They Don't Bug Me Anymore!

We’ve had so much moisture this spring that the bugs are thick here at Marigold Meadows!  It’s difficult to work in the garden without fearing that you might be carried away by a swarm of gnats!  I’ve never been to Minnesota, but I’ve heard about their man-sized mosquitoes.  I think their cousins are living here on our farm.

The horses are pretty smart.  They are spending a lot of time in the barn where there is a breeze which somewhat keeps the annoying insects away.  While the barn is one of my favorite places to be, I do have things that need to be done.  However, in my efforts to make it through my “to do list,” it seems that I’m doing more fruitless swatting than accomplishing anything else!  So… as I’ve considered plants that are on my side against these pesky intruders, I think I’ve fashioned a insect repellant recipe that will make outdoor work and fun activities a little more enjoyable.

I knew that I wanted to stay away from DEET, the neurological damaging compound used in most commercial insect repellants.  I also knew that Catnip was an effective insect repellant, but I didn’t realize just how effective until I came across the researchers report given in 2001 at the 222nd national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, that the essential oil in catnip is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET!  However, like all enterprises, those manufacturing insect repellants are interested in making money and catnip oil is not cheap!  Consequently, while I wanted catnip as my foundation, because of it’s costliness I realized that I needed to use it as a tincture or undiluted in minimal amounts.  Not having any catnip tincture on hand, I chose the essential oil of Catnip.

I decided to use witch hazel as a carrier because it is not oily.  No one likes dirt and sand sticking to their skin because of oily lotions and sprays.  I concluded that it is best to mix insect repelling oils in order for the end product to be most effective and least expensive.  Here is my non-oily, insect repelling end-product:

4 oz Witch Hazel Extract

1 ounce Neem oil (purchase this diluted in olive oil)

80 drops Citronella essential oil

80 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

40 drops Lavender essential oil

20 drops Rosemary essential oil

20 drops catnip essential oil (may use 4 oz. Catnip tincture instead)

10 drops Lemongrass essential oil

10 drops Lemon essential oil

Mix in a spray bottle.  Shake well before each use.  Reapply as needed.

They don’t bug me anymore!  Try it and let me know how it works for you!

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

DISCLAIMER:

The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc.  Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  This is best left to the Creator of the universe.  In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted.  The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified.  The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.

Hot Dog of a Man

We’ve met a man who is known in our community as, “Hot Dog”.  Hot Dog often attends music jams with his wife, who seems to be one of the most loyal, supportive persons I’ve ever observed.  While he mostly gets around in a wheelchair, when Hot Dog stands he is a very tall, big man!  Hot Dog is unable to speak clearly, but works very hard to communicate with those he is interested in.  He can tell you that he is “Hot Dog”.  Otherwise, under normal circumstances he only utters, “Yabba, yabba, yabba”.  However… it is simply amazing that at the jams, Hot Dog will pull himself up out of his wheelchair to stand and lead the crowd in singing “God Bless America”.  While it is obviously a struggle for him to get the words out, every word is quite clear!  His tenacity brings tears to my eyes every time.

A few weeks ago, I sang a closing song entitled, “Where Could I Go But To The Lord” written by James B. Coats.  Hot Dog’s eyes were glued to me as I sang:

Living below in this old sinful world,
Hardly a comfort can afford.
Striving alone to face temptations sore,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul,
Needing a friend to help me in the end,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Neighbors are kind, I love them every one. 
We get along in sweet accord. 
But when my soul needs manna from above,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul,
Needing a friend to help me in the end,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Life here is grand with friends I love so dear,
Comfort I get from God's own Word.

Yet when I face the chilling hand of death,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul,
Needing a friend to help me in the end,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

It was obvious that Hot Dog was listening, but I had no idea how deeply the song touched his heart.  After the jam, he got up out of his wheelchair and using his cane, Hot Dog made his way over to where the musicians were sitting.  He began to shake each one’s hand.  To my surprise, instead of shaking my hand, Hot Dog drew me to himself and kissed me on the cheek.  Looking me straight in the eye he spoke, “I lub you”.  I nearly broke into tears.  Using his unaffected arm, he lifted his limp arm.  It was obvious that Hot Dog had something very important that he wanted to communicate to me, yet all that he could utter was, “Yabba, yabba, yabba, stroke.”  Our hearts were connected at that moment and I knew exactly what he had on his mind.  He wanted me to know that as a result of his stroke he had learned a very important lesson; “Where could I go but to the Lord?”

It is my understanding that Hot Dog was once a very stoic man and quite intimidating to most, especially his wife.  Today, when my brother Art sings, “I Wouldn’t Change You if I Could,” Hot Dog’s gaze locks onto his wife’s face with tears streaming from his eyes.  It’s amazing to me what the hand of God can do to a man’s heart.  I don’t know who this man used to be, but what I do know is that today… he’s a Hot Dog of a man!

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

Simply Udder-Full

I sneak a little dab of molasses into our dairy goat’s “lactation supplements”.  She not only loves it, it’s proving to be quite effective!  Peggy’s now producing so much milk that it’s difficult to keep up! 

Brother Art is making me a cheese press; however, while waiting for it to be completed, the freezer and refrigerator shelves are lined with jars full of delicious, creamy milk.  Maybe I should go into business selling my herbal milk-enhancing concoction and call the product, Simply Udder-Full!

A few days ago, I decided that I had to do something with some of this milk!  So, I made cottage cheese which does not require a press.  What an easy & fun project.  No more hormone, antibiotic-filled cottage cheese is gonna make it’s way into this house!

Hey!  I have an idea!  I could develop a full line of dairy products:  Simply Udder-Full Cottage Cheese, Simply Udder-Full Cheddar, Simply Udder-Full Swiss, etc!  OK.  OK.  One step at a time.  For now…. perfecting the Cottage Cheese is good enough!

I’ll give you the basics of my Simply Udder-Full Cottage Cheese secrets, if you promise not to tell:

1 Gallon Simply Udder-full Milk

1/8 Cheese Rennet Tablet (not Junket)

2 Tbsp. “warm to your wrist” water

Heat milk in a long, shallow, non-aluminum pan (my 15.5” x 9.5” x 3.5” Stainless steel roaster works great) over medium-low burner until it feels warm to your wrist.  Crush the tablet in the warm water and stir to dissolve.  Stir warm rennet water into warm milk.  Make sure that you stir from every angle and in every corner of your pan in order to mix thoroughly.  In approximately 30-45 minutes, touch the “milk” gently with the tip of a sharp knife.  A miracle should have occurred; the “milk” should have gelled.  It is now called “curds”.  Draw a long knife through the curd vertically and then horizontally to make about ½” squares.  Make certain that you cut all the way through to the bottom of the pan.  The squares will begin to giggle and the liquid whey will begin to rise to the surface. Drain the curds in a colander lined with butter muslin or cheesecloth.  Squeeze more whey out by using the pressure of your hands.  Keep checking the consistency, being careful not to make the cheese too dry.  Add salt to taste.  Refrigerate

Tips:  I prefer butter muslin which is thicker and sturdier than cheesecloth.  The muslin can be rinsed and then sterilized in boiling water and reused multiple times.  I’ve found the most economical cheese rennet and butter muslin at www.Caprinesupply.com

I’ve tweaked these steps a bit to develop my secret recipe, however, this is enough information to get you started making your own cottage cheese in a matter of minutes!  I promise; it’ll be close to being Simply Udder-full!

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

If I Were Your Brother

I came across a song on YouTube by the Spinney Brothers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISzIWkg-fUY) entitled, “If I Were Your Brother”.  While I immediately thought of my brother, Art who has been such a help and inspiration to me, the song is filled with many applications to our relationships with one another as brothers and sisters in Jesus;

If I Were Your Brother

If I were your brother would you hold out your hand?

In these times of trouble beside me please stand.

If I needed courage would you see me through?

If I were your brother I’d do that for you.

If I were your brother would you show me the way

And help with the answer should ever I stray,

And grant me forgiveness for things I may do?

If I were your brother I’d do that for you.

CHORUS:

If I were your brother I’d love no one more.

There for each other like brothers are for,

And gladly I’d lay down my life, it’s true,

If I were your brother I’d do that for you.

If I were your brother would you open your door,

Make me feel welcome in rich or in poor?

And there at your table could I sit there too?

If I were your brother I’d do that for you.

CHORUS:

If I were your brother I’d love no one more.

There for each other like brothers are for,

And gladly I’d lay down my life, it’s true,

If I were your brother I’d do that for you.

Because I’m your brother I’ll do that for you.

How often do we consider the honor that is ours to demonstrate Jesus’ love for one another as brothers and sisters?  Personally, I have to be mindful to not allow my agenda get in the way of this privilege.  Too often, I get so focused on tasks, which are seemingly important, that I even become irritated when my schedule is interrupted with the needs of others.  Like Jesus, I want to be willing to “lay down” my life for my brothers and sisters and to see my relationships with them as more important than accomplishing something. 

  

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

Need Mo Milk, Please

Life at Marigold Meadows is always full of learning experiences and sometimes that includes a bit of heartache.

We recently bought Peggy, a dairy goat who is half Saanan and half Nubian.  This mixed breed is for the purpose of producing creamy milk and lots of it!  According to the previous owner, Peggy was likely bred and due to deliver in the middle of May.  Like clock-work, she delivered twins on May 13^th.  The twins were seemingly healthy at birth, however, Peggy looked miserable.  Her udder was so huge and congested that it looked like it would burst, but according to the pictures that I’ve seen of lactating dairy goats, this is “normal”.

Unlike our meat goats, Peggy’s twins were very quiet and “laid back”.  I never caught either of them nursing.  Peggy’s teats were so large and her udder so low to the ground that I was concerned that maybe the kids were unable to get her teats into their mouths.  Were they able to suck? Had they gotten the colostrum that they need so badly?

I put Peggy on the milk stanchion to see if the little ones would suck with assistance.  They both sucked.  The larger one was a bit more aggressive about it and would sometimes butt the little one away, but neither of them seemed to work at it very hard.  Were they unwilling or were they full from eating on their own before I came along?  I asked previous goat owners for advice and the standard answer was, “They would not have lived for several days without food.  They must be eating and you just haven’t been there at the right time.”  They suggested that I milk Peggy way down so that she would be more comfortable and that the little ones could get a better hold on her teats.  I relieved her of almost a gallon of milk!  While keeping a close eye on the little ones, I tried not to be overly concerned.

One morning when I went out to milk, I found that the little one had died.  My heart just sank!  To top that off, Peggy was not producing more than ½ cup of milk!  What were we going to do?  Not only was it important to have milk for the other little guy, we had bought Peggy because we wanted milk! 

Next learning curve… how do I increase Peggy’s milk supply?

I’m blessed with two helpful books on natural goat care:

• Natural Goat Care – Pat Coleby
• The Complete Herbal Handbook For Farm and Stable – Juliette de Bairacli Levy

Also, www.Fiascofarm.com is a wonderful website that I return to time again.

As I researched, I discovered that the herbs: fennel, dill and fenugreek help to increase goat milk production.  Hoping that Peggy would like the herbs and that they would be effective, I decided to give it a try.  I powdered equal parts of each ingredient together in my blender and off to the barn I went.  First, I mixed 1 tablespoon of the herbs in with her ration of corn only to discover that she ate the corn and left the powdered herbs in the bottom of her feeding pan.  Hmmm…it was obvious that I needed to out-smart her.  So…, I mixed the powdered herbs with 1 teaspoon of molasses and she loved it!  I’ve been giving her 1 tablespoon of the herbs each morning and evening for three days now.  This morning when I milked Peggy, she offered 1.5 qt.!  I’m not sure if her supply will increase any more than this, but at least I know that the Little Spud is getting what he needs and we have enough milk to drink, bake, make cheese, etc.

Who would have thought that a few herbs would have such an effect?  It never ceases to amaze me how the Creator of this universe has provided everything we need. 

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

DISCLAIMER:

The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc.  Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  This is best left to the Creator of the universe.  In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted.  The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified.  The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.

In the Eyes of the Beholder

Have you ever considered that what we think of as “the norm” is typically only cultural?  A number of things in the last few weeks have stirred those thoughts up for me again:

• We were at an auction where people were paying big bucks for antiques, primitives, etc.  In the midst of all of this was a gentleman who spotted an “invaluable” used game that he thought his grandchildren would like.  When he won the highest bid of $1.00, he carried the game with his head held high as though he’d received a trophy.
• We’ve been considering whether or not we should demolish our old farm house and build a small rustic home.  While most would determine the farm house not worth salvaging, those without homes or small shanties would consider it the “mansion” they’d never even dream of having.
• My brother, Art reminisces about a time in his boyhood when he played “basketball” for hours shooting a ball that would not hold air against the side of our old outhouse as a backboard.  Unbeknownst to Art, our neighbor, who drove by our place everyday, noticed Art’s determination.  He arrived at our house on Christmas Day with an inflated basketball, a hoop and a back board.  Art had never received such an elaborate gift!

Who determines what’s “normal”?  How do we conclude what’s “good” and what’s “bad”?  Customs and traditions in one culture would never be considered in another.  What’s perceived as beautiful to one is determined as repulsive to another.  What one values, another considers unworthy.  This song came as I’ve pondered these thoughts.

In the Eyes of the Beholder

By Bonnie Jaeckle

Flame-branded scars disfigure her face.

To him she’s a princess, to others disgrace.

Most keep their distance from the “monster” they see,

While his loving hands caress her face so gently.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see,

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

Life in a shanty is all she dreams of.

It’s her constant request to her Father above.

It isn’t a mansion over-looking the sea,

Just something better than life on the streets.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

A new born calf and the sweet smell of hay;

Others go shopping while she gladly she stays

At home in simplicity when they go to work.

She enjoys her family while they pay the clerk.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

One more bottle to help ease the pain.

Those who knew him say he’s never been the same

Since his wife and children were killed in a feud.

How would you respond if it happened to you?

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

Never satisfied with all that they get

His friends complain that, “This isn’t it!”

He knew his family could never afford

The ball that they bought which he had adored.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

Grandpa’s Way of Life

It wasn’t so long ago that my life was so out of control that my emotions and body were screaming to get out of the raging river.  There never seemed to be enough time to complete my growing “to-do” list and I had no idea how to rest and enjoy.  While my personality is such that, even now, I can easily acquire a project list longer than any day is long, my attitude and approach toward those tasks have changed greatly.  I’m learning to not be so over-whelmed by it all, but to enjoy the journey along the way.

While generations of the past were certainly not idle, I’d guess that the difference between years gone by and the typical modern American lifestyle is the mind-set.  However, it seems that the tide may be changing and that more and more people are seeking a less complicated life.  I recently came across a Mark Brinkman song that speaks of this longing.

Grandpa’s Way of Life

He drank his coffee from a saucer,

Rolled his smokes from an ol’ tin can.

He could play Sally Goodin on the fiddle.

Yeah, he was Grandma’s kind of man.

Spent six days a week behind a plow mule

Turning acres into rows.

Yea, he’d even get up early Sunday morning

And put on his only Sunday clothes.

CHORUS:

And I wonder how things got so complicated.

You know it’s hard to find a good ol’ Barlow knife.

I’d love to throw computers out the window

And go back to Grandpa’s way of life.

In the 30’s he tried to give up farmin’,

Sold electric power door to door

He swore he’d never buy a German auto

After he got back in 44

His words and hand were stronger than iron.

Yea son, you could take that to the bank.

And every year when we brought in the harvest,

Well, Grandpa always knew just who to thank.

CHORUS:

And I wonder how things got so complicated.

You know it’s hard to find a good ol’ Rando knife.

I’d love to throw cell phones out the window

And go back to Grandpa’s way of life.

He could fix anything with balin’ wire or duct tape;

He called them God’s essential tools.

He never had much use for the TV,

All except for Walter Cronkite’s evening news.

He only had an 8^th grade education;

No Diploma hangin’ just for show.

But when it came to teachin’ me a lesson,

He will always be the smartest man I know.

CHORUS:

And I wonder how things got so complicated.

If I could hear his fiddle play tonight,

I’d throw my computer out the window

And go back to grandpa’s way of life.

I’d just go back to my grandpa’s way of life.

While I recognize that God’s timing is perfect in all things, sometimes I wish I could have learned a lot sooner that life was not intended to be complicated, rather it is simply about learning to enjoy His presence along the way!

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845