by Sharon O | Sep 14, 2024 | Uncategorized
The word prompt for the weekend ended up being PRESERVE.
I found it rather funny since my husband and I have been canning lately.
Preserving for the winter months.
We have done 56 jars of pickle some for us and some for our neighbor.
Then we did 26 jars of peaches and then we did 14 jars of pears.
Then we purchased tomatoes, and I froze those in a bag for soups later.
It is nice to have it done.
Kind of like the little house on the Prairie days.
WE talked about doing green beans and potatoes, but the cost of a pressure cooker was a decision we didn’t make.
So many things have to be water bathed or pressure cooked. I do freeze fruit and sometimes veggies.
We also thought about doing plums, but that idea ended too.
Then we have a quarter of a beef coming soon so our freezer will be full.
It really is nice to have it when you need it as long as the freezer door gets shut.
One time we had a CSI scene in our freezer as it was unplugged and we had lots of partially defrosted meat.
It was awful.
Garbage bags were full of meat that could not be rescued.
It was a waste, but you can’t take a chance when it comes to preserving and freezing.
We are not into pressure canning meat and some veggies.
It is a high risk if you don’t do it the right way.
Years ago, it was a natural thing to can everything. We don’t really have to do that unless we want to.
The joy and fulfillment in knowing we did it and it is clean good products.
The word prompt for the weekend was preserve, and I do think we have done that very well.
by Sharon O | Aug 14, 2024 | Uncategorized
This week is the county fair held in a different county than where we live.
We have only missed a couple of years when the temperature out was over a hundred.
I am not a hot weather fan, and I definitely would not sit on wood benches to watch a rodeo.
One of our traditions is to find a hand dipped corn dog, YES, we know it’s not good for us but oh so yummy.
Sometimes we find the booth with hot corn on the cob but probably won’t do that tomorrow since we have some at home.
We like to walk around the pavilion building where they hold art galleries, canning and other homemade items.
It’s a nice feeling to know not all is lost when it comes to tradition and family activities.
Of course, the rides call out to the kids. Don’t ever put me on one EVER.
We like to see the animals and the ribbons given, and the pride those local kids have when showing their projects.
The fair is a fun day and just plan on many things to look at and observe.
Then later about seven we go to the grandstands with our ‘pre-purchased’ tickets for the rodeo.
It is a family event and it most of the time very patriotic.
The riders march around with flags, the announcer says a prayer and we sure need that these days.
Then the riders head to their places in line for action.
It is both exciting and scary sometimes. The skill level it takes to do barrel racing, or calf roping or horseback riding.
And we won’t forget the bull riding event.
I only saw one bad accident when I was a little girl where the bull attacked the rider. IT was no fun for anyone.
Then the bull in a local fair just recently jumped the fence and tossed a person up and down a few times.
They survived but oh my goodness can you even imagine?
This week is the county fair held in a different county, and we will be glad it will only be in the high seventies.
by Sharon O | Aug 6, 2024 | Uncategorized
On my bulletin board I have a saying that is in large print as a reminder.
It says “KEEP BEING BRAVE”
I hold onto that, as I pray for so many things in our lives.
In the lives of others that I care for and in the lives of those who walk a journey that is hard and difficult.
Cancer is one of those journeys.
The treatment is not easy or fun.
I had surgery, that actually went rather smooth and also had radiation that was not too terrible. Although when you think of a large machine hanging over your body and radiating beams you begin to wonder if all your organic shopping is worth it.
I want everything possible to be organic and not sprayed.
I read all labels, and I refuse to buy items that are covered in toxic chemicals.
It is amazing to me that they can even sell the stuff that way.
Keep being brave, when my oldest granddaughter moved away and I had to not cry hard, I was sad, but I knew it was a good move for her.
Keep being brave, when my other granddaughter had a perfectly healthy tiny great granddaughter for us to enjoy and love.
Keep being brave, when sometimes I don’t feel well but I push through it for I know there were days and years that I dealt with it intensely very often.
Keep being brave, when I see my best friend who has leukemia.
She is strong and brave and trusts in the holy God of all who heals.
I also have on my bulletin board, a quote from a very special person.
“Man looks upon the outward appearance. God looks upon the heart.”
Our bravery doesn’t often show on the outside. Sometimes it is the quiet voice that stays inside and says, “let’s try again tomorrow.’
On my bulletin board I have a saying that is in large print and many other reminders of hope, healing and friendship. 
by Sharon O | Jul 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
It’s hard for me to believe I have taken a few months break from writing.
I always write and I always have something to say.
These days have been a continuation of changes.
Our oldest granddaughter Faith Elizabeth is moving to Montana. She quit her job and said her goodbyes.
It is a heart breaker for me, but I have to know the change, the new start, new relationship and job will be good for her.
I pray she finds a church that can help her grow and mature.
she was our first, experience as grandparents and as a nicu baby born early we learned about the tiny ones.
Then our oldest grandson got married. It was short and sweet and with no frills.
They have dated five years, so it was time for them to make the decision happen.
They seem to be happy and ready to take on this new life decision.
Our other granddaughter one of the twins is having a baby (our first great grandchild) any day now.
She is having a little girl and as soon as we get the news, we will be in our trailer to go visit.
So many changes for this grandma.
It is ok I can manage the big feelings.
God is allowing us the opportunity to experience this wave of emotions.
He is with us.
We have our other twin doing well, and two other grandsons who are doing well.
One is driving now, that is a bit scary but it’s all a part of growing up.
My goal has always been to leave a legacy.
I want our grandchildren to think of us as those who loved.
Who prayed. Who supported.
I rarely say no if they ask me for something.
It is a privilege to be a grandma.
I remember my own with different emotions and feeling they, both were extremely different.
It’s hard for me to believe I have taken a pause, a break and a rest from writing.
I will be back soon.
by Sharon O | Apr 30, 2024 | Uncategorized
Friendships are gifts we give ourselves.
I have many long-term friends who have been in our lives for years.
They know us, but sometimes we have many months where we don’t talk or share.
It is ok, we still care deeply, and life gets busy.
As we age, we see the hardship of an older body. We watch others navigate crisis moments.
They show us how to be strong and flexible.
Of course, we also pray fervently for them, to recover.
Life is full of moments that catch us off guard.
A heart issue, an accident, a diagnosis we didn’t want to hear about.
Then we also have the good parts of friendship where we can lift each other up.
I value friendships and because my belief is if you are in my life, I want to make it good.
Life is too short for wasted moments.
The other day I was home, and a call came in from a longtime friend who I went to high school with many years ago.
They were in our area and wanted to come visit. It was a pleasant surprise, and I valued their idea to come visit.
What a great afternoon. My husband was not home but we visited anyway.
I was in her wedding, and we actually went to junior high together then moved to the high school.
She is the social butterfly of our ‘circle’. I am not. She convinced me to go to our 25th high school reunion.
I want to say it was boring and NOT my cup of tea. I knew no one and I wanted to go home and get in my bed.
I am by nature a loner. I like solitude and quiet.
I value this friend and even though we are not alike we are alike spiritually, and we do care for each other.
When I think of Jesus and the circle of friends who he spent time with, he showed us the example of sharing with others.
I think the gift we give to each other is treasured, and sacred.
Friendships are gifts we give ourselves.
