We bought a very old log cabin from the local historical society.We dismantled it brought it here to our property and rebuild it the way it was.Mine is only 1 room downwith fire place. with a small loft upstairs.Were getting ready to put a porch on it.Its so sweet.We built an enclosed kitchen garden beside it.brick floor with 8 raised beds.picket fence around it.

Hi, April, it's on it's way!!!!!!!!!! If you winter sow, there will be some seeds to get ready for. Here's the dcn: 0303 1290 0001 1505 7762. Jeanette, you were so kind to me, and I thank you for that very much!!! I always enjoy sorting through the packets of these robins. I hope someone can use what I added. Thanks again for letting me play! It was great! : ) Treasa

emg84010, What will you and your family eat? What do you know how to grow? Do you have much sun in your yard or mostly shade? I would recommend taking a Square Foot Gardening class (available locally from me and other instructors). Whether or not you choose to use the Square Foot Gardening method you will learn a lot about what, how, and when to grow vegetables and other edibles. Here is a link that might be useful: Square Foot Gardening Foundation

Don't you have RA Kath? If I remember correctly, you do. And this will make riding painful. My mother had to stop riding horses when her arthritis got bad. That said, being tense, in any situation, will make you ache all over. And this will make you sore. If you haven't ridden for a long time you're going to hurt to some degree but being tense will make you much sorer. The point of contact with a horse begins in your crotch (sorry...don't mean to offend but that's what it is!) and goes down both legs. The balls of your feet should rest in the stirrup and there should not be any weight per se on your feet (if you feel like you are trying to push yourself up from the feet your stirrups are too short)but rather a little pressure. You heels should be down while in the stirrup. Your feet should be slightly in front of the cinch (the band that goes around the horse's middle)and you should grip from the inside of your thighs down to the leg calves. Don't squeeze your butt together. Not only will this make you sore(er) it gives you no roll or balance in the saddle. Instead relax, use your leg muscles and roll or rock with the horse. If you are unsure of the horse's rhythm watch one front leg. When that leg goes forward rock or slightly lean forward, just a little. The rock back, just a little, while the other foot goes forward. It's kind of like dancing and the horse is leading. If you are going to tighten or tense up anything, tighten your abs and sit up straight. Use the saddle horn until you are sure of your balance but use your leg muscles too. A good fitting saddle makes a big difference in the degree of pain you will feel when you first start riding. The stirrup leathers should hold your feet slightly ahead and there should be room between your stomach and the saddle horn to put three or four fingers. Your butt should fit completely in the seat. A too small or too large saddle can make you sore as well as hinder your balance. As your muscles get stronger your balance will get better and riding won't be as painful. Try to relax and have fun....which is a lot easier said than done, I know. Stretch out before you ride and take some tylenol and ibrprophen BEFORE your ride. That'll help with the stiffness. Good luck! I love that you are riding and it makes me sad you are struggling. I hope you can find a way to make riding enjoyable! Lori