My coffee cup today is actually pink with white polka dots. The early light in the kitchen makes it look different. We are making progress on the "Winter Prep" list, but
...we still need to purchase our snow fencing. After years of major drifting it is well over due. It will help keep the driveway free of less snow. Hubby thinks we'll need two 100-foot fences.
Here is the recipe I use to make my homemade dishwasher detergent:
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 cup white vinegar
Mix together to remove clumps (I use an old food processor for soap making, and mark it with a permanent marker).
Place in airtight container. Place 2 teapsoons into the dishwasher soap compartment. Pour about 1 cup of white vinegar into the very bottom of the dishwasher. Run as you normally do.
This is a two step detergent, but I've used it for several years and it works well, even with our well water.
I finally got a few more vanilla beans to get my vanilla extract made. My goal is to get 4 more jars made up.
Today the weather is much warmer than yesterday. My plans were to go out and pull pepper plants and corn stalks, but I just checked the weather. Rain is on the way today. Hmpf. So, I guess it's indoor work again today. That's okay. I want to get stuff tidied up for winter, and my bills I paid need filed and shredded etc. I'm leaving the dishes for the girls. They are constantly using the excuse "I have homework" to leave them sit all night. They have a chart to go by, so they better get crackin' on it tonight.
I am so glad we did not put the porch furniture in storage yet. It was nice to sit out there until dark with Hubby last night. Maybe I could get him to play cards tonight. We haven't played cards since we camped last.
The spiders are not getting the "memo" around here. You can't really tell, but it's about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Not sure where he came in from, but I put "spider spray" (peppermint oil/water) everywhere. I left this huge guy for Hubby to take care of, as it was taunting me all day in the cardboard box I put recycling in. He's probably still there today. If so, I'm dragging that box outside (with a long broom) until he does get the memo - no vacancy.
Speaking of pests, my time on the porch early in the morning, was cut short. A large raccoon crossed over the highway from a corn field. It must be sick. I hope it kept on going, because I couldn't find it after I went inside. I did alert the kids and Hubby. The last thing I need is it to cause my animals harm. One of our barn cats had been on the porch with me at the time, and she saw it before I did and ran off.
Well my coffee cup is about empty, and I need to tackle my worst jobs first today. Then it's back to the porch to crochet (or write) until Hubby comes home. If the rains stops we'll cut more wood.
Comments
It's like chatting over coffee with a friend. ;)
I bought vanilla beans a while back to make my own vanilla extract, but have never done it. I need a fire lit under me!
I haven't seen any spiders, but I do find the occasional earwig. (((Shudder.))) Those things freak me out!
Glad you put up that recipe for vanilla. I need to make another batch. What type of vodka do you use?
I hope all your animals are ok cause that sick 'coon doesn't sound good. First, it's odd for a 'coon to be out in daytime, and second, it's odd for a 'coon to come around habitation, they're generally shy animals.
One thing I've done to save $$$, and I've seen no difference in the quality of the washing is, I only fill the second detergent cup in the dishwasher (the one that opens part-way through the cycle), and use the first one for a pre-wash with nothing in it. That's a 50% savings, and that's nothing to sneeze at, especially with the prices of everything going up regularly.
God bless.
RB
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