Day 263/365- The Pumpkin Harvest

The other day Brian picked the pumpkins from our 

crazy pumpkin patch.

The vine was dying out, so he moved them

to the house to decorate
for fall.

He had to use the tractor and trailer
to move them because they are so heavy.
We still have a few left growing,
so we will add to our harvest soon.

Not a bad yield for not even planting!

It is a rainy, rainy, rainy day here
so I am hanging tight and
working inside today.

I hope you all stay dry.

Hugs,

Day 262/365- Shakespearean * Reader's Questions

Taken at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Answering readers questions today!

What's the origin of your name?

Well, my first name, Tracey actually has 

an interesting and controversial story behind it.

My father wanted to name me Stacy originally,

but since it was the name of a former girlfriend,

my mother wasn't too keen on the idea.

Rightfully so.

So, they compromised and named me Tracey.

The name Tracey, traditionally spelled Tracy

is from Irish and Gaelic origin.

It means "warlike." :D

Do you believe in fate?

Yes, I do.

I am very spiritual

and believe that while we have 

free choice, 

our Creator knows exactly where

 each and every life is going

and how it will get there.

I don't believe that there is a large hand

guiding us in the direction we should go,

but rather we create our own fate

by listening carefully (or not) to our heart

and conscious, which is the voice of the Creator.

Sorry to go all philosophical on you, but you asked!

Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes, I do believe in ghosts, so to speak.  

I believe our spirit leaves our body when we die.  

I also believe that for some reason or another 

some souls can get "stuck" here 

before they make the journey to the here after.  

I don't believe in scary ghosts like in horror movies.  

I have had a few "strange" encounters with deceased relatives 

that strengthened my opinion about spirits.

Such spiritual and in depth questions this time!

What TV show do you wish would go off the air for good?

Dexter.  

It. Creeps. Me. Out.  

I can't even be in the same room when my husband has it on.

You all rock at asking interesting questions!

You can ask me more questions (this is fun!)

by going to 

http://www.formspring.me/TheseNineAcres
You can also read all of the boring
answers to all of the questions previously asked
by going to the same link.

Ask away!

My turn...

Weigh In:  How do you feel about President Obama's answer about his Christian belief?

Day 261/365- Conowingo And More Answers

Conowingo Dam, Maryland

Because of the craziness of my life,

I have been unable to take a photo each 

and every day.

My kids, family, health and business 

come before the blog, 

so I am here to say that out of necessity,

I have to finish out my Project 365 by

committing to either

take a picture a day

or

edit a picture a day.

And guess what?

I don't feel the least bit bad about it

and I have no guilty feelings either.

It's my blog

So I will cry make the rules if I want to. ;0)

So, this image was actually shot the same day

as this shot,

but I did not edit it until last night

in preparation for today's post.

And that is how it will have to be.

The alternative is to not have a blog at all

and I don't want to go there.

So, now that I've got that off my chest,

I feel much better.

And lighter.

And healthier.

*sigh*

It's all good.

Sending good vibrations your way...

Day 260/365- Made In China

While at a fair not too long ago,

a booth boasted that all the glassware

was hand blown by the owners right there on site.

Um, unless I was magically transported to China,

I think they were running a scam.

See the Made In China sticker?

Yea, maybe someone should remove that sticker

before hanging up the falsely advertised products.

Just sayin'.

So, what's up with you all this week?

Any good plans I should know about?

Day 259/365-Sunning and A Stinky Problem

I loved the way this moth

blended in with the rock on which it was perched.

It was just sitting there with its wings open,

catching the morning rays and sunning itself.

It was a cutey for sure.

Speaking of insects,

if you are a Maryland resident,

I am sure you have witnessed firsthand

the infestation of stinkbugs in the recent days.

I thought I was crazy when

I was shocked at all of the stinkbugs surrounding

our home and attaching themselves to the window screens.

Turns out I wasn't crazy

(go figure...).

It is true that Maryland is experiencing

a baby boom of these terrible critters

that are native to Asia

but immigrated to the U. S. A.

about 10 years ago

(maybe for a better life? ;0)

"They", whoever they are

seem to think that the recent hot and dry

weather helped boost the population

of this stinky creepy crawlies.

While I certainly love how the 

teenage bugs look and 

actually featured one recently

as one of my P365 images,

I am not too keen on the adult 

version of the insect...

gray, ugly, and not-so-cute.

It turns out there isn't much you can do

to prevent them besides making sure your home 

is sealed tight and spraying insecticide

around the perimeter of the house,

so I guess we just have to live with them.

Ugh.

Day 258/365- Beautiful Curves

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.

I am busy working today 

shooting recreational soccer pictures,

so I am hoping for good weather!

This beautiful, curvy lady was 

at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

last weekend.  

I asked her permission to take a picture

and she was kind enough to oblige ;0)

See the pin on her hat

that is a hand with a magic wand?

I love that pin.

Until tomorrow, my dear friends!

Day 257/365- Vultures and What Not to Do While Volunteering In Middle School

Since school started and both of my kids 

are now in the middle school,

I have decided to volunteer once a week

helping the teachers copy and create materials for class.

Having been a teacher myself,

I know first hand how helpful it is

to have all the papers copied and organized 

for the next week.

So, having spent a day in the middle school

during school hours,

I have made some interesting observations...

Middle school children DO NOT

like to say hello to adults they know when 

in front of their friends.

The hallways during the time between classes

is mass chaos and for an adult 

it is better to time your comings and goings

to avoid these rush hours.

Apparently I am naive because

when I saw a couple kissing in the stairwell

I thought I would die.

Don't try to look cool 

because no parent is cool 

to a middle schooler

and when you try to act cool

you will walk through the middle

of a science experiment, 

break the string that is strung between two chairs,

and ruin the project.

Not saying I did that...*ahem*

I am sure that I have lots to learn

and as I volunteer each week,

I hope to be less and less of a dork...

although I doubt that will happen.

At least the teachers like me.

*sigh*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The picture above was taken during a walk

near the Congowingo Dam.

There was a ton of vultures gathered there 

and it was very spooky.

I happened to luck out and 

capture this fella as he took off.

Day 256/365-Hanging By a Thread

Signs of fall are starting to show themselves 

here on These Nine Acres.

One of the sure signs that early autumn has arrived

is the annual falling of the black walnuts.

Black walnut trees are abundant in this part of the woods,

so around this time of year it seems like

baseballs start falling from the clouds.

Black walnuts are about the size of a baseball

and very heavy.

Trust me when I say you don't want one of these babies

falling ten feet and clunking you on the noggin.

It is not quite the same as an acorn bopping you on the head.

Here on the farm, our barn has a tin roof.

The black walnuts falling onto the barn roof

remind me of loud clashing cymbals in a marching band.

Not the quietest sound in the world, for sure.

It is like nature is announcing the arrival of it's

showiest season...AUTUMN IS HERE!

The local squirrels have a hey day this time of year

scrambling around, chewing through the outer shell of the walnut

and then burying the rest for their winter stash.

If they weren't so messy and if they didn't stain

your hands black when handling them,

I might consider harvesting them and eating them myself.

It, however, is not worth the effort and the black hands, 

so I let the squirrels and other nut eating creatures have at it.

Both of the above images were taken on a short walk 

I took the other day at a local park.

It is tucked away and hardly anyone goes there

so it is quite peaceful and solitary.

A perfect place for a walk on a cool autumn morning.

Just make sure you dodge the falling baseballs... ;0)

Both images were taken with the 

Canon Powershot G11.

Day 255/365- Forgotten Things

A pair of stockings, a pair of shoes

A record by The Moody Blues

A bottle of Chanel No. 5

A poster of a band called Dead or Alive

A silk negligee and a black garter belt

A book about how to get to know yourself

A shirt you adopted used to be mine

These are some of the things you left behind

Paintings painted by a man you knew,

someone you dated in '82

An autographed picture of Junior Wells

I didn't even know you liked soul that well

Three pieces of paper with cryptic notes

Cigarettes you never smoked

A bag of beads and fishing line

These are some of the things you left behind

~Partial Lyrics to Things You Left Behind

by

Nails

I am not one to hold on to many possessions.

If I haven't used it a while,

I get rid of it.

The Virgo in me does not

like a cluttered environment

or a cluttered mind.

So, it fascinates me when I see

people who hold onto things.

Hoarders just blow my mind.

Collectors are fascinating to me.

I rarely regret getting rid of things

and decluttering, so the emotional turmoil

that goes along with holding onto stuff is confusing to me.

The only thing I regret not keeping

has been friends from high school.

Once I left high school

and then again when I left college,

I didn't keep in touch with those that

were important to me.

Now that I have reunited with many of them

on Facebook, and have gotten to know them again,

I realize just how much I missed out.

Weddings, births, divorces, vacations,

deaths....

just so much I wish I had known and

could have been a part of if I had made the effort

to stay in touch.

But regrets get you nowhere,

so now all I can do is make sure

I try to do my part in reestablishing these

relationships from the past

and holding onto the more recent

friendships I have developed over the years.

What about you?

Do you like or dislike clutter?

Are you a collector or a hoarder?

Do you have trouble passing on items 

you don't use anymore or is it a cleansing experience?

Day 254/365- The Bee's Knees

Thank you so much for all of your kind

birthday wishes yesterday, both here on the blog

and on Facebook.

It is amazing to me how many friends and family

went out of their way to 

call, send a card, send an email, or leave a computer message for me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

You made my day very special.

I had a nice day despite my husband being ill,

and my son acting like a typical 13 year old boy.

I had my cake, 

strawberry shortcake (with extra strawberries from this summer's bounty) 

and vanilla ice cream to be exact,

and ate it too, so what else could I ask for?

I look forward to big changes in the 38th year of my life!

I am buckling my seatbelt for the ride of my life...

I have a feeling it is all just beginning.

And just for fun, 

here are some more answers to the questions

you have asked me.

To ask questions, simply hit the "Ask Tracey" button

just below the title banner and ask away!

What is your favorite food?

It depends on my mood and what type of food.  

My favorite meat is steak with ground pepper.  

My favorite vegetable is fresh green beans.  

I love all kinds of fruit.  

I have a sweet tooth for chocolate.

Would you rather work at a large company or a small company?

I don't really care either way 

as long as I love what I am doing 

and had great coworkers surrounding me.
A great boss would help too ;0)

If you could only listen to one song for the next month, which would it be?

"Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews Band.  

(acoustic version)

LOVE that song.

What's one food you'll never eat again?
This is a tough one.
There aren't any foods I wouldn't eat again
that I can think of,
but there are many that
I would never try to begin with.
I am not an adventurous eater.

Thanks so much for asking!
Keep the questions coming!

Now tell me what song you would listen to for the next month!

Have a wonderful Tuesday, y'all!

Mmmmmwah!

Day 253/365- Thirty-Eight and Counting

At my computer with headphones on listening to my itunes

Thirty-eight years ago I came kicking and screaming into this world.

I am the second child for my parents,

the younger sister to my brother, John.

A youngest child often has the following traits:

risk taker (NO!), outgoing (NO!), creative (maybe), 

self centered (not in my own opinion), financially irresponsible (NO!),

competitive (YES!), bored easily (YES!), likes to be pampered (YES!),

sense of humor (YES!).

I was a Wednesday child, 

which we all know is full of woe.

I am a Virgo, which, according to this website,

has the following character traits:

he symbol for Virgo is the sheaf of corn. You are hard-working and carry out your duties efficiently and conscientiously.

'I ANALYSE' is the motto for Virgo. You have an eye for detail and a discriminating mind. You like order in all things and are neat, clean and precise in your habits.

You are modest and don't like to draw attention to yourself. Where others seek the limelight, you get quietly on with the job, doing it as well as you can. You get a lot of satisfaction from making yourself useful and enjoy being of service to others.

Outwardly you are cool, although inside you may be seething with nerves. You have a sensitive digestion and you're careful about what you eat and drink.

You can also be overcritical and have a tendency to worry too much.

You are the perfectionists of the zodiac.

This description of me is scary accurate.

In the Chinese Astrology chart,

I am the animal Rat.

According to this website,

a Rat has these characteristics:

Though the Western rat is reviled as little more than a bottom-dwelling disease carrier, this animal is viewed much differently in the East. The Eastern rat is revered for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold on to items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan. Clever and quick-witted, the Rat of the Chinese Zodiac is utterly disarming to boot. Possessed of excellent taste, this Sign flaunts its style at every turn. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The Rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity. Behind that sweet smile, though, Rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. This Sign is motivated by its own interests, which often include money; greed can become a problem if the Rat isn't careful to keep its priorities straight. This Sign's natural powers of charm and persuasion can definitely come in handy! Although they are often hoarders, Rats can be very generous to those in their pack, namely friends and family members who have proven their loyalty. Others might perceive them as quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish. Verbal jousting is a great pleasure for the Rat, a Sign that everyone around will quickly learn either to love or to hate. Rats enjoy being on the outside looking in, as the outside affords a view into the inner workings of a system or situation. The Rat's keen mind always seeks out new knowledge, to be stored away for future use. This ever-curious Sign also welcomes challenges as a way to stay sharp. If boredom sets in the Rat is no fun at all, but that isn't likely; this Sign knows how to keep itself entertained. A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others above themselves, at least sometimes. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats could find true happiness.

This, however, I don't think describes me at all.  

What do the Chinese know about me anyway?

Phhhhhffffft.

Well, I guess what I can say is that I am the one and only me.

Thanks, Mom and Dad for having me

thirty-eight years ago!

Hugs and loving to you all!

Day 252/365- Beetle Bug

I am super excited that Brian is taking us

to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire today

to celebrate my birthday, which is not until tomorrow.

So, I will catch you all on the other side of the weekend.

Does anyone know what kind of beetle this creature might be?

Hugs and lovin',

Day 251/365- Watching the Wheels

People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing,

Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin,

When I say that I'm o.k. they look at me kind of strange,

Surely your not happy now you no longer play the game,

People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away,

Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me,

When I tell that I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall,

Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball?

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round,

I really love to watch them roll,

No longer riding on the merry-go-round,

I just had to let it go.

People asking questions lost in confusion,

Well I tell them there's no problem,

Only solutions,

Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind,

I tell them there's no hurry...

I'm just sitting here doing time.

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round,

I really love to watch them roll,

No longer riding on the merry-go-round,

I just had to let it go.

~Watching the Wheels

John Lennon

Speaking of watching something,

I just realized the other day that I am a serious

reality television junkie.

I hate to admit it

but it is true.

I really don't watch television.

I don't have time.

But, just as I am getting into bed at night

I hit the DVR to see what shows it has recorded.

I usually watch one show 

before I go to sleep.

My recording list only includes 

reality shows:

Teen Mom

Kendra

Holly's World

19 Kids and Counting

America's Got Talent

Survivor

Real Housewives of New York and Orange County

America's Next Top Model

Pretty Wild

The Rachel Zoe Project

Bethenny's Getting Married?

LA Ink

Work of Art:  The Next Great Artist

and

Dog the Bounty Hunter

to name a few.

I never can watch all of the episodes

or I would be up all night every night,

but

I do enjoy my little "reality check"

that my life is so nice and calm

compared to the crazy people out there

playing out their daily life

on television!

These people make me feel so normal!

Do you watch reality TV?  

Which show can you not live without seeing?

Day 250/365- Appear As In a Dream

"I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream."

~Vincent van Gogh

Painting from a photograph

Have a fabulous Friday

and a wonderful weekend!

I plan on doing the same.

xoxo

Day 249/365- The Chosen Path

This is what I will miss in the winter...

It is Thursday, ya'll.

You know what that means.

One day closer to the weekend!

xoxo

Day 248/365- Brian

I am trying to think about anything that is remotely blog worthy

that I can speak about, but unfortunately, there is not much right now.

So, instead, I will answer some more "Ask Tracey" questions.

What kind of music can you just not stand to listen to?

Rap.

I listen too slowly for me to tell what they are saying. :-O

If you had the opportunity to live one year of your life over again, which year would you choose?

The year I was in tenth grade. Not a good one for me to say the least.

Do you consider yourself a good dancer.

Um, that would be a NO. I am lanky and not graceful.

I like to dance while sitting in my chair, though...

I nod and tab my hand to the beat~LOL!

Were you a Michael Jackson fan?

Well, I was not a fan of the person, but I guess I have to admit

that I liked his music when I was growing up.

I especially liked this song.

Do you have any scars on your body? If so, how'd you get them?

Yes, I do. I played tackle football with my brother when I was little (I was a tomboy) and cut my hand and had to have stitches. I also have a scar on my forehead from a fan falling on my head in the middle of the night that landed me yet more stitches (long story for another day). 

And, last but not least, I have a scar on my elbow from elbow surgery.

What was the last book you read?

Velva Jean Learns to Drive (LOVED IT) 

and I am currently reading Orange is the New Black (LOVE IT).

Would you rather date a lot of different people, or be in a committed relationship?

Of course be in a committed relationship, which I am. I have been married for *almost* 15 years.

If you could instantly become fluent in another language, which language would you pick?

I think I would like to be fluent in Spanish. I love the language and have a small background with it. The mother of one of my best friends growing up spoke Spanish in the home and my sister in law's family speaks Spanish.

Besides that, I would love to learn sign language.

I took it in college and fell in love with it.

Thanks for the great questions, everyone.  Keep them coming!

To ask me a question, please hit the "Ask Tracey" tab

at the top and ask me anything you want, within reason.

I will try to answer all of them here on the blog one day coming soon!

So, tell me a bit about yourself...pick one of the questions and tell me the answer!

Day 247/365- I Am Not Myself, You Know

Caterpillar: Who... are... you? 

Alice: Why, I hardly know, sir. I've changed so much since this morning, you see... 

Caterpillar: No, I do not C, explain yourself. 

Alice: I'm afraid I can't explain myself, you see, because I'm not myself, you know. 

Caterpillar: I do not know. 

Alice: I can't put it any more clearly, sir, because it isn't clear to me. 

~Alice in Wonderland

Wooly Bear?

I am not sure if it is the change of seasons

or the shorter days

or the transition to school schedules, 

but I have been very moody lately.

There is some kind of sadness that comes 

with the end of summer...

dreading the dreary gray days of winter 

that are not too far off.

Maybe I need to get one of those sunlamps

that gives off the full light spectrum.

I love fall...it is my favorite season,

but I dread the gray, lonely indoor days of winter.

In the meantime, I am trying to soak up all the color I can.

I found this fellow on my Russian Sage bush.

Anyone know what kind of caterpillar he is?

Day 246/365- Distorted

Day 245/365- Mowing

End of the season mowing

What's the most delicious meal you've ever had?

I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but it was at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in PA. They have several award winning restaurants there and I had the most amazing dinner and breakfast there I have ever had. Oh, to go back again!

Ask me anything

Day 244/365- Ty

Ty

What's your favorite sport?

My favorite sport to watch is football (Ravens, baby!), but my favorite sport to play is softball.

Ask me anything

Who's the most beautiful person you know?

That is a tough one. There are so many beautiful people that I am blessed with to have as friends or family. Sounds like a politically correct answer, but it is true.

Ask me anything

Day 243/365- Resting Place

Resting Place

We all need a soft place to rest,

even in the hardest of environments.

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support.

Have a wonderful weekend.

xoxo

Would you rather be really hot or really cold?

Really cold. I feel like I am suffocating when I am too hot.

Ask me anything

Day 242/365- Glory

What a blessing to live in the country.  Nothing like wide open spaces!

I had to pull over on the side of the road

to take this picture.

I just couldn't drive past it

knowing that in a few minutes it would all be gone.

I guess that is how life is...

enjoy the precious moments before they pass forever.

Sometime today, stop and smell the roses everyone!

What's the best gift you've ever given?

The best gift I have ever given? Hmmmm...I don't know. You would have to ask the people that received it.

Ask me anything

If you could have invented one thing, what would it have been?

Since the question is "could have" I am assuming this means something that has already been invented. I guess I would have liked to invent the engine as it has completely changed how the world works.

Ask me anything

Day 241/365- Hippie's Back in Style?

Apparently bandannas are making a come back.  At least it is Raven's purple ;0)

The weather has been fabulous around here lately.

We took advantage of it the other day and

went hiking at the King and Queen Seat at

Rocks State Park.

My fear of heights does not go well with this

place, but at least with camera in hand it gives

me something else on which to concentrate.

I did NOT alter the color of Ladybug's eyes

at all.

I know y'all were wondering that.  

I would tell you if I did, but I did not.

She is actually blessed with that color eye, 

thanks to my mother...

Lucky girl.

I think I will keep her...she is a good one ;0)

(that goes for both my mother and my daughter!)

P.S.

Does she look any different now that she is a big middle schooler?

If you could have dinner with anyone in the entire world, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with my grandparents, so I could see them again and hear more about their life that I neglected to ask when they were here on earth.

Ask me anything

Why is your brother so cool!!!!

Hmmmm...I wonder who asked this question? My brother is so cool because he takes after his little sister. ;0)

Ask me anything

What's your biggest phobia?

My biggest phobia? Flying and heights, hands down. Although, I don't like confined spaces, roller coasters, fire, or bridges either. Ok, I admit. I am just a wimp.

Ask me anything

What is your number one, go-to camera lens?

The lens I use most often is the 24-70mm. Thanks for asking!

Ask me anything

Day 240/365- Safety First

A sign stenciled on the back of a train car

Things have been chugging along here 

at These Nine Acres.

;0)  Thanks for all of your support!

What was the best advice you've ever received?

What comes around goes around...what you give out to the universe is what you will receive back.

Ask me anything

Day 239/365- Monkey Bars

Never too old for the monkey bars...she has blisters to prove it

Day 238/365- Shattered

I am sad to say that our family

is walking through a difficult time right now.

It is nothing I can or want to discuss in public,

so I won't, but please keep our entire family in prayers

and positive thoughts.

I may not be posting consistently during this time

as I will be very busy making sure I do everything

I can to ensure what is best for my family.

I will continue to check in on everyone,

although I may not comment,

 just know that I am still here in the background.

I hope all is well with everyone and I look

forward to letting you all know soon that everything 

is as it should be here at These Nine Acres.

Love to all my friends and family...

Mmmmmmmwah!

Day 237/365- Velva Jean

For those of you looking for a good coming of age story

this is the book for you.

Written my Jennifer Niven, 

this novel, Velva Jean Learns to Drive,

 is set in the mountains of North Carolina 

during the depression era.

We follow Velva Jean as she grows up

trying to discover who she is and 

what she wants to do with her life.

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, 

you know my favorite genre of books is historical fiction.

This book ranks as one of my favorite.

Here is the product description from Amazon:

In this spellbinding debut, Velva Jean Hart finds true love-and then risks everything to follow her dreams 

Set in Appalachia in the years before World War II, Velva Jean Learns to Drive is a poignant story of a spirited young girl growing up in the gold-mining and moonshining South. 

Before she dies, Velva Jean's mother urges her to "live out there in the great wide world". Velva Jean dreams of becoming a big-time singer in Nashville until she falls in love with Harley Bright, a handsome juvenile delinquent turned revival preacher. As their tumultuous love story unfolds, Velva Jean must choose between keeping her hard-won home and pursuing her dream of singing in the Grand Ole Opry. 

I am now starting a new novel, Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman.  I will let you know how it is when I finish reading!

Day 236/365- Wordless Wednesday