Saturday, February 5, 2011

The Blizzard of 2011



 When word came in that the snow storm was predicted to be 12 to 20 inches deep we at our local Red Cross office began to make plans in case we would have to set up a shelter. Our local Fire Dept. pulled our Mass Care trailer to our local designated shelter location. Being prepared is part of what we do!

I decided to stay in town at my little townhouse since our Red Cross volunteers were turning in their availability. I knew snow drifts much worse at my house in the country and there was the possibility I would not be able to get back into town if I was needed.

Thankfully, my neighbor let me park my truck in his drive so I could get it off the street. Nothing is worse than having the snow plow come by and bury your vehicle in piles of snow. I was so thankful I did before the night was over! I heard that snow plow coming by in the middle of the night!


I kept going outside and sweeping off my porch cause my storm door opens outward and I didn't want to get snowed in either! At about midnight I decided I better go outside and shovel my walk so you could see the steps and not fall.... starting to get deep out there!

The next morning I was so thankful to look out my door and see my neighbor had cleared not only the drive so I could get my truck out but had also cleared the sidewalk from my house to his so I could get to my truck. What a blessing that was!


So thankful for our city workers and those snow plows!


I spent the morning watching my industrious neighbor across the street shovel out his driveway. He is about to finally meet the plowed street and be able to be mobile once again!

There was lots of shoveling snow all over town. Everyone was trying to find snow shovels as well as other snow supplies. I heard one store in town told them that they did not have snow shovels cause it was out of season. Ha. Ha. Ha. But you can buy a bikini ......

Think my neighbor decided he has had enough? Heading to a warmer place to live that doesn't snow? Or selling his snow?

I hope everyone remembers how hard this weather is on our little friends that live outside. My little bird friends were excited to see me throwing out that bird seed!



This little fella was more hungry than scared and let me take his pic in exchange for some sunflower seeds. Isn't he/she beautiful?

I had chickadees, and wrens and redbirds and blue jays and even a couple doves all excited about my sunflower seeds.

We never got the call from the American Red Cross to set up the shelter but we  were prepared and that was what counted! So I went back out to the homestead to enjoy the snow with the grandkids. 


The kids wanted to come down to my house to have biscuits and gravy so their  Poppy went next door to pick them up on the 4-wheeler. Living next door does have its benefits!
Even though Poppy took the tractor and scraped the snow away from our patio door the kids still had plenty of snow to play in.


Don't they look like they are having a good time??

And even momma Rachel pulled on the overalls and took the kids out to play.... And she loves this snow much more than I do!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

My white peacock was showing off today...

My white peacock was out showing off today. And he's getting braver about doing his struttin dance with me watching.



Wednesday, January 26, 2011

New Polish Crested to add to the "little flock"

I just love my new Polish Crested Chickens compliments of my sister. Aren't they beautiful? I ended up taking 3 roosters from my "little flock" to the sale barn cause I had way too many roosters fighting in the hen house. Didn't get much for them but didn't have the heart to kill and eat them either. They were beautiful roosters!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Spring, please come soon!

I spent the past several days resting up after mom's funeral and staying at my little "townhouse" as we call it. It has been bitter cold this past week and our first snow fell. Now, I am ready for Spring. I'm always good after one snow.
Stay safe out there!

New addition to my "little flock"

My sister Janet flew in from Mexico when my mom got sick and so she went to her "stateside" home and brought me back this pair of Polish Crested chickens to add to my "little flock". I think they are beautiful!



And we are finally getting almost a dozen eggs a day. Short while ago we were down to 1 egg a day. Now gonna have to start giving eggs away.
Sister Janet won't get these two back but I'll set some eggs for her when Spring gets here and she can have some of their babies.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

We love you mom!

My mom passed away this week and her funeral was today. She had been in the Alzheimer's Unit for almost 12 years and now her spirit has been set free! Below is a grouping of her favorite pictures. Rest in peace mom!

She gave birth to 8 kids so we bought some flowers with 8 carnations.

One brother couldn't make it back for her funeral but here is my dad and my other brothers and sisters.
Mom is survived by 6 of her 7 brothers and sisters. This is my Uncle John being greeted by my youngest sister. It was great seeing cousins and uncles and members of the family we haven't seen for years.
This is a shadow box my sister Janet made in a shop class when she was a kid. Has all our baby bracelets in it. Mom always loved this box.
Wish my mom could have lived out her life differently but glad she is no longer in any pain and is running and jumping and talking in heaven. Until we meet again...... we love you mom!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

The future of the American Red Cross

Today was our local small town parade and my young grandson has anxiously awaited this day all week. I asked him to lead our American Red Cross lineup representing the future of the Red Cross organization. Our youth of tomorrow need to catch the Red Cross vision to carry on behind us. Mark loves everything about the American Red Cross and can hardly wait until he too can become a volunteer just as his Nana does. He's also wearing a blanket around his shoulders to represent the comfort we give to those who have suffered a disaster. There was not a prouder young man to be found than this one today!


Mark proudly carried the American Red Cross flag and led the way even though it was bitter cold. I'm proud of you Mark and look forward to you carrying on my love for serving in the American Red Cross!