Family Time

My family and I went fishing yesterday and had a GREAT time!! This summer has been so busy with school that it is sometimes hard to make myself take some time for family fun. My children are 17 and 19, yet one of our favorite activities is still fishing in the pond. What is it about fishing that is so exciting? The answer to that question could be that life slows down just a bit when you get on the edge of the pond, listening to the birds singing, watching the grasshoppers dancing around your feet, occasionally seeing a fish somersault on the surface of the pond, and feeling the sun beat down as you cast the line and plop that bait as close to the lily pads as you possibly can without getting all tangled up.

Some of the fun may be casting over and over to see who will pull the first one in. Or could it be the challenge of who will be able to say they caught the biggest fish? Part of the joy yesterday was hearing my daughter screaming at her dad that the fish was bleeding and asking if it was going to be ok when she threw it back in. My son, on the other hand, was ROLLING his eyes like he'd never heard of such....even though he knows her all too well!

I encourage you to make time for the important people in your life......for simple pleasures.....for relaxing....Summer semester is winding down!! WooHoo!!

For the Love of Pets

Yesterday's post on the lessons we can learn from out pets made me think about how much pets add to our lives. WebMD.com notes that owning pets can actually improve your health. Pets can provide valuable friendship and companionship, but pet owners also handle daily stress more effectively. Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression and the website says that pets can even lower your blood pressure. A benefit that I see in owning a pet is also home security. Companion pets are used in hospitals for therapy and are beneficial for those advancing in age.

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most difficult times for many people. I heard a story one time about two adults talking about how sad it is that animal lives are shorter than human lives. There was a young boy nearby who had been listening to the adult conversation and piped in that he knew the reason. The adults, unaware that he was even really paying any attention to their discussion, kindly listened to his comforting explanation.

He simply explained that people are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice. He asked the adults if they agreed, and they did. The young boy continued his explanation that dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.

Our pet border collie, Dixie, adds so much joy to our lives. I just can't imagine life without her!!

Live Simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. - Ronald Reagan

If you have a family pet that is part of your family, you already know that we can learn big lessons from our faithful friends. I received an email with the following message that really made me think about how I spend my time. I'd like to share....

If a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
-When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
-Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
-Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
-Take naps.
-Stretch before rising.
-Run, romp, and play daily.
-Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
-Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
-On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
-On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
-When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
-Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
-Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
-Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
-If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
-When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
-Be always grateful for each new day.

Ronald Reagan said it best in his quote, "Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God." It would be a different world if we could all learn to live by his words.

Great Reads

Ever since the Children's Literature class during my undergraduate studies, I have been hooked on quality literature for children and young adults. A few of my favorite authors are Gary Schmidt, Gary Paulsen, Sharon Creech, and Kate DiCamillo. Actually, I could go on and on with that list. Of course with two classes this summer I have had little time to read personal choices. One book that I did read before classes started was Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Journey to Change the World...One Child at a Time (The Young Reader's Edition) by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

The story is about Greg Mortenson who aborts a climb to K2 and finds himself lost in the mountains of Pakistan. After wondering into a very poor village, the people there nurse him back to health. He is overwhelmed by the kindness that they show to him and wonders what he could do to repay their hospitality. When Greg visits the place where the children of Korphe gather to learn, he realizes quickly that they do not have a school building. He finds 78 boys and 4 girls kneeling on the ground to study. Because a teacher costs one dollar a day, they share one with a nearby village. Therefore, the teacher comes three days a week and the rest of the time, the students are left alone to practice the lessons that the teacher left behind. Some children have slates that they write on with sticks dipped in mud while others scratch in the dirt with sticks.

This book is about a promise that Greg made to the village, a promise that he would return and build a school for their children. It is uplifting and filled with love and dedication on both sides.

"With the first cup of tea you are a stranger. With the second...a friend. With the third cup of tea, you are family."

There are incredibly moving lessons to be learned for adults and children in this book. Mortenson has also published a picture book about his journey entitled Listen to the Wind. Check these out at your public library or amazon.com.

Hooked on Reading

I just finished my first James Patterson novel entitled Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. I had been told by a friend who is an avid Patterson reader that this book was unlike the majority of his other novels. It was an incredibly easy read, yet it unfolded a plot that was filled with mystery and splattered throughout with winding turns. Patterson created characters who easily became my friends and acquaintances; this totally hooked me into the story line. It didn't take long for me to realize that not all of the characters would be living happily ever after. Once I started, it was hard for me to put the book down. Pick this novel up at your local library and enjoy!

You Provide a Book and a Lounge Chair: Nature Provides the Rest

I hope that everyone out there indulged in some personal down time during the Fourth of July holiday. Since we were entertaining out-of-town guests, the down time was limited yet well worth the extra work!

My favorite activity for the great outdoors requires only a book and a lounge chair; nature provides the rest. With this in mind, I want to blog this week on great books! As a reading coach, children's literature is my passion; I love to read the latest literature out there for children of all ages.

Last year I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and enjoyed it so much that I immediately read Catching Fire, the second book of the series. A third book, Mockingjay, is due to be out August 24 and is slated to be the last book in the series. Anyone out there read these?

I am not usually into futuristic novels that much, but I really connected to the young characters in these books. The first book in the series begins by explaining that the United States has been replaced by Panem which is made up of the Capitol and twelve districts. Each year, two young people from each district are chosen by lottery to participate in the Hunger Games, televised games that all the citizens are required to watch (intimidation from the Capitol) and where the participants are striving to be the only one surviving at the end of the games. The plot is full of tension and danger, and I found myself totally engrossed in these novels.

I keep an ongoing list of books that I want to read next. Please comment and recommend some titles for me to add to my list........

Wishing You All a Safe Fourth!!

I can hardly believe that July is already here!! With the holiday coming up, my family is looking forward to having out-of-town guests for the long weekend. Of course, we will definitely cook out and enjoy the beautiful weather. In North Alabama, the past few days have been much cooler than previous weeks, and there is no chance of rain. Woohoo!

We plan to buy barbecue pork from Whitt's (a local treat), grill hamburgers and hot dogs, and whip up some homemade ice cream. Any other great ideas out there for easy summer recipes that go great with grilling?

What would the holiday be without a fireworks show? Point Mallard is a nearby park that always hosts a grand display of fireworks for the fourth. Some years we go over to the park and other years we just watch from our front porch. If our guests agree, this year we may skip the crowds and watch from the patio.

Wishing you all a blessed and safe holiday as you enjoy the great outdoors!!

More Frugal Summer Fun Ideas

If you have children, or if you are a big kid yourself, plan a get together with your friends and family and cool off with outdoor water games. You can buy water balloons, fill them up, and enjoy a fun afternoon with your family and friends. Of course, we are all familiar with the old water bag or balloon soaker toss game that is similar to catch. Make 2 lines of kids and adults facing each other with about 3 feet between them. Player 1 tosses the bag or balloon to the player directly across. If everyone in the line makes it at 3 feet, then they move back a foot more. When a pair misses and bursts their balloon, then they are out of the game. This continues until there is a winning pair. You can use water balloons for this game or some people prefer zipper sandwich bags as they are easier to pick up when the game is over.

Another simple, fun water activity is water gun or water balloon battles. You can purchase cheap water guns or balloons at the dollar store for this activity; it is less structured and only requires preparation if you use balloons. If you use water guns, then just fill a bucket with water and each player fills his/her own gun when needed. No cleanup is necessary for the water guns either.

Another fun game is called "Fill the Bottle." For this game you need small paper cups (about 4 oz), 2 clean, empty coke bottles (20 oz or 32 oz), and a bucket for each team. Each team has a member lay on the ground and hold the 20 or 32 oz empty coke bottle on his/her head. Teammates take turns running to the bucket and filling up a 4 oz paper cup and then going over and pouring it into the empty coke bottle. Once each player on the team has taken a turn, the bottle person moves to the front of the line and the last person in line lays down and becomes the bottle person. This gives everyone the opportunity to be the bottle person and "get soaked." When the bottle is full, the bottle person runs to the finish line with it without spilling it. Of course, the winning team is the first to fill up the bottle and make it back to the finish line.

Another game that is similar is called the "Over/Under Game." For this game, you need 2 sponges, 2 buckets, and 2 pitchers. The object of this game is to compete with another team to fill up the team's pitcher. Two teams line up with a bucket of water on one end and a pitcher on the other. Player 1 fills up the sponge with water and passes it over his/her head to the person behind him/her who passes it to the person behind them between their legs. This repeats all the way down the line where the last player rings the water out of the sponge into the bucket and runs the sponge to the front of the line where he/she fills it back up with water and continues the cycle. The winning team is the first to fill up the pitcher.

Water games are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and beat the heat at the same time!

Frugal Outdoor Summer Fun

For this week, I thought that I would mention some fun outdoor ideas for you to consider. For many of us being in school puts a damper on the financial budget. Therefore, I am going to suggest some activities that are fun and entertaining, yet low cost. The first activity that I thought about is going to an outdoor movie or play. Almost every town has at least a few of these events each summer. Check your local newspaper or online resources to find an event near you. Although they are usually free of charge, they are a great time to watch the sun go down and enjoy some quality time with your friends and family. Take your own blanket or chairs, along with some snacks, and enjoy a relaxing evening in the great outdoors!!

The Mule

We own a Kawasaki Mule that we use to run errands on the farm and move from place to place. We don't park it in the same place each time we finish with it. It has a spot under the barn, but we do not always take it back there. One night it might stay down at the barn, and the next night it might just be in the backyard. The last person driving it pretty much just leaves it wherever they finish with it.
Our border collie, Dixie, loves the Mule! She makes every trip possible in it; if it is moving then she is usually in the back. She even sleeps in it many nights; there is a definite attraction to it for some reason. I think her love for it probably is because one of us is driving, and she wants to be where ever we are. Another reason is because it goes to the farm a lot where she can run in the wide open and swim in the ponds.
Well, anyway, this week's funny is that Wednesday afternoon my husband went out to get in the Mule, and a little wren had build a nest in the pocket of it (the pocket is somewhat like a glove compartment without a lid). Well, if you have followed my blog at all, you know that I love any aspect of nature, including birds. I thought that was amazing until I realized that she might not be able to find a nest that was constantly moving!! Therefore, before she laid her eggs, my husband broke up the nest. At first I was really sad that he broke it up, but then I rethought it and knew that it was necessary. The Mule is not an object that we could wait for several weeks to use again, and the little wren needed a stationary home for her babies!

Purple Martins

If you are a bird lover, I'm sure that you know about these aerial beauties...the Purple Martins. Have you ever seen those white gourds hanging on poles in fields? These gourds are usually put up to attract Purple Martins. The photo shows another type, the Purple Martin hotel, that can be purchased to bring these singers into your space.

Purple Martins are aerial insectivores - eating only flying insects high in the sky mostly during daytime hours. According to www.purplemartin.org, the belief of many that Purple Martins can be used for mosquito control is untrue. First of all, mosquitos come out in the evening and are not found at heights where the martins fly.

If you want to attract these aerial acrobats, you will need an open spot of land with the nearest housing 40-60 feet away. Also, Purple Martins dislike areas with trees, bushes, etc.; they prefer open areas. Gourds should be painted white or light pastel to attract the birds and reflect heat. According to the website, one million Americans put up housing and try to attract the birds. If you are successful, the martins are loyal and usually come back to the same house year after year to raise their young. Another interesting fact is that a pair-bond is monogamous.

One of my favorite summer sights is watching their speed and agility as they fly high into the sky and feed. The songs these birds share in flight will certainly make a passer-by stop, look, and listen.

Today's Job

I thought I would share today's job with you by writing a poem.

Today's Job
by Kay Marsh

Sun beating unmercifully down on the ground....
The scent of freshly cut grass...
dried to a crisp
a blessing of summer
Click, Clack, Click
and
M-M-M-M-M-M-M-M....
The hum of the tractor creeping through the fields.
As the seriously sharp blades SNATCH up the grass
and SLING them into the baler,
It's absolutely amazing
how the simple machine
s-p-i-n-s the grass again and again,
around and around and around,
and then
suddenly
with no warning
out POPS a perfect bale of
MILLET!
Right onto the ground.
Anyone ready to load?

Feathered Friends on the Farm

Some of my best friends on the farm are feathered. I have already blogged about a few of my favorites types of wild birds, but today I want to tell you about our tamed birds. My son raises ducks and geese, and last summer he added peacocks and turkeys. Our newest babies on the farm are ducklings. In my opinion, no matter what type of animal you're talking about, babies are incredibly precious. I have dowloaded some photos for you to see if you agree.

Scorching!!

I hope that everyone is enjoying a blessed day with their fathers today! While I type, I am multitasking and making homemade banana ice cream to take to my dad; it is his favorite summertime treat.

I don't know about lower Alabama, but here in Northern Alabama, the weather is extremely hot and humid (another reason for homemade ice cream). The forecast for this week is consistent with high 90's and heat indexes into the lower 100's. We have been in a weather pattern over the past two weeks with hot weather and frequent downpours. The advantage to this pattern is the plants love it!! They are gorgeous green and thriving....both flowers and crops. I was a little later than normal assembling plants into my pots this year, but with all of this rain, they look like they have been potted for months!! On several occasions after the heavy rains, I had noticed the most spectacular rainbows. There's nothing like a rainbow to make you stop for a moment, no matter what you are doing, just to enjoy its beauty. We all need to take more time to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature and the great outdoors.

Fifty is Nifty

Half a century...sounds like a long time...doesn't it?! Well, that's my age as of yesterday! Lucky for me, my daughter planned a surprise party with all my favorites: family, friends, and food!! (: Fifty candles floating in the pool is much friendlier than 50 candles on a cake! Spaced out like that, there doesn't seem to be sooo many! And, no, I could NOT blow them all out. The party took place, of course, in the great outdoors around the pool. I was pleasantly surprised by the collection of old friends and new ones, too. We all enjoyed our time socializing and talking about days gone by until my daughter summoned us inside to watch "The DVD of My Fifty Years." What a wonderful gift..from birth to present day...so many precious memories of the people and activities that have made me who I am today!

Many have asked about how it feels to be fifty. Well, it feels GREAT!! The way I look at it, the more years we are blessed with, the more friends and family we have to enhance our lives. Isn't that what life's all about anyway? It feels great to be the nifty fifty!!

Watching the Eastern Blue Birds

Happy Friday to All!

Today while taking a short walk outside I was reminded of the simple joys that the blue birds bring to the farm. I have already shared my love of hummingbirds with you all, but I also enjoy watching the Eastern blue birds come and go in the spring and summer. It is simply an amazing sight to watch how they are attracted to the nesting boxes and how diligently they work to build perfect little nests and raise their babies.

If you are a bird lover, you might be interested in attracting these beauties. Nesting boxes may be purchased or handmade using a pattern that can be found on the internet. The boxes should, however, have a 1 1/2 inch entrance hole so that larger birds do not take over the nests. Fence posts are perfect places to attach the nesting boxes because the blue birds love open fields, prairies, meadows, and other places with few trees and shrubs. If you don't have fence posts, then you can fasten them to any metal pole. In my opinion, they should be attached at about 5 feet so that they are easily accessible to the homeowner. The boxes that we use on our farm also open from the front for cleaning and easy monitoring of the birds. There are several type of blue birds throughout the United States, but the Eastern blue bird is usually found in the eastern half of North America to the Rocky Mountains. It should not be confused with the Blue Jay; the blue bird is a smaller bird that is predominantly blue with a red breast and a white belly.

Until next time, be on the lookout for the beauties of nature where you live!!

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head!

We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one. - Jacques Cousteau

Well, it's a beautiful, rainy morning on the farm. The claps of thunder are a welcomed sound from the great outdoors. Hopefully, once the rain has provided its necessary nourishment to the earth, it will subside and allow the sun to peek through the clouds. Today I share a poem from Langston Hughes with you so that you might enjoy the beauty of well-written verse. Poetry is my favorite genre due to its fun with words. Enjoy!

April Rain Song by Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

Let the rain kiss you.

Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.

Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk.

The rain makes running pools in the gutter.

The rain plays a little sleep-song on our roof at night-

And I love the rain.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

The rain and sunshine have clearly outdone themselves the past few days. I live in southern Limestone county which is located in Northern Alabama. We enjoy living on a small farm where spring is a beautiful and humbling place. Regardless of whether it's work or play, I just love the great outdoors. Every season gently remind me of the beauty of creation. The birds singing, the wind creating beautiful songs on the windchimes, the gurgle of the pool water.....ahhhhh...summer is amazing!

Today I would like to share my love of hummingbirds with you. Each spring in the month of April I place four or five hummingbird feeders around my porches and yard. This year, it only took two or three days before I spotted the birds arriving. Hummingbird feeders are relatively inexpensive, and I encourage you to purchase one if you enjoy the beauty of nature. There's no need to purchase the nectar in town because making your own is easy. Mix 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups of water; I heat the water to boiling so that the sugar dissolves well, and this can be accomplished on the stove or in the microwave, whichever you prefer. In the beginning of the season, I add a small amount of red food coloring to the nectar to draw the birds into the yard, but once they are here I no longer use the food coloring additive. Place the feeders where you can enjoy the beauty and energy of these incredible little acrobats!

Until next time...lose yourself in nature and enjoy the peace it brings!