Motivation Monday - Make Someone's Day Special

Do you need a boost to your spirit?  Are you in a slump and need to feel better about yourself?  Well, I know no better way to do this, than to do something for someone else.  Really, trust me, this works!  You don't need to spend any money - just share your time with someone.

Every community has nursing homes, most of which need volunteers.  Call the activity director and see where and what you can do to help cheer up the residents.  Make sure to get your children or grandchildren involved - "old people" love kids!  The facility might even let you share your pet.  When my girls were little, we took our chickens to the Homme Home in Wittenberg.  Most residents in the rural community had chickens and loved telling my girls stories about their chickens.  

How about a food pantry or kitchen.  I know these facilities need volunteers as well.   Don't be afraid to go and help - even if you are by yourself - you would be surprised how many "kindred" spirits are doing the same things.  You might even make new friends.  

Do you have an elder in your church or community that might enjoy a plate of cookies, loaf of bread or crock pot meal?  I bet you can think of someone.  Many elderly, have children that live in other communities and would appreciate a visit from a friendly face.  If you don't have time to bake, how about calling and asking them to help clean up their yard or flower beds.  They might not be able to get out and go shopping, ask them if you can "pick" something up for them. I've seen even the crankiest perk up when you say "wanna play a game of cards?"  

You could go and walk some dogs or clean cages at your county humane society (SPCA).   We have walked dogs, brushed long hair cats, washed towels, scrubbed floors, cleaned cages - with cuts in funding, these facilities could use help as well.  

Do you have a special talent - well, think of ways you can share that with others.  Don't hide that light under a bushel - use it to brighten some one's day.  In turn, you will do the same to yourself.  

These are just a few ideas.  I know this works, I've witnessed it.  My mom, is home and wheelchair bound....when she gets visitors - she perks right up.  Sometimes elderly sleep a lot because they are bored or lonely.  My mom can be napping and as soon as she hears little voices - she up and ready to go.  Yesterday was Mother's Day, I was working at her house, she had a lot of visitors.  That was very nice.  Here are a few of her great-grandchildren.





The one with the polka dot shirt is Bella.  She has a crazy personality - she reminds me of me!  She loves to shock people with saying funny things....hmm...this runs in our Native heritage...story telling gene...she is a Ritchie thru and thru.  I said I'm going to take your picture and put in on my twitter.   She looks at me and says "what your tooter...haha (she has a gruff, hoarsy voice)"  Any time she can get potty humor in the conversation - she does.  I love that kid, she just like my Anna.  

So, today for Motivation Monday - get out and make yourself feel better - share your time and talents with another.  After all this isn't just what we "should" do as fellow humans, it is fulfilling scripture.  "...verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my bretheren, ye have done it unto me. (Jesus)."  Matt. 25:40

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

My Sassy Anna

I just had to share this funny story from yesterday.  Anna and I were in a doctor's waiting room.  Everyone was watching Rachel Ray.  We were waiting for the Chew to come one.  It was going to be the Iron Granny's cooking competition.  This "grandpa" grabs the remote and tries to turn the channel.  He says  "does anyone know how to use this remote?"  No one says anything...then what do I hear??!!  Anna says "ya we do, but we aren't going to help you because we like this channel and want to watch the next show."  I couldn't believe it...everyone laughs and the "grandpa" puts down the remote and says "Ok, you win."   



Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Aunt Grace Luetschwager - Inspirational Wife and Mother

Al had an aunt that was married to his dad's brother, John.  Her name was Grace.  She has passed on several years ago now.  She left her family far too early - well, only the Lord knows the number of our days.  In the days she was here - she sure made an impact on those around her.   I don't even know is she knew how much I admired her.

She worked at the Wausau Hospital as a surgical nurse for many years.  There hardly is an appointment that we go to where people ask us if we are related to Grace.  With a last name like Luetschwager - probably.

Yesterday, was one such appointment.  Anna had to have a test and procedure done.  The anesthesiologist and nurse both asked us about Grace.  We shared our memories of her.  Every time someone talks about Grace - they only say good of her.  What a great mother, wife, how she was the glue that held her family together, hard worker...on and on...all true by the way.  I think of her almost every cold night when I pull up the comforter she gave us for our wedding.  She made it from her own sheep's fleece - well the batting was.  I still love it!  If there would have been blogging when she was alive she would have had some great ideas and advice to share with fellow homesteaders.  She was a tiny, feisty red head that could hold her own in a barn, surgery room, on a tractor or cutting up a deer.  She was a blessing in her community and at her church and to her family.  

I was thinking about all of this when Anna was having her test.  When they called me back to the recovery area I said to the nurse, "what a testimony Grace has left."  "That after all of these years, you would still speak so highly of her."  "You know, that is how we all should live - making an impact - daily - so that when we have passed on, others will say such nice things about us."  She said, "you know, you are so right."  

So, here's to you Grace and to your memories that are held near and dear to those you touched.  Know that you are still making an impact on me as I draw inspiration from what other's say of you and strive to be a better person.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Motivation Monday - "Canoe" Try Something New?

We bought a canoe!  With the beautiful weekend, we took it out on Norrie Lake and the Eau Claire River Flowage near the Schofield Dam.   Al and I had so much fun!  Talk about peaceful.  Here are some pictures.  

For Motivation Monday - start a new hobby.  I know we will enjoy the canoe trips, time together, exercise and nature.  Don't be afraid to try something new.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

My New Favorite Junkin Spot

I found my new favorite place.  Maybe you have this type of Goodwill Store by you, but this is the first one in Wisconsin - that I know of.  

A family in our 4-H group told me about it.  To be honest, I thought Leon was exaggerating in his story.  Sorry, Leon - you were right!

When we first got there, I really didn't understand what was happening or how to figure out how much something would cost.  Now, I just wish I would have been more alert when I first got there...as I wasted some time.  

Al said to me "why are you telling everyone about this place?  This should be a secret..."  I told him that this type of shopping isn't for everyone.  So, many I'm sure, won't like it.    

As a kid, I loved to buy those "grab bags" - do you remember - the paper lunch bag with who knew what was in it.  My addiction to this "junking" lies in that - the hunt.  When I set up an auction or estate sale - I don't have to buy the stuff - my pleasure comes from being the one who found it.  

Some dealers are in the antique business to make money.  This is my job, so I do like to make money.  However, I enjoy my job because to me it is a treasure hunt.  Had I been born another century, I'm sure I would have been a pirate.  

Anyway, this Goodwill is in Appleton, WI.  You buy your items by the pound.  The per pound price is based on what you are buying.  Textiles - clothing, sheets, linens, fabric and such were $1.49 a pound.  The "hard goods" items were $0.79, blankets, pillows and comforters are $0.79.  Books, shoes and some other items were like $0.49 to $0.99 each.  The furniture was also marked and in a separate area.  

What happens is, they roll out these huge blue bins, covered with a blue sheet.  They bring out like 10 or 12 at a time, roll them in a double row - the customers are already standing in front of them waiting for them to say "you can now shop" and then you throw off the blanket and dig.  You could tell the "pros" as they were wearing gloves.  Then they roll away another row of bins to the back to make room for the next round of bins.  I heard someone ask one guy "what do you do back there - just bring out these bins again?"  "No," he said "once they go back they go..."  where? I don't know.  I heard someone say to another country?  Not sure.  As they were rolling them away, people were still digging for the last treasures that might be in them.  This happened like every 15 minutes.

So, some of the bins were just junk - even for my standards.  Some of the clothes were dirty - now I know why they wore gloves.  Al said he saw a wasp fly out of one of them.  Keep in mind, if there is a wasp, fruit fly or mosquito in a 10' radius - Al will see it.  Me, I've been known to come out of the creek with leaches on my legs and not even know it - or care.  So, I didn't see any bugs - I never do - I'm too focused on the junk or having fun.

It was a total work out digging in those bins.  And dig is what I mean.  My arms were actually sore.  I found a Born shoe in one bin along with a knock off Gucci purse.  I showed the shoe to another family shopping and they actually found the match in another bin on the other side of the room.  They were in really good shape, just my size and only $0.99.  That same girl found a Coach purse - probably a knock off too.  We found Carhart, North Face, Lands End, Eddie Bauer - just some really nice things - but, you have to dig.  I also found some vintage linens, granny square afghans, vintage sweaters and clothes - not a lot of this type of item, but I did find it.  

Then we put all the textile items in one cart and pushed it on the ramp scale.  Yes, I said ramp scale - like at the landfill when they weight the garbage trucks.  They do have a smaller scale on the counter.  They weigh your items by groups and charge you the price per pound of each.  They have tables at the end of the check out area with boxes and bags - you know like Aldi's for you to bag your purchases.  

We had so much fun.  I'm almost tempted to go back again today....I know...I'm a hoarder, I'm a hoarder, I'm a....in recovery!  By the way, it's not just me either....Al is just as bad.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

My Entry Redo "Farmtastic"

When we first bought this farm in 1994, we spent about 6 months remodeling it before we moved in.  In true 1990's decorating style, I had stenciled the room with sunflowers.  I'm not really one to make changes - hey, "if it ain't broke - why fix it?!"  I wanted something new and fresh.  So, I decided to redo it.  This time in a "farmtastic" theme.

I LOVE it!  Each one of these items have a family or friend connection and mean so much to Al and I.  

Here is the before...

(Al is filling in all the nail holes... :)

(The interior door is the original front door on this house.  We re-purposed it as our basement door.  I had painted the laundry room 2 years ago and painted all the doors in the entry the same color to tie into the adjoining room.  I left them that color - because I like it.)

After I emptied out the closet, I washed the trim and walls and Al taped it for me.  I chose the color "ginger" for the walls - a light yellowish green.  I used Behr Premium paint - the best!  I also bought some Armstrong "Once & Done" floor cleaner - WOW my floor looks like new.

I had to take a picture of this clean closet.  I bought some cheap laundry baskets to help me keep it organized - I vow NOT to put anything back in here unless we actually wear it!

I used an old feed sack for the re-purposed door.  

 (Don't look at the boxes of coats and stuff behind the screen door....that is what was in the closet!)

The hay rakes hanging on the wall - one is from Al's grandpa Konkol and the other from grandpa Luetschwager.  The corn planters are from grandpa Konkol's farm.  The DeLaval cream separator and 20 lb butter crock was from my auction mentor - George Woodrich.  When he passed on, these were sold at his auction.  The cream cans were also from grandpa Konkol.   The tractor seat bench was in our barn.  Our girls spent many hours sitting on this watching their horses, hogs and sheep.   So, each of these items are special to us.  

 These both were really dusty and dirty from being in the barn.  I washed them and rubbed with finish feeder.

It took 3 days to complete and I LOVE it.  Now on to the kitchen....well, maybe in a week or two...

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

A Stack of Cats

For fear of being labeled the "cat lady,"  I will only share a few of these pictures with you.  We had our patio set stacked in the corner of our porch all Winter.  I made a "bunk bed" for the cats to lay on.  They loved it!

Pumpkin, Midnight and Patsy.  I love them.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.