Trison's Chickery Farm

Taking a Break

2011-10-09T17:03:00.001-07:00

Haven’t posted much in a while. Thought I should get back to it. Joshua has his new album out on CD and iTunes. It was a long and difficult process, but I am pleased with the results. We pretty much took this year off from farming. Hopefully after the break we can get back into things, we just needed to take a sabbatical. Laura’s book has been doing fairly well, I would like to see it reach a larger audience. It is so well written and encouraging I think many people would enjoy and benefit from reading it. Zechariah has been expending his energy running, biking and lifting weights. I would like to see us do a 100 mile bike ride on the tandem this next year. Samuel is in his final semester at Union and will graduate this December with his Bachelors in Political Science/History – I just hope he is able to find a good job after all of this hard work. We just got back home from a short business trip to Baltimore. I was able to take the family and visit with our friends the Browns. Had a great time. Made it back by Georgia just in time to see Harriet’s oldest daughter get married – we wish them well. Now back here on the couch feeling a little sick I am glad I have tomorrow off.

Gas, Corn and Food

2011-02-15T14:52:00.001-08:00

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed the creeping price of food, along with gas. We have such an interconnected process that when you mess with one part you mess with all of it.

When the government decided to mandate Ethanol mixture in gasoline and not open up more drilling, they did a few different thing things: 1. they removed corn used in animal feed from the market; 2. they reduced the gas mileage (ethanol has much less energy in it than gasoline) ; 3. Ethanol left in a small engine over time may deteriorate the seals causing the the 2 stroke engine to fry (don’t ask how I know); 4. Higher market prices for corn cause meat prices to go up; 5. Increased diesel prices cause everything else to go up; 6. leaving me with less expendable income so I don’t buy that Mocha or go out to eat; 7. Less money available to spend in the local economy equals higher unemployment

So what can we do about it? Not much except to convince the government to stay out of the market place. The unintended consequences of “good intentions”. You can do a little bit to help yourself like growing more of your own food, being more selective on your purchases – but long term only the people that started this chain reaction can reverse course.

I take great comfort in this:

Psalm 47:1 O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy.
2 For the LORD Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth.
3 He subdues peoples under us And nations under our feet.
4 He chooses our inheritance for us, The glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah.
5 God has ascended with a shout, The LORD, with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful psalm.
8 God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.
9 The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham, For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.

sherman

Winter White Visits Again

2011-01-10T07:13:00.001-08:00

Well this makes the second snowfall this season. Laura has been making the most of it while typing and editing her book.

Zech has been busy playing outside in the snow and taking pictires. Maybe I will get out a bit later and make a snowman with him. The lady bug mailbox looks happy but a bit cold this morning.

2010-12-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Around the Place

We have had a whirlwind of a fall. Can't believe Christmas is right at hand. Try to get ahead cutting wood back in September and here we are about a week and a half from needing to cut some more. The trees are down but so is the saw. I am not sure what to make of it. Four years of moderate use and the piston gives out on my MS 310 Stihl. Get it rebuilt and 45 minutes of cutting later (one truck load) and the thing won't start. Took it back in and it is worse now than the first time. I don't think the diagnosied the failure mode properly the first time.

Sam drove the truck off of the retaining wall after unloading the wood. Guess he thought it was a 4 wheel drive monster truck. It tore out a few cinder blocks but the truck seems o.k. so far. I will run it down to Hunstville later this week.

Well that's about it for now. Hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas, looking at the cradle focused on the cross. He's coming back again real soon. Don't be caught unaware.

Sherman

2009-11-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Well it has been another few months since my last post. Between seasonal activities, work and facebook it can be hard to set aside time to keep things uptodate.

We traveled to California in August and have been preparing for winter lately. Cutting wood canning food and preparing to process pigs in December. The kids have been involved with a Christmas Dance for the Dicken's Festavil.

Samuel graduates in December from the Community College and then heads off to a four year school.

Joshua is working on putting a band together, finishing his guitar and starting on his surf board.

I have tried and tried to get some pictures to upload but it just isn't working today.

2009-08-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

The Chicken Coupe

We finally finished the chicken coop after several weeks. The ground was rocky and the pole setting was tough. Joshua and Samuel did most of the digging. Zech helped we do a lot of the finish work.

It is 12' by 16' pole barn structure with metal roof and siding with a window in the rear and an open front. We installed three nest boxes made of ols 5 gallon buckets with a small land roost. The feeder is made from a left-over peice of corner trim and some scrap 2" by 4".

Well that's all for now. And we are off to California for a few days of vacation before school starts back up. Sherman

2009-07-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

Long Break since our last post...

We have been sick, busy, lazy, distracted and generally forgetful when it has come to keeping the blog up to date.

We took a trip to Missouri to buy a 16 ft trailer from Laura's folks. Buttinz wanted to go but she didn't care for the cramped conditions.

Our two oldest boys went to church camp with the youth from Theta Baptist. They had a very blessed time. From the sermons to the songs (live band Lazar Lazar).

This has been a mild summer. So much for global warming. We had some deer coming up close to the house the other day. The boys are looking forward to the early bow season in August.

Our pigs are growing little by little. They are funny to watch but will taste even better come late fall.

Mike and Krista came up for a visit and we all had a blast. It was a really good time had by all.

Well I will try to keep things more current, we are going to California for a few days in August.

Till then

sherman

2009-04-08T17:11:00.001-07:00

This was one funny site. One of the college students had been skateboarding through the parking lot while playing a Mandolin - only in Kentucky...

Berea Kentucky Folk Dance Festival

Samuel and I went up to the Berea College Folk Dance Festival recently. It was a fun experience. We traveled up by ourselves and met up with the rest of the folks from the Homeschool COOP.

There were times of intense practice as well as time for some fun and relaxing.

The final performance was very nice. Depicting various forms of dancing from a variety of countries.

One thing I find to be sad is that this festival started out as a Christian outreach to the local impoverished children. But today the college still gives lip service to its Christian roots but is truly that in name only - it is more a humanistic secular college that sees any reliogion as being the same and simple filling a place in life. The outreach has become just another place for people to come and learn and perform. If we are not faithful to pass on the wonderful truths of Chirst to our children it will soon be forgotten.

Judges 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

2009-03-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Party Anyone?

We had a wonderful graduation celebration for our oldest son Samuel this past Saturday. Several friends that we hadn't seen in a while were able to come as well as family and some church family.

Joshua shared a song modified from a poem Laura had written. Zechariah shared some thoughts about his big brother. Laura shared some prayers over the years from time without children to Samuel's' cancer to today as he enters college.

It took all week to empty and transform the shop. Laura didn't miss a detail. She is really quite gifted in this area. Trisha, David and Stephny really helped us out the day of cleaning and making final preparations. They ere all such a blessing to our family.

It was really uplifting that Mike and Krista plus kids (cousins) were able to come and stay Sunday for a visit.

To see how God has changed Samuel's heart to love as he has been loved is a blessing beyond measure.

It is really hard to believe that we had snow just a week prior. Six inches at that. The weather was beautiful. Chrissy put on a wonderful Contra dance as usual. It really was a fun time. We just want to thank everyone who came and celebrated with us.

Blessings to you all.

Sherman

1 John4: 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son {9 Or his only begotten Son} into the world that we might live through him.10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for {10 Or as the one who would turn aside his wrath, taking away} our sins.11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

2009-02-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

Around the House

Some friends from the Nut Cave Trout Farm pickuped some extra quail for us recently. We now have 5 males and 5 females. I am not sure what we are going to do with them in the long term (table, release, breed). These are Georgia Bobwhites, about 6 months old.

Lately, we have been trying to clean things up in preparation for the contra dance the first Saturday of March. This means moving everything out of the shop to the garage except the heavy equipment. Along with making a couple of more beds for the spare kid's room.

Our wood supply for the furnace has been running low. So we have been kept busy cutting down a few more trees. Eventually we will clear one side of the property about 150 ft wide and 1300 ft long for pasture. This is where we are selectively cutting our firewood. There should be plenty, as it may take me several years to clear out this section of woods.

We bought a chainsaw sharpener. I was tired of paying $7.00 per chain each time they got dull. For $50.00 you can buy a unit that does a good job. It is not meant to be used in commercial sharpening, but it only takes me about 5 minutes to sharpen my 20" Stihl chain. I still use a file in between major resharpenings.

As the winter time is now fading and we anticipate spring, planting time will be right around the corner. We need to find a tiller for the garden this year as well. I would really like to find an older Troy Buily Horse for around $500.00 with a plow attachment.

Take time to examine your heart before the Lord as we think of the coming spring time. Thank Him for the life He has granted you, along with His manifold blessings. It is our own sins that separate our hearts from the blessings of God. Fear of the Lord is another way of saying to hate your own sin the same way God does. Don't coddle it - rather put it away.

Jerimaih 5:23 'But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed.24 'They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both bthe autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest."25 'Your iniquities have turned these away, And your sins have withheld good from you.

sherman

2009-01-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

The Table has Turned

Keith from Viola way recently made us a new table. The design is very unique as is the size. When I first saw his table I knew in the future I would want one. When we moved into this new house with its large kitchen I pursued Keith to make me one.

He uses basic pine 2 x 6's for the table and legs. It has pin lumber of lumber plus his labor. The finished took another month due to family, visits, etc... and I added another $80 to the project with some other items thrown in for various projects (like Sam's room).

It measures a full 9.5 ft long and 4o inches wide. Notice the single leg in the center. This is a nice touch and it leaves the sides free for more chairs without someone incurring a leg.

Next we need to find some chairs to finish off the project. It was rather nice having the convenience of a heated shop to prepare and finish the table. I sanded the top, side and legs in three steps down to 220 grit using a random orbital sander. Next cam the Minwax sealer/primer followed 15 minutes later by Minwax golden pecan stain. The top has 6 coats of Formby's tung oil (really a rub on laquer - not a true tung oil). It is easy to apply and only requires a rag and a few minutes for each coat along with 24 hours between coats. The legs and the base only received 4 coats. I use some heavy metal brackets to secure the table and to remove a slight bit of cupping in the top. Give it a little time for the forces to work themselves out and it will be ...well... staright as a board.

The table even survived a nightly on slt of rip stick, skateboards and scooters in the shop. That is what happend when you have a 40 x 60 shop with very little equipment to fill in up. It seems more like a skating rink.

Again much thanks to Keith. Be sure to catch his blog at Allelon Farm and you might request your own table. I think he is moving into small scale custom commercial production. You just can't find table of this size and quality.

sherman

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

2009-01-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas ~ Jesus iz Lord!

J is for Joshua. He is now a handsome young man. Definitely on the threshold of adulthood at 15 years old (and very handsome mom says!). He has really matured a lot this year. It has been neat to see how God has grown him. He has an incredible passion for the lost. I pray that we as parents will not hinder his enthusiasm and that he will “sail like the wind” on the “oceans of love” to those Christ came to save. He is still “hog chasing” through school, wishing he was skate boarding through! He is now in high school and counting down the years till graduation where he can take “that pig to market”! He has flourished in his guitar playing. He often gets “strung” out when he gets some free time. He is “fiddling” around with both welding and instrument repair as possible future endeavors. He still holds his dream to be a surf board designer: JAW’s Boards. He just needs to convince his parents to buy a jet plane and a condo in CA!

E is for everyone else in the family. Really as far as I know all of Laura’s sisters are doing fine. Stephny Laura’s niece had another baby girl named Kiley. We are told she is adorable! Another of her nieces went off to college, the first in that family to “fly the coop”. Her parents still live in the countryside in a small town in Missouri. We went on a family reunion in St. Louis in June to see them. It was nice to see everyone. Sherman’s mom still lives near Memphis, she is doing well. Sherman’s sister had cancer this year and though she has been a real “trooper” through much much suffering, the doctors are not sure she is out of the woods yet. Our family is dear too us. We love and care for all our loved ones so much. We have tears in their sorrow and rejoice in their happiness.

S is for Sherman. He still works down in Huntsville at the DIA. He really loves his job. He also enjoys coming home and doing projects with the boys. He noted recently that the boys can carry more weight for a longer time than he can! That was a sobering thought! He is getting older ya know! He also had about of pneumonia that set him back a few months. Just two weeks ago, he landed a tree on his truck, while he was in it ~ almost totaling the truck! (He is trying to grey Laura!!) Above all he loves to be in The Word. He has had a few preaching opportunities and that he says is a blessing above anything in his life. He enjoys still doing our own cows and chickens for meat. We have even helped a few other families. Strange what we call “entertainment” these days! But coffee and rocking chairs on the front porch still remains one of his “down time” relaxers.

U is for Unity in the bond of Christ. This has always been of most importance in our lives!! We were very blessed this year to have a very close family come and stay with us for almost 2 months. It was sweet. We also went to Springs of Grace for a visit. This was so very special to us. It really took us back in time to a tender moldable time in our lives. Most of the folks who knew us then welcomed us again with open heart and arms (and even ones who just meet us!). It was just what we needed. They do an awesome ministry of the gospel there that is life changing. We will forever have Springs in our hearts. We love you guys! No matter who we visit, where we go or who comes to see us, if it is “family of Christ”, we can pick up anywhere. That is the most beautiful example of unity we know! Where “blood” relations really go deeper, that is the blood of Christ, that unifies His children to one another! What a privilege to have moved often, the more “body parts” you get to experience “unity” with!

S is for Samuel. He only just turned 17 but he really is becoming a man! Not only in his physical body, but his heart too. He is very sweet. He really desires to be obedient to God. You will often find him witnessing where he goes of what God has done in his redemption. He will be graduating by the time you get this card! I just can’t believe it! And by that same time he will have completed 7 college classes too! He has mapped out his college days and He is hoping to go to Patrick Henry in 1 year after getting his associates here. He also had a wonderful St. Jude’s visit. He is really the “poster child” for survivors. He has done so well it offers hope to others who are in his “old shoes”, stricken with cancer! Of course we know that it is ONLY by God’s healing that he is with us today! The only problem “bee” is that he will have to leave his “honey” behind. And we don’t mean girlfriend either. He has done well with his beehiving and we have gotten the results, lots of yummy sticky honey! He also planted a lot of fruit trees this year. So we are expecting him to return in the summers to help us can it all!

I is for incorporating foster kids into our family. This has been a real trial in “pouring ourselves out” for the Lord. For this calling that He has called us to is not easy. In many ways our first attempt was a failure and we were not able to keep the 3 precious children. And though it literally tore our hearts out, we are learning to trust God in all things, even when we do not understand. We took a few months break and will try again soon as we follow the Lords leading. We desire to have more children and this is the journey God has taken us to gather a “table full of children”. We started in Jan. this year with 12 classes 1 ½ hours drive, each way, 3 hours a night once a week. Then all the way through our home study, tons of paper work, finger prints, check lists, only to redo some of it in the new house we journeyed. We finally got certified at the end of Aug!! So I am looking forward to what I write about in this area next year ~ The Lord willing……….

Z is for Zechariah. This little guy, growing fast to keep up with his brothers is still very much the “farmer at heart”! He just loves the animals. He (we) took a hard hit this year in the barn yard. All our cows and sheep died. We had gotten a cow that had a disease and it spread like wild fire until all were gone. It was a hard blow for us all, but especially Zechie. He is a big 11 year old and a good student when he wants to be. He has been enjoying the new freedom of our place and big workshop. He enjoys “American Folk/English Country dancing” when he gets a chance (the only time he appreciates having girls in this world!) But he still wants to “hire out a girl” to help with canning (anyone interested?! Haha!). He just don’t quite got this girl thing down! God is still doing a work in him. He often finds himself in the middle of “understanding” & “obedience”. He does not have the concept of “his days are numbered” so quite often as most little boys do, they waste precious time on themselves. But I do see God changing that, as only God can do! I am looking forward to watching what God does in his life!

L is for Laura. This year has had it’s health struggles for her. She is very aware that though her body is weak, her Spirit is strong! She had a 5 hernia repair surgery in February, and then recently had another hospital stay. She is doing better. She is still rag quilting and has designed a few more this year. She has also gone into a few other products. She is very thankful that she can be at home with her kids from the time they are born until they finish their learnin’! She still is very much in love with her husband after all these years! (We will celebrate our 25th in June of next year) Her passion is still in making cards, that is her very heart. If you want to take a peek at her heart, look at her cards! There is no greater joy than to encourage someone else she says! She has put her hand to finally writing too! Maybe next year she can give you some titles! The whole family has joined in her support! But above all she desires for others to know where her affections are. He love for the things of God has grown more and more. It is her desire to please God in everything in her life.

O is for our On Line Store. We are still in the process of getting this going. We had hoped to give you the sight info. in this card, but it will be a bit longer. Since we live waaaaaay out in the “boon docks” we are having a hard time getting faster internet service! But we hope to soon be able to offer the quilts, cards, baby items, other rag items, books, other wood crafts, inspirational items etc. to you for your encouragement and to encourage others. We will send out a notice when it is in full swing!

R is for re-location! We finally moved! It took about 7 long months of “keeping a clean house!” to finally sell our lovely cottage in the woods! We moved to a very simple, well built house. It is upstairs and down stairs and has a basement. Also a HUGE workshop (Sherman’s new haven!), detached garage nestled in a hollow at the foot of a hill of a fully treed forest. We love it! The house was decorated very very plainly, so Laura set to change it to a homier atmosphere. It was fun to do (still doing!)! The color change was awesome, I mean outside! Our home is surrounded by hills of pastures & forest. The front porch rockers are hard to resist ~ the view is spectacular! We have to say that we are enjoying the space too. We have a room for everyone, including you! So we do hope that you will join us for some front porch sittin’ and Iced Tea a’sippin!

D is for Disciples of Christ. Without Christ there is nothing worth writing about, without Christ there is nothing to live for. So, We can not be silent as disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord. May this be the most Christ centered Christmas ever for you. May you come to know Him in life and may He know you in death!

God Bless each of you!

Love
The Wiggin Family
Sherman, Laura, Samuel & Zechariah

2008-12-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

Since Rudolph won't make it this year...

I so want us to remember what this season is about. It's not about gift giving but about the Word made flesh. It's not about evergreen trees decorated, but about the Son of God being disgraced and disowned as He died on a tree for our sins. It's not about loving this winter and football season, but it is about:

John 3:16 "For God so aloved the world, that He bgave His 1conly begotten Son, that whoever dbelieves in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 "For God adid not send the Son into the world bto judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 "aHe who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

With a word God created the world. But it took the Word being made flesh to come and live, die and rise again to redeem us from our sins.

Will you remember the true reason for the season? Do you serve the Word made flesh or do you serve your flesh?

[The picture above came to mind when my oldest son put his deer parts on salt to preserve them. All it needed was a little light. What will you do with the light you have been given?]

sherman

2008-12-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

A Beef with Christmas

I know this is a bit of a strange tilte and misleading, but I think you will understand as you read this section.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we processed our 5th Black Angus Beef. This is probably this best looking meat we have processed so far. The marbling in the meat was supurb. I have to think it was due to the wonderful grass growth this season. We didn't have to contend with a drought this year. So a special thanks goes out to Allelon Farm for doing such a fine job raising this animal.

It took us about 4 hours to finish up. The weather was cool, crisp and clear. A perfect day for processing.

Now for the Christmas part. We went and got our tree after the fellowship meal on Sunday. We proceeded to decorate the tree that evening. It was a wonderful time. In fact it was so much fun Laura decided to decorate it all over again on Monday.

The tree fell over Monday morning after I had left for work. So Laura and the boys had a job redoing everything. Thankfully we didn't lose any of our yearly ornaments even though some of them are glass.

We always look forward with great anticipation to this time of year when we focus on the cradle to the cross. Without the birth, death, and ressuraction we would all be without hope in this sin filled world.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

sherman

2008-12-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Turkey, Family and Memories

I wanted to share a few pictures from Thanksgiving Day at Mike and Kristas house. We had all of the Mayhugh family there except Donald, Trisha, and Stephny plus youngins. We missed having them there.

It was good to see everyone. Although it proved to be too short. The kids really enjoy playing with their cousins.

Take time to renew old friendships and family ties this season. You never know when it might be your last chance. Our days on this earth are short. Too short to withhold love or to think you have tomorrow to set things right.

God only guarantees this moment and not another. Serve Him and Love Him with all that is in you. Love your fellow men and women even as you love yourself.

Dueternomony 9:15 "He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint.16 "In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.
17 "Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.'18 "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 "It shall come about if you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.20 "Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so you shall perish; because you would not listen to the voice of the LORD your God.

sherman

2008-11-28T14:02:00.000-08:00

First Deer

My oldest son, Samuel, killed his very first deer this past Saturday. It was a young buck maybe 1 1/2 years old. It managed to get in a double lung shot using his Winchester Model 12 16ga shotgun firing Remington slugs.

The deer went 90-100 yards after the shot. We tracked it and found it about 20-30 minutes after the shoot was made. Sam wasn't sure he had hit it - everything had happened so fast. We harvested approximately 55 lbs of meat from the deer. This would equate to an approximate live weight of 125-135lbs.

I have to say it was one of the best tasting and tenderest deers I have eaten. We placed it in a cooler for two days in a salt/vinegar brine to draw out more of the blood. After packaging it up, I placed a couple of pounds from the back thigh into a skillet with oil and some seasoning. It made a very tasty addition to supper.

We are grateful to God's provision throughout all aspects of our lives. And this seemed to be a very special blessing. I hope each of the boys will have opportunity as well this year to take their own deer.

By the way Sam was a bit put off earlier when a couple of dozen turkeys walked right by him. The season had closed just the previous day.

Blessings to all who are in Christ and a plea to all who are not -

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! 9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want. 10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

2008-11-20T16:33:00.000-08:00

Season of Change

I must say that I am mesmerized by the color of the leaf changes this year. I am surrounded by the magnificent evidence of God’s Glorious Creation.

Words are few and indescribable for the sights of the season! We have taken as many pictures as we could that was safe to pull over and snap. But most of the pictures were for our passing by view only!

I share this with those who do not have this advantage of these wonderful trees. Those in California really don’t get this special treat. And if I recall most of the trees in Louisiana just turned brown and fell off! They are spectacular to behold. The oranges are bright almost florescent. The Yellows are everywhere. The reds are dazzling and then there is the deep reds almost burgundy in color. You may see them in a cluster. You may drive down an entire covered highway like a colored canopy. It may be the hillside that is speckled above the grazing cows that catches your eye. And not to forget the drive up the mountains that hold the multitude of them all. But the ones that to me were the most majestic were just in people’s yards!

Do the trees get permission to do this “change of scenery”? Do they just up and rebel at their green lifestyle? Do they decide when and what color they will turn to? The answer to all this is NO. God decides……

I wanted to share about this not only because the colors are so dramatic but also about seasons of the heart. When God takes us to a new season of our lives…………what then, can we decide the “colors” we want, the “whens” “hows” and “wheres”?

The answer to that is NO also. There are different seasons of our lives. For instance we do not have little ones romping around our house anymore………I miss there little feets! A new season is here, I now have teenagers, driving lessons, and college tuition. Do I refuse to change “colors”? Or do I shine just a brilliantly in this season as when they were learning to walk?

Another change of seasons for us has been from a community lifestyle as in a subdivision in the city to country life where no one pops in anymore and it is a looooong ways to town! Do I refuse to change “colors” until I have the “right” place that pleases me? Or do I allow God to “change” the leaves to new places, new lifestyles and new ministries?

Another season change for us is no longer being in the military and making a new life career changes. When it is not easy do I just give up my “leaves” and let them all fall off?? No, let God decide how long they are to “hang on”.

Still more season changes, we are getting older. Our bodies complain A LOT more than they used too. We get tired more quickly and keeping up with they kids is much more difficult. It is not easy to see your limitations. So do I just give up and die? Do I refuse to accept the changes? It is not as if the trees can help it, can they??

I just want to encourage anyone who is in a season of change to look to The Lord and to accept what ever changes He has for you. May we all together present a hillside of beauty to God in all the colors He changes us to!

Enjoy the Seasons of Change!

laura

2008-11-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

A Time to Dance...

We were invited to a reformation day celebration with our friends from Allelon Farm. It had been sometime since we had been able to fellowship with these friends since we are constantly traveling in opposite directions to church.

Chrissy called the dance. It had been a while since we had been at a contra dance as well. She does a really good job at keeping everybody moving in the right direction and making sure all have a partner that want one.

We meet several people that we had not seen before as well as renewed some old acquaintances. The boys all had a good time and we enjoyed sitting down visiting and watching the festivities. I highly recommend including some dancing as you walk through this life. Dancing that lifts the spirit and encourages the soul.

Some would have it labeled sin while others would take it into debauchery. It is much what you make out of it. As for my family we can equally praise and serve the Lord through all aspects of our lives. None of them are separate.

Take the time to fellowship with other believer's as the Lord gives you opportunity. More importantly those that you may not normally get to enjoy. Invite them along when you can, you never know who may need ministering in their lives. Open up your homes and your hearts. You will be greatly blessed.

(Sorry the photos are a bit blurry - but then it went by too fast!)

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--2 A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.3 A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.5 A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.6 A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away.7 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.8 A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.9 What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils?10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime;13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor-- it is the gift of God.

2008-10-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Spotlight on Hope!
Our Recent trip to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Thursday Morning October 24th, 6:45 am we reach the gate guard to the parking lot of the Famous, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Famous to many, but to me, a place of agonizing cruelty in the race for life with in it’s walls.

We walk through the doors and immediately the sterility in the air hits my nostrils. Memories flood my heart. Yes things have changed a lot since 1993 when we first walked in the doors of this Cancer Hospital for children. The colors are different, many new buildings have been added. The very cheerful designs on each wall, each hall, have all been changed and delightfully made even better. The walls really do “tell” what happens in this institution’s struggle for life. I love to look at the walls in every department. Can you put suffering in a picture? Can you put Hope in words? They try to do so on all the walls. It is like the old saying, “If I were a “fly on the wall” all the things I could tell…………………..

There have been many new areas added that were not available years ago. Also among new changes are surgery wards, and additional hospital rooms. The Café got a TOTAL new look and expansion that totally surprised me! St. Jude’s has really, really grown over the years since our first arrival with our just turned two year old son, dying of cancer!

BUT………some things never change. I sat in the check in lobby listening to a young child vomit over and over again, laying down on the chairs waiting her turn. Her mother trying to console her cries of pain. But to no avail……………I wanted to reach out and share hope with her. “Hey look here is our son, he is almost 17, he is living!!” my heart cried out to say to this woman and very sick child.

Can you give me your ID number at check in. Do you have any clue how many times we have given that number?? Etched on my very heart. Every time we went to the hospital, every clinic, every need. He had a name, but they only new him as 13,XXX, his “hospital number”. I noticed the folks who checked in behind us were way into the high 20,XXX’s digits. They have seen A LOT of patients since our son got his “number”!
Seeing the masks on the sweet little pale faces as children battle the slightest exposure to germs that even a sneeze could kill them! What bondage they live in as they try to kill those deadly cancer cells! They have to bring the children as close to death as possible to cure them. But sometimes it is a bit too close and it cost them their lives. Just as in AML the treatment consisting of a bone marrow transplant. So much can go wrong!

Inevitability, the smell of the pump soap in the bathrooms sends me over the edge. My mind and heart go spinning back to the past. The past where all the little boys we got to know during our 9 week stay (and then 7 week stay 9 months later) and the week trips in between---all died. The young couple who could not even hold their infant baby because the cancer had so eaten him up that it caused excruciating pain to be touch. I remember seeing them hold each other and cry. I remember the beautiful little 3 year old girl, an ugly patch covering the effects of the deadly cancer that stole her eye. Seeing friends in the hall when they got their news, there is nothing else we can do, your child only has 3-6 months left, we are sorry. Tears, sadness, eyes pleading for hope are what you see on the benches, wheelchairs, & crutches of the children all over the hospital on any given day. Those that can walk without a mask, a limp, or carry a throw up buck or dragging an IV medicine bag are the “lucky ones” at least for that day.

The intercom announces a name, “ XXXX “ to the medicine room. I call the “poison room” of rescue. The poison “medicine” is what they call the powerful chemotherapy they give to hundreds of kids a day. That room will forever be in my recollection. For in there is a “hope” for survival. Yet it is the very drugs that make them so sick, loose their hair, cause kidney, liver, and heart damage (even heart failure), cause the body to go so close to death, cause kids to loose their ability to walk, huge ulcerations from the lips all the way through the entire digestive track and so on. Many times they just give up the desire to live due to the extreme side effects of the “poison drugs” that are to “cure” them. Many times as a parent seeing my own son suffering beyond what I would have ever imagined, wondered if we were doing the right thing???
But when you are in the midst of this life stealing, death threatening time, you don’t often see too many kids who make it. I remember thinking those very thoughts. Where are the teenagers & adults who have been through this torturous time and lived?? Where is the hope? Are these kids doing this torture just to die in the end? The Quality of life becomes so wretched that you wonder if it is worth it. Looking around at the tables in our dinning hall thinking which kids wont be here next year, which ones wont make it until next week when either the cancer or the chemo effects steals their last breath.

We watched our normal happy just turned two year old son literally go through so much pain, change, grief, regression, much much suffering & debilitation until we were distraught with the question: How can this “poison” cure our son?? And if he does survive what will he be like when it is over?
I will not attempt at this writing to share our whole story. Just a few glimpses that I had as I sat in the rooms and walked the hall this last trip for my son to have his “re-check”. The memories will ever be with me.

But today, there are different faces. Lots of children, still much much suffering. There is still that sadness & pain in their eyes. But today I can offer hope!! I cry even at this typing. Yes there is hope. For you see my son SURVIVED! He is alive! He is doing very well. There are side effects he will keep forever. But he is doing GREAT! His lab work & other tests all show a strong, healthy, well adjusted, young man of almost 17!

I wanted to have him stand at the door and offer hope to those who are in our shoes from so many years ago! Some really do live through this most horrifying ordeal. Keep on going! I wanted to cheer them on, knowing they are so miserable and easily desire all this suffering to be over. I wanted to parade him, not in a proud way, but in a loving way, to hug others whose worlds have just been turned upside down. I know we are not the giver or taker of life. Only God is in control of that. But He does use means as in medicine and doctors to save lives. We fully trust and believe that God chose to heal our son. But He also used the means of chemo and doctors to administrate this healing. But you don’t give up just because you don’t know when God will demand your last breath.

So I say in closing………….next year (which is his last), he will be graduated out. We are going to shout it from the top of the buildings!! “THERE IS HOPE! Be of good courage my friends, keep on smiling through the pain, keep on hoping………………you just never know………
You may be doing this for someone else many years from now!

Laura

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2008-10-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Church Family Camp

Last weekend we took out sometime as a church to have a family campout. I wanted to include a few highlights of the weekend.

The time was relaxed and a lot of time was spent arounf the campfire. It had just turnd cold enough to where there were no bugs and the fire was welcomed.

The youth played a lot of volleyball and some of the younger ones took out time to help the smallest enjoy their time.

We greatly enjoyed our time with some of the families from Guthrie KY that cam up for the day. I especially enjoyed a lengthy conversation with Richard Slaybock about many spiritual topics. I never grow tried of examining scripture with a brother and speaking about our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The sermon Sunday really encouraged me as we considered the cross of Christ and its implication on the life of a believer. What impact has the cross had in your life?

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

2008-10-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

A Quick Note on Laura

We had to put Laura in the hospital last week on Monday evening. It turned out that she had diverticulitis. You go to the hospital to get well but sometimes other things can happen and that's what went on next. The nurses hung a new antibiotic for Laura Tuesday morning, she had a severe reaction. We came close to loosing her. I went back up to the hospital at 2AM she had been placed in ICU. After about 12 hours she was able to go to the step down unit and then to a regular room the following day. They reluctantly released here Friday evening and we went back home.

She is doing so much better now. If things go well we can avoid surgery.

This is just a thought for you to consider. Each of us is not guaranteed one more moment. It is only by God's grace that we live. How are you living your life? How are you treating or mistreating others? You may not have tomorrow to set things right, to love one you have wronged. If you fail to live as Christ and to love your brother or sister it is SIN. God put it this way:

James 4:13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

If you have trusted in Christ for salvation, does your life show the Spirit at work conforming you to the image of Christ? Do people see Christ in you or do you have to tell them you are a Christian? You have an obligation to live your life to the praise of God's glory. This life is not to be spent on your fleshly indulgence. You are to love the brethren. You have no right to withhold forgiveness and love from another do to perceived injustices or hurt feelings. And you may not have tomorrow to set things right. You have been given liberty from sin so that you may serve righteousness not yourself.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2008-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Sky is Falling !?

It seems that everyone is very concerned and upset about the financial market these days. Now I am no expert on the economy. I see some slowdown in sales, but then prices have been rising mostly due to increased fuel prices as well as increased feed prices (connected with the mandate of corn ethanol production).

I can only speak for our family, but things for us are pretty good. Things are costing more, but then I make a decent living. Sometimes I think we as a nation live so much on the edge of bankruptcy that it may contribute to the calamity in the market place.

It seems that the government assumes the role of Nanny. When people make mistakes they need to suffer some consequences or they will be repeated again. It would be best to allow things to run their course and then pickup the pieces and move on.

Throwing more money at a problem until something sticks doesn't seem to be the best way to handle the situation. In the end I am not in control. A little perturbed but not overly concerned.

I don't have to be worried about it if my 401K tanks, or if the government changes hands. I serve a King that rules over all. Christ is the Sovereign Lord. If I remember to keep my focus on Him the worries of this world don't seem so BIG.

Romans8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

2008-09-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

Gas and Travel

This past weekend we traveled up to St Louis for a family reunion on Laura's side of the family. I had heard rumors Friday evening that there was a gas shortage in Nashville. So I thought it would be prudent to fill-up in Shelbyville before heading up to the reunion. We paid $3.99 a gallon which is still much higher than the average price in Huntsville of $3.69. All of this is still due to fall out from Hurricane Ike (we once had a dog named Ike but then that is a different story).

It made me think back to the gas shortages in the 1970's. Although that was due to over regulation issues. I still remember how panicked people became. It seems we are always an inch away from anarchy. Just announce in the morning on the radio it is going to snow and by 3PM there will be little left on the grocery store shelf. We as a nation are a greedy, selfish lot full of fear.

Well back to the gas shortage. Sure enough as we drove through the Nashville area, gas stations were either out of gas or mobbed by a line of cars that seemed to go down the road for miles. A shortage that could be manageable was exasperated by fearful people (much like stock traders). We even saw police at a couple of stations, I can only imagine some disagreements and fights had broken out.

The really interesting thing was that once we got to the Kentucky border there seemed to be plenty of gas. Just 40 miles outside of Nashville. The prices steadily decline to a low of $3.50 in the St. Louis area. At these prices maybe someday I will consider buying an older diesel and making some homemade fuel. I think first we need to get a tractor for the place to make it more cost effective.

Well all in all it was a good trip. Our family was blessed by being able to listen to several sermons and receive a timely lesson on the depravity of man. We can be thankful that we serve a God who is rich in mercy and that we are not dependent upon our government or man for our hope and security.

Romans 8:14-16

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

2008-09-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Another Update

We are getting settled in here at our new house. The sheep have their new pen. We will eventually expand it up one side of the property about 1200 feet. We still need to build a chicken coop and yard.

Samuel has taken up beekeeping this year and harvested 1 and 1/2 gallons of honey so far.

Laura has been hard at work canning and sewing quilts.

We are adding a room for our oldest son in the basement. I hope to get it done by November.

Joshua has been preparing for deer season, coming soon. This will be the first time we have had enough land to be productive at hunting.

We have recently lost 3 calves and one sheep. Our breeding ram. That was quite a loss. My thought is that it was Johnes disease. One of the dairy calves I believe passed it to the others. We are going to isolate our flock for the next 6 months to cull out any carriers. So we will not be buying or selling any animals for a time. We have also probably lost the window for having any lambs this next year.

Well that is just part of Farm life. The Lord has greatly blessed us in spite of all of our failings.

2008-09-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

A Long Pause......

Well, its been a while since we lasted posted anything. We have had a busy Summer. Friends staying with us. Moving into a new house. Helping startup a new church. Added a few animals.

We had a lot of work and and a lot of friends lending a hand helping in moving and readying the new house.

Some installed fencing around the garden area. This is the first animal holding area.

While others cleaned, painted and wallpapered the house.

Philip and his two oldest sons installed the much needed air conditioing. This particular house had been built by some of the local "black bumper" mennonites. They typically do not use a/c.

A couple of trees were also cut down in the process because of their relative close location to the basement wall.

We really were blessed with all of the willing helpers. The Lord has blessed us with so many wonderful brothers and sisters.

Recently the boys and I have started adding another bedroom in the basement of the house for Samuel.

We have missed having our friends staying with us, but the Lord has led them in another direction for now.

That's really all for now. I suspect once we have caught up with school and canning we can go into some more details.

Take care to enjoy what God has blessed you with in friends and family.

2008-05-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Lie of SIN

I normally post to the Truth and Trials blog and leave this one for family farm activities. But I felt impressed to share this message here.

Sin is something all of us struggle with. Those that are truly converted, born again, trusting in the righteousness of Christ alone still struggle. The lost may struggle but are in slavery. Unable to break loose from the root of a depraved, wicked heart. The believer still has the old heart but we also have a completely new nature, free to serve God apart from the bondage of sin. So let this be a warning to both the saved and the lost. Our context is in the Garden of Eden. Satan encouraged Eve to exercise her freewill even though against the command of God.

Genesis 3:1-7 Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden '?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" 4 The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! 5 "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.

SIN is based on a lie. The LIE of SIN:

1. That the exercise of man's freewill is life when it is death.
2. That the exercise of man's freewill is liberty when it is bondage.
3. That the exercise of man's freewill is the pursuit of happiness when it is really futility.
That is the LIE. To exercise your freewill apart from God. This will only throw you head long into a freefall of SIN.

The only hope for those in the freefall of SIN is the Lord's sovereign GRACE. To the LOST cry out to God for His mercy, it is your only hope.

The LIE is deadly and only brings captivity. For the believer the lie is grievous, to be in unrighteousness. It will take you father from God than you ever thought it could and keep you longer. It is deadly, it is gripping, and it doesn't retreat or call a truce.

Success against SIN doesn't come from trying harder not to sin, BUT rather it comes from enjoying the goodness of God more than these earthly vain desires. Find your joy and pleasure in the presence of God.

Remember satan is the father of lies. This world and its pleasures are only a continuation of his lies.

John 8:43-45 43 "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. 44 "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 "But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.

May the Lord lead and guide each one as we seek to serve Him and Him alone.

Sherman

2008-02-12T19:01:00.001-08:00

Two for One
Special

On a small hobby farm in Middle Tennessee, two days ago, there was an unexpected surprise! The Ewe that I bought early last year had her first lambing! She picked a brutally cold morning to drop those babies out into this hobby farm.

If you have not meet Éclair you can simply look her up on previous trisonschickery blogs. She is a beautiful mix of colors. Thus it was interesting what these two baby ewes looked like!

I just so happened to name them: Sugar and Spice (mom says that’s what girls are made of!?) Each one named liked they are colored! Spice is all one color, a mixture of rust and brown. Sugar is white headed, and the rest of her body looks like brown sugar! Spice was the larger of the two. Sugar was the runt. They both are so so so cute!

Not an uncommon happening on first births, Éclair accepted Spice and rejected Sugar. The one that was rejected, Sugar cried & cried. I think that she would have died if my older brother had not found her, while looking for our dog. We knew something was wrong and we knew we needed to do something. BUT WHAT?????........we did not have a clue!!

After much banter, we decided to give ole dad a call at work. He said to try to reintroduce the poor, week, unloved lamb. But the mother kicked and butted her carelessly. Sadly we realized that we were indeed going to have to raise her if she was going to live. So we went to the store to get some powdered milk. We found an old bottle and tried to feed her. At first she did not eat well. It was a troublesome attempt to say the least. But soon she took to it. And she is up following me around like a shadow. Even though I am just an ole farm boy, she thinks I am her mother. I must say she is pretty special to me!

Written by: Zechariah

2007-11-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

Tears Mingled with Ashes

Still even as I write this the surge of emotion that grabs my throat is overwhelming! When you feel as though you have seen “the face of God” so to speak. Or that God has been very “Real” in a message, it astounds me! He most recently spoke very clearly that He wants me & my family to stay on in this world for now. He must still have work for us to do!

This is what happened: I needed to buy fabric for some quilts and our family decided to go up to Franklin, TN (about 1 ½ hours from our home) to Hobby Lobby last Monday night. We were not on the road ½ an hour before it began to storm on us. And I mean storm!! Lightning bolts like crazy, jumping thunder. Rain so hard we drove at a near crawl much of the way with my husband leaning forward to see out the windshield. I did not know it but later only to be told there were Tornado warnings out! I believe it! We did make it to the store, completed our task and drove home the same way in the midst of this severe storm! When we got home we went right to bed being very exhausted after such a wearisome trip!

The next morning at about 4:45 am, I got up and began fixing coffee. Only the strangest thing, the pot would not work. So after fiddling with it, I called my husband to check it out. Being a man he simply unplugged it and plugged it into another outlet and turned it on!! (I laughed at the simplicity). But then he went to the fuse box to check things out. Noticing a switch had been thrown, he flipped it back on. Immediately the bottom of our little freezer caught fire, sizzled and went out! Of course I was screaming by then for my husband to come!

When he came to see the freezer, he said you are not going to believe this. I too walked over to it. There was ash all up the entire wall behind it. Covering the decorations above it. As he pulled it out a bit, all my cookbooks which I had on top against the wall, were burnt on the edges and some backs. Ash was all over the stuff I had on top. Plus as I walked around I noticed it on all the wall decorations around the room. As well as across most of the table and chairs. The wall was black behind the freezer. WOW! What do you say? We were astonished.
At first we thought it had happened while we had been gone. But since we did not go into the kitchen but straight to bed, we did not know. But soon after my husband left for work, I was blowing my nose and a good amount of black soot came out. That could only mean one thing. That during the night as I slept in the recliner (which is right next to the kitchen) that fire had happened while we were sleeping! I was in the recliner due to a bad hip & back I can only usually sleep no more than 4 hours in the bed so often I get up and sleep in the living room for a bit. That is a scary thing! It had to have been bad to do such damage.

My husband still suspects that a lightening bolt must have hit close by and a surge of electricity went to the closest thing on—which was the freezer! It caught fire and burned. As my husband cleaned it up—which was a mess. He showed me the holes in the wood floor when the fire had literally burned deep holes. As well as the part that did not come off the baseboard. He also had to clean the back of the freezer some just so it would not get on him! He looked at the elements which had completely melted down!

What a sobering thing. What a sobering thought. Yes, there is no “earthly” reason we are here today. That I would be alive to type this is a miracle! But evidently there WAS a “Heavenly” reason that our house did not burn down to the ground and taken all of us with it! As I wiped down the counters, table, chairs, decorations, other things in the kitchen that had ashes, all I could do is cry! Oh Lord that You should spare me my life or that I would be spared and not my husband or children??!! I can not fathom! Nor to watch all my memories and pictures be destroyed (which is a smaller thing by far!) But that is what happened. Yes tears mingled with ashes as I cried my heart’s gratitude of being spared such a horrific event. I did not complain to clean so much. I can not clean my cookbooks. But they will ever serve as a reminder of how closed to “cooked” we almost became.

What does God have for us to still do??? I do not know. But my attention He has and I shall be ready to anything He shall ask. As I reflected on that night………………I shivered as I thought,

I have been redeemed from “The Fire” of Eternal Damnation.
Snatched from the flames of Hell.
Was that night not a shuddering visual of my own redemption!

2007-10-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

Éclair
The Ewe Lamb

I have always had a big spot in my heart for sheep. I love all the animals on our farm. There are chickens to cluck & pigs to squeal. 3 sheep (one of which I will talk about later). One rolly polly fat pet miniature goat but of course, he is not allowed inside the house! But we all love the dog! Also, we have turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving. Not to mention, the Christmas goose (we have a few of those!) Our most recent additions are two cows that my brother owns. One is a bottle calf and the other a young heifer. Oh and I almost forgot, we have rabbits too! But out of all the animals the sheep steal my heart!

So when my dad & another sheep man were talking one day. The other man mentioned that he had a ewe lamb that looked like the ram we had. It got my dad to thinking………………

And my dad act me if I wanted to buy the ewe lamb and I seed yes so he tolled the man that I wooed buy it and I did so. She is part hair sheep & part wool sheep. She
is about 9 months old and very cute. I named her Éclair because of her spectacular color arrangement! Yes, she looks just like the “Éclair donut”!! She is dark brown on the majority of her body, then she has a fuzzy caramel topping all on her back. And an adorable cute white face.

I love her!

She blends well with Rocky Roads, the ram that looks like her. And the other sheep Sinoman (Cinnamon) all “hoof” around together! I have so many other things to be grateful for especially my ewe lamb Éclair!

Written by: Zechariah

2007-10-16T15:47:00.001-07:00

Moooovelous
Moments
Breed or Feed
?

We just could not wait for a bigger place to get started on the absolutely mooovelous project of “growing” our own beef. We have already added pig, goat, chicken, deer, rabbit, goose, turkey, duck & squirrel to our “home freezer” of meat that we eat. But many members of our family still favor the ole cow!

We have been splitting cows with a friend of ours for some time. We have split 3 in the past year. This last one we killed was the toughest to butcher of all three we have done so far.

Just over four weeks ago we got a Holstein calf that was just 8 days old. We are preparing to wean him at this time. His name is Flank. He weighs about 150 pounds. He will most likely be dinner or sold at auction at some point. Soon after we got him we put him on one and one-half bottles (each holding two quarts) of calf formula twice a day. Then we changed to two bottles twice a day. More recently we have changed to a one bottle ration split more or less evenly over two bottles twice a day. Now we are giving a single formula ration in one bottle twice a day. We are planning to reduce his feedings to a single feeding with one bottle prior to weaning. It has been neat to bottle feed Flank as I have never bottle fed an animal before. Not to mention how he follows me around and moos for his “momma” (me). He is real cute. I will have to be careful that he does not “steal” my heart!

We got a new Black Angus heifer Monday. She weighs around five hundred pounds and is named Bossy because she bossed around Flank. I think they are going to get along fine. Several of us have hand fed her. She will be breeding stock most likely.

I think that this will be an interesting project. Although I like doing cows, I must remember that they all belong to God.

Written by: Samuel

2007-09-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our House is 4 Sale

Amidst the flurry of summer activities, about one month ago we listed our house on the market with John Peck of Century 21 MidState Realty. This has been an adventure and will continue to be as we seek God on this issue.

We have a variety of reasons for wanting to move. Dad had changed jobs from working at ATA at AEDC Arnold AFB, TN to DIA/MSIC Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL in Mid-April 2007 which is about an hour and twenty minutes from here. We also would like more land or at least more useable land. Also we attend church in Belvidere, TN which is about fifty minutes from here.

We have been looking at real estate. We started looking at real estate during the winter. The first place we were interested in to an extent was an apple orchard at Huntland, TN. Then we looked at some property with an agent. Then we thought that some people my sale their house on Baxter Hollow which Dad really liked . Then we heard that the people living in it had decided to buy it (we think God may still have this as our new house we will have to wait and see if they move out). We right now are trying to go down avenues until God shuts the door. About the same time we heard that the house on Baxter Hollow was not available we looked at a house on Collins Rd. We were serious about the house on Collins Rd but then the owners took it off the market. But one result from the adventure on Collins Rd is that we found a real estate agent that we really liked. Her Dad, whose is the listing agent for his real estate company, listed our house.

Lately we’ve looked at some pieces of real estate. We liked the house on Lone Star Lane near Booneville, TN pretty well but probably the biggest strike against it is the price tag. We stopped and looked without going inside the house at a house on Raby Hollow near Charity, TN located in Moore County. We liked this house pretty well.

Our zone extends from Belvidere, TN area to Fayetteville, TN to Mt Herman, TN area. It also includes Mulberry, Flintville, and Huntland and some parts of Moore county TN.

We have had two buyer showings.

Pray that we will be open to God’s leading in this matter. Pray also that Mom and Dad will make the right choices

Psalm 127:1 A Song of Ascents, of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. (NASB)

2007-07-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Six Little Piggies

You've all heard the story of the three little pigs. I would like to up
the number to six little pigs. Since raising our first batch of porkers
we have decided we like then end BBQ results. So we set out to purchase our next set off piglets.

We found of a man in Beech Grove that raised pigs from a friend, so off we go to get them. The man's name was Duke. Funny he kind of looked like the uncle on Dukes of Hazard. We met him at a gas station and followed him down some back roads to the pig pens. He had already separated 6 piglets out for us, so in short order we were off with our pigs in our goat trailer (more on that later).

By the time we got home it was quite late so we left the pigs in the trailer for the night. After all it held them all the way home. It should be safe over night. Well come the next morning I go out to look at the little varmints. Only problem is they are all gone! So I wake up the house and sent out the search parties (I have to leave for work ~ fortunately enough). Well they searched all morning to no avail. But somehow these pigs made it several miles down the road to a friends
Trout farm.

Talk about divine intervention. Only the Lord could have done this for us! Our friends caught three of the little boogers, lassoed one of them. The other three must have gone the other direction. Laura and the boys hurried off to get them, only to discover that when put in the
trailer they worked themselves almost out. I guess goat panels are best to hold in goats not pigs. Well a little chicken wire and rope later
the trailer was secure. Being that I didn't want to chase anymore pigs I stopped and picked up some humane (not sure what makes them humane but I guess it keeps PETA happy) nose rings on the way home. The pigs have a way of digging out of things. Well wouldn't you know those pigs didn't want to cooperate with the procedure. Sam held them and man did they squeal - all before I had touched them. When I actually put the rings in they got rather quite.

One particular piglet was very unhappy and tried his best to shake that thing loose. We got them all relocated to a dog pen until they get a little bigger. The hog pen has one section of fence installed upside down (big holes at the bottom - bad for little pigs). I had given up any hope of finding the other piglets. Then we got a call the 4th of July. They had been found at a neighbors house down the road - so off the boys and I went to get them. Well that is easier said
than done. They had made their way into the neighbors Buffalo pen, and the Buffalo were none to happy about it. So with one eye on the Buffalo and one on the pigs we preceded to chase them for the better part of an hour. I sure a very funny sight. One old fat man with three boys being
out done by three little pigs.

The Buffalo and myself were not amused. I figured we need to try
another tactic. I sent Sam home for the 22. If they weren't about to
be caught then I wasn't about to just throw away the purchase price.
Well five shots later the pigs were caught - albeit dead. We hurried
home and skinned them out and put them on ice. I cooked up two last
night and froze the third one for another day.

All in all I can't complain about the end results. God provided in the
midst of our comedy - we could have had none but were blessed with
plenty. I couldn't help but draw some similarities. Pigs are wise in
their own eyes. They want their own way and are constantly skeeming for
an escape. We are much like the pigs without Christ. We think we are
pretty smart. Sheep on the other hand are very dependent upon the
shepherd. They might wounder off but they really don't do so on
purpose. They are quite dumb. As we truly are to God's ways. We tend
to be wise in our own eyes, but it is foolishness when compared to God.
Follow Christ and don't trust in yourself. Well that's the end of this
story. Six little piggies went off on their own way - which way will
you go.

2007-07-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Glory Glory Hallelujah
In the
Capital City
Family Trip to Washington D.C.

I would like to share this trip with you in the way of blessings. For there were so many blessings showered upon us, we desire to Praise God for His blessings, to bring all Glory to Him that He should bless us so generously.

Blessing #1:
We were able to go to D.C. with my husband on a business trip. So all gas, food & hotel were free to us. What a blessing!

Blessing #2:
We found someone to watch our farm: Feed, water the many animals including our spoiled dog. And take care of the place. And upon our return all was well!! Not a single animal missing or died! Thank You God!

Blessing #3:
We had a BEAUTIFUL drive up through TN and VA. We have never seen such beautiful countryside before. That was a feast for our souls! WoW! Lord what magnificent creation You have made!

Blessing #4:
We were getting close to some friends home town and we knew our friends happened to be up there visiting their family so we decided to “pop” in on them! That was such a treat. We had to really rack our brains but God help us remember the oddest things in order to find the town, exit and place. It was neat to see the faces of our friends! It was a nice trip break. They too live where you can see the beautiful mountains in the background—very lovely! Praise You Father for sweet friends that You have given us!

Blessing #5:
We got rain several times while we were in D.C. which made the temps cooler for us since we do not handle the heat very well.

Blessing #6:
We got to see very dear friends of ours. We had a wonderful time encouraging one another. Sharpening iron with one another. Sharing in the Word and praying was special. We also got to meet many of the people that our friends are ministering to. That was special.

Blessing #7:
Though the city was VERY crowded and traffic Horrendous, we never had an accident! Thank You Lord. And when on the many times we got lost, He quickly got us turned around!

Blessing #8:
We went to the base pool one day and we were not there long before it began to storm so we had to leave. My boys were grateful to leave (though they love to swim) for there was what is usual about the pool, a lot of flesh showing! So we prayed in earnest about that and for the purity of their hearts and if we should go again. Then the next day it was rainy/cloudy so we did not get to go. Then on Friday, we went and there was only a hand full of people and most all of them little kids! Both days were an answer to prayer. Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness to reward those who seek to please You!

Blessing #9:
The place where my husband had his meetings was in walking distance of our friends house!! That was so unbelievable! The parking for this building was right across the street from their house! Not to mention his meetings were not long and he was able to enjoy visiting with our dear friends too.

Blessing #10:
There was a park just a few houses down by the river the boys loved it. Also there was a volleyball area we all walked to and the kids played there & had a good time. While the parents walked along the walking path along the Potomac River, with the kids in sight of course. That was a real treat to see the boats in the water, it was mild with a breeze (sorta reminded us of CA where we meet these friends of ours). You could see the some of the D.C. buildings in the back ground. It was very nice!

Blessing #11:
My dear Sister Dawn went way out of the way to have all three meals a day very special. She did a lot of memory meals. And just really spent a great deal on our behalf in making meal time special. She went through a lot of time and expense for us and we were very blessed by her servant’s heart in this area. God You are so good to us, we can not begin to express!

Blessing #12:
Watching our kids play together was so like old times! That was a blessing to us! Everyone got along and was so delighted to be together! Yes they were all a bit older but still the same! I also spent time reading to them which was an old time treat for us all.

Blessing #13:
We went to see some of the buildings late on Friday night. It was cool and less traffic, though there was still a lot. It was neat to read President Lincoln’s second inaugural address. There was so much of God’s Sovereignty in it of you looked you could see it.

Blessing #14:
We went to see two Smithsonian museums on Saturday morning. The space one was really cool. The boys and dads really enjoyed it. So did the gals. It was neat to see all the planes hanging from the ceiling and the art in many of the designs. Also, we rode the metro and that was fun and new experience for all of us.

Blessing #15:
I (Laura) developed a HUGE cyst in a VERY unpleasant place. Where the sun don’t shine. I became so miserable along Thursday and Friday that it took so much effort to just get up from a chair until my arms were sore as well. I did not want to go to the doctor. Then by the time we were in the Hotel on our way home Saturday night. Sherman pleaded with me to let him lance the cyst to help with the pain. I do not take pain relievers at night so I was in A LOT of pain. I agreed but he could not ever touch my skin in that area. Most all the area around it was also painful and swollen. He tried & I cried. I was at the end of my pain tolerance and wept out loud. It was hard to let my children see me like that. I was so thankful for him, that he helped doctor me since I could not see what I was doing. So after we went to bed, he grabbed my hand and began to softly pray for me. And God answer his prayers!! The cyst burst during the night. Though it was quite a mess. It did relieve the severe pain. So by the time we were home, I no longer had to take pain meds. I can not tell you how it feels to have such prayers answered! It may have been insignificant to many. But it was not to me. I am in awe that God would care that much!

Our whole trip was like that. When a problem came up we prayed and
God made a way! It was neat to be in the Spirit while “vacationing”!

2007-05-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Housekeeping :
Keeping the World out of your house

Recently we had a family come and stay with us. We decided to sorta
go “camping” at home. So we sat outside most of the day and ate outside, played outside etc. However, we slept in comfortable beds with air conditioning and warm showers (sorta cheating isn’t it—it was great!). We had a WONDERFUL time of fellowship in the Word, sharing what Jesus has done in our lives, watching our children learn what it means to put others first etc.

We have all wood floors a big hairy dog, 3 boys in & out, plus guest so you can guess what that equals?? Lots of dirt, hair, trash etc on the floors. Yes I had swept before company came. And the little girl who loves to clean asked if she could sweep my floors. Why Yes Yes little one, go for it, I told her!! I certainly do not turn down such an offer! So sweeping she did! Then the next day her mother sweep up the hugest pile of dirt, hair, trash, toys etc. A bit later, I asked the little girl, could you tell that your mamma sweep today. She sweetly said, no mamm. Her mom then made a comment ever so accurately: It is always the battle of the outside coming inside!!

I thought you are so right!! My house stays dusty and in need of sweeping constantly (even right after I finish doing it!!). Now I know that partly is the lifestyle we live, we leave our windows open when possible, we have ceiling fans on in every room, we do not make our kids take off their shoes. We do not faithfully brush our dog, we do not dust and clean as often perhaps as we should. So I pretty much gave up in ever getting the outside to stay outside.

But the words of the woman had a profound thought to me. Is that not so precisely how difficult it is to keep “the world” out of our homes and hearts!! It is an ever on going process. In constant need of attention. You can not give up as I did with the sweeping & dusting. You must stay at it!

The most confounding part of it all is, where does all the dust & dirt come from?? Even when we do not have company, it is the same. I never see it “crawl” in. It does not ring the door bell and ask for an invitation. It can’t just fall from the ceiling!

Likewise, you will not see “the world” ring the doorbell and come in. They are not going to send you an announcement they are coming. “The world” will quietly, subtly & invisibly sneak in, make itself comfortable on your couch, in your living room. Cleverly disguising itself as to not be noticed while it sits in there with your children, your husband, and yourself. And it will fill every part of your home, just like the dust covers everything in a room, including every nook and corner of the floors!

What am I talking about? Well the list/concept is way too long to write here and it varies for each home. However, still a ever present danger! Here are some crafty ways “the world” sets up housekeeping. One is the news on TV. Which has every lust on the list—only it is quote true. The discovery channel & others of the sorts, has extreme evolution, demeaning what God’s Word says. Or such “learning” shows as Sesame Street that have VERY subtle humanistic philosophies. Now these are the “excuse” shows that most people tell me they only watch. Which is usually not even true either. So there is not a single show I can think of on TV that I would watch with Jesus sitting next to me. I challenge anyone who thinks there is……………I would like to see it, because I do not believe it. Now there are those who only watch videos. But satan is even more clever there! He more deceptively puts in those “good” videos selfishness, single family units, the best man wins, get all you can get and much more. In general opposite the attitudes and actions we are supposed to have according to God’s Word. I encourage you to NEVER use the TV/Videos as a babysitter while you get some “house cleaning” done (because you may be making more of a mess in the hearts of your children).

This same concept of concerns and discernment needs to be used in books, magazines, etc. that enter your home (especially from the library!). Or those loaned to you. Even your school curriculum needs checked out. Computer games—what do they accomplish?? Very little good most of the time. Also, the internet (I call it “Enter the Net” –Entertainment Trap). You and Your husband should have a filter, they cost money but “free” from “the world” is never without it’s costs!! You & your spouse as well need to control what you are doing and the time spent on it. Even though it may be “good” things you doing but what “should” you be doing?? The “net” is a “one-man/woman fish game”. It has no family value to it at all. This perhaps is the newest more deceptive scheme that satan has been very successful at. Many have fallen into grave sinful habits on the “net trap”, but many are just “trapped” there. Get loose and take a “fast” from the computer and just do some housecleaning. It maybe inches think in “dust”!

One other way I want to mention is the dirt that comes in off the kids (and parents alike) clothes and shoes. After they have been out in “the world”. Whether to Wal-mart with you. Grocery shopping with you, to the library. After Sunday church or a Bible study. And after visiting with friends or extended family they have a bunch of “dirt” that they bring back to the house (with out ever even knowing it!!). Then as they walk sit and live all the while the dirt falls off of them and begins to cover the floor. It is the same in the physical sense as the Spiritual. So you need to be aware of the things your children see (even things you may be desinsitized to) out in the public arenas that you have no control over them seeing & hearing. Talk to them about it, “clean them up” before you let them bring it into the home so to speak.

In closing I want you to think about Judas Iscariot. How very subtle he was. He was one of the twelve, who was right there in the midst of Jesus Ministry but never noticed, it is so with the sly ways of satan and he is persistent to bring “the world” into your home. Be attentive! You are in battle, do not rest! You can not hire a maid either! Do not be lazy, or you yourself will be covered in “dust”!!

2007-04-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Always such a Ham

An interesting thing happened yesterday (ok a few yesterdays ago). The pig managed to get out of the pen. He tore the field fencing away from the post near the gate.

Fortunately he went into the goat yard. The other animals were not happy about it. Laura and Joshua had been throwing up in the mean time. So Laura/Sam/Zech went out to catch the pig. After chasing it around they gave up and Sam took off his gloves. Just then the pig came by and Sam grab his rear legs. Before he could let go the pig promptly drug him under one of the goat platforms, through the manure/rocks/wood. When Sam was able to let go the pigs rear hoof cut open his index finger, this required some stitches. His clothes and body were both torn up.
Now Laura being sick takes him to the hospital. I have the car so she had to take the truck. Promptly getting it stuck backing out of the driveway. Now Jason from the trout farm had come up to look at Sam's hand and the pig. He had to get the truck unstuck and then Laura drove onto the hospital with her bowl in hand. In the meantime Jason and Joshua lasso the pig with one of my extension cords (no longer usable) and get it hauled back into the dog pen. The pig just about pulled Jason and Joshua over in the process.
By the time I get home and get the entire story, I'm thinking this is going to be a fun evening and I wish they could have recorded the event. After changing clothes I went outside to assess the situation.
Both older boys are encompaciteted leaving myself and Zech to deal with the devil pig. I decided that there was no safe way for me to get the pig back into the pen, so we got ready for an unplanned processing.
Joshua got my rifle and the pig knew what was up. He went to the corner and hid his head from me. I finally got him to turn around and dropped him. Now we had to get him from the goat yard to the gambrel. I could pull him only a short distance by myself. He had to be near 190 lbs based on the carcass. I had Zech bring the lawn tractor around and drag it over to the processing area. Then I proceeded to skin and gut the hog. This took about 2 hours from start to finish. And yes this pig's eye popped out as well. I split the carcass so it was manageable to get it in the cooler. The bullet had entered the skull blew through the teeth and jaw bone. Exited the head and re-eneterd lower on the neck and broke the shoulder. Maybe a little overkill but the pig never knew what hit him and didn't get back up.
And yes I am still going to get some more pigs, but I may shell out the money for an added electrical deterrence.

So how was your yesterday!

These pictures are from our first hog. Due to circumstances being what they were we didn't have time to chronicle the last one 8^)

2007-04-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Chickens and Turkeys + Geese

2007-04-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A Surprise Goat

I’m sorry that this edition has been a bit delayed. We had a new kid about two weeks ago. Our La Mancha (Snowflake) had one kid. We had gone to a Bible Study and when we returned there was snowflake with a kid. The kid we named surprise because we had expected it later. This was Snowflake’s first kid. The kid was a Nubian-La Mancha cross. As a result his ears are very interesting. The kid turned out to be a Billy so we banded him. Snowflake was very standoffish at first. Her stomach soon got the best of her however. She would go hide her kid in a crevice under a log and come eat. Now the kid follows his mom around the goat pen.
Last Saturday we built a milk stand. It is an interesting set up. Dad almost made it to big. We are going to milk her if all goes well.
We also had some issues with our chicks that had hatched a couple of weeks ago. We stuck them in the regular chicken yard and they got along fine with the other chickens. The problem was that they could fit through crevices that the regular chickens couldn’t. As a result they were for a couple of days roaming the goat yard and backyard at will. Today mom had me throw them in the chicken tractor.
Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. (NKJV)
SPW

2007-03-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

Movin’ Day!
with the oinkers

Even during our days in the military, we always moved ourselves. So this day was no exception. Only the fact that we were not using a moving truck and we were not moving furniture!
One thing I have learned on the farm is: If you want something done---buy an animal!! And “wheather” rain, snow or blazin heat, everyone gets to work! Building fencing, pens, or “animal shacks”. Therefore, when we got our piglets, pepperoni and salami a few weeks ago we did not have their permanent “condo” finished yet. We still had some “interior designing” to do and last minutes “brush ups”. So as in the last blog we put them in a “temporary hotel” for a few weeks.

Only we forgot they would grow……………..

The day the piglets palace was finished and it was time to move them down, and I mean way down, the steep hill. We all looked at each other kinda like……..

How we’s gonna get ‘em down there?!

A bright idea coming to dad said we will just “wheel barrow” them down there!! Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. Pick up the back legs and make them babies walk on their front two hooves.

Only we forgot how quickly they move………

My husband (yes I was the camera person, only I was laughing too hard!!) finnnnnnnnnnaly caught his piglet. Then he held it for a bit for the middle son to catch his piglet and after much chasing literally around in circles! He grabbed those back legs. SQUEALLY all the way!! Off he went with that little piglet, holding on very tightly lest it get away. Wheel barrowed him all the way

O
W
N
My husband at the last minute decides not to bend over so much so he arranges his piglet right around the middle of the belly. You would have thought we were killing them on the spot-----they squealed and cried all the way down there. He tried to switch to the piglet to our oldest son who quickly tired (remember they grew!! They were now about 90lbs) It was one of the funniest things we have done so far!!
As for the piglets, they are very happy in there new “condo” it is at least 4 times their old place and is much more shaded and decorated much more to there liking!

I do believe except for me, this moving day may have been harder than our move cross country!

2007-02-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

New Porkers

We have ventured into a new area for us. The Bradshaw's were thinking of getting some pigs and wondered if we were interested. I think it is safe to say that we are always interested in trying something new around here. The price was good and the delivery was free. They borrowed our goat trailer and made a few modifications for the journey. This picture brings to mind a statement: You might be a Tennessean if.....

Well it was an interesting first hour or so. Notice the before and after pictures. these fellas make short work of plowing. I wonder how they would do in the garden? Hopefully these pigs will be ready for bacon and chops in a few months. Pork is our favorite breakfast meat by far. More later on the new arrivals.

2007-02-08T17:35:00.000-08:00

A Few New Things and A Few Old Friend Around Our Place

This is just a quick update on the homefront here in Tennessee.

Our new goat kids, Salt and Pepper are getting big already. It seems that the one that was blind can now see. There is some type of eye infection that goats have been getting in this area that passes in a couple of weeks according to a goat raiser.

We have added to new animals to the small herd. One is Snowflake, a La Macha nanny goat that is pregnant by a Nubian. This should make an interesting combination, one almost no ears and the other one with long and floppy ears. We also picked up a 3 month old ewe lamb, called Sinnaman, we hope to add a ram in a few more months.

We had a visit from some of our brothers and sisters in Christ that live up near Washington DC. We had a really good visit. Rick helped me make a rabbit hutch I have been meaning to do for sometime. And we were able to help celebrate Joseph's birthday.

The boys loved having someone else to shoot with and play with over the short time they visited us. The Brown's are a very special family to us.

Well I think we will leave this posting for now and go relax like Zechariah has a habit of doing.

Seek to follow Christ and please Him in all things.

2007-01-26T16:50:00.000-08:00

Did I hear a "PEEP"?

We got our children a chicken incubator for Christmas this year. A perfect gift for Trisonschickery don’t ya say! Well we collect 23 eggs and popped them things in there and waited the appointed 21 days and guess what………………….

Yep, the first one must a been a rooster, for he cracked open and was a peeping loud and clear 5:45 am on Monday morning!!

Then several more decided they wanted in on the show and out they popped too! Peep peep peep . Here a peep, there a peep, everywhere a peep peep!!

There ain’t nuthin’ like seein’ a chick crack open and come out into the bright new world. They are so cute and fluffy after about an hour. They just look up at ya and peep. We had 14 hatch right away.
Just wanted to give ya a peep into whats going on here at trisons chickery these days!

2007-01-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

Blinded

We went out to the goat pen last Saturday to check on the two new kids, born on Christmas Eve. I took out the mamma’s favorite treat---Triscuit crackers, and some corn for the other goat Buckwheat. Taking food in hopes that we could get a good look at the little cuties! As I watched my husband come to the fence side with one to show me, I noticed right away it’s eyes. And as my husband approached, he said he is blind. We were devastated! Blind? Sure enough both eyes were completely white. I recalled many times looking out the kitchen window thinking that something was wrong with the one kid---he seemed to lag behind and be smaller than the other, but I just thought that was normal when having twins. Just after my husband put him down---he ran full steam into the metal side of the shelter they live in. Yes, he was indeed blind. So much of his behavior made sense now. Poor poor thing. My heart is just broken for him. It made me thing even more of how many children with handicaps and deformities are just shrugged off and left because of imperfectness!

A more sobering parallel is the children of Israel.
The ever looking – but never seeing--- blinded people!
He said, "Go and tell this people: "'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Isaiah 6:9
A scary thought. As we watch this wee little kid bump into things, often frightened, how easily it would be to led it into danger and destruction. And this is just what happened to the hard hearted Israelites. They were blinded to the Truth, which led them down the road to their own “light” and to make up their own “truth”. A new religion that had no need for light at all. The sad thing is they were never “seeing” their need for a Redeemer!
We often think we would never be like that. Yet I challenge you. What have you turned a “deaf” ear to that has spoken to you in God’s Word. What Truths do you simply culturalize out so you do not have to obey. Or perhaps you just don’t read much of the Word so you don’t have much to obey? I think we do, it just looks different.
Just one last note on this thought of “blinded” to the Truth is in evangelizing others. Though we are commanded to do so in the “Great Commission” However, we are NOT to coheres, persuade, manipulate, give a man centered gospel, share an easy believism, or in any way do God’s work in “opening eyes”! We are not the “eye openers”! We are not the “converters”. We are not the heart changers. We are the gospel proclaimers as the Holy Spirit gives us opportunities! And nothing more. Anything else is saying that God can not save a person without our help. And that my friends is simply not true.

Walk in The Light!

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

2006-12-26T13:12:00.000-08:00

Just Kiddin’

Boy were we surprised this Christmas eve!! Nanny had twins!! I ain’t kiddin’ either! We woke up Sunday Morning Dec 24th to the cutest twin new born baby goats!! (new parents always say that) We were so excited. All are doing well.

I thought how very cold they must be in the simple lean too structure they called “home”. It is just a pallet with some scrap tin on top. IT is completely open in the front. Not much room for the two goats we have plus two new ones.

Not that we would dare compare this to the Birth oF Jesus. But with the day of the year it was, I could not help but immediately think of my Lord. And what meek and humble conditions it was for him on His birth of which we were on the eve to celebrate. (I know the exact date is not known)

We thought it a special Christmas gift, that came as a reminder of the humanity of His birth & His birth for humanity!

(Pictures will have to wait. Our digital camera finally quit working after 7 years.)

2006-12-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

Don’t count You Chickens
Before they hatch!

We have all heard the saying don’t count your chickens before they hatch! There is truth to this saying. In our own lives we have done that financially and ended up with a “bunch of cracked eggs”!! There ended up not being any chickens!
With a society of “credit cards” we have disproved this old country saying. However, these “credit card” chickens taste like plastic!! Let me tell you about a recent story of how our family personally experienced this lesson in “real life”, then we can talk again of perhaps a deeper meaning of this.
Now remember we have only been doing chickens for about a year. We city folks have made it for over a year now in the country! We have processed chickens several times, all with a unique “science” lesson of there own. This time was really neat! We had been given some hens that were about 2 years old. They were layers and so we took them in to help up the egg supply. However, we did not count on the fact that they were also, egg eaters!! Soooooooo, they were eating more eggs than we were---so we decided to eat them!! Nice big juicy chicken dinner we were gonna make out of ‘em. Those chickens were not going to eat any more eggs!
Well we got everything set up, we had our friends over and we were going to process about 11 chickens this time, 4 of those 11 were the egg eaters! Guess what we found in the egg eaters?????? Betcha can’t guess………you’re right, eggs!! I’m not “yoking” either. We had always processed young/early chickens so we had never come across the “unhatched eggs” before. But of several different stages were big round orange yokes with a thin clear covering that we pulled out of the chickens while we were getting the other “stuff” out of them!
So there ya go…………….the real “chickens before they were hatched”!! We had never seen them before and were so surprised by what we saw………..any one for scrambled eggs?
Now for a more serious note. How many times do we count our chickens before they hatch? I thought about this a lot. And one very deceptive way we do this is through the use of credit cards. It still boils down to buying what you do not have money for. Just like in the old days where leans were put against a crop or a house etc for money. We just have a simpler (I say a deadlier), means of “counting your chickens before they hatch” and those credit cards add up quicker than dirty dishes in a sink!
So I hope you enjoyed the Chicken/Egg story (it is a true story) and the challenge to not “count your chickens before they hatch” in any form lest they hatch a snake and bite you!

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:15-21

2006-11-20T13:31:00.000-08:00

PASTURE to PLATE
Well it has been a really amazing adventure with "RIBEYE". From the pasture to the plate, this has provided us with an extraordinary experience. There is a deep sense of appreciation for where the meat on the table comes from, and just how much effort it takes to place it there.

This past Saturday we went over to the Bradshaw's for the final packaging of the cow quarters. After hanging the meat for four weeks I was a little unsure of what to expect.

The meat had a purple tinge to it along with some light mold growth. This required the removal of about the top 1/8 to 1/4 of inch on the carcass. With that removed the meat had an extraordinary good texture and smell.

We started by processing the rear quarters first. Keith had set up the HOW TO video in the basement, which turn out to be a real help getting started. We each processed our meat in a little different fashion.

The Bradshaw's went for a more conventional cut processing while we had chosen to try removing the meat as it was naturally grouped together. I can say in retrospect that Keith's turned out very nicely, but I was very satisfied with our results as well. Everything to me that wasn't clearly a steak cut (i.e. the tender loin) was either a roast, cube steak or hamburger. This method proved to be much quicker, but clearly either method produced good results.

Laura did such a wonderful job packaging up all of our meat. She used standard freezer paper and tape, while finishing off with labeling and placing it in a gallon freezer zip-lock bag. It was a lot of work but she really enjoyed the day, just being able to work together as a family.

The meat lost some weight during the aging process. It went from taking 3 men to carry and hang it to one man being able to carry it to the processing table. It would have been nice to have a before and after measurement. It will take another time or two before we can be sure whether 3 or 4 weeks is optimum for the hanging time.

Zechariah asked if he could cut up the meat for hamburger. I was a little hesitant at first, but then decided that it would be nice for him to be able to help. I kept a close eye on him because the knives were really sharp. He really did a wonderful job. When he was done he toes out some time to play with Luke. It really blessed my heart-to see some loving fruit in his life.

Joshua and Samuel took time grinding up the meat for hamburger. It took a lot of patience while dealing with the Kitchen Aid grinder. It tended to overheat frequently. We were very thankful to have it, but I believe it was too much strain upon this type of equipment (it was never intended for continuous operation like that). We would be well served in the future to purchase a commercial grinder

In the end we filled up a very large cooler, along with another smaller cooler and one larger water cooler. It filled up the bed of the truck nicely. We ended up with a freezer full of meat, but it looks like so much less when it is all packed up. I really cannot judge with any certainty how long a half of a cow will last our family. It will take a little more experience and planning to be able to provide for our meat usage for each year.

This is the best tasting meat I have ever had. I would like to thank the Bradshaws and Ribeye. The Bradshaws gave a lot, but Ribeye gave his all. :-)

The boys got in a few minutes of play before it was time to go home. Quite frankly I am not sure where they came up with the energy after all of the work they did.

This was by far one of the best times I have ever had with my family. There was no complaining, no fussing-just willing hearts working in peace and harmony together. Not perfection, but love in action. We were all tired-and I do mean totally exhausted, and yet there were no grumpy or self-centered comments. This is the way it should be, the LORD richly blessed this day in the life of our family.

I would just like to end this with a short thought. How are things in your household? Men I can tell you this much, the spiritual tone is set by you! What will you do with your God given leadership? Will you example out the love and peace that are only found in Christ or will you get frustrated, angry, and self focused? You will do one or the other. Do you make it a joy for your wife to be your help-meet? Do your actions tell your children they are a blessing from God? If you want peace and unity in your home it starts with your own spiritual condition and relationship with Christ. Examine your own heart and consider your own ways.

1 Peter 1:12-14 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things into which angels long to look. 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance

2006-11-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

"BILLY BURGERS"

Our Billy Goat had become somewhat of a problem lately. He was butting our new buckling, our pregnant Nanny Goat and various fence parts; plus he smelled really bad. It was time for us to recoup our money out of him in meat.

It was a real interesting slaughter attempt. We used a 22 caliber rifle at first, but it bounced off of Bill's head. Not a good way to make friends with a goat. I had the boys go get me a bigger gun, my .308, it finished him off quickly.

Joshua offered to drag the goat up to the processing area. This wasn't an offer I was about to turn down. We made this a family project. The boys did most of the skinning, although as you can see below we had to read up on some of the finer points. We sometimes stopped and looked at each other wondering what we need to do next.

With a lot of patience and effort on the kids part we got the hide and guts off of the carcass.

Now with Billy out of the picture we can breed Nanny in a few months with our Nubian goat "Buckwheat".

We will keep you up-to-date with the progress of our growing goat milk efforts. Since we have never milked anything nor have we ever had goat kids, it should be really interesting.

Once all of the left over were gotten rid of we cut the goat into two halves. Samuel got rid of the goat guts in the back area of the property. Seems there has been a lot of interest by the local bird population in studying goat anatomy.
Even the dog seemed to get better acquainted with Billy after his demise. It is interesting to note that Nanny (in the background) seemed to be quite happy that Billy was gone so she enjoyed the grain he had been previously consuming.

We borrowed a cooler from some friends to age the meat. We placed about 4 cups of vinegar along with 10 cups of salt into the cooler and filled it with water and ice bottles. This was changed out twice. The end result yielded us meat free of Billy goat smell and taste.

The final product gave us around 25 lbs of Billy burger and four shoulder roasts. We are going to tan the hide with the hair on if we can get the Billy goat smell off of it, more on that in a future post.

This has been a real adventure for us. I am not particularly found of killing animals, but I have been very pleased with the end results. We have been very isolated from where our food comes from and the death and processing involved. The boys and Laura and I have a greater appreciation of the food the Lord provides to us now than ever before. We know that our livestock have been well treated, feed and processed in clean conditions.

Genesis 9:2 The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. 3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. 4 "But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.

2006-11-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

Revisiting the Past

As age has crept upon me, I find myself taking inventory of my life from time to time. The most recent time came as we took my oldest son (now 15 years old) back to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital for his annual check-up. As I looked around the hospital and the various clinics, I saw parents dealing with the same issue Laura and I had dealt with some years earlier. Many of the staff members are the still here after 13 years. One nurse I saw had gotten a divorce 8 years previously. Others had aged somewhat, but were still doing the same jobs has they had for so many years. It occurred to me while we were waiting for Samuel’s appointments, that these people have gone about their daily lives everyday since we first met them. Whether it was soccer, marriage, birth, death divorce, they had a certain routine and stability. This may seem so obvious to most people, but it wasn’t to me until just then. As I reflected back on our early days at the hospital, I could still remember the intensity that my family’s life took on. By God’s rich mercies we never felt overwhelmed but I had come to understand what the word means in Matthew 6:34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I did not have the time or energy to devote to things that were not of the utmost importance. My child had just been diagnosed with cancer with a little better than 50% chance for survival. Daily cares just seemed to pass from our view. What we would do for vacation? What was for dinner? These things simply did not matter anymore.

Most of our time for the next 2 ½ years would revolve around the treatment of Samuel’s cancer. We would face many ups and downs during this time. Many of the people that we befriended would lose their child’s life to cancer. I quit counting when it reached 100 deaths. God has yet to require that of us. Yet we would wonder from time to time if the treatment wasn’t worse than the disease. Many times we struggled, but were never completely drowned. God used this time of tragedy in our lives to put a failing marriage back together and draw us closer to Himself than ever before. We had hearts rooted in a faith found only in Christ. We had let our own selfish desires tear our family apart. God mercifully put it back together. In months we grew more in Christ than in many years.

Now what is the real point to telling this tale? It wasn’t to draw attention to ourselves, but rather it is to answer the question “So What?” As I looked back over this time God exposed something lacking in my life today. That intense singleness of mind had somehow gotten lost in living life. Each day God gave me sufficient grace for what lay ahead. He didn’t show me what tomorrow would bring, nor could I have handled it. This is what God showed me as I reflected back; my life is to be fully devoted to Him. I am not to be consumed with the fleeting pleasures of this world. My heart and thoughts are to be consumed with living this life to bring glory and honor to Him. This is NOT MY LIFE!

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves to the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? Romans 6:16

Our lives must be lived in view of eternity. The only things that will last will be those things done in obedience to righteousness. I am not speaking of monastery living - but rather to live each moment in presence and fear of my Holy God. There will be no middle ground, God’s word is clear. Your life is not your own nor your money nor your time-nothing is yours you are but a steward that will one day give an account to God. You cannot serve to masters. You are either for or against God.

For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body you will live. Romans 8:13

Do you prefer to obey God always or do you demand your own way?

Is there a difference between the life you live and that of the world?

Remember the standard is not better than someone else… “And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3

Many people call themselves by the name of Christ, deluding themselves and leading others on to hell. We are called to examine ourselves to see if indeed we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). So what about your life…are you in Christ…does Christ know you… (Matthew 7:20-23).

Just a closing thought. If you haven’t experienced this my next statement may not make much since. If there had been anyway to have spared my child from going through this I would have gladly done it, but I wouldn’t take anything for the chance to walk through it. Only one thing I count on in this world is that all God does in my life is for my ultimate good and His glory, Amen!

2006-11-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Handg’rnad Greenbeans

At our house “Science” is a relative word. I gave up teaching “textbook Science” because it could not compare to
“Science by Accident”. Now really you can laugh here! I am only going to share one story………..of the many, many “experiments” we have “run into” over the years.

Remember, we are city folks---gone country. So part of the “country scene” is gardening and then canning what you get! So here we were all ready to go…………

The garden failed completely----a big NOTHIN’ grew! We were very disappointed. Kinda hard blow on the old country ego----that we just weren’t country material if we couldn’t even grow us a garden.

BUT, we did not give up so easily! I just decided that maybe it was too much and I would just go to the Farmer’s Market to buy the produce I needed to can. And so we did…….

The first we bought was green beans! I love green beans. So I bought 2 bushels and spent a Looooooooooooong day snapin’ and the boys joined in the fun too. Ya got to call it fun or the boys will think they are working!!

I got some suggestions from some friends and set out to can. Now I had made some jellies and applebutter before so I thought this couldn’t be too hard. I just did not know how long to waterbath the greenbeans. So I said well, jelly is 10 minutes, I’ll do the green beans a bit longer at 25 minutes.

Stayed up to midnight when the last jar was set on the counter. 45 quarts all pooping their seals, sitting ever so nicely on the counter. I was so proud of this accomplish----though I was dead tired!! (I thought country life was supposed to be relaxing, I felt like I had been run over by a mack truck!!) The next morning I admired our first job again and then found a pantry closet………………..until…………………

Now those of you who are avid canners are already laughing, but those of you who do not can---get ready! A week and ½ later……………….

A strange smell began to emerge from around the trash can in the kitchen-------which happens to be by the pantry door when my beautiful canned green beans were. For a few days I was sorta not really bothered, but it kept getting stronger and stronger. The previous Sunday our dog who normally is VERY good, had an “accident” upstairs on the only piece of carpet we have-------and believe me it was rather odorous maximus!!! We had used the rainbow vacuum to clean up the mess from the dog. Anyway, I thought that the smell was coming from the vacuum cleaner which also was housed in that same small pantry by the trash can along with the green beans!.......... (Amazing how much stuff I can fit in a small space!)

So finally when the smell was NOT going away, I had my oldest son take the vacuum out back and check it all out to see if it was the culprit of the now nasty smell!! He was obedient and did as I asked, but to my dismay, the vacuum came up “clean” excuse the pun!! It was not the vacuum after all. Now I was really stumped.
Finally, my oldest son realizing he would probably be the one to do the investigating, decided to jump start and find the source of the smell himself. And he did………………….

He brings to me in the living room a can of green beans and said, “Mom is all the liquid supposed to be drained out?”
I quickly jumped up took the can and smelled…………oh yeah!
There is not much more gross than rotten food to smell!! Several of the “beautiful” cans of green beans had exploded!! Several more on the way. Come to find out all had to be thrown out for they were not pressure canned!! I did not know.
WHAT A MESS!! Well as my husband and boys dumped out all the jars outside into the trash, (I was busy on the front porch crying my eyes out!) “Why did this happen daddy?” Thus the “science lesson” continues. He explained what had happened and then they wanted to make some more for hand grenades to play with!!

My thoughts, that though the green beans were beautiful on the outside they were rotten on the inside. What is in your heart will come out.

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19
It was not very long at all before what was inside the jar came out!! And it was no longer pretty!! It stank! So it is with us. Whether we store up wickedness or righteousness in our hearts, it will come out!

What are you storing up “canning” in you heart?

2006-10-31T17:10:00.000-08:00

A NU-(bian) Goat

Notice something in this picture? That’s our newest edition to the goat pen. He is comin’ in for a flyin’ leap across the finish line at the goat-Olympics. It is sort of like the Olympics a lot of the time in the goat pen. We picked up our new Nubian buckling Monday night from a friend (the Goat’s name is Buckwheat).

Buckin’ Bronco? Buckwheat is.

To give you an idea of Buckwheat’s size he is about 4 months old and weighs 64 pounds. The eventual idea is to phase Billy the Kid (our other buck goat) out into the freezer and replace him with a milk breed (Buckwheat). We don’t really want to be milking a goat that has a lot of Boer in it as Nanny has a lot of Alpine.

I don’t know how many of you can jump on top of your house, but Billy the Kid can.

The goats have really thinned out the weeds in their pen. Tuesday night we placed some scrap tin on an existing exercise platform to give Buckwheat some protection from the weather since the others don’t really want to let him into the shelter. Nanny is getting along fine. We expect her to deliver by Christmas. We’ve have some egg eating chickens (they’re Buff Orpingtons) and I think that they are going to end up in the stew pot. We’ve giving these chickens several chances and done all we know how to do and they eat more than they produce.

Samuel

2006-10-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

COW PATTIES

The day finally came for "RIBEYE" the steer to start on his way to becoming steak and hamburger. The killing went fairly quickly. The first shot took him down, the his throat was cut to let him bleed out. Ribeye tried a few times to raise up and kick Keith as he tried to chain the legs for hoisting. He wasn't quite ready to give up so a second shot was in order. This brought him to a quick end. As you can see from the picture Ribeye isn't half the cow he used to be and it took a lot of guts to get him that way. All four quarters are hanging nicely now in the Allelon Farm basement (see their blog sites for a more complete photo journal of the event). The butchering of the meat will take place after the beef ages for 3-4 weeks. Stay tuned for that adventure.

I think the other cows are looking for Ribeye!

The boys work diligently at preparing the hide for tanning. A first cut (pun intended) was made at fleshing the hide (only the bug chunks). Tomorrow we will get back together to finish the fleshing process and prepare the hide for the next step in the preservation process. If the cameras are ready we will catalog the whole process for future reference and laughs. This has truly been wonderful experience for our families. It is nice to know where your food comes from and that the animals had a good life before they were slaughtered.

I am looking forward to processing our next batch of chickens. They are still a little small but hopefully they will fill out a little more by mid November. We plan on keeping two cornish hens to cross with our buff orpington rooster and hopefully raise our own meat bird stock.

Our Nanny goat is very pregnant. Hopefully we will have some milk in a month or two. We are looking forward to raising the goats and trying our hand at making butter, cheese and soap.

God has been very gracious to us. We are thankful for the circle of brothers and sisters in Christ He has placed us in.

2006-10-11T04:58:00.000-07:00

ROOSTER to ROASTER

WARNING...The following blogging entry has photos of chicken processing. If you don't care for seeing how birds are butchered please close your eyes as you read.

The kids told me the other day they were having problems with our Aracana rooster. He was our bonus bird thrown in with the batch of broilers we processed back in June. We had never tried killing a bird the old fashioned way by chopping off the head...So we decided to let the kids give it a try. We have all heard stories of how the birds hop around and generally make a mess.

We took an chunk of a tree we had recently cut down as the chopping block and Joshua sharpened up his throwing axe.

The bird was none too happy about the event and was a bit uncooperative.

Well that bird lost his head over the whole matter and was soon hopping mad...Although seemingly without much direction. Reminds me a lot of the management around where I work. Oh well lets not dwell too much on that right now.

Well after a bit of excitement everything calmed down and it was time to hand the bird up and let him finish bleeding out before we started the plucking process.

Laura wasn't all that happy about where we hung him to drip, but that humming bird feeder hanger was mighty convenient.

Well after we hung the bird up we decided to salvage a few feathers off of him before he went into the scalding pot. And not being ones that like to waste much (the dog really likes our chickens-not in the best way for their health), I had Samuel give the head of the bird to our dog. She generally gets all of the organ meat and has a real liking for the feet, but this is the first we gave her of a head. It didn't take her too long to separate most of the hackle feathers and devour the head.

Next comes the scalding pot. This losens up the feathers and makes them come out relatively easy. The best way we have found to check the readiness of the bird is to try pulling on the pin feathers in the wing. When that comes out easy then it is ready for plucking. Don't leave it in there too long or that skin will come off with the feathers when you pluck it. This bird stayed 2 1/2 minutes in water at 140 degrees F.

This rooster plucked extremely easy. We had a few too many hands involved. It is really a one person job, but all three boys had a desire to participate. It works better when you have more birds. It was good to go back to the old way of doing things, if just for the experience. One can get a bit spoiled by the Bradshaw Bullet Bucket.

Next comes the gutting (if you want the $5 word its eviscerate). This type of bird has a much smaller body cavity, so I had to be a bit more careful make the cuts. Overall it went very smoothly. Didn't get one complaint out of that bird.

The bird dressed out at 2.5 lbs. A bit small but enough for a meal. I can't stress enough how much better these normal birds taste when compared to the standard broiler variety. It takes them a bit longer to grow, but then they don't eat near as much. The skin feels more like a latex, you need a sharp knife to cut it with. But it makes a delicious broth. Now tonight we are going to cook this bird up. He will be our gust of honor at dinner.

All things said, it is good to know where our food comes from and how it was raised and slaughtered. It gives me a better appreciation for life and death.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

2006-09-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well.....

The colors are starting to change around our part of the woods now. I just really enjoy this time of year as the weather cools and life slows down. We would all do well to slow down and take time to reflect on how we have spent our time this year.

We have had some water issues lately. It seems our well, which is set to a depth of 130 feet and has about a 20 foot water level, had a leaking pipe system. With all of the sediment and loss of pressure I thought it was running dry. While it is a little low, we should be back up and running today, although a little poorer in the process ($2,100). Since we don’t have a back up power system I decided to go ahead and hook up to county water. That was the expensive part. It seems the utility department is afraid of our well water so a $600 backflow- preventer has to be installed. But with all of that we have yet to be without water. The Lord has been very merciful to us during this dry year

The goats have really taken to their new surrounding. I expect we will have some goat kids by February. Maybe then we can try our hand at milking and cheese making.

Our co-cow owners (and pasture/cooler providers) and our family are getting ready to butcher an Angus steer. Hopefully by the 7th of October. This will be a first for all of us. If our past experience with chickens is any indicator, I am sure it will be a time of great learning and encouragement. May our lives be open enough to take time and spend with others. Helping each other and learning to serve one another in love.

As we try to learn more of the ways of a self sufficient country life, we don’t want to forget to be salt and light to a lost and dying world.

2006-09-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

MAYHUGH FAMILY REUNION

Laura's family had their family reunion up in St. Louis this past weekend. There were people there that we had not seen for 23 years. Others we had seen a few years back when we traveled through on our way from California. Just like they have all grown a little older, but still the same people. It is always a good reminder how short our lives are here in this world. Nancy was just as fiesty as ever. Hope was busy with setting everything in order. Ken the older brother of Dennis there is only a slight family remeblance. Faith has passed on, but was on our minds. All of the spouses and friends gathering one more time never really knowing if everyone will make it back next year.We only have each other for a short time in this present age. We can't gain back this time. We can't change the past. I would ask each of us, are we loving our neighbor as ourselves. This includes family that we can sometimes take for granted. No matter what you own, how rich or how poor death has a way of putting everyone on equal footing. I would like to see my family start having get togethers again. Sometimes these things tend to cease as the older ones pass on from the present world. It is good to have these times with earthly family, but I find more and more a desire to spend time with my brothers and sisters in the faith. I so missed our time of Sunday fellowship and teaching with the brethern. My deepest prayer is that all of our family would know and follow Christ with all of thier hearts. And love him above all else.

Galations 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

2006-09-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

Joshua's Birthday

Our middle son has turned thirteen this past weekend. He had expressed a desire to go hunting with his father. This seemed to be a simple request, but a dear one also. For him to desire to spend time with his father, learning what little his dad knows about hunting. We had a good time out in the woods. It always amazes me when I spend time out in God's wonderful creation. Getting away from the things that say "CIVILIZATION" and instead being overwhelmed at the intricate detail God has placed in every creature. From the lowly bug to the simple squirrel and even to man. Without the Lord we have know hope and no life.

It is a priviledge to celebrate another year in the each life of our family. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, yet we will praise God for yesterday, today and tomorrow - no matter what befalls us. Joshua spent the rest of the day experimenting with his new guitar accessories. His skill is increasing daily as is his desire to us music to praise and glorify his maker. May this be his heart's desire that all of his life would bring praise, glory and honor to Jesus Christ - who has set him free from the sin of this dark present world. My prayer would be the same for all who have found grace and mercy in the Lord. And for those that do not know Him - that He would open their eyes and ears that they might find mercy and compassion at the cross of Christ.

Psalm 49:12But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. 13
This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah 14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah

2006-09-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Animal Update

The rabbits are doing well. We had to separate the two male Florida whites. The female had one offspring but it died, I believe to the excessive heat this summer. The two dwarf rabbits we were given are very cuddly, much more so than the others.

The Cornish and Cornish cross broilers are coming along fine. We have not lost anymore as of yet. I am still not very impressed with the red broilers. I will probably not order from Ideal hatchery again. I was not pleased with the breed stock we received from them. My plan is to allow our youngest son to try and raise some breeding stock from the Dark Cornish (definitely the hardiest of this batch). We plan on keeping two hens from this group for breeding with our Buff Orpington Rooster. We are trying our hand at our own cross meat bird.

We have had our goats for one week now. They were very skiddish at first, but they have warmed up to us. Especially if you happen to have feed in your hands. We are letting Nanny dry up for now. More due from the lack of a milking stand and milking area. We hope to get both built in the near future just to get her used to the idea of being milked. For now we are relying on some contraband raw Jersey cow milk.

Lastly our regular chickens now have a much larger chicken yard, while having less protection. We have removed the old fence and installed some field fencing. I feel that soon we will be installing chicken wire over the field fence both to keep birds in and other animals out. We also removed the overhead netting, so I am hoping hawks don't become a problem. Some friends have lost a number of birds recently to various predation problems (as of yet to be determined).

Our guest rooster has been wondering about trying to figure out how to get at the other rooster and with the hens. After clipping his wings and the goats running him around, he still seems to say IIII AAAMMM THEEEEE MANNNNN!.

So much like us in our own pride. Thinking we are all that and more - while in truth we are nothing. The Lord thankfully is patient and correcting toward his children as he seeks to purge the pride out of our lives, especially my own.

Psalm 49:5-7 Why should I fear in days of adversity, When the iniquity of my foes surrounds me, Even those who trust in their wealth And boast in the abundance of their riches? No man can by any means redeem his brother Or give to God a ransom for him--

2006-08-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

GOATS...GOATS...GOATS

Well we are finally ready for the goats. The boys and Laura (as well as me) were all quite excited about the event. We went and picked up Nanny Goat and Billy Goat today. They seemed a little nervous as was I, as we loaded them up one by one in our little goat trailer. It took a little coaxing to get them out of the trailer and into their new home. They seem to have adjusted and settled down by this evening. It looks as though (probably Billy) one of them
jumped on the top of the goat shed. Now the top on one side is bent over. Wish we coauld have caught sight of the acrobatics. I am sure we will have ample opportunity in the future. Laura seems taken with them. It takes a lot to keep her out in the midday sun to watch anything. We will give an update as we experience the life of having goats. Next I need to build a milking stand along with a permanent shelter and milking area. Hopefully others can benefit from our mistakes or share from their own wisdom and help us avoid some pitfalls. And one last photo as finally everyone is setled and all of the critters are checking each other out (Dog, Goats and Rooster).

2006-08-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

PRACTICAL PALLETS

Today has been a good work day. We have finished the goat fenced in pen and the gate. We decided to make the gate out of a pallet. I tend to collect pallets whenever I can, it has turned into a running joke around here. Our chicken coop framing and flooring was made totally out of pallets, I like the price of FREE really well. Joshua and I welded up a couple of pieces of rebarb to make grates for some problem areas in the fence. This appears to have taken care of

We propped up the pallet at first and it seemed to be a good fit and starting point. Then we added the upper frame (also from pallet wood), next went on the farm fence and to finish things off we added three strands of barb wire securing and filling in the fence in upper section. Standard gate hardware was used for the installation.

Next came the pallet palace for the goats and one rooster for now. This will just be a temporary shelter until we can build the larger milking shed and shelter. We will use a saltbox design as we did for our equip shed. But for now here are a few shots of the goat shelter.

We finished the goat shelter off with so aluminum siding salvaged by my sister in-law Trisha. The shelter will be located to the lower part of the goat pen once we get the other shed built. It will cost us about $500.00 to complete it, so hopefully come October we will finish it up.

Next weekend the plans are to extend the chicken yard and pickup the goats. We really enjoy having all of the animals around, but it really changes how you live your day to day life (vacations, overnight trips). We are still learning to not go so much and by God's grace and mercy He is changing us little by little.

2006-08-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

A total of 6 chicks from this batch have died, three more red Broilers have been isolated. I believe the Red Broilers have been over all weaker but more active than the standard broiler cross. Since they tend to sit around more than the other chicks they seemed to get stepped on a lot, that is why we are isolating these few to give them a chance to recover. We have a Dark Cornish and a Red Broiler in one picture together the Red Broiler is the larger of the two. In the other picture is a Buff Cornish.

On the layer front we are having some issues with the hens pecking and breaking the eggs. This has only occurred since we have added a friends additional six hens. I can only conclude that the area is becoming overly congested for the chickens. We are separating out some of the culprits, the other hens seem to readily pickup their bad habits. I plan on enlarging the pen this weekend if I can finish off the goat pen. I may build a drop away egg nest box also. Any other suugetions would be welcomed.

2006-08-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

Transformed Trailer to Huge House

I finally found a picture of my sister inlaw's place in Georgia. She has taken an old double wide trailer and transformed it (still in progress) into an extremely nice house. She and David had the trailer moved 12 feet apart and then added a 12 foot wide clear story. I have never seen anything like this done before, so I thought I would share it in case someone else was considering widening a double wide trailer. It will be very interesting to see the finished product. Laura, myself and the boys had a good visit while being able to help out with the project a little while we were there.

2006-08-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

More Fencing

We are just about finished with the fence installation for our goats. We need to string ½ of the 1 strand of barbwire and all of the 2nd strand and build the gate. All three of the boys have worked extremely hard with me. I couldn’t ask for a better crew. We have had some offers for help, but I really wanted this to be a family project. It has been a growth process for me and the boys. I truly desire to teach them how to work together and what it means to do the job right the first time. As they have found out it is much better to do it right the first time rather than do the job twice. Of course some of that blame falls right back on me for not giving clear instructions at times. Assuming they know more than they have been taught is a frustrating practice for all of us.

By the end of the day on Saturday we all felt like Zech and Buttinz.

I am beginning to truly appreciate the wisdom of God in creating a day of rest. We all need both physical and spiritual restoration by the weeks end. The Lord is truly gracious and merciful to us in every aspect of our lives.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:13-18

2006-08-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

CANNING CRAZY

Laura has been very busy canning tomatoes, salsa and peaches. We have done canning in the past, but this has been a real learning time for us this year. She canned some green beans but without a pressure canner. The results were less than pleasing. About 45 quarts all went bad, an expensive lesson in using the right equipment. We would love to get to the point (hopefully starting next year) that we raise most of our own garden items and produce enough to last through out the year. It is neither cheap or easy to do as we are finding out, but well worth the effort and pain. Laura has been a real jewel even with the problems she still perseveres as one working unto the Lord.

2006-08-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

CHICKENS AND GOATS

We added another six layers to our flock (we are caring for the chickens of some friends, it may be temporary or permanent). Now we are getting 11 eggs a day. Sometimes it seems as though the chickens will never start earning their feed.

Our new chicks have now reached 1 week old. We have now lost a total of six chicks. This is by far the worst loss we have yet to experience. Ideal Poultry was very friendly and quick to refund the price of the first four chicks. The other two died later (of unknown causes) and I have not sought any reimbursement for those chicks. We have only lost Buff Cornish and Red Broiler chicks. All of the Dark Cornish have survived and appear to be much more vigorous than the others.

In recent days we have been trying to finish up a fenced area for our goats. We are due to pick them up (a nanny goat and a billy goat) by the end of August. Not knowing much about goats this will be somewhat of an experiment. We are planning on raising the goats for milk primarily and possibly for meat (depending on the offspring). More or our goat plans after we get them situated.

2006-08-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

More CHICKENS!

We received a new batch of chickens today. We order 10 Buff Cornish (not the cross broiler but the real breed) and 10 Dark Cornish and 10 Red Broiler Cross-breed. This was our first order from Ideal Poultry in Texas. Overall condition of the chicks was good, but 3 did arrive dead and a couple of other ones were weak. We will have to wait and see how the hatchery responds to the shipping deaths. It has been extremely hot these past few days and that may well have contributed to the condition of the chicks. We intend on raising these birds for meat production. We have raised the normal Rock/Cornish Cross earlier this year. I was not impressed by their lack of energy to do anything but eat, sleep, and create manure, but they do grow extremely fast. A friend has called them Fraken-Birds and I have to agree with that assessment. So we are hoping one of these other varieties will prove to create a satisfactory meat-bird in overall size, that matures a bit quicker than typical chicken breeds. This is really a test run to discover our favorite type of meat-bird.

On the other chicken front, a friend gave us three more laying hens (Buff orpingtons). That brings our flock up to 3 roosters (one dominant Buff Orpington, one immature Aracana and one I'm not sure about) and 11 potential layers (some Buff Orpingtons, Aracanas and others I'm not sure about). Right now we are getting six eggs a day on average. Some of the hens have not started laying yet, but should soon. At our house we could easily go through a dozen eggs a day. Right now we feel very blessed by God to have what we have. Next on the mini-farm front will involve adding a couple of goats. More at that later

2006-07-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated Zechariah's birthday. The Lord gave us a beautiful day. The weather was as near perfect as it gets here in Tennessee in July. We spent the morning fishing down at the Nut Cave trout farm in the slow rain. The boys caught two catfish and 7 trout. We had a fish fry with hush puppies and cole slaw for lunch - it doesn't get a whole lot better than that in the South. Zechy's favorite gift was a new Mandolin (a special thanks to Laura B. for setting it up for him). We spent the evening out at the Lake and let the kids swim while we fixed some hambugers on the grill. When it got dark the boys played some music and we sang some songs to the Lord. It was a beautiful end to a lovely day spent with our family and considering the things of God.

2006-07-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

This was our first year in many that we have attempted to plant a garden. This is also one of the driest years on many people can ever remember. To show just how our garden has performed we harvested a few ears of corn. These are normal sweet yellow corn plants. For size comparison we placed a small regular ear of corn and some blueberries in the picture. We are still grateful for the rain that we have received. It reminds us of our utter dependence on God for our very life and breath. It is good to be reminded of that when we live in a self-centered, independent society here in America. I thank God that He has been ever so gently in constantly directing our attention back to Him and away from ourselves.

2006-07-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Trisons Chickery Farm

A Rooster, A Hen
and
3 rooster chicks

Friday June 23, 2006
Subject: Processing broiler chicken

ROOSTER: SHERMAN
When we moved to the country boy were we in for a real surprise!! Being city folk all our lives we were in for a “rude” awakening. That first happened with some roosters next door. Did you know those things crow all the time!!

But now we got our own flock, and I have grown used to the crowing all around. Now when folk visit us and ask me: “Do those roosters ever get quiet?” I just say, you just have to stay here long enough!

Now we have lots of stories to tell you even though we have not been here at Trisons Chickery Farm for even a year. So along the way should things get boring I will tell you about how we got here and our “Beverly Hill Billy” Adventure to Tennessee. But first just this past Friday we had us our biggest chicken killin’ yet………………….

MAMMA HEN: LAURA

Well I must say, that I did help with the first one. And it was not as bad as I thought it would be. And it is a must read story (about Crunchy the first bird to be dinner!!) I still wear gloves though and there are certain “inner” workings I do not care to participate in, but simply pluckin’ doesn’t bother me!

But this time our friends brought their chicken plucker! So since we had help, I had a certain responsibility (haha) I felt to keep the ladies busy & entertained. Since I had prepared dinner already we made greeting cards, while the men got the chickens in those pretty white wrappers for me!!
Maybe we should send the guys a card they sure were worn out?!…………

The next morning while my husband and I were having coffee together, I thought I was going to have coffee come through my nose when he told me this story of the previous night: My 8 year old Zechariah was bringing de-feathered birds from the plucker box over to the table to my husband and then pushing up and down on the breast of the chicken making the voice box crow over and over!! Yes only him! I thought, I could not believe it. Science always happens when I am not there!!I made chicken and dumplings the next day and they sure were yummy! The bird makes all the difference in the world! That was my science experiment!

ROOSTER JUNIOR SAMUEL:

We’ve had two different batches of chickens, we slaughtered some of each on Friday June 23, 2006. I will tell you some about the chicken processing time from my point of view. The first set of chickens was just a mixed group of chickens. We had cullled out a number of roosters already, so we decided to slaughter two more on this day. These had been around since late January. Now let me tell you about the un-natural birds. We had twenty-five Cornish cross broilers that we were going to kill. These had only been around for eight weeks but the average weight was around six pounds! You just got to look at these birds and say dinner! Because that is just about all that they are good for. I did not enjoy taking care of these birds because they were pigs on two feet!
Now let me tell you about how the processing went. Understand we had some experience with chicken but we had never slaughtered that many at a time. We invited two families over to help process the birds. The family that was bringing over a chicken plucker arrived first so we went ahead and started and the other family arrived soon there after.
The first thing that we did was two pull the broilers out of the tractor ( a movable pen) and then tie a string around its legs and then hang it upside down. Next we would cut its throat and debrain it. Then it was stuck into a fired up turkey fryer with the water at approximately 150 F for one minute. Then we stuck it into the chicken plucker and the bird was clean in 15-20 seconds. Then it was taken to a table where the feet were cut off and the insides pulled out. Then whole fryers were packaged in two plastic bags and some chickens were parted out.
I helped do practically every job besides clean the insides out and chop off their feet. Also it was my job to take pictures. Probably my favorite job was beheading them and running the chicken plucker. Overall I just did what needed doing. I really didn’t care for the steaming part.
Then we cleaned up and Buttinz (Which is our dog) was so sad that her pot of guts got thrown out. The scraps smelled something’ awful over the weekend though. We then ate dinner with the other two families and parted ways. The grand total for the days was 27 chickens in the freezer with approximately 160 pounds of chicken.

ROOSTER JUNIOR JOSHUA:

Let me tell you about the chicken processing from a Bird’s Eye view!

I knew when I got up this morning that something was wrong. I could feel it in my bones. I wobbled over to the feed trough knocked a few guys out that had fallen asleep there last night and began to gorge my “crop” to the “top”. Yeh, I say, some thing ain’t right. We did not get our fill of feed yet this morning. They are late. What’s up with them folks, don’t they know we birds is hungry out here!

Lots of squabbling by noon, alls we got today is water! And we are all squished in this tiny little contraption. Not to mention stepping in everyone else’s, well let’s say, POOP! I am up to my elbows in it! It seems like ever since we have been here all we ever do is eat, sit and poop!! I think that is all about to change today!! But what is up??
It is late afternoon and top dog is home. He is doing some strange things today. He is hanging a rope from a tree with two hook huh……..He’s getting out tables, coolers, oh I know they are going to have a “cook out” A party!! Then people began to arrive…………

UTOHSPEGTEIO some one ‘s a coming finally, maybe they are gonna give us something to eat WHOOOWHOOO! AOH AHO What’s this, what are you doing with me? Get you hands off my wings, hey that’s a hang nail ya know!! Careful you’ll mess up the hair do. Hey where are we going……………a strange boy picks me up turns me upside down, another kid ties strings to my feet and hangs me up. I am beginning to think ……I am the “game” of the party! But instead of “pin the tail on the donkey” it is “run the knife to end the life”!! Hey wait a minute here, they mean my life!! What kind of “chicken outfit is this anyway”???

Back at the mini coop 25 set of pea brain eyes are staring with horror at the fate of their fellow feather friend! What will become of them?? Will they play the knife game too? After the last crow of their fellow bro, they took him down place him on the “party” table and down came a HUGE (from their prospective) clever knife and cut off his head. Then I guess they thought he needed a bath so they soaked him in a sauna for a bit then put him in a box. And shock of all shocks, it made an awful noise, then to the shame of all “chick-kind” our friend was naked!!!! Not a feather on his poor body!! How embarrassing! I know he was long dead and perhaps that is good knowing what was to happen to all his presciuos feathers. Then if that was not bad enough he lost all dignitiy when the big man cut out all his inner pieces. After that another person cut off his feet, he was rinsed off and tossed in to what was thought to be the “party ” cooler of ice!

One by one they left the coop all doomed to end in the coolers. But I was planning a great escape! So when it was my turn, I tighten my neck a stiff as I could and sure enough the boy did not make a complete cut. So as soon as I saw my chance I “ran” for it. I flapped it up good and made good my escape. Slinging blood in the boy’s mouth knocking him over! Triumph!! Unfortunately all the over indulgence in the “crop” to the “top” made me trip and then I was caught by a quick hand and well……………
The rest is history and resting nicely in the freezer!

ROOSTER JUNIOR ZECHARIAH:

Hi my name is Zechariah I am 8 years old. And I LOVE being in the country! I named my first chicken Crunchy. And true to his name he was!! I was sad the day he died. We had actually hatched him from an egg to a little chick to a big rooster. But he was a mean ole thing and got loose one day and we had to shoot him. Then we plucked him and ate him. This got me so TOTALLY prepared for last Friday night when we killed 27 chickens at once. My job was bring the birds from the coop to the tree, hang it up by it’s feet. I also helped with the scalding and feet cutting. The feather plucker was really cool! Ain’t never seen so many flying feathers in all my life!