YouTo those that know me, I don't need to explain, for
those who don't ...you wouldn't understand anyway :)

I am pretty straight forward,an open book. I try very hard to be honest, self sufficient and generously share my many blessings with those who touch my life. I love my Husband !I love my God,Children, Family and Country fiercely and will fight to defend them all.
If it has hair and 4 legs I call it my own... I can never get enough animals.
My house is usually a mess because I have too many irons in the fire. I don't get into too much trouble because " idle hands are the devils workshop" and I try to keep mine busy:)
I would rather wear out than rust out.
I love to hold my kids in my lap even if they are all grown up.
I love all that is country....the smell of the earth and how it feels in my hands,the mist of cows breath on a cold winter night when I go to milk,the miracle of birth and soul food.
I love to watch my goats play.
I love daisies and daffodils.
I am blue jeans and boots...always dirty.
I think black and white with little gray.
I am devout in my conservative independent beliefs.
I am a child of God and am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 138
1 I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;

before the “gods” I will sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple

and will praise your name

for your love and your faithfulness,

for you have exalted above all things

your name and your word.

3 When I called, you answered me;

you made me bold and stouthearted.

4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O Lord,

when they hear the words of your mouth.

5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,

for the glory of the Lord is great.

6 Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly,

but the proud he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O Lord, endures forever—

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Faithfulness and Blessings

Being thankful in these past few months has at times taken a back seat to my discouragement in the ways that our country has changed. I chastise myself for not seeing sooner where this all was headed. My bitterness and frustration seems to fester more each day. I have ultimately resigned myself to fight with prayer.
I am praying a new prayer each day that God will see fit to change the hearts of the ones that we can't. I pray that he gives me the strength to fight a good fight and stand fast in my beliefs.
I pray that he would show me the way that I should teach my children to go. The lines have become blurred and it is hard to see the way that is true.

I see the storm clouds building and hear thunder in the distance for this once mighty and God fearing land .

Jesus walked on the waters in the Sea Of Galilee in the midst of a storm . His very disciples thought him to be a ghost. He reached out to Peter with a beckoning hand and while Peter kept his eyes on Jesus he too walked safely across the waves but when he took his eyes away and watched the storm his fear returned and he began to sink.
Jesus chastised "Oh ye of little faith..."
I will cast my eyes upon Jesus and away from the storm and in my faith he will lift me up !

When God was to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah he sent angels to take Lot and his family by the hands to lead them away from the destruction. They were warned to look away from the evil and follow the angels. Lot's wife gave in to temptation and looked back at the city. She was immediately turned to a pilar of salt for her disobedience and lack of faith.Lot was faithful to God even as his beloved wife was not. He obeyed and was saved.

Is our country so different that those cities that fell to the carnal desires of the wicked??
Be ready ,be faithful and be vigilant .Be ready to follow and not look back.



I hope that you enjoy this wonderful poem as much as I do.It is one that I think of often when I am marveling at all that I have been blessed with.

DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER

I've never made a fortune
and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loved ones around me,
and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.

So God, help me not to gripe about
the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,
when the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Author unknown

Food Safety S510 Letter from Senator Chambliss

This is the letter that I received back from Senator Chambliss after I wrote him concerning the S510 Bill. I felt that some of my Ga. friends might like to see where he stands.

Dear Mrs. Peevy:

Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts concerning S. 510, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act. It is good to hear from you.

I cosponsored the bipartisan FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which was introduced in the Senate on March 3, 2009, by Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois. As it is written, this legislation would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to enhance current FDA authority to better protect our nation's food supply. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act calls for an increase in the frequency of FDA inspections at all food facilities, grants the FDA expanded access to records and testing results, and allows the FDA the authority to order mandatory recalls should a private entity fail to do so voluntarily upon the FDA's request. S. 510 also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a pilot project to test and evaluate new methods for rapidly and effectively tracing fruits and vegetables in the event of a food-borne illness outbreak. On December 18, 2009, S. 510 was reported out of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.

Whether produced domestically or imported, Americans must be able to trust that the food sold in their grocery stores and restaurants is safe. I believe it is vital to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the tools to properly monitor and inspect the food that is consumed in this country. While overall the safety of our food supply is unmatched throughout the world, certain incidents demonstrate the need to afford regulators the authority they need to better identify vulnerabilities in our food supply while maintaining the high level of food safety most Americans enjoy and take for granted.

As a member of the U.S. Senate and a consumer myself, I believe it is vital to improve our capacity to prevent food safety problems, as well as our capacity to detect and respond to food-borne illness outbreaks. An effective public-private sector partnership is critical to this overall effort. The private sector has the responsibility to follow federal guidelines and ensure the safety of their products. The federal government has the responsibility to oversee these efforts and take corrective actions when necessary.

There are many provisions of S. 510 to assist small farmers and protect them from undue regulation. The small farm provisions of S. 510 are extremely important and were key to my decision to be an original cosponsor of the bill. The following are just a few examples of small farm provisions included in the bill that I strongly support:

1)Small entities that produce food for their own consumption or market the majority of their food directly to consumers are not subject to registration or new recordkeeping requirements. This includes food sold through farmers' markets, road-side stands, public events and organizational fundraisers;

2)The original bill makes no change in definition of facility under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 which have to register with FDA. Farms and restaurants were exempted, and remain exempted in S. 510;

3)Small businesses are given regulatory flexibility throughout S. 510. For example, small processors are given additional time to comply with new food safety practices and guidelines created by the bill and the Secretary may modify or exempt small processors from new hazard analysis and preventive control requirements based on size and risk. The legislation also requires the FDA to publish several user-friendly small entity compliance guides to assist firms with the implementation of new practices;

4)Throughout the bill, consideration is given to the unique agricultural practices and requirements organic foods under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990; and,

5)Regarding risk-based traceability, farms and small businesses that are not food facilities are not expected to create new records. Only during an active investigation of a food-borne illness outbreak, in consultation with state and local officials, the Secretary may ask a farm to identify potential immediate recipients of food if it is necessary to protect public health or mitigate a food-borne illness outbreak.

I am concerned about the Tester Amendment because it establishes exemptions that are not based on risk or science, and it creates a loop-hole in which regulated products could be processed with unregulated products. As stated above, ALL farms that directly market to consumers are protected in the original version of S. 510, and the Tester amendment is unnecessary and potentially harmful.

While I was an original cosponsor of S.510, I am concerned about the last minute changes that were made to the bill behind closed doors, both due to the substance of those changes as well as potential costs associated with them. I am also concerned that Senators will not have the opportunity to offer amendments on the Senate floor for an open and transparent debate. For these reasons, I voted against the motion to proceed to S. 510. I will carefully review the implications of the changes to S. 510 to determine if I will support the bill when it comes to a vote for final passage.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. If I can ever be of assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Happy Anniversary to Ashley And Nolan!!

I can't believe that it has been a whole year today that my son Nolan and his bride Ashley were wed. Actually, it is hard to remember Ashley not being in our family. Serious college and career choices make for very long courtships:) They began dating late in their senior year of high school. Then they weathered going to college in different states with Nolan finishing his chemical engineering degree and taking his first job almost 3 hours away. Ashley attended college year round for 7 long years to finish her doctorate degree in physical therapy! All the while they kept each other close and with God in their hearts they made it last November 7,2009 to complete their journey to become man and wife. We are so proud of them and can't wait to experience many more wonderful years with them! We Love you both so much!!!
While getting a new daughter in the deal is fantastic we are also fortunate to have inherited her lovely family as a part of ours now. We are blessed beyond measure!

Diamond Rio: In God We Still Trust

First Freeze

Last night we had our first freeze of the year....a little late but still welcomed:) I gathered the last of our bell peppers and green tomatoes,tucked in the critters and stoked up the fire! I am a bit excited that "snuggling weather" is here :)
The air is so crisp and cool and the leaves are falling quickly. I checked on the broccoli and decided to wait a little longer before cutting it. It will be warmer again next week and with the past 3 days of rain it is sure to put on extra growth. We have already eaten some of our turnip greens but they will definitely be better after the colder weather sets in.
I made lots of green tomato salsa and canned it up for later use. We kept sampling it with saltine crackers due to the fact that we are trying to lose weight and be HEALTHY and have a no chips rule in the house at the moment.
It takes a lot of work and preparation to eat healthy. It is so easy to get in the habit of just grabbing what is easiest when you are tired or hurrying . I made lots of fresh yogurt and feta this week so that it will be there when we need a quick snack. Granola will be the next baking project.
I am working on keeping fresh raw veggies in the fridge so we have no excuses. It will get harder to make good choices as we head into the holiday season.
For some crazy reason when the weather gets cool I start longing for comfort foods.....soups,cornbread,sweet potatoes and pastas. It must be a built in mechanism from our past when it was necessary to have more calories when battling the cold lean winters.
I think that our does get the same calling as breeding season starts. The once placid animals that picked at the grain and hay that is before them 24/7 in the summer are devouring it as fast as I can fill up the feeders. The minerals and protein blocks that I put out are are gone in record time.
I see squirrels and chipmunks darting here and there competing for the acorns and hickory nuts .They are stockpiling for the winter. Bugs,flies and every creature that crawls and slithers are trying to make their way into my house or barn. There is a whisper on the wind that is telling us to prepare for what is ahead.
We all move rhythmically,animals and humans alike in a zombie state driven by prodding ancient rituals as old as time. I marvel at how they all seem to know how to prepare even in their first winter season. As I putter around in what is the fall sequel of spring cleaning, my mind toys with the often quoted verse in Ecclesiastes. It becomes exceedingly clear to me that they prepare for something that they have little or no knowledge about . They follow faithfully in the order that God set before them.
It is a delicate ballet as they dance from one day to another,one season following the next until their work here is finished. The Maestro conducts a beautiful symphony from on high. There is so much comfort for the faithful to be carried by HIM IN HIS PERFECT ORDER. Even the smallest of creatures know the TRUTH!
It is only we as humans that sometimes forget .....

Bible in Basic English

---

1 For everything there is a fixed time, and a time for every business under the sun.

2 A time for birth and a time for death; a time for planting and a time for uprooting;

3 A time to put to death and a time to make well; a time for pulling down and a time for building up;

4 A time for weeping and a time for laughing; a time for sorrow and a time for dancing;

5 A time to take stones away and a time to get stones together; a time for kissing and a time to keep from kissing;

6 A time for search and a time for loss; a time to keep and a time to give away;

7 A time for undoing and a time for stitching; a time for keeping quiet and a time for talk;

8 A time for love and a time for hate; a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What profit has the worker in the work which he does? 10 I saw the work which God has put on the sons of man.

11 He has made everything right in its time; but he has made their hearts without knowledge, so that man is unable to see the works of God, from the first to the last.

12 I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to be glad, and to do good while life is in him. 13 And for every man to take food and drink, and have joy in all his work, is a reward from God. 14 I am certain that whatever God does will be for ever. No addition may be made to it, nothing may be taken from it; and God has done it so that man may be in fear before him. 15 Whatever is has been before, and what is to be is now; because God makes search for the things which are past.

16 And again, I saw under the sun, in the place of the judges, that evil was there; and in the place of righteousness, that evil was there. 17 I said in my heart, God will be judge of the good and of the bad; because a time for every purpose and for every work has been fixed by him. 18 I said in my heart, It is because of the sons of men, so that God may put them to the test and that they may see themselves as beasts. 19 Because the fate of the sons of men and the fate of the beasts is the same. As is the death of one so is the death of the other, and all have one spirit. Man is not higher than the beasts; because all is to no purpose. 20 All go to one place, all are of the dust, and all will be turned to dust again. 21 Who is certain that the spirit of the sons of men goes up to heaven, or that the spirit of the beasts goes down to the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better than for a man to have joy in his work--because that is his reward. Who will make him see what will come after him?

---

<< Ecclesiastes 3 >>

6 months late!!

WOW!! I seem to have abandoned my blog for the past 6 months. I truly have been busy but should do better. I will give a quick fast forward to bring you up on things .
Thankfully, it has been a productive time. I was able to can and freeze tons of food from our gardens.We are trying a big fall garden this year in hopes of having lots of collards,brussels sprouts,cabbage,turnips,carrots,beets,broccoli, spinach and other greens . With the crazy weather we are still getting tomatoes and bell pepper! I am going to try to extend the harvest by covering them with a floating cloth this fall.
The kennels were busier than they have been in a long time. I sure hope that this means that we are at least leveling off within the economy. It has been a tough time for so many people. We are very fortunate to have done as well as we have.

My son Nolan and his new wife Ashley, are doing wonderfully in their first year of marriage.Victoria is zooming thru nursing school with flying colors.We were blessed to have her home this year for the summer. It was sure hard to have her move out this fall.
Elisabeth is safely tucked away as a freshman at Clemson. It is always hard to take another one from the nest:( SHe continues to write her songs and plans to record a few on Christmas break!
Hannah had a chance to attend ADGA National this year with Rusty Repp and Mary Fife.
It has solidly lit a fire in her to become a judge some day and do everything that she can to advance her goat management and showing skills. She has her learners permit and is doing quite well driving. Adrianna is growing like a weed both physically and intellectually.She is 11 going on 25! We are enjoying having her back at home for school and making the most of every opportunity to experience learning in all aspects.Both girls are working to become more involved in the Walton County 4H club.
Our goats are movie stars! We had a great time providing the milk goats for the Jennifer Anniston /Paul Rudd movie that has been filming in Ga. The extra money has been tucked back to feed the herd and buy extras that they might need.
The movie is "Wunderlust " and will come out next spring or summer. The content make be a bit risque we found out after the fact so proceed with caution:)

My husband so graciously added on a 24x24 addition to my goat barn! It has been so wonderful to have the extra space.
He will also be adding 2 new cameras for a total of 3 so that I can watch everyone during kidding season via our network OR the internet. That sure saves so many steps and keeps me from worrying about the little sneakies.
Our show season is over until spring and we are pleased with the progress that our herd has made this year. I can only hope that we do as well next season. We have some very exciting breeding this fall and you can see them at www.montagefarm.com
The fall garden is planted and Adrianna has a cold frame that she got for her birthday that we hope to try out. Our milk and cheese sales are still growing and helping to feed the animals. For this we are extremely grateful otherwise, many would have to leave.
Ken has cut and split cords and cords of fire wood for the winter so we are ready to stay warm. I just love the warmth of a fire. If we could just get mother nature to realize that it is almost NOVEMBER!!!
Speaking of November, I am sooo excited about the opportunity to vote soon. Please make your voice heard and stand to be counted!!

Amazing Grace how Sweet the Sound!

Please take the time to watch this child sing. Grace has never been sweeter.


http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=370668318969&ref=nf&v=info#!/video/video.php?v=380257282983

He is Risen!

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS , and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved Romans 10: 9

Happy Easter to all

We will not be over come....

I will fight the good fight as long as I there is breath in my body.

I will not take for granted the sacrifices made

by those who fought and fell before me.

Freedom is not FREE.

Please pray for our country.

Psalm 138

1 I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;

before the “gods” I will sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple

and will praise your name

for your love and your faithfulness,

for you have exalted above all things

your name and your word.

3 When I called, you answered me;

you made me bold and stouthearted.

4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O Lord,

when they hear the words of your mouth.

5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,

for the glory of the Lord is great.

6 Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly,

but the proud he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O Lord, endures forever—

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Sweeeeetttt!

I am really flying high this week. My tech guy "hubby" hooked up my barn cam. It is wireless and I can now sit in my easy chair at night instead of dragging off to the barn in my pajamas! LOVE IT!!! I can check on my goaties anywhere there is internet...even from my Itouch. How cool is that:) It has already paid for itself a couple of times allowing me to get there and help with kidding that otherwise might have been disaster.
We have been in kidding overload with 26 on the ground and doing well. We are almost 50/50 with sexes and have had a very healthy vigorous group despite this kooky weather.
We go from frigid cold,snow,65 degree days and monsoon rains in the span of 3 weeks.
I am pretty skeptical about the global warning issue .God must be having a hayday saying"take this and tell me who is in control" LOL!! We think that we can control the weather ...get real.
I have only 17 more does to kid with about 10 of those being young first fresheners kidding in May. I am sure glad that I sold so many and got my numbers down HEE HEE HEE!

On another note, I have been really lucky in finding great deals on the equipment that I need for the Grade A dairy and cheese license. It is amazing how things are falling into place.

I have searched for over a year for the things that I wanted to no avail but suddenly ...unbelievable deals seem to be falling in my lap. I now have my pasteurizer/cheese vat (C Van Reit no less!),3 bulk tanks with compressors,temp recorders,sinks,tables,3 hp DeLaval pumps, stainless milk lines and collection jars,washing systems and so many other little things. I am eternally grateful to all the fine folks that I have meet and their generous help in obtaining these things.
I have a few road trips to make but will love that part too.

We are totally revamping our herd this year in anticipation of the cheese making. I have begun spacing out my kiddings in two groups for extended milking.We are also adding a very select Lamancha herd to the mix. I might as well get earless ....Nubians would be in a tough fix throwing them in with a bunch of evil Alpines.While our Alpines have consistently high butter fat this should boost our components. We will maintain the highest conformation standards and continue to be on DHIA tests to ensure we are pushing production efficiency.
We will also be doing another research study with Fort Valley University on forage and parasites. I really found the results very interesting last year as well as the parasite and Johnes study with USDA.
I plan to make my microscope work overtime this year in helping with our herd management.

As promised the last link in the "Dig Another Well"series is being posted.http://www.jobclinic.org/uploads/Dig_another_well_part_three.pdf
It talks about adversity in a new way..please take the time to read it carefully.


This has been a very trying past year and the uncertainty continues to grow. I am a very controlling person and want to micro manage things a bit too much at times. Well, some things are just out of my control right now. I am so happy that I can just sit back and relax and know that it is in better hands than mine....God will prevail!

Kidding has begun!

Well, here we are in a perpetual "calm before the storm " mode. Our 2010 kidding season started off with a set of triplets from my favorite doe and our best buck. We had 2 bucklings but sadly the doeling was still born. We have been on constant baby watch day and night this week . The stubborn girls just seem to be waiting for me to turn my back. Two does are overdue and obviously miserable but still very prego!
The rain just keeps pouring in and the mud is unbelievable as the temps continue to hoover at 33 degrees. I soooo wanted to go to Virginia next week but they are snowed in by the record snowfall. I guess that I will spend my time working on cheese recipes and a proforma. BLAH!
As I promised, here is the link to Dig Another Well II http://www.jobclinic.org/uploads/Dig_another_well_part_two.pdf. It is well worth the read for anyone who is struggling now and questioning Gods role in their life. Sometimes we see every failure or strife as God forsaking us or not being blessed. Issac felt the same. Persistence and perseverance are what God teaches in tough times. Living by faith and being diligent in you efforts when things are rosy is just "easy peasy" but in times like we are seeing lately it is easy to question.....
I am continuing in my own quest as to which direction our lives should take. I am still working on the idea of a dairy and creamery as time allows. I am so very thankful that while our country is in a state of turmoil and financial downturn I am rich beyond measure to have a loving family, my husband and soulmate, with my faith in God to give me confidence.
I am at the age that "living simply by simply living" is becoming my motto. I no longer see value in material things . I see them as things that cost many hours of my life and my family time to pay for them. When I see things that tempt my fancy I now stop and mentally evaluate just how much of my life,energy and family I must sacrifice to own it. Fewer and fewer "things" seem worth that cost these days!
I have kept a little sign for at least 20 years that says this"Lord,please help me not to hold on to the things of this world as it hurts too much when you must pry them from my hands"
I guess this will also help when the current Administration steals the last bit of bread from our table and clothes from our back.

part 1

Well, I am strongly rethinking the ARK thing tonight. I am pretty sure that I own 2 of 1/2 the species on this continent . At least it feels that way at feeding time:)
We have gotten the most rain that I can remember in 20 years. Our drive is washed away and the kennel partially flooded.We have 14 inches of gravel piled up at the bottom of the hill.
All the critters are a bit miffed I'm sure but are fine. The tornadoes passed over without touching down. I had planned to start my seed shopping list tonight but am a bit reluctant.
Anyway, for those who are interested I have provided the link to the first part of Dig Another Well. This is a study that shows that Issac was exposed to the same trials that we are today.
When times are tough and we are feeling down its easy to forget all our blessings that we do have.



http://www.jobclinic.org/uploads/Dig_Another_Well_part_one.pdf

Dig Another Well

Dig Another Well.... Some of you might think that I have lost my mind entirely thinking of well digging after this past year of down pours and flood! You might say how about an ARK! There have been times that that has crossed my mind. On one hand, I remember not too distant years of doubt when we all BEGGED for rain. Even our Governor sent out pleas to God to sent rain to our parched earth. We cried, we ranted, we cursed but there was not one thing that we mere mortals could do but sit and wait. Then came the rains that we have screamed for! Boy, the rain came!! Now that we have what we implored of God it is not the right amount to please us LOL! I always say its not the rain that is the problem it is the MUD.
That being said it is becoming increasingly clear how after years of drought followed by these floods we are brought literally to our knees. Farmers have lost crops that shriveled on the vines and then crops rotting and topsoil washed away as the rains swept in.
Anyone that has been around me for very long knows how much I love Paul Overstreet. I have really been thinking of Issac lately and the song "Dig Another Well". I feel compelled to share these with you .

Paul Overstreet Dig Another Well lyrics

Well Ike had a blessing from the Lord up above
He gave him a beautiful woman to love
A place to live and some land to farm
Two good legs and two good arms

Well the devil came sneakinG around one night
Decided he would do a little evil to Ike
Figured he would hit old Ike where it hurts
So he filled up all of Ike's wells with dirt

And when Ike went out for his morning drink
He got a dipper full of dirt and his heart did sink
But he knew it was the devil so he said with a grin
God blessed me once and he can do it again.
He blessed me once and he can do it again.

So when the rains don't fall and the crops all fail
And the cows ain't puttin' any milk in the pail
Don't sit around waitin' for a check in the mail
Just pick up the shovel and dig another well.
Pick up the shovel and dig another well.

Now me and old Ike got a lot in common
The Lord blessed me with a beautiful woman
He gave me a job he gave me a home
He gave me a well to call my own.

Now when I go out for my morning drink
And get a dipper full of dirt my heart does sink
But I think of old Ike and I have to grin
Cause God blessed me once and he can do it again.
He blessed me once and he can do it again.

When the rains don't fall and the crops all fail...
And the cows ain't puttin' any milk in the pail
Don't sit around waitin' for a check in the mail
Just pick up the shovel and dig another well.
Pick up the shovel and dig another well.

--- Instrumental ---

Well, the good book says Ike finally won
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
The devil got tired and he left him alone
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
All I know someday I'm gonna win too
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
'Cause the good book tells me what to do
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
Pick up the shovel and dig another well.

Pick up the shovel and dig another well.
Pick up the shovel and dig another well...

After reading these lyrics thru a couple of times please check back to read part 1 of a 3 part series on trials and job difficulties . God equips us with what we need ; if we have the fortitude to use it.
The Bible written even hundreds of years ago still has answers, if we seek them....

New Year -New Plans

2010 ! That looks strange when I actually write it. It seems like a sci fi movie title from 30 years ago. I am from the generation that Star Wars bloomed. While I am definitely not a Treky, I d0 know a few that are:)
As the New Year rolled in the Arctic air came with it. I love cold weather! Everything seems to be fresher. The stars sparkle at night a little brighter and there is always the anticipation for the coveted precipitation.
On the other hand, I do have more concern for my animals well being. Even though,we break ice they don't seem to drink enough. Reduction in milk given is an indication that their bodies are using resources for keeping warm. I do try to make sure that they have what they need but I am always watching for stress. We will be swarmed with new babies in about 3 more weeks so I am in frenzy to be ready.
2009 brought with it a different kind of stress for many folks including myself. The economy has begun to take it's toll on most. I am pondering every purchase a little longer and less productive animals are being put on the "to sale" list. The idea that they must add back to their cost has me finally pushing myself a little harder to go Grade A. We already function as a dairy for all intent but the certification would bring new costs initially in equipment and buildings. So for the next few weeks I will try to weigh the pros and cons of this emerging idea.
I know that my life will always involve animals and farming so it is not the 24/7 that concerns me. I love what I do and will always strive to self sustain. It is the strange new Government that is frighening. I have never been more concerned about the future of America. I am unsure of where this administration intends to take us but I have the little gut instinct that tells me that it is not good. I feel a bit queasy.
Oh, how I wish that Aesop's Fables were still in our school studies. I am always preaching to my children that "many hands make light work". I adhere to the 'Little Red Hen' theory. It seems that those in power do not. They insist on rewarding laziness with the earnings of those who work! Well,even the Bible says "2 Thes 3:10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Whoever does not work should not eat." I guess if you don't believe in the Bible you might need to read the 'Little Red Hen'! I'll be damned if I am going to bust mine and continue to have it stolen away and squandered on vermin.
My New Years Resolution is to FIGHT back! I am not sure exactly how to do it, but this gal has had enough. I am sorry if I might step on a few toes this year but don't worry that I will covet anything of yours. I will pull my own little wagon . If I fail to provide, I will do without . People say that "you don't know what it is like to be hungry". No I don't,but I also don't know what it is like to sit on my ass and wait for a check from someone else to feed me. I am not a selfish person and will always share...especially with those who can't do for themselves BUT those are few indeed.
There will be a time in the near future that everyone will need to make choices that we have never been faced with before. I hear the drum beats.......

new baby

We have a first here on the farm....a December kid! We realized a couple of weeks ago that one of our doelings was building an udder. It seems that while we were away in Virginia the end of July she came in heat and was bred. I know! I was late getting our bucklings out of the doe pen and didn't want to do it just before leaving for 11 days. Well, I came home 2 days too late LOL! I will have to DNA test 3 bucks but this beauty will be worth it.
We have also had a really wonderful holiday season at the kennels. Things have been so slow that I had feared we would have almost no dogs here. Thankfully,I was wrong. Our cow Missy is coming into full production and giving wonderful sweet milk with loads of cream. As soon as we slow down from the holidays I will be frantically making as much butter and cheese as possible. I plan to start another churn of kraut soon also. I look forward to the real winter weather that comes in Jan. and Feb. Our kidding season begins the first week of Feb. so I need to get the kid stalls ready and heat lamps up.
The seed catalogs are coming in and it is time to sit by the woodstove and plan my orders. Life is good!

Christmas Day!!

Happy Birthday Jesus!! I wonder how the wise men could find their way today with all the lights on houses,trees and even cars. It has become quite a circus. A total diversion from the true meaning of the day. We as Christians celebrate this day and the virgin birth of our savior and Lord ,Jesus Christ. The son of God was sent as a gift to man to give us the opportunity to be saved from our greedy sins.
He was born of the most humble of means yet we insist on honoring him with the most garish of ways. Strange ,Yes!

Well,all the ingredients are purchased for the Christmas meals. Now I just need to find the recipes to start preparing the food. Everyone has a favorite dish so we never have that balanced table that you see in the magazine. We are all tired of turkey from Thanksgiving thus we will have Prime Rib on Christmas day. We will have plenty of side dishes and more than enough desserts.
It never tastes quite as good to the cook and as it should after preparing it, but the happiness inside that comes from feeding your family is always there.
My conviction this Christmas is to make sure that each and every one of my daughters learn to cook a complete dish. I must admit that I have been a near failure in being insistent in teaching them things in the kitchen. I always seem to be too tired,too busy or they were at a sports practice etc. Suddenly,I realized that time has passed much too quickly and they are young ladies without the proper Southern lady skills. Oh my,how will they ever catch a husband! This Christmas I will begin a new tradition of compiling a family recipe book. I desperately want them to grasp this part of their heritage and treasure it as I have. I want my grandchildren to eat the same Southern soul foods lovingly prepared by their elders hands. I am not being prejudiced just proud of who I am and who my forebears were. We sometimes smugly think that we are different and unique. I say that just the opposite is true. We are bits and pieces of so many before us.I lost my grandmother to illness when I was 5 and missed many of the things that grandparents do with a child. I desperately cling to the memory of me sitting on the kitchen counter watching her cook. I remember a gruff old great aunt lovingly helping my little hands pat butter in molds and indulging me with treats all the while acting like I was trouble.I remember this today when I teach my own daughters to make butter from our cows. I am always amazed at how certain foods bring back memories and emotions.Tea Cakes with chocolate icing will always belong to my Aunt Eva. I will never dig a sweet potato with thinking of Uncle Boss. Fried egg sandwiches belong to cousin Joe and chicken pie to Aunt Hesta Lou....I could go on and on.
Some things are contributed through blood and still others by association. I catch little glimpses of many in the kaleidoscope that is my life. Some colored me happy and bright while others touched my life with dark cold hues. Each and every one contribute to who I am and what I pass on to my children. We are not one whole but tiny bits of many treasures collected along life's path. When I look in the mirror and see the eyes of my grandmother or I see my husbands father in the way that he walks.
Many notes must be played to compose a song. It is the same with life. There are just so many moments to make a life. My wish for Christmas is that each child would receive the gift of heritage that I offer. It is my dearest gift to give.

RAIN RAIN RAIN!!

It has been raining since last night. This is a cold rain. I think that we are barely above freezing. I sure wish that I was in Virginia. They will get almost a foot of snow and have a beautiful white Christmas. I will have to suffice with a cold mushy mud filled Christmas:)
My poor critters are not happy,especially the goats who HATE rain. They are huddled up and grumpy. I bet the chickens won't lay today either. I am so happy that we have loads of split fire wood for the wood stove. I will just hibernate until milking time. I am making a grocery list for next weeks baking.