I hope your July 4th was an enjoyable holiday. We spent it by ourselves. One weekend night we were able to watch fireworks from our front porch at night, and there were about 5-6 different towns or people setting them off (one was spectacular).
The break in rain finally gave us (I mean "me") a chance to weed the garden, re-tie up the tomatoes (they grew another foot), hill potatoes, harvest some Red Russian Kale and more radishes. Boy it's still hot here. Sunday it was 94°F with a heat index of (feels like) 97°F (not as hot as it has been).
My homemade bug spray is working great other than it does not work to deter the teeny tiny gnat type bugs flying around. They seem to be attracted to the body sweat while working in the hot sun (so annoying).
There is not enough work being done in the gardens, in one day, due to the heat, the humidity, the rain, or a combination of these issues.
Overwhelmed. Frustrated. Those are few words to describe the current season here (everyone in the area with any type of garden is dealing with it). I get negative feedback from my full-time working husband, who thinks the garden should be spic-n-span weed free on a constant basis. In this heat, a person has to be smart, and just show up when you can.
Despite being haggled about what's not getting done (cut me some slack please), I have harvested more kale and radishes, and hopefully more soon.
In the meantime, the rabbits have dug under the garden fence (rabbit dinner? Get a dog? Maybe 4? And a donkey?). On a good note, we have not seen one ground hog in the last few weeks. Or a deer for that matter.
It's definitely been a week of weeding, and more to do. I am tired.
The suggestion to plant rosemary and borage in the squash plants, has been questionable. One day I saw squash bugs, and then weeded out the borage and rosemary plants. The next day I saw zero. Not sure if the plants aroma could spread easier after being unburied in the weeds or not. Time will tell as I check daily.
I also planted collards next to the thyme and green onions (again to deter the bugs). Something ate it to the ground. No collards this year.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
Will link up when she posts.
The weather . . .
Hot. Rain is back after a week of drying up. Possibly rain every other day or so this week. Say a prayer for my sanity vs. weeds (ha ha!).
As I look outside my window . . .
Sun is coming up and the rain is giving us a break.
Right now I am . . .
Writing this post of course.
Something fun to share . . .
I have zero today.
Thinking and pondering. . .
What crazy person thought it would be a great idea to plant a garden this year????
On my bedside table . . .
I have no idea. I'm too lazy (tired) to go look.
On my reading pile . . .
Finally off my "bucket" list (I don't really have one). Another "first" this year - read a real, paper copy of the New York Times. I won't be subscribing to it, ha ha! I can read the digital copies for free with my library (for the recipes only).
I forgot to take a photo of my current book, but if you scroll down to the "what are you creating" prompt, you'll see all the latest books I have finished, and matching book blanket granny squares (yes, I'm behind in attaching some, but caught up with making them).
On my TV . . .
Literally, whatever looks interesting. We liked Miracles from Heaven (movie on Netflix).
Listening to . . .
Nothing. Hum of the white noise around here. Some days the radio if I am actually cooking after a long garden day. Depends on where I am and what I'm/we are doing.
On the menu this week . . .
-ice cream cones? ha ha ha!
-have no idea, we do have more stuffed bell peppers in the freezer however
On my to do list . . .
-garden work
-anything after that is pure chance (literally), you know like overdue errands, housework, food preserving, making hand lotion and so forth.
-dehydrate more oregano when the rain stops again
-start oregano infused oil (by the way this is fantastic for cooking anything you love oregano in, not just medicinal).
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting, or creating . . .
ebook
. . .from the box of 18 something Christmas books I bought early in the year at an antique store (gulp!).
My first "blind" date with a book from a coffee store/bookshop.
Bought this several years ago at a flea market in Amish country. Put it on a shelf and forgot I had it until last winter. I loved this book, and looked forward to reading one every morning.
Most recent books finished with a matching granny square for my crocheted "book" blanket this year. Matched the yarn the best I could, and with all yarn from my stash (it was the point to use up small balls in the stash).
I'm still crocheting the pink and white baby blanket (slow going).
My simple pleasure . . .
Lately? Reading a book. Writing my blog. Simply resting, ha ha!
Looking around the house . . .
Well, it's as it should look, when the garden work calls.
From the camera . . .
New current blooms (Rose of Sharon), and one about to bloom (forgot what it's called). I think the blue one may be called balloon flowers. Our bluebells that I dug up and moved from our last home, lived about 16 years, then died off (never found them again).
Bible Verse, Prayer, Devotional . . .
"God, bring me friends who love You so we can encourage one another! In Jesus's name. Amen." (from 180 Devotions for Your Best Day)
Could Spring finally be here to stay? The heat has been shut off. The first mowing has happened, and the grass is a beautiful and bright green again. The flower beds look really nice again, and I have dug up and moved some flower bulbs. New fruit trees were planted, and porch furniture covers removed.
I've not been online much at all (hence the long post today, so grab a cup of java), and even hand wrote a letter this past week. I've done a lot of cooking, but mostly the prep work for fresh salads to go with meals. Soak, chop, slice and dice, mix....lots of good food, but a lot of dirty dishes too.
Third Year Asparagus.
First planted asparagus
Our first asparagus is sprouting, the asparagus beds have been cleaned up and ready for a Spring harvest. We planted more more new asparagus roots, and we are preparing a new area to expand the asparagus patch again (we never have enough to freeze).
I planted rosemary seeds prior to a good rain. I have more seeds to plant for other herbs.
I have transplanted a few house plants, and one does not look too healthy. I am hoping it just needed a larger pot. I have not had house plants in many years due to cats and dogs, but I inherited my Mom's plants when she passed away. I've been doing pretty well with their upkeep, but the cactus isn't looking too good (insert sad face).
I hope you had a nice Easter Sunday. As for us, we did not do anything in the way of a special meal/gathering (no invitations). My husband had to work, and the kids all spent the day with their other families or had other plans.
I spent the Easter holiday cleaning and lining the last kitchen cupboard, and other jobs around the house. Apparently, the double decker, lazy susan I bought from K-mart almost 17 years ago has broken. I'll need to find a replacement. Otherwise, that job is done. Tossed some rennet from 2016 (gulp!) I didn't even know we still had (from dairy goat cheese making days) it. I think I eventually went to a liquid rennet that needed to be refrigerated, so I was shocked to find old rennet in the cupboard.
Put those pesky toothpicks in a canning jar. The boxes are always breaking and I'm tired of shoving them in plastic bags. The lid is a repurposed lid that fits half pint Ball jars.
Food scale recommendations? Online or in store. I am in the need to replace ours (have had it since we raised dairy goats).
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
I will link up when she posts today. I am up early.
The weather in our neck of the woods . . .
Rain early today, high of 71° and sunny later (hopefully).
As I look outside my window . . .
It's raining.
Right now I am . . .
Getting this blog post posted.
Something fun to share . . .
Cute! If you crochet anyway. My Mom had been after me for a few years to crochet cactus plants in crocheted pots, to sell at my craft shows. I never did get any made, but a few years ago one of my daughters encouraged me to crochet leaves and a pot, in which the leaves were cup/mug coasters. I donated a set to a plant bingo that was taking place last year.
In fact, I crocheted flower dishcloths and filled a cactus looking plant pot, to appear as a plant, and donated that too (you can see both of my plant projects in the blog post link).
Thinking and pondering . . .
To sell or not sell our wine making supplies. We made pear wine once, with our homegrown pears, and we learned a lot from the experience. I doubt we will ever make homemade wine again. Although, the way things are going in this world, the finished product would make a nice item to barter with. Just thoughts rambling.
To work on making something this year, to donate to the plant bingo next year. Maybe. Maybe not. I have time to consider it.
Make something for the advent gifts. I have a crochet project in mind. It's a useful item.
When God created me, did he make a "blooper?" Do you ever wonder what your God given "gift" is? I'm still wondering.
Possibly going back to work. Full time? Part time? Not sure.
I miss fun "snail" mail. My Aunt and I used to write hand written letters, and she was the last person who stayed in touch with me that way. I loved writing her a letter. I do miss that.
Not to make this post any longer, but have you ever actually written down your own happy list? A list of what truly makes you happy? What brings you joy? From simple to complex?
Being that this weekly, Monday "Happy" Homemaker post has "Happy" in the title, and the funny thing that this was the daily reading for Easter morning -
The book the daily readings are from. Some are pretty good, some are just meh.
Do you have a "happy" list? I did not. It got me thinking.
On my bedside table . . .
3 crochet hooks, yarn needles, notepad and pen
On my TV . . .
Ransom Canyon
Listening to . . .
Radio, 90's
On my reading pile . . .
Besides my three morning readings (two are devotionals, one is a daily positive reading, all of which I bought a year ago), I am currently reading this book:
ebook (my first ever ebook)
(photo source: Google)
On the menu this week . . .
-chicken fajitas -grilled burgers, veggie side -crock pot lasagna (new recipe to try), veggie side
-leftovers
On the to-do list . . .
-make a few calls -check asparagus -check wild violets
-handle some paperwork
-muck coop
-meal prep
-mail in a rebate
What I am crocheting, knitting, sewing or creating . . .
Picked up a free bookmark craft from the library. I plan to make this sometime this week. I just need to buy Elmer's glue (to secure the ends, according to the instructions).
My simple pleasure . . .
Nail polish. I only get the chance to polish my nails in between garden seasons.
Looking around the house . . .
I have extra bed pillows that need stored. I'm thinking the best way will be to buy those suction type bags, but they are very expensive (and in the past they don't hold items compressed very long). Hm.
From the camera . . .
These two were sitting out back a few weeks ago.
Bible Verse, Devotional, Prayers. . .
"God thank You that even hard days can be good days when we hold on to You. Guide me throught them with strength, peace, and the comfort of Your love. In Jesus' name. Amen." (180 Devotions for Your Best Day" Barbour Publishing.
Welcome April! First Monday of the month. Spring time! I love Spring flowers too. The bad storms we had last week, brought so much rain, that flooding was an issue. Even a park we were walking at, had closed a portion of it due to flooding.
On the health front, we are still looking for a tried and true kale/blueberry salad with homemade dressing. I hate to waste ingredients, so I'm still asking around. I plan to ask one of the local librarians soon (one who eats healthy and exercises etc.).
I am joining Sandra with Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
I will link up when she posts later.
The weather in my neck of the woods . . .
Woke up to 24°F with a frost. Mid week the forecast is saying we may get more rain and possibly snow. Our state is flooding everywhere, and we could definitely use a break from rain. So many roads, and areas closed due to high water. Our property is very saturated.
Our colder Spring weather, and frost, may affect the wild grown violets here, as well as our asparagus harvest. Possibly the pear, apple and peach trees too.
As I look outside my window . . .
Very foggy and chilly.
Right now I am . . .
Sipping hot coffee and writing out my meal plan.
Something fun to share . . .
Nothing today.
On my TV . . .
Tombstone
On my reading pile. . .
Current book off my home bookshelf. Apparently, I bought it over a year ago or so.
Listening to . . .
80's music maybe today. Not sure.
On the menu . . .
-Chicken pesto pasta
-Baked Perch
-Chili, cornbread or cheddar chive biscuits
-Red lentil hummus for healthy snack option
-Leftovers
On my to-do list . . .
-Bake breakfast, sweet potato hash with veggies and eggs
-Dinner prep
-Muck coop
-Visit library book sale (gulp!) Maybe. Maybe not this week.
-New Recipe to Try: Bourbon Candied Walnuts (to use on salads)
-Look into local activities, crochet meet up's, book clubs, outdoor exercise groups, writing groups, cookbook book clubs....heck, I'm even considering doing coffee and crochet at my own house. Just random thinking and pondering, but I know garden season will bring "busy" into the mix too.
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating . . .
. . .finished three more crocheted pacifier holders for future gifts.
(will get a photo soon)
. . .started a lap afghan to eventually donate to an organization or person in need.
. . . finished more books, hence more granny squares for our book blanket. You can see some of the recent ones on my blogpost HERE.
My simple pleasures . . .
(have to think about this one more)
Looking around the house . . .
I have a lot of yarn to put away. I've been sorting it to decide on more lap afghan colors.
From the camera . . .
(nothing today, I've been off-line a lot more often lately)
Bible Verse, Devotional, Prayers . . .
Prayers for Specific Situations:
If you are struggling with a specific problem:
"Lord, I bring before you this [specific problem]. I know you are in control, and I trust in your timing. Help me to find the strength to persevere and not give up hope that you will guide me to a solution."
I inquired about rental space in a store that sells locally make crafts (about a 35 minute drive or more). There is a wait list, the rental space charge is a whopping $6 per square foot, and a 20% payment to the owners on any of your sales. Sigh. I have given up on that route. Unless I be-friend an owner and strike a deal, it is impossible to continue to make and sell in rented store spaces anymore. At least in our area anyway.
Does anyone else get tired of businesses having only online bookings? We have been trying to get new tires on one of our vehicles, and one place won't take appointments, another is online only (very frustrating system according to my husband).
Not to mention, that once you book anything online, they message you a ton of reminder messages (very annoying).
We had a very busy weekend, so it's back to home updates, and regular work around here. Oh, and we visited the other nearest JoAnn Fabrics store. They had much more yarn, so I am restocked for baby blankets. I did hear one clerk tell someone that the fabric was a minimum of 1 yard per bolt.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
(will link up when she posts later)
The weather in our neck of the woods . . .
23°F/windchill of 14°F this morning, but we may warm up to 57°F by midweek (then down to the 40's).
As I look outside my window . . .
The sun is about to come up soon.
Right now I am . . .
Brewing coffee.
Something fun to share . . .
Nothing today that I can think of.
Thinking and pondering . . .
-More hiking/walking opportunities in the area, as well day or overnight trips.
-garden plans
-still looking for inexpensive tulip bulbs (have not found any in stores just yet).
-I may try to squeeze in crocheting one more lap afghan before the weather turns to sunny spring warmth (after the baby blanket is done)
-looking for tall boot storage/travel bags that are 24 inches tall. I bought 21 inch ones, and they are not tall enough (to organize the closet and make travel easier too).
On my bedside table . . .
Same as last week.
On the menu . . .
-Crock pot meatballs with home canned sauce/squash, over quinoa and a side of asparagus
-something with chicken, brussel sprouts
-leftovers
-making us some no-bake protein bites (something nice to have on hand for a healthy snack)
Book I am reading . . .
I finished this book last night, so I'm on to the next book (did not have a photo this morning), and will be crocheting a granny square to match this book cover soon. Another book off the book shelf here at the homestead.
On the TV . . .
Nurse Jackie, DVD's borrowed from the library
1923, Netflix
On my to-do list . . .
-laundry -make a breakfast (not sure yet) -pay a few bills -dinner prep -library returns
Happening this week . . .
Buying new tires for one of our vehicles, and we can cross off hair cuts (squeezed them in this past weekend).
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating . . .
I added a few more rounds on the blue and white baby blanket. Made a few more pacifier holders, have some on-the-go crochet things in a few bags like jar openers, pot holder set and a few more baby washcloths (I have projects for home and for when we have a drive to anywhere). The baby blanket is getting larger, so it's my at-home project.
My simple pleasure . . .
Homemade hot cocoa with organic peppermint syrup on a cold day.
Lesson I learned this past week. . .
(reading while waiting at the car wash last month)
Not a lesson from last week, but I learned that if I'm going on a drive or vacation of any sort, take more books than I think I'll read, and also download free books to my tablet before leaving the house (or whenever I have wifi). You never know when your husband wants to randomly drive thru the car wash, when the lines are a mile long (that time of year, ha ha!).
From the camera . . .
Prayers, Devotional, Bible Verse . . .
Prayers for all my blog followers with upcoming medical appointments, for those not well and for quick recovery, and for overall good health.
The recent cold snap caused some businesses to deal with burst water pipes. Some busted water lines flooded streets, and some flooded University dorm basements.
The puzzle has been an addiction. It is 24 x 30 inches. Huge!
Meanwhile, I'm patiently waiting for the doctors hands on diagnosis (vs. a phone call diagnosis). I am patiently waiting for a clear-all, so I can get back to doing regular work around here, and possibly volunteer where needed (and helping my husband's cousin, read below in prayer requests). A community member is also in need of help, and I can't commit to anything until I am cleared of all/any restrictions. If you know how active I am, you know it's taking a great amount of patience. **see prayer request at the bottom of the post
Homemaking tip: how to remove a sticky note stain from a kitchen counter. Hair spray.
My husband got a sticky note wet, and it stained my kitchen counter. Nothing was wiping away the stain, so I tried hairspray. Not sure if anything else will work, but I gave it a try, and it worked.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
I will link up when she posts.
The weather in our neck of the woods . . .
17°F with a windchill of 5°F.
Things that make me happy. . .
Books that make me laugh out loud. The main character in one of my books kept talking about her pet, so I assumed a dog. About 80 pages into the book, she mentions carrying it in a fanny pack, and it is none other than a recuperating (hit by a car) opossum. Ha ha ha ha! Living in the country, this made me laugh, straight up, out loud.
Book I am reading . . .
Yes, I have two books I am reading (in addition to my other morning three small readings). One for the treadmill for slower days, and one for other times. Might as well take advantage of winter days. The "treadmill" book may be the last one, as my hamstring is healing now, and thankfully recovering from my injury.
On my TV . . .
We ordered some movies from the library, so those are on the way soon. These are movies that charge a fee on all streaming sites, but cost us zero to borrow from our local library.
On my breakfast plate . . .
Sweet potato and black bean frittata (with added greens from the freezer/thawed)
On my lunch plate . . .
Not sure yet.
On my dinner plate . . .
Roast, and vegetables.
On the menu . . .
-Roast and vegetables (crock pot)
-Stuffed bell peppers (frozen with home grown bell peppers from the garden last year)
-Creamy chicken/rice soup
-Leftovers
On the to-do list . . .
Picking 3 things on my written home update/repair list (for the week)
-bake breakfast frittata -dishes -any laundry -sweep and mop floors
New recipe I tried or want to try . . .
We tried the crock pot herbed flounder (a fix-it-and-forget it recipe). We did not really like it. It may have been the fish itself in this case, but the flounder did not taste that good.
We also tried a creamy parmesan sausage ditalini soup (several options online), and we love it. I added extra seasoning.
We tried an artichoke/mushroom egg casserole for one of our breakfast meals. Most likely will not make it again. We both didn't like the artichoke flavor in this. Healthy, but not tasty enough to keep the recipe. Do you have any good artichoke recipes? Other than for breakfast?
We also tried (yes another) new recipe for an appetizer. To keep this post shorter, I'll post it in a Christmas countdown post (it's a keeper recipe too).
What I am creating . . .
Finished the current lap afghan. I named it "I love you a Latte" which gave us a chuckle (looks like coffee).
A community member is seeking crocheted prayer shawls, so I am now searching for patterns. If you have one, please share in the comments (shawls approx. 30 x 50 inches)
No words needed (favorite photo). . .
Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses . . .
Prayers for my husband's cousin Carol. Christmas Eve she took a fall, fracturing her right elbow and left wrist, injuring her face, and was in a rehab/nursing home for 3 weeks (we just found out). She has limitations of upper extremity movements. She is the main care taker for her sister and her sister's husband who live in an assisted living facility, but Carol takes them to appointments etc.
Prayers for those who have doctor appointments this week. Praying for good results, and praying for the hands and minds of the doctors and nurses involved.
My husband has a regular check up this week, with routine blood work. I do too, but mine is a combined appt with some more examinations that may be indirectly related to my fall back in December (at least fracture was ruled out). Please pray for good results for the both of us (I'm still on a "no lift restriction). My appointment is the one that is taking me 6 weeks to get in for (God has a plan). I asked for prayers to get in earlier, but it did not happen. Apparently, some people are having to wait 3 months to get into a specialist or even a doctor now-a-days. It's crazy.
Last week's egg salad sandwich on the homemade avocado bread was fantastic. I can't wait to try chicken salad, southwest chicken salad or even tuna salad on this "bread" it is that good. I may play around with other seasonings, other than homemade everything but the bagel seasoning.
Update on the Chicken Breakfast "Sausage" Patties - I used the same seasonings, but made them with ground turkey. They were delicious! I used turkey patties and made breakfast sandwiches with egg, cheese, turkey "sausage" and a slice of the homemade avocado bread. So good!
Next, I will experiment using the two different meats, with the same seasoning, and cooking it as I would for breakfast burritos, casseroles, frittata's, and quiches.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
The weather in our neck of the woods . . .
Our version of the extreme cold, that is unusual for our area. It does happen, but just not that often. The wind can make it very brutal here. This morning it is a brisk -13°F. A very thin layer of snow.
Things that make me happy . . .
Enlarging this photo, because they had a room where they sold donated yarn, sewing supplies, craft supplies, craft books and the like.
(Books and magazines were half price while we were there.)
Taking road trips to see something new to us. Small or big. We found a hidden treasure, and it filled my adventure tank (minus the hiking ha ha!). What a treasure to find. A non-profit foundation that has a used book store, that sells all sorts of books, magazines, puzzles, new local artist work, new local author books, locally made crafts/art, a room full of donated yarn for sale, crafting books, and much more. We were both shocked at what we found inside, because the outside made it appear small. I'm so glad we ventured out to find this, and yes (gulp), I bought some books, but held off on the yarn (for now anyway).
Another good thing about this discovery, if we venture there again, I can donate books, craft books, craft supplies, kids books, and even small balls of yarn (yes they sell those too). What a happy place. There are a few chairs to relax in, so my husband had no problem waiting on me to check it all out. Heck, we can donate our puzzles, and buy a new one there.
Book I am reading . . .
Another book I started, tucked away in a drawer for some reason, and totally forgot about it.
What's on my TV . . .
The Day you Found Me (movie), any comedy for some healthy laughing.
What's on my breakfast plate . . .
Not sure just yet.
What's on my lunch plate . . .
Not sure.
What's on my dinner plate . . .
Not sure.
On the menu . . .
Breakfast: Breakfast Quesadillas, fresh fruit (maybe)
A date bread recipe that was handed down to me from one of my Aunt's, which previously was a friend of my Grandmother (her Mother). Will it happen? I am not sure.
What I am creating . . .
I am mostly focusing on the crochet lap afghan. I made another granny square too, and jus need to sew in the ends. I'll be sharing that project this week (granny square project).
No words needed (favorite photo) . . .
All of these were taken in the morning, but on different mornings.
Taken last Thursday at around noon. I think they knew a cold spell was coming. I have not seen deer at noon before. Not that I remember. Devotionals, Prayers, and Bible Verses . . . "I will shout for joy as I sing Your praises; my soul will celebrate because You have rescued me." Psalm 71:23 (Voice)
