tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50258986268652881312024-02-22T15:02:39.102-05:00Paradise Ridge VannersThis site has turned into the daily issues of PPSM, EPSM in a horse I dreamed of having for most of my life. The daily grind of tending to 6 acres in a archaic manner, with little attention, time, or money. We all have our dreams, this land, these horses, are all a part of the big picture for me. Trying to build my paradise on the ridge of flat top mountain. This is my site!Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.comBlogger665125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-87972457321369144232016-05-30T21:04:00.000-04:002016-05-30T21:04:12.796-04:00Gardening... I have a close friend who chuckles at me!<br />
I tend to say whatever is on my mind.<br />
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She was looking for the fat free half and half, and I simply stated... I don't understand, the whole point of half and half is it is half heavy cream and half regular milk! How can it be fat free?<br />
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While I choose not to use 1/2 & 1/2 I sure can't take regular milk in my coffee; and if you expect me to use skim you have got to be crazy! I'll drink it black like my grandparents did (a left over from sugar rations during WWII) Yes as a vegan I was trying to use almond milk but it truly aggravated my throat and made me burp too much for comfort! I refuse to use soy, and coconut is just too sweet for my taste. I do enjoy hemp milk but... as usual I digress~!<br />
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My point of bringing this up is low fat, non fat half and half is a bastardised product. You think your drinking a better for you cream when in fact its so much worse for you it's ... well a crap storm of a product doing no telling what to your poor body! <br />
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I find it funny I can come to these conclusions myself about something as simple as half and half BUT never thought about it as applied to my garden! <br />
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YES my garden.<br />
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As of late I have had TWO books I can't seem to put down, leave alone and not refer to everyday. <br />
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The first being Integrated Forest Gardening...<br />
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ONE of the best and greatest books on gardening I have ever come across. It is helpful, insightful, and gives examples we all need when getting started with a newer, fresher, and different way of thinking of our gardens. <br />
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It is the simple, provoking, and common sense of each of these books I am stunned I have never thought in this manner when it come to ... DIRT and ALL it consist. </div>
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Why it is I can say fat free half and half makes no sense but I expect a man made chemical fertilizer to make real food? </div>
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FAKE fertilizer must give me fake food! Meaning If I feed my veggies chemicals they are going to contain or consist of chemicals. SO now I am building up my soil, dirt, and compost with nothing but bacteria, fungus, hummus, and mulches for compost or area needs. </div>
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It is funny how you can read a book a hundred times but you take on something new each time because you are in a different place of your journey each time you open, close, or share a book with anyone. </div>
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<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-13982118543940685592016-05-15T19:07:00.000-04:002016-05-15T19:07:21.547-04:00What a week. Life is funny!<br />
It takes me two days to clean my house now that my arm doesn't work the way it used to. My vacuum cleaner works so well it hurts my arm so I have to rest my arm and do something else. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my silly machine but it does such a good job on my hard wood floors I really have to pull it! With its special attachment I barely have dirty water when I mop afterwords. If I only sweep with the broom it is too dirty too quickly and just causes me more work in the long run.<br />
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So I washed clothes, while vacuuming and mopping the house while also taking rest, walking the dog and running to and from the barn to plant things while I could. My floors are now clean, all my clothes put away, and several perennials put in the ground at the barn. As well as a plan of what to start dividing and spreading where next.<br />
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My next few days will run like this...<br />
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Hay was cut Friday and to be baled Monday! I'll wait for the dew to burn off then run to get some guys to help me at 11:45, go get 200 bails out of a pasture and put into my containers. I have to say I am eager to see what happens to my arm Monday considering I it here having already taken over the counter pain meds just from having worked my normal day today. <br />
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Then Tuesday one of my birds comes to the house for us to watch for the next week which means my dog will be mostly at the barn. <br />
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I hope to take a few photos as the days pass... I shall share them as soon as I can.<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-63302265415383764562016-05-08T09:48:00.000-04:002016-05-08T09:48:21.153-04:00Sunday Mornings I enjoy a Sunday morning, I get to sleep late! <br />
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I've slept without an alarm clock gone to the barn, cleaned the barn area, put the horses out, put out hay; fed them and put them back in. Multi tasking taking care of the paw paw patch in the mean time. I put out more cardboard to shade out the vetch in the patch. Tucking it under the previous as if putting shingles on a roof. As I did that I watered the planted clay pots that keep the ground moist and allow the trees to draw out water as they need it. But because there is no rain in the forecast I also filled the five gallon buckets for each tree. I put a pin hole in so they will slowly drip for the next few days. I'm cooking my sweet potatoes as I type this and my dishes are soaking in soapy water till I get this posted. After which I will wash dishes, take a shower and get ready for work! Relaxing and breathing as I stand in hot water steam filling the bathroom so the birds get a steam bath as I take the moisture into my own lungs. Make up? Only if its a great morning like today where all the schedules come together and allow me a few extra minutes for myself.<br />
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I get to work from 11:30 to 5:15 today! Then come home and take care of the horses for the night and go to the house love on the dog, put the birds to bed and finally go to sleep and get up early the next morning for a full day of work again.<br />
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I love the little store where I work, but I love working physically on the estate. How does one get to balance both and have them both pay you for your time?<br />
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Doing as my Maternal Grandfather (Paw Paw) did... I work at the store and I do the land morning and evening as I can. I hope it keeps me younger than I am but... the years are starting to catch up. My hips my knees and the arm I can no longer use, not even to hold a hammer. Although most customers don't see me as my age a positive for any woman out in the world! <br />
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Getting my day started and I can only hope everyone reading this get theirs going as wonderfully!<br />
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My love to the world.<br />
AegF<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0Fairview, NC, USA35.556168905098374 -82.38418106921017235.504218405098378 -82.465205069210171 35.608119405098371 -82.303157069210172tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-37579331881537798592016-05-03T21:47:00.000-04:002016-05-03T21:47:38.721-04:00May 2016 How I can't believe how fast time flies. 6:18am<br />
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I sit at my office desk still in the dark due to the mist and fog outside, but the window is open and the birds are creating a wonderful song. My office screen is in need of mending due to the most recent Zika virus in the area. While I do not plan on children this late in life there is no reason not to protect myself and my animals from the pest and the disease they carry. Coffee on the desk, light for my aging eyes, and bare feet. Life is as it should be! <br />
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I have much to do for Pirates' Lair, a regular schedule at the barn then thankfully a day at the clothing store. Life is in full speed as tourist season starts in Asheville and life on the estate gets out of control as nature tries its hardest to take back what disturbances I have caused it over the past year and with the recent plantings.<br />
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Three Paw Paw trees. It will take years for them to produce food,<br />
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In case you are not aware of what paw paws are, you are not alone. Once a native tree almost over the US now rarely seen and even more rarely commercialized as the fruit does not travel or save well at all. <br />
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I planted three...<br />
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1st one closest to the road and closest to my approach of the area is a Pennsylvania Golden Paw Paw. The company I got it from Stark.com was incredible! My first one somehow was damaged in shipping and after creating a clean cut below the break it was barely over the graft and wasn't going to make it. I called them the very next day and they sent me a new one with NO major questions or ANY issues. <br />
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Amazing fruit!<br />
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The second I planted was the glorious Mango Paw Paw. I put this one closest to the fence. As of today it struggles compared to the other two but shows promise. The leaves are smaller and not up the entire plant like the other two.<br />
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The third and final is the Sunflower Paw Paw, planted close to the road once again but spaced aplenty so all will have room AND I will have room to dig and cut suckers for other areas later depending on which one I fall in love with the most. </div>
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Paw Paws are amazing, once covering much of the eastern US, Life is good with a paw paw tree as the leaves are more tropic in look and texture, and the fruit just as exoitioc in that they taste mostly like a banana custard and have about the same texture when ripe. </div>
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I love they are pollinators are mostly FLIES! I put them on the outside of the horse pasture and hope to keep most fly pollinators away from the barn as they stink when pollination is needed. SOME people even hang rotting meat (road kill) in the tree when the time comes! NOT something I want to be doing! I'll just allow the flies from the horse barn and the cattle up the mountain do their thing!</div>
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I also planted the Persimmon Tree! I enjoy the American Persimmon much more than the Asian you see in the grocery stores, (if you see any at all, depending on where you live) I got the Yates American from Stark.com just like the Paw Paws. </div>
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Only slightly larger than a grape with one seed larger than that of pumpkin size. As a child we enjoyed eating these out of the yard and then splitting the seed inside to see what type of winter we were going to have. </div>
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These too can be pollinated by flies BUT can use several pollinators to get the job done. Last year I picked persimmons off the ground at a friends house to snack on all day. I can't wait to make Persimmon rolls etc... Besides If I don't eat them the animals on the estate will thus keeping all the small and larger animals happy. </div>
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Last year I planted a Mulberry Tree, The ground hog family on the estate nearly killed it by eating its leaves, but I put a fence around it and it is thriving this year. </div>
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If you have not had a mulberry you really need to treat yourself to a bag of them from a good natural grocery store. Sweet, easily dried and again feed the wild life and you with no issues. Meaning Birds normally get all the berries from the top of the tree while humans normally can reach and get the rest.</div>
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I had planted the persimmon last year but my barn helpers wacked it, GONE... I also planted a lilac bush but it didn't survive either. I am NOT wasting my time on the lilac because they do not do several duties and take 5 to 7 years to bloom and give me pleasure! </div>
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<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-15538046302783774252016-05-01T20:15:00.000-04:002016-05-01T20:15:43.547-04:00It has been over a year. My computer crashed and I had not been able to get into my computer for over a year! Someone came in cleaned my computer but ALL my passwords are GONE. It took me forever to try to get help, because this is a free site I can only assume that is why there is no real customer service.<br />
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Having said as much I can only hope I get to start blogging again; hoping to work on everything every other day!<br />
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Please let me know what you think!<br />
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Paradise Ridge Estate has gone through many changes! <br />
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I planted three new Paw paw trees and another persimmon to replace the one planted last year and cut down by a worker. <br />
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We (Don) and I through out seeds for wildflowers and cosmos <br />
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I tried to set up a straw bail garden, because ... the weeds are so bad I may have to spray the crap! I am TOTALLY against chemical as my neighbors have bee's. SO if and when I have to spray the vetch I have to start all over AND cover the sprayed area so no bee's can get to it! I am not going to be able to plant them with veggies this year because we have not had enough rain to waste it on the garden when I will need it for the horses. <br />
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I have also tried my best to start new habits! .. in that I have walked over 16065 steps for today, so about 7,5 miles !!!!<br />
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Like so many other people I have a class reunion to attend this year, I haven't been sense the first one. It has been a privilege following or keeping up with so many through facebook.<br />
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Oh yea!!!! and we got a DOG!<br />
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A bull terrier!<br />
Cyra on her papers but we call her Kerra. While she is biologically a dog she doesn't act like one! She is SO different; but I could care less I needed a dog, I haven't had one in my house for 14 or 15 years.<br />
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Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-35831009953803845822015-06-28T18:26:00.001-04:002015-06-28T18:26:33.779-04:00Going away<p dir=ltr>Going away makes me appreciate what I have; what I have learned of our tiny plot of land; how healthy and beautiful my animals are; how selfish I have been.   I got to do nothing... I took in the area the first day & the rest of the time I lied by the pool covered in sun screen. Ate till I could eat no more. Slept till my body would allow... and started over again.   I did cheat on my horses while I was gone, having a short run on the beach with Jerry's grandson Bryson. Other than that I calmed my heart mind and hopefully enough for my soul as well. It had been too long since my last get away and my body revolted as soon as I arrived shocking itself to a stop with no phone, internet, or electronics in our suite. Life is so much better having now been away again. Something I now long to do again sooner than later. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAcNnFvW4ho-VkhJA2rsas_nacEBG0AS-cIi-gWFbg9jKpyU6SU5ZJweMv_z4UoBVFpUTyQ9JV5Znud-15ZQz45886kmDKxo6zMdhvmBBzxjNtch_ivug24rQg2aEqNVs0fzDqxDTDKQl/s1600/1435530326775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAcNnFvW4ho-VkhJA2rsas_nacEBG0AS-cIi-gWFbg9jKpyU6SU5ZJweMv_z4UoBVFpUTyQ9JV5Znud-15ZQz45886kmDKxo6zMdhvmBBzxjNtch_ivug24rQg2aEqNVs0fzDqxDTDKQl/s640/1435530326775.jpg"> </a> </div>Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-13716659219342487682015-01-26T20:01:00.000-05:002015-01-26T20:01:00.592-05:00Our Parents My parents, your parents, and all parents... they all do the same thing!<br />
They do the best they can with what they have. <br />
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Why does everyone blame their parents?<br />
No I'm not saying my parents were perfect, no one's parents are, but they all put one foot in front of the other and do the best they can while more likely they were losing their minds. You likely have no idea what your parents were going through as you were growing up. Money, jobs, marriage, love, religion, social norms, social expectations, you likely have no grasp of the details.<br />
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Some how with their own luggage/ baggage/ scares or whatever you call it; they did their best to expose you to the world. It may not have been the world of your choosing, but it was the world to which they had access. Are you able to expose your children to a restaurant where each person has a private waiter? Are you able to fly your children around the world first class? Are you able to provide your children with anything and everything the disire? No Not 99% of the world!<br />
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BUT you can teach your children what each utensil is for if they ever get the chance of eating at a restaurant with individual waiters. You can teach your children HOW to act and take in a new situation. YOU can make sure your children read what ever subject is your child's passion at the moment. YOU can be a good example only by doing your best. <br />
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If like many your parents didn't teach you how to act by example you can follow and learn from examples of people who are successful in areas of your love, attraction or passion in life.<br />
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The point is your parents do NOT make your choices for you. They either showed you a path or they were not able to, don't EXPECT them to do more than they can; only YOU have to power to make your choices from today out, not your parents, friends or family.<br />
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EVERY choice YOU make determines your future NOT the choices of your parents... they did the best they couldAmber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-341396168855537572015-01-20T11:08:00.000-05:002015-01-20T11:08:40.626-05:00TOO much going on. Yes I know I am always on the go; in the middle of a project; and about to pull my hair out. <br />
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Yesterday was the straw that broke the camels back! <br />
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List of projects. <br />
1. deck railing... ( I have enough up to keep codes off my back) but not completed. <br />
a. needs 5 more file cabinets, and needs to be painted once again. <br />
b. brackets / mountings to be finished as well <br />
c. the chairs and table need to be painted to match. <br />
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2. Concrete patio for dry footing for the horses. <br />
a. needs another 2/3rds done, I only have 1/3 completed and while it is great it is NOT done and not the look I am going to settle for. <br />
b. While I can more easily drive up to the barn I need to pour a concrete RAMP up to the pavers so the truck doesn't displace anything! <br />
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3. NOW the Container... <br />
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a. needs to be painted with cool sealant. <br />
c. needs support on roof so I can plant things to over hang the container and HIDE it! <br />
d. needs trees from the property cut and placed next to the container till the plants work their way DOWN to the ground for hiding!!! <br />
e. I may plant hops (hops grows 20' a year and comes back IF mulched over winter)<br />
f. I will also NEED shipping pallets to put on the ground and on the walls of the container ALSO for air ventilation. So I will be on the look out for these as cheaply as possible. <br />
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4. Lets not forget the normal mulching, caring for plants and trees already in place, the horses (getting in hay, feed, and medical care cost) , the compost piles, and trying to keep the place looking from looking like white trash... <br />
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SO like everyone else MONEY is a major issue right now and deck and patio will have to wait. My next step is finding roof fans for the container. I can't put hay in it if there is no circulation. <br />
WHY... because no matter how great your hay is it has a little moisture in it and will still dry out as time goes on. My plan is to make the container perfect for hay and then start back on the other projects. <br />
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While all my plans were to be around food this year for the estate it is NOT going to happen.... <br />
I have canceled all my plant orders and requested a refund so I can spend all my money on the container and making life easier for me over winters and safer for the horses. <br />
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Just yesterday I had someone offer to help around the barn. I love having help but right now I can't have someone around that is not horse savvy that I am going to be more worried about than what ever project is on hand. <br />
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So I have said NO. <br />I am saying no to myself and anything else till I get this thing DONE! Life is too short to worry as much as I am at this moment having SO MANY fires going at the same time. I have got to get this under control before I can walk another step! <br />
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NO.<br />
NO.. <br />
NO... <br />
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Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-6384511850860713022015-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-19T08:00:04.471-05:00TalentThere are two kinds of talent, man-made talent and God-given talent. With man-made talent you have to work very hard. With God-given talent, you just touch it up once in a while. by Pearl Baily<br />
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At this later stage in my life I choose to focus on my God-given talents and stay simple and in the dirt. <br />
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<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-50566739044786647002015-01-13T20:44:00.000-05:002015-01-13T20:44:00.075-05:00Tolerance... ? ... wish I had more! This morning like every day started at the barn.<br />
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Horses were fine, wet but not needing blankets. I gave them plenty of hay, nice hot feed, and warmed their water a little.<br />
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On my way back to the house driving my little red car I was tailgated by a large truck. Now please understand I call my truck little; it's a 250 4x4 but "she" is little to me! so this was at least a 350 from what I could see of the hubs, before it got so close I could no longer see them. As it got closer and closer to my little red car the only thing I ended up seeing was his RAM logo that was ramming up the back end of my car. NO he never touched my car, but he was so close all I could see was his grill. Likely so close he didn't see the finger I was putting in the air. <br />
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I have NO tolerance when it comes to an idiot driving a large truck when in fact I could have tapped my brakes and he would have hit me. I can't stand it when ANYONE drives SO close to the car in front of them, but especially if one has the ability to stop so much more quickly than the aggressor and in this case my lovely little old insight weighing less than 1000 lbs can stop on a dime compared to a heavier truck like that one. <br />
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Having said all that... in order for me to keep life easy at the barn I needed more extruded fat for the horses so 4 bags of 25% weigh a little much for my old car so I drove my little 250 into town and got the feed on the way into work. Dressed almost like a girl climbing up into the truck, the 10 ply's hum along with the drum of the diesel engine, but I can see so much more sitting high in the old truck. While I rarely ever drive the truck without the horses behind me which add about 9,000 lbs, or workers sharing the front cab, making shifting gears fun!, today I was alone and no reason to worry about everyone else only rain, slick streets, getting my feed, and making sure I got to work on time. <br />
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But I see how this idiot was in a trance being behind the wheel of an incredible machine. I enjoyed the power, the ease at which my old truck drives, much less a nice new model like this guy had. The power and view go to your brain and you forget how fragile the human in front of you in a lesser protected little car is being subject to your auto pilot mentality. I'm not saying EVERY large truck driving 300 lb+ over compensating man is an absolute idiot while behind the wheel, but history and their actions continue and continues to say just as much. <br />
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I wish I could tolerate such actions, I wish I could tolerate such idiotic behavior, I wish I had the tolerance and not the anger it brings out in me. Trying to learn, trying to accept, trying to tolerate such beings in my world.<br />
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<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-19713646261429951702015-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:002015-01-12T07:00:05.201-05:00a daily read... Humility...<br />
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One of the things I miss in society today is humility. <br />
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I am in need of knowing more humility. I am taking a step back from society and what it expects of everything. I have forgotten more than I am likely to learn at this stage of the game. I have lost more than I am likely to find. I am less today that I was years ago, but I intend to be happy. I intend to enjoy life, love whatever I do, and immerse myself in DIRT. <br />
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This year I start from the ground up! literally! Adding nitrogen fixers (perennials) to the estate...<br />
My plan for the year is to work hard physically, relax more mentally, and enjoy life spiritually. <br />
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I am trying to let go of the constant, what's next, what's your next step, what is that step going to cause, cause and effect as it all swirls in my brain all too fast, as that much is all too often. <br />
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<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-72094970745980415832015-01-11T18:04:00.001-05:002015-01-11T18:05:03.154-05:00Animal care with no electricity~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life has been COLD, cold, and even colder. <br />
We have had several days of below freezing and below zero weathered days. The weather took us to the norm of only 4 zones farther north, but still we have running water at the barn! <br />
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I can't say it's all me! but... I am the one that maintains it ... everyone else claims they can't reach the cut off valve. Everyone else claims it's too hard! WHAT EVER! So now I pick one day a week to empty, clean, and refill the troft with fresh water. The top of my 3200 gallon cistern is FROZEN!!!!! and not about to thaw anytime soon, but the bottom, where I have it insulated several times, using several types of insulation, is doing just fine! <br />
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Still having trouble with my lap top so I still can't say when I will be back etc... But I think of blogging all the time, even more so now that I can't! Isn't that always the case? You can't so you want it that much more! <br />
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Tis the same with my eating habits, While I have lost the weight I wanted GONE... I now have a vacation in the works that well would make anyone think twice about what goes in their mouths and directly on their ASSS.... So ... Who knows what I will end up deciding but what ever I decide I'll post it here for the world to poke fun, and see where I am failing, and where I might succeed. <br />
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My life is a journey, so come along for the ride if you DARE< <br />
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Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-16949577891289265622015-01-02T13:02:00.000-05:002015-01-02T13:02:38.901-05:00New Day New Year, Once again life is great but my lap top has me blocked from this blog. I can only access from a strange computer and have not been able to change my password due to a two step process that is NOT working for me not ever! <br />
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Life is great, <br />
Animals are healthy <br />
Rain, cold and no sun but just fine... I'm curled up with a permaculture book and making notes in the margins as I go along for later references. <br />
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I have plans in the works for a small trip with family. <br />
I have plans in the works for a second patio lay at the barn although with the trip this makes the patio a longer time off.... <br />
I have plans in the works for a hay container to be delivered but this too will cost money but is a priority in my barn life. My temporary barn usage is bound to stop at any moment. <br />
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Life is good, full and busy.. I hope to have my computer back and running properly ASAP till then I have no idea if or when I will ever get a post in. <br />
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stay tuned... and sign up for auto notification of post if you can. <br />
Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-38877176304494236742014-12-24T11:01:00.000-05:002014-12-24T11:54:48.288-05:00A ticking time bomb... ? How do you possibly prepare for leaving your animals, knowing at all times one is a ticking time bomb? <br />
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1. I do my prep. pre measure all their food, all their supplements, put them in am bags and pm bags. I then take photos of where and what is going on. <br />
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xmpl. <br />
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IF I were leaving today! I would let the babysitter know... don't try to drive up this crazy muddy drive in the rainy slosh of a right away. Just park here like I do and WALK in... I would then supply the babysitter with a walking stick I use myself! ha ha ha... <br />
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My feed is AM in the LEFT metal trash can in the barn... and in the AM trash can Sweet Pea's feed is the larger amount bagged on the left and Navarre's is on the right. <br />
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NIGHT feeds need oil... the oil is in the right trash can with the feed... </div>
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I would also warn the babysitter I have pest... specifically a raccoon that loves to get in my food so please make sure to refasten the cans as I left them. <br />
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My visiting raccoon has yet to figure out these little fasteners... <br />
<br />
I would also make sure the babysitter knows were the siczzers are for cutting into a bail of hay... as so! <br />
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My next thing would be to make sure you put the doors back as you found them, (as I generally change my door configuration depending on what I am doing in the extra stall... So sometimes it is to one side and other times the doors are in the middle. <br />
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and I would make sure the locking system was highlighted... ha ha ha... <br />
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<br />
I would also give a visual as to where the hay would go... I love my hay to go as far down the dry (mud) lot as possible but in weather as this ... just get it off the mats and not into the gravel... as so ... <br />
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<br />
I would also provide them with all my numbers... <br />
not going to post that one! ha ha ha... but this is just for starters... <br />
<br />
Life is good <br />
and even GREAT if you can plan ahead... not that it always works... <br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-1022543820039635762014-11-20T19:16:00.000-05:002014-11-20T19:16:22.289-05:00Cold and Cheating! In all the freezing around here I forgot to tell the world.<br />
<br />
I left my lights on Wednesday after taking feed and water to the horses. No problem I thought... I've got the truck. I turn the key on to allow the start now light to warm up, I go to disconnect the trailer while that is going on. Not so easy, never is... plate, block, key, lock... crank... and sure enough it's frozen together. So I go back to the cab to start the truck, thinking I'll allow it to warm while I get out the hammer to knock this thing off... Krrr Krrrrrr Krrrr Krrr Krr kr k ..... Oh what the heck!<br />
<br />
So I run in the house YELLLLLL for the husband... and he allows me to take his truck!<br />
I get to work JUST on time...<br />
No Car<br />
No Truck and the world to care for in the morning!<br />
So I start making my plan in my head, perfecting it all day, my times, my route (I only ever make one big circle) my list, making sure I don't forget something I'll have to do next week etc....<br />
<br />
Open the car hood this morning to jump the car first... ? NO OIL cap on my engine! What the heck... ok so one more thing ... route, stop, list etc... Take other off silver car in basement!<br />
<br />
Uncover water insulation box<br />
hook ups, two nozzles, clean water trough, put out hay, do feed so it can soak, and allow them to graze.. and then... take a breath while it is filling up.<br />
<br />
( Car still running so the battery is charging)<br />
Auto Zone, cap! <br />
Flax seed oil, Southern States,<br />
Bird feed, small and medium... (no medium it had expired) I was in a great mood when I walked in but by the time I walked out I wanted to strangle the woman!<br />
Horse Shop (Balsam Quarter) didn't have what I needed...<br />
Airport exit, out to Mills River to the BEST FEED Store in Western North Carolina.... didn't have gloves in my size but got three bags of feed.<br />
<br />
I had to drive to another bird store I couldn't find it! but what caught my eye was Neo ... Neo Burrito oh I desperately wanted to rush in get a veggie burrito and go on my way. But if I was going to cheat on my diet I at least wanted to do it going out with someone else....<br />
<br />
So I rushed to the second bird store ( I had passed looking at the two new buildings on both sides of the old place. They too did not have what I needed but they were nice about it! mater of fact and fine! I got a few things and rushed home.<br />
<br />
I asked Jerry if we could go out for mexican! I love mexican foods, He wanted to finish watching what he was into (Tennis) and I took a nap. <br />
<br />
1. I rarely take a nap<br />
2. Even when I am desperate to take a nap I can rarely get relaxed enough to do so. <br />
Not today! I fell asleep and the MD called. I fell right back to sleep and one of Jerry's customers called! OGM... I just want to sleep....<br />
I didn't realize it was time to eat dinner, I forced myself up, and we went to our favorite dive... I got a shrimp salad...it was so much better than I expected it to be, I didn't finish the salad and I didn't bring it home as that was my cheat for the week.<br />
<br />
So we shall see if I gain weight from the one meal. Or if like 2 weeks ago if I just don't loose any.<br />
<br />
I've lost 10lbs but that is about it. <br />
I am not starving. I am a little hungry more often but I just eat when I feel like I need to, given the chance. So I have almost lost all the weight I put on going to Nashville to care for Mother. My clothes almost fit better. <br />
<br />
My leg feels much better!<br />
Now I just need to start getting back on the bike to exercise again.<br />
Cheating can be fun when shared! ha ha ha...<br />
<br />
My love to the world<br />
AegF<br />
<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-68286300654586908632014-11-20T09:35:00.000-05:002014-11-20T09:35:03.814-05:00Record breaking colds. Life has been as normal as it gets, IF we dismiss the cold weather in November and the wind chill that is dangerous; especially for those who live in the south.<br />
<br />
Horses are fine!<br />
There has been no shaking, no need for blankets, BUT they have had extra solid fats, extra liquid fats, HOT mushy breakfast of their regular feed and the hot mushy mess of alfalfa cubes. I have also carried two gallons of boiling water to add to their water container to make it a little more attractive along with adding salts to their feed to encourage them to drink more water cold or not. They have also been given so much hay for the day and night they are not eating all of it. BUT considering their winter coats are not in perfectly yet and we are only in fall I felt the need to supplement them in every way I could. <br />
<br />
Water is on to boil as I type<br />
Alfalfa has it first quart of boiling water in it and awaits the second and third.... before I can leave. <br />
<br />
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The sun is not yet up<br />
But the cold outside has infiltrated my house, my living room is at 53 as I type (per grandad Goins old thermometer hanging in my dinning room, which is closer to the heat source in the kitchen than i am) I am curled up in my barn clothes hoping to get warm to the core before I have to get out in the wind. The wind after all is the major issue. <br />
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<br />
The average person in the south doesn't get the cold layer thing...<br />
I've got the undergear under garment on.... then a wind deflecting warm layer and I will put a wind breaker over all this. My legs are just silk sock liners, wool socks ( I love high ski socks!), then fleece pants all of which I will put my overall over then my boots and head out. As I hike into the barn with my gallons and gallons of water, feed, supplements, oil and lantern. I am sure I will have to open a layer or two...<br />
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<br />
fingers... Oh my gloves have exploded and I can't get a new pair till I get a day off. So Thursday I'll go get feed, gloves and more alfalfa. I also need more solid flax seed oil. So right now three fingers get exposed but... I stay busy enough to keep my fingers safe. <br />
<br />
My poor face in this wind... I end up putting chap stick or vaseline on my face because I do not have goggles. I can't wear my big eye sun glasses because there is not enough light as it is.... Yes I pull my neck warmer over my mouth and nose but the eyes have little to no protection other than turning my head covered by a beanie and two hoodies.<br />
<br />
Life is good and it works out well with all my old, worn, abused gear for the barn. <br />
I am so lucky, and so thankful I have this gear and mother nature causes me little to no real trouble. <br />
<br />
Loving my life, no matter how hard the animal care is I enjoy all of this, it is a part of who I am.<br />
Do you enjoy something in life this much?<br />
Do you wish you had something in life you craved this much?<br />
<br />
My love to the world.<br />
AegF<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-53355628948903589762014-11-16T18:48:00.002-05:002014-11-16T18:48:46.997-05:00I hit a wall! Life has been ok!<br />
<br />
I'm still doing well on my diet! Yes I cheated! It was a little over a week ago when I went out with my hubby. I figured I would gain weight but didn't. I also didn't loose any either! After eating like a pig, stretching out my stomach, and licking the butter from my fingers... I'm pretty darn happy with how my choices are going. I mean really I rarely got lobster, crab and shrimp I wasn't going to wait another year just because I had started a new life style that I know I'm going to eventually work seafood back into the mix for special occasions anyway. I really doubt I will ever eat beef, pork, or chicken from a factory setting again. I will address the normal meats in years to come right now I feel so much better with no outside influences being from meat. I hope to start growing more and more of my daily food as life continues. I've set up so much already, I'm on my way.<br />
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<br />
<br />
What I did do wrong was get some oats that were not gluten free. I had stomach cramps as if I had eaten an entire loaf of bread. So had to find the oats a new home and go back to the Non Genetically Modified foods and the Certified Gluten Free oats. It took me 4 days to start feeling better, not to forget I had a little cold there in the mix as well. But I am now back on my energy kick. <br />
<br />
Had I not been gaining energy again...1. I would not be typing this out, I'd be going to sleep. 2. my horses would have suffered instead they have what they need for winter weather two months earlier than normal. 3. I would not have been able to keep up at work for Saturday and Today! We have done an incredible amount of work at the clothing store and today was the icing on the cake!<br />
<br />
As for the week...<br />
I got the water insulated!<br />
I got the fig trees protected for the season...<br />
I have supplies ready to put out for the acacia berry bushes, and the rhubarb patch.<br />
I also have supplies ready for the cherry bushes outside the pasture.<br />
<br />
Mike and I got some lushous dirt moved (best I've created yet!) and some sand spread out. I have moved 80% of the mats so the horses can eat off them instead of IN the barn. We also got all the hay from the horses stall and put it into my tack area (in record time), so now the horses have a wonderful 4 sided room to get out of the wind. They seem to enjoy the new patio, the stall being open, and getting out of the weather thus far. It is suppose to rain and then freeze tonight so we shall see in the morning how much they want to use it!<br />
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<br />
So in all ... with in the past week and 1/2 I've only lost 2 lbs bringing my total to 10. I'm happy with it, my leg is happy with the results and life has been ok! <br />
<br />
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<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-22695615210372187402014-11-08T20:03:00.000-05:002014-11-08T20:03:16.306-05:00getting over the crud.ok... so today not perfect but still getting over the crud I got from my hubby. You know personal contact causes these things....<br />
<br />
beautiful day...<br />
Nothing much done...<br />
I put down a few more stall mats out in the muddy areas at the barn.<br />
Drained down two hoses.<br />
<br />
and really that's about it! except I did go back to work today, worked my 8 hours...<br />
<br />
Nothing new to report today... Hopefully more to share tomorrow.<br />
<br />
My love to the world.<br />
AegF<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-24601995934268097252014-11-07T18:54:00.001-05:002014-11-07T18:54:16.284-05:00OK... I hit a mile stone.I have finally started to loose a little weight.<br />
<br />
Yep... I finally got below 150 lbs. First time in a long time... Or so it feels.<br />
<br />
I've been sick for the past few days and while I tried to work out on my own today, I just could not get it all done.<br />
<br />
I got the fat in the barn.<br />
I got their water filled.<br />
the insulation box covered, straw on top and sides of it, and a new extender with commercial grade valve ... Now lets see how long it takes me to mess this one up.! ha ha ha... I've not had one last me a month yet!<br />
<br />
I got too tired to complete my barn list so I climbed up to my zen spot to get a breath and take in another view.<br />
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The sun was out... </div>
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the wind bearable... </div>
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I was just getting too tired to go on. </div>
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Life is good... </div>
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Here is to wishing you all you need to have a great day. </div>
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My love to the world. </div>
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AegF </div>
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Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-23152952444733374522014-11-06T20:40:00.000-05:002014-11-06T20:40:08.962-05:00being thankful. Yesterday I was soar throat, ear aches, jaw clinched, and green snot. <br />
Today I am a little better in a few ways.<br />
<br />
I am thankful I only had to take ONE day off and had the other two scheduled off.<br />
<br />
I am thankful my husband didn't mind driving me to the barn so I could take all the meds I needed and not worry about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am so thankful that living well here is so easy.<br />
While I am newer at all the vegan stuff, it is so easy to do so where I am. Most people are conscious of where there food comes from. There is only ONE locally owned store in my small town, and while it can't carry all I need it is just walking distance from my house. <br />
<br />
I work down town so there are several good organic stores on my way in.<br />
I get what I need on my way to or from work.<br />
<br />
Hemp is still my main source of added protein to any and almost every meal.<br />
But while being so sick, it was good old bland potato soup I was craving (like my Nannie always made me as soon as she got me home from school if I was sick)<br />
<br />
I have lost 5 lbs in the past 4 weeks. BUT I have lost many inches in my clothes etc...<br />
I am excited about getting my weight down and being able to keep it down, with my new life style.<br />
<br />
We did however have the talk of Thanksgiving today!<br />
YES we will be having Ham, Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Green bean casserole and corn pudding. All of which will be your normal Animal Laden dishes for my sweet Husband. I figure I will make a few dishes to freeze and have one frozen dinner a week IF I don't gain too much doing this. I can make sweet potato wraps with some homemade GF fry bread.<br />
<br />
My accommodating over the holiday may cost me, but what I need to do is NOT have it cost my pocket any more than necessary because of the big meal. Yes I will be cooking all of it ... meats and all but that is life with a family.<br />
<br />
Any ideas? I'm open! Give me a recipe my meat loving husband will try and like! ha ha ha...<br />
<br />
While I am some what disappointed that I will not be VEGAN for my holiday I am open to being open to old comfort foods for the holiday season.ONE good cheat meal a week. I'll make sure to concentrate MOST of my eating on the veggie side dishes most vegetarians will eat. <br />
<br />
So I'm vegan on my own time and vegetarian on shared times... hows that for a new line of thought! It's all a new lifestyle change for me...<br />
I do feel better but I am noticing when I get sick I get really sick.... Not sure what is up with that but we shall see as times goes on.<br />
<br />
My love to the world<br />
AegF<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-52945851925034817212014-11-04T18:11:00.001-05:002014-11-04T18:11:41.274-05:00not well today. I didn't want to leave anyone hanging but really I am just NOT up to a long post.<br />
<br />
Exhausted for some reason,<br />
Going to sleep and hoping to get up with more energy.<br />
<br />
My love to the world<br />
AegF<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-88316421110268986962014-11-02T21:26:00.001-05:002014-11-02T21:26:43.684-05:00Day light saving OFF... Today was great <br />
NO alarm<br />
I got at 5:30 (new time) <br />
Sweet Pea was FREEZING so I had to blanket her, but she did settle down after the blanket AND the hot alfalfa I took them.<br />
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Navarre was fine, could care less about the ice hanging all over him.<br />
The barn yard is NASTY wet, hay all over the place, but the new patio is perfect, just needs a good sweeping. Darrell is right I really need a push broom now that I have more surface to keep clean, as of today I only have normal old fashion brooms.<br />
<br />
I finished up the chili for Jerry<br />
The soup for Don,<br />
and a few things for myself. <br />
<br />
My soup wasn't so great so I can only hope Don's was better. I didn't taste anything along the way so... really who knows. <br />
<br />
Jerry said his Chili was good all who know him know he is NOT a foodie! <br />
<br />
Short day at work,<br />
Short visit with Don,<br />
<br />
Now I can't sleep.<br />
<br />
Oh well tiz life...<br />
AegF<br />
Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-24155152280780987542014-11-01T19:36:00.000-04:002014-11-01T19:36:42.194-04:00First Snow of the season. It is early; I am on my second cup of coffee, outdoor insulates, wool sweater and socks all on so I can tolerate the chill in the house. I sit here warmed feet propped up on the foot stool, lantern plugged in for its first charge of its hard working life with me (third one from Coleman, second one that is a warranty replacement thanks to Jerry). Water on the stove to boil, first sauce pan will go for fresh coffee, second and third to the alfalfa cubes to carry to the horses this morning.<br />
<br />
This will be a test for my new patio at the barn with the freezing weather having everything in the mix; wind, rain, and snow. <br />
<br />
The baseboard heaters are clicking, cracking, and humming with their awakening to the season.<br />
<br />
I am still on my personal high from untangling a few knots with the hubby, my little ride yesterday, but also eager to see if Don made it through the night. I say that because as I sit here my back aches, my legs hurt, and my core is stiff and painful. He should experience all of the same PLUS having to deal with the horrible pain of FOUR broken ribs. Of which I can not imagine the pain agony and issues that will cause in ones life. OH the humanity!<br />
<br />
It was such a perfect outing for me, (until the accident) My mind sees the beauty of the snow, while caution does run though my mind; with a good ride, connection to self and nature I will enjoy the white snow at the barn with its silencing insulation, glow from moon or rising sun, and clean crisp air into my lungs.<br />
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OH the balance of glory and worry!<br />
My love to the world<br />
AegF<br />
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<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-16226998108457344202014-10-31T20:18:00.000-04:002014-10-31T20:18:55.604-04:00accidents happen. As I lay here in bed tonight my mind spirals out of control.<br />
<br />
My day started perfectly. Billing, Shipping done for hubby...<br />
NEW update on the neck is just torn muscle that will heal with time.<br />
Then a ride out to Biltmore.<br />
<br />
The ride was glorious... The quiet, the colors, the company! Don protected me... as I call it from an on coming van. Sweet Pea was about to have a kanipshion fit! She was high strung from the start and was dying to run the entire ride. I was in her mouth holding her, neck bent, but barely listening ... so... with one sprint of a run and Sweet Pea was so excited she was hard to STOP. But I did when I heard the NOISES behind me. My riding companion for the day on Navarre... was off and barely breathing. Alive yes, awake yes but legs moving from pain.<br />
<br />
got both horses tied them together and had to let them go to assist my companion. The rider came off when Navarre balled up to jump forward with more speed, or so best I can get from his description. Those who have ridden Navarre know this is unexpected and can catch you off guard. My riding buddy fell off with a heavy thud onto a tree knot that had fallen onto the path etc... He was riding well, sitting tall, but all this happen so quickly it just ... happened.<br />
<br />
I asked him to stop moving, rest, breathe.<br />
I could see his pulse in his neck.<br />
He could see, He wasn't bleeding, I asked him to stay still... he could move everything so he propped up on the side of the path so he didn't have to use his back etc...<br />
<br />
It was when he went to get up, realizing the horses were GONE...<br />
He was determined to get out of there.<br />
HE WALKED down the path...<br />
<br />
I whistled for the horses and they either stopped or headed back towards us. YES he tried to get back on... He realized that likely was not the best idea.... so He walked out of those woods like he was marching head of a platoon and leading the way.<br />
<br />
I got the horses settled as he stood around wanting and begging to help me.<br />
PAIN rushed him as he got in the truck... and ... we went straight to the ER .<br />
I rushed to get a wheel chair and mouthed for HELP! Two nurses came out and took care of him.<br />
<br />
I know.<br />
I thought he was a goner.<br />
I thought he was going to have a broken back<br />
? damn it! I figured I was going to have to call 911 and have an ATV get him out, while I knew the horses would find other horses and that too would send people looking for us.<br />
<br />
I rushed the horses home.<br />
I threw out hay and left.<br />
<br />
Another alarm was my hubby was home and he was planned to leave for a little time in Nash. Had to check on him, see if he was ok; explain to him what was going on and go back to the ER to see if Don had at least been tended to at some level.<br />
<br />
He had a basic x ray showed two broken almost dislocated ribs.<br />
The blood had pooled so much this too showed up on the x ray and caused more concern so another test was ordered and a good and bad result was given. It was actually 4 ribs broken but the lung not punctured as thought.<br />
<br />
Thank GOD he is going to make it, but the poor guy will be in so much pain for the next week and then six weeks.<br />
<br />
Oh bad I feel does not easily go into words.<br />
<br />
FYI... I didn't blow my diet today I had stuff with me but I was so relaxed at one moment and so worried the next I didn't get hungry. I did make myself eat something once I got home. After going back to the barn giving the horses more water, disconnecting and draining the hose line. Lordy I will never get to sleep tonight...<br />
<br />
Life is good but it changes in a moment.<br />
My love to the world.<br />
AegF<br />
<br />Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025898626865288131.post-23578686450427329152014-10-30T20:27:00.000-04:002014-10-30T20:28:18.426-04:00A good day off. It was again a normal day but a GREAT day as well.<br />
<br />
Don, Darrell and myself got phase one of the equine patio completed! I am so ... excited. <br />
<br />
Today we went from... THIS<br />
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All the way to THIS.... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View INTO the barn area... </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From in the barn...<br />
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Life is going forward... I learned SO much about laying these things by hand, and almost got it really going on fast by the end of phase one. <br />
<div>
NOW I have to save my money again, purchase 6 more pallets of pavers and get started on phase two.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the mean time! I plan to get my new hose extender that is going to be industrial strength</div>
<div>
Close up and cover the insilation box for the water hose. </div>
<div>
Create an insulated LID for the horse water, as well as an insulated box for it!</div>
<div>
Not to forget I have to put up the forest fence again.</div>
<div>
Put up a fire wood shed! </div>
<div>
Get some trees cut down and out of the way (put onto the west wall )<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
My "diet" went out the door today as I was with the guys all day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
cream in my coffee... a muffin (regular) for breakfast... and yes... a SANDWICH for (1\2 of one) for lunch. I gave the other half to the hubby... </div>
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<br /></div>
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Pumpkin seeds for dinner (Jerry had carved a pumpkin for his mother) </div>
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<br /></div>
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All is as it should be.... and I'm happy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Signing off, want to get in some good sleep so I can ride in the morning... </div>
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My love to the world </div>
<div>
AegF </div>
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Amber Goins-Finleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01995360342841482454noreply@blogger.com0