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November 21 Welcome to my garden in my greenhouse. Where the snow may blow but the garden continues to grow.  A simple path down the lane brings you to the vegetable section. 
Where you fill your basket with fresh ripe vegetables. 
Eggplant and Jalapeno   My thoughts are planted and watered with dreams. With love as nourishment they grow. 
Tomatoes in many sizes and shapes.  
Oh the colors that can still be found inside.   Palms started from seeds. 
Sweet peppers and hot peppers for every palate.  
Hope you enjoyed seeing what’s growing in my greenhouse. For anyone who hasn’t already seen my previous blogs on the building of the greenhouse and more details on it please click on Building dreams the Greenhouse Part 1 and on Building dreams the Greenhouse Part 2 Now just a quick look at the change in my dining window view from one season to the next. Yes that is a chicken. When the outside gardens are finished I let the chickens run everywhere for awhile to glean all the beds and leave some droppings. Summer verses an early fall snow it did go bare again a bit.  
So to Everyone Hope you are see the beauty in all seasons… Good Morning…… Good Afternoon…… Good Night….. Whatever it is to you Photos & Words by Here I Am/Carrie October 30 From the deepest darkness places in the sea the serpent hides waiting for its prey to come to the water edge. The beauty of sunsets and sunrises always entice unaware souls to come for a closer look.. As the sun light sinks over the horizon creating a beauty that will draw many, the serpent creeps out of the waters depths. 
This hideous creature lurks the shores looking for weak souls to devour. 
While one stands unsuspecting gazing at the beauty of the sunrise the serpent crawls closer.  Mindless that something so dark and evil could possible be out there, they continue to see only the golden glow that lights up the sky.  Suddenly in that moment when all seemed perfect the serpent strikes filling the soul with visions of horrors. An emptiness takes over the soul while being sucked into the dark depths of the underworld. 
The soul may be drawn to the waters edge through beauty, but without love in their hearts they are unable to resist the serpent.  As the light looses it glorious color the serpent returns to the sea to await another soul in search of the beauty that will lure them to the waters edge….  Hope you enjoyed my little dark story and photos in celebration of Halloween. On a personal note I have been taking some time off from the computer. I spend way to much time here trying to keep up with everyone and what’s new. I realize my lifestyle just doesn’t allow it. I am getting way out of shape and having weight problems I never had before getting hooked up to the internet. I also was getting overwhelmed with trying to post something and visit everyone. I know this is suppose to be a fun place but it lost its fun and started to feel like a job. So I will be cutting back to stay sane and get back in shape. I will visit when time allows and post. So many of you continue to be in my prayers and thoughts with love always…. So Wishing Everyone a Happy Safe Halloween and a Good Morning…….. Good Afternoon…….. Good Night……… Whatever it is to you Photos & Words by Here I Am/Carrie October 16 Come for a stroll thru a garden, filled with food for thought. Being frugal and the simplicities of life in a time when everyone needs to take a hard look at their waste and over consumerism. 
Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.
- Elise Boulding Simple Mornings Simple wholesome weekend and weekday breakfasts. Omelette's stuff with what ever you want to chop up and sauté from fresh or leftovers. I use 2 eggs for a 2 person omelette. Also add a bit of some kind of cheese and garnish with parsley and a flower. Nice sausage or bacon and whole grain toast with a fruit, here I have an avocado, but often have a papaya, ending with a rich coffee. For a solid weekday breakfast either have hot oatmeal with fruit or some mix of cold cereals with fruit and top with cinnamon. A couple slices whole grain bread with a slice cheese or homemade jam and herb tea.  
The day, water, sun, moon, night --
I do not have to purchase these things with money.
- Plautus To know you have enough is to be rich.
- Lao-Tzu, Tao Te Ching Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Take 1 whole spaghetti squash and cook whole in 1 inch water in baking pan in oven or on stove top with lid. I do it on my wood stove top. Cook till tender. Just over an hour or more. When ready drain well and slice in half. It up to you if you want to remove the seeds I sometimes leave them. Now you can mix remaining ingredients right in shell of spaghetti squash with squash or scoop out into oiled casserole dish. Add cubed mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh thyme, basil, garlic, 1/4 tsp. Monterrey steak seasoning or just sea salt and chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle top with parmesan cheese and bake 400F for 20 mins or golden on top.  
Eat right out of shell as a main dish or served in a casserole dish as a side dish. Kale and red onions with oil, garlic and apple cider vinegar dressing salad and a nice whole wheat garlic bread on the side. 
A person who undertakes to grow a garden at home, by practices that will preserve rather than exploit the economy of the soil, has his mind precisely against what is wrong with us.... What I am saying is that if we apply our minds directly and competently to the needs of the earth, then we will have begun to make fundamental and necessary changes in
our minds. We will begin to understand and to mistrust and to change our wasteful economy, which markets not just the produce of the earth, but also the earth's ability to produce.
- Wendell Berry, 1970 
That man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.
- Henry David Thoreau, 1856 CASADIAs On Flour tortilla of choice sprinkle any number of these or whatever you want to chop up and put on. Examples: cheese, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard. Fold in half and lay side by side in microwave and nuke for 1 to 2 minutes.   Slice into wedges and lay on plate with cilantro or parsley leafs in middle .  It is the sweet, simple things of life
which are the real ones after all.
- Laura IngallsWilder Garden Pizza 1 pizza dough or I use a Britl-Crunch which is a big round rye crisp bread with a small whole in the middle. Spread a bit of pizza sauce on. Here again chopped up whatever to add on it. I have onion tops, zucchini, kale, tomatoes and of course cheese, I sometimes use cottage or other types cheese also. Bake for about 15 minutes or more till done at 425F. My rye crisp goes a bit soft like a pizza dough. Topped here with nasturtium flowers. What a color full simple delight. 
Yes, in the poor man's garden grow
Far more than herbs and flowers -
Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind,
And joy for weary hours. –author unknown Teach us delight in the simple things,
And mirth that has no bitter springs;
Forgiveness free of evil done,
And love to all men beneath the sun.
- Rudyard Kipling, 1865 - 1936 
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.
- Henry David Thoreau Simple foods and a simple life…. Good Morning… Good Afternoon… Good Night… Whatever it is to you….. Photos & Recipes by Here I Am/Carrie October 10 In a world where things are forgotten like turning a sprinkler off at –10c (about 15F), produces wonders as beautiful as any Autumn color, well not really, but I work with what I have and since I have so little Autumn color here at the ranch I will share instead Autumn Ice Sculptures. A little Autumn a lot of Ice.. 
As the sun peaked over the ridge the light show began. With sprinkler still going the sparkles were flying. 
Caught between the colors of fall and the icy world of winter 
Wildflowers were frozen in time.. 
But their beauty continues to shine in a new dimension. 
Baubles formed by blades of grass
like diamonds scattered on the lawn. 
From every plant a new sculpture grew.. 
Reaching for the heavens like a bean stock till the warmth of the sun ended its growth.  But not before a perennial garden of ice sculptures were formed. 
Beauty so fleeting as Autumn color will be here one day and gone the next. 
Whatever season it is for you, find whatever beauty you can. To those celebrating Thanksgiving 
To everyone else Good Morning….. Good Afternoon…… Good Night……. Whatever it is to you… Photo & Words by Here I Am/Carrie October 01 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 
September 18 Many of you are feeling a little disconnected and tension right now. Well that’s why our Creator gave us Sunflowers…. His way of brightening our disposition. So I bring to you my Sunny September Sunflowers and hope they bring a smile to you face and help brighten your day. Standing tall against the sky Your beauty reflects from every eye… 
A glow so bright and strong One can see no wrong……  
Shed no tears Have not fears……. 
Touched is your life by many that pass by…  
Leaving a glow that helps continue your flow… 
Your light may sometimes dim but you learn to smile again…  
Tired you may feel rest so you may heal…. 
Alive you come again  
Reaching for the sky 
A blazing glory you always shine your light again for us… 
I hope the rays of my sunflowers have filter deep into any dark places that you may have and brings the light of a smile to your hearts… Just wanted to update everyone who remembers our cat Wildflower who disappear while we were at the Salton Sea last winter. She had been seen off and on by our neighbours there coming for food and water left outside. They have tried for 3 months to catch her in a live trap and just succeeded a few days ago. She has had to survive extreme hot desert heat. She was picked up by a friend who will keep her inside her home. She is keeping her in her bedroom 1st to get her use to her new surroundings. Wildflower stayed hidden under the bed till my friend went to bed that night and Wildflower came out and jump on the bed and did what she always does to me, snuggle and wanted to be petted. No one but my husband and I can normally touch her. My friend said she was so affectionate. I am so glad she is getting the love, affection and is now in a safe environment. Now she has to be introduce to my friends cat and if all goes well she can stay till our return this winter. Thank you for your prayers and concerns so many of you showed when I first mentions her disappearance last spring. 
So to Everyone Good Morning……. Good Afternoon……. Good Night………. Whatever it is to you….. Photos & Words by Here I Am/Carrie September 08 The month of September is a time that is all about enjoying the fruits of Summers labour. Here I would like to share with you the before and after photos of the changes in my garden and a link to an album of close-ups of what I grow..
I buy no plants or starts. Everything I grow is from seed. Many are started in the Greenhouse.
June on the deck is very bare looking but by August the flowers are blooming.
 
I also mix some flowers and vegetables in containers on the deck.
June August
 
Finally a look at the Garden
May I started work in the Garden. July was growing slowing.
 
Due to my cooler nights my garden is very slow growing. I use companion planting and can have one vegetable found all over the entire garden. I love the effect and naturalness of mixing it all up and flowers here and there.
August plants start to really grow. September reaching it’s peek.
 
Here is a corner part of the Garden where 2 previous beds had been combined into one. Most my beds are raised 4 foot wide.
June the area is ready to plant. September a bed of beauty.
 
Aside from the soil that has only organic matter added to it, we keep a drum of manure tea always near by for extra boosts during the summer. After harvesting potatoes the chicks get a special treat of exposed worms.
 
Now lets look at the progress in the Greenhouse.
Late April I start seeds in the Greenhouse. June tender plants remain till after frost.
 
July I continue to grow in pots here. September the plants will grow here for months to come.
 
I hope you enjoyed the growth in my garden and greenhouse.
With organic gardening it is a labour of love
Love of the earth, love of our bodies
and
Love of the natural beauty God gave us.
Click on the Album below to see up close all the organic vegetables, fruits and berries that I grow outside and in the greenhouse.
http://cid-cf3b782f0ac31378.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Organic%20Vegetables%5EJFruits%20and%20Berries%20at%20Hidden%20Spring%20Ranch
So to Everyone
Good Morning…… Good Afternoon…… Good Night…….
Whatever it is to you…
Photos & Words
by
Here I Am/Carrie
August 30 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 
August 15 Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. 
An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, 
but many beautiful things are to be observed from each new vantage point. 
Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment;  
and the views from the summit 
will serve as a fitting climax for the journey. Author of all previous words –Harold B. Melchart- 
Life’s Journey Author –Here I Am/Carrie- As life’s journey continues with it’s climb up the mountain 
Your emotions sometime don’t flow straight 
They can become foggy, obstructing your true path. 
But always keep your focus on that mighty mountain and our creator. 
Soon you will find your way through the fog again. 
Seeing the healing powers of nature  
and the mountain you need to climb 
that will bring you to the glory of what life is…. 
That we are not alone in our journey,  but surrounded by our creators presence always… I hope you feel his presence and blessings in your life… All photos taken on my journey through the North Cascade Highway 20 in the State of Washington. So to everyone Good Morning….. Good Afternoon…. Good Night… Whatever it is to you… Photos by Here I Am/Carrie 
August 01 As the day dawns, the sun filters through the mist rising from the river.  My soul feels the energy as the light spreads from that which it touches.  New bridges to cross, rivers to follow and forests to explore.. 
This is my journey down the path of nature. 
Where trees so green touch the sky.  Looking down as I walk by.  Treading lightly on their toes, crossing bridges the trail still goes.. 
I follow creeks and feel the flow. 
Of Natures intricacies everywhere I go. 
I sit and ponder… 
This green web of life 
Where one is connected depending on the other.  Living together in balance  A vision we ourselves all strive for.  As the day ended rain fell where needed 
Bringing new life so that the bridges you cross take you to new experiences the rivers you follow soon flow in your veins and the forests you explore reveals its’ secrets…. 
My journey here on the river was at Howard Miller Steelhead Park and the forest at Rockport State Park . Both on the west side of the North Cascade Scenic Highway 20 in the northern part of the state Washington. May everyone be as blessed with such beauty in nature… To Everyone Good Morning….. Good afternoon….. Good Night…. Whatever it is to you.. Photo & Words by Here I Am/Carrie  July 23 As many of you have gardens or access to lots of fresh vegetables at this time of the year, here is a recipe that’s simple and light using fresh vegetables. Melt in pan 2 Tbsp butter Blend in 2 Tbsp whole wheat flour Stir in 3/4 cup cold milk Cook stirring till sauce thickens Fold in 1 1/2 cups choice of cheese Fold in 1 1/2 cup vegetables your choice Season with 1 tsp sea salt and whatever other herbs or spices goes good  Looks like I have put in cottage cheese and mushrooms, kale, eggplant and onions. Be creative try whatever you have fridge or what is in the garden. I always go with different ingredients.  Beat in 4 egg yolks  Beat till fluffy 4 egg whites  Fold into mix  Pour into buttered soufflé dish..  Bake 350 for 30 min or more. I love my little oven which uses way less power then a great big oven.  Ready when light and golden and tooth pick comes out clean when put in.  Simple light cooking for a harvest summer or fall meal. Add a salad fresh from the garden to complete your light meal.  Simple meals are necessary with a busy life. I am off on a little trip to go to a wedding. Will have time when I get back to catch up visiting again. I have had to do a lot of research on the internet regarding some interests I needed information on which has limited my visiting again. But when I can I will try to get by and see everyone. Simple meals and simple life Hope everyone is enjoying healthy eating. Wishing you a Good Morning Good Afternoon Good Night Whatever it is to you Photo & Words by Here I Am/Carrie July 10 As we bob thru life, ripples of our surrounding effect our every being…  We try to remain rooted to that which holds us steadfast and secure.  Sometimes we just float free watching life pass by us..  Suddenly we glimpse something that draws us back.  We examine closely and soon feel that which caused us to pause..  We become the light of our creator  We Smile…  As the sparkles reflect off us onto others  Who may now pause to become a part of a life thought to only drift..  And know that we are not alone on this big lily pad but surrounded by the light of all that is love..  Sparkles May the light of love surround you… May it keep you afloat May your soul be anchored to that which Sparkles… 
To Everyone Good Morning… Good Afternoon… Good Night Whatever it is to you.. Photo and words by Here I Am/Carrie July 05 This year I was blessed with wildlife hanging around the house and beaver ponds far more then normal. Well not all was a blessing. The deer has eaten the tops off all my fireweed, but has only nibbled here there on my flowers. But that is ok as it has allowed close viewing of her new baby. The marmots were under our deck and shop and were devouring my plants around the house and deck. Without a dog here the wildlife is moving in. Unfortunately the marmots had to be dealt with that were under our buildings and deck. There are still many just at the rock slide across our front drive. Down by our bridge , they are digging huge holes so they have to go also. Does anyone know if marmot is good eating. I know they only eat grasses and hibernate from almost August till May here. Lazy buggers. I would prefer to put them in my freezer if they are any good. May just have to try one soon. I have also seen over the years here moose, cougar, mountain goat, and lynx of which I have photos, just not so good but will add a wildlife album some day soon including them. So onto the Wildlife viewing. These are all taken with my new little camera which still doesn’t have the best zoom, but I tried to use my tripod as much as possible to get clearer pictures. Momma deer eating my fireweed that normally blooms so beautifully. She hung close for a few days.   Then I spotted why she was hanging close by. I was so thrilled  These were just behind our woodshed a day later. They are not the clearest photos as I think I was so excited to have them so close. I was changing every setting on my camera hoping for a good shot.   Mother got tired of me being a little to close so her and babe wondered off. Soon they were appearing in the field down below. The little one would run all over and poor mom following it every where he explored. They still come up around the yard but always by the time I go get my camera and put it on the tripod they have moved on. They have a good life here with lots of grasses and bushes near creek.   Bear and 6 geese confronting each other at the end of our field. The bear had been hanging around a few days there. It was a stand off at this point. Then the bear turned and went back in the bushes and the geese headed back to the creek.  As many of you know I have lots of beaver ponds around me. But it is not easy to get photos of these wild guys.   I have spent many years pulling beaver dams open by hand about this time of the year to drain the fields to be cut for hay. I know 1st hand the amazing engineering that goes into the construction. But the beaver has gotten the better of us, we are no longer haying those fields and are allowing nature to take its course. I have found the habitat they are creating has become home to many new fowl and fish.  Here are some new ducks to the area and have made this there home.   As I look into your eye… I wonder what you see… Ripples and Reflections of the world around me….  We had 2 sets of geese nesting and unfortunately something had destroyed both nests. The goose on the log I had surprised down by the beaver pond. Instead of flying away he just hung as low as possible while I walked past him.   I had tried for years to get photos of the heron and this day he was just below my deck so I could set up the tripod right there and take a few shots.   Mr Marmot… What can I say… I took this out my window he was on my deck..  At the rock slide where they belong..  What’s Wildlife without a few squirrels. The one on the right is very pregnant.   Here is the wildest creature that roams the area. The women of the woods..  I miss the extra time during the winter months I had for visiting my space friends and putting poems or even create them with my photos. But winter was the time to sit for hours, read, recharge and reflect on life. Now I am busy just living it. Summer is in full swing. Friends, Family, a little fun and creating those projects I dreamed up during the winter. For those of you experiencing your winters or ever so hot summers and it drives you indoors, do take those moments to reflect on the blessings you have and share them with others. So to Everyone Have a Good Morning… Good Afternoon… Good Night… Whatever it is to you… Photos & Words by Here I Am/Carrie June 26 Lets take a tour at what I have been up to in the Greenhouse. Well the work started about the 1st week in May. It should have begun early April, but we returned home from the Salton Sea late this year due to our cat Wildflower disappearing. We had to finally leave without her. She has been spotted a few weeks ago at our neighbours down there, eating and drinking at night. They tried to catch her, but no one can get near her. Last I heard they were going to try and trap her. I told them to just leave her alone as she would spook to much and would never come back. She has access to food and water. So I have not heard any news for awhile now. We wanted to drive back and get her, but its a 3 day drive there and if she isn’t around when we arrive, we won’t have time to sit around hoping she shows up. She is a survivor , I pray she hangs in till we can get back down there next winter.
So lets go in the Greenhouse..
I began my work with laying out all my growing pots and place the seeds packets in them. I use all kinds of different types of starting pots.
Next I fill the pot with #1 sunshine mix after it has been wetted well. I have a work bench I use while filling the pot and planting seeds.
I save most my flowers seeds each year and plant my own annuals and hanging baskets. This year due to working on our fencing I did not get very many started .
 
When I am ready to fill the bigger pots that I transplant to grow stuff in I mix my soil with compost, cow manure, chicken manure and all left over soil from last years pots then add about 3 inches #1 sunshine mix to the top. I do my mixing just outside the greenhouse area. I like to make sure the mix is very wet also.
  
Next I cover the growing flats with plastic to heat them faster and hold the moisture longer. Care has to be taken not to heat them to much and kill the seeds or later the seedling when they came up. During my work in the greenhouse I always have a beautiful view over our fields, creek and sometimes wildlife.
 
Soon life begins, but the work is only half done. Many have to be transplanted to bigger pots, containers or the garden.
 
Here are my final plants to be grown in the greenhouse for the summer. I have varieties of winter squash and many types of tomatoes.
  
I also grow egg plant, summer squash and many different peppers.
 
This is a very special pepper that is blooming already and has a pepper started. Last winter when all my plants in the greenhouse died one night when we didn’t start the stove. There was one pepper plant that was still alive. I just left the plant in the greenhouse over the winter by itself and with no other heat but the sun. What a miracle when we return from the south to find the plant still alive. All that was left was a green stem. So I cut it back a bit and added some organic fertilizer to it and it start growing again. What a treat as I will be getting peppers from it months before my new plants start producing. You can be sure I will save the seeds from this plant as it has harden it self already. There is actually another on in the same pot that is much smaller.
We have a new guardian in the greenhouse. Some friends had an old stuffed eagle they were going to throw out. It looked terrible and torn a bit. My husband brought it home. He shampooed and blew dried it. So now no mice would have chance in there. Well we don’t have mice but he watches that none get thru the door when I have it opened while working outside.
Hope you enjoyed my planting of seeds in the Greenhouse. I will keep you posted on how things are growing in the greenhouse.
Meanwhile I will be posting soon on getting started in the garden outside which was also done in between fencing. So all is done except more stays added to the wire on the fencing, which I do a little every few days. Also of course now the weeding starts and all the yard work as well as more summer projects.
Check out my new album on my main page if you are not there, showing my yard, flower beds and more.. I change this album at least every other blog so don’t miss checking it out occasionally.
I have so many photos to get posted. I have been blessed with seeing wildlife here as we still have no dog. So I wanted to get a post on that soon also.
Big Sigh….Its been hard work for 2 months now its nice to take the time to get another blog out. What I do has so much more meaning when I can share a part of my life that helps me stay connected with our earth and nature. God has blessed me with beauty all around. Its hard to feel or see sometimes when I feel down, too tired or just get overwhelmed with all the work that has to be done here. But when I feel a break and the flowers start to bloom and walk in the yard I can’t help but be lifted in spirit and thank the lord for enabling my husband and I to have worked so hard over the years to create a paradise of our own.
Wishing everyone those moments when God gives
you glimpses to makes you want to keep hanging in there.
So to Everyone
Good Morning………. Good Afternoon……… Good Night…………
Whatever it is to you…
Photos & Words
by
Here I Am/Carrie June 03 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 May 21 As the buds of spring emerge. We are reminded of a chance for new beginnings as we journey thru natures world of life, rebirth and death.  For many, their essence lays deep within their roots.  A Blackness may descend around them.  They feel only the coldness of the world. So they curl into a ball and disappear for while.  But the warmth of God’s hand is always there to reach out.  Bringing new light pulling the essence back up from our roots.  We explode with the beauty of life around us .  But sometimes in the world exists a disease and the beauty of what was is taken from us.  We struggle…Some survive to awake each day trying to live again.  Some return from there dark time to live with the light of God in them.  Some can no longer live.  But are taken to where the warmth of Gods hand will enable them to live for all eternity.  We are all buds of life…. Weather Healthy, Diseased or Dyeing.  Reach for the light of love and your lives will always bloom weather here or beyond.  The light of God’s love continues to bring new buds of life…… Hope your life is budding with love Have a Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Whatever it is to you Words & Photos by Here I Am/Carrie May 12 My new camera gives me a new view of nature. I didn't go out and buy a bigger camera as I know a lot of people would like to see me use. I take photos as a hobby to add something creative in my life and keep it simple. If I had better equitement I would feel the need to push myself to new horizons in photography that I just don’t have the time for in my life right now. The simplicity of what I have brings me so much joy just to share what I see or how I view what I see. Someday I might get serious about it, but right now I have other things that keep me very busy not allowing the time and dedication I would required of myself to take it to another level. Right now everything is baby steps…. So lets start with the specs on my new baby. Nothing to fancy but offers much more then my old one.  Introducing my New Baby to the left. That’s the old girl on the right. I'd had nothing yet picked out. Just was in a store and saw the new one picked it up and it felt right and it was on sale for 139.00. Same story when I purchased my old one, also same price 4 years ago. Picked them both up and they felt right. Just like that. So the old girl had taken most the photos you have seen up to this point except the last couple posts and some I have yet to post.   The new one has many more abilities and manual setting I can use. With poor eye sight I love the bigger screen on the new one, but don't like the visuals on the buttons and the small dial I am finding a pain to turn also the on/off button isn’t so quick to find and hit. My old one was just an ease to change settings with the dials and buttons. Easy to read and manoeuvre.   I can still use my xD picture cards from the old camera also. The old girl was built solid. The new girl is very petite and slim. She fits in my pockets and her battery lasts a long time. She can go into sleep mode while I am walking from place to place. My favourite thing is I can get really close now with the macro and actually stay focused on my subject. Also with the image stabilization my zooms are a bit better as well as the close ups. I can spot focus. Love that..   So good bye to the old girl who's had here body slammed to the ground a couple of times, but always  got up ready to shoot again. The photo below was her 1st injury. 3 days after I bought it I got out of the car for a quick photo and was fumbling and dropped it on the pavement. A little nicked but was still in good working order. My lesson that day was always put the strap around my wrist as soon as the camera is in my hands. The size of the camera made that easy to do. So for 4 more years aside from some bumps or small drops on soft ground she had any easy life till one day last November.  The photo on the left was damage on the lens cause by a true body slam. I was squatting take photos and was try to get further back when my heal caught the edge of some paver bricks. Well my 1st instinct was to throw my hand back to stop my fall. Of course attached to my hand was my camera with the wrist strap I always used out of habit. It flew back attached with the strap to my hand and hit the paver bricks with such an impact on the lens which was out at the time and bent it. I almost started to cry thinking I must have killed my camera. It would not pull the lens back in when I shut it off, it was so bent. So I grab hold of the lens and tried to straighten it till when I hit the off button the lenses pulled in again. Then turned it back on and it came back out. Next took a couple more photos and downloaded to the computer and believe it or not only the photo I was taking when it happened was lost, otherwise all was working still. That's one old camera that could take a booting and keep on shooting. I am still using her in the garden and documenting my garden work. Also handy when my battery goes on the new one, haven’t bought a second battery for it yet. So I hope with my new camera I will be able to take you closer and more clearly into how I view the world.  From the little details in life…   To the budding beauty in spring…..  Trying something new Bird Watching I have been seeing so many photos out there of birds. I had to give it a serious effort. So I set my tripod at my window with this view to the bird feeders. It is about 10 feet away. Set my new camera for looking thru glass and began swinging the camera around and zooming in. Well with some serious trials I finally got the hang of it and manage to catch a few.  Lets see what we have here at the feeders during this shoot. Evening Grosbeak Western Tanager Stellar Jay    I think a Skylark Pine Siskin (Finch) Brown Headed Cow Bird    The challenge is on, with time can I improve catching this shot. Or was this just luck with my little camera. Rufous Hummingbird  I have geese nesting just below our deck. The nest here is just in the center of the photo, sitting on top of a beaver house.  Not much of a good zoom but Here’s the male near by Here’s the female on the nest   I am going to try and get closer to her for better photos. I also discovered another goose on a nest near our beaver pond. This is the 1st year we have ever seen geese nesting near our house or vicinity. We have look forward to this for many years. So I hope everyone is enjoying what ever season is upon them. To Everyone I wish you a Blessed Good Morning Good Afternoon Good Night Whatever it is to you Photos and Words by Here I Am/Carrie May 05 Back at the ranch, but I promised a glimpse of wildlife I view at the Salton Sea. I don't have many that are presentable due to not having a powerful zoom. Here are a few that are ok, but found one little guy who let me get within a few feet. This lizard is not such a little guy. He is almost a foot long. He was as curious about me as I was of him.    This snake was hiding under a rock I had moved. Most of the creepy crawly stuff doesn't come out till it gets real hot, so I don't get the opportunity to see much in black widows spiders, scorpions or rattle snakes.  Here comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail.  We are still hopping but a rabbit of a different sort. The famed speed demon of the desert. Jack Rabbit   
Here are two very fast desert feathered ground dwellers who can take to the skies if necessary. The Roadrunner and the Desert Quail.   Moving down near the Salton Sea, the array of bird life is amazing. This is where one really needs a nice zoom lenses.     Salton Sea is known for its abundant flocks of Pelican.  These beautiful birds are a sight to watch when soaring in formation overhead.  Hope you enjoyed meeting some of my wild friends at the Salton Sea. We have arrived back North to our home in British Columbia Canada, unfortunately without our cat Wildflower. I have grieved the loss of that cat so many times over the years, always thinking when she disappeared that was it. So I haven't given up hope on her return yet. She still may show up at our lot and neighbours have food for her and a friend has offered to try and catch her and take her home, where she will care for her. Life will be very busy for a while at the ranch settling in, getting stuff growing in the greenhouse and preparing the garden. Bulbs are only just coming up and perennials are just peaking thru the ground. I have already planted one bed in the garden though. The project list is growing every day. We have a pair of Canada geese nesting just below the house on a beaver damn in the creek. I can see it from the deck. But lack of zoom, photos not so good yet. But will keep trying . Hope to catch the babies when they hatch. This is my busiest time of the year so I may still remain a bit scarce but will try and get a few visits in each night to try and catch up on what’s new with everyone, I am very thorough about catching up when I do get to your site I tend to go back a few blogs. So much time can be spent at each one. I feel a stirring in me for some kind of change. Must be the menopause I think I am finally in. Anyway that topic is a blog all in its self and someday when I think I am finally back on top of the mountain, I hope to be ready to share. Till then I am still climbing, but the journey has gotten easier. So to everyone Keep Climbing your Mountains with God by your side and have a Good Morning Good Afternoon Good Night Whatever it is to you. Photos and words by Here I Am/Carrie April 22 It's a rough and prickly world out there. Lets all take a closer look to find the beauty that's still in it. Many in the world only see ugliness and feel unhappy about the future.   But when one takes a closer look, beauty and love is still out there to be seen and felt when one opens their mind and heart to it.  Never be quick to judge the world, a country, a race or an individual.   For most when we really look closely their inner beauty and love are sometimes hidden behind a prickly exterior.  When the spines are removed.   There often lies a soft sweet heart.  Everyday I hear of or witness small acts of kindness or   meet someone who has so much energy to share.   They may choose to care about helping people, animals, plants or the earth they walk on.   For every human that can care about even one of these things help connect us all.   Find enjoyment in one or all of these.  God created it all for us so we could enjoy life here and learn to love under all circumstances.   Don't always just look at the big picture and be discouraged.   
Look closely and find a detail that shines a light in your heart.  We all view life differently. Learn to find a part you can view with beauty and love. Then share it with others.  Find something to care about. Anyone with a keen eye may have noticed some close ups I was unable to get before. I have a new camera. Nothing fancy just another small pocket size. But gives me so much more then my previous one. I will let you know all the details in a later blog. Also in one of the photos you may have seen my shadow with camera on a mono pod. Another new addition to my photo taking. This had been suggested by one of you in your comments. My memory is not so good as to who it was and I can't check my past comments yet, but thank you. It is a great addition to my walks and taking photos. I am still here at the Salton Sea and have been caught in a hot spell. Temperatures in the motorhome reach 110F. and 120F outside.   Our return home has been delayed due to Wildflower our cat has disappeared.  She has disappeared from here a few times now over the last 2 winters. Last year she was gone for 8 weeks and we had given up hope on her return. 2 weeks before heading home she returned. She has been coming to the desert for 12 years now and is very familiar with the area but has not been the happiest at our new lot with the motorhome. Previous years we had a house here that we sold in 2006. She is not a friendly cat however and will not approach anyone. She has been gone for 10 days now and we must leave with or without her by April 25th. Anyway please pray for her return so we can return home with her. She has always brought great wisdom to my life even though she was forever aggravating me. Good morning Good afternoon Good night Whatever it is to you Photos and Words by Here I Am/Carrie April 06 From the low desert surrounding the Salton Sea in California to the higher desert near Congress Arizona. You will see stark hillsides where vegetation struggles to survive to lush deserts in the higher elevations. Many photos are from past years as we have been busy with work on our lot doing landscaping instead of exploring the area or taking new photos. I love doing the landscaping as it allows me to be creative in another way with rocks, plants and colours that use little water and can survive the harsh summer climate here. Also my body absorbs many hours of happiness while working in the sunshine. Where ever we are we are always working hard. Our recreation has just been enjoying the beautiful views from our property and watching the birds, rabbits, quails, roadrunners and other small wildlife during our leisurely meal times. I have been trying to get more wild life photos here but without a tripod everything comes out blurred and when I try to get close they run or fly away and a breeze seems to always be blowing when I try to take close ups of flowers. So for now I share with you scenes of a very still desert. We start high above the Salton Sea where the landscape looks barren dead.  Vegetation has to struggle to survive but even with expose roots this ocotillo lives to become part of the beauty of the setting sun.  Many see only stark barren hills here, but I see colours, textures, rocks, interesting formations, plants and most of all small canyons calling out for me to explore, I am always excited about what I will find around the corner or when climbing out to the top knowing some beautiful view await to be seen.   Here lies the balance, a desert flower in bloom. God gives beauty and colour even in what seems to be a barren area when viewed at a distance.  Still higher yet above the Salton Sea in the Anza Borrego State park the landscape will comes alive with colour when all the right conditions of rain at the right times take place.   Many cactus may not have blooms on them, but their beauty lies in there unique shape which is always more beautiful silhouetted against the fading light of a sunset.  In the desert where little water is the ocotillo survives where little else can. In some areas near springs or creeks lush wild groves of palm trees can be found. The contrast and beauty in both help bring a balance to the desert.   Here near Congress Arizona you will find a more traditional looking desert as more rain falls here. Here in the spring rains can turn everything green as a mountain forest.  The landscape of this desert with its rocks, cactus and views would needs no changes. This is natural landscaping at its best.   Below the prickly untouchable cactus lie the soft petals of spring flowers.  In this scene I look up and see the beauty God gave the desert all in one place. The rock formations, shrubs, cactus and flowers all set below a vibrant blue sky with those big puffy white clouds.  Our journey ends as the moon rises over Joshua trees in the higher desert.  I hope you enjoyed the desert scenes that are in complete contrast to my world I normally view up in British Columbia, my mountains, valleys, creeks and lush green forest. I am blessed with the life to experience both of these worlds. As many of you know I don't have Internet access down here at the Salton Sea so have not been able to keep on up my visits or respond to invites or messages. I tried to visit as many people as I could last time I posted while visiting my parents using their Internet but had to keep it short as I was there to visit my family not space friends. I apologized to many of you I missed visiting who I normally visit regularly but time ran out. I am not even going to try visiting any more while down here. When I do get a chance to upload my new blogs I have time for little else. So I will try and catch up with everyone in May after I have had a chance to settle back in up North. I also apologize to anyone who has sent messages or invites I am not ignoring you, but have been unable to even view them and will also respond in May. So to everyone Good Morning.........Good Afternoon..........Good Night........ Whatever it is to you Photos by Here I Am/Carrie
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