Restoring Jane's Farm
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contests
  • How to help
  • Pictures
  • Film on Site
  • Contact or Contribute

BRRRRRH! It's Cold! Chapel slowly coming along, Visit in October with Kids and soon it will be Christmas!

12/14/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Merry Christmas, Dear Reader!
Here it is - December and oh, boy! have we had snow. More to come in a few days! The Fall has been so mild and warm for so long, I was beginning to believe we may skip winter...but nope! It's definitely here!

The above pictures are all views of the Land , and of course, the chapel. The main part of the chapel finally has a dark grey roof. Then, today, in subzero wind chill, Frank ran the outside electrical wire from the electric panel on top of the hill to the chapel. Some 275 feet. Dave and I had already rented a trencher last week, and trenched the long, narrow trench for the wire. Then we had to cover it up with tarps before the last snowfall. Frank uncovered it today, put in the wire, and Jeff across the road came over after work and  - in this freezing wind-gusting weather -  used his tractor to push in the (mostly) frozen dirt on top of the trench. He finished in the dark. What would I do without wonderful neighbors like Jeff and Kyle?

Hard to believe now, but this chapel is going to be really neat when it is finished!

But enough of the Land and cold, cold weather. Let's go back a month and a half and catch up with the triplets. I drove out to Colorado for Halloween, so I have lots of pictures of the kids - making Halloween cookies with some oversized cookie cutters I bought at Williams & Sonoma. The cookie cutters were just a bit too big - and rusty baker Grammie didn't quite make the dough the right consistency, so the decorating was a bit difficult. However, the kids rose to the occasion - and had a blast icing the cookies. (And eating them, too!)

Other pictures show Jack and Jeff cooking breakfast together for the family, and Jack getting tickled by Daddy. And Angela getting attacked (with love) by all three of her little ones!

Of course, the Cubs were trying to win the World Series when I was there, and lost both games I watched. So we used a little superstition and changed what we wore, and took Jeff's Cub's chair which I had brought all the way from Illinois, back to my car. Sure enough! After all these shananigans the Cubs started to win...and well...you already know what happened after that!

The weather in Denver was SO warm. Unbelievable! Even warmer than in Illinois, which was really warm, too. The kids had their lunch outside on the front porch just like summer.

Before Halloween, the local nature park (which is  in its desert-like state) had a special family deal where they taught the costumed kids (and parents) about nature related things- owls, hawks, skulls of raccoons and beavers, etc. It was a long circular walk with lots of different learning stations (and prizes). Quite interesting, and the kids seem to love it.

At home, Katie, Chloe and Jack all got a chance to carve pumpkins! Oh! How they got into it! They had so much fun, as you can see in the pictures below.

But Halloween was the big thing , of course. Chloe was our favorite witch, Jack was our favorite ghoul, and  Katie was our favorite Ninja. Grammie stayed home and gave out candy, while Jeff and Angela took the kids out. Then Angela and Chloe came back to help me, while Jeff took Katie and Jack out again. Jeff said Katie and Jack did VERY well - were very polite, saying "please" and "thank you" and only taking one treat at each home. He was quite proud of them! Chloe was quite the hostess at home, loving the fact that she could give kids candy. All in all, quite a successful Halloween!

And here we are now - back to cold December. May you have a warm, peaceful, joyous Christmas, dear Reader, with you and yours. And may 2017 be happy, healthy and prosperous for you, as well!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
0 Comments

October - Linda and Jeff visit for JJ's Interment at a Lovely Ceremony, Beautiful Slab poured for Meditation Room, Visiting Cousin Bob

10/22/2016

0 Comments

 
Dear Reader,
This has been a sad month, but also a hopeful month. Linda and Jeff arrived in early October to be part of JJ's Interment at the Heim plot at St. Peter Paul Cemetery on October 7th. It's been 10 years since JJ has passed away. Jeff and Linda here, by my side, gave me strength. I feel more at peace now that JJ has been laid to rest with his Dad, Uncle "Bug", his grandparents and great-grandparents. I miss him so! We all do.

And hopeful, dear Reader, because the slab has been poured for the Meditation Room on the Land. It's been stamped to look like old Medieval paver bricks. Frank will begin the construction in the next week. The chapel- like Meditation Room will be beautiful. It is in a lovely setting and will be open to all those who are in need of serenity.

Jeff was able to get in some fishing before he left. He was only able to spend a few days here because Angela and Jeff celebrated their 8th anniversary right after he returned home. Congratulations, Angela and Jeff! You two have certainly been through some exciting and wild times! With 3 of the most adorable children! (I am a little prejudiced!)

Linda stayed longer, so we were able to visit our cousin Bob in Davenport with Libbet and her sister.  It was a short but fun visit! Then on to the farm where I put Linda to work! She did some mowing - and got quite good at it - even on the hills. Her paint job on the summer kitchen was excellent! On a side road near the farm, we saw turkeys crossing the road and snapped a picture of them flying (as best they can) into the adjoining field. We had so much fun - never stopped talking and laughing.  I missed both Jeff and Linda after they left.

But before they left, we all had a family pow wow. Lin and Jeff had some good ideas for me, which I am considering. Stay tuned...

A couple of weeks later, Jack's niece and husband - Barbara and Bill Neville - visited Naperville (where Barbara was born) and Chicago. I was fortunate enough to see them when they were in Naperville. We had brunch and then toured all the historic houses the Heim's lived in from Jack's grandmother's house to the house where Jack (and Barbara) grew up.  Barbara was fortunate to be given a tour by the owner of the house at 29 West Benton Avenue. What a delightful experience! Although Barbara is older than I am, she and Jeff are cousins! I only wish Jeff could have been here for Barbara and Bill's visit. We talked about all the old times and I heard more about Jack's younger years. We talked about Uncle "bug" and Aunt Elaine, too! I am so glad we are all family. They are the greatest, most gracious people!


So Fall has come. It is beautiful around the Land and beautiful on the Farm. Most of the fall pictures are of the Land. My next door neighbor, Gary, has been putting in a new pipe to drain his field into Willow Creek. He has to come across my land, which is shown in the last picture. 

Enjoy this Fall, dear Reader! It has been SO warm and wonderful!


0 Comments

Wild Turkeys on the Farm, New Gravel for Driveway at the Land, and  Best of All...Daddy is Teaching Jack to Golf!

9/23/2016

0 Comments

 
(Dear Reader,
Happy Autumn to you! Its still hot and humid here, but we are enjoying it because we know it will not last. In a matter of days  the coolness will arrive.
The last time I was at the farm, these turkeys were on the trail cam. It seems they like milling about in front of the house! 
My neighbor, Russ, put in the sump pump - and for the first time since I bought the farm, the basement is totally dry! It was at 42% humidity when I arrived! Amazing!
Back at the Land, I had a visitor by my front door as you can see by the photo. I also had my entire drive way re-graveled because it needed a little more gravel after 3 years. Macklin Quarries did a nice job. Dave finished it by using the little red Farmall Cub with the blade on the front. All ready for Ol' Man Winter.
Jeff called to tell me that his friend, Dave, had given Jack his first golf club with a special wedge on it for first time learners. So Jeff and Jack went to the golf range and had a good time. The middle picture really shows a wild stance. Move over Arnie!
I hope your  autumn will be a lovely, relaxing time, dear Readers.  I am awaiting Bob Nolte and his concrete for the slab for the little  "meditation room" I intend to build. (See photo below that I found on Pinterest.) One of these days, when it gets cooler, Bob will pour the concrete and then carpenter Frank can begin to erect the building. Can't wait!
Enjoy Fall!


Picture
0 Comments

Katie, Chloe and Jack go to Kindergarten! First Honey is Collected! The High Tunnel arrives! August is hot, humid, wet, and damages the Iowa farm basement!

8/31/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Reader,
I can't believe it! Our sweet, rambunctious triplets have started kindergarten! And they seem to love it!

Katie, Chloe and Jack each have different teachers this year, and they each like their teachers. It's a wonderful school. They seem to be doing adapting well to a full day of school. They are amazing! How grown-up and eager  they look on their first day of kindergarten!

This month Chris Hildrith finished up taking the honey from the frames I gave him. We are sharing the work of taking care of my bees. We should have many pounds of honey by now, so something is wrong with the amount of honey these very active bees are bringing in. So far, we have produced 26 pounds of honey. At least its something. The bees are strong, there is plenty for them to forage on, so Terry Ingram is quite perplexed about the situation.  He even suggested that someone may be taking the honey, which has occurred to me also. Honey is like gold, so you never know! I am happy with the honey I have so far. There should be more to come. I am watching the bees and looking at them every 3-4 days.

The rains of August 2nd in southern Iowa unfortunately flooded my farm basement and shorted out the freezer. By the time I returned to the farm 12 days later, it was a mess! Insurance is going to pay for a lot of it, but oh!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how awful the smell was. I lost all my side of beef, pork, chicken, etc. Taking the freezer out of the basement was a horrid mess, too. But neighbor Russ has installed a new sump pump with battery back up and promises to check the house after rainstorms. Bless his heart!

Speaking of neighbors, another wonderful neighbor in Iowa, Ted Miller, met the incoming high tunnel delivery at my farm, used his tractor to off-load them from the semi, and deliver them to the site behind the orchard where the high tunnel will be erected. Ted had already plowed it and soon will put on some compost. I hope to have it constructed in time to plant a cover crop and a few kales before winter closes in.

I have added in some photos of the Land  in early morning sunshine. Both places are so beautiful. I hope you like the pictures. This week I am meeting with Bob Nolte and Frank who will put in the concrete slab for the cute little meditation building I am building by Beemerville gate. It is going to be adorable! And open to all!

Labor Day celebrations are approaching, so enjoy your weekend, dear Reader, and hopefully find a few minutes to rest from your labors. I will, too!

Until next time....
0 Comments

Britney and DJ visit The Land! Cousin Bob as well as neighbor Norm ride in RAGBRAI and visit the farm in Iowa, and Sadly...so Sadly, dear friend and relation, Michael, passes away.

7/31/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Reader,
It has been quite an up and down month. I looked forward to many visits from family and friends, but in the midst of all the anticipation of seeing loved ones, dear Michael passed away on July 19th. He passed away 5 days before turning 96. What a great life he had. Yet I am still in shock, because I talked to him, as usual, the night before he passed away, and he sounded so good and strong. Said he thought he could make it to 100. I was so encouraged by his attitude. Of course, I agreed with him. Only to lose him the next day. It is a relief to know he went quickly. But such an emptiness I feel now. For 7 years he called me every night and we talked about 1/2 hour. Then each Friday we went out to lunch in the 'burbs. In the fall, we spent two weeks up in Door County, and in the Spring we did the same thing. It was wonderful. I am so grateful I had this time with Michael. I've known him since I was 16, and then I married into Jack's family - which included Michael. The last 7 years, after Betty passed away, I have been privileged to get to know him much better. Rest in peace, Michael. You are missed.

The happy news is Britney and DJ's visit. Britney wanted to show her dear husband "her Chicago" which included a stop at the Land. Lucky for me! It was so great to see them! D J, whom I feel is really a "country" boy, loved the Land. (Which of course endeared him to me, all the more!) He fished and fished almost the entire day. Caught over 20 fish, in addition to losing about 10 big fish. DJ only had a 6 lb line, which broke  whenever he would try to pull the fish into the boat. Finally, after dark, he caught the biggest bass he has ever caught, right off the shore. That's a big grin on his face. He was so elated!

Britney and DJ walked around the Land, took the Gator for a ride around the Land, relaxed in the screen house and spent plenty of time in the jon boat. The day went quickly, the next morning went quickly - and all too soon they were on their way to Chicago. I miss their cheery faces! I hope DJ figures out a way to visit the Land during the summer when Britney is on summer vacation (she is a first grade teacher), so they can spend more time out here!

Then there was RAGBRAI taking place just 3 miles from my farm. RAGBRAI is the famous, yearly ride across Iowa that happens every July. This year 20,000 riders passed closed to the farm. My cousin Bob and Libbet stopped in to see me the day before the riders went by, after they made it to Centerville. They didn't stay long, but it was so good to see them. I gave them the official  tour. They loved the farm. It was great to see both of them.

On July 28th, when all the riders passed by Bison Trail after leaving Centerville, I was there taking pictures and looking for my former neighbor, Norm Engstrom. He rides every year, and we made plans to meet, so he could ride out to the farm and see it. He is quite familiar with The Land, as he, and Chris his wife, lived on the next road over from The Land, but he has never seen the farm. He was quite impressed. Said (after eating 4 ears of sweet corn just picked that morning on an Amish farm) "This is an enchanting place." (So true!) Norm and I figured out it has been 3 years since we've seen each other. That's how long Chris and Norm have lived in their new home in Ashland, Wisconsin. They really like it up there. Again, it was good to see Norm after 3 years!

So, dear Reader, sadness and happiness all wound up together. Happy to see my family and friends, sad to lose Michael. Give lots of love to your loved ones, because you never know...
Picture
0 Comments

 A Great Visit With My Family! Happy First Anniversary, Britney and D. J.! Flooding at the Land, and Restoring Natives Around the Small Pond in  Illinois

6/26/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Reader,

They arrived! Katie, Chloe, Jack, Angela and Jeff arrived on June 4th for 5 fun-filled days! Oh, what fun we had!
Jack was always crouched down looking at bugs as you can see in some of the pictures. Katie loved riding her little bike I bought for her, as did Chloe and Jack. They loved the 4x4, too. Angela was taking no chances with ticks - as shown in her picture with Jeff (with boots on). So cute! The kids drew pictures for Grammie, which I will treasure forever, they played in the sand and on "the boat" in the pond. We all went for a ride on an Amish buggy with Mr. Nisley. We visited neighbors and played at Lake Wapello, too. Jeff actually caught 3 small fish - 2 catfish and 1 sunfish. I was amazed, as I only stocked it partially last fall with tiny fish. Good to know they grew! Angela cooked some delicious meals as did Jeff. Dave came over and grilled some beef for us. He took the kids for a ride on the tractor, too. Jack was in seventh heaven!

The kids have grown up so much. Next fall they will enter kindergarten. I can't believe it was 5 years ago that they arrived! We are so fortunate they have come through their early births so well.

I returned to the Land on June 9th. Since that time we've had several big thunderstorms and power outages. The creeks flooded into my backyard. It's either been in the 90's or in the 70's. Such weather!

Karl Hawbaker brought out some more relatives from Tennessee. They loved the land!

In the meantime, the hollyhocks are blooming - and finally - yes finally - the 3 year restoration project around the small pond/swamp has blossomed! It looks beautiful! Now I want to increase the prairie landscape all over, but I realize it will take time. But what fun to look forward to restoring the Land!.

Last but not least, Happy 1st Anniversary to my niece Britney and her wonderful husband, D J! Only a year ago today, we were all together in Phoenix at their wedding! Here's to many more anniversaries and much happiness!

Hope you are having a lovely summer, dear Reader. The Solstice has come and gone already, so it's time to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! I AM!!!

Picture
0 Comments

Missing JJ, Continuing to Improve the Land, And the Farm,...and Getting Ready for Triplets

5/29/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Reader,

Forty-two years ago May 6th, I became a mother for the first time. And JJ was everything a new mother (and father) could ask for. The years have flown by too quickly, and its been 10 years since I've been able to give JJ a hug, or hear his voice, or just have him physically in my life. How I miss him. He is still with me, even now, but of course, I can not see him or hug him. I was blessed to have him in my life. We all were.  I put the lilacs from the Land on top of JJ's chapel, which overlooks the pond. I go there so often to sit and talk with him and Jack, Mom and Papa. It gives me solace.

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, so it seems fitting that tomorrow on Memorial Day I will again put flowers on JJ's chapel, in honor of Jack who served in the Navy in WWII, in honor of all of those who have given their lives for our country, and for my more recent losses - JJ and Mom. The Land looks beautiful, and the chapel is so serene.  I know you, too, dear Reader, are thinking of those you have loved and who are no longer here. My thoughts are with you.

******
On a brighter note, Jeff, Angela, Katie, Chloe and Jack will be here in less than a week. I am so looking forward to their visit.

While cleaning up the area in front of the farmhouse in Iowa, I discovered a tiny nest in a bush. There were hummingbird eggs in there! They were so little and delicate! I hope they haven't hatched yet so I can show the kids when they arrive.

I have also been busy putting new gravel down at the farm, setting up the screen house by the farm pond, making a new campfire pit, adding some flowers along the new sidewalk, and displaying Katie, Chloe and Jack's new little playhouse (along with the grill for Daddy to cook on!). Shhhh! Don't tell the triplets they have a playhouse waiting for them! It's a surprise! Also, the last time Dave was at the farm, he worked on the fairy house roof. Now I need three little munchkins to help make it a real fairy house!

Meanwhile Katie, Chloe and Jack have posed in their graduation caps, which are JUST SO ADORABLE! They will start kindergarten in the fall.

And today - ah, today - has been busy with all kinds of people dropping in to fish - first Karl Hawbaker and his cousins from Tennessee (his cousin caught a small bass and was so happy!). Then Chris and Smitty and friends showed up almost at the same time Karl arrived. It was looking pretty wild around here. Later, Chris Hildreith brought his kids over to fish and jump in the pond. They are so cute! They love it here. And Chris caught a huge catfish (there is grass on it as they dragged it through the newly cut grass). Henry is holding it.

Oh, and by the way, I was looking out the cottage window a couple of days ago, and what did I see? 4 deer right outside! They looked quite relaxed. What wonderful views right from the dining room table!

So all in all, a very busy couple of days! Dave came over and we cleaned up lots of different areas with his pole saw and chain saw. The Land was mowed yesterday (by Kern Lawn Care) and it looks beautiful! Great timing for all the guests that showed up!

May you have a relaxing, enjoyable Memorial Day, dear Reader!
0 Comments

Ahhh, April! What a wonderful month! Denver Visit, Denver Blizzard and All!

4/30/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Reader,

Early in April, I took a quick trip to Denver to see the little ones and what a time we had! (They are not so little any more!)

The last two days of school just before Katie, Chloe and Jack's spring vacation were cancelled because of a huge, wild blizzard! What fun the kids had in the snow! It was deep!!! Jack was buried in the snow up to his neck, which he loved. A few of us had some misgivings, but he seemed to be thrilled with the snow all around him. Then it was Jeff's turn!

Grammie brought Easter egg dye kits for the kids, so they had a blast coloring eggs. Then they had so much fun opening their Easter baskets the Easter bunny left for them.

Jack took his first picture of Grammie and I think he did an excellent job! He held my camera so steady!

The whole fam (minus Grammie) left for the mountains for several days on Easter. They had a great time.
I drove back to the Land. The Hildreth family came out on a beautiful day to fish. Scarlet liked "driving" the truck more than fishing!

My neighbor's dog, Maggie, came for a visit, which I truly enjoyed. I also managed to pick up 3 little bikes for the kids when they visit in Iowa. The pics are taken at The Land. 

It's amazing how everything is filling out here. Zack Kern and company were out here yesterday mowing the Land, and it looks great! (See last picture) I hardly lifted a finger! I could get spoiled! However, Dave Haury and I are still working on repairing the eastern fence line, and getting the east side of Willow Creek all ready for the chicken tractor the Hildreth's are going to bring over. Aaron Armitage has mowed over on the east side and it's looking good, too! The hybrid hazelnut trees are growing well. The pond is high and will receive a spraying to keep down the bad weeds that have suddenly appeared in the last two years. Ken Clodfelter, the wildlife biologist, is perplexed about them.

At the farm, the new sidewalk was put in just this last week!  I hope you enjoy the pictures! It really makes a difference!

Last but not least, my niece Brittney, read my book to her class. They posed for a picture with it! Britney says they loved the story. Britney is such a good teacher - and not just because she read my book to her class!

Enjoy May Day tomorrow, dear Reader!


0 Comments

Catching Bass on the Land! Finally, a Working Kitchen! Preparing the Farm for Katie, Chloe, and Jack's Visit This Summer!

3/19/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Reader,


It's Spring! Well, almost anyway. Tomorrow is the first full day of spring! As you can see from the photo above, the Hildreth family came out to fish the pond on the Land when I was in Iowa (they were invited to do so, of course!). They had a blast, according to Chris and Erin. Here is a picture of the bass that Henry caught. Chris said he (Chris) threw in 10 casts and caught 8 bass! They were all the same size - not too big, but then Henry caught this one! Good one!

Just one week shy of an entire year without a kitchen, the kitchen on the farm is finally finished!  At least the part that the cabinetmaker  was in charge of. Now I have to figure out what goes above the back splash. But now at least, it is a usable fully-functioning kitchen! It looks so good! The  entire granite countertop was replaced, and then the mouldings and range finally were added. Such a nice job!

The weather is getting nicer. The last time I was in Iowa, Dave and I worked outside quite a bit. Bruce, a friend of mine from Alaska and Virginia, stopped by one night on his way home. So we put him to work, too. We spread compost around daffodils, and worked on the "tree stump fairy house" that will be in front of the kid's eventual playhouse.  Dave plans to trim up the dead stump and put a roof on it. I hope to have  Katie, Chloe and Jack help decorate the front of the stump with a little pretend door and windows. I even found another little fairy house at the Land, which I will take to the farm and put by the big stump fairy house. (see photo)

I hope the kids don't get too excited about their playhouse, because it will not be done by the time they visit this year. (See pictures of the inside of the playhouse.) I hope they aren't too big for it by the time the playhouse is finished, and they visit in the future! Dave found an old concrete slab and put it in front of the door. Then we leveled out the yard and added the triplet's new picnic table. I know they will like their stump fairy house!

We also managed to put the Gator in the barn, after moving some of the junk (!!!) in there. Then we burned all the wood debris in the burn pit at the back of the farm (you might think its Native Americans sending smoke signals!), and had quite a lovely time uncovering old flower beds and all.

And one last thing! We cut up a really nice, but dead, walnut on the Land, put the wood on the trailer and hauled the pieces to the farm. We also brought some large stones from the Land. Dave used the stones to ring a campfire overlooking the farm pond, and then arranged the stools for  seats around the campfire. The 3 little ones in the front of the picture were cut a little shorter, especially for Katie, Chloe and Jack. I'm really looking forward to their visit this summer! (This picture shows the view of the pond in front of the summer kitchen I had moved in last fall.)

Happy Spring, dear Reader!
Picture
0 Comments

Slowly but Surely "Restoring" the Farmhouse Craft Room, and Something New at the Land

2/20/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Reader,
Oh, so much is happening! First off, it finally warmed up! Yesterday was 60 degrees - at least for a while. Today won't be quite as warm but it's still nice (and windy). So...I have spring fever. Around here, it doesn't take much for me to have spring fever! However, Jeff called and said it had been 65 degrees, even 70 degrees. Why can't we get that here?

I have a wonderful announcement for The Land. Erin and Chris (above on left) and their family of 5 children (including Rylen in this picture), will be farming the very eastern edge of The Land! It's so exciting! They have an established organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) only 7 miles away from my Land. Who would have ever guessed that? They need more land to raise additional chickens because they sell dozens of eggs every week to their customers. Erin and Chris homeschool their children, who are wonderfully behaved and sweet. I am looking forward to all the kids running around The Land, along with 1-2 chicken tractors and lots of chickens! What a nice thing to look forward to in 2016!

At the farm in Iowa...the restoration of the farmhouse continues. And continues. This coming week - so they say - I will have the granite countertop repaired to my liking (maybe), (word to the wise - do not use Renaissance Granite in Des Moines), and also have a new refrig, new microwave, that gorgeous gas range, and upper cabinets put in. As I write this, I will not believe it until it's done. If it truly gets accomplished this week, it will be 11 1/2  months since I had the old kitchen torn out. Wow! I believe a year is long enough to wait for a new kitchen...

And...as the title of this blog says, the basement in the farmhouse is being slowly, but surely, turned into a craft room and a laundry room. What a lot of work (and fun) it has been. I still have a long way to go, but it is showing some progress. Enjoy the pictures!

I've added some more pictures of the new walkway to the island in the pond on the farm in Iowa, too.  Thanks again to Russ Fane and his son, Josh.

Angela sent some pictures of the kids last month - Chloe getting ready for her soccer class, Katie in her Colorado Rockies shirt, and Jack in his hat (sounds like Dr. Seuss). I like the pictures of the girls in their princess dresses, too. Last but not least, is the picture I just took outside my cottage here at the Land with the geese, newly arrived from the south, "walking" on water (and ice). You can see that all the snow has melted. Chris and Smitty wanted to ice fish today, but its not looking good!

AND Most Importantly:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY NEPHEW, PATRICK!!!!!  May you have a wonderful celebration tomorrow!

Have a wonderful weekend, dear Reader!
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Author

    Jane Heim is a writer and lifelong activist for sustainable living and organic growing. She is author of The Directory of Working Women, What to Do When the Stock Market Falls, and Car Living Your Way.  She is also the author of Chemical Cowboys, an article that has recently appeared  in Acres USA.  Ms. Heim is also the author of an upcoming article on www.motherearthnews.com
    Ms. Heim originated and developed the Organic Education Center for Oregon Tilth in partnership with the City of Lake Oswego, Oregon. She Co-Founded Spray Drift Educations Network in 2011, IOGA original board member.  S
     he presently lives in the Midwest in a cottage overlooking her lake.

    Picture

    Archives

    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010

    Categories

    All
    2012
    6 Degrees Of Separation
    Afghanistan
    African Countries
    Airstrip
    Algae
    Alien Footprints
    Amboy
    America
    Amish Buggies
    Andersons Manitou Falls Camp
    Appanoose County
    Arch-conservative
    Army Corp Of Engineers
    Army Corps Of Engineers
    Arugula
    Asparagus
    A Thousand Acres
    Aurora Round House
    Avocados And Bananas
    Babies
    Backhoe Work
    Banner Stone
    Bass
    Bathroom New
    Battery
    Beauty!
    Beaver Dam
    Beemerville Bridge
    Beemerville Road
    Bees
    Bees On The Birdbath
    Bee Stings
    Bernadette Dorn
    Big Al
    Bird Habitat
    Birthday
    Birthday Party
    Black Dirt Delivery
    Black Hawk
    Black & White Duck
    Blossoms
    Bluegill
    Blue Heron
    Bobcat
    Bob Nolte Concrete
    Boulder Colorado
    Breckenridge Co
    Brite
    Britney Graduation
    Brushpile Fire
    Buck For The Build
    Bucks For The Build
    Building
    Building A Home
    Bull Dozers
    Burlington-Northern Train
    Burn Piles
    Byron Nuclear Power Plant
    Calamari
    California
    Canada
    Cantril
    Cape Cod Home
    Carpenter
    Carriage House
    Case Earthmover
    Caseys
    Catfish
    Cement Dumping
    Cemetaries
    Centerville Ia
    Central Intelligence Agency
    Chain Sawing
    Champagne
    Chapel
    Chapel Posts
    Chapel Windows
    Chapel Wood Delivery
    Chef Amaury
    Chicago
    Chicago Bears
    Chinns
    Chloe
    Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Chores
    C.I.A.
    Civil War Vet
    Coast Guard
    Coconut Scallops
    Colorado
    Complete Well Drilling
    Compton Lutheran Church
    Concrete
    Concrete Slab
    Contrails
    Contrails Over Car
    Cornflowers
    Cottage
    Cottonwood Tree
    Country Living
    Country Living Editor Sarah Gray Miller
    Country Living Magazine
    Country Scenes
    Cpa
    Crappie
    Crappies
    Cutting Stumps
    Davenport Ia
    Daylilies
    Deep Snow
    Deer
    Dentist
    Denver
    Despots
    Dinner
    Dinner At The Heim'S
    Dixon
    Dixon Telegraph
    Dobson High School
    Donations
    Door County
    Downpours
    Dreams
    Ducks
    Dude
    Dump
    Dumpster Diving
    Dutchman General Store
    Earlville
    Earthmover
    Earthquake
    Earthquake Fault Lines
    Earthquakes
    Easter Bunny
    E-coli
    Ed Begley
    Ed Begley Jr
    Egypt
    Einstein
    Ekana Nursery
    Elderberries
    Elderberry Wine
    Elk
    End Of An Era
    End Tables
    Ensemble Monticello
    Eulalia Beeze Music Scholarship
    Evan Lysacek
    Exline Ia
    Eye Surgery
    F.A.A.
    Facebook
    Fake Fat Budda
    Fallen Willow Tree
    Family And Friends
    Family Reunion
    Farmall Cub
    Farm Ducks
    Farmer
    Farm & Fleet
    Father\\\\
    Fault Lines
    Fecal Count
    Federal Aviation Administration
    Fence Panels
    Field Force
    Fires
    Firewood
    First Day Of Spring
    First Wood Donation
    Fishing
    Fishing Poles
    Fishing Rods
    Fish On Tip Up
    Flags
    Flood
    Flooding
    Flowers
    Foam On Creek
    Forgotten Cemetery
    French Breakfast Radishes
    Friends
    Full Moon
    Funny Movie
    Furnace
    Garage Cleaned
    Garage Sales
    Gardening
    Garlic
    Generator
    Geneva
    George Debouef
    Gigantic Moles
    Giggles
    G M Sipes
    G M Sipes Construction Co
    Goose Eggs
    Gordon And Gordetta
    Gordon And Gordetta 2
    Goslings
    Grandmother
    Grapevines
    Great Blue Heron
    Great Blue Heron Story
    Greenhouse
    Green River
    Guitar Player
    Haiti
    Halloween
    Halloween Costume
    Hand Pump
    Happy Easter
    Happy Spring
    Harding Blacktop
    Have Your People Call My People
    Hawbakers
    Health Hazard
    Helicopter
    Helping Papa
    Hewlett
    Hinckley
    Hive Body
    Hoar Frost
    Horses
    Housebuilding
    House Building
    Hover Craft
    Huey P. Long
    Hydrant
    Ice Fishing
    Ice Fishing Hole
    Ice Fishing Hut
    Icicles
    Idoa
    Iepa
    Il Dept Of Ag
    Illinois
    Indian Artifacts
    Industrialized Farmers
    Ioga
    Iowa
    Iraq
    Irish Blessing
    Italy
    Jack
    Janesville
    Jessica Lange
    JJ\'s Chapel
    Jjs Chapel
    Jjs Chapel Dedication
    John Deere Little Tractor
    Jr
    Jr.
    Katie
    Kendell
    Kevin Bacon
    Kind Stranger
    Kings Il
    Kirkland
    Labor Unions
    L.A. Driving
    Lake
    Lake Melt
    Lake Melting
    Lake Michigan
    Lake Of Many Tears
    Lake Oswego Oregon
    Laptop Work
    Lau-Nae Winery
    Laundry
    Lawsuit
    Lee County Old Courthouse
    Lee County Zoning Dept
    Leffleman Crew
    Leffleman\'s
    Leffleman & Sons
    Lincoln Highway
    Lisle Il
    Little Traveler
    Lost Saw
    Lucy Ricardo
    Major John Dixon
    Major Of The Steer Battalion
    Man Cave
    March Skies
    Mark Campbell And Girls
    Martin & Co
    Menards
    Mendota
    Mesclun Mix
    Michigan Energy Works
    Micro Burst
    Mideast Countries
    Military
    Milton Cheese
    Monsanto
    Morgan Cline
    Mothers Day
    Mott Mower
    Moving Picnic Table
    Mowing
    Mr. Outside Squirrel
    Mr Pervert
    Mr Pooper
    My Window On The World
    Native American
    Navy Pier
    New Garage
    New Garden
    New Shed
    New Storage Shed
    Nighttime Walkfeb74cebe9
    Nissan
    Nissan Murano
    Northwestern Law School
    Northwest Wind
    Norwegian Chapel
    Oak
    Oil Slick
    Old Fisherman
    Olympics
    Opening The Fields
    Organic
    Organics
    Outhouse
    Packard
    Packers
    Paradise Ponderosa
    Park Ridge
    Paw Paw
    Peas
    Peepers
    Pesticide Drift
    Peyton Place
    Pilots
    Pine Trees
    Pining Samuel
    Planes
    Planting
    Planting Peas
    Plants
    Plumbing Supply
    Plum Trees
    Poisoned Earth
    Polluted Willow Creek
    Pond
    Poop Wars
    Post Hole Digger
    Power Plant
    Presbyterians
    Pressure Tank
    Primitive Cottage
    Privacy Fence
    Promotion
    Pulaski Ia
    Pulling Weeds
    Purple People Eater
    Purple Picnic Table
    Pussy Willows
    Queen Bee
    Queen Excluder
    Raccoon
    Rain
    Rains
    Rascal Flatts
    Raspberry Fudge Chocolates
    Recycled Materials
    Red Bud Il
    Red Sunset
    Red Truck
    Reese Witherspoon
    Reunion
    Revelations
    Rhubarb
    Roadbetweentheponds556f6130ec
    Rochelle
    Rochelle Drywall
    Rochelle Wastewater
    Rochelle Wastewater Plant
    Rockford Register Star
    Rock River
    Rodeo
    Rodney King
    Root Cellaring Book
    Rosebud
    Rototilling Garden
    Rumros And Excuses
    Salamandra Restaurant
    Salk Valley Telegraph
    Sandia Mountain
    Sand Point Well
    Sandwich Il
    Sawdust Girls
    Scrap Metal
    Screamers
    Screenhouse
    Sden
    Sea Gulls
    Seasons
    Seedlings
    Seeds
    Septic
    Setting Sun
    Severe Clear
    Sirius
    Skeleton
    Skid Loader
    Skunk
    Snow
    Snowagaina34a95f58f
    Snow Removal
    Solar
    Spain
    Spectacular Sunsets
    Sponsors
    Spray Drift
    Spray Drift Damage
    Spray Drift Education Network
    Spray Drift Information Pamphlet
    Spray Drift Pamphlet
    Spring
    Spring Fever
    Spring Fever Again
    Squirrel
    Squirrels
    Stanley And Mazie
    State Of Illinois
    Stonework
    St Patricks Day
    Strange Duck
    Summer On Land
    Superbowl
    Super Bowl
    Supers
    Survey
    Survey Tech
    Sustainable
    Swamp Willows
    Swarming Bees
    Sweet Home Alabama
    Tax Assessor
    Tax Bills
    Taxes
    Tenant Farmer
    Tents And Camping
    The Great Depression
    The Land
    The Sky Voyeur
    The Telegraph
    Thunderstorm
    Thunderstorms
    Tip Up
    Tip Up Fish
    Toilet
    Tombstones
    Tomcat
    Tractors
    Training Area
    Training Field
    Triplets
    Triplets Eating In High Chairs
    Tulips
    Turkeys
    Turkey Statue
    Turtle
    Twins
    Ultra Liberal
    University Of Wisconsin
    Univ Of Il Ext
    U Of W Soil Lab
    Utitlity Room
    Valentine
    Vampires
    Van Buren County
    Vanity
    Vegetable Seeds
    Video
    Video Completed
    Video Making
    Vietnam War
    Visitors
    Walter Payton
    Water Pump
    Weebly
    Weed Whacker
    Wheaton
    Whitefish Bay
    Whole Foods
    Wi
    Wicker Settee
    Wild Grape Vine
    Wild Violets
    Wildwood Restaurant
    William Charles
    William Charles Co
    Willow
    Willow Creek
    Willow Creek Organic Farm
    Willow Creek Township
    Willow Tree
    Windows
    Wind Turbines
    Wisconsin Cheese Factory
    Wls Channel 7
    Wood Donations
    Wyoming Township Road Commissioner
    Yoga Studio
    Youtube
    Zemans
    Zoning Department

    RSS Feed

buildthathouse.com