Back again. Have been without phone service and computer for over two weeks, due to our recent ice storm.
We were lucky. Only out of power for 5 days. Had a few rough nights, with below zero temperatures. Mind you, we are no Minnesota, but we are also not used to what we got with this storm. At our house, 8 inches of snow and 1.5 inches of ice. Needless to say, everything shut down.
This is the situation that I was so worried about this summer, when the Hurricane Ike outage happened. Our county opened one warming center (care of the Red Cross). 155 people utilized the facility. Many younger families, took in Seniors for a few days. Our Milltown Fire Department went door to door checking on folks. Our Senior Apartments were visited, by their respective fire departments, checking on residents. If you lived out in the country, you were on your own (unless family and friends banded together). It is still my opinion, that we need more organization. Most of the folks at the warming center, were brought there by fire or police.
Most people did not know that the center was open. If citizens were not able to get down the roads, they did not know that many of the small water districts were under "boil only" regulations.
I have less to say about this emergency than the last one, because I could not get out. Therefore, I did not see much first hand.
I have added a few pictures of our place, 3 days after the storm. Enjoy! They look pretty, looking back on them!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Many Apologies
Many apologies. I have been out of commission since mid November. Have had a very bad case of pneumonia, in both lungs. Back to almost normal now... with a word of warning. I have been told by two doctors and a pharmacist, that there is an upper respiratory infection "floating" around the Midwest. This infection is turning into pneumonia quickly and is killing, even fairly healthy middle aged people. So, I guess that I am to consider myself lucky. Lucky indeed!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Don't Be A Goat-Hater
Goats...people either love 'em or hate them.
The usual stereotypes. They stink, they are mean, they will eat anything, they destroy everything and they just look evil.
On the other hand...goats are curious, friendly, can clean up your property, get along with other animals and if kept properly, can feed your family and do not smell that bad! Now, they will eat just about anything and will jump up on anything that doesn't move. If you do not want them to do this, keep those kinds of food sources and gym equipment away from them!
Many a country boy or girl will tell you about their pet goat, when growing up. A goat raised from a kid, CAN be a wonderful childhood friend. If you neuter your males when young... a wether or doe, will follow you around like a puppy. They eat out of your hand, come when called, cry when you ignore them (or they think you are), play with the children endlessly and have enough curiosity for an entire family! I think that this is the perfect description of a playmate for a boy (or girl).
Fair warning. Every goat I have ever had, is a break out artist. Make sure your fences are sturdy, your locks secure. They will get out, if they can. They are curious. Just want to see what's next door, or the yard next to that.
Now for the biggest problem people think, that goats possess. They just look so evil!
This is because goats have been long held in religion, as being associated with the devil or witchcraft. It's their EYES! The pupils are horizontal. It just doesn't look "natural". Ah... get over it. Buy them a pair of cheap sunglasses.
The usual stereotypes. They stink, they are mean, they will eat anything, they destroy everything and they just look evil.
On the other hand...goats are curious, friendly, can clean up your property, get along with other animals and if kept properly, can feed your family and do not smell that bad! Now, they will eat just about anything and will jump up on anything that doesn't move. If you do not want them to do this, keep those kinds of food sources and gym equipment away from them!
Many a country boy or girl will tell you about their pet goat, when growing up. A goat raised from a kid, CAN be a wonderful childhood friend. If you neuter your males when young... a wether or doe, will follow you around like a puppy. They eat out of your hand, come when called, cry when you ignore them (or they think you are), play with the children endlessly and have enough curiosity for an entire family! I think that this is the perfect description of a playmate for a boy (or girl).
Fair warning. Every goat I have ever had, is a break out artist. Make sure your fences are sturdy, your locks secure. They will get out, if they can. They are curious. Just want to see what's next door, or the yard next to that.
Now for the biggest problem people think, that goats possess. They just look so evil!
This is because goats have been long held in religion, as being associated with the devil or witchcraft. It's their EYES! The pupils are horizontal. It just doesn't look "natural". Ah... get over it. Buy them a pair of cheap sunglasses.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Horse Auction Barn
Went to our local auction barn last night. This is something we do just about every week. A place to socialize with like minded folks. This is our "night out", so to speak. Unlike a club or whatever, the barn has an entire mix of people. Young, old, rich (relatively) and poor. Everyone interacts with everyone else. Other than teens, groups mix readily and well.
Vendors sell new and used items. From boots to blue jeans. Reins, saddles, wormer and household bric-a-brac. Then there is the livestock.
Some weeks the horses and livestock, look good. Even great. Pride in ownership, is apparent. Sale prices are more than fair. Everyone goes home happy.
Then there are nights when all of the livestock appear to be sick, mistreated, near death or all of the above!
Sometimes the sellers know that they just need to "get rid" of their animals. They give them away for free, or next to nothing. Other times, these owners (and I use that term loosely) will be asking ridiculous prices for mistreated livestock. They may "ace" their animals, so that they are more sell-able, a horse trader trick.
Hmmm...I believe that I own one of the animals that had been "aced". You can see her picture here, as my guard mule. I love her for what she is. Loaded with personality and intelligence, but also, can be mean as a snake.
Last night, there was a mix of animals. I saw a few horses, one donkey and a pygmy billy goat, that were outstanding examples of animals that had been taken well care of. Then, there was a sick colt. He kept going down, apparently of colic. A set of donkeys that were all scarred up and timid and a jenny that had horribly overgrown hooves. I am a sucker for the "hoof problem". The last time a donkey showed up at this auction with very bad feet, I talked the rescue into buying her. They worked for months, attempting to correct the overgrowth and related infection. Unfortunately, Rosetta, eventually had to be put down. One foot just was not fixable. Last night, I recognized the problem, and passed this poor jenny by. Money is tighter right now. I could not afford vet bills for an animal that may not survive.
I am going to appeal to people again. Take care of your livestock. If not, give them to someone who will or have them put down! Out of their misery. It is far more humane than letting them starve to death, live in pain or both! Consider donating time, money or feed to a local rescue. My choice out here is, New Beginnings Animal Rescue. You can reach them by the link provided farther down on my blog.
Vendors sell new and used items. From boots to blue jeans. Reins, saddles, wormer and household bric-a-brac. Then there is the livestock.
Some weeks the horses and livestock, look good. Even great. Pride in ownership, is apparent. Sale prices are more than fair. Everyone goes home happy.
Then there are nights when all of the livestock appear to be sick, mistreated, near death or all of the above!
Sometimes the sellers know that they just need to "get rid" of their animals. They give them away for free, or next to nothing. Other times, these owners (and I use that term loosely) will be asking ridiculous prices for mistreated livestock. They may "ace" their animals, so that they are more sell-able, a horse trader trick.
Hmmm...I believe that I own one of the animals that had been "aced". You can see her picture here, as my guard mule. I love her for what she is. Loaded with personality and intelligence, but also, can be mean as a snake.
Last night, there was a mix of animals. I saw a few horses, one donkey and a pygmy billy goat, that were outstanding examples of animals that had been taken well care of. Then, there was a sick colt. He kept going down, apparently of colic. A set of donkeys that were all scarred up and timid and a jenny that had horribly overgrown hooves. I am a sucker for the "hoof problem". The last time a donkey showed up at this auction with very bad feet, I talked the rescue into buying her. They worked for months, attempting to correct the overgrowth and related infection. Unfortunately, Rosetta, eventually had to be put down. One foot just was not fixable. Last night, I recognized the problem, and passed this poor jenny by. Money is tighter right now. I could not afford vet bills for an animal that may not survive.
I am going to appeal to people again. Take care of your livestock. If not, give them to someone who will or have them put down! Out of their misery. It is far more humane than letting them starve to death, live in pain or both! Consider donating time, money or feed to a local rescue. My choice out here is, New Beginnings Animal Rescue. You can reach them by the link provided farther down on my blog.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Cost Saving Tips
Living in a rural part of Southern Indiana, means not having access to many stores, that are close by.
Try the link below, called Tip Hero, for money saving ideas. Even if you have to drive "a ways", most of us do this to get the services we need. We just don't drive there as often!
As a nutrition instructor, I have to say, that many of Tip Hero's ideas are worth exploring.
Try the link below, called Tip Hero, for money saving ideas. Even if you have to drive "a ways", most of us do this to get the services we need. We just don't drive there as often!
As a nutrition instructor, I have to say, that many of Tip Hero's ideas are worth exploring.
Emaciated Horses
Please check out the link below, from the Courier Journal.
I am afraid that the stories of these horses, is being repeated far too often!
If you have the means, please donate to this worthy refuge's cause!
I am afraid that the stories of these horses, is being repeated far too often!
If you have the means, please donate to this worthy refuge's cause!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Joe the Plumber
I am not sure when this campaign season turned seriously ugly (on both sides of the fence). But, I do know what the meaning of "private citizen" is supposed to be.
This Joe guy, is a private citizen. As an American, we have certain rights and entitlements. One of these is, that we should be able to ask questions of our elected officials. WITHOUT REPRISALS!
I could not care less, if Joe the plumber owes taxes. I do not care, if he does not have his "official" plumber's license. I do not care, if he is a card carrying Republican or Democrat. I do not care, if the business he wants to buy is a "pipe dream". I just don't care.
What I care about, is the treatment that Joe the Plumber has received since he asked Barack Obama a simple question. News organizations, bloggers, campaign staff, whomever... have no business delving into a PRIVATE CITIZEN's personal life. Mr. Joe Plumber, is not running for public office.
If there had not been a "gaff" on Senator Obama's part (spread the wealth), the question would be buried in the dark morass of oblivion, by now.
I say leave the man and his family alone. As Americans, we have our self or a family member that have fought in wars to protect our way of life. If every "simple question" has a vicious consequence, then we as Americans are doomed. Our ideal is dead.
I am depressed that our media has stooped so low, as to think this type of behavior is acceptable. It is not. We are not electing royalty, a prophet or a God. We are electing a citizen of our country, to be President. One who has chosen a public life and chose not to keep his private life!
Joe the Plumber, did not make that decision. Keep the dirt digging to Obama and McCain. The "they did it first" mentality only works for 2 year olds.
This Joe guy, is a private citizen. As an American, we have certain rights and entitlements. One of these is, that we should be able to ask questions of our elected officials. WITHOUT REPRISALS!
I could not care less, if Joe the plumber owes taxes. I do not care, if he does not have his "official" plumber's license. I do not care, if he is a card carrying Republican or Democrat. I do not care, if the business he wants to buy is a "pipe dream". I just don't care.
What I care about, is the treatment that Joe the Plumber has received since he asked Barack Obama a simple question. News organizations, bloggers, campaign staff, whomever... have no business delving into a PRIVATE CITIZEN's personal life. Mr. Joe Plumber, is not running for public office.
If there had not been a "gaff" on Senator Obama's part (spread the wealth), the question would be buried in the dark morass of oblivion, by now.
I say leave the man and his family alone. As Americans, we have our self or a family member that have fought in wars to protect our way of life. If every "simple question" has a vicious consequence, then we as Americans are doomed. Our ideal is dead.
I am depressed that our media has stooped so low, as to think this type of behavior is acceptable. It is not. We are not electing royalty, a prophet or a God. We are electing a citizen of our country, to be President. One who has chosen a public life and chose not to keep his private life!
Joe the Plumber, did not make that decision. Keep the dirt digging to Obama and McCain. The "they did it first" mentality only works for 2 year olds.
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