Introducing Jenny

Ta~da!!

Isn't she a dear heart?

She's Mike and Kressy's newest addition to their various herds, and is the sweetest, gentlest creature on the whole farm! (even better then the cats, LOL...) Anyway, she is so cute,and we all just love her.

Critter and Carlo are so excited about getting to ride her soon-I just love hearing them chattering about "De Donkey! Hey-hey-Aunt Poog-we got a dooo-nkey!!" ;D

When Martha asked Carlo about what that sound was coming from the pasture, he just looked at her, then thew back his head and with all the might of his little lungs bellowed,

"Heeeee-Hawwww!!!"

:) I just adore them babies!

Have a great day, dear reader, and stay warm!

Happily,

Adeline

The Afternoon I spent as Shepherdess

The sky is breathtaking. The afternoon sun is making everything look golden. I love afternoon sun...I am here, down in the middle of a field. The members of a small herd of sheep are scattered here and there around me.

I've been dropped off (we were all on our way to town) here in the field, to guard a new mama ewe and her two new lambies...(when we saw them, they were surrounded by these horrible black vultures, who have taken to attacking live baby animals around here-it is just awful-I'm here to shoo them off) Anyway, I'm having such a lovely time!!! Making a small encampment around me are my camera bag, book bag, shotgun and Wonder Purse.
And a small pillow thoughtfully tossed from the car.

Except nourishment, water, and sweet human company, I do think I could survive out here forever with all the contents of my numerous bags, filled with all sorts of luscious things...

The little field birds, who are all around, are flittering and chirping...It's so incredible to be in the middle of complete quiet, except the sound of a sheep's hoof walking through the grass-then, it stops, and you hear nibbling. Another step or two. I can even hear the sound of a buzzard's wings as he flies way over there beside that tree line. The brown, dead grass is soft. A perfect breeze is blowing.

*deep, contented sigh...*

This ram was not exactly happy I was there, at first. But he's just all bluff. Poor thing must have had a rough childhood.

I had such a blast-with all my junk out there, I pieced together some stuff and had a regular photo shoot! :) I got to stop and play around with the settings, which was fun...

Aren't they adorable?

A self portrait, along with the book I'm reading (absolutely amazing, by the way-not perfect, but incredible!) and the shotgun and it's ammo. (Don't ask me why that huge gilded mirror was in my purse. I have an enchanting little black one in there, too. And pretty much everything else, 'cept running water...) Anyway, I thought it made for an interesting addition to the picture.
Another moi shot. Mirrors are just too much fun!

Notice Faithful Nikon's house, to the right. Poor bag has been under earth, on top of it, and all around. The classy Nikon emblem on the front door fell off, and ever since, it has been the unknown yet treasured bag in-which-holds-a-dearest-possession, ever protecting and reliable in Camera's times of danger and peril...

And rings are such a blast to take pictures of. They invite artsy-ness and creativity, along with a great desire for a shallow depth of field. Am afraid I did not oblige as well as I should have. Anyway, here's my birthday ring (I just love it so!) from my sweet Daddy and Mama, with 'ze mirror and my bookage...

And, then, my favorite of the afternoon:

Mirror, Ring and Book.

And what is soo, so exciting about this picture to me, is that:
It is 100 % unedited!! :) (And the girl rejoiced greatly...)

I know-rather silly-but, for this amateur, just venturing forth from the safety of the auto setting, this is great triumph! :D

Not a very cordial bunch, over there gossiping...

I was crawling around with the camera trying to get closer to the new lambs, and this bird landed in front of me-isn't it amazing how God makes the animals blend so well into their surroundings?Those curious little piles one finds one's self in when crawling around one's pasture.

Stripes, with the trees and sky!!
I love cotton yarn. In one of the most wonderful colors, too...

Then, who comes tramping down the lane with a note? Two of the sweetest, cutest little baby boys ever...their Aunt Poog is completely smitten...

LOL, their cheesy little camera grins make me laugh...
Michael III and Carlos

"Well, you see-I was trying to go over th-"
"Now, Carloie-let me explain everything..."
And here's my very favorite!! I just love them to pieces. I am so blessed in my Auntie-hood... They're all pretty much THE cutest children I know of! Nearly EDIBLE!

And then, it was for home...What a quiet, glorious afternoon-with an extremely cute ending! We took the long way home, and passed by the chickens...

"Can I take this go-o-o-o-se feather home?" as we passed...

~Aunt Poog/Addie/Pretend Shepherdess/Aspiring Photographer/Grateful Daughter/Adeline Grace, with much love

An unusual collection of thoughts, old, wonderful pictures and random musings before I go to bed...

Ah. good evening, mon cheris!

I do hope you're well this lovely evening!

I'm doing splendidly...lots of thinking. Tonight we watched "Luther" and then afterwords listened to Max McLean's "Here I Stand" (in which he reads Martin Luther's words) and I was so inspired and encouraged! I was also stuck at how he seemed, many times, to end prayers or speeches with "God help me."

May I have that same attitude, and heart's cry-to be ever calling out to God for His help, and mercy, no matter what my circumstance...

Hence, I thought I would post some quotes...what a blessing our spiritual forefathers are to us!!

"I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."

"Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving;
My warrant is the Word of God--
Naught else is worth believing.

Though all my heart should feel condemned
For want of some sweet token,
There is One greater than my heart
Whose Word cannot be broken.

I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
Till soul and body sever,
For, though all things shall pass away,
HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!"
-Martin Luther

Thank You, Lord...
Oh, and in honor of the fact that we've been organizing our boxes of pictures, (January is organization, honey!) I thought I would post a few ancient shots for the general amusement and enjoyment of all...And:

Oh-My-Goodness.

That is Mikey III and Joseph Jr.! They're so-little!!And this one is 'specially for you, dearest Jo-Dee-LOL! :D We still have that pot, and that dress now adorns the painting garb pile...
(I love you so! I cried when our car drove off to Alabama this afternoon without me in it too...miss you lots!)
Michael Jr.!! And look, there's Andrew! Haha...I've got me some cute brothers. (Tom, the army boots with the shorts is a~la class, honey...)

(The reason we're all standing in front of the tree is because it was supposed to be the oldest tree in...Georgia? Or the oldest specimen of that type of tree? Anyway, it was super cool, and HUGE. 'Twas bigger in real life.)
Edwin, Samuel and John! Check out the baby cheeks!!Oh, oh, this one's good...Campbell, you were just a baby!

Marty hasn't changed a bit.
LOL, just kiddin', darlin. :D

And I love this picture of Paul and Edwin. So, so precious...
The three Smith girls!! Kress, 'member when you used to loose your shoes at the door? :D Rach, I see you with that blue scarf-and there's Bethy, sneaking in some calories from that bowl of...Chocolate Chews, probably.

(Gracious-I so remember that candle. Strange the things you recognize after 50 years... ;) )
Summer delight!! We can get so much fun from water, black plastic and an entire bottle of dish soap...
Daddy had taken us on so many incredible vacations...and so many times it was to some amazing historical site-here's a few of us at the grave of one of our ancestors, I believe.
And do y'all remember that really cool place we stayed at in Tennessee, with that cabin (where the sweet landlady looked just like Aunt Pat) and there were a million flights of stairs to that awesome river!? Ah...bliss...and the Rhododendron was in full bloom everywhere...
And here's me, posing elegantly with some. It looks as if I felt very charming and picturesque here.
(The "I feel like a painting" look, along with my non existent bun and yellow T shirt is so great! :D)
Edwin and John, in the old red giant!
Our whole family at Tallulah Gorge... (Look, Mama dear's great with Paul! (and I can hardly get over John's cheeks...and Wesley's hat is so, so precious! Oh, that was such a neat, sweet season in life...)

I just love old pictures.
Oh, and one last look at The Shoe.

*sniff*

The beautiful, black, bowed shoe that is the closest to pump-ish perfection ever contrived....
And a stunning hat, for lusciousness! And because Spring is getting closer, and the straw hats of the world are soon to appear once more out of their dark winter quarters, to shade the eyes and delight the hearts of their wearers...(Her earring are perfect, too. And the gloves. Oh mercy.)Oh, and for all you who like letters and handwriting, check out these!

Charming.

Well, I love you all. Hope you sleep well.

Hugs,

Addie~O

Of Sanders and Skates

A week or two ago, Cleve, Marth, Andrew and I packed up in an hour or so, and sailed off to Alabama to visit the two Sanders families, delivering some trees and plants while we were at it, and to join the Ford family and others at their delightful skating party...we had a completely incredible time with all, and even got to stay an extra day! (sadly, the car would not start, but, happily spent we a whole day relaxing and catching up with the girls, Darth and the whole family!! :)

So! Below, us is, gathered 'round that there islando, very late at night, and enjoying each other's company and savoring....

...Abbi's incredible, 100 % healthy chocolate/peanut butter shakes-she's so sweet!! Afterwards, we played nertz and speed uno, laughed, talked, sang, joked and ate cookies 'till around 4:30, and then we all hopped upstairs "to bed" and talked 'till 5:00...it was just so wonderful to be together.The afore mentioned delicacies

Dorothy!! It was so, so good to be with her, and to get a tour of her little house next door! It was such a blast staying up late together...

"Gracie Pacy, pout not 'ore thy shakes-thine is yet coming-lo, it is yet in the makes."
~Unknown Author

(I'm sorry I could not find the name of the poet that wrote this witty line. I suppose he/she feared the publicity that they would undoubtedly receive if their name was made known. I suppose genius has it's downsides...)

Here we are the next morning, looking fresh and rested. ;D (Grace and I look like 90 year old cave dwellers, LOL...)

Sisters, cozy afghans, pajamas, fluffy couches and late mornings just go together...

Andrew is the tickle monster...

On the way to go skating, Uncle Tim took Cleve's offered accessories for a picture.....love the New Look!

Abbi, you take a great car picture, ma' dear!

(and you TAKE a great car picture, too-that one you posted of me en route was subtly flattering, and gave the viewer a fine view of my jaw bone...)The most delicious spot to stop. Nears culinary perfection.

Marth, Grace and Bekage-"Will smile for doughnut."

And here's all us kids, 'cept Cleve, who is behind the camera. Dear boy.

"Five Girls Prepare to Enter Rink" or maybe "Before the Stumbles" would be more fitting. (for me and Marth, anyway) :) Love these girls so!

Cleveland ready to go...love your hat...

And, then, because of the way Battery and I work together, he died, as usual, right before I went to taking tons of pictures! Alas. :) He is sadly abused.

Anyway, we got to visit with lots of precious folks-the Fords were the most incredible hosts and hostesses, and just made us all feel so welcome-they had piles of tasty food, bottled water, homemade cookies (we just loved all the 'people' gingerbread!) and encouraging conversations for all...it was so good seeing and visiting with people that we don't get to see that often.

Arriving back at the Sanders, we discovered the woeful fact about our mode of transportation. So, another day of luscious visit! :) We slept in, munched on peanut butter and cheese, watched a movie, and gave each other back rubs while we discussed improvements on New Year's logistics. (It's so fun critiquing things! :)

Aunt Wendi helped us get the car in a shop over there, and then that night, Uncle Tim drove us to Columbus, where we met Daddy dear, who drove us back to Calathora!

Thanks Sanders, and Noah&Dorothy Sanders, for everything!

We love y'all!

Adeline, for all