Never a dull moment! As I was sitting at my computer this morning, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I knew it wasn't a mouse, as it was white. At first I thought I was hallucinating, but then it showed itself again. I wasn't quite sure what it was so took a picture of it and send it to a good friend. He informed me it was an Ermine! I do not recall ever seeing one, much less running across my kitchen floor!
My dog had fun chasing it around the living room for awhile, but I am not sure where it is now. He never caught it and I haven't seen it since before chore time this morning. I guess with him lurking around the house I won't have mice. Being out in the country, a mouse or two always finds its way into the house...to be greeted by a trap. The fun of country living! Wouldn't trade it for the world!
Time to continue with my rearranging of furniture to accommodate my Christmas tree! Will be interesting to see if I find him curled up in a ball under my couch. Eeeeek!

I had surgery on my right hand a few days ago, so have been trying to not use it too much. The worst part is I am right handed. I have been doing chores one bucket at a time instead of two. It takes me a little longer but is still manageable. A person takes for granted how often we use our hands. This has been an eye-opener for me, that's for sure.
I have written less over the past few days, but have done some brainstorming and have several titles waiting to be turned into articles. My Blog has also been slightly neglected, but I am on the mend and anxious to get back on track. I wish for a small corner of my house to be just mine, with a door I can close to keep noise and interruptions out. Why is it when I am trying to work on an article, family members decide that is when they need me the most? I do my best work in the late afternoon and evening, and that is when the house is most occupied. I am trying to change my writing times, but some days it doesn't work to my advantage.
I may have to turn my son's room into a quiet place to work...he is only here every second weekend as he lives with his Dad. I don't think he'll mind as long as he has his space when he is home. He is quite accustomed to his room becoming the catchall for my fabric and batting, so if it is better organized he won't mind a bit.
For those who have noticed the Donate button to the right, I am working toward expanding my farm. I am very interested in purchasing a farm and raising Alpacas and Dexter cattle. Our current acreage is only rented and does not have the proper fencing or watering system for more than a few animals. I have my eye on a couple of different properties, and am optimistic they will still be available in the spring. This way, I will have had all winter to save enough to purchase both farm and starter package of animals. I am confident my writing and sewing will continue to increase my income, but the getting there is the hard part.
Now to do some tidying and get to my articles. Have a great day!

It is another beautiful day today! The horses and calves are happier, and are soaking up some sun. The horses are alternating between eating the hay bale I dropped in the pen for them yesterday and the windbreak I made. I guess I put the bales a little closer to the fence than I thought.
Tonight is Extravaganza Night in town! Local businesses have a lot of specials and draws for customers. There is also a parade, which is usually pretty awesome. Its amazing how creative people are with the Christmas lights on a float. I'm so happy the weather is at least co-operating this year, as it will make the horse drawn wagon rides much more enjoyable for all. The bonfires will also be lit in different locations and the ice rink is ready for the skaters. And with the little bit of snow we got over the last couple of days, it will definitely feel like Christmas.
I am contemplating getting my decorations and Charlie Brown tree out of their storage spot. With all the fabric I still have stacked in my computer area, I am unsure as to where to put the tree this year. My house is less than 1000 square feet, so space is very limited. Maybe I'll have to get extra busy over the weekend and make a few more quillows and some Christmas stockings. That will use up a couple of bolts at least.
I have also been writing some articles and publishing them on Helium and HubPages. I am quite excited and impressed with Helium, as I continue to earn money on a daily basis. Along with my sewing, my writing is turning into a lucrative hobby.
I continue to expand my horizons and enjoy the things I like to do. My goal is to have a farm which provides my family and I with most of our needs. I am trying very hard to purchase a place of our own, and am putting away as much as I can for it. I long for a sewing room again and a space to call my own. If men can have their "man caves", women should get their space as well.
Have a great weekend everyone, and for you struggling writers out there...I encourage you to click on the links above and browse the two sites. It may be the boost your career needs. And for those who aren't struggling, your expertise is also welcomed.

Our cold snap is over! I shouldn't complain about the cold though...it didn't last very long and being an Albertan you'd think I would be used to it by now. I will be taking advantage of the warmer afternoon and moving bales around so it is easier to feed the horses and calves when it does get cold again.
I finally got my sewing machine pulled out again! I made a quillow yesterday in a solid green poly/cotton blend. It awaits being taken into town to the little store that has my other crafts on display. I will be making a few of them over the next week, as they make wonderful Christmas gifts. I have decided to use solid fabrics only for them, and no pillow panels. Sometimes solid colors are the best. They are also great to keep in a vehicle, especially during the winter months. They do not take up a lot of room, and come in quite handy in case of an emergency. They are also great for napping passengers. Since these are very basic, I will be charging $40.00 each for them. While at a local Craft Sale a few weeks ago, I saw them retailing for $55.00. They were, however, made with a pillow panel. Mine are approximately 40"X70".
I have not started Christmas shopping yet...is that a bad thing? I still prefer to make gifts, but most people on my list want certain things. Whatever happened to the day of homemade gifts and appreciative recipients? Last Christmas I did make my daughter a crocheted toque and scarf set, which she wore all winter. It was something she needed, and will get many years of use out of. When I was a little girl, my Grandma used to make my sister and I slippers and pajamas...those were the best gifts ever!
I had best get busy and continue on with my list for the day. Until next time...stay safe and remember what the holiday season is about. It is so easy to get caught up in the commercialism and hustle and bustle.

Winter is here!

Much to my dismay, winter has set in. I am not liking the cold...seems the older I get, the less I like it. The worst part has got to be the bone-chilling wind that cuts right through everything. The temperature this morning was colder than yesterday, but it felt warmer because there was no wind. Doing chores was much nicer!
Along with winter comes the holiday season. I do not usually decorate our house until the beginning of December, starting with my Christmas Village. I always have fun setting it up, and it is not uncommon for the little figurines to get moved around occasionally. My kids call it our Ukrainian Village.
I am hoping to put up a few lights outside this year as well. I know it should have been done when the weather was warmer, but since no lights will be going on the house itself it won't be a big chore.
I have had a hard time getting into the Christmas Spirit the last few years, but this year feels better. Different circumstances the past five years have put a lot of stress on me, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I like to think of myself as an optimist, and try to find good in every situation. That can be very difficult sometimes.
I am concentrating more on writing these days, and am trying to bring myself to start a book about my son's diagnosis, treatment and recovery. It will be good for the healing process, but also very difficult to write. I have an article on HubPages about it, and had a hard time with that. The book will be so much harder to write, but will have so many benefits. I guess I just need to bite the bullet and do it.
I also have a mountain of fabric to do something with. The Holiday prints keep calling my name, but I have yet to answer them. Time to find my Christmas Stocking pattern and get busy.
Errands await me, so I will close for now. Have a great day all!

Second Year

Our second year of 4H has officially started! We brought the new calves home yesterday, and they seem to be adapting well. They are from the same farm, so are familiar with one another. They do miss their moms though, and are bellowing frequently. Another day or two and they will be more comfortable with their new surroundings and won't be quite so noisy.
We learned quite a bit last year, and decided to put the rope halter on the project steer while he was in the head gate. That was much easier than trying to rope him and tie him to a post, which is what we did last year. The fun part is going to be hanging on to the end of that rope. He is over two hundred pounds lighter than the one last year, so he shouldn't be as hard to hold onto....at least I'm hoping not.
We had a couple minor repairs to make in the corral, but it was done before the calves arrived. That was better than having to work around them. The biggest fix was blocking off the V-gate, as they could easily escape that way. The horses didn't try to go through it, but calves are a whole different story!

Busy, Busy

My last week and a half has been busy! We are building a pen for our horses, as the 4H calf and pen mate arrive on Sunday. According to the previous owner, the horses do not like cows....they put his through a barb wire fence. We do not want the same scenario, so will keep them separate right from the start.
I have also found a new venue for my writing! When I haven't been working in the yard, I have been getting a feel for the new site. I have also been reading and rating other articles, which I really enjoy. I am very good at spotting mis-spelled words and improper grammar, so this is fun for me. I only wish I could read these articles before they are published and fix the mistakes. My kids tell me I'm psycho when it comes to that, but my son admits to being the same way.
I wish I could find a proofreading job as a sideline...it would make the author's articles rate higher if they didn't have the errors. I do know sometimes its just a slip of the finger, and spell check only picks up on it if the word is spelled wrong. There are many cases where the word is spelled right, but not in the right context. For example, the meant to spell "if" and spelled "is" instead. That is why it is so important for authors to double check their articles.
The most wonderful thing about the new site I have found for my writing is it has already brought me some money. I have five articles published already, and have only been with them for just over a week. I have read and rated close to one hundred, and that helps boost my earnings as well. The more I submit, the more I earn. I also like the fact they have many different channels to write about. I have many interests, and have made myself a list of titles on the site that need articles. As the days and weeks go on, I will work through my list and reap the rewards.
For anyone who likes to write, I highly recommend Helium as an outlet for their creativity. Along with a place to publish, authors also have access to many resources with which to improve their writing skills. I was fortunate enough to have found the site via an article I read on HubPages and I am more than happy to share what I found. An author's success depends on others...words mean nothing if they are not read.
Have a great day all!

A New Writing Site

Good morning! I am happy to say I have found a new place to earn some money with my writing. I was on HubPages the other day, and read a Hub about writing resources. I looked into one of the links, and am happy to say I have joined Helium. I have not looked into the others much yet, but will in the next day or so. I am very impressed with what Helium has to offer, and feel that anyone who writes will be as well. The avenues range from poetry to songs to short stories...and everything in between. It is a very extensive list...I encourage you to take a look. Plus, once one article has been submitted, you can begin to rate others. I joined two days ago, and have already submitted tow articles plus rated at least ten.
They not only pay for articles you contribute, they also have a Marketplace where you can submit works to other publications. I suggest you click on the Helium link and see what they have to offer. It could be a lucrative journey.
I apologize for the short post today, but I do have an agenda I have to stick to today. Have a great day, and please let me know what you think of Helium.

Google & HubPages

Wow! I publish articles on HubPages and have a Google Adsense account. I just checked my earnings for today, and found I made $.93! I know it doesn't sound like much, but it is the best I have made in any given day since I signed up several months ago. I was beginning to get a little frustrated since I haven't earned much over the last couple of weeks...only a penny here and a penny there.

I have my HubPages account and Blogger account linked to Adsense, and am happy to report it is slowly generating some revenue for me. It costs nothing to join, so if you don't already have an account I recommend you get one. Everyone can use a little extra cash here and there. Don't be disappointed if you don't make much at first...as time goes on your earnings will slowly multiply. I have been very patient, and it is very exciting to see earnings like that in one day!

For those of you who have blogs, just hit the "monetize" tab on your Dashboard and it will walk you through. For those of you who don't, go to Google Adsense and it will help you get set up. It won't pay thousands at first, but in time the earnings will grow.

My mornings have been starting extra early lately, so I must go to bed earlier as well. Have a good night all and best of luck with your ventures!

Combining, HubPages & More...

Just when I thought the weather was going to be nice! Why does it have to rain when harvesting needs to be done?

I must be a farmer at heart...never happy with the weather. Its too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, too windy! If we didn't have the weather to complain about, conversations would never be started with strangers. The weather is the most talked about subject with anyone we meet...at least in my opinion.

I have learned to run a combine! One more piece of farm equipment I can operate. I was very scared at first, but as the afternoon went on, I gained some confidence. I was not very happy when one of the sections of pickup teeth went through the combine though. Its amazing how much force machinery has...all I can say is I would not want to be caught up in that! I was picking up shredded and twisted metal bits out of the straw...that section will NOT be getting baled. It will be too hazardous for the tractor, baler and cows. I will be going back to that section with a big magnet to pick up what I missed.

As the days go by, and winter approaches, I realize how much I needed to build a shed this summer. I have a small one, but building a bigger one would have been a very good idea. I guess I procrastinated because I was hopeful I could buy an acreage before winter. Unfortunately, that was not to be this fall. The saying goes good things come to those who wait, so I figure if I wait the winter, I will be able to make things happen in the spring. I will be saving my pennies for a down payment...with any luck my HubPages articles will continue to generate some income.

It is not so much the articles as the ads that generate the income. The more ads clicked on, the more authors earn. This is true for anyone who publishes on HubPages. I have been an author on HubPages for nine months now, and have written over twenty articles. My most viewed Hub is the one I wrote on Fabric Yo-Yo's - the next most popular is the one I wrote on Flowers We Can Eat. I have also gotten very positive feedback from readers on several other articles I have written.

Once harvest time is over, I will be able to settle in and get creative again. My piles of fabric await me, and I will continue to make quilts, wallhangings and other crafts for the Holiday Season. I love this time of year, and getting into the spirit of the season is much easier when I am sewing. I have several bolts of holiday prints, and will be making Christmas Stockings, table runners, wall hangings and quilts. I will be using regular prints for these items as well, as not everyone will be wanting to purchase strictly holiday items.

Another neat idea for this time of year is making up gift baskets. They can be made as simple or extravagant as we wish. If making them to sell, however, we need to consider the needs or wishes of the consumer. Coffee, tea and cookie baskets are always a popular choice. Once a person gets into making them, it is hard to stop. I will be making a few for the sewer and crafter in mind.

I had best close for the day, as there are many things to be done before it dries enough for the harvest to continue. Have a great day to all my readers...and please...stay safe!

Wish Foundation Link

As promised, I have set up the web page for my son's Team for the Children's Wish Foundation Walk on October 16th at West Edmonton Mall. My page link is http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1008179 and all sponsorships go directly to the foundation. Please help us support this very worthy cause! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Children's Wish Foundation

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is holding its 6th Annual Wishmaker Walk for Wishes on October 16th. This event raises funds to grant wishes for children who are battling life threatening illnesses. I know first hand it is a wonderful cause, as my son has benefited from it. This year, he wants to give something back!

He is putting together a team of walkers...together we will raise money so other children can be granted their wishes as well. He will walk as much as he can, even though it is not easy for him. Being cancer free for over two years is great...the trauma caused by the surgery so he could keep his leg is not so great. As time goes on, it will get better I'm sure.

Donations can be made online directly to the foundation...I will be providing a direct link once I have him registered. Team members do not have to walk if they choose not to...they can join the virtual walk and collect pledges online. I will be walking with him, as will his sister and other family members and friends. One of his classmates has already said she will walk with him as well. The walk we are attending is in West Edmonton Mall...so no matter what the weather is like, we will be warm. Even if it were outside, it would not deter me from participating.

We would appreciate any pledges possible, as this is such a good cause. One never knows when a seemingly healthy child will be diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness...the Wish Foundation makes living with the illness a little more bearable. I will be posting the link this week. Thank you in advance for your support!

Cell Phone Mishap, etc.

Our morning seemed to start out okay...got up, my daughter got organized for work, and into town we went. I dropped her off and headed home. She called to find out if her cell phone was in the van or at home...it wasn't. I told her to check the parking lot, and sure enough...there it was! It had fallen when she got out of the van...and I ran it over!!! They tend not to work too well after that!

Needless to say, she was in need of a new one. I prefer her to have one, so off I went to a Walmart an hour away. I got her a texting phone, which is what she mainly uses hers for anyhow. I do hope this one stays out from under the tires!


We had another beautiful day today...the leaves are so pretty this time of year. The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies most of the week, which is a very good thing. We need some sun and heat so the harvesting can be finished.

I am slowly getting all of my bales moved...it is a lengthy process, as the twine breaks and I have to pitch it into the truck with the pitchfork. My son was a big help yesterday, as he drove the truck and my daughter and I tossed the bales in. He also unloaded a truck full of loose hay. I appreciate any help he is able to give me, as walking isn't the easiest for him.

I will be starting a sewing frenzy soon...I was just informed of a Trade Show coming up at the end of October that I very much want to be a part of. I will be making small projects, such as table runners, Christmas stockings, pot holders, quillows, fleece sets, fleece plankets (no, this is not a typo...pillow and blanket together), etc. I am very excited, as sales are usually very good this time of year. I am enlisting the help of a very good friend to make me a quilt rack for my display. It is so nice to have such a talented friend...the same one who will be making me my sewing table this winter.

Tomorrow is a new day, and I will be picking out my patterns and projects for the Trade Show. I am so excited...it has been awhile since I have attended one!

The Harvest Continues!

I am happy to report there were no falls off of the baler the other day, and no broken bones. I had no idea putting a belt back in a baler is much like threading a sewing machine...if it isn't done properly, it just won't work. It was nice to have the other belts as a guide.

I am waiting for the rain to stop once again so I can continue hauling bales. The fields are just too muddy today to be doing anything. If the sun comes out tomorrow like it is supposed to, I will be back in the field on Wednesday. I am hoping to see another deer, or perhaps a moose like I did last year. Coming across deer, moose or coyotes is not uncommon out in the fields, but still a neat thing for me.

I also need the rain to stop so I can dig my potatoes. We have had frost a couple nights already and the tops are frozen. I spent time in the rain picking all of my tomatoes and peppers before the heavy frost Thursday night. Today I pulled the onions. I have also rescued the pumpkins...at least the ones the wildlife didn't find. Next year I put my tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and watermelon under glass. I did learn something this year which I hadn't known before...do not plant watermelon and zucchini close together. I had watermelon that looked like watermelon on the outside...but looked and tasted like zucchini on the inside. The reason for this is they cross-pollinated...something I hadn't even considered. Live and learn!

I am hopeful the weather changes in our favor. With the wet summer we have had, there is still hay to be made along with the harvesting of the grain. We do need more than two days without rain...fields just get to the point of drying when it rains again. Don't get me wrong, the moisture is welcome after the dry summer we had last year...if only it would come at the right time. I must be a farmer at heart...never satisfied with the weather.

I will close for the moment...I must take advantage of the wet weather and finish tidying my house and come up with supper for my family. Have a great day...and may the sun shine so we can continue our harvest!

Harvest Time

Will the weather ever co-operate with us?

It is time for harvesting, and all it does is rain...just like it did all summer. With the harvest comes the crazy hours and break-downs. I am helping my Dad and Uncle, and so far they have had swather and baler trouble. I will be helping with the baler today, since I am the youngest and its easier for me to climb on top of it to put the fixed belt back in. Less damage done to my body if I fall than theirs too.

I love being out at the farm...wish I could live closer to it. I am still not very far away, but a mile or so down the road would be so much better. My acreage just isn't the same as the farm...no cows right now (although 4H will be starting up again soon, so we will have my daughter's beef project).

I have my eye on a place a mile and a half away from the farm...it has been for sale for awhile. I would love to buy it, but am unable to secure financing. I'm optimistic my writing will pay off soon...on Hubpages and on here. I have published 24 hubs on HubPages, have been blogging for several months now and have an Amazon store (see link on this page). If anyone has other surefire ways to earn an online income, please share. They must be legitimate ways though...no scams will be appreciated.

It is such a pretty time of year as well...the leaves are changing color and the crops are going from green to yellow. I have the option of taking different routes home, and the backroads are lined with trees. I love seeing the different colors of the leaves. We had our first hard frost last night, which means the leaves will be changing faster and falling faster. The country roads look so nice on a sunny day covered in leaves. I am not ready for winter yet...never am...but the leaves falling reminds me it is coming whether I am ready or not.

I am off to do my part with the harvest...my quilts, blankets and fleece sets will have to wait. Have a good day everyone, and don't be afraid to share your thoughts!

Fleece Projects, etc.

As the weather cools, I can't help but get back into sewing and crocheting mode. This is the year to go back into it full force.

I still have hundreds of meters of fabric and fleece to use up, so will be kept busy all winter long. I made my first-ever fleece hat last night! It turned out alright, but the second one I made is the one that will be sold. My daughter made a fleece mitten...not bad for a first attempt. It does need a little modification on the thumb though. I am quite excited, as I can make hat, mitt and scarf sets...and sell them easily through local shops.

Another item I will be making is a snuggle blanket. I have many different prints and solids on hand, so can have a lot of fun being very creative. The biggest challenge I think is going to be packaging them for sale.

Fleece jackets are also on my list of things to make...I have the first one ready for the sewing machine. I will make these in a variety of sizes, and with the holiday season fast approaching, they will sell quickly.

I attended our local Information Night on Tuesday, and spoke with the Further Education Co-ordinator. I recently decided now is a good time to start teaching classes on the things I enjoy doing. I think my first class will be on making a fleece set...it will be simple and can be done in an evening. I will get some teaching experience as well as earn a few extra much needed dollars.

I have my eye on an acreage just down the road, and it will be ideal...I will finally be able to have a sewing room again. Plus, it is equipped with two large shops, a garage, beautiful home, corrals and waterers. It will be ideal for all of our cats, two dogs, two horses and my daughter's 4H calf. The best part is, it has been well maintained and the roof doesn't leak. Our landlord isn't too keen on putting any money into our place, nor is he willing to sell. I personally cannot justify putting a lot of money into a rental home.

I will be setting up a website within the next month or so displaying my crafts and quilts. I enjoy being home for my teenage children, and prefer to make a living from my hobbies. I know it may not make me rich, but at least I'll enjoy what I do. The older I get, the more I realize life is too short to be miserable...be it relationships or career wise. That realization really set in when my son was undergoing cancer treatment. My world changed after that experience, as did his.

I will close for now, as I had best get busy with my day. Wishing everyone a great day! I will post my website link when I have set it up.

Back To School

Summer vacation is over and kids are back to school! I can't believe how quickly the last two months have flown by!
Our summer was spent close to home...no vacations for us this year. I have spent the better part of the summer helping a friend renovate my parent's house to make it more Senior friendly. Lower tub and main floor laundry will make their lives easier...as well as mine. I won't have to worry about them falling down the stairs as they go to do laundry. At their age, a fall could easily lead to disaster.
I have learned how many things need to be taken into account when renovating a house. I have also learned how to drywall, tape and mud the right way. Although I didn't go anywhere, it has still been a very educational summer.
Now that school is back in and renovations are coming to an end, I can once again start concentrating on getting back to my sewing. I have found a small store which will display my crafts for a small monthly fee, which is ideal for me. I can now have my items displayed on a daily basis, and not have to pack up everything and take it to Farmer's markets and craft shows.
With Christmas just around the corner, it is the perfect time to get out the sewing machine and crochet hook and get busy. And, since I have hundreds of meters of fabric at my disposal, there is no reason to not have a large variety of items available.
Time to get my nephews a snack...they are so much fun at this age. It has been awhile since my children were 4 and 5...I forgot how busy they can be at that age.
Have a great day!