not so scattered-journal # 28 5/30/2010

Outlook

Still a bit peaked....hmmmm...It's gone to pneumonia...I got to feeling really great--not quite perfect--but well enough to ignore the whole thing. Yesterday, I went out and planted my raspberries and blueberries in 50 mph wind so typical here. Well, now I'm really paying for neglecting my herbals and hydration. I had to sit up to sleep.

On my mind

When will I ever learn that God's ways are not my ways and His time is not my time? I've sort of bemoaned the lousy weather--the late snows and incessant storms. But He knew. I had determined to change my whole back garden from vegetables to a berry patch. The people behind us planted trees that shaded the garden area too much to let veggies grow. What do you know--they pulled the trees. That spot is too hot for berries now with it's nearly full sun exposure. So those berry bushes that have been waiting on the side of the house for two weeks got planted in different spots that should give them just the growing environments they need to be successful in the desert. It doesn't make sense to plant berries in the shade; I know! But I've two patches of raspberries out back right now. The one in the shade outperforms the sunny ones by a mile.

Keeping a Home

Every week I come home and fill the garbage can with plastic, as I unload my groceries. I didn't used to think about this one way or another until moving to the windiest place in the world. I've seen those blasted, plastic, grocery bags stuck in the top of trees in the desert miles away from where people live. I've thought off and on about doing something about it, but those horrible, purchased, reusable bags aren't much better. I plan to follow through on an idea I read about last year to make fabric grocer's bags using a plastic bag as a pattern. But as usual I'll take it a step further. A few weeks ago, I saw a guy at the store filling a bag with rice. I want to make some of these for produce and bulk grains, too. Of course my ever organized mind could never stand taking a wad of fabric into the store, which means I'll need a nice tote for the whole kit and kaboodle. A couple of my flannel gowns have worn out, thus need replacement. I've made the gown above before in a summer version. I'm going to look for some pretty flannel and begin working on it after my bag lady project. Seeing it in white, I realize it would make a lovely temple gown sewn in eyelet, lined with batiste with satin sash. I'm going to give this some serious thought, as well. When and if I finish, I'll post pics--maybe.

Deliciousness

I'm going to do some final tweaking on a new recipe for dinner tonight. I love Fettuccine Alfredo. Dairy products are out of the question for me now, so this is made from a base of almonds. And the Fettuccine is not noodles at all but strips of zucchini, peppers, and carrots. Mmmmmm.....this salad recipe is so delicious and one of the recipes for my new top secret cook book.

Toward Real Education

I'm falling into a good rhythm with my studies. The new study desk, which will hopefully be replaced with something like this, was an intentional gift from

God. He knows how much I enjoy his command..."walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10 With study subjects ranging from natural healing, to gardening , to great books, to history, to homemaking, I needed a bit of direction. Taking these new students has not burdened me at all but has brought order and focus to my days. At last I don't feel so scattered. I've found my purpose.

Toward Rhythm and Beauty

Although I had harbored a semi-secret desire for more children and don't feel quite ready to really and truly be done with the daily hands-on of motherhood, I'm growing accustomed to my childless state. I sorely miss little arms circling my neck. I love teaching children to tie shoes, cook breakfast, and write their letters. But the house stays cleaner. I have time to garden and study. I have noticed though that I'm forgetting to feed my remaining son. While Joseph and I are content with smoothies and wheat grass, this young man needs a lot more calories. I've committed to make sure he gets a couple sturdy meals each day. He'll be gone on his mission soon enough.

This is how I fit it all in now. I start at 4 am with a quart of red raspberry leaf infusion, load of laundry, and shower. Scripture study claims my first hour, and I continue on with my long list until 7:30. somewhere in there I've finished that laundry and may have started a second load. I like to walk if the weather is fine or Firm if it's not. 8:30 we have wheat grass and a green smoothie. Joseph and I spend a short bit of time cleaning up and working our indoor garden. If the weather cooperates, I head outside to play in the dirt and water until lunch, which is usually more wheat grass and smoothie (plus a sandwich for Spencer.) Afternoons are for drawing, sewing , writing, more reading, or service opportunities. Around 4 or 5 I head back into the kitchen to plant new trays of greens, work on my cookbook, and make dinner--they are basically the same project. Often I'm joined by the helping hands of one or both of my men. After dinner which may or may not have been enjoyed, we clean up and joke around. Evenings find us taking walks or talking or driving or working the bees or some other together project. Spencer is so busy with friends and work, he doesn't really have time for us old folks.

Bee News

All our new girls are in their new homes, giving us three hives again. If I ever learn enough to be a real bee keeper, I'd like to expand to 10 or 12 hives. Whenever anyone finds out that we have organic, local honey, they beg to buy some. At this point, I have enough for gifts, food storage and personal use. But I love keeping bees.

Biblo Fix

I'm waiting not so patiently for two new homemaking books, The Domestic Church and A Mother's Rule of Life. Until then I have plenty to keep me busy. I'm really enjoying reading so many old favorites with my new students, because each time I re-read a book, I learn new things.

Appearance

I'm afraid my appearance for the next few days will be long, cozy, flannel gowns and shearling booties. But my hair looks great after it's trim. It holds a curl again.

Scripture Meditations

"To every thing there us a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to

keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." Ecclesias

tes 3:1-8 Now is the time for me to learn to be retired.

Praying For

This week our sweet Claire is the grandone of the week. She's just barely one and as sweet and vibrant as the best of babies. She's absolutely gorgeous, too. I pray for her health and safety. I pray that her parents will be inspired to know the very best way to raise this special spirit from our Father in Heaven.

What's Coming

A bit uncertain until I kick this illness. I won't be teaching this Monday,. I'm sick, and it's a holiday. I need to get Spencer to water my flowers and trees for a few days.

Simple Pleasure

Peonies oodles of peonies all over my garden. They grow here without any coaxing. I love to see the absolute lack of vegetation one week and a huge bush filled with blooms the next. It amazes me each spring.