Where Did They Go?

I was awake very early this morning though it was already getting light out. The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. After sleeping so many nights with the windows closed because of the heat and humidity, it has finally cooled off enough at night to have the windows open again. And normally at that early hour of the morning there are lots of birds singing, and I mean LOTS. If you have ever been in full chicken house, you will have an idea what it sounds like. But not this morning. Where did they go? Did the heat get to them, too? The only birds I have heard, and this is new, is an owl. Hoo-hoo . . . . hoo-hoo. It is different from the mourning dove as they go o-WAH-hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo. In fact one or more of the doves are hoo-ing right now, shortly after the owl stopped. I have seen a few robins yet, though not as many as there were during nesting season this spring. And there are always the English sparrows twittering as they are here in great numbers in all seasons.

One that I have missed entirely this year is a bird that very loudly says, 'Pretty bird, pretty bird - look at me, look at me.' I have never seen the bird so I have no idea which one sings that song. It can be annoying at times, but now that I have not heard it, I miss it. Where did it go? Why hasn't it been here this spring?

We have not had much rain other than a couple of very brief showers for several weeks, and combining that with the extreme heat for the past two weeks, I am wondering if that has caused songbirds to go elsewhere, looking for cooler weather along with water and more lush greenery. I can imagine the robins are having a hard time getting worms out of the hard, dry and cracked ground. But there are more than enough insects for them to eat, as they have been so abundant this year.

If the birds have started migrating because of the hot and dry weather, what does that mean? An early and harsh winter? Sadly, I had predicted this hot and dry summer when we had a warmer and drier winter than what we normally have, and because of that, spring came at least a month to 6 weeks early with abnormally warm days. No one was complaining of the beautiful days then, and flowers starting to bloom so early. But that is dangerous in the fact that we are bound to get a killing frost later, which we did. So the question still remains. What does this mean? I sure miss all my feathered friends.

Too HOT!

Too hot here for too many days. We haven't seen this much heat for such a long time that I can't remember a time like this. This has caused our town and at least one other town in the area to be put on water restriction, meaning no outdoor watering of any kind. It does not mean restrictions for household use as yet, but it sure doesn't hurt to be a bit more conservative anyway. And the same goes for use of electricity since the air conditioners are running almost constantly.

The daily highs have been in the mid to upper 90's, approaching 100 or more at times. The heat index has been in the 100's, and yesterday it was 115, I think that is the highest so far. And it isn't even August! The crops are in the fields with their tongues hanging out, not only from the heat, but from the lack of rain as well. We need rain badly but so far all the showers have gone around us, just missing us by maybe 30 miles more or less. It seems we have an invisible dome above us. If you are familiar with garden cloches you might know that they magnify the heat from the sun and prevent any moisture from above from coming in. Prayers for rain and cooler temps are needed, not only for here but for a large part of the country.

With this heat, even though I am in a nice air conditioned home, it seems to sap one's energy. At least it affects me that way. It takes away the appetite (that is a good thing for me!) and the only things you do want to eat are cold. So when I saw the recipe for strawberry ice cream on another blog, I thought it sounded and looked so good. I have included the link below.

Low-fat Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream {no ice cream maker needed}

This is the first time I have used the 'share' button on a website to share it on Blogger. I was hoping the whole posting would show up, including the picture but that doesn't seem to be the case. I have shared it on Pinterest too, and someone repinned it within a minute or two! If you would like to follow my pins, there is a button on this page that will take you there.

I know some of you are interested in what it is like to live here in Iowa. I would say it isn't much different than any other rural area in every state. At least my area is very rural. There are parts of Iowa that have a more city/cultural atmosphere as well. Maybe we could say we have the best of both worlds at times. Probably the main differences in America is the variety of weather - from arid desert to tropical humidity, the two coastline states, the Gulf states, and then there are the states in between - either the Rocky Mountains or the vast plains. Each area has it's own idiosyncrasies with language, from the Boston and northeast accents, to the lovely, slow Southern drawl that I love to hear, and the Western twang. There there is the Norwegian/Swedish influence in Minnesota and North Dakota. Some people have an ear for even the slightest difference and can pinpoint just where it comes from.

In Iowa alone, we have some geological differences. Where I live in the northwest corner, we have rather flat but rolling hills that undulate across the land, and you can see for miles and miles at times. Riding down the highway, in one place you can see a town more than 5 miles away. Go another quarter mile and you can't even see the tall grain elevator anymore. In southern Iowa the hills get a bit higher and more frequent. I remember taking a trip to the southwest corner of the state for a neighbor's wedding. It was impossible to use the cruise control as we were constantly going up and down, more like a roller coaster. It is somewhat like that along the eastern border too, but that is along the Mississippi River and so there are high bluffs there, and lots of trees. So, if one part of the state bores you, try a different area!

Some who have traveled across the state complained about all they could see was cornfields, and thought it was the most boring state. They were from Chicago if I remember right. Or maybe it was New York. Having grown up here, I love to see the fields when the crops have turned them green and they wave in the wind. We do get lots of wind here. I love the smell of newly cut hay. Years ago there used to be a lot of oat fields but you have to look long and hard to find them here today. It was about this time of year that the oats were harvested and so those fields would be golden yellow. Soon the corn will be tasseling. Then the farmers who are raising seed corn for next year's crops will have groups of young people in those fields detasseling. They remove the tassels from the top of the plant for several rows, and leave them intact for the same number of rows. Don't ask me the details as I don't know exactly, but it has to do with cross-pollinating. That was something I never got involved with as a teenager, but many do. It is good pay. The other half of the fields are planted in soybeans. They turn the prettiest rust color when ready to harvest.



Well. This certainly was not on my mind as I started this post! The mind does tend to go on a tangent when I write. But now it is time to clean off the kitchen table where there are some things that need to go to the pantry.

Till next time. . .

Dilemma!

In a previous post I showed you my stuffed, unorganized food pantry when I was in the middle of removing the front half of the shelves so that I can find things better. Here is the picture when I was done, not  completely organized and neat, but at least like things are with like things - fruits, veggies, canisters, etc. And this is after I put in all the new items that I had recently purchased to build up my stores. I didn't think I would get it all to fit, but so far, so good. The paper shopping bag on the floor holds all the empty plastic containers that I have been saving to use for storing things that come in bags and boxes, but are not being used right now. No sense taking up shelf space yet, right? I do still need to work on emptying a few bags and boxes before I have it all done.

Oops! I went shopping again! A couple of grocery stores had a 2-day sale of loss leaders that I could not pass up, and some were things I will use right away, but many were to add to the reserve stores. There are 8, yes eight, 12 packs of soda pop! And I had weaned myself off of all sodas several years ago, so only have one on rare occasions. So what am I doing with all this? I just cannot pass up a good bargain! These were on sale with a coupon @ 4 for $7.88, that is 4 Pepsi and 4 Coke products. One coupon for each product. But now, where am I going to put them in an already full pantry? I bought a lot more stuff but much of it went into the fridge and freezer, and a few things I found room for in the kitchen cupboards as they will be used almost every day.

Voila! It all went in! I did have to remove the shopping bag with the empty containers to make room on the floor for all that soda pop. There is a bag of flour and a bag of sugar sitting on top of the soda pop, but their canisters are almost empty so I need to transfer them when I get the time.

So now this pantry is just about done. Next I need to work on the appliance/cookware pantry just to the right and out of sight in the picture. It hasn't been that long ago that I worked on it, but I am still not happy with it, and am certain there are things in there that I really don't need. I do need to have it organized so that the things I use most often are handy to get at, otherwise I just don't use it unless I absolutely have to. And I know there are things in there that I would use if it was more convenient to get to them.

Now I need to get to work. While writing this I got a call from my daughter and we talked for an hour. So now it is time for lunch first, and then try to get some housework done today.

"WHAT TO DO WHEN THE HEAT'S TURNED UP" (not what you think)

I wasn't able to get to church this morning so I happened to watch Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah on TV. I have always enjoyed his messages. Not only enjoyed, but have been blessed by them many times. Right now he is doing a series for the 30th anniversary of shows, and they are the most asked for messages. Today's message is the title of this post, which I think is very appropriate for all the record breaking heat the whole country is experiencing right now. Of course, he did not mean that kind of heat, but it all works together since God's Word is always appropriate for all occasions.

This is part of a study of the book of James and today concentrated on the first chapter. I will include the outline of the message and a few highlights that attracted my attention. The outline includes points that we should all remember and think about when we are going through a trial.

1. Celebrate the Reason Behind Your Trials

                         James 1:2

                             2 Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, (RSV)

This I find quite interesting. Dr.Jeremiah said the original Greek word that is translated "count" literally has the sense of "fast forward". When in a trial we need to fast forward our minds and think about the joy that is waiting for us after the trial is over. Yes, the trial is hard while we are in it, but we can focus on the end of the trial and the joy that waits for us there.

Then he went to Hebrews 12:2

Hebrews 12:2

2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (RSV)

Here we see Jesus 'fast forwarding', for He knew what was waiting for Him after He would be crucified. He knew that by going 'through' He would bring salvation to all believers, and that is a joyous thing! And it also meant that He would later go through the transformation and take up residence in heaven at the right hand of the Father. There is nothing better on earth or in heaven than that. But, in order to do all that, He must endure the trial and shame of the cross.

2. Calculate the Results of Your Trials

James -

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

    A. Trials Produce Durability

           They can teach patience and endurance.

     B. Trials Produce Maturity

            The words in verse 4 - perfect and complete - mean 'to be mature'. We need to 'go through' stuff in order to grow up. I know when I see a Christian that has a very strong and visible faith, they have gone through the trials. We often wish we were like them, but are we ready to go through what they have been through to get where they are?

3. Call Upon God's Resources in Your Trials

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

Always remember:

      A. God is Good

           There are meany references in the Bible that tells us God is good. If you would like the ones Dr. Jeremiah used, contact me.

       B. God is Generous

            Look at verse 5 above.

       C. God is Gracious

            Reference again verse 5 above. God is never insulted by our coming to Him over and over with our pleas.

4. Consider Your Reactions to Your Trials

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

        

Trials are the levelers. There is no bias with God. Trials befall both rich and poor alike, believers and unbelievers. We all become equal. We are not singled out because of who or what we are.

5. Contemplate the Reward of Your Trials

12 Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

Here is that joy that we are to 'fast forward' to while in a trial.

If you would like to hear the whole message go to www.davidjeremiah.org

The King

 Do you see what is on top of the entertainment center?

The King, watching over his realm.

He usually doesn't sit up there, but once in awhile I guess he needs a change of scenery. Usually he lays on top of the old upright piano on the other side of the room.

I really should remove that fall flower arrangement in the rustic pitcher, don'tcha think? Add that to my long list of things I should be doing. The mantle clock belonged to my parents. It used to chime. It is an electric clock. The picture above of the farm scene is a print of a painting done by a former minister of ours. He started as a graphic artist, then became a minister, and he was a very good one. But several years ago he decided to leave the ministry (after we had moved away) and there are only two reasons I can think why. He got a divorce a remarried another woman that had been married. Don't know the story but can only guess. I am thinking the denomination had a problem with what went on. Or, he just decided to spend more time on his love of painting. He has made a name for himself with his duck and other hunted bird paintings. His name - Jerry Raedeke. My kids gave me this print for Christmas one year, and Jerry did a remark at the bottom so it is special. Also, I wanted this print because the picture resembles the farm where I grew up. And my dad had the very same John Deere tractor. The field on the right is an oat field with the shocks set up. I put many of those together too, and I think I could still do it after all these years. Oat harvest was a highlight of the summer. Not exactly fun because the straw was scratchy and the chaff stuck to you like glue because it was hot and humid and everyone was 'damp with dew' - so to speak. My main job with threshing was to keep the grain wagon level as it filled. Ah, the memories.

Color My World

These are my bargain flowers that I got - some of them at 1/2 price, and all reduced at least some. This is the ivy leaf geranium. This came from Walmart. Notice the sad looking window box planters in the left rear, and how the birds and squirrels have destroyed the coco fiber liners.

 Petunias and marigolds. I got the marigolds to plant around the tomato plant that is supposed to keep the bugs away. They looked really sad when I got them as they were bone dry. I did deadhead the marigolds and they look better this morning after a good watering yesterday and rain early this morning. (Walmart)

Stawberry plant with 3 runners already. There are a few colorful blooms and a couple of small strawberries starting to form. I think there had been some earlier but now gone. Hope I can keep the birds away. I am still trying to decide if I will put this in one of the window boxes or not. (Walmart)

 Tall begonias that look quite healthy. Halp price at the greenhouse.

 Impatience. The one has pretty red flowers that look similar to little roses. The other doesn't have any flowers on at the moment so don't know if it is the same as the other or not. Half price from the greenhouse.

 Aren't these geraniums pretty colors? Also half price at the greenhouse.

Since the first picture of the strawberry plant didn't show the runners I tried to get another picture. I have them temporarily sitting in the pot where I have the two surviving tomato plants. Still not the best picture. For some reason I could not see the image on the camera as I was taking the pictures so it was sort of just aim and shoot and hope I got what I wanted. All these pictures are taking on my back patio which has a roof over half of it.

Next is getting these all in their permanent pots.

Skeletons in the Closet!

Yes, I am baring my hidden secrets! This is embarrassing!

I am trying to make my pantry better organized and easier to use. I have been thinking about this for awhile but couldn't seem to get started. For some reason the 'bug' bit me this morning, and I opened those doors and started pulling things off the shelves. I actually forgot to take pictures before I started, which I had planned to do. So these pictures were taken in the middle of the operation.

This is the long shot to show all the stuff sitting on the floor. What is in the bags are the cans of food that I recently bought and never put on the shelf as there was no room. In the blue tub are most of the empty plastic containers that I have been saving to store things that come in bags and boxes so that critters don't get into them, though I have not had any problems with that as yet. But those containers have just been tossed in wherever I find a spot, and when I need one I can't find one I want. My plan is to put them all in a box on the floor so that they don't take up valuable space needed for canned goods. The boards to the right are the front part of the shelves that I have already removed. Peeking out from the right of those boards is the other half of the pantry, and that is where all the small appliances and large pans plus all the other stuff that does not fit in the kitchen has to be stored. And that is full too. I had done some decluttering in there not long ago, but I am not satisfied with it yet. So will have to work on that again soon. Right now, the food pantry is taking awhile since my body is still hurting from lawn mowing two days ago, and I have to sit quite often.



Remember, I had already started when these pictures were taken so things are even more jumbled than they were to begin with. I really did have it somewhat organized before. I don't have the canned goods organized as to category yet, but had just moved them so that I could get the front of the shelf removed.

Look how that plastic shelf sags! I think it was originally bought for shoes in the bedroom closet before I moved here. Not really sturdy enough for heavy cans. My plan now is to just put the little cans of odd stuff there, like black olives, jalapeno peppers, tune, etc.-- the ones that tend to get lost among the taller cans. The egg carton is empty. I was saving it for starting garden seeds next spring but now I don't think that is going to happen so the carton will go in the recycle bin when I get to it.