Wintertime in the Ozarks

Watson helping with chores

New hay delivery from a new hay farmer.

First time in the snow for this cat born in March of 2022

Stuffing hay bags 6 a day everyday until the grass grows back in.

I bought this 3D printed head for my older brother. I mounted it on barn wood. He loved it.

Our woodstove and cat warmer

Spots next to me and my computer

Puff working on her winter tan. Wool fire rug next to the woodstove.

 

Life almost lost

I was having a busy day after Thanksgiving gearing up to clean house and get ready for Christmas. The phone rang and it was the daughter of a friend who watches our farm sometimes. Her mom was not answering the phone and she was worried. We live about 10 minutes away from her mom. Her mom lives alone with several horses, a few cats and two dogs. The daughter did not have a car. 

So I got in my truck and drove to her farm. Her mom was not in a good way, she was in bed in the middle of the day, high fever and the house a mess. This is a woman who works, farms and is pretty tough. Appointment was made but most places were closed. I went and got her up, fed, washed and cleaned her house. Got her on her meds, rehydrated and fed. After about 4 hours she was talking. She thought she had food poisoning but it was not that. She was fine overnight but she called me twice thinking it was time for her doctor visit. The next day I took her in and she drained 2 bags of fluid and was told she needed to be in the hospital. She was not having that. But she went down and blood was taken, badly. She had what was going around these days and severely dehydrated. She was very underweight. I was given her Rx's to get, a list of foods she must eat and drink, and I left her in my truck so I could shop for her as she was not able to stand. I got her home and made her a meal. She went to bed. I called her daughter and kept her informed. The next week it was doctor visits, meals, cleaning and keeping her healthy. The next week was more meals, animal checks, winter prep and laundry. She was stronger and she cleaned her house. She had no memory of the Dr. office visits nor the late night calls. Her fever broke and she got stronger. We installed propane heaters as she no longer trusted her wood stoves for heat. By Christmas week she was her normal self again. We picked up feed for her herd and checked fences. She went back to work after spending Christmas at our place. I am glad we had a short winter storm. The weather was perfect the rest of that time. I was able to get to her farm and take care of my farm thanks to mild days. We never would have known she was feeling this bad. I am grateful she did get over this.

 

I want to restore that

Over the Christmas break I binged watched some Chinese soap operas. They had the most gorgeous costumes and hair jewelry. After communism all this stuff was destroyed or hidden away in China. I only saw these photos in textbooks. Now they are making a comeback at least in shows. 

I want to buy a damaged one of these and restore it. I have saved blue bird feathers just for one of these.

And I want to get into goldwork. I love how the dragons come alive with metal threads and stump work embroidery. In the meantime I am learning how to make the stitches. How the layers are built up and what threads were used. So much to learn about. 

 

2023 and sew much sewing

I have been sewing since November of 2022. Then dove into Christmas with more sewing.

Mostly repairs, restorations and new sewing for our church.

The decorations inside our church have not been updated for over 20+ years. I consulted with the priest and sent him photos of options I made. Since the church is a far drive, texting works best. I get instant communication and changes.

All put together. I made new drapery behind the crucifix, new altar drape.

And even dressed up the baptism font. The poinsettia were not set up yet.

Thankfully with Lent about to start soon I can take a break from all this sewing. I really want to work on personal projects but I still have left over work unfinished from last year thanks to illnesses. But my husband is doing much better as he avoids beef and pork products. We can get back into fitness thanks to VR and gear up for spring planting.