The Front Porch Swing

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
LOL this is the one I learned Da da de do da... its DNA wars... LOL.

It was a joke anyway I know nothing more than XY and YY Lurned in highschool in 1970.

deb

LOL OK Sara boilongy manger... um er ist.... hic... um er hickup did I mention I was having a glass of Cabpernet... mrby too.. um two. So I am dyslexic as well. XY and XX it is... well not dyslexic just stoopid....

mrmble mrmble... VBG... mrmble.

deb

 

[Oldmomma]

Reading the thread today gave me comfort on many grounds. I was raised til I was 7 on grandpa and grandma place. Momma kicked out my daddy the first time he laid eyes on me and we never saw each other again. Momma remarried a farm boy from the west but he was military and she had dreams of getting out of country life. We moved to Georgia for 1 yr then to California, then back to Florida then to Utah. I moved so much but my fondest memories were of a shack of a house filled with loving aunts and uncles where I could walk out and visit other relatives and help feed the cow, feed the chickens, use the outhouse, bathe in a rainbarrel and go down to the lake to hunt easter eggs and walk to the grove for fresh citrus.
Those were the memories I held dear and wanted my kids to experience. My home of 20 yrs was too small, our yard was open to view of strangers and critters and laws kept me from most basic stuff. When we got the chance to move here I was saying God had answered my prayers. Our first holiday here where we sacrifice a lamb or many lambs depending on family needs and charity ee watched uncomfortable how they killed and processed the animals. It was nothing like what our holy books guided us to do but even my husband said they do it like this for centuries how can you change ways if its passed father to son? My daughter who wants to be a vet was horrified and swore off watching again. Then processing food in mud and sand and flies tossed out every sanitary bit of education I ever knew. Wooden tables used to clean out intestines were washed with water and vegetables cut up without washing and stuffed inside. Lets just say we didnt want yo eat it for fear of getting ill. People here might have built up immunity but we hadnt. We told the family next holiday we would not kill a lamb for our family. Chickens or if I could get a turkey fine. Well I was told I was wrong but I reminded them of Scripture on what a family can afford and I could not see paying 400 bucks to give away meat when 400 could fill my freezer with chickens. But my son died just before our holiday and the family insisted we must sacrifice one 7n his name and give to charity. We spent hours looking for the right lamb that we could afford, there are rules to sacrifices. Well when it came time to slaughter him my hubby just couldnt. He had arrived just a short time prior and he was in heavy grief. Well his brother took over but had killed 3 other lambs already and the knife had gone dull. I was horrified. God forgive us. I dont mind killing but do it mercifully. My husband swore never again.
Anyways I came here hoping to return to farm life use my knowledge to provide better care to my animals and by example showcand educate. There is a video I wish to get copied and distributed here. Look up Mercy Farms Halal slaughter on youtube. That is how it should be by our teachings. Clean and merciful. Dont want to say my way is better but I feel we are guardians over Gods creatures and showing mercy is human. Its my opinion and I tell you just as I saw granny wring a chickens neck then chop its head off was just as humane but ive learned other ways. I think what offended me most was sanitation. I know im living in part of the eorld where water is a commodity but my schooling taught me better. We havent died yet or gotten sick, I know women who said their kids did and wont eat st other peoples homes but I never let my kids be phobic of germs either. This forum is great becsuse we can all share in a way that technology never imagined. I can learn to skin a deer from 3,000 miles away! And I can learn and appreciate various ways people do things, it may not be the way I was taught but it doesnt make it wrong. I prefer a clean prep surface, separate cutting boards and lots of fresh water. Thanks everyone for sharing your lives with us. Im turning back time to better my life. Learning daily.

 

[jmoeller]

On a different note, I did something today that surprised me. I have served Cowley on the Planning and Zoning commission, and then I ran for and was elected to town council. I love being part of what's making Cowley one of the most admired communities in the state (that's according to the state reps who were here when we applied for a grant for our new park - which I just learned today that we got!!) But my term is up this election. When I announced to the council 3 months ago that I'd decided not to run, the mayor and my fellow council members just smiled and the mayor said, "Write in!" I decided that I'd served in one capacity or another for the past 7 years - 3 on P&Z and 4 on council. When I made the decision not to run, it was with Katie, Evan and Kendra in mind. I want to spend as much time as I can with them, making laughter and memories and leaving them something of me behind when I'm gone. But today Ken and I were driving home and from Powell when I looked at the clock in the car and said, "Well, the deadline for filing is in another 20 minutes." He was quiet for a while then he said, "You need to call Lisa (our amazing town clerk) and ask her to stay for a little bit. And you need to reconsider not running." He made some pretty persuasive arguments....telling me that we had so many projects that we'd started and I should stay to see them through; that I had made a difference on the council (I'm famous for smacking the table and saying "It's NOT my money!" and voting no if I think that's the right thing to do); and that people in this town really do like and respect me.

I told him that I appreciated the way he believes in me, but that I was leaving because of Katie, Evan and Kendra, and because in 4 more years I'd be 68 years old. He was silent for a minute then he replied, "I thought they were why you ran the first time. And how old will you be in 4 years if you don't run?"

So I filed today. I am running for re-election and when I left the town hall I felt good. I hadn't realized how much serving the people of this town meant to me until I'd almost muffed the chance to keep doing it.

God I just love common sense wisdom. Good luck Blooie.
For some unknown reason I became obsessed with Lusk Wy. back in 2000. I spent a lot of time reading about it on line. I decided to throw the family in the car and go visit. Blooie you are peaking my interest in Cowley in the same way. Don't be surprised if you see a mini van with Wi plates cruising through town. Jen

 

[jmoeller]

Let's pray for this woman...
http://www.jpost.com/International/...-woman-who-refused-to-convert-to-Islam-352465

Yep, I have been. This is so sad and scarey. Unfortunately it is not all that uncommon either.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

Good morning! What a lot of Porch chat to catch up with this morning! Deb, I hope you're not suffering your Cabernet today. Congrats on the book you're writing. A phenomenal word count and nice ideas on how to fuel the creative process.

Loved the cowboy poem, Bee. Thanks. And Sallysunshine for expressing what I was feeling so succinctly too. And way to go Blooie! Town council needs you. Glad you find it so fulfilling.

Do we get starred out if we spell peeta normally? Anyway I had a lady call and ask if she could come over and visit my barn when we were shearing because she had seen a documentary that said shearing was cruel to the sheep and she wanted to find out for her self. Well obviously she saw it didn't hurt them at all, simply deprived them of a hot coat they didn't need anymore. But honestly, what weird misinformation.

 

[tntchix]

On a different note, I did something today that surprised me. I have served Cowley on the Planning and Zoning commission, and then I ran for and was elected to town council. I love being part of what's making Cowley one of the most admired communities in the state (that's according to the state reps who were here when we applied for a grant for our new park - which I just learned today that we got!!) But my term is up this election. When I announced to the council 3 months ago that I'd decided not to run, the mayor and my fellow council members just smiled and the mayor said, "Write in!" I decided that I'd served in one capacity or another for the past 7 years - 3 on P&Z and 4 on council. When I made the decision not to run, it was with Katie, Evan and Kendra in mind. I want to spend as much time as I can with them, making laughter and memories and leaving them something of me behind when I'm gone. But today Ken and I were driving home and from Powell when I looked at the clock in the car and said, "Well, the deadline for filing is in another 20 minutes." He was quiet for a while then he said, "You need to call Lisa (our amazing town clerk) and ask her to stay for a little bit. And you need to reconsider not running." He made some pretty persuasive arguments....telling me that we had so many projects that we'd started and I should stay to see them through; that I had made a difference on the council (I'm famous for smacking the table and saying "It's NOT my money!" and voting no if I think that's the right thing to do); and that people in this town really do like and respect me.

I told him that I appreciated the way he believes in me, but that I was leaving because of Katie, Evan and Kendra, and because in 4 more years I'd be 68 years old. He was silent for a minute then he replied, "I thought they were why you ran the first time. And how old will you be in 4 years if you don't run?"

So I filed today. I am running for re-election and when I left the town hall I felt good. I hadn't realized how much serving the people of this town meant to me until I'd almost muffed the chance to keep doing it.

You are the type of elected official we need. Not the ones who expect and demand us to just accept why they are there. Yay, Blooie! I wish I could vote for you.

 

[Blooie]

God I just love common sense wisdom. Good luck Blooie.
For some unknown reason I became obsessed with Lusk Wy. back in 2000. I spent a lot of time reading about it on line. I decided to throw the family in the car and go visit. Blooie you are peaking my interest in Cowley in the same way. Don't be surprised if you see a mini van with Wi plates cruising through town. Jen

I'd appreciate it if you'd stay long enough to vote.

I'm in for a tough race again this time. Last time it was tough because 1) I was a 'newcomer' to town - only been here 13 years then. 2) I'm one of the few non-LDS residents 3) I had nothing bad to think about the other candidates or council members. I knew them all and those were serving were great people, those running against me were super nice and smart. This time there are 3 of us running for 2 seats and the other 2 candidates are much loved and respected. One has served as town manager/public works and everyone loves him. He has a great sense of humor, works his hiney off on projects all over town ranging from the recreation department to helping the "town criers" (Monica, Sally, and Sharon) with everything from filling planters on Main Street to our elaborate Christmas kickoff, and has lived here all his life. The other guy is young firebrand with great ideas and a young family, strong work ethic, and ready smile. His family settled Cowley. How do I run "against" integrity, drive, and vision when those things are so dear to my heart as well? So I've decided not to run against anyone - just to run for Cowley and my grandkids. The way I look at it regardless of the outcome, Cowley wins.

Yep, I have been. This is so sad and scarey. Unfortunately it is not all that uncommon either.

I know...I'm in the prayer circle too. Move over, JM....

Deb, nice job on finishing the journal! I don't usually get "writer's block" but those are some good tips!

Momma, your posts are always so interesting!

Bee, that poem was so doggone cute! I love cowboy humor and wisdom!

Well, time to get ready to get to the airport. Little Diane and Dustin arrive in about 3 hours and it's a 2 hour drive to Billings. At least I can take you guys with me via my phone! LOL

 

[heartsizedfarm]

Blooie, that's a great attitude. Cowley wins no matter what. But if you want an edge, go canvassing in that stunning blue sequinned dress. The gents can't do that!

 

[bruceha2000]

Yep...I've never seen a man in my family kill a chicken...that's woman's work.

LJ, the way you describe your grandmother is exactly the kind of women I've been raised by and who I've become. There is never a day that killing an animal won't affect me...it always has and always will and I guess that's because I'm a woman, with all that being a woman entails...we are the softer side of this world.

But...there's feeling bad about it... and then there's carrying that baggage with you all your days, refusing to set it down. I think that divides the masses...those who see the dirty job, know it's going to really bite to have to do it, and then they push up their sleeves and get it done. Once the blood is washed away and food is in the jar or freezer, then the job ends. They put that heartache to rest.

sexist!

I'm pretty sure it was my dad and not my stepmother who killed and skinned the rabbits they raised when they lived on the farm. Probably the chickens too. She was a TOTAL city girl before they moved to Oregon when my younger sister graduated high school. BUT I would have to ask Dad because I wouldn't put it past her to decide "if I'm going to raise it for food, I have to do it from pen to plate".

I feel badly that I had to resort to snap traps for the mice in the house. And there IS a big difference between killing them myself and having a trap do it silently when I am asleep. But they figured out the no kill bucket trap and having mouse poop on the counters and in the cereal just isn't OK. They do a nice job of cleaning up grease in the broiler pan if you put it off until morning though.

If only they could be trained to eat only things we want them to!

Now that Rebekah and the cats are here, no snap traps. And I am ABSOLUTELY sure that the FAST snap trap is WAY more humane than the cat trap. I might set the traps in the basement though since that is likely where the mice come in. Rebekah won't go down there and the cat's aren't allowed (don't need them getting into the crawl space under the rebuilt building) but then I would have to remember to go check the traps. Out of sight, out of mind is a problem. Which reminds me, need to see if the rerouted hose on the dehumidifier is working.

@Deb... some can be rescued and some just need to be put down. hahahaha That's bad! hehe I know what you mean. Some would have me locked up for the training methods I have used on my critters.

We have a friend who is TOO kind hearted. That kind heartedness has been taken advantage of by the same person for years and years. That person definitely needs to be put down and my heart won't bleed a drop, in fact might soar (as uncharitable as that sounds), should a heart attack or a bus take them away (figuratively OR literally). But, the friend just keeps rescuing this loser. I'm quite sure if that spigot went dry, this person would soon find another. I have stopped trying to convince this friend but it is extremely hard to watch a very good person go to financial ruin because they won't kill the leech.

I run into people now that wont eat their own home grown eggs. I asked why ... because they have a rooster and they know those eggs are fertile. Sheesh again. Thank goodnes there is usually a family member who will happily eat those eggs.

That is the reason we will never have a rooster. Rebekah would not eat an egg that MIGHT be fertile even if it went directly from the chicken to the pan with NO chance to develop AT ALL. I'm not going to raise laying hens and then buy factory eggs at the store for her to eat (or more likely bake with). If we hatched chicks, where would the cockerels go? She wouldn't let anyone take them for food and when the girls stop laying, it is free room and board for life. So, much as I would like to use the farm land for producing more than weeds, and raising meat instead of buying it would be nice (even if I decided I need someone else to do the slaughtering), no animals raised here will be eaten.

I think, if I were to ever have another horse, I'd go bitless...it appeals to my nature. Of course, I also liked riding bare back more than I liked using a saddle, so maybe it's that "all natural" streak in me coming out.

Soooo, would you do it all natural, au natural?

Sorry, sometimes my mind just flies.

I told him that I appreciated the way he believes in me, but that I was leaving because of Katie, Evan and Kendra, and because in 4 more years I'd be 68 years old. He was silent for a minute then he replied, "I thought they were why you ran the first time. And how old will you be in 4 years if you don't run?"

And how does being 68 in 4 years factor in other than the health issues you've mentioned? I have a friend who is a retired teacher. She ran for and was elected to the state house of representatives when she was 67 - 2 years ago. I'm sure she will be running for reelection this year.

Though I do have a twelve gauge... I have never shot it.

Might want to for familiarity, just in case there is ever a need. Though perhaps you are already familiar with 12g shotguns and have just never shot THIS one.

All this discussion about killing animals, and people having their heads screwed in wrong and I had to add my 2 cents.

First, if someone wants to get on on cruelty to milking cow calves for being taken away from their mother, they should go after the formula feed companies (for people) first. Once they have everyone breastfeeding properly, and full time (which would involve getting paid maternity leave for all women for at least 2 years if you go by the WHO standard), then they can start talking about cows.

Yep. Don't bottle feed the calf but buy 'formula' with all kinds of stuff in it because it is convenient and because the "ad men" have convinced women it is WAY better than the 'old' way. It is, for women who can't breastfeed and for the companies making billions of dollars a year selling 'fake' milk for babies and infants. I just looked at Similac. They have about 20 different formula products. Some are mostly water and corn syrup (YUM! and how HEALTHY) those that aren't contain MILK. Wonder where THAT comes from, certainly not cows who are "breastfeeding" their calves. Definitely a disconnect between the source and the end product.

 

[bruceha2000]

Do we get starred out if we spell peeta normally? Anyway I had a lady call and ask if she could come over and visit my barn when we were shearing because she had seen a documentary that said shearing was cruel to the sheep and she wanted to find out for her self. Well obviously she saw it didn't hurt them at all, simply deprived them of a hot coat they didn't need anymore. But honestly, what weird misinformation.

As in PETA?
It is GOOD that the lady wanted to see shearing rather than trust the documentary. Hopefully she can correct the false 'facts' when others bring it up since she has first hand experience.

This time there are 3 of us running for 2 seats and the other 2 candidates are much loved and respected. One has served as town manager/public works and everyone loves him. He has a great sense of humor, works his hiney off on projects all over town ranging from the recreation department to helping the "town criers" (Monica, Sally, and Sharon) with everything from filling planters on Main Street to our elaborate Christmas kickoff, and has lived here all his life. The other guy is young firebrand with great ideas and a young family, strong work ethic, and ready smile. His family settled Cowley. How do I run "against" integrity, drive, and vision when those things are so dear to my heart as well? So I've decided not to run against anyone - just to run for Cowley and my grandkids. The way I look at it regardless of the outcome, Cowley wins.

Well then, he should be easy to beat! The "Old Vermonter" answer to "Have you lived here all your life?" is "Not yet".

You have the right attitude and I don't know anyone who likes "negative" politicing anyway. You run on your record which speaks for itself.