What will 2022 bring?

What will 2022 have in store for us? 

This December we had a hot Christmas in the 70's a first for us even for living in Texas and LA. It was very hard to have no pasture from drought and have to feed hay in the heat. 

I think weather will be all out crazy for many in our country along with the crazy politics and lack of work ethic. And China pushing its power into the USA can be seen everywhere. I am so glad we live in the rural Ozarks and do not have to deal with most of the stupidity of city life.

For us we will still farm and raise our own food. 

We might look into getting another guardian dog for the farm, but that takes lots of my time to train.

So I may just hold off for now. One dog is fine for now.

Our ducks are trying to hatch now as winter is here. We might be raising some ducklings indoors if they do hatch out.

People are moving out of the cities and are trying to make it here in the Ozarks. It has been a hard road of learning for many. Lack of decent Internet is one of the hardest things along with poor soil and worse road conditions. We have had people from CA, Ill, NY, and WI move into our town. There are no houses to buy nor rent, a first since we moved here 12 years ago.

Land prices are double what we paid for then.

Building materials are high and price for everything is inflated beyond normal.

I think things are going to get even more expensive in the new year.

I am glad we can make our own food. I love it here and love the seasons, the kind people and clear rivers.

Everyday is unique here in the Ozarks. It is not an easy way of life here but it is a full one.

 

Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine

I was given a surprise gift an antique sewing machine. It is a Willcox & Gibbs electric chainstitching machine.

It needs TLC but I do not have the parts nor time for it. It will be oiled and cleaned before being put on a shelf. Parts hunting will be on going. I hope to find one for parts I can use. At the moment these machines are selling for way more than I want to spend for parting one out.

Is has a broken presser shaft but can still be used. It is not locked up and it can be run by hand. The power cords are suspect and need to be replaced.

The metal foot petal weighs more than the sewing machine.

 

Indian museum

 

If you have been to the Bass Pro shop in Springfield, Missouri then you have been to the museum as well. The one at Big Cedar has more Indian artifacts.

One that I like is the beading from the different tribes

There was a wall of nothing but beaded bags.

Straps and bags on deer skins

Just wonderful

Away for Holidays

Birthday was simple and a wonderful death by chocolate cake was had. These flowers lasted over 3 weeks before drying up. Local flower shop knows what I adore.

Then we took a trip away from our farm Big Cedar Lodge for our anniversary

Stained glass windows in the cabin

Huge cabin with a Christmas tree and a fireplace. Full bath with shower and tub and a full kitchen.

All decorated for the holidays

many photo ops as you walk about the place

The view across a marina of the cabins all lite up for the holidays

Jimmy Morris touches of Bass Pro everywhere

Golf cart self tour of the table rock lake

Many wells and springs

 

Turkey and tractors

This thanksgiving we were invited to a friends place for the big day. They made everything and we brought biscuits. After a big meal we offered to change the fuel filters on their tractor that needed doing.

We did not bring the right tools but got it done, almost.

a few too many gaskets were found and we have to do again. 

Hard to get the right parts these days

We live close so we will bring our tools to get this done.

 

Life on mars

This doe got her leg stuck in our chicken yard

She got it torn up good

 

Had to cut the fence and let her rest. We call her limpy. She has a scar and limps but is doing well with her two fawns. She was trying to get to the chicken feed. 

Jack O' Lantern hat

Finished hat felt hat, foam clay, real moss some paper Mache, and sewn in orange LED into the face plate

Vine arms and claws

Glass eyes placed in the vines

See how they glow

This hat was finished and given away to highest bidder. The money collected at the charity raffle was donated to another artist who needed funding. If I have enough time I will make more seasonal hats for charity. At the moment things are quite busy on the farm.

 

Spooky Hat

Foil and tape and time to create.

Claws and felt make my heart melt

EVA is just the base for the face.

Foam clay is the way to make it stay.

 

Fall farm colors

These mums were bought from a local farmer. Very happy with the colors.

After a decade of wanting a Japanese maple, we got one. I was not seeing the price drop even after a decade. So we just bought one in our zone locally grown. I am happy with the growth as it is a three year old specimen. The mums may stay or not, depends on how they overwinter next spring.

Cooler weather means sleeping cats

Had a full farm call this week. Our vet came over and gave shots to equines, felines and canine all in one go. It was so nice to have the entire herd taken care of at one time. No more piling the cats in the car and driving to see the vet. No more accidents in the car and cage. I rounded up the herd and all were ready for whatever they needed. After the vet visit, farm call, all animals were quiet and nappy for the rest of the day.

More mums blooming.