Did you like that plethora of "P's"? I do try and aim to please...

Anyhow--Hello there!!! I know it has been a while since I have posted anything at all on here, last December I believe it was! Well, life has been busy, whether I could tell you what all has happened in that time or not...One thing I can tell you, is that Savannah got married in April! Most of you probably know that, and were probably even there!! (Which by the way, it was so wonderful to see so many of you!) But, not to disappoint those to whom this fact was not familiar, I am not blogging about that big and beautiful event today...Though I hope to soon.

Today I am posting a postscript to a previous person's post...

Racheal and I spent this past weekend at a Civil War reenactment--which some of you know, and some of you don’t. However, since she always does such a good job of recounting things, rather than writing my own post in which I entirely repeat most of what she has said, I will encourage you to read her post first (if you haven’t already), and then to read my own added personal commentary below. What I have written springboards off of her account of things, so if you don’t read hers first, my post will not make complete sense.…Isn’t that lazy of me? :D

Starting my commentary at the beginning: Yes, Michigan for the first time…It is always interesting to go to new places!! It was not too different from other places in the country, but did have its own uniqueness’s.  

I am so glad that we were able to pick up Miss K. and take her with us…The Navigator (me) only made one boo-boo when trying to find the road that she lives off of…but that wasn’t entirely my fault, as the internet search gave me a number instead of a name, and the road signage actually displays a name…it is annoying how roads have both so often! So anyway, we ended up going all the way through town, when it became evident that we had missed the road, so I called K. and she gave us the road name, and we were quickly able to retrace our steps and end up at her house! When it came to hauling out her things to the truck, I am afraid that Racheal and I were rather rude and carried most of it out ourselves, even though her brothers were prepared to do it…Oops.

It was indeed a sad and disturbing discovery to find the majority of our tent poles virtually useless upon our arrival! I am glad that we had duct tape, and even more glad that we thought of using it!! :D I didn’t do too much to be helpful I guess…I did line up a couple of the poles ready for taping, and held a few ends while they were getting taped, AND I fed Racheal sweet potato chips as she worked…that counts for something!! :) Oh yes, and I took pictures, which I knew Racheal would be needing for her blog post... I also kept adjuring the sun, “Don’t sun on me!” as I had a painful sun-burn from the day before (it didn’t work though, so I just tried to keep my limbs in the shade!).

Putting the final touches on Abigail’s dress Thursday night was rather a team effort, everybody did some part or other on getting the bows done; I ended up ironing Mrs. K.’s dress and Grace’s…Unfortunately, I do not remember much about Ethan’s speech either…and I didn’t get to hear it Friday. I did hear Grace and K.’s spiel, and Abigail’s and part of Andrew’s, but none of the rest of them, or any of the other presenter’s presentations. I was disappointed not to be able to visit the other presentations that took place, but I think it was the right thing for us to help out Mrs. Jackie…I was able to aid her with a few customers when she was busy dealing with others, though I was mostly just a watcher, making sure that no undisciplined hands slipped any little nick-knacks into their pockets… It was rather interesting to aid a stranger in such a personal way, a new experience, but not a bad one.

I found Pastor Weaver’s lecture on Friday night very informative…though I would probably get more out of it if I heard it again…I was tired, but poor K., she was really tired--I offered her my shoulder or my lap to lay her head on, but she resolutely held out…

I very much enjoyed the music that was played Friday night at the K.’ s house…As Racheal related, she joined in with the K.’s in eating their meal, but Miss K. and I not being hungry, just stayed in repose where we were at. Mrs. W., a friend of the K.’s was playing hymns on Luke’s accordion…I do not think I have ever heard an accordion in real life before—it is such a neat instrument…it looks like it would be fun to play, though challenging to learn! Anyhow, she probably played for at least 30 minutes, and I enjoyed it very much. As she was playing, one of her daughters was sitting in the chair behind her, and the little dear was so tired that she sat there dozing with her thumb in her mouth, and then she just plunked over, fast asleep!

Saturday morning we went to the train station, ridding with Abigail and Grace.
K. and I were left in charge of paying for our train tickets, while the other girls scurried around the corner to get set up and begin playing music as soon as possible. So between us, we forked out the $75 dollars, received our five tickets, and then went ‘round the corner to join our companions. Since we couldn’t join in on the music (no instruments), we took a seat on a nearby bench and listed, and watched the surrounding goings on…

Now what I have failed to mention up to this point, is that during this entire event, I was (and as it so happens, I am continuing to be) plagued with the fairly severe allergies I tend to get every Spring. So, I would find myself at diverse times and sundry places sneezing in succession, upwards of six times per dose (rarely singularly), and then having to deal with the inevitable consequences, while quite often with my eyes watering so severely that I could not see! I took with me and used, every handkerchief I own! Well at least the practical ones…I have never quite understood how ladies are supposed to be able to get by with these pretty little dainty things that don’t suffice for anything but one ferocious exhale! What’s further, is that I cannot take drugstore allergy medication, as the time I took it, it gave me side effects of muscle weakness and an equilibrium problem (if I am recalling those specific side effects  correctly, it has been a year ago….). So anyway, at the train station, I asked K., “Do I look too much like I have been crying?” (That is an embarrassing side of allergies, if you are in between sneezing sessions!) She said I didn’t look too bad, but basically said that even if I did, it was alright, it was just because my soldier boy was going away on the train, so I had a right to be crying! That made me laugh! :D

The gentleman who had been standing by when we bought our tickets came around after a while, and returned our money, since the musicians were part of the entertainment of the event, and thus received their tickets free…I told him that K. and I were not assisting on that front, and if he should not like us to at least pay for our two tickets, but he did not want to take our money for even those…He jokingly said that we would just had to sing on the train instead…which we actually did end up doing!! :)

The train ride itself was absolutely enjoyable…I have never been on a train before…I most enjoyed seeing from the windows the dark green of the foliage and the bright purple and white flowers that grew wild along the track, and the few glimpses of fields that were seen now and again, though most of the view was of town. There was one elderly couple sitting out on the front porch of their farm house who waved at the train at it's coming and going...that was a sweet sight...I didn't wave at all the people at the train crossings and along the roads who looked on and waved on our way out of town, but on our way back I smiled and waved out of the window with my handkerchief (which I was very careful not to drop!) I figured that I might as well be friendly! :) There was a skirmish, and the train stopped on the tracks…At some point I went to the open space "between cars" where one could lean out of the side of the train…Racheal was here, and Abigail snapped a few pictures. We were hanging out the “window” thoroughly enjoying ourselves, and when I looked back I saw that someone was holding a Bonnie Blue flag out of one of the windows from the car behind, and I said something along the lines of “Look, the Bonnie Blue!”, and we began to sing The Bonnie Blue Flag. As we did so General Lee and some of his men passed by, and commented upon it…Then there was the Confederate deserter, who was trying to pass for girl…and he did it terribly. I was able to inform the Captain and General Lee himself in which direction this fellow had gone. As Racheal related, they arrested one of the Yankee girls who was trying to help the man escape…The others who were helping the deserter were arrested and taken away by The Marshal once we arrived at the train station.

Once we were unloaded from the train, and Abigail’s run-in with the Yankee’s was past, we (the K. girls and the three of our group) were all sitting on, or standing near, a piece of track equipment (or whatever it was, I observantly took time to notice what I was sitting down upon, as you can see...), waiting for something to happen, as we knew that it was scheduled to…However, the heads popping out of the bushes directly beside us were truly surprising! We unfortunately found ourselves behind the Yankee lines, and dropped to the ground as soon as the shooting started…As has been related, Andrew was killed right in front of us, and even before Racheal mentioned it, I knew that she was thinking of going for his revolver…I told Grace, who was directly beside me, to warn Racheal not to do so, as there were Yankee’s coming up on our right who would shoot her! However, the message did not get relayed, so I am therefore very glad that Racheal observed the blue coats for herself before taking what would have likely been a fatal charge!

As more Yankee soldiers poured into the little space where we were huddled, one wearing a golden cross about his neck (whom I at first thought to be a priest) said in an pressing tone, “I can get you ladies to safety if you will follow me!”, thinking that the wisest course of action, we prepared to follow him, when he said, “Wait!” So as we still sat huddled, he peered over the bushes looking for an opportune lull, and when one came, he gave the cry of “Follow me! Run!” (as has been previously relayed), and we all took off after him and into the depot to which he led us and which was also doubling as a hospital.

I found this happening enjoyable in a way, aside from its reflection of the severity of war…It was neat that we were able to, unwittingly as it started out, be part of the scenario for the benefit of the spectators…

On the way back to camp from the train station we stopped for ice and water…I volunteered to hold both flats of water upon my lap…that was fine, except every time Abigail turned a corner, I became what we call in our house, a “slingy”…And I believe that I made some sort of comment regarding how I would hate to perpetually be of such spacious, uncontrollable size…

After that we watched the battle…we found a fairly good spot for that, and though it was rather short, and as Racheal said, didn’t go as “scripted”, as far as a reenactment goes, I believe that it was a “good” battle.
At one point, the Confederates where kneeling behind the fence, and were ordered to fall back…and I remember seeing Ethan (I believe it was), who appeared to be at that moment in the middle or reloading his revolver, and thus he had to gather up all the pieces and fall back in the process…that struck me as interesting as it seemed to show a candid moment of what it would have really been like for the soldiers of the day, which spectators might not necessarily consider…Those older revolvers do seem to be rather cumbersome to load, and to have to do so in the thick of battle...

Racheal the "gun nut"…she calls herself that, so I am not being offensive here! :) It was nice of Luke to let her fire off his revolver afterwards. I like guns too, but I knew that she was having an absolute “blast” (you can be sure that this was probably one of the highlights for her!), so I didn’t mind that she didn’t share the privilege! :D

The dance was generally enjoyable…the temperature had cooled down to a quite comfortable one, and there was a decent breeze as well. There was one fellow I didn’t like, but the others I danced with I did not mind. The caller was good I thought, and I found it rather interesting and almost amusing the way that he at times would sort of “sing” the dance steps to the tune of the music! I had never heard a caller do that before…

Racheal was having fun ribbing K. about her “admirers”…She is a pretty lass, and I can’t blame folks for thinking so! But sometimes Racheal can be excessively amused…. :D

On Sunday morning, as Racheal recounted, we drove into town for church…in our 1860’s regalia. I was extremely warm and extremely snufflely, but thankfully narrowly escaped punctuating the sermon with sneezing…One of the most terrible things about this allergy stuff, it that I cannot very well sing—and for someone who sings all the time, that is very hard!

After the service and lunch, Racheal, K. and I returned to the park, just in time to catch the battle. But firstly, when we pulled in, we noticed smoke where it oughtn’t be, as did one of the spectators who happened to be walking by just then…Having turned the situation over to us, he continued on his way, but I am glad that he stopped and noticed it, as it helped direct our gaze in that direction as well…

Racheal ran to tell Jackie, whose camp site it was near, and K. brought water from our campsite, and we wetted it, putting out the flame. The fire had “broken out” whether from a spectator’s discarded cigarette butt or from malicious deliberation, right between two trees in a space containing underbrush (which incidentally contained as I recall, current bushes among other foliage I recognized…) and the neighbor's stack of extra firewood. The wood was nearly all blackened…Racheal zipped off in the truck to go and get more water from the spigot at the other side of the park…as she sped away I queried after her why she was going so fast, as the fire was under control, though of course she couldn't hear me…but away she sped, and as I learned upon her return she had spilled my tea (and the plantain salve) in her haste! Not just tea, but Yerba tea, which had been helping me somewhat in subduing my allergies…but, I survived without it for the rest of the day…my secondary concern was that it was all over the seat, and I had a light colored skirt to ride home in! However, that problem was also overcome by the heat within the vehicle drying out the dampness, and by my sitting upon a dark colored petticoat for the rest of the day! :)

I moved all the wood over into the circle of ash that had been the neighbor’s fire ring from the night before, just in case there were any coals in the wood yet, and then doused the area again and more thoroughly with the extra water Racheal had brought, to ensure that no more coals were left. When we were done I had charcoal on my hands, and I mentioned something to K. about really looking the part of someone living in camp! :) As Racheal cleaned up the tea mess as best she could, she sent K. and I on ahead, as we could hear the battle beginning--on our way we stopped and told Jackie that we had taken care of the fire, and there was nothing to worry about…

It was interesting how they destroyed all of the Confederates with that one final volley…right after the announcer was talking about how whole towns would be wiped out during the war, when all the men would join up together, all be in the same unit, and all be killed in one battle….

After changing and breaking down our camp we returned to the gathering of folks we had left in the morning…we were a little late, but not extremely. During such presentations I earnestly try to respectfully keep my seat, but I had to temporarily remove myself in order to clear my sinuses and to wash my face, which did honestly help my condition immensely…

Racheal had the jolliest time chasing about after Isaac later that afternoon, and I was able to catch him once myself…She is my sister, so if you are running from her, you had better watch out for me too! Anyway, though it would have been fun to stick around longer, I kept reminding Miss Rooster (which title it later occurred to me, is quite an oxymoron…) that we needed to get K. home…So eventually we pulled away after hearty goodbyes, ‘till next times, and waves, and were on our way South.

Though Racheal did not really crash Monday, I did; but yesterday morning I helped Mom clean up the Grandparent’s apartment a little. I straightened up in the back a bit, and then vacuumed the whole floor. After lunch I managed to get a double row of green beans planted in the garden, as well as a few pepper plants, and a number of tomato plants. After playing with the kittens for a while, and slightly aiding in Racheal’s bee adventure, I went in, cleaned up, and took the rest of the afternoon easy.

Today, I have not done much…I helped Racheal pick strawberries, and I need to go get busy cleaning some!

Until next time,

Here I am again! No, I really have not been flung off of our whirling orb into outer space...that would be quite terrifying...but anyway, I am still here...just wanted to let y'all know that!  :) 

My sisters and I just got back yesterday from a World War II reenactment. It was a lot of fun to attend. We went mainly as vendors, though we initially signed up as home front reenactors, and did go in period dress. We didn't sell as much as we had hoped too (1 apron (out of 50), 8 doll dresses (out of 71), 1 hair bow (out of 60), 2 jars of plantain salve, and two bars of shampoo soap), but that was better than selling nothing at all, and being regular summer market vendors, we have learned not to be too disappointed when we don't sell a whole lot...Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself...we started the trip by leaving our Current Residence on Thursday last, and heading to Illinois (which I have heard is supposed to be pronounced without the "s"...) to pick up some friends who we would be taking with us. 


We spent Thursday night at their house after a tasty supper prepared by Mrs. H. At dinner we were entertained by jokes, several of which were original and spontaneous; we learned the easy way to use twist ties (though I still think that I prefer clothes pins ;] ); and we were blessed with much laughter...until our faces--literally--hurt. But as it was late (and we were an hour later than our hosts, having crossed a time line), we necessarily put an end to the festivities by going to bed. The next morning we added a bit more luggage, two more people, and then headed down to Linden Tennessee. After checking into our hotel rooms, we proceeded into town to sign in for the event that would be the following day. After walking around a bit, listening to some music prep for the next day, and watching the sunset, we returned to the hotel to eat dinner of the food we had brought along. I painted Racheal's fingernails the red which is classic of the 1940's, not having gotten it done before leaving home, and then painted our friend R.'s with a "French manicure"...which was a first, but it looked passable. She in turn painted mine with the red...it was rather funny, we were doing a stereotypical "girl friend" thing, which was a first for me! Anyhow, I know y'all really could care less about all that! Sooo, that was Friday. 


Saturday morning we rose "early" and headed over to where we were to set up as vendors. Throughout the afternoon we took shifts staying at the table while the others walked around. A. was shooting footage, and Racheal audio. Savannah bought two black velvet hats at $15 a piece (an outstanding price!), Racheal got to fondle the guns our next door vendor was displaying/selling (though nobody bought one...he was a very nice man by the way), and we all got some jolly sunburn! I was able to listen to one of the veteran's who was speaking's story, he was a survivor from the U.S.S. Indianapolis. It was truly fascinating to hear his story! I will not try to recount it, as I would not do it justice, but it is amazing to see how God uses His children, and sometimes preserves them through event after event that seem impossible to survive...and to hear these men praising God for their life which they have today, is truly an amazing witness and encouragement. The Greatest Generation was the generation of "Luck", but I am glad to know that many of them also know the truth, and still live for it, not all were oblivious too and rebellious against Providence. I also caught the tail end of another of the veteran's speeches. I look forward to listening/seeing the recordings of the ones I missed.


There were two battle reenactments, one  in the morning, and one in the afternoon. R. and I watched the first one from the "spectator area", which was behind the German lines. I really didn't feel comfortable back there with the Nazi's...I felt quite out of place! But it was a thrill to watch the huge Nazi flag fall from the courthouse and be replaced with the American flag when the Allies won! During the second battle, R. and I stayed at the table, and thus got to see the battle from the other side. The American and British paratroopers (all of the Americans I saw were 101st and 82nd, I do not know the specifics of the British unit) came down the street, and when they were within range, the firefight began, they passed us, and proceeded on out of our line of sight to take the courthouse, the taking of which we had witnessed earlier during the morning's reenactment, and thus we knew what was occurring even after they passed out of our view. I was really grateful that I got to see the battle from both sides, those who only saw it from one really missed out! That I think was my favorite part of the day, the battles. Being there, in the streets, in the middle of a firefight made it all so much more tangible...It was a neat experience, fascinating and sobering...it was living history, and I was there living it too.

Saturday night was a dinner at the house of the hosts of the event. We sat across the table from a woman and her son who had come up from Florida for the event. The meal was mostly followed by the music of the Boyer Family Singers, which was proceeded by the dramatic recitation of a Winston Churchill speech. The man who did it, did an outstanding job! Having in the past done a few dramatic interpretations, I can appreciate the amount of effort and time he put into memorizing and polishing the presentation. Not just memorizing the contents, but also where to place the inflections, and where to slur the words in just the right fashion...The only thing he couldn't quite master was the grovel of voice that was peculiar to Churchill, but the rest of the accent was very good! I was quite impressed. After the "entertainment" of the evening, we didn't stick around too long, as some of our party were quickly waneing, and in need of sleep sooner than later.

The next morning we rose probably a bit earlier than necessary, but we were awake, so what can I say? After having breakfast and packing all of our things in the truck we still had time to waste before the 11:00 A.M. worship service which was being held, again, on the property of the the event hosts. Savannah read us the RZIM newsletter, after which it was late enough that we could begin to meander that way. We chatted with a few acquaintances before the service, the sermon of which was preached by Geoff Botkin from Psalm 91. After the service was a fellowship lunch during and after which various members of our party spoke with various people. I really only spoke to two people, one lady who I thought very kind, and who I was glad to meet, she was a blessing to speak with, and upon her coming up to where Mrs. N. and myself were standing I also spoke briefly with Mrs. Courter, (the family who put together the whole event). They both patiently put up with my somewhat lacking conversational skills (at least they can be at times), my brain glitches, word block, and so forth!! (For which I thank them!)

Eventually, we really did need to hit the road so that we could arrive back at the H.'s house before it grew too late...but we had the problem of not being able to find A.! "He's in a blue shirt..." Well, yes he was, but blue must have been the color that day, because so were about half of the men! The problem was resolved by his sister calling him, so we found him. So, four of us were there, but Savannah had stopped to talk for a few more minutes, and when she arrived, A. had been drawn into a conversation...but finally all five of us headed for the truck and loaded up. 

Away we went, while enjoying good conversation, and recounts of various events of the past few days. We arrived at the H.'s in time to eat dinner (I'm partial to fried potatoes, aren't you?). Once again, we were kept constantly in stitches...are y'all really like that all of the time? But again, need for sleep broke up the party. The next morning after breakfast there were sword fights, and frisbee--yes, who cares that our ages range from the oldest being 26 and the youngest 15? On Saturday I saw one of the veterans who was at least in his 80's dancing along in step with the Big Band music as it played...so I think it is alright to stay young all your life... We had more conversation, oh, and we mustn't forget the mosquito bites!, and more pictures taken before us three sisters finally skeedaddled. 

We arrived safely home yesterday late afternoon, and have all been rather tired today! :D And here, I suppose that I shall end my saga. BUT, I shall cap it all off with a few pictures!

Have a blessed evening everybody! I hope that you have enjoyed my rambly post! And I shall try and post again before ever so long...I still have more Creation Museum pictures from July to post don't I? See you again soon..ish. :D

I just found this in the drafts and thought I would go ahead and post it...Yes, I am often late... :D


I always meant to post a post about attending the '40's themed Family Covenant Ministries (previously know as Christian Home Educators Fellowship, or CHEF) conference that we attended in May. However, I obviously didn't get that done!

I will just briefly say, that I had a blast! I quite enjoy conferences :)

I enjoyed the lectures immensely, and I got to see old friends and meet a few new ones. It was a lovely few days, and I am so glad that we were blessed to be able to go.

However, since it has been some time since the event, some points may not be so fresh in my mind...but, I can send you over to my sister's blog for a brief overview of the event, since she wrote her post directly after it! If you have not already read it, or if you wish to read it again, click here.

I suppose I am just lazy in not writing my own post, but I do think she summed it all up nicely...I believe that there were only two sessions that she attended which I did not...the one about the "Two Historical Characters from WWII" and the one on bee keeping.

Regardless, I did want to mention going, and I know you will enjoy Racheal's post! (If you haven't already read it! :P )

We learned this morning that a dear friend passed away...our beloved Herb.
He was always such a happy and joyful man when I knew him, and he shall be greatly missed, yet he will always have a special place in our hearts and memories. It is a great comfort to know that he is well now, he no longer has to battle his physical ailments, and he is happier yet than he ever was while with us...and we shall see him again someday!

Please be in prayer for peace and comfort during this time of loss for Carol, who has been a stellar example of a Godly wife caring for an ailing husband. Thank you Carol, it is a blessing to have a Godly example like you.

We recived some terrible news this morning regarding our dear friends...

Nick and Kristi's little boy Obadiah was trying to climb up a dresser, the dresser and a television set fell on top of him...this is from Nick's facebook account:
 
"Here is the latest status on Obi... Normal cranial pressure is supposed to max at the number 20, right now, according to the monitor it is 115. The doctor told us that it looks like the injury will be fatal. It is just a matter of time and the will of the Lord"

Please be in prayer for Obadiah and for Nick and Kristi. Obadiah is just over a year old. Nick and Kristi lost their first child, Amariah, in 2012 due to a traumatic brain injury. And also, Kristi is pregnant. Please pray.

To God be the glory in all things.

Katherine

Obadiah 
(taken sometime last year)

I had a grand time at the Reformation Day Fair this year! The talks were very informative and encouraging, and I had a wonderful time meeting new friends, fellowshipping, and being encouraged by all of the above.
(Be sure to read Racheal's blog for m0re information about the event...)

With no further ado I will share my pictures...which really are not very good quality, but maybe you all will enjoy them anyway : )


Friday afternoon travel....

Saturday...

The jam session!!

I played the tambourine and the shaker a little, but I mostly just listened and enjoyed...


The Highland games!

It was so very funny...the guys were supposed to go and pick the rock up and return it to the starting place for the next contestant, but almost all of them would forget, and the man with the mega phone kept having to say "Don't forget the rock!!"


The Dance!!

As is the nature with lots of people moving around at the same time, not many of the pictures turned out very well...but here are a couple...

And that's all folks...

I was blessed with a wonderful time this past weekend and was pleased to be able to meet several "new relatives"...my brothers and sisters in Christ. May God bless all his children, and all his church.

No folks, that isn't a typo...the event I am about to recount happened several months ago, but I thought that it was worth sharing...it amuses me...maybe it will you too.

It was a Sunday morning and we had just arrived at church. I was unsuspectingly walking along and all of the sudden about half way between the car and the building, I felt an odd sensation...the foot bed of my right shoe had come unglued from the heel!! "Flop...flop...flop..." with every step..."My shoe is broken! Oh NO!!" I was completely shoemiliated...

Mama acquired a rubber band from Pastor to put around the heel and foot bed to hopefully hold them together...The rubber band was indeed a gift from one of my favorite knights in shining armor, but unfortunately it did no good, my shoe still said "Flop...flop...flop..." with every step I took. I had to gingerly stand up for the singing of the hymns etc.
After the service I just took my shoes off...I was not going to flop around on that dilapidated shoe!!

I was thoroughly embarrassed...though I doubt hardly anyone noticed. I did however explain my shoelessness to a few people...

At any rate, Daddy latter used some super-duper heavy duty glue to glue it back together...so I'll probably get many more wears out of them!!

Yesterday was a busy day...
In the morning I went with Daddy to help him get some firewood from Mr. John's place. Daddy had gone the day before and felled a few trees and brought home a load of wood, but wanted to have a little extra help for the second load as Mr. John would not be available to help him. There was a huge mulberry (huge for a mulberry tree, it was probably about in the range of a medium sized tree when it was standing) which he had cut down  the day before and we started on that. Daddy using his chainsaw took off all of the green leafy branches and I drug them into a huge brush pile. Some of those branches thought it would be jolly if they could take my head with them as they flew and flumped into that pile....thankfully none of them succeeded. :) And after all the leafy branches where gone Daddy started chopping up the firewood sized stuff. It is obviously still green and will need to weather a while before we will be able to use it...but time will take care of that. We took the "go-buggy" as we call it, with us, so we loaded the wood into it's little bed and then hauled it over to the trailer. So we got the entire mulberry tree cleaned up. We will probably go back next week and get the rest of the big Poplar that Mr. John's friend left and some other trees...We must have wood to keep the fire going all winter and keep us warm!
It was probably 3:00 to 3:30-ish when we started home...we had taken along a snack "lunch"...and ate that on the way home. After getting home and showering (Daddy and I were dirty....you know, hauling sappy, sawdust covered wood...) I ate some real lunch at about 4:00. :) Then I started my usual Thursday market prep day baking. I made gluten and grain free "white" bread, zucchini bread, and chocolate brownies.
So yes, a busy and productive day....it's nice to have those...seems like so many of my days are not as productive as I should like them to be.
Anyhow, I must run for now, Daddy is going to market instead of me this week so I must help get them off soon.

Hi Ya'll!!
I know it has been FOREVER since I've posted on here...so please forgive me.
I would like to relate to you a little story about my birthday a few days ago...It was a fairly average day, and I worked on a paper for school in the morning. After a lunch of very yummy salad Mama gave me my presents. A pretty yellow synthetic rose ( I started to sing, "There's a yellow rose in Texas...." when I took it out of the bag :) ), powdered mineral foundation and blush, and a new Bible! An ESV study Bible. Yay!! I had been wanting a new one...my old one looks a bit raggedy about the binding.  We also ate GAPS aproved coconut cake. Oh so yummy :) My new glasses came the same day as well! So, after lunch I returned upstairs to work on my paper and later Savannah and I ended up chatting over Skype and then she called me up...so I sat there and talked to her until it was past time for Mama and I to have left to go to the entertainment event that was being held at church that evening. So we were running late...Mama gave me the key to lock the door on our way out, which I did, then hopped into the car and away we went. Well, when we arrived in the church parking lot, I had forgotten that the key was still in my lap burried in my jacket (It was quite chilly), but I happened to see it as I was getting out of the car and being in a hurry because we were late and becuse it was cold out, I hastily grabed the key and plunged it into my purse...or so I thought. Mom and I went in and we enjoyed the show. When it was over and we had stood around and talked for a bit we decided it was time to go home (Mama had a headache). And when we arrived home, wonder of wonders...they key was not ANYWHERE in my purse or in the car...guess what, haste makes waste and extra trouble (hmmm...seems like I've heard that before). So anyway, what are we going to do!?! Are we going to have to break into our own house?!? Really don't want to have to break that glass window...Thankfully however, there was another option....which I *fairly* quicky decided on doing....In the back bathroom there is a window that opens into the stairwell of the basement and it is very easy to open, in fact sometiems it slides down a few inches on its own. So I got a 5 gallon bucket and with the aid of the top end of a 2x4 to which the hand railing is crewed, I clamored up, opened the window, and steped in on top of the washing machine...the cat freaked out and went running when she saw me coming through that window (which I was rather glad of, becuase that way she didn't try to  get out). And then I unlocked the door and life proceeded. It all sound funny now, but at the time I was very agrivated at myslef for loosing the key!! You do not, EVER, loose your house key!! Unless you're a qualified burgler and it's no big deal to open a locked door...(alright, bad joke...) So afer dumping everything out of my purse and searching in the car some more, I finally decied that I must have missed my plunge and droped the key on the gravel, and it must still be at chruch. And you know what? It was :) On Sunday morning we arrived a little early purposely to try and find the key before anybody parked on it...and before we were even parked ourselves I said "There it is!!" (It's on a dark brown rawhide string, so it showed up nicely against the white gravel). So I hopped out right quick and grabed it up and took special care to be sure it was IN my safely zipped purse before I proceeded to go inside!! 
Anyway, that was my "epoch" birthday.
Don't worry...I do not write my school papers this way...costant reppition of the word 'so', endless spelling and grammar mistakes...at least I hope not...and I really hope that there aren't too many here either, but I am in a bit of a hurry and need to go now, SO I hope that you enjoyed this :)

Yourn Truly,
 (sorry, I guess I'm feeling ornery:) )

The other day we got to visit with some friends...I had a good time and got to eat some good food and learned how to play chess and make duct tape hair bows :) Thank you all for a good time!!

Picture: 1) Lucy showing me how to make duct tape hair bows.
               2) Sam showing me one of his precious trains.
               3) Me, modeling the hair bow that Lucy made me.