Brushing the Coop......

With almost t-shirt weather yesterday the previous fallen snow has melted away quite a bit and gave us opportunity to do some late winter-proofing.  We picked up two discarded Christmas Trees on our travels today and used them to brush our chicken coop.  This will help keep the draft down under the coop, especially when the brush gets some snow on it.  It will make a lovely wind barrier.  When I lived in an old farm house it made a world of difference when we put the brush around the basement walls in the winter time.  When that brush was taken away, if we had a blast of cold weather, you felt the difference!  Bagged leaves work as well and can be easier to find than brush for most people.  But, today we took the opportunity to grab up a couple of trees, I cut the brush off the trunk and my Son helped me place it around the coop........

Beautiful, heavy fir brush.....

We will use the trunks for fire wood......

The chickens will be warm and cozy with the heat lamps blazing and the brush blocking the cold bitter winds that are coming our way the next few days.  We got our work done just in time for another snow storm tomorrow.

'til next time!

Growing up is harder to do......

I write a lot about how our food has changed with times.  The additives, the hormones.....but our food isn't the only thing that has changed.  How we interact with each other and the world in general has changed.  When I was growing up I couldn't talk to someone on the other side of the world, face to face on a computer.  At one point it was said that would exist but you think "how is that possible?"  Well, today it is possible.  Which brings me to my thought for the day:  Growing up in 2013 is different than when I grew up in the 80's though some things remain the same......

Last week my husband and I watched a movie on Cyberbullying.  It is something we've all heard a lot about on the news, especially lately as it seems to be getting worse or finally getting recognized.  Cyberbullying didn't exist in the 80's but bullying did exist.  I was picked on, as we called it then, these days I guess it would be called bullied.  I was quiet and shy, I didn't wear designer clothes and didn't have much of an eye for fashion.  I wasn't skinny, didn't have long flowing locks of hair........

My worst part of the day was the bus ride to and from school.  For me the bus ride ended, I either arrived at school where I was picked at a bit but could usually avoid those who had nothing better to do, or I arrived home.  Now, when the kids get home from school the bullies are still there.  They can still attack them within the security of their own homes.  Those 4 walls of a teenagers bedroom are usually their safe haven, where they can go to spend some time with their thoughts or not think at all, blast some music, play a video game, talk on the phone to a good friend and giggle about the days events.  Now there's usually a computer within those 4 walls.  And those who have nothing better to do can attack them using social media.  And, as we know, the friends list is a chain.  So, you may not be friends with the actual bully but you can see what they write on another friends wall.  And, as the movie showed, it's addictive to see what people are writing about us.

I'm not sure what the answer is.  Technology has become a part of our lives.  I do believe as parents we have to use our better judgement and be very careful how much access we allow our children to have to social media.  My Son is still very young, I have no idea what technology will be available to him as he grows and I have no idea how I will handle it all at this point.  I do know that it will be my responsibility to monitor it, talk to him about what's going on/being said, make sure he understands a post made today can affect him years down the road - well beyond tomorrow.  I am tempted to say I would not allow him access but we all know kids find a way and the last thing you want is to have them going to a friends house to access a Facebook account which you know nothing about and have no idea what's going on with it.  I will cross the bridge when we come to it, for now I will pay attention to how others are handling it and stay informed.

As if parenting wasn't already the hardest job on the planet today we have to deal with protecting our kids in our own homes from bullies on their computers.  And, not only bullies but also pedifiles and other sick deranged people who can gain access to our children through the world wide web.

A little story about me an one of my bullies.....
Several years ago I confronted one of my bullies.  He actually became friends with my late husband and we all hung out together.  It took me a long long time to tell him how miserable he made me in Jr. High.  His response to me was "you have no idea what I was going through at the time, school was no fun for me either"  So, that says it all, misery loves company.  When someone is bullying you it's to take the focus off of something they don't like about themselves.  He always picked at me about my weight, he was no skinny mini himself.  I didn't bother to go into detail with him about what his problems were at the time, I didn't owe him a therapy session, I just wanted him to know that I did not forget how he treated me.  He was someone I tolerated having around but did not become close friends with, the wall was always there.  As I write this I realize I don't think I ever told my late husband this, I'm not sure he was in the room when I confronted my bully who was then a friend. If I did tell him, I don't remember.  Since my late husband passed my contact with this person was minimal at first and in the past 5 years I may have said two words to him.  Many friends offer a widow help when their spouse passes, this "friend" did not.  I know he wasn't there to be friends with me, he was there to be friends with my late husband and that is why I tolerated him being in my life.  

All the above is simply my thoughts and my humble opinion.  It's what's on my mind a lot these days.  Nobody wants their child to become a victim and the internet has made many of us, our children especially, easy targets.  Be aware of what's going on, don't think it can't happen to you because as soon as you let your guard down, the predators move in..................I am hoping I can use what I have learned from my own experiences to protect my Son as much as I possibly can......

Freshly Fallen Snow.....

This morning as I drove to work I saw several people taking pictures of the freshly fallen snow.  One lady was taking a photo across the LaHave River, I tried to see what she may be taking a picture of as I drove by but nothing caught my eye. I didn't get chance to take any photos this morning.  My morning consisted of shovelling the snow off our deck, packing my lunch and rushing out the door with hopes the roads were cleared well.  I was very happy to see that they were in pretty good condition considering what they were like the night before.

Now we are making plans for a Snowmobiling adventure this weekend.  I am hoping to have many beautiful photos to share with you of our adventures on the trails.  And, I'm hoping the rain they are forecasting for Sunday turns to snow!  There are few things as peaceful and as beautiful as driving through the wilderness on a Snowmobile during a snowfall.

'til next time!

Back to Church.....

Sunday January 13th, 2013

This was my first day back to Church since before Christmas.

I am still intimidated by Communion.  I am not sure why but I can't bring myself to go up.  I took note today of how they hold their hands, they cup one hand under the other to take the offering.  I am very shy about it for some reason and on the other hand feel bad when I don't participate.  I really wish the only did communion once a month, then I wouldn't have to feel bad for not participating on a weekly basis.  One of these days I will go up again.  :)

I received my official offering envelopes today.  And I was delighted when they sang a Christmas Hymn, I knew the words!  I will learn and eventually I will feel at home.  Right now it's a learning process, it's almost like learning a foreign language.  Pastor Ben mentioned a Bible Study being offered by the Church however, with my work schedule and my husbands work schedule and commitments to my family it isn't possible for me to attend.  So, as I said to my Mom on our way home from Church, I will just have to learn all I have to learn by attending Church on Sunday.  Eventually it will all fall into place.

'til next time....

Composting with Chickens....

I thought some of you might be interested in this article from Backyard Chickens.  We do this on our farm but on a much smaller scale!  We put only vegetable scraps and manure on our compost pile, the chickens turn it over for us.  Here's the article, enjoy!

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/composting-with-chickens?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid.com

Back on the Farm.....

Our chickens are finding the cold temperatures uncomfortable so today I set up two heat lamps for them.  I am hoping this makes it more comfortable for them and also keeps their water from freezing.  We are feeding them cracked corn with their mash as they say this is a "hot" food that helps them stay warm.  Worth a try I guess.

The hens always stop laying in the winter.  I guess they need their energy to stay warm and the shorter days means they aren't awake as much to eat and drink.  Plus, I believe by nature they would not reproduce in the winter cold as the eggs and chicks would not survive.  So, we're buying eggs and feeding chickens.  Sometimes I wonder how brilliant a plan that is but then again, they will lay again in the spring.  We will eventually have fresh eggs again.....

That's about all the news I have.  Winter time is pretty quiet.  No baby chicks, no meat chickens, no garden.......  Just a few layer chickens and roosters.

'til next time!

Winter Wonderland....

What a treat to be able to share the joy of Snowmobiling with our Son this year.  And he is enjoying it too.

As we glide along the trails my mind keeps thinking about 'stuff'...like how we're not meant to be working all the time.  I believe we were meant to be working the land to raise our food, trading with others for things we need.  We have become slave to the almighty dollar and technology.  Sadly, being able to go Snowmobiling these days requires a lot of the almighty dollar to pay for the items I mentioned in my previous post...trail passes, insurance etc..  Gone are the days when you can just hop on your sled and go for a drive, these days you need to have all your paperwork in order.

It's a nice feeling to get out and "play" a bit.  It makes you realize how sad you really become when all you do is work, be it at a job that pays a wage or at home.

I also realize as we glide along, you need to play, it's good for the brain. Soaking up the beauty of the snow laying heavy on the tree branches, our Son yelling "yeeeee haaaww" as we go down our first trail.  All great memories for us and for him.  

Here are some photos from our adventures this weekend...

The snowy trail into camp....

Yes, he did get stuck.....

Stopping for a break....

No explanation needed....but may be the reason why some people don't visit... ;)

Already counting down the days 'til we can hit the trails again.  Until then we'll be at work, bringing home the dollars needed to fund our daily living.......

'til next time!

The Family Who Plays Together, Stays Together....

and that is a fact!  Though I often forget it, when I'm amidst the hustle and bustle of daily routine and life's relentless havoc.  

With the new fallen snow has come a realization that "playing" together is as much of a necessity as going to work to bring home money to pay the bills because when all you do is walk in the door and work at chores, walk out the door and work at earning a living life becomes very boring and not fun any more.  And when life isn't fun any more you become resentful.  AND, I learned the lesson 5 years ago that Life is too short NOT to enjoy it.  One day you're here, the next day you may be gone......

SO, with the new fallen snow has come excitement for snowmobiling at our house!  Last year we had very little snow, we didn't get to go snowmobiling once.  This year our Son is old enough to go and is as excited as we are, it's in his blood. :)  With the excitement also comes budgeting.....to get the money to pay for the expenses that come with the pastime.  There's insurance, plate registration and trail permit to start.  Then there's trailer inspection and registration, gas money and food money......  But we have decided to make some sacrifices in other areas of our daily lifestyle (dining out) and just do it!  We need the family fun time desperately.  Just the bit of driving we did around our yard today lifted all our spirits, or at least I know it lifted mine.  And judging from the smiles on my husband's and Son's faces I'm pretty sure they were as happy as I was.

It's an expensive hobby....a lot of people with their hands out for money.  And you run the risk of losing the snow to rain and not being able to run at all, like last year.  And, at that point you might has well have thrown your money out the window since you cannot drive a snowmobile in the mud!  With the snow arriving late this season we didn't purchase our trail pass early as we didn't want to risk investing all that money and not be able to run.  With waiting it is actually costing us more money as they have "early bird" deals for those who purchase their passes early in the season (before Dec 15th).  So, now that we have snow we are sort of kicking ourselves for NOT purchasing our passes earlier, on the other hand we could be looking out our window at green grass and mud..... it's a risk you take either way.  But I am pretty sure we are not the only ones who waited to see the ground get white before making the investment in passes, permits and registrations.  I really wish it wasn't so costly, so many people with their hands out.  But, we're taking the chance in hopes to have some family fun in the snow this winter.  I can't wait to see my Son's face when he sees all the machines where we go snowmobiling.  He's going to be so excited!

'til next time!