"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bunny Yoga, Allergy Updates, and Escapees

The one reason we don't raise rabbits for meat is Milo.  He's our indoor pet bunny and he's as pampered as the rest of the gang.
In the photo, Milo is having bunny yoga on one of my daughter's legs.  He's so relaxed in this position, he simply takes a nap.  He so funny. 

As for me.....ugh....

I have been keeping our meals very healthy, I have increased my liquids, swept up the allergy causing dust and dander, and went to bed early.

I woke up feeling worse than yesterday.   It has been raining here, during the day, and at night it's not too cool.  The moisture is so bad inside, that my bathroom rugs are still wet after 3 days.  

I woke up very tired (even though I got more sleep), congested, watery eyes, a continued cough, and a runny nose.  Over the counter allergy medication just doesn't cut it.  I even mixed my raw honey/organic apple cider vinegar mix yesterday.    

I love the country, but the country doesn't love me.  

I even started to spend at least 20 minutes outside doing nothing, but soaking up whatever light I can get (getting my vitamin D3).  I even walked for 20 minutes hoping to get more energy replaced.  It's just so frustrating.

A few days ago, our billy got loose, and ripped more of the fencing out.  My 15 year-old daughter worked hard to get him retained again, but got his breeding scent all over her in the process.  She showered promptly, but got sick anyway. 

The fence was mended, but yesterday, while I was at the store, the two younger goats got out of their fence.  We have plans to expand that portion anyway, but getting enough people home at the same time to do it, is nearly impossible anymore.  Hubby works full time, and the two older kids work every day after school, but one.  And on that one day, one daughter cares for her horse, and mucks stalls.  I am beginning to wonder if I need to hire a "farm hand" to help me.


In need of writer's motivation, I spent time on the Internet ordering many books from the library.  I need pumped with masses of motivation.  Especially now that I have this allergy season dragging me down to the lowest of lows.  I even started reading a book off of my book shelf.  I need to draw out the renegade writer in me, and it's like pulling teeth lately.  I need my mojo back, so I can kick this "funk" to the side.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Just a Mom?

I just read this on another site, and had to share. 

JUST A MOM?


A woman, renewing her driver's license ,
was asked by the woman to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the woman at Registry,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mom.'
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,

'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself

in the same situation..
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar..'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right....
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.



Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?
I think so!
I also think it makes Aunts

Associate Research Assistants.'
Please send this to another Mom,
Grandmother,
Aunt,

And other friends you know.