Tails from a not-so empty nest...

Empty nesting on a small midwestern farm with 3 big dogs, cats and too many chickens.

[karimc127]

Thank goodness my wonderful house cleaners are coming today! https://www.instagram.com/p/CpDeAspuD2O/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[karimc127]

Would also accept 3rd Gen Dodge Ram....😉 https://www.instagram.com/p/CnF3CRFuQmm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[karimc127]

Still cheaper than the crappy eggs in the store. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm-wLFhufdw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[karimc127]

Happy Son's Day to these 2! I knew I had to get this out there before Noah called us out. He's mean like that. Zach, on the hand, would say "Son's day is a real thing? Hmm..." https://www.instagram.com/p/CjEpQLkuo_-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[karimc127]

I got outside today! I helped mow! I picked tomatoes! I got eggs from the coop! I got out of the wheelchair for a bit! https://www.instagram.com/p/ChV1TcpuLO6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[karimc127]

They say that if you don't like the weather in Illinois, wait 5 minutes. Unfortunately, today is only going to get hotter. The Midwestern summer runs from May - September. We have a few days (weeks if we're really lucky) of spring and fall. Then, onto winter! Winter is usually from November to March - but it can consume parts of October and April.

Summer is THE WORST. It's not the heat - it's the humidity. It's like we're transplanted into the Amazon rainforest. 5 minutes outside and you need a shower. Which seems silly, since you're already soaked. Central air is absolutely necessary in order to live, especially if you're older or not in the best of health. You would think that we would make sure that everyone has what they need, before looking at spending money on frivolity. But, nope - not here. We have hundreds (possibly thousands) of schools without central air. Many classroom teachers have purchased their own window units to keep their classrooms cool. This is why I happily pay taxes. To pay for the necessities for schools, seniors, communities, etc. Taxes are for safety and security. Taxes are not for architectural masterpieces. Taxes are not for beautification of our downtown areas (the downtown businesses that benefit from that should pay for that).

All schools need central air before we start buying flowers and fountains.

#schoolsfirst

[karimc127]

[karimc127]

My favorite part of the holidays is this layered Jello. My Grammy always made it for Thanksgiving (cranberry, pineapple and orange) and again at Christmas (cherry, lemon and lime). It gives me the feeling of home, and it's pretty darn tasty too.

[karimc127]

These eggs came straight from the coop this morning!!! 🐔🥚🍳🥓🥞☕ #sundaybrunch #fresheggs #bacon #pancakes #atlasmaple #organic #darkandrobust (at Mccormick Farms, Coffeen) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwPmZWwlfoo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ld24lusszqly

[karimc127]

Christmas trees 2018!!! (at Mccormick Farms, Coffeen) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqtEk7GAMhy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=irwa7p8njfkw

[karimc127]

It's definitely a ho-cho night. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaqmHEAtM9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=keairx7uahcb

[karimc127]

What a beautiful morning... https://www.instagram.com/p/BoMnf-JAA-D/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=igppae2bt0u4

[karimc127]

A couple pallets, wood scraps and leftover paints 💗💗💗 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmzo3k7gtpF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18tez3lp71v15

[karimc127]

Business cards, labels and fridge magnets!!! 😁🐔🥚🐝🍯😁 (at Mccormick Farms, Coffeen)

[karimc127]

Nathan made brunch today. #sundaybrunch #yummo

[karimc127]

Sleepover at Aunt Kari's! (at Mccormick Farms, Coffeen)

[karimc127]

#springgarden #asparagusforbreakfast #eggsfrommybackyard #homemadecheesedanish #rurallivingisthelifeforme #mccormickfarms