The colors and beauty of a perfect late summer get away.  Time was finally found at the end of September to get away for a few days camping and fishing.  We were blessed with the most amazing weather.  Everyone on the trip kept saying no day could have been more perfect and then the next was even better.  So I share a small glimpse of our perfect days camping at a Summers end..

The fall colors were just starting to come out.

The sparkles on the lake were glittering most of the time. 

Relaxing was the mode of the day except when chasing this dragon fly.

Our friends came back empty handed from fishing.

My hubby managed to be luckier.

One could easily sit on the dock and stare out at this view all day.

I could feel the energy being drawn into the V of the valley

and spreading across the surface of the water.

We went one day with ATV's and explored nearby lakes and trails.

Always hungry at the end of the day a hearty meal was prepared.

We were all camped on the waters edge at this forestry campsite

that is free and no one was there most days.

My mind was an Island forever surround by water

I could just sit and gaze

feeling the liquid emotions brushing up against me.

Isolated from the worries of the rest of the world,

but never forgotten as I could not float or drift while

anchored to this earth by Gods will.

Leaving  our oasis of water we were blessed with

a vision of the open country side on our way home.

Well that certainly brings an end to Summer here as the weather made a complete change after a few days of returning from our perfect weather campout.  We have already had snow sputters mixed in some rain and a hard killer frost, which is causing me to panic as I always do this time of the year trying to get work done in the garden and everything put away outside before the ground freezes.

I have to also confess I have been spending some time at facebook with my family and old high school friends.  I only signed on about 1 month ago.  I have no phone here and rarely see any of my family so this has been so amazing for me to follow what they are up to and see all their new photos.  So I apologize for not visiting as often as I used too, but reconnecting with my family is very important right now. 

Spaces is a special place that has allowed me a chance to come out of isolation and share a little of who I am.  Many of my space friends here are all very special people who have created  a wonderful feeling of support and belonging.  I am touched by many of you very deeply.   It has just been over  1 year since I arrived here and have felt nothing but love and support flow through here.  So I just wanted to say Thank you all for being the wonderful people you are.

Update on Wildflower she is still hiding in the bedroom of my friend.  She is getting brushed daily and now has her beautiful coat back.  She seems to be terrified of my friends cat and doesn’t want to come out.  There were probably many cats she had fights with while trying to survive and now doesn’t even want to see one.  So for now my friend is being very patient and just letting her live in her room. 

So to Everyone changing Seasons

Good Morning……..    Good Afternoon……..      Good Night……..

Whatever it is to you…..

Photos & Words

by

Here I Am/Carrie

A fencing we will go, a fencing we will go, Hi Ho the dairy Oh

A fencing we will go……

Well many of you have heard me make reference to being busy often with fencing this past summer.

So here are the results…

Most of the work had to be done with a hand post pounder as we were on hills and through the woods.  Here we had to install a gate along with the new fencing.

Often the ground was so hard a hole had to be broken open before even pounding a post in.

With only about 7 posts left to hand pound I had an injury and hubby had to do the work himself.

                               Pounding post.  Rails and barbwire finished.                               

    In the flat area we were able to use the pounder attached to the tractor.

This area we used all rails as we plan a corral.

We thought we were done at this point with installing the new fencing, but soon realized the old fencing in our big field needed repairs and replacing.   So our job site moved down to the big field.

All posts and corners here had to be replaced as they were so loose.

We had lost much of our fencing over the years at this point where it crosses the creek.  Between flooding and beaver dams the level changes constantly taking out much of the bank and eventually about 20 feet of our fencing.   Now new secure fencing crosses the creek.  The sticks in between the wires are called stays.  I had to replace all broken ones thru-out the whole big field.  Each strand of wire had to be secured to the stay with tire wire.  This ensures the cow can’t pull the wire apart and slip though.  The wrists get very sore after awhile twisting the wires for hundreds of stays.  Pounding posts sometime required some special engineering.  We both actually had to stand in the tractor bucket to pound this one.

This area a few years ago was under 3 feet of water and had done a lot of damage to the fence posts and stays, so all had to be replaced.    This was just this past week and it was very hot again.  But pleasant working near the creek.

Its so nice to have this all behind us now and get on with other projects.   We had some delay this summer as hubby cracked some ribs back in late June and was out of work commission for 4 weeks.  But since he has been able to work again we also mixed and pour concrete for footings for a carport.   Now have to get the saw mill going to cut lumber for the carport.  We also replaced 2 big picture windows in the house.  Harvesting of different things have been keeping me busy in between helping with all the other work.  We had a few light frosts but now have hot days and warm night.  I will be busy all of September with gardening, canning, freezing and drying stuff from the garden.   I will be dedicating the month of September to gardening blogs as there is much to be shared that has already taken place and just haven’t had time to blog about.

There is a feeling of change in the air even though we will continue to get hot days for a few weeks yet.  However our nights should be getting below freezing soon when the skies are clear. 

My time here on the computer will still be limited for visiting until the nights grow longer.

So to everyone wishing you a

Good morning          Good afternoon           Good night

Whatever it is to you..

Photo & Words

by

Here I Am/Carrie

The awakening of spring here had caused my energies to rise again so decided it was time to take a break from gardening, greenhouse work and pounding posts for fencing.  Somehow we only manage to get out mountain biking once or twice a year.  I love it but taking the time out and leaving the property always bring intentions to a halt.  But this time the day was sunny and cool and decided to just do it.  

The 1st half mile going up hill we thought our lungs would burst.  We had to push the bikes often as it was uphill going.  We stopped and had to catch our breath many times at the beginning.

The areas we passed thru consisted of old growth, to very new growth, to logged this past winter.  Ponds and standing water were scattered throughout our journey.

The climbs came in short spurts then would level out allowing us to cover ground quickly.  The skies thru out trip was always changing with dramatic strokes of clouds.

The beauty of a pond was often tucked away just beyond a row of trees next to the trail.

We reached our destination in 2 1/2 hours.  A warming shack for skiers in the winter.  By this time I was beaming as I had made it.  20 lbs over weight and 51 years old.   I felt great.  Cob webs had cleared from the lungs and no pain in the body yet.  

We decided to take a different route back and took a wrong turn and had to double back  adding a extra 5klm.    Finally we found the correct trail.  We were making good time as a lot was going down hill now.  After almost 3klm I stopped and realize my camera fell off the bike.  The euphoria of my accomplishments on my great ride came to a complete halt as I turned around without any question and headed back up the mountain.   Pushing the bike again for long stretches.  I had to back tract almost almost 2 1/2klm and was now not a happy biker.  The determination I had to get back to my camera was amazing considering I was getting tired.  Its like nothing else mattered at the moment.  The loss of my camera actually got my adrenalin pumping to make the trip back up the hill where I located it laying on the ground.   Now we were ready to descend the mountain again.

The thrill of going fast downhill and plotting your course thru rocks and ruts reminded me of downhill skiing the moguls.  Problem though my eyes aren’t what they use to be, so picking my course was a bit difficult as it was often a blur coming at higher speeds.  But I never miss a chance to stop a catch the beauty of some wildflowers which were scattered on the hill side. 

 Almost back to the car where you come to a point where the view stretches out in front of you ending a perfect day filled with a good workout.  We did over 30klm.  The awakening of life around me increased my energies that day.

May any new roads you choose to explore be filled with

love, laughter, healthy living and the beauty of nature. 

May you always take the time to rest and take a good look at life around you.

Breath In……..Breath Out………

Stay Active …… Stay Healthy ……

So to everyone hope you have a

Good Morning…..    Good Afternoon……   Good Night……

Whatever it is to you…

Photos and Words

by

Here I Am/Carrie

 Wishing all my friends a Happy Valentines with Fun, Friends and Romantic Fires.  My web site has been transformed for Valentine.  Be sure and check out my main page to see the new look.

My heart goes out to all the folks in Australia with the devastation of fires that have taken so many lives.  Please let my fires be not a reminder of sadness, but of the warmth and beauty that it can create...

Photo below is doing what I love doing with photos, playing around.  This was my first attempt in trying to get the flame inside the candle holder.  If I had more time I would have redone it completely with clean edges and proper erasing.  But no time today so I share my 1st try with you........

Sharing an evening with friends heading to the Bon fire location...

All the snow and a plastic cover had to be removed and area stomped around the burn pile....

 It was near full moon that evening giving us a second show watching it come up...

 No fire ever starts right away. 

So the contest began who could get there side going first.  

Blow.....Blow........

      Suddenly with one big whoosh.......          The flames shot into the air.......

 Everyone had to step back as the bright heat expanded beyond the flame...

 Just enjoying the warmth of beauty of the flames....

Flame of Fire

by Here I Am/Carrie

My heart is all aflame

Burning brightly everyday 

Filled with the fire of love it follows the path you lead me

Where our souls will meet joining for all eternity

The heavens will open when we rise together

Our hearts glowing brightly lighting our way

We found real love

in the Flame of Fire....

 Another day of love comes our way. 

Be sure and keep the feelings burning brightly thru out the year. 

This will be my last post from the North, as the goose is flying South for a couple months very soon.  Yes I am a snowbird.  I hope to be able to continue to post my life and photos, as well as visit all my friends here.  So if you don't see or hear from me for awhile,  know that I am sending you all my love and enjoying the warmth of the sun.

So to Everyone

Wishing you all a Heart Felt Happy Valentine

photos and words

by

Here I AM/Carrie

With this Christmas story I share with you some my ornaments and Christmas decorations at my home this year.  The story I received from by E-mail.  Ok don't laugh at my nativity scene... I made that myself years ago.  There are antique bottles under all the characters. 

September 1960, I woke up one morning with six hungry babies and just 75 cents in my pocket.  Their father was gone.
The boys ranged from three months to seven years; their sister was two.

 
Their Dad had never been much more than a presence they feared.
Whenever they heard his tires crunch on the gravel driveway they would scramble to hide under their beds.  He did manage to leave $15 a week to buy groceries.

Now that he had decided to leave, there would be no more beatings, but no food either.  If there was a welfare system in effect in southern Indiana at that time, I certainly knew nothing about it.

 
I scrubbed the kids until they looked brand new and then put on my best homemade dress, loaded them into the rusty old 51 Chevy and drove off to find a job.
The seven of us went to every factory, store and restaurant in our small town..
No luck.

The kids stayed crammed into the car and tried to be quiet while I tried to convince who ever would listen that I was willing to learn or do anything. I had to have a job.
Still no luck. The last place we went to, just a few miles out of town, was an old Root Beer Barrel drive-in that had been converted to a truck stop..
It was called the Big Wheel.

An old lady named Granny owned the place and she peeked out of the window from time to time at all those kids.
She needed someone on the graveyard shift, 11 at night until seven in the morning.

 
She paid 65 cents an hour, and I could start that night.
I raced home and called the teenager down the street that baby-sat for people.
I bargained with her to come and sleep on my sofa for a dollar a night.
She could arrive with her pyjamas on and the kids would already be asleep
This seemed like a good arrangement to her, so we made a deal.

That night when the little ones and I knelt to say our prayers, we all thanked God for finding Mommy a job. And so I started at the Big Wheel.
When I got home in the mornings I woke the baby-sitter up and sent her home with one dollar of my tip money-- fully half of what I averaged every night.

As the weeks went by, heating bills added a strain to my meager wage.
The tires on the old Chevy had the consistency of penny balloons and began to leak.  I had to fill them with air on the way to work and again every morning before I could go home.

 
One bleak fall morning, I dragged myself to the car to go home and found four tires in the back seat. New tires!
There was no note, no nothing, just those beautiful brand new tires.
Had angels taken up residence in Indiana?   I wondered.

I made a deal with the local service station..
In exchange for his mounting the new tires, I would clean up his office.
I remember it took me a lot longer to scrub his floor than it did for him to do the tires.

 
I was now working six nights instead of five and it still wasn't enough.
Christmas was coming and I knew there would be no money for toys for the kids.

I found a can of red paint and started repairing and painting some old toys. Then I hid them in the basement so there would be something for Santa to deliver on Christmas morning.
Clothes were a worry too. I was sewing patches on top of patches on the boys pants and soon they would be too far gone to repair.

 
On Christmas Eve the usual customers were drinking coffee in the Big Wheel. There were the truckers, Les, Frank, and Jim, and a state trooper named Joe.

A few musicians were hanging around after a gig at the Legion and were dropping nickels in the pinball machine.
The regulars all just sat around and talked through the wee hours of the morning and then left to get home before the sun came up.

 
When it was time for me to go home at seven o'clock on Christmas morning, to my amazement, my old battered Chevy was filled full to the top with boxes of all shapes and sizes.

 
I quickly opened the driver's side door, crawled inside and kneeled in the front facing the back seat.  Reaching back, I pulled off the lid of the top box.

 
Inside was whole case of little blue jeans, sizes 2-10!
I looked inside another box: It was full of shirts to go with the jeans.

Then I peeked inside some of the other boxes. There was candy and nuts and bananas and bags of groceries. There was an enormous ham for baking, and canned vegetables and potatoes.  There was pudding and Jell-O and cookies, pie filling and flour. There was whole bag of laundry supplies and cleaning items.

 
And there were five toy trucks and one beautiful little doll.
As I drove back through empty streets as the sun slowly rose on the most amazing Christmas Day of my life, I was sobbing with gratitude.
And I will never forget the joy on the faces of my little ones that precious morning.

    
Yes, there were angels in Indiana that long-ago December.  And they all hung out at the Big Wheel truck stop.

 
THE POWER OF PRAYER. I believe that God only gives three answers to prayer:

1. 'Yes!'
2. 'Not yet.'
3. 'I have something better in mind.'

So let the warm glow of Christ illuminate thru out the year......

I also have 2 new albums posted Winters past and Christmas past.  They didn't show up on my profile or on your home pages.  They can be viewed on my main space page at the top in a photo slide running or go to photos.

Well it sounds like everyone in the North will be getting some cold weather for Christmas.

So everyone have a Safe and Warm Christmas and remember to keep Jesus and our Creator in your heart always....

Photo by

Here I Am/Carrie

A little look at our life in getting firewood, a relaxing Sunday walk and an unusual wildlife sighting.

The gathering of firewood begins in November...While cleaning up of the forest floor and branches from trees are burned at the same time.  Which helps to keep the forest fire hazard down around our property.  All trees cut are already standing dead so they can be used this winter.   We have no other heat in our house except wood.  We are blessed with all the supply we could ever use right on our property.

One of our many work vehicles used on the property.   I have owned this Datsun truck since 1979.  My husband has kept it running as well as all our vehicles and farm equipment all these years.  The Datsun is still running on the original motor.  It is gear lowed so has always made a great bush vehicle.  With only 2 wheel drive this truck has rarely ever gotten stuck..

This is our winter get around work vehicle as well as used in summer for camping, fishing and hunting.  It is a 87 Ford Ranger 4X4.  We have kept the truck in new condition all these years.  It is also running on the original motor.   

Time to start pulling some logs out that have been cut.....

This is our farm work horse which has been used for haying, logging and many other activities over the past 16 years.    We knew nothing about tractors at the time.  Massey Furgusen 165.  We have no idea the age but it is very old. 

So much that has been done at our place could not have been accomplished without my husband.  He is still going strong at age 70. 

Trucks, trucks yes we are truck people...This is our 77 Ford 1 ton dually .  We have had this truck since 1986.  Used for haying, logging and bringing firewood home. 

Cutting, splitting and stacking

It was a busy work week with getting fire wood.  But when Sunday arrives it is a day off and time to take it easy.  This day we went for a long walk on the dirt road up our valley.  Winter is the only time we walk it as it is to dusty when a vehicle passes in the summer.  The creek runs along the the road giving some great photo shots.

Come take a Sunday stroll

No talking just stop and take a close look as I did and enjoy a simple walk..

Home again

Bobcat sighting

Well many of you have heard me make reference that I can't get good shots with my little camera on wildlife.  Well here is a guy who was so consumed with getting his prey ( some grouse), he was basically ignoring me.  I was on my way up the hill to deliver lunch when I spotted him just 100 yards from our house.  As most of you know we now have no dog so I guess I should be watching out more for wildlife coming nearer to our home.  As I would get close, the grouse would move off and so would he...

I just continued to follow up the hill... I found him in a grassy area with some sapling trees.  He was just sitting watching the grouse intently.

I started slowly moving in clicking the camera.  I couldn't get close enough to see but I thought he may have had a neck monitor on or it may have been the tuffs that are off his necks.

 I was within 30 ft of him when finally he decided he'd had enough of me and bound off.

I believe he was just a young guy he looked like a 25lb cat in his body.  It was his legs that were big and long for his small body size.  4 years ago I just caught the tail end of one running away on one of my walks.  So this is special to actually see one and take a decent photo.  I am a little worried about our domestic cats now and our chickens.  Right now there is lots of grouse for him.

Memories of his presence.   The snow is almost all gone now but expecting more so should be able to better monitor his movement if he is hanging around our house.

So remember to

Work hard

Relax often

and

Be apart of nature 

Hope you enjoyed our week at the Ranch

Photos by

Here I Am/Carrie