Changes in the Mist - Ready Or Not

I have been looking ahead and trying to make a plan before Spring and Summer gets here. There has been a lot of changes in my life this year - some good and some not so good - little and big. I am not very good at change.  Some changes are good for us, some hurt really bad, some don't last to long. My family is smaller in size now, needs are changing from a few years ago, and I'm getting older. We loved are full farm and all it gave us. But now there are not as many hands as before working the farm. And it's finally hit me, I can't run the farm by myself. Don't get me wrong the girls help all they can. But a farm is a  lot of work year round.  And I really would like to spend more time with my family.

So here is some of the ways we are going to down size some:

• I am selling my milk cow as soon as I can. We love the milk but thinking ahead there is no way I can keep the fence lines weed eat or all the fields mowed and do a garden.  And come fall, the thought of loading and unloading a 100 bales of hay for winter use, is not a good picture. And we no longer drink 4-5 gallons of milk a week. So it's time to say good bye to milking.
• The Black Angus Bull now running in the field, will be fatten up and put in the freezer as fast as we can. And while we are eating his meat, I'll put some money back every month to buy a half cow for meat. I know where I can do this cheaper than store prices and the cows are feed the way I feed mine. ( I'll also be able to buy half a hog when needed). So we will still be able to get great meat without all the work. I worked the price out, it's only 50 cents more a pound if someone else raises it.  Which is about $1.09 a pound, cut and wrap and fast froze. Still cheaper than the store meat, and better tasting too.
• My husband is selling his big tractor. We will not be mowing the fields any more or having a great big garden. We are switching to raised beds for most, and making a fenced in area for potatoes. We no longer need a big garden to feed us. I still will be able to get apples and pears off the ground from friends.  So I think I have our food planned out.
• We will keep our chickens for meat and eggs. And sell chickens and eggs.  They are very easy to care for. And I HATE STORE BROUGHT EGGS.
• We have 3 freezers that I would like to get down to using just 1 or 2. Which means canning more meat. 

We  will be growing a few more vegetable and I'll can every thing I can get my hands on.  This new life is going to be really different, as we have lived this way for 10 + years. And it has kept us feed well. But changes are here like it or not. The Word says there is a season for  everything, I guess my season is changing again. Time to learn new things, new and different ways.

Tommy and I are not looking forward to selling the milk cow or his tractor, we worked long and hard for both, Tommy and I together broke the milk cow to hand milking and  she was  born here on the farm, and Tommy has wait years to be able to buy the tractor: but now it's time.

This blog will still be about farm life, now just a mini farm life. And I will still share all I have learned and will be learning here. 

Well for now we will be down sizing to fit our needs better. Will I ever have a full farm again, only the good Lord knows that and He's not told me yet. So for now it's one day at a time, going where the Lord leads us.

Change is in the air,

Becky

Tommy's Tractor

Peaches milk cow, bull meat

Comments:

1. You have some big decisions to make. It sounds like you are up to it. They are unfortunate, but necessary. Realize that not everyone is as insightful as you nor could they look at things so realistically and make the right decisions. Comment by Sheila Smith | December 29, 2008 | 

2. I know there are many tears being shed into your pillow right now. You are having to face some very difficult truths about your family’s health and children coming of age, your finances, and your own physical limitations. I pray God holds you very close, and the Father of mercy comforts you as you pass through all the coming changes. Comment by teri | December 29, 2008 |

3. Good luck- I think you fair just fine.. just so you know we have been church “Searching” and think we may have settled on one here close to us. Thank you for inspiring me and my family in ways you may not even know of….I will keep you and your family in my prayers  Love Amanda Comment by Amanda B | December 31, 2008 |

4. I only just started to read your blog, and find it amazing. I take my hat off to all you do.
   Hope to read more soon. hugs gwen Comment by gwen | January 1, 2009 |

5. [...] bookmarks tagged black angus Changes in the Mist - Ready Or Not « Becky’s Farm … saved by 5 others     mightguy1 bookmarked on 01/01/09 |  Pingback by Pages tagged "black angus" | January 1, 2009 |

6. I haven’t seen an update from you in a few days so I’m hoping that is good news! God bless you today, Becky, as you live for His glory, depending on His grace, one minute at a time. Comment by Georgene | January 5, 2009 |

 

Hands have been full But I'm still blessed

Life has been full lately. Tommy has been having a hard time with pain: Hopefully this is straighten out now. I have been sick for 3 weeks now, and last Thursday I went and got an antibiotic.  And I have been doing only the "have to" chores. The farm is doing good. The girls are fine. The weather does not know what it wants to do- one day cold, next day warm. 

I sure have miss you all. Hopefully I can get back here now and read up on what everyone has been up too. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas. Our Christmas was good. Tommy got a tractor book, he has wanted for a while. TommieLynn got a small MP3 player, which she loves. We had a quiet day.

Tommy is still enjoying Netflix. He said last night that he finally figured out the remote control.  And loves the fact he no longer has to watch commercials.

Scott and Ann came up again for a few days. And they helped out around here. Thank you both very much for your help. And for putting a smile on Tommy's face.

This is from Caring Bridge site this morning.

Good Morning everyone,

I'm sorry it's been so long but it's been a long week. OK here goes:

Friday 19, Three people came out from hospice and talked to Tommy and I for about an hour. They said they would see about a break through med.

Saturday 20, Tommy woke up at 6 am having a hard time breathing. So we moved the oxygen machine into the bedroom. (he now uses the oxygen nightly)He is still hurting but not as bad as before.

Sunday 21, My grandmother died this evening.

Monday 22, At 12:20 am Tommy fell and I woke to a crashing sound. He's not hurt. At 11am, Tommy falls again trying to pick up clothes off the floor. He's not hurt. Then Dr. Burke calls me: and says he has made a mistake and can not take Tommy's case and will give it back to the hospice doctor. And he is really sorry. (now we are not sure if the hospice doctor will take Tommy back.) Then my uncle calls and says my cousin has been in a bad car wreck. Her 3 little girls only had some stitches and are OK. But she was throw from the car. The doctors have put her into a coma as all her face bones are broke and her skull is cracked. Then I go to town to find a walker for Tommy. And while I'm gone he falls again, not hurt. Our pastor bring us gifts from the church and has prayer with us. Very long day, and I'm still fighting this cold/ sinus infection.

Tuesday 23, The hospice nurse came out to get Tommy's vitals and stresses again about the meds and his BP. About 15 minutes after she leaves, a DSS Social Worker (Social Services)came to our door.(OK Lord I'm only one person.) First thing she say to me,"I told my boss before I even left the office that these charges would be unfounded. But by law I have to come out." She said she was sorry about Tommy's cancer and would pray for him and us. And she was really sorry to bother us, but she had to come out. She said the charges were unfounded and wish us a Merry Christmas and left. ( please say a prayer for the person who called them). At 4:30pm the hospice nurse called and Dr. Witt is back on the case and has ordered the drop Morphine immediate release, to be taken .25-.5 ml every 2 hours (before when he had the morphine it was .5-1 ml every hour). But we are very thankful to have it now.

Wednesday 24, Tommy got up really tired and with a little pain. Miss Jenny sent us a lot (I mean a lot) of apples and oranges, and so homemade clothes soap. Tommy just grinned from ear to ear when he seen all the bags of fruit. Thank you very much, Miss Jenny. Please give the boys a hug and kiss from us. This was kind of a very lazy day.

Thursday 25, I was up most of the night coughing which had Tommy up most of the night. Tommy had went out to check something on the truck, and while coming back up the stairs, his knees went weak, he fell to his knees, not hurt. I was there and helped him back up, then made him promise not to go back down without me, he said OK. So TJ and Tex when you get here I need you all to put a hand rail at the back steps, please. Another church brought us 3 Christmas dinners plates and a fruit basket this evening.

Tommy ate more dinner tonight, than he has eaten in a long time. I guess because it was his favorite: fried Chicken and liver, French fries and corn. It was so good to see him eat so much.

Friday 26, Then this morning when I woke up to give Tommy his 4 am pills, He said I already took them at 2 am. I said no you can't do that, he just said sorry. Well at his 6 am pills, I noticed not all the pills were in the slot. So I asked him, he said some fell into the sink at 2 am. One of which was the 40mg pain pill that he can't get again until 10am. So I am praying that his pain will be low until then. I can't give him another 40mg, as the hospice keeps a count of all the pills, every time they come out. and now I'll have to hide the pills from him.

It's been a very long, hard week. But by God's grace and mercy, we have made it through. He even threw in blessings along the way to bless us. Thank you Lord for watching out for us yet again. Thank you all for your prayers. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

This has been a very long, hard year for my family. But thank you Lord, you have seen us through it each step of the way, and have poured Your blessings out on us. Thank you Lord for all our friends and family, and all my Internet sisters who have become great friends to me.  Lord, please bless them all.

Becky

Comments:

1. You and your family are in my prayers! Comment by Wendy | December 27, 2008 |

2. Have you considered that a “disgruntled” hospice worker turned your family into DSS? From reading your posts, I am unsure if you are able to afford a lawyer, but it sounds like you need one. If your husband is not getting adequate care and pain management, it is malpractice. He should get adequate care regardless of whether you are fully insured or simply on Medicaid. I would certainly file a complaint with DSS about the false report that was turned in on your family. False reporting is a felony, and the person responsible needs to be prosecuted. I am so sorry your husband is so very ill. Comment by teri | December 27, 2008 |

It’s been a long week

I’m still here. Tommy has had a bad week with pain. And I’ve been trying to get pain relief for him. If I have not written here in a while, then please check the Caring Bridge site for updates. I have been fighting the hospice people trying to get help. They are so good at giving you the run around and blaming others. If I knew there was enough time left, I’d go and get my doctors degree just to help Tommy. I am sorry but at times, I seem to know more than them, and I’m just a wife and mom.
We had company this past weekend. Janet (Tommy’s ex-wife) and her husband,Tex came up for the weekend. They came loaded down with goodies. They brought: a TV tray, pj, shirts, fruit, nuts, choc. covered cherries for Tommy: the girls got an outfit and shoes and pj’s: I got baking goods and yarn. We had a good visit. But Tommy was in pain most of weekend. So Tommy and Tex watched NetFlix and had some laughs. Tex told Janet that he now wanted NetFlix for Christmas this year. This was really funny. Tommy really enjoyed having another male to enjoy the western movies with. Janet and I would just laugh at them while they were watching the movies. Thank you Tex and Janet for everything.
Tasha went to the doctors this week. The baby’s fine and is due to be here June 6,O8. She is having a little evening sickness. We all are so looking forward to this little one the Lord is blessing us with.
TommieLynn is doing ok, and is slowly getting over her cold. She was so happy that Janet had taught her to use curlers on her hair and got her her own curlers too. She is looking forward to Christmas. And praying it will snow on Christmas. Which I’m not sure it will as for the last few days we have had the house windows open because it’s so warm. This is really one weird winter.
I am fighting with a cold as well, stuffy head,being very tired, nose and eye running, coughing and feeling very yucky. All this because my girls just love to share with their mom. I have been knitting dish clothes for gifts this year, and almost done. Hoping to feel better real soon as I need to start baking Christmas goodies. TommieLynn has deemed herself old enough to help more with baking this year( really she just wants to lick more bowls). Milk cow is still giving us milk. Chicken are still laying, but have cut back just a little.
Well I had better get ready for morning chores, before the cow comes looking for me.
Have a wonderful day,
Becky

1 Comment »
Bless you, Becky!
Reading your blog always reminds me of the Lord’s grace and love as well as what a strong gal you are. I’m happy to hear that Tommy is enjoying NetFlix. I’m a chocolate covered cherry fan myself.
June is a wonderful time to have a baby! Our DS was born in June. I too had evening sickness. Actually…it was more like 24/7 sickness. I found that eating canned fruit without the juice was very helpful when I just couldn’t keep anything down. Another thing that helps is not to eat and drink at the same time. Either eat or drink, but leave about 30 minutes in between. This really worked for me. Hope Tasha will be feeling better soon.
Christmas blessing to you all!Joyce
Comment by Joyce December 18, 2008

Netflix verses Satellites

First a little background about us. We have a air antenna which gives us: ABC, NBC, CBS(free TV). For the last ten years we have borrowed movies from the library and have seen all they have more than once. If any of you have TV or satellites, you know that there is not really many "good" show. And now that Tommy is home 24/7, he started watching soap operas and day time talk shows, as this was all we got. Tommy does not read, play cards, etc. All he knows is working with wood. He really has nothing to do while he is up during the day but watch TV. So I started looking into satellite and Netflix. So he could watch something he liked and what he enjoyed.

Here is what I found out:

Satellites ( looked into 2 different companies): They wanted $99 for installation and hook up or sign up for two years. (I'm not fond of signing up for anything for two years. If something happens they charge you to stop early.) Both of their lowest plans where for 100 channels. I check on the channel line ups, was not happy. On both, we would of only watched about 4-5 of the channels. and this cost $35-$45 a month with no movie channels. Needless to say we are not getting satellite.

Netflix ( our choice): They had a free offer for two weeks. Then we switched to 3 DVD's out at a time for $16.99 a month, unlimited. Along with this comes unlimited "Watch Instantly Movies and TV shows" , which can be watched on laptops and PC hooked to Internet. So this means with our 3 DVD plan, we can stream 3 different shows in at once. (We tried it on the laptop and PC, both had good pictures.) But Tommy can't see the screens really well on the laptop and does not want to sit in front of the computer screen. So Netflix has a box you can buy to hook to your TV and Internet and "Watch Instantly"movies and TV shows. This box is $99, but it's a one time price, and is your to keep, and can still be used if you move. Netflix has a cancel at any time with no fees, and you can start back up with no fees.

If times really get hard, we can switch to a low plan which is: 1 DVD out at a time unlimited during month and one stream to TV of the "Watch Instantly" movies and TV shows for $8.99 a month. Or even cancel the service for a month or two and pick it back up when we can, with no fees!

Ok, I know some of you think this is a waste of money. But for our family is great. The old movies, TV shows etc., we can watch unlimited. Some of you will not have to buy the TV box as you can watch it from your PC or laptop. But Tommy's eyes are not what they used to be. He can watch his war movies on the TV, Tommielynn can watch her kid shows on her PC, Tasha can watch her love stories on her laptop, everyone is happy.This TV box is a family Christmas gift this year. Everyone will get a few small things too. No we do not spend all day watching TV. We no longer go to town and friends houses as before. And having to stay home more because of Tommy's health, we are watching a little more TV than before.

There are other devices that can to used to get Netflix to your TV:

network Blu-ray player or even an Xbox 360.

We don't have these so we bought the box.

How we save by getting the Netflix and TV box:

• gas going to town to rent or borrow movies, then returning them.
• get to pick from 12,000 + movies and TV shows, including the oldies and goodies to watch on the TV and even more to be sent in DVD form to the house(free shipping both ways).
• $16.99 for Netflix a month instead of $35-45 for satellite(not much to watch here).
• no late fees , or cancel fees
• movies everyone likes, no fighting.
• family movie night at a click of a button.

I know this is not for everyone. But take a look and try 2 weeks free and see. I read every page on their site, even the fine print. Because this is a lot of money when everyone is having hard times. I feel like I found a pot of gold, for our family. This is what's best for us.

I just thought to share what I found out. I really wish someone would of told me sooner. Maybe someone can use this post. Hope you all have a great day.

Becky

Comments:

1. We have Netflix and love it. We have had it for a couple of years so I was really excited when they came out with the watch instantly part of their program. Also you might want to check out the nbc, cbs, abc and fox networks online they offer full episodes of most of their shows. If you get a chance come on over to my site and visit. I have some pictures up of my boys with their pets that Tommy and Tommilynn will get a kick out of. Comment by http://www.littlemountainhouse.blogspot.com December 6, 2008

2. Becky, If you can swing the cost, continue the Netflix. It sounds like a great distraction and is of interest to Tommy. It seems like this will add a bit of quality to his life. I
   love family movie night. We do the on demand thing with cable. Only the good Lord can judge you so don’t worry about what others think. I think it’s a wonderful early Christmas gift. Enjoy it! Comment by Sheila Smith December 6, 2008

3. Becky, Checking into Netflix is on my “to do” list. Thanks for doing all the investigating! It’s good to know you are enjoying a family Christmas gift that makes everyone happy! Good Job! Glad to hear, too, that you are hanging in there. Fondly, Comment by Linda J. December 6, 2008

4. This is not a waste at all- I think you researched and found something frugal for your Tommy. Comment by Amanda December 6, 2008

5. Becky, we have used Netflix in the past and had a good experience with them. I actually cut it out for now to cut back on expenses, but we still have our cable. However, if the time comes that we need to cut our cable out I will try my hardest to get us back on Netflix. They seem to be a good company and I’ve always only heard positive things about them. I bet with the way the economy is now, their business is booming! Comment by D. December 7, 2008

6. I’m glad to hear you found some affordable entertainment for your family. I personally use http://www.surfthechannel.com and other sites like it. They have so many shows and movies and even some documentaries and things like that. If you have a decent internet connection, the quality is pretty good. It is also a free site and many times has the shows before the network websites. Comment by Jessi December 8, 2008

7. We had netflix and we loved it. I am contemplating cancelling our cable and just having my high speed internet with the company we have here and going with netflix for all the movies my husband & kids like. the kids don’t need to watch Disney channel from the minute they get home from school until bed time anyway! Good luck and enjoy that!
   Janine Comment by Janine December 9, 2008

8. Netflix has been a wonderful blessing here. Tommy has really enjoyed it and it’s given him something to do. And we have already gotten our moneys worth in less than a week. And it has brought laughter back to the house. Thank you all for your comments. If you are thinking about Netflix, I highly recommend it. Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 11, 2008

9. We have been Netflix members for several years and LOVE it! We’ve also been using the watch instantly since it started over a year ago. We love it without having to pay for cable. All the “oldies but goodies” and good wholesome old TV shows. It’s definitely the way to go in today’s hard times. Comment by Amy December 13, 2008

10. I’m glad Dad is enjoying the netflix account. I can remember watching all the episodes of Law and Order (the original) years ago and being forced to endure every episode of “Heat of the Night” when it came on.. lol. Now he can watch ‘em all again! I’m really glad you guys decided to go with it. FYI: There are LOTS of movies that never make it to blockbuster stores that you can probably get on Netflix online, things that will be good for TL’s education. There is very little retail value in stores for National Geographic educational films and the like, but you can get all those things on Net Flix (probably). I know I can get them on my blockbuster account, so I’m sure Netflix has ‘em too. Comment by Tommy December 16, 2008

11. Hi TJ, Tommy is really enjoying it. With Tex here over the weekend to watch it with him, made it even better for him. But now Tex told Janet, he wants Netflix for Christmas this year. Thanks again for telling me about it. Becky Comment by Becky December 16, 2008

12. You could also consider borrowing DVD’s from your local library. Cost: FREE!
    Find out other money-saving tips at http://www.jacksperks.com/blog Comment by Jack December 28, 2008

13. We have been using Netflix for the past several years. In May 08 we decided to purchase the Roko box. We changed our plan from $17 a month to $10. a month. We have gotten hooked on this that we hardly watched our satellite. We decided to do away with satellite costing us 100.00 month. We set up an antenna to receive our local channels free and get movies via Roko or movies via the mail box through Netflix. This truly has saved us money!!! In this economy every penny counts. This really is a money saver!!!! Comment by Tara January 29, 2009

14. Tara, We are really enjoying Netflix. When Tommy is up all night, he watches it. We too, have a air antenna, and have bought the box for that too. (using the governments $40 card- we only paid $20 for it.) This is a great service. More people should know about it. Yesterday, on Good Morning America (ABC) they talked about it too.
    Becky Comment by Becky January 31, 2009

Thanksgiving - Friends - Snow

We had a quiet, easy Thanksgiving here. My first year, not cooking a turkey or cooking for three days before. Oh, what a blessed treat. But we all still ate to much.

Tasha, Tommy, TommieLynn, Ann, Scott

We had: cooked canned ham, our sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, green bean cass., potato salad, deviled eggs. And I made homemade strawberry short cake with homemade whip cream (Tommy's favorite).

They had to smile before they could eat.

TommieLynn and Ann

Tommy and Scott resting.

TommieLynn and Ann. This is the bunk bed we put together.

Tommy and Scott

This is our front yard this morning.

Our back yard.

strawberry and herb patch.

Tommielynn with a snow ball.

And it is still snowing and about 32 degrees outside now. Poor Peaches (milk cow) did not want to leave her stall after milking this morning. TommieLynn could not wait to finish her chores to go play. It's our first snow that's enough to play in.

Tommy loved having a man to talk to the last few days. Thank you Scott. And I had a women to talk too. Thank you Ann. We all had a great time, but all ate too much. They will be back for Christmas week. Tommy has been doing pretty good. He is now having pains in his shoulders. And is still tired and weak.

Tasha has now moved back in here. And we are trying to get her settled back in.

Well I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Becky

Comments:

1. Loved every picture! Thank you for sharing! I’m so glad that you were able to enjoy this Thanksgiving and that you were given a big TREAT of not cooking for days and days. You deserved a break! (My feet are still hurting from standing in the kitchen for 2 days while cooking! *S*) Comment by Georgene December 1, 2008

2. I came across this site and thought you might be interested in it!
   http://www.sufficientself.com/forum/index.php I am so glad to hear you had a good Thanksgiving! Comment by Pam's Pride December 2, 2008

3. So glad you enjoyed your holiday! Looks like you had a good spread too. Stay warm!! Comment by D. December 6, 2008