……But you cant expect it to last long without going insane.
Posts have been coming far and few between.
We have been like little busy mice scurrying around preparing for our wedding. It is an awesome experience that has brought our family together in great ways. Our very sad news is that our middle son, who is in the Army, cannot be with us for the big day. He will be greatly missed. But we are working on a fun way to make sure he is a part of the memories created this weekend.
A storm brought great signs yesterday for this union of Eric and Emily.
And the night before we had yet another crazy vision from above. Quite something. One of the most dramatic sunsets I have seen out here.
We are feeling blessed.
BUT……..burlap has been the bane of our existence. I ordered 300 feet of burlap on ebay about 6 months ago so that we could make table runners. I did not open the box until this past weekend and the rolls reeked of kerosene. huh? Yeah. In my research, I cannot find out why burlap is treated with kerosene. Please enlighten me if you know. It felt wet, and it stunk terribly.
So we hung them on the fence to air out.
It became very clear that airing was not going to do the trick. And airing them out on the fence was resulting in many of them ending up in the pasture being enjoyed by the goats and dogs. My son and I ended up at the laundry mat at midnight with the idea that breaking the washing machines there would be better than breaking ours at home. We brought them home wrinkled to death. If you ever get the idea to wash burlap, please know they shed, fray, and create an immense amount of lint. I had to spend the better part of the next day ironing. My generous neighbor came over to help. I would still be in garage ironing had she not. Total unforseen nightmare with the burlap. On the bright side, I will have lots of burlap after next week to create…….. a burlap….. something or other. Got ideas?
We have two more days of pulling this all together before the big day and am quite certain that we will have more challenges that will be memorable. But most of all, I am quite certain the memories will be treasured for years to come.
I have greatly missed routine so far this summer and look forward to getting back to it. Posting here is a big part of my routine. I will be back in touch.
I pray you are having a super summer.
P.S. Lots of snake sightings. Am thinking there is one in particular that wants a friendship with me.
God bless,
Karen
The Shieling 
The natural jute fibers used for burlap are softened with water and oil and processed through machines. The process then produces thin slivers, which are twisted, then spun into a ball-like mass of jute yarn. At this point it’s ready for weaving. Different manufacturers use different oil, kerosene or alcohols for the process. Some evaporate quicker over time, some don’t. The fresher, the stronger……Hope that helps explain?
That is a great explanation to our puzzling brain rattler. Thanks, Mr. Shady!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Blessings to Eric and Emily. I know their future will be full and bright. Enjoy! Xoxoxox-Chris
Karen, what amazing signs that God is smiling on you and your family! I am joining some of the Alpha CRHP team for a mini-retreat this weekend, and we will surely pray for your family, that the rains stay away until after the wedding, but more importantly, the joining of your families will be blessed with joy and laughter!
Love you!
Jeannie