Cattle Don't Care

Lean in closely and you may see the cattle huddled up against the truck.

I took this last spring during my first, and so far only, shipping experience. Trust me, there will be more in my future. It was just getting to be daylight, and I tried to get some pictures of the cattle huddled up next to the truck. Mr. had driven through the pasture with his 'Come get dinner' siren blaring, and everyone showed up expecting something good to eat.

What they got was taken to pens and put in trucks. I didn't ask where they were going next.

My point in all this is that nice new pristine condition trucks are not necessary to move cattle. First and foremost to remember: Cattle don't care. They don't care that you have a lovely scratch free vehicle to drive around and feed them.. They don't care that they might get too close and damage the vehicle. They just moove along (pun) and do their thing.
Mr. has never cared much about having a brand new truck. Actually, it is much better to get one with a few built in dings. Then there is no great sadness over a pristine condition vehicle that suddenly has a scratch applied by one of those little field creatures. Nope.... brand spanking new is not necessary.

I will admit to being happy that Mr. came home with a new truck.... well... new to him. It has the few precious well placed dings, but nothing serious or very noticeable. Of course, it is a work truck.... which means that it doesn't have to be clean. Well... clean is nice, but detailed... absolutely not.

I want you to know that I managed to get inside the cab and shine it up a bit while Mr. was gone. I figured it would be a nice wifely thing to do for Hubby. I got the job done before he returned, and I think he was pleased. I even managed to put mats in the front. I'm sure they aren't practical, but they are there.

I've been afraid to admire this truck too often when in Mr.'s presence. I'm afraid he might think I want to drive it. I sure don't want him to think that. Even if I wanted to drive it, he might think I want to try to feed with it, or carry hay with it, or herd cattle with it. We can't have that. The cattle might not care, but I do. I'll leave the feeding and care of cattle to the one who knows what he is doing. That would be Mr. Me? What do I know? Tah Dah

Quick Scarf

When I visited daughter I-Needa over her spring break, we did a little shopping. It was nothing serious, just one of those looking trips.

We checked out a new shop that had lots of scarves and bling jewelry. I-Needa spotted a scarf she loved and decided to try to make one. So... back to Hobby Lobby and the yarn aisle.

Here I-Needa explains to Gigi all about life and what she is getting ready to do with the little piles of yarn. Gigi is such a good girl and hangs on I-Needa's every word.
Now we get down to serious thinking and sorting yarn colors. This is going to be a mixture of all kinds and colors.

Gigi seems a little skeptical, but she is going to trust I-Needa in this whole process. She is keeping a watchful eye on the process.

Check out that concentration.

Now she guesses at the length and cuts the yarn. I guess I shouldn't say 'guesses'. Estimates might sound more like she knows what she is doing. I think she did know... Gigi and I were the ones watching this process. We didn't know. We were guessing while I-Needa was estimating.

This went on awhile. Sorting... thinking about color... measuring.. Gigi decides she might as well relax a bit and gets more comfortable on the carpet.

Then...

I-Needa began the braiding process.

Braid

Braid

Braid

When she finished braiding, she tied a few knots in the whole thing.

Of course... otherwise, it wouldn't stay braided. Gigi and I knew that... we guessed it.

When finished, I-Needa sat down for inspection from her favorite fan. Gigi seemed to approve the new look.

Actually, Gigi might want one too. You can never tell.

Yep... this funny fuzzy new thing around I-Needa just might be a collar of sorts. Hum... strange.

Well.... I-Needa likes it and thinks she will wear it to work to keep her neck warm when they either don't have on the heat when they should or when they run the air conditioner too long.

Either way, her work is done here and she has managed to duplicate that scarf... sorta.

Go and do likewise, if you like.

A Bell Choir and The Ding-a-ling

Several years ago at Christmastime, a delightful little show called 'Clamation Christmas' was born. I absolutely loved that cute little show. Everything.... absolutely everything... was made of clay. All my favorite Christmas tunes were celebrated, many in humorous ways.

I think my favorite was Carol of the Bells. The wild haired director took up his baton as the clay bells began delightfully playing the song 'Carol of the Bells'. One poor bell, with a very deep sound, had a terrible time ringing when he should. He was always off, and the director became more and more frustrated with him. At last, the director threw his baton at the bell to sound the final note. I always felt a little sorry for the poor little off beat bell.

So, our church revived a bell choir not long ago. Practice was opened to any and all who would like to join. I didn't. For one thing, being the newly married wonderful wife that I am, I felt I should be at home to put something on the table for dear Mr. (Ah, a legitimate excuse).

This coming Sunday the bell choir will perform for the first time. Unfortunately, one of the members has a family health emergency, and will not be able to attend. Another friend called and asked if I would come and 'fill in' as I know how to read music, and they had no idea who else would be able to do it.

Me? Me? I've NEVER even picked up a bell!! I'm suppose to go learn how to ring the bells and play on Sunday!! Good grief.

Somewhere in life, I seem to have lost the word 'No'. I'm just not quick enough with it. On the other hand, sometimes you just have to say 'yes', even if you aren't sure you should.

So.... I headed to bell choir practice last night. Festive. I was given two of the larger deeper sounding bells... the ones my friend would play if she were there, and some brief instructions on the technique of bell ringing. I got the music. The director started and we were off and running. Count... count... count... ring... ring... count... count.... (WHERE ARE WE?)

Somewhere during the hour I spent trying to count and ring with some kind of technique, I felt very akin with that poor little Clamation bell... the off one. I looked at the calm director and wondered how long it would take before she cast a disparaging look at me. She didn't. I'll say that all the choir members were very nice. No one hit me. However, I'll also tell you that I have again wondered how on earth I get into these things. IF I'd been to practice before, IF I had the technique down, IF I was sure I wouldn't get lost in the count, THEN I'd feel better. The problem is... I WASN'T there, and now I'm going to perform.

The pressure is on. I get to go to church on Palm Sunday and pray that I can count and ring on time and where I should. I would hate to spoil the whole thing. I don't want to stand out as the ding-a-ling on their very first performance. People are depending on me. Gussie!

So, please say a little prayer for me, cross your fingers too, if you think that helps. I feel a little like I might be stepping off a high cliff. Ah, such is life. Tah Dah.

A Little About Feeding Cattle

Until Mr. came into my life, I knew cattle ate, period. I won't say I know much about the care and feeding of cattle now, but at least I know a little more... emphasis on the word 'little'.

I've driven by these feed storage bins before, but never got up close and personal with one. So far, I've managed to stand back and admire the view and not get too personal. I'll be content with admiring Mr. and cheering him on. Hopefully, it will make both of us happy.

A day or two before our last snow, I rode with him to do a few things. He wanted to check out the bin and see how much feed was left... with his own two eyes. I was going to be content to take his word for it, whatever it was. So, I took along Snappy and figured I'd try out a few shots here and there.

I watched respectfully as he climbed the ladder, then walked over and waved to me. I think he missed me. Either that, or he didn't want to miss a photo op.

Then he raised the cover and took a peek into the bin. Sorry.... I didn't take Snappy up there to see what it looked like inside. I think it has three compartments... or bins... in there. I'm not going to go look.

That being done, Mr. returned to ladder and climbed back down. The whole thing didn't take but a minute, so it wasn't really all that thrilling, but it did give me a chance to take pictures.

Ah... climbing down the ladder. Come on down, Mr. I hope you've had a good time up there!

Some time ago, I-Needa and I rode with Mr. into the country to feed. It was our first experience in a feed truck, and it was different.

We both took our cameras and managed to take a few pictures. Mr. drove the feeder truck under the storage bin and climbed up to fill the truck bin. He found a rock and did a little tap tap number on the bin to help get the feed flowing.

We laughed a bit at the rock tapping, but it worked.

Tap, tap, tap..... tap, tap,

Tap,tap, tap... tap, tap...

Then out came the feed into the truck. The cattle were going to be sooooo happy! Yummy food.

When the feed truck bin was full, off we went to the pasture to feed.

Since this is a little lesson in feeding cattle, I'll keep it short. You've probably learned enough for one day. Just remember to take along a rancher, a feed truck, and a rock if you go to feed cattle. Oh... take a camera too, and remember to stay inside the truck!

Wild Sunday

I mentioned a blog or two ago that I'd stopped screaming while riding behind Mr. on his four wheeler. Yesterday I found myself screaming in the tractor.

It all started with a trip to the store to get a birthday card. Then Mr. headed to the ranch to feed the dog and cats. The streets in our town are clear, and the highway was clear. What wasn't clear was the county roads. As we turned onto one road, the snow plow was just ahead of us. I found that comforting. Then he turned off and we had to go straight. I didn't find comfort in that. We had a long way to go on Mr.'s road.... not a good thought.

Sure enough, as we were heading along, I felt the vehicle slipping.... yes, that lovely four wheel drive vehicle was slipping and sliding into the bank. Thank goodness it wasn't much of a bank, but it was a fight to get back on the road. Trust me, I didn't make a peep. Not a peep. QUIET. I was really glad when we got back on the road and out of that mess. It could have been a long walk to the house. I'd been holding my breath and praying us back on the road.

So... off we went to the house... fed the dog and cats... and headed back up the road. I sure hoped we didn't go sliding again. I was CONCERNED Then we saw the snowplow truck ahead... stuck in the ditch where we had just been. He was STUCK....

Mr. put the vehicle in reverse and drove backward in the ruts toward the house until he could turn around. Then off we went. He hopped out of the vehicle and said WE were going to go back in the tractor. WE? You and ME??? Me? Going in the tractor? I'm suppose to climb in the tractor? Oh, Gussie!!! Why did I marry this man?

I just sat there and looked around hoping I'd be transplanted magically back into my recliner at home. It didn't happen. I thought of my friends and wondered what they would say if they could see me. I was sure they would laugh. Then the all important question: 'Are you coming, or not?'

I considered just sitting in the car and waiting. Why on earth I climbed out of that car and headed to the tractor I'll never know. Perhaps I have a death wish. Not really. I did it to myself. I headed to the tractor, handed up my purse (Who wouldn't take a nice handbag in a tractor?) and climbed up into that tractor. At that point, I was committed... or perhaps should have been committed.

So... off we go up the road toward the stuck snow plow. I decided at some point on that journey that I have sincerely lost my mind. I'm too old for this. I'm too sensible for this. I'm too smart to have gotten into this. So, why the heck was I in that tractor bumping along the road?

At some point, I demanded Mr. to hand over the cell phone. I called I-Needa and screamed into the phone. 'You'll never believe what I'm doing!! I want my Mother!!!' She was laughing uproariously into the phone. She had no concern for my well being. That girl that I bore just laughed at me. I kept screaming into the phone and she kept laughing. Finally, over the roar of the engine, I screamed that I was hanging up and would call back if I lived over this. That infernal tractor was bumping me all over the place and I just wanted to go home.

As it turned out, the snow plow was stuck... really stuck... Big Time stuck, way too stuck. There wasn't any pulling him out of the ditch. So, Mr. took that tractor and scraped a way for us to get around the truck. There were bucket loads of snow lifted up and onto the side of the road. I had to close my eyes a couple of times. I couldn't decide if I was having fun or not. I wasn't sure. I sure wondered why I was there.

WE rumbled on up the road again and I managed to climb down from the tractor without falling. I'd considered a few times how I was going to get out of that thing. It is high up off the ground, and my shoes weren't the ones I'd have chosen to wear for getting into and out of a tractor. I was sooooo glad to be out of there and almost kissed that muddy ground.

We managed to get back up the road and around the snow plow. He had used his cell phone to call for bigger help to get out of that ditch. Poor guy. I really felt badly about that.

We made it home. I called that I-Needa again on the way. She said that it was wonderful that I'd married a man with skills. Skills!!! He took me out into the country. I had to ride in a bumpy tractor!!! I guess I did experience some things that I'd never done before, and I had to admit that I was safe and sound. I will also admit that it was a bit interesting.

I'm a little concerned as Mr. kept talking about how horrible it was going to be to feed on Monday. I don't know how he is going to drive into the pastures.... not the way they were looking. I'm sure muddy mess would be an understatement. What really worries me is that I am probably on standby to come get him if he gets stuck. I'm going to check on last minute trips to anywhere. I think I could be at the airport in an hour. I might not come back for awhile. Chicken!

Happy Spring

Ah, the delights of spring... warm sunshine, lovely flowers blooming... bright colors, green.. lots of green.

Yes, we were blessed yesterday with the return of spring. It is filled with such hope of lovely days to be outside soaking up that good old sunshine. Even playing in the yard seems fine for awhile. I love these little flowers that I caught peeking out at I-Needa's house the other day. They are so happy looking.

However, I'm afraid that winter hasn't given up yet, and this is what I saw on my porch yesterday. Another little joke of winter played out on the first official day of spring. That crazy Mother Nature!

Mr. tried to pry me out of the house yesterday to go to the ranch. I stubbornly refused to exit the warm dry safety of my home. I'm not sure he understands yet, but I assured him that I'd earned the right to stay inside on winter snowy days. I do believe he thought I missed something by not tromping through the snow to the awaiting vehicle. I'm sure he thinks he has some training ahead of him. Ah, little does he know. He even dangled the opportunity to take pictures in front of me. I explained that Snappy wouldn't like getting wet, and it was, after all, snowing like the dickens.

So, here I am sipping coffee on Sunday morning and thinking I'm going to be here again in the nice warmth of my home. Ah... no responsibility of getting out and getting somewhere. I'm afraid I'm a fair weather person... and it will be a day or two before it is fair again. It is spring, so something fine should happen soon.

Yard Work and Crazy Thoughts

Because a blog must have pictures, I offer these dreary looking still in winter mode pictures. It is all I have to show for the time I've spent outside on our two previous sunny days.

Let me advise you from the beginning: I hate yard work. Perhaps hate is a little strong, but it is close to the truth. I don't mind being out there messing around at my own pace when I can stop and go inside when the yard work mood passes. Actually having to accomplish something is another thing entirely.

I was so busy last fall that I didn't have time to cut down the canna and bag them. The huge brown dry leaves against the fence were a constant reminder that I had work to do. Since the temperature went up and the sun came out, I donned my oldest jeans and a sweatshirt and headed off to round up the rake, pruning sheers, and a few yard bags.

Five bags later, I'd bagged the canna remnants, pulled a few other weeds, and picked up the trash blown into my yard from the neighbor's yard. Lovely, really. I actually have some plans for these dreary places, but had to discipline myself from running amuck and putting in a spring look. After all, we are expecting snow... lots of snow... Surprise!

As I was out looking at this poor excuse for a yard, I kept thinking about all the lovely yards I've seen... places that look like they should be in Better Homes and Gardens, or perhaps Southern Living. Mine needs to be on TV as a desperate makeover project. Seriously.

So, while I was in full whine mode, I headed off to read a few blogs. There is always a good read with Ree on Pioneer Woman. I was surprised to find that there may even be a movie in the offing for her story. Actually, I don't know why I should be surprised at all. I've been amazed watching all the things develop in her life. Let me tell you for sure, her yard doesn't look like mine. Her cooking doesn't look like mine. Mine is basic... not fancy. I've learned to 'whirl' in the kitchen and have a fifteen minute time limit on refrigerator to table. I'll admit to trying some of Ree's recipes.

Now for those crazy thoughts:

As I thought about my own personal life and this blog thing in comparison to the above, I felt a secret little laugh trying to surface. Then I-Needa called and I shared some of my thoughts. I told her that I could so write a spoof on all that country life. However, I wouldn't dare.

I can just see Mr. if I told him I was going to write a steamy romance story. Ha! I'm not saying that I couldn't write one (although that would be a question) .... but I'd be killed... probably... by Mr. I'm also rather certain that no book publisher or screenplay writer would beat down my door. Of course, Mr. would have killed me anyway.

I can just see a cookbook in the offing... pictures of favorite places to dine out, some well used home cooked recipes, and perhaps a picture of the Schwan's truck speeding down the street.

As to any Home and Garden segments, I offer you the current blog complete with breathtaking dry grass and empty pots. Yep.... had best not go there either.

I-Needa and I laughed a bit about the whole thing. She said I'd need a name for my steamy story and suggested I call it 'Arch Supports to Four Wheelers'. Now what do you think of that?

Now Dear Readers, I want to impress upon you that I'm not in any way knocking all that fine country living and very interesting blogging done by the afore mentioned woman who was thrust into the country life after growing up in the city. She has a very interesting blog. I really am impressed with all she does and the fact that she has thousands of readers daily who hang on her every word. (Thank you again to my Twenty!... Love you!... and to my three 'Followers')

I think the deep down laugh that is so trying to come out has to do with the fact that I'm just starting this whole process, and I'm a senior citizen... There is hope! Yep... married three months ago to a rancher and taking pictures of cattle. Crazy. It's a totally different thing in my life. Totally! I feel like a pioneer of sorts, and.. Yes, I've been on a four-wheeler. I haven't driven it yet, but have stopped screaming when riding with Mr. He is patient. I'll be sure and work that into my steamy romance novel.

In the meantime, have a totally wonderful day. Watch for any opportunity to find humor, and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. If you don't do it, someone else will. Tah Dah!

The Finer Side of FROG

I learned some time ago from I-Needa that frogs are very special. It's one of those things that you might even consider a symbol. In this world where Christian things are often banned from public view due to possibly offending someone with sensitivities, there just might be another way to share symbolisms.

You might remember that in the long ago times, a fish drawn in the sand was used to help those who followed Christ recognize each other. So, you may think that I'm going somewhere strange with this line of writing. Actually, I'm not. If you want to think of a frog as Fully Rely On God, it makes more sense. I sure hope they don't ban frogs from the classroom or other places. A frog is a frog... or not. It just depends on your thoughts about it.

I grabbed my camera and headed for I-Needa's yard to see how many little frog items I could find around her yard. Now there is one gal who can see the finer side of FROG... and mean it. So... I found these little cuties in the yard.

I must say they are happy little critters.. just hanging out and seemingly not having a care in the world. They seem to have everything right.

I think this is also what happens when people find out you like a particular thing. They seem to buy them and gift you with them. I have a feeling this has been happening to I-Needa as well. I don't really think she bought all these little frogs.

Yep... just hanging out in the sunshine being happy.

It amazes me how many arty things can be done with a frog. Also... everywhere you look, there is a reminder of that FROG thought. It never hurts to have a little reminder.

It's a good thing I'm enjoying snapping pictures. (By the way... I just had this fine revelation to name my camera... gives it that rather personal touch, you know. I believe I'll name it Snappy. What do you think? Is that a good idea, or not?Crazy, or not? Do you name your cars? But I digress........

Snappy and I continued working around the yard and caught these two looking busy.

More to come, for sure.

Keep scrolling.... it's almost finished.

Seriously... just a bit more.

This little fellow has been hanging around in the sand for quite awhile. I do believe he needs a little cleaning up. I imagine I-Needa will be out giving him a little clean up wash soon.

I've pretty much finished out in the yard, so Snappy and I headed back inside to see if there were any obvious FROG reminders inside. Besides, it was getting a tad chilly outside.

Sure enough, downstairs, two happy little readers under a pine tree. Considering years spent teaching, this seems most appropriate too.

Snappy and I sat down in a comfortable chair at this point and decided to call a rest to frog snapping. I hope you will recognize the finer side and view the frog as FROG. Have a blessed day.

The Tech Bug

I took advantage of the opportunity to visit I-Needa, and headed off to see her. It was the first time I'd really gotten to visit in person with her for awhile. Mr. was sad to see me go... I hope..., but off I went for an overnight at I-Needa's place.

Of course, I took along my new camera... my tech toy. I've been snapping pictures like mad. I don't know that I've gotten any better with it yet, but am at least giving it a good try.

I-Needa greeted me, and I pulled that new toy out of the case. I-Needa was happy to humor me and pose a bit in the kitchen. I think she looks like Betty Crocker... well... not really. But she does look happy to be in the kitchen.

I hate to admit that I-Needa takes after her mother in the quest for new toys. She has been enjoying her new computer, and then decided that she just must join the ranks of the iPhone world. She said that she did it as needs to keep up with technology to be able to teach her school children. They were starting to feel sorry for her as she was far behind them in tech knowledge.

Well, we can't have that. I-Needa didn't really need much encouragement to run to the store and come home with a new iPhone not long ago. If that isn't bad enough, she also had the iPod nano bug hit too. So... here she is with computer, iPhone, and nano in hand.... all at once. I think her eyes are spinning because of being bitten by the Tech Bug. It is a very addictive thing. I know.
I decided to check on the well being of Gigi. I think she was feeling a little left out of the picture at the moment. You mustn't feel too badly for Gigi. She is one spoiled pooch. Even with I-Needa in the middle of the Tech Bug Sickness, Gigi is thriving quite well. She hasn't missed a treat or a petting. She is fine.

I came home without having any of I-Needa rubbing off on me. I still don't have an iPhone, or an iPod, nano or otherwise. I think I'm safe for awhile. Let's just hope I-Needa doesn't think of anything else that she needs for awhile. I think she is going to be busy with her toys.

The Creek

This past fall, I headed out to the ranch as thought it would be a lovely time to take some pictures. There is one little low water bridge that we pass over to get to the ranch. I love stopping there and taking pictures. It is somehow peaceful there.

I thought it had some bit of pretty color at the time and enjoyed the look of it.

On Christmas Day, daughter I-Needa headed to the ranch with Mr. as thought she would like to see the place in the snow. She stopped on the bridge and took this from inside the vehicle.

This was just the beginning of a wet, cold, icy winter. Burrr..... Still, it is the look of change.

As is my custom, I stopped again yesterday and took a picture from the bridge. The snow is gone, of course. The trees have not yet budded, and things are looking pretty bare. Still, I know that it won't be long until I'll be able to take pictures full of green leaves.

I still like this little place, even bare. You can see it better if you click on the picture. Really.

Mr. pulled the vehicle over a after we traveled up from the low water bridge and went around a corner or two. He stopped and said I might like to get out and wander over to the fence for another look at the creek. Of course, I took pictures here too. I'll probably have to do that from now on as well. I'm not sure how much I'll see of it when the leaves are on the trees. We will see.

I do enjoy being able to get out into the country and leave the buildings of the city behind. I enjoy town life, but there is something appealing in the country as well. Perhaps it is serenity and just being out in the open. Love it!

Cattle Here and There

My little photo session yesterday involved cattle. After all, I was going to the country... to the ranch... to the cattle ranch. So... it would stand to reason that I'd see some cattle there.

I love the little ones. They are so cute. I caught this one little calf having a bit of an afternoon snack. Mother is checking me out, but the baby isn't at all concerned.

A little jaunt through the pasture in our vehicle sent this mom and calf to the ditch. I suggested to Mr. that he didn't need to scare the critters.

After awhile, they came on out of the ditch and carried on with their life in the pasture.

Personally, I'm glad I don't have to stand or lie in the pasture all day and night. It just isn't anything I'd want to do. I sometimes think of them during storms and wish they all had a nice comfortable barn to go to during bad times.

I was by the house awhile and Mr. made some kind of noise. He speaks Cattle. They all came up near the house and just stood there facing me and looking at me. I don't know what he said to them in Cattle, but they just stood still with their ears out and looked at me.... and looked at me. I thanked them for standing so still and letting me take their picture. I don't think they understood, but they were awfully nice.

I finally decided that they weren't going away, so I put my camera away and headed to the car. I'm not sure when Mr. dismissed them, or if they just wandered away. I'll bet they had a little talk among themselves about that silly looking woman with a flashing light. She was really acting weird. At least I got to play with my camera.

Peach Promise

Mr. and I took a Sunday drive to the country to feed the dog and cats and do a few other things around the place. I wanted to try out the new camera and see what it would do. More to the point, I need to start learning what to do with it to take decent pictures.

One hundred and fifty-eight shots later, I returned home to load them into the computer and get a better look see. At this point, I'm not messing with PhotoShop. I'm just trying to see what I can manage to do with this new baby camera.

It was overcast all afternoon, so a little on the gloomy side, but that seems to be the norm these days. The sun will come out again, but has been rather illusive lately.

That may be why I was a tad excited to see these buds on the miniature peach trees. Actually, I had to be told by Mr. that these were peach trees. I wouldn't have known all on my own.

I set the Macro mode to let the camera do its thing, and leaned in to see what would happen. I rather liked this as everything in the background is blurred and one branch shows detail.

Then I backed up a bit and tried again and liked that too.
I was pleased that it picked up good detail of the buds. If you want, you can click on the pictures and see them even larger. Oh... you knew that, didn't you?

I began dreaming of peaches and could almost smell them. Mr. suggested that I take pictures often of the same limbs and follow their development. Personally, I just hope we don't have a cold snap that really would kill them. It could happen. I just hope not. I do like his idea and may try to follow up on that.

I sent these pictures to daughter I-Needa. She wanted to know what kind of tree it was, and in all my excitement about the buds showing, I couldn't remember. I asked Mr. and was told a peach tree. Oh.... I like peaches.

I wondered if the tree will produce peaches this year, and he said it would. He is such an optimist. I mentioned that I thought the trees were awfully small. He said they were miniature. I passed that information on to I-Needa. She said that miniature peaches were great for peach tarts. For pie, you need bigger peaches. Now, isn't I-Needa a smart one.


One last picture while trying to capture something that looked good in terms of composition.

Oh, Dear Readers, I do have a long way to go. However, I'm excited about having this new toy and will promise to learn to use it.

I promise to get busy and post, post, post. I have several ideas and will get the pictures up for you to look at right away... a few a day. Aren't you lucky? Tah Dah!

New Toy

To those who patiently read my ranting and raving about all the research I was doing to buy a new camera, I want to show you that I did get one. I ended up buying a Canon EOS Rebel T1i. Now, I just have to master the 243 page manual. I'm wondering if that will ever happen. I do believe in manuals. I'm a person who would rather read first than repent after doing something foolish in haste. It works for me.

I may be headed to the country this afternoon to try to get some snapshots on the ranch. At least there might be something interesting there to see. I'm still in point and shoot mode, but there is a lot to learn.

I had a busy last few days. I ended up meeting a million new relatives. Well... perhaps not really a million, but several new faces. I took pictures. Yes, I did... good for me! I just didn't get written releases to put them on the Internet... so will pass on doing that. I'm exaggerating about the written part, but really don't want to post pictures if people are in any way reluctant.

I do hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. I'm going shooting... with my camera... and will be back with something... I hope..hope.. hope. In the meantime, I'm planning on having a bit of fun.

Could Those Be Clouds?

Gee... Can you believe that the sun is about to be obliterated once again by the clouds?

Yep... I do believe those are clouds. We've seen the sunshine for a few days, so we should expect a little something else for comic relief.

I really have enjoyed the sun. I can't imagine living where there isn't sunlight much of the time. It makes people cranky it seems to be without that big beautiful light in the sky.

I've been obsessed with my new camera. It came. I've also been so busy with a few things I simply must do. That means I've been short on time and not getting to play as much as I want.

I ran outside at the chance to try out the camera, so posted a couple of the cloud pictures from my back yard. It isn't anything fancy or great, but I'll identify these as really true clouds. At least there is a little blue sky to be seen as well. Rain, rain, go away.... come back some August day!

Punishment For a Dirty House

I'm in running mode, but just had to share my pain.... perhaps punishment... for having a moment of procrastination. I played with the camera that came yesterday. I didn't clean the house.

I was assured by Mr. that we were going to Nearby City later on today to see relatives who are visiting on a return trip to their home. I haven't met them. I had thought last week that I'd be prepared and have something I could fix easily for dinner. I had thawed a nice roast and was ready just in case as expected they would be here yesterday.

Mr. told me yesterday that they wouldn't be coming here, but we would be going off and also meet some other relatives and having dinner out at Nearby City. So...I cooked the roast yesterday. It was quite good.

So... this morning the plan changes. My house!!!!! It needs cleaning!!!! Company... relatives whom I've not met... are coming..... SHORTLY!!! It's punishment, I tell you. It really is. I think there is something about it in Murphy's Laws as well. Leave your house dirty, and company comes. I have to admit that I'd like to impress my new relatives and greet them with a clean home that smacks of House Beautiful. Well... I don't know what I'm doing here typing this. I've got to fly. The dust rag and sweeper await. Oh.... must clean in the bathroom too.

If you are reading this... get off and go clean your house. You may just avert such a dreadful fate as mine. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to meeting the relatives, but would have preferred to have met them with an air of confidence, not as a wild haired woman who just accomplished the impossible.

The UPS Man Cometh

Today is the big day! I've been tracking the arrival of my new camera and accompanying stuff. I can hardly wait to get that little jewel in my hands and start my advanced camera education. Advanced means that I'm going to try to learn a little more than the point and shoot mode. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for that point and shoot part. I can be a realist, which means I know that I know nothing about f stops or aperture or even what it means to shoot raw. I'm going to learn, yes I am.

So, today is the day I await the arrival of the UPS man. I love seeing him bring stuff. It's always fun to dig into the boxes and see the real stuff. I had my Creative Memories order arrive last week, and that was fun too. Today is the great day when all those hours of research pay off. I'm going to run back and forth and watch and wait and hope to see the big brown truck sooner than later. One thing I know, as have tracked this online and know my package is out for delivery: My package is coming today! Alas, the UPS man cometh! Yea!!!

Just Too Cute

I-Needa was doing a little shopping in her hometown for some doggie treats. She wandered into a new store in the area... Petco.

Now just look at this display. You've got to love it, especially if you are a pet person. Check out the dog shaped bone with all the doggie treats!

I-Needa couldn't help herself. She reached for her iPhone and sent me a picture. I know she was excited with this. I completely forgot to ask what she bought for Gigi, and she forgot to tell me. I'll bet she bought something. I know I couldn't have resisted. You've got to give it up for good marketing. I'd say someone had a good idea.

I Spied

I had to travel to Nearby City this morning to purchase a few things that I just couldn't find in my hometown. Wal Mart was my first destination. It isn't my favorite place to be, but I absolutely had to go there.

I picked up a few items in the printer supply aisle, then wandered around the store a bit seeing if anything else was calling my name. I didn't have anything else in mind, just decided to look a bit before heading on to the next destination.

I was heading to checkout when I just happened to glance in the direction of all the bedding. There I saw it. I spied the very comforter that would look great in my guest bedroom. I'd looked and looked in the past and finally given up on finding what I wanted. It amazes me how one can find just the right thing when not really engaged in the hunt.
Normally I would have pulled it down, put it in my cart, and begun the 'Will this really work?' dance. I do that. I mentally try to see what it would look like in place.... colors?... blending with other things? After a great deal of time, I might even put it back.

Not this time. I grabbed it, threw it in the cart, and wheeled quickly on my way to checkout. I was amazed at myself.

I put it on the bed immediately after getting home. Love it!! I can thank Better Homes and Gardens brand for my new happy fresh spring looking comforter. Yea! Now I just need some guests to come enjoy it. Tah Dah

Confession

No picture today... but... I've ordered another camera. I've been absolutely obsessed with this venture. I can't begin to tell you how many hours of online research I've done. You would think I have a burning desire to become a professional photographer. That isn't true. I'm just frugal enough to want the most I can get for my money. Actually, the more I read, the pricier this whole thing became.

Just so you know what I've been doing:

I started out at one of my favorite reference sites when it comes to researching anything involving a camera. I went to Imaging Resource to investigate cameras. After reading a ton of pages, I have a few new words in my vocabulary. I'm not sure I know what they mean yet, but I know they exist.

After selecting a few that seemed to fit what I want, I headed off to find what I might want at a great price. That involved a whole new focus. I did a little Google dance, checked out ebay, and a ton of places I found that sell online photo supplies. I found a few with good prices and great websites. However, after bookmarking three, I found by going through the Better Business Bureau and checking on these stores in their states that two had an F rating and one an A+. So, of course, I immediately deleted the ones with F ratings. Really, now... Why would I want to order from a site with an F rating.

I have a pad of paper used up from all my notes and questions. I finally placed an order today and look forward to having a new camera soon... with a few trimmings added on. When it arrives, I'll take a picture with the camera that Hubby brought for me to use.

I just had to hurry up and confess my purchase. I-Needa and I do that all the time. If, or perhaps I should say when as there is always a purchase, we buy something that costs more than a little, we hurry and call each other and confess. We have this deal.... a few ooohhhs and ahhhhs from the other, and we are forgiven. It works. I can't wait to call and confess to her. In the meantime, I've confessed to Hubby. I think he is glad that I'm through with days of research. He's certainly learned something new about me.

Tuna Patties

I realize that this is the first day of March! I have high hopes of sunnier days. I'd also like to put in for an order of warmer temperatures and less moisture. We will see how much of that comes about.

It is early in the morning on the first of March. I'm following my usual routine of sipping coffee and writing e-mail to my little group of morning coffee sipping friends. It is the usual thing on a usual morning.

I will admit that I'm obsessed. I've stuck to this chair far too often lately working on researching to buy a camera. I've spent hours looking and comparing. I finally just have to push away and let my mind rest. It is almost straining to get away.

The reason for these pictures is the fact that when I've used up my time doing other things and know that I'm going to have to fix dinner soon, I tend to hurry along and fix something that is fast and easy. This is it.

The first time I made it for Mr. was back in dating days. He tasted one and then closed his eyes a bit. He said that his mother use to make these, and they tasted just like this, and he loved them. Score one for me!!! I told him that I felt the same way about them.

Actually, I did fix them when I-Needa and Right Back were growing up. I served them with good old macaroni and cheese and some green beans. They called it a 'Special'..... and it was.

Making this is a snap... no difficult directions needed.

Tuna... (I like the kind in the new pouch, but have used canned as well)

Bread or cracker crumbs (any kind you want)

Egg

I like to add some bell pepper flakes

A bit of pepper works too

Measures? I'm afraid I don't measure this one. I just dump stuff in and mix. You don't want to put in too many bread or cracker crumbs as want to be sure you don't get it too dry. Just have fun with it and add anything you can think of that sounds good... perhaps some onion.

Get out a bowl and add all the ingredients you want. Mix it, then form patties and put them in a nice hot skillet. I usually put a little olive oil in the skillet... just a little. Fry them until they are nice and brown, then serve. I hope you like them.