tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58588077692082697772024-03-12T22:25:06.956-04:00Russ-Stick AcresPlain living with a heart for God. Not self-sufficient, but God-sufficient.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger549125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-11078046133717474172019-01-01T17:51:00.002-05:002019-01-01T17:51:57.624-05:00In My Backyard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is how I start my day...</div>
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feeding the birds.</div>
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And enjoying the nature preserve that is beyond my door.</div>
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If you look to the right, you will see some legs. {If you squint...}</div>
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They probably belong to this fellow. </div>
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<i>Bucky</i>. </div>
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See his "buttons" emerging on his head?</div>
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It's such a blessing to have daily visitors, like clockwork.</div>
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<i>Morning and night.</i></div>
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Coming to my door.</div>
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It's a good way to start the new year.</div>
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Deer at my door...</div>
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And a fresh snow fall with crisp cold temps,</div>
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and bright sunshine.</div>
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Let us move forward with gratitude for all we have, and <i>don't </i>have.</div>
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For it is His plan. </div>
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And we only need to be obedient to His Word. </div>
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Sounds easy, but it takes daily strength.</div>
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Strength that we only get from Him.</div>
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<i><b>"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>For ye have need of patience, </b></i></div>
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<i><b>that, </b></i></div>
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<i><b>after ye have done the will of God, </b></i></div>
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<i><b>ye might receive the promise." </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Hebrews 10:35-36</b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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I received a letter yesterday from one of my dear Old Order Amish friends, </div>
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with that scripture leading out. </div>
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What a perfect reminder to stay in the will of God. </div>
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I wish you many blessings in this new year.</div>
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Until we connect again, Lord willing ~</div>
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Sherry</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-19241935232295046832018-12-05T09:36:00.004-05:002018-12-23T21:28:52.917-05:00Home Sweet Home<br />
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"It is not on any map. True places never are."<br />
Herman Melville ~ <i>Moby Dick</i><br />
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Imagine...<br />
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If you could wake up tomorrow and have the day be free of any stress.<br />
{Hint...you can.}<br />
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What does freedom look like to you?<br />
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Perhaps raising your own food?<br />
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Or simple preparation of that food?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gKNo8BweXo/XAfYmo1DeRI/AAAAAAAAIbk/2BmjN7KGr-Q4GPjwB25uKzHPgZHK5JIrwCLcBGAs/s1600/Camp%2BCooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gKNo8BweXo/XAfYmo1DeRI/AAAAAAAAIbk/2BmjN7KGr-Q4GPjwB25uKzHPgZHK5JIrwCLcBGAs/s640/Camp%2BCooking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or making sure others are fed?<br />
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Simple transportation?<br />
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Live simply?<br />
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No mortgage. No insurance. No hassle. Just live...like our ancestors lived? <br />
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Build your own furniture, from your own trees?<br />
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You can.<br />
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I can.<br />
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Start with a teeny tiny idea.<br />
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Write it down. <br />
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Make it yours.<br />
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No one says you have to live like the masses. Mortgage-free living is attainable. Pick a small parcel. One that borders state land is also desired. (You get the benefit of having land around you, without footing the tax bill.) Of course, water on your property is very much desired, even a small stream. Water wars dominate the world today. Actually they always have... <br />
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The key is to start...to <i>dream</i>.<br />
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Focus on that plan.<br />
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Make it <i>your </i>plan.<br />
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Your desire.<br />
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<i>Your dream.</i><br />
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Follow that dream.<br />
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And remember, "<b>less </b><b>is <i>more</i></b>".<br />
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Living simply goes hand in hand with living debt free. But don't beat yourself up if that is not currently the situation. You <i>can </i>work your way out. It's is doable, no matter how bad the situation is at this time. Please believe me on that...<br />
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Just start small.<br />
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And look for like-minded friends who will support you, and perhaps work with you in a community-type setting. Friends who lift you, and love you. And be there for you, in thick and thin. Friends who pull together.<br />
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The Bible teaches about non-accumulation. Our society teaches the opposite.<br />
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Where do you stand?<br />
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The choice you make today will affect your life forever.<br />
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You <i>can </i>do this...<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4</span></i><br />
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Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you here.<br />
<br />
Sherry<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-89092579368442868072018-11-27T10:07:00.001-05:002018-11-27T10:07:38.134-05:00The Hunt<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q12cDwabiWg/W_1aYFf-IxI/AAAAAAAAIas/6_T-VESvgQElwm1Y9O5k7rOzrWowBqSOACLcBGAs/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q12cDwabiWg/W_1aYFf-IxI/AAAAAAAAIas/6_T-VESvgQElwm1Y9O5k7rOzrWowBqSOACLcBGAs/s640/023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the new hunting season has emerged, I am thrilled for
many reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exploring the nook and
crannies of the woods never gets old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>utumn brought many new adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See what I mean as I travel back to memories in northern
lower Michigan: (NOTE: This time frame reflects fall of 2015...when I was still hunting (and trapping). I'm now a "watcher" instead of a "warrior".) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">...As I opened the door of the cramped cabin to leave, I
looked around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was leaving it in good
stead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Venison chili simmered hot on the
working wood stove, our aging cattle dog, Zip, sighed and gave a look of
resignation as I hoisted the crossbow, closed the door and headed out onto the
carpet of leaves that would be my path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Autumn had arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with it
began my quest for our winter meat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfXD2eHbpEw/W_1WUAd6WjI/AAAAAAAAIaE/wfhCkSIG068A_kS8pEYIXc9gRlGGJpTmACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00140014%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfXD2eHbpEw/W_1WUAd6WjI/AAAAAAAAIaE/wfhCkSIG068A_kS8pEYIXc9gRlGGJpTmACKgBGAs/s640/DSC_00140014%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I curved around the back of the cabin, skirting the
silhouetting trees that lined the dog yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No sled dogs murmured or whined, as they have become accustomed to my daily
solo trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOuoxt-4M6c/W_1W-Pv1hXI/AAAAAAAAIaM/22WWdVjdz-gDJFO3fAkvi_iv4mkh9Dn3QCLcBGAs/s1600/13112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOuoxt-4M6c/W_1W-Pv1hXI/AAAAAAAAIaM/22WWdVjdz-gDJFO3fAkvi_iv4mkh9Dn3QCLcBGAs/s640/13112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I stopped at the same spot where the previous week I had
surprised a coyote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other morning,
as I headed out to do the morning check of our trap line, I walked through a
dense area and came out into a clearing overlooking a vista.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always stop in this particular spot to
peruse the land, looking for anything out of place, or perhaps to catch a
glimpse of a critter traveling through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I was looking, a massive coyote climbed up out of a hollow in front
of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also stood, looking about,
scanning the perimeter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As his head was
on swivel to the left, he spotted me out of the corner of his eye and jolted
with the knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon confirming me
standing there, he shot off and sped across the land, making a wide arch, actually
returning to our property, in particular the area of our sled dog kennel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only had my side arm on me that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this opportunity also gave me time to
admire his thick coat, and compare it to several of our thick coated Siberians,
which reside in the dog yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coy-dog perhaps?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was no typical coyote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, however, no coyote in sight. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although the Barnett crossbow was a heavy tote, I opted
to take the long route back to my “blind”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rain was spitting, but the threat didn’t appear to be
long-suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my “hot seat”
looped on my belt, so I knew I’d have a dry seat upon arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No worries.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearing geese overhead brought a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today it was two gaggles, flying side by
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, a couple geese broke off
from their original flight and joined a gaggle that split off and headed
southwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knows why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they knew of a good landing zone the
others who continued south didn’t appreciate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I put the crossbow on my shoulder and trudged on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The woods always change…from morning to night, and every
hour in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lighting makes the
woods a new adventure each time I enter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using the sled dog trails from years past, I have a well-traveled path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deer and coyote tracks dominate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I carefully monitor each step, I feel so
blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful for Russ, who
appreciates my love of being in the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Night after night of me coming home in the dark makes for an abnormal
dinner hour, but we both embrace this time of year and the opportunities it
offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I walk on, a ruffed grouse whistles, alerting me to
the fact that wings will soon explode in flight, creating a startled noise in
the quiet of the woods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times, my
heart would beat madly when these birds caught me unaware.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think back to earlier this August, when checking the
trap line was always met with a spider web forming upon my face when going
through brush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many spider webs I’ve
sported this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would always smile
when I saw “widow leaves” – those leaves that appear to be dancing on air – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spooky</i> – until you realize they are
being held by a spider web.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I finally arrive at my “chair”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a chair in the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wooden, hand carved swivel chair, made by
Russ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had him pull it out of one of
our cabins, making a perfect site for me, sitting under a huge beech tree, at
the massive base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We built up the
perimeter a bit, and the deer have no problem appearing in the clearing as I
sit in the chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I snuggled in for the long haul, I took inventory of
my surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many pro hunters don’t
factor in wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> factor
in scent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for me, I have a theory
about scent control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I control it by
putting my scent out year ‘round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
kernel of the non-GMO corn I feed has run through my hands, putting my scent on
feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They associate me with feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recall hearing about Iditarod Champion,
Susan Butcher, feeding her Alaskan pups this way, smooshing her hands into the
meaty mixture to get her scent mixed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever you do with regard to scent – be consistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I also hunt without any fuss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know folks who bring coffee and eats to a
blind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coffee leads to elimination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All bring unwanted scent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As for cell phones and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Never.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were to bring
anything, it would be a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can’t
even imagine doing that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go to the
woods to hear and see the sounds that are ever changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I delight in the change of noise…the woods are
never silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially if you sit
under a beech tree in the fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
woods has so much to teach us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One last thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cougars are here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just never know when one might be in your
neck of the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This year, there were less skeeters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This fall, in September during the “early Anterless
hunt”, I was unsuccessful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I
did enjoy an encounter with a young porky as I was heading in for the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the lane, nibbling on a
dried out clover, unaffected by my moving toward him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only when I spoke to him and neared did he
turn his back to me and puff up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
seemed to resent the intrusion and finally toddled off into the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I had two firearms at my ready, I
let him go, hoping I wouldn’t regret the decision come dog training on the
trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy the woods, and the one who made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><s>Mother</s> <s>Nature</s>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, Father God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another good reason to look up…for Jesus
said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Surely
I am coming quickly”.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Side bar: Yes, many changes in the last 3 years. Life never stays dormant. One big one is submitting to the teachings of Jesus. More to come on what that looks like. For both myself and Russ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fxwW-fzdS8/W_1bybnMR0I/AAAAAAAAIbI/ALygZvp_8es7f815DIXFj262DoZFmNcDwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00640064%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fxwW-fzdS8/W_1bybnMR0I/AAAAAAAAIbI/ALygZvp_8es7f815DIXFj262DoZFmNcDwCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_00640064%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you here.<br />
<br />
Sherry</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-9451069950141637422018-11-21T08:04:00.000-05:002018-11-21T08:04:13.513-05:00Rooted in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7d2XoTjI7uA/W_TJ1jdxoSI/AAAAAAAAIZs/OUYuiOJJOIY8GD2jzdm16w88TDXQDIHWwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00530053%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7d2XoTjI7uA/W_TJ1jdxoSI/AAAAAAAAIZs/OUYuiOJJOIY8GD2jzdm16w88TDXQDIHWwCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_00530053%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What's it like to farm in an unconventional way?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out yet another favorite farm family of mine. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kip and Carrie Smyth and their children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caleb/Joshua/Esther/Nathan/Joseph/Naomi<br />
{Once you watch, you'll hear the nicknames of most...Esther Pie, JJ, Bittle and more.}<br />
<br />
Their channel is called 1000's of Roots.<br />
<br />
I don't necessarily watch their channel for farming tips. <br />
I watch because of the love that flows between father and mother,<br />
mother and father,<br />
parent and child,<br />
child and parent,<br />
and sibling for sibling. <br />
All under the headship of the God of the Bible.<br />
<br />
You will be blessed...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pE9SOM2cLi8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pE9SOM2cLi8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
And if the video didn't show for those who receive the Blog via email...here's the link:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE9SOM2cLi8&t=922s" target="_blank">CLICK HERE.</a><br />
<br />
Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you here.<br />
<br />
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-7609221378654416802018-11-17T07:58:00.000-05:002018-11-18T07:19:43.029-05:00Everything Earthquake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yqq-NmFlDY/W_AMYfCdDYI/AAAAAAAAIZg/4D3G-en__Mo7SIHUEByxaCuzgbAuIXpzACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0077%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yqq-NmFlDY/W_AMYfCdDYI/AAAAAAAAIZg/4D3G-en__Mo7SIHUEByxaCuzgbAuIXpzACKgBGAs/s640/DSC_0077%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why in the world would I, in northern lower Michigan, care about EQ's? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, even though I'm not a science geek, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I check in to the reports by Dutchsinse. (Michael J.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He packs a lot into his hour+ videos. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are visually appealing and his reports are mesmerizing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In today's video, at the 25 minute mark, you will see why there is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a lot of land available for sale (cheap) in Colorado. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been watching Dutch for over 10 years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think you will enjoy his knowledge and expertise.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t4zGPtbG60I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t4zGPtbG60I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
{OK...when I got my email update (a day late), I noticed the video was missing, but only from the Blog Post sent by email! How can that be...? But it was. <br />
So if this happened to you, please click on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4zGPtbG60I" target="_blank">HERE </a>for link. That should solve it...}<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bible also talks about earthquakes...and that makes it view worthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Luke 21:11 "And great earthquakes shall be in divers places..." KJV</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(And thank you for your comments!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-52412674420475369172018-11-15T09:09:00.000-05:002018-11-15T09:09:47.696-05:005 Boys in a Camper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SfypynNGXE/W-16xLgzNrI/AAAAAAAAIZU/2QnTYtJ2eScWPS5qX4k-YJkEkfT14Hq4QCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00110011%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SfypynNGXE/W-16xLgzNrI/AAAAAAAAIZU/2QnTYtJ2eScWPS5qX4k-YJkEkfT14Hq4QCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_00110011%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hitting the road is always exhilarating for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Imagine hitting the road, indefinitely, with 5 young boys in tow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brackin N Lindsay Kirkland make it work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I follow this family and support their ministry in several ways. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd like to share their journey with you...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in this video you will even hear <i><b>my </b></i>name mentioned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Enjoy</i>...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C3iv-ro_0YY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C3iv-ro_0YY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To get an idea of their amazing talent, check this out...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the boys even sing in this video.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mnLl663WWnc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mnLl663WWnc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Until tomorrow, Lord willing. I hope to see you here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-85287841002307683362018-11-13T22:14:00.000-05:002018-11-13T22:14:26.989-05:00The Watcher...Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRrkkSxZtp4/W-uNk3fzgVI/AAAAAAAAIY0/F6cfn87tJEoyUlHpsRIewxVrSpHTxhr_wCLcBGAs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRrkkSxZtp4/W-uNk3fzgVI/AAAAAAAAIY0/F6cfn87tJEoyUlHpsRIewxVrSpHTxhr_wCLcBGAs/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, watching is what I do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was humorous, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as two little button bucks sparred. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A sign of things to come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbqW0WxlKBA/W-uNpTVbU6I/AAAAAAAAIY4/OwEbMdh4TlAcRRakiv2tZ5byPS8ELHjYQCLcBGAs/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbqW0WxlKBA/W-uNpTVbU6I/AAAAAAAAIY4/OwEbMdh4TlAcRRakiv2tZ5byPS8ELHjYQCLcBGAs/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the two tried nursing from Mama. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She wasn't thrilled with that idea. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The kitchen is closed, as they say.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DzHxJuhyMVg/W-uNsKcy_pI/AAAAAAAAIY8/J7dAJH6NQZYG7IxjllwIKCc86zx-2_91ACLcBGAs/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DzHxJuhyMVg/W-uNsKcy_pI/AAAAAAAAIY8/J7dAJH6NQZYG7IxjllwIKCc86zx-2_91ACLcBGAs/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead, she taught them some bad habits.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the Blue Jays and Chickadees looked on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4aGFYtfKuc/W-uNva0lYMI/AAAAAAAAIZA/s1wX2GoNHtkvQ2CR6RfDlV8V5-UMdMwYACLcBGAs/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4aGFYtfKuc/W-uNva0lYMI/AAAAAAAAIZA/s1wX2GoNHtkvQ2CR6RfDlV8V5-UMdMwYACLcBGAs/s640/037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And finally, this big guy lumbered in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope he stays safe when rifle season opens in two days. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If he stays where I am, he'll be just fine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-83254822891723092102018-11-12T21:30:00.004-05:002018-11-12T21:32:22.319-05:00From Warrior to Watcher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-An_FT--D8Hs/W-oyL97UwTI/AAAAAAAAIXs/q3aYc2UxQZkF3yD_ZF1e7S3APOU6GAGrwCLcBGAs/s1600/251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-An_FT--D8Hs/W-oyL97UwTI/AAAAAAAAIXs/q3aYc2UxQZkF3yD_ZF1e7S3APOU6GAGrwCLcBGAs/s640/251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used to look forward to this time of year. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The first big snow...right before Opening Day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The hunt...</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gr58hLVspo/W-oyVsFmO_I/AAAAAAAAIXw/LVq2lXZXz3wGwsrdJWU8hlm3n9Wg0jRpgCLcBGAs/s1600/247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gr58hLVspo/W-oyVsFmO_I/AAAAAAAAIXw/LVq2lXZXz3wGwsrdJWU8hlm3n9Wg0jRpgCLcBGAs/s640/247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now I just watch. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>And they watch me.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-w1Fj_dNgE/W-o0Yx--eqI/AAAAAAAAIX8/rDy9N_RV0Ewb4tzAMBC5_ckuoDwhiMDCQCLcBGAs/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-w1Fj_dNgE/W-o0Yx--eqI/AAAAAAAAIX8/rDy9N_RV0Ewb4tzAMBC5_ckuoDwhiMDCQCLcBGAs/s640/167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This past summer, they became <i>friendly</i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And crept close...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_wTg89UaD0/W-o0k5bigpI/AAAAAAAAIYA/UhvhYztU-IUXCX1Y6Y2dPpcVe-v34m5gwCLcBGAs/s1600/140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_wTg89UaD0/W-o0k5bigpI/AAAAAAAAIYA/UhvhYztU-IUXCX1Y6Y2dPpcVe-v34m5gwCLcBGAs/s640/140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Always around...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEYeG5AXA_M/W-o3OiuuciI/AAAAAAAAIYo/LJPfNrL5VqI21XCq9FRTLVG1_Jv_gjgjwCLcBGAs/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEYeG5AXA_M/W-o3OiuuciI/AAAAAAAAIYo/LJPfNrL5VqI21XCq9FRTLVG1_Jv_gjgjwCLcBGAs/s640/084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And they became my <i>buddies</i>...</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9gyQ9Fd5bA/W-o084CTVzI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/Mml-e-hEamgRvzc4Us0KALc9oH6QHMx5gCLcBGAs/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9gyQ9Fd5bA/W-o084CTVzI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/Mml-e-hEamgRvzc4Us0KALc9oH6QHMx5gCLcBGAs/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, my hunting days are over. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryg66i-qsjE/W-o1HbYcaCI/AAAAAAAAIYY/7-F9jKKnx4QJ30vgnOvPUeSSlvGsPObJQCLcBGAs/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryg66i-qsjE/W-o1HbYcaCI/AAAAAAAAIYY/7-F9jKKnx4QJ30vgnOvPUeSSlvGsPObJQCLcBGAs/s640/110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And I look forward to the future.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-8969587938967406462018-11-09T23:35:00.000-05:002018-11-09T23:36:46.491-05:00Cabin Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7d9LPBMCmUg/W-ZavNcDHuI/AAAAAAAAIWs/2ftoVtqIsfQ0p79twByvjIR0-RcyowjdACLcBGAs/s1600/Road%2Binto%2BBBL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7d9LPBMCmUg/W-ZavNcDHuI/AAAAAAAAIWs/2ftoVtqIsfQ0p79twByvjIR0-RcyowjdACLcBGAs/s640/Road%2Binto%2BBBL.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was my driveway last winter, turning back into the woods.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myu0MnHopiY/W-Za-OTPgSI/AAAAAAAAIWw/FrWD31SohMcG0Fw7AfEFYBC-hL-nv4aNQCLcBGAs/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myu0MnHopiY/W-Za-OTPgSI/AAAAAAAAIWw/FrWD31SohMcG0Fw7AfEFYBC-hL-nv4aNQCLcBGAs/s640/056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I lived in the Bear's Den cabin.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZBzR-cMutc/W-ZbIdaaRpI/AAAAAAAAIW4/vYDP2GUUQ4gf0DodUdd-fsVymryT7K_agCLcBGAs/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZBzR-cMutc/W-ZbIdaaRpI/AAAAAAAAIW4/vYDP2GUUQ4gf0DodUdd-fsVymryT7K_agCLcBGAs/s640/052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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No electric. </div>
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No running water.</div>
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Only an outhouse.</div>
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<i>And I loved it.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igGa0HBZioo/W-ZbUjLIq3I/AAAAAAAAIXA/iTxaRLcANU4a49DQstDtmjeqYWo5Bs0PwCLcBGAs/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igGa0HBZioo/W-ZbUjLIq3I/AAAAAAAAIXA/iTxaRLcANU4a49DQstDtmjeqYWo5Bs0PwCLcBGAs/s640/055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rustic.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYCUn7f8gew/W-ZbfItbvuI/AAAAAAAAIXI/ldy-LchFwwE3aj28IUyvLz_ZlzRDQ90OACLcBGAs/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYCUn7f8gew/W-ZbfItbvuI/AAAAAAAAIXI/ldy-LchFwwE3aj28IUyvLz_ZlzRDQ90OACLcBGAs/s640/054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But tonight...as I sit 40 miles north,</div>
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in my comfy heated domain (my Mother's home), </div>
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I am once again <i>homesick</i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The snow has officially arrived. </div>
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Sure, it snowed earlier this fall. </div>
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But tonight has the feel of a storm.</div>
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Snow is falling.</div>
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Winds are slamming the sliding glass doors. </div>
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Although oddly, I feel no change in my circumstances. </div>
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<i>I have bare feet. No cold here.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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If I were back at the cabin, </div>
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on my land, </div>
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I would feel connected to the storm. </div>
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<i>A part of it.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Here, I am only a spectator. </div>
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And that saddens me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But tomorrow I will visit, Lord willing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CmUqadbp2Y/W-Zd13E4GmI/AAAAAAAAIXY/55jDqn43m7wI92UamPNOQ49oj9HKOuZWACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0014%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CmUqadbp2Y/W-Zd13E4GmI/AAAAAAAAIXY/55jDqn43m7wI92UamPNOQ49oj9HKOuZWACKgBGAs/s640/DSC_0014%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And once again be a participant. </div>
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With socks on...<i>and </i>warm boots.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-47812802964693262782018-11-08T23:20:00.001-05:002018-11-08T23:21:51.814-05:00Pulling my Homestead Heartstrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZMRIDrFTtY/W-UDcP25omI/AAAAAAAAIWI/yrdeM729BeoUMvG41TM7GtYUK_sjsY2KgCLcBGAs/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZMRIDrFTtY/W-UDcP25omI/AAAAAAAAIWI/yrdeM729BeoUMvG41TM7GtYUK_sjsY2KgCLcBGAs/s640/096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For those who don't know, I'm currently away from my Homestead. </div>
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<br /></div>
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More on that later...but simply put, I'm 40 miles up north, assisting my Mother.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Since I'm "temporarily" living a "normal" life, in a normal setting, I long for my old lifestyle.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXK5EohdRQ4/W-UIch0-luI/AAAAAAAAIWg/NkoMaW2bAXYg4rEWhDPB5Idgqh2D8MmPACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXK5EohdRQ4/W-UIch0-luI/AAAAAAAAIWg/NkoMaW2bAXYg4rEWhDPB5Idgqh2D8MmPACKgBGAs/s320/DSC_0255.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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I love living a simple life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But for now, I'll settle for videos that mirror my lifestyle.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd like to share one with you...<i>Shawn James</i>. </div>
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<br /></div>
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His <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIMXKin1fXXCeq2UJePJEog" target="_blank">videos </a>titled "My Self Reliance" are a big hit. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you've enjoyed watching Dick <a href="http://richardproenneke.com/" target="_blank">Proenneke </a>over the years, these have a similar style.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You may wish to take a peek and see. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZWm0E46-BGM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZWm0E46-BGM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Sit back and enjoy...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-66868399830302760802018-11-07T22:52:00.002-05:002018-11-07T23:01:10.275-05:00The Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXQaiybpFWo/V6y_9pPMOSI/AAAAAAAAIJI/ZDvMs2SU8ZAOA06PFj-MxbvFWRb_zmreQCLcB/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXQaiybpFWo/V6y_9pPMOSI/AAAAAAAAIJI/ZDvMs2SU8ZAOA06PFj-MxbvFWRb_zmreQCLcB/s640/143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I grew up in a family of fishers. <br />
<br />
This is my beloved Dad, Chuck, on the river, with pole in hand and pipe in mouth. <br />
<br />
He had the perfect temperament for fishing...never riled. Never in a hurry. <br />
<br />
Always eager to dip a pole. Or two...or three.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--doI8T6qgP8/V6zAhPbTYlI/AAAAAAAAIJM/Mu7-L-8B9fsS9IpP-yZt7IqrO3ZFUBDygCLcB/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--doI8T6qgP8/V6zAhPbTYlI/AAAAAAAAIJM/Mu7-L-8B9fsS9IpP-yZt7IqrO3ZFUBDygCLcB/s640/137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My Dad started fishing in his youth. He loved it, and lived for it.</div>
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As he married and began to have a family, he shared his passion with his children.</div>
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When my older brother was young...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkckJgPKNsA/V6zA6Fp9RYI/AAAAAAAAIJk/T25SZx3_HG4Zd2qN3QRWDhBupFtv7rNLQCLcB/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkckJgPKNsA/V6zA6Fp9RYI/AAAAAAAAIJk/T25SZx3_HG4Zd2qN3QRWDhBupFtv7rNLQCLcB/s640/005.JPG" width="446" /></a></div>
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And when my youngest brother was older...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnymsHtbP7o/V6zA8o3_bSI/AAAAAAAAIJo/VjvIJly42EMx70oZD-GO0ycnIdQauC99QCLcB/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnymsHtbP7o/V6zA8o3_bSI/AAAAAAAAIJo/VjvIJly42EMx70oZD-GO0ycnIdQauC99QCLcB/s640/056.JPG" width="446" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there's me. <br />
<br />
<i>His only daughter.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the summer...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKyxLOr0-vo/V6zCZNNnmxI/AAAAAAAAIKE/2DkKE5j7l-8KOgCShcV_zUxCsU9VNoJUQCEw/s1600/First%2BBatch%2Bof%2BChildhood%2BPics%2B091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKyxLOr0-vo/V6zCZNNnmxI/AAAAAAAAIKE/2DkKE5j7l-8KOgCShcV_zUxCsU9VNoJUQCEw/s320/First%2BBatch%2Bof%2BChildhood%2BPics%2B091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And in winter...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp7jqPgGAWQ/V6zCsCx1MuI/AAAAAAAAIKI/p17jrxHM4RgDS23Qqs7xjQA2S333-Rp2ACLcB/s1600/First%2BBatch%2Bof%2BChildhood%2BPics%2B092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp7jqPgGAWQ/V6zCsCx1MuI/AAAAAAAAIKI/p17jrxHM4RgDS23Qqs7xjQA2S333-Rp2ACLcB/s640/First%2BBatch%2Bof%2BChildhood%2BPics%2B092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And as I grew older, </div>
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he taught my offspring, </div>
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eldest son Charlie {<i>named after his Grampa</i>}</div>
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to be a 3rd generation "fisher".</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwaoaq7FHiI/V6zA4X3eMnI/AAAAAAAAIKA/5h_UV6AU4VsfNUuXfJiXabUMpZ1_gNyZACEw/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwaoaq7FHiI/V6zA4X3eMnI/AAAAAAAAIKA/5h_UV6AU4VsfNUuXfJiXabUMpZ1_gNyZACEw/s640/021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdnpAHiZaCU/W-Lc4hjrAlI/AAAAAAAAIVw/hJId7pUSPgoru6hITl7umSCYBaIpK0vQQCLcBGAs/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1119" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdnpAHiZaCU/W-Lc4hjrAlI/AAAAAAAAIVw/hJId7pUSPgoru6hITl7umSCYBaIpK0vQQCLcBGAs/s400/062.JPG" width="278" /></a></div>
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My Dad enjoyed the fishing {and hunting} opportunities Michigan had to offer, </div>
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especially living in a town on Lake Michigan. </div>
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But he also enjoyed being dropped by bush plane into the wilds of Canada each spring.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q59qMLfgUg/V6zAxQj2TsI/AAAAAAAAIJU/CADZGK9q5iwL9c-6y4SkqlmvWY5-5dB7QCLcB/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q59qMLfgUg/V6zAxQj2TsI/AAAAAAAAIJU/CADZGK9q5iwL9c-6y4SkqlmvWY5-5dB7QCLcB/s640/092.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oF8RfgSSFU8/V6zAtRnW1cI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/ZcIJrT4FFtUFkPTe9cQqNpQlQhIvh74_wCLcB/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oF8RfgSSFU8/V6zAtRnW1cI/AAAAAAAAIKA/FVKHSXnihDs6BNZISw9PK7wyS78s6xLKQCEw/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oF8RfgSSFU8/V6zAtRnW1cI/AAAAAAAAIKA/FVKHSXnihDs6BNZISw9PK7wyS78s6xLKQCEw/s640/067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes...even snow in spring...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8pi_2bp0NQ/V6zA2WEA4XI/AAAAAAAAIJc/BQz9w9zeEpg0Iv1MuvIMsCZFovT8D_FewCLcB/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8pi_2bp0NQ/V6zA2WEA4XI/AAAAAAAAIJc/BQz9w9zeEpg0Iv1MuvIMsCZFovT8D_FewCLcB/s640/131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnWtik3SrcU/V6zBKLxdjhI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/m0jz5HRecNQ1vyXgEoJ6poYhOnPvVvo3wCLcB/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnWtik3SrcU/V6zBKLxdjhI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/m0jz5HRecNQ1vyXgEoJ6poYhOnPvVvo3wCLcB/s640/069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To know my Dad was to love him. </div>
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He was active in our lakeside community, in many ways and facets. </div>
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He was perfection to me, as a father. </div>
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That is why it was so hard to fathom him leaving this earth at age 60,</div>
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a mere 6 weeks after a diagnosis of cancer. </div>
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To me, the loss was unfathomable. The pain was raw. Unending. </div>
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That was nearly 30 years ago. </div>
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Since then, I have looked to a different Father for comfort. </div>
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One who will never leave me. </div>
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One who calls men to be </div>
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"Fishers of Men". </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The one True God. </i></div>
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<b>The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. </b></div>
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I still have the treasured fishing pole of my youth. </div>
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It is perched on the wall in my Bear's Den cabin. </div>
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A Shakespeare "<i>Back Country Special</i>" with a model # 2052 reel. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't use it any more...</div>
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but it reminds me of my Dad...and all the treasured adventures we shared. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Now...my mind goes to a different type of fishing. </div>
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<i>Jesus </i>said: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIvWcwTXAAM/W-LfKmy_nUI/AAAAAAAAIV8/2AMRJP79vHoZ17TOnWLEBcORdHYb43RZwCLcBGAs/s1600/1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="457" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIvWcwTXAAM/W-LfKmy_nUI/AAAAAAAAIV8/2AMRJP79vHoZ17TOnWLEBcORdHYb43RZwCLcBGAs/s200/1550.JPG" width="190" /></a></div>
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My focus is now on the Living Water. On following Jesus. </div>
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<br /></div>
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May you also know the peace of doing so.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Until tomorrow, Lord willing. I hope to see you here. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-68735575693087297382018-11-06T23:33:00.001-05:002018-11-06T23:33:47.421-05:00On the Road...Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYLiGTbyzg4/W-BIhKJ7hNI/AAAAAAAAIUk/cDw8PshNBPEQhf3qAp6OSZpfAdWGNnIswCLcBGAs/s1600/20060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYLiGTbyzg4/W-BIhKJ7hNI/AAAAAAAAIUk/cDw8PshNBPEQhf3qAp6OSZpfAdWGNnIswCLcBGAs/s640/20060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever wondered what is around the next bend?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've enjoyed following Brian of AdventureVanMan as he travels about, living on the road. </div>
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I think you will too. </div>
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<i>(And yes, he even answers emails.)</i></div>
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Enjoy...You can begin with a Michigan trip, and travel on from there.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ATuure5O5QE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ATuure5O5QE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until tomorrow, Lord willing. Hope to see you then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-26312880480364083152018-11-05T10:06:00.002-05:002018-11-05T10:20:44.395-05:00Farewell to Facebook...forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4ko_1HmhkM/W-BVEf6VxoI/AAAAAAAAIU4/IuWMgE8PIHAs4PcvG2ZVtpWKHqfqlOTvgCKgBGAs/s1600/Amish%2Bbarn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4ko_1HmhkM/W-BVEf6VxoI/AAAAAAAAIU4/IuWMgE8PIHAs4PcvG2ZVtpWKHqfqlOTvgCKgBGAs/s640/Amish%2Bbarn.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yep, it's time.</div>
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I'm going back to old-school.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQbRgShMfE/W-BVc4HeHmI/AAAAAAAAIVE/iSvFzMEDtz04_BEOmtQuGuXBiHFwTGsOQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0013%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQbRgShMfE/W-BVc4HeHmI/AAAAAAAAIVE/iSvFzMEDtz04_BEOmtQuGuXBiHFwTGsOQCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_0013%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sure, I'll miss my Facebook birthdays. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'll miss all of my *friends* that I have met over the years. </div>
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{I hope you follow me here...}</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, bottom line, we serve an awesome God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And if God wants a person in my life, it <i><b>will </b></i>happen, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
without the assistance of Social Media. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This I know.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmdfZario14/W-BWfAC0bCI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/ZUsI3wcGhLAF86skDqBMexZ2yjhuiQxXACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0053%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmdfZario14/W-BWfAC0bCI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/ZUsI3wcGhLAF86skDqBMexZ2yjhuiQxXACKgBGAs/s640/DSC_0053%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After writing about it over the years...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://russ-stickacres.blogspot.com/2011/01/wi-fi-at-waldon-pond-what-if.html" target="_blank">Here</a>...and <a href="http://russ-stickacres.blogspot.com/2014/07/minimalistsus.html" target="_blank">here</a>...and well, you get my drift.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To every thing there is a season... See Ecclesiastes 3...<a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ecclesiastes-3-kjv/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So my world just got a little smaller. But the quiet beauty remains.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVAlbA8IFaY/W-BZiiHVFRI/AAAAAAAAIVc/AOEngAA0dHEAFfk5ra2I12bWXIY-WFCJgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_01020102%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVAlbA8IFaY/W-BZiiHVFRI/AAAAAAAAIVc/AOEngAA0dHEAFfk5ra2I12bWXIY-WFCJgCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_01020102%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it's all good. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here I'll be, Lord willing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abiding...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there's no looking back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ti0HCnK0dB4/W-BZ-pGTCLI/AAAAAAAAIVk/lF4eBwN8qcYpjiF0iQ3_Et8PhQXAtg4HQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00680068%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="640" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ti0HCnK0dB4/W-BZ-pGTCLI/AAAAAAAAIVk/lF4eBwN8qcYpjiF0iQ3_Et8PhQXAtg4HQCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_00680068%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like the song we sung yesterday (me with teary blurry eyes due to emotion) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
during worship at my small country Mennonite church ~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him.</b><br />
<i>Taken from the Church Hymnal, Hymn 384 "In Heavenly Love Abiding" 2nd verse.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until tomorrow, Lord willing...hope to see you then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-23940510595970427322018-11-03T19:38:00.000-04:002018-11-03T19:41:29.682-04:00City Chick...a-Dee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdwvywBtOhA/W94kvRJgIwI/AAAAAAAAIUE/_vHqwSQEw18bimrnq-aRS7k-fmya80FngCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0131%2B%2528Small%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="387" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdwvywBtOhA/W94kvRJgIwI/AAAAAAAAIUE/_vHqwSQEw18bimrnq-aRS7k-fmya80FngCKgBGAs/s400/DSC_0131%2B%2528Small%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never realized I would have a hard sell in the city. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last winter, nestled deep in the woods, my birds appreciated me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Upon walking in, they would greet me with songs and calls. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, without an invitation, they would land on my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would tell them to wait...but I always had a smile while doing so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were my buddies...one of my simple daily joys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sL_8mabk9bU/W94lHIZnL3I/AAAAAAAAIUM/-p17T7CnVOsI3hYAZIMcQdsMizlQh2ReQCLcBGAs/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sL_8mabk9bU/W94lHIZnL3I/AAAAAAAAIUM/-p17T7CnVOsI3hYAZIMcQdsMizlQh2ReQCLcBGAs/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now, as winter is approaching, it has been decided I will stay in the city, assisting family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the city on the bay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0WZuA_R3Ww/VXdQBlTQTuI/AAAAAAAAIHs/QWV8Mx-SdjIQENSkPsbEMm5JwdoUHmiqQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Home%2Bto%2BPetoskey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0WZuA_R3Ww/VXdQBlTQTuI/AAAAAAAAIHs/QWV8Mx-SdjIQENSkPsbEMm5JwdoUHmiqQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Home%2Bto%2BPetoskey.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But there's a slight problem.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although the deer in the city are tame(ish).</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Chickadee's...not so much.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So starts the hard sell. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been trying to win them over for the last couple months. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope they become like my other feathered friends, who live deep in the woods. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would venture out of the cabin in the morning and upon my head they would perch. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One time I drove 1/2 mile away and got out of the truck, and upon my head they landed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes they would sit on the wiper blade, waiting for me to exit the truck, peeking in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the city ones? So far, I've only had one land on my hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now if only I could get the turkey's to show up also. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WzDNM8Vc3w/UMjxfJbppfI/AAAAAAAAHlc/bpVmfjTXsBs-tH4tsxc8fIZgL3hsoeeFQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_00150015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WzDNM8Vc3w/UMjxfJbppfI/AAAAAAAAHlc/bpVmfjTXsBs-tH4tsxc8fIZgL3hsoeeFQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_00150015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Life in the city would get a little better. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Until tomorrow, Lord willing...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P.S. I hope my feathered friends in the woods, 40 miles south, will not think I abandoned them this winter. Who knows, perhaps they will find me if they fly north. I can only dream. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-76421137029149666352018-11-02T12:12:00.002-04:002018-11-05T08:27:49.290-05:00Old Things New Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hyg3RLrqMA/W9x2WaZf86I/AAAAAAAAITs/WiGZzTFNp2UgfEMW-lOaQV601Lc5LKZWwCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00330033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="920" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hyg3RLrqMA/W9x2WaZf86I/AAAAAAAAITs/WiGZzTFNp2UgfEMW-lOaQV601Lc5LKZWwCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_00330033.JPG" width="561" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm back. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back to the world of Blogging.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Old-School.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RxxxslshTM/W9x3DSyQTHI/AAAAAAAAIT0/pUHplu11j3MLYiTKPcZpboEHrLZsmWC_gCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00020002%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="640" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RxxxslshTM/W9x3DSyQTHI/AAAAAAAAIT0/pUHplu11j3MLYiTKPcZpboEHrLZsmWC_gCKgBGAs/s640/DSC_00020002%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to check in daily, Lord willing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VxwJgzGbt8E/W9x3OOhYBII/AAAAAAAAIT4/JsXA4n16froLPu1IsZDn6OVygr_EoAWOQCKgBGAs/s1600/Saddle%2Bin%2Bsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VxwJgzGbt8E/W9x3OOhYBII/AAAAAAAAIT4/JsXA4n16froLPu1IsZDn6OVygr_EoAWOQCKgBGAs/s640/Saddle%2Bin%2Bsun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Come along for the ride...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Until tomorrow, Lord willing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-18018944021981661262018-07-06T12:36:00.000-04:002018-07-06T12:39:19.724-04:00Deer of the Russian Swamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmWLL5LdWxY/WzYiNytTAaI/AAAAAAAAIR4/OSwbyqK0LjAqMkCML72gapHZWKcS9DSpgCLcBGAs/s1600/My%2Bdaily%2Bvisitor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmWLL5LdWxY/WzYiNytTAaI/AAAAAAAAIR4/OSwbyqK0LjAqMkCML72gapHZWKcS9DSpgCLcBGAs/s640/My%2Bdaily%2Bvisitor.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Russian Swamp, you say?<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
I grew up in this area, and have returned for the summer months to care for family.<br />
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<br />
What a blessing it is to have the deer comfortable in my presence.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
They come to the corner of the city, spilling out into the yard, from the Russian Swamp.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
This area was named after the Abraham Seibert family, who moved here from the Ukraine in the late 1800's. They battled many things, but loneliness took hold. (More on this family later...)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfVIqbINCVo/WzYih0e1w4I/AAAAAAAAISM/mFxD_iWmyoMgA0YWcqlyefSoWiQONmbRACLcBGAs/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfVIqbINCVo/WzYih0e1w4I/AAAAAAAAISM/mFxD_iWmyoMgA0YWcqlyefSoWiQONmbRACLcBGAs/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So these deer are special to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
They feel protected. And they are...<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
This allows me to access them, and have nightly "chats", and early morning "hello's".<br />
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<br />
But lately, the doe is showing more caution. Stomping her feet a bit. I wonder why?<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugmHrAzN-0Y/Wz-TOhGpxnI/AAAAAAAAIS4/wKqHxioMW4I4_gduzfLQk8g2PN926dNKACLcBGAs/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugmHrAzN-0Y/Wz-TOhGpxnI/AAAAAAAAIS4/wKqHxioMW4I4_gduzfLQk8g2PN926dNKACLcBGAs/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ahhh...it didn't take long to get an answer.<br />
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<br />
She's got 2 on her tail. Keeping up with Mama. {One peeked in my sliding glass door...very curious.)<br />
<br />
And soon, these will grow and continue the herd (Lord willing...) of the Russian Swamp.<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
Sherry<br />
<br />
<i>As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God... Psalm 42</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-52060748034178943472018-06-02T10:40:00.000-04:002018-06-02T10:45:32.897-04:00Clinging to HIM<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lezlxl_jz1o/UMeBtPJvAaI/AAAAAAAAHk4/5sZdy9iwHeYiSKyM65cVGbSVo0NH4fZ_gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lezlxl_jz1o/UMeBtPJvAaI/AAAAAAAAHk4/5sZdy9iwHeYiSKyM65cVGbSVo0NH4fZ_gCPcBGAYYCw/s400/DSC_0033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span id="goog_285758993"></span><span id="goog_285758994"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s official. Warm
spring breezes and lots of sun, with a touch of rain to bring on the budding of
trees finally occurred. In addition, the
deer have emerged from the “deer yards” further north on the Cedar River. I saw the buck who has “hung out” the last 3
years, return. I’ve also seen other
tracks on the lane, and under my bird feeders, but haven’t visually spied
them…yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spring is officially here, as evidenced by a trip to Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel with a dear friend to attend a women's conference. <a href="https://wswretreats.org/" target="_blank">Win-Some Women</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’m saddened. The
fox that went from being fun to watch all winter, went to being feared. He/she snatched my beloved rooster, Stewie,
carried him to the edge of the woods and violently ended his short life. After Stewie came up missing, it took several
days to piece together the story of his demise, clever fox that he is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stewie, <i>aka</i> “Stewpot”
was a special rooster. He was a gift
from my Amish friends last fall. It was a pleasure watching him blossom into a full-fledged
rooster. He came from good stock. Days before he was killed I was telling my
Amish friend that he loved to strut around the property with his 5 “girls” and
crow and crow. And now, he is gone. Silence dominates the property. Only the hens remain, with their protector
slain. A sad day indeed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s spring. A time
of renewal. But my mind is on things <b><i>eternal</i></b>. As with Stewie the rooster, the vapor of life
is evident. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Trust in Him who will
not leave you, whatsoever years may bring.
If by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to Him cling. Hold to God’s unchanging hand, Hold to God’s
unchanging hand. Build your hopes on
things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging
hand.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s easy to focus on the “things” that we all face. Aging dogs, foxes that kill our beloved farm
animals, medical issues of those we love... or just getting through a day
without strife. It can bring us to our
knees. <i>And</i> <i>it</i> <i>should</i>.
We <i>should</i> be on our knees – in
prayer. Being close to our Heavenly
Father is what makes this all doable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for me, I’m clinging to Him. <i>Clutching</i>
<i>Him</i>.
I’m grabbing at the hem of Jesus, dragging along. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had <i>so</i> <i>much</i> change these past few years since
having my eyes opened to the teachings and Words of Jesus. <i>The whole counsel of God. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our case, after 15 years, we have accepted the fact we
are in a “marriage” not pleasing to God.
(See “<a href="http://russ-stickacres.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-seeker.html" target="_blank">The Seeker</a>”.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vow of my first “and two shall become one” marriage, taken
at age 20…<i>still</i> <i>stands</i>, putting my 2<sup>nd</sup> marriage in an adulterous state. Luke 16:18 – Jesus said: Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth
another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from
her husband committeth adultery.”<br />
<br />
Simply
put, there is <b>no</b> Biblical option for
remarriage as long as your first one-flesh covenant spouse is still alive. <i>None</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so, to be obedient to my heavenly Father, our Creator,
the separation has taken place over these past few years. Russ
and Sherry are no more. Actually, we
never were in God’s eyes, as my Maker has <i>always</i>
seen me united in marriage to my first husband, until death. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>But..</i> through it
all…the shock, the loss, the pain, the tears (oh-so-many tears), <i>and</i> the remorse and repentance {brought on
by Biblical knowledge}, I am still <b><i>thankful</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am closer to God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. I hold that “unchanging Hand”
every waking hour. And I know He will <b>not</b> let go. I have that blessed assurance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having lived in my little cabin for over the last year, I’m
starting to settle in. Last autumn I
finally gave in to the acceptance of my new surroundings. It took one question to make me realize that
fact. Upon being invited to join in at a
quilt gathering at a nearby Amish community, I was telling the women around the quilt how
small my cabin was…when this wise woman said {in her Pennsylvania Deutsch
accent}…”<i>but</i> <i>does</i> <i>it</i> <i>feel</i> <i>like</i>
<i>home</i>?” The question caught me off guard. I had to stop and think. “Well…yes, I suppose it does...” is how I replied. And since then, contentment has crept in. My little cabin in the woods <b><i>is</i></b>
“HOME”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For now, I am living on a separate 10 acre parcel that isn’t
even connected to the other 30. It feels
right. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The separation has occurred in stages, like s-l-o-w-l-y
ripping off a worn out - still sticking BandAid… And through it all, we have felt God’s
presence and patience and direction. We
know Christ is returning for His Bride (the church) <i>soon</i> and we want to be receptive to what God has in store for us –
individually. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But for now, I’m here.
On the land that I know. And
love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that on the 4<sup>th</sup> of July, I can walk in the
woods on a magical path, lit by fireflies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the 22<sup>nd</sup> of July, the clover turns the land
into a purple haze of beauty. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CgtXQOF6TE/WxKpwZxScyI/AAAAAAAAIRk/BNqyjDMhgGQ8wocdb8P1Rjmwlo-5vpTLgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0006%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CgtXQOF6TE/WxKpwZxScyI/AAAAAAAAIRk/BNqyjDMhgGQ8wocdb8P1Rjmwlo-5vpTLgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC_0006%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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By the end of October, the color literally takes my breath
away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8N5URRfQb4/WxKp-2ZhdMI/AAAAAAAAIRo/PFLYUnMwkEUkuowh9POS4NQ5h-sUWqHmQCKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00530053%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8N5URRfQb4/WxKp-2ZhdMI/AAAAAAAAIRo/PFLYUnMwkEUkuowh9POS4NQ5h-sUWqHmQCKgBGAs/s400/DSC_00530053%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don’t know where this path of obedience will lead, but I
do know <i>this</i>. God, our Creator of the universe, the Author
and Finisher of our faith, is the same; <i>yesterday</i>, <i>today</i> and <i>tomorrow</i>.<br />
<br />
He <b>never</b>
changes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I will hold on to His unchanging hand as I figure this
out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Many blessings to you and yours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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More soon…Lord willing,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Sherry</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-52199255111787608142018-04-24T15:31:00.000-04:002018-07-21T08:24:15.638-04:001st Year of Berean Bush Living<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OmAUp2HZw8/Wt-DrHZ_YQI/AAAAAAAAIQE/1frf7g3Jqyw8QJLGfM1i10MypfxYULiHACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00940094%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OmAUp2HZw8/Wt-DrHZ_YQI/AAAAAAAAIQE/1frf7g3Jqyw8QJLGfM1i10MypfxYULiHACKgBGAs/s320/DSC_00940094%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome Friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wonder what your life is like…as spring emerges.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was at an outdoor Auction this past weekend (up north, not
far from the Mackinac Bridge) when I felt like I had emerged from a long
winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call me “Ursa” (Latin word for Bear).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t travel in the winter, so my outings
are few and far between over the long winter months, with only local travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, the winter went by fast... until a
week ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Excited to spend time with my beloved visiting son and his
sweet <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sweet</i> girlfriend last week, I
“poo poo’ed” the warnings of a storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone was talking about it, but I didn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hear</i> it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It even escalated
to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Severe</i></b>
warnings on my weather radio, but I showed casual interest…as my calendar
showed mid-April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But late Friday night when I stoked my
woodstove and laid my head down to peer at the moon out my small “south” window,
I drifted off to sleep with warm thoughts of a day well spent with my loved
ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">happened</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke to a “rush of heavy snow” <s>sliding</s>
crashing off the metal roof to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh my…I haven’t heard anything quite like that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">winter</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached over to stoke the stove, and
slipped back <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">down</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deep</i> into my sleeping bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it happened again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Woosh</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THUMP.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All night long it continued…Woosh…THUMP, and again….Woosh,
THUMP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon awakening Saturday morning,
I thought “this can’t be good”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
night before, I had pulled my truck <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deep</i>
into the woods, not heeding the warnings of the impending storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truck was now “buried” – going nowhere,
no time soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the next 24-36 hours we
would have 22” of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Actually, I
believe that is a conservative figure.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Short story is…I couldn’t get out of the woods, with the truck, OR on foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried…but the snow was SO DEEP I couldn’t
walk in it without snow shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t
help that the snow had the consistency of sugar/sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This had landed on previous snow, and so far
this month alone we have had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">39”.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(A local record was said to be broken…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I headed back to the cabin, struggling
through the snow, and settled in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
classical story of the boy with his grandfather and the goat...buried in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their</i> cabin…came to mind. <i>"Buried in the Snow" by Franz Hoffmann.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was later in the day that Russ showed up to “rescue
me”. Good thing…as I was low on H20 and
“substantial” food. (I usually head up
mid-day to tend to the dogs and when I didn’t that day, he knew there was a
problem.) We don’t use phones for such things. Wouldn’t work anyway, since only one of us has one. But I’m only ½ mile away… {And yes...I <i>could</i> have melted snow...) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the way out to the main lane, which was also sketchy, I
stepped off the narrow path and went down nearly to my hip on one leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless a friend, or tree, {or a
thick-coated-eager-to-please canine} is near to grab hold of, it’s difficult to
get free as the snow holds you firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
quicksand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{Sidebar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just watched Pilgrim’s Progress several
days prior, and know full well the dangers of straying from “the narrow path”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the movie, I kept thinking…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christian</i></b>…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t</i></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">get</i></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">off</i></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">path</i></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">again</i></b>!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that how life is…we can see it so
clearly when it’s someone else who is “in trouble”…or making wrong choices.}<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, the next five days were rough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t bore you with the details, but after
five days, an angel was finally dispatched to come and plow me out, at what I
felt was minimal cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{When one is
desperate, you are willing to pay dearly.}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was in addition to the usual front-end loader driver who had tried
on Sunday night, but couldn’t get in the woods due to too much snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My truck finally got out, and I felt such a
relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still isn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">easy</i> getting around, a week later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But having the wind stop blowing, and the sun
shining brightly…sure makes trudging through a wintery slop in my knee-high
MUCK boots bearable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the best thing of all was the “wake up call” I received
in this storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the plans I had
for next year, including moving the sled dogs deep in the woods, are
scratched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bottom line, I need them near
the water source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly would have had
an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">impossible</i></b>
time getting water for that many critters, plus me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dx6hqkxBkts/Wt-C7LuDOuI/AAAAAAAAIP0/3-V25bOEw4Eslpb5bdx8Z5uPHdNGMBCLACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_00390039%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dx6hqkxBkts/Wt-C7LuDOuI/AAAAAAAAIP0/3-V25bOEw4Eslpb5bdx8Z5uPHdNGMBCLACKgBGAs/s320/DSC_00390039%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I know one thing…I’m getting a new-fangled pair of
snowshoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do treasure the old ones, but need something lightweight to skitter over the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{Catching your tips and falling in snowshoes
is no picnic either…}<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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So in a week’s time, the weather went from <span style="font-family: "gloucester mt extra condensed"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">deadly</span>
to drop-dead gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Auction, exactly
one week later, the sun glistened off the remaining snow on the auctioned-off property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temps climbed into the 50’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You saw sheer enjoyment in all you came in
contact with – people came out in droves to enjoy the sounds of the auction rings
and announcers and visit with their neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Spring is near!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even ended up with a sunburn! My Amish
friends did too…as they were working the food booth at the Auction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(YUM…I headed home with a pan of cinnamon
rolls, a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">groaningly</i> delicious loaf of
bread, and chocolate-ty whoopee pies…YUM indeed.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also loaded up a couple of newly
constructed Bluebird houses, sold by the bright-eyed smiling Amish boys at the Auction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect timing, as I plan to
set up a Bluebird trail on my “ten”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Days before the big storm I saw a bright blue male BB checking out an
old BB house, near the Wee.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition, it was so good to be up in my “old stomping grounds”
and view Little Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan) half open, half covered with
ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful country…northern lower
Michigan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I headed south at the end of a long day of auction and
errands (oil change for my truck/critter feed at Tractor Supply, etc.) I felt
renewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i></b> survived the
winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was looking forward to getting
back to my little cabin in the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition, I am looking forward to the summer and
preparation for another winter (firewood, etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twelve cord served me well this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning, “Woody”, my Pileated Woodpecker
was thrilled to find 2 new suet cakes right outside my window in the cake
feeder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is such a fixture – visits
daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my many “day brighteners”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning I enjoyed my morning <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cabin</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">coffee</i> (with water
heated with a foldable Sterno Camp stove) while watching the riotous antics at
my bird feeder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides Woody, I have
goldfinches, a bevy of other woodpeckers, 3 black squirrels, several red
squirrels, emerging chipmunks, chickadees (of course) and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also had a tall red fox visit several
times, one time almost crossing paths with me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who can blame him for wanting to check out the flurry of activity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course there are more critters, such as
the raccoon that raided my birdfeeder one moonlit evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I look forward to the return of the deer,
(and yes, even porkies and skunks…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How about you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
you survive the winter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope so…<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until next time…Lord willing,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sherry<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are
wondering <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i></b> I moved out to my little cabin on April 23, 2017, a year
ago, here’s the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">beginning</b> of the
story back in April of 2015...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://russ-stickacres.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-seeker.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Our40TheSimpleLifeAtRuss-stickAcres+%28Our+40+~+The+Simple+Life+at+Russ-Stick+Acres%29" target="_blank">The SEEKER</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
rest of the story, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">story</i>… is forthcoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woosh…THUMP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-48366024834765918402018-02-07T15:09:00.001-05:002018-02-07T15:24:48.499-05:00Woodsy Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBJg_D5vvA4/Wntb8vF1x2I/AAAAAAAAIPE/RD0okdDhQPkUUWRnJczlDSgvQNU9NxsXACLcBGAs/s1600/BBL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBJg_D5vvA4/Wntb8vF1x2I/AAAAAAAAIPE/RD0okdDhQPkUUWRnJczlDSgvQNU9NxsXACLcBGAs/s320/BBL.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yep...I'm here. Winter is in full swing. <br />
<br />
And my little woodstove is firing hot. All is well. Lots of firewood remains to swing into spring.<br />
<br />
The chickadees aren't even waiting for me to get to the cabin before they come land on my head. Are they beggars... or do they like me? I won't answer that...<br />
<br />
I'll check in soon. I'm writing, but have to go from pen to paper, to lap top, to thumb drive, to local Library. It takes some doing, but I'm committed. Lots to tell...stay tuned. <br />
<br />
Miss you all..."see" you soon, should the Lord tarry.<br />
<br />
S<br />
<br />
P.S. No cabin fever...yet.<br />
<br />
P.S.S. Coyotes a plenty - view in broad daylight. They don't give me a second thought. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-58952201220635312392017-12-04T11:46:00.001-05:002017-12-04T11:46:32.250-05:00Peace...and Quiet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ql8OstYOJ1Q/USfyDUNkh8I/AAAAAAAAHnc/3bUPaQrz6DYpCrhV190yVypLBYU_S4CKQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0131%2B%2528Small%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="387" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ql8OstYOJ1Q/USfyDUNkh8I/AAAAAAAAHnc/3bUPaQrz6DYpCrhV190yVypLBYU_S4CKQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSC_0131%2B%2528Small%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello Friend - <br />
<br />
I'm still here...still living in my small cabin on ten acres, waiting for winter to set in. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I have the chickadees landing on my fingers when I call to them, trusting me for their treats. <br />
<br />
Life is simple - my "Berean Bush Living". <br />
<br />
I'll check in more soon, Lord willing, and fill you in on the stories that are piling up.<br />
<br />
Until then, be blessed.<br />
<br />
Sherry<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-19504765435169735202017-08-11T14:51:00.000-04:002017-08-11T14:57:22.387-04:00Simply Sled Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CbXHC5MGU/WY35rm3CJDI/AAAAAAAAINs/usjP30Z7GyAq4cY0klowR1COho9-2HtygCLcBGAs/s1600/Fall%2BTraining.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CbXHC5MGU/WY35rm3CJDI/AAAAAAAAINs/usjP30Z7GyAq4cY0klowR1COho9-2HtygCLcBGAs/s400/Fall%2BTraining.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This past week, with August upon us, I shuffled around some
dog equipment to get ready for Fall Training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While hauling an armload of old harnesses to wash up to sell, I hoped
none of the remaining six dogs would notice as I tip-toed past the dog yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who has had a sled dog, or a dog for
that matter, knows how just a “jingle” of a leash will send a dog into a frenzy
of excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s that way with sled
dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sight</i> of a harness will stir them into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I, too, get excited this time of year, especially when a
full moon approaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hello to my
full-moon musher friend Shannon…</span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It is nearly 9 years ago that Iditarod/Yukon
Quest “Mega” Champion Lance Mackey (from the incredible Mackey family of
mushers) was here for a full-moon weekend, giving his testimony about all
things <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dog</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His presence still lingers, and I hope
someday it would be possible for him to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lord willing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{<a href="http://lancemackey.com/lance-mackey/" target="_blank">Lance</a> is truly one
of a kind, as is his record in both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest.}</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once I sorted through the maze of harnesses, I ended up with
working harnesses for four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Two of our
dogs are going on 16 years of age - their pulling days past.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the semi-clean harnesses out back to
my cabin in the woods and hung them by the front door, under the protection of
the porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There</i>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cabin was
complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hickory rocking chair sat
in the opposite corner, across from the harnesses that brought plenty of
memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside the cabin is the bunk I
now sleep on - the same bunk Lance Mackey slept on when he visited for 3
nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some nights I lay in the
darkness and hear my sled dog Skunk let out a sigh of contentment from her
comfy dog bed near the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder
if her dreams are like my dreams…of the incredible life of sled dogs and folks
like Lance Mackey, who fill our hearts with an amazement and awe of a lifestyle
like no other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you have experienced
it, it’s hard to let go…but you still have the memories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Memories like this…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Waking at 5, I beat the rooster’s demands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attempt to shake the hold of a good night’s
sleep, as I scheme a plan to stay warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After deciding there is little I can do from my vantage point, I leave
the comfort of warm flannel sheets and heavy comforters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scooting off the end of the bed, I take one
step to begin my early morning decent down the sturdy cabin ladder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing each rung results in a five degree
temperature dip, I grit my teeth and make a hasty departure from the loft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once in the heart of our small cabin, I scramble to throw on
my morning clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hold each article
of clothing next to the open door of the wood stove, hoping the smoldering
embers will provide some heat to my chilly wardrobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I grit my teeth as I decide this
process is getting me nowhere and I should just get dressed, sans fanfare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Layer, layer, layer, cotton kills, cotton kills,
cotton kills runs through my head as I hastily dress for the cold winter
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After fidgeting with the woodstove, I’ve managed to create a
good fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two fat and aged lab-mix dogs
are happy with the results as they settle closer to the woodstove and
uncurl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not being a coffee drinker, I
have to rely on rote skills to get me started in my sequence of chores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast will wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rule in this house is…animals eat
first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grab my headlamp from the hook
by the cabin door, fit it over my fur hat and begin to venture out into the
dark snowy morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I stop to fill two five-gallon water buckets at the spigot
on the cabin porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a relief to
hear water surge up through the pipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
city-turned-country 15 year-old cat greets me by raising her head from her
porch bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once outside, I’m amazed at the snow received the night
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My warm bunny boots are silent,
but clumsy, walking on the fresh powder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only sound is the small plastic red sled, floating behind me in a
serpentine fashion as I glide over the wind-sculptured snow, carrying two buckets
of sloshing water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quiet is
interrupted by the first howl of greeting as I exit the woods and approach the
dog yard in the clearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The dogs knew I was coming, before I even put my foot on the
last rung of the cabin ladder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Astro,
our blue-eyed Alaskan “gate keeper” can peer the 100’ from his sentry by the
dog yard gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sees through the naked
deciduous trees and into our main cabin window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once he sees light and movement in the cabin, he announces my arrival to
the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{We put Astro by the front
gate so he could overcome his shyness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It worked.}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now the dogs can hardly contain their exuberance as I fight
with snow to gain entry into the front gate, knowing the snow would be too deep
at the feed room door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once inside, I can scan the 30 dogs in the
dog yard, and make a light beam contact with each pair of eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10, 20, 29…where’s the 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
dog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yes…one pair of eyes fail to
beam back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our current blind dog, Buddy
Jr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I can still see his
excitement of being “shined upon” nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(We have 14 more dogs…they are up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, running
the trails, with Russ riding the runners - training for possible future races.)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><em>TO BE CONTINUED:</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Side Bar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many
things have changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two “cabin
dogs” (Satch and Hootch) have long sinced passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satch at 18 and Hootch nearly that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The cabin kitty also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And on a brighter note…I now drink coffee – started late in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish I had started sooner….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <em> </em></span><em>I wish a lot of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But the memories linger...</span></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Until next time, should the Lord tarry - </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Sherry</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-16231398349696161182017-07-27T15:45:00.000-04:002017-07-27T15:46:22.901-04:00My Daily Gift
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjtYs48GyMM/WXpCbEc647I/AAAAAAAAINY/9PJlyeopDLoXVV6gzkzLkDSt4nPicNZ8QCLcBGAs/s1600/Bear%2527s%2BDen%2Band%2Bouthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjtYs48GyMM/WXpCbEc647I/AAAAAAAAINY/9PJlyeopDLoXVV6gzkzLkDSt4nPicNZ8QCLcBGAs/s320/Bear%2527s%2BDen%2Band%2Bouthouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s still early morning as I sit on my little cabin porch,
enjoying my Amish-made hickory rocker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thinking back, it’s been 25 years or so since I first hauled this rocker
from mid-Michigan to northern Michigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has served me well over the years with comfort and memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It bears the chew marks from my Border
Collie pup, years past.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I digress…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been up for hours soaking in, and studying the Word of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 1:1…”In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with</i> God, and
the Word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i></b> God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell asleep
last night doing so, and began once again upon awakening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I’m working on a Master’s Thesis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in a way, I am!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About the Divine <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Master</b>, my Lord and Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Actually, when I attended college, right after high school and then
later on, I studied hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Unlike high
school…).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even made the President’s
list for a perfect grade with 12+ credits per semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, I was asked, and joined, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Phi</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Theta</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kappa</i> (a smarty girl’s honor club).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that study was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NOTHING</i></b> compared to
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m studying as if my life depended
on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it does!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A friend of mine wrote these words:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The grace of God,
and the leading of the Holy Spirit will always direct our lives to full
obedience of the established principles of God’s word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the true freedom in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any other direction is tragedy indeed.” </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far, my Berean Bush Living is working out as
planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beautiful setting for God’s
creatures and creation – and to study His precepts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I write this (by hand, later typed for
your retrieval) my morning visitor lets me know it is breakfast time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A chipmunk waits for his morning snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started putting cereal, or walnuts on one
of my logs on the wood pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it has
become a ritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I adore “chippy’s”.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This morning a couple hours into my study I needed to
stretch my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon stepping off the
porch I thought about retrieving my side arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naw…I’m just
going to the clearing – no need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
sprint back to the cabin if necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Oh how our minds trick us…me sprint?? </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I headed out to the clearing, surrounded
by nearly neck high green ferns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scan
the vast area, looking for any sign of deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(One time, myself and my dear “cattle dog” Zip came into that same
clearing and saw a buck’s antlered head “floating” on the ferns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least that is what it looked like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deformed antlers on one side added to the
floating “creepy factor”!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I only
saw a cloudy, rainy sky to accompany the cold northern Michigan weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was about ready to return to the cabin,
I saw to the east a large animal swiftly emerge from near the base of the
ferns, cross the lane,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and enter the
woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to blink twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I t looked to be the size of a wolverine, but
the large (and I mean large) white stripe gave it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped into the woods for a better look
and watched as it headed in the direction of my deer blind area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer, several skunks have found their
way into a live trap, so it is time to get it reset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Skunks are notorious for devouring our baby
bunnies.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barely a day goes by when God doesn’t share one of His
wonderful gifts with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wildlife, or
sign of such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raw beauty abounds in my
wooded abode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nightly dance of the
firefly brings awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who can deny thy
creator?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not I…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was getting to the point of asking God for a daily gift
and I had to stop myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Something
along the lines of…”God…would you please send a deer through so I can see its
beauty?”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But He does it anyway!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows how much it pleases me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can almost imagine His smile (we are told
we are made in the likeness of Him) when my heart beats faster upon seeing a
deer or smelling a possible bear while walking at the cabin at dusk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All are gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you Father.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But my greatest gift of all is His Word to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To YOU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s contained in His God-inspired Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dive in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read your Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start where you wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t follow a routine, I go where I feel I
need to that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use King James
Version (KJV) only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not use a study
Bible (one that has notes written on the page next to God’s Word, by people
hired for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their</i> opinion.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not God-inspired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are someone who needed a writing
gig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{Very dangerous to lean on a study
Bible.}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the serpent in the Garden…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ssssssssssssssss</i></b>…”Ye
shall not surely die…SSSssssssss”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your Bible is a gift – open it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Live</i> it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people say it is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B</b>asic <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I</b>nstruction <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B</b>efore <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">L</b>eaving <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">E</b>arth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if you desire information on how to order a nice, but not expensive,
KJV Bible, contact me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can assist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you enjoy your gifts today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll check in soon, should the Lord tarry…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sherry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">P.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When reading the
Bible…keep your ears and eyes open to His still small voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that means…No TV, NO phone beeping
interruptions, NO radio, NO distractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only you…and GOD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessings to
you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-65651450991174867492017-07-13T15:54:00.000-04:002017-07-13T15:55:54.786-04:00Night Scare
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXJ93ihEGMg/WWfMXvA8mJI/AAAAAAAAINI/H4j9dpeRjlQDmA8midrZzi0IhUF__ZWkACKgBGAs/s1600/DSC_0009%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXJ93ihEGMg/WWfMXvA8mJI/AAAAAAAAINI/H4j9dpeRjlQDmA8midrZzi0IhUF__ZWkACKgBGAs/s640/DSC_0009%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>My journal continues…<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday, May 30th</span></b><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A nightly visitor shows up at my cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The question is...<em>w</em></span><em>ho</em>? Or <em>what</em>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coyote
tracks and deer abound, but who is breathing near my head on the outside wall
of the cabin? In the still of the night, that can be quite disconcerting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That was just the beginning of my "scary nights". </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a different scare the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I b</span>rought fresh-from-the-mill wood scraps to burn to take the
chill off the night air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well…my stove
“took off”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon opening the top lid, an
ember floated down beneath a crack in floor boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also a crack appeared in the chimney leading
to the heavy shiny insulated chimney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I held my breath as the fire took its time to settle down. The little cabin heated up like never before! The next morning I realized I d</span>odged
a bullet with a smoldering log and a perfect storm for carbon monoxide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Needless to say, I'm l</span>ooking forward to my new stove getting into
place soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday, May 31th</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Figured out my nightly visitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I awoke at 2:30 a.m. last night to something hovering on
my porch – making lots of noise by my door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nails scratched on wood, schuffling leaves ensued, twigs breaking, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Once again, I held my breath as I aimed my dim flashlight toward the door. Yep...a</span> porky was revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lumbered off, looking over his shoulder at
the inconvenience of being “found out”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He returned some time later to say “hello” on the other side of my bunk
wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thoughts, of course, go to when
I begin bringing sled dogs out to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Porkies and sled dogs don’t mix. NOTE: He's probably the one I came across last deer hunting season. I was heading home after a night of hunting, and I saw a porky ambling down the lane ahead of me. I got as close as I could and chatted with him for a while. Well, he bristled and I chatted. I had my .30-.30 and my side arm, but it wasn't an option. He wasn't hurting anyone. <em>Yet</em>...Lord willing. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time, should the Lord tarry… {I’ll eventually get current...so much to tell!}</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In His Love - </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sherry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-77148119999169997552017-07-09T16:07:00.000-04:002017-07-09T16:08:43.822-04:00Where I Lay My Head<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And Jesus said to him, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Foxes
have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where
to lay his head.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 9:58</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Checking in again, my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My previous journal notes were from
April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m months behind, so I’ll try
and catch up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I do, I had a thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This cabin living can be done on any
level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you dedicate a “prayer closet”
in your home, you can make it comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even with this cabin living, I’m keeping my supplies at a minimum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I procured a “bear barrel” from the local
resale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{Nothing can get in this
old-timey canner.}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m being careful
not to have too many distractions around me…food or otherwise, so I don’t lose
focus on the reason I’m there – to study the Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, nature always has a way of capturing
my attention, if not on the 10 acres I’m on, then on the other 30 acres that
the property entails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a small
sampling…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>5/9/17</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’m filled with gratitude for 4 new bunnies at the main Wee
House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grey/black/Blonde/Merle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later named Frosty, - , Pumpkin, and Snickers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{Their “mama” is a big white Californian, and
their “papa” is a big orange/copper rabbit (born here) who is called “copper
bunny”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are both loose on the
property, but live at the Wee House.}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The little black one was too daring/dancing/darling – and unfortunately
met her end before she could be named.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That hurts the heart…to see them get to such an age, only to have the
laws of nature come down upon them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe it was a fox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The little black bunny wasn’t our only loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our special rooster was taken out also, along
with my favorite pure-white hen who faithfully gave us a blueish-green egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This morning, as I stood and watched the white Mama rabbit
fill its mouth with twigs, grasses, and leaves, I had to smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was going to kindle soon – giving us
another batch of newborn bunnies – in the woodpile next to the Wee House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I watched her, something caught the corner
of my eye along the berm of our property to the east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">huge</i></b> healthy-looking fox…trotting
with a purpose, coming closer, weaving in and out of brush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was headed for the area of the dog
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence…later that day, our
remaining 3 hens were moved to a safer enclosure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also have 1 broody hen sitting on 5
eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope one of those 5 eggs
hatches out to become our new resident rooster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will keep a 4-generation line of roosters, starting with a
beautiful and kind, Java rooster, who was eventually snatched just feet from
the coop in broad daylight, by a coyote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It causes a heavy - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>living so
close to nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times when I
desire to cage them…to keep them safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But at what cost…?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Short life of
freedom, or long life of bondage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
tough call.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>5/10/17</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">End of the day. 5:00 p.m. at the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hermit Thrush and Pileated Woodpecker vie
for air space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One melodic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One a banshee scream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But both beautiful to my ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crow also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the crows…and they know it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The woods are alive with greenery, bugs and beauty (no
skeeters yet…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nearly stepped on an
adult snake 2 days prior while cutting through the woods enroute to the cabin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It has been cold, but sunny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today is warming up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been
sick, but now feeling a tad better, and hacking/coughing less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hauled the last of 12 cord of firewood to my
new cabin home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my new icebox (you
put a block of ice inside to keep food cold) was wrangled in the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cabin now feels like home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>5/27/17</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Up very
early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Auction day in my community of
friends (Old Order Amish) for a family who is moving to a new “daughter
settlement”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be leaving soon for
the hour trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon looking out the back
window of my 8x8 cabin, I do a “double take” as a big doe steps out and crosses
across the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow…I didn’t even have
to leave the cabin to view her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, I
saw tracks circling the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of
deer activity at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Earlier this morning, I curled my cold fingers around a cup
of steaming coffee as I stepped from the woods into the sunlit field to warm
myself in the morning sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scanned
about, looking for the deer that makes its presence daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough…I hear a foot stomp the ground in
disgust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{I must be interrupting HIS
morning routine!}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He topped it off with
several LOUD snorts to show his final word on the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm…I had already received a scolding from
the red squirrels in trees circling the cabin, as I exited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I hear the caw of the crow announcing
movement in the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To balance this
out, my ears are delighted with the sound of the Hermit thrushes singing their
heavenly/harmonic melody, and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
calls, another answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so it goes,
up and down the scale of notes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Earlier, I found a young snake in the outhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm…where is HIS mama, and slithering
siblings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shudder at the thought, as I
scooped him in a bucket and take him farther out into the woods to a new
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I leave for a busy day of
friendship/food and good conversation with my Amish friends, I marvel at the
“stimulai” I’ve already experienced this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My new Berean Bush Living is anything but
boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the night hours provide even
more curious investigations as I figure out my “visitor”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ll check in soon, with continued journal posts, <em>should the Lord tarry,</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><em>Sherry<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5858807769208269777.post-54585090199730690332017-07-05T16:04:00.003-04:002017-07-09T16:08:11.296-04:00Berean Bush Living...Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Wendell W. Price said this:<br />
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<br />
<i>“There are many activities I must cut out simply because I
desire to excel in my pursuit after God and holiness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<br />
This describes my living deeper into simplicity and
solitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Berean</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bush</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Living</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">{At the Bear's Den...}</span><br />
<br /></div>
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In the Book of Acts
17:11, it is stated that the Berean’s looked deeper into God’s Word
(scripture).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want that…</div>
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<br />
For me, it boils down to small cabin living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essential living only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of quiet time – no outside stimuli such
as TV, radio, computers, or Smart phones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>{I still have a radio, but that is “wearing thin” also, and will soon be
the last to go.}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Nope, just my Bible and
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what is needed to continue
my card (snail mail) ministry that has become so important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{And hopefully others…}</div>
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<br />
This past April, I spent my first night in my 10-acre
wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite going to sleep hearing the
crackle of a wood fire, I awoke to seeing my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>April still holds onto winter on the 45<sup>th</sup>
Parallel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So does May…June...</div>
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The mornings are beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m awakened by increasing light, accompanied by melodic bird
songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I start the small woodstove to
perk coffee and make breakfast (oatmeal, dotted with granola given to me by a
friend who makes it and sells it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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While waiting for the camp coffee pot to perk, I turn my
devotion toward God’s Word.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Second Night</b></div>
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I arrived at the cabin after dark, thankful for the lighting
made by flashlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cabin is sans
(minus) electric or plumbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly
started a fire to take the chill off and then settled down to read before
retiring to my bunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long
day, moving more items into the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over the years I have made my life very simple with regard to material
items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My books will be my greatest bulk,
and even those are scaled down to just a very select few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very appreciative for the rustic
hand-made bookshelf that newly adorns one wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Lay not up for
yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt , and where thieves do not break
through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 6:19-21</i></div>
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<br />
The cabin living resembles my “normal” living situation for
the last 16 years, although this time without electric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outhouse isn’t as “fancy”, but it is
adequate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />
Wood is put up for winter already – that is a good
feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Thank you “<s>AC</s>
Ellen”.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twelve cords should bring the
winter into spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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<br />
A new stove also sits, waiting to be swapped out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Again, thank you “E”.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heat is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And wood is something I’m careful not to covet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how I love a stacked pile of wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As I write this in the early a.m., the sun is streaming
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear the resident pileated woodpecker
knocking out the bugs in a nearby tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Earlier this morn, before the sun rose over the trees, I heard the
gobble of a wild turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
first year in the last three that I haven’t bought a hunting tag for the Spring
season…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has no threat from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<i>Did he ever</i>?)</div>
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<br />
Once I’m settled and get used to the rhythm of the woods,
I’ll bring a dog in for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come
winter I’ll definitely bring one of the sled dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will enjoy the outing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the warmth of the woodstove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Third Morning:</b></div>
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<br />
Arrived at dusk last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No fire in the
woodstove needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Settled in to read, no
clock to limit me.</div>
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<br />
Woke to the “Tom’s” calling the hens, circling the ten acre wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of deer tracks (sign).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stand (which is actually a “sit”…) is just
steps away through the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />
My smaller space feels good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like tiny cabin
living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the essentials – know just
where everything is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind goes to “Temple
Grandin” and her “hug” machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes…I am
MORE than content to live in an 8 x 10 cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It feels like it’s giving me a HUG.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />
I’ll sign in soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lots of wildlife to report!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had a nightly visitor…with 4 legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can
you guess?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Plus, I had a visitor in the
outhouse with NO legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you
guess?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YIKES!!</div>
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<br />
Until next time, should the Lord tarry…</div>
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<i>Sherry</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2