Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/30/15

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Simple Saturdays Blog Hop #90" class="size-full wp-image-5153 aligncenter" height="278" src="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" width="302" /></a></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>Join us for ideas on living a Simple Lifestyle and being Self Sufficient!</strong></span></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Welcome to Simple Saturdays Blog Hop!</span></h2> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> This blog hop is brought to you by a group of wonderful co-hosts committed to the Simple way of Life and learning to be Self Reliant in all they do.  Simple Saturdays Blog Hop is a way for each of us to share the various ways we are learning to be more Self Reliant in our homes and on our land. This is all about building community, learning new skills and growing more self-sufficient!</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Please join us, submit <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>YOUR</strong></span> Self-Reliant post (maybe even 2 or 3), browse around, visit a site or two and learn some new Simple tips or Self Reliant How'To's!</div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"> This Blog Hop is being hosted by:</span></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bornagainfarmgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mindie @ Born Again Farm Girl</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/" target="_blank" title="Better Hens and Gardens">Lesa @ Better Hens and Gardens</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.pasturedeficitdisorder.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl @ Pasture Deficit Disorder</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Valerie @ Cottage Making Mommy</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/" target="_blank">Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.muranochickenfarm.com/" target="_blank">Lisa @ Murano Chicken Farm</a></div> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"> <strong> What Can I Post?</strong></span></h2> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Anything and everything related to a more Simple way of life <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>OR</strong></span> Self Reliance....</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Homesteading, Prepping, Gardening, Cooking/recipes/food, Livestock of all varieties, Off-grid, Natural Living, Wellness/wholeness and Healthcare, Herbal, <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>DIY & MYO!</strong></span></div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <em>**Please note: By linking to this Blog Hop you are giving us permission to link back to your post if you are featured. We will also include 1 photo from your post in the interest of sending visitors your way. **</em></div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Congratulations to our Featured Blogger this week</span></h2> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Most Viewed</span></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong> Summers Acres</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong><br /></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQcdipB89ug/VqtOzH7TPFI/AAAAAAAAFjw/WnuzF444Lw8/s1600/1940-Farmhouse-Bedroom-Redo-Before-After-700x700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQcdipB89ug/VqtOzH7TPFI/AAAAAAAAFjw/WnuzF444Lw8/s320/1940-Farmhouse-Bedroom-Redo-Before-After-700x700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2016/01/1940-farmhouse-upstairs-bedroom-makeover.html" target="_blank">Our 1940 Farmhouse - Upstairs Bedroom Makeover</a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Hosts' Choice </span></h2> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMw5OTcBE4g/VqtPCgAoQNI/AAAAAAAAFj4/_q18hByyh28/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMw5OTcBE4g/VqtPCgAoQNI/AAAAAAAAFj4/_q18hByyh28/s320/PicMonkey%2BCollage.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div> Farm Fit Living -  <a href="http://farmfitliving.com/death/" target="_blank">Death on the Farm: How to Answer Kids’ Questions</a></div> <div> Born Again Farm Girl - <a href="http://bornagainfarmgirl.blogspot.com/2016/01/how-to-homestead-where-you-already-live.html" target="_blank">How to Homestead Where You Already Live</a></div> <div> Sunny Simple Life - <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2016/01/easy-coconut-cream-cake.html" target="_blank">Easy Coconut Cream Cake</a></div> </div> <h3 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #993300;"><br /></span></h3> <h3 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #993300;">Ready to get to the hop? Add your link below:</span></h3>   <!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="603058"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=603058" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> </div>

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/30/15

Join us for ideas on living a Simple Lifestyle and being Self Sufficient! Welcome to Simple Saturdays Blog Hop! This blog hop is bro...

He Scared Me To Death

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIcQZW7dEso/Vqkmmm0b6MI/AAAAAAAAMcU/mA03uu5mYMQ/s1600/facebook69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIcQZW7dEso/Vqkmmm0b6MI/AAAAAAAAMcU/mA03uu5mYMQ/s1600/facebook69.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> *Update, It's been a little over a year now. He's doing better but still has no short term memory. It makes life extra interesting.*</div> <br> <br> <span style="font-size: large;">Friday I went to my dad's house to spend some time with him. He recently was put on insulin. This was his 3rd day and he had been dizzy. He asked me to stay with him because my step-mom isn't mobile and she couldn't get around. My hubby was home watching the workers at our farm. I kept telling him I will be home with dinner soon. I ran 4 hours late and dad was throwing up profusely. I got a hold of his doctor and got him better and against my better judgement went home. By then my hubby said he couldn't wait any longer and had a bowl of cereal. When I got home he was laying across the bed. When I got there he moved over and I turned out the lights and turned on the tv to relax. Next thing I know there was a HUGE bang. Wade had fallen to the floor. At first I started laughing and said did you fall out of bed. After a few minutes he didn't get up. I knew something was wrong. His face was drooping and he was holding his head. </span><br> <span style="font-size: large;"><br></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward and a bunch of bargaining and furniture and things falling all over the house from him stumbling and falling off the back steps I got him in the car to the hospital. I could get him to the hospital faster than the ambulance could get to me.</span><br> <br> </div>

He Scared Me To Death

*Update, It's been a little over a year now. He's doing better but still has no short term memory. It makes life extra interes...

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/23/16

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Simple Saturdays Blog Hop #90" class="size-full wp-image-5153 aligncenter" height="278" src="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" width="302" /></a></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>Join us for ideas on living a Simple Lifestyle and being Self Sufficient!</strong></span></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;">  <span style="color: maroon;">Welcome to Simple Saturdays Blog Hop!</span></h2> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> This blog hop is brought to you by a group of wonderful co-hosts committed to the Simple way of Life and learning to be Self Reliant in all they do.  Simple Saturdays Blog Hop is a way for each of us to share the various ways we are learning to be more Self Reliant in our homes and on our land. This is all about building community, learning new skills and growing more self-sufficient!</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Please join us, submit <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>YOUR</strong></span> Self-Reliant post (maybe even 2 or 3), browse around, visit a site or two and learn some new Simple tips or Self Reliant How'To's!</div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"> This Blog Hop is being hosted by:</span></h2> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="600975"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=600975" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> </div>

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/23/16

Join us for ideas on living a Simple Lifestyle and being Self Sufficient!   Welcome to Simple Saturdays Blog Hop! This blog hop is b...

Meet My New Twin Boys---Adding New Goats to A Herd

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>                                                                    <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHGGogWJnLY/VqKVLvjnG7I/AAAAAAAAMVI/4bVvLzjWV5c/s1600/facebook64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHGGogWJnLY/VqKVLvjnG7I/AAAAAAAAMVI/4bVvLzjWV5c/s320/facebook64.jpg" width="320"></a></div> Hello from the farm. My new boys...BoBo and Lukie wanted to say hello to you. Yes they are brothers and they are 2 months old, now former bottle babies, and they think they are human. Every time I turn the corner they start bahhhing so that I will stop and come in and play with them and love on them. It's hard to refuse since they are so cute.<br> <br> </div>

Meet My New Twin Boys---Adding New Goats to A Herd

                                                                    Hello from the farm. My new boys...BoBo and Lukie wanted to say he...

Picking Out A Light From Parrot Uncle

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br> <br> Recently I was contacted by Parrot Uncle with an offer to review a light from their website.<br> <br> The company has a HUGE collection of discounted lighting and lamps, and I have more than a few places to add lights here at the farm... particularly in the guest cottage where we are currently living.<br> <br>                                                <img alt="Simple Glass Bell Shape Shade Wall Sconce " src="https://www.parrotuncle.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/260x260/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/_/1_73.jpg"><br> <br> </div>

Picking Out A Light From Parrot Uncle

Recently I was contacted by Parrot Uncle with an offer to review a light from their website. The company has a HUGE collection of disco...

Delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br>                                                   <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PImVJgAWJc/Vp5_bjmE4TI/AAAAAAAAMJ0/Ytu_O5d-3a0/s1600/facebook60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PImVJgAWJc/Vp5_bjmE4TI/AAAAAAAAMJ0/Ytu_O5d-3a0/s320/facebook60.jpg" width="320"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about you but Chicken and Dumplings are a staple in my house during the Winter months. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">My mom and grandma always made them from scratch until my mom had to work more so she learned to put them in the crock pot and not sacrifice the flavor.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> </div>

Delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

                                                  I don't know about you but Chicken and Dumplings are a staple in my house d...

My New Decorating Project

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEoBL3jVwQg/Vp07AbnMuYI/AAAAAAAAMH4/bxxJIG_Br68/s1600/IMG_20151013_165703074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEoBL3jVwQg/Vp07AbnMuYI/AAAAAAAAMH4/bxxJIG_Br68/s320/IMG_20151013_165703074.jpg" width="320"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Living Room</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I've been recruited by an older couple to turn this... <b>young hunters man pad</b>... into their colorful and comfortable <b>weekend country home. </b></span></div> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo7UmBrRL-Q/Vp07Iy2_42I/AAAAAAAAMIA/q4zeXap3b_k/s1600/IMG_20151013_165116568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo7UmBrRL-Q/Vp07Iy2_42I/AAAAAAAAMIA/q4zeXap3b_k/s320/IMG_20151013_165116568.jpg" width="320"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Bedroom One</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> </div>

My New Decorating Project

Living Room I've been recruited by an older couple to turn this... young hunters man pad ... into their colorful and comfortable...

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/16/16

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <a href="http://simply-living-simply.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/simple-saturdays-blog-hop-gardening.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: maroon;"></span><br> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="" style="clear: both;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vD7EKN3BoMg/Vnq1N82lfYI/AAAAAAAAFSI/lWL-My3YXxw/s1600/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vD7EKN3BoMg/Vnq1N82lfYI/AAAAAAAAFSI/lWL-My3YXxw/s400/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" width="400"></a><span style="color: maroon; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Welcome to the Simple Saturdays Blog Hop. We can't wait to see what you have to share this week!</span></div> </div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <br> This blog hop is brought to you by a group of wonderful co-hosts committed to the Simple way of Life and learning to be Self Reliant in all they do.  Simple Saturdays Blog Hop is a way for each of us to share the various ways we are learning to be more Self Reliant in our homes and on our land. This is all about building community, learning new skills and growing more self-sufficient!<br> <br> <br> Please join us, submit YOUR Self-Reliant post (maybe even 2 or 3), browse around, visit a site or two and learn some new Simple tips or Self Reliant How'To's!<br> </div></div>

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/16/16

Welcome to the Simple Saturdays Blog Hop. We can't wait to see what you have to share this week! This blog hop is brought to ...

The Farm Is a Mess

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-377SgG19cgI/Vpak5L8k4_I/AAAAAAAAL-w/2RcnYc8hftE/s1600/IMG_20160113_090021193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-377SgG19cgI/Vpak5L8k4_I/AAAAAAAAL-w/2RcnYc8hftE/s320/IMG_20160113_090021193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">It all started 2 1/2 years ago when we hired someone to move my hubby's office to the farm, install a septic system and tear down the old farm house. The man made a mess and left piles everywhere. Now he's finally back to clean it up but the workers don't seem to want to work.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHoxLrIIdeM/Vpak7gzdNHI/AAAAAAAAL-4/Xw8fR79RXjQ/s1600/IMG_20160113_090127561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHoxLrIIdeM/Vpak7gzdNHI/AAAAAAAAL-4/Xw8fR79RXjQ/s320/IMG_20160113_090127561.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">There are more piles than before.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KpdqurtaBg/Vpak-clcehI/AAAAAAAAL_A/DUtHa5WwyR0/s1600/IMG_20160113_094154745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KpdqurtaBg/Vpak-clcehI/AAAAAAAAL_A/DUtHa5WwyR0/s320/IMG_20160113_094154745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">They are supposed to be taking down this dead tree. It seems they feel the need to dig up all of the dead animals around it. They've also knocked down 8 other trees, my hubby's fathers old garden entrance and a bazillion other things I didn't want done.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGNlvgrJDHg/VpalEeCEzRI/AAAAAAAAL_I/6ILDeLZhJ_E/s1600/IMG_20160113_090240103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGNlvgrJDHg/VpalEeCEzRI/AAAAAAAAL_I/6ILDeLZhJ_E/s320/IMG_20160113_090240103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I've babied my rose bushes along the creek but I had to dig 8 of them out... plus two wild rose bushes... and they've been sitting here by the clothesline for 2 days waiting for them to actually get some work done so they can go back in. GRRRRR.....</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6IW9hF74byI/VpalF6v-mYI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/9OMcJtp4dHM/s1600/IMG_20160113_105431237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6IW9hF74byI/VpalF6v-mYI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/9OMcJtp4dHM/s320/IMG_20160113_105431237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Oh look more piles.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHBIoJBjwPM/VpalIhusI7I/AAAAAAAAL_Y/5rtn6IC4KK4/s1600/IMG_20160113_090340916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHBIoJBjwPM/VpalIhusI7I/AAAAAAAAL_Y/5rtn6IC4KK4/s320/IMG_20160113_090340916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">We had to take down part of our front fence and one of our gates. This is after the hubby and I put some of it back up.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ygRDp-FhH-A/VpalL8zBScI/AAAAAAAAL_g/MbBL1SsRbf0/s1600/IMG_20160113_090029289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ygRDp-FhH-A/VpalL8zBScI/AAAAAAAAL_g/MbBL1SsRbf0/s320/IMG_20160113_090029289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">The icing on top was when they ran over my grandma's flower bulbs that were the first thing I planted here at the farm.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9JdhltD4fM/VpalO_d_cgI/AAAAAAAAL_o/HoeyKXVSVhI/s1600/IMG_20160113_094255747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9JdhltD4fM/VpalO_d_cgI/AAAAAAAAL_o/HoeyKXVSVhI/s320/IMG_20160113_094255747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">All to bury 2 piles and get rid of a big pile of cement that we never wanted turned into a pile in the first place.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">To say I'm stressed and upset would be an understatement.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Good workers in the country are so hard to find.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This is just the start. I'll tell you more about what's going on at the farm next week.</span></div> <br /> Sharing with <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2016/01/show-and-share-no297.html">Show and Share</a> <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a> <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/">Tweak It</a> <a href="http://somuchathome.blogspot.com/2016/01/link-up-party-is-back.html">So Much At Home</a> <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">Show and Tell</a></div>

The Farm Is a Mess

It all started 2 1/2 years ago when we hired someone to move my hubby's office to the farm, install a septic system and tear down t...

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/9/2016

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <a href="http://simply-living-simply.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/simple-saturdays-blog-hop-gardening.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: maroon;"></span><br> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="" style="clear: both;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vD7EKN3BoMg/Vnq1N82lfYI/AAAAAAAAFSI/lWL-My3YXxw/s1600/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vD7EKN3BoMg/Vnq1N82lfYI/AAAAAAAAFSI/lWL-My3YXxw/s400/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" width="400"></a><span style="color: maroon; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Welcome to the Simple Saturdays Blog Hop. We can't wait to see what you have to share this week!</span></div> </div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <br> This blog hop is brought to you by a group of wonderful co-hosts committed to the Simple way of Life and learning to be Self Reliant in all they do.  Simple Saturdays Blog Hop is a way for each of us to share the various ways we are learning to be more Self Reliant in our homes and on our land. This is all about building community, learning new skills and growing more self-sufficient!<br> <br> <br> Please join us, submit YOUR Self-Reliant post (maybe even 2 or 3), browse around, visit a site or two and learn some new Simple tips or Self Reliant How'To's!<br> </div></div>

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/9/2016

Welcome to the Simple Saturdays Blog Hop. We can't wait to see what you have to share this week! This blog hop is brought to ...

Grandma's Cookbooks

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCAnaTTu3Ek/Vo2zFBbDACI/AAAAAAAALl4/7FTDPSG8zZo/s1600/facebook84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCAnaTTu3Ek/Vo2zFBbDACI/AAAAAAAALl4/7FTDPSG8zZo/s320/facebook84.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Some of my favorite treasures in the world are not things that hold any monetary value but things that hold emotional value. To me something that makes you emotional, especially happy, are worth their weight in <span style="color: #e69138;">gold.</span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For me that would be my grandmother's cookbooks.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">My grandparents owned several restaurants. That was what they </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">did. Cook. When my grandpa was 13 and lived in the country both of his parents were sick and poor and he had a younger brother. He went to work in an ice cream shop and moved his family into the back of the store. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Later in life my grandpa became a State Legislator because he loved people, wanted to make a change and was good with people. It didn't matter what your political affiliation was...grandpa didn't care... he knew everyone would respond to food. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>It was the common denominator in everything.</b></i></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">His whole life was about food and people. My grandmother had to help feed all those people and plan all of those meals. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Oh the parties they had over the years were amazing. Delicious food, beautiful outfits, great entertainment and the conversations were unforgettable.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">All of it was centered around food.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Everyone was invited. My grandpa didn't discriminate. From the man on the street corner to the richest man in town. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">He and my grandmother had a knack of bringing people together. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It was partly the food.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">My heart was broken when I had my second house fire a few years ago and I thought I lost the last of the cookbooks my grandmother had given me.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As a total fluke last Fall....I was going through a burned plastic container in the barn and I found one. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">My grandma carefully indexed the front of the cookbooks with each recipe she used inside....most of them hers but some from some of her friends.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">They were always church cookbooks.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Like Irma's Fruit Soup. Oh Irma was a big lady and so much fun and boy could she cook.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0nYoza3L30/Vo1rlcd183I/AAAAAAAALjU/VVhSOOfJgng/s1600/IMG_20160106_133005720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0nYoza3L30/Vo1rlcd183I/AAAAAAAALjU/VVhSOOfJgng/s320/IMG_20160106_133005720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Then there was Marion's Red Cabbage and Apple Salad. We are all German and Lutheran so cabbage always made it into the church cookbook. In many places. Marion was married to the most awkward cranky man ever.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QB9rUHJXvmk/Vo1rm6i18pI/AAAAAAAALjc/j-Baj9gz7X0/s1600/IMG_20160106_132943698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QB9rUHJXvmk/Vo1rm6i18pI/AAAAAAAALjc/j-Baj9gz7X0/s320/IMG_20160106_132943698.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Then in  this particular cookbook grandma's friend Rose submitted her Chicken and Rice recipe. My grandma didn't submit it because she and grandpa had left that church. They refused to fly the American flag to support the church members relatives that were oversees fighting the war. Grandpa's opinion was... if they can lay down their lives for us the least we could do was support them.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKsrsEWT8pc/Vo1rqKGWq-I/AAAAAAAALjk/uLQ0j2BAJY4/s1600/IMG_20160106_132927851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKsrsEWT8pc/Vo1rqKGWq-I/AAAAAAAALjk/uLQ0j2BAJY4/s320/IMG_20160106_132927851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Each cookbook was signed... from Grandma and Grandpa.</span></b></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHXtZ2mOZu4/Vo1rsNsaT9I/AAAAAAAALjs/lV9DMjJy7nw/s1600/IMG_20160106_132856511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHXtZ2mOZu4/Vo1rsNsaT9I/AAAAAAAALjs/lV9DMjJy7nw/s320/IMG_20160106_132856511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br />   <span style="font-size: large;"> I was tickled pink when I found out. Most of the recipes I have memorized but sometimes you forget a few tweaks. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">My heart is so full. Having the cookbook is like being in the kitchen with them. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">They had his and hers kitchens in their home. Oh the stories I could tell.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">How about you? Do you hold onto your family cookbooks?</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> Sharing with <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a> <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">Show and Share</a> <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/">Tweak It Tuesday</a> <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/">No Place Like Home</a> <a href="http://dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/">Amaze Me Monday</a> <a href="http://somuchathome.blogspot.com/2016/01/link-up-party-is-back.html">So Much At Home</a> <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">Show and Tell</a>  <a href="http://blog.bernideens.com/">Bernideens</a> <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/">Home Sweet Home</a></div>

Grandma's Cookbooks

Some of my favorite treasures in the world are not things that hold any monetary value but things that hold emotional valu...

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/2/06

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-size: large;">                                  Happy New Year</span></div> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Welcome to the first 2016 Simple Saturdays Blog Hop! </span></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">We hope you had a great Holiday and can't wait to see what this year brings!</span></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;">  <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Simple Saturdays Blog Hop #90" class="size-full wp-image-5153 aligncenter" height="278" src="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1506850_10203167799786420_1399103962_n.jpg" width="302" /></a></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>Join us for ideas on living a Simple Lifestyle and being Self Sufficient!</strong></span></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center;">  <span style="color: maroon;">Welcome to Simple Saturdays Blog Hop!</span></h2> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> This blog hop is brought to you by a group of wonderful co-hosts committed to the Simple way of Life and learning to be Self Reliant in all they do.  Simple Saturdays Blog Hop is a way for each of us to share the various ways we are learning to be more Self Reliant in our homes and on our land. This is all about building community, learning new skills and growing more self-sufficient!</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Please join us, submit <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>YOUR</strong></span> Self-Reliant post (maybe even 2 or 3), browse around, visit a site or two and learn some new Simple tips or Self Reliant How'To's!</div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"> This Blog Hop is being hosted by:</span></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/" target="_blank" title="Timber Creek Farmer">Janet @ Timber Creek Farmer</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://simply-living-simply.com/" target="_blank" title="Simply Living Simply">Kat @ Simply Living Simply</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/" target="_blank" title="Better Hens and Gardens">Lesa @ Better Hens and Gardens</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bornagainfarmgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mindie @ Born Again Farm Girl</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.pasturedeficitdisorder.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl @ Pasture Deficit Disorder</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Valerie @ Cottage Making Mommy</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/" target="_blank">Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.happy-days-farm.com/" target="_blank">Brittany @ Happy Days Farm</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://homesteadchronicles.com/" target="_blank">Jo @ Homestead Chronicles</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cedarhillchronicles.com/" target="_blank">Pamela @ Cedar Hill Chronicles</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.muranochickenfarm.com/" target="_blank">Lisa @ Murano Chicken Farm</a></div> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"> <strong> What Can I Post?</strong></span></h2> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Anything and everything related to a more Simple way of life <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>OR</strong></span> Self Reliance....</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Homesteading, Prepping, Gardening, Cooking/recipes/food, Livestock of all varieties, Off-grid, Natural Living, Wellness/wholeness and Healthcare, Herbal, <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>DIY & MYO!</strong></span></div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> *<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE*</strong></span></div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Include:</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> 1. Text link Or <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>ADD</strong></span> the blog hop button below & link back to the Blog Hop.</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Simple Saturdays Blog Hop" src="http://simply-living-simply.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/simple-saturdays-bw-150.jpg" title="Simple Saturdays Blog Hop" /></div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"> <strong>How Can I Be a Featured Blogger?</strong></span></h2> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>By linking up AND HAVING A LINK OR BUTTON LINKING BACK TO THE BLOG HOP!</strong></span></div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> Our featured blogger is chosen each week by YOU our readers...and we hope to have <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>YOU</strong></span> as our next featured blogger!</div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;"><strong>If you are selected as "Featured", make sure and grab your button!:</strong></span></div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://simply-living-simply.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/simple-saturdays-featured-button.jpg"><img alt="simple saturdays featured button" height="181" src="http://simply-living-simply.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/simple-saturdays-featured-button.jpg" width="150" /></a></div> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <em>**Please note: By linking to this Blog Hop you are giving us permission to link back to your post if you are featured. We will also include 1 photo from your post in the interest of sending visitors your way. **</em></div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Congratulations to our Featured Bloggers this week </span></h2> <div> <span style="color: maroon;"><br /></span></div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Most Viewed</span></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong> Cottage Making Mommy</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong><br /></strong> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB0VhA8svjo/Vnqs0DUOpBI/AAAAAAAAFRs/nqXdJ9Ol1TM/s1600/TinyHouseFamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB0VhA8svjo/Vnqs0DUOpBI/AAAAAAAAFRs/nqXdJ9Ol1TM/s1600/TinyHouseFamily.jpg" /></a></div> <strong><br /></strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <a href="http://lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com/2015/05/come-home-to-country-350-sq-ft-off-grid.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com/2015/05/come-home-to-country-350-sq-ft-off-grid.html" target="_blank">Come Home to the Country --- 350 Sq. Ft. Off Grid Home in Missouri </a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: maroon;">Very Popular</span></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viZCmR60JpY/VnqvsYxQixI/AAAAAAAAFR4/BPSGSwx-8pk/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viZCmR60JpY/VnqvsYxQixI/AAAAAAAAFR4/BPSGSwx-8pk/s320/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/rich-beef-barley-soup/" target="_blank">Rich Beef Barley Soup</a> - Better Hens & Gardens<br /> <a href="http://bornagainfarmgirl.blogspot.com/2015/12/turn-simple-placemat-into-fabulous.html" target="_blank">Turn a Simple Placemat into a Fabulous Throw Pillow!</a> - Born Again Farm Girl<br /> <a href="http://taylormaderanch.com/blog/ditch-the-plastic-using-glass-in-the-refrigerator/" target="_blank">Ditch The Plastic! Using Glass In The Refrigerator</a> - Taylor Made Homestead<br /> <br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #993300;">Ready to get to the hop? Add your link below:</span></h3>   <!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="593040"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=593040" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> </div>

Come Join Simple Saturdays Blog Hop 1/2/06

                                  Happy New Year Welcome to the first 2016 Simple Saturdays Blog Hop!  We hope you had a great Holiday...

Happy New Year 2016

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <img alt="Happy New Year Animated" src="http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/149755-Happy-New-Year-Animated.gif" /><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">               Happy New Year everyone. Thank You for being here. with me.</span></div>

Happy New Year 2016

               Happy New Year everyone. Thank You for being here. with me.