Gears Turning

Today I followed through and began to get the gears turning again.  A few years back I was quite regular with going to the gym and staying in shape.  That momentum halted when I had my gallbladder out.  So,  when I finally did get back to they gym, I was really excited.  That first work out felt really good, then after I'd changed and gotten in the car is when I saw the missed call from our friend Shane.  It was moments after that that I found out Brian had been hit by a car while on his lunchtime ride.

Today was the first time since that happened two and a half years ago, that I've been in the gym.  I realized when I was on my way that B was once again out on an afternoon ride.  That gave me an uneasy feeling, but in the end I beat the demon.  Not that that was the only reason that I hadn't been back, I have had plenty of excuses, I assure you!  It was just a lingering nightmare memory, that I guess needed to be exorcised.  I had forgotten how energized I feel after working out!  B is home safe and sound from his ride, and I'm ready to commit (have to be, my Christmas gift was cold weather cycling gear)!  I'm glad to know that getting these gears turning once again was just like riding a bike, your body seems to have a good memory.  Have you gotten your gears turning yet in 2012?  Happy Friday

Boutique Breed Cock Fighting

This past weekend we picked up two D'uccle chicks for Sid's 4h project this year and also picked up an adult pair.  Our hopes being that we could start to do our own breeding from proven bloodlines, and to also have some companions for Topaz.  Since we were getting a pair, we knew that there may be some growing pains with the two roosters.  If you recall, Topaz is quite petite.  It was a bit of a shock to us when we brought the other two in that they were significantly smaller!

Topaz and the new rooster (yet unnamed) began to size each other up, puff up, jump, nip and flap at each other.  The sight of this "cock fighting" was a bit humorous as they are such fru fru avian.  We separated them repetitively then left them for a couple of hours on trial to see if they could come to terms with one another, or if they would have to have designated areas in the barn.  On first check, a few scrapes but no real damage.  We left them to their own devices in the barn at roost time and the next morning all was well.  They still puff up and will occasionally go at one another, but I think Topaz has decided it isn't worth the effort and avoids him for the most part.  The female, on the other hand, Topaz quite enjoys.

How'r You Doin'?

And a peak at the babies.  They are still under heat lamps, though not for much longer.  Their adult feathers are coming in so they are reaching a bit of a homely age.  Hopefully a pair of blue ribbon winners and good mamas!

Ingenuity At Work

During the first quarter, Sidney's class did a unit on advertising.  The big project to bring the unit to it's conclusion involved breaking into pairs, creating a product, making a mock up of it, developing a bill board and a video taped commercial, and then presenting it to the class.  She and her friend created duck tape dolls.  A complete series of boy and girl dolls each with accessories.  I was so impressed!

Since then, she has been duck-tape-creative crazy.  She has designed book marks, bracelets, purses, wallets, hair ties, and bow ties (shout out to her love for Dr. Who)....just to name a few.  They seem to have become popular items as I found out that she's selling them at school from anywhere from .25-.75 cents (.75 is for a braided bracelet.)  She came home irritated at the end of last week, because another group of girls was planning on making their own, and undercutting her on price.  On Saturday night I noticed that she had spent the evening, creating a menu of sorts with a swatch sheet of color choices, so that kids clients could place special orders.   Always thinking, my girl is coming up with value added ways to promote and offer her superior (totally prejudiced on this one) and well thought out product~ Ingenuity at work!

Silent Sunday~ Winter Coats

Snow Globe

Today, moments were spent going about my business from the inside of a snow globe.  Watching the snow drift so lightly down around me, as workmen were in and out fixing the things that all seem to break down when it's cold and snowy, I decided that comforting and tasty treats were going to be my goal.



A buttermilk, pesto and Parmesan bread will go nicely with homemade pasta a fagioli.



To top it off, warm blackberry cobbler ala Pioneer Woman.

I hope your weekend is beginning with the warmth of family within your snow globe.

Whispered Promise

After last weeks snow, and then thaw,
yesterday's snow, and then deep freeze,
it seems that winter, if only for the moment,
is here.  Tonight's frozen sunset captures
a sleeping garden, a hibernating compost,
and a whispered promise, Spring.

Silent Sunday~ Snow, The Novelty Hasn't Worn Off Yet

The First Rule of Sledding

Nothing like the first real snow to make the kids desperate for sledding.  So despite it only being 17 degrees, off we went!


Now Class........ Can anyone tell me the first rule of sledding??



Always look up the hill, once you get to the bottom!



Quite the move inspired by dad and Sid racing down the hill.
I still can't believe I caught him in mid air!!
A fun outing despite the cold!

Inspired To Jot

 For a long time I have had the urge to get a moleskine to dabble in.  

What?  This legendary little book used over the ages by the artists and thinkers of their times? 

Van Gogh, Hemingway, me?  

What happens when the creative mind meets the list maker? 

Can one who visualizes lists in outline form be freely creative? 

I love my iPhone and have been able to fully replace my paper calendar with it.  

 But the reminders section or any of the list and notes software doesn't seem to do it for me.  

I need to have it on paper in front of me, more tangible.  Yesterday, I went to fulfill my desire to have a moleskine that I could fill my 2012 blank pages.  I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the shelves of colorful books just empty with lined pages, no structure at all.  

So, what do I do? 

I find a 'wellness' moleskine that has lined pages, yet is sectioned off for different areas of life, health garden, diet recipes, fitness, and inspiration. 

Let's just see if this inspired list maker can become more free to jot, whether structured or not.

From Short Sleeves to Snowplows

Yesterday was fifty degrees and beautiful, as were many days in the past month.  Now that we are well into the "winter months"  today, right now, we are having our first snow.  It was funny, I racing around early to get errands done before the roads got slick.  I soon realized that many of the cars had transformed.  Pickups and Jeeps seemed to have gone from just another car driving, to one adorned with a plow, for the first time this season.  A friend posted on her facebook today:  "yesterday was motorcycles and convertibles, and today is snowplows."  A fitting description!


I may grow weary of the snow later on, but right now, it just feels right, and looks beautiful.  The grey world is slowly morphing into what will prove this weekend I'm sure, to be a winter wonderland for everyone.  The kids are itching to go sledding and I'd like to get the cross country skis out! :)