I'm moving a little slower this morning, so I have a few minutes to update this life's journal. To write about the things I'm thinking/working on at the moment. My heart is both full, and heavy.

Big Daddy is on a day trip for work. The house feels so much different when he is away.

We have many things going on at once here at our place....as usual.

We have listed our rental property for sale. I hate to see it go, but we have decided to get out of the landlording business. Our tenants are an elderly couple. We are praying that an investor will buy the home, so that they can remain there. In a perfect world, I'd keep them there rent free. It rips my heart out to cause upheaval in their lives. It is time to sell, however.  I must keep reminding myself the Lord has all this under control, and He will bring about the best end.

We have been moving forward with the process of debt free/simplified living. This is a challenging road. I have lived so long in with a "consumer" mindset, it is tough to switch gears. I find myself tempted in so many ways to waste resources. At one time I used shopping and buying as a form of stress relief. I didn't buy much, or spend much, but it was a little goody here and there I'd pick up. It gave me a thrill, especially if I found a bargain. This was most true when Big Daddy would go out of town for work.

I'd usually spend the "UGH! hours" (by "UGH! hours", I'm referring to the hours between 3pm and 7pm for those of us left at homers....the: should be dinner...dad's not coming home...kid's at each other's throats for no real reason...mom on edge....not yet bedtime....HOW LONG TILL BEDTIME?!...... hours) out somewhere just to change the scene for everyone. While we were out, we'd usually pick up dinner.

SIGH.....to think of all the resources I wasted with this little "hobby" of mine. Time and money spent for no real good. Not to mention the negative message I was sending to the kids....that one gets me. At the time I thought I was providing something fun to do. Now I realize I was perpetuating the same mindset in my own children. When we're bored/stressed,  we look to buying something to make us feel good.  Oh well....older and wiser. I just need to keep moving forward.

Garage Sale....I've cleaned out alot of things we can do without around here in preparation for a garage sale. I've never had one. I'm still not sure I want one.  I am really on the fence. I'd like to have the extra $ to go towards debt, but....I have always held my posessions with an open hand. If we had things we no longer needed, I'd give them away.  When we were first married, and didn't have anything, or any money, much was freely given to us. The Lord provided for us through the generousity of others. Not just small things, either. We were given a washer/dryer, and a car, just when we needed them, without our even asking. Having lived through lean times, leaning on the Lord's provision, I find the idea of charging money for my excess somewhat repulsive. So, now I have a stack of stuff, and I'm not moving in any real direction towards getting rid of it. Maybe I'll talk to Big Daddy about selling the stuff, but putting the proceeds into our giving $.

Total Forgiveness...how it has changed my life. That is a post in itself. I am dealing with a backsliding heart with this issue. Long story short...I've committed to total forgiveness concerning issues with our home which turned our lives upside down.  This has radically changed my life. Once I committed to forgiveness, things changed about our situation, and we began to see the Lord's plan a whole lot clearer. However....there are still things about our current situation I am not happy about. I am finding it difficult to be content where I am. It would be easy to find someone to blame, three people to be exact. It would be easy to be bitter. I need to choose daily not to take the easy road. There are opportunities available, that we may not be able to take, because of our current situation. I am finding it difficult to not to backslide into bitterness because of this missed opportunity.

How lame is that? I know what I need to do, what I need for true contentment, yet I will ruminate on things I can't control, that aren't MY WAY, and totally sabotage any hope of true contentment. Like I know what would be better for me anyway. GOOD JOB. My flesh keeps hitting that reset button.

Economy...politics....not even going to post my thoughts on those issues, except to say, that burning in the back of my throat, uh huh, it's just a little of my breakfast coming up. From DISGUST...not the panic the media keeps trying to tell me I'm in.

On that cheery note, I must run.

Wishing you good stewardship with all Our Lord provides,

Naise

We've had little miss Roxy for almost two weeks now. She's finally settling down to a managable routine.

Why did I agree to get the puppy again? Ah yes, a major lapse in judgement brought on by a pair of hazel eyes (my daughter's, not the puppy's). My future son in law is SO doomed.

I've become the full time puppy momma. Now I haven't had a baby..or a toddler in the house full time for quite a while...even the last two dogs we aquired came to us as older animals.

I am way out of practice.

I had to brush the sleep out of the eyes in the back of my head.

Speaking of sleep, this dog has a weird quirk. She is a 14lb. alarm clock. Every morning at 5:45 (without fail) she's up, and wants out of her crate. There hasn't been much deviation from the 5:45 in the two weeks we've had her. This is good.....on the weekdays....when I need to be up by 6:00.

On the weekends, however, momma likes her sleep.

Some folks are early risers. They can greet the day at O dark 30, fully awake and ready to go. Me? Not so much. I come from a family that takes sleep seriously. Seriously, and deeply, for a good 8 to 10...or someone's gonna pay. And BTW, don't even try to converse with momma before she's downed at least two cups o' joe. It's pointless. All you'll get in return is a couple of grunts, an uh huh, or a  foggy-eyed stare.

It's not mean spirited.

 It's generational. I can totally relate to my own mother now. Makes me wonder if my Grandmother was the same way. I believe it resides on a  dominant gene too, as my children have overcome the early riserism I married into. Sorry Big Daddy.

So, what to do now? I am up earlier than I'd like. The house is quiet, and the puppy has conviently gone back to sleep.

Apparently I need more quiet time in the am.

Time to sit at His feet, and listen.

Oooo, this should be GOOD!

Who needs sleep anyway? Just give me more coffee!!!

Naise

Regionally, here in the South, we are in a gas "crisis".  I say "crisis", not because I'd define it as such, but rather it has a feeling of trepidation surrounding it, which could easily cause people to panic.

Gas stations are running out of fuel, with no scheduled replenishment. The stations which do have gas are packed. The cars in line for the pump are spilling out into the street, causing big traffic problems.

Living as I have in this land of the free (or..... free consumer), it's a weird feeling to think that something I've taken for granted as always being there, might suddenly not be. With things as interconnected as they are in the web of the economy....how far could the trickle flow? If gas is short, what about food deliveries...and prices?

Now, I know Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I know full well He will take care of me. His Word says so, and He's proven it over and over in my life. But what about my neighbors, my family and friends who don't have such assurance? Where are they looking for security?

Their money??? Well that's evaporating pretty quickly with the price of things.

Their homes??? I know of no less then 5 people in my circle alone who have been forclosed upon.

Their jobs??? Questionable, if the market continues to contract.

Their families??? Most people I know aren't THAT close to their families anymore. Whether it be in physical or emotional distance, they are separated.

Their health??? We take it for granted, until it's gone.

My point?

It's all good.....all of it....if your mind is set on people's salvation. No better time for True security, than when all the false security has been ripped out from under you.

I've lived this Truth.

My questions....

Do you feel the fear in the air?

 People need True security. Who are you going to share the Truth with today?

This has been an incredible week here at our place! We were so busy, it took 4 days to post this!

We have had so much going on, and alot of blessings have come our way.

Last Monday was Big Daddy and my 18th wedding anniversary. 18 years....how did that happen? It seems like yesterday it was 10, now we are nearly to 20!

For our anniversary, Big Daddy said we should do something special....ever the good steward, I mentioned we should go out for Mexican for lunch. We have several fairly good, bargain priced, Mexican restaurants nearby. Big Daddy said..."I said we should do something SPECIAL." To which I laughed ,and said, "Hon, it's been 18 years...reality has kinda set in...cheap Mexican IS something special!"

We went to Red Robin (yum!)

Later that day I got my anniversary present.  Big Daddy and I were running errands with our daughter. We drove by a house with a sign out front....FREE PUPPIES. Guess who suggested we stop? Not me.....not the daughter...(although she heartily agreed).....

Big Daddy.

We stopped.

We puppied.

Our count now is three dogs, three teens....imagine the chaos.

In case you care...she's a Boxer/Shepard mix . Goes by the name of Roxy....or any other name anyone throws at her at this point.

I haven't slept a full night for a week . Coffee and I are becoming inseparable.

So, I am ankle deep in paper towels from the many clean-ups. You might want to invest in Nature's Miracle now, as their market share is about to go up.

I got a call from a cousin I hadn't spoken to in 20 years. She and I were close as kids, but I moved away with my folks, and we lost touch. Wow! how do you describe your life for the last 20 years in a matter of an hour on the phone? It's funny, we reconnected right away...and during this time of absence, our lives have run similar paths. We were on the same page, had been through alot of the same things. She lives within a few hours driving distance, so I will be able to see her again soon.

I guess the clothesline and new AC unit really did save some money last month. We were able to cut our electric bill BY HALF over the previous month, and last year. I was thrilled for once to open a bill.

I was able to do a little yard work, and decorate the front porch for fall this weekend. I had to be creative, as there is no money in the budget for decorating....especially now that we have the puppy expense.

The mom and dad in-law are coming for Thanksgiving. They are also bringing a teenage nephew. We are excited to have a house full again. The kids will have some fun catching up, I'm sure. This means lots of projects for me to get house ready for their arrival, and an extra special meal plan. We usually head to the North for Thanksgiving to see my family, so I haven't hosted this holiday for years.

Update on the ebay entry.....The buyer emailed me back with BIG apology. She said her husband wrote the nasty-gram. She told him he's not allowed to use the account until he learns some manners. I'm gonna try to list a few more things this week, hopefully a better experience awaits.

All for now,

Good Stewardship to ya,

Naise

Do you get a sinking feeling in your gut when someone you don't know all too well, makes assumptions about your character....to the negative?

I do. I have in the past. I did just now.

I sold my first item on Ebay this week. The guy got a smokin' deal on it. I would have liked to have recieved  more money, but I figured it was my novice listing abilities that caused the loss. Chalk it up to experience, and move on.

When I went to send it yesterday, the postal service questioned the address, as the street numbers didn't match with the residence number I presented. So, rather then send it to someone else, I wasted my liquid gold, and drove back home. I sent the guy an  email stating the problem in sending, and asking to confirm the address.

I recieved two emails back. The first confirming the address. The second warning me that if I didn't want to send the item, he could contact Ebay and Pay Pal about it.

I must be hyper sensitive, because the second email REALLY offended me. I was just trying to ensure proper delivery. I am actually occuring a loss on the whole deal..and alot of wasted time. I could have just sent it to Joe Nobody at the address he gave me.

BESIDES......if I would have wanted to defraud him of his purchase.....would I have bothered to email him to confirm the address?  I would have just kept the item, and made no contact.

I wrote back assuring the question was an honest one, explaining the situation again, and true to my biting, sarcastic personality, mentioned it was too bad he had to jump to the negative on my inquiry.

I guess it is THAT bad out there. I was reminded of Amy Jo's post on her Wal-Mart experience. What has happened to civility?????

Just a rant.

Naise

How's that for a title?!

Hurrah!

Our little peace of ground was just far enough inland that ol' Hanna missed us. When I checked the radar online this morning we were just miles outside of the rain band. I mean JUST. The cities nearby  were getting rain, but we were in the clear. YIPEE!!!!

Today has been a most beautiful day. The sun is out, clouds are brilliant, breeze is blowing. A great day for hanging some laundry....if I hadn't done it all in prep for the storm.

I did work in the garden a bit this morning, and Big Daddy and I walked the doggies. Very peaceful, and not what I imagined I'd be doing today.

It has been a strange Saturday however, the younger teens had a makeup day for school.  They had to get up and go at regular time, but made it home for lunch. It was a bogus day....most of the teachers didn't do anything worth showing up for. 

For the rest of the afternoon, we are going to take our place in the Great American Consumer Frenzy.....known in layman's terms as "the mall".  I rarely go to the mall, not since I had the kids. When I do, I have a target in mind. I'm locked and loaded. I'm in and out in 30min. (maybe 40... if I can't resist the way too expensive carbo. load which is a frappe).

I do enjoy a good wander through the bookstore a few times a year, and this is our destination this afternoon.  Not all the kids enjoy the bookstore, so thankfully they can divide and conquer consumer chaos, leaving me peacefully browsing the isles.

I'm sooo glad for this unexpected, unusual Saturday.

Naise

I'm not usually one to whine. As a matter of fact, there is a joke among my friends that  my tombstone will read:  "I'm dead,  deal with it"

Now, I'm not a mean spirited person, I just don't like complaining for complaining's sake. I usually like to find the humor in things....if you've read my blog, you understand.

Today, however, I'm breaking the rules.

I hurt. I am almost positive it has something to do with the storms that are blowing in......(is that possible?)  It is an all over, crushing kind of hurt. I felt the same way when the remnants of Fay came to town. Yuck. Now I know what is meant by feeling the rain in your knees or whatever. I'm feeling it all over. It's certainly slowed me down today.

Enough already.....on to brighter things happening at our place:

Our stewardship this week focused on taking care of what has been given. With the tropical storms in the Atlantic heading our way, we worked around our property in an effort to protect what we have. We trenched in the back in attempt to channel a stream farther away from our out building. In the last storm, part of the building flooded. Normally, the stream runs underground, but when we got dumped on...it ran above too. We are waiting to see how well our prepartations work.

I've enjoyed hanging our clothes on the line for the past few weeks. I like the pace of the task. I realized it gives me a chance to slow down and enjoy the process. This is something I haven't done well in my life. I rush through many things, trying to get it all done. Hanging clothes is not something I can rush through easily. Today I was able to get a load or two out before the cloud cover came in. The sun has definitely moved recently. It does not feel as strong as it had a few weeks ago. That's another thing I like... a chance to connect more with the outside world. I get that when I work in the garden, but I enjoy these other times too.

The night sky was so clear last night , The Eldest got a chance to use his telescope. He focused on Jupiter and its moons. We all got to look.  Good stuff!

I've started the task of going through our things to give away, throw away, or sell. It's amazing how quickly we can gather "stuff" we don't need, that just adds bulk to life. I am looking forward to decluttering and simplifying once again. I enjoy the process of letting go. I think this time my move toward voluntary simplicity has really kicked in to motivate me. It's been a slow process though, as storm prep. took some time this week.

We'll see how much rain Hanna gives us this evening. Hopefully it will be a quick run. After all, I can only take so much of taking it slow!

Naise

Hmmm....

Big Daddy and I were discussing hurricane preparations this evening. This is a first for us. We've lived in our area for two hurricane seasons, but they were pretty mild compared to this year. The rain we got from Fay was pretty heavy. We are watching Hanna, and thinking we need to take the old gal seriously.

 Now, living in So. Cal.,  I wasn't much of a fan of earthquakes. I've seen my share.  I'm good...don't need any more, thanks.  There is, however, something to be said for the sudden rumble of the ground beneath your feet. It's unexpected, and in a minute it's over.  The only "predictor" is what we call "earthquake weather" 

"Umm.... feels like earthquake weather." 

WHATEVER THAT IS!  Come on.... you folks from Cali. know what I'm talking about! 

Hurricanes, now that's a whole 'nother animal. One gets to watch the storm build...and wait to see what lucky state gets the hit.   BTW....how do the poor souls in the island nations of the Atlantic stand it? They get pummled over and over!

This watchful waiting stinks. I find myself on the verge of obsessively logging onto the weather report, so I can track the storms. Don't get me wrong...it's good to have an early warning. Preparations do need to be made if you are in the path. I'm glad I live in the age of technology for such things. 

BUT- with my quirky personality, it's hard for me to leave well enough alone. I ruminate on the "wonder if's"

"Wonder if's" are peace stealers. I know this. I also know Who holds my future, yet I ruminate on (usually between the hours of 2 and 4am).

There's about 80 days left in hurricane season.

Ugh. That's alot of chewin'.

Naise

Hurrah!!!!

I can say it is offically fall here. The leaves on the ground beneath the neighbor's big old tree, and the one's I drove through today prove it. My all time favorite season is finally here!!!

I just love the change of seasons. Every one brings something different to life. Just about the time you've had enough of the...cold...heat...rain..whatever, it's time for another change. I know I'm not alone in my love of fall. I wonder why so many of us list it as our favorite?

I have two treasured memories of fall when I was a child. The first... of raking leaves with my family on a Saturday, making huge piles, and jumping into them over and over. If I think about it, I can still smell the dried maple leaves. To this day, I enjoy raking leaves...good thing too, 'cause we have plenty of trees on the place!  The second...of my coming home from elementary school, to my mom making homemade applesauce. Everytime I make applesauce I remember that day, it just feels like a big hug.

So, today I celebrate, and welcome in the change of seasons...looking forward to the memories, and the new things to come.

Naise

Well, it looks as if we are going to need a few more days to dry out around here. A friend of ours with a rain gauge measured 11" in 48 hrs. That's alot of rain! The stream on our property is still flowing pretty steady.

I am glad I was ready to pull the remains of the garden, it should be easier now that the soil is wet. I'd have been heartbroken if it was producing well, but now, it's just a matter of planning for next season. 

We had a wonderful midweek break because of the storm. School was cancelled due to local flooding, so the kids were home. Big Daddy had worked the weekend, so he took the day off as well. We had a quiet day of rest. I baked some pumpkin bread (it was a humid 80+ outside, but inside....it was fall, baby!), and actually sat down to watch a movie. A rare thing indeed!

Now it's back to busy-ness as usual around here. I must fly... I have laundry to hang outside....here comes the sun!

Naise 

Ok, so it's raining, and raining, and raining. There has been barely a let up in the past 48 hrs. This morning it was pretty driving. We have a spring in the back which flows when the water level rises, and she's a flowin'  Big Time. 

I'm praying we stay in the dry. We have had such a problem with water and this house (a really bad real estate deal, lots of things not disclosed, buyer beware....yes I had an inspection...he was incompetent). It's times like this my worry-ometer pegs major.

The thing that makes me chuckle.....my little Spider Lily is on a dry island in the midst of the stream. Water is flowing rapidly on both sides, enough to knock it over for sure. There it stands, blazing red and proud to be God's handiwork, even in the midst of a torrent.

I think there's a lesson for me there.

Naise

I could see it from the kitchen window yesterday, just beyond the clothesline. It looked like a red leaf on the ground. That's not a huge surprise, since the leaves are already starting to turn, and we have two Japanese Maples in the yard. It didn't move all day, and remained a brilliant color, so later that evening I went to investigate.

It is the brightest flower I have ever seen. At the top of a single short stalk, is a head of five flowers. The flowers are brilliant red, with petals turned back, red stamen are long, tipped in bright yellow. It really is a sight. There are no other flowers around like it, and it made it's appearance in the center of the lawn. It is a mystery to me how it got there.

The Eldest and I had fun today doing some research on the little thing. It seems we have a Spider Lily. They are native to the Asian continent, and have cultural significance in both Japan and China. This variety has been naturalized in the southeast, here they are called "hurricane flowers".

I plan to make sure this little volunteer is protected. If all goes well, we should be able to transplant, and propagate a few more.

It is indeed a pleasant surprise.

Naise

I was over at gabbie427 's blog today. She posted the story of how she and her husband met. I was inspired, so I thought I'd share my story too.

I was 17 the summer between my Junior and Senior year in HS. I was searching for a summer job just before school let out, but to no avail.  I applied nearly EVERYWHERE.  Pickin's were getting pretty slim, I was running out of options.  I stopped at the "finger-lickin" poultry place for an application. When I asked for said paper, a guy next to me stopped me. He asked if I was looking for a job (duh), and mentioned he was a manager at the pizza place next door. He said I'd have a job if I wanted it, just come over and fill out an application.

So, over I went.  Application. Interview. Hired. My first summer job, my first taste of independence. We were quite the crew at the pizza place. Some of us were out of school, some were still in, some were just out of the military, some just out of jail ( I did say "quite" a crew, right). I had the most fun at that job, and stayed there through high school, and into my freshman year of college.  I didn't actually meet Big Daddy for a several days. I worked the drink counter, he worked making pizzas, we were on opposite sides of the place. 

I don't remember quite "how" we met. I believe it was through his brother (who also worked with us). One night, several days later, anyway.... I asked him to come hang out with some friends and I after work. The rest, as they say, is history.

 We dated for 4 years as a formality. He had asked me to marry him 6 months after we started dating.  At that time I wasn't about to go running to mom and dad. "Guess what!!!! I'm 17, and.... engaged."   Right.  In my family, that would have been grounds for a 72 hr. hold. I was surely in emminent danger of hurting myself, and / or others.

Now, almost 20 years later, with a daughter of my own....I KINDA understand where they were coming from. KINDA.

OK, OK, I know.  The only  reason you are reading this self absorbed babbling is to find out about the Buick, so here's the rest of the story:   

 I actually recieved the Lord as my Savior in the backseat of Big Daddy's '68 Buick Riviera. Sometime during that summer, while parked in the alley behind Big Daddy's parents house, my future husband led me to meet my Lord. 

 And he's been with me as I've approached the Throne many times since. 

 Ah, prayer's such a sweet journey.

Now,  20 + years later, with a daughter of my own....I'm left wondering how I'm going to tiptoe around this issue. "NO, it is not alright to go park in --------'s car."      "I know your father and I did it."     "I didn't inhale...I mean,... I wasn't saved at the time."     "Yes, God can work miracles anywhere, but let's find another place for an Enlightenment, shall we."    

AHHHHHH!   Parenthood's such a SWEET (sarcastic emphasis added)  journey.

I have marveled many times at how my life changed because Dan wanted some fried chicken that day. I got a job, a husband, and salvation. Poor Dan got some chicken.  The Lord has shown me how He is in control of  the big and the little things....... including my choice of lunch.

Naise

Burpykitty and I had a great chat yesterday (thanks for calling....I had a chance to load the dishwasher, clean up the counters, start dinner.....why sit still and talk on the phone.....cell phones were created so we can get more done, not just sit....something Big Daddy will never understand!!!!! HA!)

I had mentioned I was feeling as if at any moment I could drop all the balls I currently have in the air. It has been a busy summer. Trying to overhaul so many areas at once has been a challenge. There have been plenty of successes....and yes, some failures, too.

The change in mindset has been the biggest success. I look at so many areas of my life differently now. Trying to overhaul time management and resources has required a moment by moment analysis of my behavior. This in itself, is somewhat draining. Finding new ways to do things, and use things better, is exciting, as I anticipate results. Keeping up with the changes, and not reverting back to old ways, is a little more difficult. Remember my PDD? Here's where it rears it's ugly head. How many days does it take to change a habit?

My diet....yeah...not so much a success. Burpykitty asked about it as I was downing my iced mocha. "Diet?....oh yeah...that."...slurp...."Uh, huh,....still workin' on it." I think this is the area where my motivation lags.

The garden...both a success, and a failure, as it didn't produce as well as I'd hoped. The good thing is that most of the beds are made, and will require a whole lot less prep the next go round. A learning process for sure as this gal from the 'burbs, who until recently was known best for her ability to kill off any houseplant within two weeks, attempts to feed her family by the sweat of her brow. Honestly.....Big Daddy used to refer to my special talent with plants as "Loving it to death". So what do I expect...this is gonna take some time!

No poo?, you ask.  Well, that's a bit personal...No, I haven't made up my mind on NO SHAMPOO yet. I can't decide whether I like it or not. I'm still at it, but reserve the right to use SHAMPOO in any given moment of weakness.

Powering down? Electricty Free Nights? Actually, my teens are crying for more "Free" nights. We haven't been as diligent on this as I'd like. However, the gas bill was down last month. HURRAH!

So, that's the update. On board are more changes, and challenges. A definite "work in progress". I am so enjoying this season of growth. Hopefully, it will bear much fruit!

Good stewardship to ya,

Naise

I decided to have fun with this one word-er. It will be a challenge for me. I so enjoyed reading it on Amy Jo, and Lady Beale's blogs....here you go!

1. Where is your cell phone?  table

2. Your significant other? steadfast

3. Your hair? curly

4. Your mother? passed

5. Your father? same

6. Your favorite thing? chenille

7. Your dream last night? disturbing

8. Your favorite drink? JAVA!

9. Your dream/goal? simplicity

10. The room you are in? kitchen

11. Your church? home

12. Your fear? cancer

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? homestead

14. Where were you last night? here

15. What you're not? quiet

16. Muffins? allergic

17. One of your wish list items? bookshelves

18. Where you grew up? 'burbs

19. The last thing you did? conversed

20. What are you wearing? earings

21. Your TV? Olympics

22. Your pets? cute

23. Your computer? slow

24. Your life? redeemed

25. Your mood? contented

26. Missing someone? Burpykitty

27. Your car? paid

28.Something you're not wearing? shoes

29. Favorite store? Lowes

30. Your summer? fleeting

31. Like (love) someone? many

32. Your favorite color? blue

33. Last time you laughed? today

34. Last time you cried? Friday

35. Who will repost this? you?

A friend of ours called this evening to say he found some clothesline poles.......FOR FREE!!!!!  Ha! Just about the time I was getting REALLY frustrated. Big Daddy and I have been at this clothesline thing for most of the summer.  It seemed every avenue we went down to try to obtain poles, ended  up in a dead end.

Yet God had a better plan. He provided the poles, and at no cost.  I call that a double blessing!  So, with this I am humbled once again. All I needed to do in this whole thing was to be patient.  I, however, have Patience Defecit Disorder.

Patience Deficit Disorder, or PDD, is an not so rare, but serious condition.

PDD results in a strong desire to take control of any situation in life which is not resolved in a microwave minute. Symptoms of PDD include, but are not limited to: a general wondering why everything YOU try doesn't work out the way you think it should.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, God's Word and prayer can help. Taken daily, God's Word and prayer have been shown to decrease symptoms of PDD.

Unlike other medications, God's Word and prayer have no uwanted side effects. In additon, God's Word and prayer may be taken with Fellowship as needed.

Consult the Great Physican if you experience: anger,  or lack of faith, as these may be signs of a more serious condition.

Extra doses may be required if you have children, are pregnant, or may become pregnant.

Don't wait! Contact the Great Physican today to see if God's Word and prayer is right for you.

I think I need to up my dose.

Naise

B-The Eldest- thanks for your help with this post!

I thought I wasn't too fond of Ms. Fru-gal (frugal, that word just grates). Then I came across this "No-Poo" concept, and I have a whole 'nother word to give me the heebees. Sounds like something I need to consult a physician about.

So, I'm trying NO SHAMPOO, and so far have had pretty good results.

First let me introduce you to my hair. I have ALOT of it. ALOT. If you come within two feet of me, you will have ALOT of my hair too. I shed. It's thick, and long, curly, and color treated (yeah, I'm vain like that). I know that I am sensitive to many hair product ingredients,  especially in shampoos. So, it makes sense for me to try an alternative if possible.

When we came back from Cali. a few weeks ago, my hair was a mess. While we were there, the change of climate, water softness, and humidity, all added up to a tangle of frizz . Oh so pleasant. Here I was, seeing relatives and friends for the first time in years (some nearly 20 yrs.), and my hair looked something akin to "light socket Linda".  When something takes up that much of your personal space, you don't want it to be a hazard to others. I could have poked someone's eye out or something.

I figured, what better time then now to try something new. Probably couldn't get much worse. I was, however, concerned about the effect on my color.

So far, so good. I'm using a baking soda recipie every few days for my scalp. I rinse my hair every time I want to style it (because of the curl). I still use my usual hair spray. I do notice I'm not wanting to wash it every day like I did with regular shampoo. I don't like dirty hair, so this is a big thing for me. It's had no effect on my color that I can tell. (Probably better for it, since I'm not washing so much anyway)  I may want to use "poo" once in a while. I'm leaving that option open. Overall, I'm pleased.

Anyone else out there tried this? If so, what do you use, and how's it workin' for ya?

Naise

Ok, so I blog about stewardship, about how we are trying our best to respect what we've been given;  I'm feeling pretty satisfied with our progress. We're doin' alright. Cruisin'. Then....BAMMO! I'm made aware this morning of a new area Big Daddy wants to overhaul.

Our "diet"

Ugh...

Well, to be fair, he actually said "his" diet, but we all know, in a marriage, one does not go it alone. Of course, the old bod needs to be overhauled, or rather, hauled over (as in: "hauled over to the computer", then "hauled over" to the coffeepot, then "hauled back over" to the computer). No, really it's not that bad...or I'm in denial.

Anyway.......I can't deny, and this is why I "ugh", the diet thing fits right into the stewardship thing. Great.

This means I really need to make some changes. As my good friend Burpykitty knows, I've been making changes for about the last ten years. I still need to make changes....what does that tell you? Uh huh, not so good on the changes thing as far as diet goes.

So what's the problem? The issue? The big road block? I'm addicted to beans. No.. not the green kind, or the "musical fruit" kind.... the roasted kind(s). The kinds that make lovely warm (and cold) beverages. The kinds that make Mr. Seratonin get all happy. Yes....my good friends- coffee and chocolate.

I have tried in the past to leave these two companions, along with their good buddies wheat and sugar. Ah, but to no avail. I always go back. You see, they like to ring Mr. Seratonin's cell, and leave voicemail. (Ok, that was kind of creepy, but someone out there knows what I'm talking about, right?)

So, now I'm in the stewardship/serious addiction conundrum. Oh yeah, this one's gonna be rough. Luckily, I've got Big Daddy doing the overhaul right along with me. He deals with things with steely determination. Once said....then done. "Today I will change my diet." Then he proceeds to eat only raw foods for the remainder of the day.  For me, it's more like..."Today I will change my diet".....until 3pm, when I can no longer remain vertical..... just in time to make dinner....."ring, ring"......Two cups o-java later, and about a handfull of whatever sugar is available..."Tomorrow I will change my diet."  And so it goes. I'm hoping Big Daddy will offer support.       I need an intervention.

This stewardship overhaul is up for prayer.

I'll keep you posted.

Naise

 Frugality.....I really don't like that word. It makes me think of a mean-spirited middle school teacher with a big ruler...Ms. Fru-gal. I prefer the word "stewardship", which reallly emcompases more than just money issues...but I digress.

Around here we have undertaken a huge stewardship overhaul. Of late we've looked around and found all kinds of places where resources evaporate unawares. Most of the new things we are doing are really a return to the old ways. You know....use it up, wear it out, make do...etc. Cooking more and more from scratch is keeping the grocery budget on track, even as prices rise.  We have begun to view running the household like running a business (I'm taking a written inventory of the pantry, fridge, and cupboards. I'll be starting a price book for grocery shopping). Purchases are limited, the use of resources is restrained. (See previous post on "Electricity Free Nights")  In our garden we have implemented the same philosophy by using no till, double dug beds this season. There are few areas untouched by the overhaul. It's been a challenge, but so worth it.

For myself, the newest addition to the overhaul is to limit the amount of mass media/marketing I ingest. I no longer reach for the magazines provided by my doctor's/ dentist's office to entertain me while I wait. I bring my own reading materials. I  turn off or mute the commercials when I watch the tube (cutting the umbilical cord sattelite service, is on the list of to-do's). I find it sooo much easier to focus on what my real needs are without all the extra imput.

We do not have any one area down perfectly, and we're not total hard-core green maniacs ( I love my air conditioning when it's 98 and 90% humidity here in the South). It's more of a stumble, start again, growing process. We are loving the challenge, the stretching, and the growth. Big Daddy (as we were watching our clothes flit in the breeze, on the line at his mom's home, during our vacation), said it well...."It just feels good to know you haven't used a bit of consumable energy to dry 'em."

The stewardship overhaul is our way of showing respect for the things the Lord has given us. It's really a small thing to give the One who gave all.

Naise

Ah, home is wonderful!

We hit the ground running when we returned from vacation, and it took about a week to get everything back to "normal" (whatever that is!) around here. We haven't had an "electricity free night" yet, but it's on the calendar for later in the week. It's amazing when you are gone for a while, how much more you appreciate your little nest.

We are still waiting for the clothesline poles. Wow! try to order some of those. It seems they've had a run on clothesline poles lately. Everyone we talk to has them on back order. So, apparently, there are lots of fools like me who want to add a little (who am I kidding...a lot) more work to their day in exchange for a smaller footprint, and lower energy bills. I am about ready to go knocking on some doors around here. I drive around town and see lots of empty poles just waiting for some frugal fool (yours truly, again) to come dig the "unsightly"  things up. Hmmm, will my patience, or my frugality win out? Only time will tell.  Meanwhile, I tumble dry.

Naise