Beginning of A New Week

Hello my friends! It is the start of a new week and so I plan to make some goals that I will attempt to finish by Friday here. I am hoping to renew my online earnings this week and that starts with updating this blog as well as my Pink Zebra blog at least three times this week. I hope to make Monday, Wednesday and Friday blog posts this week on both blogs.

Another goal that I have is to get a few new customers for my Pink Zebra business by the end of the week. I am super excited about the new catalog and I want to share it with as many as I can. The fall scents are the best I have ever seen us have and I know you all will want some! I want to get busy planning a huge fall and winter sale and I hope to share that with each of you as well. If you love for your home to smell like fall, you will want to check out my website here.

Another goal that I have set for myself this week is to walk over 5000 steps a day and I wear a bracelet similar to a fitbit so I will be able to track them and I will try to keep a daily log to share with you here on my blog days. I want to be a little healthier and now that my husband and I are eating better, I will be keeping a better track of my steps.

My final goal for this week is to get my Amazon sales and my eBay sales both back on track and to do that I am going to have to be busy posting new items and so my week is going to be quite busy in front of this computer screen but I am okay with that. I will let you all know when I get some items posted there and ready for all to see.

I am happy to say that the truck and jeep that we had stolen last week have both been recovered. The jeep was stopped for a traffic violation and discovered stolen. The passenger side window is broken out and the radio has been stripped out of it, but it is in good shape overall. The truck was in great shape and had even been cleaned when it was discovered. I feel sorry for the gentleman that had purchased it and was having a VIN check done when he found out that it was stolen, but thankful to have them back. God is great!

Well, I should run for now. Have a great day!

Senseless Deaths

I normally would be writing Friday FunBits, but it is with a heavy heart that I am writing this article today. Crime in our state is becoming continually worse as I am sure it is in most states. Our entire nation and the entire world seems to be on a downward spiral where respect for authority is obsolete and we, as citizens need to take back our towns, streets, cities, etc. Senseless crimes and killings HAVE TO STOP!!!

I write with a heavy heart because two police men died yesterday in Indiana and both were senseless, but one was absolutely devastating. One gentleman died following an accident in which he slowed for debris on the road and a semi rear ended him. An accident - yes, but senseless. I am sure the driver was following too close and running too fast. People, as we drive, we need to slow down! Life flies by and I understand that , but are we in such a hurry that we should cost another driver his or her life. ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

The second officer to lose his life yesterday is the most devastating to me. Not that I knew him or his family, but just the senselessness of the situation. This officer was responding to a crash where people were in a car that had crashed through a fence and was upside down in a homeowner's yard. He was responding to aid injured people and as he approached the car, a 28 year old punk, fired multiple shots at him and killed him in cold blood. The officer that was approaching to help this young man had just a couple of hours before walked his 5 year old son into kindergarten on his first day of school and now a punk has taken that father, officer, husband, son and friend from those that loved and respected him. You can read the attached article here. Senseless!! Barbaric! Tragedy! I can't write enough words that describe just how senseless this death is.

I do not know the 28 year old that shot this officer and I don't know his reasons for doing this, but I will say again he is a punk! He is disrespectful of life and authority, he is sick to think that it is acceptable behavior and he should be held for murder and face capital punishment for this crime. What gives him a right to think that an officer that is responding to help him should be gunned down in cold blood? What gives him a right to think that killing anyone is okay unless his life is being threatened by that person? Was he on a joy ride with his buddies? Was he under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both? Was he going to jail for a warrant? Who cares! The man that you so willing took the life of deserved to work another day, spend another day with his child/children and wife. The man he gunned down is a hero and he is a punk!

Crimes are becoming senseless each day and people are being hurt and killed each day by someone who thinks that they have the right to decide if someone lives or dies or people are not thinking and truly are becoming animals. No respect for anyone of authority is going to be the downfall of our country. Respect, even if they are not a person we like, should be given to anyone in a position that deserves it. Officers, firefighters, parents, teachers, clergy, the President, professors, nurses, doctors, etc.

Join me in an effort today to encourage parents to teach their children respect. # respectlife

Needing an Income

Hey friends! How is everyone today? I'm fine and hoping this finds each of you the same. I am thankful to say that even though I don't feel well, I have managed a few tasks today. I am truly not sure why I feel as I do, but I just can't pinpoint anything wrong, I just don't feel good. Maybe the heat yesterday or something, but just feel blah.

A long list of chores awaited me today and I am sorry to say that I only managed a few of them. Weeds have been sprayed with weed killer, my mother in law was taken to an appointment, my trip to the library was completed, and the horse has been out to the other pasture to eat. However, I have 4 dozen ears of corn that need to be blanched and frozen, dinner needs to be cooked, a trip to the store to purchase animal feed is in my evening, my quilting is calling my name, dishes from this mornings' snack are still in the sink ( which is very unusual for me) and my vacuuming still is on the list. I also need to figure out where  I am going to earn an income from.

Income for me would be minimal as I care for my grand doll and I help my husband and my inlaws as well, but I need some spending money that is mine and all mine. I have done EBay and other sites like that and done okay but never anything consistent. I find that I love crafts but time is an issue. I also love my Pink Zebra business, but rarely find the time to work it. I just need something online that will earn me a little money so I am asking for help. Does anyone know of anything that is out there that is legit and worth my time? If so, if you would please share I would appreciate it.

Also, a quick update to my story about my husband having two vehicles stolen from him last week. The truck was recovered and in perfect shape. A gentleman had purchased it from someone with the understanding that he had a title and when he did not give it to him within a few days, he called to have the vin number checked and found that it was stolen. We now have a name of who may have stolen it. Thank you, Jesus for answered prayers.

Have a great day! Y'all come back!

One Tired Mamaw

As many of my friends here know, I love my grand doll to the moon and back. She has always been a huge part of our lives since she entered this world and she loves to be with us. She calls me and her momma both mommy. She loves her papaw and she loves to ride on his tractor. He is more than happy to take her for a very slow ride when he is able to do it.

Last night was one of those nice evenings that once the sun set, the weather was just too nice to be inside. After making a quick trip to town for a few things, we went out to let the horse eat some green grass and see the baby. After her bath, she was outside and wanting to ride the tractor. Papaw gave her a ride and she was happy, but decided that she did not want to stop and she did not want to sleep at home.

Mamaw and Papaw do not mind having her spend the night, so we agreed after a short talk with mom that she would spent the night with us. Now, being that she lives next door to us, it really isn't any big trip. I talked to her and reminded her that she had to sleep though. She was fine until we put her to bed and then decided that she was not sleepy. She played, cried, watched a show, cried, played and kept asking for a ride on the tractor. It was after 2 a.m. when she finally went to sleep. UGH!!! We were both tired but of course, I was too tired to sleep. I hate that but it happens. ( Often, to me.)

After finally falling asleep, I managed to get about 2 hours in before she decided to wake again and remain awake another hour. When the alarm went off at 7, she was sleeping peacefully in our bed and looked like an angel. How precious but how awful a night it had been. It is amazing to me that they can make a bad evening seem so peaceful just by the look on their face when they are sleeping.

I hope you all have a good day. I am headed to make dinner prep and then mow. I might work on my porch today as well. Here's to a good night's sleep!!

This is the sweet doll that I speak of but this is not the tractor that she rides on. These are much too dangerous to have children on.

Friday Fun Bits Week 2

Hello Friends!

 I am excited about sharing this Friday post with you even though it is being written on Sunday evening. I just got out of a nice relaxing bubble bath and I am enjoying a glass of Riesling wine. It is not one of my favorites, but it isn't bad. This week has been a hot and humid one and it was county fair week. Whew! What a combination!

Last Saturday evening, my husband and I made a trip to the fair to see our neighbor girl show in a trail class. We got there too late and he was disappointed that nothing was open, but fair officially opens on Sunday so I knew that it would be a quiet night.

Sunday was the opening day and it is always a long day as that is Western show day. Our neighbor was showing in several classes so I wanted to be there most of the day. I did get to look at a few of the other animals that day and took a quick look at all of the grand champion and reserve grand champion projects. How I miss looking to see if my daughter won either of those. It was a long day but a nice breeze was blowing so the weather was not a real issue.

Monday, my oldest daughter's boyfriends' niece was showing goats and got champion on it. She was the only one in the class so fairly easy work. Monday night was also a concert by a local band, Blue River Band, and I truly enjoy them! I enjoyed listening to them and I enjoyed seeing some dear friends that I had not seen in a while. They always put on such a great show and they certainly came through again this year!

Tuesday brought another full day of activities. Tuesday evening is always a fun day since it is costume class for the horse club. Our neighbor was excited about making her horse look like a tiger since her stall was decorated with a beware sign and had orange and black crepe paper on it. She was dressed as a zoo keeper. It was cute but she placed 6th as there were many more creative ones than her.  I think each day the weather got a little warmer and a little more humid. Tuesday was also kids day and I was able to take the grand doll and she thoroughly enjoyed the rides. She was able to ride all of the kiddie rides but a couple by herself. It was nice in a way, but in another way very upsetting as she is growing into quite a young lady and I don't like it.

Wednesday was Pee-Wee Goat Showmanship and my daughters' boyfriends' nephew was showing in it. He done a wonderful job and he is so cute that I am sure the judge fell in love with him! I am pleased to say that he won! At 6 years old, he won grand champion in the division.  For the horses, it was the beginning of the contesting and so everyone seemed to show up to take place in that. It makes for a fun night.

Thursday was the fun show and another night of contesting for the horse club. It was a fun but very hot afternoon! The day brought a couple of falls from horses, but luckily no one was hurt. That night during barrels there was an accident and a young girl was taken by ambulance to the local hospital after she fell from the horse when her saddle broke. Thankfully, she was well enough to return shortly and run flags later that evening. Our neighbor ran that night too and she placed fourth in her class.

Thursday is always the wind down to the fair as that is the evening that the animals leave unless they are being sold on auction night. We rarely walk through the barns that day as we know what is happening and it is sad to see the week wind down. We usually watch pig shows that day and we watch the master showmanship as well as farmers Olympics and any other classes that might be  happening that day. Horses are contesting again that night and it is usually a long evening.

Friday brings the buyers dinner and auction. Our meal this year was beef brisket sandwich with baked beans, potato salad and a drink along with a coupon for free homemade ice cream from the local FFA. It is always a pleasant treat and certainly was enjoyable with the heat index being over 100 even at 7 p.m. The demolition derby is on Friday and Saturday night but I did not stay to watch it as my husband and his business partner had 2 cars that they had for sale stolen. It brought a nice week to a screeching halt as we had to contact the police, find vin numbers, etc.

IF you never attend your county fair, please do so the next time it is in town. Please take a moment to tell one kid how pleasant it is to see them being responsible and staying out of trouble. Most 4 H kids are good kids and free from trouble as they simply do not have time to do other things. Plus, it is one time of the year for them to shine and it seems that the fairs are losing attendees each year. It is time to get back a great program and tradition.

Friday Fun Bits

Friday is the start of the weekend and for many of you that means two days in a row off to spend with family, yardwork, etc. Being a stay at home wife means that I am here on the hobby farm on the weekend the same as other days of the week and it means that I usually have my grand doll since her mom usually works on the weekend. ( Bum deal for mom, but fun for mammaw)

 As my morning began earlier than normal today as the daughter began a possible new job, I have thought about my blog all day and realized that I need something to keep me coming here to write on a more daily basis. I have tried calendars, special thoughts, etc. but somewhere I seem to always get sidetracked. This week is going to hopefully be the last sidetracked day. I plan to do some playing with my blog and see if I can find a way to keep myself returning on a more normal basis and give you, my readers, a more interesting read.

 Friday used to be the day that I shared a farm report on Associated Content and once it closed, I found the blog helpful but it seems to have over the last year really became a past time that I occasionally remember to post too. That will change!

 I want to try to make each day have a particular theme for a month and see how that goes. It may mean that I must be a little more creative, but I would enjoy that and so I hope that you enjoy the next month. Please feel free to leave me feedback on things that you think will work as I write the next month and things that aren't so great. I appreciate a little criticism.

Friday Fun Bits is going to just be a quick review of my week and things that I know are coming up the following week. I may spice it up a little or I may find that I need to change it but for the next couple of weeks, please look for my Friday Fun Bits.

Our county fair starts next week and I can hardly wait. It is the fair that my daughter was so involved in and for us, she is now too old for 4 H and we only can wait till the grand doll is ready to begin. Now, Pappaw is not a fan so he will probably not go much, but I can say that I am looking forward to the beginning. I am going to attempt to attend every day for some part of the day and I will certainly be attempting to get plenty of photos as well. I can share with you my readers and friends.

Friday is usually a day of cleaning for me since I have the doll on the weekends, but today it has not been . I went to breakfast with a dear elderly couple that are like parents to us and had a nice time. Once I returned home, I had the doll for a few hours and since I forgot to tell her mom to take lunch to the new job possibility, I decided that I would take her some as well as a cold drink since I knew she was outside and it was hot! The doll went with me and once our visit with mom was over, we took a walk around the place and enjoyed seeing the animals that are there. Goats, sheep, alpacas, a pony, a mini donkey and baby, and chickens were all a part of our walk. She enjoyed petting the animals especially the sheep.  Yes, we have a small hobby farm, but she enjoys all animals.

Speaking of animals, my daughter brought home a baby bunny last night that her and her fiancé found missing a momma. I am not sure of the age of it, but it seems young and I am sure it is loving it's new home which is a box and blanket. I am sure he is enjoying the hand feedings and things that my daughter has done to make him feel at home. When I asked, why? She stated, " well, mom I could not leave it without a mommy". I guess I could not argue with that logic!

Well, enough of my babbling for one day. What is your Friday Fun Bit?

Oh The Rain!

Yesterday was a day from a nightmare. Over 6 inches of rain fell in our little corner of the world in about 4 hours and it wreaked havoc on towns near us. Luckily, most of the flooding was north of us, but it was awful as people were evacuated from their homes and many were hastily sandbagging in order to not lose precious belongings.

My hubby and I were out in it as we had to take some elderly friends of ours to the doctor and I am thankful that he was driving as I don't think that I could have made it safely as you could not see much. The rain literally looked as though it was coming in sheets. It rained and rained and rained some more.

My hometown is about 15 miles north of where I live now and it was flooded bad. The cemetery had over 2 feet of water in it before the waters began to recede. Most of the water arrived after the rains had stopped due to the heavy amounts of rain that fell north of there and traveled down a creek that was already full. The area was hit in 2008 with another major flood that wiped out many homes. For some families, it was just a reminder of what they have already lived through once.

The county courthouse and all of the downtown area are currently dealing with flood waters and some parts of the courthouse are shut down until Friday or longer. Many local businesses are attempting clean up today. It is sad to see so many damages in a place that you grew up in.

Many other small towns near us were suffering in the same way. There was simply no where for the water to go in most places. Many local authorities were asking for help with anyone that had a small boat that could travel down local streets to do rescues as well as aid in just cleaning up. Some areas were under travel advisories and many areas were saying that they were disaster areas.

I am attempting to load photos here but the site won't let me for some reason so I will have to do those later. Just please say a prayer or send your loving thoughts to our area as it seems that Mother Nature might be a little mad at us currently.

Summer is Slipping Away

I don't know about your house, but here on the farm it seems that summer is slipping away. Our local county fairs are the next two weeks and then school starts back in a couple of weeks after that. I truly don't understand why school has to start before Labor Day now, but it does. Farm chores are year round whether the sun is shining or the snow is flying but summer sure makes most of those easier.

We have had a busy summer. We done our usual 9 day vacation with the horses, kids, and our neighbors as well as a few extra friends. We have done a couple of campouts with our neighbors at the local state park as well. Sitting out in the evening after the sun has set and talking is sure a break from the hectic lifestyle that we all seem to have these days. More camping is planned and I am looking forward to those trips.

My husband and I purchased a new horse a couple of days ago. His official name is Blues Ramblin Man, but his barn name is Rambler. I am excited to say that my grand daughter can half way say that! I am thankful that we have known him most of his life and we have watched our friend and his daughter ride him for many years. It's nice to know that he is broke and is safe to place our granddaughter on. I am anxious to take him to the park and ride. I am hoping my husband will ride his horse as well. I know that he has some reservations about riding due to the problem he had with his back over the winter. He says he is still not 100% better and it is hard to remember that he is only 6 months post surgery.

Summer brings hay, grass mowing, lots of tractor work, etc. around here. This year it is also bringing work on the livestock trailer, reflooring the camper, and some changes to the living quarters of the horse trailer. It is bringing some changes to the garden as well as we have not had much grow at all this year for some reason. I don't think we will get one tomato off our plants and we planted several. Summer brings lots of weeds and bugs as well. I have been fighting fleas on the dog almost daily and now I have had a couple on me as well so it is time to really pay attention to my floors at home. Summer has blessed us with many flowers and many days outside to play with the grand as well though.

What truly made me realize that summer is slipping away was that yesterday I noticed two trees in our yard that the leaves have changed colors on. I know one tree must be dying, but the other one is healthy and fairly young and it is beginning to change as well. Fall is a beautiful season here as well, but I don't like what follows it.