Days of Our Lives

From appointments to having my laundry room spread out between the kitchen and living room things have been a little hectic. Our power issues have gone nuclear. We have a bad battery in our power bank, and a system that does not meet our power needs. We have to use a generator that uses gas and that is expensive. Number One Husband is on it! 

The power bank had to be moved in order to access the individual batteries and since I couldn't help, we enrolled the neighbor into the situation. Everything sits behind our washer/dryer combo. Everything was put back into place until we get our new system installed. The power bank weighs 1200 pounds. 

Oh, did I mention that our pressure tank gauge also stopped functioning, so the water pump kept coming on every 2 gallons of use? This also sits behind the washer and power bank. We were able to temporarily remedy this situation until we are able to install a new one when the new solar system gets installed. It is tight quarters in the utility room.

We had company staying at the homestead that had an emergency and had to leave a day early. They are fine, but their little dog is very sick. The are seeking treatment for him now. We had a nice time while they were here. We ate good food, enjoyed the outdoors and had a good visit while it lasted. Update: The little dog recovered, praise God!

We had a rare event happen. Two female pronghorns 
came right up to our porch. 

Just look how the sun is outlining the clouds at sunset.

The alignment of the moon and this star was just as impressive.

Our hummingbirds are not shy.

I got up early one morning to feed the hummingbirds but before 
I could hang up the feeder I had a customer.

I held it up and as still as I could until she was finished eating.

Just look how dry it is.

This is just a sample of what has been going on in our neck of the woods. We never know what tomorrow will bring. Every day we just press onward until it's time for bed just like everyone else traveling through this life.

Have a blessed day!

Mrs. Smith

DITL - A Good Day

I managed to get a few things done that I haven't been able to do due to my back and neck injuries. I woke up early in the morning to say goodbye to our friend who camped out overnight. Then I realized that I was feeling better, so I took advantage of the situation. 

I made 3 loaves of 9-grain bread. I've only baked bread twice in the past 7 months.  

I potted a plant that our friend gave us.

I lit a candle. FYI - Some of the WoodWick candles are
marked down $10 at Wal-Mart.

I turned on some worship music first thing in the morning
and enjoyed a cup of Jane. (Tea)

I spent the day before playing games in the truck camper
with our friend.

I really have not been cooking very much. Just enough to get by and we have been using some unhealthy packaged foods. I made Number One Husband oatmeal for breakfast and tostadas for lunch. I made a batch of chicken salad to go with the bread. 

There were plenty of dishes and I got caught up on the laundry. It's been raining, so it has not been possible to hang out all the clothes. We had a break in the weather, so I managed to get two loads dried outside.

We have been experiencing problems with our solar system. It looks like we have to have the whole system replaced. The war is impeding our progress on our water project also. When it rains, it pours but the sun always returns.

I am trying my hand at sourdough soon when it warms up just a little bit more. I will be sharing this adventure here on the blog and more...

Have a blessed day,

Mrs. Smith

Shabbat Shalom! Sunsets

 

We had company this past week. More posts coming soon!

Have a safe and happy weekend,

Mrs. Smith

Shabbat Shalom! Watermelon and Snow!

I purchased a watermelon for Memorial weekend. It weighs nearly 22 lbs. The day after I bought it, it snowed. Go figure... 

The poor hummingbirds...

Shabbat Shalom and have a safe weekend,

Mrs. Smith

Extreme Weather - Dust Storm

We desperately need El Nino to start dumping moisture. There are 17 wildfires burning in the US as of Friday, three if which are contained. We had strong winds and brownout conditions today. Pray for those who have lost their homes and personal property.

This was just the beginning.

This is where it ended up. The thick dust stretched for miles.

Mrs. Smith

We Are Living in Uncertain Times - Do Not Fear

Does anyone else think that there is a storm brewing or that something is on the horizon that we just can't see yet? The world seems so chaotic these days. With inflation, fuel prices and war times are uncertain.  The truth of the matter is that no time is ever certain. There is a reason "Do not fear" occurs in the Bible 365 times. 

If we are consumed by the things of this world there is no time to enjoy our blessings. There is no time for gratefulness. Focusing on future unknown disasters can be detrimental to your health. 

Fear is a powerful force that can cause anxiety that in turn can cause all sorts of health issues. A body cannot sustain itself in a constant flight or fight mode. Breaks in mental health can occur not to mention cardiovascular issues and high blood pressure.

Letting go of control that you never had in the first place is impossible. You can only let go of the lie that you were ever in control of unforeseen things. Let go and let God______! Fill in the blank with your struggles.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NLT

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

Be at peace!

Mrs. Smith

Murano Clown Decanter...

This is just a fun piece. We found it at an estate sale. Someone took great care to keep it in perfect condition over the years. Number One Husband named it Murray. Murano art glass amazes me...

Mrs. Smith