have to go tomorrow instead!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Are you a TomBoy? I think I am!
Everyone who knows me realizes that the title of this entry is a "Duh!" moment. To think that I am "girly" is someone who only sees me at church & doesn't really know me. The affliction began as soon as I was born, I am sure. After all, what other girl would rather wear jeans & boots instead of frilly dresses? This should have been an early clue to my Mom.
No matter how much my Mom wanted it, I was determined to spend every waking moment outside, in the dirt, playing with the cows, riding my horse, raising chickens and showing sheep. I didn't find the lovely attributes of a curling iron and didn't start willingly wearing dresses until I was in college. I have progressively become more in tune with my girly side but I haven't felt compelled to get a mani/pedi either.
Nonetheless, I saw an article in the local paper about a new business specializing in organic skin care and personal products. SO, being the "buy local" advocate that I am, went to their website and looked around. Tomboy Organic Skincare from Deer Lodge TN!
(I should say at this point that I have sensitive skin and can't use most cleansers or moisturizers because they burn. This is important because I have yucky, oily skin.)
Long story made short, I ordered a bunch of the facial stuff from their website. So far, I love it! I have used everything last night & this morning and my skin feels awesome. So far, so good!
I will be giving weekly updates to let everyone know how it is working! In the meantime, please look around their website - the prices are very reasonable & you can be assured of the high quality of the product!
Until Later, Happy Eating!
Amanda
No matter how much my Mom wanted it, I was determined to spend every waking moment outside, in the dirt, playing with the cows, riding my horse, raising chickens and showing sheep. I didn't find the lovely attributes of a curling iron and didn't start willingly wearing dresses until I was in college. I have progressively become more in tune with my girly side but I haven't felt compelled to get a mani/pedi either.
Nonetheless, I saw an article in the local paper about a new business specializing in organic skin care and personal products. SO, being the "buy local" advocate that I am, went to their website and looked around. Tomboy Organic Skincare from Deer Lodge TN!
(I should say at this point that I have sensitive skin and can't use most cleansers or moisturizers because they burn. This is important because I have yucky, oily skin.)
Long story made short, I ordered a bunch of the facial stuff from their website. So far, I love it! I have used everything last night & this morning and my skin feels awesome. So far, so good!
I will be giving weekly updates to let everyone know how it is working! In the meantime, please look around their website - the prices are very reasonable & you can be assured of the high quality of the product!
Until Later, Happy Eating!
Amanda
Friday, July 8, 2011
On a Serious Note...
Being a part of the Ag Community makes me more vigilant about keeping on top of the newest innovations and science trends. There are a LOT of issues surrounding our Food Growth System that many people are unhappy with. Unfortunately, we can't make everyone happy. We can try to produce wholesome food for everyone though.
So my blanket statement for this entry is: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
When speaking with a group last week about our farm and how we grow food, questions were raised about GM foods, or genetically modified foods. They railed against Monsanto, expressed their displeasure about GM food and even stated that it was against their religion. They cited "You are what you eat" and were certain that it they consumed GM foods, the food would genetically modify them. OK, I can deal with their concerns. There are lots of local growers who produce food organically that can help these people maintain the clean food that they wish to eat.
I wish that was the end of it... These same people then lamented the fact that they could not use their food stamps to buy at a Farmers Market.
I am asking each of you to understand our Food Production System and help us help you. To maintain the amount of food needed to feed America and keep the prices low enough for everyone to afford meat and fresh produce, Farmers need advanced technology to help counteract the instability of soil quality, rainfall, pests and plant disease. Also, farmers today have to produce the same amount of food on a shrinking amount of land; the same plant must bear 2 to 3 times as much food as the same plant 20 years ago to keep up with demand. Most of the GM produce being growth has a resistance to disease and insect attack. Some have herbicide resistance to help control weeds.
However, please do your research - real science, not propaganda video - and understand how your food is grown. Ask a Farmer if you have questions - we are ALWAYS happy to talk about what we do!
P.S. - We do not plant any GM produce as we do not grow produce for sale; we only grow produce for our own freezers. We produce Beef, Pork & Eggs for sale to consumers. We do not use growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics.
Until Later - Happy Eating.
So my blanket statement for this entry is: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
When speaking with a group last week about our farm and how we grow food, questions were raised about GM foods, or genetically modified foods. They railed against Monsanto, expressed their displeasure about GM food and even stated that it was against their religion. They cited "You are what you eat" and were certain that it they consumed GM foods, the food would genetically modify them. OK, I can deal with their concerns. There are lots of local growers who produce food organically that can help these people maintain the clean food that they wish to eat.
I wish that was the end of it... These same people then lamented the fact that they could not use their food stamps to buy at a Farmers Market.
Ladies & Gents, I am not here to start a fight. I don't want to alienate people. I am in NO WAY stating that using Food Stamps is a bad thing.
I am asking each of you to understand our Food Production System and help us help you. To maintain the amount of food needed to feed America and keep the prices low enough for everyone to afford meat and fresh produce, Farmers need advanced technology to help counteract the instability of soil quality, rainfall, pests and plant disease. Also, farmers today have to produce the same amount of food on a shrinking amount of land; the same plant must bear 2 to 3 times as much food as the same plant 20 years ago to keep up with demand. Most of the GM produce being growth has a resistance to disease and insect attack. Some have herbicide resistance to help control weeds.
I DO NOT advocate implanting animal genes into produce nor produce genes into animals.
However, please do your research - real science, not propaganda video - and understand how your food is grown. Ask a Farmer if you have questions - we are ALWAYS happy to talk about what we do!
P.S. - We do not plant any GM produce as we do not grow produce for sale; we only grow produce for our own freezers. We produce Beef, Pork & Eggs for sale to consumers. We do not use growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics.
Until Later - Happy Eating.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Girly Stuff continued...
Somedays, I just don't realize how cool it is to be me! For instance, take today. I had the 16 hours of daylight carefully planned to maximize efficiency & productivity. All scheduled out in my head & on my IPhone. I love technology! And when that fails me, I fall back on my incredible intelligence!
Sometimes reality comes crashing down and returns me to my mortal realm. Seriously, you can't make stuff like this up!
First, I wake up late. So much for getting a walk or ride in while it's cool. Mark that off the list.
Second, I leave late for my hair appointment but somehow get there on time - or so I thought. I wrote my appointment down for today at 10 a.m. My appointment is ACTUALLY at 12:30 p.m. Ooops! Guess I have some extra time on my hands...
SO I go shopping, thrift store style! I picked up some strainers for honey extraction and found some kitchen stuff that I needed. I love Electric tea kettles & I found one for $4 -SCORE! As I was heading out with my new toys, I saw a display of the Topsy Turvy Tomato planters. I laughed at people until I actually tried one. They are AWESOME! So I picked up another 8 of them. Yes, 8 planters. They were 50 cents each!!!! I have already warned Bryan that I may nee a few more shepard's hooks installed (he was not as thrilled about this as I was).
OK, 2.5 hours killed & back to the salon. I showed Connie a picture of Miranda Lamberts hair & I now have that hairstyle. Did I mention that Connie is a Miracle Worker? She is.
On to the DMV - have new license. Made it through in record time too! Note to all, the Roane County DMV took 15 minutes to get me processed, photoed & a new license. They deserve an award.
Then home, where Bryan has almost finished the fencing! Yippee! He is the best ever!! Now I am tackling the MOUNTAIN of laundry that has accumulated during my belated Spring Cleaning. If you don't hear from me for a few days, assume that the laundry monster has eaten me. Someone, please publish my memoirs :)
Until Later - Happy Eating!
Sometimes reality comes crashing down and returns me to my mortal realm. Seriously, you can't make stuff like this up!
First, I wake up late. So much for getting a walk or ride in while it's cool. Mark that off the list.
Second, I leave late for my hair appointment but somehow get there on time - or so I thought. I wrote my appointment down for today at 10 a.m. My appointment is ACTUALLY at 12:30 p.m. Ooops! Guess I have some extra time on my hands...
SO I go shopping, thrift store style! I picked up some strainers for honey extraction and found some kitchen stuff that I needed. I love Electric tea kettles & I found one for $4 -SCORE! As I was heading out with my new toys, I saw a display of the Topsy Turvy Tomato planters. I laughed at people until I actually tried one. They are AWESOME! So I picked up another 8 of them. Yes, 8 planters. They were 50 cents each!!!! I have already warned Bryan that I may nee a few more shepard's hooks installed (he was not as thrilled about this as I was).
OK, 2.5 hours killed & back to the salon. I showed Connie a picture of Miranda Lamberts hair & I now have that hairstyle. Did I mention that Connie is a Miracle Worker? She is.
On to the DMV - have new license. Made it through in record time too! Note to all, the Roane County DMV took 15 minutes to get me processed, photoed & a new license. They deserve an award.
Then home, where Bryan has almost finished the fencing! Yippee! He is the best ever!! Now I am tackling the MOUNTAIN of laundry that has accumulated during my belated Spring Cleaning. If you don't hear from me for a few days, assume that the laundry monster has eaten me. Someone, please publish my memoirs :)
Until Later - Happy Eating!
Oh My! I AM a girl!
Sometimes I think that I and a super robot, mindlessly going through the motions. I get into such a rut with all of the work that seems to never end - laundry, dishes, feed the animals, "Day Job", driving, grocery shopping, budgeting, pay bills, etc - that I suddenly wake up & realize that I haven't taken time for myself!
So today is now deemed "Amanda #2's Day"! First, I am going to the salon for a hair makeover. I actually can't remember the last time I had a trim. It really has been that long! Luckily, Connie (my stylist) knows that I am not so vigilant about my hair & tries to cut it so that it still has some style when I forget about it for months on end. Same thing with Highlights - Connie is just amazing that way!
To celebrate my new hair, I am also going to brave the DMV and get my license redone. Sadly, I have been married for almost 2 years and I never got the license changed. Gee, I don't procrastinate or anything... SO today is the day that I become a "Cross" in the eyes of the TN DMV!
Then, I am going to do some major cleaning out of my house. Yes - cleaning out! All of the stuff that we have will be finding a new home in the storage container until I have a house big enough for all of it. I HATE CLUTTER and I detest having to step over furniture to get from Point A to Point B. Yes, this means that I will no longer have a dining room table. Why you ask? Because the dining table has been a haven for clutter collection since I first moved in - it now has to go :)
Afterwards, I think I will go string fence with the Hubby and then give myself a pedicure... I might turn out to be a girl after all!
So today is now deemed "Amanda #2's Day"! First, I am going to the salon for a hair makeover. I actually can't remember the last time I had a trim. It really has been that long! Luckily, Connie (my stylist) knows that I am not so vigilant about my hair & tries to cut it so that it still has some style when I forget about it for months on end. Same thing with Highlights - Connie is just amazing that way!
To celebrate my new hair, I am also going to brave the DMV and get my license redone. Sadly, I have been married for almost 2 years and I never got the license changed. Gee, I don't procrastinate or anything... SO today is the day that I become a "Cross" in the eyes of the TN DMV!
Then, I am going to do some major cleaning out of my house. Yes - cleaning out! All of the stuff that we have will be finding a new home in the storage container until I have a house big enough for all of it. I HATE CLUTTER and I detest having to step over furniture to get from Point A to Point B. Yes, this means that I will no longer have a dining room table. Why you ask? Because the dining table has been a haven for clutter collection since I first moved in - it now has to go :)
Afterwards, I think I will go string fence with the Hubby and then give myself a pedicure... I might turn out to be a girl after all!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Take me to your Leader(s)
Many of you know that my interest in politics has grown significantly over the past year. No, I DO NOT want to run for an office - EVER.
However, I do make it a point to pester my elected officials often. I figure that if they choose to live in the glass fishbowl, the least I can do is tap on the glass to annoy them. For some reason, they haven't blocked my number yet...
Anywho, please take the following information & keep it close. We have a duty as Americans to express our opinion - often :)
Until Later - Happy Eating!
--------------------------------------
How to contact federal and state government officials
However, I do make it a point to pester my elected officials often. I figure that if they choose to live in the glass fishbowl, the least I can do is tap on the glass to annoy them. For some reason, they haven't blocked my number yet...
Anywho, please take the following information & keep it close. We have a duty as Americans to express our opinion - often :)
Until Later - Happy Eating!
--------------------------------------
How to contact federal and state government officials
The White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Members of Congresshttp://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt
- Communicate with members: http://www.congress.org/communicate
- Meet with members: http://www.congress.org/visiting
- Meet with staff: http://www.congress.org/congressional_staff
State officials: http://www.congress.org/legislative_protocol
Local media: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/
Vacation Time!
Dictionary.com describes a Vacation as this:
I describe a vacation as WORK! What was I thinking when I: 1. decided to take a vacation the same week as my husband, 2. took a vacation during the HOTTEST week of the year, 3. thought that taking said vacation would be a relaxing time to get caught up on some things. Really! I must be delusional...
So, Bryan and I are both vacating this week. Since farming takes precedence this time of year, our vacation has been spent putting up hay and ferrying equipment to & from fields. Fun huh?
Today and tomorrow are "Fence" days. We (meaning Bryan) decided to re-fence the pastures to (hopefully) keep the cattle (Brownie-cow) where they are supposed to be. It wouldn't be so bad if: 1. it wasn't 4000 degrees outside with 1000% humidity, 2. the sun shines to my left and it is raining on my right (welcome to TN people!), 3. we didn't live on a Limestone slab and the auger would DIG instead of laughing at us.
Here are some photos of today's folly. Think of us while you are inside with the AC on & it is dry and cool. Do the same thing tomorrow too - we get to string barbed wire all day! Yippee!
On a brighter note, my little garden is looking great! I have pumpkins making progress and are about basketball size, a few watermelons are making themselves seen and HUNDREDS of tomatoes!
Jealous? No - pity me when I start putting all this produce up in the freezer! That ought to be at least 4 entries full of crazy...
Until later - Eat well!!
va·ca·tion
[vey-key-shuh
n, vuh-]
n, vuh-]I describe a vacation as WORK! What was I thinking when I: 1. decided to take a vacation the same week as my husband, 2. took a vacation during the HOTTEST week of the year, 3. thought that taking said vacation would be a relaxing time to get caught up on some things. Really! I must be delusional...
So, Bryan and I are both vacating this week. Since farming takes precedence this time of year, our vacation has been spent putting up hay and ferrying equipment to & from fields. Fun huh?
Today and tomorrow are "Fence" days. We (meaning Bryan) decided to re-fence the pastures to (hopefully) keep the cattle (Brownie-cow) where they are supposed to be. It wouldn't be so bad if: 1. it wasn't 4000 degrees outside with 1000% humidity, 2. the sun shines to my left and it is raining on my right (welcome to TN people!), 3. we didn't live on a Limestone slab and the auger would DIG instead of laughing at us.
Here are some photos of today's folly. Think of us while you are inside with the AC on & it is dry and cool. Do the same thing tomorrow too - we get to string barbed wire all day! Yippee!
On a brighter note, my little garden is looking great! I have pumpkins making progress and are about basketball size, a few watermelons are making themselves seen and HUNDREDS of tomatoes!
Jealous? No - pity me when I start putting all this produce up in the freezer! That ought to be at least 4 entries full of crazy...
Until later - Eat well!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Independence Day!
So, at church yesterday the sermon was certainly laced with patriotic overtures - not that I mind because I am proud of both my country & my faith. However, the sermon was also about an idea (thought) versus a conviction. Both entertaining and thought provoking in that philosophical way that I lean toward.
So today, when I am here at the farm alone & can collect my thoughts to form those introspective leanings, I have certainly come up with a few doozies!
First, I am convicted of the notion that we have the most conniving, most manipulative animals EVER that live with us. I am sure that they could convince any unsuspecting passerby that they are starved, abused and confined to way small of a field. Bryan and I seem to spend most of our time these days patching up holes in the fence that we didn't realize existed, until Brownie-cow decides to make them prominent. This is not funny. Not at all funny.
This is Brownie, a.k.a. Houdini. She has a pretty sketchy lineage... This could be the source of the problem (hmmm)
Second, I am convicted that my horse is either way smarter than I gave him credit for since he chooses not to follow the cows lead or the dumbest animal in the pasture for not crossing the downed fence. I choose to believe that he is smart enough to know how mad at him I would be if he thought about it... I choose not to comment on his natural blond hair being a (possible) factor in this.
Lastly, I have a conviction that I am one of the luckiest people alive! Why you ask? Because I live in the greatest country in the world. Because I have the freedom to own land and animals and grow my own food the way that I see fit. Because I know God loves me and will guide me to be the best person that I can be and to serve Him humbly and gratefully. Because I have the most wonderful husband whom I love more with each passing day.
Thank you to all of my friends and neighbors for being you and for being free. Thank you to our government representatives. I pray for you all each day to make the decisions best for our state and our country.
I hope each of you can find a conviction close to your heart and tell the world about it!
Blessings for another day,
Amanda
So today, when I am here at the farm alone & can collect my thoughts to form those introspective leanings, I have certainly come up with a few doozies!
First, I am convicted of the notion that we have the most conniving, most manipulative animals EVER that live with us. I am sure that they could convince any unsuspecting passerby that they are starved, abused and confined to way small of a field. Bryan and I seem to spend most of our time these days patching up holes in the fence that we didn't realize existed, until Brownie-cow decides to make them prominent. This is not funny. Not at all funny.
This is Brownie, a.k.a. Houdini. She has a pretty sketchy lineage... This could be the source of the problem (hmmm)
Second, I am convicted that my horse is either way smarter than I gave him credit for since he chooses not to follow the cows lead or the dumbest animal in the pasture for not crossing the downed fence. I choose to believe that he is smart enough to know how mad at him I would be if he thought about it... I choose not to comment on his natural blond hair being a (possible) factor in this.
Lastly, I have a conviction that I am one of the luckiest people alive! Why you ask? Because I live in the greatest country in the world. Because I have the freedom to own land and animals and grow my own food the way that I see fit. Because I know God loves me and will guide me to be the best person that I can be and to serve Him humbly and gratefully. Because I have the most wonderful husband whom I love more with each passing day.
Thank you to all of my friends and neighbors for being you and for being free. Thank you to our government representatives. I pray for you all each day to make the decisions best for our state and our country.
I hope each of you can find a conviction close to your heart and tell the world about it!
Blessings for another day,
Amanda
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Triplets or the 3 Amigos?
Apparently, 20-30 years ago (yep, showin' my age!), "Amanda" was an uber-popular name. The result? Not just one Amanda in the family... Not 2 Amanda's in the family... That's right! There are 3 of us!
Before you say it - No, we aren't blood related. (Whew!) Just married to 3 brothers.
Needless to say, Christmas presents are numbered and when someone yells "Amanda!", 3 heads turn & say "Huh?" We say that we are just preparing out parents for their old age by keeping the number of names to a minimum :)
So what happens when you have 2 Amanda's carrying on an email conversation with the brothers? My own husband couldn't figure out which email belonged to me because of all the Amanda signatures flying around!
It's good to be individual & unique :)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Normal is Overrated
Sometimes, I wish that my life were normal. You know, the normal that makes people go tubing on the weekend or play a round of golf after work, go shopping with friends or have (gasp!) a date with my husband.
Well... Tonight I did have a "kinda date" with my hubby... We had a wonderful dinner at the Flatwater Grill in Oak Ridge. It was also a working dinner as we have a meeting with a business associate for the farm. "Kinda" mixing business & pleasure. One day I will get a real date, probably 50 years from now, but I hold out hope. Maybe a movie? I would settle for Netflix if need be!
Sorry this is short tonight but sometimes shorter is sweeter!
Until then...
Monday, June 13, 2011
Summer Blues
Days like today make me wish I didn't have a "day job". Beautiful East TN is in full summer swing!
Tomatoes are ripening, hummingbirds are dive-bombing me and my horse is fat & shiny. Unfortunately, we are in a bit of a drought right now so watering the garden is a must but the rain will come eventually... Probably in another week when we start cutting hay again! :)
Nonetheless, it was a Monday and that means the world tilts a bit, the sun eclipses and the craziness begins!
Ever have a day when the simplest thing must be done backwards, by someone else, while standing on your head, using your toes while crossing your eyes? Today was one of those days. Strangely, this phenomenon doesn't just affect me. Apparently, it affects every human in my vicinity too.
It was so bad today that I didn't even contemplate riding my horse since my influence would probably cause him to forget 3 of his 4 feet, fall down & drown me in the pond. Seriously, today was THAT weird!
I am going to bed now. Tomorrow will be better. It has to be better. Power of positive thinking, right? Tomorrow will be FABULOUS!
Until then...
Tomatoes are ripening, hummingbirds are dive-bombing me and my horse is fat & shiny. Unfortunately, we are in a bit of a drought right now so watering the garden is a must but the rain will come eventually... Probably in another week when we start cutting hay again! :)
Nonetheless, it was a Monday and that means the world tilts a bit, the sun eclipses and the craziness begins!
Ever have a day when the simplest thing must be done backwards, by someone else, while standing on your head, using your toes while crossing your eyes? Today was one of those days. Strangely, this phenomenon doesn't just affect me. Apparently, it affects every human in my vicinity too.
It was so bad today that I didn't even contemplate riding my horse since my influence would probably cause him to forget 3 of his 4 feet, fall down & drown me in the pond. Seriously, today was THAT weird!
I am going to bed now. Tomorrow will be better. It has to be better. Power of positive thinking, right? Tomorrow will be FABULOUS!
Until then...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Going with the flow... Slowly
So, a very important factoid for my family is this... Sunday's are meant for sleeping, eating and going to see my Mom. Nothing else if AT ALL POSSIBLE!
Because I also have an "Off Farm" job that is 10 hours a day, Ijokingly say that I work harder on the weekends than I do during the week. Needless to say, I look forward to Monday mornings so that I can go into my office and relax! Sad isn't it...
Nonetheless, Sundays are my one day that I can relax, cook, do laundry, spend time with Bryan and see my Mom.
Everyone needs to have a day to rest, relax, kick back & have some fun! Today is my day - I hope it will be your day too!
Because I also have an "Off Farm" job that is 10 hours a day, I
Nonetheless, Sundays are my one day that I can relax, cook, do laundry, spend time with Bryan and see my Mom.
Everyone needs to have a day to rest, relax, kick back & have some fun! Today is my day - I hope it will be your day too!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Welcome to my Slice of Heaven!
Come one, Come all! Come & meet my family & I! (hope you like us!)
Thanks to some inspiring friends and my own slanted view of daily life, I decided to share my daily musings and crazy thoughts!
To prepare you for the insanity to come, let me introduce myself. I am the incredibly happy wife of Bryan, the oldest of three sons in the Cross clan. We've been married for almost 2 years now and is he ever happy that he found me! (After all, it's not every woman who likes to sweat profusely while getting cow drool slung over her best tank top) Seriously though, I was raised on a farm & would never be happy in a city or not having lots of critters around.
The Cross' clan began farming about 8 years ago as novices and have steadily grown the farm and their knowledge to make Cross Brothers Enterprises a thriving small family farm.
We specialize in fabulous mixed grass hay, top hogs and fat steers for freezer meat, honey and yummy fresh eggs.
I hope you enjoy the postings to come with lots of tidbits about daily farm life, how to cook the easiest meals ever and how to generally enjoy the life that God has blessed us with!
(Disclaimer: I am serious about my faith and give all my thanks to God daily. Should you feel that your Civil Rights are infringed upon or some other type of offense has been committed against you for mentioning God, prayer, blessings, etc., please exercise your right to not visit my blog again. Thank you & God Bless you.)
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