Category Archives: life in the country

Highlights from our “German Building Dedication”

Posted on March 29, 2013 by

I was introduced to Anne Maren-Hogan’s book of poetry this past November by her nephew Chris. I would be the first to admit I am not a big reader of poetry….which makes what happened to me all the more powerful. … Continue reading →

Posted in country living, enjoying life, faith, farming, Iowa, life in the country | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Thin Places Revisited

Posted on March 19, 2013 by

“Doug, I was wondering if you had any more apples that needed picking….I really enjoyed doing that last weekend, it was so relaxing.”    Message on the answering machine from our friend Marilyn      Later when Marilyn did stop out, … Continue reading →

Posted in apple orchard, enjoying life, faith, home church, life, life in the country, personal, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Inn Keepers Diary

Posted on March 2, 2013 by

Our Guest Book _____________________________________ .  We opened our Bed and Breakfast in 2006.   Having stayed in a handful of other  B and B’s I know they come in all shapes and sizes.  Ours would be on the casual, informal end … Continue reading →

Posted in bed and breakfast, country living, Iowa, life in the country, relationships, spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Behind the scene at our Orchard

Posted on February 19, 2013 by

      “Since you came and pruned that apple tree in our back yard, it has really produced!  We were wondering if you could stop by and do it again….it’s starting to lean and I’d like you to maybe take one … Continue reading →

Posted in apple orchard, country living, enjoying life, Iowa, life in the country, orchard, self sufficient | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Blendmaster

Posted on January 25, 2013 by

Black Raspberries  grow wild in our neck of the woods. Hold onto that thought. I’ve  been  reading  15 Herbs for Tea: Storey’s Country Wisdom Bulletin   the last couple of days and kicking around the idea of planting an herb  tea … Continue reading →

Posted in country living, enjoying life, faith, Iowa, life in the country, self sufficient | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Country Boys Can Survive

Posted on December 31, 2012 by

I had a good friend in New York City He never called me by my name, just hillbilly My Grandpa taught me how to live off the land And his taught him to be a business man He used to … Continue reading →

Posted in country living, enjoying life, faith, farming, homesteading, life, life in the country, perseverance, self sufficient, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Thoughts on the approaching blizzard

Posted on December 19, 2012 by

As I write this, a blizzard  is barreling our way. 8 to 12 inches of snow, with sustained winds of 35 miles per hour with higher gusts possible. White out conditions.  Travel not advised. _____________________________ I LOVE blizzards. I really … Continue reading →

Posted in enjoying life, faith, Iowa, life, life in the country, personal, self sufficient, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Improvised Emergency Oil Candles

Posted on November 15, 2012 by

Reblogged from Perfect Whole: (Just for a change, a practical post.) Several people asked me about the oil candles I referred to in Perfect Whole, Superstorm Sandy Edition, so I thought I would post some pictures and directions for anyone … Continue reading →

Posted in country living, homesteading, life in the country, perseverance, self sufficient, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Good fences make good neighbors part 2

Posted on November 10, 2012 by

I got a hug this week from the neighbor. The neighbor I had words with a week ago. I was so upset I hung up the phone on her. I knew I needed to apologize. Finally got around to it … Continue reading →

Posted in christianity, country living, enjoying life, faith, life in the country | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

On top of everything else, I now run a home for Wayward and Distressed Chickens ;-)

Posted on October 25, 2012 by

If you ever find yourself bored or needing a mini vacation , may I suggest you  take a road trip to come and  meet three of my animal friends. They’re chickens ,  each with their own personality, each with their … Continue reading →

Posted in chickens, country living, farming, life in the country, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments