Temporary Plan ~ Random Tidbits

We literally sat around until almost 11am Saturday morning, tossing around what we'd do and when.  It was that cold out. Saturday we went shopping for more car parts, picked up chicken feed, made a quick stop at Mom's, and spent time on the phone seeing if any of the boys could help work on the car today.

The stop at Mom's was quick due to her not feeling well.  Her friend wants to look at my crocheted bookmarks, so I did a pick up of cash for some already sold items, and handed her the bookmarks.  I hope she feels better soon.  This weather is hard on us.

Check this out!  If you crochet, these are on sale at Mary Maxim for $3.99!  At least they were on sale. I haven't gone back to see if they are still at that price.  The heart charm comes in any color of birth month.  I know it's not "silver" but I've never seen this before.  I left it in my online shopping cart for a few days and him-hawed (shipping was awful).  I got an email for a free shipping on anything, so I bought myself one.  Happy Valentine's Day to me.

Snow and Cold ~ Proud Parents

We cut all but this much of one tree over the years, and this will come down for our winter wood.  We'll get a lot from it too.

The snow was so beautiful.  It was a fluffy snow with no wind, and gorgeous.  The kind that makes you curl up by the fire, under a blanket and with a book.

We slept in until 7:16am this morning, and with due diligent, but not without a cat alarm clock.  We woke up to a furry feline sliding his paws under our bedroom door and clankity-clankity-clankity.  He was ravenous and wanted fed so badly, he was yanking the door back and forth.

It's a cold -3°F.  First order of business was to feed Tiger, then Romeo, who for the first time was lifting his paws on he first outing outside.  It's too cold for him too.

Next order of business was coffee.  I knew to wait until we both had our coffee before bringing it up in conversation - Russell Crowe.  The rooster is so mean, it's leaving the roost today.  

(Far right is a red headed woodpecker)

I had over a dozen cardinals visiting again, and other birds this time around.  I tossed seed out for them too.  I think they are very appreciative as well.

Friday was a whirlwind of regional competition for our 18 year-old daughter.  Competition went until 12:30pm with awards promptly at 1:30pm.  

We killed some time visiting a local used/new book store.  I found it cute, but overpriced.  I quickly picked a few books of my favorite author (used), and proceeded to the checkout.  There, before me, was my worst nightmare - a lady yapping.  She yapped about books about WWII and would not stop.  Twice she turned around and made comments that she'd be out of my way.  Not so.  I was the only other customer.  Hubby said, "I'm going to go wait in the truck."  I was about to say something rude, when she finally stopped yapping and got out of my way.  Urgh.

We arrived at 12:30pm, only for them to tell us we cannot go in to sit for another half hour.  The program, and the parent letter stated "doors open at 12:30pm.

We sat in those uncomfortable seats until almost 2:10pm, in which the awards started.  Thankfully we drove separately, and they go in alphabetical order.  It only took a few minutes for them to get to "Cosmetology."  She won!!  She placed Bronze.  We high-tailed it out of there, congratulated her and left.

She is going to State competition in a few months.  The school is paying for hotel and busing them.  If she places at State (which is difficult), she move on to National, which is held in another state.  

We didn't get home until almost 4pm, in which I was undressing and ready for PJ's, only to get a text from Daughter that she wanted to go out to eat to celebrate.

Hubby and I groaned, but went out anyway.  We were so tired from sitting around, we just wanted to retire.  We also got cheated out of Valentine's Day.  Not sure why competition was held on Valentine's Day either.

No wood was cut, no car worked on, and I didn't even get chocolate or bottled adult beverage for Valentine's day.  What's up with that??  Not even a card.  Hmpf.  I'm declaring the weekend a "Valentine's Day Weekend."

We have no plan yet for this weekend, which scares me.  We need plans when it comes to wood cut, and weather so cold it makes transformers blow (which happened last night, but thankfully didn't affect us). I'm going to go down more coffee and see if we can come up with a plan.

Snow and Cold ~ Proud Parents @ Feb 2020 by Kristina at https://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/

Cardinals ~ Weather ~ Peace Treaty ~ Cookies!

More photos from the other day.  I went outside for these, and most flew off, but a few came back.  Much better to see instead of through a dirty window, ha ha!

Snow moved in, and we were told it could bring 4-6 inches 7 in other areas.  We woke up to maybe 2 inches and it is 32°F not the 8 degrees they said it would be.  It's still snowing though.  School has a 2 hour delay.

On the breakfast plate . . .

A garbage frittata with some sliced zucchini, topped with garden chives.  I added a pinch of fire powder to boost our metabolism too.

I've been taking treats (peace treaty) out to the chickens when I feed/water and fetch eggs.  So far, it's sort of working.  

In the morning I brought in 3 eggs, and later in the evening 2 more, but that darn rooster went at me again.  I think he has cabin fever or something.  I can't wait for a warmer day to send them out into the run.  Oh, he went at Hubby too. 

Speaking of eggs, I broke down and made biscuits for dinner.  Sigh.  Hubby isn't supposed to have all those carbs, but I've been doing so good at keeping them out of our meals, so I am caved in and made sausage and gravy for dinner.  Along with scrambled eggs etc.

I've been hankering a sweet treat lately.  I've stuck with the low carb/low sugar etc. thing with the Hub-ster, and I needed a treat.  Not being able to make my regular cookies, I googled for a low carb shortbread cookie and wa-la!  

However....they tasted terrible.   Like a mouth full of almond flour.  I'm just gonna bake my regular recipes, but only once in a while.

I got another cross bookmark finished, read my book a bit, and one yarn order arrived for the baby blanket.  I'm waiting on one more color to arrive and I can start that.

Treasures ~ Corn ~ Turkey/Zucchini Meatballs and other Tidbits

In the process of  cleaning the closet, I found 5 crochet hooks, 4 pairs of scissors, one embroidery needle and one yarn needle.  Oh, and one more of my favorite pens!  I also uncovered 4 pints of tinctures that need strained.  They'll be strong ones, ha ha!

The garage is next, but I still have a bit to clean up in the utility room.  I'm just glad I got the closet done (other than Hubby purging his clothing).

Bad news for our area.  The produce stand (has been open for 91 years) announced they will not be opening for the 2020 season due to numerous road closures.  We get our corn and other various veggies from them.  I'll have to look for a co-op to drive to or other source, but it will be drive if we want corn.  They also sold popcorn, so I may be planting it, and hoping for the best this year.

Good news!!! Woohoo!  Mom went to Cleveland Clinic on Monday, and the news came back that she does not have to see a doctor for at least one more year.   No surgery.  So happy for that news!  Thank you all for your prayers, good thoughts, vibes and mojo!

The cardinals came back.  There were so many again.  I have a few more photos to load too.

I had a day in the kitchen - turkey/zucchini meatballs.  I made about 81 of them.  All in the freezer - no breading/oats either.

The cross bookmark pattern is free on Ravelry https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cross-bookmark-or-ornament

I just put my tassel at the top vs. the bottom.  I will also have some up for sale soon.

Valentine's Day Gift on a Budget

My Valentine's day gift to Hubby.  He can't have sweets, our trip was canceled, and I came up with this.  I purchased a small photo album, and have printed photos of him with me or just me, and I'm using scrap paper and stickers to decorate every other page.  I'll be writing personal notes on them as well.  I hope he likes it.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weekend brought a lot of work.  Hubby worked on the car repair  (cost of parts were around $200.00), while I did the much needed grocery shopping, and bedroom closet cleaning. 

The car is still being worked on, but will have to stay at the garage (extended family) until this coming weekend.

I'm glad I dove into the closet.  I now have all the yarn organized and stored in plastic totes.  I am told to never say I need to buy yarn (bwahahaha!).  Oh, but I am not done in the closet yet.  I found more UFO's, and a lot of other lost things.  I'll be in there finishing it up this week, but Hubby (still) needs to purge his clothing.  It's a good think I haven't moved the totes upstairs just yet.  I keep finding more yarn to put in the totes, ha ha!

I made a magnetic mini clip board to attach to the metal shelving in my closet.  I am writing down all UFO's I find to keep better track of what needs finished.

My second oldest child turned 26 over the weekend.  Sigh....hard to believe.  My oldest turns 28 in a few months.  Double sigh....

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather outside . . .

Rain, 32°F, foggy.

How I am feeling this morning . . .
I feel like I'm getting a head cold.  The weather here is bouncing up and down and so hard to deal with.  It will get very cold again this coming weekend.

On my mind . . .
The car, our youngest daughter's regionals (contest, first step to getting her cosmetology license) coming up (if she passes, she gets to go to state next), and the wood supply.  We are going to need more for the weekend.  This weather is like a thunder-snow-nado type week.  

On the breakfast plate . . .

Broccoli, cheese and egg bake, organic black coffee.  The recipe is online and is so good!  So simple too.  


On the reading pile . . .

On the TV . . .
What If, Netflix

On the to-do list . . .
-laundry
-dishes
-put dinner in the crock pot


On the menu . . .
-Turkey/zucchini meatballs, marinara sauce, peas
-Crock pot Chicken Cacciatore, Brussel Sprouts or roasted veggies
-Cauliflower stuffed peppers
-Chicken sausage sheet pan dinner
-Broccoli/egg breakfast casserole
-Sweet potato/black bean frittata


What I am creating . . .

A set of sunflower cup coasters, and trying to catch up on UFO's (a scrap lapghan), and some cross bookmarks.  I'm also putting together a memory book for a Valentine's gift to my husband.  The mini-photo album was only $1.12, and Im using scrap booking supplies to create it.  I'm also about to start a new baby blanket for a friend of the family.  I just need to check what colors I have before I haul the yarn upstairs.


From the camera . . .

Snow moon.  While I was taking pictures of it, I distinctly heard a coyote out back.


Looking around the house . . .
I need to move totes of yarn from the living room to the upstairs spare bedroom.


Chore I am not looking forward to today . . .
Moving the totes


To relax this week I will . . .
Crochet and maybe read.

Prayers . . .
An extended family member named Brandon (husband's side of the family), Mom (she has her first visit at Cleveland Clinic today)

Bills ~ Books ~ Cleaning and Organizing Continues

The first item on the to-do list Friday was paying bills.  Not the chore I enjoy, but done.

A few years ago, one of my cousins gifted me this book.  I have several regarding essential oils, but totally forgot about using oregano oil for fighting off a sinus issue.  I am hoping it works.

I'm reading this book now.  I am so happy to be back to reading a real book again.  I have already read her first book in this series, so this is the 2nd one.

I have several (like about 30) books from the library, and more to pick up.  I am (gulp) looking for new items to add to my "stock" for craft shows, reading up on writing skills and more gift ideas.

Extreme Clean Progress:
Worked an hour in the bedroom.  I had a lot of yarn and crafting supplies to put away.  I'm still avoiding the closet, but I will get it done.

Snow Emergency ~ Easy Farro Chili

Our county remained in a snow emergency yesterday morning, and our school district ended up closing by 5:30am. Daughter's career school also closed.  Hubby messaged me that he made it to work safely (he had a 1 hour drive north into worse weather).

This morning schools have a 2 hour delay, due to snow.  We are also under a road level 1 emergency (cars will be towed on snow streets and roads are bad etc).

The force from the snow plow, blew every single one of our pole solar lights, right off the poles.  We just installed them brand new last summer.  I hope they still work, and will just need re-installed a bit tighter.

Romeo decided to steal a log off the hearth and tear it into itty bitty pieces, all over the living room floor and sofa.  Sigh.  How in the world he managed to do that without me seeing it.  What a mess!  Guess who had to clean it up?  Yep.  She had no school, so I put daughter to work.   I guess his toy box needs a re-fill real soon.

The egg basket is filling up thankfully!

Russell Crowe is at it again.  However, I did manage to get away with the eggs.  Dang rooster.  We got a whopping 5 eggs yesterday despite his shenanigans.  Hubby went out later in the evening and he didn't even bother him.  Hmpf.

It was a good day for a slow cooker chili, so I made a new recipe - Easy Farro Chili.  I found this recipe online, which swaps the beef with farro.  It was our first time trying farro and we do like it.  It made a nice chili too.  In fact, we caught our daughter eating it with quinoa/chia chips later in the evening for a snack (ha ha!)

Deep clean progress . . .
Pulled the fridge out from the wall, swept and mopped.  Wiped down utility room  bottom of half door.   The cat jumps over it and it had paw prints.

Cleaned up my writing nook, which hasn't been getting used because the room is not heated.  Found 2 more UFO's that I stashed in there over the past holidays and totally forgot.  I had also (gulp) stashed crafting supplies I used to make wine cork trees and wine cork ornaments (put it all away). 

I spot cleaned my  writing nook's carpet, vacuumed, knocked down cobwebs, and dusted.  I just need to clean some floor trim and wipe the wooden desk and chair a bit and that room will be completely done.


Me time?  I did a bit of crochet work, and read a few chapters in a book from the library. I finished my Feb. reading challenge book, so I borrowed another one for to read.

Random Tidbits

Nothing wakes you up faster than a cold house, because you both fell asleep and forgot to stoke the fire.  It's going again now, but it's 4am.  Every school is either delayed or closed but our district.  Roads are ice covered and there is a level 1 road emergency out.  It's 27°F this morning, but we had sleet, and you could hear it pelting the house.

I had planned a one night getaway for a late Anniversary/early Valentine's sneak away, but canceled it to work on the car this coming weekend.  It's probably a good thing, as more snow (2-4 inches in the area we would have been going) is coming and roads may not be that great.  We need the car fixed anyway.  It was the only thing I could come up with that wasn't a sweet treat, considering he can't have sugar right now.  I'll re-book it when I can, as we do need to get out of the house for fun.

Along with regular housework (dishes, laundry, watering plants, cleaning the fridge out etc.), I finished up washing down the kitchen cabinets, purged and organized the medicinal cabinet, and washed a flour sack towel curtain.

Luckily, I had some pineapple juice on hand, so I made homemade teriyaki sauce for dinner.  I had not thought ahead on ingredients when I meal planned (as far as the sauce), but it worked out.  I had most of the veggies already in the freezer thankfully.  The sauce contains honey and corn syrup, but a small amount (organic/non gmo), and it's so flavorful with fresh garlic and ginger root, that we only need a tiny bit to flavor the dish.  

We'll be moving stuff around in the garage, but not necessarily "cleaning it."  We need room to pull in the car, but man oh man it's cold out there.  Or, if we are lucky, we'll find extended family with an available garage.

We officially have zero home canned tomato sauce left in the pantry.  Unless I incorrectly kept track in my canning journal, we are out.  Poo.  Carrots are gone in the freezer too.

Daughter's report card arrives - GPA 4.250 right now.  So proud of her.  Out of 6 kids, she is the last to graduate/move out.  I doubt she'll move out too quickly, as she's seen her siblings struggle with the reality of expenses.  Anyway, we are so proud.  She's in the school musical, so she's practicing at night, and still maintaining grades.  We learned early, that we'd not let our kids get jobs during high school - grades plummeted with all of them that did get jobs.

The last of the clothespins are getting painted, but I will need a trip to town for supplies to finish them (ornaments).  It's my "on-going" project right now.

I put in the last 6 rows in the XL hot pad and finished it.  Now, the question is, will she still buy it or not?  It's overcast, which was meant to match the hot pad set, but this one is edged in white.  

Cold and Snow

Our weather went quickly from reading on the porch at 60°F to curling up under a blanket, and in the 30's.  This morning it's actually 19°F.  We also have snow on the ground.  Not much, but more is coming.

Mornings are now back to dark and dreary.  Typical winter weather.

Deep Clean Progress . . . 

I seem to never run out of something on this list.  We have white painted kitchen cabinets and cupboards (and drawers), so I have been wiping them all down.  I'll finish them up today, and start on wiping down the tops of our floor wall heaters that have collected dust. 

Beautiful Monday ~ Tidbits

First, I need to apologize for the super long post yesterday.  Sorry about that.  I guess I was just on a roll with writing.

Although a bit cloudy, we had a warmer and mostly sunny day.  I still ran the wood stove.  Otherwise there would be a chill in the air.

Chores were done early, so I could have a Mom Power Hour by myself.  I finished my book, while sipping a homemade organic peppermint mocha.  

The afternoon coffee is probably why I was up at 3am to 5am, fell back asleep for 20 minutes and back up.  I'm may need a nap today.


Deep clean progress . . .
Washed hot pads.  Organized a tiny bit in one bathroom (I love those 3M hooks!).  You can see I didn't get far on this yesterday, ha ha!