Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Inquiring Minds - Part II



One of my goals in life.  Amen.

Good afternoon!  Back from all my running, lunch with the neighbor and a Dr. appointment (that I was actually ten minutes late for!)
I have to leave in about 20 minutes to get the boy child from school - so here we go -

Question #11

Dianna said...

Did you (or Glenco) do all of the painting of your trim work on the house? I've studied it and studied it trying to figure out how I could do something cool like that on the outside of our house.

Yes Dianna - we did.  We've done all the work on the house, and don't ya know the trim needs painting again.  I just went to the paint store and picked up an exterior trim pamphlet and used that for inspiration.  These colors were all together as a 'theme'.  I'd like to introduce another color in mix, but I don't know how other than shutters, and I shan't be putting shutters up on the house, so I do it with flowers, and chairs.  Speaking of chairs - why in the sam hill do we decorate with chairs that we know no one will ever sit in?  Don't get me started.

Question #12

Debbie said:
No questions today...simply de-lurking to say hello. I recently discovered your blog ~ thoroughly enjoy it...and I really love your fabulous house with all the windows!

I know it's not a question, but I'm a answerin' it.  Thank you for delurking.  Thank you for leaving a comment.  I do read all the comments over and over - and I TRY to respond to you, either in email, or reading your blog.  It sounds so lame to say that I just don't have the time to do all that I'd like to do - but please know - they mean so much to me, and they bring so much joy to my life.  If you don't hear back from me - please don't hate.

Question #13

JolieAnn said:
I love your blog...your sense of humor, your beautiful home, your love of a child that I am sure is better for your love, and finally the wonderful recipes you share. I, too, wish you were my neighbor.
I live in Florida and I miss Fall /or the seasons. I plan to keep reading your blog, especially since I love chickens, bees, gardens and your photography is great!

Again, no comment - yet I want to respond.  What a lovely comment!  Law, you make me sound nice.  Thanks.  Ya'll want to be my neighbor, and there is an empty house sittin' right next door.

Question #14
Amy said:
Hi! I'm pretty new to your blog, but already just love it!
I'm curious about the history of your home. I see where you said it was built in 1869. Do you know any of it's history? Any neat stories about the previous owners, etc.?

To the best of my knowledge, we are the third or fourth family to own the home.  Now that I have some time on my hands, I would really like to research this more.  The couple that we bought the home from still live up the hill, and it was in her family for 80+ years.  About 20 years ago, I met an elderly lady that lived in the home as a child.  We do know that there was a barn here at one time.  *weeps*  I do know that the lady that lived here last was named Mrs. Tucker, and by all testimonies of her character she was a fine woman that loved children and kept goats.  If that's not proof of me needing a goat or two, I really don't know what it.  They were meant to be here.  I digress - Word on the street has it that Mrs. Tucker used to go to the neighbors and ask to bathe their children.  By all my 'psychic' abilities, if I have any - it seems to be a very happy house - no weird feelings in it - no weirdness - just goodness, and light.   Thanks for reminding me to dig into this some!

Question #15

Cindy of Cottage Instincts Fame asks:
What's with the mustard hate.

Law, I'm never gonna live this down am I?  I've never been a big fan of condiments.  As a child - I wouldn't eat anything 'loose'  - example - gravy, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing, ketchup, etc.  I think I was in my thirties the first time I had salad dressing.  I kid you not.  I've never tasted ketchup straight up and out of the bottle.  Or mustard.  I recently succumbed to putting mayo on my sandwiches since it seemed silly that I would eat it in a macaroni salad and not on a sandwich.  If you stick around here, you will really find out what a deep well of dysfunction I am.
Mustard - still to this day, makes me feel weak when I see it.  God forbid I'd ever have it in my mouth.  I can cook with it - a little - I don't like a mustard flavor.  If I get it on my hand whilst cooking - I have to run to the sink and wash it off before I fall on the floor.  I have no idea why - it's most ridiculous.  I was this way with mayo and ketchup too, but I can calmly walk to the sink with those condiments.  Perhaps it's just that mustard looks so much like a diaper mess.  Amen.

Question #16

Deborah, of the Fairfield House fame just had to ask:
What's with the mannequin hate?

If you want to read the whole sordid story that divulged my phobia - read this.  I've oft wondered how I acquired a phobia of a lifeless form - and I can only trace it back to the fact that I had to sleep in the same room as a corpse when I was five.  In Tennessee, 1969, my grandfather was 'layed out' in the living room.  I had to sleep on the couch that night.  Traumatized?  Um, a little.  Lifeless forms freak me out now.

Question #17
Mary Elizabeth asks:

What makes you the happiest?

Law, another comment that will make me late picking up the boy child if I'm not careful. I did read this yesterday and I've been thinkin' and thinkin'.  Sadly enough - or maybe it's not so sad - but I'm the happiest when things are in order.  When things are done.  When my friends and family are happy.  Then I'm happy.  I love those fleeting moments when the yard is all good, the house is nice, I have clothes on and my hair is actually fixed, and I know that at that moment - all the people I love are happy, with no troubles or worries.
I'm not happy much.
Amen.

Question # 18

Anonymous - aka my friend Rrrrrrhonda says:
Ooooo, I know alot of these! I feel so special, here's my question, who's your favorite Hispanic friends? Dont' get this wrong or we'll b spray painting the front of your house like it's a side of the train! lol Love you! Me

You really want to mess around with a gal that has a gang of Italian chickens?
I thought not.
Since you are my only hispanic friend, by default you are my favorite.
Would be that way even if I had more.
Please don't paint.

Question #19
Amy of Verde Farm asks:
Ok Jayme, if your house were on fire and all your animals were safely away and no humans were in danger, what one material object would you take with you and why?


Photo albums for sure - but I've always said I would snatch my Kitchen Aid mixer.  Now, I know I can get another one - but Glenco got me this one for Valentine's Day one year, and it was so unexpected that it's just very special to me.  When I first got it, I would just turn it on every time I passed it to listen to the motor.  Mortgage the house if you have to ya'll - just get one.

Question #20
Anonymous asks:
How do you keep your chickens out of your gardens during the day? How did you learn how to sew things like the awning you made for your camper?

I have my chickens in a large penned area.  One or two often 'escape'.  When the garden is at it's peak, I really don't want the chickens rummaging about.  The last month, since the garden looked so puny anyhow, I let them run amok.  And run amok they have.  Hostas eaten, holes dug - law, it's a mess.  I wouldn't suggest letting your chickens free range in the spring when the garden is first planted - or really at any time you want the garden to look nice.  They wreak havoc on it.  I'm not sure how I learned how to sew.  I just did it.  I used to make Barbie clothes when I was small, and it just seemed that sewing came naturally to me.  I could just look and something and mentally deconstruct it to duplicate it.  Not very well mind you, but passable.  When I saw the awnings online for $300 - I realized I'd never have one unless I made one.  It was easy peasy.  Mine cost $60 to make.

This may be the last installment today, as I'm leaving now to get the child.  I'm going to try so hard not to nag him, but to just love him, and enjoy his company.  I shall not ask about homework.  I shall not.  No.  I won't.  I won't give him the 'be nice to everyone' lecture one more time.  I won't remind him that the choices he makes today will affect him forever. I will bring him home and feed him Pasta alla Formagio and salad, and we shall sing, and talk in funny voices and look at chickens.  We'll snuggle and watch a movie.
Amen.

21 comments:

  1. Well now you've just gone and made us love you even more! The depths of feeling you have about life and love are just beautiful. I'm still laughing about you sleeping naked sitting up due to hot flashes - mine are back again, too! What a pain.

    I will never look at mustard the same way again, and can't believe you had to sleep in the same room as your 'former" relative...I have nightmares about that kind of thing.

    Enjoy your movie! Hugs, Kim

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  2. Gol Darn. Sleeping with granpa's corpse? I think it is good that you came away only fearing mannequins.
    p.s. I think you are one of the nicest people I don't know.
    kim

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  3. I agree with Kim and kim above (wow ...first two commentors have the same first names!) in saying we love you all the more for your answers and, for many of us, you are the nicest person we don't know!

    I'm so glad someone asked you about your garden and whether you let the chickens have the run of it. Now I know why MY garden (and yard) look so dreadful. Three hens can really wreak some havoc!

    God bless you for all you do, Jayme ...not the least of which is blogging and keeping us, your faithful followers, entertained and enlightened.

    : )

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  4. Hey there...thanks for the information about the trim on your home!

    I have another question...but this one is for the boy child since you are spending time with him this evening.

    WHEN MAY WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE PICTURES HE SHOT OF THAT WEDDING A FEW WEEKS BACK? :-)

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  5. You know, I've milked a cow.
    OR were you shooting for proud owner of floral farm dress?

    I've been stalking you. You kill me.
    I love mustard. I hate horseradish.

    Come over, clean my house and I'll try not to force feed you condiments.

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  6. I have to say that I agree with everyone - I have gained a new respect and love for you with every answer! I do read your blog on a daily basis, but rarely comment...I will have to change that.

    My grandmother used to say, "laws", all the time - I haven't heard it for years, her favorite expressions was, "Oh, my laws!"

    I too am a wannabe farm girl - I would love to have chickens, cows, goats, and every other furry animal that lives on a farm.

    I so admire your gardens, your flowers are gorgeous and your house is so beautiful!

    I could go on and on and on...just know that I have thoroughly loved your blog!

    Hugs,
    Barb

    P.S. Aaron is such a lucky boy to have you in his life...you are just as lucky, what a handsome young man!

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  7. Jayme, you are just too funny for words. The vision of you hot flashing in your recliner cracks me up as I have been there myself sister. Love learning all about you and thanks for taking the time to answer each one...you are just amazing!
    Amy

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  8. oh man...you and aaron are so lucky to have each other! love makes the world go around nicely.

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  9. So you're basically saying we should keep the walls in the room you'll sleep in the turquoise they are, and not repaint in the mustard yellow we were considering? Amen.

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  10. If rrrrrhonda can be your favorite Hispanic reader, then can I be your favorite Hillbilly reader?

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  11. I am really enjoying getting to know you better. I am not a mustard fan. But I do not like dill pickles even more. So when I order a burger I just ask for no pickles so I feel a little more grown up. As far as mustard goes. I have found I like the hot honey mustards even though I have never liked the regular mustard. And I have just found that out in the last couple of years. You might try that, just a tiny bit on a hot dog....Hope you have a great evening with the young man in your life.

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  12. You know, a woman gets to a certain age and really shouldn't have to eat things she doesn't want to. You hang tough on that mustard thing. And, I wish you the very best on that not-nagging-asking-about-homework thing. On that, I failed miserably. Ask my kids. They'll tell you. Or their therapists.

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  13. This is getting real good, I cannot wait to hear more about you and your life on the farm!
    I knew I would like reading your blog when I saw the photo of you drinking straight out of the wine bottle! I have a 15 yr. old son that started high school in August so I can relate asking about home work, etc.
    This is so fun to know about your life and other readers comments are so funny, too.
    It's been raining in sunny Florida so I have been reading your blog and missing the mid west. I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska...moved to FL
    at age 13, I was shocked to see such a new way of life. But I crave the cooler temps, just not the snow. I will wait patiently for tomorrow's answers to the extreme questions. You are so funny, I bet Aaron enjoys hanging
    out with you.

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  14. I'm loving you more by the minute. You had me with the Mafia chickens and clinched it with the love you show everyone that is in your life! xxoo Diana

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  15. I live so close, I hope we cross paths some day. You are a great motivator!! jan

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  16. Okay the sleeping in the same room as the corpse story is terrible. No wonder. I'm curious though, was the body wrapped in cotton and dipped in mustard because that would explain so much?

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  17. Our kids always say, "Oh my dears to chicken ears!" when something surprises them or makes them laugh! Oh my dears...I'm giggling all the way though your post! You have personality plus!

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  18. This question and answer thing is so much fun! I don't get anything done in the morning until I read your latest and the comments of your followers.
    However, you will never make a good Southerner until you learn to spell "y'all". It is the contraction of "you all". There, the spelling police in me is happy now. Remember, all of your southern friends are watching!

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  19. Jayme! You poor thing having to sleep with your gone-on grandfather. That would traumatize anyone.
    Hey, how'd ya do with the homework asking restraint? Were you a good girl? I bet ya'll had a great time last night.

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  20. Your comments about your boy child caused tears to spring to my eyes. I think that's what parenting is all about! My husband and I homeschooled our son during middle school (a really horrible hateful time in the life of an adolescent!) and sent him off to the public high school where he is spreading his social skills' wings and learning a lot more about everything than I could just teach him here at home. The bond we formed; however, will be everlasting. I miss those days we spent together.

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