Thank you . . .

 

(Mom and Aunt J at her favorite place - the beach)

Thank you all for your condolences, kind words and prayers during this difficult time.  I really do appreciate you all.

I know there will be things/places that will come across in my future that will bring back memories of Mom.  Her favorite travel spots, foods, books, flowers, popcorn from Amish country trips, wine, color....all good memories.

If any of us missed a family get together she would be mad for a few days, but I can guarantee you'd make the next one (ha ha!).

I know there will be things/places that will come across in my future that will bring back memories of Mom.  Her favorite travel spots, foods, books, flowers, popcorn from Amish country trips, wine, color....all good memories.

 

If any of us missed a family get together she would be mad for a few days, but I can guarantee you'd make the next one (ha ha!).

 

It's been a huge whirlwind of grief and emotions.

 

She absolutely loved the crocheted lap afghans I made her and always told me she got so many compliments.

 

I will be donating them to the home where my husband's (recently passed) sister used to live.  Many of the residents are in wheelchairs there.

 

She also bought (because she refused to take anything without) anything I crocheted in heart.  She encouraged me to crochet new things like the XL hotpads, thick dish scrubbies, the newest was the jar openers....just loved anything I made.  

 

One of her friends told me that Mom's purchases filled a drawer, where her friends could come if they needed something to gift (did not know this, ha ha!).

 

 

Heaven Gained an Angel

 My mother passed away on Saturday, February 19th.  It's been a whirlwind of emotions.  I'll be back when I am able to.

Ice/Snow Storm ~ Hanging On

Our rain turned to ice, sleet and snow.  It's an ice rink out there today.  Windows are frozen over and we can't even see out them.  There is a level 1 road emergency in place today, and roads are slick, some schools closed, and many, many power outages around our area.  Thank goodness ours is on.

Daughter K has secured an apartment with her boyfriend (until they buy a house of their own).  I hope I'm not repeating myself, but my brain is over loaded with emotions right now.  She's been filling up her car with items to donate before the big move.

We are literally hanging on emotion-wise.  Hospice is taking good care of Mom.  I have been up to sit with her almost daily, and all of us are overwhelmed with a roller coaster of emotions.

Most nights we don't even eat dinner.  I still haven't made dinner, but tonight I will use every last energy zap I have to make something.  I was reminded to take care of ourselves, and eat properly, take breaks, take vitamins, drink kefir (or eat yogurt), and hang on to our health right now.

I was once told that giving can keep your mind at peace, so I have printed a few patterns and wrote a few notes on what I can be giving as a random act of kindness.

On a side note, I discovered one of the employees that works in the nursing home salon, is a friend from high school.  Yesterday I met someone that has worked there for 29 years, and will be there 30 years this coming April.

It's Finished! Next Project?

The "has been in the closet for years" project is now finished!  I love the border.  You chose yellow for the last round.  It has been washed and is drying to pack up for the next grand child.  It was a fun pattern to do, but a long project.  I am just glad it's done and off the "unfinished" list.

Daughter K picked this yarn out for a house warming gift (full size blanket).  I'm not sure her boyfriend will like it, but ha!  I will need to go back to the store for more, but first need to calculate how much will be needed.

I think I will also buy them a wine rack and some wine.  I have some time to think about it, but the blanket must get started now, as we are heading into the garden season next.

I have a lot to knock off the to-do list, but first outside stuff.  Rain is on the way, and in a bad way.  We  need to cut more wood and get it split, and I promised to cook dinner tonight. 

There is literally so much going on in our minds, we are mentally overloaded.  I wrote down "notepad" on my shopping list, so keep in my purse.  I went to the store and did not mark it off the list, went home without it, and wrote it down again.

I need paper and pen in my purse when visiting Mom.  That way I can write down what she wants to eat if the nursing home doesn't have it.  She has been very nauseated lately. Yes, I know I can put a reminder note or whatnot on my phone, but I forget that it's on the phone.  I'm old school I guess, when it comes to note taking.

 

Slush to Ice. . .

 

Yesterday's rain turned everything to slush, which froze over last night.  It's a sheet of ice out there now.  I warned our daughter before taking the dogs out this morning.  

We had a visit with Mom, and will be visiting again today.  My younger brother took one of her cats into her room for her to see.

Daughter E surprised us with a visit last night, and just in time for dinner.  Daughter K made us chicken alfredo last night for dinner and it was delicious.  I was thrilled she offered to cook, and she said she needs to do it more to prepare moving out with her boyfriend.

Daughter E tried on her halter top I crocheted and it fits.  She was tickled pink to take leftovers home with her. I was happy to see her and the fact I didn't have to cook dinner.

I will need to cook this weekend though.  Not sure what yet, but first I need to wake up with some coffee.  We all slept in this morning.

Oh, while shopping at Wal-mart the other day, I checked the yarn aisle for a hook I needed and lost.  Daughter K picked up some yarn. in what I call, hippie colors.  She wants a baby blanket made with it.  I told her we'd talk later about my next project, when the current project is finished.  I told her by the time she has kids she may change her mind on those colors.  She is insisting that she'll love the colors, so we'll see if it happens. 

Just the Bits. . .

My husband, the sweet man that he is, secretly booked a B & B for the night prior to Valentine's Day.  Yesterday morning he canceled it in lieu of the updates regarding Mom's health.  They were very kind, and did not charge a fee to cancel.  We will re-book in the future.

Daughter K and I went to visit Mom (Gram) at the nursing home.  My heart breaks for Mom right now.  It took every millimeter in my body not to cry in front of her. 

We had to get nurses to help her with something, and I have to say that they are so nice.  They came in the room ASAP and helped Mom with getting her comfortable.  Just a really good staff to have for her right now.

We were so emotionally exhausted arriving home, that I sent a text to my husband begging him to bring home dinner.  I was in no condition to cook dinner.  I was literally in PJ's by 3:30pm, fired stoked, chickens tended, mail brought in, and by 4:00pm, had an adult drinky drink in my hands.

After updating my husband, we retired early, and not one of us remembered to stoke the fire. 

We woke up to a stone cold (gulp) wood stove this morning.  I can hear the blustery winds outside, but last I heard, we are expecting rain.  Not sure yet.  It's still pitch dark, and I haven't checked weather.

While in town I stopped at Wal-mart to buy small "S" hooks.  They had zero.  I need 8 of them to hang new grow lights for my seed starts. I plan to stop at Home Depot today, when I got back to town to visit Mom.  A new doctor is going to visit Mom today.  There is no way to sugar-coat this, but the doctor is evaluating Mom in regards to hospice care.  

Tidbit Thursday

Yesterday's challenge?  Walk to where we dump the ash pail without having to walk miles around more drifts left from the storm.

(Old Photo)

I know Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, but the football game will be on for sure.  I think this is the first year I have not been motivated to create nor start a Valentine's Day crochet project.  Mom's favorite items are heart shaped and made with mostly pink yarns.  I'm just emotionally spent this season. Are you creating anything for the holiday?

Our friends continue to ask us to join them again for a trip to Daytona Bike Week.  We have told them no.  One, Mom's health is not good, and two I personally didn't want to go (two times was enough for me).  I guess a few people have backed out on the trip, leaving rooms available to fill, so hopefully they will find someone else to go.  They are all flying this year, and one person is trailering the bikes. 

Speaking of Mom, she was given an antibiotic for pneumonia, but I haven't heard if it was confirmed she had it.  I talked to her on the phone, but she was so out of breath during the short conversation.  

All seeds (that need started indoors) for the garden have been planted in starter trays.  I have two extra trays, so if I think of anything I can add to it.  We are expanding the asparagus bed this year, so I have 72 plant starts.  Those were fun to plant.  The seed is black.  I just thought putting in plant starts would be much easier weeding-wise, than to start from seed.  It'll be a few years before we will be able to harvest, but I'm glad I'm expanding this year (looking forward to freezing a lot more of it in the years to come).

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.

Storm Update ~ Tidbits

I did the usual "storm prep" Wednesday- washed, dried and put away all the dishes, ran dishwasher, emptied dishwasher, finished any laundry etc.  We just got rain all day, but snow moved in the last two days.  In fact, Daughter K's car is buried in a snow drift this morning.  Smart husband parked out at the end of the drive and got out this morning.  I'm waiting to make sure he made it to work though.  Some roads he takes to work are impassable if not cleared.

Daughter K made an attempt to get to work yesterday.  She called and was stuck in a drift between two main roads to get there.  She ended up coming home and calling off work.  Our county Sheriff only called a road emergency level 1 at the time, later changing it to a 2, but said "he'd never call a level 3" and this is why we all tried to vote him out of his position.  He just can't do his job. There were too many accidents yesterday just during the level 1 warning.  Some businesses will never close, and people could be hurt, stranded, etc.  Anyway.....

Yesterday, we made an attempt to visit Mom in the hospital, but ended up at the Urgent care for me, then back home.  I have a sinus infection.  Roads were so bad I was the only patient, and they only person at the pharmacy.  I haven't had a sinus infection in years. I feel like I haven't  had a break of being sick since the onset of covid.  I'm wondering if the sinus infection is from covid.

Anyway, I am thankful for a tub of yogurt, kefir and other helpful foods in my fridge right now.

Wood stove is stoked, but I hear very little traffic outside.  It will take the boys and a plow to clear all the drifts in our drive.  Next year we will be putting up the snow fence.

As far as an update on Mom, she was moved to a larger hospital.  She's getting a lot of tests done.

Well, I'm going to go make a pot of coffee, and check the weather.  I do believe we are getting a break today from snow.  The wind was terrible last night.

I'm still feeling sick this morning, so it's a low and slow day today.  I may do some dishes, but there is not a chance for major housework for sure.  No wonder I've been feeling tired.

Snow Storm!

We are expected to get up to 16 inches of snow in our area.  Over the next two days, the weather is said to be bad, but no snow is falling as of this morning.

I attempted to clean the coop, but could not get the barn doors open to get the cleaning tools, nor the straw.  By the time my husband got home, it was too late (after unloading more firewood from the truck).

I am pretty sure I have a sinus infection.  I've battled laryngitis for almost 2 weeks now.  Just one more thing to deal with.  I'll call my doctor first, but most likely will have to deal with the bad weather/roads and an urgent care visit. Until then, it's loading up on vitamins, lots of water, sipping teas, gargling, and salt water nasal spray.

As of right now, we don't even see rain in the area (forecasted first).  It will be interesting what actually happens in our area.

In the meantime, if you are a praying sort, please pray for my Mom.  She is now back in the hospital in ICU.  Please send prayers, good mojo, etc.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

The last time I journaled (long time passion of mine), was Feb. of 2020.  I'm not kidding.  I guess I am not sure if that is good or bad, but I would have just repeated over and over about the pandemic, and doing that is depressing as it is.  Seeing our government ban a treatment for covid patients (one that my husband should have had), is unbelievable.  We have had friends receive the treatment and were better the next day.  

Anyway, the journal is back out, and the pen is going again.  It's my "main" journal.  I have many, many other ones, including a journaling Bible that I plan to get out this week.  I have lots of questions right now.

The weather continues to be cold, my tabs are still up on the computer awaiting to place a yarn order (waiting for a good deal on shipping, because it's needed but not an emergency for any personal order either).

While out and about yesterday, we made a quick stop at a large grocery store.  Sheesh.  People have panic bought for sure.  Although the bread aisle was full (wasn't worried because I can bake my own bread), other aisles were almost empty.  Our favorite coffee was sold out, and the other "organic" brand was almost $12 for the same size.  Nope.  I'll have to check at another store.  The news is flashing updates constantly about the winter storm, so yeah, people will panic buy.  We just had a few items on our list, so I could make the breakfast casserole today (hopefully will last for the next 3-4 days for us).

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

I'll link up when she posts this morning.

The weather . . .

12°F out.  A storm is said to be headed into our area starting this Wednesday.  Friday, roads are said to be treacherous.  They are saying 10-16 inches of snow in our area, my hometown where Mom and my younger brother live....Daughter K and my husband may not make it out of the driveway if this really happens.  We own one hand shovel right now. 

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Tired.  We went and bought a load of split wood yesterday (gave up on our splitter) and I'm exhausted.  We also visited Mom, who at the time had a full house.  My younger brother was there with his 2 kids, we showed up, then Daughter K, and meanwhile the internet guy was busy upgrading Mom's network.  She was happy for the full house.  

I still have laryngitis.  Do any of you have any suggestions?  Herbal?  Over the counter?  Anything?  I've been sipping hot sage tea, but being out and about yesterday, I did not sip tea, and today feel rotten.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Cheddar and Chili  Egg Casserole (I'll be back with a photo), organic coffee

On the reading pile . . .

First, I have been reading letters we collected at my Dad's apartment, after he passed back in 2020.  There are many letters he saved.  Some have a Navy post mark and some have a $.03 stamp.  I would love to find a way to copy them all, print a booklet etc. for myself at least.  I know once I pass these on to the next sibling, I will probably never see them again.  I would have to copy the envelope to match each letter.  Not sure the easiest/cheapest way to do this yet, or if I really want to do it, but for now reading the letters.

What would you do?  Read them and pass them on? 

Second, I have been reading a series by one of my favorite authors.  Some libraries are removing it from their shelves and into book sales.  I've been reading the first of the series (dust cover missing)....

On my TV . . .

Football!!  The Bengals are going to the Super Bowl!!  My husband is elated about this.   I'm also watching CSI and other shows like that.  I will be checking Amazon later today for a show called Reaper.  I don't know yet if it's free on Prime or if they charge for this show.

On the menu this week . . .

-Homemade vegetable soup, bread of some kind

-Meatloaf, mashed tades, corn

-leftovers

From the camera . . .

I'm on the last row of pink, and then a small section of blue, then ends need sewn in and edging done.  I think I started this as a gift over 5 years (or more) ago, and realized it was more work than I expected.  Either way, it's getting finished this winter.  Each row of color is 7 rows, and it's the width of a crib blanket.

Looking around the house . . .

We as parents, are secretly hoping Daughter K's move is soon, and goes swiftly.  We have so many home repairs that would be much easier with no animals and less "stuff" around the house.  No word yet on that move.  We love her, but we are ready to have the house to ourselves.

To-do list . . .

-make breakfast

-make crock pot vegetable soup (or dutch oven)

-decided on a bread side or not (depends on energy level)

-get mail, put trash out and water/feed the hens

-unload dishwasher, load dishwasher

-wash any dishes if needed

-empty ash pail

-bake cookies 

(this is the list for the week for me, lol!)

Prayers . . .

For those dealing with covid and for quick recovery (when we all 3 got covid, only two people in our lives checked in on us - family friend and our Daughter E.  I am trying to make sure we check in on anyone that may need help.

Mom, she is back home, and needs assistance most days.  She also mentioned she wanted someone to stay with her (as in live with her).  She may very well end up living with my sister.  

Weekend Woes

Yesterday I started out strong with cleaning, but fizzled out fast.  I got some kitchen cleaning done, and bedding washed and back on.

Today, we are dealing with the water line from the water softener to the utility sink - busted and flooded floor this morning.

On top of replacing the wood stove grate (fit like a glove) and getting the stove back to heating, we are dealing with not feeling good on top of it all.

It's a battle daily, but we are gaining I think.

It didn't take long for me to get text messages after Mom was back in her home (alone).  First, it was my sister asking if I had an extra blender for Mom to have her wanted chipped ice (that she freely got while in the nursing home).  I told her to order one online and ship it to Mom's or go buy one in town.  I was no help.

I got another text from Mom at 10pm.  Asking for help. We were in bed.  We tire out very quickly, and are in bed early (with 12-13 hours of sleep, that tired).  I texted back today, and asked "exactly" what do  you need help with?

First, we are down one vehicle, two work, and one has dog duty and wood stove duty.  Second, we all three are not feeling 100% yet.  I still have laryngitis.  Third, roads are bad and weather is terrible.  I don't know what my sister expected of us, but we warned her that Daughter K is moving soon as well, and Mom will have little help during winter (I was all for Mom staying in the nursing home).  I think my sister is in denial.  

Anyway, I hope your weekend is going much better than ours, ha ha!  Does anyone know where I can order 36 cell plant start trays (unfilled) online and shipped to my home?  I am not up to shopping yet.  Thanks in advance!

Path in Life and Changes Along the Way . . .

My post today is in reference to Mama Pea's post the other day about "A Different Choice."  Thanks for the inspiration to write this, but you may want a hot beverage to sip. It's sort of long, ha ha!

My first career, and very happy with it at the time, was a Travel Agent.  I went straight to Travel School (right out of high school), which was about an hour drive from home (I was still living with my Mom).  I loved it.

I worked my school hours on the River (up north), where I worked as a sales ticket person, where river boat rides went up and down the river.  I had a fancy uniform too.

I also did internship with other Travel Agencies.  I LOVED it!  I worked my way through a few Travel Agencies, and landed in a bigger agency.  I took additional classes and earned my DS on many destinations (specialist on certain travel locations).  These were serious designations to earn (testing was difficult as well).

I took outside classes and earned my CTC first.  That stands for "Certified Travel Consultant" and you could only use that designation as long as you were working for an agency with a true iata agency number (and worked full time).  Today, this course is over $500.00!  My agency at the time paid us, as long as we passed the courses.  The designation was up and beyond the travel school certificate I earned from the first school.

I loved it so much, I became a "teacher" for the next few DS (Destination Specialist) courses.  I think I even still have my books from it somewhere.  I loved teaching the course, and toted my briefcase to work every day.  I began to wear suits to work, handed down by my Mother as well (she worked at a bank at the time).  I felt that great about my career.

Well, then they hired a woman as an "agent" who literally turned psycho on my manager, and put her out of a job.  My boss was THE BEST EVER BOSS!  The woman they hired had mental issues and control issues, and didn't want anyone to do the job as agent better than her (I did, and she didn't like it). 

I had a large clientele.  I was the type of person who studied the available travel packages, and only sold the customer what they could afford, but a good quality company as well.  We worked on commission, and the "psycho" lady they hired sold only high commission packages to clients (expensive for costumers).  It meant, I had to work more customers in a day to pay my bills, but I had repeat customers who trusted me.

I got tired of "psycho" woman (who stole my bosses job) to the point I was mentally sick and threw up on the job, and I walked out on the job (while a single mother raising 3 kids).  I was later hired at the plastic injection molding company, where I worked in the office (best income I ever had).  My title was Purchasing Coordinator.  It's were I met my current husband.  Best thing I ever did.

Later, down the road, after a few more kids, I went to college for Journalism.  I ended up leaving that college and caring for the family.  Journalism is not even offered there anymore.  I do not regret staying home to care for the kids and family at all.  I do miss my Travel Agent days, but as of today, those are not even needed as much as they were back in the day.

During my course of a stay-at-home Mom, I built beautiful flower beds around our first new home using natural stones that had been dug up.  I dedicated one section by the back door for my first ever herb garden.  I have since dug up that garden and moved it twice to where we are now, and wa-la now a garden grower, chicken raiser (even raised dairy goats and meat-birds).  I would not change a thing, but have to admit, I miss my Travel Agent days.  Those would be totally different, and more difficult today with the internet and people booking their own travel.

Thanks for the inspiration to write this post.  I hope I didn't make the post too long.

It's still snowing and very cold here this morning.  I have hot water, so I'm a happy gal.  I'll be happier once the wood stove is in full swing.  Coffee is brewing, and breakfast just needs heated up.

Thursday Thoughts

It's still very cold here.  Woke up to -9°F.  We are really not likely it either (who would?).  I got everything marked off my to-do list yesterday except for one thing - wash bedding.  If the water is flowing today, I'll get it done.  I'm thankful for leftovers and pre-cooked breakfast.

Hubby is not feeling 100% himself, and found out that some co-workers have been out the entire month of January, and one was out 17 days.  He felt he should have stayed home a few more days to get his body feeling better.  I agreed, but he is back to work anyway.  

Yesterday, I felt off.  Just weird.  Can't explain it, other than I'm not my 100% just yet.  Daughter K can't get rid of a bad cough.  My cough is a bit better.  My cool-mist humidifier arrived and was set up and running before bedtime.  I also sipped some sage tea, and made ginger tea (freshly grated) for my husband.  Thanks for all your support and encouragement and ideas to get us back to "business."

At least I don't have the entire full blown day with dog duty today.  Yesterday, the dogs stopped on the way back in and pulled their paws up.  I had to hurry them inside before having to carry them inside.  I asked Daughter K to bring down any booties they have.  They will need them today as well.

As best as I know, they are springing Mom from the nursing home tomorrow.  I'm not sure if this is a good thing yet or not.  If she has troubles again back at home, the hospitals and the nursing homes are at full capacity, so getting her back in one will be a problem.

Looks like I will need to go fetch firewood for the day.  As soon as I warm up with some coffee, and get my brain fog to ease a bit, I'll work it out so all my outside chores are done in one swoop.

Sunshine! ~ Post Office Nasty Gram

 Although we had a good amount of sunshine, it was still cold yesterday.  I donned my full body winter wear and headed to the coop with treats to beg for eggs, fresh water and headed out to get the mail.

Hubby was in the barn fetching firewood.  It didn't take long to get a "nasty" gram from the post office, with a visual drawing of the 30 foot area (yes, that is right, 15 feet clear to the mailbox and 15 past the mailbox) they demand be shoveled/cleared of snow.

The post delivery person drives a jeep.  Sigh.  We have lost 2 of the 3 shovels.  Daughter K shoveled some of it, and my husband some of it.  I hope we can find the shovel, but darn it all.  I'm not going to cough up a lung, only for the plow to bury the mailbox again.  I am praying the snow is done for a while.  We are all not up to shoveling snow, and too far out to have some of the boys come plow it out for us.

Our current morning weather is -1°F with a wind chill of -14°F.  I'm pretty sure I may not have a hot shower today.  Thankfully, there is little wind.

I'm "flying" solo today.  My husband is back to work (praying it goes well), and Daughter K stayed the night with friends.  Her timing is not great, but I understand her wanting to spend time with friends before she moves.  She'll be back home this afternoon though.

I swear I heard a cat outside this morning.  When daylight hits, I'll look for tracks.  I'd hate to see a stray cat freeze in these temps.

I have written out a list for my to-do list today, but "flying" solo, I have dog duty, chicken duty, mail fetching, wood fetching, manning the wood stove, and possible laundry.  The dogs are already crying to go out and it's not day light.  Our pole light does not come on in this chilly weather, and darkness is not my friend with coyotes.  

Speaking of Daughter K, her workplace is forcing their employees to present a vaccine card, or be tested weekly (I honestly don't see how they can, considering test kits are out everywhere right now).  I'm glad she is moving and can find a better job elsewhere.  I never thought my kids would have to live through this.  Or us, for that matter.

Thankfully, we have a big pot of chili, and a pan of homemade buttermilk cornbread for the next few days.  I just have to do some dishes (if we have hot water, ha ha!).

I have slept great the last two nights, but wake up to a coughing fit.  I'll be happy to get my cool-mist humidifier today. I still have laryngitis, so I plan on sipping some hot sage tea.

More co-workers are out with covid at my husband's work.  It's still spreading.  

The chicken coop is a disaster.  I cannot wait for a warmer day, so I can clean it.  The ding dongs are poo'ing in their roosts.  What a mess.  

One of these days, I'll actually have some photos in my blogpost.  Sorry if they have been boring.  

More Snow but some Sunshine (despite freezing temps)

My husband has not had the energy to return to work, so today I will be brewing up some medicinal teas, and making sure we get outside for fresh air (even if it's to get the mail and tend the hens).  We are wanting this crud to be gone, gone, gone.  My husband works outside, climbs towers, and has a one hour drive to work.  We are greatly saddened he cannot go get the antibody therapy, but will continue to do what we can from home to get over this.

I, however, have not gotten over the cough.  I just got online and ordered a cool-mist humidifier.  I dug our ancient one out of the garage, and nope (dinosaur of a humidifier, we haven't used it in that many years).  I am sure, with the increase in cases, we would not find a humidifier in stores right now.  It is due to arrive tomorrow (not quick enough).  It was my last resort.  We don't have to energy for the 55 minute round trip, let alone the walking in and out and searching.  Thank you Amazon.

Question:  What's the best way to freeze buttermilk?  I'm hankering homemade cornbread to go with our big pot of chili, and have zero on hand (and there is no way I'm going out for it).  So, to prepare for the future, any suggestions on freezing it would be appreciated.

Trash finally picked up today.  We missed it last week due to all of us sick.  They warned us that they may be delayed due to their hydraulics not working in 0 degree weather.

Daughter K has a cough she can't get rid of now too.  Sigh.

Other than those updates, we are heading out to the barn to fetch firewood, and maintaining minimal housework.

Stay safe my friends!

Happy Homemaker Monday

I just realized that today is the first time I have been able to participate in this.  Covid stinks!  It spread (and continues to spread) too quickly in our area right now.  Four more staff at Mom's nursing home have tested positive, and the they are going to test the entire nursing home again today.

We recently had to replace the glass in the wood stove door.  On Sunday, we realized the grate needs replaced.  Always something.....

I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I'll link up later, and sorry for the shortness in this post.  Hey, at least I made an appearance, ha ha!

The Weather . . .

14°F, ground is snow covered, in fact we had a road emergency yesterday due to the snow/wind.

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Miserable.  We are going to look for our cool mist humidifier.  The hospital has not called my husband either.  He is high risk, but the doctor's office told us our local hospital is dealing with shortages of antibodies.  Speaking of that, my home county went from 533 new cases in a week to 2,700 more cases last week.  Sorry if that up date is a repeat.  My friend in town said shelves are almost empty of medicinal supplies as well.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Have no idea other than hot organic coffee, which I can't really taste that well.

On my reading pile . . .

Mail-Order Murder, by Leslie Meier

On my TV . . .

CSI Miami, Football

On the menu this week . . .

Have no energy to even think about it.  Daughter K is off today, and is willing to do what we do not feel up to doing.  She is feeling back to herself thankfully.

From the camera . . .

Nothing.

Unless you missed my post about my newest crochet project - baby pacifier leash.

Looking around the house . . .

Nothing I can do about much until we feel better.  We ordered the new wood stove grate, and it should arrive today (if not, tomorrow).  My medical bills are just now rolling in (when I sprained my ankle).  I need to get those paid this week sometime.  I see that our daughter missed one small Christmas tree when she put everything away.  

Today's to-do list . . .

Nothing, unless I do some dishes.  I started to scrub the master shower yesterday (removing water rust stain), and that didn't last very long.  

Prayers . . .

Our grand-nephew was in a bad snowmobile accident yesterday afternoon.  He had a helmet, but the impact broke up the helmet.   He suffered lacerations to the face, broken nose, broken cheekbone, bruised lung and a few other issues, but thankfully recovering.

Mom.  She continues to lose memory, and is having more issues with dizziness.

Us (husband and I), we just want to feel normal again (covid).  I'm up blogging, to try and attempt a regular wake up time.

Daughter K, she's applying for a new job, in a new town, and moving in the near future.  She'll need a much better paying job to pay for their apartment.

Sunday Tidbits

My husband and I have been moving around a bit more each day.  I'm not completely back to my normal routine, but managed to tag team with him and put dinner in the crock pot yesterday morning.

Four Beans and Sausage.  I used home canned ketchup, home grown green bell pepper, and home grown garlic in it. I'm hoping for enough leftovers for tonight.  I'll deal with the next meal when I need too.

The highlight of Sunday was watching the Bengals win!  My husband was elated.

The snow has finally arrived in our parts.  However, my husband was to change brakes on the car today and return to work tomorrow.  Not sure the brakes will happen.  I guess we'll see. 

Calls to Mom are hit or miss, as they keep her busy, and assist her with walking.  I do not have plans to visit her until after another full week, and I know we are feeling in out tip-top shape.  

New Project ~ Peppermint Tea

 

My newest project - baby pacifier leash.  I have a grand-niece about to give birth, and will hopefully get a few more made in different colors.  Sadly, I do not have a finished baby blanket/booties to gift her right now.

I am working on the un-finished baby blanket that I found in my closet.  It's hit or miss, depending on how I feel.  We sipped hot peppermint leaf tea yesterday, and it opened up our nasal passages better than nasal spray.

On a good note, the nursing home has not called again with any more cases, but more friends of ours have it now.

If anything gets done today, it'll be hitting the "sanitize" button on the washing machine and the "self-clean" button on the oven.  It's a good (wind chill 4°F) cold day to do it.

My ankle feels normal again. Finally.  Not sure if the immune boost pills we are taking helped heal it up, but it is nice to have my regular walk/movement back.

Daughter K goes back to work today.  I know she is still feeling blah, so I hope her day goes well.