Teabag Tidbits

Today's teabag message.

We made ham/pea pasta with leftover ham for one dinner.  Yum!

I've been making anniversary plans.  It's a mini, one-nighter, combined with a winery trip not far from home.  Our plans to travel further were changed due to Hubby's work schedule, but it should be a fun time.  I'll post our updates next month on how it turns out. We still plan to have a HUGE party at our homestead next summer.  Including two bands.  We may need to rent a hall though.  Not sure if we'll have enough electric hook-ups for the bands.

It's strange having Youngest being a legal driver.  She's been borrowing my car to run errands, but I'm enjoying her help in library book returns.  She also helped me bake some banana muffins, although she had too much homework to finish decorating a Christmas tree.

In between cleaning and decorating, I've started on two more pig ornaments, and continue to work on the current lapghan.  Hubby suggested I crochet a few more snowflake earring/necklace sets, so I started on that too.  There are over 40 vendors at the first upcoming craft event.

After several attempts, and changing our schedule around, we've come up with a date for the family Christmas get-together (Hubby's side of the family).  We set it early to accommodate family that is traveling from Georgia.  It'll be a combined event, although in the past we tried to keep Daughter's birthday separate from Christmas.  We will have two cakes to celebrate two birthdays that fall together on the same day.  Hopefully both kids will have a special day.

Tree decorating continues.  I will have photos maybe within the next week.  I had to order another string of lights, ha ha!

It was snowing yesterday, but it's raining this morning here.  My chickens are still not laying.  

Extreme Clean ~ Decorating

Youngest was out of school a few days ago, so I got her to help me put the sliders under my heavy dresser, so I could move it, clean and push it back.  What a job that was - one heavy son-of-a-gun dresser.

I still have large items to move in the bedroom, but a few may have to wait until after Christmas and New Years.  I guess we'll see.

Christmas trees and decor are going up.  Its looking mighty fine this year too.   I found several rolls of ribbon in one of my totes, so I decided to wrap all of my upper kitchen cupboards like this.  I would like to do it again next year in blue ribbon and white or silver bows.

I'm waiting on lights for one tree, while we need another string of lights for another tree.  

Caramel Apple Salad

Caramel Apple Salad
1 pkg. instant, organic butterscotch pudding
1 14-15 oz. can of organic crushed pineapple, with juice
1 cup organic mini-marshmallows
5 organic apples, peeling on, diced
1 container of organic whipped cream
1 cup organic salted roasted nuts, diced

Dice the apples and all remaining ingredients, adding whipped cream last, by gently folding it in the mixture.  Chill and serve.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom blogspot.  You are graced with two blog posts today due to inclement weather.  I just feel like being lazy today, but the show must go on.

On the breakfast plate . . .
Egg, bacon and cheese sandwich, coffee.  Lots of coffee.


The weather . . .
Raining like crazy, which is to turn to snow later this morning.  Cloudy, dreary, and a bit on the cold side.

Thinking . . .
...that hunters shooting out back of our homestead stay off the property.  I hear shots going off already.


Right now I am . . . 
Waiting on the washer to quit, and getting ready to start on dishes.


My reading pile . . . 
More old writer magazines


On my TV . . . 
Movie rentals from the video store where one of our daughters is a Manager.


On the menu this week . . .
Leftovers.  Lots of good, tasty leftovers.


On my to-do list . . .
Laundry
Dishes
Put Christmas decor and trees up
Move dresser and clean under and behind it
Wash down two nightstand lamps and put new light bulbs in them
water plants


What I am creating . . .
Embroidered kitchen towels for gifting, a lapghan


Looking around the house . . .
I have some walnuts that will need to be cracked and put into the freezer before the Christmas meal.  The woodstove is going, and warming up the house.  I need to take down one curtain and wash it.  The kids played hide-and-seek during our large meal, and got food on it (hurumpf!).


From the camera . . .

Despite shotgun starting this morning, the Eagles are still out flying around in the rain.

On my prayer list, Bible Verse, Devotional . . .
I don't have any special prayer requests, but I do pray for my kids and family.  Two daughters who are in between living arrangements are on top of the list.

Weekend Updates

The eagles were out and about again yesterday morning.  The kids were even flying and later up in this same tree.  They were flying over our place looking for their next meal.  I'm waiting to clean my coop until this week - shotgun week starts.  I'm going to hope the eagles stay away while the hens are in the run, but I'll have to muck it quickly and put them back in.

Sunday was a day of errands and delivering extra food, and what not.  I talked Hubby into cutting wood for a good hour before it turned dark.  Family borrowed the truck for 3 days and we didn't get it back until late Sunday.  Too late to haul our cut wood to the porch or barn, and now it's raining.  Hubby's back is sore from lifting furniture up onto sliders, so we cut our time short out at the barn rubble pile (but have enough wood to last a long, long time).

I got Youngest with the hide-the-rat the other day.  She tried to get me by putting it under a kitchen towel.  Didn't work, ha ha!

We have enough food to last a few days.  The bonus of hosting and having 2 meals this year.  The house is clean too, so I think I'll do some decorating with Youngest.  She's home today.  School is out, but back tomorrow.  However, I'm told some are already closing for tomorrow due to weather.  It's raining right now, but turning to snow later.  

I will have to do constant checking of the property this week.  I've had to run off hunters (shotgun week) in the past.  Some have no respect for other people's property, so I'll most likely put Jesse on a leash this week too.

We left our porch furniture out until the holiday meal, so I'll be bringing in one chair at a time, drying it by the woodstove, and putting them in storage.  What a mess this weather is, but I think being snowed in is a fun reason to do some Christmas decorating.

Tidbits

I got more of these crocheted.

Embroidered a kitchen towel for one kiddo for Christmas.

The bald eagles were out and about again.  The are out and about this morning too.

Thanksgiving meals are behind us now.  Time to get back to cleaning (utility room, bedroom), and get back to organizing the garage.  I'll be back to share a fruit salad recipe.  Not sure what Sunday will bring, as we are worn out from get-togethers, cleaning and cooking.  Family borrowed our truck to move, so it'll be an as-we-go day.  If the truck is returned, we may just get more wood cut.

Bald Eagles ~ Homemade Seasoned Salt

We've been watching a family of 4 bald eagles out in a field by our homestead.  As long as the leave my barn cats and chickens alone, we are enjoying watching them.

I made homemade seasoned salt for a recipe I needed it for yesterday.  It was better than store bought seasoned salt.

I used my homemade onion powder and garlic powder to make it too.

Homemade Seasoned Salt
2 Tbsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. organic paprika
1/4 tsp. organic turmeric
1/4 tsp. homemade organic onion powder
1/4 tsp. homemade organic garlic powder
1/4 tsp. organic non-gmo corn starch

Mix and use in any recipe.  

Happy Thanksgiving! Champagne Punch

I made this punch for the Thanksgiving meal this year.  I'm sharing the recipe.  I wanted to jazz up the holiday, when it can be pretty hectic.  You know, put a few smiles on a few faces.

Champagne Punch
2 bottles champagne (made with organic grapes), chilled
1 bottle organic white wine, chilled
2 cups organic orange juice, chilled
2 cups organic cranberry juice, chilled
1/4 cup freshly squeezed, organic lemon juice

Mix and serve in a 1 gallon container or punch bowl, serve immediately  (yield-13 1/2 cups).

We survived the Thanksgiving meal.  What a busy day, but we had a good crowd.  In the midst of it.  Several deer were out eating in the fields across the way, and we saw a bald eagle.   It's nice to wake up to a clean house, other than dirty dishes.

It's closing in ~ Camper Christmas Tree Ornaments ~ Daughter's first paid hair cut

The holiday is closing in now.  It's time to step up and tidy up.  The overnight rolls were made and will be baked later today.  The ham will be cooked too.  There is a lot of turkey warnings going on, so I'm not even sure I'll eat turkey if it's brought here for the meal.  

Check out these cuties!  More are getting made.  I made a few for the first upcoming craft show.  Hubby and Youngest love them.  I'll be working on more color options too.

Oh my.  I have to share this, ha ha!  Hubby got his first hair cut from our Hair stylist-in-training.  He worked over, and got home late, but she was able to check out trimmers and sheers from her school.

He was yelling through the house for me to come sit in the kitchen and watch.  I literally sat down and he told me to leave.  I pulled out my phone and filmed our daughter working away.

He told me to leave again.  So I did.  Ha ha ha!

A few minutes later I hear, "Babe?  Babe? Where are you?"

I walk back out and sit down to watch him taking selfies on his phone, so I show him the video.  He immediately says, "You have to leave."  HA HA HA HA HA!  

He was apparently nervous to get his hair cut by her, and didn't know if he wanted me to watch or leave the room.  This went on and on until his cut was finally done.  

She did great too!  I do believe we have a hair stylist on our hands, and Hubby paid her for the cut too.  We both told her to start a savings for her future salon, and she agreed.  I sure hope she sticks with it. She has many talents, and has already earned her certificate to run tanning beds too.  She can do nails, hair, eye brows, etc.  She is really going all out for her first year.  We are so proud of her.  It's nice to know she can check out trimmers and sheers from her school, bring them home, do cuts, and return them for free.  It's great practice for her too.

Tuesday Tidbits

We had 4 deer out by our garden the other night.  I'm pretty sure they were munching on the pears I tossed in the pasture.  We may see some drunk deer, ha ha!  

I had lots to do Monday - major laundry (cold outside, wind at 1 mph, cloudy, so I had to use my dryer, sigh..), dusting, tidying up, more deep cleaning, and the other regular stuff like fetch wood, care for the hens, dogs, cats etc.  I needed to tidy up the study, and wipe down more cobwebs (just part of country living).

I bought these to brighten up the kitchen on Thanksgiving day. Only $1.00 each.

I made this for the kitchen to add a tiny more bit of homemade touch.  The dish was only $1.00. They are the new colors in my kitchen.  I'm just loving the new look now.

It only took about 3-4 searches to locate my matching tablecloths.  Whew!  That job is done and ready for Thursday.

Medicinal, restful - beam me up tea was brewed.  

Handiwork Hustle ~ Extreme Holiday Clean

Despite deep cleaning, I've managed to sign up for not one, but two craft shows in December.  And even though I've been doing so much organizing, purging and cleaning, I've managed to whip up these cuties . . .

Scrap yarn Christmas ornaments.   I believe I got the pattern from a library book.  I'll post it if I can locate the book.  I apologize for the bad photo, it was pretty dark out and I turned on a pretty bright light.

I'm also putting the finishing touches on the Starbucks ornaments, and wine cork keychains.  

I've finished another washcloth and scrubbie set, and have another knitted dishcloth almost finished.  I would like to get a few more ornaments made before the shows too.

Hubby is tickled pink to see the deep cleaning getting done.  I'm hoping it will motivate him to get started on other bigger projects that need done here too.  I finally got my antique rug beaters up on the wall.  We've actually used them, but they had been tucked here and there, and while cleaning, I just thought what the heck.  Up they went.

The hefty armoire was moved, carpet cleaned, wall trim wiped clean and whatnot.  We bought "sliders" for this heavy job, as well as for moving he bedroom furniture (which is getting done after Thanksgiving).

The hutch was emptied on the lower end, wiped and cleaned up.  The top (sigh) will have to wait.  I'm getting close to running out of time.  I actually found a cookbook I forgot about, and excited to flip through it later.

I had a visit from Oldest Daughter, and her dog Mia.  Tiger was enjoying his sleep in a kitchen chair, when Mia went nose to nose.  Tiger finally figure out how to hold his ground.  He gave Mia the meanest glare and loudest hiss.  Poof.  Mia backed off.  She'll chase if Tiger runs.

Saturday we had a ton, and I mean a ton, of errands to do.  Our youngest joined, and when we returned said, "Man, I love to shop, but I can honestly say I am worn out!"  We were too.  We were all in PJ's, in bed, watching movies and football by 3pm.

Sunday we were up at 5:00am, and went right to work.  By 1pm, we were thoroughly pleased with progress and hung up the broom and cleaning rags for another day.  PJ's went back on for a well deserved rest of the day off.  It was cold, cloudy, and uninviting outdoors anyway.  

We have set a day to cut wood, so cross your fingers the weather cooperates too.  

More Cleaning

The farmer finally took out the corn across the road.  Now I can see animals creeping much better.  He got it out just before the nasty weather too.

All schools closed yesterday, so I had a helper to move the breakfast bar.  Internet was finally back up and running normally.

When I moved that hefty breakfast bar yesterday, it became an instant cat toy dispenser, ha ha!

Jesse isn't eating like he should be lately.  He devours homemade food, but some days won't touch is dog food.  He's acting normal though.

Chickens are still not laying.

Holy Dust Balls!

I apologize on not getting around to reading blogs, commenting, etc.  Two days of the internet issues slowed me down, so please be patient as I get time to do that.  By the way, it's day 3 of internet issues.  In the midst of it, I got a text alert that someone was trying to hack my microsoft account as well.  Hm.   Hubby immediately mentioned our internet provider.  Who knows, but I'll be on the phone again today, so my patience will need more coffee perhaps.

I took the plunge and emptied this . . .

My breakfast bar.  I just have to empty the drawers, but those will be done after the holidays.  I just needed it empty to move from the wall, wipe down cobwebs, clean wall, trim and carpet, which will happen later today.  School was closed due to weather.  It's an icy mess out there.

I'm thinking I need to host here more often.  I'm cleaning things I haven't cleaned (yikes) in years.  Like the carpet under the larger furniture.  It does feel good to get it done though.

Just a note on the internet issue - I can't access my email.  Hmpf.  Yet.  I will be asking them for a refund on my internet bill today, so it may hurry them up to fix the problem. 

Our youngest daughter has been accepted into the National Honor Society. Induction was to be tonight, but with school closed they will most likely change the date now.  We are so proud of her.

. . . from the gratitude journal ~ Internet Issues

I'm thankful for all the recipes I haven't tried yet.  The anticipation keeps me fired up, looking forward to something.

I'm thankful for having Jesse with us.  He's been a blessing and he's getting much needed exercise on the homestead.  And of course he's a great watch dog.

I'm thankful for anti-ill oil spray.  It's been killing off germs for us.

I'm thankful for coffee.  Without it, I would be a bear to deal with, ha ha!

I'm thankful for one daughter who has stepped up to the plate with helping out at get togethers.  She's bringing pie, cookies and other items to the meals, and I am so happy for that.  Woohoo to her helping out.

Here's what's been going on at the homestead.  First off, our internet provider has caused us problems.   We cannot access the internet on the desktop computer, due to a problem they created, and most likely to force us to use their DNS server to track and sell our browsing history.  I have already called another provider and we cannot get them (dish, and no clear path to a tower).  It's day 2 and they are telling me the same ol' story.  

I am using an old laptop, so all of my photos are not on here.  Another frustration. 

I had the pleasure of an all-day visit from our oldest daughter the other day - fed her breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Even the wifi cut out about dinner time, while she was doing her homework (college).

Here is what's been going on in the kitchen -  a large pan of overnight Mexican breakfast casserole, more einkorn peanut butter cookies, and a large batch of breakfast burrito filler (sausage, bacon, egg, potato, pepper, onion and dandelion).

...so what's going on in the living room?  

This job was completed, and I'm onto the next now.  I completely emptied my pie safe, dusted everything, purged, moved it from the wall, cleaned the wall, wall trim, and carpet.  What a job that was.  It has screens, so everything needed dusted.  I have to store my mixer, food processor, and as you can see many other kitchen items due to space in my kitchen.

I'm dusting off the emergency candles (literally) too.  Oye, the dust bunnies are everywhere, so I am thankful to stop and get a few breaks.

It's been cold here, and too early for November.  Hopefully, our internet issue will be resolved soon.  It's happening to other people, so I'm not the only one.  

Happy Homemaker Monday

I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  I'm a bit slow today.  Oh my....

We delivered a meal to Hubby's best friend (who recently lost his wife) and son last night (his daughter was away in another state), and we brought along our daughter.  I baked chicken spaghetti and corn casserole (just like a lighter corn pudding, but baked).  They loved it thankfully.  But...but....here's the kicker.  Stories where shared all night, although we had intentions of leaving early, the bottle of Jack was pouring shot after shot.  He he.  Oh my land.  I'm  gonna be putting honey on everything today.  Yep, I am hungover for the first time in a very long, long time, but all in good.  We loved spending time with them, and they kept thanking us for the food we took over.  Thankfully, we had a driver.  She was a trip too.  Kept talking to us like we were the children and she was the parent.  And in truth she was, ha ha!

On the way home, guess what we saw.  A coyote.  A lone one.  Sitting a the edge of the road, halfway down the field south of our place, which is adjacent to our property.  Yep.  Not good.  Not normal for this late in the season either, and the farmer has yet to take his miles of corn out across the road.  It's just harboring animals of different kinds.

Speaking of corn, someone hit a deer last week (same place one was hit last year, almost across our north drive). One crossed the other night while I was out with Jesse too.  Anyway, I noticed someone came during the night and cut the head and tail off.  I'm guessing it was buck, but why, why, why?  Who would want to pay a taxidermy for a deer you didn't kill nor even put in the freezer? Do poachers sell that sort of stuff?  I just don't understand the logic of taking a deer head to mount if you didn't kill it yourself and harvest the meat.


The weather outside is. . .
So-so.  Snow is on the way though. There is no wind and it's 29°F.


On the breakfast plate . . .
Blueberry pancakes with honey.  And about 3 pots of much needed coffee, followed by hot tea with honey.


As I look out the window . . .
There is not much of a sunrise this morning.


Right now I am . . .
Washing a crocheted blanket my daughter's friend used to sleep Saturday night.  She came over for a sleepover, but came sick.  Yes.  I said sick. Coughing and hacking the entire time.  Who does that to people???  I sprayed the entire couch with vodka/lavender spray and anti-ill spray.  Man alive.  I went to town and sprayed everything she may have touched too.  I'm sorry, but do not, do not go out if you are sick. 


As I look around the house . . .
Deep cleaning must resume.  I am having a Thanksgiving dinner here this year.  It needs done anyway.  I like to live chaos free.


On the to-do list. . .
-a mountain of dishes
-anything I can manage to get done today, ha ha!  Literally.


Currently reading. . .
A stack of old writer magazines.


On the TV. . .
Nothing.


On the menu. . .
A new recipe!!  I'll be updating if we like it or not.  It's breakfast dish, but we are having it for dinner.  Other than that, I don't have a menu planned. I have a HUGE stack of dishes to wash this morning before I write one out.  I need to consume lots of honey today, so my brain can function normal enough to even sort out a menu (ha ha!).


What I am creating at the moment . . .
Crocheted Christmas tree ornaments, and embroidered kitchen towels (photos to come soon I hope).


Favorite photo from the camera. . .

My Dad.

Prayers, inspirational quotes, or devotionals. . .
Continued prayers for Hubby's best friend and family, as they continue to grieve.  

Peanut Butter Einkorn Cookies

Although Saturday felt like I was running around, and not catching a break, I got some einkorn peanut butter cookies baked.  Recipe is online.

Breakfast for the next few days will be einkorn blueberry pancakes.  I made a big batch while Youngest slept in.

Man what a day yesterday - cold, cloudy, snowing etc.  The water in the chicken's watering unit froze.  There was just a lot to get done.

I finished one handmade Christmas gift.  I may post photos, but I may need to wait until after the gifts are gifted too.

Today's another run-around day, so I surely hope to get Monday off for once.  Things will just need to sit so I can catch my breath.

I'm up early doing the usual homestead hustle.  I'm letting Hubby sleep in on his only day off.  It's 25°F, but no wind thankfully.

Star vs. Moon ~ Delivery ~ Spreadable Butter

It's very rare to catch a close up of a star holding my camera (vs. using a tripod).  We saw a very bright star early this morning.  I thought I would share.

The snow eventually turned to rain, then back to snow this morning.   I'll admit, as the wind died down, the slow falling snow was relaxing and pretty.

I got a good laugh the night I made the rolls and chicken teriyaki.  You should have seen Hubby and Daughter packing food for the lunches the next day.  They talked and looked like carnivores, fighting over the leftovers.  Daughter never takes homemade food, but she did this time, ha ha!

I promised one kiddo I'd deliver some of those yummy rolls, so I whipped up some spreadable butter to deliver too.  She was working, and I knew she'd want butter and pop one of those (or more) delicious nuggets of comfort into her mouth.

I wanted to go to the big hardware store too, but could not.  There was an accident at the entrance, and with the rain and snow, I was not going to sit around and wait.  I snagged a good deal on some organic mushrooms though, and popped them into the dehydrator when I got home.

Spreadable Butter
1 cup organic butter, softened
2/3 cup organic olive oil

Mix with an electric hand blender.  You can add a bit of salt if you'd like, but we just use salted butter.  Place in refrigerator until it sets.

We like to make this in winter.  Although our kitchen is next to the living room, the butter typically isn't soft enough to easily butter toast or bread.  There's nothing more frustrating than trying to spread hard butter on soft bread, to make a grilled sandwich.