Random Tidbits ~ Sausage and Kale Millet Skillet

I was up, and sipping through my first cup of coffee Tuesday morning, when my phone rang about 7:00am.  

Breakfast ~ Herbal Journey ~ Jasper

We've been eating leftovers for a few days.  I cooked up a crock pot of organic black beans with onion, and those have been going fast too.  I really enjoy eating the beans with scrambled eggs, home canned zucchini salsa and a bit of cheese, all wrapped up in a whole wheat tortilla.  Youngest started doing this after school, and they really are delicious.

Chicken Millet Burritos ~ Tidbits ~ Candy Corn

Woke up to fog.  And cold.  I left windows open all night due to the warm weather.  We woke up to a pretty cold house.  Brr.  The kids have a 2 hour delay today, so I actually slept in for once.  

Preparing for Flu Season and other Tidbits

Two weeks ago, I placed dried elderberries and raw honey in a canning jar.  I let it sit in a warm location to infuse.  

 The result?  

Homemade Angel Food Cake

It felt good to have time to de-stress yesterday.  Even the animals looked so relaxed.  Here is Jasper, sleeping in my kitchen window, hanging his head over the computer printer.

Party Damage ~ Happy Birthday. . .

Only a person living off the land would understand me right now.  See what's in my hand?  It's a torn off new growth, that I took dedicated time and care of, and belonged to my one elderberry bushes - damage from the party guests.

Pets, Goats and Vets

A trip to the "island" is so overdue for Hubby and I.   In fact, I think we are planning one soon.  

Last night he worked until 11:30pm, and didn't get home until 12:30am.   The only time I got to see him, was when Alias (pitbull mix) got super scared of the surprise thunderstorm we got, and practically smothered us during the night.

Neither of us got much sleep.  I plan on buying that poor guy a thunder jacket.  I'm guessing his previous owner left him outside during storms.

Weekend Update ~ Wood Splitting

(Jesse trying to nap in front of the wood stove)

We had a long weekend - baby shower, birthday party.  Today it's dentist appointments, and wood splitting.  Although I opted out of the birthday party (had a fever of 101.1), I should have rested the entire weekend.  Some things, such as wood splitting, have to be done regardless.

 (15 year-old Mattie warming up in front of the wood stove)

Hubby took the day off to split wood, as he knew I was not up to it.  With some luck, and through talking to others, we located free wood and just have to split it.  

Starting 5pm-ish today, we are to get about 3-5 inches of snow, then blowing and breezy.  So, getting the wood split before then is kind of important.
 

Homemade Cough Syrup

(the beautiful snowflake kitchen towel was part of a Christmas gift from my Mom)

Here we go again.  Cough, cold, and flu season.  However, I used my youngest daughter's technique with Google ("no time to shop" but it's really no way to get out of the driveway,  and the fact I need to make it with what I have on hand and stay warm inside), and came up with a cough syrup recipe.  We got dumped with snow, and today by afternoon the temps will be that glorious -20° to -40F.  Even banks closed today.  So.... 
(don't forget to click on "read more")

Winston ~ Blizzard of '78

On the 26th of December, the plan was to drive Winston to a humane society about 1 hour from here.  They said they would take any animal, from any county, and not charge a thing.   Perfect, right?  Well, he didn't go there.  He's still here.  Sigh....

He has been quite the entertainment here lately.  Oh, don't get me wrong.  There are still cat fights, and growling, and cornering him by the other two boys here (in fact, I hear growling right now). They've had a few pee wars too (most likely why his last owner dumped him, and I will spare you my thoughts on dumped animals, but you probably already know them by now).

Just Snoozin' into a New Year

Alias, who was said to be "aggressive" is far from that.   He's a teddy bear.  He's a loving, funny, and hug-able pup.  He's a wonderful watch dog too.  He may be about 13 years old, but he sure doesn't act like it.  He loves my blankets.  In fact, the higher the pile it is, the more comfy he thinks it is.  He had his first Christmas with us and really liked those pig's ears he got.  I think he's enjoying his new home quite a bit.

Jesse and Tiger curled up together, and Winston was not far away.  Aren't they cute?

Happy New Year!

Oven Overtime

( mugs that were a gift from my 19 year-old)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  I knew I was in trouble, when I heard the coffee cup hit my nightstand at 6:00am, and the curtains where carelessly tossed open (despite it was pitch dark outside, ha ha!).

Flooding in December

We've been getting several days of rain here, and sometime during the night, our country highway was flooded over again.  This time the city came out and posted signs on each side of our property, warning drivers.  At 55mph (and most drive over that), a vehicle can easily become air born, when hitting this water.

The problem is that the drain in this field is not being kept free of debris. . . .

Winter and Work are Synonymous

This morning's sunrise was beautiful. The pink stretched for several miles.

The recent 9 inches of snow is about to leave us.  In fact today.  Crazy as it sounds, the rains are due to arrive today.

Winter does not give us a break in physical work here.  My son, the feed and pellet lifter, is working a much unwanted third shift job right now. 

Pampering Day

The girls and I had planned to have a pedi/mani day, along with a hand heat wax treatment, right after we completed Monday's housework. They were home from school, and we were going to reward ourselves. 

We ran out of time.  With my trip to town for pellets, then making dinner, and then time with Hubby, we just plain lost track of time. Oh, by the way . . . .

Stray?

(he's much bigger than he appears here in the cat carrier)

School was canceled yesterday, and the roads thawed out.  In fact, we put bedding out on the line. And if you are wondering, it dried. 

After a successful "all-out" cleaning day (with some blessed help), we ran out for chicken feed and wood pellets. After we arrived home, one of my daughters saw the stray cat run from barn to barn.  She went out there, and he came to her. Here's the story. . . .

Gotcha!

"Yikes! She caught me!"

Jasper has been more skittish than before, ever since the propane "boom" we had.  He walks around looking startled by any little movement or noise.  I have such a hard time getting a photo of him.

The other day, before the school bus arrived, I was able to snap this photograph.  He was actually playing until he saw me get down to his level and snap a few shots. Ha ha!

As for today's weather here. . . . .

Past December Months

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner yesterday.  I thought we were going to have coon for the meal too.  My son took the dogs out for their walk, and Alias sniffed out a sleeping raccoon (in one of the barns).  He actually woke it up, went after it, but thankfully backed off with my son's calls.  He did get cut in the mouth area, but it's healing nicely.  So, needless to say we set the trap, but we haven't caught it yet.

A Dog's Life

 (Alias, very tired and wanting to take a nap, but yet at the same time wanting to play ball)

Have you been wondering how Alias is adapting to his new home here at Rooster's Crow Farm?  Have you been wondering if this 13 year old dog, put into a brand new atmosphere, has been a wee bit naughty or just down right loveable?

Well, he's been both.

Me? Tweet? Nah....

"Stop tweeting Mom!"

According to the kids, I have a twitter account, but I just don't know it.  I guess, and this is from my son's version, that I "tweet" out loud.

Ha. He just confirmed that twitter is annoying (even though he may not have realized it).