Just ice

Since central Louisiana isn't accustomed to lots of ice and snow we were let out of school early Thursday to be off the roads in freezing temps.  WOOHOOO!!!!

Getting home early brought about lots of preperation time.  We had to bring those chicks back in the house.  Can't get a pic.  They're under a light and won't get aways from it.  We had to get a cow in the barn as she was ready to drop a calf any minute.  What timing!!

This was the scene of our back pasture Friday morning.  

Icicles hung from everything.  It was like a wannabe winter wonderland.  We thought it was pretty.  I wouldn't want to deal with it on a regular basis like some, tho'.   If you are dealing with that blizzard I feel for you.

the power went out Friday morning so I couldn't use the stove.  This is my attempt at breakfast.  I couldn't get the fire hot enough to fry the eggs so I compromised.  I think it's called an egg in the nest.  

this is the GRAND FINALE!!  We got the cow in the barn and later Thursday night she had this adorable little calf.  mother and baby are doing fine.

Let me know what you did during this "blizzard of '11"

I want some

I'm so cold.  But alas the weather is not looking like snow in our area.  This is a picture of the great snow we got last year.  The first in many years.  It was about 4 in. and my snow man was almost 3 ft. high.  What a blizzard we had. NOT.  Central Louisiana usually gets the rain, wind and cold temps, but that's it.  The wind chill here might get below 20.  So if you are where the blizzard is blowing and you're not loving it, think of me and know that you are dreading something someone else would love to have.

At least the chickens are still laying.  This picture was taken before we lit the heater.  Yes we really do use it.  My DH can make the best fires and I can only promise to leave them alone since I am the best fire extinguisher.  

wanna be......

I would love to be able to be this kind of woman.  I know women had to do so much "back in the day".  We have to do more now, though.  Most of us have some kind of work outside the home or at least not related to home.  Each of the tasks this lady is doing I have to do after I have put in a full day in town.  I missed so much when my son was growing up and regret it now.  I know we all do what we have to do, but looking forward to retirement day shouldn't be part of it.  Don't get me wrong, I am very blessed to have a career that I love.  I can't imagine myself doing anything else, but teaching Kindergarten.  I just feel that I give so much to those at school and was always wore out by the time I got home.  I hope if you are reading this you have been blessed enough to have been able to stay home while your children were young and watch them grow up.  

  OK let me get back to the kitchen sink.  

My First Party

I just joined a linky party, but I don't even know if I'm doing what I need to do.  I was never much of a "partier".  It looks like fun so I joined in.  If you want to join up grab the button to the right for Homemaker on a Dime Party.

on a cold and wet evening

 The weather has been so gloomy here.  Spending a day inside a classroom with 21 5 yr. olds can be tiring, when they are all full of wiggles from staying in everyday.  A nice hot cup of tea can feel so good when sipped in front of a nice warm fire.  What makes you feel good at the end of hard day?

This is the first year I didn't have to go out and help cut and bring in the wood.  The only downside I have found to this is the floor is always dirty and needs a good sweeping.

In response to a question about the homemade laundry detergent I got the recipe from Mary Jane over at http://thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com/.

I only cut mine down to one cup of each with one bar of the Fels-Naptha since I didn't know if we would have a reaction to it. (my DH is allergic to lots of detergents)  There was no reaction so I'll be making more this weekend.  I like this recipe with the baking soda as the baking soda helps eliminate odors and there are lots of those on a farm.  The vinegar in the rinse didn't leave any smell REALLY!!  I even tried it in the dryer on a cloth and it kept the static down.  Wouldn't my Gramma be proud?  Let me know if you try it and how you like it.

I have found a GREAT exercise site, exercisetv.com.   It has lots of free videos to workout with, for any level.  In my mobile home space is limited and jumping is questionable, but they have so many varieties.  This is good for those bad weather days when you can't get out, don't have time or the kids can't go.  CHECK IT OUT!!!

and the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down.

So I'm stuck inside all day with a pot of homemade soup, my DH (dear hubby) and rain on the tin roof.  I've washed several of loads of clothes and my homemade detergent works good.  DH has had no reaction and the cost is next to nothing.  Now I'm on a mission to see how many other things I can make that are economical and better for me and my little world.  

If only I could go outside and get sticks to whittle for clothes pins.