Wild Turkey on our way to Church

Wild Turkey

   On our way to church this beautiful Sabbath morning, we had to stop on HWY 90, and let 4 gobbler turkey cross the road.  My camera was in the backseat, and by the time I got it, they had already crossed into woods.
   Our little mountain church was warm, and alive with the Spirit of God this morning.  Sunday School was good, and our church service came alive when the Spirit of the Lord came.  The singing was good, and the preaching anointed.  The morning sun warmed our faces, and the Only Begotten Son warmed our hearts.  What more could anyone ask for?

The Bible Says



Man's Life is as a Shadow

  We took a walk through the field behind our house today.  The sunshine was warm and beautiful, so nice for the end of January.  I usually take my camera, in case we come across something I want to take a pictures of.  We saw crows flying over, a grasshopper that had just hatched out, a lady bug and a spider, but nothing that really caught my eye until we started home.  I kept watching our shadows, along side us, and began to think about how the Psalmist David, Job, and others wrote about our lives.
 All that lived before us were as a shadow, as well as we.  David and Job cast a Godly shadow, and so must we.




From the KJV Bible

Psalm 144:4
4.  Man is like to vanity:  his days are as a shadow that passeth away.

Job 7-1, 9
7.  Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth?  are not his days also like the days of an hireling? 
9.  (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)

God is our Refuge

Psalm 46
1.  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3.  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
                                                                                                                                                Selah.
4.  There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
5.  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:  God shall help her, and that right early.
6.  The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved:  he uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7.  The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.    Selah.
8.  Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9.  He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire.
10.  Be Still, and know that I am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11.  The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
                                                                                     Selah. 

Decorating With Old Jewelry



Dime Store Jewelry

   I love old jewelry, not the expensive kind, just old dime store jewelry.  My little sister and I bought the  large orange earrings in the picture for my mom when we were kids; we saved our pennies, and took them to one of our local dime stores, and had enough to buy her two pair. 
   I rarely wear a piece of jewelry myself, with the exception of my wedding band; but I love to hang old necklaces over my dresser mirror, and drape them over pictures of our daughter, and display old earrings, pins, and bracelets in small jewelry boxes.   
   I'm still looking for pop beads from the '50's.  I've been looking for years at antique stores, but haven't found any yet. 
   I find a lot of old jewelry at yard sales and
flea markets, as well.  Have a great day.
   Many Blessings.  

We Call'em Shuck Beans



Shuck Beans

   Folks around here have many names for Dried Green Beans.  Some old timers call them 'Leather Britches', some call them 'Shuck Beans', and younger people simply call them 'Dried Beans'.  But, around our house we call'em 'Shuck Beans'.  No matter what Kentucky Folk might call them, the one thing for sure is, they call them 'Good'!
   Some still cook them with a big piece of Fatback, or a big spoonful of Lard.  Mmmm.  Some good eating.  We still dry our beans the old fashioned way.  We string them up and hang them to dry in the outbuilding.  Works just as well as it did, when we were growing up.  I bought a new dehydrator and used it to dry apples, but it dried them as hard as a rock, so I only dried one batch of apples, and put that thing out in a yard sale. 
   We like to wash our 'Shuck Beans', and soak them overnite, then cook them in a crockpot.  We use a little corn oil, or olive oil, and salt for seasoning.  When we fix 'Shuck Beans', all we need with them is a pan of cornbread, a big onion, and a cold glass of milk. 
                                                                              How good, God is to us, to give us such things!

Don't Go Snipe Huntin'

   Taking someone Snipe Huntin' is one of the oldest tricks, from these Kentucky hills.  Snipes are shore birds and do not live in Kentucky.  When we were growing up, my brothers were always wanting to take someone Snipe Huntin', they'd give them a bag, and take them out into the woods or field, and tell them to hold the bag while they ran the Snipes into it.  Then my brothers would sneak back to the house, and leave the one holding the bag.  Sometimes they would hold the bag for an hour or more, before coming back to the house, mad. 
   Of course my brothers had a big laugh.  My brothers weren't the only ones that pulled the Snipe Huntin' trick, most of the neighborhood boys got in on it too.  Years ago there wasn't much to do for intertainment, so often mountain folk came up with their own forms of amusement.
   Recently I heard a couple of young country boys, trying to convince a young city boy to go Snipe Huntin', I let it go, until they started making plans on what time to meet.  I told the city boy about the joke, he thanked me and told me not to worry, that he would probably go with them, but he would leave them, before they had a chance to leave him.  I don't know how it turned out, but he was warned. 
   Snipe Huntin' is meant to be all in fun, but It's probably not much fun for the one left holding the bag.

Vendor's Mall Finds



Red Checked Gingham Shift Dress,
Primitive Bonnet, Strawlike Mini Purse




   This rainy January day seemed a little brighter at the Vendor's Mall today.  I found this rick rack trimmed, red checked gingham, shift dress that still had it's original tag, a primitive bonnet, and a mini strawlike purse.  Sometimes it seems like I just need to buy something old, whether I need it or not.
    The weatherman is calling for another winter storm for these parts.  Sure hope no one looses their electricity. 
   I'm just waiting for March flowers to bloom, and warm spring sunshine.  Have a good and Godly day.  Keep safe and warm.

Remembering Carbide Lights

Carbide Lights

Just a way of life in Southeastern Kentucky.
   Not for nostalgia, but for necessity, did we use carbide lights growing up.  We lived in rural areas without running water and modern bathroom facilities.  We either had a well, or carried our water from a spring. 
   We did have a flashlight, but batteries were hard to come by, and carbide on the other hand was affordable, so that is what we used.   Our outhouse was usally a good distance away so we had to have a light to follow the path at night.  Though we were only children about five or so, we were not the least bit intimidated firing up the carbide lights and heading down the path, by ourselves.  I remember well, how the light would dim, and we had to move the lever on top a few notches to spue up the flame.  I can remember knocking out the old carbide and filling it with new, and pouring water into the top. 
   Carbide has a distinctive smell, kind of like
sulphur, and is not easily forgotten.  
When I look back on our lives growing up, it's 
easy to see how God protected us.

There is Still Good and Light in a Dark World

   I just have to share what a wonderous thing, that happened to me this morning.  I awoke just before the clock went off at 6:30.  I had not opened my eyes, but I was just lying there thinking about what dark days we are living in. 
   Then all the sudden, I saw several areas around the country side; the trees and fields were covered in snow, and I saw the sun coming up and illuminating the snow covered trees and fields like the whole earth was lighting up one section at a time.
   I thanked God for showing me, there is still Good and Light in this dark world.   Then the radio came on with J Vernon McGee preaching about the Great Falling Away and the Rapture of the Church.  I listened to that, before I got up. 
   All seems brighter this morning.  Though the weather forcast for this area is mostly cloudy today, I feel sunshine in my soul. 
   Jesus is the Light.  Praise the Lord!

Collecting Oil Cans

Collecting Oil Cans, Why Not?

   A few years ago, I started collecting oil cans.  I don't know why really, I just like them.  I don't find them often, but I've found a few.  My husband helps me look for them, too.  
   This past year I have been surprised to meet a few other ladies that collect oil cans as well.  
   My friend Bertie and I, sometimes go antiquing.  Bertie says she doesn't worry about competition from me because she knows, I'm looking for old rusty stuff.
   I collect many other things, but I do like the old rusty stuff; she knows me quite well.
   God often blesses us with the desires of our heart, and with good friends to brighten our day. 

Rags to Riches

   But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
(Isaiah ch. 64 v-6)

   Let not your heart be troubled:  ye believe in God, believe also in me.
   In my Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.
   And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(John ch. 14 v-1,2,3)  

    And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl:  and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
   And I saw no temple therein:  for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
   And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it:  for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
   And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it:  and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
(Revelation ch. 21 v-21,22,23,24)

As the word says, our righteousness is as filthy rags.  But when we are drawn to the Lord by the Holy Ghost, and confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour, then we become far richer than possessing any amount of money, because we become heirs to the Kingdom of God.  And that is the best 'Rags to Riches' story I know of.

At Prayer Meeting....by Margaret E. Sangster

                                        
There were only two or three of us, who came to the place of prayer;
Came in the teeth of a driving storm; but for that we did not care,
Since after our hymns of praise had risen, And our earnest prayers were said,
The Master Himself was present there, and gave us the living bread.

We knew His look in our leader's face, so rapt and glad and free;
We felt His touch when our heads we bowed, We heard His "Come to Me!"
Nobody saw Him lift the latch, and none unbarred the door;
But peace was His token to every heart, and how could we ask for more?

It was only a handful gathered in, to the little place of prayer,
Outside was struggle and pain and sin, but the Lord Himself was there;
He came to redeem the pledge He gave, wherever His loved ones be,
To stand Himself in the midst of them, though they count but two or three.

And forth we fared in the bitter rain, and our hearts had grown so warm,
It seemed like the pelting of summer flowers, and not the crash of a storm;
"Twas a time of the dearest privilege, at the Lord's right hand," we said,
And we thought how Jesus Himself had come, to feed us the Living Bread. 
                                                                       
                                                                Margaret E. Sangster 

                                                                                                           

Twins, Grace and Bertha around 1916



Twin Sisters, One Left Behind

  This is my mom Grace and her twin sister Bertha.  Mom is the one on the left with the bandage on her leg.  Mom had hurt her leg and didn't want her picture taken.  
   Though they were twins, mom always said, that Bertha tried to take care of her.  She said once she had gotten into a bean kettle and had gotten them all over her face, and little Bertha came with a wash cloth and said, "Grace, let me clean you up, you look like a little pig," and she washed mom's face. 
   Little Bertha only lived to be four years old, dying in the winter of 1918.  My mom spoke of her often, and always with love.  Mom lived until 1991, another 73 years without her twin.  I can only imagine the reunion they had, when mom got to Heaven.  It's a wonderful thing to know we will see our loved ones again.

Kindred Spirits



The Year I Got the Same Gift, I Gave

   Several years ago, I received this book as a Christmas gift from my friend Evelyn.   
   Evelyn was a Southern lady and the epitome of grace.  She worked for the County Estension Service, teaching young women how to become thriving homemakers.  She was also a talented artist, in her own right. 
   Evelyn had been a special friend for many years, and we exchanged Christmas gifts each year.     
   That Christmas, when I gave her, her gift  she started laughing. For a moment I was almost hurt, thinking that she didn't think much of the gift that I had so painstakingly picked out for her. 
   I think she saw the uncertianty in my face and quickly gave my gift to me. 
   I opened it and laughed with her, when I saw it was the 
same book that I had bought for her. 
   She said she always knew we were kindred spirits,
because we thought so much alike.  She said she would
always treasure it, as I have always treasured mine. 
   Evelyn left this life many years ago, but, everytime I look
at this book, I'm reminded of our special friendship.  And,
I thank God for the special people in my life.

And the Preacher Said.

I asked the preacher for a Bible verse that was on his heart, this is what he read to me: 

   And Moses said unto God, behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, the God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, what is His name?  What shall I say to them? 
   And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:  and He said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel,  I AM hath sent me unto you.
  
Exodus 3: 13-14

It is good to know who God is.

Some of My Favorite Things



Old Buttons and Sewing Notions

   I love to sew, and I love to collect old sewing notions.  I find a lot of vintage sewing items at Vendors Malls, Flea Markets, Estate Sales, and sometimes at Yard Sales.
   When I find vintage material, I like to use it to make aprons and bonnets and such.  My last big find, was a stack of vintage calico print material, at an Estate Sale.  Lord willing, I plan to make doll dresses out of that. 
   I made the little pillow in the picture, to display my Aunt Dema's buttons.  Aunt Dema was one of the most Special ladies, I have ever known.  Having her buttons is a blessing.

The Hole in the Rock



The Hole in the Rock

   On the way to our old Country Church in McCreary County, Kentucky, we pass the 'Hole in the Rock'.  It's just another local landmark that sits quietly, adorning the roadside.

   It's only claim to fame, that I know of, is when it was featured on the Kentucky Life TV program.  But, locals tell of childhood memories, playing under the shade of it. 

   Kentucky is blessed with caves, cliffs, natural rock formations, forests, creeks, rivers, and waterfalls.  We thank God for our Old Kentucky Home.

Depression Stamps



"Depression Stamps" War Ration Stamps

  These War Ration Stamps were used during The Great Depression.  That was almost two decades before I was born; but, my Mom and Dad lived through it.
  My mom never wanted to throw anything away, because she had learned to be save everything.
   We were always made to eat everything on our plates and never waste food. 
  War Ration Stamps were used for Coffee, Sugar and many other items.  If you wanted to buy those items, you had to use stamps when you bought them, and were only allowed a certain amount of each item.
  God has blessed this country since then, and many who are alive today don't even know what a War Ration Stamp is. 
   We live in uncertain times, and something like this may return. 
                   
                                                                                                                       We need God in our lives.

A Bit of the Book

The Holy Bible

A Bit of the Book in the Morning,

to order my onward way.

A Bit of the Book in the evening,

to hallow the end of the day.

                by:  Margaret E. Sangster

Jesus is The Good Shepherd

11.  I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12.  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are
not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth:  and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13.  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14.  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15.  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16.  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

John 10: 11-16

Fox and Geese



Fox and Geese Board Game

   We played this game a lot when we were kids.  It is called Fox and Geese.  It is an old English board game, that has been adapted in Appalachia.  We played the game with 2 Fox and 23 Geese, and our board was not the traditional cross shaped used in the English version.
   The game is for two players, one person plays the two Fox, the other, plays the 23 Geese.  The Fox can move forward, across, diagonal, or backward, and can jump the Geese, taking the jumped Geese off the board.  If the Fox jumps all the Geese or hems them in where they cannot move, the Fox wins.  The Geese can move forward, across, and diagonal, but, not backward.  The Geese can jump a Fox and take him off the board, or hem the Fox in, so that he does not have a move. If the Geese jump both Fox, or hems them in, so they do not have a move; the Geese win.  (When someone jumps, there has to be an empty space to land in.)  We drew our board on cardboard, and used buttons for the Fox and Geese.  My husband said his family always used corn instead of buttons.  I told him, we saved our corn for parchin'.
   How God Blesses us, with treasured memories! 

Kentucky Girls making do with What they had.



Kentucky Hair Rollers

   This morning, I thought about what we used to roll our hair with in the 50's and 60's.  We took Prince Albert tobacco cans , took the ends off, pryed them opened at the seams, flattened them out, cut them into 1 inch strips, and rolled each strip in poke paper.  We rolled our hair while it was still wet, wrapping it around the strips and bending the ends over, to hold it in place.  What we ended up with was some really bouncy curls. 
   Sometimes we just used Bobby Pins and made pin curls.  But, we never fretted because we didn't have real hair rollers, we just made do with what God had provided.

Growing up in Kentucky was a Blessing



My Little Sister and Me about 1962

  When I look back at my childhood, I am reminded how blessed we were to have been raised in Kentucky.  This picture was taken in front of my Step Dad's log truck.  He   was a good man and a hard worker.  We never had a lot of money growing up, but, we were blessed with family, friends, and food on the table.
   We used to ride on the back of this old truck.  We stood behind the cab and held on to the buck board.  It was so much fun.  There is so much traffic today that it wouldn't be safe for kids to ride on the back of a log truck.  But, that was a different time.
   My Step Dad taught my older brother about logging.  My brother has made it his business for many years, and has been successful at it. 
    We were taught to be thankful for everything.  I thank God today for all His Blessings, back then and now.

Hebrews 10: 23,24,25

23.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; ( for He is faithful that promised;)
24.  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25.  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Spring Seed Catalogs

   Time to be thinking about Spring planting.
   I just wanted to share two of my favorite seed catalogs, Jung Seed & Plants, and Nichols Garden Nursery.
  I've ordered from both of these companies for many years, and have always been pleased with their products.  Many Blessings.

Varigated Bougainvillea



Bougainvillea

   This time of year, I always start to think about the flowers and plants, I want to grow come Spring.  I love flowers, and Herbs of all kinds.  This Varigated Bougainvillea is one of my favorites. 
   I had this plant a few years; I wintered it in the garage every year, it did well.  When my plants grew too big, to keep them all thru the winter, I gave some of them away. 
   Since then, I've had a hard time finding another Varigated Bougainvillea.  Most of the nurseries around here, only have the regular Bougainvillea.
   I would like to try some new flowers this Spring, and of course some old favorites.

Beautiful Places in Kentucky




Dog Slaughter Falls

     If you are visiting Cumberland Falls in Southeast Kentucky, you might also like to trail off the beaten path to a lesser known spot.  Dog Slaughter Falls is off Hwy. 90, and if you come from I-75 then you will come past the entrance to it.
   The road leading to it  is on the right, shortly after turning onto Hwy. 90, several mile down that road is a hiking trail on the left, the trail goes across a wooden bridge and several mile through the secluded forest to Dog Slaughter Falls.  
    It is beautiful country.  Be sure to take a walking stick, some parts of the trail are steep.  Also, watch out for copperheads; we've seen a few down there. 
Many Blessings.  

Aprons Anyone?



1960's Vintage Apron

This is one of my favorites.  I love the ever pleat design and the bright colors. 





Granny Style

Just a good all around apron to cook in. 

Handmade Feed Sack Apron

This special apron was made by my friend Bertie Mae's Mom.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

I've been collecting aprons for many years.  They are one of my favorite things to collect.  I collect all styles and colors.  I am looking for new ideas on how to display them, without taking up too much space.  I really like the dress up aprons.  Many times when we are having a get together, that is when we really need an apron.

Red Dress Up Apron

Vintage Red Checked Apron

Prairie Style

An Eastern Bluebird, and a Light Snow Falling, Makes my Heart Smile!





This Eastern Bluebird, just stopped by. 

  














     Another snowy day in Southeast Kentucky is brightened by an unexpected visitor. 
   This morning a light snow is falling and all is quiet around our old Kentucky homeplace.
   We've had Redbirds and Sparrows eating birdseed in the backyard, but, this beautiful bluebird chose to perch on the birdhouse covered with snow.
   My husband built this birdhouse many years ago, and it is a favorite of the Eastern Bluebirds.  We often have two crops of Bluebirds a year in it.  
   Hope you are enjoying the view in your backyard this beautiful day.

Birds Falling from the Sky!

    What in the world is going on?  This sounds like something out of a Horror movie.  Reports have it that thousands of birds have fallen from the sky, dead, in Arkansas, around 500 in Louisana, and some in Kentucky, and around 100,000 fish were found dead washed up on the banks in the Arkansas River.  This happened on New Years Eve night.  Here in Southeast Kentucky we haven't seen any dead birds, at least so far. 
    This is however one of the strangest thing I've ever heard of.  I've seen only minimal coverage of this on the news, and that in itself is strange.  I've seen more news coverage on the hairless raccoon that was found, than on the thousands of dead birds falling from the sky, and over 100,000 dead fish on the banks of the river. 
    We live in troubling and uncertain times; and now more than ever, we need the Lord!  He said, He would never leave us nor forsake us, and I thank Him!  

Give me Oil for my Lamp



Coal Oil Lamps

     Many times throughout the years we've lost our electricity and had to rely on our old Coal Oil Lamps for light.  We always try to keep lamp oil on hand for such times. 
   This reminds me of the story in the Bible about the ten virgins, five were wise and five were foolish.  The five wise had their lamps full and trimmed.  The five foolish didn't have oil in their lamps and could not go out to meet the bridegroom.
   When our Lord comes, He's coming for those who are prepared for His coming.  To be prepared, we must ask for His forgiveness and accept the Plan of Salvation.

Blessed to live in Kentucky



Cumberland Falls

    We count it one of God's many blessings to live in Kentucky.  This is a picture of the beautiful Cumberland Falls in Southern Whitley County, Kentucky. 
   In my book, Kentucky has it all, forests, lakes, rivers, creeks, wildflowers, Southern hospitality, and the Old Country Church.  What more, could anyone ask for?

Beautiful mountain Sabbath Day!



Believe in the God of Heaven and Earth

   We had another beautiful mountain Sabbath in Kentucky today.  A good Sunday School Lesson, good Singing, and Spiritual Preaching, where we felt God's presence in the midst.
   The drive to the little country church was bright and sunny.  And when we got there, hugs and smiles were abundant.  How I wish everyone could have the joy of attending a little country church, where God's love abounds.

Raised in the Country

Life in Kentucky in the 1950's

  
  
























   We grew up in Southern Kentucky in a time when no one wasted anything.  Mom and Dad had lived through the Depression Era and raised a big family. 
   Mom even cooked the chicken feet in our dumplings, she said it made them richer.
   Dad did a lot of huntin' so we had plenty of squirrel and rabbit to eat.  We raised our own chickens, grew a garden, and picked every kind of berry there was.
   We picked wild plums, grapes and muscadines and Mom made jelly.  And just because we were kids that didn't excuse us from our part of the work.
   When were too little to do the canning, we still had to wash the jars.  We had to stir the lye soap while it was cooking, gather the eggs, watch out for chicken hawks and such as that. 
   But, somehow we still had time to play most of the day.  God Blessed us real good! 

Never Know What We'll Find at the Grocery Store

    Yesterday when we went to the local grocery store, and got to the meat counter, we had to do a double take.  There in the pork section, was whole pigs feet.  Of course they were cleaned and packaged, but, even in Kentucky, we're not used to seeing them.  They must have been especially prepared for the New Year's Day meal. 
    We don't usually do the traditional meals, so we are having Shuck Beans seasoned with ham, Cornbread, and Onion.  They have slow cooked for about six hours and are ready to dish up.  Now that is a meal fit for a king.  Happy New Year, May God Bless You!