FarmHouse Style

Little Cabin in the Woods

2009-12-29T05:56:00.002-05:00

We are headed a bit north today. We are meeting family at "the little cabin in the woods."

I am looking forward to a few days of visiting, relaxing, and possibly knitting some dish clothes I've been intending to make.

The forecast calls for some seriously chilly temps, so...... There will be lots of time to curl up by the fire and watch to owl's eyes glow:-)

I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year. I hope it finds you surrounded by the ones you love.

Until next year~ Rhonda

All Pooped Out

2009-12-26T21:37:00.005-05:00

Too many Christmas cookies? Too much eggnog?

Feel like you've loaded and unloaded the dishwasher at least a thousand times!!??

Then what you need my friend is a very long Winter's Nap....

they come highly recommended.

~Rhonda:-)

Rejoice

2009-12-25T19:51:00.004-05:00

I hope your Christmas was just as delightful as mine.

We spent Christmas day at home with my Mom, Dad and Uncle Cy. It was low key and peaceful.... exactly the way I like it.

Of course there we had to do a little Jingle Bell Rocking and there might have been a present or two.

Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to pop some Popcorn because G-Force is about to start:-)

~Merry Christmas~

Slow Boat to China

2009-12-13T06:58:00.000-05:00

Though it may seem like I have boarded a Slow Boat to China, the truth is far less glamorous.

I have a full time job now and am currently burning the candle at both ends.
That, coupled with a massive computer crash right around Labor Day left me off the grid for an extended amount of time. I considered letting go of blogging all together, but the truth is, I miss it.... I miss you guys.

I can't promise I'll be here everyday, but I'll visit as often as I can..... I so look forward to catching up.

~Rhonda

Sunshine for Free

2009-07-27T10:41:00.003-04:00

Last Wednesday, I was on my way home from yet another interview. I was feeling frustrated and a little down.....

When I passed a small garden plot filled to the brim with bright yellow sunflowers. As I was admiring their sunny disposition, I spied a small sign at the corner of the garden~~

FREE flowers

pick your own

Well bless my soul! How did they know how much I could use a pick-me up right then. I came home with an arm full of happiness and I have smiled every time I have caught site of them radiating joy from the center of my old farm table. The sweet spirited gardener who freely gave away these beauties will never know how much their generosity has meant to me.

The bumble bees and I thank her/him from the bottom of our happy hearts. ~Rhonda

Bottle Babies

2009-07-16T06:01:00.000-04:00

On Sunday evening, my neighbor Lindsey wander over. It seems that while they were away on vacation, some unscrupulous soul, had dumped out 5 kittens in their front yard. And as they unloaded the car, the very hungry little dears were one by one emerging from their Juniper bushes, crying mercilessly and begging to be cared for.

The problem is that the kittens are not weened, we figure them to be approximately 3 weeks old, and they could not eat the plate of milk that Lindsey offered them. In fact they were very weak and could not even walk steadily... possibly from their age and the fact that they were very dehydrated.

Now I ask you, WHO could do such a thing to this sweet little face?!!

Lindsey had no clue what to do for the babies and she knew that I had bottle raised Tigger, Lexi and Sadie so she and I struck up an arrangement..... I would care for them if she would find them homes.

I soooo got the best end of this arrangement:-)

Don't you agree?

-Rhonda

Still here....

2009-07-15T05:54:00.000-04:00

Fear not gentle readers... for the rumors of my demise due to a band of marauding copperheads seeking revenge for their fallen comrade, are widely exaggerated......

Actually, the majority of my time these days is consumed with the monotony of job hunting. Looking for a job, IS a full-time job and it is not going well. That is all I want to say about this topic.

We did spend a week at the beach. Anna Maria Island to be exact. It was pure bliss:-) My son and I voted to stay forever, but then reality reared its ugly head.... responsibilities and all that practical stuff.

My garden is doing well and I have been enjoying its bounty.... and working like a field hand trying to get ahead of the weeds that also enjoyed my time in Florida!

My bees have doubled or tripled in numbers.... or more. I am adding new frames and supers (levels) to accommodate there increase and the honey... oh the glorious honey!!!

And last but not least..... I am bottle raising 5 kittens, YEP, 5 kittens!

I'll tell you all about it and show you pictures tomorrow... as soon as I find my camera, it's MIA.

Sunday Smiles

2009-05-10T07:29:00.000-04:00

The Art and Joys of Motherhood...

Happy Mother's Day~Rhonda

"A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do"

2009-05-04T10:16:00.001-04:00

Even if it involves a shotgun....

Yesterday was a beautiful Spring day here in North Georgia (Sorry Robin, I wish I could send some of this to Washington). We were between rainstorms and the sun was shining brightly, the humidity was high and the air was wonderfully warm. I was on a mission, to capture a photo of one of my honeybees collecting pollen from the wild Cherokee Rose that grows along the back fence of my garden. I was happily traipsing along, intently eyeing the large bush covered in glorious delicate blossoms whose fragrance is so strong and sweet it permeates our entire property. I thought I caught a glimpse of one, buzzing from flower to flower, so I moved in to get a good picture. I had taken a few steps when suddenly, I froze as my eye caught a glimpse of brown coiled up in the periwinkle vines that run rampant along the back fence. It was a Copperhead, about 2 steps away... right in my path.

~no this is not a photo of the actual snake I saw, I got this photo from Google Images~

I hastily retreated!! Since I was dressed in a skirt and canvas sneakers, my legs suddenly felt very vulnerable. I wish that I could claim that I handled the situation in a calm, no nonsense manner, but the truth is that the Fight or Flight syndrome took over, the adrenalin started pumping and by the time I reached the house I was shaking like a leaf!

But now I had a problem. There is a large venomous snake in my backyard. The yard that my chickens, chicks and ducklings roam around in.... and most importantly the yard where my little Blondeheaded boy plays. Something has to be done about it. My husband was on a bicycle ride, 10 miles away. I called my neighbor Mark to see if he would come and dispense of it... he was not home. Well then, it looks like it is up to me.

I knew I would have to shoot it, no way was I getting close enough to kill it with a shovel or a hoe. I thought about my handgun, but what if I missed and scared it off. I called my husband for advise. He told me to use the 12 gauge shotgun. It was big enough to do the job, but small enough that it wouldn't knock me back on my bum. He talked me though step by step how to use it because it had been years since I had fired a shotgun and could not remember how to operate it. He also told me to use ear protection... very good advise.

I traded out my sneakers and skirt for bluejeans and rubber boots and set out to do the deed. I returned to the place where he had lain, soaking up the warm sun, only to find that he was gone.... DRAT!!! I had wasted too much time. Well, this will never do, I can not have a poisonous snake slithering around, sneaking up on us when we least expect it. I'll have to find him. So I began to cautiously walk around, my eyes scouring in every direction... where could he be!? I said a little prayer... "Please Lord let me find him, and please Lord, let me see him before I step on him, Amen." As I passed under the low-hanging branches of some small trees, the scene of a snake falling from a limb and landing on a soldier came to mind... was that from Platoon? A chill ran down my spine. Good grief Rhonda, get a grip, copperheads don't climb trees!

It took me about 5 minutes, then I spotted an old tire almost completely covered by periwinkle vines, not far from where he had been. That's where he is, I told myself, and why is that stupid tire laying down here in the first place! I go into the garden shed and retrieve my hoe, I'm not lifting that tire up with my hand. As I scrape away the vines and dead leaves, I see it!!! The metal rim is still in the tire and through the holes, I see it as it realizes it has been exposed and slithers to the outer edge trying to hide itself. I stand there for a moment, not sure what to do. I know as soon as I lift the tire the snake will run and I can't manage the hoe and the shotgun at the same time. Hmmmmm, what if I just shoot through the hole in the rim? No, that won't work. I can't be sure I will hit him and if some of the shot hits the rim it will surely ricochet and I will wind up shooting myself.

I decide to gently move the tire to the side just a little bit. YES!! That worked, I have exposed his back and he is not moving. I put down the hoe, take aim and BOOM. I am instantly glad I chose the gun over the shovel method, because suddenly his head emerged and even though he is mortally wounded, he begins to strike at everything. I reload and this time I make sure I get the head. Strange as it may seem, I didn't want him to suffer. I moved him inside the garden fence so that I can show my husband and my son who so wanted to take part in the hunt but after recognizing that his mother and her jangled nerves meant business, agreed to stay in the house until the snake was dead.

Then I put down the gun, took off the ear protection, picked up my camera and returned to my former mission....

My honeybee, blissfully unaware of the drama that had unfolded within inches, is going about her business without a care in the world.

Before I close for the day I want to state that I do not take killing anything lightly. I believe that each creature has a purpose and was place upon this earth by our Creator for a reason. But just as I accept the fact that predators in nature are necessary and only act on instincts and their need for survival, I also accept my responsibility to protect my family and the animals in my care. This means that I guard against predators such and coyotes, hawks, weasels, raccoons, black widows and poisonous snakes. And if that means I have to pick up the shotgun and dispense of a threat to their safety, well then, I'll take a deep breath and I'll accept the fact that I will do what I have to do. ~Rhonda

Sunday Smiles

2009-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Mission accomplished! Now a little time to stop and smell the homegrown and hand-picked flowers:-)

Hope your Sunday is sweet~Rhonda

Movin and shakin

2009-04-28T05:36:00.005-04:00

If you should feel the ground moving beneath your feet this week, don't be alarmed.... it's just me, moving heaven and earth, trying to accomplish all of my set in stone goals before Saturday:-)

My yard will play host to a large yard sale this weekend which will include goodies from, me, my Mom and my two twin Aunts. For the first time in over a year, I hope it doesn't rain.

There is still A LOT of planting to be done in the garden and for this part of the country, time is getting late.

And last, but not least, I have a pile of brush a mile high that needs to be burned before the May 1st burn ban goes into effect...

Time to roll up my sleeves and get to it.

So as this 42 year old body tries to summon the energy of someone half her age, there is bound to be some ground rattling going on. ~Rhonda

Sunday Smiles

2009-04-26T06:31:00.002-04:00

Dappled sunlight on...

Freshly potted petunias:-)

Happy Sunday~Rhonda

Little Boy, Big Toy

2009-04-21T09:39:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was perfect for getting out of doors and working in the yard. So my Daddy, who spends his retirement days operating a Grading and Hauling Business, came and did a little work for us. He had a very willing and eager little helper~
His Papaw let him operate the Bobcat all by himself~ of course there were four adults standing at the ready just in case assistance was needed.

He pulled every leaver and pushed every button just to get a feel for what it could do.

He took his work very seriously....

He scooped up the dirt... see our red Georgia clay!?

And dumped it in its new location.

It was a job well done. It made such an impression on him, that he even thanked the Lord in his prayers on Saturday night for being able to do it by himself.

And I thanked the Lord that another project was completed:-) ~Rhonda

Sunday Smiles

2009-04-19T08:15:00.004-04:00

The air around my house has been thick~

With the heavenly sweet fragrance of...

hundreds of hanging wisteria blossoms:-)

Soaking up the Sun

2009-04-16T08:15:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that my son and I went for a visit to one of the local parks. After he played on the slides and climbers for a while, we took a walk along the path by the lake~Sprite in tow:-)

He is not really mad here, the sun was reflecting off of the water and made him squint.

When we got back home, we let the ducks out to enjoy some swim time. They have graduated from the bathtub to my son's old swimming pool.

They are loosing their duckling fuzz and growing in their feathers, they look sort of nappy during this transition time.... but still cute as a button when they are waddling behind me through the yard. They are also starting to quack rather than peep:-)

Today promises to be another glorious sunny day and I am hoping that my garden is dry enough for me to get in and work a little. We have had an incredible amount of rainfall in the last few weeks. It has done wonders for our water-table, but has made a muddy mess of everything.... not that I am complaining, mind you.

I hope it is sunny where you are~Rhonda

Spring Break

2009-04-13T08:44:00.005-04:00

Last week was Spring Break for the schools here in our area so with Sweet Hubby and Dear Son free for a week we packed up and headed North to Tennessee where my Husband's parents own a cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains. Since Sweet Hubby was also celebrating his 40th, his whole family came and we were able to spend the week together.

This is Round Top Mountain, where the cabin is located~

On Monday it started to snow and by Tuesday morning there was a good 3 to 4 inches covering everything.

My son and I took a little hike up the mountain after the snow. Everything was so beautiful and he had a blast eating the snow....

Posing in front of Mossy Rocks~ we both have a thing for moss covered rocks:-)

He set to work making a snow sculpture. Sometimes he would press too hard when adding another handful of snow and a part would crack or fall off. He didn't get mad, he just mended and went right on shaping it. He must have worked on this for at least 15- 20 minutes. He really enjoyed himself, and was very proud of his creation.

He also thoroughly enjoyed splashing through the little creek that ran down the side of the Mountain.

We took the ducks to the cabin with us. They had a good time swimming in a different tub and they got to meet some new friends....

My little Nephew was very excited by all of the splashing and swimming:-)

We also had a big party for my Husband's 40th Birthday.

We dressed him up in full party attire. Gave him some fun gifts.

Baked him a Boston Creme Pie.

And generally enjoyed ourselves. Laughing, eating, and soaking up the good time with the people we love.

It was a wonderful week~Rhonda

Sunday Smiles

2009-04-12T05:04:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter~ Rhonda

Happy Birthday Baby

2009-04-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

Today is my Husband's birthday. He just completed a three day ride from our home in North Georgia to the cabin in Tennessee. If you would like to read about his adventure you can find it here.

I love you honey, I hope your day is wonderful:-) ~Rhonda

A Fist Full of Violets

2009-04-06T09:01:00.003-04:00

"Here you go, Mom" is what I heard. This is what I saw~

"Did you pick those for me?" "Yea, I thought you might like them."

Boy does he know how to melt a girls heart or what?~Rhonda

Sunday Smiles

2009-04-05T07:17:00.000-04:00

Getting acquainted with new friends.

7000 Bees

2009-04-04T05:51:00.004-04:00

Here they are... 2 pounds of New World Carnolian honey bees....

I went to the BeeMan's yesterday and picked up my package of bees. He has a separate bee farm in South Georgia where he raises bees to sell. He goes down in the Spring and brings back hundreds of packages of bees for people who have ordered them from him. I was very fortunate to find a supplier in my area. Most people have to order bees from a packaged bee supplier that is located several states away from where they live. The disadvantage to this is that you don't know the nature of the bees, they may be gentle stock or they may be an aggressive strain. My BeeMan says that if you want to know what kind of bees you are getting, look at the beekeeper. If they get all suited up~ in a full bee suit, veil and gloves ~ to go out and work their bees, that tells you what kind of bees you are getting. I have yet to see the BeeMan were a hat and veil or even gloves for that matter.

There are about 3,500 bees per pound. The bees you see on the outside of the package stayed on the cage the entire time and never flew off, I guess they were part of the colony that was inside and did not want to leave. They went inside the hive with the others. I was a bit more nervous than I thought I would be. But transferring the bees from the package to the hive was just a matter of following a few simple steps and in less than 5 minutes my 7,000 bees were in their new home.

Today, I am attending an organic bee class that the BeeMan offers. It starts at 9:00 and runs all day. I hope to come home with loads of knowledge and pictures to share:-)

Hope you all enjoy your Saturday~Rhonda

What's the Buzz?

2009-04-02T04:31:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow I will wear a new hat~literally..... I will become an apiarist or beekeeper.

I started to bat the idea around last Winter after hearing many reports about the rapid decline in the honey bee population. I started paying close attention to the types of bees I saw buzzing around last Spring and Summer. I saw tons of wasps, especially those horrid red ones that dive bomb you every time you step out the door. I noticed bumble bees, and the pesky carpenter bees that love to destroy any wooden structure. There were always yellow jackets on hand every time we ate outside, but rarely did I observe honey bees. Not on my flowers, not in the garden, not even on my huge tree-like hedge that when it blooms, the fragrance wafts on for miles and miles... well maybe not really, but it is very potent. So, I bought a book, watched lots of on-line videos and most importantly I met the local BeeMan. He is a very kind and extremely knowledgeable man whose entire property is filled with bee hives. I have to admit that my first visit to his place was a bit intimidating. He was out working in his "bee yard" and there were thousands of bees flying everywhere. I had not thought to bring my hat and gloves and my first inclination was to hop back in my truck and high tail it out of there. But he assured me that his bees were very gentle and he himself was not wearing a veil or gloves so, I followed him around, observing what he was doing and asking tons of questions. He was very patient and answered them all and even offered advise and information I had not thought to ask. By the time I left I felt comfortable, knowing that the bees would not attack me on sight, I began to envision a type of relationship developing between me and my bees. Much like the relationship I have with my other animals. I will tend to them and care for them and in return, I will be rewarded with good pollination and the sweet golden nectar.... honey

Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Well, wish me luck on my new adventure. Yes, there will be pictures:-) ~Rhonda

Morning by Candlelight

2009-03-30T13:03:00.002-04:00

We often think of candlelight in the evening hours. And of course after a long day, candles go hand in hand with a nice soak in a hot tub full of silky bubbles.

But somewhere I read about a woman who starts her day with a candlelit shower. What a nice idea, I thought. I normally go into the bathroom and flip on the over head light which nearly blinds me after 7 to 8 hours of darkness. So, I decided to give it a try. I tell you now, this will become my new morning routine. 5:30 AM is much too early for the harshness of bright light. My bathroom is small, so all I needed was a few candles burning to illuminate the room well enough for me to see what I was doing. Instead of just taking a shower because that is what you do everyday, I felt more focused and enjoyed the process. I seemed to savor the warmth of the hot water more and my rose scented soap ~handmade by none other than Peggy at Hidden Haven~ smelled and felt even lovelier. I took a little extra time and enjoyed lathering up my long hair and letting the flow of the water wash the suds away. It felt like a spa treatment, but it didn't cost a dime. It was a wonderful way to start off the day. So, maybe tomorrow you might consider waking yourself up in a more kinder and gentler way.

It just might make you whole day feel a bit more special~Rhonda

Sunday Smiles

2009-03-29T05:30:00.000-04:00

When we bought our little ducklings, the people at the feed and seed told us not to put them in water for 4 weeks. They said they would drown......

What???? Ducks.... drown....

really?!!

Luckily for our little guys/gals. I went online and read up on the care of young ducklings. I found out that in fact if you wait too long, ducks become afraid of the water and reluctant to get in. Well we certainly did not want to have any maladjusted ducks, so.... we put a little water in the bathtub and plopped them in. There is a reason for the saying; "Take to it like a duck to water."

Our little ones thoroughly enjoy their two supervised swims ~or baths as my son calls them~ each day. As I carry them up the stairs to the bathroom, they hear the water running and start to peep and wiggle. They practically jump out of my hands to get in and then they put on such an amusing show that it makes cleaning the tub twice a day worth the effort. Yep, ducks are messy.

We also use this time to teach them to look for food under water. I chop strawberries into tiny pieces and put them in the tub with them. In the second picture you can see one as it dives down to get the tasty treat. So, I guess it's been so far, so good. We haven't drown them yet.

I also wanted to let you wonderful sweet ladies know the great news we got Friday afternoon. The doctor's office called and said that the radiologist had reviewed my Son's x-ray and the tailbone is NOT cracked!!!! Hallelujah. The doctor had said that there was some difficulty in reading the x-ray and that she wanted the radiologist to look at it to be certain, but that she felt like there was an area that was cracked. I am so grateful that she was mistaken.... as she was telling me all of the things he would not be able to do for the next 4 to 6 weeks, I felt like asking her exactly how she recommended grounding this live wire.... but now he should be as good as new in about a week. Thank you all for the prayers that you offered on his behalf. I remain amazed at the caring and nurturing nature of this wonderful blogging community and I wanted to tell you how much your kindness means to me.

Thank you again~Rhonda

Ouchy!

2009-03-25T12:53:00.003-04:00

My Sweetie Pie had an accident yesterday. He tried to close the tailgate on my old red truck. It is very difficult to latch. While he was standing on the bumper, the tailgate fell back open pushing him to the ground. He landed hard on his bottom. For the rest of the night he had difficulty walking correctly and sitting down. He also complained of pain when he tried to bend over, if he coughed or sneezed and if he shifted his weight quickly.

This morning he was still hurting so I took him to the Doctor. The X-Ray showed a crack in his tailbone. It will take 4 to 6 weeks to heal completely. He will have to take it easy and be careful not to re-injure the area in the mean time. Tonight I will make him a cushion that he can take to school to sit on and tomorrow I will go and talk with his teachers. The biggest concerns will be PE and recess. Today I have been administering tender love, care and the proper medicine.... Tylenol, chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles, gummy bears and jelly beans.

We would certainly appreciate it if you guys could say a little prayer that he heals quickly and doesn't get too frustrated with not being able to be as active as he is used to.

Thank you:-) ~Rhonda