Sunrise ~ Lamancha Goats ~ Wonderful Surprise and other Tidbits

 

Beautiful sunrise.

Good memories.  Our first Lamancha doeling.  We have had a few discussions about raising them again (along with other meat sources).

My husband brought me home a surprise!  Man I love him so much.  It's been a rough couple of weeks for sure.

The weather will be up in the 50's today, so I am heading outside for anything that needs done, aside from splitting wood.  I can't do that without my husband.

Update on Mom:  she finally got her own room and will possibly be discharged today.  However, we are adding another doctor appt. to her schedule.  The doctor that did the surgery, is the only doctor to handle her wound on that leg.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 We got away for another adventure over the weekend.  A fall foliage trip.  

The colors were absolutely gorgeous.  The weather not so good, but we still had a good time.

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

The weather . . .

51°/34°F

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Tired.  I didn't sleep well, with a lot on my mind, despite our weekend away.  I came home to a dirty kitchen, and it's time to do a family meeting with Daughter K about her housekeeping (lack of is a better word).

On my mind . . .

See above.  I've been up since 3am.  

On the breakfast plate . . .

Have no clue.  Egg production is down, so there is that.

Right now I am . . .

Doing dishes, getting dinner in the crock pot and getting my head together to make a to-do list.

On my reading pile . . .

Nothing.

On today's to-do list . . .

-make a plan for the rest of the week, as I have to get it together today first.

On my TV . . .

How to get away with murder - Netflix

On the menu . . .

Working on it.  

From the camera . . .

See weekend trip photos above.

Looking around the house . . .

It's a mess, but mostly due to a lazy daughter.

New recipe I tried or want to try . . .

A homemade cake recipe I want to try.

To relax this week I will . . . 

Crochet

Prayer list . . .

All the families that also recently lost loved ones.

Shopping Adventures ~ First Cruise In

During my last trip to the store (2nd attempt at another store), I bought the very last bottle of classic pectin.  However, I am still unable to find a vegetable brush for the camper (3 attempts).  

As far as produce?  I have not found what I need other than I found a half dozen ears of corn to grill.  

Although I have no photos to share today, I have a funny story to share.

We went out with friends to our first cruise in.  It is where the town has all older cars drive up and down main street.  People park along the roads and sit and watch.  Well, we decided to eat out before that.  

It's sort of funny, yet frustrating.  First we asked for silverware while we were ordering drinks.  Didn't get them.  I got my crowne royal served without the "rocks" so I fished them out of my ice water and added them.  We ordered 2 appetizers.  One arrived cold.  The other never arrived at all.

We asked for silverware again.  He brought one set.  We asked again.  He later brought 2 more.  We still need one more set.

Oh, and the complimentary bread they bring in the very beginning?  He brought 2 on a plate and there were 4 of us.

So, the food arrives.  Only one person got exactly what he ordered.  My husband ordered steak and he got ribs.  One ordered a burger and fries - no fries and over cooked burger.  Me, ha ha ha!  Here comes the funny part.  I look at my plate and there are no mashed potatoes and no gravy and half of my plate is filled with fries.

I give half the fries to the one that got no fries, and lift up my dry chicken.  I'm like what???

There is literally a piece of dry toasted Texas toast under it.  And yes, it was listed on our bill.

My husband took a bite to see if it was garlic bread.  Nope.  Dry, toasted, Texas toast.  Oh, and he served me with a tiny side of teriyaki sauce.  Who puts that on their country fried chicken????

I have no idea what in the blankety blank was going on.  Was the server not able to know what to write on our order or did the cook not read our order right?  I don't know, but we'll forever be talking about the Texas Toast on my plate and getting charged for it.  

We won't be back.  Just too much waiting around for not getting what you want, but bless the kid's heart for working.  Too bad they didn't train him well, but anyway, I suggested we pack a picnic or gather at one's house next event.

Oh, and getting the check?  It seems to take forever to get it anymore.  Then you pay at the table with a gizmo.  Paying cash is almost obsolete or you have to wait and wait.

Oh boy.   Today is a busy day, and all I want to do is sit and play cards on the porch.  It's a beautiful (what I call) camping weather day.

This and That

Yesterday was a day into town.  Twice.  First I had a haircut with Daughter E, then a few errands, and I could not find hanging baskets that I like (for the front porch).  Second, we all went out for dinner for my husband's birthday. I got out of cooking dinner for the night, ha ha!  He picked Mexican, so that's where we went.

I started on Daughter T's hot pads.  She is getting the color "Swimming Pool."  I will do some sorting of the cotton I have and getting a plan for using it up.  I have many colors they discontinued.

Happy Homemaker Monday

My husband and I took off yet for another adventure and did a one night road trip.  

We visited some falls and dined on local food.  We actually found a tavern that has been open for 50 years, known for their large burgers.  We ate a slider, because the sliders were the size of a regular burger and their regular burgers were the size of a dinner plate.  We also found an old 57 diner that was still in business and had a delicious breakfast.  I was surprised to see so many drive-in's along the way and still in business.  

Our hotel was attached to a mall.  The mall was pretty much out of business other than the movie theater and there was a walkway (hallway) from the hotel to the mall.  

Our morning sunrise this morning.

I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  I'll link up when my blog gets it's head together.  I can't read my blog lists right now.

The weather outside is . . .

67°F/54°F, mix of sun and clouds, Tue/Wed high of 83°

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Depressed to be back home again, but glad the weather will be good starting tomorrow.  It will get me outside to weed flower beds.  Looking forward to some good ol' sunshine.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Breakfast scramble.  While on our weekend getaway, we came across the most different bar/store. In the front was a full bar, and in the back a meat counter with many delicious meats for sale.  We came home with some Andouille sausage.  Homemade flour tortillas.

On my reading pile . . .

Nothing this week.  I want to get hot pads crocheted for the girls that are moving into an apartment.

On the TV . . .

Sweet Home Carolina

On the menu this week . . .

-sloppy joes, sweet potato fried
-baked chicken, crock pot sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli
-meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn or asparagus

-breakfast scramble, homemade flour tortillas

-strawberry crisp

-leftovers

Looking around the house . . .

I have old dishes to sort between two kids.  We just found out Daughter T is getting a divorce and already has an apt. and needs dishes.  I bought us a new set after several years, so the kids get the old ones.

To relax this week I will . . .

Most likely crochet.

Something I want to share . . .

Nothing today.

Devotional, inspirational, prayer list, Bible verse . . .

Spontaneous as it gets!

Just to warn you, there are a lot of pictures in this post.  I guess I'm making up for lack of posts, but we had a very fun, amazing, spontaneous three state, 3 night vacation.  It was perfect and took our minds off anything we didn't need to be thinking about.  

However, everywhere we went, they either lacked employees, were closed on Monday due to lack of help, or the employees were telling us that they can't get anyone to work due to the status of unemployment in these states.  Anyway, we still found things to do and see.

First, we rented a lake house for a few nights with a hot tub.

Driving around trying to figure out what to do on day two, my husband found an adventure park.  We rented this and our guide was in his in front of us.  We had walkie-talkies to talk back and forth on.  My husband has driving experience with these, and it was an hour and a half of full blown fun.  We left covered in mud, but it was so worth it.

After that we drove to another lake lodge where the food was said to be very good.  The windy roads were so beautifully dotted with redbud trees.  

The view over the mountain where the restaurant was, had an amazing view.

Out of the blue, we decided to drive to West Virginia and try the well known Hillbilly Hotdogs.  Did you know Guy  was here and did a review?  His picture is inside.  The seating area inside was closed, but when it's open it is all inside old buses.

They are known for their deep fried hot dogs and one that they serve with slaw on top.

Our spontaneous route to Portsmouth, Ohio took us through Kentucky.  In Portsmouth, you can view a flood wall mural that is very stunning.  These are not all the murals, but you can see the art work is amazing.

Back home, my husband wanted to mow before taking off on a bike ride in the evening, so I quickly went out to one area of the property.

I picked wild violets.  Although our vacation was coming to an end last night, it felt great to be back too.

We'll be eating some home grown asparagus soon too.  Tip:  I pick it and put the stems in a jar of water in the fridge until I have enough for a meal.  It will stay crisp that way.

Our weather was perfect for our getaway, but we are back to the 50's and the news this morning (via radio) said watch for a mix of snow.  I'll be watching that evening low, in case I need to cover the asparagus.

Today, I have lots of cleaning to do, and laundry.  I need to check the pantry and freezer to bake us a healthy breakfast and write a dinner menu plan.  After eating out most days, I need to get back to some healthy food.

Happy Homemaker Monday

I'm up again before my husband gets home, but the worst part is that today he works a double.  Meaning he won't be home this morning, it'll be after he works another shift (1st).  It'll be a long day for sure.

Woke up to 9°F and frozen water pipes in the kitchen area.  Thankfully, I was prepared and filled large jugs.  The rest of the house has water.

Oh, and he is sick now too.  He works outside in this frigid weather, and working midnight runs you down.  He's getting medicinal teas, essential oils, Four Thieves and dandelions in his egg scramble.

Forgot to post 5 of these yesterday.

Ideas for revitalizing and energizing yourself (cont.):

36. Dress the way that feels right.

37. Practice good posture.

38. Utilize medical checkups.

39. Seek out good friends

40. Share yourself with significant

I'll admit purging my crafting supplies has been hard.  I'm finding fun items that make me sit down to figure out if I can or want to make gifts with them (or for sale at craft shows).  I've already opened one box for our daughter (with the grandkids) and taken out one bag.  Yikes.

I have however, completely cleaned out a 4 drawer cabinet.  It's going to Youngest for her apartment.

We've gotten just a wee bit more snow here, and the colder temps continue.  It's snowing this morning.  

Today's post is a little long.  Sorry for that.  

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

I'll link up when she posts.  I need to get going, as the hours of the day go by way too fast anymore.

The weather outside is . . .

20°F/15°F, snowing

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Cold!  I am really not liking these temperatures lately.  We were lucky last winter I guess.

On my mind . . .

Trying to find a good day to get to the city for items I need.  Also trying to figure out which city, as one has a Hobby Lobby and the other direction does not.  Tough decisions.

Also on my mind, I miss family gatherings, going dancing (a lot), going to the library just for fun and browsing, and having the freedom to go out in public without a mask.  There were so many babies born in our family in 2020 that we didn't get to see or hold once yet.

I have many items I need to re-stock for a possible craft show this coming next fall.  I need to fill one order for scrubbies first, but have so much to re-stock.  

I'm already a worry-wart over Youngest moving out.  She hasn't learned to cook much, and I am already worried about her eating healthy.  I have a few months to work on that with her.

"If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!" -Dolly Parton

The sad part of this quote is that the younger generation won't know what a smile looks like and we can't see each other's smiles with the masks.  

On the breakfast plate . . .

Egg, dandelion greens, sausage and bean burrito, organic coffee

On my reading pile . . .

As the Earth Turns, 1933 copy

On my TV . . .

Dead to Me when my husband is at work.  Otherwise what ever we find interesting.

On the menu this week . . .

-Soup beans, fried cabbage

-Baked chicken parmesan, veggie

-Stuffed Bell Peppers

-Either cod or salmon, two veggies sides

-leftovers

From the camera . . .

A recent sunrise we enjoyed.

Am I the only one who has a husband that comes home from work and does a donut in the front yard?  Ha ha ha!  Letting off some steam perhaps?

Looking around the house . . .

Oh boy, it's in worse condition than last week. I really need to take stuff to donate and free up tables.  The more I purge the worse it looks.  Although I know the final results will be amazing.

New recipe I tried last week, or one that we really enjoyed . . .

I haven't had time to be honest.  I've stuck with favorite recipes and continue to purge the house.

To relax this week I will. . .

Work on the clothespin crafts (so I can finish up and put remaining supplies back in the donate box), possibly cut netting and crochet scrubbies.  Maybe even read.  

Something I want to share . . .

"Little Acts of Kindness" (5 of 35)

1. Say "Good Morning" to a person standing next to you in the elevator.

2. Pay the toll for the driver behind you.

3. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you're rushing.

4. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention .  Kids love getting mail.

5. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.

Devotional, Inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse . . .

Mom, she was given the green light for the vaccine, but can't find a place to get it.  My husband...he's sick.  Youngest as she ventures into her own apartment in a few months (and me, because I will miss her and Tiger her cat). For our kitchen water pipes to thaw.

Retreat ~ Back to the Grind

My husband surprised me with a trip to our favorite cabin in the woods.  It's not only in the woods, but way up in the hills.  The road up to it is dirt and there are no guardrails.  I literally grip the door as we go up or down, but once we are up it's total bliss.  It's the next best thing to camping.  The hot tub is the best part.  The cabin is for 2 people only, and it was a surprise stay for our Anniversary (again).  I am not sure who needed it more - him or myself.  I'm just glad it was not snowing nor freezing ice taking those roads.

The cabin had a TV, movies, books, deck of cards, so we had plenty of entertainment.  The full kitchen allowed us to pick up stuff at the grocery and cook/eat at the cabin.  

Speaking of shopping, the grocery stores there were pretty bare.  Way worse than in our hometown area.  The bad part of driving there, is that small town gas stations kept their restrooms closed.  We had to take advantage of rest stops before heading into the hills.

Many stores had their hours reduced, days of the week they were open reduced, and some were on the verge of going out of business.  Our favorite restaurant was closed. The one store we headed out to shop at was closed.  They were a business that made things from metal - candle holders, yard art, signs etc.  They made the items right there, which meant shopping was USA made.  So sad to see them not open.

The funny part, is I had booked the same cabin in the spring for our birthday's, but will be canceling it with what's going on in the world right now.  We can always book camping trips instead (if they are open).

We are back to the grind today.  Both of us. Instead of a 6am hot tub soak and coffee, it's back to stoking the fire and prepping breakfast and dinner this morning.

We need to split wood possibly before the weekend, but I'm hoping I have enough until then.  Oh, the cabin we stayed at had a gas fireplace.  Oh my gosh it heated up so nicely.  We are considering installing one in place of the pellet stove in the other end of the house.  It's on the wish list now.

I do not have my boxes yet to start the hallway project, but excited about it.  Then I thought, "I should paint it while it's all cleaned out" and then I thought well that would be spring in order to paint.  We shall see.  There is plenty of other things on the to-do list too.

I best get busy. Have a nice day.  I had to ask my husband what day it was, I'm so out of whack, ha ha!  It was strange taking off on a Sunday for sure, but we well rested.

 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Christmas week is always busy for us.  We celebrated our youngest turning 19.  Christmas Eve day my husband and I spent several hours doing heavy lifting at my Dad's place.  We were super tired by evening.  Christmas day we all cooked in our pj's and had a very relaxing day.  Our older daughter delivered a Christmas meal to Mom and to my younger brother, although the weather was pretty nasty with snow and wind. Younger daughter has a very (mentally) difficult Christmas, but we got her through it.

The little tiny island we got married on.  Then and now (from opposite views).  The little quaint town had to fill in the one side of the island due to erosion, and the sign was removed since then.  You can see in the second photo of where it was (it was a tiny small island).  First photo is our one year anniversary.  There is a small B&B there by it and that is where we celebrated our 22nd anniversary over the weekend.

We did some small town shopping, eating and whatnot.  I loved browsing their bookstores there and bought one book for $1.00.  We dined at a local brewery, and tried their bruschetta.  As all new businesses, they are making their food in different ways. Can't say it was the best bruschetta (made with olives and feta), but the pizza was delicious. Tried my first whiskey sour, because the cocktails were of limited choices.  I do not like whiskey sours.  We tried Buffalo Trace whiskey - good but expensive.

Oh, I found a copy of a two-book collection that I have been looking for.  However, it's signed, and was not priced.  They took my info and will call me with a price if they verify signature.  I have a feeling if it is verified as a true signature, it will be too highly priced for me.

I learned something too.  We browsed an antique store for a (what I thought was called a lamp shade) for my kitchen oil lamp.  Learned they are called a petticoat.  I'm told to bring my entire lamp in and they will fit it with one.  Sort of excited about that.

Back home and back to work now.  So much is now on the to-do list, but it keeps me busy.  The car repairs will resume, and other work.

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

Will link when she posts.  I have to get started on my day.

What 2020 has taught me . . .

-Don't think on decisions too long, because life goes too fast

-Get the tattoo.  I was given one for Christmas by one of the daughters and I thought "You know, life is short, just do it!"  They are mother daughter tattoos.  Yes, I really did it.

-If you can't visit friends and family call them.

-Random acts of kindness put happiness in my heart

-Take more trips.  Don't put them off. And to take the younger two girls on a vacation every year.  They work hard too.

-To take care of myself better.  I have not been that great at working out.  Eating great, but not working out.

-Write a Will.  Dad didn't have one and it's been one headache for my younger brother. 

-to carve out more date nights with my husband.

-sadly it's taught me that some friends are more supportive than family.

The weather outside is . . .

Warmer than the past weekend.  37°/22°F.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Coffee so far.  Will make a casserole later this morning.

As I look outside my window . . .

The snow we got on Christmas day is all melted.

As I look around the house . . .

I also have several lists laying at my computer for the week. 

What I am wearing today . . .

Right now I am still in jammies and a thick robe

Currently reading . . .

Nothing today, but hopefully back to it.  Just haven't felt like reading lately.

On the TV . . .

Whatever catches our eye.

On the menu  . . .

-ham/bean soup to use up all the leftover ham

-chicken tikka masala

-meatloaf, sweet potatoes, 

-salmon patties, roasted veggies

-kamut snack bars

-breakfast casserole with bacon and veggies, greens

Something fun to share . . .

Nothing.

Prayers, Inspirational quotes, Devotionals . . .

My cousin who lost her husband to covid, youngest (still having a rough time),