Giving Thanks Challange

Today is day 3 of the Giving Thanks Challenge.
I was cooking dinner thinking about this post.
I wanted to tell you about my servants. I am very,
very thankful for them. They are my best friends.
Without them I couldn't spend so much time doing all
of the other things I do.

My first one is my mixer. I have a heavy duty mixer
called a Magic Mill. Because of it my bread is always perfect
and my cinnamon rolls are perfect too.
I was going to make Cream Cheese Danish and I know
I owe it all to my mixer.
Then there is my stove. I don't have to go chop wood,
though that might be okay. I have two ovens which I love,
I can knock out so many cookies at one time



I am really, really thankful for my washer and dryer.
It gets used almost every day. Oh I can' t forget
my dishwasher. It helps me keep my messes in check.
Without these things in my life I would have a very different
kind of one.
My time would be spent in different ways.



When my kids were small and all six of them were
such busy kids, I did laundry every day except Sundays.
I did about 10 loads a day.
I can't imagine doing all of that on a scrub board.
I live a very easy life compared to the women before me.
I don't even have to go out and kill a couple chickens for dinner.
And pick them and clean them.
So today, I am very thankful for the servants I have and
how they make my life so easy. I need to remember to be
thankful everyday for those things I take for granted.


~Kim~

Giving Thanks Challange

My friend Sue invited me to take part in the Giving Thanks Challenge.
I didn't join right away because really, I didn't know if I could come up
with enough things.
I thought about it a little more and thought I might try it just to see if I
can because I do like the idea of being thankful everyday.

This is Day Two:



As I walked around today trying to think of just what am I thankful for
I decided since today would have been my Dad's birthday, I am thankful
for him. Without him I wouldn't have been born nor would I be who I am
today.
What I think about today is that he passed on to me the ability to work,
to laugh and even when times get hard just keep going. My Dad was a study
in contrasts.
There is a tenancy to blame our parents for the way we turned out. I think that
is a huge cop out. WE all make choices and if we don't like who we are , change it.
Only we are responsible for us. I have six kids. I know they could write volumes on
the many, many mistakes I made/make. But like my parents, I have learned, we do the
best we know how to do at the time.
Given the cards they were dealt and how they did as people.



I am thankful they had the guts to stand up for what they thought was right,
they took chances and they lived life. On the edge sometimes but boy did
they live it.
I am thankful that while I might not live the way they did, they left me a legacy
of strength and courage.

So today I am thankful for that.

I keep thinking of those people protesting Wall Street. The people who
were protesting here in our town met at Starbucks.
With their laptops and their 5.00 dollar coffee.
That bugs me. My Dad lived in a farm labor camp.
He said once, " The really poor people lived next door."
They were never poor. My grandparents came to California
so their kids could go to college. They gave up their farm and their
land so their kids could have a brighter future.
I am thankful for the sacrifice that my Dad gave for me.

I think we could learn some lessons.

Have a great Thursday!
Kim

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

I am linking today with Everyday Rurality.
It is time for this weeks questions.


1. Alison asks: What's the biggest obstacle you've overcome or need to?

Fear. Sometimes I get so fearful I am frozen. I think I have been working to overcome it all of my life. Sometimes I see it creep into my posts and It upsets me but always it is there. When I was younger I was agoraphobic. I couldn't leave my house. I was so trapped and I had to overcome it step by step. I started by just walking out to the end of my driveway. It threatens to return all of the time. I make myself go out and drive and yes, sometimes I get so sick with panic that I think I will faint but I just keep pushing through it. That is why blogging has been so good for me, because it forces me to interact with people. I can't believe I am sharing this.

2. Julia asks: If you won $100,000 what changes would you make?

I would give it all away. I don't think I would change my life as it is now. God did so much to get me here. I am very thankful for the place I am and since the robbery's at my brothers house, I have really thought about what is important to me and it is my friends and family and my relationships.

3. McGuffy Ann asks: What's the most unusual pet you've had?

My raccoon. I loved my raccoon, she was like my child. She went everywhere with me. Even when I swam in the swimming pool she hung on to my back. I took her for rides in my car and I loved her so much. I always thought of getting another one sometime or maybe even a fox. I do enjoy taming animals. Maybe a bobcat.

4. When do you start decorating for Christmas?

The day after Thanksgiving and it all comes down December 26th.

5. What's your favorite type of magazine to read?

Sewing or County Living or cooking ones or decorating ones. I like them all.


Thanks to Patrice and all of the really nice questions this week.

~Kim~

Well Look Who's Here! Welcome November!

Well, here you are November. I knew you were coming, but I am surprised
just the same. Look at you. You brought some clouds with you and a bit
of wind. How nice to finally see you after all of this time. In years past
I always dread seeing you. Not this year, I am thankful for your
arrival. This year October, decided to stay like September and keep
the warm weather around. I do hope you will bring cold weather.



I have such a hankering for a fire in the wood stove.
I do hope you will bring enough cooler weather to paint the leaves
on the trees. This year, October wanted to stay hidden and there
are hardly any leaves painted red or gold and yellow or orange.
In years past, you only bring brown with you. I hope this year
you will even bring some frost with you to lightly dust the leaves.
It would be nice to see the diamonds sparkling in the early morning
light.




This morning when I turned my calendar and saw that
it was your month, November I am so filled with
thankfulness at the joy of your coming. I know that I will
be sitting and dreaming in front of a warm fire. I know that
the lights will be on and the candles lit and castles will
be being built in my mind.



It is so nice to meet you today, November, I hope you
live up to all that I have planned for you this year. Please,
don't go as fast as October, but slow down a bit and let me
enjoy you.
Welcome back!
~Kim~