We Bought A Mini Donkey Part 1

Joining Linda Kaye for Wednesday Wit and Wisdom a topic drivin' party.  The instructions share a photo or picture and write a story.

                                            
She was 13 when we lost her first horse.  It was a bad year for a young girl.  She began riding another horse in the string.  But it just wasn't the same.  
In January the Stock Show and Rodeo is held in our city.  As ranchers we always find the time to visit.  We aren't/weren't show people but we loved visiting and seeing the show and enjoying the rodeo. 

First the first time that year we (daughter and mom and brother The Cowboy still worked in the corporate world) happened to be there the day that the miniature donkeys showed.     

                   We'd never seen anything like it!

They were fascinating.  They were adorable.  We were sold!

Here birthday was coming up.  She got it in her head that she wanted a mini donkey. A mini donkey is less than 36".  Basically the size and disposition of a big dog.

So being the father that the Cowboy is when she asked he looked at me I nodded and he said 'Sure'. 

That was our first mistake.  Since The Cowboy was working and the kids were in school it was my task to investigate and find a mini. donkey for her Birthday present. 

It only took me a few minutes to realize that we might have made a huge mistake!

Our thought process was Horse are big and cost $____.  Donkeys
are a 1/4 the size and would cost 1/4 the price of a horse.  Wrong.

Back in 1995 mini donkeys were considered an exotic.  And the were priced as an exotic!   They cost as much or more than some horses.

I was crushed. I wanted one as much as our daughter. HeHe!  

Or course I broke the news to the Cowboy first.  And being the 
master of the bank account he kind of had a little set back and said "Well we can't spend that much for a birthday!"
And then the next statement was "And if we did the precedent would be set and we would have to spend that much on Brother!"
Hugh Sigh...."Well what are we gonna do?" And my answer was "I'll figure it out!" 

And I did.  I found a breeder that was willing to see a totally so sweet 'not weaned' little gelding (a boy that was fixed) for a very, 
very good price!

This isn't the end of the story.  You have to come back for part two!

But, We ended up with two mini donkeys! 

This post was written with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band singing in the background a PBS special.  I'm tappin' my foot. 


This isn't a great video.  But I hope you enjoy it as much as I didn.  If this concert is available on your PBS station check it out!

Linking with Wit and Wisdom, Warm Heart Wednesday and
Make my Saturday Sweet.   Because mini. donkeys are super sweet
you need one!
                                        

Happy Homemaker Monday on Tuesday

Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/14/2016 On Tuesday

I missed joining Sandra yesterday.   I had the privilege of spending the day with an old friend I met at work.

She was my assistant at the preschool where I worked.  She quit a little over a year ago to foster children. 

Yesterday she had to take a 5 day old new born an hour away to visit her mother.  It was a Blessing and quite 

the experience for me.   

I hope you don't mind a late look into my weeks plans. . . 
                                                              

The weather.....

Gorgeous! In the 70's and beautiful sun!

Right now I am....

Sitting at the computer drinking a Dr. Pepper and eating a couple of mini quiches I snagged at our crazy Kroger
the other day.  There are 16 in the box and marked down to $1.29!  These are usually at least $5.00.  
Yummy and what a bargain!

Thinking ....

Work.  I mentioned a Pre-K job the other day.  After going over details I decided not take it!  So I'm still
on the hunt.

On my TV.....

Not much just watching a few cooking shows.  I'm enjoying All Star Academy

On the menu for this week....

Monday -  Shrimp Etoufee, Jalepeno's Pinto's, Mustard Greens and Crawfish Cornbread

Tuesday - Some kind of fish recipe for Whiting Filets, a veggie and leftover Crawfish Cornbread

Wednesday - Big 'Ole Bowl of Chili (got ground beef on sale The Cowboy loves chili)

Thursday -  Pepperoni and Chicken/Spinach Pizza's

Friday - Food Truck meal!  Going to the zoo.  There is a food truck park across the street.

On my to do list....

Move the computer, rearrange books in the living room, set the dining room table, a little laundry, 

finish cleaning the fridge

Looking forward to this week....

Today an interview at a Chiropractors office.  I'm looking forward to it.  And kind of hoping this

is where God wants me.  For many reasons!  We'll see he'll open that door wide or slam it shut!

Looking around the house....

A little chaos right now.  I was gone most of the day yesterday so didn't get it straightened up.  clean 

laundry on table and books in a chair.  We're trying to get the garage cleaned out to get more stuff out of 

storage.

From the camera....

This Poinsettia just keeps hanging in there.  This photo is from this post. 

On my prayer list.....

Sandra and her family,  My friend the baby and the babies family and my job search.

Bible verse, Devotional....

                                                                       Source

Linking with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday

                              Have a Good week

                     

The Bronte Plot--Book Review

                                                     

From the back cover . . .

When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious liberties to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend, James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother, Helen, hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom as Helen confronts ghosts from her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Now Lucy must face her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that’s been waiting for her all along.

I loved what author Debbie Macomber had to say. . . "Katherine Reay is a remarkable author who has created her own stub-genre, wrapping classing fiction around comtemporary stories.  Her writing is flawless and smooth.  Her storytelling meaningful and poignant.  You'r going to love The Bronte Plot"

I loved that reading The Bronte Plot compelled me to go back and read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. I have never read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. (for info. on The Bronte Family click here.)

This was however a bit a slow read for me.  I really didn't develop a strong attachment to the characters.
I really wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. It was kind of a heavy read.  

If your a lover of  classics and literature you'll enjoy this book.  

For more information about the author and her other books click here. 

This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book.com

The fine print . . . 
I was offered this book for review by Harper Collins Publishers and Book Look in exchange for my honest review.  

Better Late Than Never . . .

For Today/Tonight... 

I spent the day with an old friend.  I had a great day driving her and a brand new 5 day old foster baby for a family visit. 

She hired me to 'help' with the children while she organized and made the home tidy. 

I offered to come and clean.  

We agreed that I'll come once a week and clean her house. 

While I was with her today she was texting a friend offered me a job cleaning her house.

Outside my window...

Beautiful bright sunshine.  

It was actually in the 80's today

I am thinking...

God is good.  He put me with me friend to help her today.

I am thankful...

That God provides.  We just need to be patient. And open. 

I am wearing...

It's the evening.

Athletic pants a tank top and an apron. 

Dinner dishes soaking.  I need to load the dishwasher

I am creating...

Always a quilt block to work on. 

But nothing specific except a project for a Swap.  Can't tell. HeHe.

I am going...

On three job interviews this week.

I am wondering...

What job God has planned for me

I am reading...

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

I love anything related to horses, Cowboys and ranching.  I'm really enjoying this book.

I am hoping...

I am able to be patient and listen to God and take the right job.

I am learning...

Patience and understanding

In my garden...

Click here for the post.

In my kitchen...

Source

Made this recipe for Crawfish Cornbread tonight.  It was really yummy. 

I cut the recipe in half and baked in a square brownie pan. 

In the homeschool room...

My grandson is homeschooled.  We're using the garden as a project for him.  He'll be charting and graphing the plant growth.  He planted seeds last week and learned about

Horizontal and Vertical.  We are planting a vertical garden. 

I explained the difference by using the example of his "Pa" lays on the couch taking a nap that is horizontal.  

A favorite quote for today...

A peek into one of my days...

Lately I've been able to spend time at home.  Getting my house back in order and clean.

And spending time organizing my sewing space and sewing a few quilt blocks. 

When I'm not working I'm sewing or reading. 

One of my favorite things...

Hot tubs

From the board room...

Source

Must have cake.  Chocolate!

BTW I have these exact plates from Pier One!

Post Script

Check out my Book Review page I've featured some great novels and cook books!

Linking today/tonight with The Simple Women's Daybook

My Gardening Diary Part 1

         Welcome.  I hope your weekend has been Blessed.
              Today I am starting a new Sunday feature.
                           My Gardening Diary
                Sharing My Frugal Garden 
I've always enjoyed having a garden.  But I haven't had much opportunity the last few years.  This year I'm changing all that.
                                          
                                                                     Cyclamen
                                    (click on the name for a link to how to grow and information)
This is the first  plant I bought this year in January.  I had a $5.00 bill (I'd already spent the rest of a $20.00 at Hobby Lobby) and stopped at a nursery.  I wanted something pretty and pink for Valentines Day.  I was afraid it wouldn't last till Valentines.  I was so happy that it did.  It's a little spent in this photo I took yesterday but it was beautiful until this week!  The is my new favorite.  I had seen these lovely plants around Christmas time.  I didn't realize that they would last so long!

This isn't really a nice shot.  I realize but I wanted to share it and keep a record.  Do you notice it's sitting in dirt.  That is one of the negatives about living in an apartment.  I can't count how many times we've asked for them to replace the grass.  I've given up! 

Next I want to share a plant that's on my patio right now.  It's kind of a crazy story.  And a crazy plant.  
                       
                                                                       Poinsettia
This one was very frugal!  I got it out of the dumpster.  Actually it was beside the dumpster on a pile of trash.  There were two.  I only got one.  Wish I had gotten the other one.  I keep thinking it'll die.  I left it outside one day when it was really hot.  I have forgotten to water it and it still hangs on.  It outside now in the beating sun.  I think I need to move it!  
          
Here's another shot from a different angle.  If you look close you 
can a marigold peeking through.  And on the edge is one of the 
tomato plants.  This one is a Red Brandy Wine Heirloom I bought this one at the local feed store.  It produces a large tomato.  The Cowboy wanted some for hamburgers.

These plants are sitting in the vintage wagon that the Cowboy got off the curb.  He saw it during work one evening.  And thankfully it was still there when he got off!  Actually there were two.  He got them both!
I have two helpers.  Of course Daisy is always right where I am.
We've recruited our grandson to help with some of the planting to encourage him to eat veggies!
 


From this angle you can see the Marigolds.  Zuchinni which needs to be potted yet.  In the front is a pot with carrots.  The first planting did not sprout.  I planted a second planting  a week later with different seeds.
On the edge you can't see is one pot of lettuce that isn't doing real well.  


So far I have:

• 3 different varieties tomato plants
• 4 different varieties of onions
• 1 Zuchini plant
• 2 varieties of lettuce plants
• 1 Romaine lettuce from the kitchen I am rooting
• 2 plantings of carrot seeds
• 1 cucumber plant
• bush green bean seeds to plant
• Okra seeds to plant
• Corn seeds to plant

Need to get because I forgot some radish seeds and I'd like to start some seed potatoes if it's not too late.  Hopefully next week I can make it to a nursery to try and get some.  

So are you thinking that this is a long list for a patio garden?

I'm totally not sure about the corn or okra but we'll give it a try!

Did you see this review?

My Review is here.

I was blessed to receive this book to review. I really got a lot of tips.   

And I've gotten a lot of ideas and tips from Pinterest for container gardening.  Did you know you can grow potatoes in a laundry basket?   

                              Source

My plan is to plant vertical.  Of course I'm using containers.  

I have a plan in my head how I want the patio to look.  

All my pots will either be bright blue and silver.  This is my inspiration piece for the color scheme . . . 

I plan to paint the chair brown.  Eventually I want to recover the cushions with the same blue stripe.  This photo was taken last summer.  The chair is another 'freebie' from the dumpster. 

My cat loved this chair.  We got it shortly before moving into this apartment and it was so shabby the Cowboy wanted to take it back to the dumpster.  But since the cat loved it I convinced him to keep it! 

Here are my ideas for the pots . . .

 

                               Source                                                           Source

Since we decided to use the wagons there will be some red.  But 

right now I don't plan to add any other red.  But maybe I'll surprise myself!  

I have a lot of things on my wish list but I'll just share one here.

I'm looking for something like this for some of the pots.  

I plan to paint it blue . . .

            

                                                              Source

So if you have any experience container gardening please share your tips!   

Thanks for visiting.  Come by soon and see how the garden is growing!

                                   

Linking with Sunlit Sunday, Happy Homemaker Monday, The Art of Homemaking, Mosaic Monday, Inspire Me Monday, Tweek It Tuesday, Wow On Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday,  Warm Heart Wednesday, Favorite Things on Thursday, Share Your Cup.

Have A Good Day

                             


                       Wishing you Blessings of a good day. 
                                                I'm off to church.  
                       I'll be posting a Sunlit Sunday post this evening.  

Critter Saturday--Dogs and People

Sharing a little different Saturday post.  Saw this on FB . . . 

Have a good weekend.  Give your dog a hug! linking with Camera Critters, Eileens Critters

I Love My Stand Mixer Part One

I have a Cobalt Blue Kitchen Aide! Do you have a stand mixer?

It really is Blue but it does look black in this photo.   And I love it
But . . . 

I do love a clean counter.  It doesn't happen often though LOL. 

My sweet little workhorse stays on the counter all through the holidays.  And then it gets moved to sit in my laundry room. 
Because that's the only space I have.  

Now if I had a fancy smancy kitchen this might be her home . . . 

I've always wanted one of these!  Is this not cool!

It's not really so much about the way the mixer looks it's more about space and storage for me. 

But if I did something like this I might be more inclined to leave her out . . .
    
                                   Source These are available on Etsy
Love the black and the pink.  Not sure the Cowboy would go for the pink though!

                                                         Source another Etsy shop
This ones cute too!  I keep leaning toward the florals!

I just had to share this one . . . 

                                             Source
This one was a DIY project.  Check it out!  

I'm thinking I might go that route.  This was a cool idea.  I just love all the vintage Pyrex.  I wish I had some!  I'd want to leave it out too!  

        So where does your stand mixer live?

Thanks for visiting part one I Love My Stand Mixer.  Part two
coming soon!
                             
                           Linking to a few parties this week . . .
The Art of Homemaking, Inspiration Monday,Creative Mondays, Busy Monday, Inspire Me Monday,
Metamorphis Monday, Show and Share Party, Tuesdays At Our House, Tweak It Tuesday,Inspire Me Tuesday, Rose of Inspiration, Tips and Tricks Linky Party, Wake Up Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday,
Dream, Create Linky Party, The Homemaking Party on Thursday, Share Your Cup, Home and Garden Party, Katherine's Favorite Things, Home Sweet Home Friday at The Charm Of Home, Simple and Sweet Fridays at Rooted in Thyme ,Feathered Nest Friday  Sundays at Home, Happiness Is Homemade.

Friday Hunt

Joining Teresa for Friday Hunt.  A topic driven party.  
And for this week . . .

Flower . . . 

Just a few flowers.  But I thought this was really fun and worthy of sharing!  
.
Letter K

Carolyn Keene is a pseudonym for the author of the Nancy Drew Mysteries and also the Dana Girls Mystery Series.  These were written by several authors. 

Click here to visit The Nancy Drew History Site

Weeks Favorite

Click Here to read the Super Silly Post

Have a Fabulous Friday Folks

Layered-Cookbook Review

                                                         
Oh my goodness! Turn the oven on! Are you seein' what I'm seein'.  
How about a peek at the authors blog . . . 

                                          Source
Click on the source for a direct link with the recipe!

       This one is on the blog too with a tutorial.  
Here is the very talented author . . . 

Here's what the author says about the book . . .
The book, Layered: Baking, Building, and Styling Spectacular Cakes, is all about - you guessed it, CAKES!  Layer cakes, to be exact.  I've packed 288 pages full of my all-time favorite recipes, tips and tricks from my years making cakes, and some crafty tutorials so you can make bakery-style cakes at home!  From the classics like Red Velvet and Boston Cream Pie to more whimsical and adventurous flavors like Strawberry Confetti, Mango Coconut Cream, and Red Wine Blackberry, there is a recipe for every occasion.  I've added some helpful step-by-step photos as well as a stylish, full-page image (or two) for EACH cake.  

I don't know where I've been but this talented young lady has been published in magazines since 2008.  Here's the link to the press page with all the articles. 

And another author said . . . 

“Layered is a book that will have a permanent spot in my kitchen. From the stunning imagery to the decadent recipes, Tessa has created a must-have book for all bakers and cake lovers! She’s an amazing stylist and her recipes are flawless!”

— Courtney Whitmore, author of Frostings & Pizzazzerie.com

There is some bad news though . . . 

The book doesn't come out till April 19th.  

             Oh man, go and turn off the oven for now.  
But the good news is  its available for pre-order at Amazon  
Abrams, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, Books-A-Million and
Indigo

So I'm thinking the perfect Mothers Day gift.  I know my mother would love this cookbook.  And my daughter even though she rarely cooks or bakes she's like me she dreams of finding the time. 

The fine print....I was offered this book through NetGalley for my honest review.  Unfortunately I was not able to open the document on my phone or my Kindle.

This post is also linked at the following linky parties. (Click on each one for a direct link)
The Art Of Homemaking, Create with Joy, The Simple Woman's Day Book, Happy Homemaker,
Share Your Cup.,The Book Nook at Create with Joy