Day in the Life of Susannah

Oh Susannah - what a day you had. Starting off waking up with sister Sugar Pie (honey bunch - yep that song) in pen looking oh so sweet.

Not two minutes later - looks like you were thinking seriously of chomping down on Luci Watusi's ear - git it outta my way says Susannah.

Not sure I can get bloggerized enough to make these show up in order . Caught a series of photos throughout morning showing how deceptive appearances can be.


Susannah climbs atop the tree perch -looking for fun? OR someone to conquer?

Bubbles shows up - thinking"I'm older than little show off Susannah - I'll just make my move"

Location location location isn't just relevant in real estate - makes a big difference in queen (or at least bossy girl) of the tree stump .

Susannah starts in her defense mode and

and

and

Yep - butted off the stump by an uppity little doeling!

Last shot shows Susannah's obvious "Come On - You wanna piece of this tough Texas gal?"

OK maybe just maybe I exaggerated a tiny bit - but it still made me laugh on Buhlaland and that is always good!

Determined Drivers? or a lotta Buhl?

Recently showed property to some lovely folks who left their dogs (thanking them for their consideration) in the car - looked so much like two determined commuters on DFW highways or byways and the incongruity of pink flower on dash - had to share with y'all. It is often silly on Buhlaland and we figure silly is good.

Blog much? - no not really

Headless chicks, lazy bloggers, crashed hard drives - yep - sounds like the end of times to me. Not making light of the world's pains - headless chick was in fact a source of laughter - friends' delightful 2 year old bit off foil wrapped chicken head, swallowed and was ready to take on another centerpiece chocolate creature when we realized what was happening.

We are continuing to have some computer issues - hard drive crashed on DH's computer several weeks ago,bought a new computer - still working through problems.

Enough - spring sprung upon us -wild plums in back pasture are struggling with drought conditions here in North Texas.

Wish I could claim it was foreknowledge of drought which resulted in my sad pictureof the fabulous spring tulip display -- fabulous display is sprouting just fine - in the bag in which it was purchased not in a cleverly designed container. Good intentions so not a fabulous display of flowering spring bulbs create!

Keeping it real here! I started this blog post last week so am truly a Pro at crastinating.

Began to blog May 17, 2007 -a total of 414 entries ago! I entered blog posts frequently in previous years, now working to maintain even occasional blog activity. Our lives continue in new normal of oxygen concentrators, medications, doctors, caring for our home, work while always appreciating our time together.

David Jeremiah this morning " Not a day goes by when our plans aren't changed by circumstances beyond our control. Natural disasters, house or car repair problems, unexpected illness, traffic jams on the freeway, a friend or neighbor with an emergency need, unforeseen time demands at work—the list goes on. The question is, “Can we trust that God is in those unforeseen delays, diversions, and distractions?”A rarely-read, single verse in Exodus (13:17) tells how God led the newly-freed Hebrew nation into the Sinai Desert instead of around the southeast “corner” of the Mediterranean Sea into the Promised Land. Why? So the Hebrews wouldn't encounter the Philistines who inhabited that region, be attacked, and flee back to Egypt for safety. The Hebrews grumbled loud and long about the Sinai sand and sun, but at least they were alive. If they had met the Philistines, they might have been slaughtered.Next time your path is changed unexpectedly, trust by faith that God is in it and that the change was for a good reason (Romans 8:28)..

Trust in recognizing path changes as provision for us --goodness knows we've had some abrupt path changes in our recent history. Ought to teach me something - perhaps don't slam on the brakes and hit the steering wheel in anger? Would be smarter to go to my knees in prayer and gratitude (slowly 'cause having problems with a knee -- by now laughing at myself- ain't one thing it is another). Still able to laugh at ourselves (and two year old chicken head biting friends!) so it is good here on Buhlaland - spring is sprung! Love y'all - lack of posting isn't a lack of caring.

Not Big on Cutesy

Happy Lincoln's Birthday! Today's blog post has nothing to do with our late great 16th president of these United States.

I am not a fan or forwarder of chain emails. With that caveat I'll admit, sometimes I receive emails which just tickle my funny bone.

Truth here is --I'll go to the bridge with you, dear friends of the blogosphere, not jumping off to keep you company!

Has not been my favorite winter - we've had high points and of course daily blessings - below zero wind chills are NOT Texas winter normal weather. Having made my gripe - we're seeing promise of spring with warmer days and nights in the forecast. More than ready here on Buhlaland - it is good to have seasons but if I were setting the schedule - winter would be about a month and a half. Forty five days would be sufficient chilling for fruit trees and spring bulbs to produce, kill off pesky bug infestations and whatever other good reasons for being miserably cold.

Scripture states to every thing there is a season - it doesn't say how long - I say we take a vote? Silly Saturday here on Buhlaland and that is good. Y'all take care now!

Blessed are those who are caregivers

Prayer at caregiver's convention just received this link in an email from my dear SIL and brother - they were caregivers for so many of our family it is hard to keep track. Needless to say - they respected and loved the older generation and eased their transition in the final journey home.
It is a long clip - well worth the time but if you are in a hurry - here is the prayer recited at the end of wonderful introduction.
Blessed In Aging
~Esther Mary Walker
Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and shaking hand
Blessed, who know my ears today
Must strain to hear the things they say.
Blessed are those who seem to know
My eyes are dim and my mind is slow
Blessed are those who look away
When I spilled tea that weary day.
Blessed are they who, with cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while
Blessed are they who know the way
To bring back memories of yesterday.
Blessed are those who never say
“You’ve told that story twice today”
Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved, respected and not alone.
And blessed are they who will ease the days
Of my journey home, in loving ways.
This poem, as read by Mary Maxwell in the video
“A Reminder That Laughter is the Best Medicine.”
I agree with Mary Maxwell - this is the first time I've been old and haven't had a chance to practice, but if I can handle it with the grace and humor she presents - shouldn't be too bad to venture into uncharted territory.

Remember - if you are young and blessed - some day you TOO will be old. We're smiling here on Buhlaland and that is always good.

Responses

First I'll put up a legal disclaimer since idjits at internet central or whatever have nothing more to do than be concerned whether bloggers are fraudulently recommending things for which they are paid to recommend - nothing in this blog is paid for by any being - the Lord provides and the Lord takes away, Blessed is the name of the Lord.

Whew - now pinto bean recipe for Pam - I know she is eating healthier (and has lost a LOT of weight as well as gained energy). By the way, dear Pam - we don't much eat turnips - not a favorite of either of us. If I did - would brush small amount of good olive oil, plenty of salt and pepper - then roast 'em til they are squishy and sweet.

Currently I'm making beans this way:

32 ounce bag dried pinto beans
1 large onion roughly chopped
Garlic – at least two cloves chopped
Two teaspoons of pepper corns
Two small cans diced green chilies
Large can of tomatoes including juice
Two teaspoons ground cumin
One lb. bacon chopped, cooked and drained OR
One 2.8 oz. jar Hormel REAL bacon pieces
Salt to taste


Prepare dried beans by rinsing with clean water and picking out any small pieces of rock or debris. Put beans in a large cooking pot – cover with water and bring to a boil. Turn off heat, cover pan and let sit for one hour – beans will absorb liquid and swell up. If you are picky – drain off water add fresh but I use the soak water – beans are already clean from rinsing. Remove cover; add enough water to completely cover beans. Add to bean pot, Onion, garlic, peppercorns, chilies, tomatoes and bacon - bring to low simmering boil. Cook until beans are softened – adding hot water if water level drops below top of beans. Add salt as soon as beans begin to soften – good way to check if beans are done – take one bean out in a cold metal spoon – blow on it and if the skin breaks open – it is probably quite done!

I also recommend going to the various boards for recipes - Dry Beans
Obviously if your family hates garlic or chilies or whatever – modify – the bacon pieces in a jar are less expensive and WAY less messy than frying up all that bacon.

KathyB -will have to find those B&B pictures and a few recipes - will have to be a whole separate posting. I probably do have a picture of our wedding at the inn.

Lanny - already said I'm going to work at posting more often but I am so committed to a few other things - not sure how well I'll do this - so will try but not covenant to post more often.

Sandra - not at all sure about Scotsmen - one of the few nationalities I have never dated or married! I'd hope they wore something solid color (I'm including skin color in there 'cause I've heard that is most likely what they wear) so wouldn't clash with clan plaid. Question immediately reminded me of the scene in Braveheart where the clans pulled up their kilts in defiance and shone their hineys at enemy soldiers!

Vickie - fellow Texan! Where would I visit IF the world weren't beset by terrorists, economic upheaval and hatred of Americans? - Dream visit would probably be Jerusalem - dream vacation would be a warm tropical beach - have lived on both right and left side of USA map - as well as north and south - love the natural beauty and unique places each state has to offer. But my statement stands - if I had to pick - visit Jerusalem/ stay a while on warm sands in the tropics!

Kathleen - funny you would ask what would I do, recently did a bucket list (things to do before we die) with a bunch of people on WalkerTracker.com -

top would be (I sound like a dimwitted beauty contestant here) something of significance for the Kingdom of God - build a missionary hospital in Ethiopia would top that list. Probably in the list of things I'd be able to do without winning lotto would be stay where we are for as long as we live - then both go to heaven at the same time!

Picture is recent sunrise over the tree line at our place - I mean really - where would I want to be other than right here on Buhlaland. It is good here and I appreciate y'all's interest in my life. Will put up B&B post SOON I promise .

It's a mad plaid world isn't it?

Dear friends and others who read my foolishness - picture is quite irrelevant to what I am writing today . Picture taken last holiday season - me holding a large gift bow on top of my head and attempting to get a picture of my big plaid self. The expression - ah - a thing of beauty is a joy forever - or some such poetic nonsense. I take self portraits in front of our hall tree/mirror in entry way - limits the options but can see myself.

All this aside - I am only a few posts short of putting up my 400th (oh my goodness) blogpost and rather than think of something clever or meaningful (and to prove I'm mentally lazy) I have decided to open the door to potential hazardous topics.

Y'all can ask anything you want - do I wear boxers or briefs? Where did I get my education? Am I a pre/mid or post tribulationist? You send in the question and I'll attempt to answer. Now - I will refuse a question which I cannot answer honestly/truthfully without hurting someone else - fair enough?

No prizes - no guess my weight or anything risky - just questions and answers. I realize I am not Ree Drummond but hope this will be fun for y'all. Oh - yes food questions are great too. Things like how I cook an elephant (very seldom) or my favorite meal ever - or something simple like why does a jelly sandwich always land jelly side down?

Life is great on Buhlaland - incredible autumn weather, within a reasonable time of finishing THE GREAT RENOVATION PROJECT (cue the sound of celestial choirs) and overall knowing we are blessed beyond belief. Our infirmities never block the view of eternity.

Sharing with you an absolute Truth with a capital T -

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
2 Corinthians 12:9

Night Moves or just hanging around

Beware - I've posted this extreme closeup of the lovely moonflower blossom to give me a chance to say - the rest of this post is about toads, frogs, and bugs - if they creep you out - click off this screen quickly.

Apparently our laundry room door and exterior walls are "the" place to be for frogs around here.

Aha - cricket knows frog is too small to endanger the cricket. Grasshopper is generally too obnoxious for frogs to enjoy.

Nothing else really to say - I was out the other night with camera and flash feature having a blast seeing all these critters outside our house! Doesn't take much to amuse us on Buhlaland and that is a good thing!

Copy Goats

Crybaby - tallest goat so she is able to graze on some particularly tasty oak tree leaves by raising herself a few inches balancing on some poles in the pen. Nobody else paying any attention








Oops - Bubbles sees Crybaby eating something and attempts to reach it - but too short and not standing on the poles.
















Hey what are Crybaby and Bubbles doing over there?















Let's try to get some of those leaves - yep - let's ALL try to get some leaves.

















Crybaby continues to eat - nobody else gets leaves but they all tried!








Photo essay on why I always carry a camera when I go out to mess with my goats - they make us laugh here on Buhlaland - and that is always good!

Just made me laugh

Montana looks like she is about to become the Flying Doe. She and her doeling Susannah were resting under shade trees and apparently keeping her ears out made her much cooler. One reason to keep goats - the laugh factor is pretty good.

We enjoy our laughs on Buhlaland and are watching the calendar - September is coming and we know someday it WILL rain again.

Some faces to amuse you

Zoe always looks worried but has very little to worry about.

Milky Way has her eye on what's going on -

Amber was born in April - her twin Jasper is behind her and they both have these very sweet Nubian faces.

Ok so some faces not so much.

We went to Cabela's a couple of weeks ago - just wanted to make sure no one thought we were raising musk ox here on Buhlaland - today we are raising dust (DH on riding lawnmower) and mess (me working on laundry) and praises - it is good on Buhlaland and soon it might even be rainy and good! (or good and rainy??)

Goat Joy

Won't be jabbering much here - this morning I got a lesson in unadulterated havin' fun from the goatzees - took almost 100 pictures just to get a few good ones of the romp. It was wild and crazy fun on Buhlaland today - hope you have a little wild and crazy wherever you are today.

Malachi 4:2 (NIV)
2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Help Me Rhonda (or anybody else)

In the continuing effort to at least create the appearance I garden - I cleared out 3 not great roses (note to self - don't buy any roses except those disease resistant ones). A few years ago DH built this trellis for us out of pieces of copper tubing. I love the weathered color since shiny new has worn off ('cause it feels more like me - my shiny new wore off LONG ago!). Now trying to decide what to do with this corner. Still have to get that one ugly gnarly shovel resistant clump of former rose bush out. Do NOT want to plant anything resembling morning glories - still pulling out volunteer morning glories from a foolish indulgence years ago - morning glories go from pretty plant to invasive and all consuming monster too quickly. No more roses, too small a trellis for wisteria or grape vine. Wondering what to do here and thought to self - Self - who do you know with creative minds and great garden skillz! YEP - I'm asking y'all - I will sincerely appreciate your suggestions. My thinking has ranged from hanging bird feeders (I have never done bird feeders - figured they got enough feed from what they steal out of the goat pens), hanging plant containers, putting a bird bath under the trellis and letting the soil underneath turn to swamp (we have a layer of good, imported soil on top of solid clay!) or hanging bells and banners and driving us all crazy with the noise.

This isn't a contest - just a plea to you from me - help me Rhonda - or Sally or Sue or Tom, Dick or Harry! It is good on Buhlaland but I'm dry on ideas.

Welcome Spring - you've changed!

Sarcasm is not a good thing :

1 Peter 3:8 (MSG paraphrase)
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.

Yet here I am - NOT blessing about seasons being upside down! Sorry -not shining my little light today. Life is quite pleasant - heater running full blast - warming up bathroom so I can take a hot bath and put on sweatpants and a sweater. Hmmm - something is just not right with this picture - I'm longing for THIS:

we are getting this - by the way - that is written in SNOW not dust - it is outside not inside our house. Just keeping it real.

According to those who keep records of such things - Saturday March 20 was the beginning of spring - it began on Buhlaland with cold wind driven rain. Progression was to cold wind driven SNOW - the "s" word.

I'm sure the sun will melt away our little covering of "S" word quickly - not all the blossoms and buds are frozen and mid week we'll be back to warm breezy days with birds singing. Right now - it is good on Buhlaland - good we have central heat, hot water, hot coffee, and a sense of humor.

Bless y'all and keep your sweaters near at hand!

~Born to be wild~

Amigo - laying in the soft fresh hay next to his mama, Cassie. Isn't he the picture of innocence and sweetness? Don't be fooled - he was
born to be wild!






You'll be along for a day with our Bad Boy - Amigo. Only male born this year to our herd (and don't tell him but he isn't technically a male now - he is a wether).

Here Amigo heads out with the other goats - looking for adventure in whatever comes our way.

I'm a big bad boy and I can prove it.

"I like smoke and lightning
Heavy metal thunder
Racin' with the wind
And the feelin' that I'm under"

Yeah so I'm bugging Susannah and getting her to yell at me - I'm feeling it - feeling the BAD

"Like a true nature's child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high "



"Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space "

Hey even Bad Boys need mama for a few things!

Silly here on Buhlaland - the goat kids are strong, healthy and each has a definite personality. The Lord created so many different creatures - all have their purpose and He gave us dominion over them. Sometimes we wonder on Buhlaland if we have given over the dominion part to our animals - but DH and I are the ones rationing out the feed and treats to our animals so perhaps things are just as they should be on Buhlaland and it is GOOD.

P.S. Anybody else feel a tad older when we realize the movie Easy Rider which featured the song by Steppenwolf "Born to be Wild" is 40 years old? whew - I am getting old, maturing or just about over ripe - depends on the day you ask?!