Not the usual sight...

in our neck of the woods.

Yes. It's a camel.

He was not too interested in the gawkers.

He just went right on about the business of eating.

My husband says I already shared these photos but I don't remember doing that. 

If I did, I apologize that you're seeing them again :)

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Review ~ Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Available now!!!

Gunpowder Tea 

A female Pinkerton agent goes undercover. A male Wells Fargo agent goes undercover.

Same place. Same time. Same ‘ranch’ channel. Ok, I couldn’t resist J

Seriously, Gunpowder Tea is the highlight of The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series for me! With her trademark humor firmly in place, Margaret Brownley brings the adventure and mystery to an impressive conclusion.

Miranda Hunt has made a name for herself as one of the best Pinkerton agents. Applying to be the heiress of Last Chance Ranch is the perfect cover to find the criminal she’s looking for. Jeremy Taggart has so many aliases it’s hard to know what his real name is anymore but he’s hot on the trail of a gang leader, The Phantom. Hiring on as a ranch hand brings him into close proximity. Both Miranda and Jeremy are strong characters, with realistic flaws, that learn to work together toward a mutual goal. Their investigative techniques and interaction played out magnificently. I felt as if I was watching a classic western movie.

If you enjoy historical stories set in the west that are filled with mystery, humor and romance, you’re sure to love all the books in The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series, especially Gunpowder Tea.  A totally satisfying end to a delightful series!

In exchange for my honest opinion, Margaret Brownley sent me an ARC of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. 

When you use the product widget below to purchase, I make a small commission on the sale of the book.

Christian Book Store

Have you read Margaret's books? If so, do you have a favorite?

Random 5 Friday

Smudge looks so innocent, doesn't she?

1. I actually had enough energy to clean off my desk yesterday. At 3 o'clock this morning, Smudge was chasing a fly and wrecked everything I did. Sigh.

2. I'm always late. It's not on purpose. I try. Really I do. Now I have an excuse.

3. A purple cast rocks! Photos to come after I get a pedicure :)

4. Maybe I will get to do the grocery shopping today. I am taking advantage of the wheelchair, if I do. Look out WallyWorld!

5. I miss my chickens. They won't remember me when I am finally able to hobble down to the coop. Hmmm...must remember to take them treats. Yeah. That will do it.

Sharing with Random 5 Friday, a weekly meme

where you share 5 random facts about you, your day,
your pets, your kids, whatever!

Have a blessed weekend! 

I hope you get to enjoy some gorgeous autumn weather!

The Governess of Highland Hall goes to...

Using Random.org, LibraryLady is the winner of The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky!

No email address has been found so I can contact you. 

Please respond to this blog post or email me at duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com. 

If I don't hear from you within 48 hours, I will choose a new winner.

Thanks to all who commented! I encourage each of you to purchase a copy of Carrie's book. 

It is truly a delightful read!

All in one...

This post cover several meme's this week because I'm tired and in pain. More at the end on that.

For the Clever Chicks Blog Hop, this is The Boss.

All 22 pullets follow him around the yard. 

The other three cockerels don't stand a chance with those girls or challenge him anymore. He is a good protector of the flock and has enough authority to break up any squabbles!

Nobody messes with him.  

For Tuesday Muse, a photo from my trip to Raleigh in July. 

Echinacea Purpura at JC Raulston Arboretum

And for Rurality Blog Hop (which starts Wednesday) I found this one in the archives.

Another old barn in our area

I'm not sure I like the final edit, but hey, I can always go back and do it again. 

That's the beauty of editing and it's not like I don't have time on my hands, right? :)

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SURGERY UPDATE: Appreciate prayers. After basically being bed-ridden for two weeks, if the swelling in my foot is down enough to satisfy the doctor, I will get my cast tomorrow. That has got to be better than this splint and not being able to go anywhere for fear of damaging the work that has been done to my foot. But what do I know. I have had neither before. I just know that the splint is annoying. As the swelling goes down it loosens and twists while I am sleeping, causing it to feel as if a hot poker is being jammed into my new heel :(  The doctor's office has re-wrapped it twice, given us extra padding and showed my husband how to wrap it correctly should I be in agony in the middle of the night, which has happened a several times. Not fun. I'm sorry if I sound like I am whining. Obviously, I am not good with long term pain :)

And I miss spending time outside with my husband and son's in this gorgeous weather, snapping photos, taking care of my chickens, and playing with my grandchildren. 

After typing that pitiful diatribe above, the Lord clearly impressed upon me I need to learn to be content where I am. I need to remember I chose this surgery option so that I can have the hope of walking relatively pain free when the healing is done. I want to always be honest and truthful, not glossing over the pain and despair but always pointing to who I depend upon, who I place my Hope in, and that Christ! He is my constant companion in the darkest of night when the pain is so great. I have spent many hours crying out to him and he has held me fast. He has given me glimpses into what my daughter must have felt like, all those years dependent on others, needing help to the bathroom and with bathing, simply needing someone to carry her drink because she couldn't do it and hold on to the walker with both hands. He is giving me time to ponder and pray. In the midst of my pain, I am gaining a whole new perspective on life!

~Psalm 69:13~

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord.
    At an acceptable time, O God,
    in the abundance of your steadfast love 
answer me in your saving faithfulness.