Monday, October 13, 2008

Embroidery

A few baby onesies, and even a few gifts for some grown-up friends. I really enjoy grown-up gifts, as I'm usually stitching on woven fabric rather than knitted t-shirt material...fun, fun.

My creation

My creation

My creation

My creation

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Child Labor

The darker side of why my house is always spotless...

cleaning1

cleaning2

Monday, October 06, 2008

The Swallow days



The Swallow days occur for a short period of time--usually 3 days--here at our little lake in late August or early September, when the Swallows, en masse, begin to head South. They take a small holiday from their journey right here, literally at our very house. They snack on bugs and fly around in such large groups as to look like swarms of bugs themselves.

I took some photos of them which don't do their beauty, agility, or sheer numbers justice, but serve to give you a small taste of those things.





In addition to Swallows, this is one of the few times each year we get to see a Falcon close up. This one was, no doubt, waiting for the right opportunity to thin the flock. No better time, certainly.



I can't help but be happy and energetic on these days, as the life and activity of these creatures fills me with joy. I feel so blessed that my home is right in their path.

They serve to remind me, as so much of my life these days, that God is the great provider, and that I ought not be anxious for anything. These birds aren't concerned about tomorrow, they simply take what is given today, and let tomorrow worry over itself.

Eve and I, and even Israel, spent a lot of time gazing out our windows, leaving chores undone in order to enjoy the spectacle of such natural entertainment.

Thank you, Lord, for such pleasures!

Confessions of an Elimination Diet Dropout

Well, not really a dropout. Let's just say "We're on a break" the Elimination Diet and I. She is a cruel mistress.

To date, I have discovered that I am quite strongly allergic to rice, of all things. Additionally, I can say without a doubt, Soy and I are not friends. However, after that, things get fuzzy...is it tomatoes that are causing my problems, or chocolate? Or perhaps Millet, or Teff? Or could it be Cane sugar? Winter Squash? Maple Syrup? Honey?

And so, I have to go back to a strict diet of lentils, Mung and Adzuki beans, veggies, and a few mild fruits. Then, I have to painstakingly "challenge" things as innocuous sounding a Millet and Squash.

But Saturday night I had Pizza! And Sunday I had Candy Corn and Coke and fried chicken and Ranch dip and steak and mashed potatoes and jojos and PIE! And today, I've had a sausage breakfast sandwich, a donut, and a mocha!! Wow...so fun. On the other hand, I don't feel quite so healthy as I've been feeling. So I definitely don't want to make this kind of indulgence the norm.

I'll begin my Lentil penance on Wednesday after I restock my pantry with Elimination Diet vittles.

Friday, October 03, 2008

More on Voting

Well, if you're not too upset with me for going all political on you for a moment, let me ask for you vote on behalf of my husband.

His and his brother's Web Comic, Legendary Boys Of Floyd, is plugging along and growing in readership.

Go check today's post and give him a vote.

Thanks!!

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Interesting?

I came across this video, regarding the current financial crisis in the US. I thought I'd share it with you and get your thoughts. Please keep discussion civil.