Deer Do You Think This Is A Runway?

I live in a rural area, just minutes from the Missouri State Capitol. The terrain around here can best be described as wooded hills. The 160 acre farm on which we reside is not a typical working farm. It is a place where the resident “woodsmen” raises deer, turkey, rabbits and squirrel. You just never know what you might see; usually those opportunities are deep in the woods.

So here I sit on my couch listening to morning TV. I have an open living style arrangement where two of my single windows flank the TV and define the living area. The other window on the same wall; a bay window that gives definition to the dining area. Outside these southern facing windows is a fifteen foot ribbon of yard going for a length of sixty feet; then it breaks back into natural woods that are untouched, never mowed with tall standing timber.   

Imagine my surprise when I noticed a deer strolling down that ribbon of yard coming from the East. If I would of had a ten foot pole, I could have reached out and touched the deer. The deer was working the runway as if it just got back from Milan and New York was that runway. So I stand at my bay window and observe. Not thinking much of it, I go about my day. Then later in the day, I catch the deer again, in the evening. By this time I am starting to make mental notes; it appeared to be the same deer. Same height, coat was the same color and oh the beautiful eyes. Why is this deer at this same location twice in one day? It is a mystery to me at this time. I know this is not the best foraging area. What about all the areas the "woodsmen" had planted in the fall, they can not be all gone. I reminisce; I have seen deer out this window before; at that time it was cold harsh winter when they were foraging in the bird feeders. Hmm this is strange. So I go about the end of my day.  




You can see the East sun shimmer on the deer's eye.




Progress to the next day; not watching for anything, here is this deer again! I really
do believe it is the same one. Now I am sure and have alerted the "woodsmen". My heart is pumping and I am definitely excited; I must get evidence. So I jump into action; get the camera; click! Here is a picture of this deer that has been using my yard like a runway. I believe the deer is taunting me; " I can go here, na na na na"! This picture was taken from my vantage point as I stood at the bay window. Hope I will have more to share about the “runway” visitor!

Grandma Spicy

What is Memorial Day?



The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.  ~Thomas Campbell



Memorial Day is of course a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. Service Members who died while in military service. The origins of this day are very humble and little known. First enacted by formerly enslaved African-Americans to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War – it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season. The days are getting longer (Sunrise @ 5:48am Sunset @ 8:27pm here in Central Missouri); just under 15 hours of daylight as we approach the summer solstice. Plenty of time to enjoy summer activities; there are picnics, reunions, fishing, camping, hiking and the every popular bar-b-q while the sun is high. These are happy times to make memories.  

When family and friends gather together; this is a time of celebration. Whether there are just two or many more, there is a gathering. Whenever you are with family/friends you are making memories, these are priceless. Just remember to take pictures, so you can have a picture of old “Aunt Spicy”.

I remember my Daddy taking me to his family reunions. I know now he would take me so I would know his people. He wanted me to know that his people were my people. That was what my Father was trying to communicate. He showed me a place to belong; a belonging that grew in my heart. There is nothing finer that belonging to something, especially that which reflects warmth, goodness and kindness back at you. I have the gentle memory of a great aunt; sitting down to the piano. My great aunt worked those ivories like they were talking directly to her soul. Her son’s always there to sing and play instruments. We always begged them to play and they were happy to oblige with gospel and little bit of this-n-that.  

At my Mother’s reunions the memories are just as fond but a little different. Some kin would travel many miles and it was such a treat to see them. When I was a teen, these people were “celebrity like” in my eyes and heart. My Mother was a very conservative lady; I will always aspire to model her good, kind, gentle and loving heart. But I think she had some “colorful” kinfolk; that had since passed. All I can say is these folks worked hard, played hard, laughed, cry, and lived life to the fullest; or colorfully! So we would talk of these stories, sometimes working to separate fiction from fact, sometime not. The stories sure were fun.    

When you gather at a reunion; the food is the focus. Those banquet tables lined end to end with everything you would need to satisfy the mouth watering hunger that has seemed to come over you. It is palatable. I have a clear memory of who were the good cooks. At any gathering you know these Aunt's and your Mother and/or Grandmother has prepared her very best pie, cake or salad recipe. I am such a visual person, with that and a pronounced sense of smell; you could see me circling those tables before we said the blessing on the meal like an eagle looking for their prey. You can be sure you are going to be faced with caloric land mines; who is counting, you can pick that diet back up tomorrow. What should I eat; can not overeat; I will feel terrible if I eat too much! My sight and smell would war with my common sense. Oh heck; all those savory dishes look so good and the desserts are to die for, literally!

At these gatherings, it is the conversation that is the prize; how many tables can you get around to enjoy the company. Just do not make the classic mistake and sit with someone you see on a daily/monthly basis. If you are young; go sit with someone older. If you are older, seek out the young folk; they have a lot to share. My nieces and nephews are my great reward for having brothers and sisters; of course being a Mother and Grandmother is grand. Those little ones are the ones to be watched out for; now for me I have what we fondly call “Greats”; those are the next generation; our children’s children. Talk to them, not at them, but to their level. See what they like about this world. Make a memory for them!

My last memory I want to share is decorating graves with my Mother. My Father had long since passed; Mother was now alone again. It was a wonderful thing we did together the last years of her life. Her generation was very faithful about this; it was no longer about them being a soldier. It was now about carrying flowers to your loved ones graves. It is a wonderful feeling to go to your people’s final resting place; to know that location is an important memory. The next generation is going to ask; we all don’t MapQuest these locations; they are in our heads. When at the graveyard it gives me comfort to be there to take a broom removing all the grass clippings from the top of the tomb stone; and tidy up everything around the stone. Imagine my excitement to finding the secret of using WD40; making those bronze marker stones look new. Spray on and wipe off, it is marvelous. I have memories of seeing living family/friends in these graveyards, visiting along the way. A graveyard is not a macabre place; rather it is a place of history, reverence; to meditate; to visit with the living; talk to the dead. For some it is very spiritual. I highly recommend finding your people and walking through the cemetery.

Memorial Day is a day not to be wasted nor squandered. We owe much to the soldiers that have served and died or served and lived to enjoy the same freedoms we enjoy. Memorial Day is a day to test and reflect on some of those wonderful memories you may have. I think Memorial day is for remembering and making memories. I suggest you do, it is very good for the soul!


Grandma Spicy

Grandma Spicy Introduced

I am just a young retired Grandma who lives in Missouri. I named myself Spicy because I love the use of spices when cooking.  The use of beautiful colors when sewing and decorating is a passion that feeds a need. Reading consumes me, while I read varied types of books. My love of hummingbirds know's no bounds, I look forward to their arrival and dread their departure. I am very patriotic and believe in God and Country, in that order. My family means everythng to me. My two adult daughters and one and only granddaughter make my heart soar!

My favorite verse is my mantra for life: Galatians 5:22-23 NIV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” If everyone put these things in their heart the world would be better!

I have always wanted to blog. I have felt as a "seasoned" person, I have something to share. But I find when I read other blogs, I learn things from youngins`. Now the way I am speaking might lead you to believe that I am a hillbilly, just know I wear that moniker proudly. A person that lives in the hills or on a farm is most usually very resourceful. That is not to be confused with a city-dweller who is also resourceful, but in a different way. We have wide open spaces to try different things such as gardens, using a wringer washer, making soap, gathering nuts, picking berries, foraging for wild edibles and hunting. We live a slower pace of life.

I look forward to sharing my daily musings in the blog. You can look forward to varied subjects because I believe life is not just a single linear thread. I believe life is about sharing, caring and leaving a legacy. I will try to keep things organized as that is another passion in my life.


Grandma Spicy