This and That

 

I ended up cooking eggs for breakfast, using my English muffin rings.  I cooked bacon as well for sandwiches.

Although upside down, the order has been started, and the one color I needed I found online with Michaels store.  I found a great deal, considering prices - buy 2 get one free, made the skeins $2.99/each (7 oz).  Free shipping.  I had to order yarn for me, so it got me the free shipping, but what a deal.  It's been shipped, so as soon as it arrives, I will continue making it.

Flooring started to go in, but our handyman has a few doctor appts. this week, so it has been slow going.  My house is still a hot mess.  I can't put anything where it needs to go, so I keep telling myself to be patient.

We are being told there is a winter storm coming our way.  It is to arrive before Christmas.  Lovely.  I'm checking freezer supply/pantry supply, paper product supply etc. and making lists.  Just in case.

Our truck gets a new windshield today.  Of course they tell you, that you have to be available from 8am to 5pm.  More loveliness.  I just love those text messages too.  No sir, I do not need new wipers.  Anyway, I'm just glad they come to the house to do it.  We've been thru this before.

I need to remind myself today, that I need to put some things from the flower beds in storage.  I keep forgetting, and every time I go out to get the mail I mentally put it on a list in my head.  Sheesh.

Our youngest daughter is no longer doing nails at the salon. Apparently, it is not producing enough income to pay for the booth rental for nails.  She is still doing hair.  I sure hope she continues to do well.

I will be working on lists today, but mainly writing them ha ha!  I have soooooo much going on right now it's crazy.

This and That

It's still cold here, and we got more snow.  My husband I spent most of the day at the hospital visiting Mom.  They allow two people in the building, but one at a time at her bedside.  They will do more testing with her today.  Her memory is still hit and miss, and she's feeling exhausted.

When I first went into Mom's room, she asked where she was and why.  She said she didn't know how to use her TV, so I helped her with that, showed her the button to turn it off and on, and so forth.  She said she loves to watch the cooking channels, so I found one for her.  I think it got her hungry, because she ordered herself a good lunch before we left.  She hasn't been eating much lately.

We couldn't stay at the hospital the entire full day, as we had animal duty back home.  Daughter K is still out of town, so we had dogs to take out, a cat and rabbit to feed etc.  We fed and watered the chickens before we left the house.

I have collected a few recipes I would like to try, but just haven't had the time to pick up ingredients.  I would love to try them this coming week, but I still have to rely on shopping on the weekends, or ask the other two to pick it up for me  (still down one vehicle).

Today's post comes with zero photos again.  Hopefully, I can snap a few for you.  I know photos make the posts more fun.

Saturday Chit-Chat

The boys came out and plowed out the 3-4 foot drifts that buried a few cars.  They sped off before I could pay them though.  Little turds that they are.  We'll catch up with them soon.  Thankfully, they plowed out the mailbox area for us as well.

Woke up to a wind chill of 1°F this morning.

I have a 5 foot drift blocking my chicken coop, so after I slowly wake up with some coffee, and get a warm shower, I'll be outside shoveling a path for that.

Daughter K is out of town visiting with her boyfriend.  They are looking at more apartments.  That means I have dog, cat and rabbit duty.  Jasper (cat) is already meowing at me from the stairs.

My sinus medications have not kicked in just yet.  Hopefully today will be the day.  I'm getting tired of being tired (and sick).

We are having trouble getting someone affordable to replace the brakes on the car.  Normally, my mechanic husband does the repairs, but we have the Chevelle in the garage right now.  It's not a car you can leave outside in 1°F weather to pull the other car in for repairs.  What a battle it is this time of year. 

My seed/grow light stand is up and ready for action.  The plan is to get the seeds in the trays today and get the lights going.  To be honest, although it's always so much work, I'm looking forward to growing the garden this spring.

I spent most of yesterday loading the wood stove, taking dogs out and crocheting.  It was nice to have a somewhat rest day despite taking dogs out in freezing weather.  I'm now on the edging on the baby blanket.

Speaking of baby.  Our grand-niece (my husband was a late baby) gave birth to a baby boy yesterday.  So stinkin' cute.  I'll need to put together a gift for her soon.  

Another pizza place in the town closer to us, closed permanently.  I was told there was an issue with the owners health and lack of employees to keep it open.

I have no idea what day it is moment....

Woke up to 3 inches of snow.  Lovely.  I also woke up and asked myself what day it was, ha ha!

Daughter K's car is still in the garage on a jack.  Hopefully it will be up and running by tonight.  They kept running into problems, and now she needs a new battery.  

Since we are down one vehicle I had my Daughter K deliver the ornaments to the salon on her way to work.

A hunter knocked on the door and said he shot a deer and wanted permission to walk the woods behind our homestead.  I told him yes.  Later in the day I saw them dragging their deer from way out back.  I locked up the dogs (only way to get out of the house without them getting out), and told them they could drive their truck out there and get the deer.  They are thankful. Their 4-wheeler would not start.  Nice guys, and thankful they were respectful to knock vs. trespass.  I'm glad they found their deer too.  

Mom has been admitted into the hospital.  Her heart doctor is actually inside the hospital, but they could not admit her yesterday due to the hospital completely full.  Hopefully we'll have updates soon.

Happy Homemaker Monday

We had a busy weekend.  Got the younger daughter's car up and running, brakes changed on the truck and oil changed.  Moved 2 loads of furniture out of Dad's place too.  The tag stapled to the bottom of his sofa had the date 11-21-1960.  There is still much to go through.  

We had younger daughter switch back to her car, so we can then change the brakes on my car.  Whew.  After that I hope we are done with car repairs for a while.

We helped two local restaurants over the weekend.  First, our favorite was closed due to Covid.  The other was the first one we went to where they took your temperature when you entered and all employees were wearing gloves.  The other we did take out with.

This week is a very exciting (happy) week for us.  We have a birthday, Christmas and our anniversary coming up.

First today, I need to whip up some homemade ginger-ale for Youngest.  She has cold like symptoms and has laryngitis.  Oh, she tried to go to Urgent care.  The line for covid testers was way out the door.  They sent her home and said come back at 4pm today.  So in the meantime, sage tea or tincture and homemade ginger-ale (already simmering now).

Then I need to finish making homemade cards to finish up Mom's Christmas present.  Oye, Christmas really snuck up on us this year.

Guess who lost the only box of Christmas cards she had?  Yep.  I have not found them, and when I do it will be too late to mail them.  Sigh.

These restrictions regarding covid are driving me nuts.  The daughter who works retail, said her co-worker tested negative, but because his wife is sick and he answered two questions with a yes, he was sent home.  These employees (including both daughters who work) do NOT get paid a dime when forced to stay home.

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

The weather outside is . . . 

41°F/32° possible sun later today

On the breakfast plate . . . 

Toast, coffee.

As I look out my window . . .

Sun is shining.

As I look around the house . . .

Not worried about anything this week.  There will be no entertaining other than us 4.

What I am wearing today . . .

Black joggers, sweater

Currently reading . . .

My devotional book.

On the TV for this week . . .

A CA Christmas on netflix

 On the menu . . .

-bacon cauliflower chowder

-beef stew

-creamed peas and toast or grilled cheese and home canned tomato soup

-Christmas dinner (still writing that out)

Something fun to share . . .

Nothing.

Favorite photo from the camera . . .

Oldie but goodie.  She turns 19 this week.  In the picture she was playing with the cat with a milk bottle ring.

Prayers, Inspiration quotes, Devotionals . . .

Youngest - she is not feeling well

No other personal requests right now.

Random Ramblings

Yesterday morning, right after I put up my blogpost, our internet service went out.  I literally stayed in jammies until I got that back up and running.  I had items in two carts to get ordered.  I'm pretty much stuck in this house until the car / truck issues are completed.

We can't start on the bathroom remodel until winter is over.  Our house would be freezing cold, not to mention I can't paint in there either, so that is frustrating. 

I could however (after Christmas) unload the bookshelves in the hall, move the bookshelves and hire a friend to come re-floor the hallway.   The carpet is old and worn and new flooring needs to go into about every room in the house.  So....it's on the possibility list.

I have created a new crochet item.  Not sure if it will sell well, but I plan to get more made for next year's craft shows.  It's an Aldi's quarter holder.  I know one daughter here could use it.  I plan to make some with hooks as well, so it can be clipped inside a purse or car.

Before  you head to your local dollar store for tuck in gifts made in China, head to Walmart instead.  I found these cute memo pads for $.98 and they are made in Vietnam.  By the way, it took me an hour to find them.  I bought them a while back and could not figure out where I had put them, as one was a tuck in for a gift.  Finally found them when I started wrapping birthday presents for Youngest.

The snow is still falling here, but light and not that much.  It's sort of pretty out too.  The chickens hate it for some reason.  It's still pretty cold here though.

Our hired mechanic never came back.  My husband replaced parts last night in the car, but ran into one more part that needs replaced.  He was too tired after work to start on the truck.  Brakes will be worked on this weekend.

Oh, our other daughter's test came back negative.  She is a happy gal.  So are we.

I'm up early to stoke the fire and plan the day.  It'll be a busy weekend for us.

 

Tuesday Tidbits

Our hired help showed up.  Car is running good, but we need to buy a new radiator hose, some anti-freeze, and put one headlight back in.  Then we pull the truck in and replace brakes on that next.

Got the house work started yesterday until the sweeper stopped working.  One daughter and I got it back to working.  I can't wait to get rid of the carpet and replace flooring in this house.  One thing at a time.

The Mexican Crockpot casserole was a hit.  It's online with Well plated by Erin.  I used home grown tomatoes (I have frozen jalapenos to make those "fired up" too) that I froze (and thawed), and made homemade enchilada sauce (no sugar like store bought has), and only added some hand shredded sharp cheddar cheese upon serving it.  So delicious and it has quinoa in it.

Breakfast was a hit too.  I've made many breakfast dishes with broccoli, but changed it up a bit by adding zucchini.  Broccoli is a power house of goodness, and a great way to start the day healthy.

I ordered an item from Annie's Crafts back in November for the girls for Christmas.  I just thought they would enjoy something fun.  Well, the items never arrived.  I sent an email.  No email back.  I'll be calling today and asking questions or getting a refund.

It's pretty cold here this week, but the wood stove was still going when I got up. So thankful for that.  Today will be a much easier day with all the housework done yesterday.  

Speaking of yesterday, I let the chickens out for a bit and moved some things to one of the barns.  Thankfully I was outside too.  I literally walked out of the barn, and saw two hawks flying directly towards the chicken coop.  I put my ladies back inside.

I will finish up my latest crochet project and get that posted tomorrow.  

Weekend Work

The car saga continues.  When one biker friend never responded to our plea for assistance (paid assistance), we hired another.  He didn't show up until 3pm.  

The car is still not completely repaired.  We both feel he won't return today either.  So....we plan to hit the wood splitter early this morning, then start on the car ourselves (yes, I said I'd help).

I have a to-do list a mile long too, but those two need checked off first.  However, I got crochet time and kitchen time in yesterday.

I hope to have photos to share of both tomorrow.  While the men worked on the car, Tiger curled up with me while I crocheted and got some cooking channel time in (PBS/Create).

Hubby has started to feel much better since I started to cut out potatoes again (and rice and whatnot).  We made omelets for breakfast without the potatoes and they were still good.  I'm working on new ways to create breakfast that will eliminate the stuff he shouldn't be eating (and I have been terrible at doing that).

Clean Coop ~ Car

Friday I had one thing I wanted to accomplish, even if it was the only thing I got done - clean the coop.  Oh boy.  It was not easy.  I do believe with all we have to deal with, we will all be on board to building an appropriate coop.

Considering I have to hunch over to get into the coop, it took some maneuvering and several tools to get the job done.  I can't just pull my wheel barrow to the door either.  I have a fence with a temporary gate, and it's not wide enough.  Oh, and my straw is out in one of the barns, so that had to be loaded up and taken to the coop.  Two trips.  Job done.  I only hit my head 3 times ha ha!

Today we have to pull Youngest's car into the garage.  Praying it gets fixed and up and running.  The rain is already here.

 

Tuesday Tidbits

Homemade Hummus

It's amazing how much better I felt Monday morning, after a fun Sunday out of the house.  Got the master bath 75% cleaned (just need to clean shower and tub), did laundry, vacuumed, tended the hens, took trash out to the curb, got the mail, kept the fire stoked, put a roast and veggies in the crock pot, made overnight french toast for this morning, and some good ol' homemade hummus.  Of course there were dishes to wash, but I felt better mentally and physically.

It took most of the day, but I quit just before dinner so I could get "me" time in as well.

Since I didn't write up a menu and post a Happy Homemaker post yesterday, it's being done today.   The menu that is. Hm.  Better check the freezer and pantry and get that done.

Oh, gotta share this tidbit.  So Youngest was not home and had my car, so my husband drove her car to work to check things out and leave me the truck.

Upon arriving home (my husband), I looked out the window to see the hood up.  Not good.  First, he froze his bum off on the 1 hour drive there and back - heater is not working and she never told us.  Second, I see two liquid forms on the driveway - tranny fluid and anti-freeze, and her intake is leaking (and will need replaced before it is drive-able ( is that even a word? ) again.  I just can't make this stuff up.  Ha ha ha ha, he he he he he.............my days of being stuck in are longer now. 

I guess I better find out my other daughter's schedule and snag a car on her day off.  I'm gonna need more craft supplies, some Christmas presents, birthday presents, a few baking supplies, and other supplies.  Mostly, I want to make sure I have craft supplies so I don't lose my flippin' mind.  Oh, the free weights are being moved downstairs today, so I can start working out again (that surely will help).

Speaking of crafting supplies, Katmom asked about the pattern for the crocheted wine bag.  I found it free online.  It's by Forever Hooked Designs, Wine Bottle Cozy/Bag - free printable pattern (Ravelry, but you don't have to sign in to be able to print the pattern).

 

Car Update ~ Grill out and other tidbits

The car has been fixed.  I'm so blessed to have a husband who knows how to fix cars.  Daughter is a happy camper and so am I - no stressing about how everyone gets to work today.  We live out in the boonies, so getting them all to opposite directions from 25 minutes to an hour for each is much easier today.

Hubby had to take a day off work to fix the car, so once that was done we took the Harley (a no coat ride)E out for a few groceries, and came home to grill out dinner.  The weather was a record high of 80 degrees.

We however, will dip down to the 30's again tonight, but we enjoyed our warmer weather.  Now that we have a break in car repairs, I need to remind my husband to fix the chicken coop so I can get eggs from the outside.  

I purged more magazines, and have just a few more to go through.  Saving that for a rainy day.  

I'm going to be taking advantage of a 77 degree day, and putting laundry out on the line.  I need do outside work today before it starts getting cold again. 

E-ghads!  I have no photo for today's post.  The leaves are falling from the trees and they are almost bare here.

 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Even though I am home, which should keep the dogs calm, I now keep a kitchen radio on.  It keeps the dogs calm and they are more restful, which helps King stay relaxed.  Poor guy.  He hasn't had any more seizures, but this last one was bad.  Daughter ordered dog CBD oil.  Vet meds are too harsh for him.

Tiger has been hilarious and a pain lately.  He has been sticking his paw under our bedroom door again, and banging it back and forth at 4am.  It's funny when you hear about it, but 4am?  Then when I finally am able to let him in and keep an eye on him, he flares up and gets the zoomies like he just had a hit of catnip.  So funny.  Anyway, we got him a Kitty Villa and filled the bottom scratching pads with catnip.  Thought everyone could use a good laugh.  First time to figure out how to upload a video too.

I'm not on the hunt for a weather proof lock for the chicken coop.  We will see what we can find to rig up security for my ladies.

Saturday the weather was so nice, we hooked up with 17 people and 12 motorcycles.  Unfortunately, the couple that was leading the pack, and had the route planned didn't show up.  We re-routed and still had an all day sanity saver ride.

However, that meant work for Sunday.  It took all morning, but my husband got the chainsaw working again.  We also got a new seal on one of the house doors.  After that we took off on another short motorcycle ride.

Our 21 year-old's car broke down again last night.  So tired of this.  My car is still not back, so we are down a car again, and 3 working.  

Somehow, in moving yarn out and back into my closet (thanks to the revolving doors of kids moving out and in), I could not find one of my afghan hooks.  Sigh.  I literally went online and ordered another one.  I have no idea where it is, and you can bet your bottom dollar, that I will find it a year from now.  Or today.

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

The weather outside is . . .

Nice!  High of almost 80 degrees today.

On the breakfast plate this morning . . .

(photo to be added)

Bacon/egg/cheese sandwich, coffee

Change of plans - when the bacon was done we made bacon/bean/egg burritos.

As I look outside my window. . . 

On the to do list today or this week . . .

For the day:

-dishes, tidy kitchen, sweep and mop

-laundry

-clean master bath

-vacuum

-dump ash pan and clean out wood stove

For the week:

-clean up office area in kitchen

-clean up bedroom (the craft supplies have gone awry)

-split wood

-put air conditioners in storage

-put new seal on garage door

Currently reading . . .

On the TV for this week . . .

The Man with a Plan

On the menu . . .

-breakfast for dinner

-chicken/basil meatballs

-Tex Mex Macaroni

-possibly something grilled tonight

Something fun to share . . .

Zuri, our one daughter's mountain cur/pit mix, is my chicken whisperer.  Louise flew the coop yesterday and she helped me catch her by literally just standing guard and not letting her pass (she didn't make a move).  Good doggie.

New Recipes we tried. . . 

I made homemade garlic cheesy bread for the first time last night.  It was delicious.  The family gobbled it up.  I made it to go with leftovers.  The dough was pretty easy to make too.  Recipe is free online at 

I also tried the Cheesy Chips in the Food Babe's cook book.  I used store bought tortillas, while I'm waiting on supplies to try her recipe for homemade corn tortillas, and the first batch was not crispy.  I had to bake them 30 seconds longer for the crispness, and used too much of the topping on the first, and didn't have enough for the second. Next time I'll split it in half before sprinkling it on.  They do have great flavor though. Overall, I think the homemade tortillas will work much better.

Not a recipe, but I made a new organic, cooked butterscotch pudding and the family loved it.  I added the suggested egg yolk too.  Very creamy and very good.

From the camera . . .

On the prayer list. . .

Our President, America, our state, for the virus to go away, King, and any personal requests.  Our daughter's car to be fixed, and finally fixed.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Woke up to 40 degrees Sunday morning.  Just a hair warmer than Saturday.  

Whelp, one hen flew out of the fence yesterday.  Guess it's time to re-clip wings.  I have never had this problem, so when we get it moved, a permanent fencing with a top fenced cover will be built.

Last nights dinner.  Perfect for a pretty cold day.  We never got up to the 50's.  Soup beans, fried cabbage with bacon and cornbread.  I had a ham bone in the freezer from my numerous attempts at a grad party this year, and put it to use.

Red onions left the dehydrator and shallots made their way in.

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

The weather . . .

Rain.  I woke up to rain.  Again.  No work outside, and as we planned to split wood tonight.  Making plans has been exhausting.  48/37 degrees (now I cannot use symbols on this blog for some reason, tried to use the degree symbol the last few days and it goes directly to google page)

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Frustrated.  My husband was still working on the car, so I turned the TV on and the news was on.  I stopped watching the news and what a mistake that was.  

On my mind . . .

Yesterday is on my mind.  Oh man. If anything could go wrong it did.  So, my husband started on repairing the brake line early morning.  It was plum dark out when he finally finished.  From parts sold to him in metric and numerous trips back to the parts store, and problems with the repair, to not having another vehicle (at first) to even go get the parts...the day was overly a headache.  I'm praying today is not that sort of day.  Her car is fixed by the way.  Still...still...no word on my car. Oh, and some tools he needed were in my car.  He sent text messages out for tools and no one responded.  We never got any wood split either due to the car repair.

I recently read about how Mercury is in retrograde, and I'm not really into Astrology.  If you get a chance read the article at the Almanac site.  Sure fits the bill why nothing is going as "planned."

On the breakfast plate . . .

Leftover blueberry pancakes, sausage and coffee

Right now I am . . .

Getting this post typed up to publish. I'm also cooking breakfast sausage and bacon for our "go to" breakfast for the next few days.

On my reading pile . . .

Nothing.  I am looking at buying some right now online.  With my car (still) at the repair guy, I have not been able to utilize our library.  Using it is frustrating this year anyway.

On today's to-do list . . .

-drain new bottle of homemade vanilla extract

-place a few online orders

-clean master bath and vacuum master bedroom

-try a new snack recipe

-make more Kamut bars (the girls loved them and asked for more).

And if all plans go wonky, I will simply turn on the cooking channel and crochet.  And put pj's on no matter the time.

On my TV . . .

Back to watching Good Witch

From my camera . . .

Nothing sadly.

Looking around the house . . .

The dogs can really turn up a rug around here.  Sigh.  I think I will light a few candles today.  It's dreary out and it will perk me up.

To relax this week I will . . .

Crochet.  I have a new item.  I'll be posting a handiwork post soon.

On the menu . . .

-Fried chicken, crockpot glazed carrots, mashed potatoes

-Crockpot meatballs/sauce, quinoa, smashed sweet potatoes

-Crockpot pork chops/mushroom sauce, veggie rice, roasted asparagus

-Salmon patties, BBQ crockpot green beans,  sheet pan sweet potato hash

In no particular order, and I may change it depending on supplies and time.

 Something I want to share . . .

On my prayer list . . .

Our state right now.  The country as election is arriving.  There is so much fake news from the media and certain sources to try and disrupt the election.  Us.  Lots of stuff on the "plate" right now.  Dad's upcoming surgery (he has no cancer though, which is good).

Warm Days

I took advantage of a few warm sunny days to infuse medicinal oil for homemade "Neosporin."

I was able to find organic ginger root recently, so some was grated and dehydrated, and some was put in the freezer for winter.

I put in an order for Thrift books, but one that was in my cart is no longer available.  I guess I will try for that one at a late date.

I spent a bit of time on the phone calling places.  I had to call the hardware store and tell them why we haven't been in to pick up the new shower, so they are taking note. It's already paid for, just waiting for us to pick it up.  

I decided to not can Port Wine jelly at all this year.  If you have a tried and true (and easy) recipe that used port wine, please share.  Of course we could drink it too.

The car finally (finally) was towed to our repair guy, however, the car we sold to our 21 year-old is acting up again.  Our biker friend is coming over today to replace the plugs.  Praying that's all it is.  So thankful to know people who can help.

Nothin'

I literally have nothing to blog today.  I was so busy yesterday though, and we got one car picked up and paid for (this guy repairs from his home and does an awesome job on "big" jobs). 

However, there is no room in his driveway to tow my car over for the new engine.  Story of my life.  I'm told Monday or Tuesday we can bring it over.

In the meantime, our 21 year-old is happy now that she has her "own" car now.  We are all tickled pink that our 18 year-old is back home.  Her job is keeping her busy and she is doing very well at the hair salon.  Her dog is so happy too, that we sent her flowers to her work and asked that the card read, "Thank you for coming back home Mommy,"  signed Romeo.  

Romeo was so excited that he was zooming from room to room and could not sleep the first night she was here. 

Anyway, we had a very long but productive day I guess.  First, even though my husband is working nights, we drove an hour to a city to do firearms shopping (just being prepared for whatever happens after election, you just never know in this messed up world we now live in).  We've already had our mailbox (with a USA flag on it) bashed in and our USA flag on our house beat down so bad, the flag holder screws were ripped out.  A flag was set on fire in a close town, that was on their house and could have set the house on fire.

So, while we were shopping, I could not believe all the stores that were all in this city.  I mean they have it all.  Like a Hobby Lobby with a JoAnn's, Lowe's, Menards, Wal-mart, Meijer....like they were super busy and I thought, "man this is the place to get everything you need in one trip."  Too bad it's an hour drive.  

I convinced my husband to stop at either craft store to look for my yarn and lavender netting.  I found neither one.  I came home with 10 yards of teal netting though.

After returning, we drove to pick up the last of our daughter's belongings and retired for the night.  It's a good thing I did not let the chickens out while we were gone all day as well.  I watched an eagle fly right over the house.  I haven't seen one around here in a few years.  However, I did see a coyote around 4pm last Wednesday.  I'm told they will circle around and be back in a few weeks, and to watch for them.  This however was a lone coyote.

Did you know that coyotes will increase their day time hunting as the weather gets colder?  Probably why I saw it at 4pm.  

On a good note, I found out the our 21 year-old is back to working in the store she was hired in this next week.  She's been helping out in another city the last two weeks.  Oh, and I'm told that her store put in a bid to buy a larger (our old Hobby Lobby that went out of business) store to move to.  If they do, I sent them a request to start selling yarn since there is no good source in that town anymore. Crossing my fingers, but you never know.

I haven't been out in the garden lately.  I'm waiting for a round of rain to come down, to make digging easier.  We'll see if we do get the predicted rain or not come Monday.

Happy Homemaker Monday

It's been very chilly here, so I whipped up a new batch of homemade hot cocoa.

Over the weekend?  Well, I planted 32 more cloves of garlic, just in time before the rain arrived again.

My ladies are laying so well, that my mind was made up to use up some eggs.  Although small yet, they made dinner a hit.

Meals over the weekend.  I enjoyed a grilled cheese with cowboy candy on it, and I made breakfast for dinner, which was greatly enjoyed.

We finally made a trip to the hardware store to pick out a new shower, toilet and paint for the bathroom remodel.  Flooring too.  Next up will be kitchen flooring.  I am so excited to get started on this.  We picked put paint and brought that home, but have to do more measuring for the all of the rest.  We are picking out new flooring for our master bedroom and hallway as well.

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

The weather outside is . . .

61°high today, but woke up to 37°F.  We will warm up to the mid 70's this week.

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Tired and excited at the same time.  I couldn't sleep, but come this weekend, and we start on the bathroom remodel.

On my mind . . .

I'm hosting an online Pampered chef party.  I hope to get enough sales to earn free stuff for the girls for Christmas.  I love my pampered chef stuff.  I use it daily.  However, their prices on biscuit cutters are a bit high, and I have not found them in stores around here (oddly).  I am working on putting together some baking items to go with the recipe boxes this Christmas.

Saturday, the other car took a poo.  It's being picked up today to be diagnosed.  My car was to get towed tomorrow for an engine, but depending on the other car, one of them will be going to our guy to get fixed.  Dollar signs are flashing past us right now.  We just can't get a break with vehicles this year.

I packed two lunches and one breakfast today.  Daughter can't leave work to get food so I fixed her up as well as my husband.  She got a ride today, but she's working in the opposite direction in another store in another "big city."  Not sure what she'll do tomorrow and as of the time of posting this, the guy hasn't stopped over to look at the car.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Taco Breakfast Casserole. I used leftover taco meat, the last of our cherry tomatoes, some garden green peppers and herb garden green onions. 

On my reading pile . . .

On the TV . . .

The Good Witch

On the menu this week . . .

-Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup, homemade bread

-Slow cooker baked ziti

-Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over wild rice and roasted carrots

-Leftovers

From the camera . . .

Last week you could look up at the moon and see Mars not far.  Pretty neat if you ask me.

Looking around the house . . .

I will need to re-arrange some things to make room to pull everything from the kitchen bathroom.  I also have to revise my to do list as well, so I still have time to get some canning done, and work in the garden.  I will need to make a list for Hubby as well, as we need to move a pellet stove out and another smaller one in, cut wood etc.

I bought 4 of these for my utility room cupboards that haven't had knobs since we moved in.  I love them.

New Recipe I tried or want to try last week . . .

A new green tomato cake recipe.  In place of the butter it required, I used home canned applesauce and it was delicious.  

I used Food Networks recipe for the cream cheese frosting recipe to top it with.  My family raved about this one.  Way less butter than Paula Dean's recipe that I have used over the years.  The cake recipe is from AllRecipes.  I used all organic ingredients, my home grown green tomatoes (seeds removed, but not peelings and diced very small).

To relax this week I will . . .

Work on daughter's Christmas present (crochet), make more crocheted parts for "f" bombs, and a few more jar grippers.

On my prayer list . . .

Our youngest daughter, everyone living in our state, for this plan-demic to end, and any special requests.

 

Wacky Weather

Tiger has the right idea.  I may just join him. Had it not been for Romeo and the chickens, I would have stayed in PJ's all day yesterday.  Woke up to 6° and today it'll be 46°F tomorrow.

The Almond Butter Chocolate Chip cookies didn't last long.  We are fighting over the last of the last.  I had not made them for years.  Not sure what made me think of them, but surely enjoyed them.

Nothing much to post - wacky weather, car still not repaired.