tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13162535073964076512011-11-23T08:04:59.612-08:00Musings about life on our 12 acre farm - Gumboots which represent times in life when the water is deep and we find ourselves wading through muck and mire, and lemonade for when all is well, life is sweet, and we are refreshed. I hope you enjoy your stroll through these pages.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-63105357254935228162011-11-23T08:04:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:04:59.619-08:00

Holiday scarves, feminine and frilly. Approximately 60 to 70 inches long, made with a wool/ acrylic blend Italian yarn. Soft and warm, hand wash, lay flat to dry.  $30.00

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-19128546897941695022011-06-15T18:06:00.000-07:002011-06-15T18:22:09.633-07:00

We love natural beauty! If you are concerned about what is in your cosmetics there is some good reading over at the Wash Stand. We have posted links to some informative sites and to Skin Deep, EWG's cosmetics information site, and a video which has some interesting facts. We have also posted a few simple recipes for those of you who like to make your own products. We make a number of our own 

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-58957931892684860422011-05-08T12:02:00.000-07:002011-05-08T12:02:56.672-07:00

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. – Attributed to Claudia Ghandi

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-11295862748361537792011-04-06T12:31:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:31:01.065-07:00

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-44933250746435888342011-04-05T18:15:00.000-07:002011-04-05T19:03:54.038-07:00

We like granola, and almost every day we enjoy a healthy serving of juicy red grapefruit topped with a scoop of plain yogurt, a handful of granola, and a sprinkling of nuts for breakfast. Mmm mmm! This morning, with my mind set on our usual breakfast parfait, and realizing we had finished off the granola and I hadn't had time to make any more, I suddenly had a brainwave! I decided to try

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-46228627209420545702011-04-05T17:17:00.000-07:002011-04-05T17:17:49.166-07:00

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-49062338662599943742010-12-01T14:38:00.000-08:002010-12-01T14:44:16.346-08:00

Amazing Grace was my mother's favourite song, and with her Scottish decent, and fondness of bagpipes, she would have especially loved this rendition. Her birthday is December 16th, and this year she would have been 96 years old. We miss you mum xxxooo

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-11158386085300120002010-11-01T14:57:00.000-07:002010-11-12T13:55:43.780-08:00

Those of you who have already had your tastebuds tickled with these delightful hot chocolate blends and gourmet snacks from Fates Creation will agree that they are simply the best! If you are looking for a unique Christmas gift for someone special, or a tasty hostess gift, or an 'out of the ordinary' beverage for your special gathering head on over to their brand new website. It is still under

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-15204402238413606322010-04-18T21:16:00.000-07:002010-04-18T21:22:22.455-07:00

After 16 years of making soap, and dreaming of some day owning a soap store, we have finally done it. Except that the product we are selling is not our handmade soap, and we do not have a store front. Instead, we have an online store and we are selling everything necessary for making soap! February was our opening, and we've been on a learning curve ever since with getting a handle on everything

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-80576447649206937032009-12-04T21:52:00.000-08:002009-12-04T22:07:44.200-08:00

Recent research led me to an interesting article about recycling hotel soap bars for use in Uganda. The opening statements stopped me in my tracks.  Follow the link;;  http://www.allbusiness.com/society-social-assistance-lifestyle/philanthropy-charities/13202337-1.html

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-12691861016857865622009-12-01T08:54:00.000-08:002009-12-01T08:54:34.335-08:00

Happy December! It's always such a wonderful time of the year, and with the craft fairs to visit each weekend there is no shortage of aromas in the air. Soapmakers abound and the variety of bars is endless! We visited 3 small fairs on the weekend and found 5 soapmakers and a vast array of beautiful products. I am very picky about the products we use, especially since I learned that 85% of

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-71585827672590885552009-05-03T23:00:00.000-07:002009-05-03T23:11:59.080-07:00

Manny and Miranda keeping the beat with Katie on a sunny, fun Saturday morning.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-33888072577393477062008-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:002009-12-01T08:22:04.949-08:00

Family Picture They are WAY TOO cute!!!

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-15479190660465165242008-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:002009-12-01T08:20:55.967-08:00

Devon Brooklyn

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-73485264342521219992008-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:002009-12-01T08:19:47.440-08:00

Yaaaay!!!! Katie now has one of her original songs posted at Garage Band. Check it out at http://www.garageband.com/ and type in the artist name Caeti in the top right-hand search bar. It's a great little happy tune.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-25903667357245776242008-07-23T21:52:00.000-07:002008-07-23T23:06:59.425-07:00

Hello dear Readers,Yet again God has moved in our life in an awesome, mighty way. A crisis which seemed insurmountable back in October has "worked together for good" (Romans 8:28) as God graciously poured out His blessings and provisions and brought peace in the midst of our storm (Psalm 3:3, .Psalm 29:11, Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6-7)All is well. Our daughter has come home and is doing great.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-39941763114967799212007-10-18T08:28:00.000-07:002007-10-18T08:34:18.406-07:00

Sorry everyone, due to a crisis with our daughter I am temporarily unable to post, however, as soon as the water calms I'll be back....my sincere thanks for hanging in there.Blessings,Joy

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-57221050569071425162007-09-23T08:05:00.000-07:002007-09-23T08:08:11.000-07:00

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-41720883669970370882007-09-14T16:18:00.000-07:002007-09-24T11:02:00.694-07:00

Shredded soap from the base I made last week. Looks like grated cheese. Into the mold and set aside to cool. First batch cut and trimmed.Second batch prior to trimming.At last, after a busy summer I have finally managed to get some soap made. It is always a rewarding experience for me and I am forever fascinated at the way oil and water, which we all have learned simply do not mix, come together

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-81056905761868990752007-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:002007-09-23T08:11:33.053-07:00

Another new baby in the family! Finally getting these pictures up of little Danae - firstborn daughter of my nephew Andrew and his girl Kat.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-83144002747323096582007-08-24T22:09:00.000-07:002007-08-28T15:30:04.462-07:00

This artist makes his music available free for downloading. What a great ministry!http://www.seandietrich.com/All%20I%20Need%20is%20Jesus.mp3

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-80706199983753871602007-08-24T21:27:00.000-07:002007-08-24T21:33:54.261-07:00

"Isn't it staggering when you think that one sermon on the day of Pentecost produced 3000 Christian people? And we had some cities yesterday where 3000 sermons were preached and nobody was saved. And it doesn't even faze us. The church used to be a lightning bolt, now it's a cruise ship. We are not marching to Zion - we are sailing there with ease. In the apostolic church it says they were all

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-42925187459948115582007-08-24T08:14:00.000-07:002007-08-24T22:24:02.647-07:00

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-53370013105037368552007-08-23T13:36:00.000-07:002007-08-23T13:39:41.150-07:00

This is the cake our 14 year old granddaughter baked for her own birthday. It was SO delicious with a creamy layer of pudding in the middle and all topped off with fresh strawberries dipped in silky white chocolate.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-70812057274897319572007-08-20T22:47:00.000-07:002007-08-22T08:32:58.705-07:00

My sister and I with our cousin, CaroleAugust 20th. How can it be? It seems that all summer long we have been waiting for summer to come and so far it's been a never-ending game of hide and seek. I feel sorry for those who booked their camping holidays expecting warm, dry weather and sunny days for lounging on the beach, and instead encountered rain, and hail, and wind.For us it has been a

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-19012543807729613132007-08-02T10:10:00.000-07:002007-08-22T08:34:41.838-07:00

Here are some tiny fleece baby shoes made to look like the old fashioned 'Mary Janes'. In this picture I had just completed the embroidery on the toes using what is called a Boullion Stitch. It's my first attempt at making roses which I needed to learn because I could not find the appliques I had in mind.Except for the buttons, the shoes are now finished. I was supposed to glue rick-rack around

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-25636476282144113022007-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:002007-08-02T09:17:12.836-07:00

We have been enjoying the taste and quality of homemade yogurt for a while now but I must confess I was getting a bit weary of the process.Yogurt can be made successfully with canning jars and a heating pad. However, our heating pad shuts off automatically so I had to remember to constantly check on it. Several times I got busy outside and when I came indoors found it was off. The yogurt was

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-85168662475999145902007-07-20T07:19:00.000-07:002009-12-01T08:23:06.377-08:00

A month has passed since I posted anything here so I thought I would put something up so you would all know I haven't dropped off the face of the earth! I set out to post something original but while reading through some devotional material this little story jumped out at me - probably because I see so much of myself (oh dear) in this writer's words.To read People and Laundry click on the link:

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-20577429362761640652007-06-19T13:14:00.000-07:002007-06-19T13:21:33.804-07:00

My Heart Will Go On

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-38593282864684727672007-06-16T10:39:00.000-07:002007-06-16T13:29:00.693-07:00

My father, Stanley, 1914 - 2003Dad left us very suddenly on August 11, 2003. We were shocked and deeply saddened. The last conversation Dad and I had was about peanut butter cookies for he had come across a recipe on the back of the peanut butter jar which required only 3 ingredients. He was so excited about cooking up a batch that he wanted me to have the recipe too. Sadly, I never found out if

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-63422744420856531682007-06-14T18:11:00.000-07:002007-06-15T09:04:15.262-07:00

One of the most delightful gifts a mother can receive has to be flowers. Especially potted ones. The tiny roses here are snipped from a miniature plant which was a present from my daughters many years ago. Summer after summer the little bush faithfully bears delicate blooms in varying shades of apricot to peach and continues to do so until late into fall. Providing so much beauty and pleasure,

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-49230272767736059212007-06-14T17:22:00.000-07:002007-06-14T17:30:23.119-07:00

The Hillbilly's Ten Commandments posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas1. Just one God.2. Honor yer Ma & Pa.3. No tellin' tales or gossipin'.4. Git yourself to Sunday meetin'5. Put nothin' before God.6. No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.7. No killin'.8. Watch yer mouth.9. Don't take what ain't yers.10. Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-31061016864824949192007-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:002009-02-17T16:16:50.125-08:00

When I was young I believed that I would go to Heaven when I die as long if I have been good enough. And if I hadn't been good enough then I would simply go to sleep forevermore and that would be the end of me. Nothing too scary - Heaven sounded nice for sure and that's what I wanted but the thought of going to sleep and drifting off into oblivion if I didn't make the grade didn't sound like a

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-31017459220329272812007-06-04T10:55:00.000-07:002007-06-04T11:02:49.810-07:00

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-53215794501169926032007-06-04T10:04:00.000-07:002007-06-06T10:48:47.293-07:00

...in his glory mowing the grass and making paths so we can hike around all 12 acres. We've always dreamed of making the property into a little park with trails and stops along the way where you can rest your feet or enjoy a picnic lunch. We have a couple of campsites, 'Pine Site', which is closest to the house and so named because it is set amongst the pine trees, and 'OutBack' because it is

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-89124612468624856052007-05-30T13:17:00.000-07:002007-05-31T10:10:58.814-07:00

Years ago my sister and I each bought yogurt makers and made our own yogurt with raw milk. It was good but since my yogurt maker died I've been buying it ready made. I like the variety of flavours available but am finding them all too sweet. That led me to buying plain, unsweetened from the health food store at a cost of about $4.00 a litre.After a little research I found out that it can be made

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-7379802584201670882007-05-28T19:38:00.000-07:002007-05-29T15:29:55.797-07:00

Our weather has finally warmed up and it feels good to be munching on cool, crisp salad for supper.Coleslaw is a salad we make lots of and I usually just toss the cabbage, carrots, raisins, etc. with some mayonnaise and add some sugar and seasonings. But I found a great recipe for salad dressing which Jill from Living on a Dime has on her site (Crunchy Veggie Salad) and today I adapted it a bit

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-51568152846147121712007-05-23T19:16:00.000-07:002007-05-23T19:22:02.148-07:00

My sister just sent this to me and I thought it was worth sharing. Thanks Sylv.:: A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said," Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy man to two doors.He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-91604833570245826432007-05-22T10:55:00.000-07:002007-05-30T16:29:13.264-07:00

Kelly - nice hat! While sorting through our pictures I came across these priceless old ones, a few of which I snapped myself around the age of 10 or 12 with my very first camera. Wonderful inventions cameras are... and what lasting memories they create! My brother Bryan. Handsome fellow. My brother's nifty new car My brother Norman. Very cool guy. My nephew, David, just learning to walk

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-9122165245498555382007-05-22T09:23:00.000-07:002007-05-22T19:33:20.247-07:00

Here's something cute that I saw the other day.I Wanna be a BearWhen you're a bear you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months.I could deal with that.Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.I could deal with that too.When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-69293277868929635502007-05-21T21:05:00.000-07:002007-05-21T22:37:57.820-07:00

My mother-in-law is the Thrift Queen. She deserves the title because she was recycling long before reclycling became 'fashionable'. Nothing gets wasted around her house because she delights in turning trash into treasure. She has made school desks into coffee tables, table legs into tea trolleys, and tomato juice cans into footstools or what she calls 'bollies'. No fancy schmancy cookbook covers

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-1501319102967108702007-05-18T13:28:00.000-07:002007-05-22T14:27:31.411-07:00

Here's a neat idea which I read while exploring another lady's site. I'd really like to try it!Flower Pot Grill :: A good ceramic (terra cotta) flower pot makes the perfect vessel for a quick grill. The ceramic material holds in and focuses heat while insulating the outside. The shape and size of a 10 inch pot is perfect for a few kebabs and the charcoal will stay hot for hours of cooking fun.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-45499609847352038252007-05-17T14:32:00.000-07:002007-05-18T13:28:08.050-07:00

I've been asked if I would consider making some soaps, etc. to sell at a local farm stand. This would require considerable footwork as I would need to register with Health Canada (yes, in Canada SOAP is considered a cosmetic), and redesign all my labels to comply. Canadian regulations now state that labels must be in both English and French and all ingredients must be listed with the INCI (

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-7216464549150227142007-05-13T11:31:00.000-07:002009-03-16T10:58:08.534-07:00

My mother left her earthly home in 2003. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever known; so sweet and gentle, loving and kind, and I'm so thankful she was mine. She had 5 children and endured all our childish antics with the utmost of patience - no matter what we did she loved us all the same. She had 19 grandchildren and gave lovingly and generously to each and every one. We miss her

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-653429255031898412007-05-05T17:40:00.000-07:002007-05-12T09:42:14.266-07:00

A short little story from another family who also lost their 'girls' to predators . Click link to read.http://www.joshharris.com/2006/02/tragedy_at_the_harris_farm.php

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-57661218437164542802007-05-05T14:32:00.000-07:002007-05-12T09:36:59.320-07:00

Me. [with dripping paintbrush in hand] Hello?She. Hello!Me. [a little slower - not sure who it is] Hel...lo.She. [with a little giggle] Hello!Me. Can I help you?She. [chuckling] Have you got the tea on?Me. Pardon me?She. [laughing harder] Have you got the tea on?Me. Tea??? Um...ah...who might you be looking for?She. We just thought we'd come for tea.Me. Ummm...okay, but who are you looking for?

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-64740381724422569392007-05-05T12:48:00.000-07:002007-05-05T12:53:57.099-07:00

A little squirrel waiting for breakfast. Note the hummingbird in the top right corner. You can click on the picture to enlarge it.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-34541741348062057382007-05-05T12:37:00.000-07:002007-05-05T15:33:59.347-07:00

Yes... that is a wireless mouse in Kelly's hand, and he has found a new way to play his favourite game.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-33680154170364943422007-05-05T12:22:00.000-07:002007-05-11T15:55:38.815-07:00

my brother Norm, sister-in-law Lois, and their very first grand baby, Cadel. Cadel is a welsh name and is pronounced caDEL (as in cadet).

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-65387225321587075022007-05-05T12:21:00.001-07:002007-05-07T13:24:15.656-07:00

Our very dear friends with whom we have shared many happy times. They moved to the UK in November and, needless to say, they are sorely missed.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-52999757865731853312007-04-29T14:16:00.000-07:002007-04-29T15:25:38.677-07:00

Our new hens have arrived and have started production! March 24th the first 6 came in and just 3 weeks later the first eggs made their appearance. Our supplier was shorted on their order - they were expecting 450 hens and only received 125 so we were fortunate to get any at all. April 21st we were able to get 4 more so we now have 10. They were quite skitterish at first but after lots of coaxing

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-37830351433290427602007-04-29T13:39:00.000-07:002007-05-05T12:55:08.362-07:00

O Lord, how many and varied are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your riches and Your creatures. Psalm 104: 24

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-76490338811154966852007-04-29T11:15:00.000-07:002007-04-29T11:48:45.917-07:00

Thank you to those of you who have left comments - it's great to hear from you.For those of you who have tried and have been unable to because it required a Google account, I have now changed the settings. All comments will still be moderated (approved before being published) in order to filter out any undesirable graffiti but the whole process is very simple. Write your comment, type the

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-19307989035212212502007-03-18T10:14:00.000-07:002007-03-18T10:32:25.658-07:00

The most recent sweet addition to our family, my great-nephew.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-78533916335013850252007-03-12T22:19:00.001-07:002007-03-18T10:14:24.083-07:00

We are hooked on dark chocolate.But we have found a supply of high quality bars which are made near our own home town. Though they are somewhat expensive, we find we don't have to devour the whole thing in order to satisfy our craving. One piece will do it. So one bar actually lasts the two of us for three days which, in reality, makes it cheaper than corner store candy bars. However, since we've

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-66297135964028323352007-03-12T22:19:00.000-07:002007-05-05T12:43:40.537-07:00

She shares a little story We just celebrated our aunt's 85th birthday last evening with a family dinner. It was a fun evening and a great time to reconnect with cousins which I haven't seen for many years. Our aunt is a peppy little gal who spreads cheer and happiness wherever she goes - a very special lady indeed!My brother Don

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-26242646292977455342007-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:002007-03-03T12:05:00.917-08:00

He who heeds the word wisely will find good,And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.Proverbs 16: 20

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-61704774330576042742007-03-02T09:44:00.000-08:002007-03-12T22:09:49.362-07:00

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-80151640958059562912007-03-02T09:14:00.000-08:002007-03-12T22:10:25.208-07:00

Happy March Everyone!So far this year the old time rhyme rings true - "in like a lion, out like a lamb". Well... in like a lion it is with snow falling here again today making it the 3rd time this week. Hopefully the other half of the jingle will also prove true with the month of March going 'out like a lamb'. I was going to head off to town to look at some bathroom rugs, and back splash material

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-34303595679350375942007-02-22T16:31:00.000-08:002007-03-12T22:11:03.349-07:00

God doesn't require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.- Mother Teresa

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-60325756554837938192007-02-20T16:11:00.000-08:002007-03-12T22:15:35.837-07:00

It never dawned on me that I could make our own Bagels. But a dear little dutch lady down the road told me she always made her own when her kids were growing up and that it is simple to do. I don't like the smell of the preservatives in the bought ones, it always puts me off, but the man in our house likes something more substantial than sliced bread for his lunches, and he does enjoy bagels, so

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-44188449194707689302007-02-18T13:24:00.000-08:002007-02-19T09:02:18.860-08:00

It's our grandson's 9th birthday today and another reminder of how the time flies. He had a hockey game early this morning and they won! Their team is doing great, this is the first year Manny has played and he's a terrific little skater. His team will be going on an overnight trip next month for a season wrap up game. Having raised five daughters we've never been into hockey but the sight of a

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-16004886762779858022007-02-18T13:03:00.000-08:002007-05-05T12:46:23.335-07:00

our daughter Staceyflying through the air with some little friends. I wonder who was having the most fun!

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-24197037897741627172007-02-17T16:54:00.000-08:002007-02-18T13:13:56.629-08:00

My dear husband hard at work on a warm summer day.

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-51472449222347716402007-02-17T16:07:00.000-08:002007-02-17T16:26:46.323-08:00

You might want to try this, especially if you like the new 'Arizona' type green tea beverages. I love them but find they are quite sweet.Try brewing a pot of green tea, any flavour (honey-lemon ginseng is good), and let it chill in the fridge. When it's ready pour half a glass and top it off with your favourite pure fruit juice. The one I like best is the new blueberry.It's very refreshing, not

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-42201370018257773232007-02-17T15:24:00.000-08:002007-02-17T17:22:17.589-08:00

My mother-in-law amazes me. She is nearly 82 and can run circles around us.Just yesterday my hubby took her a load of firewood (yes, she heats her house with wood) and returned with a bag full of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, yum! She still bakes her own bread, grows her own vegetables and flowers, and just finished painting and installing a new shelf in her kitchen. You would never know

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-46548975841941623102007-02-17T14:14:00.000-08:002007-02-17T16:27:55.128-08:00

It's easy to understand why mink have been killed for their fur. They eat chickens.Actually, they don't even eat the whole chicken. They drag the poor things off their perches then chew their heads off leaving a disgusting headless heap of fresh chicken on the floor of the hen house.In the summer we had 8 hens all producing beautiful brown eggs. We lost one in the early fall, and just weeks later

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-40752743539669820062007-02-16T18:52:00.000-08:002007-02-17T17:10:42.704-08:00

I love the country because the country is serene (if you don't mind the sound of cows mooing and sheep baaing) and it gives us a freedom which we don't have in the city. We keep chickens which provide us with a constant source of fresh eggs, we have room for a garden as big as we want, we get lamb and wool from the neighbours, and at night it is dark. Truly dark. One particular evening just after

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1316253507396407651.post-5709902870706986582007-02-16T11:13:00.000-08:002007-02-18T07:44:58.462-08:00

when the neighbour's miniature donkeys came for a visitIt's a beautiful, sunny day and spring is on the way! A stroll through the garden is evidence with the ever faithful daffodils poking their heads up through the soil and tiny buds forming on the lilacs. And, music to our ears, the familiar chorus of resident frogs was detected a couple of nights ago. Spring is wonderful - everything being so

Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09492647043460423061noreply@blogger.com0