GOODBYE 2017 - WELCOME 2018!

As I walk into 2018 I am blessed with a decision I made last year.

For just over a year I worked for a publisher as their Marketing Director, then their Social Media division. At first, I was thrilled with the job. When the grandgirls arrived in June for the summer, something in me shifted. I realized that no job (especially one I wasn't paid for) was more important than family. I spent the summer agonizing over spending time with the girls while realizing I should be getting some work done.

For me, family ALWAYS comes first. No exceptions. The rest will come in its own time.

While I didn't get to celebrate the turn of the wheel, I did have a vision as I drifted off to sleep.

I wish I could draw, because the vision was incredibly real.

I saw a cauldron. Over the cauldron I held a small piece of paper, burning in one corner, and the word JOB printed in bold black letters.

When I awoke the next morning I knew what I had to do. A week later I turned in my resignation and as of December 1, I have been happily unemployed - or rather self-employed and doing what I love - CREATING.

I know I dropped the ball on a lot of projects last year. Mostly due to the job I no longer have. The BOS was one project I really wanted to finish by the turn of the wheel. I was doing fine until I ran out of paper (How did 500 sheets disappear over the course of 8 years in storage?) I'm hoping this new ream of paper will be a close enough match or I'm tea-staining the whole lot! 

Then I had to prep the house for company, followed by a 4-day conference, then the week-long company. Before I knew it, the wheel was turning and I'd not completed the one project I really wanted done. But I'm hopeful. Now that I'm on my in my own creative time-zone.

I am still happy with the publisher as a whole and hope to pitch my non-fiction book ideas to them. But I'm also thinking I like the idea of indie-publishing and creating the companion workbooks.  Time and the universe will tell.

What changes are you hoping for in 2018? Have you put yourself on your course of change since the turn of the wheel or are you just starting out? I hope you'll leave a comment below and tell me your thoughts.

Blessings
~Rain

BLESSED YULE

My little haven is shrouded in mist this morning. Temperature is in the uppper 40s. In all, a very pleasant way to wake up on Yule. 

We've not had typical December weather this year so the prospect of this being the shortest day of the year and that from this point on our days begin to lengthen saddens me. While surrounding areas have had snow in past years, we've not seen 'measurable' snow in four years. Mother Nature seems to have flipped up her skirts. Yesterday, I found a dandelion in the yard! I fear for the lack of changes in our weather pattern. I can only pray the 2018 garden season will not suffer and leave everything in the God and Goddess' hands.

This year, I finally got to put up a Yule tree. I've wanted one in my office since the room was built but like everything else, just never seemed to get there. This year, a challenge on YouTube inspired me to craft my way to this beautiful tree.

Eclectic Kristen challenged us to decorate our tree or an area in our home for $20 or less, using items from $ Tree or dollar-only (or less) items purchased elsewhere. The tree/ lights and skirt were not included in the cost.

I purchased a 3' pre-lit tree at Walmart, then off to $ Tree I went.

Finding rustic/ yule items is not as difficult as you might think. Stags and burlap seem to be the going thing this year.

Here's a video of how the tree went together:

I also did a VIDEO on how some of the decorations came together.

I know some things didn't get finished this year. I'll be doing a post next week on what happened and how I'm changing things for a better plan in 2018.

Blessings

~Rain

TOOLS - Techy Witch

I'm a traditionalist by most standards. I use hard copy planners, read print books over eBook and prefer curling up in bed or my chair with an actual television as opposed to streaming something on my tablet.

That said, I do have apps on my phone that I love. MOON PHASES by BHMedia is one of my favorite apps. I believe it's only for IOS  There are several similar apps ranging from Free to less than $3.00 Many of the Free appear to have in-purchase options that upgrade what you have available to you in the app.

I can look at any given day and see the moon phase, including the percentage, moon rise/ set time, coordinating zodiac sign and how many nights until the next quarter and Full Moon.

The app also gives information for the best hunting/ fishing, weather/ humidity/ wind and sun data. One of my favorite parts of the app is the Planting view. This part shows what plants are best for planting in the current phase as well as what you should avoid doing up until the next full moon phase.

Is there an app you like to use in your Magickal arsenal? I love checking out new things that I can add to my cabinet - portable or otherwise.
Blessings
~Rain

TOOLS - BOS Part 1

This was my table the day of the Solar Eclips. I covered the table with a 100% cotton cloth, then topped that with the marine vinyl that will be the cover. The two layers helped protect the papers and other items I have to make the Book of Shadows.
Aside from the almost 500 pg ream of a Nenah paper in a vintage-toned vanilla, I have the tube for the spine, heavy cording for the spine accent, and a couple of crystal dishes with metal embellishments such as protective corners and clasps. I used my crystal to weight the paper down and give it a nice charge at the same time. The other important piece to this project is the  dual deckle-edged ruler from PLAID. Sadly, this product has been discontinued by the manufacturer but you may find one on Ebay...

I've divided my ream of paper by the number of days between now and Sanhaim. If I tear 10 pages a day, that will have the entire ream done in time to put the BOS together a couple of days before.

Tearing the pages doesn't take as long as you might think. But I guess the first question you may be asking is "why are you tearing the edges?" Good question. I've always loved that rough torn edge to old books and I wanted to bring that touch of age to my Book of Shadows. 

I am taking 1/4" off of each of three sides - the top/ bottom and right hand.

I position the edge of the paper at the 1/4" mark then lay the ruler along the closest inch mark. Two tips: 

1) Keep a firm press on the ruler at each point you're tearing as you move along the dge

2) Tear straight up, not out. Pulling the paper out can dislodge the paper from underneath the ruler. 

I've put this week's stack on my worktable in alternating sets of 10. If I get a few extra moments, I may tear another set. I think tearing each set once I got into the feel took less than 5 minutes. 

Next week, I'll show you some of the stamp sets I'll be using to decorate the pages. Stampin' UP! has released two very cool Halloween sets in their Holiday 2017 catalog. Being a demonstrator allows me to pick them up at a discount. Can't beat that!

Blessings

~Rain

SOLAR ECLIPSE Magick

Today is the much anticipated day for a large track across the United States. People booked hotel rooms in the direct path of the eclipse a year ago. Some rural areas have opened their fields (for a nominal fee) to accommodate people traveling from miles away and pitching tents for the brief period of time when Moon will pass in front of Sun. While the journey will take some time, the total eclipse will last just under two minutes, if I'm not mistaken. But that two minutes will be magical.

Did you know that solar eclipses only occur during the New Moon? Makes sense, I'd just never given it much thought.

New Moon Magick applies here, yet I believe the phenomenon will create an incredible power.  I've chosen this event to charge my Book of Shadow items - yes finally! Hey, it's been a crazy year.

The grandgirls leave in 8 days. Just does not seem possible our summer is coming to a close. While the youngest is ready to see mommy and daddy, the oldest - my heart - doesn't want to leave. Watching her go is going to be so hard yet I'll have to try not to cry as the separation will only be that much harder on her. I'm crying as I type this so yeah, going to be rough.

While the 5 yr old won't grasp the significance of today's event, the eldest is excited. We've watched the video below with great information:

The fact that this hasn't happened across the US since 1776 makes this truly an astronomical event. 

I've heard many people planning to use Welder's Goggles.  These are NOT rated high enough.  Those are for cutting torch use. You need something rated at a 14 to view the eclipse safely. Welding helmets will work. I own three. Well, we originally only owned 2 but I could not find a pair of glasses in Springfield this week at all. I heard Hyvee got in 4,000 pair on Thursday night and they were gone in two hours. Yeah, I know I should have ordered them sooner. Just never sure about ordering something like that and having the product be safe. As to local purchase, not in our small town and I didn't think about them when we were in the city. So Welding Helmets it is. 

Please share your eclipse experience in the comments. I'd love to hear of any spell work you did or where you traveled from to be in the path.

Blessings

~Rain

THE DAYS GROW SHORTER....

.... and so does my time with the girls.

Again, not enough hours in the day to do all the things I want to do with them. In the last couple of days, a cold front has moved through, leaving us with less humid days and gorgeous evenings for garden wandering.

Gardening is one of Adrian's favorite things to do. She checks the tomatoes first thing after breakfast each morning. Yesterday, she filled a 1/2-sized buffet pan so this morning I'll be showing her how they go from garden to canning jar. I figure I'll have about six wide-mouth pints.

I was her age (9) when my dad and 'step'mom got custody of me. That was in May. By August I was learning how to wash the canning jars in a big galvanized wash tub out in the yard. I had a dishcloth on the end of a butter knife to get down into the jar all the way. I got the first two washes... one to wash the storage dirt out of them, the next to get them super-clean ... followed by a cool rinse (this broke up the soap particles) then a warm rinse. From there, Mom put them into another tub full of super hot water to rest until she was ready to put food into them for canning.

I'll be starting with fresh jars so they'll just need a rinse and scald but she can wash the tomatoes before I put them into the boiling water to slip the skins. I figure every summer that she's able to visit, she'll learn a bit more.

One thing Adrian is anticipating is the Solar Eclipse that occurs on August 21st. We are just a slip off the main track, meaning we will see the eclipse at about 98%. Grandpa got out his 2 welding helmets and I have a high spot picked out for us to have a picnic in the bed of the truck and wait for the temporary dark to fall. I'm really excited to share this phenomenal experience with my girls. Abby won't get it, but Adrian loves anything having to do with being out of doors.

Speaking of the girls, they should be waking up soon. Even though we're in the mid-west, I've kept them on Pacific NorthWest time so their sleeping schedules are not messed up when they go back home a few days prior to starting school.

Getting to the computer for blogging is not a priority these days as you can see, and hopefully understand. However, later in the week I'll show you some visitors to our yard.

Many Blessings
~Rain

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

I'm having way too much fun to spend time on the computer. Of course, their mom asked if I'd do some summer school stuff with them. Crafting, playing, schooling... pretty much makes up our daytime hours.

By 9 p.m. most nights the girls and I are snuggled in our king-sized bed watching their favorite shows - together. This gives me a chance to see what they like and giggle right along with them. At 10 p.m., Abby (age 5) goes to her bed and Adrian (age 9) gets 30 more minutes with me... sometimes an entire hour depending on the show. She likes to watch CHOPPED with me.. but really, I think it's just an excuse to cuddle with me a bit longer. It's what we do and when we have our best chats.

Adrian is at that age where young lady blessings will enter her life. Her mom is good about stuff like that but I'm pretty sure there are times when she'll want to talk to grandma. Thank the Goddess for technology.

I'm looking forward to a Full Moon later this week. I hope to set some things out to absorb a bit of moon energy... if the rains will hold off. I've not forgotten my BOS project. Just not enough hours in the day... though I did plant extra Thyme in the garden last week. ;-)

Blessings
~Rain

MAY DAY BLESSINGS!

I remember being in Second Grade in Longmont Elementary School - Longmont CO and being taught the Maypole in the school gymnasium. I can't say for sure but with all of the restrictions on learning culture and history, I think I'm safe to bet my granddaughter isn't enjoying the same experience tomorrow.

The Maypole tradition is thousands of years old. For many this ceremony is part of MidSummer otherwise known as Beltane.  The tradition various from region to region.

For me, when I see the Maypole I see a strong tree, sprouting with new growth, representing all the colors of the populace that make up our world. Men and Women, Boys and Girls of all walks of life and ethnicity working together towards a common goal... Unity.

I'd love for you to share your thoughts.

And if you're feeling a bit mischievous, feel free to fill a basket of flowers and leave on someone's door, ring their doorbell then run!

Many Blessings!
~Rain 

EARTH DAY

Did you do anything 'special' on Saturday? For me, Earth Day is every day. I strive to recycle as much as possible, give back to Mother Earth and treat her well.

The past few days have been wet, windy, cold, icky. And I have a sore throat to prove it. Grr. Lots of honey when I get back home. I've been in the city since Thursday. Today, before I head home I'm stopping at Lowes in hopes of picking up strawberry plants. The row is ready for them. 56' row to be exact. That will hold approximately 34 plants. My next project will be to get a second row ready to transplant the runners over to. If I'm blessed, then next year I should have lots of strawberries. Well, providing the deer and bunnies don't find them first. ;-) I don't mind sharing with the critters but I wish they'd feel the same. LOL

Are you planting a garden? What's on your planting list? If you post pics, please link in the comments section.

Blessings
~Rain

FULL MOON - The Pink Moon

Known by multiple names, including Pink Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon and Lenten Moon, the April Moon is the heralding of Spring in all it's glory. Sometimes also referred to as the Easter Moon because Easter is the first Sunday following the full moon.

While the moon may not show as pink, when this beauty rises in the sky at 1:09 a.m (CST) we can truly celebrate the awakening of new growth and a fresh spirit.

We have storms in the forecast for here so I'm not sure I'll get to view the moon... but I'll know it's there and another turn has begun.

How will you celebrate the "Pink Moon"?


Blessings
~Rain

COLOR MY WORLD

Last week I mentioned how the Cherry Blossom bush didn't seem affected by the freeze. Unfortunately, the entire top of the bush got hit hard, only a few blossoms on the lower half survived. I clipped the last remaining one and brought it in to enjoy the scent as long as I could. With so few of them blooming, they scent did not permeate the yard as if the whole bush would have bloomed out.

While on a business trip to Springfield last week, I found a new Tarot deck. I really liked this one as I can really impart my own energy into the deck. Seems like everything is about coloring these days and while I'm not big on the adult coloring books (they don't hold the same appeal to me as a children's color book) this, however, spoke to me. I'm looking forward to relaxing hours on the deck with the colored pencils (included, though I may use my Prisma pencils instead)

What new tools and toys are finding their way into your bag of tricks? Enable me!

Blessings

~Rain

WELCOME SPRING! - Ostara

In like a lion... out like a lamb.

I'm not sure where we fall here in the Ozarks. We did have a couple of decent storms early in the month. On the 11th we had our first winter snow storm - yes our first. Our average snowfall per season is 17"... we have had 1.7" And I'm pretty sure we are done.

We've had rain, sleet, hail from pea size to soft ball in some places... but the snow is done for the year.

Potential peach crops were severely damaged by the freeze last weekend as were other budding flowers and plants.

Tulips are coming up though they've not bloomed yet. The daffodils weathered the cold pretty well and the grape hyacinth are filling the bird feeding area. The Cherry Blossom bush doesn't seem the worse for the cold and the sweet scent of the pink clusters are beginning to fill the air.

While grocery shopping last week I bought a bouquet of colored daisies in blue, white, pink and yellow. I will add a picture of them on my altar in the next day or two. I'm still battling this silly head cold and haven't done much that required leaving the recliner.

Yesterday I brought home 12 straw bales to add to the 8 or so I have in the green house. I'm anxious to clear out the decomposed bales from last year and set in the new bales for a new growing season. The composted bales will fill the potato tires and be the base for the flower beds and planters.

How have you welcomed Spring? Link up pictures of you altar. We'd love to see.

Blessings
~Rain 

FEBRUARY 28

While this is not a monumental day for most - unlike the celebration of February 29th when we would be honoring Leap Year, today is important for some of us.

The Salem Witch Hunts began on this day in 1692 though History.com lists them as beginning on March 1. And in a way that is true. For it was March 1 when three young girls and a Barbados woman were charged with the practice of witchcraft and the true hunt for other witches was on. Even if History.com is correct, you can bet that the talks of Witch Hunts began long before February 28th as well. 

The whole thing began when the girls began experiencing odd medical symptoms... something people had never seen before. In today's times, we still have new malady's rearing their heads yet no one claims witches. Does this mean we have evolved? Did we learn from past mistakes? 

While in some ways we have, the political atmosphere in our country still reeks of discrimination. And while I am not normally political, I can't help but feel as if we are living in a time of a political witch hunt. Immigrants whom have lived in this country their entire lives now fear of being sent 'back' to a country they have never been. 

As witches, we claim that we have power... and WE DO! We have the power to set an example of Love, Respect, Inclusion. Rather than breed the political disease continuing to spread across our lands, BE the person you want everyone to be. I once had someone say to me. 'I didn't know you were a witch. You're so nice." Thank you? LOL

Remember what today stands for then do everything you can to peacefully stop the hunt.

Blessings!

~Rain

FULL MOON - SNOW MOON - ECLIPSE

File picture of the SuperMoon from last year

I meant to post this last week but I've been so busy doctoring the hubby, miserable with a head cold, and trying to get work done before he kindly shared it with me. Guess what I woke up with this morning... and we have a full week ahead of us getting taxes done and one of my contractors coming in next weekend to insulate the office. While Trevor is here, he is also doing the door frame to the office which hasn't been done yet, and the toe kicks on all the cabinets in the house... that were installed over 10 years ago. Bob is great about doing projects... but like his dad, once the project becomes useable then the finishing touches can drag on forever. I knew this about both men but love(d) them anyway. Since I try not to nag, I've just let them go. 

When my Trevor and my other contractor, Ian, were here in November to build the deck and repair the dining room ceiling (Trevor is a drywaller by trade), Trevor noticed the absence of toe kicks and asked. So I contracted him to do the job. Unfortunately, that means I have til Wednesday or Thursday to get the rooms presentable and the floors steamed before he arrives on Friday afternoon. He may bring his wife out with him at some point to meet me. Trevor and I became instant friends when he assisted with the office build and house roofing in 2014. His wife cleans houses for a living. So yeah, I'd like mine to at least be passable. LOL

Okay, back to the moon. Bob was miserable but he kept trying to go out and watch the eclipse. The night air wasn't a good idea but he was excited. He's usually on the boat when Full Moon's occur and we don't get to view them together, let alone an eclipse. Our challenge was that by the time the moon had topped the trees, the eclipse was past.

However, I had such a feeling of Samhain as I viewed the moon through the bare tree branches. So pretty. As I stood beneath the moon's glow I got an idea for my first 'consumable' book that I hope to have on Amazon by August first. I'll give you more details about the book and when you can purchase the journal as I travel the process.

Creative Blessings!

~Rain

STUDY - The Everyday Tarot

Normally, I would put this under TOOLS but my next post for that isn't scheduled til the 7th. I didn't want to wait that long to show you my newest purchase. While in Springfield for a dental appt. last week I stopped in at Barnes & Noble on the off chance they'd have Miss Deborah's Tarot Deck. Yay!

So here's an unveiling of how the deck is packaged. 

First off, the box is gorgeous. Not a flimsy deck of cards style box but a beautifully crafted hinged lid box.

When you open the box, this is your first look at the contents:

 A navy grosgrain ribbon assists in removing the Guidebook. Lifting the book out, reveals the deck below, shrink wrapped to keep the cards crisp in shipping.

Pretty!

I plan to consecrate the deck next weekend and begin exploring the possibilities this deck holds. Of all the decks I own, I'm already 'feeling' this one and I've not popped the plastic. 

Blessings

~Rain

SABBAT - Imbolc

I found this image from pixabay to be so serene. As Imbolc is anchored in candles and the Goddess, Brigid, this picture called to be downloaded and shared with you.

While I'm really focusing on practicing the craft and spirituality, I am still getting caught last minute with 'oh, it's Imbolc' kind of moments. So I'm holding ritual tonight with bare bones of supplies. Candles I have. LOTS of candles and in the appropriate colors. I need to find an altar cloth combo in White and Red.

I did get up this morning and start cleaning like a mad woman. LOL I warned Bob ahead of time and let him now that I was on a cleaning spree. By the time I sink into the ritual bath this evening I will have the laundry caught up and my altar area spiffy.

I did stop at a flower shop yesterday and purchase flowers in white and yellow. I have two white carnations, a yellow spider mum and a yellow rose backed by a sprig of leather leaf.

When I asked Bob to get a vase down for me, I needed one with a wide enough mouth to hold the five stems. The only one I had that had a bulbus bottom I really didn't trust on the altar when Spirit Kitty decides he needs to investigate the changes I make there. Bob reaches down a wine bottle. Yes, I believe the vessel is perfect for this occasion.

My word for this year is RESET. I just want to hit the reset button on my life. My plan is to rid myself of things I don't need to do and focus on the things that will bring me joy. Imbolc is the perfect Sabbat for me to set things in motion. My other plan for tonight is to charge the ruler I'll be using to tear the edges of my BOS pages as well as consecrate my new tarot deck (you'll see that post tomorrow). 

When I'm finished with ritual tonight, I'll make notes about the tools I would like to have on hand for the next Sabbat as well as for Imbolc next year.

May Brigid join you this Sabbat and your intentions prosper throughout the year. 

Blessed Be

~Rain

A NEW TAROT DECK!

No, not this one. I got this image from pixbaby.

However, there is a gorgeous new tarot deck out by Deborah Blake. The Everyday Witch Tarot released this month. I've been waiting for what seems, ever. I've known this deck was in the works but all things extraordinary take time - two years for this deck. You can read about the release on Deborah's January 2nd, post HERE.

Illustrator, Elisabeth Alba did an amazing job of bringing the images to life. And in all that time, the two never met in person until the deck was finished and being shipped. You can see Elisabeth's post about her first meet-up with Deborah HERE. 

I haven't purchased my deck yet, but I'm eyeing a signed edition in Elisabeth's Etsy shop.

Like everything else Deborah Blake puts her name to, she wants the tool to be user-friendly for every level of practitioner.. thus The EVERYDAY Witch.

Llewellyn publications calls this: Charming images pair with simple explanations to make this the go-to deck for anyone seeking to learn or practice the tarot. 

Whether you are familiar with Tarot, never used a deck or looking for a new deck to work with this year, I suggest The Everyday Witch Tarot. 

Blessings!

~Rain

WHAT THE WEATHER?

The weather from coast to coast has been a roller coaster. Less than two weeks ago we were preparing for an ice storm - after having experienced several days in the upper 60s*. The ice wound up being nothing more than rain in my area, while other places had ice up to an inch thick or more. 

This week we've had the upper 60s* again. I spent part of yesterday outside taking pictures of projects I want to work on this year, measuring for flower beds, cleaning kennels before more rain moved in today - and it did with a vengeance - finding it hard to believe I was doing this in late January! I felt like I should be hunting Easter eggs. But then I hunted them in the snow in CO as a child so anything is possible.  We are to have a couple more above average temperature days before we start experiencing normal January weather - as we approach February. How much stock do you take in the ground hog? Personally, at the rate we are going, I'm not holding my breath for an early spring. 

But Earth Mother has a plan. Patience has never been a virtue of mine. I think she is training me. 

Speaking of spring, while out and about yesterday I saw the first nubs of the Naked Ladies, Grandma's Lillies.. whatever you call them. I didn't think to see if the crocus' were popping their little heads yet. I hope they know what they are doing. 

Thankfully, this is an odd numbered year so fruits and vegies will not produce as heartily. I take comfort in that if we do get a killing frost, I won't be out much... and that there is a reason...

Always a reason

Blessings

~Rain

PLANNING AHEAD

You are not seeing things. I did use this jpg on Monday. The image just happens to serve two purposes. Today it's all about the actual planner.

I am a huge planner nut. I've always used a planner in some form and at times more successful than others. This year, my daily planner page includes reminder to not only work out but to meditate. I've added a couple of meditation apps to my phone:

Take A Break - meditation oasis
       You can set this one for a 7-min work break or a 13-min stress relief break
       Sounds include Ocean, Rain, Stream or Music. You can also set for background  noise to                      continue after the break for 5/10/20 min sessions or as a continuous loop.

        The meditation is voice-led and quite relaxing.

The other is Chakra Meditation. Touch the chakra point on the screen and a coordinating zen instrumental plays.

While both apps are free and sufficient as they are, there are in-app purchases available for extras.

The other thing I want to be more mindful of are the Esbbats/ Sabbats. I found fabulous stickers from Wiccan Planners on Etsy. The seller is very nice and even sent an email letting me know she was available if there were challenges with the downloads or I had any questions. Her planner stickers are very colorful and a bright spot in my planner.

The other Etsy shop I purchased from was Persephone's Planner I ordered her Yule planner stickers and she included a free sticker sheet as well as a 10% off my next purchase. I will be ordering from both of these ladies again.

And maybe.. just maybe, with the tools in place I will actually practice my faith on a regular basis.

Do you have any tips you would like to share on practicing your faith in a busy world? I'd love to hear them.

Blessings!
~Rain

Blessed Walk into 2017!

For the past six weeks I've been doing exactly what the planner suggests. I've been enjoying things like finally taking the time to put the studio in order, pitch some stuff and create cards. As soon as I get an even flow going between my Stampin' Up business and the Marketing Director position I have for Saddlebag Dispatches magazine and Oghma Creative Media, I hope to be doing more personal crafting. Putting my BOS together is first on my list and I also have a couple of needlework projects I want to work on, finally.

We had some spring-like days last week. We even hit 70* a couple of days. I worked around the yard a bit but knew it was too early to disturb ground covers and such. It is still January, after all. This week we've had sleet, ice, cold rains and foggy mists. Wednesday they have us forecast for 60's again.

For now, I'm enjoying the little things outside, such as getting an idea of where I want to plant things come spring, watching my chubby little chipmunk widen the opening to his burrow so he can fit through the hole after he's stuffed his cheeks full of peanuts and sunflower seeds. I swear, he is right out of a Chip & Dale cartoon. Chip is good sized... equivalent to a small Guinea Pig. Then there are the squirrels, the two varieties of woodpeckers and a myriad of bird species.

Last week I made homemade suet cakes.

The critters seem to really like them. The first morning they were all fighting over one small feeder even though I had them hung in two other places around the yard.

If you want the full details on how I made them, please visit my Ozarks Journal blog. 

I start my real job today so getting regular posts here will take awhile. I have a couple for this week, then we'll see how things fair next week as that will follow Bob's first week home. And so it begins....

Blessings
~Rain