Deconstructed

Our pigs have torn one wall off of their only shelter. The chickens are just about as bad, having picked the insulation out of one side of the chicken house. The cow continually breaks the hay ring so she can lay on her food and peer witlessly at the unused bedding in the barn. NorthContinue reading “Deconstructed”

Back to the Ark

Since we were going to be driving across the country anyway, my children, my adventurous mom, and I decided to visit The Ark Encounter in Kentucky. We had visited several years ago, but we were excited to build on our knowledge. I have a particular interest in the pitch Noah used to cover the ark,Continue reading “Back to the Ark”

Not Invited

I was recently summoned for my first tour of jury duty. I would have been excited except I wasn’t at home to get the notice in time. You don’t just wiggle out of a summons. You are mandated to answer. I called the courthouse and was graciously allowed to serve at a different time. IContinue reading “Not Invited”

Rooted in Memories

I can tell Christmas is coming by the flood of magazines in my mailbox. Everyone wants a little piece of my holiday spending, and they try all kinds of tricks to persuade me to buy their merchandise. This week, a magazine boasted personalized needlepoint stockings, just like grandma used to make, alongside the words, “ThinkContinue reading “Rooted in Memories”

Equip the Saints

You know the kid I’m talking about. He doesn’t sit still. He lives more in his imagination than reality. He talks even faster than he thinks, mostly at a higher decibel level than any other noise in the room. Last week, he sped in the church at the head of the line, as usual, andContinue reading “Equip the Saints”

Got You Covered

Now that it’s summertime, my kids are covered in bug spray, dirt from the garden, ashes from the campfire, and marshmallows from s’mores.  Bathtime and bedtimes are more lenient since we are making the most of our long summer days, and I overlook some of the mess.  They are thankful then to be covered byContinue reading “Got You Covered”

Floundering

I took my sons fishing this week. All we caught were northerns, but when I was growing up in south Florida, my favorite type of fishing was floundering. We would go at night- with nary a chance of sunburn!- and my dad would load the boat with the spotlight, three-pronged gigs, life jackets, and water.Continue reading “Floundering”

Sustaining Power

My oldest daughter has her driver’s permit.  Though I use winter as an excuse to avoid letting her drive, my husband decided it was a fine time to let her drive to the city two hours away. High speeds, passing lanes, interstate on ramps, and semi trucks were included. Let me tell you, friends, myContinue reading “Sustaining Power”