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Sunday, December 30, 2012

That was too close

This afternoon, my youngest daughter and her MIL and I went to see Les Miserables. I LOVED it. But not at first. I love the music. It was really good. And I hope everyone gets to go see it. And I cried.

When we got out of the theater, it was already dark. So had to hurry home and feed and milk goats. And dogs and cats too. So got all that done. I am pleased with Penelope Jane's progress and can't wait to start milking her. She is going to have a pretty big udder for a first freshener. Can't wait to see her kids soon.

Also the new doe Trudy is developing an udder too. I am happy with her progress as well. I am really not sure what she was bred with. It could have been either a Lamancha or a Boer. We shall see soon.

I need to get busy making some kidding stalls soon. I need more pallets first. It will be time to kid and I won't be ready for them. I hope to sell all the kids as soon as possible. I am not keeping any of the doelings. I'll castrate all the Boer cross bucks for meat.

After I came inside, I thought I better go check to see if there were any eggs. I got 3 yesterday! So 2 more started laying. I have 4 hens total. So grabbed the flashlight and went to see. And I saw 4 eggs!!!!!! 4! I was so happy to see all those eggs. I now have 1 whole dozen eggs hiden!

Then I started looking for my sheep. I heard the dogs coming up  the driveway. They had opened the gate. Got them in then looked over at the garden gate. It was wide open. My heart fell. I had put the sheep in the garden this morning. I ran in there and looked in the shelter. Nothing. I looked over in the barn yard and saw one of the ewes. Just one. She ran to the pasture. Then I pointed the flashlight toward the apple trees and saw eyes. I was SO relieved. I was about ready to jump in the car and look all over this valley for them. My poor sheep out there lost in the world. But then I started counting and they were all there. Adele and Fiona were over on the other side of the fence in the pasture. But the rest were down in the little orchard at the end of the garden. I was so happy to see them all. They looked a little spooked but all ok. I gave them some hay and shut the gate to the garden. I can't believe they were all still in the garden. I thought they had all left me. I am so thankful they didn't go out. Now if it had been goats... But they wouldn't have gone too far. Anyway, it all turned out good. I will be more careful and make sure gates are latched and tight before I leave again. I would be so sad to lose any of my sheep.

And Adabelle will be going home tomorrow! Her buck kids have been sold so it's safe for her to go back. And John Henry will be coming back tomorrow from his "job" in Hillsboro, Tn. So I can put Zeeboo in with him. Hope fully it won't be too late for that.

The 2 rams will be going to the butcher next Monday. So I can put the ewes back over there and get ready for lambs soon. I know I'll have 3 ewes due sometime in early Feb. Not sure about Darla. Maybe a few months later. Then all the littles will be due in May if Abraham has done his job.

As I was outside tonight, I saw the big huge full moon comeing up over Pigeon Mt. It sure is big and beautiful tonight. Go outside and see it for yourselves!

 Happy new year's eve!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Blue jean quilt

I have had a stack of old jeans in a closet, waiting for the right time to make a quilt out of them. Also had bought some demin fabric at a thrift store last year.

Today seemed like the day to get it started. I just cut out squares and rectangles and then put them together like a puzzle. I even used the pockets, front and back. I love the way this looks. I'll use the demin for the back.

I'll have to hand sew it all together because my sewing machine has had the tension all messed up for a few years now and I don't know how to fix it. I've tried every which way to change the tension, but nothing has worked. It's just a cheap little Singer I bought on sale one year at K-Mart the day after Christmas. I would love to get a good machine but will have to wait. And I don't mind hand quilting. Makes me feel like Caroline Ingels.

This is a side view showing the pockets. It looks so cute already.

I'll take pictures as I go along. I hope it won't take too long. I'm making this for my truck driving husband. It's cold out there in that truck all alone.

I just feel like I have to making something or I'm not being productive. And I can't get out in the garden right now. And it's too cold anyway.

Is anyone else making anything?

Bubba too

This afternoon, Bubba and Stella were sitting side by side. Looking at their kingdom together. I went to grab my camera and Stella heard me and came to the door. But Bubba stayed put. That is so funny. I have no idea what they are seeing or thinking. Just maybe meditating on a dog life. Or maybe this is just the best place to sit ever.

Friday, December 28, 2012

I wonder

what Stella is thinking? Sometimes she just sits right there and looks all around. Deep in thought. She'll turn her head and look in the other direction, then back that way. Just sits there and looks. She's such a good dog.

 Until I see her big pile of stuff just over to the left. Big pile of stuff, too. All hers. Bones and chewed up bowls. Sticks and branches from the wood pile. More bones. She's a mess, that Stella Bella Luna.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Happy new year!

I was inspired by Jon Katz from Bedlam Farm up in NY to give all my animals treats this Christmas. I don't usually give a lot of treats to them. Just when I have stale crackers or cookies or bread I'll give them to the goats. Or apples to the sheep. But a few months ago I had won a big box of cat and dog treats. There was a squeeky toy and a small frisbee that I gave to my grand dog Daisy. Stella is afraid of the sqeeky toys. There was also a few bags of dog treats that the dogs loved. And a can of cat food that I mixed in the dry cat food. They all loved that.

The goats got lots of animal cookies and vanilla wafers and crackers. It's really hard to feed the goats. Some will eat and some won't. Those who like the cookies are selfish and push the others out of the way. I have figured out how to do it though. I say their names and they get a cookie. Then the next one. And on and on. The sheep got apples, which they love. The rams got extra grain with apples in it. And even the chickens got some goodies. And of course extra hay because it just about rained all day here.

So it was a good day. Everyone came here for breakfast and to open gifts from us. Then we went to my parents to have dinner and open more gifts. Then back home. I was so tired by then I could hardly keep my eyes open on the way home. It was fun though.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas day where ever you are. And wishing you all a very happy fun filled new year.
I love St. Francis. And he should have a place here on this post about animals.

I will see you all next year!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Merry Christmas to me!

Meet the new girls. I just got them today.

This is Z. That's what they call her. So I am trying to think of a Z name. I like ZeeBoo, Zeborah, Zariyah, and Zia. Can't make up my mind. But will probably just call her ZeeBoo for now. She is a 3 year old Lamancha doe. She looks a lot like my Abby but a bit smaller and she has tan lines on her face, where Abby's are white. And she has the white on her belly. She is not bred, but in heat. So the guy put their buck with her but he was so small I don't know if it worked. Or rather, if they made contact. I like this doe. As soon as I get John Henry back, he will go in with her.

And this is Truck. Her name will be Trudy from now on. She is 2 years old and is bred to kid in February. The guy said she was bred to the Boer buck. So I hope she has a buckling. This will be her first kid. The black one has had a kid before but it looks to have been awhile as she is very dried up right now.

This is a back view of ZeeBoo's udder, which I like already. I like the long teats. They said she was an easy milker.
I have them both up front in the garden right now til I can get the electric fence fixed out back. The goats are still getting through it. So when it is fixed, the new does will go in the back yard and the other does will go out back. That way they can see each other and hopefully get used to each other so I can put them all together.

Now I will be anxious for February to see how Trudy does on the milk stand. I'll have to wait til May or June for ZeeBoo, but that's ok. I am so happy I got these two. The people I got them from had got some turkey eggs from me a few years back. When I emailed her, she said she didn't answer any more emails because she wanted me to have first pick. So thank you, Sherri and Bill! Bill even followed me home with Trudy in his SUV. That was nice.

I now have 8 does and 1 borrowed doe. Looks like she may be staying. So 9 does.I will need a few pigs later to help with all the milk.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Just a few more days

I don't know why I wait til the last minute to do anything. I have been making jewelry the past few days for Christmas gifts. And bracelets and earrings. It's not that easy. Some of those beads are SO small. My step dad got me a jewelry tool set that has really come in quite handy. But now I need one of those lights that shine down with maybe a magnifying glass on it so I can actually see what I'm doing. I have reading glasses that help a lot. But still, it's really tedious work. But I do love the results. I love putting beads and little shiny stones and colors together to make a pretty necklace or earrings. I just hope they don't fall apart when someone is wearing them.

I am also making candles with some pretty little jars. I have had several bags of soy wax for awhile and a big 5 pound wheel of bees wax. That is the hardest stuff to try to grate or even cut. But I love bees wax candles.

Also am finishing up an afgan I was supposed to give my daughter and son-in-law LAST Christmas. I know, that's bad. But at least they will get it this Christmas.

So lots of little last minute gift ideas coming together. I really love making things for people I love.

I hope no one else is like me and trying to get a lot done at the last minute. But if you are, try not to get too stressed out! And have a very merry Christmas and a great new year!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Musical sheep. Again.

Last night, I noticed the 4 younger ewes jumping on each other and acting friskier than usual. So I went over and got Mr. Abraham. This is his first time in with the ewes. Ever. He's had to patiently wait his turn. The other 2 have been with the 4 older ewes and hopefully they are all bred now. But I did have to move big Darla over to stay with the other 2 rams because Abraham is her son.  She did not like that at all. And is still telling me so. She is VERY loud.

So last night, Abraham sniffed around a little. That's about all I saw so far. This morning, they are all just eating and grazing. Nothing much happening yet. I hope I wasn't too late. But that would be ok because 2 of the younger ewes are still so small. That's why I was waiting til later to breed them. And it would be ok if they don't get bred right now. I'll be keeping Abraham, so they could wait til spring.

Anyway, more goings on at Outback Farm. What's happening on your farms this time of year? It's too wet to do anything in the gardens right now.

Sharing the couch

Bubba, sharing his couch with Kansas this morning. She has to get up around 6 am to catch the bus for school at 6:40. This morning she couldn't quite get woke up so she came in and laid down on Bubba's couch with him. And he didn't mind one bit. He's keeping her feet warm for her. Good boy!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Just love. That's all.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Finally, a tree

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't like Christmas anymore. It used to be such a wonderful time for me and my family. I would have a tree in every room and decorations all over the house. We would have friends over for parties. Once I even had a neighborhood Christmas potluck dinner.  And when I worked at Ace hardware up the street, I had everyone over for deserts and I fixed everything. It was so fun. I used to bake things and take to neighbors and friends. I would make things with the kids. All our ornaments were hand made by me and my kids through the years. I still have them all. And now the grands are making them. It used to be fun. And magical. And exciting.

But now, I just feel like, what's the big deal? Why take down all the stuff that I have around the house and put up Christmas stuff for a month, then have to put it all away and do it over again? So much work. Ugh.

And since we moved way out here, no one wants to come out this far. So why bother? It's just us anyway. And I don't want to decorate for people passing by.

So today, I made myself go out back and look for a small pine tree. I wanted to at least have a tree. And a cute little scrubby Charlie Brown tree. And it would have to fit on top of the big huge dog crate in the dining room, because there is no room in this small house for it anywhere else. So I found this cute little scrub pine.

Brought it in and stuck it in my pretty antique metal apple bucket with rocks to hold it up. Put some water in it and a flat white sheet around. Went and bought a strand of 100 white lights because every strand I found didn't work. Then Heather and Kansas put up some of the ornaments. They couldn't be too heavy because the branches are not very big.

I think it looks pretty good. I do love white lights at night. And I will get some greenery and red berries for the front window and the buffet and mantle. And some candles. And that's it, folks. I'm done.

So Merry Christmas, y'all!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

New website?

I just tried to make a website. Still have some things to add.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The big clean-up

Today I decided to let the sheep clean up the garden for me. Their pasture is quite brown. Or actually, it's the same color as they are and I can hardly see them out there. So to the garden they went.

Then I felt sorry for all the does out back. So started taking them up front to the garden too. In 2's. It's pretty far to just let them go by themselves. Too many things to get into on the way there. There were so many things to eat, they were all over the place for awhile.

                                              The goats went over to clean up the fence row.

                                                And the sheep had to follow, of course. It was a very nice day. I worked up a sweat in no time out there.

While all the goats were up front, I decided to take the push mower to the goat yard and mow down all the dead stuff. It wore me out! This is where the goats live. This used to be a pine tree forest years ago. The people who owned this place had someone come in and cut them all down. And they just left all the trees to rot out there. And when we bought this place, it had all grown up with wild roses and blackberry bushes. And lots of little trees. It took the goats a few years, but this is all that's left now. Not much.

 I have asked the guy who owns the land all around us and owns lots of big equipment like bull dozers, if he would give me a price on grading it all and moving all the very old tree stumps. I would like to plant good grasses and hays for the goats. But today, I just mowed down all the dead stuff and got down to the green grass that's still out there.  This picture above is looking toward the SW.

And this picture below is looking toward the NW. So they have lots of room back there. Just no bushes or trees, which they would so much rather have.

 So last week, I turned off the electric fence and let them go out next door. It's gotten way overgrown over there and snakey looking. They have done a great job. But like any goat, they can't stay in this spot for long. They started going out in the fields, where they are not supposed to be. So had to put that to a stop.

And here is the pasture, almost all mowed and looking better. I want to go get some winter rye and  sow back here now, if it's not too late. I'll go to the co-op and see. Over to the left, by their barn, is alot of green grass still growing. And in the back yard too. And they have lots of hay mountains too.

And the goats are all back in their home again. They don't like too much change, these goats. And they like their barn. It's cold out there!

I am thinking about getting some pigs soon after the sheep finish what they can eat in the garden. Then I'll put pigs in there to till it all up for me.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The wood stove and shed

 This is the wood shed. Out on the driveway. Me, hubby, a few daughters and grand daughters and one son-in-law, helped build this thing. It has a tarp at the back of it. It's double stacked too. The wood is nice and dry now. Not much wood in it right now. But there will be more soon. There is a lady in her late 60's who cuts, splits and stacks wood for sale. I will be buying the rest of our wood from her. She's amazing.

So this is the new stove. It heats this whole house. There are 1200 SF downstairs and 400 upstairs. It gets mighty hot up there, I am told. We did have some trouble because of creosote buildup. Then chipping out bricks to make room for new longer stove pipe. Then the elbow broke. Then hubby had to leave right after the elbow broke. Then we thankfully had a really nice warm few weeks.

Hubby was here for a few days so he and daughter got it all hooked back up again and now we are nice and toasty warm again! Just in time too, because now it's going to be down in the high 20's to low 30's at night. And this stove keeps us warm now. I am so glad I went ahead and got this one. But now it's a little bit to the right of the fireplace, due to people who are not master stove pipe installers. But I'm fine with that, as long as the house doesn't burn down.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Just look at the size of that belly already!

This goat is huge! I put the does in with the bucks Sept. 1st this year. I've never done that this early before. I had noticed that Penelope was pretty big. But tonight, good grief! Look at that! For being just 3 months along, I do believe there might be more than 2 kids in there. And she has an udder already. For a first freshener, that's pretty impressive, I think. She's not a big goat at all either. She's about 1 1/2 right now and looks like a little Pygmy, but she's not. And she is polled too. She's bred to the little Boer buck, so hopefully all those kids won't be too awful big.

                                                              This is from the top.

                                               And here's that udder. I like the teats already.

This is her from last week. I was worried the little guy didn't do anything, but apparently he was busy while I wasn't looking/. I don't think Sandy is pregnant. If she acts like she did a few weeks ago, I'll get her and the buck back together. But I am still milking her and getting about a quart a day now.

I just hope we don't get a snow storm or ice around the 1st of February now.

Holiday market pictures

Yay, I think I have figured out how to upload pictures now from my new camera!!

So this is my booth. I need the canopy to hang the window frame for the candle holders. I think. But it's dark inside. So one of the ladies in my "square" came over and said I should take the top off to bring light in and that I need to have the tables on the outside of the booth. That she has found people don't like to go inside a booth, they'd rather be on the outside. Going inside means they have committed to the whole thing.

So I  am going to get there early this Saturday and make some changes. I would love to hear what anyone thinks about this. It's got plenty of color. But it is dark. I need to come up with something to hang the window from then take the whole canopy down.

These are the hanging candle holders or night lights. They're so pretty at night with the flickering candle inside. Or hanging outside on a tree branch at night. I'm making more because I did sell several.

And these are some of the wine bottles, jars and vases. I think I am going to get my 2 card tables back and use them instead of this shelf because it's hard for people to get down far enough to see these. So this will be gone.

These 2 bottom shelves are the Christmas jars and vases. The top shelf has jars with lids. And the next shelf has vases.

Then here is my soap and wash cloth table. I did add more soap that I had forgotten about so need some more baskets too.
So any advice or comments would be great. I need all the help I can get. I am at the very end of a long row. There are 4 booths in each square.

Thanks for looking! And if you are close, come on by and visit.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

One down, one to go

Well, this weekend has been a big learning experience, to say the least. I had fun, but I am pooped. I do not see how people can do this weekend after weekend. Loading everything up, unloading everything, setting up everything. It's a lot of work. I did have fun though. Next week I will have to change some things around in my booth. I have a canopy that we had hung a pretty shower curtain as a background for my soap table. And I have a wooden window with no glass in it to hang my candle holders on that needs to bu hanging up on the canopy. So I need to take the top of the canopy off so it's not so dark inside. And according to more seasoned market vendors, people don't like going INTO a booth. They would rather be on the outside going around the tables. Who knew? SO I have some work to do next week to make it more inviting to people.

I did sell a lot of soap and wash clothes yesterday and one candle holder. Also took an order for a special vase. Today sold a lot of jars and candle holders. I was very happy about that. One lady bought $50 worth. And a lot of soaps. So a good day today. I hope next week is a lot better.

Does anyone else do these type of crafty fairs? And do you actually make money at it?

This market costs $100 per weekend. And I thought that was all the costs. But yesterday, several of the venders around me had white envelopes they were getting ready to take up front. I asked about it and they said it was the envelopes we are supposed to put our 10% of our sales inside. I didn't have one nor had I heard anything about this. So went up front to ask and they said it was in the application online. Well, didn't see that.

Then this morning, a lady stopped at the desk before going in. So I thought I had to as well. I asked what I was supposed to do and they said something about sales tax and then a business license. So I had to pay $4 for this weekend and then $5 more next weekend for the business license, which they were out of. It just seems like they are not all together here. And then I had to ask for a receipt for the $4 I had just given them and he said he thought he had given me one. Nope. Anyway, seems like a lot of money for this and that that I was not aware of when I got into this. It just makes me wonder if people actually make any money doing this.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Down to the wire

Whatever that means. But I think it fits here.Because I am all done and ready to start packing up to go get set up at the Holiday Market Too this afternoon. I have been working every day trying to get all my vases and candle holders and Christmas jars and soaps and wash clothes all made and ready. I don't really know what to expect. I have only ever sold my soaps and jars at farmer's markets so far. But never at an actual craft fair. I just hope people like what I have for sale and actually buy things. Ya just never I guess.

My daughter and I went yesterday to get our truck, so I'll have both vehicles to take everything in. I need to wash out the bed of the truck first. It's still got hay and wood pieces in it. It's a farm truck. And it looks like it. But I don't have enough room in my Trooper for all I will have. I guess everyone who does craft shows has a lot of things to carry in. I am so glad it's inside too.

So if anyone lives near Chattanooga, come on by and get your Christmas shopping all done! It's free parking and admission!! It's on Carter St. downtown Chatt. This weekend and next I will be there, but it goes through the 22-23. And I think I saw somewhere that it's also the 21st. So come shop and visit.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign...

Does anyone remember that song from the '70's? It was one of my favorite songs.

So I was sitting outside today, crocheting. It was an amazing day, in the 70's, sunny sky and whispy clouds. It just hit me that it's Dec. 2nd and I'm sitting out in the yard crocheting. I felt like I should be tilling the garden and planting for spring.

Anyway, the road dept. started working on the road out front of my house , right before my house then down about a 1/2 mile. They have dug out all the bad places and scraped down about 4". They have several signs before the road work that say "road work" and  "BUMP". And it is a pretty steep bump. I know, because I didn't believe the signs. I do now.

So, while sitting outside today, I can hear traffic going by. I got to thinking how there are some people who read signs and obey them and some people who don't read signs. Or just ignore them. Or just plain don't know how to read at all. I can hear some cars or trucks slowing down before hitting the bumps. And some people don't. I guess they think it's best to just fly over the bumps and it doesn't make  a difference. I just think it's funny how people are so different.

But such a beautiful day today. And I got several more vases and jars done. And more wash clothes crocheted. I have taken everything out to my garden shed to make room in the house again. I need a dedicated work area if I'm going to be doing this a lot. I do have the "barn" next door. It's really a small house with a kitchen  and bathroom and a big open living room with a nice porch. But when we refinanced they weren't going to because we have 2 houses on the same property. So I loaded it down with hay. And now it's a barn.

BUT when the hay is gone, I am going to make it a studio for ME. I will make soap in the kitchen. And cheese. And have a work space for everything else. I can take my spinning wheel over there. I can have a whole house all to myself! It'll be great to have all my stuff over there and not all over the house. I have been working on the dining room table and it's covered up all the time. So all my crafting things will go over there too. I love the idea of a "studio" to work in. It needs some work, but we can do that as we go.

I hope everyone has had a good day too, wherever you are.

And I did get a new camera. A Nikon Coolpix S3300. I love that little thing. BUT, I haven't figured out how to get the pictures from it into here yet. I will have to break down and read the huge book that came with it. Or get my daughter or grand daughter to do it for me. It takes beautiful pictures. And videos too.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Saving Sophie

Yesterday, I saw a post on FB asking if anyone would give their life for their dog. Apparently there was a father, mother and son who all drowned trying to save their dog that was struggling in the ocean in California. They all drowned while the daughter watched. And the dog got out fine. So sad.

As I read all the responses to that question, I really didn't know what my answer was. At first, I thought, no way would I risk my own life for any of my animals. I have a husband and kids and grand kids whom I love very much. I don't think I'd want to put them through that. But I just have no idea what I would do if I were ever put in a position to have to save one of my dogs.

So this morning, while giving hay to my goats, I saw Stella, my youngest dog, over in the side yard. There is a small dug out place that holds water all the time. I call it my little pond. I looked closer at what Stella was after and saw Sophie in the water trying to get out. Sophie is 15 years old and her back legs don't work so good.I have no idea how she got in the water or why she was in the water. I think Stella was trying to help her out. And it was about 30 degrees last night so that water was cold. I have no idea even how long she had been in the water either.

I had to run back to the house to get to the yard and to the pond. All I had to do was reach down and grab her. I got her out and went to get a towel to dry her off. Poor little thing was sopping wet and cold. But I thought how awful it was watching Sophie struggling to get out and falling back in. I could not have watched and done nothing. Although I didn't have to risk my life for Sophie then, I think I would have if she had been in the middle of a lake or bigger pond. It was hard to see.

I have to say that Stella really saved Sophie.

So what would you do?

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

This and that

 Looks like it's been awhile since I posted anything here. I have been getting ready for the Holiday Market in Chattanooga. I was thinking I had the 1st 2 weekends of Dec. I'm glad I checked the emails again because I found out, after calling to confirm, that I have the 2nd and 3rd weekends. I am relieved because I was really stressing about not having enough to take. I have been working like crazy on the jars and vases and candle holders. Even went to a few thrift stores again yesterday to get more vases to do.

I had already made a whole lot of soap. And I have been crocheting wash clothes and dish clothes like a mad woman. I thought I could just whip up a few hundred jars in a few weeks. I am such a "wait til the last minute" type person but this is something I have learned a lesson from. I should have been doing this all summer. I have 4 big totes already full and have another 2 to fill up. And I can make more after the first market. I hope to have special orders to fill during the week after.

So this is one of the hanging candle holders I have made. I have all colors and different beads. They are so pretty at night with the light shining through. I have an old window frame I'm going to use to hang them all at the market.

I am also making lots of Christmas jars. I loved that book and have been thinking about making a jar for us to put spare change in throughout the year to give to a needy family. But the jar we do use for that  seems to be helping this needy family. One year I am going to do this. Really. So I have several of these jars in different sizes and colors.

Anyway, been really busy trying to get these things done so I can breath and relax a little. That will not happen. But the sound of that sounds good. And I still don' have a camera yet. When I do, I will take lots of pictures of all the jars.

And we had a problem with the wood stove last week. Way too much smoke when we'd open the door to put wood in. Plus smoke puffing out of the pipe and the doors every few seconds. It was awful. So had to let the fire go out and check it out. The pipes were full of creosote build up. Really bad. So then had to get more pipe and chisel out a lot of the bricks in the  back of the chimney to get the pipe to go farther up. Then broke the elbow. Then we gave up. By then we were all tired of fooling with it. Then hubby had to leave. He'll be back this weekend and we will get it fixed then. Thank goodness the days are warm right now.

I am down to milking just Sandy right now. Abby decided she didn't want to be milked any more so dried herself up last month. Sandy had gone down to between 2-3 cups a day fora awhile. Then the last 2 nights has given a full half gallon! Good girl. I have one more Friday for a half gallon milk customer, then all the milk will be for us again, til Spring. I sure do love my goat milk and miss it so much when they are dry. I am just hoping all 4 does are pregnant now. This is my Sandy. I love this goat to pieces, but she sure is a Nubian. Man, she is the most neurotic goat ever!

Monday, November 19, 2012

They got one!

This year I have noticed a lot of squishy places in the soil, along the driveway and in some other places. It's really hard to walk on it, like quick sand. Lots and lots of tunnels being dug around here. It had to be a vole or mole or something small. I have not noticed them out in the garden yet, but getting close.

So this morning, I saw a little dead thing on the grass. Looks like a mole. And looks like it's been dead a few days. I think it could be Stella that got it. She's been digging lots of holes where the tunnels are. Good dog! Or it could have been Sophie, who is a Rat Terrier, and they like to catch things like that. But she's 15 years old and doesn't do much anymore. So I think it must have been Stella.

One down, a few hundred to go. Get busy, Stella!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Cooking on a wood stove

Earlier this evening, I put a big pot of pinto beans on the wood stove to cook. They are already about halfway done. I am loving this wood stove so much already. I am wondering if I can bake potatoes in the ash pan? Or maybe even a roast on top. I guess I could use the wood stove just like a regular stove. This could be a real electricity saver for us.

How about some ideas and advice on cooking on a wood stove from all you out there who have done this. What all have you cooked or even baked on yours?

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Moving mountains

Tonight, my grand daughter was talking about mountains and mentioned the Bible verse where Jesus said if we had the faith of a mustard seed we could move a mountain. I told her that I think He didn't mean that literally, but used it to symbolize our mountains that we have to climb every day. Like people have huge debt, or a horrible job they hate going to, or medical problems. These are mountains we have to either go around or through or over. But if we have the faith of a little tiny mustard seed, we can move these mountains and get them out of our way.

I have SO much to do to get ready for the holiday market in just a few weeks that I am overwhelmed right now. Just thinking about all that I still have to do is making me freak out. And the more I freak out, the less I am doing. I have been doing some every day now, but when I see how much I have left to do, oh my goodness! But it will get done. I know it will.  I have to have faith. Then I can move this huge mountain out of my way and get on with it!

Down to just 4

I have finished butchering all the Freedom Ranger meat birds. And I sold all my "un-laying" laying pullets except the 4 Red Stars and the Americana rooster, who will be going to a new home soon. So just 4 hens now. The least amount of chickens I have ever had. There are 2 of the RS that have been laying a beautiful dark brown egg every day now for the past 2 1/2 months. And they are ALL the same age. So they are all gone except these 4.

I was talking to a guy the other day who has a lot of Nubian goats, that if the animals on my farm aren't producing something, like meat, eggs, wool, milk, they have to go. I don't have the room or money to keep a farm animal that's not giving back. I have had Abby, my Lamancha doe, for about 8 years now. She'll be 12 in Feb. She just dried herself up last week. I went from a pint to nothing in a day. She should be bred again, but after this, I won't be breeding her again. The last 2 years, it's taken a few months to get to where we could drink her milk. I guess that happens with age? SO I was telling this guy that I'll need to find a goat retirement farm for her to live out the rest of her days. He said he keeps all his animals til they die. He said he wouldn't want to live on my farm.

But really. What do y'all do with older, non-producing animals on your farms? I don't think I could butcher Abby. I have had her too long for that. Or my ewes. And I will not take any of them to a sale barn at this age. That would be animal cruelty for sure. I might be able to butcher for dog food maybe. If I had to. If there were no other options. But he said he would let her live there the rest of her life. So I said I would bring her next year about this time if she's still living. And I'll come visit.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

It hurts bad

So this morning, I stepped on a nail. I came in when I was done with chores and soaked it in Epsom salts for at least a half hour. Then I was on my feet the rest of the day. And now it's huge. And throbbing. I am soaking it again. I have to go out and do it all over again  in a few minutes before dark. But the ball of my foot feels like an actual ball now. I hate getting hurt. Why do things like this hurt so much? Why am I such a whiney baby? OUCH! I don't think I can get shoes on anyway. Wah wah wah.

Yeah, farming is dangerous.

I am always getting cut on wire or scraped on fencing. Or hit with a hammer. Or stepped on by sheep or goats. Or even rammed by rams. Clawed by chickens. Scratched by cats. I can just walk by a wild rose or blackberry bush and I am dripping blood. Or in the very short goat barn, I am constantly hitting my head. I am surprised I haven't knocked myself out yet. Or broken a leg or arm. Or sprained an ankle. Just little things like this is dangerous to me. Like just this morning I stepped on a nail putting the ewes back out in the pasture. I am soaking my foot right now in Epsom salt water. I almost cut my thumb off almost 2 years ago cutting up meat for dog food and had to get stitches. They made me get a tetanus shot, thank goodness. I didn't really want it, but am glad I got it now. Farming is dangerous!

There was a guy last spring not too far from me, that was baling hay and his baler messed up. He didn't turn the tractor off and had his arm up in the baler and it sucked his arm up and he almost went in too. He was very fortunate and he lived. But his arm is all mangled and he won't be able to use it much. God sure protects us when we do unwise things. This guy has 2 young children and a wife to take care of.

So every day, I am glad I haven't broken or sprained anything. I can't afford to hire someone to do what I have to do here every day. I need to be more careful.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Yep. 85 degrees in this house right now. I am sweating. I have windows open. This wood stove will be great when it's down below 20. But right now? It's too hot. But I am so glad we got it though.  It even heats upstairs really good too. So it will pay for itself this winter for sure.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

It so hot in here...

the dogs won't even come in! We got the wood stove all hooked up and started a fire this evening. It was so smoky in here and upstairs, we had to open all the windows. It's nice and toasty in here now. I sure hope we have a nice cold winter. Well, not too cold. But I'll be ready!

And we got the wood shed semi finished. I need to get some tarp for the back and put up some tin on the sides. It's 4x12 and about 6' tall. We have 3 pallets for the floor. It's wide enough to get 2 rows stacked at least 6' high. Me and my grand daughter got about half of it loaded with wood already. When I get a camera, I'll take a picture of it. I am right proud of us for all we got done today here.

It's supposed to rain tomorrow, so I better go get some wood in. It's going to be in the 50's the rest of the week.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

This morning I butchered the last 12 Freedom Ranger chickens!!!! I am so glad that's done. And they are ALL sold too. I also put an ad on Craig's list last night for my laying hens that aren't laying. I had a guy call this morning about them. He came out this afternoon with his oldest daughter and they bought 4 Barred Rock hens and Russell Crowe the rooster. So it's a little quieter here now. The Americana roo has not crowed yet. Maybe he will now that Russell is gone.

So I took all the fence and fence posts down and cleaned up the lot where the FR were. Buried all the guts and burned the feathers in a big brush pile. I am going to use the fence to divide the front pasture for the sheep. I think I'll have enough fence to do that. I have plenty of fence posts.

And I need another milk goat! Abby, my older LaMancha doe, is drying herself up. She has nothing. So I am just milking Sandy, my Nubian. I have 2 other young does that are pregnant, but will not freshen til about the middle of February. I have never bred goats this early before. I hope we don't have a blizzard about then. So if anyone close by has a milk goat in milk right now, please let me know.

We bought a brand new Wonderlux wood stove a few days ago. Had to have it delivered. Plus had to have a piece of metal special made for the front of the fireplace. My husband was just trying to get the pipe to go into the back of the stove and has decided we will have to have an adapter for the back of the wood stove. So yet another day before we can use the stove.

We also bought lumber and tin roofing to build a wood shed to keep all that wood dry. I guess we will be doing that tomorrow since husband has to leave Monday morning. Sometimes our weekends are nonstop busy.

I hope you all are having a great weekend and enjoying this beautiful fall so far.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Just thinkin'.

I try to see the humor in everything. Even when someone I love gets hurt, I laugh. Not mean laughing, and I hate they get hurt, but it is kinda funny sometimes.  I guess it runs in my family, but we have a dry sense of humor too. My brother and my nephew are the same way.

So when I saw that the people of Colorado had spoken and they now have legalized recreational marijuana, I thought about maybe moving out there and starting a marijuana and hemp farm. Some people don't think it's funny or a good thing at all. But some people see how this could be a boost to the economy and to farmers. Hemp is a plant that can be used for several different things. One being great clothes. Another being food. It's great fiber. I could see this being a good business. And I think the picture of a city in Colorado shrouded in what looks like a fog, and the caption says something like the people of Colorado have spoken and are very happy about the law passing for legalized pot, I think that's funny.

But when I saw a picture on FB yesterday of Obama standing at an open door holding an eagle with a caption that said "Knock knock. Who's there. America." I just did not see the humor at all. America? Really?? I just thought that was scary. Maybe half of America saw the humor in it, but the other half? I would love to hear their opinion.

So here we go, another 4 years. Are we all ready? I have no idea what's going to happen. Or if it will change very much in 4 years. I really didn't see too much change in the last 4 years. Not for the better, anyway. So he says he has 4 more years, lets see what he will do with it this time.

In the meantime, lets all try to see the humor in our world. There is a lot if we just look and not take things too seriously. I'm sure St. Francis saw humor in God's creatures.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

My little camera is dead. For a long time now I was not able to look back at the pictures I had just taken. Then a few weeks ago the bottom that held the batteries in broke and fell off. I had black electrical tape holding the batteries in after that and it worked fine. Then last night I dropped it on the pavement and the top part where I turn it on was raised up. It still turned on and I took a few pictures. Well, then I dropped the darn thing again and that was all the poor thing could take. It's dead now for sure.

So I need a new camera. I would love to hear all the good things about the cameras you all use so I can start looking for another one. I love taking pictures and already feel lost without mine. So any help would be great! Thanks.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

From 50 to 12

I started out with 50 fluffy cute little Freedom Ranger chicks 14 weeks ago. I am down to just 12 now. I just got done butchering 10 more. today. So far of the 38 I have done, none have weighed over 4 pounds. They are just under 4 pounds and up to a little over 2 1/2 pounds. Not big birds at all. And they are 14 weeks old today.

I think they just had too much room to roam in and run off the fat. I have spent way too much money on these guys too. With starter-grower and grower-finisher at $17.00 a 50 pound bag, and they went through 17 bags since I've had them, these are really expensive birds. I don't think I can do this again. I'll have to see if I will break even. Probably not. But they are all sold!

It'll be quiet around here without them all. I do still have my non egg layers. I say non egg layers because I might get 2 eggs a day from 17 less than a year old hens. I am lucky to be getting 2 a day right now, I guess. I am just not very happy with chickens these days. It's so much cheaper to buy eggs from someone else than feed these guys. And I could sell them for $10 each and make a little money that way. But them what would I do with all the sheep and goat poop? The chickens are good at scratching it up and mulching too. So I will probably keep the layers awhile more.

Happy Halloween, y'all!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Change of plans

It's been really windy here the past few days. So windy that I couldn't butcher any chickens yesterday. I had caught 10 and got them in the cage ready for yesterday morning and had to let them out because it was too windy. The grill wouldn't have stayed lit. So they get a few more days of life. I think Thursday will be a warmer day with no wind so I will try again then.

It's so sad to see all the destruction way up in NJ and NY from this massive hurricane. So many lives lost and homes destroyed. But to see the determination and strength in these  people who have lost everything is amazing. I just cannot even imagine what it would be like to lose all I had. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Gonna get cold tonight!

Just look at these beautiful veggies! It might freeze tonight, so I went out and picked all the little squash and zucchini. I already had the green beans and radishes and carrots picked. And I went today to the Chattanooga market and found a pretty green cauliflower. Also got a handful of grape leaves and a whole head of garlic and some dill seeds. Opened up my handy Wild Fermentation book and found my recipe for Sour Cucumbers. That is the best way to make pickled cucumbers and it's so easy. The recipe says to add any veggies, so I did.

                                                                                I can't figure this darn computer out, so there's no telling where all this will be when I'm done. So I started with a layer of garlic cloves then the grape leaves. Then 4 T of dill seeds. It took the whole little container of seeds. Then started layering the veggies.Green beans, radishes, carrots, zucchini, squash, then the cauliflower. That's the only thing I didn't grow here.

I'm supposed to let it sit about a week with the cheesecloth on. I have to check for any strange looking stuff on the top and skim it off. I have never seen that before though. But different times of the year do different things. Forgot to say I then added 6 T sea salt to a half gallon of water and stirred til the salt was dissolved. Then poured that over the veggies til covered.

Hopefully in a week or so, we'll be eating yummy fermented veggies. And I can add new veggies as the jar gets emptied.

 The grape leaves are supposed to keep the veggies crunchy. And they really do.

Has anyone else done this? I love this book and use it a lot. The author was here in Chattanooga a few months ago and I was going to go but something came up and I missed him. He has a new book out now that I want.

 I hope y'all try this with your fall veggies soon.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Busy week

I am so tired.  Husband came home (finally! He's a truck driver and they only let him come home when they want him to) Sunday night, after being out on the road for about a month. He is diabetic. He runs out of his meds out there when they don't let him come home. So now he's forced to get them from Walmart. Which, and I hate to say this, is a blessing because the meds he got the other day were just $26.00 for 4 prescriptions. And there are Walmarts all over this great country of ours, so he can get his meds when he runs out.

He had 2 doctor appointments on Monday. First with his diabetic doctor at 11:00. Then his eye doctor at 2:15. I stayed home and made soap.

Tuesday had some errands to run in town. Delivering milk and getting feed for all these critters here.

Wednesday started off early butchering chickens. Did 12 that morning. I am not really happy about these Freedom Rangers. They are 13 weeks old now. Well, the 22 that are left. The 28 I have done so far are small. They range from 2.5 pounds to 3.14 pounds. Yep, that's all. They were free ranging all day. In a pretty big area. Running around. Having fun. Eating frogs and bugs and grass. Just being chickens like they are supposed to. But they are SMALL. For as much money as I have in these birds, it's definitely NOT worth it for me.

Wednesday ended with my hubby, daughter and grand daughter and I going up on the mountain to a friend's place to get some fire wood he had ready for us. All chopped up and stacked all nice.

Thursday, 16 chickens. Started at 9:30 and finished at 1:00. My hands hurt. My back hurts. My feet hurt. And, what I thought was a paper towel right under my feet when I first started, was NOT a paper towel. It was a SNAKE SKIN! And I had kicked the darn thing under the table. I stood out there for 3 1/2 hours with a snake skin under my feet. No telling where the darn snake was.

And I work all day on Friday. It's really not "real" work. I help a 95 year old lady go shopping, pay bills, take her to the beauty shop, go eat lunch. Fun stuff. And I love her. She is the sweetest lady. We used to live next door. I am going to post a bunch of beautiful pictures of her house and yard soon if it's ok with her daughters.

When I get home on Friday evenings, I have to do chores and milk goats. Also have to pick produce for Saturday market. I only picked peppers and some beans tonight. It might rain sometime soon. Looked like tonight by the big huge black clouds floating around up there. Then it could be in the morning. Who knows? But I don't have a canopy. Still. My friend said I could share with her. So if I go, I'll have to get up early and pick all the greens. Collards, turnip greens, kale and lettuce. Then carrots, radishes and beets. So a busy morning.

And I'll have my 9 year old very energetic grand daughter Kansas this weekend.

So I am tired. I would love to have nothing to do again, like I used to. But I love all that I do. I won't have meat chickens after next week. I won't have 2 of the rams after Jan. 8th. I won't have the Holiday Market to get ready for after Christmas. I will be drying the 2 milk goats up the end of December. So no more milking for 2 whole months. I can rest in February. Well, til the end. Then it all starts over again!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

This is my pecan tree. To the left of the fence. I didn't know we had one for a long time. I started seeing pecans all over and wondered where they came from. Then I realized we had one pecan tree in the garden.

Sometimes we'll get nuts with pecans in them, but usually they are hollow or dried. But this year, there are SO many pecans on this tree and all over the ground. And they are GOOD!

When we first moved to this house, there were a lot of things that the family of the couple who built this place didn't want. One of them was this handy little tool. Don't know if this is what it's actually for, but it is now my pecan picker upper. It rolls along the ground and picks up the nuts. How cool is that? Who ever came up with this idea was a genius!

Here you can see pecans inside the little wire thing. I love this tool and am so glad no one wanted it. Because it is going to be used this year. I have already gathered several pounds so far and the tree is still full of pecans.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Making soap with tea and wild mint

I had seen somewhere to use tea in place of plain water to make soap. So I brewed some mint tea a few days ago and put it in the fridge so it would be nice and cold. I read that the colder the tea, the lighter the soap will be. And that it's best to use slushy tea for a real light tea. So I stuck it in the freezer and went to gather some wild mint to throw in too.

Darla had to follow me across the pasture on the way to the mint place. The rest were taking their mid-morning siesta under the shed in the shade.

This is a really old house next door across the field where the wild mint is. I love this house. Been abandoned for a LONG time. It's going to just fall in one day. A family dispute, I have heard. So sad. So the mint grows along these flowers in the front and along the fence line.

                           Of course I have to show my most favorite old oak tree behind my house.
 Didn't mean to show it twice, but it's worth a second view. And I can't figure out how to take it off once I've already gotten it on here, without deleting the whole post and starting over. So you'll have to enjoy it twice!

                                      This is the tea in the lye. VERY dark. Like a burnt goat milk.

Here is the mint and some ground up waiting to be added to the soap. It smells amazing! I love mint.

And here is the soap being stick blended. It almost looks like pumpkin puree. I had also read that the more you stir, the lighter it gets. Well, mine did not get lighter. I then added the mint. It looks horrible now!
  I sure hope it lightens up as it dries. It sure did not so far. I will see in a day or so. This is a veggie based soap, with coconut and olive oil and shortening. It is supposed to stay in the mold 48 hours. I can hardly wait that long for most of them. Too suspenseful!

      Ready to be wrapped up now. And still very brown. But I don't mind dark soap. Most people like the white or lighter colored soap though.


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Saturday, November 9, 2013

Vaught Family Preview : Nashville and Murfreesboro Photographer

I always love seeing this family!  The Vaught family have been clients of mine for a couple of years now, and when they decided to move to Lexington Kentucky earlier this year we were so sad!  Lucky for us, they decided to visit and do some photos while they were in town.  The kids were super high energy LOL but I loved having their personality show through in the photos.  And as always, little Mr. Colin was so sweet and was great for the shoot!  GREAT seeing you all!!!  :)

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Monday, December 15, 2014

When Worlds Collide: A Makeup Look Inspired by The Alazne Series

Even though writing is my first love, another art I enjoy is dabbling in is makeup. I even did a skeleton look for a friend's Halloween costume this year. When I was asked to write a guest blog for Fang-Tastic Books in honor of The Prophets' Guild, I decided to use my loves of writing and fantasy to create fun makeup looks inspired by my characters. Below is a fiery look inspired by Alazne herself.

Hestian Look

Inspired by Alazne, the Fire Queen

Alazne’s bronzed skin, vermilion hair, and golden eyes make her unique and this look will make any woman stand out in real life. This is probably my favorite of the four looks.

Apply matte orange eye shadow on the eyelids and blend matte brown eye shadow into the creases. Line the lower lashlines with gold eyeliner and the top lashlines with black eyeliner, slightly winged out at the outer corners of the eyes. Fill in eyebrows with a brown brow definer pencil.

Apply an orange-red blush to the apples of the cheeks and bronzer to the cheekbones.

Apply red lipstick and dab a little bronze lipstick to the center of the bottom lip to create a slight ombré effect.

Get the other Fierce Fantasy Looks.

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

4, 3, 2, 1, blast off!

the count down is on.
4 more days of school.
I can't decide how I feel about it all.

I have some plans for the summer.
not big ones, just little ones to make things funner.
for example:
I am going to make a big chart- for reading. and we are going to write all the chapter books we read this summer. and I am going to set a goal. I was thinking 100- we are avid readers, sometimes, and when we reach the goal, do something super fun. what? I don't know yet.

I am hoping to hit some movies at the cheap theater. Up, Hannah Montana, and whatever else looks super fun.

I am hoping to get some sort of job thing figured out, so we can all do a bit of work to get the house cleaned up, then have some fun.

I am hoping to do a mini cooking class- teaching the kids how to make some food.

and I am hoping to do some art stuff. I know Jed and Sadie would be all over that. I found a big huge picture in a frame I bought at Value Village. I was initially thinking of making it into a chalkboard, but now I have another idea, but need to make a better plan for it. I will share when we decide what to do with it in the end!

I am hoping to go to a Upick strawberry patch. I always thought that would be fun, and I think Maggie is old enough to help a bit, although now that I think about it, that could be bad. all the kids whining. hmm. might have to rethink this one.

anyways, nothing big, some little stuff to help the summer go smoother.

but first we must get through the exams for Ben, field trips, grade 6 grad, rocket blast off, which has been postponed twice, now it is supposed to be on Friday morning- I hope the weather is good, or those kids might revolt.-our school has a rocket club- (the kids from grades 4-6 build a rocket, then they blast it off at the end of the year. it is a big/fun thing around here. but silly Jed said he didn't want to do it. that kid is wacko.)
One more trip to the dentist. our week is packed.
next week, with nothing at all on the calendar is looking mighty fine!

Andrea said...

sounds like a fun summer. You also need to come play at the beach- lots!
hope the rockets get blasted off.
Jed's a cutie!

darlene said...

Kristy are you interested in a real good deal on fat quarters right there in Edmonton?

Talia said...

don't you love when school is over???
love your blog banner! so fun!!


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Friday, October 15, 2010

Easy Lasagna

I have always been wary of making lasagna.  But Bettie to the rescue, once again.  She gave me this recipe that doesn't require you to cook the noodles first!  And it is delicious.

15 oz. ricotta or cottage cheese
2 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella, split in half
1/2 c. parmesan cheese, split in half
1/4 c. fresh parsley or 1 t. dried parsley (whatever looks good)
1 egg, lightly beaten
26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce (I like mine saucy so I usually use an extra half a jar)
1 lb. ground beef/bulk sausage (Kyle's favorite) or 1 c. TVP reconstituted in 1 c. liquid
3/4 c. water
dry lasagna noodles

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix ricotta and half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan with the parsley and egg.  Cook and drain meat. Put some sauce on the bottom of your 13x9 pan. Stir remaining sauce in with meat. Pour water in the jar to rinse it out and add the water to the meat and sauce mixture.  This water helps cook the noodles. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce mixture, ending with noodles. (I usually end up with three layers of noodles and two layers of the cheese mixture). Put meat sauce (or extra spaghetti sauce) on top of the last layer of noodles and sprinkle on remaining cheeses.  Cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 15 minutes more. Take out of the oven and let sit for 15 minutes.

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3 vigilantes killed in clash with Mexican soldiers

MORELIA, Mexico (AP) — Mexican authorities say three “self-defense” vigilantes have died in a clash with soldiers in the western state of Michoacan.

State prosecutors’ spokesman Alejandro Arellano says three soldiers were wounded in the shootout Tuesday in the town of Los Reyes.

Arellano says soldiers ordered the men traveling in a pickup truck to stop but instead the men fled and opened fire on the troops as they gave chase.

He says investigators recovered more than 150 spent bullets from the scene.

Self-defense squads have been forming in recent months in Michoacan by people who say they are trying to protect themselves from drug cartels. But concerns have surfaced that the vigilantes may be violating the law, abusing the rights of people they detain, or even cooperating with criminals in some cases.

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Gwen Stefani’s team may have gotten the boot, but she’s got some new footwear to show off.

Following the elimination both of her remaining artists Tuesday (5/16) during the NBC singing competition, Blake Shelton’s girlfriend and fellow coach took to Snapchat to share new kicks with Blake’s face on them, seemingly suggesting she’s now switched to “Team Blake.”

Related: Gwen Stefani's Sons Get Fake Tattoos to Match Blake Shelton's

In a subsequent snap, the country star’s signature boots show up next to Gwen’s BS sneakers.

Keeping with the fashion with faces theme, Adam Levine showed his appreciation for Gwen after her team was eliminated by wearing a vintage No Doubt T-shirt under his cardigan.

Related: Gwen Stefani Updates Twitter Picture to Blake Shelton Throwback

The Voice finals kick off Monday (5/22) at 8/7c on NBC.


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Season 2 Episode 18: The Weapon of a God (6)
2-18 hug
"If I fall from here..."
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Siera does not mind turning a blind eye regarding the Golden Knight, but warns Asha that she has a bad reputation among some high-ranked magicians, and that her 3-year-long disappearance has not been taken lightly. Some are still hung up over her cases of involuntary manslaughter by magical accident. Asha asks who the other visitor is, and he answers Claude Yui, ranked #2. Asha wonders why Claude is in Kalibloom when Rindhallow is under siege, and Siera explains that the number of suras has decreased considerably thanks to Mr. Kasak and Agni. He adds that they received news about Agni the day before.

Leez is surprised about the size of the chasm she has to cross, but if she goes around it, she will end up outside the barrier. She is confident that she can jump across thanks to the bracelet, but the bracelet turns off the moment she jumps. Yuta flies and catches her, and both land safely. Yuta then hides his wings before Leez can see them. Leez thanks him, but sees a black feather floating downwards. She pretends her eyes are not working well, and continues to walk as if nothing had happened.

In the courtyard of the Temple of Earth, Leez is amazed at how warm it is. She notices Claude and wants to ask for directions, but Yuta grabs her and leads her away. Claude smiles and says: Found you. Upon seeing Asha, Leez complains to Asha about how difficult and dangerous it was to get to the temple. Asha just says that she looks quite lively, so she will prepare something harder next time. Siera then offers them food.

After the meal, Leez asks how to take off the bracelet, noting that she has no memory of how she got it on, and is unable to remove it. She heard that the method is known only to the Priest of Earth, so she wants to remove the bracelet and return it to its owner. However, Siera tells her that the method is a closely-guarded secret passed down across generations of priests, so he is unable to tell her unless she becomes the next Priest of Earth.

Spoilers and TriviaEdit

Show/Hide Spoilers and Trivia
  • From Currygom's blog entry for this episode (posted December 12, 2012):
    • (Leez's feet): Leez's shoe went flying. Would Asha buy her new ones? Though it seems that Leez is very comfortable without it. She walks very naturally, as if she never had it on.
    • (Yuta carefully setting Leez down): The snow reminds me that Christmas is coming. But I am not alone—I have my deadlines! (evil laugh icon) (crying icon)
    • (Claude): It seems as though a villain has appeared—Claude Yui. (I'm not saying he is one, lol.) There's not much yet on his profile so I could post it today, but I'll do it when he's shown properly.
    • Someone asked me why all the high-ranked magicians are females... and why I'm ignoring the men... There is actually an equal number of males and females. Moreover, the #1 and #2-ranked magicians are male.
    • (Siera): Siera has been a man from the beginning. I would never draw a grown-up woman like that. (Asha is an exception.)
  • When Siera warns Asha of high-rankers, it appears he's referring in particular to Saha On, the magician currently ranked #1 on Willarv, and who tried to impose the death penalty on Asha. It was also possible to guess this through elimination.[1]
  • This is the second time Asha's three-year disappearance is mentioned.[2] The reason for her disappearance is revealed later.[3]
  • This is the second time Leez loses a shoe. In particular, she lost the slipper she used to replace the shoe she'd lost before.[4]
  • Leez apparently did realize what the feather means. She pretended she saw wrong here, but later recalls this moment in a key flashback.[5]
  • It isn't clear who Claude was looking for, but if he was looking for Leez, he may have recognized her from the fact that she has the Golden Knight. He may have heard from Airi that it's missing, and guessed what happened to it. Alternatively, he could have recognized both somehow from their lifespans.
  • Yuta, meet your old friend, vegetables and green tea noodles.[6]

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lost slipper
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telltale feather
2-18 made it to the temple.png
high temple
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angry climber

  1. KuberaSeason 2 Episode 93: Taboo (5)
  2. KuberaSeason 1 Episode 8: The Queen and the Bum (3)
  3. KuberaSeason 2 Episode 143: Your Justice and Mine (9)
  4. KuberaSeason 1 Episode 100: Lies for You (12)
  5. KuberaSeason 2 Episode 76: The One Standing Before Me (6)
  6. KuberaSeason 1 Episode 47: Half (半) - 5

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Major Blog Upgrade

I've been interested in 3 columns blog design since day 1. Unfortunately Blogger standard templates does not offer any.

Tonite I decided to spend time and get the job done. I was using 'dark-minima' theme and I wish to keep the same - but with 3 columns. I was in luck.

Finally, after some tweaking on original source, basically adjusting column width, and had to reinstall most of the elements - presenting a new 3 columns design I always wanted.


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Wes Beckwith

Wes Beckwith

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First Name * Wes
Last Name * Beckwith
Username * kurv
Country * USA
Languages English

Website www.webservicesdfw.com

my history with 3D does not go back nearly as far as I would like for it to, however I have always been fascinated with visual effects and sound. I remember as a kid in school I would spend more time drawing Tie-Fighters and Raiders than listening to my teachers, which usually resulted in my drawing them in detention. I wound up getting involved with electronics, I think, just because it was available to me. I got my degree in Electronic Engineering and worked in that field for several years. After working with hardware and software at Texas Instruments and various other companies, I found that I had accomplished all I really wanted to in electronics. So I decided to look for something new that would keep me on the cutting edge of technology.

I saw an opportunity to work for Wordware Publishing, a computer book publisher, here in Texas. What better way to be in touch with computers and the software industry then to work for a computer book publisher? It was a unique opportunity, and I was a perfect fit. I had a lot of technical knowledge in the areas many of the authors were working and was able to talk about hardware and software technology with them. I found that helped me to direct them towards creating broader, better books. Getting to work with these brilliant people and learn about new software was incredible.

I was looking for someone to author a book on Game Development and Open GL and found a site talking about 3D and the visual effects industry. I was fascinated and thought, “What a great book series!” I began studying the 3D industry and the players involved and found NewTek. I remember having read a lot about the Video Toaster years earlier while going to a computer hardware convention in Dallas. I remember seeing the incredible system that could edit video, insert 3D and effects, etc. It was funny to cross paths again with the folks who had made that awesome hardware.


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Friday, March 9, 2012

Strawberry Mango Crepe

I always see the word crepe in malls, but haven’t got the chance to taste it though because I find it costly.  I was even hesitant to order it, since the first time I saw this name on a restaurant, I don’t even know how to pronounce it properly. Thank you to crepe paper, now I am already confident to order this anywhere. Ahahah!

Being a home-chef-wanna-be, I challenged myself to make it from scratch. Yes, I made the own batter! Now I know the reason why this is expensive as compared to other simple desserts. It’s because the process is quite tiresome.

Here’s what you need

For the batter
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups of flour
1 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
PS: You will need a non-stick pan for making the crepe.

2 mangoes, sliced in cubes

Strawberry filling, or any spread you want, so long it's appropriate (I used Sugar Free, Smuckers)

♥ Combine all the ingredients for the batter. Whisk it, until it becomes smooth and sweet-scented. Yummy!

♥ Heat the nonstick pan over medium to high heat. Put 1/3 cup of batter

♥ Swirl the pan so the batter spreads/coats the entire pan. We want the batter as thin as possible. If you are seeing holes in the batter, you may add more batter to the pan to cover the holes.

♥ Once the batter is cooked, and is no longer shiny, turn the crepe over.

♥ Once cooked, and you have reached the desired texture, you may now remove the crepe from the pan.  Make sure to use a non-metal spatula when removing the crepe from the pan.

♥ On a separate plate, lay the cooked crepe. Put some mangoes depending on the amount of mangoes you want on your crepe.

♥ Roll the crepe around the filling. Make sure to place the seam side down so it wouldn’t open.

♥ Spread it with strawberry filling or whatever filling you want.

♥ Eat and enjoy!


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The Wish Tree

    • 25 Best Kids’ Books for Fall 2016, Today’s Parent
  • 24 Fantastic Picture Books to Read This Fall, Read Brightly
  • 10 Best Winter Books of 2016, Let’s Talk Picture Books
  • Best New Children’s Books for Christmas, Cool Mom Picks
  • 2017 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog
  • 2017 Children’s Choices Reading List, International Literacy Association

“This ingeniously nondenominational tale brings a lovely serene pace to classic holiday themes like giving to others and gathering with dear ones. Perhaps most magical is Turnham’s art, which somehow makes soft mauves, pinks and grays take on a holiday sparkle.”
The New York Times

“Hums with understated everyday magic.”
Publishers Weekly

“Sweet in mood.”

“A truly magical book.”

“Exudes quiet magic and wonder…full of warmth and cheer that only the best of friends and the spirit of giving can provide.”
—School Library Journal

“A warm and engaging magical tale of friendship and the intrinsic beauty of nature offers great appeal and will undoubtedly become a yearly read-aloud in primary classrooms everywhere.”
—School Library Connection

“The Wish Tree is a magically written story by Kyo Maclear and most empathetically illustrated by Chris Turnham…A more perfect winter tale, we couldn’t imagine and one we can’t wait to delve into as winter approaches.”
Picture Books Blogger

“Chris Turnham’s jaunty illustrations perfectly complement Kyo Maclear’s charming and poetic story for young readers who dare to find hope in the ordinary and make a wish come true.”
Politics and Prose

“The Wish Tree is a winsome picture book about kindheartedness and wonder. It could make for a great seasonal read aloud, a cozy quiet read, or for an on-theme read about friendship and thoughtfulness…and it may even inspire some to create their own variations of a ‘wish tree’! Readers who have already read and loved Kyo Maclear’s previous titles will undoubtedly enjoy this…enchantingly told and adorably illustrated book.”
Fab Book Reviews

“Kyo Maclear deftly pulls in the reader with spare, precise language, accented by illustrations from animator Chris Turnham rendered in a purple, white and brown palette that evokes both winter and warmth.”
My Statesman

“The winter theme will only add to its potential as the season’s greatest storytime contender, the images capturing that long, quintessentially Canadian scene so well… The Wish Tree is sure to be another hit by the author of the award-winning Virginia Wolf. This heartwarming tale is a must-have for all children’s book collections.”
CM Magazine

“This celebration of searching, giving and friendship shows a true fulfillment of wishes and makes a beautiful winter and holiday book.”
The News Gazette

“The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Chris Turnham has quickly become a family favorite.”
BabieKins Magazine

“Kyo Maclear and Chris Turnham have created a delicately beautiful book that is absolutely captivating.”
Jump Into a Book

“The beautiful, wintry illustrations evoke all those feelings of snowy magic, and the sweet story of generosity and kindness is a wonderful message for our kids this holiday season.”
Cool Mom Picks

“This one is perfect for the holiday season, and will inspire the search for magic in kids and adults, alike. We’ve featured Kyo Maclear before, and are delighted with her new release. Crisp, modern illustration by Chris Turnham makes the story sparkle.”
Red Cap Cards, Arlo’s Book Club

“With its rhythmic, poetic language, and gentle, hope-filled storyline, The Wish Tree is perfect for seasonal sharing.”
National Reading Campaign

“THE WISH TREE is the perfect winter read. It’s a heartwarming story with a woodland adventure, helping others and believing in something that’s not seen. It’s simple, yet beautiful message, and lovely illustrations, make this the perfect book to read around a cozy fire, or snuggled up under the blankets on a long winter’s night.”
Mundie Kids

“Children and their parents will love Maclear’s sweet story and the lovely illustrations from first-time children’s illustrator Turnham. Turnham’s bluish skies and creamy-white snow transport readers to a cold forest where one little boy looks for a magical tree. Throughout the story, Maclear weaves in repetition, which will get help children learn to read and increase their involvement with the story.”
Kid Lit Reviews

“Kyo Maclear’s story is very simple: a quest for a wish tree. But she ties up that quest with doing for others, promoting generosity of spirit and effort as the means for personal fulfillment….Kyo Maclear does not do contrived or unsatisfying. As with her earlier books, including my very favourite Virginia Wolf (Kids Can Press, 2012), Kyo Maclear fulfills readers’ own wishes by eloquently wrapping up big concepts in sweet stories that always charm us with their worthwhile life lessons.”
Can Lit for Little Canadians

“The lovely text of this luminous book begs to be read aloud and over and over again; there’s a small bit of magic on every page.”
—Marika McCoola, bookseller, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA

“A delightful winter story about friendship, service, and making other people’s wishes come true.”
—Erin Barker, Bookseller, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

“For fans of Ruth Krauss’s classic The Carrot Seed comes a soft, fresh and thoughtful book of perseverance and kindness just in time for the winter season. This book is destined to be a classic holiday read for all to enjoy around the warmth of those they love. A genuinely delightful and endearing read that has instantly captured my heart.”
—Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Assistant Manager, BookPeople of Moscow, Moscow, ID

To purchase The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear, please visit your local independent bookseller.


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Hair extensions

 There are a lot of reasons why one would want to get hair extensions. I am without a doubt an enormous hair extensions freak, and i hope that a lot of you, my dear readers share the same passion. When buying hair extensions besides quallity my number one problem is matching that quallity with acceptable price. And guess what? I found it at

You have probably seen a lot of celebrities getting an ultra short haircut and then, just a week later they would show up with the most amazing long hair you've ever seen.  Instead of getting all hatefull and jealous i would recommend you to check this amazing hair extensions online shop. Extensions you can find there are various, depending on style, color, lenght etc. but one thing is always the same, they are 100% human hair extensions.

I have been ordering a lot of synthetic extensions before, and from my expirience i can asure you that this can cost you a lot of money. Synthetic extensions get bad with time so you want to get new ones, and it goes around like that untill you spend a fortune. But once you buy a quallity hair you can have it forever.

At  this site you can find stick tip hair, nail tip hair, clip in hair, Micro Ring/Loop hair, tape hair, hair weave, PU remy hair all 100 human hair. And as i already mentioned, the prices will leave you breathless.

Besides selling they also provide you with the information on how to apply and take care of your extensions and also help you to match them with your own color and lenght.

Check them out, i promise you won't be sorry!

3 komentara:

  1. My real hair is always down to my hips... I fear if I decided to get hair extensions, I would be going for the Rapunzel hairdo lol xx

    P.S. Liked this post on Bloglovin :)

  2. If you want permanent wear my top 3 suggested methods are: Micro Bead, Tape Weft and Keratin Glue in hair extensions. Micro Bead and Tape Weft extensions can be done at home with the help of a friend or applied in a salon. Keratin Glue in extensions are a little trickier to apply so I suggest they be applied in a salon if you have never done them before.
    Hair Weave Styles


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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Best. Hansard. EVER.

From Wednesday's proceedings in the Mudder Parliament during that wonderful institution, Prime Minister's Question Time:
Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): As someone who claims to be an avid fan of The Smiths, the Prime Minister will no doubt be rather upset this week to hear that both Morrissey and Johnny Marr have banned him from liking them. The Smiths, of course, are the archetypal student band. If he wins tomorrow night’s vote, what songs does he think students will be listening to: “Miserable Lie”, “I Don’t Owe You Anything” or “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”?

The Prime Minister: If I turned up, I probably would not get “This Charming Man”. If I went with the Foreign Secretary, it would probably be, “William, It Was Really Nothing”.

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Are you a serious writer?  Are you a published author?  Are you a poet, lyricist, wordsmith that has something published? Well, you are in the right place to showcase your work!  I am glad that you decided to check out my website and become a guest writer!  There are some great authors, poets and more out there that are just looking for a chance to reveal themselves to a broader audience.  You can do that here!

Submit your writing along with your submission fee of $15 Payment via PayPal @

(Please state in notes Guest Writer)

Once I receive your submission and payment,  it will be reviewed for content.  You will be notified via email of the link to share with your peers and social media contacts!  Let's show the world what you have!


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Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Challenge 2 - Halloween and/or favourite embellishment

First of all can I just say a HUGE thank you to everyone who entered our first challenge.
273 entries!!!!!  What can I say but WOW, I never expected to get so many ;o)  It has been amazing to look through everyone's amazing craft projects - so many talented people out there.
The winner of challenge one and the top three will be announced on Thursday ( we've got to try and pick the top three out of everyone - an almost impossible task )

So, on to challenge 2, which this month is;

Halloween and/or your favourite embellishment

I know that Halloween isn't as big over here in the UK as in the States but there are some amazing Halloween images out there which are really fun to craft with. However, if you don't fancy the Halloween theme you can just stick to your favourite embellishment but please mention what it is in your post ;o)  The design team have produced some great projects again so I hope they will inspire you to give the challenge a go.  This months prize will be another £15.00 voucher to spend online at Ladybug Crafts .

Great work again and I hope you'll enjoy visiting the ladies and if you're anything like me you could spend hours going through their blogs for inspiration ;o)
After the first challenge we had I am really looking forward to seeing more amazing craft projects - don't forget it doesn't have to be a card, it can be any craft project that you want to enter as long as you have crafted it ;o)
Have fun everyone (and can I just say a big Get well soon to DT member Vick who is really poorly at the moment so I hope she takes it easy and feels better soon ;o)))

Sunday, 28 October 2012

Free stamp on Facebook ;o)

Hi everyone, this is just a quick blog to let you know that there is a free stamp giveaway on my Facebook page
The stamp is from La Blanche;

and all you need to do is pop over to Ladybug Crafts Facebook page HERE
like the page (although you don't have to if you really don't want to :o)) and post a comment under the post with the stamp in ;o)  I'll draw a winner this week
Don't forget there are only a few more days left to enter this months challenge at the top of this blog ;o)  We've had some amazing entries so far.

Thursday, 4 October 2012

Challenge 1 winner and top three ;o)

Hi everyone - sorry this post is a little later than planned - I have been trying to work out  how to make a blog post stay at the top of the page but I can't figure it out so I have given up (for now!!)  Anyway onto the important announcement of the winner of our first challenge and our top three!

The winner picked by random number generator is......

Number - 140  Jennifer Scull
Pop over to Jennifer's blog as she does some great work - especially as she has been fighting illness for a while - I hope this win makes her smile ;o))  Jennifer if you email me HERE  I will email you back with a voucher code for you to spend online.
Now, top three - what a job that was!!  It would have been tough to pick top thirty as I loved every entry but we have managed to choose 3 so here we go;
Number - 31 - Tracy MacDonald
Number - 86 - Pat K
Number - 271 - Lena Katrine
If you ladies would like a Top three ladybug blog button please email me HERE and I will send you a button for your blog sidebar ;o))
Thank you so much for entering our first challenge and I hope you will enter our current challenge too which is HERE


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My Favourite Window

September 15, 2014

Getting Away

Time for a break, time for a night away in Kaikoura...

No prizes for guessing that it was to hang out with Morris dancing friends.

 Marlborough Fayre is a new and enthusiastic women's side with years of combined dancing experience, based in Blenheim.

Nor' West Arch is one of two Morris sides in Christchurch.

Although Kitty and I arrived early on Saturday afternoon and the dancing finished roughly twenty four hours later, the gathering managed to cram a lot into the time, including a dance workshop, dinner together, and public displays in town, at Donegal House, the Whale Watch forecourt, and the always poignant and delightful, historic Fyffe House on its whalebone piles.

Of course I keep my gardener's eye open especially with spring enlivening the landscape. I spotted this odd pairing of cold climate flowering cherry harmonising with the bold spires of pride of Madeira, which thrives in frost free conditions all along the Canterbury coastline.

Before setting off for home, Kitty and I discovered this viewing wall protecting an information panel in South Bay. The whole structure, which included a toilet block, was very stylish and pleasing to the eye.

Rather than taking the two hour route home along State Highway 1, we made a longer detour inland via Mt Lyford, new territory for Kitty and me. When I was child, droves of sheep on the road were a common sight around North Canterbury, but as lowland farming has turned to wine, venison, and dairy production, it's rare for us to see a sight like this. The sheep were only one of the spectacles along this route, which is threaded with mountain streams, wide shingle river flats, and dramatic gorges carved out of loess and rock. The kind of country that you feel needs another visit...

Flowering cherry Prunus sp
Pride of Madeira Echium candicans

Photo of sheep near Mt Lyford: Kitty Jamison

rusty duck said...

That last photo is wonderful. Worth the detour in itself.

Cro Magnon said...

Dare I say; it reminds me of parts of Wales. All those sheep and mountains; beautiful. Wonderful landscape and Morris men (and women) too.

libby said...

Such an inviting landscape...lovely pics too and I am impressed by your gardening knowledge.

Lady Mondegreen's Secret Garden said...

rusty duck: The funny thing was that I took a wrong turn to end up on this road. I was pleased I did. :-)

Cro Magnon: Well you could put it another way... parts of Wales remind me of NZ. There were also little glimpses of Dartmoor and the North Yorkshire moors as well!

libby: We are very lucky to have snowy mountains and the great Pacific Ocean within a short drive of where we live. Glad you appreciate my gardening stories - thank you :-)

Susan Heather said...

That looks a wonderful break.

Lady Mondegreen's Secret Garden said...

Susan Heather: Yes indeed. I couldn't get over how much we managed to do in that time and we even had a leisurely lie-in on Sunday morning.

Steve said...

Mountains, Gandalf!

What a beautiful country.

Lady Mondegreen's Secret Garden said...

Steve: Yeah, they could quite easily be the Misty Mountains. Come and see them!


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Friday, August 27, 2010

Searching For Signal: #161 - “Big Brother” - Season 12, Episode 22

We start out with Julie live, all giddy that tonight is a double eviction and we get to send two houseguests packing. Yay!

Cut to the review of the last few episodes. These things are starting to get a little sparse, since the house is getting pretty small at this point. (By the end of the season, the review will just be two people staring at each other with total hatred.) Anyway, we see shots of The Brigade wanting Matt gone, and Matt running around and plotting against Ragan. Then the Announcer Guy: It’s going to be a double eviction! What, do they think we’ve had a memory lapse since Julie just mentioned that 37 seconds ago?

And here’s Julie again: “Two houseguests will leave tonight!” (Just shoot me in the head, Vern, and get this over with.) “Who will be left standing when the night is through?” Oh, and The Brigade is a secret for now, but that won’t last for long in the Big Brother house. Then Julie grins manically and tosses her hair about.

We have a run of Diary Room confessions.

Matt: “I gotta pull another rabbit out of my hat.” (Sorry, but my mind goes immediately to Matt’s incessant need to shove his hand in his shorts. I have a lot of endearing names for my tackle, but I’ve never called it a rabbit.)

Britney: I was fine with Matt until he threw his friend under the bus. (Gee, I wonder how she’s going to feel when Lane does the same with her?)

Enzo: This is how The Brigade is going to send people home - Matt, Brendon, Britney and Ragan. (Then he gets kind of quiet and tries to remember what he was talking about. You could say that the penguin outfit is throwing him off a bit, but something tells me Enzo was thrown a long time ago.)

Cut to Ragan sprawled out in the daybed room, looking all tragic and pale after learning that Matt is not going to marry him and have children. Britney wanders in, and instinctively nurtures one of her gay acolytes. “If you wanna talk, come find me.”

Matt moseys by the daybed room, and asks Ragan: “You available?” (In another context, I could twist that question around into all kinds of sordid interpretations.) Ragan responds: “Not quite yet.”

Scene with Britney and Matt in the kitchen area, with Britney looking around like she doesn’t understand why the servants haven’t cleaned up the spilled sesame seeds. Matt: “Is Ragan upset?” Britney pretends like she doesn’t really know why Ragan is wallering around on the daybed and sobbing. Matt: Can you talk to him? Because, like, you’re a girl and can understand him better.

Oh, really, Matt? Only a GIRL can understand a gay man? Do you realize that you just lost the support of half of this show’s viewing audience? Oh wait, you’d already lost it. Never mind.

Matt in the Diary Room: He figures out that Britney must have told Ragan that he tried to backstab him. “I’m in big trouble.” Yep.

Still, Matt gives it another shot with Ragan. Stupidly, Matt tries to act like he didn’t “realize” that telling Britney to evict Ragan could be considered “throwing Ragan under the bus”. Then Matt ups the dumb-ass factor by saying that everybody in the house knows that Ragan was campaigning to keep Matt. (Ragan in the Diary Room: I don’t want people to be thinking THAT.)

So Ragan marches out to the courtyard, where the rest of the house is lolling about and waiting for anything of interest to happen. Ragan makes it clear that he is NOT in an alliance with Matt. (Who moseys outside during this, hands in pants, and presumably hears the tale.) Then Enzo, because he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, mumbles something about how the guys had planned to split the vote on the last eviction.

Ragan quickly does the math, considers the variables, and then runs to the Diary Room. “There’s an alliance between Enzo, Matt, Hayden and Lane!” Well, hallelujah. He’s not the first to suspect this, but hopefully he’s the first to actually do something about it.

Ragan is listlessly swinging in the hammock, still swooning with shattered friendships and wondering if he should clutch a calla lily to his chest, when Matt wanders up. “Are you okay?” Ragan: The boys are working together. And you were a part of that. Matt denies such.

Matt in the Diary Room: Wait. Can I flip this around in my favor?

Matt runs to Lane and Hayden. Matt: Ragan knows a LOT. He told me that he’d target you and Lane. Total lie. (Hayden in the Diary Room: How do we know that it wasn’t MATT who told Ragan?)

Scene with Ragan lying on the daybed, running through events in the house and trying to memorize things, strategizing. (Ragan in the Diary Room: “I have to bring this alliance down.”) Fingers crossed.

Cut to Julie, who then informs the assembled houseguests that tonight will be a double elimination. We’ll have a week’s worth of BB in one hour.

Crickets chirp in the Couch Room as most of them have no immediate comprehension of what this means. Britney briefly seems to have a moment of insight, but it may have just been a gas bubble.

Then Julie says that the eviction nominees will give their “save me” speeches now, and the houseguests realize it’s WAY too early in the episode for that, so slight fear shadows their otherwise catatonic faces. Enzo is up first: He says he wants to prove himself and he wants to do things. Vague, right? Then he says he thinks Matty is “a cool dude”. And then he’s unable to stop rambling about pointless things. Julie, grimacing, finally cuts him off.

Matt stands: He promises to keep it short, and then goes on forever as well. (Quick shot of Julie on her communication device, asking why the snipers are not firing from the rooftops. We have commercial break commitments!) Finally, Matt’s obtuse plane lands and we get to the actual voting.

It’s unanimous that Matt is going home.

To his credit, he’s very gracious when he leaves, hugging everybody. He marches out the door to a surprising round of applause from the studio audience. (Maybe it’s just me, but I’m thinking that the audience should have pelted him with rotting garbage for his lies about his wife’s non-existent illness. Then again, maybe it’s my bad. I forgot. People don’t have morals any more.)

Exit interview.

Julie: You threw the HOH competition. Why? (See, I still don’t know how we’re supposed to know this, but apparently we are.) Matt: I was too confident. Maybe my worst move. Julie: Why did you remain loyal to The Brigade. Why not out them? Matt: I was gonna ride this week out and see. (Weak answer.) Julie: Why did you throw Ragan under the bus? Matt: I did feel bad about that.

Then Julie shoves Matt off the stage and gets to her next sound bite. “Coming up. The HOH Competition!” Then she beams to show that her dental insurance has been well-spent.

And we go to the competition in the courtyard.

Basically, Julie is going to ask a question. The answer will be two houseguest names. The players have to then jump over this crappy pile of boxes, and then dig in a pen of packing peanuts for little placards that have names. You can only bring one name back to the finish line at a time, and if you bring a wrong name you are eliminated.

The whole thing is over in roughly 12 seconds, with Hayden winning.

Julie gets back on the monitor and tells the houseguests to get their asses back in house pronto, because we’re live and we have things to do.

Then Julie turns back to the cameras and says: “Let’s eavesdrop on the strategy taking place in the house.” This sounds fun and exciting, but the payout leaves a lot to be desired. We see Hayden and Brendon talking. Can’t hear a thing. We see Haden, Lane, Enzo and Brendon talking. Can’t hear a thing. Great. Learned a lot.

Julie summons the underlings to the Couch Room. Hayden, commence with the nominations.

He names Brendon and Ragan.

Then Julie shoos people back out to the courtyard, because we still have things to do and, more importantly, commercials to show.

Power of Veto Competition. This is one of those “Before and After” things where Julie mentions two events in the house and the players have to figure out which came when. Since we’re on a tight schedule, suffice it to say that Julie barks “I need an answer!” several hundred times. Eventually, Ragan wins POV.

Julie, apparently having been informed via her mind-control headset that we’ve still got a bit of time, taunts us again with “Let’s eavesdrop on the strategy in the house!”. This consists entirely of Britney running about and making sure that if she goes up, everybody is going to vote for Matt. She also adjusts a bra strap, if such things are important to you.

POV Ceremony.

Brendon gets to offer up his “save me” speech. It’s fairly stupid. Something about shoes.

Ragan, no speech necessary, removes himself from the block. But he still manages to throw in a “Janelle” reference.

Hayden names Britney as a replacement. No surprise, since the other options are all Brigade members.

And we cut directly to the Eviction Ceremony. (We’re living in the fast lane, people.)

“Save me” speeches, again.

Britney: She’s totally boring, feeling completely secure and not even trying.

Brendon: He’s actually kind of human. “The dysfunction in the house makes us a family.” But it’s too little, way too late.

Brendon is evicted unanimously.

Exit interview.

Julie: Just before the vote, we heard the other guys saying that you were just going to be a pawn on the block. (Um, Julie, no we didn’t. We couldn’t hear a damn thing. Your little minions were censoring everything so that the one small child who is actually watching this show wouldn’t be offended.) Brendon shrugs it off. That’s how it goes. Julie: Do you have no clue of the truth in what was going on? Brendon: Probably not. Julie: Of the people left, who’s playing the best game? Brendon: Britney.

Julie shoves Brendon off the stage, and turns to the cameras. “Let’s eavesdrop on the house and see what they’re thinking!” Because that worked SO well the first two times we did this.

We basically see one continuous shot of the fish tank, which means people are cussing.

That was a wealth of information, Julie. Thanks for that.

Roll end credits.

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Sunday, July 17, 2011

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