Goodbye Best Pet Friend

To my dear Spotty cat,
faithful friend of the entire family,
aka King Cat,
aka Cat Dog,
who had more than 90 lives,
who never lost a battle,
who survived a possum fight,
and then a raccoon battle,
along with all the resultant battle scars,
who scared off other predators,
and ran to greet us when we drove up,
who could perform better tricks than any dog,
who could talk back to us,
who began life on the farm where I grew up,
who would not purr for six months, and then
greeted me each and every early morning without fail,
and who ruled majestically over this land for
14 years.
May your strong spirit to live
continue to be present
as we go about lives.
You will never be forgotten,
rest in peace,
dearest pet friend.

Silver Lace Vine

Feelings

are

fragile.

Treat

others

with

care.

October Birthday Celebrations

October means

special people,

special memories;

making my
world

a better place.

Birthday hugs

from me

to you.

Beautiful Universe

Search

for

beauty,

trust,

and

faith.

Go Purple!

Purple,

the color

of

royalty!

Sunny Days

The day....

is

what

you

make

it.

Happiness

Sundays

cloudless skies

comfort food

an old movie

a warm throw

laughter

with a wonderful friend.

Cool Nights

Grabbing
a jacket...

opening
the windows...

shivering...

goosebumps...

clear, starry night...

cuddling...

under a blanket...

cool nights.

Destiny

Right choices
Praying
Wishing
Taking action
Daring to dream
Taking the risk
Controlling your own destiny.

Balance

Peace

Count to ten

Serenity

Deep breath

Calm

Stretch and release

Nature

Rest

Refresh

Smile

Renew

Laugh

Balance.

Dream

Family
Nature
Beauty
Love
Hugs
Peace.

Wishes

Moonbeams and dreams
Sunsets and sunrises
Rainbows after the rain
Comfort and warm blankets
Give and take
Soul mates
Leisure and laughter
Hugs and handshakes
Friends ever after
Happy Birthday
to the best boy in the whole world.

Faithful Friend

Always,

a warm hello in the morning,

a wagging tail at night,

ready to share a walk,

anytime delight.

Thank you faithful friend.

Summer Endings

Cooler

evenings

locusts

singing

grasses

drying

earlier

sunset

arriving

harvest

moon

shining.

August Wedding

Anticipation
Groom waiting
Crowd showing
Mom floating
Groomsmen joking
Candle holding
Music pouring
Bridesmaids flowing
Dad slowing
Bride glowing
Grandpa tearing
Grandma handholding
Minister starting
Vows reciting
Rings shining
Kiss finally
Crowd cheering
Hugs outpouring
Glass raising
Friends praising
Kids chasing
Stars appearing
Laughter sharing
Dance overflowing
New life beginning.

Real Beauty

Happy smiles

Beautiful faces

Book bag swinging

Little ones clinging

As the bus arrives

Mom tries not to cry.

Smile and the World Will Smile At You

My thoughts are with my niece today who is starting her first day of college classes. I wish her good luck and must send an extra measure of happy
thoughts to her parents and sister who are surely missing her.
I remember the feeling of finally being independent as I moved into the dorm.
Apprehension, joy, fear, and the exhiliaration of meeting new friends!

My prayers go out to all the parents who are experiencing their
first "empty nest" experience.

Special thoughts to all who are experiencing something new this week, please
remember that when things get stormy, just smile ...
and the world will smile back!

The World is Your Oyster!

A short update and photo of the baby robins in the cherry tree. They are growing every day and the big Mama Robin has been working hard to keep them fed. The babies got a good soaking with the wonderful rain we had last week.



I'm so surprised my big cat hasn't visited the nest...thank goodness!!!

Reach Your Highest Potential

(Picture caption: Back to school sunrise!)


With a heavy morning dew,
it's back to school!
How do you reach your highest potential?

Believe in yourself.
Believe in your colleagues.
Believe in smiles.
Believe in your family.
Believe in trained experts.
Believe in homework.
Believe in structure and daily routines.
Believe in your child's teacher.
Believe in your profession.
Believe in laughter.
Believe its OK to make a mistake and say "I screwed up".
Believe every child can be ready for society.
Believe in being on time.
Believe that practice makes perfect.
Believe in love.
Believe in being prepared.
Believe in kindness.
Believe that trust, responsibility, and humor will build trust.
Believe in your school.
Believe in your child.

Wisdom Throughout the Ages

(Picture caption: Miniature rose bud blooming amidst the stones.)

My special friend and Aunt has been missed for more than 10 years. She had a green thumb, growing just about anything. Many flowers and plants around my farm were transplanted with a little start from her yard.

Several words of her advice have stayed with me over the years:

"You can do anything if you know there is an end to it."
"What doesn't kill you, just makes you stronger."
"There's nothing better than a little drive in the country to refresh your soul."

"Nothing wrong with a bowl of cereal for supper."

"Appreciate your husband, they could be gone in an instant."

"Faith is a personal relationship with God."

I miss those drives in the country, hunting elderberries or choke cherries for jam, gossiping on the telephone, quick lunches shared, and reminiscing over old stories and photos. Your strength and wisdom have sustained me through many a dark hour. Thank you dear friend.

The Heart of a Country Girl

Strive for simplicity.
Keep it at the molehill level.
Have faith.
Sleep on it.
Avoid complications.
Try something new.
Shed unnecessary burdens.
Listen.
Give yourself permission for a fresh start.
Downsize.


Say “I’m sorry” and mean it.
Reverse psychology is worth a try.
Bite your tongue then eat something chocolate.
Choices are motivating.
Will it matter ten years from now?
If you can’t make it a compliment, button it.
Don't wait for life to start, it won't wait for you.
Give it a positive spin.
It’s OK to say no.
Replenish your emotional bank account.
Say thank you.
Take a walk first.
Let it go, control is overrated.
Smile.
Buy a new lipstick.
Quit worrying about it for 24 hours.
Choose your battles carefully.
Take your frustration out on the kitchen sink – make it glow!
Give your sweetie a hug just for the heck of it.

Precious Rain

(Picture: Mama Robin taking a break from her babies and enjoying the rain.)


In Kansas, an August rain is cause for celebration!

Today we received 30/100’s of soft rain, watering thirsty soybean plants and greening up the prairie grasses and hay for livestock.
The cattle all got a refreshing bath, and the birds swooped through the air washing off their dusty feathers. The family dog enjoyed rubbing her back in the mud (she hasn't seen mud in quite awhile).
I love the cooler temperatures, reminding me of the coming days of fall and winter. While it was just a little rain, it gave my heart a boost and keeps the hopes and dreams of a fine harvest alive.

Happy Birthday Baby Brother

Son
Husband
Father
Teacher
Mentor
Coach
Supporter
Friend
Solid as a Rock
Happy Birthday on your special day.

Homecoming

The Kansas sun rises
Yes, pull in the drive
The family dog on a dead run to greet you
Homemade pancakes with warm syrup
The same spot at the table
Bearhugs hello
A long kiss from your sweetheart
Smiles shining
Stories to tell
A church where you know every face
And the minister knows your first name
A handshake from grandpa
A pie baked by grandma
A child tackles you for hello
You control the remote
A favorite pillow beneath you
Home at last.

Small Joys

Flowers bloom
Moon wanes
Sun rises
Birds wake
Breeze blows
Legs work
Faucet runs
Coffee brews
Scales steady
Face clean


Teeth brushed
Eyebrows straight
Milk pours
Banannas not too ripe
Fruit flies absent
Dishes clean
Counters wiped
Gates shut
Stool flushes
Mail ready
Animals fed
Floor swept
Alarm clock perfection
Clothes ironed
Phone charged
Hair clean
Lotion soothes
Makeup perfect
Earrings secure
Perfume sprays
Dishwasher empty
Keys found
Lunch packed
Bread fresh
Kids content
Dryer not needed
Enough ice
Shoes shined
Closet organized
Toaster unplugged
Drug free
Purse organized
Plants watered
Supper planned
Hugs shared
Full tank
Account balanced
Freezer stocked
Good nights sleep
Electricity hums
Pets trained
Kids call
Truck starts
Sunglasses smudge free
Seat uncluttered
No bugs windshield
Doors locked
On time
Radio greets
Lesson plan completed
No flats
Boss appreciates
Friends joke
Friday the 13th!

Signs of Fall Approaching

Flowers waning

Corn stalks drying

Locusts singing

Garden browning

Rain praying

Vacation ending

Heavy dews

Back to school.

Rural Comforts

Babies being nourished

A heartfelt hug

A supper prepared with food you grew or raised

Gorgeous sunsets

Double or triple rainbows

Sharing across the fence

Stars spread across the sky as far as the eye can see in any direction

Lots of shade trees

Pets running free

Wildlife viewing in your backyard

Neighbors who always have a smile or a joke

Fresh everything including air

Quiet

Robin in a Cherry Tree

My mother taught me a little song during my early years:

"Robin in a cherry tree,
sing a pretty song to me."

To my surprise this August, I have a very fat momma Robin with a big nest and two little babies in my cherry tree. I've tried to capture this on my camera without scaring the momma away.

This gorgeous cherry tree was given to me by my son and daughter-in-law six years ago. It produces several pints of cherries each year, just enough to make a fresh cherry pie or cobbler (my favorite). There's usually enough left over to go in the freezer to enjoy on a cold, winter day.

Pretty in Pink

I appreciate the beauty of a new day as I water my plants before the sun rises including:


A trusty rusty can for watering.

The profound silence of early morning.

A spider web with dew glistening.

Birds softly chirping.

The roll of distant thunder (oh, please rain!).

My dog "Lady" stretching and yawning.

The first pumpkins growing on the vine.

Fluffy clouds drifting.

Roses blooming.

Windmill softly turning.

Breeze caressing.

Sun rising.

Grateful For

A soft summer rain.
The love of a good man.
A marshmallow toasted over a campfire.
Spray on, wipe off cleaners that work.
A friend who really cares about you.
The taste of a vine ripened tomato.
A white, fluffy robe wrapped around you.

Seeing the work ethic in your grown children.
Weather cool enough to eat outside.
Sisters to share with.
A favorite song on the radio.
The joy of a family wedding.
Knowing how to sew, thank you Mom.
The anticipation of a new grand baby to hold.
Pets that wag their tail in greeting even when its 100 degrees outside.
The laughter and hugs of precious grandchildren.
Snow days when you don't have to go to work.
Time to read for pleasure.
Beautiful music during church services.
A perfectly cooked beef steak.
When the garden is completely weed free.
Brothers to laugh with.
High efficiency air conditioners.
A job where you are appreciated.
Family values practiced through the generations.
Hot sauce.
Loving who your sons married.
The sound and peace of ocean waves.
A hug from the parent you still have on earth.
Diamonds, the real thing, received as a gift.
Cooking together.
A sparkly, clean bathroom.
A Saturday when the house is already clean.

Growing Profusely!

Happy and Healthy Rural Living

Progress always involves risk.

Start the day being grateful. Place a note by the bed or on the bathroom mirror to remind yourself.

The sun does come up every day. Get up early and watch the beauty.

Kindness matters even if no one else is practicing it. Spread the goodness.

Declutter.

Find experts. Read articles on healthy rural living for more tips.

Lighten your load - quickly check the daily headlines online rather than watching the depressing news on TV.

Smile even if it hurts.

Save rather than spend. Most likely you'll need and appreciate the money later.

Conserve water. Someone else will need it.

Satellite radio is worth every penny out here. Listen online at home or work.

Worrying? Work it off. Mow the lawn, vacuum the car, bake items for the freezer or neighbors, ride your bike, scrub the floors, weed the garden, play with the grandkids, plan an outing.

Appreciate your rural mail man/woman. They still deliver six days a week.

Add music to your daily routine.

Take a class just for fun on the internet. Learn French, make your own pasta, add hours for continuing education.

Eat fresh produce. Visit a farmers market. Don't have one? Get it started.

Find a daily blog that inspires you!

Haying Time

Prairie Hay – August brings hot breezes, blaring sun, wilting plants, and a landscape covered with bales. It's haying time in the Flinthills! If you're not familiar, this is the time of year that farmers and ranchers prepare enough native grass hay to feed their cattle and horses all winter long. The name prairie hay covers a mix of grasses growing on the plains such as big blue stem, little blue stem, Indian grass, Buffalo grass, even crab grass.

Mowing - the process starts with clipping the long, long stems of grass with a tractor and attached mower or a "swather". Many times the grass on the ground must be turned over with a contraption called a rake. The rake tidies the grass into long compact rows for the baler.

Baling - while small, square balers still exist, most farmers use either a large round or large square these days. Larger bales are faster to move and easier to store. The mown hay must be just the right level of dryness to feed into a baler smoothly - just a little sprinkle of rain or heavy dew can cause it to be too wet and delay the baling. There's nothing worse than the misery of hand digging the crushed stems out, little by little, from a plugged tight baler machine when the sun is blaring down on you. And too dry hay doesn't work well either - the hay can get so dry it flies into the air rather than into the baler which is a real waste. Wasted hay equals a hungry cow herd.

Hauling - the final challenge is to move all the bales off the field quickly so that the new grass underneath each bale isn't killed. In other words: the faster the better.

Safety - precautions have to be heeded as this flurry of activity spreads across the plains. Prairie fires can flare up fast with the hot sun blares down as a metal swather blade skims over a flint rock causing a spark. A fire extinguisher, a jug full of water, a scoop shovel, and a cell phone can come in real handy. It's not uncommon to hear about a baler on fire from a mechanical problem, or a tractor that's overheated with 100 degree temperatures. Look out for overheated workers and nests of bumble bees and yellow jackets too!

Pride -have you ever noticed that all the bales on a hillside look the same? It's a little contest with most farmer/ranchers to make every hay bale the exact same height and weight as the bale before it.

Beauty - this morning I see bales dotting the fields for miles in every direction. The hills and valleys of grass have gotten their summer haircut in preparation for fall and winter.

Recipe Share - Kat's Best No Bake Cookies

Ingredients
1 stick margarine
Exactly ½ cup half and half
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla
Very small dash of salt
¼ cup peanut butter
3 cups quick oats

Waxed paper to place cookies on.
Store in a covered container or ziplock bag or these cookies will dry out. Can be frozen well.



Instructions:
Mix white sugar and cocoa together in a large non-stick saucepan. Chop up margarine and add. Then add brown sugar and half and half. Stir together. Place over medium high heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Bring to a rolling boil for exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat and quickly add the vanilla, dash of salt, and peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter is melted. Quickly add exactly 3 cups of quick oats – stirring until oats are covered with the chocolate mixture. Using a large tablespoon, place round mounds on waxed paper. Let cool and enjoy.

Challenged by pain? Try these rural remedies.

Want to reduce aches and pains in your 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's? What works for you? I've discovered a few self care strategies. Check out my rural remedies to relieve swollen joints, aches, and fibromyalgia pain.

1. Cool not hot. Reduce heat and sun if possible. Try lukewarm or cool showers and baths. Relieve inflammation rather than adding to it with a hot bath. I drink ice cold beverages; studies show that ice water burns more calories. Need to work outside? I try to complete the most strenuous tasks early in the morning or after sundown.

2. Stay hydrated. I've cut out soda and carbonated drinks, including diet soda. It seems like carbonation bloats you up, adds to your BMI, and for me, it adds pounds. Who wants more weight pressing on their joints? I recommend decaffeinated green tea instead which boosts those anti-oxidants. Get rid of the straw and sip from the cup instead. Who wants extra air in their stomach?

3. No sugar. This remedy takes effort and diligence. Check labels carefully, there appears to be hidden sugar in so many processed foods and there are all kinds of tricky names that hide as sugar. If it's grown in the ground or on top of the ground and hasn't been modified, it's probably better than something you buy in a cardboard box at the grocery store. Try it for a week and see if you feel different; I can do anything if I know it's for a limited amount of time. I can decide after the trial time if it's worth the work of making it a habit for life.

4. Get a complete physical and review your medications, vitamins, and supplements with a trusted doctor. Don't trust yours? Find someone new. I was frustrated with how I felt and found out my mix of prescriptions recommended over the past 10 years was probably causing more harm than good. Don't forget to review how you're sleeping with the doctor.

5. Limit fragrances and chemicals. Reduce chemicals in your home as much as possible. Why breathe that stuff, stick your hands in it, wash your clothes in it, or spray it on your skin? It can't be good.

6. Remember how flexible you were in high school? Watch a dog get up from resting. Copy their moves. I added slow stretching before bed and first thing in the morning to my daily routine. Consult a fitness specialist or a trusted fitness web site or DVD for the best ones for specific aches and pains. Why not regain the flexibility of your youth? Just a little bit can make a big difference in how you carry yourself and complete your tasks during the day.

7. Move it or lose it. Limit computer, TV time, or anything that involves sitting like driving in the car. I take a little walk to limber up if I've been sitting for quite a while which seems to help. And check out the chair you sit in the most; is it adding to your aches and pains?

8. Firm up muscles with weight training. Studies show that weight training as little as once a week can improve your posture. Resistance bands are fairly inexpensive and you can do it at home. Who wants that stooped over look?

9. Be proactive. Become a stress (stress=pain) detective. Keep a daily diary to discover patterns in how you feel. Is pain worse after eating a heavy meal or sitting in a meeting for 8 hours? Use your diary to set small, reachable goals and eliminate trigger points for stress.

10. Is it your shoes? Ditch the flip flops, high heels, and shoes with no support. Are the heels run down on your favorite pair of shoes? Proper shoes can do a lot to relieve feet, ankle, knee, leg, back, shoulder, and neck pain. One day of "no shoes" or "cute flip flops" and the next day everything hurts.

Share. I'd love to hear what you've tried that works well to reduce pain and stiffness. My challenge: try just one rural remedy on this list and let me know how it goes.

Brownie Boss

Get out the bowl
Find the mixer
Start the oven
Grease the pan
Melt the butter
Crack the eggs
Add the sugar
Mmmm cocoa
Whip together
Beat
Scrape
Stir
Sift the flour
Find the spoons
Can't forget the soda
Dash of salt
Just a little vanilla
Mix a bit
Nuts? Your choice
Spread it smooth
Set the timer
Lick the bowl
Wipe the counter
Clean the beaters
Set out to cool
Ouch, so hot
Yum!

New Beginnings

Door closes
Window opens
Say goodbye
Begin again
Move out
Move in
Donate the used
Wash the new
Pull out the old
Water the seeds
Clear the slate
Begin plan B.

Vacation!

House locked
Pets boarded
Car packed
Pay the turnpike toll
Favorite food
Play ball!
Room with a view
School shopping
New outfit
Beautiful fountain
Live show
Sleep in
Free breakfast
Fresh towels
Scenery refreshes
Smiles, hugs, kisses
Squeeze more in the car
Special treats for the pets
Home!

Summer Lovin'

Fireflies twinkling
Groom sweating
Sparklers delighting
Bride smiling
Grass mowing
Flags flying
Grill sizzling
Sunburn stinging
Campfire singing
Baby crawling
Fly buzzing
Swimmin' hole busy
Clothes drying
Little one crying
Ice cream cranking
Salsa making
New kittens playing
Rain dance praying
Screen door swinging
Fly swatter missing
Hearts brimming.

Are you ready for Hot, Hot, Hot?

Flowers wilting
Sweet corn filling
Squash bugs multiplying
Mosquitoes biting
Weeds growing
Dogs panting
Crab grass spreading
Chiggers itching
Tomatoes need picking
Cold ice tea refreshing.

Are you ready for the heat index of 110 degrees today? Check out Kat's Rural Remedies to beat the heat:

1. I get up extra early to water plants and fill animal waterers as the sun rises. I get my daily dose of meditation while giving everything on the farm a refreshing splash of water.
2. The only product I use from the Avon company is something called "skin so soft". Pour a little in the grandkids bathwater to keep the chiggers and mosquitoes away. Give yourself a little splash in the shower; much nicer than chemical bug spray.
3. While the hose is running on the flowers in the morning, quickly pick the days harvest from your garden.
4. Got weeds? A little rock salt mixed with water in your sprayer can handle weeds better than chemicals. Just be careful where you spray it, plus mix and strain first to avoid clogging up the sprayer.
5. Recycle an old window air conditioners (a working one) by installing a small one in a garage window to keep the pets cool during the hottest part of the day. While this costs me a little in the pocket book on the electric bill, it saves me worrying about the Australian Shepherd overheating. I start it around noon and let 'Lady' rest for the afternoon in the garage. I turn it off as the evening cools off. Since my garage is attached, it cools the house a bit.
6. Fast ice tea. The Lipton family size Cold Brew bags are fast, fast, fast in a pitcher of cold water. I add two single green tea bags to up the antioxidants.
7. Drop a little vegetable oil on the silks of the growing sweet corn ears to keep worms away.
8. Recycle used aluminum foil by placing flat pieces around the squash plants: the bugs don't like the light reflection.
9. Time to watch those favorite movies and clean out the closets. During the heat of the day or those tremendously uncomfortable humid evenings, clean out the closets while listening to a favorite movie or your ipod music selections. You can take everything to the thrift store when its cooler this fall.
10. Stay away from the computer and work on your summer reading list instead. (Why stress yourself by reading about how hot it is across America?)

Summertime Family Reunions

Cradling the newest baby
Getting a little grin
Greeting faraway travelers
Clasping weathered hands
Remembering those gone before us
Blessing homemade goods
Handwriting the newest recipe
Sneaking back for seconds
Announcing the next wedding
Watching the youngsters run
Sharing secrets with sisters
Updating the family tree
Checking out the scrapbooks
Squinting at old photos
Lingering over stories
Buckling up the grandkids
Waving bye till next year.


Rural remedy: How to enjoy the yearly family reunion.

Family reunions grow more special with time for this rural girl. So many things to enjoy. My goal for the family reunion is to take time to visit a bit with each person there. Hearing the old stories and learning new tidbits about my ancestors are always a delight. Seeing relatives that you may only see once a year and catching up on all the family news is energizing. As the sun goes down on a hot, humid, and fabulous Flinthills day, I reflect on the ebb and flow of those attending our family reunion: the brand new babies balanced with the loss of our favorite relatives.

For some a family reunion is wrought with stress and not so hot memories emerge. Try Kat's rural remedies for surviving a family reunion:

1. Hold the family reunion on the same week each year, same weekly day, and same time. This avoids a lot of excuses from those you wish would attend.
2. Routine is best. A little something different is OK each year but routines assure family members that there won't be surprising and stressful events.
3. Remind people through e-mails, facebook, or a postage invitation. Make sure your own immediate family doesn't schedule something as a conflict.
4. Prepare your food in advance. Using tried and true recipes that never fail for you alleviates the stress of that brand new recipe that may flop.
5. Plan your household schedules ahead of time. Get the car ready and prepack. It may be a rush to get there with Sunday services to attend - many reunions are on a Sunday.
6. Set a personal goal for the day. Mine is to meet and greet each person there, not leaving anyone out. Or perhaps it's to leave current personal or career stresses at home. You deserve a day of enjoyment and recreation.