tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post9204676671681670044..comments2024-03-29T16:34:01.380+10:00Comments on down to earth: Nothing is freeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73917133550019489282009-08-08T08:57:35.169+10:002009-08-08T08:57:35.169+10:00Chiming in a bit late, but hope your laryngitis is...Chiming in a bit late, but hope your laryngitis is improving. I'm afraid that I've found the only cure for laryngitis is to rest the voice <i>completely, and the body too</i> -- even though I feel quite well apart from the voice. See if you find the same. My Dr told me that forcing your vocal cords to work causes more damage.Chookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07230973711859964063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66018137002673502922009-08-08T04:07:58.456+10:002009-08-08T04:07:58.456+10:00I simply LOVE all the pictures you put up with you...I simply LOVE all the pictures you put up with your posts! Your home style seems very much like mine...I love the back yard! :D I just bought Carla Emery's 'The Encyclopedia of Country Living'...wow. It is so full of wonderful info that I must admit I've hardly done anything else but read it! :D I especially loved the herbs section, and I finally understood the exact process of canning- loved how she explained every step. I know your pretty busy, but I was just wondering what kind of herbs you plant...which ones work, and which ones don't. Maybe you could post about it? :D :D :D <br />Courtneybookflutterbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12426712911284917236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2747613688806956212009-08-07T13:08:50.197+10:002009-08-07T13:08:50.197+10:00Hi Rhonda, Good to hear that you are on the mend a...Hi Rhonda, Good to hear that you are on the mend and able to get back to your schedule as well as see your friend - she is in my prayers. I have lost good friends and relatives to cancer and also have some that have been fighting and doing a good job of keeping it at bay. Prayers and positive thoughts to your friend. Its been raining like crazy here and so many people have gotten the flu - must be regular season for it because only few of them have been found to be positive for H1N1. I myself have been sick but managed to fight it to manageable levels but it is a goo dtime to take it slow and take care of self. thank you again for all you do for us via this blog.Aunty Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14942619820033853811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5132654856536034092009-08-07T07:39:51.843+10:002009-08-07T07:39:51.843+10:00You have a heck of a blog. I enjoyed reading it. I...You have a heck of a blog. I enjoyed reading it. Ive got it bookmarked. My name is Tracy and Im 38 yrs old. I am a homeschool mom and I love to do things the old fashioned way just like my Grandparents did it. I garden, raise dairy goats and chickens. I do sew just havent in a while. I can and freeze. My boys and husband hunt. I have a homeschoolblog if youd like to read it one day. It is homeschoolblogger.com/4dfarms. We are from TN. I love reading your blog, I never thought I was going to get to the end of the comments so I could leave mine. You have alot of readers. Homesteading and frugality is almost a dying art. But if we stick together we can bring it back. Too many people have become comfortable and dependent on modern convienences.tracyhttp://homeschoolblogger.com/4dfarmsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8207916074101402372009-08-07T06:44:04.059+10:002009-08-07T06:44:04.059+10:00My day invovles a lecture at uni then home to do s...My day invovles a lecture at uni then home to do some baking, mostly stuff for morning and afternoon teas. My freezer is quite full of ready cooked meals, as I make 2 different meals most nights and freeze one of them. Then it will be out into the yard to do a bit of weeding and mow the lawn. I love being productive, it keeps life from being mundane :o)<br />Hope everyone has a lovely day!!Vanessa Schenknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81042400621745580602009-08-07T04:16:54.312+10:002009-08-07T04:16:54.312+10:00P.S. dinner tonight is shredded slow-cooked chicke...P.S. dinner tonight is shredded slow-cooked chicken atop a leafy salad with pecans, dried berries, and bleu cheese. I've got the chicken in the slow cooker now, so I guess she counts as another jot on my list of things finished today!<br /><br />(Thanks for your very real entries lately. I don't comment often on your blog but I enjoy reading your posts regularly. The past few stories you have shared are very inspiring, warm, and hopeful. Thank you. I wish your friend, her family, and everyone around her peace and patience and I send up my hopes and prayers.)Trisha Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08223517514224244558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26286090202298291362009-08-07T04:12:31.735+10:002009-08-07T04:12:31.735+10:00I'm de-cluttering, vacuuming, and scrubbing ou...I'm de-cluttering, vacuuming, and scrubbing our tiny apartment kitchen (all 28" of counter space). This time around, I'm feeling liberated and focused. It's so tough to live in a tiny place with lots of boxes stacked around the perimeter! (We are buying our first house as 2nd-year "newlyweds" soon and I have prepared for the move ahead of time.)Trisha Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08223517514224244558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70231173341695343552009-08-07T02:27:36.154+10:002009-08-07T02:27:36.154+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I have been trying to figure out a wee...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I have been trying to figure out a weekly schedule for keeping up with house, cooking and garden. When our boys were little I had a day for doing everything and it worked so well! Now I feel a bit lost! I know the first step is to get something down on paper. . . I can always tweek it later. Wish me luck!<br /><br />I have 7 grain bread rising in the bread machine. I find there is less mess in the kitchen using the bread machine to mix and raise the bread, then I form it into one long 2lb loaf and bake it in my toaster oven (to save electricity).<br />Half is kept out, half goes into the freezer sliced and ready for use in a couple of days.<br /><br />My big job today is thoroughly cleaning out the refrigerator. Everything must come out of the frig and bottom drawer freezer. Both are packed! I'm also working on some new valances for my three french doors and some cute Christmas valances for our dining room.<br /><br />Yesterday it hit 115 degrees f. My garden is mostly dead and it's quite discouraging. Can't wait for cooler weather. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing your life with all of us!<br /><br />Julie in ArizonaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78145749395489093382009-08-06T23:55:05.444+10:002009-08-06T23:55:05.444+10:00I'm having cramps so I'll just be laying d...I'm having cramps so I'll just be laying down and resting.Jennifer C. Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03577995017158917173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7885728043378492602009-08-06T20:10:38.536+10:002009-08-06T20:10:38.536+10:00My plans? Headed to the office/courthouse for anot...My plans? Headed to the office/courthouse for another hectic day--for which I am thankful! Got up early to do some housecleaning, but here I am at the computer, instead. Drat! CStickhorsecowgirlshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04167094045033324094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82410357077836361902009-08-06T14:08:00.378+10:002009-08-06T14:08:00.378+10:00Hi Rhonda, sorry to hear about your good friend wi...Hi Rhonda, sorry to hear about your good friend with health issues, upcoming surgery etc. I'm sure having the support of loved ones and friends like yourself will give her the courage she needs to face this. Hoping everything goes well for her.<br />Those passionfruit in this post look enticingly delicious.<br />My plans for today: I've just returned from having coffee and lunch with a friend I hadn't seen for over six months. It was wonderful, we had a few laughs and good conversation, my little girl entertained herself well, did not get upset or demanding of anything, she was happy to be out with her mum. For the remainder of the day I plan to do whatever is necessary about the house, catch up on a few blogs, etc.<br />I'll look forward to reading your article in the spring issue of Burke's Backyard. That is great news, Rhonda.Rowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02765993736554383626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56557123541664449302009-08-06T13:45:34.842+10:002009-08-06T13:45:34.842+10:00Hi Rhonda, it's good to hear you are on the me...Hi Rhonda, it's good to hear you are on the mend again with your sore throat, and that you have found some nice homely distractions to occupy your mind while you are dealing with the news from your friend.<br />Today is a nice overcast day here, and I don't plan on doing much to be honest! I think I'll put on some bread and clean the floors, write up my budget and play with my son Ethan.<br />I hope you have a chance to have a lovely relax today as well, and enjoyed your morning tea with you lovely husband this morning.<br />KylieTheWhineyFairyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17833985267200242071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64891781834824332992009-08-06T12:32:14.411+10:002009-08-06T12:32:14.411+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I hope you're feeling better by no...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I hope you're feeling better by now. My day is almost over but I spent most of it at work and then made dinner and cleaned the kitchen. Waiting on some laundry to dry. I wanted to ask you a question about luffas, if I could. I planted some seeds this last spring and have the most glorious vine but no flowers. We planted in April so the vine is three months old. Do you think it's too late for gourds? I planted these after reading about yours on the blog. <br /><br />Kathie in SCKatnapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72426703634318752182009-08-06T11:05:02.897+10:002009-08-06T11:05:02.897+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Closing the gate may have given you som...Hi Rhonda,<br />Closing the gate may have given you some quiet time, but it sounds really busy at your house, make that productive!<br />I do hope your feeling much better. I had you and your friend in mind today, prayers go upward!<br />I have had a semi-busy day.<br />First thing this morning I was out to do story time at home daycare centers. I take much pleasure in providing this service to the centers and the children.<br />Next a quick stop at the used bookstore...$3.00 day or ten for $1.00 each. I found one title I have had on my list for a long time.<br />Then a little paperwork with my son who is buying a used truck, we went through interest rates and insurance premium comparatives.<br />Sorted the recycle in prep for taking it away tomorrow, Cut up some apple tree twigs to use in the chiminea. <br />Made a refrigerator lemon pie for dessert to serve with dinner meal...worked a little on knitting and as soon as I finish here I will water a few plants, call my granddaughter and talk for a little while and then read before bed. (Your post tag says it was done at 4:13AM!!!!!)<br />A good day. <br />ithinkicanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86677871631866740742009-08-06T10:58:10.205+10:002009-08-06T10:58:10.205+10:00Hello Rhonda, I'm still here, reading every da...Hello Rhonda, I'm still here, reading every day :)<br /><br />Today was a day of gardening, cleaning out our car, and making up a batch of Zesty Zucchini Relish, which we will enjoy all winter long. <br /><br />Sorry to hear about your friend and hope you will be well enough to visit her soon. <br /><br />I hope you will link to your article in the magazine (if it is online) once it's available.<br /><br />We're in good shape over here, the gardens are looking good, the chickens are doing good, both the layers and the meat birds, our sheep are doing good, as is our steer and happily canning season has begun full swing this week.<br /><br />I'm busy crocheting 3 baby afghans ( two of them for twins), quilting and just made up a new batch of beeswax candles.<br /><br />There...the full update :)<br />Blessings to you and Hanno<br />NikiNikihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05943301163903634325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16956182281938697042009-08-06T10:56:59.362+10:002009-08-06T10:56:59.362+10:00Glad you are feeling a bit better,Rhonda. Where wo...Glad you are feeling a bit better,Rhonda. Where would we be without our voices...LOL..While we were having our welcome morning tea(Homemade bread,toasted and spread with ripe avocado) I pondered on what I have done so far today. Here is my list.<br />After feeding the 4 cats and one pup I made up their 'stew' for the rest of the week.<br />Helped DH lay new carpet squares in the bedroom.(Lift this, Move that.!!)<br />Did the washing.<br />Renewed the pot where I grow the mint.<br />Planted a punnet of Endives.<br />Watered the seedlings in the greenhouse.<br />Prepared lunch.<br />Sewed a pocket on a new apron.<br />This afternoon some of us are getting together for a Chat and Craft afternoon where I can finish the stitching I am doing to sew onto a library bag for great grand daughter.<br />I am glad I have retired....no time for a job.!!!blossomvichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13677184278471003048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81865927699809742162009-08-06T10:17:36.692+10:002009-08-06T10:17:36.692+10:00Today has been a good day. I reclaimed my garden ...Today has been a good day. I reclaimed my garden from the weeds, I made your lemon curd recipe... it is wonderful on homemade scones with some of my homemade blueberry jam. Blueberries and lemon are ever so good together!<br />I am also working on embroidering a design on a bread bag that I made... tomorrow I will make the bread to fill the bag. <br />Prayers for you and your friend Rhonda.Jodinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90883271510418600892009-08-06T09:55:17.816+10:002009-08-06T09:55:17.816+10:00I'm glad to hear your voice has raised itself ...I'm glad to hear your voice has raised itself to a squeak. My girls love it when I lose my voice! Ha! Ha!<br />My prayers are going out to your friend, and you as well. You will need the strength to get well soon, so that you can go and visit her. I know that that visit will make you both better. Give her lots of hugs!<br />My day started out at 5AM to get up and get ready for work. I work full time, so I don't get much done after work. Mainly getting dinner going and then relax with some crocheting or cross stitch to give my feet a break before I have to do it all again tomorrow. It's my weekends I look forward to the most. I can get a few things marked off my to do list, which seems to be growing faster than I can mark it off! Winter is just around the corner for us so I need to winterize my house and yard!claudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16572555442321120647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79906366203083251332009-08-06T09:50:09.058+10:002009-08-06T09:50:09.058+10:00Hello Rhonda,
I just read your post from yesterda...Hello Rhonda,<br /><br />I just read your post from yesterday and must tell you I am sorry for this news that impacts so many who love your friend. I pray that the doctors are successful in the upcoming surgery.<br /><br />Now, as to today, for me it is just about done. But one thing I did today that just plain felt good was to take all of the extra soy wax from my last few month's candlemaking and made three huge candles for our use this winter. I don't attempt to sell these "ends" candles as I like to call them. But I felt a bit like a squirrel tucking something away for the cold to come...it was 90 degrees here today.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your concerns and the many helps you share.<br /><br />Becky K.<br />Hospitality LaneBecky K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10531485758141842829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7109470408294057702009-08-06T09:34:48.798+10:002009-08-06T09:34:48.798+10:00Today my daughter is at pre-school, so it's my...Today my daughter is at pre-school, so it's my catch up day around the house - washing, floors and general tidying. Oh and some time to just relax too :-)<br /><br />I hope you are better soon. Sorry to read about your friend yesterday.Michelle Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11159365904128355951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12912590159947539992009-08-06T09:27:01.951+10:002009-08-06T09:27:01.951+10:00Good morning Rhonda, it;s good to hear that you ar...Good morning Rhonda, it;s good to hear that you are getting better.<br />I'm about to set off to my 'working' day. Two loads of washing are on the line, lunches are made, meat is defrosting for tea, some lettuce is harvested. The peas are coming on, I just had a taste. :)<br />Part of my Thursday is to do a "tip run" for the shop. We recycle about two thirds of the load which is pretty good for a tiny manufacturing business.<br />When I get home dinner will be cooked, knitting will be done. And before bed I must remember to put the Knit-in squares in the car to take to the ABC for tomorrow's Wraps With Love. I'll do that on the way to the Farmer's market that is held on Friday mornings in the Gong.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28774981489823059882009-08-06T08:31:37.098+10:002009-08-06T08:31:37.098+10:00My day is going well so far I have hemmed a heap o...My day is going well so far I have hemmed a heap of towels for rags and also cut up and hemmed an old pair of pyjamas and I have washed the kitchen windows.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01753169188189948650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11243793544129084552009-08-06T08:30:56.845+10:002009-08-06T08:30:56.845+10:00Hello Rhonda.
Cooking spells a thousand words. H...Hello Rhonda.<br /><br />Cooking spells a thousand words. Hope you will recover fully soon.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02399300464457820101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13369868092523564982009-08-06T08:23:39.859+10:002009-08-06T08:23:39.859+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Tomorrow I hope to be up bright and ear...Hi Rhonda,<br />Tomorrow I hope to be up bright and early to pack a picnic lunch for myself and a friend before going for a day out to the beautiful Lake District National Park. (God willing). Lucky me. I will take my knitting so if I find a quiet bench to sit on I will add a few squares to the pile I am collecting for my blanket. <br />How are you getting on with your knitted blanket ? <br />I hope you are feeling better soon. I always make a drink of lemon and honey in hot water when I have a throat problem. It probably does not do any good but it tastes delicious so who cares. LOL. <br />Cheers, Eileen in England.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38852630872511579742009-08-06T08:23:12.957+10:002009-08-06T08:23:12.957+10:00I guess I would like to echo Renee's comment (...I guess I would like to echo Renee's comment (I think) about learning from older women - that she is in a place in life in which making diapers is not important to her. I am similar (except my two are out of the hosue). I so value Rhonda's posts in that it creates a balm for me. I seek out wise women - of all ages - but it is tough to come by this wisdom. My day is always a little better when I get to read "Rhonda". Thanks to you. I have begun to think about my day and whether what I do in it matters and is of help to either myself, my husband, my children, my community or Mother Earth. I already have given up something that is taking time away from doing something productive. Thank you so much, Rhonda.NMPatricianoreply@blogger.com