Keeping Warm

Keith was off Friday and again today. Good for me because I have hardly seen him these last couple of weeks. We had a nice dinner with Amanda and John last night. Aside from that, we had no plans despite the desire to make some. I'm sick again, so my level of enjoyment is of little significance. So we rented a couple of movies and stayed in.

As luck would have it, the furnace is not working this morning. We've been wondering how long it would hold out. It's pretty old. We hate to call the landlord, but this being a potential large ticket item, we must. Ugh. One good thing for us, if we do actually buy this place, it just may come with a new furnace. So here we sit, surrounded by cuddly blankets. We have a space heater that does a good job. Sitting around the space heater is like sitting by the campfire, only inside and there is no flame. It's not THAT cold in here, but enough to know that the furnace isn't working.

I'm going to bake something. Maybe cookies... or a cake... who knows? This is something I learned from my Granny. She baked all winter long to help keep her home roasty toasty. She was so smart... using her gas to its fullest potential. It won't warm us up to par, but will probably take the edge off. More peanut butter cookies are Keith's request.... so more peanut butter cookies I will bake.

Ok - I suppose I must get to it already. I also have some errands to run, but maybe later as we are awaiting the furnace guy's visit.

Keep warm everybody!!!!

Pastor Dave's Handy Tips for A Happy Marriage

Our pastor made us write these down... we have lived by these and can report that they are very beneficial. I'm also adding some of my own comments to eleborate on what we've learned. (in red)

1. Include God. And Pray together. As each grows closer to God you will grow closer to one another.
2. Have daily small-talk. And practice listening.
3. Have a game-plan for fighting. And a plan for making up.
4. Have a confidante. Someone who respects you both.
5. Dream & talk about the future. Record cherished memories, milestones, answered prayers, etc.
6. Have a maintenance plan including a yearly review and assessment of accomplishments. And be deliberate about it.
7. This one is our own... never depart one another's company without a kiss and an "I love you."

Cherished Memories

Celebrate Marriage

Found this invitation here.

I'm taking this time and space to tell you about my marriage, our wedding, and how great my valentine is.

We met after years of corresponding on-line. We had no intention of meeting up when it began, but as years rolled by... we decided to do so only to prove a point to Keith's family -- That he can get a date that won't stand him up or cancel! As the story goes, he could never keep a date. His cousin was getting married and he was to be in the wedding. He explained his woes to me and asked me if I would be his date that weekend. I humbly accepted and thought - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

So I drove 5 hours to meet my soldier in Cincinatti. His Dad graciously allowed me to stay at his place and I had my own guest room and everything. I met some of Keith's friends and his family - some of which I had also met online before I arrived. The next morning, Saturday, I was plagued with my very first kidney stone. I wasn't sure what was killing me, but whatever it was, was horrific. Eventually I asked Keith to take me to the hospital, where I would become disgustingly sick and rather irritable. The registration clerks were not the least bit helpful and I had to wait an awful long time. After what seemed like a decade of waiting, I was poked, prodded, and examined with a diagnosis of kidney stones. I had to go for more testing. Wait wait wait. He sat beside me, held my hand, and wiped my face. After hours of waiting he left the room to call home. I overheard his conversation "I can't just leave her here! She's 500 miles from home and knows nobody! What am I gonna do?!" You see, he needed to get to the wedding because he was IN IT. So I told him to go. He kissed me in that hospital room before he left - even in the midst of what a wreck I was. (I will spare you the gorey details) His Dad picked me up hours later and took me to the reception. He was so happy to see me. He hugged me close as if I was his long lost friend! Upon introducing me to his sisters, one proclaimed "She's for real!" while the other backed it up with "And she's pretty too." And thus... he actually did have a date. It looked like he might have been stood up, but he wasn't.

This was the beginning of our relationship...

On September 2, 2000, we married in our local church. We wanted to choose a day beyond the heat of the summer, but while the summer daisies were still available. None the less, it was the hottest day of the year. The church was filled, and the attendants were dressed to a T. His sister Tammy sang for us. His sister Denise and my brother Paul read scripture for us. It was a beautiful ceremony. Our reception was probably the best party we have ever been to. It wasn't the food or the drinks or the music... it was because all of our most precious friends and family were in attendance. We danced the night away as did most everybody there. At the end of the night I sat down to write the check for the DJ and my feet cramped like a charlie horse!

My husband is smart, handsome, patient, kind, and supportive. I cannot say enough lovely things about him. Despite the fact that we are from very different worlds, he loves me just the way I am. He holds me up when I am down. He holds my hand when I am afraid. He wipes my tears when I cry. He hugs me close when I need held. He motivates me when I am lazy. He makes me relax when I am crazy. He is delighted when I cook for him and says I'm a good baker. He rubs my feet whenever I ask. When I feel ugly, he tells me I'm beautiful. Sometimes he tucks me in at night, even though I'm just going to untuck myself when he leaves the room. He takes out the garbage so I don't have to. He hauls the laundry up and down the steps. He's handy with remodeling and construction. He left his military career to be with me because he did not want me to have to leave my family. He is a romantic at heart. He never leaves home without first kissing me and telling me that he loves me. There is so much love to share... I cannot even begin to summarize it all here.

I love him so very much!

Valentine Exclusive

Get your own here.

"V" is for Valentine

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

And what a wonderful surprise to awaken to fresh flowers in my dining room... He is so sweet! On a day like today... who doesn't want to snuggle?!

Goodies

Today I'm making a pot of vegetable soup that my Granny would have been proud of. She used to make it for me often as it was and is one of my very favorite kinds of soup. When she made it, it was even more special. But now I must carry on the tradition and make my own... YUMM-O

This past weekend I made another item that Granny made often, although they didn't seem to come out quite the same. She always had that criss-cross on top, but mine just flattened when I tried that. I'm certain that our recipes are not the same. Her's were way more peanut-buttery than mine. These happen to be one of Keith's favorite... Peanut Butter Cookies!

Household Tip

I keep my honey jar on the stove. The heat from cooking keeps it from turning to sugar.

Have you got a household tip to share?

Play Time

Favorite Treats!
New Toy!
Catnip Rush!!!

Lovins...

We love to sit and watch the kitties play...

Date Night

Keith took me on a date last night. After work we both took a nap. Then we jumped in the Corolla for a scoot into Pittsburgh. I always forget how close we are to the city now. We can be in downtown Pittsburgh in less time that it would take to drive to Butler. To me it's odd. It's always been a big deal to go to the city. We need to explore more of the city now that we are closer.





Anyway, he has a friend who is a jewelry artist. Her artwork is created and displayed at Slaughterhouse Gallery and Studios in Lawrenceville. The building is an old slaughterhouse with real meat hooks and other memorabilia from those days. In a way its creepy, but rich in history. The website has links for the building's history and all the artists that exhibit there. Megan's Work is unique and elegant. We toured her studio and saw some of her inspirations. I am proud to have some of her custom work:

We also toured the woodshop there and spoke to a gentleman who is involved in the model railroad exhibit in Gibsonia. He actually makes the props, like the trees and buildings and accessories. We talked to him a while and he wow'd us with his knowledge and expertise. It was like having a behind the scenes look at how model railroad exhibits are created.

After hanging out at the gallery, we ventured across the street to a place that seemed like one of those "hole in the wall" type joints. The bars on the door and windows would have been an instant turn-off for me; however, dining with a friend who is familiar with this territory makes it all better. On the contrary, the food was fantabulous! Click here for a glimpse of the cuisine. I had a reuben with home made chips - YUMM-O. Keith had conch fritters (something I'm not so sure about) and a meatloaf dinner served along side a giant fancy salad and some other delights. If you ask me, this might be one of Pittsburgh's best spots for late-night people watching. The transvestite in the bar... the scary tatooed guy with all the piercings... ahhhh, not my kind of crowd, but again... fantastic food.

This Cracks Me Up

Each year around Valentine's day, I notice increasing number of ads for naming a star for your loved on. The Star Foundation offers various packages from $34.95 to $99.95 with different levels of perks to go along with your special star. This is only one of many similar ads. While some may think this is a unique and precious gift for a loved one, I personally think it is rather ridiculous, based especially on the fact that the stars are already named!!!

Psalm 147

Praise the Lord.

How good it is to sing praises to our God,

how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

he gathers the exiles of Israel.

He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds.

He determines the number of the stars

and calls them each by name.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;

his understanding has no limit.

The Lord sustains the humble

but casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

make music to our God on the harp.

He covers the sky with clouds;

he supplies the earth with rain

and makes grass grow on the hills.

He provides food for the cattle

and for the young ravens when they call.

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his delight in the legs of a man;

the Lord delights in those who fear him,

who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Extol the Lord, O Jerusalem;

praise your God, O Zion,

for he strengthens the bars of your gates

and blesses your people within you.

He grants peace to your borders

and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

He sends his command to the earth;

his word runs swiftly.

He spreads the snow like wool

and scatters the frost like ashes.

He hurls down his hail like pebbles.

Who can withstand his icy blast?

He sends his word and melts them;

he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

He has revealed his word to Jacob,

his laws and decrees to Israel.

He has done this for no other nation;

they do not know his laws.

Praise the Lord.

Tuesday Morning

Good morning. Gotta get this day on its way. I have tonz to do at work. I just don't like to go in too early anymore. I realized that I was getting to work really early and then after everyone went home... I actually was able to get into the meat of my job. It was wearing me out, so... I put a stop to it. Now I mosey into work a little later than everyone else. This way I get a couple good hours of "me time" at work after everyone else clocks out and goes home. Is it fair? Hmmm... not hardly, but it's working for now and I guess that's what matters.

Yahoo tells me that it is -6 degrees outside right now. Can that be right? Oh my... I don't like this one bit!!!! These are the days I am glad to have a desk job in a nice warm spot. Although there are many days that I dream of doing other things. If you could have a job doing ANYTHING and have the funds to be content... what would it be?

Hmmm... I would milk cows, drive a dump truck, plow some snow, and have a few horses. Ahhhhhhhh.... that would be the life!

Or... how about having an equine youth center... A farm with lots of sane horses where kids can come and ride, but also have a recreation hall for other entertainment. Hmmm...

Ok... wake up! Got to get back to reality - you know - the real job!

Retreat Weekend Comes To An End

This morning began bright and early. The temperature was ZERO when I got up to let the dogs out. The little dogs wanted no parts of it - too early and too cold. The big doggies were happy to get out and were even somewhat reluctant to come back in. Never the less, I called until they all came in, then I snuggled back into bed for another hour or two of sleep.

I put coffee on to brew while I went out to feed the birds. The dogs all accompanied me, even the little ones. Brrr... honkin brrrr... by this time it was about 15 degrees maybe. After returning for a cup of joe with Keith, I bundled up and headed for the barn.

The horses were delighted to see me and the kitties scampered frantically in sweet anticipation of having some warm water with their breakfast. I put one flake of hay out for each of the horses and let them out to frolic while I cleaned their stalls. Frozen water buckets and frozen terds... Ahhh... winter at its finest! I cleaned all of the stalls, filled their buckets with fresh water, and put 2 more generous flakes of hay in each stall. After fussing with this and that, tossing some fresh hay down, and sweeping the floor, I let them all back into the barn and closed it up for the day. It's just way too cold to have them out in it and the goat cannot bear the winter wind if we leave the door open.

I checked them again at about 3pm. Their water had started to freeze and they had drank most of it anyway. I re-filled their buckets and picked their stalls once again. I wanted everything to be fresh, clean, and ahead of the game when Rene'e and Lee got back.

They made it back safe and sound. Shortly thereafter Keith and I set out for home. Mmmmm.... what a lovely weekend it was. I had some quiet time. I wrote in my journal. I snuggled and watched movies. I needed that kind of weekend. I love being there. I don't do that enough. Thanks Rene'e.

So... this concludes my retreat weekend. I think I'll snuggle with my hubby a little more and get a good nights sleep before I have to brave the real world tomorrow.

Night.

R&R Where Its Warm

An interesting friend...

Moe Moe keeps me company, but I don't think he likes it! The doggies sleep... Moe Moe

and Speedy.

I just realized that I did not get pictures of all the big doggies. Hmm... there were some pretty funny shots too. CJ went out this morning, layed belly up in the snow, and wiggled back and forth. He LOVED it! And it was like 10 degrees! I think that's why I didn't take any more pictures... too cold!

I watched a few movies while snuggled into the recliner with a throw blanket and a hot beverage. Movies included:

• Walk The Line
• Harry Potter
• Brokeback Mountain (didn't like it)
• The Guardian

Just a Few More Mouths To Feed

I went to feed the guinea hens and Casey felt like he HAD to be part of it.

Hay For The Big Mules: Matilda and Merlin

Oh sweet anticipation...

Uh oh... :(

Hmmm...

Never fear... there is always a pitch fork near.

YUMM-O

Merlin likes the attention.

Happy Hungry Horses... and Mules

What can I say? I think maybe Duke and Riley are the most photogenic of all of them. As soon as he picked his pile of hay, he turned his back to the wind.

Riley. Big. Black. Beautiful!

Murdock preferred to stay inside.

Brrrrr... Stinkin Brrrrr....

Brrrrr....

Dressed for the occassion.

Fresh, cold, crisp, work of art.

Hmm... getting deeper!

You can see your breath even inside the barn.

Duke is anxious to get outside!

Blaze demands FOOD!

Bambi and Kitties

One old goat... Bambie.

Chester

Annabelle

Allison

Miko, Percy, Allison, & Lucy

Hungry kitties...

First Full Day of Retreat

The day began bright and early. As the temperature outside read a whopping 4 degrees, I peeled off the snuggly covers and let the dogs out. Being a smidge too early and too cold I decided the horses were better off staying inside for a while longer, so I welcomed the puppies back into the house and crawled back under those covies for another couple of hours. A while later I began my day with some peanut butter toast and a cup of joe. Dressing in my winter fatigues, I set out to the barn to brave the cold. The snow is dry and the wind is fierce. It makes ripples in the snow much like the desert winds do to the sand. I made a path to the barn, but the wind quickly filled my footsteps. My hungry anxious friends offered a warm welcome at the sound of my arrival. The kitties swarmed at my feet until I filled their bowls and offered warm water. I fed the horses and put some hay outside for them. By now the temperature was about 20 and rising. Thank God for the glorious sunshine! Duke was being so impatient. He was literally "rearing to go" in his stall as I insisted that he wait for cousin Murdock to finish his breakfast. Besides, I needed to fill the water trough anyway and it's way easier when you don't have to trip over a heard of horses. So as it goes, they are all now outside and enjoying the sunshine despite whipping winds. I cleaned all their stalls, broke the ice and dumped the buckets, in preparation for evening feeding and tucking in. Blaze gets to stay in. He has his own pasture, but we are keeping his door shut to keep the wind and snow out of the barn. Bambie stays in with him and the scenario is beneficial to her too. She does not fare well in the winter. The dogs romped to and fro as I made my way to the hen-house where the ladies were chattering as usual. They aren't real keen on my appearance as I am somewhat of a stranger to them, but I think they were thankful to have clean warm water and fresh food. Lee put up a heat light for them before he left. That was a good idea. Casey instinctively wanted to butt into the hen house with me, but I scolded him and he stood by the door, but out of the way. He's a border collie, so he thinks this kind of stuff is his "job." Back to the house I have two tiny doggies keeping me company. Speedy is happy go lucky, pleasant, and seems to be very obedient. Moe wants to be left alone pretty much. He hates going outside. He is a cranky old man, but his Mommy loves him. He's a one woman dog and I'm not that woman. Alas, he doesn't seem to mind me being here. It's probably better than being alone. He barked and growled a little bit when I first arrived, but now he seems to accept that I'm here. I am quite impressed with him this visit. Back in the summer he endured a horrific accident leaving him basically paralyzed. After some surgery and serious recovery, he can actually walk now. Maybe not so good, but he can do it... a fact that is pretty miraculous given the circumstances he was in. Keith is working today, but plans to join me here tonight. That will be a treat. I'm a pretty social person, so all this quiet is a little odd for me. I like it, at least for a while, but then it gets old. I'm glad to have a little zoo keeping me company. I think I shall snuggle on the recliner and watch a couple of movies. Sound good? Not much else happening... I don't really want to go out anywhere... Well - I'll post some pictures when I get home. I took a bunch this morning, but I don't want to upload them on someone elses computer. So... you will just have to wait. Sorry. Ta Ta

Winter Retreat

I am on somewhat of a winter retreat this weekend. I'm watching the farm. Keeping me company is an array of animals: The Mules - Merlin and Matilda and the little one, Murdock. The horses - Duke (my fave), Blaze, Faith, and Riley. The goat - Bambie (she's ancient). The big dogs - CJ (the fluffy one), Henry (the obnoxious one), and Casey (the energetic one). The little doggies - Moe Moe and Speedy. Maybe tomorrow I'll take some pictures of all my friends so you all can enjoy them too. Oh - and don't forget a pen full of birds - guinea hens. The are quite chatty. So the weather is just about right for a winter retreat. Cold and snowy. The further out to nowhereville, the less road maintenance I find. The road to the farm was not touched, nor had anyone traveled it in a while. Never the less, my little car did much better than expected and brought me to the top of the hill without a pout. I used to relish the days of driving on snow covered roads when I stomped around in the little old pick-em-up truck. When Grandma would be snowed in for days and unable to get out, I would stomp down through the yard, park in front of her door and insist on taking her for a spin. With a grin from ear to ear, she had one hand on the dash and the other on the handle over the door as we climbed up the hill in the yard and stomped into town for some groceries. It was my special treat to take her out. Then we would have lunch at Eat n' Park and she would order something like "a cup of soup" or "one pancake with one slice of bacon" and I thought "You're wasting away! Go ahead and get the Superburger. I can afford it." But alas she proclaimed that she was pleasantly satisfied with whatever morsel she had consumed. Ah, those were the days. Anyway, my new car is not bad in the snow, but it's not like driving my little 4x4. I have studded tires in the trunk. I know - a lot of good they are doing there! Well, when winter waivered I thought, why trash the roads with these babies if I don't have to. Now I'm thinking... it's February and the Groundhog says we are going to see spring before long. Why bother with them now? At most I could legally run them for 2 months or so. Ya - I think I can just putt around on the skiis I have for that long and save those tires for next winter. When I walked to the barn tonight the snow was dry and the sharp winds have blown drifts in the yard. We don't really have all that much snow, but the drifts can be a couple feet deep. The big dogs ran out ahead of me and almost cleared a path. Once I found myself inside the barn, I thought -- I don't want to go back out!!! I brought warm water for Bambie and the kitties. They seemed pleased. The horses are all tucked into their stalls with generous helpings of hay and water. I closed the doors to keep the wind and snow out. Tomorrow I shall clean the stalls probably twice. Anyway... what else do I have to do tomorrow? So I have the house to myself. TV? Ugh... Ida know... I'm not much of a tv gal. Books? Ah.... I'm not much of a reader. Internet? Maybe a little. I think I'm going to turn in soon and get a nice long nights sleep. I love being here. It is peaceful and I need that sometimes. (although I miss my hubby) I'm not sure why this won't let me make paragraphs. Maybe this is why Wendy always changes colors instead of having paragraphs. It's weird and rather annoying!