What A Pest!

I just love my vegetable garden...



Unfortunately, so do many other little critters...such as the deer, racoons, chickens, birds, and BUGS!

In the past, we have tried many things to keep our garden pest free...fences, scarecrows, sprinkling eggshells or hair trimmings or whatever the latest pesticide free trend was. Some things worked...others didn't.

Then I stumbled across a recipe in a magazine that has been such a blessing for me...not only for pests in my veggie garden...but also on flowers and shrubs.

The original recipe called for one onion, one clove of garlic, and one of the hottest peppers you can find. I have adapted this recipe...my new version is cheaper and easier to make!

My PEST ASIDE! Recipe
What you need...
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 cups boiling water
5 gallon garden sprayer




Mix ingredients together in bowl with lid, cover the mixture and let it set overnight. Believe me, by morning this will stink!





Strain mixture through cheesecloth to catch any unmixed powder. Pour into garden sprayer and then fill sprayer to the top with warm water.





Spray anything that you want to keep "pest free". Because of the taste, critters won't touch the plants!

I usually spray about once every two to three weeks...or after a heavy rain because the mixture will wash off.

I buy the cheapest variety of spices...our Renys,Walmart, and Dollar Store carry these for 50 cents each. A very inexpensive and non-toxic pesticide!

Another helpful garden hint...I hang dryer sheets cut in thirds along some of the veggies that the birds really like...I buy the cheapest and smelliest brand... it works better than a scarecrow...they don't like the smell or the motion from the blowing dryer sheet! Sorry feathered friends!


Best news of all...

I made up some of my "pest-aside!" so that I could take pictures for this post...I really didn't plan to use it today. Well, God had other plans. As I was working in the garden, the phone rang, and a neighbor that we've been witnessing to, both through our words and our lives, called to ask me for this recipe! She was having a major problem with slugs! I told her that I had just made some up and I would send Samuel right down with it, along with a bagful of eggshells (sprinkle these around your plants...slugs won't crawl over them!). Another opportunity to "share"...Praise God!

"...and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all." Isaiah 31:12b

In A Fog...

It's morning in Maine...
and the fog has settled in over the harbor.






I am out on my daily walk. I can smell the ocean as the mist surrounds me...such an incredibly wonderful salty smell...clean, breathtaking, refreshing...I am totally convinced that Heaven smells just like this.





Although I feel sorry for vacationers when this happens...I have to admit that I love it when the fog envelops us here on the Point...it almost feels like Heaven's blanket of protection from the outside world.





Yet I know, as a Christian, it is important that I do not go around living my life "in a fog", for these are dangerous times, and it is ever so crucial that we are obedient to God's Word.




"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves..."
2 Timothy 3:1-2a

A Little Bit Corny...

We spent a good part of Saturday in the garden.



I'm am so excited...our corn is already "popping" up! We generally don't even plant corn until around Memorial Day...but because God blessed us this year with a mild winter and a not so rainy spring...we are already seeing evidence of His bounty.

Some might say it's a "little bit corny" ...to get so excited over some seedlings poking up.


My parents often refer to me as "Little House" when I call on the phone. Having raised 10 children, many now with children of their own, my parent's phone is always ringing. When I call, my mom or dad will affectionately holler to the other one..."Little House is on the phone!" Why, you may ask? It is in reference to "Little House on the Prairie". Although the Maine coast is about as far from the prairie as you can get, our lifestyle is similar in many ways to that of Laura Ingalls Wilder...and thus the name "Little House". Some might say it's a "little bit corny"...but I don't mind.



Some might say that it is "a little bit corny" in this day and age that we live off the land as much as possible, that we educate at home, that we hold tight to our Christian values, that we feel it necessary to be obedient to God even when no one is watching, that I wear dresses, that we love the feel of warm farm fresh eggs from our hens, that we have taught our sons to be respectful of and to learn from their elders, that we don't have a dish or cable, that I love to cook and sew and take care of our household, that our sons don't believe in casual dating, but are patiently waiting to find and become betrothed to a Godly young lady...who might just possibly be "a little bit corny"...just like us.

But I don't mind...there is a peace in living a simple life close to God.


"And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven." Psalm 78:24

A Horse of a Different Color

One day, while visiting a local thrift shop, I spied this little wooden horse. I just knew that it would be perfect for the upcoming baby shower. My niece loves "old" furniture and anything handmade...so I was certain that she would be thrilled with it. It was in need of a bit of repair...one of the legs had a crack and the backrest was missing...but neither "fixes" were overwhelming...so I took it home to do over for my new grandniece or nephew.



My youngest son was a bit curious over the horse, since we have no little ones in our home at the moment. "What's it for?" he asked. "I'm doing it over for Erin," I smiled and then in all my wit I added..."it's going to be a horse of a different color!"

As I worked on the project over the next two weeks, my husband graciously adding the backrest and fixing the crack, I began to ponder over the origin and meaning of that saying. From the research that I could gather on "a horse of a different color" (thanks to the internet!) I discovered the following information...

1. The Expression may, however, come from races in medieval tournaments, where armored knights were distinguished by the color of their horses. A favorite knight might have lost a race, leading one of his supporters to say "That's a horse of a different color" as the winner crossed the finish line.

2. It means an unrelated or irrelevant matter. Can also mean something which has a different significance or answer. For example, 'I can work all day, but working at night is a horse of a different color'. Another form of the expression is 'horse of another color'.

3. The phrase is recorded in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Shakespeare using the expression as if it were quite familiar to his audience.

4.A horse of a different color metaphorically represents something that may be completely separate from what one originally expected. Frequently, a horse of a different color may be a complete surprise, an unexpected truth or a feature that seems somehow out of place...unlike the subject at hand.

5.At the risk of mixing metaphors, a horse of a different color may be likened to apples and oranges. In both idiomatic cases, folks may find themselves considering multiple issues, which may be quite contrasting. Like Dorothy's ruby slippers, a horse of a different color usually refers to a subject that breaks through preconceived notions or irrelevant assumptions.

6.Fairly often, "a horse of a different color" may refer to one person or item that does not fit in a group or series being discussed.

So I thought about these meanings...but perhaps not closely enough...as I sanded and painted and antiqued...and added a mane and a braided tail...and sewed a little Indian blanket...and prepared for the day of the shower.

The day of the shower arrived. We ladies sat at big round tables with adorable centerpieces and cute little gift bookmarks. I, of course, sat with family that I had not seen in quite a spell. And quickly, as it always seems to happen when women gather, the topic of conversation turned to gossip.

Needless to say...I was uncomfortable. I hadn't seen many of these folks in a long time...and I wanted to spend time with them. I also did not want to cause any hard feelings or create any issues. So...I sat there in silence...instead of removing myself from the table or commenting on the inappropriateness of the conversation.

And I wondered if I truly was "a horse of a different color" or if I was just "one of the herd".



Last evening, during our family Bible time, we were reading in the third chapter of James. My eldest son read...

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold , we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. James 3:2-3

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10

And my heart broke.

Beautiful Feet

This past week has been a busy one around our home as I was preparing for my niece's baby shower. I always enjoy making and giving handmade gifts...especially for new little ones!

This week I was finishing up some little booties for the new baby. Don't you just love a baby's precious little feet? They are so beautiful.

I found a wonderful website that had many free baby bootie patterns (http://www.makeforbaby.com/directory.php?directory=Shoe).

This website has some very user friendly patterns for adorable baby booties. I downloaded one pattern in particular and made a template.



Using an old suede belt that I had acquired somewhere (in a bag of craft goodies from a yard sale, I believe) I made a pair of moccasins...complete with beads!





From an outgrown (but not outworn!)pair of my son's jeans I made these little jean booties.



My mother and I had a wonderful time traveling together to the shower and then spending time with family and old friends. Everyone "oohed and aaahed" over the new mother-to-be and all the adorable little gifts for the little one.



As we departed for our journey home and gave those final hugs to loved ones that we would probably not see again until perhaps the next baby shower...I thought about this new little life coming into the world with his adorable little feet. Where would those feet take this child? Would he rely solely (no pun intended) on our Lord Jesus Christ? How could I help minister to my niece when we lived so far apart?

And so I prayed...and left it in the Lord's hands to show me how to use my "feet" to be a Godly influence on this little life.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52:7


And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

To Love A Child

Sunday morning...Mother's Day...at this very moment my husband is in the kitchen making breakfast...my son's have already wrapped me in Mother's Day hugs and kisses...I am so blessed.

How often on days such as these we pay tributes to Mothers...wonderful poems and messages that touch our hearts and bring tears to our eyes...for Mothers are so precious to us.

But this morning, my thoughts wander a bit...from the love of a child for his mother...to the love of a mother for her child. This all started with the orchid.

I was finishing up some laundry yesterday afternoon when my mother and father arrived. In my mother's arms was a beautiful orchid.

She had remembered an off-handed comment that I had made a very long time ago when we were in the grocery store (they had beautiful orchids for sale). I remarked on their beauty and how I had never thought about getting one because I wasn't sure if I could keep it alive, and besides, they were so expensive...but weren't they just beautiful! A little comment made such a long time ago...and she remembered.

With a big grin on such a little woman she cried, "Happy Mother's Day!"

Do children ever truly realize the depth of the love a parent has for them? Perhaps we do, when we have children of our own. But sometimes,even then, I don't think we get the connection.

Do we truly realize the love of a Father who would send his son to die for us?

Oh, that I may not be so caught up in the things of this world that I will ever forget the depths of a parent's love.

Happy Mother's Day, Momma...I love you so.

Avoiding The Fire

Yesterday morning...in the quiet stillness that comes after my husband has left for work and before my sons have awakened for the day...I decided to use some of my scrap material to make myself some potholders...and to ponder...

"Why potholders?" you might ask...or maybe you wouldn't ask.

The reason for the potholders is quite simple, you see. It is because my husband thought it would be a good idea."These are in pretty bad shape," he remarked recently, "you really could use some new ones. You know, you probably shouldn't use these on the woodstove...the fire really does a number on them."

I have a pretty bad habit of grabbing my potholders while I'm cooking, and since the woodstove is right in the kitchen, adding a log or two to the fire. I could put on the wonderful fireproof gloves made especially for this purpose which sit right on top of the woodbox...just waiting to be used. But instead, I just grab whatever potholder I'm using at the time, and well, you can see the results.

"Why do I do it?" you ask. The answer is simple...because it is the quickest, easiest way...even though I know that it is wrong and that it will eventually destroy my poor potholders.

While listening to the hum of the sewing machine, I am quietly reminded that I take the easy route in other areas of my life as well...when I know that God would rather have me take another path. This "other" path is usually more difficult...and requires more sacrifice on my part...but it is the "narrow path"...and I am again reminded that it is the way I should go.

Of course, replacing potholders is an easy task for me.Just stitch up 9 (2 1/2 inch) squares, add a 6 inch square of batting (have you tried the heat resistant kind...it's fabulous for potholders!) and a backing of 8 inches...and handstitch a little plastic hanger...that's about it...an easy fix to a minor problem.

But some issues are not so easy to fix, or not "fixable" at all, and so we must always be careful...

"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." I Corinthians 3:13



Praise God,however, that because He is my Lord and Savior, I will be avoiding the "eternal fire"...and for that I am continually grateful.

A Cup of Tea and A Good Friend

Tuesday morning... a whole week since I began this journey. Time to sip a cup of tea and reflect. I'm still a bit in awe about the whole thing...if you only knew how nervous I was starting my own blog and how long it took me! I want to thank God for each and every one of you who have "encouraged" me this first week with your heartfelt comments. What a wonderful feeling it is to make new friends from all over the country! I look forward to the days to come...to more conversations with my new friends...God bless you all!

And now...off to the garden to plant seed potatoes...I'm making it part of our science lesson for today...isn't homeschooling wonderful!

Living Water

"What is that in the woods?" you may be asking yourself. Well, that is our cistern(no pun intended). It holds the water that comes from the natural spring on our land.So, in fact, it is our "well", since we have no dug well. The water is piped underground from the spring to our home, and we also have a little overflow spigot that folks can draw water from at any time.


There is a really special story about this spring. For many years, it was the only source of water for the folks on our road. At that time, most of the houses were summer camps (and still are for the most part)and people would come to this spring to draw the water that they needed. I can remember, as a small child, pulling my little red wagon down the dirt road with my brothers and sisters to fill up buckets so that we could have water at "camp". The spring was just an old barrel with a broken wooded cover over it. We would have to pick out the leaves and dead twigs from it each year. But it kept many a folk supplied with water all summer long.People depended upon that water...and it was always there...supplying for all those in need.

In much the same way Christ supplies our "living water"...

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14


So the years went by, and progress happened to our little dirt road, and everybody got their own dug well. Everybody, that is, except for us. We still have the spring that never goes dry. It has supplied more than enough water for our household, and is there for all others in time of need, for the past quarter century and I'm almost sure that it will still supply long after we are gone...if the Lord tarries.




Our property, in fact, is loaded with springs. This one is our source of water for our garden and our animals. We feel so blessed that God continues to meet our daily physical needs. But more importantly, we are ever thankful that He provides us with "Living Water"...and that never runs dry!

God is so good.

Transplanting Lilacs

Okay, yesterday was the big day. We were finally going to transplant my two lilac bushes.Of course, the blackflies were out in full force. They usually disappear once the wind picks up a bit and sun comes out, but time was of the essence...we had so much to accomplish this sunny Saturday...and the lilacs were "numero uno" on our list!


Now, truthfully, I liked the lilacs right where they were. In the spring, I could look right out my kitchen window and see them in full bloom. And, of course, if it was a warm day, I would leave the kitchen door open and the smell of fresh lilac would fill the whole house. But my husband said they had to go. He said that they were creeping into the leech bed...and that is definitely a "no-no".


While swatting flies and supervising, which I am very good at, I was reminded of the verses in I Timothy which instructs us to remove ourselves from things that tempt us or will cause us to sin...

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."
I Timothy 6:9

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." I Timothy 6:11

So, I understand why the lilacs need to be transplanted, and why sometimes we are required to "remove" some worldly things from our lives...in order to "follow after righteousness..."