I know that housekeeping and yard maintenance is not a problem unique to homesteaders.  Most people I know try hard to juggle all of their responsibilities.  Living on a homestead means more responsibilities; therefore, there are more responsibilities to juggle. Some days I drop the ball, so to speak.  The house gets neglected or the laundry piles up into an intimidating... »

You still have time to enter the Art for Homeschool art show.  The deadline is Saturday, May 1st.  It is for any students aged 5-18.  There is even a parent category.  After the show is judged, then the winners will be announced and prizes will be given. The theme is "My Favorite Things."  After I stopped visualizing Julie Andrews singing "These... »

While wild turkeys roamed the piney woods of Texas years ago, their population has almost completely diminished.  I had never seen a wild turkey in the area.  If you wanted to hunt a wild turkey, then you need to go down south or up in the Panhandle because Grimes County has no open... »

I am not speechless very often, but when I finally got home from Houston after attending the funeral and the days of planning leading up to it, I was surprised to find so many people had taken the time to leave a comment or email me a personal message about my grandmother's death. It took me an hour or two to... »

I wish I was writing an article today.  Instead, I am attending and speaking at my grandmother's funeral today.  Joyce Paschal Holliday died at her home on April 13th.  We are all filled with sadness over the loss of this remarkable lady.  However, we are greatly comforted by the fact that she is free of her physical body. Since she was... »

“Bluebonnets have inspired the poet’s pen, the artist’s brush, the cowboy’s dream, and the legislator’s eloquence throughout the broad spaces of Texas. Their royal beauty and enchanting fragrance have a particular message which speaks to the emotions with compelling directness.” –Mary Daggett Lake Mary Daggett Lake was... »

If you don't know what stinging grass is, then consider yourself lucky.  Stinging grass is a light green plant that grows with grass.  It has tiny bristles that "sting" your skin.  It has to be a nettle of some sort. The sting can leave red welps on your skin.  It also hurts for... »

I have been reading books about the Thomas Jefferson education.  They are really interesting reads if you are interested in homeschooling.  Oliver and Rachel DeMille are founders of this educational philosophy based on how the great thinkers and our Founding Fathers were educated.  They co-author the books.  I have read two of the three main books discussing what a Thomas... »

Months ago I wrote an article, "Jemima Puddleduck," describing how sad it was to lose our female duck.  Our drake suffered the most because he was so lonely.  He has spent much of his time on a nearby lake.  He waddles home every night to sleep. As wild wood ducks temporarily use the same watering... »

I was so proud of my daughter last week.  Kyla decided to donate her hair to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program.  I made that same decision last month. Kyla has not had any real haircuts her entire life.  She loves her long, blonde hair.  It grows very thick and slightly wavy.  When brushed straight, it came to the small of her... »

After school and chores were done, the kids and I went on a walk to get some exercise and enjoy the absolutely beautiful Texas day.  I grabbed my camera because you never know what you are going to see.  I wanted to capture the rebirth of spring.  Kyla grabbed her camera also.  We had the most fun on the walk. I... »