Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Yay!  I'm posting Chat, and on the same day, no less.  So, let's get to it.

 1.  Please tell me something you have done recently that was really fun. 

Nothing, really.  We're just coming off of peak season at work, so all I've been doing is working.   The last fun thing I did was going to the Zoo, but that was way back in May. 

2.  Do you worry about any issues regarding food/food quality/food production? 

 No, not really.  A lot of it is hype and you'd be surprised at how much of it was started by competitors.  For example, the whole "red meat will kill you" fear frenzy was started by pork growers trying to boost sales of pork.  The same with the "cow's milk is bad for you" thing.  It was started by soy producers -- again trying to boost their own sales.  Even the current GMO hype was started by one person, who had not a shred of evidence to support his claims.  This stuff isn't new.  Back in the 70s, a fast food chain franchise owner started a rumor that a competitor nationally known fast food chain uses worm meat in its hamburgers.  When you really think about it, our food today is cleaner, safer, and healthier than anything our ancestors could have dreamed of. 

3.   Have you painted any of your walls with colors other than white, beige, or tan? 

 Not since I've been grown.  When I was a kid, my bedroom walls were blue.  Now, I live in a trailer house, and they come with wallpaper pre-installed.  I know you can paint it, but I've never bothered.

4.  What is your favorite way to have a hamburger? If you do not eat meat, what is your favorite sandwich? 

 With cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayonnaise (which I can't eat any more). 

5.  Please finish this sentence. If I could, I'd like to play_____________________. This could be a musical instrument, a part in a play- use your imagination:) 

I'd kind of like to play the piano, but I don't have the passion to pursue it.   I think it'd be fun to play a part in a movie or TV show, but I doubt I'd ever watch anything I was in.  I can't even stand to look at pictures of myself.  I'd hate to see myself on a big screen.  If I were younger, I think it'd be fun to be on one of those reality competition shows, like The Quest. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

1.  What are you most looking forward in the remaining months of 2014? 

Cooler weather, fall colors, crisp days and frosty mornings, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  

2.  Tell us about the last movie you saw, or book you read.

 The last book I read was God Less America, by Todd Starnes.   The last movie I watched was God's Not Dead.  Both are very good.

3.   Do you ever make smoothies or juice? 

 I used to make smoothies a lot when Cody was younger.  I haven't made one in a while, though.  One of our favorites was chocolate banana-- like a milk shake, but healthier.

4.   Who do you wish you could talk to right now? 

 My dad. 

5.   Please finish this sentence. "If I could spend a week in a lovely cabin in the mountains I would like to_______________________." 

spend the week fishing, walking in the woods, and knitting in front of the fireplace.  

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

 

Today's chat:

1.  Are you still enjoying (or not) summer, or are you geared for fall? 

 No, I am not enjoying summer!  I am so ready for fall, I did the dance of joy when I saw they were putting out fall decorations in Wal-Mart. 

2.  What's the one room in your home that you'd like to make a big change to?

 I'd have to say Cody's bedroom.  I really, really need to get it cleaned out. 

3.  Do you ever send "snail mail"? 

 Only if I'm sending packages.  Otherwise, it's e-mail or texts. 

4.  Do you dream? Often? Do you have nightmares? 

 Yes, I pretty much dream every night, even though I don't always remember my dreams.  I used to have nightmares all the time.  They were a pretty popular blog topic at one time.  Since Jesse has started sleeping in the bedroom with me, I don't have them as much.  It's been a long time since I've had a truly frightening dream. 

5.  Tell me something that makes you happy. Please. 

Peak season being over and having Saturdays off once again makes me happy.  I was just thinking this morning how nice it was to be able to get the laundry done before 10:00 PM.  

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

 1.  What's the earliest time in your life you can remember? Can you remember being 2 years old, 5 years old, etc?

I have one very clear memory that took place when I was 2 years old.  We'd gone to my aunt and uncle's house in Mobile, AL, to visit my newest baby cousin.   We were all in their back yard playing in a blow up wading pool.  My two older cousins and my brother wanted my uncle to drag the swing set over so they could slide down the slide into the swimming pool. 

I also remember my grandma and grandpa taking me fishing when I was three.  We were all camping at Sam Rayburn, and they took my brother and me out on the boat.  My grandpa put a minnow on my hook and told me to leave it in the water until it grew up.  That was the first fish I ever caught.

2.  What's do you like to put on pasta? (Your favorite topping.) 

 Butter, and that's it.  I don't like spaghetti sauce at all.  I can take Alfredo sauce, but mostly just butter.  Unless it's mac and cheese.  Then it needs cheese.

3.  Is there something that takes time away from more important things in your life? (TV, internet, talking on the telephone, etc.)

Internet, although now that Cody's grown and gone, and I'm alone in the house, there isn't much important things that it's taken me away from.

4.  Do you buy many clothes that are "high maintenance"? (Clothes that need to be ironed, dry cleaned, or hand washed) 

Nope.  If it can't be tossed into the washer, I won't buy it.  I do have a few line dry only clothes, but they are for Sunday only.

5. Please finish this sentence. "I'd like to visit the beach today and-------------------------." 

Never come back.   Ever. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

It's time for our weekly chat again.  Welcome, chatters!  It's not too hot today, so let's chat on the porch, shall we?

Today's questions:



1.  Do you ever watch old TV shows or movies from your childhood or youth?

 All the time, thanks to Netflix.  Star Trek, Doctor Who (Classic), Magnum P.I., Simon & Simon, Quantum Leap, MacGuyver, Emergency, The Incredible Hulk, Planet Of The Apes (the TV series), Kolchak The Night Stalker...I could go on and on.  I'm also watching some more recent shows, like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Everybody Loves Raymond. 

2.  Have you ever adopted a rescued animal?

 Yes.  Bothy of my dogs came from the pound.  Rylea was just a puppy when I got her, but Jesse was grown and in pretty bad shape.  He was severely starved, eaten up with parasites and heartworms, and looked like he had just given up on life.  But the minute I saw him, I knew he was meant to be mine.  In just a couple of weeks, it'll be the third adoptiversary, and I can't imagine not having him in my life.  OK, so he wasn't that impressed with the Coke with his name on it....but still....

3.  Are you good at keeping track of paperwork and records? 

Eh, so so. 

4.  What would you like the Magic Wendell Fairy to poof with his wand, and turn into a treat for you? Any snack or sweet you would like. It doesn't have too do with carrots, or HE'D eat it!

 I could go for a chocolate milk shake right about now.  Since it's magic, can the Wendell Fairy make it calorie free, but still taste good?

5.  Tell me something interesting- please.

A while back, I started taking cartoons in to work from time to time.   Once I took this one in:

I figured I'd have to explain what a phobia was, but no.  It never occurred to me that someone wouldn't know what a pop up book was.  I guess not everyone spent hours in the bookstore as a child. 


Thanks for joining me for our chat.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some yarn just begging to be warped. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

 Since it's a bit stormy outside this evening, let's have our chat around the kitchen table, instead of on the porch.

1.  Other than those who live in your home, who's the last person who came to your front door? 

The UPS man.   I always like to see the UPS man.  He brings me stuff. 

2.  Do you have many photos around your home? 

 Not hanging on the walls, if that's what you mean.  I do have several albums, but these days, like everyone else, most of my photos are digital. 

 3.  Do you like mint? Is there a favorite type of mint for you? How do you enjoy it? 

 Yes, I do.  My favorite is peppermint, and I enjoy it in tea, candy, ice cream, hot chocolate, pretty much anything.  I don't like spearmint, though. 

4.  Do you enjoy your own parties and other times with guests, or are you so busy working...? 

No, and yes.  I don't like people in my house, noise, or crowds, so I'm not a party person.   I am very busy working this time of year, but even if I weren't, I still wouldn't like people in my house. 

5.  What do you want to be when you grow up more? Job, hobby, self improvement, etc. 

Independently wealthy.  Yeah, that would be nice, but a more realistic short term goal is to get my debt paid off.  I've mentioned it before, because it's the most important thing in my life right now.  

I know chat was short today, but I want to finish warping my loom before going to bed, so I need to get busy.  See you all next week. 

Same bat time, same bat channel.

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

1.  D3 is facing wisdom teeth removal. Have you had your wisdom teeth removed? 

 I've had two of mine removed.  I highly recommend getting the IV sedation, if you are able to.  I remember the oral surgeon injecting something into the IV port.  About 10 seconds later, I was feeling a bit floaty, and the next thing I knew I was home, and James was helping me up my front steps.  The next time I got one removed, they asked if I wanted the IV, and I said, "Yes, please!"  That one was less complicated, so my recovery time was faster.  I was able to become fully alert before leaving the surgeon's office and walked myself up my front steps.  Either way, I can't recommend it enough.

2.  Today Wendell is serving iced tea, iced coffee, and carrot juice. He wants me to ask you which you'd prefer. 

Of the three, I'd prefer iced tea-- but unsweetened.  I know I'm not a good Southerner if I don't like sweet tea, and with my sweet tooth, it does seem a bit odd.  I just don't like it sweetened.  It tastes too much like syrup.  

3.  If you use a crock pot, do you have a favorite recipe? If not, what is your favorite, easy "go to" recipe? 

I have a crock pot, but seldom use it.  My favorite go to recipe would be chicken and dumplings.  I'd post the recipe, but I don't really use one.  I just throw some flour, shortening, and salt into a bowl, cut it with a pastry cutter, then add milk until it looks right.  Roll it out, cut it into strips and drop into boiling broth.  Once the dumplings are done, add the cut up chicken meat-- which you will have gotten from the chicken you boiled to get the broth, and serve.   Oh, and add salt and pepper to taste. 

4.   Do you prefer to wash dishes by hand or dishwasher? Yes, I know some of us probably don't like dish washing. Wendell flat out refuses! 

Dishwasher, even though mine is noisy as heck. 

5.  What are you looking forward to? 

The cooler temperatures that are supposed to get here in a couple of days.  Really, I don't like being hot.  I'm ready for fall already!!  

And going to bed tonight.  Yeah, I'm pretty easy to please. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Guess what?  It's Wednesday, and I remembered to do Chat!  Aren't you proud of me?  So, let's chat, shall we?

1.  Do you like cucumbers? Is there a favorite way for you to prepare them? 

No, not really.   I don't dislike them, but they aren't my favorite.  I do like infused water with cucumbers and lemon, with a sprig of mint.  

2.  How good a housekeeper are you? 

 Eh, so so.  I'm good enough for me, and since I'm the only one who lives here, that's good enough.  My house isn't spotless, but you'd never see it on an episode of hoarders.  Funny story, the dog was heaving, and I said, "Go puke on the linoleum.  It's easier to clean."  I guess I've become a bit jaded. 

3.   Please finish this: To spend a day____________would be amazing! 

 Not going to work. At the shooting range.  Hunting.  Fishing.  Hanging out with my friends Christi and Amy.  (We need to do that again, girls!)

4.  How do you handle times when you are "down" or "blue"( depressed )? 

 Usually a good night's sleep takes care of my blues.  Or some good music.  Or remembering how blessed I truly am. Or remembering that it's most likely caused by hormonal changes and that it will pass. 

5.  Have you started using essential oils, since they have become so popular? 

No.  I'm not even sure what essential oils are.......OK, I googled them and no, I probably won't get in to that. 

Thank you for joining me for this week's chat.  Be sure to come by next week.  

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Yes, yes, I know.  Normally we do Chats on Wednesday, but stuff happened.  Then I got the new loom, and more stuff happened.  So, we're getting to it, but a little late.  I'm sure you understand.

1.  What's your favorite kind of cheese?

 I've never met a cheese I didn't like, but I'd have to say my favorite kind is Muenster. 

2.  Have you ever been in a log cabin? 

 Not a real one.  When I was vacationing in Tennessee way back in 2001, I visited a replica of Davy Crockett's log cabin.  I love the look of modern log homes, though, and would love to live in one someday. 

3.  What is your favorite kind of salad dressing? 

 Bleu cheese.  I also like Ranch, but bleu cheese is my favorite. 

4.  When was the last time you saw someone from your high school days? 

 It's been at least 15 years.  That's the last time I was home.  I do keep up with high school friends on Facebook, but it isn't quite the same.

5.  Tell me what the perfect dinner party would look like for you. 

Um, not having one.  I'm not into dinner parties or guests.  I guess the perfect dinner party for me would be a picnic at the lake with just one or two people.

 That's all we have for today.  Next week, I'll try to remember to do Chat's on time. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

And on Thor's Day.  How lovely.

1.  What do you think you would have liked most from my menu?

The chocolate cake.  And the baked sweet potatoes.   (To my non-chatters, Patrice had a birthday party for her daughter.  She posted the menu on her blog.  The link is in the right sidebar:  Everyday Rurality.)

2.  Have you ever had an interesting experience with serving dinner guests? 

No.  I've never had dinner guests, so I have no experiences at all with serving them.   Now, my Aunt Martha probably could have told you some stories.  She loved to entertain. 

3.  What's your favorite beverage, this summer? 

 It would seem milk is my beverage of choice right now.  I'm drinking about a gallon and a half per week.  And Poweraid or Gatorade.  As much as I sweat at work, drinking sports drinks keeps me from feeling so sick all the time. 

4.   Do you ever have bouquets of fresh flowers in your home? 

 Yes, I do.  I love fresh flowers.  Unfortunately, the flower bed isn't doing so well this year, but I have bought a couple of bouquets from the store.  I don't do that too often, because they're kind of high.  Well, not that high, but I'm trying to pinch every penny so I can get some of these debts of mine paid off. 

5.  Tell me something interesting. Please. 

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you will know that I'm an avid knitter.  However, a couple of other things I'd like to get into are spinning my own yarn and weaving.  I do have some drop spindles, but my dream is to someday have a wheel.  They are quite expensive, though.

Several of my friends lately have gotten into weaving.  I'd like to give that a try, too.  I'm thinking of a small loom like this Ashford Sample-It, or a Schacht Cricket.    Both are good for beginners and relatively affordable.  I could make tons of scarves with them.  More importantly, I could use up a lot of stash, which means I can put an end to my moratorium on buying yarn!  Woo hoo!  I've just about talked myself in to buying one. 

As soon as I get this debt paid down...

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

First of all, I must offer you my sincere apologies.  I got so excited about showing you my new flowers yesterday that I completely forgot that it was the day we have our chats.  Never fear, chat is here, a day late, but on we go.

1.  Do you like lemon-aid? Any special flavors?

 Yes, I do.  I like regular lemonade best.  And by regular lemonade, I mean real lemonade.  Not lemonade flavored drink mix.  That will do, but it's just not as good.  I think the only other flavor I've tried is strawberry lemonade, and it was pretty good. 

2.  I'm trying not to use paper goods for this party. How many place settings of silverware(eating utensils) could you come up with? I wish I could borrow some!!!!!!!! 

Probably 7 or 8.  Since it's just me, I don't keep up with such things.

3.  Have you ever been to a party in a barn? 

 Not that I can recall. 

4.   Do you wear nail polish? 

 I do on my toes during the summertime.  I don't worry about my fingers, because I haven't got any fingernails worth polishing.

5.  Please finish this sentence. I wish I could__________________. 

Take a nice long nap.  But alas, it would be counterproductive, because I'd be awake half the night.  Sigh...I also wish I could remember all the Italian I learned when I was stationed in Italy, but when you have no one to speak it with, you tend to forget. 

Well, thanks for stopping by.  Apologies again for it being late.  I'll do better next week. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Those of you who actually read my blog more than once a week may have noticed that I didn't post yesterday.  There is a good reason for that. And what was that reason, you may ask?

Well, I'll tell you.  I didn't have anything to say. 

I sat down at my computer and tried to blog, but I had nothing.  There was a time when I would have posted something -- anything-- just to have a post up, but I've gotten past that now.  It's better to skip a day or two than to post filler. 

Anyway, that's where I was, and now let's Chat.

1.  Do you have a vegetable garden this year? Have you in previous years? 

 No, I've never had a vegetable garden.  My brother Russell was our big gardener in the family.  He used to go to Mammaw's house and put in a huge garden every year.  I've never been that interested in them.  I prefer flower beds. 

2.  What is your computer sitting on right now? Desk, dining room table, lap... 

 The end table beside my recliner. 

3.  Do you go shorter with your hair in the summer? 

 Not usually.  It's too easy to just put it up into a braid or bun than to have to worry about styling short hair. 

4.  Are you an early to bed person, or a night owl? 

 Well, since I usually (in the summer) get up in an hour that begins with the numeral 4, I'd say I'm pretty much an early to bed person.  Even when it's the slow season at work and we aren't getting so much overtime, I'm still usually in bed by 10:00 PM. 

5.  Tell me something funny. I'll tell you something funny too. :) 

I can't really think of anything funny right now.  Work has been hectic and exhausting, and it's rained so much that I don't really want to do anything after work.  Not that I'm a get out and go kind of person anyway.  There was one thing, though...

Yesterday I was asking Group Leader Fernando if we needed to come in to work early again this morning.  I said, "I was perusing our schedule for tomorrow and noticed that we have a lot of [really hard stuff].  I think it would behoove the brazers to come in early."  He kept laughing, and I couldn't figure out why.  Then I remembered that people who work in factories generally don't use words like behoove, peruse, and Hadron Super collider in casual conversation.  

Oh, wait.  This here is pretty funny:



I giggle every time I see it.

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Yeah, chats are a little late this week. In all honesty, I completely forgot to blog until it was time for bed. Then I didn't want to get back up and do it.  Ah, but wait, you say.  This post says Wednesday.  Yes, because of a clever little thing called retro-dating.  I can write the post any old day and set it to publish on the day I want.  Devious, huh? 

Nevertheless, we've made it, and now won't you join me for our chat?

1.  If you could magically have a full grown tree in any place you choose, what kind would it be? 

 I don't know if I could pick just one type.  I love trees-- all kinds of them.  I do have a couple of oak trees in my front yard that are estimated to be 200+ years old.  I also love pine trees and maples.

2.  Do you like scented or unscented soaps, lotions, etc? 

I prefer scented, as long as it's not too strong.  I like going through the Avon Outlet and getting their shower gels when it is marked down to like $2 a bottle.  I've picked up quite a variety of scents like that.  I think my favorites are plain old vanilla.


3.  What's your favorite way to cook potatoes? 

In soup.  I love potato soup.  I also like mashed potatoes.  The kind you boil the potatoes and mash them yourself, not the flakes.  Believe it or not, I'm not that keen on french fries, but the only kind I really don't like is hash browns.  I've never cared for them.

4.  How often do you wear jeans? 

 Monday through Friday, and Saturdays if we are working.  Jeans are what I wear to work. 

5.   Do you trace your ancestry? (Wow! This question must be for Suzanne.) 

Not really.  My dad was really into tracing our ancestry.  When he passed, my brother kind of took over.  He's got quite a bit of information, and when I want to know something, I just ask him.  I've been considering a membership to Ancestry.com, but I'm not sure if I really want to spend the money.

Thank you for joining me for chat.  Come back in an hour or two for your regular Thor's Day Mayhem.

And yes, it was... 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

It's Wednesday, and it's raining.  It's supposed to rain for the rest of the week.  I don't need a weather forecast to tell.  My hair predicts the weather quite well, thank you.

Yes, I am still sporting that "just electrocuted" look.

But enough about me, let's get on to our chat.

1.  What is your favorite berry?

I guess I'd have to say strawberries.  I'm not a big berry person, and they're the only berry I like.  

2.  If you had the choice of a picnic or a sit down dinner, which would you choose?

A picnic, of course.  Someone who forgets to put shoes on when she leaves the house can't really appreciate dressing up and sitting down to dinner.

3.   How is your handwriting? Fancy, plain, legible, doctor-like?

It's plain but legible.   It used to be really messy, but about halfway through 9th grade, I decided I was going to work on making it better.  Once I got out of high school, I pretty much stopped writing cursive and went almost exclusively to printing.  It's easier for me to print legibly, especially if I'm in a hurry.  Here is an example of my handwriting.
 

4.   Do you prefer a desk top computer, laptop, or tablet? 

I prefer my desktop, but it's dead in the water.  I can't afford to get another one right now.  I've got Cody's old desktop to tide me over, but it's so slow and glitchy that I can hardly stand to use it, so I'm sticking with the laptop.  For now. 

5.  Tell me something interesting, please. 

Something I find interesting:  I've been told recently by more than one man that this is 2014 and women don't get up an cook breakfast for their men any more.  I couldn't believe this.  If I had a good man who worked hard taking care of me, I sure wouldn't send him off to work with nothing but a stale donut from the gas station, or even worse, and empty stomach.  Even if it's just toast to go with a bowl of cereal, I'm going to fix him something.  But I guess I'm just an anachronism.  

Thank you for joining me for the chat.  Now my curiosity is peaked, and I've got to go look up that story I was writing about Bob Hayes.  

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

I took a day off of work today and did something fun.  I'll post about it tomorrow, but for tonight, we have our usual Chat. 

1.  Is there one person who can drive you nuts, even if they aren't doing anything in particular? 

 Yes.  We'd probably better just leave it at that.  But that reminds me, I learned a new German word today:

Backpfeifengesicht (n.): a face that cries out for a fist in it

2.  When you were a small child, how did you answer the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When I was very small, I said I wanted to be a nurse, because my mother was a nurse.  When I got older, I really wanted to own a cattle ranch, but I knew that wasn't realistic.  Then I said I wanted to be a veterinarian, until I realized how much schooling they had to go through.  

3.  Do you drink more sodas, iced tea, or water? 

I probably drink about the same amount of cokes and water.  Keep in mind that I'm from Texas, and we call them all cokes.  As in:  Want a coke?  Yeah.  What kind?  Dr Pepper. 

4.  My favorite flavor of iced cream is________________. 

 Mint chocolate chip.  Or maybe chocolate chip cookie dough.  I like pretty much all flavors except rocky road and tin roof. 

5.  Do you like to dance? 

*Gasp* I'm a Baptist!  Baptists don't dance!  However, back in the day, I did enjoy going to the enlisted club on Country nights and cutting a mean two step.   I was a pretty good dancer, too. 

Well, that's it for this week.  I have to go back to work in the morning, but I sure did enjoy my day off.  I'll tell you all about it tomorrow, so be sure to come back and see what I did today. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

It's turned chilly again, and has rained all night and most of the day.  I think we'll have our chat over some hot chocolate or coffee this evening.  

1.  Do you ever watch You Tube? 

 All the time!  I love You Tube, and have built several playlists.  I've also learned fishing, shooting, knitting, and cooking techniques from You Tube, and of course, I put all of Cody's band videos up there.  My user name over there is CalKingOnyx, if you want to check them out.

2.  How are your picture taking (photography) skills?

 Fair to middling.  I once wanted to be a professional photographer, but my dad talked me out of it.  He said to make a living, I'd most likely have to do studio portraits.  I wasn't interested in that.  Here is a quick snap I took last night of my grapefruit (for those of you who only pop in for chats.)

3.  What's your "go to" meal to prepare when you're in a hurry?

 Since Cody is grown and gone, and I hardly ever go anywhere any more, I'm not usually in a hurry.  And since there is just me to fix for, I don't really need a meal.  So, I'd say a sandwich or some simple pasta, or a microwave pot pie.  Banquet is pretty good. 

4.   Do you like shoe shopping? 

 No.  I don't even like shoes.  I consider it a personal victory if I leave the house with shoes on.  You'd be surprised at how many times I've had to go back because I forgot them.

5.  If you could be royalty for a day, would you try it? 

Earthly royalty, no way, no how.  Too much attention, too much scrutiny, too many people always around, always watching.  To an introvert like me, that sounds like pure torture.  Give me my obscure life any day.  

That's it for the chats.

Now for some bad news.  The next door neighbor's dogs have discovered my flower bed.  These are the same neighbors whose dogs kept trying to kill Rylea.  Well, after several calls to animal control, they keep those dogs penned up, but they have about 4 others.  One is a half grown lab and one is a little black chihuahua.  They like to hang out in my yard.

Today when I got home from work, there was a big hole in the wire fence I have around my flower bed and several holes were dig.  At least two of my celosias were pulled up.  I re-planted them, and I hope they do OK.  Wal-mart still has some in their garden center, if I need to replace them.

I texted James, and he is going to get his fence charger back from Mike and hook it up for me if they keep getting into my beds.  It only takes them getting lit up once for them to learn.

Or twice.

My dogs still won't get into my flower beds, even though it's been two years since the charger has been hooked up. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Patrice has requested that we move the chats to Wednesdays, so next week, be sure to note the change in date.

We will still be chatting on the farmhouse porch, though, so let's get to it.

1.  Do you like beans? (the dried bean variety) What do you like them in? 

No, not really.  I've never been a big bean aficionado.   I do like baked beans and beanie weenies every now and again, but other than that, I don't eat them that often.  

2.  Does your house have enough storage? 

No.  I live in a trailer house, and they have no storage whatsoever.   The bright side of that is that it keeps me from accumulating too much junk, because I have no place to put it.  The downside is, there isn't anywhere to store the holiday decorations, so they're all in boxes in my bedroom. 

3.  Do you have any childhood memories of a store?

Definitely.  There was a store in my hometown called Farmer's Mercantile.  It opened in 1928, and is still in business today. You could find anything in the world in Farmer's Mercantile--from cattle feed, to sausage stuffers, to saddles. From Western wear to kerosine. If you wanted anything like rope or chain, Farmer's Mercantile was where you went.  At times, they'd even have chicks or ducklings for sale.  Or baby rabbits.  Maybe even puppies and kittens. 

The thing that stands out most in my memory is the smell. The store was in an old building with real wood floors. Not the lacquer over cement like wood floors are made today, but real, solid wood. Beautiful architecture, and having that slightly musty smell old buildings always seem to have.

And there was the feed. Sweet feed for cattle and horses. Rabbit feed. Chicken feed. Dog and cat food.  Kerosene. Lamp Oil. Tung oil. Furniture polish. Saddle soap. The saddles themselves. New boots.  All combined to give off an aroma not found anywhere else.  One of these days, I'm going to make it back home, and you can bet your boots, I'm going to go back. 

4.  Do you ever shop at a farmers market? 

 No.  They have one here on Saturday mornings, but we're always working Saturdays during the summer, so I never get to go. 

5.  Do you still have your wisdom teeth?Are you wise? :) :) :) 

I've had my bottom two wisdom teeth cut out, and no I'm not wise.  

Well, that's about all we have for today.  Don't forget to join us next week on Wednesday. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Chats are a little late this week.  But better late than never, right?  OK, we've wasted enough time.  Let's get on with it.

1.  Would you rather drive or be driven?

Hard to say.  I'm so used to driving that being driven feels kind of weird.  On the other hand, when I'm being driven, I can knit on the way.  

2.  If you had your choice of a shiny new BMW with no conveniences inside, or an older model Ford or Chevy with everything one could want for comfort and convenience inside, which would you choose? 

I've never owned a new car in my life.  That ought to tell you something right there. 

3.  Do you eat many vegetables? 

No.  I tend to be a meat and cheese kind of person.  I do like fruit, though.

4.  If you could blink your eyes and make a change to your body, face, hair, or nails, what would you change?

 My hair would be soft, shiny, and manageable instead of the frizzy mess I constantly do battle with.

5.  Please finish this sentence. "Goody! Someone just gave me two hundred dollars and I must spend it doing something enjoyable today. I'm going to___________________." 

This is a hard one.  If someone gave me $200, I'd most likely end up using it towards paying bills.  To me, there is nothing more enjoyable than knowing I'm working at lowering my debt.  However, I know this isn't what the question means.   I'd buy a new rod and reel that I've been wanting, and maybe some more ammo, or arrows for my bow.   Yeah, I'm not a real girly girl.  In case you hadn't noticed. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Chats are a day late this week, which is OK, since it gave me a chance to post my traditional Earth Day post yesterday.  So, let's get on with our chat. 

1.  Do you enjoy crossword puzzles, word finds, or any "word" activities? 

 Oh, yes!  I love crosswords, word searches, and the cryptoquip in the newspapers.  I'm not so keen on jumbles or unscrambling words, though. 

2.  What's on your dining room table right now? 

 My old Navy command ball cap, and yesterday's mail. 

3.  Do you like Italian food? 

 Yes, I do.  I love pizza.  Italian pizza is a lot different than American pizza.  The sauce is sweeter, and they don't put shredded cheese all over it.  Just a slice here and there.  It's good, though.  Just different.  Oh, and Ensalada Caprese.  Haven't had a good one since I got back to the States. 

4.  Did you ever want a brother, twin, or sister, when you were a child? 

No, I had two brothers and a sister.  That was enough. 

5.  How far away is the nearest grocery store? 

About 5 miles or so.  I don't rightly know.  I've never checked the mileage.  

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

I do declare, this winter just will not give up!  They are predicting lows around 30' tonight, and here is is, just a few days before Easter. 

Speaking of cold, what I thought was a hallacious allergy attack has blossomed into a full blown spring cold.  Between that, and the kicking North wind outside, let's have our chat around the kitchen table instead.  I've got surgical masks for anyone wishing to avoid my germs. 

1.  What are you doing for Easter? 

Well, Cody has outgrown egg hunts, and I keep eating his candy, so we'll just go to church, then dinner, followed by Easter shows on TV.  Well, DVD.  We have Here Comes Peter Cottontail, The Easter Bunny Is Coming To Town, It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.  Yes, I still watch those.  Cody doesn't.  I do.  Jesus Of Nazareth is now up on Netflix, so I'll probably watch that, too. 

2.  How many spring flowers have you noticed the last week or so? 

 Lots.  The daffodils and Bradford pear have already come and gone, but there are still plenty of things blooming.   I showed you my iris and violets yesterday.  Also, those yellow weed things, onion flowers, and those little purple flowers that cover the yards are blooming now.  And I've noticed a few wisteria blooms, too.

Yellow weed things:

Those little purple flowers:

Onion flowers:

 Sorry about the poor quality of the photos.  I was using my phone, and it's very windy out there.

3.  What was your favorite thing in an Easter basket, or as dessert at Easter dinner? 

 The eggs.  The real ones.  The hard boiled eggs that we dyed.  I'd rather eat those than the candy.  That was back before I knew I was allergic to eggs. 

4.   If you were a dog, what kind would you be? 

 One that is loved and cared for in a good home. 

5.  What are your favorite pizza toppings? 

Pepperoni, mushroom, sausage, and extra cheese. 

Thank you for joining me for this week's chat.  I hope to see you all next week.

Same bat time.  Same bat channel.