Missouri Weather Strikes Again

Missouri Weather Strikes Again

I took a short and peaceful walk around my garden and property an hour ago. Spring flowers and buds are starting to show themselves with the beautiful temperatures we've had. 

Anytime now, the weather will change, quickly. Up to 65 mile per hour winds and temperatures going from the current 66 degrees to 22 degrees by 8 am on Monday.

Wind and Rain

Snow Flurries

Sunshine and Pleasant Temperatures

All within a few days!

My garden has fall onions coming up and a wonderful crop of greens. 

Such a lovely spring surprise.

Hollow de Log, the head of our outside cat patrol, walked the property with me as I took numerous photos of the spring progress. Hollow followed us like a dog, meowing like a baby as we walked the trail around the property. He usually doesn't come along; he waits for me near the house. But, since my husband was with me today, Hollow decided to follow.

Hollow Follow.

He cried most the way and while the pictures of him look fierce, he is not.

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I can feel the storm coming. The temperature has already begun to drop and the wind is picking up.

The cold temps, wind, and possible snow will have an effect on the spring blooms, but here in Missouri, the plants are used to it. It is a natural part of this area and while many plants are equipped and old enough to handle the wild weather in the spring, other plants will not make it and will have to be replaced.

The daffodil has already bloomed and is beginning to die off.

The grape hyacinths are always pretty and a wonderful pop of spring color.

Our catnip is growing strong, as always. The three cats that live here love the leaves.

It is always a great bug deterrent so I let it grow around the house at will.

The mint is coming back! Great in tea! I've tried to transplant it to other places around the house. 

It smells good and keeps bugs away, "they say" haha.

This mint as well as the catnip are known for overgrowth, so many people plant it in containers.

I'm excited the catnip is growing along this portion of our outside wall. The concrete looks ugly to me, so as the catnip and mint grown there, it will look much nicer.

I'm not sure where this flower came from. Must have accidentally transplanted some bulbs when working this portion of the property. Looks beautiful.

The onions from last fall are doing well. I'm going to research if I can cut part of the top off to add to salads.

This beautiful purple flower took over my garden last fall, of course it wasn't flowering then. I think it is a wild edible, so more research for me!

Bulbs are coming up! Hope the cold and snow doesn't effect them.

It shouldn't.

Hollow de Log on watch for birds, bugs, and cats!

This is one of the greens that came up this spring. I've planted so many heirloom plants it's hard know exactly what kind they are. This plant is delicious in eggs and sauteed.

The pic above is the greens before it flowers. The leaves can get bitter once it bolts, but they haven't on the other plants yet, I think it's because of the temperature not being hot out.

Hollow shows how big the mustard plant is compared to him.

Strawberry runners have busted out of the rock wall. I don't mind. I let them grow where they want.

Thinking this is heirloom kale coming up. Going to enjoy it in eggs in the morning.

And, Hollow and I head to the trail around the field to see what natural plants are growing. It's a bit early, so not much color.

Since I started writing this, the storm has blown in. A tornado warning was issued for a town just east of us. Thankfully there was nothing awful here and prayers are for the surrounding towns as well as the areas that are further east.

I'll let you know how the plants do after the cold weather and possible snow settles in for a couple of days. One friend is concerned about the blossoms on her fruit trees.

 My seed packets are out on the table and the sorting and planning begins. 

Hoping to plant on Wednesday!

Get Ready to Grow! Our Indoor Seed Starting Adventure Begins with Pansies & Begonias!

 Hello fellow garden enthusiasts!

As the chill of winter truly sets in, my thoughts are already drifting to the vibrant colors of spring and summer. And this year, I'm embarking on a brand new, incredibly exciting gardening adventure that I can't wait to share with you all: starting flowers indoors from seed!

I've always admired those who manage to get a jump start on the growing season, and now it's our turn. According to the wonderful folks at the University of Missouri Extension online, it's time to prepare our indoor spaces for planting pansies and begonias. This is a first for me, and honestly, I'm buzzing with anticipation!

This year is extra special because my son, Tytus, is heavily involved in his 4H garden project. What better way to add to his hands-on education than by nurturing tiny seeds into thriving plants right here in our home? It’s going to be a fantastic learning experience for both of us, watching life emerge even when there's snow outside.

Our "Indoor Grow" Cheat Sheet: Pansies & Begonias

To help anyone else who might be joining us on this journey (or just curious!), I've put together a quick guide based on the MU Extension's recommendations. These two flowers have very different needs, so paying attention to their preferences is key!

1. The Early Birds: Wax Begonias

Begonias are known for being slow growers from seed, which means they need a good head start. The Extension suggests planting them early to mid-January, roughly 16 weeks before our last anticipated frost.

• Light Lovers: These seeds are incredibly tiny, almost like dust! The most important thing to remember is not to cover them with soil. They need light to germinate, so just gently press them onto the surface of your moist seed-starting mix.

• Warm & Cozy: Begonias like it toasty to sprout, ideally between 70°F–75°F. If you have a heat mat, now’s the time to use it!

• Humid Heaven: Keep their tray covered with clear plastic or a dome until you see those first tiny green sprouts. This high humidity is crucial for germination.

2. The Cool Kids: Pansies

Pansies are hardy and actually prefer a cooler environment for germination and growth compared to many other annuals.

• Darkness is Key: Unlike their begonia counterparts, pansy seeds often germinate best in the dark. Many experienced growers cover their trays with black plastic or cardboard for the first 10–14 days.

• Stay Cool: Once they've sprouted, remove the cover and move them to a bright, cool spot (around 60°F). If they get too warm, they tend to become "leggy" or stretched out.

• Timing: You can start these a little later than begonias, typically late January to early February, about 10–12 weeks before the last frost.

A Special Note for Tytus's 4H Project (and all budding gardeners!):

• Nourishment: Once those "true leaves" appear (that's the second set of leaves, after the initial seed leaves), a very weak liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength) can be introduced weekly.

• Toughing Up (Hardening Off): About 10 days before it's time to move your precious seedlings outside, start gradually exposing them to the outdoors for a few hours each day. This process, called "hardening off," helps them adjust to sun, wind, and cooler temperatures, preventing transplant shock.

• Document Everything! For Tytus's 4H project, keeping a "Garden Journal" would be fantastic! He could track planting dates, germination times, and weekly growth—a wonderful way to observe and learn.

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I am so looking forward to sharing our progress, the inevitable triumphs, and perhaps a few comical learning moments along the way! There’s something truly amazing about bringing the promise of spring into your home during the coldest months.

For more detailed information, I highly recommend checking out the source of our inspiration: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6570

Be sure to come back to this post and let me know if you are joining us in planting indoors this year! What flowers are you starting? Any tips for a first-timer? Let’s grow together!

Happy planting!

Sheri

I Keep Saying I'm Back....but then I'm not.

 I keep saying I'm going to start blogging again, and then I don't.

This brain tumor sure made things difficult. I keep thinking that I'm doing well enough to start back to my previous hobbies and chores and then I just plum can't.

So here I am, starting again. Here's to never giving up!

The Decision to Enter Society During Covid 19

Living in the world of Covid-19 is challenging for families around the world. Isolation for children and parents starts to wear on us all as the virus rages on.

Deciding when to enter society is not always an easy decision.  There are many factors that need to be considered such as:

1. Does someone in your immediate family have underlying health conditions?

2. Is the quarantine causing a lack of income?

3. How prevalent is the virus in the local community and surrounding areas?

4. Is the isolation having an excessively negative impact on the members of the household?

Quarantine and isolation can teach our children lessons that can only come through difficult times. There are important life lessons that can be learned through this pandemic. Make sure that you take time to involve your children in the conversations and research you do throughout this monumental time in history.

We are in the process of transitioning from quarantine to public life. My concerns are my breathing issues, COPD, and being exposed while I have other health issues that may influence the severity of Covid-19 exposure.  My mind says the kids need to get back to regular life and then my heart says I don't want to risk dying so they can attend a couple of campouts and playdays.

Fear can grip us but reality can guide us if we let it. I am supposed to travel out of state to see one of my children who is married.  I want to see them this fall but I also want to see them next year. Impatience and shortsightedness may influence not only my immediate plans but may also put a complete stop to my future plans if I should die.

I'd like to see a better treatment plan for the coronavirus before I enter back into society fully. The science and doctors do not have a proven and consistent treatment plan as of yet and I don't want to be a guinea pig for them.

So, in conclusion, I don't have the answer yet, we are taking it a day and event at a time. I need to focus on all of us staying healthy and doing all we can to build up our immune system so we can be prepared for all illnesses that enter our lives.

Respect Each Other's Health

Some say this virus doesn't infect children so why quarantine them? And while there is some truth to that statement the flip side of that coin is this...

Many of those same children live with their grandparents or have connections with others who have underlying health conditions.

At the least, unnecessary activities should be postponed until the end of May. At that point, we hope the worst of the situation will be passed and many extracurricular activities can resume without risking the health of those we love.

Wash your hands, cover your cough, don't go out sick, call your elderly loved ones, and be ready to help those in need.

Pray and ask God to intervene.

Is Our Camper our Home?

As we sold our home and either gave away or packed up most of our belongings I reminded myself that my true home is with the Lord.  There are so many worldy good that we grow attached to but yet in the long term view of eternity, they have zero or little value.

I don't believe we should go extreme in any direction.  God blesses us with things that we can enjoy and use to make life easier. I have a bread machine, two mixers, washer and dryer, curling iron, and other items I could live without.

I'm not a minimalist, one of those people who think it is wrong to keep things that you might not use every six months. But I'm not a horder either. I like my pictures my kids drew when they were two and I can't get rid of my high school basketball jersey.

Whether we have a lot or little

Whether we live in a camper or in a mansion

Our true refuge is in the Lord

Our true home is in heaven

When we have to leave things behind or give things away to move into a camper - I encourage you to tell yourself what I told myself,

"I can't take it to heaven, so it really doesn't matter if I have it."

Put your focus on your heavenly refuge - in Jesus - here on earth and for eternity.

American Beach Shark Dangers - a little too close for comfort

The entire family was playing in the surf. Two kids were swimming in knee deep water. Three others were out further with the boogie board and duckie inflatable kayak.

My daughter-in-law and grand baby played in the sand and waves.

American Beach is on Amelia Island.

Amelia Island is the southernmost island in the string of barrier islands extending from South Carolina to Florida.  It is also the north-most city on the Florida east coast. Amelia Island is approximately 13 miles long and 4 miles wide - yet feels much larger with all the activities available.

This particular day we were swimming at American Beach.  (refer to previous post)  I thought we were well versed on the dangers of sharks having lived by the beach numerous times in our Navy career.

BUT I WAS WRONG

The birds swooping for fish should have been a signal.

The dolphins feeding should have been a signal.

The small fish jumping out of the water around us should have been a signal.

So when my daughter-in-law shouted for us to get out of the water, I was some what surprised.

Fishermen were along the beach with their poles set up in the sand and the line stretching out into the deeper water.  To be honest, I don't think this should be allowed around swim beach areas.  So, we made sure to stay what we felt was a safe distance from them.

The story we heard was that the fisherman found a dead shark and was dragging it back into the water.  It wasn't one he caught according to this one person, but I don't always believe the story from one random stranger, so who knows.

The small fish. The dolphins feeding.  Dead shark in the water.

This must have drawn in the feeding sharks.

To read the whole story go to our online magazine! www.thelemonadedigest.com



http://www.fbfl.us/index.aspx?NID=569

American Beach, an African American Historic Site

Our family took a morning trip to American Beach, on Amelia Island in north east Florida.

The beach was beautiful with soft white sand.  Numerous shells dotted the shore for our kids to seach over.  A small sand bar appeared when the tide went out further.

This day we had blue skies and medium sized waves. I was actually surprised by the size of the wave, some had a little curl in them.

It was a very quiet beach, only two other cars there.

We all enjoyed body surfing, boogie boarding, and playing in the sand.  My grandbaby came along and crawled over the sand and into the edge of the surf.  This wasn't her first time to the beach so she crawled through the edge of the waves like a pro!

The history of American Beach is what I consider disgusting.  It is shocking to think there was a time that African Americans were only allowed to go to this beach in Florida.

Segregation in nature even.  

What did people think would happen if they went to a beach where an African American was?

It was founded in 1935 by the Afro-American Life Insurance Company (AALIC).  They purchases 33 acres at the beach to provide a safe place for Afro-Americans to enjoy.

The president of AALIC, Abraham Lincoln Lewis, named the beach American Beach because they felt that in the United States beaches should be open to everyone.  (For more info click here)

Our family enjoyed our day in the water and sand.  After, we had a picnic in the covered pavilian that gave us all a break from the hot sun and heat.  There are showers and bathrooms to clean off the sand before heading out for an afternoon nap and another adventure tonight!

We are doing a study on segregation with our kids for home school. They are writing essays, studying vocabulary, history, maps, etc.  One child is writing an article for www.thelemonadedigest.com There are a few links below.

https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/ambch.htm

Tytus' first trip to the ocean outside of the womb LOL

Grandbaby at the beach with us!

https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/brown/brown-segregation.html

Abolish as per https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/abolition

the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery)

“the abolition of capital punishment”

Synonyms:

abolishment

Type of:

conclusion, ending, termination

the act of ending something

Segregation as per Google search

seg·re·ga·tion

ˌseɡrəˈɡāSH(ə)n/

noun

noun: segregation

1. the action or state of setting someone or something apart from other people or things or being set apart.

   
   

   "the segregation of pupils with learning difficulties"

   • the enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.

     
     

     "an official policy of racial segregation"
   • GENETICS

     the separation of pairs of alleles at meiosis and their independent transmission via separate gametes.

     plural noun: segregations

http://www.blackpast.org/aah/american-beach-jacksonville-florida-1936

Drama and Problems

One of the things I love about full time travel is that when things aren't good somewhere....we can leave.  Pull up the jacks, hook up the camper and pull out.

Life is short and when we have to deal with the negativity, drama, rudeness, and selfishness of a spoiled and entitled society it makes a camping spot in the mountains even more appealing.

There are days I want to disappear and forget the internet, news, problems, drama, and anything that is petty and unfruitful.

Yet, sometimes we have to work through it. Running isn't the answer and facing that conflict or issue is what is required.

Balance is necessary in full time travel as in all of life.  Right now I'm ready to call out the Army against a few people who lie, steal, cheat, and take from my family and I. Then the other side of me wants to shut everything down to the outside world, some days I just can't take it.

So is the dilemma of a full time travel....when to leave and when to face it head on.  It can take courage to do either.

Winter Break

I've been spending a lot of time on the couch.  Eight years without one - sure makes me appreciate the soft, cushy, cozy couch in this cabin.

We gave up the couch in our camper for a large table for our family to eat at together.  The typical 4 person dinette wasn't going to be big enough for our this family of eight so we gave up the comfort for the family bonding that eating meals together brings.

Now....I'm a couch bum and I'm not ashamed.  I've even slept on it many nights..... and I plan on enjoying it everyday until we leave :)