My husband and son enjoy playing disc golf. So, we've dedicated a large portion of our property to a disc golf field. It is made up of three posts that stick up called "bong" poles, because of the sound they make when they are hit. (eventually we'll get baskets) My son and husband have mowed out greens and fairways for throwing and I have walking paths around the course and through it. The rest, we just let it grow. So there are all sorts of flowering weeds and plants, etc. that grow out there.
When I'm out walking I take my camera, because I never know when I'll see something that I just have to have a picture of. When they are play disc golf and I am out walking sometimes they need my "keen eyes" to help find a disc that flew off course and landed in the "meadow". (That's the polite name to call a weedy area on someone's property. )
So, we all line up and walk side by side, looking straight down in front of us to see who will be the first to spot the missing disc.
Sometimes, I've spotted a beautiful spider, or other insect, or flower. But this time it was a nest . . . I almost put my foot right on top of it. I was SO excited I stopped looking for the disc and took several pictures. (Good thing too, 'cause I tried to go back and find it and I couldn't.)
What an unexpected hidden treasure. Have a blessed day!
Saturday my hubby and son took Squirrley-Jo to the park for a morning of fun and gave me some time to just hang out and do some things alone. I've often said that I would love to go back in the woods here by our home and just take pictures of any animals that I can see. SO, I went for a little stroll last Saturday. I went through our back yard, over my brother's yard (They live behind us), and continued through my grandma's yard to get to the woods. (it sounds farther than it is) Anyway, as I walked I took pictures of flowers and trees. I even scared a Garter Snake that was sunning itself. But I finally got to my destination - a treestand.
I know it may sound . . . let's just say, silly to some of you, but I thought it was wonderful. I climbed up, took my seat, got comfortable, sat very still, and just listened.
It took about 5 minutes for the frogs in the area to start singing again. Occationally I would hear the drumming of a woodpecker in the distance and some sort of knocking sound from over my left shoulder, but I didn't see what was making the noise. The other birds were quite for about a half hour. But there was a gentle breeze, and I had time to pray and thank the Lord for such beauty, peace and the wonder of nature in general.
After I'd been there an hour, I saw a bird fly to my left. A Red Headed Woodpecker and it's mate had landed on a tree. I started taking pictures and realized that they were building a home inside the tree. THAT was the "knocking" I was hearing, they were inside the tree, tapping away. I watched them come and go, crawling in and out of the hole they had made. Then I heard tapping on mettle. I looked over toward the builds at my grandma's and saw two Turkey Vultures "running" (more like waddling) down the roof. When they got to the edge they jumped and opened their wings. Then I watched them silently soar in lazy circles over my head. After they had disapeared I saw to hawk-like birds with long tails taking off from a tree to my right. I think they had a nest in it. They only came back once more while I was there and then left.
It was so relaxing to sit up there and see things from a different view point. So, when given the chance I'll deffinately do it again. Thank you Bob and Bubba for the time to get out and explore. I hope you all enjoyed your time up in the treestand with me.
Well the ice is off the lake . . . that means open water and in our family that means. . . fishing from the boat!
Yes, we loaded into the car and headed up to the lake where my in-laws live. It was great to be outside. Bubba, my hubby and his dad all went out in the boat with our new dog, Bubby. It was Bubby's first time in a boat, he did great!
While they were out I took what I thought was going to be a short walk and it ended up being an hour long.
There was a breezy, and the air was so refreshing!
The spring run off was really moving through the spillway!
But as it headed down the creek a little way, it looked rather peaceful.
Later in the day Squirrely-Jo even went out on the boat for a little ride.
She loves being at the lake and on Grandpa's boat. We all had a great day out at the lake!
There was VERY strong rain & wind storm last week. This rainbow was taken in a break in the rain. Shortly after the rainbow I looked out our kitchen window where I had seen the rainbow, and I saw this Flicker sitting up on the power line. I haven't seen one since last Spring. I'm so excited! I love to hike! (For those of you who don't know me.) So, as part of my Valentines Day present my hubby took me hiking, just him, me and two dogs. (The kids were at Grandma's house, Thanks Mom!)
While we were hiking we saw a lot of downed trees. Some of them were old, but some were not and were ripped up or twisted, like this one. But it was not all destruction, there was new green growth. There was moss, fungus, and green undergrowth. I looked through the trees and saw something moving that was white. There were two swans swimming around in a little bit of open water.
What a wonderful day of hiking! To top off the day, we had borrowed the movie "Fire Proof" to watch. It was great! I am SO thankful for such a thoughtful husband.
When the sun comes up and a pristine blanket of snow, and it reflects the pink, gold and brilliance of the morning, I sigh with the inspiration of the moment.I know the snow has been coming down thick and heavy, and that some people are longing for spring and summer. But, you have to admit that the Lord makes beauty abound. I am a sucker for a crisp fresh snowfall. When it glistens in the sun and sparkles on the fields.
When I see drifts, big and small, curving and curling,
stretching and growing over the edges of the roads before the plows come, it leaves me in awe. When plants and trees have the snow clinging to every branch and bend, I could sit and look at it all day. I guess all I'm trying to say is, enjoy the moment and be content in it.
Praise the Lord for all the beauty He makes in every day.
It'll be spring soon enough.
We are so blessed! Seriously, we are. My husband works from home, we home school our children, we live near family, and our home is in the country, with acreage. Needless to say, we spend a lot of time together. (This is not a bad thing.)
Before the evenings and nights of negative temperatures we were going out and playing after supper as a family in the snow. Yes, it was starting to get dark as we got dressed to go play, but we thought - "Why not?!"
So, on went the snow gear and out the door we went to play. (Of course we couldn't leave the dogs inside while we went out, that just wouldn't be fair.)
We've all been trying to convey the joy of making a "snow angel" to Squirrely-Jo, but she just doesn't see the fun in being plopped down on the snow and doing "jumping jacks".We'll keep working on it. Right now she just loves being outside.
But, when it's dark . . . and you've got a hat and a hood obstructing your view of the world . . ."I thought I heard something" . . . Big brothers can sneak around where you can't see them until . . . "BOO!, I gotcha!"
We finished off our play time in the snow with a nice walk around our trail. Squirrely-Jo started out
walking on her own, then Daddy carried her, then she wanted brother to carry her, then . . . . . . she wanted her momma. (Yes, she's wearing my mittens, her's got wet.)
It was a good time, it was a cold time, then it was a sleepy time . . .Bubby McTuggington our newest member of the family, was just plain tuckered-out.
I am SO thankful for our family and the love and harmony given to us by our Heavenly Father.
May the Lord bless you and your family too.
Not too long ago we had some very special visitors . . . Snow Buntings!
They are beautiful little birds. These birds live in the Arctic and have come down to visit us twice.
I have a really nice bird book and so I looked them up.
These little guys can survive temperatures as low as 58 degrees below zero and often tunnel in the snow in the shelter of grass tussocks or shrubs to keep warm.
Anyway, They loved our field out back. Last time they were here, it was all bare.
They have a very distinct winter plumage. (I think they are gorgeous)
I dumped a big bucket of black sunflower seeds, some rye, and some millet out for them to eat.
(Had to make sure they got plenty of food for their journey, I like my guest to be happy)
Bye-Bye Birdies
I had a nest of Blue Birds, just a stones throw from my front door, for the last month. I just went out to check on them tonight and they have all flown the coop.
Here is a recap of my Blue Birds that brought me such happiness…
Some of you may be wondering how the poison ivy case turned out. Well, it’s not over yet, but it does seem to be dying. Finally!
My husband contracted the worst case of poison ivy he’s ever had in his life early this spring. He and my son were digging barbed wire fence out of our ditch and . . . there ya have it.
The man I love has been in agony over this itchy fiend since the 16th of March. It is now the 29th of March and it is just now coming under submission.
First he went to Redimed to see if he could get a steroid shot to jump-start the drying process. But they wouldn’t give him the shot they said his case “wasn’t severe enough”. (At the time it was on his face, in his ear, & on his wrist.) SO, they gave him a prescription steroid pill. This wasn’t good for him. The prescription made him jittery, sick to his stomach, didn’t do anything about the itchiness, and he could not sleep at night. This was just not acceptable, so he stopped taking the medicine and thought he would just have to tough it out.
To stop the itching we tried all manner of “Itch relieving/Drying” creams, gels, and soaks. Nothing gave lasting relief. So, he tried Benadryl. That stopped the itching, but it made him depressed, tired, and his mind foggy. The poor man just couldn’t win.
After about $180.00 spent on one trip to Redimed, 1 prescription, Benadryl, gels, creams, and soaks. We decided he’d better go back to Redimed and see if they would give him the shot now. (By this time it was all over his body. No, seriously ALL OVER.) Turns out they decided it wouldn’t be a good idea. (We think it has to do with a Kidney Disease that he has.) But they did give him a prescription for the strongest topical steroid for drying that they could. (Needless to say, it does nothing for the itchiness.) (This means it's drying up and though it looks bad, it's really getting better.)
But we have discovered something that is working and we’re winning the battle! Three times a day he puts on the topical steroid and then an anti-itch gel. The gel has to be re-applied every two hours roughly, but it’s working without loss of sleep or foggy mind.
SO, what have we learned from all this . . .
1. The Lord is faithful no matter what is going on in our lives, He is in control.
2. Cutting Poison Ivy roots is not good! (Bad, bad, bad!!)
3. Next time there is fence work to do hire someone!
Spring is here and you know what that means . . .
SPRING PROJECTS! (We love ‘em!)
We have them every year now that we’re in a house.
(This is a picture of our house the first year we lived here.)
Last year my guys kicked off spring by making the garden plot bigger and we even ordered nice black topsoil to work into it.
My dad was kind enough to help us out with leveling the yard. We built our house in a farm field.
So, Dad got out his trusty tractor and took out the ruts left by big construction vehicles and previous signs of farmer’s field.
Now that it resembled a yard we could finally start making it our own.
First my guys improved the look of our house buy building an enclosed flowerbed all the way around the house.
They put down weed guard, blocked off areas for the downspouts, (filled them with some rocks from our property) boxed in the rest of the flowerbed and ordered seven and a half tons of that lovely black topsoil to fill it! Which, they moved by hand, by wheelbarrow, all around the house.
The areas that contained the meter and air conditioner were filled with wood chips to make it easy for any maintenance in the future.
Then my guys decided to build a fire pit and picnic area. They put down clear plastic for the weed burier.
Then lined the area with landscaping timbers. They had already drilled holes for pounding the rebar through to hold them in place. Next they outlined a smaller box inside the picnic area for a fire pit. Once it was “nailed” in place they ripped the plastic out of the fire pit area and lined it with…more rocks from our property. (Notice the theme of recycling the rocks) Last but not least, dumped in the wood chips.
Now it is one of our favorite spots in the back yard.
After the flowerbed and picnic area we all pitched in and seeded for grass. We were desperate to get rid of the mud and have use of our yard in all seasons. Yes, it grew even through the drought last spring and summer. We did a lot of watering! Look! Grass!
This year the guys decided to take out the old barbed wire fence that was twisted, broken, and half buried in the ditch in front of our house. The fence made it difficult to trim and keep the ditch area looking nice. They wanted to get at it before the weeds grew and the poison ivy would get them.
So, armed with work gloves, a pitchfork, and lots of determination they started. It didn’t take them long to figure out that this fence was one mean beasty! The posts were buried in half frozen clay and mud making it tough to move them. They decided to get my husband’s wood mall and use the flat side to pound the posts into submission. After braking the suction of the mud and loosening the grip of the frozen ground they could pull them up rather quickly. The fence was another story. There was no secrete weapon to loosen it or make it give up it’s precious home in our ditch. It had to be dealt with using brute force and know-how. Both my guys pulled out, bent up, and cut up that old fence. Some of it is still incased in the clay soil, 8 inches deep or more, because it just wouldn’t budge.
By lunchtime they had three quarters of the nasty stuff ripped up and thrown in piles. After a hefty lunch of pancakes and sausage patties they went back out to finish off the barbed wire beasty. It took another couple of hours to dislodge the post and wrestle the fence out of the clay. Finally, victory was theirs and it felt good! Now all they had to do was clean it all up. But, how do we dispose of it? That was the next task. The guys stacked it all on a sled, tied it up, and dragged it to the end of the driveway. They threw a tarp over the sled and put chunks of cement on the tarp edges to hold it down. We didn’t know how long it would take to find a way of disposing of it. My husband had the idea to call my dad, who knows about what scrap yards take and what they don’t. We gave him a call and within twenty minutes he was in our driveway to pick it up. Praise the Lord! That was easier then we thought it was going to be to get rid of that stuff. Now it was all over and we could just enjoy a job well done and know that it will be easier to take care of the ditch and the weeds now, right?
Oh, did I mention they wanted to do it before the poison ivy would become a problem?! Little did we know, it was too late. The fiendish foe had already struck and was just waiting for us to realize it. My husband noticed his wrist itching a couple of days after ripping out the fence. Sure enough, it was poison ivy. Poor guys. But it didn’t stop at his wrist, no, it was on his back, his neck, under his eye, under his nose, in his ear. It didn’t stop with my husband, either, it had to attack Bubba too. He’s got it on his wrists, neck and face as well. So, off to the Redimed they went to see what could be done. They were given medicine and hopefully it will start working soon. We’ll see who gets the last laugh, did I hear someone say . . . weed killer . . . (Mad laughter fills the air as they plot their revenge on their sinister foe.)
To be continued…
We love to hike as a family. Not only in the warm weather of spring and summer, but in the fall when the leaves are changing, and even in the winter! A few days ago the sun was out; the sky was clear; except for a few scattered snowflakes; and, even though it was a cold, 28 degrees, we were all commenting how nice it would be to go for a hike. I know you’re thinking...fireplace...hot chocolate...warm blanket, but not a hike. On a really nasty day, I would agree with you, but I had the itch to hike.
Now the name of the game is stay warm, and you play it by layering your clothes. It’s not about looking good. It’s about being able to feel you toes at the end of the hike; it’s about not having wind burn; it’s about not having your lips and knuckles split open from exposed flesh. We may not be the most fashionable when we hike, but we understand warm.
Some of the appeal of hiking on a day like this is that you usually have the trails to yourself. The only tracks that are there before yours are those of the animals that live there. We saw quite a few different tracks. Lots of squirrel, rabbit, mouse, bird, and some webbed footprints going through the middle of the woods, duck or goose, we couldn’t tell. We even saw a couple of mouse snow tunnels. (It amazes me how they can burrow just under the top of the snow and not pop through.)
The lake was frozen and had a newly fallen blanket of snow on it. It was so peaceful.
The small side streams had some thin ice and even some open water peaking through the snow and glistening in the sun.
The cattails and the marsh weeds even looked fresh with the coat of snow on them.
Even our little Rat Terrier was enjoying the walk ride. He actually did walk for more than half the hike and loved every minute of it. Then he decided he’d rather hitch a ride with Squirrely Joe. She loved being outside. About two thirds of the way through the hike she was ready to get out of the stroller and use her feet. So with Daddy holding one hand and Mommy the other, she was hiking just like the “big people”.
Our son, Bubba, was having a great time. He loves to take pictures as much as I do and was snapping them left and right. I even handed over my camera and let him take my picture. (I very rarely hand over my camera, so it made his day to use it.)
I, of course, had to get a picture of Bubba in his favorite tree. It’s four trees grown out of one trunk, and it’s huge!
We only hiked about a mile, from start to finish. Squirrely Joe only “hiked” about two city blocks worth, but that was enough for her. She sought refuge in the strong arms of her Daddy; who happily carried her the rest of the way back to the truck. (He’s so sweet that way.)
We were all glad to get back to the truck and take a load off. Bubba and I were sweating because we’d over dressed, but Squirrely Joe and her Daddy were just right. Our dog was thankful to be back in his fleece-lined carrier with the nice down coat over the top to keep the chill off. (Yes, we spoil the little guy.) Once we were all packed up and buckled in we headed for home, thankful for the time outside enjoying God's creation.
We have a beautiful Cooper's Hawk hunting on our property these days. I don't know if it's a male or female, but it's exciting to watch it fly by and hover. I've even seen it land to feed twice in our weeds. Both of those times it came in the morning, right after I ate my breakfast. Every time I see it I have to run and grab my camera. I keep hoping to get a better shot of it, but this is the best one I have to date. (if you click on th picture you can see it better)
Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day!!! It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord takes every day things and just makes them extrordinary! We have areas behind our house that are loaded with dried up weeds. This morning I looked out the window and was greeted by a gloriuous field of shimmering beauty! Everything from the Foxtails to the Gooseyes were dressed in glistening white frost. I just couldn't stay inside; so, I grabbed my camera and headed out to see what might catch my eye. Here are a few shots, I hope you like them as much as I do.
Welcome to Through My Eyes. I picked this title because I love to take pictures. So, come on in, have a seat, relax and enjoy some of my favorite pictures, and maybe a story or two. :)
When they are play disc golf and I am out walking sometimes they need my "keen eyes" to help find a disc that flew off course and landed in the "meadow". (That's the polite name to call a weedy area on someone's property. 
)
I almost put my foot right on top of it. I was SO excited I stopped looking for the disc and took several pictures. (Good thing too, 'cause I tried to go back and find it and I couldn't.)
Have a blessed day! 
Anyway, as I walked I took pictures of flowers and trees.
I even scared a Garter Snake that was sunning itself. But I finally got to my destination - a treestand.
I climbed up, took my seat, got comfortable, sat very still, and just listened.
Then I heard tapping on mettle. I looked over toward the builds at my grandma's and saw two Turkey Vultures "running" (more like waddling) down the roof. When they got to the edge they jumped and opened their wings. Then I watched them silently soar in lazy circles over my head. After they had disapeared I saw to hawk-like birds with long tails taking off from a tree to my right. I think they had a nest in it. They only came back once more while I was there and then left.
Thank you Bob and Bubba for the time to get out and explore. I hope you all enjoyed your time up in the treestand with me.
It was Bubby's first time in a boat, he did great!
Shortly after the rainbow I looked out our kitchen window where I had seen the rainbow, and I saw this Flicker sitting up on the power line. I haven't seen one since last Spring. I'm so excited!
I love to hike! (For those of you who don't know me.) So, as part of my Valentines Day present my hubby took me hiking, just him, me and two dogs. (The kids were at Grandma's house, Thanks Mom!) 
But it was not all destruction, there was new green growth. There was moss, fungus, and green undergrowth.
I looked through the trees and saw something moving that was white. There were two swans swimming around in a little bit of open water. 
I know the snow has been coming down thick and heavy, and that some people are longing for spring and summer. But, you have to admit that the Lord makes beauty abound.
I am a sucker for a crisp fresh snowfall. When it glistens in the sun and sparkles on the fields. 
I guess all I'm trying to say is, enjoy the moment and be content in it.
Yes, it was starting to get dark as we got dressed to go play, but we thought - "Why not?!"
We'll keep working on it. Right now she just loves being outside.
"I thought I heard something" . . .
Big brothers can sneak around where you can't see them until . . .
"BOO!, I gotcha!" 
. . . she wanted her momma. (Yes, she's wearing my mittens, her's got wet.)
Bubby McTuggington our newest member of the family, was just plain tuckered-out.
(This means it's drying up and though it looks bad, it's really getting better.)
We built our house in a farm field. 
blocked off areas for the downspouts, (filled them with some rocks from our property) boxed in the rest of the flowerbed and ordered seven and a half tons of that lovely black topsoil to fill it! 
The areas that contained the meter and air conditioner were filled with wood chips to make it easy for any maintenance in the future. 
They had already drilled holes for pounding the rebar through to hold them in place. 
Next they outlined a smaller box inside the picnic area for a fire pit. Once it was “nailed” in place they ripped the plastic out of the fire pit area and lined it with…more rocks from our property. 
(Notice the theme of recycling the rocks) 
Last but not least, dumped in the wood chips. 
We were desperate to get rid of the mud and have use of our yard in all seasons. Yes, it grew even through the drought last spring and summer. We did a lot of watering! 
Look! Grass! 
The fence made it difficult to trim and keep the ditch area looking nice. They wanted to get at it before the weeds grew and the poison ivy would get them.
The posts were buried in half frozen clay and mud making it tough to move them. They decided to get my husband’s wood mall and use the flat side to pound the posts into submission. After braking the suction of the mud and loosening the grip of the frozen ground they could pull them up rather quickly. 
The fence was another story. There was no secrete weapon to loosen it or make it give up it’s precious home in our ditch. It had to be dealt with using brute force and know-how. Both my guys pulled out, bent up, and cut up that old fence. Some of it is still incased in the clay soil, 8 inches deep or more, because it just wouldn’t budge. 
they went back out to finish off the barbed wire beasty. It took another couple of hours to dislodge the post and wrestle the fence out of the clay. Finally, victory was theirs and it felt good! 
Now all they had to do was clean it all up. But, how do we dispose of it? That was the next task. The guys stacked it all on a sled, tied it up, and dragged it to the end of the driveway. They threw a tarp over the sled and put chunks of cement on the tarp edges to hold it down. We didn’t know how long it would take to find a way of disposing of it. My husband had the idea to call my dad, who knows about what scrap yards take and what they don’t. We gave him a call and within twenty minutes he was in our driveway to pick it up. Praise the Lord! 
My husband noticed his wrist itching a couple of days after ripping out the fence. Sure enough, it was poison ivy. 
Poor guys.
It didn’t stop with my husband, either, it had to attack Bubba too. He’s got it on his wrists, neck and face as well. So, off to the Redimed they went to see what could be done. They were given medicine and hopefully it will start working soon. We’ll see who gets the last laugh, did I hear someone say . . . weed killer . . . (Mad laughter fills the air as they plot their revenge on their sinister foe.)
