Well... Well.... Well...

Here it's been another month and a half since I've been able to update.... Things have been BuSy around here....

November had come and gone.... Scott had a great 45th birthday.... We spent most of the day together.... I took him to Gander Mountain in Harrisburg.... I had to work in the evening, so he spent the time at home with family & friends celebrating his day.... Last Monday started Bear hunting.... Scott was 1 of 8 lucky Perry County hunters to "bag one" in county.... Thanksgiving was great.... I worked.... We held an All You Can Eat Buffet at the restaurant.... Scott, His Mom, & Sister came and enjoyed Mark's wonderful food....

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday... I was able to talk to him for a short time.... We'll talk again Friday (on MY BiRTHDay!!!!).....

Scottie is still in Florida.... Jobs are scarce, as they are everywhere.... He's hopeful about a call back he received.... He was able to spend the Holiday with some of his Mom's family.... I miss him terribly....

Tony & Nikki are doing well.... He's working when needed for our friend Jeff.... Rylin is doing great.... Such a little cutie....

Darren is doing GREAT!!! He loves his job at the restaurant.... He got his license back.... and now has 2 vehicles on the road.... His car, and a 4x4 truck that was given to us....

well, I must get off here.... I have a class for work on Monday, and I have yet to even open the book.... =)

I'm Sorry!

I seem to have put my blog on the "back burner" since starting my job! There's just a ton to do, with such little time....

I did find a few minutes this week to shop for apples (for applesauce), and pumpkins & mums to decorate the front of the house....




Yep, that's a tiny bit of snow left on the ground.... Ugh, I'm so not ready for this.... We are burning in the wood stove, and it's nice & toasty inside.....


The housework at times seems to get away from me also.... Then I get a huge burst of energy, and it's done.... Scott helps where he can, most of his "to do" is outside, getting things ready for winter....

We were able to get the dog kennel up, Bear is officially off his logging chain.... He's still trying to understand the fence.... I went out yesterday and put a blue tarp over the top to keep him out of the nasty weather the best I can....

The garden is done for the year.... We will spend Monday evening digging potatoes, it is to be fairly nice and we'll both be home! I bought a bushel of apples, and plan to tackle applesauce at some point this weekend!!

Today is my sister in laws 50th birthday.... Happy Birthday Cindy!! Hope you enjoy your birthday!!

Well, I'm off for now.... I've got a few things to jump into before heading to work this afternoon!!

Have a great weekend!!!!

September 23, 1998...

Yep, that's 11 years ago.... Scott & I were married....

We didn't tell anyone.... Went to the courthouse, got our marriage license.... and a few days later went into the local magistrates office with Scottie following behind (blindly).... We were married within a few minutes, and back home to continue our afternoon!

And guess what?

I'd do it all over, exactly the same way again.... Okay, maybe I would have changed one thing.... I would have liked to have had Tony & Darren with us also....

but, after 11 years things just keep getting better.... and life is great!!!!

Things are looking up....

Finally.....

I am really enjoying my new job.... I've always been such a people person, and now my personality gets to come out each and every day.... I am trying to get along with everyone that I work with.... I absolutely love my boss and his wife.... they're great people.... and working with Brian is great.... He is such a great kid....

Scott had been coming in on the weekends and tackling dishes for us, until the dishwasher gets fixed.... He is also still working long hours at work being the only service guy....

Home & garden have kind taken a back seat for a short time.... While I adjust to working again.... I might tackle some tomatoes after I'm done online.... I finished most of my housework this morning.... Laundry I will attempt Monday when it is bright & shiny out....

We have a few praises & a couple prayer requests....

Praise; Darren has finally gotten a job.... he is an assistant cook at the restaurant.... Today is his first day.... Brian is training him today....

Praise; Tony & Nikki have found a new place & are all settled in.... It's about 4 miles from here, right across the street from Scott's work....

Prayer; Scottie is not moving to Florida.... and I guess is looking for a place to live....

Prayer; All 3 of the boys are not getting along.... I am very upset about this, but not getting involved....

Well I am off... .Thanks for reading.... Have a great weekend....

Today I am officially .........

a working woman.....
LOL.... At 3:00 will be my first shift at the Little's Cafe, 4 miles down the road....

I'm a little nervous... I've never done this before.... I think if I get the 1st table "under my belt", I'll be okay.....

Scott and I went for breakfast this morning.... It was delicious..... I've spent the rest of my day cleaning & playing online.... Scott will stop by the the diner for supper tonight....

So I guess I better finish getting ready.... I have to pick up Brian on my way....

Pray for us....

Collecting....

Rolling Pins.....

I officially have 100 all together.... there are a few not pictured....

What do you collect?

A few prayer requests...

Scottie is looking to move to Florida within the next 2 months... please pray for him to make a smooth transition & find good work.... We will miss him, but this is what he feels he needs to do....

Darren is still looking for work.... He's been out almost a month now.... He's keeping his head above water barely... please pray for the right job to come along, and for him to keep an open mind....

Tony & Nikki are still looking for a place to live.... Their little apartment, is just to small... Rylin is growing everyday.... We pray to find them a place closer to us.... Nikki too is struggling with the possibilities of finding a job.... She loves being a stay at home Mom, I can see that she enjoys it....

I too am in the process of looking for a job.... I've got several applications out there....

Scott's job is going well, but now they are down a service man.... So please pray for patience on his end... and the strength to endure it day to day!

Thank you to all who read this!

Starting over.... or so to speak!

Today was my last day to babysit Colton.... I will miss him greatly.... I've had him almost every day of his life since he was 1 month old, he'll be 7 in less than a month! He starts school on Tuesday.... 1st grade.... We spent all day yesterday at the pool, with Brian, Deb & TJ.... then after Scott came home from work, we hit up the county fair....




So now I am in between jobs... I have a few applications out.... So we'll see...

Meanwhile, I plan to CLEAN!!! I have a whole list started of things I want to tackle starting tomorrow.... I also plan to make new curtains for the living room... and start my rice bags for the cold weather.... I have lots of canning & freezing to tend to, and weeds to take care of in the flower beds.... I surely won't be "bored" LOL....

Good Morning!

It's a wonderful morning here on the mountain.... The sunrise was stunning!! There was a slight chill in the air... and what do I see in my kitchen? Buckets of fresh tomatoes & green beans.... Straight from my garden....

This is my last week with Colton... He starts 1st grade next Tuesday.... I plan to go watch him get on the bus the 1st day... He's been bugging to stay overnight, so tomorrow night we will be having a 'slumber party'.... We plan to hit the local pool during the day w/ Deb & TJ.... then after Scott gets home we'll hit the county fair....

I've put a few applications in at a few local places.... No calls yet... We'll see.... I plan to make the most of being home alone during the days..... Curtains coming down & being washed, windows & screens washed.... Cupboards cleaned out.... Cobwebs tackled.... and maybe if I get a cool day, I'll reorganize the attic.... Plus lots of canning in between....

Sunday we finally made it to the flea market.... It was sooooo HOT..... We made a good amount of money, and hit walmart on the way home.... our first time in months..... Spent more than I had planned on, but Scott needed new work boots, and we bought new underclothes.... Also stocked up on sugar, & flour since I've been doing so much baking....

Well I need to jump off here, and head to the kitchen.... Lots to do today; canning, freezing, & cleaning..... and Colton should be here soon....

Have a great day!

A few photos of Scottie's party!

Hazy, Hot, Humid.....

Honest I'm trying not to complain.... I always try to see the best in everything.... and right now I keep reminding myself that the tomatoes really really need this heat! Right now we have 91* in the shade w/ 92% humidity.... at least there is a breeze....

I've been busy again this week.... Finally got all the potatoes canned.... for now.... also made pickles, and froze more green beans & corn.... I dug up 1 potato plant just to see how they had grown.... they are NICE.... by fall they will be just wonderful!

I have also been kept busy in looking for a job.... 2 weeks till school starts.... I'd like to find something soon.... I don't need much in a job, just as long as it offers health insurance for us....

I did a bit of yard sailing on Friday.... Wasn't the best of days I guess, as I only found 4! I did come home with a new purse, shirt, small rolling pin, & glass tea pitcher.... Then we hit the local auction Friday evening.... spent $28.... most of which we will probably make back, as we picked up a few things to resell.....

Today has been filled with basic cleaning, and being lazy.... I do have a nice ham in the oven.... and potatoes & fresh sweet corn waiting.... I'll also make a batch of brownies.... We are celebrating Scottie's 23rd birthday....

Well guess I'm off to whip up these brownies.... Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To my son.... Scott Eugene Cragle Jr, who turned 23 today!!!!
* very hard to believe..... this is the 1st year in a long time that I haven't been with him for his birthday, and I miss him very much today....

also.......

A very Happy Birthday Alexus Marie Phillips.... 7 years old today!!!!!!

A beautiful start to this Tuesday....

The sun is shining into almost every window in this house.... It's wonderful.... Possible chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon, we'll see....

I've been so busy, I've neglected my BLOG. I apologize to my faithful readers....

Between the garden, housework, Colton, Farmtown (on facebook), and dinners with the kids I've been ON THE GO!!! I can't complain though, I am happy to be so busy... before we know it, winter will be here, and I'll be BoReD!!

The garden is doing wonderful.... Loads of tomatoes.... They'll be ready for canning soon.... Green Beans are plentyful... My first 2 rows are about done, by the weekend I'll pick the last beans off those plants, and have Scott till that area up... I hope to get some broccoli in for fall... Still lots of beans coming from the other 4 rows.... Potatoes are starting to die back.... I will leave them in the ground till fall.... I had only 1 pepper plant survive out of 3.... Not sure what happened.... but it is doing great....

We haven't had much tome for flea markets.... So the stuff is stacked nicely in the basement....

Sunday we finally got Scott's tuckey to the taxidermist.... It will be close to a year before we see the finished product.... It's nice to have it out of my freezer....

Last week, we got 1/3 of a beef from Scott's work.... it was a nice amount of meat.... we now have a full beef at the butchers. It's small (310lbs hanging weight), but we only have to cover butchering cost.... It was 1 of 2, that had gotten loose from a friends down the road... they had been out for 3 days.... we were told "shoot to kill".... They both came out into the clearing across from our property.... Scott shot & killed both, one shot each....

Had a 4 1/2 foot rattle snake killed down the road from our place last week.... It was given to Scott... He skinned it out, and is drying it w/ the rattles on....

We finally got the BiG wood pile split & moved into the crates.... Now as the weather gets cooler we can head back out into the woods for more.... We should have 6 cord or so before winter.... We were given a wood stove.... it is sitting in the garage right now, waiting for the oil tank & furnace to be tore out of the basement....

Well I gotta get myself motivated.... I've got about 150lbs of potatoes laying out front that I have to can this week.... I will get started on that today.... I also have some light housework to tackle, and zucchini bread to bake.... hmm, what's for supper?

Flower photo's.

Photo's of the garden....

A beautiful week....

Good Morning!! We have had a beautiful week (weather wise anyhow).... Here's a recap of the week....

Saturday, July 4th....
We started off the day with an early morning visit from Darren (our youngest).... He visited for a while, and left while we were heading out the door... We off to Spiral Path (local organic CSA farm, that we belong to)... they were having an "Open Farm Day", which was where we could pick raspberries, all the herbs you could imagine, flowers, & pick up extra produce.... Till we got there, the raspberries were picked clean.... It was a great time, we were able to meet lots of people... On the way out the road, we stopped by the amish grocery store to pick up "a few things".... I should know better than take Scott with me, but I did it anyhow, LOL....

After coming home, I tackled laundry & enjoyed hanging it out on the line.... I also cleaned & paid a few bills.... In the early afternoon we went raspberry picking.... First on our own property... then we decided to pick @ Scott's Mom's for her.... Surprisenly hers were not ready yet.... So we took a 4wheeler ride down the road, and found TONS of raspberries... It's a lot of work picking those little rascals... Scott dropped me off at the house, and he continued down the road for more picking.... I threw together 2 loaves of fresh zucchini bread and a batch of brownies (from scratch)....

We spent the evening at Scott's Mom's... a wonderful cookout & games of holey board.... I took the brownies & Scott's Sister, Cindy threw together a batch of homemade ice cream.... We then came home, and rounded out the day by watching the Nascar race, which of course Tony Stewart won!!!!

Sunday....
We had a slow start to the day.... Relaxing, watching t.v., playing online.... Once we got motivated there was no stopping us... Scott spent the afternoon splitting & stacking firewood, while I made a fresh batch of raspberry jam and canning potatoes.... Scott also fixed the starter in Kevin's truck....


Monday....
Back to the daily grind.... Colton was back from vacation.... I spent the day cleaning & canning potatoes.... Scott worked late (hay season)... We had moose steak & baked potatoes for supper....

Tuesday....
I spent the morning cleaning, while Colton played & watched t.v.... Then I took him to the neighbors to play.... While visiting with her, she gave me a gallon ziploc bag of fresh ham & bean soup....I came home & put it in the crock pot on warm, and that was supper... We invited Scott's Mom, sister, Ellie, & Brian down.... there was so much, LOL.... In the evening, Scott filled in the "sink hole" from our new drain lines & I weeded my flower beds & transplanted a few things.... We also had a Netflix movie, Nights In Rodanthe.... Very Good Movie... we enjoyed it....

Wednesday....
We had to be up early, 4am to be exact.... Scott had to be to work @ 5.... I stayed up and got my day started.... Laundry, dishes, feeding the animals.... I also did another canner of potatoes (w/ Brian's help)... and another batch of raspberry jam....Scott ended up having to work late, again.... So we had a "fend for yourself" night for supper....

Today (Thursday)....
I am tired this morning... but once I get motviated, I'll be alright... I have a bunch to do today.... Dishes, another load of laundry, vacuuming, bird cages, scrub the bathroom, weed more in the flower beds & a little in the garden.... I also have to finish planting the gladiola that I had to move due to the sink hole.... Maybe also a trip to town for some banking....

Well thank you for taking the time to read this morning.... I plan to upload a few new photos of my growing garen!!!

A quick update..... Happy 4th!!!!

Wishing everyone a happy & safe 4th of July....

Thought I'd better give an update before I get to far behind....

Things are good here... The garden is growing nicely... Scott and I had the first 2 tomatoes on Sunday, they were supposed to be big ones, but they ripened at just bigger than a cherry tomato.... Oh so yummy.... I've gotten almost a quart of raspberries off the bushes I found in the hedgerow between us & the Old Man.... That was just the first picking... Lots more not ripe yet....

We've been eating lots of salads, with fresh lettuce, cucumbers, & tomatoes from Spiral Path (local organic farm we joined this year).... Yesterday I made 2 loaves of zucchini bread (yes I baked.... I know, such a shock), we only have 2 pieces left.... It was good!!!

We've been busy moving & re stacking firewood... We should have about 6 cord brought in before fall.... Makes me all warm inside, LOL.... We were given a wood stove... a nice one, just like Scott wanted.... So now we have to work on taking out the oil furnace & fuel tank....

Next week I've got to get busy canning potatoes... Our friend Kevin brought me about 200lb last week.... plus I have about 50lbs in the basement to use for cooking.... I hate all the peeling, but it's got to be done... I'll love it this winter....

Well that was my quick update... I'm off to get some housework accomplished.... I have a long list today.... Enjoy your weekend!!!

Lions & Tigers & Bears... Oh My....

Okay so maybe only Bears.... LOL....

Checked the trail camera on Friday.... to find deer, squirrel, & Bear....

Rylin....

Colton Lost his 2nd tooth.... finally....

A beautiful day ahead....

Good Morning....

Yesterday was the first beautiful day in a while.... No rain!!! I had so much planned inside, did the bare minimum and went outside.... Loved it so much that I forgot about supper until about 4:00.... then I was scrambling around to get something defrosted and cooking.... Last evening, we started moving the wood pile.... Hope to finish that this week....

Today is another gorgeous day..... I have a lot I want to get done.... reorganize & wipe out all the kitchen cabinets.... wash windows, inside & out.... clean out the bird cages.... wash my blazer.... and start washing down the outside of the house (by hand of course, we don't have a power washer... our house is small enough to get it done today)....

Guess I better plan supper this morning.... can't forget about it again....

Well I'm off here for now.... Gotta get my day started.... Make it a great one....

Happy Father's Day....

Also the 1st day of summer.... although you could have fooled me....

So anyhow.... I called my Dad already and wished him a Happy Father's Day... they were still sleeping, but they're up now.... LOL.... His card is in the mail, of course arriving late as I didn't have the money to get one earlier in the week.... poor planning on my part....

I made breakfast for Scott.... Scrambled eggs, biscuits, sausage w/ country gravy, & fried potatoes.... We're still waiting on the kids to show up....

We're going to spend the day relaxing.... with the exception of getting dishes done....

Have a great Sunday....

Sheba Kitty

She is comfy.... just purring along while sleeping...
She didn't even wake up when Scott took this pic....

What a Monday.

Today I woke up before my alarm went off.... Not a whole lot to accomplish today.... So I took my time this morning.... Fed the animals, took the birds outside in their cages, cleaned up the kitchen, made our bed & tidied up the bedroom a bit.... Then I sat and played on the computer for a while....

Colton showed up while I was putting my latest Netflix movie in the mailbox to ship out.... Not long after, Scottie came up.... He spent the whole day here.... We played badminton, visited with the neighbor while Colton played with her daughter....

Scott left work early to head to another knee doctor appointment.... He was home by 2:00 and helping Scottie replace the power steering pump & belt.... After the car was fixed, Kevin stopped by and brought me 100lbs of potatoes (Scott's Mom and I will share these throughout the summer, I hope to get another 100lbs everyother week for us to can)..... Scott and I decided to play a game of badminton, Scottie & Colton did join in for a few serves.... While we were playing, Scott's Mom pulled in the driveway calling my name....

She had 8 quarts of beautiful strawberries on the seat of her truck.... We spent the next 2 hours making jam.... All during this, we ended up making arrangements for Colton to stay the night.... He's been bugging to, and his parents had other things going on.... So it was a perfect time for it.... He's now riding his bike without training wheels.... WOO HOO.... by tomorrow evening he'll be riding all over the place....

So as you can tell, not much really got "accomplished" around here.... but it was a great day anyhow....

Tomorrow is another day.... and since Colton is already here, I will get an early start to my day....

Photos of a great day....

Some photos of our work this weekend....

^ Potatoes w/ new layer of mushroom soil^


^whole garden w/ new layer of mushroom soil^


^ new area made by garage to "dress it up"^


^ free bird bath^


^ my homemade bread, a french bread recipe ^

A great weekend.

Sunday evening... and we feel accomplished!!!!

Friday evening;
We took Kevin out to supper for his birthday. Darren came along. We also stopped at Super Shoes for Darren and then WalMart for a few groceries. After coming home we settled in and watched the new Clint Eastwood movie 'Gran Torino'. What a great movie.

Saturday;
I spent a good part of the morning getting our new wireless router hooked up. Actually turned out to be easier than I thought. I also got all of my housework finished & all 5 loads of laundry done. Scott put his new brakes on the truck. Then Scottie's car broke down, so we headed out to help him. Fixed it temporarily. Came home in Nikki's car, so that her, Tony, & Darren could all head to NY with my Blazer to help their Mom & StepDad with more concrete. Till we got back, Kevin had taken our truck and came back with a big load of mushroom soil for me. I spent the rest of the evening playing in the garden. While Scott mowed the grass. Finally came in at about 9:15. Had a nice veggie salad for supper, then a nice warm shower.

Today (Sunday);
I did a little more housework,made breakfast for Scott & Scottie(he's been here all day to visit), made 2 loaves of homemade bread, & finished the garden (with Scottie's help). Supper was baked chicken & corn along with more of the veggie salad & homemade bread. Scott finished mowing the grass & also went up the road to pick up a free concrete bird bath for me.

This week I plan to work in the flower beds more (it's a never ending process), clean out my kitchen cubboards, scrub the hard water stains out of the tub & washer, and re~arrange my office (again).

Well I'm off to water the garden, then relax until morning. Thanks for reading, have a great week!

ME!

Yup. That's me.... at about age 2 or so....

Way CUTE, I know....

I love this photo....

Our garden.... Today....

Well here's our garden.... the tomato plants are looking a bit straggly due to the cooler temps & soooo much rain.... they'll perk up come July.... The potatoes & green beans are rather loving this weather....

This is the smallest garden we've ever planted... it feels weird, but with only the 2 of us here, not so much is needed.... plus we joined Spiral Path (an organic produce farm)...

Meet our newest addition....

We haven't named him yet.... but Sunday morning this little guy showed up in my yard.... and hasn't left.... such a cutie too.... so loveable....

Free Meal.

Anyone got a Fire Mountain Buffet or Ryan's Buffet?

You can get a free meal. Sign up for their e~club, http://www.ryans.com/eclub.asp , and you'll get a coupon for Buy One All you can eat Buffet, get one free.

Thought I'd share.

What a great Sunday....

We spent a couple of hours cleaning our garage today.... I took all our flea market items to the basement since it stays dry now.... Scott organized his tools, etc just the way he wants them.... then this evening we went to his Mom's and brought his big Snap On tool box home (for the first time in 12 years).... The garage looks a lot better.... still needs a little "tweaking", but much better than before....


We also watched the race this afternoon.... which we had to watch online, since I downgraded our dish network package, we don't get TNT & ESPN.... we actually enjoyed watching it online more.... we could choose in car camera's, around the track, the lead, etc.... or we could split the screen into 4.... it was great....

Well I'm off for the night.... Enjoy....

Before....

After....

Rearranged the bedroom....

Deer hide from Scott's 1st buck. 1977.

I spent some time rearranging our bedroom this week.... This is how it turned out, and we love it.... there seems to be so much more room....

I can't wait until we can remodel this room.... I'm tired of the green carpet, and water stained walls.... but it's livable.... LOL....