Friday, October 30, 2015

National Cat Day - My First Cat - Frisky

I missed posting this yesterday, when it was National Cat's Day.  However, this had me thinking about my first cat, Frisky.

It was a Friday evening, we watched a t.v. movie about an orphaned boy and his stray kitten.  For the life of me, I wish I could remember the name of this movie.  I've thought about it dozens of times over the years.  I think it was around 1973-74, as my brother Frank was just driving and still in high school.  I think I was in 2nd grade.  Anyway, this movie had a sad story line and it left an impression on me...so much so, that I spent the rest of that evening and all Saturday morning begging for a kitten.  We already had a dog and my dad didn't like inside cats.  



Being the baby of the family helped my begging and nagging, as my dad said "yes."  I remember him getting the newspaper and looking in the ads for "free kittens."  We called one and Frank drove Lori and I to the country to get me a kitten.  At the time, it seemed like a long way from town.  I actually know exactly where this old brick farm house is, every time I drive past it, I think of Frisky.

It was a cold, snowy morning, but the old brick farm house was warmed by the wood cook stove in her kitchen.  The old woman, was baking when we arrived.  She reminded me of my Grandma Kincaid, as she was round, wearing a house dress and tattered apron.  From the bottom of that old stove, she pulled out a wood crate full of kittens.  "They stay nice and warm under there, " she says. 

I instantly see a black and white kitten, like the one I saw in the movie the night before.  "This is the one I want"  I told Frank. I named her Frisky as that was also the name of the kitten in the movie.

Frisky, was my cat for years.  My dad put up with cat poop in the house, as sometimes I didn't clean the liter box too good - let's face it - I was the baby...I never cleaned the liter box.  

I slept with her and she was my best friend.  I would call her (and I still call all my cats this way) by rolling my tongue behind my teeth and making a noise.  I have no idea why I started this, but all my cats know that this noise means "come here."  

My mom helped me write this poem about Frisky.

I have a little kitten, who's as cute as can be
when I come home from school,
she is there to greet me.

She tells me that she loves me in her own special way
and every night when I pray
I thank God for my little kitty.

I received some kind of an award for that poem and I didn't even write most of it - my mom did.  It stuck with me all these years.  

My next door neighbor friend, Kathy, hated cats.  She was a dog girl.  She would complain all the time to me that Frisky pooped in her sand box.  Frisky did - I already told you about the liter box.  She would say "I hate your cat."  Well, one day we got into this big fight and I kicked her out of my club.  My dad brought home an old chicken coop, which he let me turn into a club house.  The club members were Kathy, Lisa and I.  Sometimes we let Holly and Debbie in too.   After that fight, Lisa and I wrote on all the inside walls..."No Dogs Allowed."  The last time I peeked my head in this little shed, it still was on the walls.  

Thank you, Frisky, for all the wonderful memories.

Pets are an important part of our lives.  What was your favorite pet?  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Linked to:  http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2015/10/our-simple-homestead-blog-hop-23.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OakHillHomestead+%28Oak+Hill+Homestead%29

  

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Update on What Justine is Doing

I know some of my followers and friends ask "how are your daughters doing?"  So, I thought I would share an update on what is going on with Justine, our first born. 

Justine, just graduated in May with her Master's Degree in Social Work.  After finishing up her internship and thesis study in August, God blessed her with a job.  A job in her field of study, in our area and working with children.  In her own words..."I LOVE my job."  She just took her licensure exam this week and passed.  She is now a CAPSW (Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker).  

I wanted to share this today, because she brought one of her clients over to the farm to work with her horse Jack.  She had the idea of working with the horses as a lesson on building trust.  

As I watched her today, from my kitchen window, doing the Parelli games....I thought about how those same "games" could be applied to her practice.  The key to Parelli is natural horsmanship - rather than force.  

I was all teary eyed as I thought...who knew...all those years, riding lessons, 4-H with Barb and Smoothy...this culmination of skills - would become the basis for her helping someone - someone who needs it.  I don't know who this client is, I'm not allowed to meet them.  However, I can tell you I have been praying for all of her clients.  The Lord knows who they are and what their needs are.  

Her horse, Jack, is such a good boy - a perfect partner for her lessons.  I am so happy for her and we are so proud of her accomplishments.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.   

I had to redo this post these were the comments:

2 comments:

  1. Both of your daughters are such sweet spirits. God will use them to bless a lot of people.
    ReplyDelete

Update on Our First Born

I know some of my followers and friends ask "how are your daughters doing?"  So, I thought I would share an update on what is going on with Justine, our first born.  

Justine, just graduated in May with her Master's Degree in Social Work.  After finishing up her internship and thesis study in August, God blessed her with a job.  A job in her field of study, in our area and working with children.  In her own words..."I LOVE my job."  She just took her licensure exam this week and passed.  She is now a CAPSW (Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker).  

I wanted to share this today, because she brought one of her clients over to the farm to work with her horse Jack.  She had the idea of working with the horses as a lesson on building trust.  

As I watched her today, from my kitchen window, doing the Parelli games....I thought about how those same "games" could be applied to her practice.  The key to Parelli is natural horsmanship - rather than force.  

I was all teary eyed as I thought...who knew...all those years, riding lessons, 4-H with Barb and Smoothy...this culmination of skills - would become the basis for her helping someone - someone who needs it.  I don't know who this client is, I'm not allowed to meet them.  However, I can tell you I have been praying for all of her clients.  The Lord knows who they are and what their needs are.  

Her horse, Jack, is such a good boy - a perfect partner for her lessons.  I am so happy for her and we are so proud of her accomplishments.  


Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.   

Halloween 1970 Something




I've been reminiscing about my childhood Halloweens.  I must be getting old...because I've been thinking "those were the days".   I went to Schofield Elementary School and we had afternoon parties and costume parades in the gym.  The teachers picked the "best" costume for each category; scariest, funniest, most creative...etc.  

When I was in school only the "rich" kids had the store bought costumes with the cool masks.  Now thinking about it - those masks were terrible - you couldn't see or breathe.  I remember asking one girl if I could try on her mask, just to see what it was like...she said "OK, but don't get it all sweaty and stinky..."  I won't embarrass her now by saying who she was, but at that time, she was my "Nellie Olson!" 

Obviously, we had handmade costumes.   My mom was so creative - she had the best ideas!   With my braids, one year I was Pippi Longstockings.  My mom put a hanger in my hair to make it stand up.   I remember being a hobo, with handkerchief tied to stick; ghost with holes cut into a sheet; puppy dog, with felt ears; Pocahontas and a witch for several years.  

It was the witch costume that I won the scariest award at school.  I was in 5th grade and the rubber masks were just becoming popular.  I saw this green witch with a wart face at Kmart.  Oh, how I begged for that mask...my mom gave in and I finally had a "store" bought mask.   My mom had an old black dress, she cut the sleeves and hem all jagged and she made me a cape.  I had an old tree branch turned into a broom.  I can still see the teachers looking at me and wondering ... who is that?  It was scary. 

One year, Jim and Jeff Soukup dressed up like women - they both already had cute faces so it wasn't a stretch.  I will never forget what they looked like, they kept it a secret until the parade.  Then they both walked out with wigs, make up, balloons under their shirts, wearing heels and skirts....the whole gym was laughing.  No one ever did that before - those two were such clowns.  

We only went Trick or Treating on Halloween - no matter what day it fell on.  We went when it was dark, ran to every house and was truly happy and thankful for the candy.   Candy was a treat - we didn't get it often - so it was a BIG deal to run around and get FREE candy. 

I was always a chubby kid, my friend Kathy was tall, we didn't look like we were only 10 or in 5th grade.  I remember we went to this one house on Kort Street, we rang the doorbell and said "Trick or Treat" t0 which this lady said - "you two are too big for this" and closed the door on us.  We both were almost in tears.  

Halloween night in our neighborhood was so much fun.  We had large families - most with 5 0r 6 kids.  So, there was a lot of activity, running from door to door, scaring friends, jumping out at them from the bushes and all the glowing pumpkins.  Now that I think of it - it was the best times!

What was your favorite Halloween costume?

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin. 







Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Week 24 - Orange Creamsicle Cookies

I love orange creamsicles..I could eat a whole box.  So, I was thinking, maybe I should try to make a cookie that reminds me of them.  Here is what I came up with.  



1 Cup (2 sticks) of soft butter
1 Cup powder sugar
cream together


Use 2 small oranges - zest and juice 





Add to creamed mixture along with 
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange oil 



Add 
2 1/2 Cups of flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda

Mix well.  The dough will be soft.  Place dough on piece of parchment paper and roll like a log.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.




When ready to bake - preheat oven to 350.  Slice into 1/4" slabs.  Bake 12-15 minutes till lightly brown on edges.




I love the zest flecks...

Once the cookies are cool - you can add the frosting.  I just melted some white chocolate chips in the microwave, spread on the cookie and sprinkled with sanding sugar.




These are soft cookies that pack a citrus punch.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  http://www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com/2015/10/our-simple-homestead-hop-23.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ClearwaterFarmJournal+%28Clearwater+Farm+Journal%29

Pine Cone Critters

I still have boxes of pine cones left from Justine's Winter Wonderland Wedding, so I have been thinking of things to do with them.  

Last month at our 4-H meeting, I had the cloverbuds cover one with shortening and roll in birdseed.  We talked about why fat is important in a bird's diet - especially here in the north woods during the winter.  I also handed out log sheets so that they could write down the birds that frequent their feeder.  This is an easy project or lesson to do with kids.

I know many young mothers who home school.  One of these mamas invited me to come over and teach little art classes to her children.  I pack up some supplies and go to their home and we have fun crafting.  I think the best "art" class is one that inspires individual creativity.    

Back to the pine cones.  I googled "pine cone art" and I found a few ideas that were really cute.  I printed off a few to take as examples.  I wasn't sure if they would understand "pine cone critters."  





I was really impressed with the spider - the one with all the eyes...the artist is only 4.  He came up with all the ideas himself.  As he added each one I encouraged him - "good job, what a good idea" - actually, it was and they were!  

Mamas...if you want to encourage creativity, guess what...you might have to make a mess....we did....









...but, we all pitched in and cleaned it up.  

I even was treated to lunch - Chicken Tortilla soup and zucchini bread - yum.  I had so much fun.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  http://www.mysalvagedtreasures.com/2015/10/vintage-inspiration-party_29.html

Monday, October 26, 2015

Motivational Monday - Enjoy the Stage of Life You are In

I'm sure I've posted about this subject before, however, this past week, it has become more evident to me.  I think more people would be more happy (is that grammatically correct?)  if they just learned to love the stage of life that they are currently living in.  

Al and I have been in our empty nest stage for over a year.   Our girls both married in an 8 month time span.  We still live with their bedrooms full of their stuff, our entry closet full of their shoes and coats - so, our nest really isn't too empty.  

I say that to state - how silly of a saying..."empty nest."   Is one's nest really empty...we still have children, in fact, gained 2 more.  They will always have a home here and visit us when they want.  To hear others talk about this stage of life, I was prepared to be overwhelmingly depressed and feeling a loss of purpose. 

O.K. to be honest, this past week we went to a concert at the Grand Theatre.  In the row in front of us was a young mother who had a little red head, brown eyed adorable girl.  She sat on her mama's lap and wrapped her little chubby arms around her mama's neck....for a moment...it made me sad...I miss my little red head, browned eyed girl doing that to me.  I actually felt jealous...yes, jealous of the stage of life that mama was in...all the fun she is going to have, all the bedtime stories, snuggles, kisses, runny noses...temper tantrums...oh wait...school...eek...running to all the events...mean girls...puberty...tween/teen....then it hit me...I'm not jealous!  

I had to stop and rethink this,  I wasn't jealous or even envious...I was missing that stage.  As my mind ran though it I rethought - I loved that stage, but wouldn't want to go back.  Did you hear that Dicky Bird...you didn't want to go back.  In fact, it made me even more thankful for MY experiences as a mother.  

I quickly grabbed Al's hand and said "you gave me the best 2 things in my life and I love you so much for it!"  (I know children are a gift from God).  



(one of my favorite pictures of my girls - messy hair and all!)



(we still make time for one another - high tea in Milwaukee)

On the ride home, I was telling him all these things.  He said to me, you know, I saw that little girl too and thought of some of those same things.  I told him, I think people get "stuck" in a phase or stage of life and even though time marches on...they can't.  "Living in the past" isn't living!  Longing for the past to return - that's impossible.  Missing and reminiscing - you can do that, but be thankful - even if you made mistakes.  Move forward and establish new relationships with your adult children.  

Truth be known...Al and I have become so much stronger as a couple...we have enjoyed every moment we had as parents, all the stages.  We both are happy for our girls and proud of the women they have become.  We look forward to the next stage - while fully enjoying this one.  

You can too!  If you are stuck, longing for the past...find a way to move forward.  Miss the old times - but, be optimistic for future experiences.  You are missing out on embarrassing the current stage you are in and all the opportunities it offers.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  


Linked to:  http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_26.html

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Week 23 - Dicky Bird's Spicy Pumpkin Cookies

Dicky Bird's Spicy Pumpkin Cookies



1 1/2 C pumpkin puree (http://dickybirdsnest.blogspot.com/2015/10/processing-pumpkins-101.html for homemade 

2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. allspice
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. salt

Mix spices into puree, let sit while you mix the dough.





Cream together

1 C butter (2 softened sticks)
1 C white sugar
1 C dark brown sugar

add and blend well:

1 t. vanilla
2 eggs

add the spiced pumpkin puree - mix well



add and mix well:

1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
4 C flour

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto parchment lined cookie sheet, bake 350 degrees for 12 min.  Yield - 5 doz.





Simple glaze:

3 C confectioners sugar
5 T milk
4 T melted butter
1 t. vanilla

Mix together and frost cookies.




Soft and yummy! 

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  http://www.thedwellingtree.com/2015/10/lets-be-friends-blog-hop-is-now-live-come-link-up-17.html

Processing Pumpkins 101

My niece called me and asked "how do you process a pumpkin?"  There are several ways to do that, this is how I processed them into pumpkin puree for my freezer. 

I was given several small "pie" pumpkins (thanks Carolyn).   




Break off the steams (I'm not tossing them, as I saw a cute idea on Pinterest....I know TexWisGirl...I can't throw anything away...lol), cut them in half, scoop out the seeds.  Save the seeds - you can bake for a healthy snack.

I filled each shell with water, layered them in a pan and bake at 250 degrees till fork tender.   




I put them in the oven and left them while I worked outside.  Leave them on counter until cool enough to handle.



Pour out excess liquid.  The shells are super soft, turn inside out and use your thumb and fingers to "squeegee" the pulp off the peel.  I did get some peels into the Ninja - but, that's o.k. too, the Ninja can handle it.  




Pour into freezer bags.  I put 4 cups per bag, enough to make 2 pies.  




Nothing went to waste; I washed off the seeds, that left pulp and I had the peelings - my chickens loved it.

I also baked the pumpkin seeds - yummy!



Now, this type of "work" isn't for everyone...you can buy a can of pumpkin for your pies.  I love doing things like this, so for me it is a labor of love.   

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Linked to:  http://www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com/2015/10/our-simple-homestead-blog-hop-22_22.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ClearwaterFarmJournal+%28Clearwater+Farm+Journal%29