The View From My Kitchen Window....

The view from my kitchen window is limited. If you are brave you can look a little closer and see the house on the other side of the truck. Actually on the other side of the truck is an old trailer that is loaded with old mowers and assorted other mowery type stuff. Well the last time we looked anyway. Then the other side of the trailer is the house. I use to be able to see the road if I tilted my head and eyes just right.. Then the owners decided to add on so now I just see the truck, trailer, (there was a huge tree, but it's gone now) and the tan siding. Needless to say I try to find something interesting to look at. 

today while I was doing dishes I noticed 2 male robins. It's rainy, gray, and cool here today. As I watched those two I had to laugh. One was walking a bit closer to the house with some tasty morsel in it's beak. The other robin was a bit behind him and over a bit more toward the truck. He was grabbing stuff that looked like it could be a worm, but to his disgust was just long dead weeds and grass. 

They both kept a close eye on each other never getting to close. I don't think either one was pleased that the other one was there. I'm not sure if the one really had a tasty morsel or had just grabbed some bit of grass for a nest. They were each doing the "ya, I'm bad, you better watch yourself" strutty walk. 

I'm not really sure if the one was trying to get a bigger tasty item. I started wondering if they were vying for some cute girl robin's attention. I think nest materials and how the nest is constructed is something a girl should always consider. She would obviously want someone with the right skills. 

It's funny to watch them and almost see them thinking. I bet if they are still looking for just the right girl to birth some babies, they would really watch what the other guy was up to. 

I'm curious to see where the nests are made this year and who wins the heart of the girl. I've noticed several girl robins in the yard worm hunting. I'm glad there are a few for them to choose from. 

I love that the "wildlife" hang out around the kitchen window. I definitely love the entertainment..  hope you are having a great and entertaining day..  

Brucie , An Adventure In Love....

Brucie Sept. 2009

This is our Brucie, well not just our Brucie, she also belongs to several others. She lives in a rural area of West Ky. She is one of the smartest dogs I've ever known. She is loyal, loving, protective, and playful. She is also very Leary of people, terrified of being shut inside anything, truck bed, barn, out building, or house. She has lived through much, most of which we don't know about for sure, but her life, until the last 6 years, was never easy or loving. 

We met Brucie in march of 2009. She had followed one of her humans walking to visit a friend. Their trip brought them by our place. He stopped to chat with husband. I did the typical "hey is your dog nice?" and after hearing yes, I ran and got her a bowl of water and a bowl of food. I could see every bone in her body, every bone in her head. She was so weak she laid down almost the moment she came into our yard. She inhaled the bowl of food. I got her another. She inhaled that one. We told her human she could rest there with us until he was heading back home. She stayed. She was to tired to walk on with him. 

Brucie started to come to visit us daily for a big bowl of food, water, and a talk. She was Leary of us getting close enough to touch her. She finally let us pet her and realized we would never hurt her. She finally just stayed with us. She was so sweet and so good. Even though she was starving, she never tried to take food from us. She always waited for us to give it to her. I was Leary of the kids when they came to visit, afraid she might take their food away since they were eye to eye.. Nope.. she wanted it but never took it unless it was given. Even then she took it carefully. 

the first photo above was from Sept. She had started gaining weight. We had traveled to her home, about 2 miles away from us. We talked to her humans who really didn't have the money to feed her, so it was her job to find her own food and water. One day we saw her flat chase down and Squirrel and eat it. I asked if they knew how old she was. At that time she was 10. They said someone had dropped her there and she just stayed. I asked if they would let me buy her food. I really didn't want to offend them. I'm so glad they let us do that. That year we made 4 trips to Ky. each time she looked a little skinny, but we'd fatten her up again. She would stay with us as soon as she knew we were home. 

When she stayed with us, she would lay in front of the door. At night when Ken would go out to the outhouse she would do a perimeter check. She ran off any wandering dogs, deer, coyotes, anything. She would then walk with him everywhere. We did try to put her in the barn one time while the kids were hunting Easter eggs, She was terrified.. I believe she was left in a building. She wouldn't let anyone put her in that barn. She didn't growl or snap at us, she just pushed her way out. That was when we realized she wouldn't harm anyone even the little kids.. She followed them around looking for eggs. when they were finished, she ate the ones they gave her with the shells still on. 

Fall came and I knew she would have no regular source of food when we left. Her humans were not concerned as she could eat the deer carcasses that would be left by the hunters, catch rabbits, etc. I was mortified. When we got back home to Michigan I called the local shelter wondering if there was anyone who could go out and feed her if I sent money for food. The person I spoke with, Toyia, said she would be happy to do it. 

So our 6 year journey of feeding and loving our Brucie began. I wished a million times that we could have put her in the back of the truck and took her back to Michigan with us. She was terrified of the truck. Her human put her in back one time so we could take him home. she threw herself back and forth in the topper trying to get out. So taking her to a vet, for a ride, or home was not an option. 

Toyia went every two weeks to leave food for Brucie and another little inside dog. The humans just were not able to care for them. As time went by Toyia asked a couple, Mike and Judy, to check on Brucie too. They knew her as they had tried on several occasions to get her to follow their horses home to their house. She wouldn't leave the only home she'd ever known. The trio had gotten a couple of auto feeders. They brought special treats of hot dogs, milkbones, blankets for a bed, a dog house, straw, and fresh water in clean buckets. She'd never had it so good. 

It's been 6 yrs. Brucie's humans had to move, the house was falling in and they were in poor health. It was the best thing for them. They left Brucie. Before you get to sad, Brucie has never known another home. She knows she has food and water. She can run and play, and she has visitors. She really never had a lot of human contact until now. A neighbor keeps her area bush hogged. Another neighbor drops by on her way home from work and leaves her a bowl of canned food. Other's stop and check her feeders and water buckets. She is given special treats. Her favorites these days are turkey jerky treats. Her teeth are just about worn away, but she still loves to chew on bones. 

She is well loved. For 6 yrs. strangers have banded together to see that her remaining years are the best ones. As you can see from the photos she is fat and sassy. She is perfectly content where she lives.

She was even a pin-up girl this year. She has her photo in the 2015 Fundraising Calendar for the " Mary Hall Ruddiman Canine Shelter"  a no kill shelter in the area. 

 We realize that she will be 16 this year. I know one day I will get the call that she has gone on ahead. I dread that day, but for now I will remember that happy girl running to meet Toyia as she honks for her. We've gotten to see her and tell her how much we love her. I think she knows. She seems to remember us, even though there were a couple of years we didn't get to Ky. to see her. 

I know this "Love" adventure with our girl Brucie may seem odd to some, but I really can't imagine not having had the chance to love such a wonderful girl. I am so thankful for Toyia and Bennett who took on this adventure. I also want to thank Mike and Judy for taking our girl on too.. I want to thank the neighbors who keep an eye out for her too. It's amazing how this old dog, has inspired such love and devotion. 

Thank you Brucie for letting us love you. In our hearts we all know that if any of us could have we would have taken you home with us. I hope you will come and visit us often in Heaven. We'll keep a blanket on the porch for you.. 

Thank you Toyia for all the great photos you've taken over the years for us... 

I Can Trust Him....

Today was full of emotions and thoughts all spinning in my head. I'm trying to sort through all this. I don't know how to process what I know, and don't know about all this dementia stuff. 

I am very thankful for my friend Ann. Her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimers a couple of years ago. When I told her that I was being referred to a neurologist for symptoms of Early onset Dementia; she was great. she brought me a bag full of informational items about Dementia and Alzheimers. 

I put that bag away. I didn't want to read through any of it until I had the MRI and the EEG and results were available. I wanted to wait until Doc and I had gone over those test results and I'd had a chance to think about it and ask questions. 

One of the items she brought to me was a sheet containing the name of some books that were written by the Mayo Clinic. One that she suggested can be found  here. I purchased the Kindle version. I really feel better after reading the first 2 chapters. I have to remind myself that Doc said to return if my symptoms worsen. I can't assume they will get worse. I can make myself crazy thinking about what may happen. I have to stop myself and remember a couple of things. 

First.  I have to remember that God is Trust worthy. I've trusted Him with my Salvation. I've trusted Him to lead me through this life. I can trust Him with this too. I don't have to know or understand it all right now. I may never understand the why of this. 

I know that God can use this for good. I want Him to be Glorified in my life. I know that He can use this to teach me, to build my Faith, and to show me more of Himself. 

Today I felt torn and worn. I was again bombarded by fear, and the what ifs .. but God again reminded me that My times are in His hands. 

I need to go on with my life enjoying each day. living each moment. Waking each day taking God's hand and walking through whatever that day holds. If I had to do it alone. I know I couldn't but I don't have to do anything on my own. God is holding me. He's promised to be with me and never leave me. Yes, my God is trustworthy. 

God's Peace In My Storm....

I love that God cares about me even when I am afraid.. 

Our Bible study this morning was On Mark 4:35-41..  Jesus had finished teaching and had told disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side. Jesus grabbed a pillow and went to the back of the boat and fell asleep. All of a sudden a storm came up. It tossed the boat so violently that the disciples feared they would all die. They woke Jesus up asking Him if he cared that they were perishing... Jesus got up and spoke " Peace, be still".. the wind, the waves, the entire storm stopped and all was calm and still.  

 I only need to put my trust in Him and he will look at my storm and say "Peace Be Still"  or He'll speak gently to me and say " dear daughter, be at Peace, be still, I'm right here with you and I'll be with you as long as it takes for you to walk through this storm."  

I would always prefer that He would just calm the storm I'm going though. that is always my first thought.. Hey God, get me outta this, I'm scared and I can't do this. Please stop it NOW . 

Storms are loud, and scary, they can come up out of nowhere. Sometimes you can see them coming. You can go outside and see them in the distance. The sky is dark, foreboding, you can hear and feel the wind pick up. All of a sudden it's there. Those storms you can see, you can't stop. There is not one thing you can do to make it go away. 

I see that storm today in the distance. Thankfully It's not moving fast. I've been watching it for awhile. This storm is Early Onset Dementia. It's a scary one. I've seen the neurologist a couple of times. I've had the tests. I have many of the symptoms. Doc says it's to early to say for sure right now. I am very thankful for that.  We need to wait and see if my symptoms worsen. 

I see the storm, I've heard the details of some who tell of loved ones and friends who've had Alzheimer's and Dementia. They aren't pretty, to tell the truth some things I've heard others say this past week have been downright terrifying. I even had a mini meltdown at the doctor's office. Thankfully we both stopped it. There is no point in fearing what may never happen. 

I love how God planned this Bible study lesson today. He has been showing me verses in His word all week to remind me of His love, and Peace.. Those words, "Peace, be still" were spoken to me from the lips of the Holy Spirit. They were burned into my mind and my heart today. Jesus isn't sleeping. This has not taken God by surprise. 

Today I'm trusting Jesus. I pray that these glitches in my memory do not progress. I'm praying that if they do, they won't be severe. I'm praying that I'll be that sweet little lady who lives down the street who says the funniest things ever. I pray that I will, without a doubt, know that Jesus loves me. I pray that my faith will never waver, but that it will continue to grow stronger. I am a daughter of the King. I am an over-comer by the Blood of Christ. I trust God with everything. I am at Peace. 

The Rest Of The Story...

Wow, it's the 7th of January already. November and December seemed to fly by. I'll catch you up quickly.. 

Nov: 

Snow

Cold

Thanksgiving

Family

Eating

Thanking God for our many Blessings

Packing boxes for the Troops.

Dec: 

Decorating porch and tree, kitchen, and even the bathroom.

Baking cookies, pies, and special jams. 

Heading off to the airport to see a grandson off to Cali. 

Christmas shopping finished and wrapping done.

Warm...  like almost 50 warm. No snow and warm. wow..

The call came that my precious sister in law/ only mom I had for years, was home with hospice care. We went to visit one Monday afternoon. We loved on her, visited with Brother, and went home. 

The dreaded call came only 6 short days later. She had gone on home to Heaven. I still can't wrap my head or heart around it. 

Then more hard news came; more of Husbands family; more cancers found and more death. 

Even now we are praying for a peaceful passing for a dear cousin.

The end of the year came hard. It slammed into my heart like a punch to the gut. I still feel the grief of losing one of my Best friends since Jr. High, and her mom/my mom.. 

As I move on through this life loss seems to come in waves. Those who've been with us longest are leaving us. I don't know how I could take it other then the knowledge that God is carrying me through it.

 I am moving on into 2015 with a grateful heart and wonderful memories of those who've gone on ahead. 

The Five Year Old Wanted To Pray

I just love our Ladies (Sister of the Vine) prayer meetings. We are joined by kids !  little ones, home-schooled ones, and even Older ones on "no school" days. 

*We love kids.   

The most precious thing happened yesterday at our bi-weekly meeting. One of the little kids (5) wanted to join us when we got ready to pray for the requests that had been made. I think she really just wanted some cuddle time with mom, but she wanted to join us, And she wanted to pray too. 

We told her the signal for when it was her turn. The praying began. Now I've been teaching young children and 1-6th grade kids for years. Most of those prayers are for good days at school, tests, puppies, little brothers, new bikes, etc. There have also been a few very serious requests made too.

 I wasn't really sure where our young prayer warrior was going to fall in that group. I fully expected to hear a prayer for a puppy or for the older sister to share a treasured toy, or older brother to play nice.. but what came out of that little girls mouth was nothing but Pure Praise . 

She spent about 2 minutes thanking God and Jesus for being beautiful, for loving us, for being wonderful and kind, and being the best at everything. her little heart poured out praise.. 

Well I can tell you that it moved not only my heart but made tears well up. 

It reminded me that I've been spending way to much time focusing on what I want God to do for me and not so much for just thanking Him for who He is Beautiful, Wonderful, Kind, and loving. 

She thanked God for Jesus. Wow.. what a prayer. Thank you little one for reminding your fellow prayer warriors to not only make requests but to take time and just thank God and Jesus for who they are. Thank you for Praising Them in the midst of our requests.. I love you little one.

Apple Butter In The Crockpot

I had a friend ask for my Apple Butter recipe so here it is. 

I love this easy recipe. You can't mess it up. You'll be tossing all your ingredients in a crockpot. 

Dig out your crockpot.  I have a 6qt. oval one, but any kind will do. 

Apples: peel, core, and run through a meat grinder. (I have seen youtube videos that show people just chopping them up so either way will work.) * chopping may mean the apples will have to cook longer. Fill your crockpot almost to the top with chopped apples. then add all the other ingredients mixing well after each addition. 

add 1/2-1 cup of apple cider

add about 4 cups of sugar * I use about 1/2 that amount for my husband whose diabetic. You can use all white sugar, or a mixture of white and brown sugar to fit your taste. 

2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon 

A sprinkle of Nutmeg and cloves. * this is where your personal taste comes in. remember you can always add more, but you can't take it away. taste as you go. 

Mix all well. 

Turn the crockpot on high and leave it there until it starts bubbling, then turn it to low and cook until the mixture is thick 12-14 hours. If you chopped the apples the cooking down process may take longer up to 20 hrs. You can tell when your apple butter is done when you scoop up a spoonful and it holds on your spoon without sliding off. It should be a deep dark brown and smell amazing. 

you can blend it with a hand mixer, or an immersion blender if you wish.   This recipe makes about 8-10 half pints. 

at this point you can freeze your apple butter * check online for freezing instructions. 

Canning your Apple butter:   *see link below 

prepare your  Water Bath Canner

Prepare your jars *wash and sterilize your jars according to the link above. It's very important you follow this step. 

  I wash mine in Hot soapy water, rinse and drain. 

  I put my New *don't use old lids ever! jar lids in boiling water for a couple of minutes then turn on low until I use them. 

Using a ladle and a canning funnel I pour the hot apple butter into the jar leaving 1/4 inch head space.   

Wipe the top of the jar with a dry cloth or paper towel 
Using tongs I take a hot lid out of the water and place it on top of the jar. 

Get a screw band and screw it down tight. 

put all your jars in the Water Bath Canner you have prepared *see link above. 

Process in the canner about 15 minutes for Pints, and 10 minutes for 1/2 pints.  

Remove from the canner and set on a towel until completely cool. Then check the lids and make sure they are sealed. * press on the top of the lid. Lids will flex up and down if they did NOT  seal correctly. 

   

* A note about Apples: I have an old tree in the field behind the house. I use those apples for apple butter as  well as apple sauce. the apples are tart and fall apart when heated. You can use any kind of apples you like. You may want to mix them up and use some tart and some sweet. You'll be filling your crockpot to the top with apples so make a good guess. Husband picked 1/2 bushel for me. Most of those had bad places I had to cut out and some were unusable. I would guess 1/2 bushel of good apples would make one or two batches. If I was buying them at the grocery store I would get about 10 lbs. Any leftovers could be used for Apple pie or other favorite apple recipes.