7.19.2008

a sign of summer

Iced lemonade in a blue Ball jar with a zinc lid.

With the weather warming up, a nice glass of lemonade is quite refreshing. One can't help but wish for seconds. That is when the Ball jar comes in handy.

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7.14.2008

my beautiful family

God has blessed me greatly with a wonderful godly family. They are my best friends and confidants. Being together as a family means so much to me. At church, at home, around the dinner table, every spare moment. Being in one another's company is a sweet assembly. Together we work as a family unit, to be hospitable and rightly represent Christ. He is what we are all about. Blessed be His name!

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7.12.2008

Turkey Run

When you first hear "Turkey Run" you may assume that it's a song or a game. But actually it's a State Park, here in Indiana, and a beautiful one at that. A couple weeks ago we took a short trip to Turkey Run, and walked the trails. There are eleven trails to pick from, all spread throughout a forest with deep ravines. Here are a few of the shots I captured while there.


A bit of fungi growing on the side of a tree with drops of dew suspended from it's edges.


I like the way this one turned out. He crawled in circles up and around the tree. Quite a cute little feller.


The first, at left, is one of the stone walls that keeps one from falling down into the ravine.
In the background of the second - with the punch bowl sign - you can see my daddy, momma, and sister, posing in the ravine.
The last is the side of one of the stone walls, all grown over with moss.

If you ever have the chance to visit Turkey Run, don't miss the opportunity, it is a lovely site to behold!

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7.9.2008

"Wordless" Wednesday - A Wee Toad

This little guy was found in my granny's garden. He hopped around quite a bit, being a toad and all, but now and then he held still enough for me to capture a photo of him.

After the photo shoot was over, he was gingerly placed at the bottom of a plant near the garden, but not without first falling from a great height.

These wee feller's are always so cute to watch, with their small toes, and beady eyes. He was about 3/4 of an inch long, with legs held close. With legs stretched out, I don't know how long he would be, but at least an inch more would be added.

He was quite photogenic.

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7.7.2008

be ye warned . . .

This fine lookin' plant,


may look sweet and innocent, and it very well may be, but lurkin' be'ind it is an incredibly dangerous plant


that will cause unmistakable red itchy splotches on yer skin wherever it wills.

The question, "To pick, or not to pick?"

Dare ye pick yonder flow'r, yer frail skin may come in touch with the despised poisonous plant behind.

The flower may be pretty, but is it worth it?

I think not.

Poison Ivy is mighty unpleasant.

Please keep yer eyes open for these perilous plants, they just might get ye when ye ain't lookin'.

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7.4.2008

One Year Blogoversary

One year ago I set up this blog at HomeschoolBlogger.com. It seems long ago, yet not really.

My first blogging experience was with Blogger.com, also know as Blogspot. Breezy and I shared a joint blog, which we kept up pretty regularly. That blog was started on January 11, 2007. After several months, we moved to HomeschoolBlogger, with our own blogs.

I orignally was planning on getting the username EmilyRose, but finding that was taken, I played around with different words. Being inspired by Narniagirl, I came up with vintagegirl, after my particular interest and enjoyment of antiques and vintage items.

My blog's title the time that has elapsed, was thrown together after several failed attempts to come up with a satisfactory blog title. I still have my doubts about it, but it suits me just fine for the time being.

The first post that I wrote for this blog was entitled "Hello My Darling Readers". Probably the most enjoyable post to write was just a couple posts later called "Octopus in a Bucket" where I wrote about one of the stories Daddy told me of when he was a little boy.

This blog has been a wonderful blessing to me in the fact that I have been able to share my writings and photos, while meeting new friends all the while. I have had the privilege to meet several bloggers in real life, and I hope to meet more.

Thank you, my darling readers, for spending time reading my work, and writing lovely comments which are always welcome! I hope that you are encouraged and blessed when you visit.

    "Praise the Lord!
     Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
     For His lovingkindness is everlasting."
     - Psalm 106:1

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7.1.2008

the story from beginning to end of our sweet dog

A little over five years ago, in May, we were driving down a street here in town. Walking on the sidewalk, alone, we noticed a beautiful dog, with a beautiful coat of red. Momma and I looked at each other, and we had the same thought. I voiced it by saying, "Now that would be a nice dog to have."

Later that day, Daddy and I stopped at the pet store to see if there were any puppies that would interest us on the bulletin board, since we were hoping to get a dog soon. As we were standing there looking at the fliers, nothing seemed to interest us. Just then, a lady walked up to us, handed us a paper, and said, "If you're looking for a dog, you might check out this one!"

We looked at the paper, and saw several photos of a small dog, about forty-five pounds, with a tan-red colored coat. He looked like a sweet dog, and the lady told us that it was a stray, and they had been feeding it for about a week. Everyday it would follow her son as he walked to school, protecting him from any harm. We thanked the lady, and said that we'd go home and talk it over with the rest of the family, leaving the paper up at the pet store, just in case we didn't want the dog.

As soon as we got home, we told Momma and Breezy about the dog, and we all piled into the car together to go and meet him. On the way, Daddy was explaining to Momma where the dog was. Then it hit us. That must be the dog that we had seen earlier that day.

When we arrived, the lady was out with the dog, "Buddy" was what she called him. He was more red in person, with a pleasant countenance. His standing height was a little over a foot, yet he had large, soft feet. We could see that he still had some growing to do, but didn't quite realize how much growing.

After talking with one another, and visiting with the puppy, we decided that we'd give him a try. So, up he went into the car. He laid down on the backseat, right between Bre and I, with plenty of room to spare.

We had been babysitting a dog for some friends of ours for a year, and the next day the dog would be going back to his owners. We let the two dogs meet, holding on tight to each. Though the stray we brought home was younger than the the dog we were babysitting, it was in no way threatened. The dog we had had for a year was very upset, but our new dog barked and growled right back, almost saying, "Do you want a piece of me?"

Soon, we separated the dogs, and all was calm again. It was a Saturday evening. The next morning we went to church, which was about forty-five minutes from us. We tied our new dog to the pole barn outside, afraid of the possibility of him chewing things up in the house. The babysat dog went with us to church, and we dropped him off at his owner's home.

When we arrived back home, the dog was still tied up, and jumping up and down, excited to see that his new family was home. Being a puppy, he liked to bite. And being short, he liked to bite ankles. At night when we would pray as a family, we would kneel at the couch. After we got our new dog, we had to sit up on the couches with our feet as far from the edge as possible, so that he wouldn't chew on us with his sharp little teeth.

That next Monday was Memorial Day. Off we went to our church's Memorial Day Picnic, with the dog in the car, right between Breezy and I. We had not yet come up with a name for him, so all the way to the picnic (about forty-five minutes) we threw names about, trying to come up with one that fit. "Charlie" was mentioned, then repeated. It just sounded right. So, when we arrived at the picnic we were able to say, "Here's our new dog, Charlie." And the name suited him perfectly.

From there he grew, and grew, and continued to grow until he was about three years old. At the end of his life he was 165 lbs. I believe he enjoyed his life, and being around his family. Daddy was his favorite person. Peanut butter was his favorite food, as well as buttered toast, and buttered/salted popcorn (he liked the kernels too). His favorite thing to do was take rides in the truck, though it was hard on him to get in and out. He could only walk for ten to fifteen minutes before he would start limping. Since he was a large dog, we knew that he would have a shorter life then smaller dogs, as well as have hip trouble. In his short life he had several ailments, but he sweetly endured them.

Once when we gave him a bone to chew on (we were having roast) he managed to stick his bottom jaw through it. We heard a small yelp under the table when it happened, but yelps were not unusual because many times his large feet or tail would get stepped on. When he came out from under the table after dinner, we noticed that he was holding his mouth strangely. After a few minutes we finally understood what happened. The bone was stuck over his bottom teeth and we could not get it off, it was stuck - very stuck. So, Daddy took him to the vet. They had to sedate him to be able to work on it. First they tried to cut the bone with a special pair of pliers - that didn't work. Then the tried sawing the bone, and after about forty minutes they finally got it off, having to saw it in two places.

About two years ago he got an infection in his neck, and it swelled to about two times larger than usual, and he stopped eating. We said our goodbyes to him, and it was very hard. Daddy took him to the vet, and was expecting to have to put Charlie to sleep. But God spared him, and Charlie came back with Daddy, along with a bottle of antibiotics. Within a few weeks the swelling in his neck went away, and he was back to normal.

God gave us two more years with him, and I am forever thankful. Several weeks ago, Charlie began to limp, and since then it had only gotten worse. It was his back left leg and at first we thought it was his hip, but just recently found out that he probably tore a ligament. More and more weight was being put on his right leg, and then it came down to him hardly even letting it touch the ground.

He was in pain, and it was sad to watch him limp around. We began to prepare ourselves for the end that was inevitable. Thursday was the day. We spent all day loving on him, giving him his favorite treats, rubbing him, talking lovingly to him. All to make his last day a good one. Many photos were taken, as well as videos. In the evening we said our last goodbyes and Daddy took him to the vet.

I went into the house, sobbing, for my best furry friend would be no more. I sat down a the computer desk, opened God's Word. I turned to Psalms, and the Lord put the number 126 into my head. I turned to Psalm 126 and read it to myself, then read it aloud to Momma. It was a great comfort to us.

    "When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion,
     We were like those who dream.
     Then our mouth was filled with laughter
     And our tongue with joyful shouting;
     Then they said among the nations,
    'The Lord has done great things for them.'
     The Lord has done great things for us;
     We are glad.

     Restore our captivity, O Lord,
     As the streams in the South.
     Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
     He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
     Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
     bringing his sheaves with him."

        - Psalm 126

Here are some pictures of our beloved dog. He weighed 165 lbs. and looked like a mix between a Mastiff and a Rhodesian Ridgeback. His name was Charlie, but we called him by several nicknames - Chuck, Charles, Little One, and Sweet One, etc. I didn't realize how many things he did with us. Everything we do seems to have a memory of him doing it with us.


Here is Dad and Momma with Charlie at the Memorial Day Picnic, two days after we got him. It amazes us at how little he used to be - it didn't last long.


This photo give you an idea of how big he grew up to be, though in this picture he wasn't quite fully grown. It was taken in the Fall of 2003.


This is a photo of Charlie on Thursday, he was so content and happy, even though there were ants crawling all over his legs.


Here Charlie is biting his lip. He did this quite often, and seemingly just to amuse us.


He enjoyed getting his picture taken, even though he was a bit annoyed at times. He knew exactly where to look - at the lens. In this photo he is in the kitchen, one of his favorite places to lay in the sun to keep warm.


Charlie had so many faces, all entertaining. We always enjoyed his company, he was a wonderful companion.


Usually his "sticks" were logs from a tree we cut down, he would start by ripping the bark off with his teeth, spit it out (as shown above), and then chew on the wood.


He was a most learned doggy, who sat in on high school classes on biology, algebra, history, grammar, and every day heard God's Word being read aloud. He learned much, of that I'm sure, for he was very clever.

He was a happy and content little fellow, and I am thankful for the years we had him as a companion and best friend.

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6.25.2008

the storm

This Spring there has been several serious storms that the Lord has protected us through. These photos are from a couple Sundays ago, on Father's Day. Just about half an hour before photos of Bre and I with Daddy were taken.


The storm clouds approaching, with strength and great force.


To get these shots I ran across our yard near our field with Daddy. As the storm approached, I heard Momma and Breezy call for us to get back to the house. I hurriedly ran bare-footed to the house, with all my might. The ground was still dry and warm from the sun that was brightly shining just minutes before.

When the wind hit, the skies grew dark, and there was no sunshine left to be seen, we went inside, rushed upstairs and closed the windows. I hurriedly went into my room and looked around.

When it comes down to life or death, no earthly possession matters.

I went ahead and grabbed what at the moment seemed silly, but are close to my heart. Included was my queen sized yoyo coverlet, with which I had spent many an hour sewing with love. As quickly as possible I rushed downstairs, holding my special items close to me. I walked to the window where Momma was standing, and from past experience, we have learned that it is a very dangerous thing to do.

In a desperate tone I said, "The horizon is dark, with no end in sight." Indeed this was true. The worst part of the storm lasted about twenty minutes, with lightening, thunder, rain, and darkened skies. It seemed as if it would never end, but God was merciful, and after an hour of rain, He sent His promising rainbow.


Thankfully, there was no damage to our homestead, only a refreshed ground that had cooled in the downpour. I walked around outside, taking photos of odds and ends. The sun was shining brightly with a glowing warmness to it.

A stem of oak leaves was lying on the ground, covered with drops of rain.


      "For Your righteousness, O God, reaches the heavens,
       You who have done great things;
       O God, who is like You?"
              - Psalm 71:19

God has created such beauty! May we glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever!

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6.23.2008

4-H Fair

The past couple weeks have been quite busy with 4-H. We have completed several projects that have been entered into the county fair. Breezy's 4-H projects include a basket, painted illustration, a Christmas card, scrapbook, and two photography entries. My projects include a basket, pickles, cookies, a yoyo wall hanging, perpetual calendar, and two photography entries. It's been quite fun, but getting them all finished was a bit stressful at times.

During the week of the fair, my favorite part is the swine show. When the hogs are let loose, sometimes they run, or hop, around, with their owner following close behind. It's quite a humorous sight. We also like watching the beef show. Now and then a steer will go out of control, but usually it's pretty calm.


I look forward to next year's fair.

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6.18.2008

Father's Day 2008

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6.15.2008

my daddy

Dear Daddy,
You are my protector, leader, and guide. You have taught me from Scripture the way I should go. You have been a godly example of what a father, and leader of the family looks like. I don't know what I'd do without you. God has blessed me so greatly with such a father as wonderful as you. You have loved, cared, instructed, and nurtured me. I love the way you laugh, the way you call me "Cookie" when I'm cooking in the kitchen, they way you look at me in such a loving way. I love you Daddy!
Your Little Girl
 
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." - Exodus 20:12


"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6


"Children be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord." - Colossians 3:20


"Hear, my son, and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many." - Proverbs 4:10


"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." - Ephesians 6:1


"My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; Bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you." - Proverbs 6: 20-22


Thank you, O Lord, for my daddy!

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6.7.2008

Psalm 97:6

When I look into the sky, and see His overwhelming glory, I am amazed. It is incomprehensible! All the peoples have seen His glory. Blessed be His name!

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6.4.2008

Whimsical Button Bouquet

Just so you know, I am writing weekly posts at the Backyard (you have to be logged in at HSB to view) on crafts called Stitched Little Pieces. Each Wednesday, there should be a post up at the Backyard with directions and photos of how to make crafts. For those of you who do not have a HomeschoolBlogger account, below is this week's craft.

-------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

The Whimsical Button Bouquet is a sweet little decoration that turns a frown to a smile.

Supplies:


- Buttons (you'll probably want a variety)
- Pliers/Wire Cutters (for bending, twisting, and cutting the wire)
- Wire (doesn't matter what size, but I find the 20 gauge to work wonderfully)
- Salt Shaker (a spare one - rummage sells are great places to find extras)


Directions:


1. Cut a piece of wire 2-4 inches longer then the height of the salt shaker. Bend about an inch of the wire back, this will help the button go on easier. Push the longer side of the wire down through one of the holes in the button, making sure the front of the button is facing up.
2. As the button approaches the other end of the wire that is folded down, put that end through the opposite hole. Pull the button until it stops and looks like this.
3. Slightly twist the two wires to secure the button.
4. With the plier, grab both wires close to the button and begin to twist tightly.
5. After going around a few times, cut the excess wire with the wire cutters (be careful, the little piece of wire might go flying into the air, I advise cutting this inside a container).
6. Fold the little end that is left down, so that it finishes the spiral.


For Extra Beauty:


On the wire under the button flower, grab the wire with the pliers where a nice spiral is desired. Twist the wire around the pliers, loosely so that the pliers can be removed. Straighten up the wire a bit above and below the pretty little spiral so that the flower stands tall.

Once the button flower is finished, insert it into one of the holes on the shaker lid.


You can fill the shaker with as little or as many as you wish. If you had lots of the button flowers, you could put in a new bouquet every few days.

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6.3.2008

lovely piano

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5.28.2008

new camera

Wow! I am extremely shocked . . . I don't know how to start this post. I'll just plunge in.

We now own a Nikon D60!
Momma went to Best Buy on Saturday and purchased one. The really cute part, is that it was Daddy's idea. They've been talking about it for a while - secretly. I've been saving up for a Nikon - and I had a long ways to go before I could afford one.

Saturday morning, they were looking around online at what kind of camera's a few bloggers have, and then went to the Best Buy website and saw that the Nikon D60 was on sale! God is so good!

That afternoon I took family portraits for some friends of ours. I was so happy with the way they turned out with the Nikon.

Since then, I've been taking photos left and right. They turn out clear and extremely sharp.

Here are a few that I've taken with the new Nikon. Which is your favorite?




Blessings,

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5.27.2008

winking

"Winking at you? Why would I be winking at you?"

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5.24.2008

Happy Graduation Eyebright!

Dear Eyebright,

Congratulations! You have now graduated from homeschool high school! It's so encouraging to know that there are those out there who homeschool all the way through. You have been a blessing to me, and your blog is always a fun place to be.

As I was thinking about what to get you, aprons came to mind. Would you like one? You can pick out the style and color, and I'll make it for you. By the way, this is irl, not just cyber. ;)

God has your whole life planned out, seek Him, and trust in Him. I pray that you will continue to grow in godliness and closer to Christ. May you smile at the future.

   "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future."
    - Proverbs 31:25

Thank you for being such a sweet friend, it's always a joy to get a comment from you.

Blessings,

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