i BIT my granddaughter

It was my turn to be the bear. They caught me and put me in the cage.

"Does she bite?"
"I don't know. I'll thee (see)."

It was probably the 7th time we'd been through the script and my first assignment as the bear. The little plum crept close and stared at my face, so I opened wide, then snapped my jaws shut, making the loudest chomping noise I could. With her still staring, I opened again and chomped ... just as her finger darted into my mouth.

I didn't get the imaginary peanut butter sandwich. I didn't get the imaginary strawberries. I didn't get to escape from the cage. And, thankfully, I didn't pass out. I did spend a good measure of time consoling and explaining the accident. Eventually, tears turned to laughter, and we began hunting and capturing bears again.

Nearly 15 minutes later, the game long finished: "Nana, why did you bit me?"

In the words of Pooh, Oh worra, worra, worra.

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalms 73:22-24

Green Beans & Smoke

Zoomer's and her husband's homestead is in the mountains and fairly surrounded by the fires in Northern California, the nearest now 10 miles from their home, as the crow flies. It and others are currently burning away from their tiny village, which is the location of the command center for one of the complex (approximately 80 fires in a relatively small part of their county and under one name) fires. You can't see much in the photo she sent from her home, but that's precisely the point. The fires have been burning since June 21st, and on that day, I listened over the phone to some of the dry lightning strikes they were having and which are responsible for igniting the fires.

Permission obtained, here's what Zoomer wrote to me a few days ago about planting her green beans:

I experienced God's mercy first hand yesterday. I needed to plant beans. I was dreading planting beans because of the smoke, especially since before I could actually poke the seeds into the ground, I would have to haul several large and heavy bags of soil amendments, open and distribute their contents in the chosen area, and then run the rototiller through enough times to get it all good and mixed in. A somewhat strenuous job, and one not to be undertaken under the currently designated "severely unhealthy" air conditions. But God is so kind. As I was dragging the first bag of steer manure into the wheelbarrow, the skies started to clear. No kidding, before too many minutes had passed, I could see completely blue sky and had a clear view of the trees and mountain across the road. As I've told you, I haven't been able to see anything more than a VERY hazy outline for many days. The skies stayed clear during my entire job, and then -- you guessed it -- the smoke settled back in as soon as I was finished. I am not kidding. Again and again I am reminded of how much God cares for His own. If He can remove the smoke long enough for me to plant green beans, He is more than capable of keeping our little homestead safe from the surrounding fires. And He will if He chooses. If His plan is different, I will be content in that too.

With bowed heads and grateful hearts, we thank the Lord for His never ceasing attendance upon us and all the bits and pieces of our lives.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. ~I Chronicles 16:34

Peep Alert

When Son4 came in last night from doing the chicken chores, he reported spying TWO NEW PEEPS in the corner of the coop. WHAT!? Elsewhere was a hen sitting (or setting -- I never can decide) on eggs and acting awfully I'll-rip-you-limb-from-limb, when Son4 tried to get the eggs. Mayhap she's the one cookin' and hatchin'.

There's SO much going on in our neck of the woods, that I didn't grab the camera for photos or even scurry out for a look-see. You can be sure, though, that when things settle down to a dull roar, you'll be subjected to more peep reports. Stop yawning!

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. ~Psalms 139:17, 18

Last Call for BobVotes!

Three days remaining in the month. Bob's trailing that awful little furball in a basket. Say it ain't so!

Vote HERE for Bob, #4 -- today, tomorrow, and Monday.

Guest Chickenpapa (and frappu)

Our computer is just a bit too close to the kitchen for avoiding notice of it, and its appointed chair seemed just now like a great spot to rest over a glass of frappuccino. I don't even know what frappuccino is, to be honest, but we'll call it that and be good with it. One of these days, I'm going to have to post a recipe for Tropical Frappuccino over at CarolineNot Cuisine, because everyone should be able to sip it. (From stemware. Purchased at Wal*Mart. Because sure enough, if you use crystal, you'll break it. And you're fine with faux opulence.) Once I figure out how much of what I'm pouring into that blender, I'll let you know how to make your own. If you're adventuresome and impatient, use coffee crystals, coconut, banana, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and ice. Then send me half a thank you card. ºÜº

So no, I've not just been sitting here all morning. In fact, I've tidied myself and the house, gone to town, got repaired my second flat tire in 8 days, bought fabric for SugarPlum dresses (I'm crazy) and cotton yarn to make Little Loo new dishcloths for her new kitchen (I'm dishcloth crazed) and anchovies for salad dressing. Hey, I didn't create the recipe; I'm just obeying.

Frappu and I found an email from Zoomer when we sat down here, and she'd sent me a photo of the chickpapa, Fernando. I think you ought to see the handsome dad.

Zoomer also told me an excellent story about planting her green beans, and I'd like to share it. Since I never quote from emails without prior permission, much less publish bits on the www for all the world to see, I'll be asking to post the story here.

Over and out!

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. ~Psalm 40:16

Guest Chicken

Which came first: the Bunny or the egg? I can tell you, it was the Bunny, because that's the name of Zoomer's hen, who came before her eggs, just as the first chickens came before their eggs.

I don't know why Zoomer named her hen Bunny, because if she told me, I've forgotten. [Zoomer, did you tell me this chicken hops?]

'Round about the time we discovered we had surprise chicks scampering about our place, Zoomer found her Bunny sitting on a clutch of eggs. Zoomer wanted those eggs protected, so she moved Bunny and her nest into a rabbit hutch. (Okay, so Zoomer may be a little tetched ... or she got carried away with the Bunny theme.)

I cheered with her from the sidelines, as the days passed, and jeered with her when all but three of the eggs mysteriously disappeared. She said something about the possibility of a snake invasion, but I pretended she didn't even say that, because 'nakes are not welcome in my world -- even in my thoughts -- which is why there was no blog post about the six foot 'nake someone killed in one of someone's barns. I won't think about or mention any names or locations, but I've seen the last of our goods which are stored in our barns. 'Nough said about that.

When came the end of the 21 days, out popped A peep. Joy, joy, joy. I was going to have to be all sad and be quiet about our chicks, if Bunny didn't present a chick, but she came through for Zoomer. And she's a right fine chickenmama:

What a sweet image, adorable chick, and lovely hen! Beautiful lacing on those feathers and gorgeous, fluffy tail. Since someone finally took her camera out of the box, I'll be looking for and sharing updates on the chick. I've thought of, and used, this Scripture before, but Zoomer's photo of Bunny and chick brings it to mind again: How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. (Psalm 36:7)

Thank you, Lord, for Bunny's chick.

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. ~Psalm 18:30

Sheep Shearing

Farmer John invited us to his sheep shearing this morning, so I drove into town early to pick up SugarPlum. "Would you like to go see some sheep today? We can watch them get haircuts."

"They're getting haircuts? Does it hurt?"

"Oh no. They like it. It's summertime, and they have such thick, heavy coats. They're so hot. They'll be really happy to get haircuts. In fact, they might sing....like this," and I let out a substantially raucous and ugly *baaaaaa*, which made her laugh. I was relieved. Listen, I had no idea what sort of songs they'd be singing, but I thought it was a good idea to do a little advance sell of their possible ditties, lest SugarPlum suddenly break into a sad song of her own at the shearing.

I wanted a photo of the plum viewing the scene, but quarters were a bit tight, and she was determined to not stand "in that," referring to what was actually and remarkably clean barn floor cover. She did her viewing from Uncle Son 3's arms. I did coax her onto the floor near the end of our visit and managed to catch the back of her head and one pigtail, with the sheep in the background. But I have new photo editing software, and I moved the photo file...to parts unknown and yet discovered. I know where I told it to go. I don't know why it didn't obey or where it's hiding. Well, you've seen one pigtail, you've seen 'em all. On to the sheep, or sheeps, if you're three years old.

These were hefty sheep, and I was told the breed name, but of course, I've forgotten. It began with a "C" and wasn't Colossal, but that would fit.


Interestingly, Mrs. Farmer John reminded me of Isaiah 53:7, which says in part, "...as a sheep before her shearers is dumb...." I didn't recognize it at the time but looked it up later and immediately knew it in context. Oh, that. A nugget I'd missed in an otherwise familiar passage, as Mrs. FJ pointed out that the ewes don't "sing" when they're being sheared. And they didn't. They just sat there -- and I do mean sat -- and took it. Silently. She said the rams are a different story, so we left before there were any songs or dances.


A spinner was on-site, and I may have never seen a happier face than hers, when this pile of wool (from that one sheep) was spread across a tarp for her inspection; she was giddy. She said just putting the wool in a tub of water washes it white. "Water? Just water?" Yes, that will do it, but sometimes she adds a little dish detergent to cut some of the oil.


It was a fun outing.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. ~John 10:27, 28

I Know Whom I Have Believed

I Know Whom I Have Believed
by Daniel W. Whittle

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing us of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~Romans 8:38, 39

5 years

Good Memories

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. ~Revelation 21:4, 5

Pet Call

Watch me get all bossy...

I think I'll set a deadline of June 27th to get your photos to me for our pet parade, Great Pets.

I've thusfar acquired 4 dogs, a commitment for a couple of pigs (of the guinea persuasion), a refusal to take a new camera out of the box (*hands on hips*), and a longstanding lament over a lost USB cord. I know where and how to swipe online a few of the missing pet photos, but we don't want me all going to jail or making up my own stories about your pets. Don't think I wouldn't...well, the latter anyway.

So send me your pets -- well, not the pets -- the photos...with tales and tails. If they have tails. Purrle doesn't have a tail; he has a stump. "Aw, what happened to his tail?" Nothing. He came that way.

I'm all done ordering you around now.

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. ~Psalm 119:90

Diva

Super Model
The world is her runway.

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

Everyone is watching ME.

Quit lookin' at me!

The chicks are approaching that stage I call spectacular
and McSpazzy calls awkward.




Ho, G.I. Crow!

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. ~Proverbs 31:30

Sunrise

While She Was Sleeping...

her son became the KING OF BRUMCLAUSETT

Never assume you're just uploading more chicken pics.
Drink a cup of coffee after dinner, so you'll outlast the children.
Realize what you're really doing when you name your son Maverick.
☺
"He's sung and danced us through many stormy times."
~Little Loo

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. ~Luke 18:17

PoochSmooch

Titus 1:15a

Nottalus

What ever was I thinking when I bought Charles that radio controlled boat?

I wasn't thinking that my leisure time would be spent darting through the water, dodging, looking over my shoulder, and screaming...a lot...while all the fellows laugh like hyenas.

Whatever floats (or eventually and not-so-mysteriously sinks) your boat, Dear. ºÜº

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. ~Psalms 36:7