Sunday's goings on on the homestead and faith

We went shopping yesterday at one of those new mega-stores - you know, the kind that has a ferris-freakin'-wheel in it . Not something we usually do.  It was a bit overload to our senses and everything was super expensive.  I took pictures of everything I liked and wanted to make.

Crocheted/ knitted cowls were  $60
Scarves $60
Loose woven blankets  $130 - 169
Crocheted turtle neck ponchos $160
Wool punch pillows $70
Western type vests $160

It is definitely a handmade Christmas this year.

Today was busy.  I was off work for Thanksgiving and got these ready as a Thank You gift to my team.  I saw the idea at Organize Christmas where they have these print-outs.  I think you could do the same idea for Christmas with Christmas papers. I wonder how many of my young team have ever seen Jiffy Pop popcorn ...

Dinner was put in the crockpot first thing this morning. Pork roast with potatoes and onion soup mix with a bit of water. 

Next up Peanut Butter Kisses.  It is always good to start Holiday baking early on! These cookies are easy and quick  - 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar - mix. Bake 350* 10minutes. Pop a kiss on time while warm. 

I got the latest issue of Spin Off - a magazine about spinning yarn. 

I opened up to the first story and it was about the family that sheared my ram! Wow! How cool for them. 

Here he is last spring shearing Wilbur. 

Here he is with his buddies who helped with the equipment.  They did a fantastic job and we will have them back in the spring. 

We started the day with a walk. We have been walking now for a week. I have to tell you when I began my hips were tight and didn't think I could make it. I didn't want Dude to know so I kept on going. Now, today, it was a breeze. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for a walk. 

Geese were everywhere!

I did pick some dried Russian Olive branches to work into a Christmas ...as something. Not sure yet what it will be. 

I think they are so pretty. 

I did make Christmas cards. I'm not finished but did get 11 made. I found these antique printables at Shabbyartboutique.com. Then I looked for any embellishments I could find to create the cards. The Blessing card was a postcard that was in a package I recently got so I used it as a card. 

I went outside to see what was happening on the homestead on this absolutely gorgeous day!

Dude was having a wonderful time working with Summer.

I stopped to stay hello to Angelo who was trying to get my attention by eating my shirt. He is adorable and I just can't get mad at him. 

Wilbur asked for a lamb ram massage.  He turned and gave a nod of gratitude. 

A stop in the greenhouse for a dinner salad.

I came in and finished the "cards/coasters" for my team. 

Time for dinner.

Here's that garden salad... our greens, various lettuces, our radishes, a sliced apple, a wee bit of cheese, pecans and dried cranberries.  Oh yum. 

And for Dude... pork roast, potatoes, and, of course, salad. 

I took mom to mass last night. The church was packed and people standing in the back. Always a good thing. The  readings are ones that I understand but still grimace..." Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate men one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats. He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left." 

I raise sheep and goats.  Goats are smart and can be, at times, stubborn. Sheep, well, I hate to say it they are kinda dumb. But I think God is telling us not to be stubborn like the goats. He calls us to love him. Sounds simple but changing one's heart can be difficult. God is love and it is hard to envision the love God has for us. To have the faith of a mustard seed is all that is necessary but like sheep, who wander, there are times in our lives we feel lost. But Jesus is always there to show you the way, a new way , a way you can impact not only yourself but others too.  Are you living the King's Way boldly? Don't be stubborn of what you can do in the world, even if your world is small your impact can be huge. Don't be afraid when he shows you the Way or send others into your life that show you. Then it will be your turn to show others and impact the world.

peace

Time for a bit of reflection

Appreciate any prayers this weekend.  Many times I lose myself and lose my way.  Heading for a religious retreat but first I need to get there. Working nights and then off to the retreat with rain and snow forecast. Pray for me and I will be praying for you. 

"Each little step toward the center seemed like an impossible demand, a demand requiring me to let one more time from wanting to be in control, to give up one more time the desire to predict all life, to die one more time to the fear of not knowing where it all will lead, and to surrender one more time to a love that knows no limits. "
Henri Nouwen, "The Return of the Prodigal Son"

Stepped off the prairie today

Today we headed south to Kiowa Colorado to check out another new horse today. It is a beautiful day and we started out before the high winds started.  As with any roadtrip , I brought a project along to work on... a cocoon cardigan.

Gorgeous day. 

So clear we could see Pikes Peak in the background. 

When we got to the ranch... the locals greeted us. 

We drove up to where the saddle was ready and waiting. 

There we met Libby. She was sweet and adorable. Introductions were made and we spent time getting to know her. 

Then these rascals ran by, snorting and digging. 

Then it was time to ride. 

Libby made a great impression on Dude.  Looks like she will be coming to the homestead next week. 

Then we traveled northwest to Cabrini Shrine located in the foothills of Golden, Colorado.

Time for many prayers for a good friend.

It's a great place to pray and meditate.

I did pick up a few pine cones along the way. A treat since we have no trees ...yet.

Extremely high winds were whipping all around and herding tumbleweeds by the time we got home ...again. 

As soon as we opened the gates they ran across the yard as fast as they could! 

 This blog is all about what I am learning and cooking is one of my lessons. Rack of Lamb for dinner and it smells wonderful !

Ready for the oven

I don't like my lamb rare. 

Yum! Time to eat.  ...where's that mint jelly we made? 

One last thing.. today's gospel was the Transfiguration.

GospelMT 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, 
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them; 
his face shone like the sun 
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 
"Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here, 
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, 
then from the cloud came a voice that said, 
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him."
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
"Rise, and do not be afraid."
And when the disciples raised their eyes, 
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
"Do not tell the vision to anyone 
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

peace