tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33782304713773543692024-03-12T22:20:53.120-05:00Ragamuffin's MusingsDaily rambles about quilting, gardening, reading, cooking and just plain old being.Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.comBlogger524125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-20487430509912893042013-04-03T15:13:00.002-05:002013-04-03T15:13:36.278-05:00Feeling Floopy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Could my floopy head be a result of this?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDJ_5lNELog/UVyLpQc2X4I/AAAAAAAABpo/NoF1cofkhX0/s1600/IMG_1135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDJ_5lNELog/UVyLpQc2X4I/AAAAAAAABpo/NoF1cofkhX0/s320/IMG_1135.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Or maybe this pile is causing it....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ack1sXPua4/UVyLs5NSYrI/AAAAAAAABpw/CtGaJczNbKY/s1600/IMG_1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ack1sXPua4/UVyLs5NSYrI/AAAAAAAABpw/CtGaJczNbKY/s320/IMG_1136.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Perhaps, it is working at a desk that looks like this (well, the actual desk is in focus, but my camera is one of the things lost in the mess).</div>
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Anyone want to do some sewing here? I surely don't!</div>
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What a mess.....plus, the last couple of days are gray and rainy and today is chilly too! That makes me blue and the mess makes me floopy. I've got to get this under control....you've heard that before, right?</div>
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Actually, posting pics of this shameful mess might motivate me....looking at those piles of fabric on the floor is actually making me feel a little embarrassed. YIKES! </div>
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I guess it is time for some Spring Cleaning!</div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-4306612597011935332013-03-26T20:16:00.002-05:002013-03-26T20:16:55.962-05:00No time for blogging....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...there are simply too many babies who need love. This is Scarlett and Wilkie after they jumped into my lap together...usually they are more timid and hang back a little, but today they jumped on me, nibbled my sleeves, and snuggled in my lap. </div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-25895401352240431892013-03-13T11:46:00.001-05:002013-03-13T11:46:41.881-05:00getting it together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I've finally written, printed, and "distributed" my first pattern for these two little owl pillows/stuffies. Although what I should say is that I've finally gotten myself together enough to get a pattern out there, because I've created/written A LOT of patterns they just never see the light of day because I'm too disorganized to get all the parts together. With that said, I'm rather proud of my little pattern.</div>
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I also whipped together a top for a shop sample this morning...I fell in love with the farm scene...IT.HAS.GOATS!...plus, the barn is kind of like ours and the tractor is blue like ours and, and, and.....can you tell I'm a dork for all-things-farmy?</div>
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Pattern: Charming Baby Log Cabin</div>
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Now I'm off for my yearly mammogram....woot woot!</div>
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-34767679901114146772013-03-12T08:23:00.003-05:002013-03-12T08:23:58.917-05:00Jungle Jen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was probably not a good idea to let the kids jump on my back, but they surely do like it and it makes me laugh like crazy. Sadly, they are getting too big and heavy for me....my babies are growing up already.</div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-44094944862542492382013-03-11T18:35:00.001-05:002013-03-11T18:35:27.013-05:00Milk and Milking: Sewing and Sleeping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is definitely a learning curve to this milking thing and each day it gets a little easier. Of course, just because it gets easier for me doesn't mean that every day is a good day for the goats. Gypsy was a bit grumpy this morning and everyone bawls and cries. I'm still clumsy and slow, so when they complain I feel back about my lack of experience.<br />
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Today we got three quarts from three goats....and that was after we spilled some (grumpy Gypsy kicked the jar out of my hand). We've already made some chevre which was delicious. Next we will try either Mozzarella or Feta....I can't wait for that!<br />
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In the meantime I'm on Spring Break from one of my jobs....today I thought I was going to get so much sewing done, but when I hit a roadblock (I just couldn't think through the steps) I thought I would read awhile then go back to my problem refreshed. Instead, I fell asleep and slept for two hours! I guess I needed that nap, but I surely did want to get some work done.Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-16574832855733514472013-03-06T12:26:00.002-06:002013-03-06T12:26:30.921-06:00Same Song, Different DayYep, I'm singing that same old song again.....clutter, clutter, clutter, disorganization leads to wasted time and I NEVER get it all done. I'm freaking out a bit as we get ready to start milking tomorrow. We will work together for four days, then I will have to milk on my own for five days. I'm scared and pretty much convinced I will not be able to do it all...or at least not be able to do it all well. I found the list below on Psychology Today's site and it perfectly summarizes the way I feel...sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode and when I stop to analyze why I feel that way it generally has something to do with my cluttered workspace and the feeling that I'll never get anything done because I have to clean first. <br />
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Anyone have any tips to share?<br />
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<b>Why does mess lead to so much stress? </b></div>
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<li><b>Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile), causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren't necessary or important.</b></li>
<li><b>Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should be on.</b></li>
<li><b>Clutter makes it more difficult to relax, both physically and mentally.</b></li>
<li><b>Clutter constantly signals to our brains that our work is never done.</b></li>
<li><b>Clutter makes us anxious because we're never sure what it's going to take to get through to the bottom of the pile.</b></li>
<li><b>Clutter creates feelings of guilt ("I should be more organized") and embarrassment, especially when others unexpectedly drop by our homes or work spaces.</b></li>
<li><b>Clutter inhibits creativity and productivity by invading the open spaces that allow most people to think, brain storm, and problem solve.</b></li>
<li><b>Clutter frustrates us by preventing us from locating what we need quickly (e.g. files and paperwork lost in the "pile" or keys swallowed up by the clutter).</b></li>
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<li><b>http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201203/why-mess-causes-stress-8-reasons-8-remedies</b></li>
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Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-56872530535392050292013-02-27T19:47:00.001-06:002013-02-27T19:47:35.445-06:00Lord Pippington<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yep, he's a rooster! WOO HOO! On night late while watching goats we heard a strangled, garbled, choking noise. We looked at each other like "WTF"....then one of us said, "Pip's a a rooster"....It was the most pathetic attempt at crowing I've ever heard.<br />
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We introduced him to the coop tonight and he didn't get his ass kicked, but he wasn't welcomed with open arms either. Those mean Buff hens (the ones I call Thomas) will put him in his place, but before long he will be bigger than them (I hope) and he'll move on up the pecking order.<br />
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-46942370071381744012013-02-23T17:51:00.000-06:002013-02-23T17:51:17.737-06:00Goat Watch 2013 Continues<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6605UUqynU/USlT_hbcAhI/AAAAAAAABnc/FgqypTMFFUY/s1600/IMG_2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6605UUqynU/USlT_hbcAhI/AAAAAAAABnc/FgqypTMFFUY/s400/IMG_2690.jpg" width="300" /></a> Still watching Ruby for signs that she is in labor. Even though her belly appears to be full of aliens, she doesn't (besides resting a bit more) appear to be ready to give birth. I'm kind of tired of watching, but I know that will end the minute she starts to give birth.<br />
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While I've been watching, I finished a wall-hanging for the shop to use as a sample and I got back on my Dresden Plate project. I've got a plan and I was all ready to start piecing some more when I realized my quarter inch foot is missing....I suspect it didn't make it home from the repair shop. Poop!<br />
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Anyway, I started the blanket stitching on the 9 that are pieced and I have a plan...thanks to Pinterest I'm actually interested in finishing this quilt. I should have a board on Pinterest called "Re-Interest" as in, I'm re-interested in this because I saw one on Pinterest and I'm motivated and inspired to finish my own.<br />
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I didn't get a whole lot done today, because I confess I have to "check on" the goats fairly frequently. "Check on" is code for snuggle babies....yep, can't resist those little stinkers. They smell like hay and sunshine and seemed to be either filled with joy or plumb tuckered out; running wild or sleeping soundly in other words.</div>
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I think I might need a vacation....I'm plumb tuckered out too! </div>
Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-12372400422416115442013-02-17T20:37:00.001-06:002013-02-17T20:37:01.119-06:00False Labor, Little Sleep, and TwinsLast night after I posted I went out to check the goats one last time. I was already wearing my pjs and ready for bed so I just pulled some sweats over them, grabbed a coat and headed out. I was just checking, right?<br />
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The minute I stepped on the porch I heard bellowing. Now Ruby, she bellows all.the.time, but not at night and anyway, it wasn't her. All I could think was, "Oh, Shit. It's 9pm and I want to sleep.<br />
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Once in the barn I find our Fanny who never talks at all bellowing, grunting, stretching her back and other assorted things that indicate she is in labor. Long story short, this goes on for over 2 hours and then she seemed to settle down. Me, I tried to read, I tried to draw, but finally I just curled up in the straw and watched her. When she started to settle I came in to make a cup of tea assuming I was going to have a longer night. I went back out and she is calmly chewing her cud and dozing. Not in labor? WHAT?<br />
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A little after midnight I decide to Google "false labor in goats" and yep, it can happen. 12:30 I go to bed, but set an alarm for 2:30, then 4:30 just to check her. Both times she is calm and in the same place as before....obviously NOT in labor. ARgggghhh.<br />
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Today as I'm visiting with my family, I look out the window and immediately KNOW she is about to kid. Don't ask me how, she just didn't look right. I led her into the barn and within the hour she had twins. WOO HOO!<br />
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Maybe tonight I'll get to sleep all night!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fanny, with Scarlet and Ashley (male). Their father is Rhett Butt-ler.</td></tr>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-24850552333862480542013-02-16T19:47:00.002-06:002013-02-16T19:47:37.574-06:00Holy Cow! or Goat(s)Day two of the Stay-cation/Goat Watch ended with another birth. Vaca went into labor early in the day and we were in the barn until 10pm or so. She was very uncomfortable and it wasn't until she had been pushing for awhile that we saw a tiny bit of baby...the wrong bit. I had read and read and read to make sure I was prepared. I knew I was supposed to see two hooves and a nose. Instead I saw a nose with the tongue out. I thought the poor thing was dead, but then the tongue moved and I shifted into high gear. I sent my mom to the house for The Book (Storey's GT Raising Goats) and I gloved up. While she was gone I attempted to reposition the baby and then saw a nose and a hoof. I consulted the book, re-gloved, reached in and hooked the little left hoof that was tucked back and bloop, just like that out came this little guy. I'm not sure how I looked, but I can tell you than I was VERY RELIEVED to have a live baby and mom.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goat #2: minutes old.</td></tr>
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Can you believe that the second birth on the farm was a difficult birth, requiring assistance? I'm pooped out, completely whipped. Two late nights and the stress....yikes. Plus, each baby is only nursing one side and so I (and my mom) have been milking out some of the pressure on the un-nursed side. I've been knocked down three times and stepped on once (right on the boob...serves me right huh? I can just hear Gypsy saying, "Pull on my teat...I'll show you how it feels!)<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Valentine in her red coat.</td></tr>
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Last night was a cold one so I made both babies wear little red sweaters....they looked so cute, but the hubs was not amused. The last email he sent last night said, "Take that sweater off of her NOW!"...I didn't because it was cold and he wasn't here to make me (so there), plus the cuteness factor was too much for me. <div>
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Ruby and Fanny are getting huge, but I don't think they will kid for a few days yet (but what the hell do I know?!) I need a good night's sleep....I'm starting to do dumb things. For example, I left the water running in the bathroom sink, full blast. Not really sure how long it was running. Thank goodness there is that little overflow hole thing because of course I had plugged it. Yep...I need sleep. </div>
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This Stay-Cation has been a whole lot of Staying and not a lot of Cationing. Remind me to schedule my next Stay-Cation in say, January next year so I can rest up for this craziness.<br /><br /></div>
Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-7556567141698551622013-02-14T20:27:00.001-06:002013-02-14T20:27:17.993-06:00Meet Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a lovely post all planned and then, well....as you can see I got a little distracted. Gypsy was officially due tomorrow, but when she started to act weirder than usual I started watching her closely. About chore time it was clear we were going to have a baby tonight. I did chicken chores first and kept an eye on her, then I went up and fed the boys, then put the dogs in and fed them. </div>
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When I got back I could see hooves. Then a little mouth.....then a Valentine. A little mini-mancha doe. LOVELY!</div>
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-71909430246435602132013-02-13T17:36:00.005-06:002013-02-13T17:36:46.232-06:00Stay-cation/Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNcWdu_ZkgQ/URwiWbSxt_I/AAAAAAAABlY/2slTpf0ludA/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNcWdu_ZkgQ/URwiWbSxt_I/AAAAAAAABlY/2slTpf0ludA/s400/IMG_0944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
For the next four days I'm taking a STAY-cation and retreating from the world. I ran a slew of errands today and stocked up on milk, bananas, tea, and chocolate (that's all your really need, right?)<br />
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The last few weeks have been crazy and I'm exhausted. Besides running myself ragged I'm not sleeping well either, so I thought a rest was in order.<br />
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Since our first kid (goat kid) is due Friday, I took that day off and so I have Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. I have no plans to leave the farm, but plenty of things to do. I'll just going to go with the flow and do whatever I feel like doing.<br />
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I'm sorry I've been absent so long...<br />
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-83715094953014341052013-01-27T16:33:00.000-06:002013-01-27T16:33:01.927-06:00The Blue Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I haven't quite accomplished all that I wanted to this month, but I've made a lot of progress. I spent a good part of today in the sewing room and got a few things "finished." I've finished a couple of tops this month and I'm pretty sick of BLUE....I had a bundle of 2 1/2 inch strips left and thought I would zip up a jelly roll race quilt (minus the jelly roll) I got to the first long seam and got bored....Seriously, that is the most boring thing I've ever done sewing. I'm still half thinking about dumping it in the trash....especially since it will need borders to be anything close to lap size (my strips weren't all WOF and it won't be very long or wide).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyb2kYkErDs/UQWoQT2MznI/AAAAAAAABkk/QwhkTXhUqhU/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyb2kYkErDs/UQWoQT2MznI/AAAAAAAABkk/QwhkTXhUqhU/s400/IMG_2598.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure this needs sashing, so I can't quite finish it yet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOAizayvJYI/UQWoviR8loI/AAAAAAAABks/EJ8Ka-GIdjQ/s1600/IMG_2575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOAizayvJYI/UQWoviR8loI/AAAAAAAABks/EJ8Ka-GIdjQ/s400/IMG_2575.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an original bag pattern I'm working on....I think I'll sell the bags, not the pattern though. I enjoy the embellishing<br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AoB5v2y6LE/UQWovtgpVtI/AAAAAAAABkw/CXFf1BKWu4E/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AoB5v2y6LE/UQWovtgpVtI/AAAAAAAABkw/CXFf1BKWu4E/s400/IMG_2552.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Hootie McHootster. I've complete the pattern for him today...I just need to proofread and get some printed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNQxoImMeHY/UQWo3OXbiDI/AAAAAAAABk8/OaHxHqAtTfA/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNQxoImMeHY/UQWo3OXbiDI/AAAAAAAABk8/OaHxHqAtTfA/s640/IMG_2570.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my goals for this month and next are to get a little bit better staging and taking pictures and then using iPhoto to tweak them. I think I did okay on this one.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Tomorrow, I start job number 3 (granted it will only be three hours a week). I am going to start the training for Level 1 tutor AND I have my first student to tutor tomorrow afternoon. There is a lot on my plate, but since there are a few more days in January I'm still going to try to meet my goals....I'm not giving up yet.Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-45649001114540553772013-01-26T18:48:00.001-06:002013-01-26T18:48:11.431-06:00OVER-whelmed and UNDER-motivated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This morning I started making a list of all the things I needed to do today or tomorrow or in the next few days or weeks and I began to feel completely overwhelmed. That happens to me a lot, so I know what to do. I got myself dressed, organized the lists for errands only, then headed out. Rather than start on errands right away, I stopped in at my favorite local antique mall, Witherspoon's. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7N6k60cdGZ0/UQR14Hmal1I/AAAAAAAABkA/TbqmjwkNVZM/s1600/168001_191164547578235_1294754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7N6k60cdGZ0/UQR14Hmal1I/AAAAAAAABkA/TbqmjwkNVZM/s200/168001_191164547578235_1294754_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I took this from their Facebook page).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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I didn't even make it in the door before I had an armload (that usually doesn't happen) but I found all kinds of cool things on the "porch." The big find of the day: a cutter quilt for $15.<br /><br />
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There is definitely $15 worth of usable quilty goodness in this one. I don't know what I'm going to do with it just yet, but as usual I have IDEAS! </div>
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I love going into Witherspoon's because the people are friendly, the booths change pretty frequently, and it is usually quiet and uncrowded. I usually come away with a treasure or two and a renewed sense of calm. There is always something to inspire me.</div>
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After a visit to Witherspoon's I can usually tackled the list of errands without feeling like my head is going to explode.</div>
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Remember that dream I mentioned last post? One part of that dream also includes having a booth at Witherspoon's. There I said it. </div>
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-30888904047689885122013-01-19T18:14:00.001-06:002013-01-19T18:14:10.291-06:00Dream a little Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have this little dream....I'm sort of scared to reveal it, but I'm going to anyway. When we dreamed up this farm, built a barn, bought goats, got chickens I started to think of us and the farm as interconnected. We want the farm to be self-sustaining and for awhile I was selling enough eggs to buy the chicken feed, but seasons change and it became very clear that for the farm to be self-sustaining it would have to be more than eggs, kids, and (fingers crossed) milk and cheese. That's when I started dreaming.....</div>
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The things I love to do most are sew, quilt, craft, etc. and about the same time that I started thinking of us as the part of the farm I started to think about, dream about, wonder if I could actually sell my quilts and such as part of the farm. I started by making fabric flowers as lapel pins and I labeled them Owl Tree Farm Handmade...they sold in the shop for awhile, then no more....Now that I have time, I've been working on some other things too. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0KcUTp1mdA/UPszk-CNJtI/AAAAAAAABjU/1edjFQr2fhs/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0KcUTp1mdA/UPszk-CNJtI/AAAAAAAABjU/1edjFQr2fhs/s320/IMG_2536.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Big Owl pillow and Baby Owl Stuffies)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TnlUDo-heM/UPszpIZeTEI/AAAAAAAABjc/JNOeph8Z75w/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TnlUDo-heM/UPszpIZeTEI/AAAAAAAABjc/JNOeph8Z75w/s320/IMG_2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just 1/4 of a strip quilt with an applique corner.</td></tr>
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I guess now that I've revealed my dream of making money (or supporting our farm) with my sewing I shouldn't be embarrassed to admit that I have NO IDEA how to go about selling myself or my wares. I'm not very good at self-promotion and to be honest most of the time I think my work is just not good enough to sell. Also, I'm so out of touch with real people that I have no idea what is hot and what is not, what would or could sell, or what price to ask. <div>
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I used to think I was an "old soul," but now I think I'm a backward, shy child in an adult's body. Awkard.<br /><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXuS6KAaQsU/UPszp5D7tmI/AAAAAAAABjk/JSEiX8jKjXg/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXuS6KAaQsU/UPszp5D7tmI/AAAAAAAABjk/JSEiX8jKjXg/s320/IMG_2534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What do you think? Can a simple, farmgirl make some money selling her crafts? How? Where? Help me out here.....</div>
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Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-79776393122670053572013-01-17T16:53:00.001-06:002013-01-17T16:53:09.857-06:00Angel Food Cake: Gluten Free When I stopped eating gluten a few years ago, I experimented quite a bit and was constantly disappointed. Either things didn't taste right or the texture wasn't right, but frequently both the taste and the texture were off. I finally, when things got busy, just gave up. Until just lately I had basically been reconciled that I would not get to have cake or brownies or cookies or really anything sweet. But today, I decided to try again. I found myself with a lot of extra eggs and immediately thought of Angel Food Cake.<br />
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I headed to the computer and the first recipe I found was from Taste of Home. I had all the ingredients, so I tried it. I was cautiously optimistic.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tfWFZXsBjc/UPh9JuqM0DI/AAAAAAAABiw/7c0yEbiiLTs/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tfWFZXsBjc/UPh9JuqM0DI/AAAAAAAABiw/7c0yEbiiLTs/s640/IMG_2522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It looks right! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It tastes about right and the texture is right....hhmmm, maybe I need another piece to make up my mind.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFm8HfhgvzE/UPh9IGBhOjI/AAAAAAAABio/-0QLVw_aCoM/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFm8HfhgvzE/UPh9IGBhOjI/AAAAAAAABio/-0QLVw_aCoM/s320/IMG_2523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH YEAH, this is delicious.</td></tr>
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Okay, so I ate two big hunks while I finished my book and it was delicious. I wouldn't even guess it was gluten free. Seriously.</div>
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Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake</div>
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1 1/2 cups of egg whites</div>
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3/4 cups of sugar AND 1/2 cup of sugar</div>
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1/4 cup of cornstarch</div>
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1/4 cup white rice flour</div>
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1/4 cup of tapioca flour</div>
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1/4 cup of potato starch</div>
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1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar</div>
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3/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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3/4 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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1. let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes</div>
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2. sift together the 3/4 cups of sugar, cornstarch, rice and tapioca flour, and the potato starch</div>
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3. add cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla to the egg whites and beat on medium until soft peaks form</div>
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4. gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, beating on high under stiff peaks form</div>
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5. gradually fold in flour mixture</div>
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6. spoon into an ungreased 10 inch tube pan</div>
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7. cut the batter with a knife to release air</div>
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8. bake on the lowest rack at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes until the top is lightly brown</div>
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9. invert and cool completely.</div>
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http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Gluten-Free-Angel-Food-Cake</div>
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from: Taste of Home.</div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-89447332500719221802013-01-12T18:30:00.001-06:002013-01-12T18:30:04.965-06:00Pajamas Times Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went a little crazy with slashing the stash. Thursday I made five pairs of pajama bottoms and used 13.1 yards of fabric. I'm not sure I needed five new pairs, but I did need new ones.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nYfAr0Q8lc/UPH-agcWKQI/AAAAAAAABiE/JRuiI62ItVU/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nYfAr0Q8lc/UPH-agcWKQI/AAAAAAAABiE/JRuiI62ItVU/s400/IMG_2515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>(I have some kind of crazy infatuation with clotheslines)</i></div>
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Five.</div>
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I have to confess that when I came home from work on Friday, I had eight new yards of fabric. In my defense it was the last two yards of four fabrics that I've had my eye on for awhile now. You know if I hadn't bought them then they would have been gone forever and I would have had to deal with regret....I try to avoid regret at all costs, so I came home with eight yards, but I used 13.1 and I only brought home 8, so I'm still down 5 yards. RIght? Does that get a Woo Hoo?</div>
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-7415413680368688012013-01-10T20:35:00.002-06:002013-01-10T20:35:25.832-06:00So far, so good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am actually getting some sewing done these days and I finished another Fiona 2 Button Scarf (they are a bit addicting..Thanks to Fiber Flux for the free pattern).</div>
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Fiona Scarf</div>
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From the Blue Scrap bin....a finished Turning 20 top (though I didn't use 20 and I didn't actually use the right measurements either). </div>
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#3 for January: 9 String blocks.</div>
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The in-laws are here and the hubs and FinL stay in the garage all day. I'm just doing my normal stuff....working, chores, cleaning, cooking, cleaning, chores, chores, chores......Today I did a load of sewing and I'll share that as soon as I have a pic to go with it, but suffice it to say, the stash is getting SLASHED! WHOOOO HOOOOO.</div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-70024702152443493172013-01-05T17:17:00.002-06:002013-01-05T17:17:35.777-06:00#5: Make one clothing item<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Penelope Skirt (Pattern from Serendipity Studios).</div>
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[This is fast becoming a favorite pattern.]</div>
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Thursday I taught a beginning sewing class using the Penelope skirt. It is such a great skirt for beginners, BUT it is a super-fast skirt for those of us that have very little follow-through (if you know what I mean). I started this one in the class, but stopped my own sewing to help my students finish their skirts. I only lacked the elastic and the bottom band. </div>
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I can whip up one of these babies in about an hour....elastic waist, self-hemming....seriously, it doesn't get much easier. I specifically chose this fabric from my stash because I think I can wear my boots with it...it is almost ankle length and though you can't tell it is black with rust, green, teal, and gold.</div>
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I see many more of these in my future, but for today I want to WOO HOO because I've met one goal of my January Sewing goals. #5: one clothing item done!!! I have a new skirt AND my stash is that much lighter.</div>
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It is January 5th....how are those resolutions holding up?</div>
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-33839751214767130512013-01-04T16:17:00.002-06:002013-01-04T16:17:17.699-06:00January: Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy New Year! I've finally got a little time and I need to make some of my resolutions more concrete by putting them in writing. This year I have decided to whittle down my stash, weed out the trash, and basically get back to the roots of my quilting (more about that later). I've got some other goals for the year, but those are for another post. Today is about my sewing/quilting goals.</div>
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I thought that perhaps the best way to tackle the problem was with rules and a theme. </div>
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#1. The theme is BLUE for January, so I tackled my blue bin. I've got two projects in the works from the bin, but neither are in a state ready for photos....the new rules for the bin? Nothing smaller than a quarter yard/fat quarter goes in the bin. Smaller bits get cut into 2 1/2, 5, or 6 1/2 squares or 2 1/2 strips and are stored with like sizes.</div>
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The Blue Bin: Before</div>
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#2. The Farmer's Wife quilt. I started this quilt ages ago....The Rules: 9 blocks each month.</div>
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#3. The String quilt (from an earlier post): My hubs really likes this one and wants it for our bed: KING? yikes....The Rules: 9 blocks each month.</div>
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#4. The drawers of UFOs? .... The Rules: Choose 2 each month and FINISH them!</div>
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#5. Make at least one clothing item (from the stash fabric....no new fabric).</div>
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These are my Slash the Stash guidelines. I work best with rules and goals and putting things in writing. Do you always stick to the rules? Do you start new projects before you finish the old ones? </div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-10897981664283121252013-01-02T20:43:00.000-06:002013-01-02T20:43:00.983-06:00best laid plansWell, ya'll I had big plans for a New Year's Day post then I spent the evening chasing coyotes, looking for my rooster, then super-gluing a hen back together.<br />
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Sadly, Lord Crowley is gone. He <i>was</i> kind of mean, but he was our mean rooster and I liked him anyway. All I could find of him were piles of feathers strewn about. The hen however, is a scrappy little thing and is doing well. She even laid an egg today in her "hospital" room. I built her a bigger "hospital" today and moved her back to the coop.<br />
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Now, that I finished buying groceries, cleaning house, and all that non-sense I don't have anything left for blogging....but I'll be back with Resolutions, Big Plans, and Finished Projects. Yep, I did say "Finished"Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-2499647128313793582012-12-29T10:18:00.002-06:002012-12-29T10:18:52.154-06:002013: Slashing the Stash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Prior to the start of the new year, I thought I should show you my sewing room. It is finally arranged and lit in a manner that makes it possible for me to sew (even at night); however, as you can see the "stash" has gotten out of hand.</div>
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The whole shelf above the machine is mini-bolts of a yard or more. Above that (not pictured) as shoe-box sized bins of scraps already cut into various-sized squares.</div>
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This pile starts at the floor and rises all the way to the window....yep, just a pile.</div>
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Baskets, plastics, and bags filled to overflowing and sort of organized by color.</div>
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The neatest area: the dresser contain at least 16 unfinished projects, some vintage blocks I've picked up at antique stores and one drawer labeled Misc. that I'm afraid to open. The bin above all have some project started in them.</div>
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I've failed to show the area under the sewing table or the cutting table, but suffice it to say there are bins and bins and bins, many with the lids ajar due to over-stuffage. Ugh!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE 2012 GOAL:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">SLASH the Stash!</span></div>
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There, I've said it. If I can't do it alone I'm going to need an intervention.....there is such a thing as too much fabric, excess is never good. In this case it is a burden. It is time to finish projects, find them homes, sell them and otherwise clear the room of clutter and unfinished business. </div>
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I'm going in....</div>
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-54652759027687803732012-12-22T18:29:00.001-06:002012-12-22T18:29:01.166-06:00Solstice Surprise: Pip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As you know all my stories are long and rambling, but I'll try not to ramble and I won't ever say "to make a long story short" because I know you will roll your eyes....so here goes.<br />
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Weeks ago one of our hens, a Buff Minorca, got broody. For a couple of weeks I stole her egg collection each day while she screamed like a pteradactyl and threatened to peck my eyes out. I calmly explained that she was a minorca, a career girl...she wasn't supposed to get broody, plus, it is winter (though in her defense it doesn't feel much like winter here in TX).<br />
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Tired of the pteradactyl noises and somewhat more convinced that she wasn't going to give up, I finally let her keep some eggs....she sat and she sat and she sat and at about Day 18 I decided to consult Google and figure out how to candle eggs and how to interpret what I was seeing. To my amateur and Google-trained eye it appeared as if the eggs were indeed full of chicks....what to do?<br />
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I had read the section on broody hens in my Storey's Guide and rather than read it again I just went with what I remembered. I moved the hen and her eggs to a brooder thinking that if they actually hatched the big chickens would peck them to death.<br />
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Once in the brooder, she shunned the eggs and paced the confines. An hour later she was quietly hunkered down in the straw studiously ignoring her eggs which had grown quite cold. Well, crap!<br />
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Consulting Storey's again I find that you should not move a broody and her eggs after the 16th day....oops!<br />
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Since, I figured I'd just frozen those little chicks I put her back in the coop and put the eggs back too. She quit, after weeks and weeks and weeks she just gave up, BUT a calm, docile and much-less-pteradactylish Dominique hen took over and after three more days of sitting.....a little Solstice miracle.<br />
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I thought I was hearing birds outside the coop when I heard the cheeping, but it just sounded so much like a baby chick I investigated. Picture this...on my knees in the poopy coop picking up each egg and holding it to my ear...they were all silent, but the very last one was loudly cheeping. Upon closer examination, a tiny patch was cracked out. Within 15 minutes, the egg (which was rocking and cheeping) was cracked all around and out popped PIP....who now lives in my bathtub.<br />
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I've candled the other eggs and think there might be a couple more chicks and there is one that is definitely about a Day 5 embryo.....Pip needs friends, so we are just going to wait and see what happens. If the Dom wants to keep sitting then so be it, who am I to thwart their natural instincts?</div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-34994711868117444682012-12-16T11:02:00.001-06:002012-12-16T11:02:22.461-06:00Stringing along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOFdTmMWFT4/UM39l4po4EI/AAAAAAAABeY/IBhZw5dkmio/s1600/IMG_2456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOFdTmMWFT4/UM39l4po4EI/AAAAAAAABeY/IBhZw5dkmio/s320/IMG_2456.jpg" width="240" /></a> Yep, that is a bushel basket of scraps and I do mean SCRAPS...tiny little bits that probably should have been thrown away, but....</div>
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It kind of feels like getting something for nothing. Although I've spent about $15 over the last three months buying scraps from the bin at the quilt shop. So, a double-sized quilt for $15....sounds good to me.</div>
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After a couple of days of Pinterest binging I am suitably inspired. Today's agenda: aprons. I'll let you know how they turn out.</div>
<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378230471377354369.post-56486294613812290152012-12-09T09:21:00.002-06:002012-12-09T09:21:59.837-06:00The Perils of Pinterest (Palmer and PIccoult)I thought with more time on my hands I might get some more blogging done. However, every time I sit down at the computer I find myself cruising Pinterest, pinning like mad. I find it very inspiring and it suits my OCD style of arranging and organizing. I like the fact that I can find the things I find inspiring again....before I would bookmark the page, but frequently couldn't remember why I had bookmarked it!<br />
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I'm trying to avoid what I'm thinking of as the Perils of Pinterest, but I'm not sure I'm doing such a good job. The first Peril is just the time suck. YIKES! The second peril is spending all your time looking for inspiration, but never creating anything. SO, I've made one thing I found on Pinterest and I'm working on another.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ai5aPxqRSWA/UMSqRTVCYyI/AAAAAAAABeA/vlZyJ0aYbv0/s1600/IMG_0798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ai5aPxqRSWA/UMSqRTVCYyI/AAAAAAAABeA/vlZyJ0aYbv0/s400/IMG_0798.jpg" width="300" /></a> This is the Fiona Button Scarf from Fiber Flux (you don't need a link, just Google it).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHm-SsutW40/UMSqHYqglwI/AAAAAAAABd4/B_IlsUm26P4/s1600/IMG_2451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHm-SsutW40/UMSqHYqglwI/AAAAAAAABd4/B_IlsUm26P4/s400/IMG_2451.jpg" width="300" /></a>I started this a long time ago. It is just a basic string quilt, but I've found so many cool examples on Pinterest that I got fired up about working on it. My "string bucket " is pretty full. </div>
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I've done a few other little things, but mostly I've been reading and reading and reading. I was starved for quick, entertaining reads and since November 13th I've read 10 books. Yep, in the last 26 days I've read 10 books....six by Michael Palmer, two by Piccoult, <i>The Fault in Our Stars </i>by John Green, and Alex Lemon's <i>Happy.</i> </div>
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Today, I'm going to a quilt retreat and I'm going to sew like mad...I probably need about 100 more blocks to make a decent-sized quilt! </div>
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<br />Jen BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07821947760051000397noreply@blogger.com0