There Shall Be Showers...

Thursday, October 27, 2016

We have been getting more than our usual share of rain this fall!  If the extra moisture is any indication, should the temps fall just a few degrees colder, we will be experiencing snowfall here quite soon.  The mountaintops are covered in snow already, and this coming winter looks to be a promising one for anyone involved in the snow business!

For us, we are busy with the usual preparations that fall and approaching winter bring.  Fall is the time when we try to get our freezer full of meat to get us through the winter.  We purchased a large amount of chicken breasts through Zaycon Foods, and that all needed to be packaged up for the freezer.


My husband bought me this Food Saver machine a couple of years ago and I just love it.  It makes packaging meat so much easier, and the meat does not get freezer burnt like it often does even when using the Ziplock Freezer Bags.


I use the Food Saver rolls, so that I can cut and seal my own bags for whatever size I need.


The Food Saver sucks out all of the air within the bag and then seals it.  So, all I have to do is mark it with the packaging date, and it is ready to go into the freezer.


I have been very impressed with Zaycon's meat, and continue to purchase our chicken breasts from them each spring and fall.  It is so nice to be able to meal plan knowing I have plenty of different meat in my freezer to choose from.  It took an afternoon of work to get this meat put up, but we will enjoy it all winter long.
~~~

Sadly, we had another bit of chicken drama with my little flock this past week.  I went in to lock up my chickens for the night, and did my usual head count, and came up short.  With a heavy heart, I went through the head count again, and realized that one of my little white banty leghorn's was missing.


I found her in the garden in a little dust pile as if she had taken a dust bath, fell asleep and never woke up.  I scooped her little body up and placed it in an empty feed sack.  I was thankful that whatever happened to her, she died in a happy place.


We took her out to our little pet cemetery and placed her there beside Rudy and Cosmo.  The little fir tree growing above the graves always speaks peace to my heart when we have to make another grave here, its gentle branches swaying in the wind reminds me that life goes on.


~~~

Yet, in the midst of all of this, there have been an afternoon or two of sunshine, and Annie and I went for a little roam together, just to experience the last fleeting joys of a season that has passed all too quickly.


It is the tamarack's turn for fall splendor.  The needles of the tamarack turned a golden yellow in the fall, and when they fall off... we all know that winter is upon us.  You can count on it... when the tamarack's lose their gold, the snow begins to fly.  But for now... their golden glories are drops of yellow sunshine across the mountains and hills, and beautiful to see.


As Annie and I briskly walked, I noticed this mushroom growing alongside the road.


I do not know what kind of mushroom it is, although it looks very happy growing right here.


Here you can see a fine example of just how prolific the tamarack tree can be.  These woods were logged several years ago, and several tamarack seed trees were left. You can see by all the little yellow trees, that the seed trees have done a great job of starting new trees.  Tamarack trees are highly prized trees valued for their dense high grade wood.  Tamaracks are highly sought for firewood because the orange-colored wood burns hotter than other pine, and yet splits easily. An interesting fact about tamarack trees is that the bark is very medicinal. Tamarack pitch can be used to help heal cuts and bruises, which was a remedy used by the American Indians.  They also used to make a steeped tea made from the bark to relieve coughs and colds.  I personally have not tried these remedies, but it is good to know about them, and perhaps one day I will give them a try.


I always enjoy this scene as we walk.  I often stop to talk to the horse, but she never really pays much attention to us.


She has very busy work to do, she tells me.... and so I just quietly watched how the light streamed around her as she continued noisily to chomp away.



She and the turkeys enjoy the field together.


Annie-girl and I always try to walk faster up the hills, but the view on this hill makes me want to slow down and just enjoy the horizon and the ever-changing sky.


Looking off in the distance, her gaze always intent.


The evening shadows were approaching in the late afternoon skies as we walked in the brisk, fresh air.


The sun's lengthening shadows here make Annie look like a wild wolf, lol!


Our neighbor's tree is losing its leaves quickly now.



It's time for burning brush!  I'm always so thankful to see the brush piles burn up, up and away!


The rains have been near nonstop the last few days.  On a recent trip into town, it was raining quite hard as we drove, but still, I couldn't help but enjoy the beauty of these gorgeous maple trees lining the streets.


They are losing their leaves fast as the rain comes down, and then it will be a soggy mess for the homeowners to clean up... but such is the season of fall... we enjoy its loveliness as long as we can. And even in the rain, my heart sings for joy, at the beauty that abounds around us.


Is there any place like home? After being out just for a few hours to take care of errands in town... it was a joy to return home to our humble abode where Roger waited for us, chickens rushed out to greet us, and a comfort meal of Southern Chicken and Dumpling's and Iron Skillet Biscuits were on the evening's menu, perfect for the rainy weather day!

There shall be showers, of course... life is full of puddles, clouds and showers... sometimes they are messy and miserable... but with all things considered... there can be showers of blessings in the midst of our everyday lives, along with simple blessings of lovely fall days - and whether they come rain or shine - they mean much to this simple-loving heart of mine.  :)

66 comments

  1. What a beautiful area you live in! I love when you do a walkabout and show us a bit of your world. I am sorry you lost another little chicken. I wonder what happened to the poor little thing? Just kind of sad. I am glad you have a 'pet cemetery' to keep your little critters that you loved together.

    The pictures of the town streets are just lovely and, you are right, there is nothing like coming home. I have given up that feeling here knowing it is not going to be my own forever. xo Diana

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    1. My goodness, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, and do hope that you get to sell your home, and find a final place to call home very soon! Big hugs to you today dear Diana!

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  2. So sorry about your little chicken. Enjoyed all your pictures...and I agree, there's no place like home. There shall be Showers of Blessings; This is the promise of Love. There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent form the Savior above!!

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    1. My goodness, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Indeed there are seasons in our life that come and go, God is good through them all! Hugs to you today!

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  3. Oh friend, I am so sorry about your sweet little chicken...

    I loved the picture of Annie's shadow as it did indeed look like a wild wolf standing next to you.

    And speaking of photos, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes you shared with us. My son especially liked the horses.

    Have a blessed weekend, dear one. Much love to you!

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    1. My goodness, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Annie's shadow was rather amazing, wasn't it! And just like the showers came, now we are being blessed with sunshine, so indeed there are seasons in our life that come and go, God is good through them all! Hugs to you today!

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  4. Hello friend! Aw, I am so sorry about your little chicken.
    We used to burn tamarack wood in our Spokane wood stove. It was a nice long burn.
    I love your house in the tall trees very much and your supper sounds delish!
    Take care and happy Friday.

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    1. My goodness, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! How funny that you burned tamarack in Spokane, yes it is a very popular wood to burn around here. Hugs to you today!

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  5. So sorry to hear about your chicken.

    Thank you so much for your wonderful photos. It is like going out for a walk with you.

    God bless.

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    1. Thanks Victor, I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures, and thank you for your condolences. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Indeed there are seasons in our life that come and go, God is good through them all! Blessings to you today!

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  6. I know I've said this before, but your pictures are really wonderful!
    Yes, it's always great to come home, after short trips or long stays away.
    Looks like you had a greeter, eager to give you a welcome back.

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    1. Roger doesn't go for walks with me because he is not good on a leash, and so yes, he loves to greet us whenever we come back, so sweet! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  7. Rain is just so needed during this time. Even though we think the soil doesn't need any moisture, our Lord gave us rain during Autumn because it does :0) such lovely photos as always Marilyn :0) I'm sorry about your chicken loss... m.

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    1. My goodness, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Indeed there are seasons in our life that come and go, God is good through them all! Hugs to you today!

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  8. I loved your walk and photos. Thanks for taking me along! Too bad about the chicken though, SUI.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My goodness, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Indeed there are seasons in our life that come and go, God is good through them all! Hugs to you today!

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  9. What great pictures, but I think I love what you wrote in that last paragraph the best. Thanks so much for sharing! Hope you have a great weekend!

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    1. Thanks Debbie, I'm sorry, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Indeed there are seasons in our life that come and go, God is good through them all! Hugs to you today!

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  10. So sorry about your chicken . Enjoyed looking at your pictures . I must say the chicken and dumplings sounds soooo good . I'm craving chicken and corn chowder so that's on my menu to cook this weekend . Have a great weekend . Hugs and blessings , Cindy

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    1. YUM! Chicken and corn chowder are soo good together!

      I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! Please forgive me! Appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  11. That is so sad about your poor, little chicken. Oh, I know that must break your heart when that happens. It was so touching to see your little pet cemetery...it must be so sad to go visit there, and especially when you are having to bury another one. I love your peaceful home and the setting and how warm and inviting it looks. You must hate leaving there and always love returning there. Home is a precious place to our hearts, and there is nothing that can ever replace that. Thank you for another lovely post, full of such amazing photos, sweet friend. Sending you much love and many hugs!

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    1. I am thankful for the little place to remember our pets by, sometimes I go there and think of the happy memories they have brought us. Home indeed is such a beautiful place to be, and I'm thankful for the peace and love that dwells here. God is so good! Appreciate your visit, I do apologize for the lateness of my comment, please forgive me! Many hugs to you today dear friend!

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  12. Hello!
    Thank you for reminding us about the beauty that surrounds us!
    We live on this street & (we may have driven past you as you took these pics!) the picture taking caused us to reflect on the amazing view..once then, & now twice!
    Enjoy your blog-- thank you for sharing!

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    1. Aww thanks! Do stop and chat with me if you see me walking, I'd love that! Appreciate your sweet comment, and such an incredible place of beauty we live in! I apologize for the late response of this comment, please do stop by again, and share your thoughts, they are ever so much appreciated! Many hugs to you today!

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  13. That was a nice walk along your country road Marilyn. I didn't know how valued the Tamarack tree is for its wood but I have heard of Tamarack tea as a man used to sell it at the market. It's cool, cloudy and damp here. Have a great weekend. Blessings, Pam

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    1. I have never seen Tamarack tea! Wow. I am thinking about giving it a try to see what it tastes like. Sorry to have taken so long to get back with a response to your comment. Have a lovely weekend :)

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  14. What a handy Food Saver! I'll have to look into one of those.
    Thanks for taking me on a walk through your beautiful countryside. We could use a little rain and a lot cooler temps here. :-) Enjoy your weekend ♥

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    1. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! I'm so sorry, I do appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  15. Awww...the joy of coming for a visit here with you, sweet friend.
    I have missed my visits with you that is for certain. :)
    Once again, you have shred your beauty with us through the lens of your camera and tender words from your heart.
    I was saddened to hear of the loss of another chicken, but oh the place in which you lay them to rest is serene and beautiful.

    We too have snow on the mountain tops and rain that could easily turn into snow should the weather become colder.
    When I arrived home the aspen trees had lost their leaves, but as I walked through the mountains with my dear Donatella my heart was blessed with the beauty of the bare branches. Normally October is our dreary month, but for some reason, this year I see the beauty of God in those bare trees.
    Every season has it's beauty if we would but take the time to view it through eye's connected to a thankful heart.

    Have a beautiful and blessed day, dear lady~~

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    1. It is always such a joy to have you stop by for a visit Debbie! I did miss you so while you were gone, and so happy you are back home again :) I know we could have such sweet walks and talks together, always love to hear your thoughts, and do apologize for taking so long to respond back to this lovely comment! Praying you are blessed abundantly dear friend!

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  16. Hello, I love seeing all that you have been doing-great job on bagging up your chicken for the winter. My dad used to have a food saver and I'm not sure why we ever got rid of it. We try to buy and stock up for winter as well; I often get several cases of Amy's Kitchen Lentil Soup; in the past we've frozen lots of corn(did this year too), green beans as well as other meats. We haven't had much rain and no snow yet-hopefully not until December. Sorry about your chicken! I love your area-it is so beautiful and the colors are so gorgeous.
    Hugs, Noreen

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    1. Thank you Noreen, I appreciate your comment so much, and apologize for the lateness of my response! Having a Food Saver has really been a blessing, and it does keep food more fresh, I believe. Hoping you are having a lovely day, many blessings to you!

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  17. I'm sorry to hear about your sweet chick. : ( You do live in such a lovely area though. That must make you smile through think and thin....or rain and sun!

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    1. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! I'm so sorry, I do appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  18. You've had a busy week I see. Sad that you lost a chicken. The fall photos tell beautiful stories and I love the maple lined streets and white horse pics! It looks so peaceful at your place and I agree, there's no place like home! That's how we felt this past week. Just got home yesterday after dental visits in Mexico border town. Home sweet home! Hugs and blessings to you!

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    1. Home is indeed best. So sorry that I am just now responding to your comment, thank you again for your kind visit, and I pray the Lord's sweet blessings are with you today!

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  19. I love what you write about the tamarack, that this tree turned a golden yellow in the fall. Never read befor about this tree. Thanks for sharing!
    #fridayfotofriends

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    1. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! I'm so sorry, I do appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  20. Marilyn, I so enjoyed reading your lovely post, today; so cozy and comforting on this dark, damp and cold Toronto day. How beautiful your words about life's ups and downs in your closing paragraph.

    Your husband definitely knows how to shop for his wife! Your food saving machine is a great way to store food for the season, especially for those who might live in a more secluded area, which may make it difficult to get to resources when the weather is rough.

    Sorry to hear about the loss of another chicken. I guess it's the hard part about living in a rural landscape.

    I love the maple lined street in town, what brilliant hues! But yes, there's nothing like home, and yours sounds idyllic.

    Happy Sunday, my friend!
    Poppy

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    1. Thank you dear Poppy for your very sweet comment, it always is a blessing to hear your thoughts! I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier! I'm so sorry, I do appreciate your visit, and comment, always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  21. Beautiful, can I come visit you...only kidding, I won't show up on your front porch unannounced. I remember us living that way when I was a child, my mother canning, putting potatoes and onions in the basement where it was cool. Your post brought back memories. Thanks.

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    1. Oh please, do come for a visit, I'd love that! We put food in a root cellar growing up as well, and it was always so fun to go in there in the middle of winter and get food out.

      Thank you again for your visit, I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier, time has gotten away from me! I'm so sorry, and I do appreciate your visit, and comment. Hugs to you today!

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  22. Hi Marilyn! Never a dull moment with those chickens...I'm sorry about your experience. Your photos of the area are so pretty and give me such a sense of peace. Nature just infuses with joy and peace, doesn't it? It sure looks like you'll be ready for the winter to come!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. No never a dull moment with chickens, of that one can be sure of! I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  23. I'm sorry to hear about your chicken, it's must have been quite hard when you found her.
    You captured beautiful images of the trees, the fall colours warm my heart. I love the photo of the shadows, your dog definitely looks like a howling wolf. Your dinner sounded absolutely delicious. Enjoy your week, Kelly.

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    1. It was so sad to see her there on the ground, but I had to give thanks for the life that she had while I had her. Thank you for your lovely words about the fall colors, now we have lost most of the leaves, and I need to go back and look at the pictures again, lol! Appreciate your visit and comments as always, and I apologize for the length of time it took for me to respond! Hugs to you today!

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  24. Hello,
    I always enjoy reading your posts. Your love for your home, family and animals.
    I am sorry about your chicken.
    My favorite photo of today is of your dog howling. :-)
    Have a blessed week,
    Carla

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    1. That picture of Annie was quite something, she does remind a lot of people of a wolf, because of the husky in her. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  25. This was a lovely heart touching post.
    I wish we could still burn brush and leaves but I live in the pine barrens by the bay and they are always on the alert for forest fires,so no burning leaves anymore.

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    1. Oh I do understand the danger of burning with the worry for forest fires! Thankfully we got enough rain here in October that we can burn now. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  26. Hello Marilyn! It sounds as though you are one busy gal! It seems as though our work is never really done. ;) That is so cool you get a bounty of chicken from Zaycon. I have thought about doing that as well. We eat a lot of chicken. I think I need to see if they deliver to our area.
    Sorry to hear about your chicken, so sad. But at least she died happy and in her sleep.
    Loved all your photos. Maybe you can send some of that rain our way? It is so dry and unusually warm here. I'm still wearing capris and short sleeves!
    Have a great week!
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. I would love to have sent some of that rain your way, we got double the amount of rain in October, and broke rain records to all the way back in the 50s! Hugs to you dear Amy, always enjoy your visits! I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  27. What a lovely setting...I just ooh and aah over see this gorgeous rural area! We have a Zaycon truck that brings donations to our church! It is unbelievable that they bring us this wonderful food for no $$ at all...and the meats are so delicious! I am so sorry you lost one of your sweet chickens. I would have gone to pieces. I hope to have some one day! You are right...there is NO PLACE like home and your looks so very cozy! Enjoy your week :)

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    1. Isn't Zaycon awesome! We love their food, and it has been so nice having all that good meat in the freezer whenever I need it. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  28. Hi Marilyn,
    I thought of you this weekend....we were celebrating my husbands and his sister's bday and after eating lunch we went to this park that had the sweetest little petting zoo. There was a cage where chickens were roaming around but then there was this bar with 5 roosters sitting on it. The roosters on each end kept taking turns trying to wake me up or something....I was in need of caffeine at the time....they were so loud. AS soon as I heard them, I thought of you and your animal menagerie....LOL!

    We have been very dry all summer but now getting some much needed rain...you really do live in a beautiful part of the country. BTW, your comfort food meal sounds so good! Take care,
    xo
    Linda

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    1. LOL, how funny! Yes those roosters are so hilarious, our family enjoys them immensely, they are always doing something comical, lol! I hope you get some rain soon, we certainly got plenty here in October, in fact records were broke from as far back as the 1950s, lol! I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  29. Your is is so beautiful ♥

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    1. Thank you Summer, always a delight to have you visit!

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  30. Aw. Sorry about this news.
    But, wow, I can't help but admire your place. What a beautiful scenery to see every day.

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    1. Thank you Lux for your sweet words, they mean so much! I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  31. I'm so sorry about your chicken. :( Thank you for sharing your life with such beautiful pictures. Your blog is one of those that I come to when I am stressed by life and am just able to relax and breathe just reading it. You my friend are a precious gift.

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    1. Oh, thank you Debbie, that is a joy for me to hear, I always pray that the Lord will bless others through my sharing here. You are a precious gift to me too, I am so blessed always to visit with you too! I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  32. No, there is no place quite like home, is there. You and Annie have such glorious paths to walk along. Those Maple trees are splendid in their autumnal glory. How sad about your chicken. It is always sad when our pets pass away.

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    1. Home truly is best! I hope to plant more maple trees, I love them so. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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  33. Sorry about the loss of your chicken. We have lost several lately too. One died rather like yours and then a few others were killed by a weasel. We are trying to be much more careful about closing them in securely at night.

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    1. Oh no! I hate to hear that a weasel got to your chickens, I do fear that here too. Our dogs seem to do a pretty good job at keeping predators at bay, and I'm thankful for that. I didn't realize I had not responded to your comment earlier and I'm just now getting around to doing that. Your visit is always so appreciated! Hugs to you today!

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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