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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Farm of 10 Sloughs (at least!)

We have plenty of water surrounding our home. In ND, we call them sloughs - as opposed to MN, where every water filled depression is a lake (and they are darn proud of it!). Hopefully most of them will dry up before Spring planting begins, but I'm not too hopeful on that idea. Some of them are huge...

The ground looks a lot drier than two days ago, and the wind will speed the process, but it's still incredibly soggy to walk on. Of course, there was not time to landscape and lay sidewalks before the freezing rain and snow started last Fall, so we have plywood and 2x6 planks. Usually, we ask visitors to call when they arrive and then we open the big garage door. I found that if I stepped on the weeds, of which there are plenty, I can stay above and keep my shoes clean.

Not, so the kids. I just made Zeke pay Dash $1 per shoe to clean his muddy tennies. They all have rubber boots - why did he wear his best tennies?? He's six, that's why.

Here are pics from around our house - starting with the view when I step out the garage door.



Above: West of our house - water is up to Grandma & Grandpa Green Acres driveway and almost surrounds the bin site.


Above picture: Just south of the bin site.

Above picture: Our lovely and very long driveway with a slough at the very end... handy for skipping rocks and such when walking out to get the mail. The driveway heads out south of the house.


Above: Another slough to the east of the driveway.


Above: Our wonderful plywood sidewalk, which leads from the garage pad to the front door. The slough to the very east of the house is barely visible against the blue sky.

Above: View of another slough to the north of our home - in the backyard.



Above picture: Another slough on the north - this one drains the northern sloughs to connect them to those by the grain site in the first picture. The ducks and geese that stop by for a rest have been fun to watch. Hopefully some will nest and we'll see babies later this Spring.

The brown isn't very exciting, but it will give way to green buds, soon enough. Right now, the blue sky is definitely a day brightner. The weather is much warmer and I'm finally believing that it's time to wash and store the winter garb!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

An Almost Wordless Wednesday

Spiritual Bouquet Cards
Angelina helped Zeke make his craft yesterday. They turned out lovely. Zeke chose to send one to a friend who had a big dental appointment earlier this week.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter!

It felt so good to sing the Alleluia this morning!



My oldest, Dash, was given this figurine set by his Godparents. Pieces were added over the years until they had given him all the accessories. My kids love to set it up and change the scene over the days of the Triduum. It is breakable, but the only piece that has broken is Jesus' thumb on the risen Christ figurine. It's tiny, as you can see ... I have actually found it twice and reattached it.



Dash, Angelina, Zeke and Graham

*I do not claim responsibility for this off-kilter picture. My nature would have erased it, but it was the best of four.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Holy Thursday - The Last Supper

The Last Supper
by Palma Vecchio


I really like art - paintings, drawings, icons, etc. It's quiet - no noise associated with it unless you have the imagination to put yourself there, in the moment (I suppose). I prefer to think of it as quiet, because I think quiet and stillness is beautiful. Many people have told me that when my home is really quiet, that I will miss the noise. I'm the type who can drive for 4 or more hours without thinking about turning on a radio. I don't think I'll miss the noise... I'll miss the kids, but not the noise.

Anyway, when I see pictures of the last supper, I always wonder what it was like to be there. Were there lively discussions occuring, and if so, what were they talking about? Or was it a solemn meal throughout? How could Judas blend in with everyone? Was it dark in the room?

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Almost


Dash turns 12 later this month - April 24th, to be exact. This past weekend, he and three friends went together on a bowling birthday party. The moms thought it was great - it may become an annual event because of the low cost and ease in having everyone celebrate together on one day (especially when they have the same general group of firends). Dash is in the middle of the picture.
P.S. Do you like my handiwork on the cake?? I only do this to remind myself why I'm NOT a professional cake decorator ... I value dexterity in my hands!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009