Post-Thanksgiving Family Time

Neither my husband nor I grew up with guns in the house.  My husband's previous profession required him to be ready to use a handgun at a moment's notice.  He also had to be familiar with rifles. 

I've taken a women's handgun safety course promoted by the local sheriff's department.  ( I have a certificate and everything!)  Alas, still no gun.

My husband was given my father-in-law's .22 rifle, that no one knew he had, when his mom passed away this summer. 

We share a common problem with our eldest son and his family--groundhogs.  We lent the gun to him to use to try and clean up some of his problems.  It is with great pride that I can report that my daughter-in-law actually hit a groundhog twice (she doesn't think she killed it right away).  The funny part of this story is that she called her dad and my son in tears that she didn't kill it.  Her father said that it was so sad that she didn't kill it right away and the poor thing would suffer and he understood her soft heart towards animals.  My son told her she was wonderful and that it was a groundhog--and she needed to call me.  When I heard her news, I told her that she was amazing and that I had never shot a critter and that I was so very proud of her.  I also told her that it was a groundhog--they will eat your children--and have destroyed everything you have ever planted.  She did OK.  I bought her more ammo.  She has also become a legend among the men at church.

The day after Thanksgiving, our son invited us and our younger son to come out to enjoy some shooting.  My husband brought his "professional" weapon for us all to shoot as well.  Our target:  A very large pumpkin!

It was a great bonding time for the boys and their dad.  He was able to give some great tips and make sure we were doing everything safely.  And, realized that I was using my left eye.  It was no wonder I couldn't hit anything!

My youngest son admiring his shot.



My husband shooting and my eldest son watching.



Our target...and yes, I actually surprised myself and hit the bulls eye!  It is amazing how much better I did when I used my right eye!!!

My youngest son put and apple on top, but it was my husband that blew it away!  As you can see, some of us need a bit of practice yet.

We had a great time and hope to enjoy this family fun more often.

Happiness Arrives in the Mailbox

It is not even December and Johnny's Seed Catalog has arrived!

It used to be that my mom would say that the Sears or JC Penney Spring/Summer catalog would arrive on the coldest day of the year.  (It is not that cold today...yet.  The wind is picking up and the weather people are forecasting a wee bit of snow.)

Being that I still have the remains of Thanksgiving that need to be dealt with, this lovely catalog filled with colors and great ideas arrives today to tempt me away from my chores.

Even though we have had plenty of rain and our yard is still very green, it is nice to see some color.

Right after Christmas cards, decorating, baking, more cleaning and presents purchased and...well you get the idea...sometime in January, I'll get my list started for next season's purchases.


O God of the Highest Heaven,

...O help me then to walk worthy of thy love,
   of my hopes, and my vocation.
Keep me, for I cannot keep myself;
Protect me that no evil befall me;
Let me lay aside every sin admired of many;
Help me to walk by thy side, lean on thy arm,
   hold converse with thee,
That henceforth I may be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.
--an excerpt from Regeneration, from The Valley of Vision

Family Farms

When I pulled this article from the Drudge Report, I knew it was going to be sad.  Indeed, it is a sad day for America when the small family farms continue to be sold at an alarming rate.  A source of family traditions and rural wisdom that is rapidly disappearing.  It won't be long until the "old ways" are only remembered by a few...and that is when we just might need them.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

My God,
...Thy bounteous goodness has helped me believe,
   but my faith is weak and wavering,
   its light dim,
   its steps tottering,
   its increase slow,
   its backslidings frequent;
It should scale the heavens but lies grovelling in the dust.
...Lord, awake faith to put forth its strength
   until all heaven fills my soul
   and all impurity is cast out.
--an excerpt from, Faith, in The Valley of Visions