Staking Out the Foundation

Dave came out last night to lay out the outline for our new house. He brought along two helpers.
How 'bout this for trust?!
View from our front porch!

How exciting to see a real beginning. Drew took his friend who is going to dig out the foundation and build the driveway up to see the site this morning. The man from the sewerage department is coming sometime this week. We have to apply for a permit to build a septic system. We are praying they will allow a traditional system with a tank and leech bed. It would be ten to fifteen thousand dollars cheaper than a sand mound. A sand mound is unsightly and a pain in the neck, often not functioning properly.

More later, nap time.

Time Flies or Grace Poured Out

Wow! Seems like just yesterday I was birthin' baby cows. Friday and Saturday have flown past with lightening speed.

I have been VERY busy the last few days...busy not drinking any COFFEE. I visited a few doctor earlier this week and he ordered a ton of tests. Yes, a real live ton. On Wednesday I had 27 tubes of blood drawn. The lab tech did not even get the joke about me needing a cooking and a glass of Orange Juice. Heh, lab rats. Anyway, the 12 hour fast prior to the blood draw, was not big deal since I slept threw 8 hours of it. Here comes the good part though, additionally, I had to give a urine sample. Minor graphic info to follow: the sample had to be collected for 24 hours. Yikes and double yuck! Drew misheard me when I first told him and he thought I was not allowed to pee for 24 hours. Oh yea, like that could happen.

To prepare for this grand mission I needed to fast...hold on, to fast alcohol (no problem), tea (no problem), vanilla (say what?), and yes...COFFEE. Coffee, can you imagine, me no coffee for three days. The very thought of it sent me into a near panic. Drew offered to send me to a hotel so no one else would have to deal with me. I feigned offense and should have taken him up on it, but then I would have missed all the excitement of the last days. No fun there.

Here's the thing though, I am on my way to sleep, pee in the morning and then have my first cup of coffee in four days. I survived. More than survived, it was not all that bad. A few times I caught a whiff of Drew's coffee and nearly broke over, but somehow I persevered. Truth be told, I know it was the Grace of God.

I drink a lot of coffee, way too much I am sure. I only had one headache, the first night. I have probably drank two gallons of hot chocolate, though it came nowhere near satisfying my need for a fix. Still the cravings were minimal and the real pain almost nonexistent. I know it was a miracle. I know it. I believe God used this in my life to show me that I can survive true hardship, OK...a bit of tongue in cheek. But physiologically, this should have been very difficult for me. I decided early on to not look at the grand scheme of the whole four days, but to only take one day or part of a day at a time. To break the ordeal down into manageable time periods. I ate a little extra dark chocolate. I don't drink soda, so Pepsi held not draw. It may have helped with the caffeine, but my coffee addiction goes way beyond a caffeine thing. I gracefully felt the Hand of God in my life easing me through the days.

I only had faith for the moment, for the day at hand, but that was all, enough, of what I needed. When we try to out worry the grace of God then we run in to trouble. Each day has enough worries of its own. Praise God for small lessons that teach us big things. Going without coffee, is not a true hardship, but to me it was difficult. But God is bigger than all our trials and loves us through even the most minuscule. His love shows no partiality to the big or large; He gently covers all.

What a Beautiful a Night

Above we have a calf only a few minutes old, below ah well, don't look if you're squeamish. The little guy was still a fetus. Ha,
Jer got his first experience at "pulling a calf". She tried for several minutes, maybe ten to fifteen when Drew knotted up a couple pieces of twine and made a makeshift set of pulling chains. He tied one piece of twine around each front leg, then he and I pulled, straight back and down a little. We waited until you could see #4 was pushing and then we pull. Jer and I switched places and they pulled and pulled. A little bit at a time the huge calf began to slide out of its straining mama. We could tell as soon as the head emerged that it was a BIG calf. I was so proud of Jer.

I had been to a meeting with some friends, worship and teaching; and feeling kinda up. I had told Drew I would run up to the barn and check on the cows. We had been waiting on this girl for several days. As soon as I turned the corner of the barn I saw the little black and white feet.

Tonight was incredible. I must get some sleep, as it is after midnight, but Jer asked me how it was to go from a worship meeting to birthing a cow. How could I answer otherwise, pretty darn good. The warm fuzzies are still buzzing through my heart and mind, but my body cries out for rest. It was a miracle and we got to be there. Possibly if we had not the new guy may not have made it. God's grace abounded tonight. How exciting to have been a witness and partaker or new life.

Cute Baby Pics Coming

Yep, thems my grandbabies. And Allen of course.

Today we lost another baby calf. The mama gave birth to her in a sloppy gully where the water runs off the hill. Calves come out front hooves and nose first. She landed in the mud and drowned. All this death seems so senseless. This was a veteran mother she just picked a really lousy birthing room. Jer found her and she was still warm. A few moments earlier and we may have saved her.

Still, I know God is in control. We walk confident in His Grace and Mercy. Because He promises, I know He will redeem our losses and bind up our grieving hearts. Even though we have challenging trials, we continue to work hard with our living animals. Kia Sunrise is struggling and Drew gave her a couple shots and some stomach medicine. She seemed better already. We sent out to the feedlot the two mothers we had with our little orphan Annie, or 1A as she is now tagged. The cow who lost her baby this morning is the new adopted mother. The other two; 6 & 7(Cheeseburger) were already marked as meat, so we are hoping #1, who we plan on keeping, will take on this poor foster calf. Its an arithmetic thing.
OK, must get some sleep.
Jesus Reigns Supreme

Death Surrounds; LIFE Abounds

Story to follow at eleven...

Kia Sunrise

We had a live birth this morning. Probably while Drew was at the sunrise service at the Plumcreek Brethren Church across our creek this morning. A huge black, gray, and white, mama cow gave birth to the sweetest little red heifer. Drew named her Kia Sunrise. Her mama's nickname is Kia, because she is a Kia/Angus cross breed. Interestingly, Drew does not usually name the cows; Jer has some tag for most of them, but typically Drew sticks to the numbers. We have 5, and 12, and 50. We have a 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Ha. Number 7 is an old Kia baby. She is the one I have nicknamed, "Cheeseburger" because she bunted me across the shed the other day. Heh...we all know where she is going. Yes Rob, she is MEAT!!

Below is a picture of Jer flying a kite, on the hillside just below where we are going to build our new home. The woods behind and to the left will be directly, like 20 feet, behind our sun porch at the rear of the house, which will be accessed from the kitchen and our master bedroom. The house will face the west and south, overlooking at least half the new farm. The cow barn and pastures will be to the front and lower left of the front porch, and the horses will be due west, or to the right of the house.
The living room and dining room will have excellent views of the farm and because of the height of the property we will be able to see as far as 422 west of Elderton. The sun will set in that direction and be able to be enjoyed from almost anywhere on the farm, but most visibly from the front porch and living room. Also from the master suite, which will include a sitting area, walk-in-closet, and shower ROOM with a ceiling mounted rain shower head. No tub, since I cannot climb in and out of one anyways.

Jer's room, a library, mudroom/cloak room, and a large laundry room that is not also a bathroom. The living room, dining room, and kitchen will be kind of a large open area, with hardwood floors and tongue and groove paneling on the walls, stained a rustic green in the dining/kitchen area, and sort of butter yellow in the living room. Huge windows in the living room to catch the great view and let in lots of vitamin D. NO dead animals or dead animal parts are allowed on the walls, but lots of period lighting, furnishings, and accessories throughout. Late 1900's farm/ranch, the upscale type. Think Ponderosa. Of course.

Saturday morning before I had fifteen people in my home, the old one, for Easter dinner; we had our biggest farm tragedy yet this spring. Drew called me at around 7:15, he had just pulled the feet of a dead bull calf out of the heifer we have been watching all week. She was in the barn because we had been concerned she would have trouble. We had checked one her around nine-thirty the night before and she seemed fine. Because of tonight's late hour, and the gore of the details, just let me say a lot or her that should of stayed in: came out. The calf was completely born, it had not been unable to crawl away, and the mom was paralysed from the hips down.
Climbing out of a deep groggy sleep, I made coffee, collected some cow drugs, clean rags, and extra gloves.
Filled the thermos and lumbered to the truck. Waking up FAST is not an easy task for me. Drew and I got her up with her legs under her, a better position, and propped hay bales around her to keep her upright.
The vet came. We all worked hard. The little mama seemed to rally and was coming around. (the vet got all the "stuff" back in) Nuff said. She was getting an IV and perking up, when she shuddered a few times and passed away. Our dear young vet stood up and said a cuss word. I walked away. Drew leaned back on a post. She was gone just like that.

This weekend we celebrate LIFE because Jesus died and yet lived. So though we were dead we can yet live. And, I believe we can live abundantly; not based on what happens in our lives, for good or for bad. But because a simple country carpenter, was the God of the Universe, and He lived, and died; as a man and as our Saviour. Who can understand it? Not I. But I know it to be true. My life depends on it...on His Life, on His Death. I can rest. I can cry. I can cook, and I can serve. Can have dinner with my young men, their women, and my man. We laugh. We hope. I sin, and I repent. I love my God, and I love my life.

I took this picture a little later after we lost our heifer because these cows made me laugh. I call it "Chop on my Face" and I think it is funny. Drew has a picture of me sitting on some hay bales leaning into our suffering cow. I was trying to help her stay on her belly. I'll not post it. This weekend we Celebrate.

Been Gone too Long

I know I have been away too long. I am going to nap now but will be full of exciting info and updates after while. Big family meal yesteday, cow stuff, shopping with Drew, and yes I will give some thoughts on my new home. Happy Easter Sunday Afternoon!!!

More Down on the Farm

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, .I KNOW that He will care for me..
Look closely, they are fighting. Must have forgotten who owns them.
Phots by Nathaniel Kimmel

Monday at the Cow Farm

Today was an exciting day. My vet was here this morning. Poco, Jer's pony's eyes were swollen huge this morning, couldn't even see his eyeballs. Turns out it is probably an allergic reaction of some sort. We got some drops and other medicine to give him for a few days. He seems better already this evening; good enough for me to ride for a little while. Janet and Joey, and Jer and Sonny rode up on the hill until I was able to join them.

I had been at the cow farm dealing with a new calf that was born this morning. We were concerned at first that she may not have been feeding or caring for it. We chased the mom all over the hill trying to get her into the barn so we could make sure she was going to nurse the new little bull calf. Drew and I even tried to bottle feed the baby to make sure he got something to eat. His total lack of interest in the milk replacer gave hint to the hope that he had eaten and was better off than we had assumed. I had prayed that God would help the situation to improve and that Drew would see God's goodness and mercy. Just as we were getting into the trucks to head home Ned and Drew caught sight of the baby and mama together; she was licking its back and our new bull was eating heartily.

Dinner was not served until nine this evening, so despite the late hour I am still awake. Time to change that situation. Good night and God Bless you and yours.

Rainy Days n Fridays

No picture today. I am beat. Our adopted baby is doing better, better as in her mama is going quietly into the head gate and kicking at her less passionately. We had two vets at our barn today. They recomended giving her a bottle of milk replacer, calf baby formula,t once a day and to keep sticking her on the mama.

The vets were here today because we had another calf stuck this afternoon. He was a big fella, brave too. He and his mama fought very hard to save his life, but in the end it was not to be. He was all birthed except for his hind quarters. He lay in the hay while Drew and two vets pulled and twisted trying to get his hips released. He blinked a few times and was gone. The pulling chains were moved from his tiny, well not tiny enough, front feet, to his rib cage. Soon the little balck bull with a white belly him lay limp on the shed floor. All attention was turned to the mother who was still down and not moving. We know now that she may have a few pinched nerves that could keep her down for a few days. She should recover. Still she is a small cow and probably will not be rebred. We will feed her out and send her to the butcher. Kind of a sad ending to such a brave little cow.

Another day walking in His Mercy and Trusting His Goodness. Farm life.

Glorious Day!!

Whooppee! Lovin the sunshine.

Me Make Fun?

Truely Vic, if I was gonna make fun of someone, it would be Robert. Well, I guess there was the whole cow/horse thing. But hey, your neurosis are you problem, I have way enough of my own. Any time you want to slip back into being "Tori" is OK by me. We all need an official alter ego; it just saves time. No sense in pretending.

Below are our two new calves. The little red with a black mama is a replacement for the one we lost. We are working and praying to get #6 to accept the little girl. So far we still have to tie her and twist her tail up over her back (really) to get her to let the wee one nurse. But she is not kicking it near so much as the first day. The second pic is the Big and Little Red, the players in the hillside birth. Both are doing very well. Adopted red is a third the size as "Little Red" and she is three weeks old, not having a mother and only having been bottle fed she is much behind were she should be. It is super way past my bed time. So no profound or funny stories for tonight. Wanted to get the babies pictures up. Too cute huh?




ps notice the tag in "Little Red's" ear...its bigger than her ear :}

Protection Plus

Due to the recent spam comments I have enabled the word verification system. Lets see if this keeps out nasty intruders. Thanks. Any problems, email me.
Thanks,
Sandy

Read next post first...

If you are stopping by for the first time today skip back and read what was writted earlier first. Like chapter one.

Chapter two
Rob, the quality is bad, but you still may want to avoid the picture.

We lost our first calf of the season this morning. The vet is pulling a very large bull calf from a very young mama, a worst case scenario. Had the calf been smaller or the first year cow larger a different outcome may have come to pass. A very disappointing first birth.
Only a few hours later our second calf of the year arrived, a healthy red heifer (baby girl cow). The poor little girl in her efforts to stand and nurse kept rolling down the hill much to the chagrin of her bawling mama. Red as she is affectionately called gave birth on a very steep, very goopy hillside. Drew carried the baby up to the back of the barn where we made a little nursery area. They have no roof, but the ground is level and firm. Little Red, or Fire as Jer calls her is strong and nursing off of her third year mama.

While I was toweling off our new baby and coaxing it to stand a two year old steer (neutered boy cow) kept trying to lick my face and chew on my hair. Drew has pics and I will try and post them later. Typically by now this guy would have already taken the long ride to the butcher shop, but because he was a bottle fed orphan his growth is retarded and he is still hardly big enough to produce a very large steak. He has always been a bit of a pet so who knows his future. I am sure he has heard the rumors and was "licking up" today.

As a side note our vet is a home school graduate from Marion Center who attended Penn state and then Cornell University for his vet training. A circle of life kind of thing. All so interesting after this mornings musings that the day would take these kinds of turns. And in the end, a peace reigns. I am sure God is pleased with the day He has make. I am.

New List

I erased Cool's name from the dry erase board in the feed room today. I moved everyone under her up a space. It was not as momentous as I had expected. Just a new season. Passing from one era to the next always means leaving behind and forging ahead. God promises Good will come. In faith I wait.

As spring approaches new life is always around the corner.
I had dug up a bunch of spring bulbs last fall/summer thinking I would replant them somewhere else. I left them lay until they appeared ruined. Thinking I could go ahead and stick them in the ground somewhere I put them away in a safe place. Guessed right? I have no idea where they are. The other day I was heading to the house from the barn. I bent over to clean some leaves and dead stuff out of a the flower bed by the back deck. Searching for signs of new life, daisy spouts or whatever might give a hint towards coming sunshine; what did I see? Yep, several surviving daffodil or tulips or whatever are poking their green heads up out of the frozen ground. I am not sure what will bloom, but despite my carelessness God has redeemed my blunder and allowed fresh growth to appear. As always He is the Creator Redeemer. And I am forever grateful.

Truth be told, their is much in this spring that will bring change in my life. Today I wait for my Jesus to redeem, restore, rebuild, and renew all that lies behind. And with each passing day in the new adventures that are unfolding I trust He will provide courage, mercy, and strength.

Mad Cow...I AM NOT A HORSE

Pay attention Vic...this is a cow. I am wondering maybe your screen the contrast or color adjusted. It is a PC so I guess I can see where you might make the mistake, but sheeesh. I may need to send Poco for therapeutic counsel; he is so distraught. I can only say I am glad it was not one of my hormonal mares, especially the filly who caught the dig. I would have to order horsey Midol by the case lot.

Poco n Me Along Plumcreek

Started out as a simple trot around the ring; until I decided to take a stroll around the yard, which led to a tromp across the snow covered corn field, and then a walk along the creek bank. Wow! What a morning. And the Glory of the Lord shown, and rippled, and chirped all around.

Sunday Night Lights

The Florida gang in front of one of our favorite restaurants

Oops, just published before I wrote anything. Silly me. I have already backspaced four times and not written twenty words. May be a brief post. Here at Stillwater Farms the lights this Sunday night are dim. Drew is watching rural TV at its best, Jer has retired for the evening and I am due to follow shortly. My energy meter ran out early today and a long nap and two cups of coffe could not refuel it. No worries.

Sadly I missed the benift concert for Ian. I wimped out due to the weather, well there was another reason. Jer had friends over who were going to go with us. Plans changed and they had to go home early so their dad coming to pick them up would conflict with us being in town. The combination of that and everyone being Friday tired kept the Drew Kimmel clan at home. I heard that the concert was a huge success and that many $$ were raised. Praise God!!

I am going to start serious work on preparing to move this week. I may not get past the planning stage, but even that would be a real step in a positive direction. We have lived here over 22 years. Hard to believe really. I had never lived anywhere more than four years prior to this. Compound my 22 years times six other people's stuff and you may have an idea what I am up against. Even with two and one half of the seven having moved out, very little of their "stuff" went with them.

I need to be gentle with myself this week though. Jer has two basketball games, a practice; I have home group, and a doctors appointment. Monday after school we go straight to the Murphy's for Jer's tutoring. Yikes. But Lynne and I have a small plans for Wednesday and Friday morning. Lynn is the woman who has been helping me around the house. OK, she cleans, does laundry and all the other tasks that I don't do. Ali still gets my groceries and comes in a few hours a week but her growing family and work load keeps her from working the hours I need/want. I have already been going from room to room making mental lists of what I want to move and what is going to the garbage or to a moving sale. Considering my mental capacity I would do well to commit theses lists to print of paper.

Nine thirty, time for me to shut off the lights completely. Thank you Lord for being patient with me today. Thank you for a good word this morning from Mark. Thank you for a wonderful family and great friends. Bring all my sons into your Kingdom. In your Name,
Amen

Leap Year Babies

What do those who are born on February 29th do about their birthdays on the in-between years? I mean I am sure they, or their parents, the day the are born, just have to pick another day to celebrate, March 1 or February 28. I have wondered about this in the past but not to the place of serious thought.

For some odd reason I wondered about this birthday dilemma today, out loud, to a friend. I do not think most of us really give a hoot. I know I never did before. But babies will be born today and will not have another birth DATE for four more years. When you are small you could care less, I mean who at one year of age knows the difference between one day or the next. You eat, sleep, poop, go to grandma's; could be any old day. It's when we get older that we/I crave the adulation that comes with God allowing us another year here in the fallen world.

Anyway, Happy Birthday to all you leap year babies out there. I could give you several of mine it you'd like to catch up...

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Baby Mia

I had the tune in my head but could not remember the right words. The wind was bitter; the sky gloomy(most of the day), and I had make the trip to Kittanning TWICE today. So what made the day beautiful? I guess the pricking of my spirit with the knowledge that we can be content in all things. And content does not mean just enduring, putting up with, or eeking by. But I believe it means a relaxed peaceful enjoyment in our lives as they are, sort of an "as is" kind of acceptance.

The icy wind that bit at my cheeks, dove under my collar and around my neck and reminded me how alive I am. The hardness of the bricks under my boots as I tromp from one end of the barn to the other allows even my feeble legs to feel sturdy and strong. Warm horse breath on the back of my neck brings a smile to my frozen face as the huge creatures bend their graceful neck to show their appreciation for the days hay, and a clean stall. Well not so sure they care about the clean stall, but truly they want a neck scratching or muzzle rub just like any house pet. Each with their own personality they give and receive affection on their terms and in their own manner of demonstration.

Today life felt good. Every day God is good; all His gifts are good; so no matter what every day is good, regardless of how I feel. Knowing this and walking it out in faith is an exceptional thing. But today I did not have to just go on in faith. Today God blessed me with the deep inner sense of "yes, this day is Good." Which made the day all the sweeter. Not a special day by any means, a little wearing by some standards. But crisp clean air, dinner smiles and laughter with my family, and a little damp horse breath, all bathed in the Grace and Glory of the Lord came together to create on beautiful day in my neighborhood.

Is it any wonder

In case anyone is wondering...we did make it home safely. I am truly happy to be home, cold weather and all. I missed my horses and I did miss my other kids, and my friends. You know me, I could not stand the fact that I was enjoying all that sunshine and warm weather when my dear ones were freezing their way through icy dark days. Took some of the fun out of it all.

Seems like we are to get another blast of winter weather. Drew says big storm tonight. He is snoring right now which is kind of funny since he was sure he was not going to be able to fall asleep so early.

I am beginning to feel a bit better. I know God is the same today, and yesterday, and will be the same tomorrow, but still I waver, wondering if all will be well. From my perspective some days just do not seem like hope abounds. But it does. Not because I believe it does but because He says it does. My believing has not one thing to do with it. My believing only changes me. When I choose to believe, I choose faith, and faith builds hope. All empowered by the Holy Spirit yes, but it is our/my opening my hand and heart to receive that allows God to do the work He chooses to do. It's like Dorothy, there's no place like home, and what we are searching for is usually in our own back yard. Heh?

And Vic, what happened today?

North: Night Two

I love being here...

Mom and Jer lounging in the villa



Horse and cowboy gag at Arabian Nights...poor quality pic but very funny


Much better accommodations. Tonight we are nestled into deep cushioned Hampton Inn beds. Bathroom is well stocked; right down to a packaged make-up remover wipe. Oh yea. Extra towels, complete with nap, and on the large size. Hand towels and washcloths. Yippee!! The quilts on the beds DO NOT slide to the floor every time you inhale or exhale. I believe the cotton fibers are the saving grace factor compared to the low grade high sheen polyester of last night's linens.

Drew and I figured out how to gracefully get to choose which hotel we stay at without having to seem like snobs. Since we lead and our loved ones follow as we drive; we simply drove until exhaustion and hunger became such powerful forces that all other modes of reason were defunct. We searched the Internet for a Red Lobster, not a fourth Cracker Barrel, to serve as our dinner stop. And surprise, surprise a Hampton Inn was perched demurely on the hill across the highway from the restaurant. After gorging our selves on shrimp and pasta at the McDonald's of seafood all the weary over-full travelers could think of was a hot shower and bed. It didn't hurt that it had begun to snow while we were dining and the darkness was thick and damp. "how 'bout that place up on the hill over there?" the innocents inquire. "Why yes, that would probably due, might be a little pricey though."
"Oh, who cares, we are cold and tired, and its right there..."

And here we are.
I know I am keeping Drew up with my key pecking. Truly we did not plan the hotel caper, it just worked out that way. But the lesson learned should be remembered. Ya think?

Of course I do believe God rewarded our willingness to give so unselfishly last night and Drew and I even discussed how we did not want to have bad attitudes but wanted to be a blessing to our family. It gave us an opportunity today to talk a bit about how seek ways to humbly serve. OK, not that it was a long discussion but it did happen. Our God is so good and so patient with me and mine.

Tomorrow we make our last push home, through the forecasted storm. I am ready and prayerfully our angels will be also as we slip slide north to Shelocta.

North: Night One

Here we are at the Motel 6. Keep in mind I am a bit of a hotel snob. I dearly love the folks we are traveling with but, their choice in overnight accommodations is a bit on the well... cheap side. Not even any soap in the tub, let alone shampoo or nice lotion. The beds are adequate, sheets fair, two small pillows. Alas, as always an opportunity to for grace to abound and me to die to my flesh. Oops, Drew just found the soap, so yes to soap, not to shampoo. 'Course I have shampoo in the bag.
Again, vacation, traveling all provide many chances to test our faith and our willingness to die to our own feeble flesh. Living with other folks in a big home in the middle of a big field can be challenging but traveling in a car or even two cars with friends or family, sharing a small home with almost no yard will really stretch ya. On vacation we all have our own preconceived ideas of what the holiday should provide for US...ourselves. I know I did. I guess I may have left my "serve my family" convictions at home. Jesus expects us to take Him and His rules of behavior with us even on vacation.
Understand, I/we all had a great time, most of the time. But my selfish heart did spend some of the time grumbling about silly disappointments and interrupted naps. Ha...I want to expound my my computer battery is low and the cord is stretched across the room only two thirds of the way up the bed, means my arms are uncomfortable to the point of cramping. Guess I will have to continue True Confessions tomorrow. Know that God does not allow us to walk long in selfishness if listen even from a distance. Thank you God for pulling me back and drawing me in.

Photos, Fotos, and Pics

No Jer, Don't Jump!!
Drew and Sandy @ best steak house in Orlando. Probably why he is smiling

Sandy and Cynthia...while the drugs were working...

Jer having an absolute blast at Sea World


Jer wanted his picture WITH the horse, as in pay the money stand on the other side of the railing.
Leaving for home in the morning, should be in Shelocta some time Friday. We take a lot longer to make the trip then back in the old days, no more driving straight through. Less kids, more kinks in the knees and hips...

Sunny Saturday

Jeremiah turned 12 on Wednesday. So hard to believe. Here he is serving his cake and modeling his new shirt form Uncle Glenn and Aunt Sam.
I only have a few minutes. I am supposed to be napping; we are leaving for dinner at 4:30 and then off to the rodeo. Yesterday we went to Sea World, we have pictures on Jer's camera (he got for his birthday) I will post them soon. Today has been a relaxing day 'cept for now that I have to power nap. Not something I do well.

Much later in the day...after my nap; we got back from the rodeo. We went to dinner at Smoky Bones and then to a local rodeo that is always going every year when we are here. I have to shut out the light and get some sleep. I want to write just seems like I can't get the energy and time at the same time.
God's Grace abounds. Always.

Sunshine State

I can hardly peck this out knowing all my nearest and dearest, except for just the few who are here, are suffering the wicked woes of winter in western PA. Ya like my alliteration? I won't even say how nice the weather is hear, like the mild temperatures, the bright sunshine. Had to put my contacts in so I could wear sunglasses. Sorry, shouldn't have said that. We are supposed to get some strong thunderstorms, if that makes anyone feel any better.

The picture above is from Jessica's. Jer and little Ian.

Today was a good one. Just hanging out, napping, eating at the Bahama Breeze. YES! Still, I am so tired most of the time. As I said before I hope to find my way back and beyond to my sweet spot with the Lord. I have been lazy and negligent. I need so much more of Him.

Southern Virginia/St. Augustine FL

Rural Southern Virginia

View I would see from our balcony if it was not dark..



Here we are lounging in the Hampton Inn, Hillsville VA. Jer is in the tub; Drew is watching the weather channel; and me I am anxious to reconnect with my writer's self. Ha...Yea Vic, I get blog withdrawal too, but I am all about the accolades. And yea Rob, I just used the Google spell check to check the spelling of accolades, found I misspelled withdrawal.

St. Augustine Florida: arrived around six-thirty, ate at a restaurant across the street. Barnacle Bill's Beachside, a little corny of a name but a pleasant waiter, good shrimp, pole beans, and other southern favorites for side dishes.

Now, back in the room, the new Willie Wonka is playing on the TV. Drew is starting to snore. The air conditioning is chilly and I may have to put on socks. The temp to day was warm but it was the sunny that blessed me. Willie is weird. All day I thought of things I wanted to share, but now I guess I am just tired.

We spent last night at Jessica and Matt Millers. Little Ian is growing and cute a can be. Jess made lasagna and had a birthday cookie for Jer and presents. I love stopping there, but wish we could spend more time there. Their home as a sweet peace about it. Jess is a woman of God who demonstrates a servant's heart. Tomorrow we only have to drive a little less than two hours to get to our vacation villa. Villa is what the Brits who own the place where we stay call the homes. Jer is already planning his swimming time. I think Jer and I may turn off the television and get some sleep. The last two times we stayed in St. Augustine we stopped at a nearby farm/stable to see my horse Cool's mother and father. I know it sounds weird to visit a horses's parents, but the Paso breed is a small one so a lot of owners know each other. I got hooked up with Micheal Bruce, the stallion's owner through friends. Oddly Cool's mama is kept at the same barn, not a common thing since they are owned by different people. We have not planned on stopping this year, but on the way down I got to thinking about Cool and how it might be nice to see her mom. Supressa passed her looks on to my horse almost identically. Only a small white snip on Cool's face shows the difference. I guess Cool had one white foot too. Her mom is a pure bay. I tried to buy her a about three horses ago, but her owners did not want to sell. I think seeing her would almost be like seeing Cool again. Anyway, I'll see how Drew is in the morning

OK, time to get ready for bed. I pray you all make it through the next frigid day or so. I wish you all could be here with us. What a party that would be huh? So strange to be here with just the three of us. Once we catch up with Uncle Glenn and Aunt Sam our group will be better. Cynthia will be down on Wednesday to complete the ensemble.

God's grace has abounded and I am sure of His presence. Traveling can be a challange but we have done well. I am confident in His ongoing mercy. I hope to use this time away to nourish my alone time with the Lord. I know I need to make some big changes, but all big things come in small pieces. Faithful in little faithful in much. I need to take small bites.

HIt 'n Miss

Hi ya...sometimes I got it and sometimes I do not. Thanks Rob for posting my note. I am in bed and should be sleeping but I thought I would try and check my mail and since it worked thought I better check in real quick. I guess the "splitters" have to do something with my line from somewhere, or maybe there is a splitter in the line that needs repaired by someone more techie than my telephone man. Now I do not remember. Either way he, the telephone man, said it would be early this week. I am so glad you all carried on without me. Nothing like a comfy viritual living room to snuggle up in and relax with friends. Got to get some sleep since it is WAY past my bedtime. Got stuck watching House after the game and well here I am.
I am praying about dramatically changing my diet. Yuck. But, I am at the point where I would do almost anything to feel better.
And Rob, I used my Google spell check, there it is big as life. Thanks for the tip. Any thoughts on why I cannot send outgoing mail from Outlook?

I need my Savior, I need change. Thank you Lord in advance for the work you are about to do.

M I A, not Mia...

Jer playing basketball
Friends from Canada

I am not missing in action, I am missing in inaction. I am dragging around, wallowing in my own crumbs...What the heck does that mean. Beats me, but I have been lax in my writing, not for lack of stuff to say, 'cause certainly God gives me reason to exude His praise or comment on His creation daily, hourly really. Nope, just laziness I guess. I have had a couple of relatively profound thoughts, a bit presumptious huh? Anyway, a couple, a few thoughts have wandered through my seething grey matter begging to be released into print; but alas, when the time comes to write I am just too darn tired. And the thought provoking ideas have vanished into mylan mush. Ha, Ha, that was funny.
God is so very good though. My chores are all finished for the morning. Even took Zulu for a walk up on the hill. Vet says a fifteen minute walk every day will help the swelling in her leg. Means I have one with a bad knee on stall rest: NO WALKING of any kind and one who needs walked every day to help heal her bad leg. Good thing our Good God allowed there to be Vets to keep it all straight for me. But my morning chores are done, I have dinner in the fridge, my dog is sleeping at my feet, yep on the couch so don't sit on it if you don't want dog cooties. Heh. I had a couple scrambled eggs for breakfast and they came out just how I like them; nice and yellow with not brown cripsy edges or anything. The phone only range four times while I was trying to eat them, so they were almost warm by the time I finished. Now I am down for a nap, early so theoretcially I can get up early and DO something. I am feeling at peace. Except my spell checker is not working today and I know Rob will find all my misspellings...I simply even after forty plus years of trying cannot spell and truthfully at this point I just do not care. Ahhh, that felt good to get off my chest. Now to nap. Jesus really makes me smile. 'Cause He loves me and I sure do not know why....

Moon Beams

Tonight as I was closing up the barn after doing the chores, which today for some reason seemed more pleasant than usual, I had to turn back after turning out the lights and get my sweatshirt. I had tossed it somewhere and forgotten to grab it before heading out. It was dark out hence it was dark in the barn. I knew the general area where the wayward hood had been pitched but was not sure exactly where it lay. It was interesting because the overhead lights for the barn are not right near the door I use to come in and out of the barn. So once the lights are out I have to walk half way up the center aisle to turn them back on. The light from the bathroom, that is not really a bathroom, will shed some light into the hallway but not enough to find a lost sweatshirt. The moonlight peeks through the cracks in the walls, doors and thorough the rafters in the roof, again enough to light the way for basic stumbling around.
Standing in the shadows with soft worship music playing and horses munching their evening hay, a sweet peace invades my soul. I have just enough light to see my way in, and out. To find my shirt I flick on the overhead florescent lighting. I grab my lost garment, turn off the lights, and find my way back to the door.

It occurred to me how when I am feeling lost, or am in a difficult place for whatever reason God always provide enough of whatever is needed to make it through the darkness. Sometimes to my dismay, just enough, not more or less than is needed. In my impatiences I want the whole picture. I want the lights blazing and the whole barn lit up. All I really need is to get out of danger or get into a safe place. I feel like this thought is a bit ambiguous, but the notion seemed strong earlier. Just that sometimes we/I need to be content with just a lit up pathway, not a vision of the whole journey, destination, or future adventure. God only promises Grace for today. And His Grace is always enough.

Pushing Through my Easy Life

Through what? I mean we/I have it made. Thirsty? Open the fridge; turn on the spigot. Hungry? Order takeout; pop something in the microwave. Too hot? Too cold? A little adjustment on the dial and my home becomes warmer or cooler. Heck, I can run the furnace and open a window if I want. I am living the good life. We, a few of the Kimmels, ate dinner at Cozumel's a restaurant up town, after church on Sunday. One of our favorite places to chow down; the food is great, big portions, served hot, and brought to your table by one of the kindest men I know. The owner-operator waits on tables, greets his guests and goes out of his way to make sure each diner feels welcome as well as satisfactorily stuffed.
Even as causal acquaintances we know he has experienced much personal tragedy in his life. As Drew was paying the bill this week I walked up on a very sober conversation. The outside temps this past Sunday did not rise much above ten degrees and with the wind the "felt like" temperature was much colder. Drew was getting a geography lesson on the trials of the poor in Mexico. He must have commented on how different the weather has been the last few years. You know, "I remember when I was a kid it snowed five feet and the wind blew both ways" Heh ha, you know how Drew goes on, but this was different. Our host was describing how it has gotten much colder in Mexico. Homes down there he said do not have furnaces and are not built for cold weather. In recent years the winter temperatures have been getting colder and colder dropping as low as zero in the moutians. He said, "it is very bad. People are dying." In lower lying areas temperatures in the thirty's are not rare. In a country we think of as being hot and dry, dessert even, I was shocked. Maybe not shocked, I wish I had been. But I was saddened. I could see the pain in the man's eyes as he talked about his homeland. A whole portion of a country unprepared for the frigid temperatures of a new thing called winter. As Americans we know that poverty is widespread in Mexico, but freezing to death was not something I had ever considered would be a problem.

How good I have it here, and how much I still complain, inwardly and outwardly, when I can get an ear. God have mercy on my ungrateful heart. Make me aware of the true troubles of others. Prod my feeble heart to pray to those who suffer. Call me to fast and pray for those I know personally who suffer real need and for those whose needs I know of but that but will most likely never meet. Our world is both very large and very small. Because I get to dine out after church I saw one man's suffering in another man's eyes. Do not allow me to quickly forget what I saw, what I heard described. Half a continent away lives a friend of a friend. My neighbor who I must love as myself. More than i love myself by the Grace of God.

Two Words

Frig Id

We all Like Sheep

My dad's sheep in the picture, he had to give them back to the folks he got them from. Woolly animals would not stay in their pen, kept going astray so to speak. He was unable to build a stronger bigger enclosure. A pen for their own protection, where they were fed, watered, cared for, loved; not content, they strayed. Again and again. In my dad's case it was his loss. Sadly, He and his wife had grown attached and had plans to breed the sheep for spring lambs, and have them sheared for the wool. Plus, they can be sweet pets. From God's perspective, as we read so often in the Word, we are the silly sheep who refuse to stay where we are safe, and fed, and protected...loved with a pure and sacrificial love. No, we wander off on our own; thinking we know of a better place. We sneak off on the advice of a liar and a cheat; our own sin and the temptations of the wily snake himself. Ahhh. If only we could see the boundaries have been set in pleasant places. The moat has been dug not so much to keep us in but to keep danger out. Our Father, our Shepard is so good and so kind. Please let us heed His warning and stay in his greenest ot pastures where quiet waters flow.

John is in his own room and doing well. He is frustrated with the inconvenience of it all and has had some significant pain from time to time. Janet said at one point he said his heart hurt. When questioned my the medical folks he said his heart was thirsty. John is always thirsty. He had just woke up for the first time or so and his sweet heart needed a drink. I spoke with Janet briefly, she is weary, and a bit teary, but relieved to have so much of the bad stuff behind them. It is possible they may even come home tomorrow. I think that is just incredible. God has sustained them and bore them up. He is more than able to carry them the rest of the way through, but let us not presume but continue to lift them all up so they might find rest and refreshment in the Living Waters of His sweet Spirit.

Talking the Walk of Grace

OK, now which of my fine friends is going to remind me that I did not mention once in my last several posts how Good our God is?! Wow, I am so slipping. Whine, whine; one of my pet peeves is whining. 'Just got done adjusting Jer on whining, and reading back over the last one, boy was I a whiner. God's mercy floods me daily and daily I whine about the mundane and immaterial. We/I walk in the Grace of God with every step I take, with every breath I breath, I should be talking, preaching, singing about His Mercy with every ounce of being. Are breath and breath spelled the same? My spell checker is not working, I want to get this right.

John Shilling is doing well. Resting, really resting as they have him fairly heavily sedated. Janet called me this evening and reported that all had gone well. The surgery itself lasted several hours but the procedure to fix the narrowed aorta should last only fifteen to twenty minutes. Janet thought she overheard a doctor say that John's took twenty-nine mintues to repair. Beause of the increased risk of puttiing him on a heart/lung machine they clamp the artery while they work on it. The surgon then must work as quickly as possible because the clamping cuts off the circulation to the lower extremities. Not good if this goes on too long. Janet says in the ICU they kept checking his feet and legs with both responding well. Her and her family were on there way back into the hospital after eating dinner when she called. I guess they were to spend a few more hours with him and then try and rest for a few hours. John will remain sedated utill sometime tomorrow. He is in a cardiac IUC one of four patients, and while they are aloud to stay with him as long as they like, because he reamains unconcious they are going to try and go back to the hotel for a few hours. Janet says if she can't stand it, she'll make Ed take her back to the hospital. I had to laugh the way she said it.
She is tired but walking in that Grace, incredible Grace. She is an example to me of a woman who trusts her God. Thought there was much anxiety to be had, she still remains steadfast in her confidence that God is near and holds fast to her little boy, and to her mother's heart.

Thanks so much for praying. We should remember as the next few days pass to continue to hold them up as the hospital can be a wearying place. Though no discharge date was given as of yet I believe they are hoping for early next week. Praise God. Also James and Lily are staying with Dave and Jer, doing well except for evenings when Lily cries for her mamma a bit. James is an excellent big brother so I know he will be a big help.

Tired of Sick

Today is John's surgery day, supposed to start around seven A.M. I haven't heard anything yet. I was supposed to go down this morning with Cynthia but with all the flu going on at our house we deemed it best if I stayed home. Jer was home sick from school Monday and Wednesday. Yesterday I spent the whole day sleeping, and eating ibuprofen to stave off the headache. Now, I am sitting here watching it snow while Drew sleeps in the couch. He was up sick last night, went to work for a while but now he is back home. The TV has been on for several hours which about drives me nuts, but whatever. I have the FOOD channel on. I swear I get fatter just watching Paula cook. She uses a stick of real butter in EVERYTHING she prepares.
Anyway, I am anxious to hear from Cynthia or someone.
I have chicken thawing in the kitchen, gonna make some soup.

Mia and boarding school...she should learn to stand still when she is supposed to, move forward when I want her too, allow me to sit in the saddle and go anywhere I want her too. She is at a Paso Fino farm so she should be taught to travel in the right gait, meaning she won't bounce me to death. Hopefully when she comes home I we will be able to travel the trails and have a blast. The folks where she is use the trails for much of their training, exposing her to all sorts of fun stuff, streams, roads, bikes, cars, kids; all the things that spook a horse. I did get an email from the little girl who is training her and she said she was doing real well. Drew is leaving, later...

Mia's Gone to School

All went more than well. She loaded OK, after twenty or so plus minutes. Ned was a big help. He actually led her into the trailer. We just took it real slow and let her move forward as she felt comfortable. A large handful of horse cookies and a bucket of feed helped lure her up the ramp, but once she decided she was going on, on she went. Now, once she was on and closed into the on board mini-stall she was not happy; tore the hay bag down and nearly pawed a hole in the floor. Once we got moving she settled right in and only made a fuss when we stopped to pee and coffee up. Unloading was a breeze and she settled right into her boarding school stall. Made friends with her neighbors and was immediately spoiled by the gang of twelve year old girls hanging out at the stable. I think she will have a grand time. I am beat. Nite all. Nite Mia. Be a good girl.

Mia Goes to School

We are off to Ohio this afternoon to take Mia to a trainer. I am soooo excited. I will miss her tons though. I will post pics of the trip if I remember my camera.

What I started saying yesterday...not until we venture into the scary unknown can we have victory. As long as we sit on the bench or in the bleachers, my usual observation spots we not only miss the real action but also the rewards that come with a job done. Does not even have to be well done. Getting off the bench has rewards all its own. God cannot use us on the sidelines. We must get into the game.

Super Shooter

Congratulations Jeremiah!
Last night at their second game of the season Jer scored two baskets. Wow! He was so excited, and the crowd went wild, a crowd of some odd fifteen parents or so, but wild we went. Fear has held him back, fear of missing the round red ropey target. OK, that was corny. Cute but corny. He has struggled with his lack of athletic ability amongst a team of younger, lighter, more agile peers. Last season was his first year to play organized sports before a crowd. Now riding horses competively could be sorta the same thing, but that is just about you and your horse, no worries about invoking the ridicule of a bunch of ten year olds you attend school with every day. Lately he has been dribbling, passing, and coming up with the ball on defense much more than last year. Last year he was also one of the younger players. Currently he is the oldest, and the tallest kid on the team. The coach designated him as team captian, a job he did not seek out or desire. He knows their our guys on the team who are better players and more knowledgable about the game. But, last night he came into his own.

Isn't that how it is for all of us. When we step out in faith into the unknown fires.

Warm Weather Woes

What on earth could be woeful about today's wonderful weather? Warm winds whistled over the crusty mud, some places almost beginning to dry, almost. Bright sunshine teasing winter white skin. Away from the calendars, or before five thirty in the evening, one might have mistaken today for a spring day. The time I got to spend outdoors was greatly enjoyed, and my gratitude to our Lord was acknowledged. Still...the unseasonal heat wave wreaks havoc on livestock and humans alike. Horses are delicate creatures when it comes to digestive health. The sharp ups and downs of the thermometer confuses and stresses the equine mental and physical makeup. Stress affects their digestive systems and which can lead to colic. Colic is the scariest word in a horse owners vocabulary. Well, maybe not the scariest word but one of the top five. Acute surgical colic is what brought down both my mares this summer and fall. Cool woke up ill after a bout of crazy weather changes. No vet would testify to any medical research or data that supports a definite connection between weather and colic, but mine and others have indicated anecdotal evidence supports owners claims. I guess I could add my story to the list, with Cool anyway. Ginger was another story, though I do believe stress played a major role in her disease too.

So as wonderful as today was, and I enjoyed it immensely, I have to admit my nervousness. Since we lost Cool we have begun a new preventative feed change. Whenever we know the temps will or have dropped or risen dramatically over a short time period, we mix a warm bran mash with the horse's morning or evening feed. Working like bran does, it keeps their digestive track moving and hopefully prevents any colic trouble. What I did not mention was that colic is digestive but largely and small intestine centered, and generally simply means abdominal pain. The seriousness of it can vary from a very uncomfortable horse to one that is thrashing and rolling in extreme pain. The true causes are unknown but may number into the hundreds and rarely does the vet or the owner discover to a certainty the culprit. Most cases of colic can be handled by an owner with vet phone assistance, or farm call. Rarely does the animal need to go the a hospital and even less frequently does your animal require surgery. Whoa, I did not intend for this to turn in to a colic tutorial. Anyway, colic's bad, and this wonderful weather may be a factor some times. That being said, I am going to bed. Like all grand gifts from our Lord, was must be remembered is that our eyes must be on Him. Our joys must be acknowledged as Heaven Sent, and our sorrows laid at the foot of the Cross. We need the sunshine and the rain. Both are blessings, both can produce joy or pain; Jesus is Lord over all of it.

And oh, I have not heard from Janet; I should have called her. I will get an update early tomorrow. Thanks for praying.

John's MRI

Today is the day they are taking John for the MRI; next week on the 17th is the surgery. So, just pray all goes well, he is calm. I guess he is beginning to get a bit fearful. More importantly, he has been suffering from more frequent symptoms. Nosebleeds, extreme fatigue. Feeling crappy. I just want to make sure we pray for him and his parents and siblings, that fear stays far away, healing comes, and/or the surgery goes well and without any complication or problems. Thanks didn't write last night and wanted to get that out there today, since I had the dates wrong.

Ratatouille with Jer

Watching a movie with Jer, Drew is in Harrisburg at the PA Farm Show. He went with a good friend of ours. So with Ned in town at his new digs Jer and I are home alone. We spent extra time in the barn. I had to doctor up my two black horses. Zulu's old wound on her hind leg has been acting up, it was quite a nasty cut originally, I thought it was all healed up, but seems like it has reopened and gotten sore again. I cleaned it up, disinfected it, and have been keeping it wrapped. All that takes extra time and energy. With Dory needing her leg hosed down for fifteen minutes every day twice a day, I am thinking I am running a hospital instead of a stable. I guess it is the same either way. I am caring for those I love. My baby Mia should be going to Ohio this weekend and I will be down to a simple six horses. I am looking forward to an easier time of it. I remember back when I had only two, or a few horses. Life was much simpler, less work, and certainly less heartbreaking. I am not sure how to reconcile with my losses. As I am said before I know they are not human, but my animals are such a part of my life. They are large animals you know. I am getting sleepy and my creativity is waining. Maybe there are no words to say what I am feeling.

Oohh, the power plant is making a really loud noise. I DO NOT like living so close to it. It almost sounds like it blew up or something. Sometimes it blows off steam or something. I sounded like a tornado, you know like a train in the back yard. Over now, but very creepy. VERY! Tonight was the loudest I have ever heard it, and all the windows and doors are closed.

Like I was saying before, its not like I am getting rid of any of the horses I have, but sometimes I miss the easier days. Between breaking my collar bone and getting the thyroid trouble this spring, I wear out so much quicker than in the past. The past week I have had the whole bruised rib thing to contend with, though I am thinking it is on the mend. Problem is when I am in the barn I think I should be doing stuff in the house; when I am in the house I am thinking about all the stuff in the barn I should be doing. I do need to figure out a plan to get something done somewhere so I am not so overwhelmed all the time.

I want us all to start praying regular like for John Shilling, Janet's middle child, younger son. Unless we get the miracle we hope for he will be having open heart surgery later this month, on the seventeenth I believe. He has problems with his aorta artery. Not quite a blockage but a tightening, or closing of a section of that main artery that runs from the heart. I love him like a grandson/nephew depending on the day and how old I feel that day. Of course Janet calls me grandma Sandy, so I guess that tells the tale. Maybe I can get her to post the link for the medical site that describes the problem so we could all pray more specifically. I have it somewhere. I can look too I guess...

Something happened in my family this weekend that I am going to have to deal with, can't go into it. I know that is cheap, but I need prayer and wisdom. I hate confrontation, or adjusting someone else. I don't suppose there are any of us that love either. Huh? But I will be held accountable for what I do not stand up for. Can I end with a preposition like that? 'course grammar rules are not typically one of my concerns are they. Just my little way to make light and change the subject. I need to start laying down some of the stuff that stresses me. Like this thing I have to confront "someone" on. The work in the house and barn, with moving and all I have to cut our possessions, junk down by like sixty-plus percent. No pressure there. OK, now I AM rambling. Good nite dear friends.
Oh, great little movie by the way.

Fisherman John at Grandma Sandy's pond