February Reading Challenge Book Pick ~James Patterson ~ Homemade Meatballs ~ Garlic ?

It continued.

Blog post in January with the most views - This and That ~ Finishes

Kiss the Girls, by James Patterson.  The book is off my own bookshelf (discarded library book, and not in that great of shape), and when it's done, will be passed on to another person.  Most likely my daughter first.  Or recycled if it falls apart while reading it, ha ha!

Considering the weekend, with a possible chance to cut wood, I took Friday off.  Sort of.  They are predicting a "lot" of sunshine on Sunday, but Hubby has to work.

I did the dishes, and made a batch of meatballs (made with ground organic oats vs. bread crumbs).   Three trays went into the freezer. 

Recently, I was able to buy an organic spaghetti squash and made "spaghetti" and meatballs, with home canned tomato sauce for dinner.  Although our daughter wanted pasta, I still used the squash this time around.

I also finished my January book, on January 31st, for the reading challenge.  There are so many good recipes in this book too (I wish I could find more of her books at the library books sales).  Too many that have sweets, but I may save a few of the recipes to try this summer - Blackberry cookies or Blackberry pie perhaps.  By the way, this was the first book I have completely finished since 2017.  Yikes!

I have zero homegrown garlic to plant this spring.  I have searched the internet and have only found one resource that will ship for spring planting, and it's by one bulb per order.  Does anyone know of any online resource (or catalog resource) for spring garlic bulbs?  Organic of course.  Thanks in advance.  All other sources I use ship in October and that is too late to plant for fall anyway for us.  

Breakfast Plate ~ Overcast ~ Cleaning ~ Parsley Planted ~ Muffins and a Frittata

On the breakfast plate this morning - coconut waffles with homemade blueberry syrup, and organic sausage patties.

We've been hankering waffles lately, so in trying to stick to low carb, I looked up a few recipes using coconut flour and/or almond flour.  Minus the mini-chocolate chips.  Minus any sugar or sweetener.

The only thing missing?  A side of scrambled eggs.

It's been so dark here lately.  Lights on, candles are burning, and I keep cleaning to keep moving.  I can't remember a time that the darkness latest this long here.

Speaking of Overcast, I will be sharing a set of pot holders soon.  Crocheted in "overcast" color.  

Here is photo of the yarn color. The person who asked me to make them, doesn't want them now.  I just have to go back to pick them up, and have them up for sale soon.  It also cost me more to buy this particular color too.  I am just frustrated that I could have been working on something else with pay vs. no pay.  Anyway, I will retrieve them soon.

I spent another hour in the utility room - seeds are organized, same with canning jars, and tossed some things.

I shopped from the garage.  Found an under-the-shelf storage basket and now have a place for our work gloves.  It was a bit mangled, but I bent it back into shape and that's organized now.  The basket at the door was full of hats and headbands for working outside.  That room is about 80% done now.

One tote has left the garage as well, and off the homestead.  More will be leaving soon.  I few items also left the closet.

I found some parsley seeds, and although not the best time to plant indoor, I did.  We'll see what happens.

I'm doing well at balancing the day with a bit of this and that now.  I even baked us strawberry muffins.

And a frittata, because the waffles didn't last long.

This and That

Wednesday required more running around, which I am getting so tired of.  I just want to stay home for an entire day.

Breakfast - sweet potato hash with eggs, chives, oregano and basil (bell peppers, onion, jalapeno, and garlic too).

It ended up more like mashed sweet potatoes, because Hubby was helping and put a lid on them (instead of crisping them), but it was still very good and healthy.  I topped it with chives.

I had to start putting away all my crafting supplies, but made one more wine cork tree.  It was a pain to put everything away just for a meal, as my 2nd kitchen table is my "craft" work station (I do not have a craft room here).  The other table only seats 4 people.

I made the roll dough for the upcoming holiday, but will freeze what's left over to minimize carb intake at any meal now.  Thank goodness I picked sweet potatoes over mashed potatoes from the get-go.

As the holidays creep in, I can't stop thinking about Jesse and how he's doing (or the older two girls).  I haven't heard from either since that daughter moved completely back out and took Jesse with her.  I can't get myself to change my blog header and take Jesse's picture off and put Romeo's up.  In time...in time...

The two stray young cats are still around.  I have temporarily named them until we can trap them, see what's what and friend them enough to get them both fixed.  We believe Aurora is getting up in age, and we could use barn cats.

Today's list is too long, and I will remember it well next year when Hubby volunteers me (all by myself) for an entire meal.  He will be remembering this.  He won't be here to help as he insisted he would and our daughter is still feeling sick.  Now I have the sniffles and congestion.  Just lovely.  I'm about to tell them it's off, but we'll see what happens.

I have to make several dishes today and reheat tomorrow, putting a few more dishes (that Hubby cannot eat) into the oven tomorrow, and starting some veggies in crock pots.

The weather is awful - extreme wind and rain.  They say it'll stop by noon, but we'll see.  I pray you are all getting help with the preparation of the Thanksgiving meal, and that you are all healthy as well.   I'll be re-writing our menu for next year.

Everything is something Hubby cannot eat - cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots (sugar), BBQ green beans (Sodium), corn casserole (carbs, sugar), rolls (sugar, carbs), even sweet potato casserole has brown sugar.  I'll be back to making roasted brussel sprouts and other healthier sides like roasted or baked sweet potatoes.  It'll be a challenge for sure.  I'll be spending snow days trying out whole wheat roll recipes too.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  I most likely won't get a post in tomorrow, but know that I'm wishing you all a happy holiday!



...finished a set of yellow pot holders.

I have ordered  Cassia cinnamon sticks to make Rosemary Gladstar's  tincture to help lower blood sugar for Hubby.  I also picked up steel cut oats for breakfast meals (oats help lower blood sugar).

Our weather is going to go from almost 60°F yesterday and sunny, to extreme wind and rain.  They are even saying traveling will be difficult, and we have our one daughter, her husband and the grand kids coming tomorrow.

Bam-booz-eld

Oh I had plans that went right out the door this week.  I was so excited to have "wheels" of my own to get things done, and had a long list of to-do's in town.  Ha.  Yeah, like that'll happen.  Maybe next week?

Tuesday was another day interrupted.   More like I was bam-booz-eld.  First, the propane was to be delivered.  They have always come first thing in the morning so I skipped my work out.  I do not like to skip my work out.  My work out gives me energy and I feel great all day, not to mention sleep better.

Hours went by and no propane.  I called.  We were on the afternoon route.  Ugh.  So...

I baked.  Banana bread.  Good dose of potassium in this snack.  Not to mention walnuts.

And baked.  Oatmeal-raisin, so we could get more iron in our snack.

And baked.  Pumpkin seeds and almonds for more iron.  Dried fruits add more iron, but not a large amount, so this combination is great for Youngest recovering from her illness.

Tip for the day:

A good cup of nettle tea also helps the body absorb iron better, according to what I've read up on in herbal books.

Meanwhile, I not only get a text, and call, but and email.  My debit card was hacked.   I'm about ready to burn my debit card (then again my credit card was hacked one year by just putting a hotel on hold via a safe booking site). Fraud alert got a hold of me.  I was just heading out the door to the bank and guess who showed up?  The propane guy.   

While that was being filled, Hubby called.  He said "be ready" he was heading home early to go look at a car.  I waited, and waited.  He already looked at it.  He said it was most likely a bad deal. The car was posted on social network with a girls name, and when he got there it was a man, with a car that had MI plates.  He felt it was not a legit sale and left.  He called and said we'd look at another.  I waited another hour.

When he showed up he decided not to go look at the car, but we looked at one not far from home.  

No car yet, but we feel we need to get Youngest her own.  She continues to get run down and sick more often due to her school bus route.  She has to be up at 5am and isn't home until after 4pm, and the bus ride is 35 minutes one way.  With her own car, she can sleep in, get home early and have more rest and more time for homework.

Daughter went to school Wednesday.  She's still sipping medicinal teas, but whatever she had it didn't go away too quickly.

....meanwhile, my door has been looking like an Amazon store.  Hubby is spending money like a drunkin' sailor.  I kid you not - stuff for the Harley and the truck.  He better not spend too much more.  

Peach Chicken ~ Warming Up with Soup ~ Another Finish

During the polar vortex I collected many new recipes to try.  I made Peach Chicken (Ellie Krieger's recipe online), adapted with organic ingredients and my own homemade croutons.

I ground up the croutons in place of making fresh bread crumbs.  The only fail?  I should have sliced my chicken breasts thinner.  They required much longer to cook, but very good.  So, if you freeze your own peaches, this is a winner dinner.

Not the best photo, but I dug out one of the few bags of snap peas I froze from the garden and made sauteed asparagus and snap peas.  An old time favorite when asparagus and peas are in season.  I toss in some red pepper flakes.

Speaking of pulling items out of the freezer, it was a cold day, so I pulled out a turkey carcass, frozen carrots, the last bag of green beans, dehydrated mushrooms, celery cubes, other veggies, and some frozen rolls. Barley-Turkey broth soup was perfect for a cold evening.

I also pulled zucchini for a breakfast frittata, and split the collard greens for the frittata and soup.

Pumpkin hummus was made for snacking.  Daughter loves to pack this in her school lunch.  I love the fact it only takes 2 Tbsp. of tahini to make it too.  Delicious and nutritious - using pumpkin puree from the garden.

I finished another pair of baby booties.  Although it looks pink, they are a darker peach color

Hubby picked up my replaced Tupperware.  I already love this lady.  I'm considering of hosting a party in the future with her just because she put a special gift in the bag for me. I can always gift the kids whatever I earn free too.

The special gift?  It's a keychain.  I collect keychains and do not have this one.  Bless her heart.  It just made my day.

As for the rest of the day yesterday?  Well, I had to shut off the water about noon.  I pay attention to sounds, and noticed our water pump running non-stop.  After checking faucets and toilets....I shut it off and messaged Hubby.  I told him I heard water in the wall.  He thought I was crazy.

God motivated us to start a few new projects.  I'll be back in a few days as we get them in progress.  

Happy Homemaker Monday

I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  Oldest Daughter brought Mia for a day so she could go snow boarding with friends.  She ended up staying the night due to her falling and hitting her head and the lateness of her return.  She plopped an ice pack on her head and relaxed.  

Sunday morning we had another relaxing day other than doing dishes.  I literally hung out in my PJ's until the mood hit me.  Guess what?  I found more beets in my freezer - waahhooo!  So happy to find them.  Who knows what else I will dig out as we empty it throughout the winter and spring.


On the breakfast plate. . .

Hubby made this for breakfast for all of us yesterday morning.  Yum.  Candy apple jelly on the toast too.  We both got a chuckle Sunday morning.  Oldest stayed the night, and the girls usually sleep in very late.  Both were up by 9am, with the smell of bacon and coffee in the air.

Today's breakfast?

I'm getting spoiled by Hubby's breakfast creations.  Mmm good.


The weather outside . . .
Snowing and cold.


Right now I am. . .
Still in my PJ's and loving it.


Thinking . . .
I'm thinking the people running the school musical are very thoughtless to make the kids drive in the weather today, for a rehearsal.  There are reports of flipped over cars, cars in ditches, semi's jack knifed, and more.  Roads are slick and they still haven't canceled it.  I think this is just wrong putting young kids in danger.


Reading. . .
Nothing right now, but library crafting books

On the TV . . .
Library movie - Ocean's 8


On the menu . . .
Monday: Sheet pan dinner, smoked sausage, potato, carrots etc.
Tues: Baked flounder, home canned corn relish, green beans
Wed: Chili (never made it last week), corn bread
Thurs: Meatballs with homemade mushroom sauce, quinoa and beets
Fri:  leftovers
Sat and Sunday?  Who knows yet. Possibly creamed peas and toast.


On the to-do list . . .
-canning
-sweep and mop kitchen
-clean master bath
-vacuum carpets
-dust
-make 4 thieves vinegar
-make nettle hair tonic
-clean bedroom
-laundry
-fold dried towels



What I am creating . . .

A baby blanket.

Recipe I tried. . .

Thanks to Susan, I was able to try this new recipe.  Super easy to make, but it takes ingredients that most people may not have on hand.  If you eat healthy and from scratch you will have the ingredients.  With vegetarians in the family, we have nutritional yeast on hand too.  The recipe is online - Super Savoury Veggie Millet and Hemp Nuggets with a cashew butter/maple syrup/garlic dip.  It was very good and I will be sure to make this again.  I have many more new recipes to try too.


From the camera . . .

 The snow is beautiful, but very dangerous to be out in today.


Praying . . .
Us and the kids

Happy Homemaker Monday

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


I discovered that radio is very, very boring at 6am on a Sunday.  I needed noise in the house, but man, I had to turn that radio off and put in a CD.  I had a long day ahead.  Just the thought of cooking dinner and making more dirty dishes....we ate leftovers.

We woke up to a warm 39 degrees.  We had a whopping high of 50!   That meant a big work day for me.  

When these temps go up and down so quickly, it is easy for people to get sick, so I reminded the clan to load up on probiotics.  It's easy to live on comfort food when you are stuck inside and can't do much.

Laundry was way, way behind.   It's was a strange weekend.  Hubby left for work before 6:30am and didn't get home until almost 1am Fri-Sun.  Then Daughter stayed with a friend.  It was very weird to be home alone, but I wasn't bored either.

Then my 19 year-old called and wanted to visit.  Yay!  Let's just say that Sunday wasn't uneventful.  Her car broke down not far from here, but thankfully not on the country highway.  Luckily, help stopped, and gave her a ride here.  Thankfully, Hubby's nephew and friend towed it to our place.  Thankfully, the guy and his kids who picked her up, prevented her from having an "I don't want to be adult" meltdown.

While she was here, I showed her how to make "Full Throttle" spice mix and let her taste the sweet potato in the scramble with it, because she doesn't like sweet potatoes.  Yay!  She liked it so she took the recipe too.  She also took a few more, and is going to start cooking at home vs. fast food.  Double Yay!

Tinctures were strained, teas infused, counters sanitized with homemade "Lysol" wipes and so forth.  I have new recipes to try, there are items I need canned, and seeds need ordered.  Two cupboards under sinks were purged, cleaned and reorganized.

On the breakfast plate. . . 
First, a bowl of organic miso soup.  Just keepin' my body happy.

...then some sweet potato/bacon/kale and egg scramble.  We are still enjoying our garden grown sweet potatoes, but I believe that was the last of the kale in my freezer.  I can't wait to be in the garden again.


The weather outside . . .
Raining with a high of 53°F.  We hit a record high of 56°F yesterday.


On my reading pile . . .
Same book, and a pile of library books I need to flip through (patterns)


On my TV . . .
I just watched a movie on netflix called Deadly Switch.  I love watching a show where I cannot figure out who is doing the bad stuff, but I figured it out too early.  Mostly watching regular channels - cooking, gardening, farming etc.


On the menu . . .
I didn't get meatballs made, so after checking the freezer for space (to pre-freeze them), so that's on the list first
-new recipes

With only 3 of us here, I find leftover night happening often, so I guess we'll see what happens this week.


On the to-do list . . .
(for the week)
-muck coop
-deep clean bedroom
-vacuum, sweep
-dishes
-laundry
-order seeds
-make homemade meatballs
-make homemade sausage
-write
-work out
-shampoo living room carpet (spot clean)
-make lip balm
-make face lotion
-make laundry soap
-make dishwasher detergent
-try new recipes
-split wood
-dust


What I am creating . . .

I'm still working on the panels for a set of red pot holders and hot pad, a dishcloth is on the knitting needles, new patterns to try and more.


Looking around the house. . .
I have a bit of cleaning, but after washing dishes 3 times, the house looks pretty good.


From the camera . . .

I haven't been taking many photos lately, but I sure love this one.  I miss that hot tub.
One of my simple pleasures . . . 
Reading old cookbooks


Praying for . . .
The kids

Hannah Sweet Potatoes ~ Polar Vortex ~ New Scarf

Not the best picture, but I never got sweet potatoes made with our sloppy joes, so I made them with the spinach/parsley pesto pasta.  I wanted beets to go with this dish, but you all know we had a terrible garden year.  Anyway, those are sweet potatoes in the photo.  Strangely, I was able to buy organic "hannah" sweet potatoes - a creamy potato that turns yellow when baked.  They were so good too.  I made them on a baking sheet with olive oil, brown sugar and cinnamon.

I also made the Beef Burgundy, so a post will be written soon to share. 

As for the weather?  Nasty.  Surprisingly, the car started, so Hubby is off to work.  I was hoping he would be home, but there are many cars on the road today.  So many businesses, schools etc. are closed today.  Including restaurants, the postal service, Amazon delivery trucks and more.  But no, my husband is essential to where he works, so I am praying the guys and gals there are not outside today.

I crocheted Jesse a new scarf, since his Mom lost his first one.  It's essential to keep him covered today, and it won't be a fun day.  I have to wait for daylight so I can make sure his booties stay on.  It's pitch dark out there and our pole light is not on (too cold). 

My only job today is to keep the pipes following and the fire going.  Stay warm and safe, for those experiencing the same weather as us.  We will have wind chills at a record breaking low.  Right now at 6:45am, our wind chill is at -22°F.

I keep hearing noises outside, but like I said, it's pitch dark.  I will try to look around on my way to the barn later.  The barn door froze shut yesterday, but I squeezed into another door.  I'm praying I can get in there today.  It's gonna be a very rough day here today.  And tomorrow.

It cracks me up when family, who lives in the city gives me advice (living in a farm house out in the middle of no where) on how to prep for this weather....bwahahahahahaha!  If they only knew.....like to bring in the barn cat and advice on burning wood in the wood stove when they don't even have one. Oh my land...ha ha ha ha!  

Snow ~ Dinner Rolls Trial #2 ~ Sorghum Butter

Oh my.  Yesterday I had so much to do, a lot going on (windshield guy showed up and Jalopy Joe is back in action almost), and by noon I realized I had not made the teriyaki sauce.  Whoops.  I had laundry, carpets to clean, move furniture, spot clean carpets, dust, wipe woodwork, wash a few blankets, was my dirty rags, take a dog out (in, then out, in, then out...), dishes to wash, dry and put away, dinner prep and so forth.  I even got a a teeny tiny, itsy bitsy start at handmade Christmas gifts.

I had to wait for my daughter to get home, to help move an antique desk into the living room.  It belonged to Hubby's Mom.

We woke up to our first snow this morning.  At a chilly 33°F too.  Blowing and cold.  Old man Jesse couldn't hold his ol' bladder, so he woke us up at precisely 5:05am, which makes me wonder if his Mom will be able to do the same for him when she gets her new living arrangements come next summer.

I made these rolls once before, but wanted to make them again, using 2 baking dishes for feeding the large crowd on Thanksgiving day.  Successfully, I baked 40 rolls with this recipe, at 20 per baking sheet.  Delicious too.  The recipe is an overnight one (which is what I love about this recipe), and you can find it at Rebecca Knox's blog - Refrigerator Rolls. By the way, these are amazing the day after they are baked as well. 

I also made sorghum butter to try on these rolls (and later on cornbread).  By the way, it was delicious.

To make sorghum butter - 1 part syrup, 2 parts unsalted, softened butter.  Mix and enjoy!