I'm taking a break

I'm taking a break with the blog. I intend to keep writing in here but, it wont be as often due to us being in harvest. I hope to be back to writing more regularly beginning in November. Lord willing, we wont still be harvesting into December ..... Anyway, thanks for being patient and being a reader here!!!

A Memorable Day ( that I dont care to repeat ever again!!!!!!!!!! )

It was 4:00 and I had just taken a empty peanut trailer to the end of the field and drove back to get a full load (at the opposite end from the road).

After Daddy had raked down the peanuts level enough to where they would not fall off, he gave me some last minute instructions: "Now, Kate, I want you to put the truck in 4 wheel low and get up speed quickly and go across the field at an angle to avoid the sand trap." It was 4:08 by the time I got started.

As I was gaining speed, I noticed that tires were spinning in the sand of the field. The tires could not get traction. Finally, they stopped spinning and I was zooming towards the end of the field. I suddenly felt the trailer sliding from side to side. I looked back and it WAS sliding from side to side. Something (or someone) told me to slow down (and I am glad that I did). Then, another snag in the plan!! There were some plowed up peanuts still lying on the ground (waiting to be picked) where I needed to go!!

I should point out that Daddy does not like anyone to drive over plowed up peanuts

Then, I told myself, if I can just gain the traction of the grass then the tires would stop spinning, the trailer would stop swaying from side to side and I can get out of the field. I went to turn and then, it happened!!!!!

I was in the process of jack knifing!!!!!!!!!

I quickly sent up a silent prayer then, did the only thing that I could think of. I pressed the brakes and I held the steering wheel very still. The trailer went straight and I still mashed the brakes and then the truck was being pushed by the trailer. I was pushed sideways.

I jack knifed!!!!!!!!!!!

After the dust had settled, I called Daddy and I said: "Daddy, I don't know what I just did but, I think that I just jack knifed!! He said ok and he said that he was coming.

I got out of the truck and my knees were shaking and I just sat down and cried. Not tears of sorrow because I thought that Daddy would be mad at me but, tears of joy that I was ok.

When everything was said and done and I called Daddy it was 4:13.

Upon looking back on it, if I had not of listened to the voice inside myself and turned later that I did, I would have landed in a very deep ditch (that I was only 50 feet away from when I jack knifed) and possibly would not have lived to tell this story. The peanut trailer could have turned over spilling millions of peanuts and in turn flipped the truck over and would have squished me.

I am very grateful to the Lord for letting me live!!!! I praised Him in the field and I still am praising Him. All day long, I have sung the song: "Count your blessings name them one by one"

Anyway, just wanted to tell y'all of my experience!!!!!

Courting Customs in America

Courting with Fans

To the young ladies and men of the 19th century, fanology was a secret and silent language that could be used to communicate without speaking. Fanology included an intricate alphabet. Sometimes a coded rendezvous time could be made by the number of sticks showing. Other symbols included are:

Covering your left ear to request that your secret be kept

Twirling the fan in your left hand to warn of being watched

Drawing the fan across the eyes by way of apology

A half opened fan to the lips is a way of giving permission to kiss

A funny FB status

This is the conversation that took place as soon as Daddy walked in the door from hauling the last load of peanuts to town:

Daddy: Is everyone in bed?? Where is Mom??

Kate: No, not everyone, Mom is still up.

Daddy: Where is she?

Kate: On the commode

Daddy: Where??

Kate: On the throne!

Momma (from Bathroom): I'm in the bathroom!

Daddy: No. She's in the oval office!!!!!

Gotta love my daddy!!!!!

Courting Customs in America

Courtship in the 1830's to the 1880's

The evolving relationship between women and men for economic support gave way to a more divided relationship. Women were regarded as morally superior and were granted increasing authority concerning household duties and the raising of the family. Men remained the main authority outside the home, for example with the family's farm or business.

During this time period, courtship became very formal. Rings were now exchanged to represent engagement and parents were asked for permission to marry. This period formability also encompassed the beginning of the white bridal gown and veil, which symbolized purity.

Romantic love was the focus of the era and was viewed as the main requirement for marriage. "To Couple is a Custom" (The Bundling Book, 1774 and reprinted in 1836).