Posts with the label simple living
Showing posts with label simple living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label simple living. Show all posts
Sunday, October 18, 2020
IT'S A FOWL LIFE WITH TESSA AND TRIXIE
If you have been reading my posts for awhile you are probably familiar with Tessa, my eight year old granddaughter, and Trixie, her pet chicken.
Back in the spring Trixie became broody. A fox had gotten her sisters and all the ducks, but after flying over the fence and hiding out in a neighbors yard Trixie returned home, where she became Trixie the lonely chicken. You can read about that here.
Tessa decided that Trixie needed some babies to take care of so my daughter and son-in-law bought her some fertilized eggs to hatch. You can read the updates here, where she settles into being a broody hen, and here where more baby chicks were purchased to give some company to the one demented baby who was kicked out of the nest by Trixie.
To make a long story short the babies grew and grew and along with the purchase of four new baby ducks, Trixie was definitely not lonely anymore.
What did happen was that like many mothers, Trixie was no longer feeling the love for those grown up and annoying interlopers.
She just wanted them to leave her alone.
The ducks especially seemed to love to annoy her. They would chase after her and when she got really mad at them one of the ducks would throw back her head and start laughing. Ducks can be pretty entertaining, although I don't think Trixie sees it that way.
Two of the sweet little chicks grew up to be roosters. Tessa's favorite is Lemony Snicket, a real beauty. The other rooster has become overly protective of Trixie and comes after Tessa when she tries to get the eggs.
Tessa, the intrepid rooster hunter soon put a stop to that with her red umbrella. That rooster goes flying across the yard when Tessa wooshes that umbrella open at her.
That Rooster is no match for Tessa.
A Footnote.
I originally planned to post this on Saturday, but time got away from me and I wanted to spend the afternoon with my family. Tessa and I spent some wonderful time in the backyard tracking dinosaurs, and while out there I noticed that the chickens and ducks were congregating in and around the chicken coop. Trixie usually comes out to talk to me, but stayed inside the coop.
Winky, their chorkie, came out on the back deck and started barking. I asked Tessa if she could see what she was barking at, but she brushed it off and said it was probably a squirrel. I wandered over to the area that Winky was looking at, under the pretense of looking for escaped dinosaurs, but didn't see anything.
A couple of hours after I left Cary texted me to say that something, either a fox or coyote, had gotten one of the black hens and Lemony Snicket. It is pretty bold for one of them to come into the yard in the daytime.
RIP Lemon
Farm life, even in the middle of a city, is tough, but Tessa is tougher. She usually takes these things in stride. It is scary that that animal was lurking there while we were playing, and I hate that Tessa might not feel completely safe in her own backyard.
Cary said they may have to consider getting another large dog to protect Tessa, the chickens, ducks, and Trixie, the pet chicken. I'm all for that idea.
Monday, March 2, 2020
HELLO MARCH
March came skipping into town yesterday with a smile on its face and a halo over its head.
It couldn't have been more angelic. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the breeze was as warm as a fresh picked strawberry in June.
How perfect was that? The morning was a bit cool, but I took advantage of the sun streaming in the windows to do some product photography and to list a couple of things in the Etsy shop.
In the afternoon I left my windows open to go out for a wander down my street.
I decided to defy my cranky toddler knee. I'm calling it that now, because you know how toddlers keep on being cranky as they resist going to sleep, well that is how I feel about my knee refusing to give up on being painful. It has been over four months and I am just a wee bit tired of it.
I decided to walk on my street because I had never done so in the almost year that I have lived here. It is hilly where I live and I wasn't sure how much I could do, but I did manage 30 minutes.
I'm hoping I can build on that, because I have always liked walking in the neighborhoods where I live. I think it makes you feel a part of things.
I was delighted to see leaves on a nearby willow tree, and new buds popping out all over.
Of course, we all know how fickle of a month March can be. Yesterday's beautiful weather has turned into a somewhat cooler, rainy day today, but I won't let it dampen my spirits because it's March and that means that it's meteorological spring.
Hello March. Have I told you lately how much I love you?
It couldn't have been more angelic. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the breeze was as warm as a fresh picked strawberry in June.
How perfect was that? The morning was a bit cool, but I took advantage of the sun streaming in the windows to do some product photography and to list a couple of things in the Etsy shop.
In the afternoon I left my windows open to go out for a wander down my street.
I decided to defy my cranky toddler knee. I'm calling it that now, because you know how toddlers keep on being cranky as they resist going to sleep, well that is how I feel about my knee refusing to give up on being painful. It has been over four months and I am just a wee bit tired of it.
I decided to walk on my street because I had never done so in the almost year that I have lived here. It is hilly where I live and I wasn't sure how much I could do, but I did manage 30 minutes.
I'm hoping I can build on that, because I have always liked walking in the neighborhoods where I live. I think it makes you feel a part of things.
I was delighted to see leaves on a nearby willow tree, and new buds popping out all over.
Of course, we all know how fickle of a month March can be. Yesterday's beautiful weather has turned into a somewhat cooler, rainy day today, but I won't let it dampen my spirits because it's March and that means that it's meteorological spring.
Hello March. Have I told you lately how much I love you?
Thursday, March 22, 2018
THIS AND THAT
I really wish winter and spring would quit being at war. Spring has officially sprung and it is time for winter to just give it up already.
I for one am tired of seeing the blossoms and new leaves buried under snow.
Wednesday my daughter, Katy flew from Atlanta to Washington, in a blizzard, to meet with members of congress. She is advocating for the Immune Deficiency Foundation to make sure that she and millions of others keep their health benefits. I am so proud of her.
As I write this I am listening to the songs of the birds. They know that spring is here and they are calling to their mates. Is there anything sweeter than that sound in the early morning?
Easter will be here soon. I was thinking yesterday about childhood Easter outfits. We used to get so dressed up for Easter in hats, fancy dresses, gloves and patent leather shoes. My father made sure that we each had a corsage. (I am telling my age)
Easter was spent here in Kentucky at my grandparent's house. We would drive down from Canada for the long weekend and I can remember how wonderful the warm air felt.
I used to help out in the florist bagging corsages. My grandmother paid me a couple of dollars and I thought it was the most important job in the world.
I've manged to kill off one of the plants in my terrarium. Not enough light I guess or maybe I'm not watering the way I should. I have never been too successful with terrariums, but I love the little one that I have so I am going to replace the plant and try again.
This is when I really miss my grandfather and his expertise on things that grow.
I don't know about you, but I have a busy day planned. Time to get in the shower and get myself going.
Hope you have a serene day.
Monday, January 15, 2018
SMALL SIMPLE THINGS
Life has taught me that it is the small simple things we experience each day that bring us the most contentment.
A small pot of daffodils on the windowsill to chase away the winter blues.
Morning coffee with close friends. A time for laughter and sharing.
Short text messages with a grandchild to brighten a gloomy day.
Afternoon tea with homemade cornbread and a good book on my Kindle.
A short walk in the snow to share lunch with my mom.
Planning a potluck lunch for a snowy day.
Pulling out a vintage needlepoint project that has been hiding in the basket beside my chair for far too long and realizing how well it will go with my settee.
These aren't exciting things, but they are the simple things that make up my life. They are all things that enrich it.
I am grateful.
A small pot of daffodils on the windowsill to chase away the winter blues.
Morning coffee with close friends. A time for laughter and sharing.
Short text messages with a grandchild to brighten a gloomy day.
Afternoon tea with homemade cornbread and a good book on my Kindle.
A short walk in the snow to share lunch with my mom.
Planning a potluck lunch for a snowy day.
Pulling out a vintage needlepoint project that has been hiding in the basket beside my chair for far too long and realizing how well it will go with my settee.
These aren't exciting things, but they are the simple things that make up my life. They are all things that enrich it.
I am grateful.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
LIVING SIMPLE IN A NEW YEAR
Happy New Year everyone. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season.
I really enjoyed being with my family. The grand kids are perfect and it was wonderful to spend time with my daughters.
As much as I love the holidays, I am always happy when the new year starts. It feels like there is a clean slate to write on, and I have been thinking about what I want to write on that slate this year.
I don't make resolutions, but I do try and set some goals for myself.
I am working on what those goals are, but I know from experience that life will intervene and goals have to be flexible.
One thing that I want to focus more on is living a simpler life even in this complex world that we live in.
I want my small apartment to be a haven from all of the complexities of the outside world. I want to be able to close my door and know that I can choose to turn off and tune out if I want.
Now I will have to decide how to do that amidst the activist work that I am doing.
For me just thinking about focusing on a simpler life brings about a sense of peace.
Do you have plans for this new year?
I really enjoyed being with my family. The grand kids are perfect and it was wonderful to spend time with my daughters.
As much as I love the holidays, I am always happy when the new year starts. It feels like there is a clean slate to write on, and I have been thinking about what I want to write on that slate this year.
I don't make resolutions, but I do try and set some goals for myself.
I am working on what those goals are, but I know from experience that life will intervene and goals have to be flexible.
One thing that I want to focus more on is living a simpler life even in this complex world that we live in.
I want my small apartment to be a haven from all of the complexities of the outside world. I want to be able to close my door and know that I can choose to turn off and tune out if I want.
Now I will have to decide how to do that amidst the activist work that I am doing.
For me just thinking about focusing on a simpler life brings about a sense of peace.
Do you have plans for this new year?
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
FAT TUESDAY AND THUNDERSTORMS
No, I am not attending Fat Tuesday celebrations. My fat Tuesday has an entirely different meaning.
My fat Tuesday has to do with the fact that I stepped on the scales this morning. Eeeek!!
Apparently I thought that sitting around for two months and eating whatever I wanted would be okay.
So I am only showing my feet, and there will be a drastic change in my eating and exercising if I want to get into any of my summer clothes.
The lamps are all lit in my apartment today. About 5:30 this morning I was rudely awoken by something that sounded like a bomb going off. It shook my whole building.
We were having a doozy of a thunderstorm and thunderstorms are forecast for the rest of the day.
Good day for me to stay home and catch up on some things I need to do.
I recently opened my Etsy shop back up and I need to get some new listings up and running. Don't you love this creamer and sugar that I found at an estate sale. My favorite pattern.
This is my little plant hospital. It is where I am putting the new plants I have propagated and my basil plant that I have nursed over the winter.
This window is in my bedroom so it is one of the first things I see in the morning. As plants always make me happy (unless they are dying) it makes a great start to my day.
What do you do on rainy days? Do you just go about your normal routine or do you have a rainy day plan?
My fat Tuesday has to do with the fact that I stepped on the scales this morning. Eeeek!!
Apparently I thought that sitting around for two months and eating whatever I wanted would be okay.
So I am only showing my feet, and there will be a drastic change in my eating and exercising if I want to get into any of my summer clothes.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
CRAZY WEATHER , A FLAT TIRE, AND WHERE IS THAT LAMP?
Is your weather as crazy as ours?
This is January, RIGHT???
It definitely feels much more like March. Showers and warm temperatures are prevailing and with temperatures not dropping below freezing at night I am afraid that things will start to bloom.
My other worry is that when March does roll around winter will decide to rear its ugly head. I am not a fan of winter and love these mild days, but if we have to have cold weather I like for it to be in January.
Now, about that flat tire. GRRRRRR!!!
I noticed on the way to clean up my booth yesterday that I heard a strange noise. Just as I pulled into the mall, boom my tire went flat.
SIGH!
Thank goodness for AAA, but tomorrow I will be heading off to the tire store to get, I'm sure, two new front tires.
I hate the fact that I keep having to put money into my old car, but every time I start saving money for a new one something goes wrong with the old one. I think I am going to have to have a serious conversation with it about its behavior.
I also noticed yesterday that a lamp was missing from my booth. It isn't on my sales report so I will have to talk to the manager to see where it has disappeared to. I don't think anyone could walk out the front door with a large table lamp, but nothing really surprises me.
Things there do have a way of going missing.
Today I am having a day at home. I like those days.
This is January, RIGHT???
It definitely feels much more like March. Showers and warm temperatures are prevailing and with temperatures not dropping below freezing at night I am afraid that things will start to bloom.
My other worry is that when March does roll around winter will decide to rear its ugly head. I am not a fan of winter and love these mild days, but if we have to have cold weather I like for it to be in January.
Now, about that flat tire. GRRRRRR!!!
I noticed on the way to clean up my booth yesterday that I heard a strange noise. Just as I pulled into the mall, boom my tire went flat.
SIGH!
Thank goodness for AAA, but tomorrow I will be heading off to the tire store to get, I'm sure, two new front tires.
I hate the fact that I keep having to put money into my old car, but every time I start saving money for a new one something goes wrong with the old one. I think I am going to have to have a serious conversation with it about its behavior.
I also noticed yesterday that a lamp was missing from my booth. It isn't on my sales report so I will have to talk to the manager to see where it has disappeared to. I don't think anyone could walk out the front door with a large table lamp, but nothing really surprises me.
Things there do have a way of going missing.
Today I am having a day at home. I like those days.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
SIMPLE SUMMER DAYS
A couple of days ago I was complaining about how quickly summer seems to go by and how much I miss simple summer days.
I often wonder just when did we stop doing all of the things that made summer so much fun. Did we think we were too grown-up? Were we too busy?
I for one have decided that I want to get back to enjoying the simple pleasures of a childhood summer.
Yesterday, I began. It was a moody, rainy day. Perfect to sit by an open window, and read a book while enjoying the smells and sounds of a summer day. It brought back memories of days reading Nancy Drew books in my shorty pajamas.
The day seemed to drift by at a tempo I seemed to have forgotten existed.
I still love to go treasure hunting. That is what yard sales, auctions, and even walks are for. Seeing a beautiful flower can be treasure enough for me these days.
There are so many simple pleasures to be enjoyed, and most of them are free for us to take. Summer may be drawing to a close, but it's not too late to get out and bring back some simple summer days of your own.
What are some of your favorite summer memories?
I often wonder just when did we stop doing all of the things that made summer so much fun. Did we think we were too grown-up? Were we too busy?
I for one have decided that I want to get back to enjoying the simple pleasures of a childhood summer.
Yesterday, I began. It was a moody, rainy day. Perfect to sit by an open window, and read a book while enjoying the smells and sounds of a summer day. It brought back memories of days reading Nancy Drew books in my shorty pajamas.
I still love to go treasure hunting. That is what yard sales, auctions, and even walks are for. Seeing a beautiful flower can be treasure enough for me these days.
Tonight, I am going to head outside at dusk just to look for lightning bugs and listen to the cicadas. Maybe I will hear some neighborhood children playing hide and seek in the dark.
Read more inspiration posts.
Monday, July 11, 2016
SIMPLE LIVING MANIFESTO
When I came across this in my Facebook feed a few days ago, I stopped to think about how much of this am I actually practicing.
Eat less, move more. I am eating less, but I am also eating more. That may sound like it doesn't make sense, but what it means is that I am eating very little processed food and eating more natural and organic foods.
Isn't it wonderful that summer is here and the local farmers provide us with so much to choose from. I am so grateful for their hard work.
I am on a mission to move more. Every day (well almost every day) I am out the door around 7 am to take my morning walk. I may be groaning some days, but I am never sorry once my feet hit the pavement.
I love how the morning sky is different each day.
Buy less, make more. Well, to be honest I am buying things for my new apartment, but I am trying to buy primarily vintage and antique items and I am selling things I already have so that I am not adding to waste and to hurting the environment.
I don't do a lot of making my own things anymore unless you count cooking my meals from healthy ingredients.
Stress less, laugh more. I definitely feel less stressed since I have moved into my own apartment, and I am seeking out people who make me laugh more.
That girl knows how to live.
Feel blessed, love more. I am waking up each day remembering all of the things I am blessed with and all of the people I love.
There are many.
Find a quiet spot every day and breathe. This is something I do numerous times throughout the day and I've found it can be done anywhere.
For me, life is so much more serene when it is lived simply.
Eat less, move more. I am eating less, but I am also eating more. That may sound like it doesn't make sense, but what it means is that I am eating very little processed food and eating more natural and organic foods.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
SIMPLE LIVING AND WALKING IN WINTER
I love to walk, and I definitely need the exercise, but when winter rolls around I have a difficult time motivating myself to get out and just start walking.
I have a difficult time with the cold weather, but for the most part this winter has been on the mild side.
We had 70 degrees on Christmas and 55 degrees just a few days ago. In between we have had some bitterly cold days, but I feel like I need to just bundle up and get out on those days anyway.
So that is what I am doing. Yesterday the snow was falling, which made me want to curl up and stay inside, but then I remembered how much I used to love to walk in the snow.
I piled on layers of clothes and headed out. (I think I kind of resembled Randy in "The Christmas Story". I could barely put my arms down.)
It was cold, but I was nice and warm and I loved the feel of the snow hitting my face as I walked, and the quiet of the world as it fell all around me.
The snow was gone almost as quickly as it came, but it was wonderful to remember how much I love walks in the snow.
Winter strips the earth of color, but in doing so it creates its own beauty. We just have to look for it.
Walking again is reminding me of just how beautiful each season is.
Walking is a simple pleasure. Perfect for my new simpler way of living.
I have a difficult time with the cold weather, but for the most part this winter has been on the mild side.
We had 70 degrees on Christmas and 55 degrees just a few days ago. In between we have had some bitterly cold days, but I feel like I need to just bundle up and get out on those days anyway.
So that is what I am doing. Yesterday the snow was falling, which made me want to curl up and stay inside, but then I remembered how much I used to love to walk in the snow.
I piled on layers of clothes and headed out. (I think I kind of resembled Randy in "The Christmas Story". I could barely put my arms down.)
It was cold, but I was nice and warm and I loved the feel of the snow hitting my face as I walked, and the quiet of the world as it fell all around me.
The snow was gone almost as quickly as it came, but it was wonderful to remember how much I love walks in the snow.
Winter strips the earth of color, but in doing so it creates its own beauty. We just have to look for it.
Walking again is reminding me of just how beautiful each season is.
Walking is a simple pleasure. Perfect for my new simpler way of living.
Monday, July 20, 2015
WHY WE SHOULD BUY LOCAL PRODUCE
Summer means that there is an abundance of fresh produce, and the local farmers seem to be everywhere selling it. Buying local produce is always the best option, and we should never undervalue it.
According to Local Harvest, "by doing so you'll be helping preserve the environment, and you'll be strengthening your community by investing your food dollar close to home. Only 18 cents of every dollar, when buying at a large supermarket, go to the grower. 82 cents go to various unnecessary middlemen. Cut them out of the picture and buy your food directly from your local farmer."
It takes approximately seven days for produce to arrive on the shelves of a supermarket. During that time the produce is losing its nutrient value. If you are purchasing produce that was grown in another country, the time of transport is even longer. Think of the fossil fuels that are being used to transport all of that produce and what that is doing to the environment.
One of the things I love about shopping from local farmers is that I can talk to the farmer face to face. I can look them in the eye and ask questions like when was this picked and is your produce grown organically or do you use pesticides.
Buying produce directly from the farmer helps to support local families. It puts money back into the local economy and helps to sustain the local tax base.
The best reason of all for buying local produce is that, not only is it better for us, it just simply tastes better. All in all it is a win win situation in leading a simple healthier life.
According to Local Harvest, "by doing so you'll be helping preserve the environment, and you'll be strengthening your community by investing your food dollar close to home. Only 18 cents of every dollar, when buying at a large supermarket, go to the grower. 82 cents go to various unnecessary middlemen. Cut them out of the picture and buy your food directly from your local farmer."
It takes approximately seven days for produce to arrive on the shelves of a supermarket. During that time the produce is losing its nutrient value. If you are purchasing produce that was grown in another country, the time of transport is even longer. Think of the fossil fuels that are being used to transport all of that produce and what that is doing to the environment.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
A WALK IN THE MOUNTAINS
I can't imagine anything more wonderful than a walk through the woods, up in the mountains, on a beautiful spring day.
A well worn path calls my name.
Soft light filters through the trees. A rustic bench provides a quiet place to rest. To listen as the birds call to their mates. Spring has arrived in the mountains and nature is awakening.
Prehistoric rock formations hover over my head as if defying gravity. The elements have carved lines on their faces, speaking of wind, rain, and snow.
As I step out from under the trees there is a silence so profound I can almost imagine I have been left alone in the world.
The path winds far below me, and I know that it is for another day. For now, I know I am on the path that is right for me.
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