chaos before order

For someone who always seems to have a reputation for being "organized," I am amazed at just how DISorganized my house can be at times. On a more positive outlook - I like rearranging and moving things around because it forces me to clean and organize thoroughly every time. Sometimes I don't know what I'd do with a bigger house! We're moving beds downstairs for the summer. After 2 years of suffering through the heat and humidity upstairs (though last year wasn't that bad), I've reached my limit. So the office is being redistributed throughout the house, and the bed(s) come down into the office, which is not only on the east side of house (which makes a huge difference in an old house with no AC), but also has a ceiling fan! I'll feel like a rich woman! Not to mention, sleeping on the same floor as the bathroom. Simple luxuries! The girls will get to pull their youth mattresses out to the living room at night, and store them under our bed during the day. Everything else will have to stay upstairs.

But of course, all this means that the house is unusually chaotic right now, and with sick kids still recovering, things have been interesting. Since it is spring, I have my typically ambitious list of projects to complete - while my energy holds out - so we'll see how far I get! The big things are almost complete, except for finish the paint on doors for the kitchen cabinets, and doing "something" with the back porch....And then, of course, there are still wedding clothes to shop for or sew before July. THAT is my "dreaded" project, though I'm trying to stay optimistic about it!

One of those weeks-

Kaelin sick for four days, and now Rachel. Poor things. I pray I don't get it. Somehow we always survive - since Adam is rarely in town when I get sick - but last fall, when I was sick for four days with the swine flu, was pushing the limit. Times like those I become ever more grateful for good neighbors.

On a more positive note, all five baby birds are weaned and moved into the flight cage. They appear to be loving it, so we just watch closely for a few days to make sure no one is getting hungry. Tinka had finally stopped feeding the little one today, and they were actually fighting over food and perches, so it was time to move them out to the flight. They are beautiful - six yellow canaries and one bronze sharing the flight. So pretty and fun to watch!

I finally got the rest of the garden in this morning, as well. And made curtains for the back porch, to keep out the sun and provide shade for Maggie. Finished a couple more projects, put more things away. Made plans for moving bedrooms downstairs for summer, and cleaning/painting back porch to spruce things up and make room for coat hooks. Too much to do, but at the same time, nice to have projects to spend energy on.

Book Review

“The Money Answer Book” by Dave Ramsey is a short, easy-to-read book that provides simple, direct answers to the most common financial questions.

I liked this book’s organized, direct approach to most people’s basic questions regarding financial issues. I think this book has at least a little something for everyone, if not more. Ramsey approaches all the typical hang-ups people have with money with his no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is style.

I thought this book was great for several reasons. For one, it does not have to be read cover-to-cover. Even the busiest people can find the time to read the sections that address their greatest concerns or area of need. Also, each section is simply made of several pages of simple questions people often have, followed by Ramsey’s no-nonsense, direct answer. The only draw-back to this book, if it can be called a draw-back, is that it does not contain any in-depth information. All the questions and answers are pretty basic. For someone needing or wanting more in-depth information, this book is probably not what you are looking for. However, that being said, I would recommend this book to virtually anyone. It will almost certainly provide some much-needed direction and insight. “The Money Answer Book” helps provide an overall sense of what financial well-being looks like, and what it takes to get there. Ramsey repeatedly emphasizes that virtually anyone can save money and work toward a financially secure future, whether they earn $25,000 or $250,000. This book will shed light on what, if any, areas you may want to focus on in your financial planning, and which areas to prioritize first.

And the Seasons Change....

Ah, yes. Spring/Summer has arrived! As I posted on FB today; until the grass stops growing, canaries finish molting, weeds cease to exist, and the harvest is finally in, I will be noticeably absent from my computer this summer, unless beckoned by work. I may check in on rainy days, but otherwise..... if you need to speak with me, your best option is to simply stop by, since I am rarely near the phone or computer this time of year!

As for an update on our bird babies; they are all roosting peacefully outside the nest tonight. I walked into the dining room tonight to see "Tiny Tim" snuggled up next to Big Brother (or sister) on the swing, while the other three were lined up in close proximity on a perch. It was so cute to see the big one and littlest one sharing the swing!

Still Surviving

We're all surviving so far - our five baby canaries, and myself. I pulled Sonny out of the breeding cage today, and closed him off in another room so Tinka can't see or hear him. She seems a little more attentive to her babies now. The oldest are ten days old today, so I'm going to take a chance and leave the heat lamp off tonight. At ten days old, they are supposed to be old enough to not need her warmth at night. I pray the little one stays warm, but not crushed, underneath. I'm constantly counting heads to make sure all five are up top and getting fed all day long.

Nurse-maid

Had a harrowing night with my baby canaries last night (at least it felt like it to me). When I got home from a church meeting at 10:15 PM, Tinka was NOT sleeping on her nest. I have been watching for this, since she abandoned her first nest this spring and all four babies were dead when I found them in the morning. They were just 4-5 days old. I excused it, because we had been out of power for the whole day, and I had moved the cage a few times, trying to find the warmest corner for the babies. These babies are not much older; the oldest were 7 days old, and the youngest 5 days old. I am not a highly experienced canary breeder yet, but my "intermediate" level of experience tells me - screams loudly at me - this is way, way too early for her to leave the nest. She did look stressed all yesterday afternoon, and I only saw Sonny feeding the chicks. At any rate, we set up a heating lamp to help keep the nest warm, and I just kept praying all night. God sees every sparrow that falls to the ground, so I know He sees my canaries. I checked on them throughout the night, and they were always breathing (their eyes aren't even opened yet, and just barely starting to get pin feathers). At 5 AM they were still on their own, but at 6 AM, I found Tinka crouched over them. I got their fresh hard-boiled egg out, and left them again. She has not done much this morning, but occasionally will help Sonny feed. I'm anxiously watching the clock so I can call Kelly at the Bird House to see what she recommends. If it's possible, I want to leave them with Sonny, because I think he will take better care of them than I would. I'm prepared to hand-feed, but I'm not looking forward to it! Oofta! I would not be in such a panic if they were just 3 or 4 days older. By that point, Tinka would be forced off the nest anyway. This was her last chance, and she is not getting another. No more babies for Tinka. Incidentally, I did find a 2 year old yellow female for sale on BisMan that I will pick up Friday, so I am excited about that! Then I will have my yellow pair. I will try to find a retirement home for Tinka.

On My Mind

Hmmm....piano. water paints and two very busy, very happy little girls. baby birds. beta fish. strawberry pie. nib pens and India ink. spring rain. a cup of tea on a cool, drizzly afternoon. Life is a beautiful thing.