Weigh in Wednesday

Here I go again... letting time get by without a blog post! I tell myself I won't let it happen, but it does. Life just gets going and I don't stop to blog about it!

My blog is Over The Backyard Fence - I share my faith, my life and my home with you! Bible study, cooking, cleaning, working out, gardening... you name it I should share it! :)

With that... I have been a faithful reader of my friend Kim's blog! Each Wednesday she has her Weigh In Wednesday's posts.  It's not about your weight - it's about health and fitness goals and making good choices.

So here is my first, official Weigh in Wednesday Post!!! 

Kim asked us three simple (or not so simple - grin) questions


What are you doing well?

I've been training well on my bike!  As long as work doesn't get in the way!  Not getting in as many miles as I would like, but training hard & I finally got my first race under my belt! 

I still go to my Strength & Endurance Class on Monday evenings.  In the fall/winter months I'm at the gym 4-5 times a week, in the summer it's once a week and the rest of the time is on my bike.  Unless it's raining, then I will hit the gym - or sometimes just relax!


What do you need to improve on?

I need more base miles.  I need to eat less sugar - I'm a sucker for Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream!

The one thing I've learned is this.  I eat in moderation, I never use the word diet (to me that's just setting myself up for failure) I don't deprive myself of things I like.  Lots of veggies and fruits and lean proteins.  I really hate processed foods, but don't limit myself to just brown rice and wheat flour.  I think that's another way of setting myself up for failure.  I need flavor for crying out loud!  I enjoy a cocktail now and again as well!

What are your goals for the coming week?

A good long weekend ride on my bike, better lunch time eating habits!  That's the time of day that can cause me to not eat soon enough, eat on the run or eat something REALLY bad for me!

So what are your goals?  What are you doing well in your healthy lifestyle choices?  What could you be doing better?

Join in each week!  Let's old each other accountable! 

Remember this link!!!  At Home With Kim

Stay healthy friends!

OK, so the best laid intentions simply never seem to turn into action for me on my blog! Fortunately Jim and I have been extremely busy with work. We are prayerful the real estate market in Indy continues to turn upward! We have truly been blessed!

I had to laugh looking back at the last post I wrote - Homemade Fire Starters! Who would have thought I wouldn't need them in March? We have had temps in the 80's for about a week now, and I even had to resort to turning on the A/C at night! Gasp! Yes - the A/C in Indiana and technically the calendar still said it was Winter! Spring is just a few short days old! It looks like more seasonal temps are on the way & I'm thankful! I do love spring!

So with nothing really pressing on my heart to write today... and with very limited time... I thought I would share a few photos I've taken in the last few months. I am loving my new camera & hope to have more time to really learn how to use it!

Red Bellied Woodpecker

I love seeing Mrs. Woodpecker peeking out of their nest

Bluebird sitting on the Bluebird House - Took 3 years, but we got a pair!

Spring Robin in our neighbor's garden

Mr. Cardinal Singing for his Supper

I LOVE how the wind blew the tuft on the top of the Cardinal's Head

My niece Kimberly at her last meet hosted by her gym.  They honor the Seniors that are Level 10 Competitors
Kimberly will be attending Eastern Michigan University in the fall on a full ride gymnastics scholarship!
I'm so proud!

Downtown Indy during Super Bowl Festivities!
We had such a great time enjoying the city and of course all things Football!
This is a favorite picture of mine - one taken w/ my iPhone, not my new camera!

Jet in the Sunshine
I LOVE this photo!
Jet NEVER has relaxed like this before - I'm so thankful to have caught him soaking up the sun!
I really like the shadows and sunshine contrast

Hope to have more for you all soon!

Homemade Ideas - Firestarters

Keeping the Home Fires Burning

We love our fireplace! We love that our fireplace is wood burning. We love the sounds, the sight and smell of a wonderful wood fire. I know many people enjoy the ease of turning a key, flipping a switch or pressing a button to start a gas or electric fire. But I for one LOVE the old fashioned (really? old fashioned?) wood burning fires. The picture above was taken a few days before Christmas w/ my iPhone. I was enjoying a cozy fire, a cup of Christmas Tea and a sweet Christmas Book. Ahhh!!! That chair is a favorite spot of mine. But I digress.... OK, so back to the fireplace. After almost 20 years in our home we have become very savvy at starting a fire in the fireplace. For many years we bought duraflame type starters, or even cut up duraflame type logs to use as firestarters. Over the years, Martha Stewart among others have provided up w/ valuable tips on how to start the perfect fire! We make donuts out of newspaper, we collect sticks and twigs from our yard for kindling. We have received wonderful gifts for the fireplace over the years such as baskets of fatwood, "magic pinecones" that burn beautiful colors and utensils. However last year I decided to try my hand at making homemade firestarters out of saw dust, wax and egg cartons! My attempt worked marvelously! I made another batch this past Sunday & decided it would be a fun project to share! It's not too difficult, you just have to be careful as you are working w/ hot wax.

The wax I collect comes from old jar candles, tapers that are nothing but stubs etc. The easiest way to remove wax from jars or votive holders - place them in the freezer. After a short time in the freezer the wax will just pop out. Sometimes you have to use a butter knife to section wax in a larger jar.

Cardboard Egg Cartons (not Styrofoam)

I collect wax throughout the year and store it in ziploc baggies

I have a melt setting on my range...

however I do set it a bit higher so the wax melts quicker

Be careful that you don't set the temp to high! No fires on the rangetop please!

Fill each egg section w/ your wood shavings or sawdust

This particular time I used wood shavings from the logs that Jim

used to make his woodpecker feeders

Make sure you place a thick layer of newspaper under

the egg cartons as the wax will seep through the bottom

This is the pan I use for melting my wax.

Be careful the wax is HOT!

Pour the wax (careful as it's very hot)

over the shavings

Let the wax harden and you are ready to tear the sections apart

They aren't the prettiest things, but they do the job!

One starter per fire is all we use!

PLEASE NOTE! DO NOT USE THESE IN A GAS FIREPLACE!

Use extreme care whenever fire is involved!

New Year's Resolutions????

OK, I am not big on resolutions! Too much pressure I say! Many times I set myself up for failure... many times it's just a good idea (or not) and not a resolution! Weight loss and exercise are not resolutions for me, as I am a fitness junky (and I do love junk food - so possibly the reason for being a junk food junky)That's my lifestyle, so I have to find other resolutions, uh I mean lifestyle additions. More prayer time, more Bible time, more handwritten letters/notes... can you imagine the list I have made in my head?

My blogging friend Kim at http://www.recipestorunon.com/ is who inspired me to get back to my blog and start writing! She made a few comments about what she is and what she is not, and why she is going to change her blog etc. That inspired me to get back to blogging! I am not a famous Bible teacher, and sometimes I feel if I don't have anything faith filled to share - why blog? I am not a famout TV chef/cook, and sometimes I feel that posting about food I've made isn't worth sharing... I could go on and on about what I am not! But what I am is a gal who loves Social Media, who has made many cyber friends over the years, and one who dearly loved blogging and following blogs. Of course Facebook, Twitter etc are a big part of my "social media" time both personally and professionally. If I wasn't disciplined about the computer I think I would waste, I mean spend 24 hours a day on the interent! Pinterest, FB, Twitter, Blogging, Food boards, other blogs... not to mention I do have some favorite television programs I love to watch! I have missed the blogland girls... I know I have missed out on meeting new cyber space pals, as well as also sharing with the folks who at one time read my blog faithfully. If I'm not a faitful writer, I won't have faithful readers!

With that... to catch up... Just kidding! I won't write a dissertation of what's gone on in my life over the last months... well, maybe I will for those who might just be interested. Business has been improving and I'm not in my over anxious mode that I normally experience in January, February and sometimes into March! Our dishwasher went kaput (is that how you spell kaput?) 2 Sunday's ago - and I have been washing dishes by hand since then. Oh how dry my poor hands are. Madge/the 1970's Palmolive Dish Soap Manicurist would be disappointed in me... remember "you're soaking in it?" We have purhased a new dishwasher, which also had to come with a new fridge and range! After all they have to match... RIGHT? I think I'm excited about all three pieces. The range has a double oven - so more blog posts about my cooking adventures right? The weather has been super mild this winter - not much snow - which I do miss, but I have to say it's been nice. I am excited about planning our spring/summer/fall garden and plan on lots of canning with my sister this next season. I've been working out and added some extra-intense training as this spring/summer I will be racing. I was asked to be on a cycling racing team - that has me nervous and excited. My niece signed her National Letter of Intent in November and will be attending Eastern Michigan University on a full ride gymnastics scholarship in the fall! I am so excited for her... as a former gymnast... I still LOVE the sport and love how my niece's have excelled. Her younger sister has also made her verbal commitment to accept a full gymnastics scholarship as well. My nephews continue to prosper and are growing up very fast. My nieces from Jim's side are amazing. The youngest is now a DDS! How could my sweet Ashley be a dentist? She practices in Seattle, WA. Two of my nieces have added more babies to our family - and I am now a Great Aunt to 5 wonderful, darling kids! My niece Stephanie Ann.. she and her husband are avid travellers and I am continually amazed at how smart, funny and grown up she is! We have a wonderful group of friends who we truly enjoy spending time with... Jim's mom continues to live on her own and we celebrated her 90th birthday last September. My mom retired in August, but still continues to consult, so I say she's not truly retired. My dad is retired and enjoys being retired. I am truly blessed! The Whippets and the cat continue to amuse and love on us! Jim continues to be my biggest fan, my best friend! We do enjoy our life!

Oh... and we did get a new Canon DSLR camera for Christmas - so I am excited to learn how to use all the features! It's a bit daunting... but I will share a few photos I've already taken before I sign off! Oh - and I promise to not be absent for so long! I do love to write all my thoughts down! No matter if they aren't profound! LOL

This was the first photo I took in the close up mode - I love it! It might not be great, but I took it! :)

My niece Kimberly just before the twist out of her Yurchenko Half

Sarah going into a tumbling pass - she's a strong tumbler and vaulter like her Auntie K *grin*

Needless to say I have A LOT to learn... and I'm excited to start a new hobby!

Have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by my "Backyard Fence" for a chat!

It's been too long...

Has it really been this long since my last blog post? August? Really?

Social networking definitely is different for me these days. Facebook is where I spend most of my time as I can be in contact with so many friends and family both near and far. Response time can be almost instant and I can peruse pictures and updates from everyone and I do enjoy that!

However, I certainly miss blogging. I miss the good ole days before FB... when I was connected with several ladies via blogland. Visiting their blogs, reading up on their lives, seeing photos, sharing recipes and memes. Cozied up on a winter afternoon, coffee cup at my side, reading updates from friends whom I had never met this side of the computer screen. If there were more time in the day I could do it all! Right? Tweet, Facebook, Blog, work, cook, workout, relax... *sigh* So I must decide where to spend my time.

I miss writing down my thoughts. I really miss reading the blogs I hold so dear. Oh to have the time to visit them all!

I really need to make a point of coming here more often... perhaps as the winter months bring a slower work schedule I can. Perhaps once a week? That would take too much time!

I hope to be able to share my thoughts here more often... to post weekly. I should try!

I miss you all in blogland! I hope to find the time soon to catch up with all of your blogs! Until then - much love, enjoy and savor the season of Advent!

Sunshine Pickles...

I am sure many of you have heard of "Sun Tea" - remember buying those jugs, filling them up w/ water, adding tea bags and putting the jug out and letting that tea steep in the sun! Well... my good friend Tonja gave me a recipe she received from an old farmer's wife for "Sunshine Pickles"
Start with a 1 gallon glass jar ( just like sun tea )

2 Cups White Vinegar
1/2 Cup Pickling Salt
1/2 tsp Alum Powder (in the spice section at the grocery)
2 Cups of Water

Stir until the salt dissolves

Cut the pickling cucumbers into spears and pack them into the jar. Add 4
sprigs of fresh dill and 6 garlic buds (in between the cucumbers if possible)

Fill the remainder of the jar with water, put the lid on tight and shake.

Set jars outdoors in the sun for three days, giving the jar a vigorous shake each
day.

Refrigerate after the third day.

I must tell you... these pickles are tasty! I think you could add a slice of a banana pepper to give them a bit of heat.

I didn't make up my pickles in a gallon jug. I used quart canning jars. I filled each jar half way w/ the pickling mixture, place a few sprigs of dill in each jar along w/ a couple of garlic cloves. I topped the jar off with more water and placed the jars on the patio railing. I have done another batch since these photos were taken and I will be putting another batch out tomorrow! Simple and tasty! Perfect to take along on a picnic, to a cookout or serve w/ supper! Hope you try and enjoy!

Unofficial Start to Summer?

Memorial Day Weekend seems to be the Official Kick-off to Summer... even though summer begins in June. So does that make Memorial Weekend the Unofficial Kick-off to summer? Hmmmm...

In Indianapolis the month of May is obviously an exciting time as the Indy 500 is on the Sunday of Memorial Weekend. (unless it's rained out & then it's on Memorial Day) :) Cookouts, pool parties, yard work... summer activities are in full swing. I have to say after a very cold, snowy, icy winter and a very rainy, wet, temps all over the board spring, I'm ready for some good ole summertime fun.

As I reflect back on the last few days I have to say it was one of the most wonderful Memorial Weekends. Our cycling team's annual Memorial Weekend ride brought out 40 of our cycling pals to ride. Yard work, grad open houses, a cookout to celebrate one of my good friend's birthday, more yard work, garden work & then a cookout/pool party with some of our dearest friends yesterday afternoon/evening. As we were heading out the door to drive home last night, several of us we discussing that we hope the summer doesn't just fly by! I can't believe we will be turning the calendar to the 6th month of the year tomorrow. Mercy where has 2011 gone?

So the rough winter and wet spring took it's toll on our largest hosta bed. We lost all but our "blue hostas". The wet spring prevented us from doing much work until 2 weeks ago. I weeded, cut branches, cleared out... ugggh! I've included a photo of my work... on that particular day Jim played golf & I, well you can see what I was up to in the photo below:



Did I mention this part of summertime fun included a mild case of poison ivy? Grrrrr!

After weeding and dividing hostas from other beds & hosta beds at Jim's sister's home... things began to look a bit better as you can see in the pic below. This hosta garden has been a big part of our landscape for over 18 years, so we were sad when we lost so many plants. Especially one of Jim's favs...

I wish I had a better camera so I could get the entire bed in the shot. This bed runs just about the entire length of our drive.

Memorial Weekend always brings the worst of my allergy suffering. The Cottonwoods are blooming - some areas the white fuzzies almost look like snow floating through the air. And the pollen from our two pecan trees wreck havoc on my allergies. My allergy meds don't seem to help much, and my neti pot goes into full use! Because they were bad over the weekend, I am electing to stay off the bike tonight and workout at the Y. Wahhhh! Can you hear me crying? I will hit the road tomorrow!

We did get a lot of our veggie garden put in yesterday. FINALLY! We had it all worked up and then the rains came, AGAIN! Too much rain. This is the absolute latest we've ever put the garden in! We missed all the spring/cool weather veggies. We will have to plant in the fall. Tomatoes, potatoes, brussels sprouts & onions are in. I am going to plant Swiss Chard in one of our flower beds. Should be interesting.

So what are your plans for this summer? Travelling? Staying home? One of our local Television stations puts together links to what they call "One Tank Getaways". Since gas is so high, I know a lot of folks aren't taking big vacations this is a neat idea if you want to get away, but don't want to spend a lot of cash!

We have been blessed with a good spring in our business life. It looks to be a good summer for us as well. God provides... I know we have a long way to go before our economy & the housing market rebounds... but yes... God provides! God is still on His throne and He is in the midst of this comforting, guiding and yes... providing.

I do hope I can be more consistent with my blogging. I remember when I first started and was a part of such a wonderful community of blogland sisters! I certainly miss all of you! Perhaps I need to start a summer meme?

Enjoy your day! Much Love!

FINALLY!!!!

It's been quite some time since my last post! (about 3 months too long) "Busy"ness and Business has gotten in the way. I happy to say that business improved and I will take that during this tough economic time we navigate daily. Real Estate has it's fair share of ups and downs... but these ebbing and flowing tides are just too much at times!

Spring has sprung, so it was definitely time to change that blog header of mine... the snow, greenery and candlelit wreath were lovely, but Winter thankfully is OVER! At least by the calendar hanging on the wall in my kitchen! We had an incredibly RAINY April! If April showers bring May flowers I'm thinking we should have spring blooms the size of sunflowers! Alas... spring has not only brought all this rain, but some colder temps too. We actually had a Frost Warning the other night! REALLY??? Our veggie garden remains untiled. Well Jim did attempt to till yesterday afternoon as we had a day full of sunshine (finally). He was able to till up a few areas, however the rest of the garden was still too muddy. :( Looks like radishes and other cold weather veggies will have to wait until fall. I'm just hoping I can get my tomato plants etc. soon!

We brought the patio furniture out the week before Easter & I'm sad to say we have only been able to enjoy relaxing on the deck once. I know more warm, sunny days lie ahead... but it was a long, cold, snowy, icy winter and now it's been a wet, rainy spring! I'm ready to read a good book while the sun warms my cheeks!

We have been out on our bikes getting some miles in... not as often as we'd like (due to the weather of course)but we know many good, long rides are ahead of us!



We finished up the back hall off of the kitchen. We carried the bead board ceiling into that area which really brightened the hall nicely. It was a dark, wood ceiling before the remodel. It's amazing how fresh paint and a new white ceiling can brighten up a small space!

I purchased this vinyl wall treatment through an Etsy Shop... so many times Jim and I will be relaxing in our favorite chairs and we will say "It's Good to Be Home". I wanted to see that sentiment every time we arrive home... so the back hall wall was a perfect place for this saying!

I purchased a new mirror to hang over the antique table that belonged to my Grandmother. The orchid was a gift from some of our cycling friends. I love how elegant an orchid is!!! After we completed the project I would just stand in the back hall enjoying the brightness!!!! It's so crisp and clean... I love it! AND it's prompted more painting projects. (Much to Jim's chagrin). The family room is next, then the main bath, then the living/dining and hall areas. They are in much need of fresh paint as I don't believe we've painted in over 10 years! It's time to freshen things up. We more than likely will paint the living/dining and hall closer to fall!!!

We once again hosted our family Easter Luncheon. This year we had 27 people for lunch. Our biggest event yet and I have to say I was exhausted! It was a lot of work transforming the house, preparing the food etc. Everyone loved it and I was happy they all enjoyed! I'm still putting things away! I guess I am not so worried about things not being back in order immediately in my older age! (not that I'm old) ;)

Here are a few pictures from Easter...

Our lovely tables... I had 4 set up!

A portion of the Drink Buffet... and of course the mountain of dishes


The Menu Card & a beautiful sentiment - given to me by my sister-in-law Ann!

I really, really, really hope to be more active in blogland... I have truly missed so many of the wonderful ladies that I have connected with over the years. PLUS, I LOVE the new header I created. It makes me smile!

Much Love to all of you!

There is light at the end of the Frozen Tundra Tunnel! Temps will be creeping up from well below zero yesterday to the 50's by this time next week! Hooray! I am sure Old Man Winter isn't done with us yet... but Spring is near! With temps that warm I am hopeful to open a few windows (even if only for a short time) and let some fresh air into the house!

I am in the beginning stages of planning my veggie garden for 2011! We are going to add a couple of raised beds this year as well as build a nice organized compost area. I found a great article in the November 2010 issue of Better Homes & Gardens about composting. I loved the photo of the compost bin made from shipping pallets! We have access to as many pallets as we would like, so I have plans for how and where the compost area will be! (Jim's thrilled) I will post pics later this spring when we have it all put together.

I will use the raised beds for onions, carrots, parsnips,shallots etc! Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, peppers, tomatoes, turnips, beets are already in the plans for the main garden area. I am going to tidy up and organize my herb garden this year. And I have also found articles about incorporating Swiss Chard etc in the flower gardens, so I plan to do that as well! Can you tell it's been a long, long, cold winter? *grin*

I plan on doing a lot of canning, preserving and freezing this year as well. Nothing better than preserving fresh veggies and fruits! My pantry will hopefully be overflowing with summer's bounty!



Next weekend I am attending a container gardening seminar at our local feed and seed store that is just around the corner from our home! I can't wait! Should be a lot of fun!



I am dreaming of spring and all the promises that come with the season. Easter will soon be here and

we will celebrate as a family Christ's glorious resurrection! I long to see buds on the trees ready to burst forth in color. I can visual the garden full of bounty that the Lord will provide. I can imagine lovely evenings enjoying food with good friends on the back patio. I can imagine early mornings with my coffee and the paper or quiet time out there as well.



I am sure you are all looking forward to spring as well! Do you have any special plans? Are you veggie gardening this year? I'd love to hear what your plans are!



Until then... I can look out my window and dream...

Deck from my window... today

Last Summer

Onions in June 2010