It's not hard to believe that we are traveling closer to the winter holidays. I'm trying to focus on enjoying every single day until then, but I am fitting in a few snippets of holiday preparing.
Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year. It's hard to believe it's the last day of August.
I have not yet gotten rid of the links to all the advertisers using my blog posts, but again, still working on it. However, my profile has gone from my blog, and while I am in settings, it is not able to add as a "gadget" to the blog. Weird things are happening.
Google had a data breach recently as well, so gmail users were advised to change passwords. Not sure what else is going on, but just in case you are wondering why my "profile" is not on my blog any longer.
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.
Success this past week. I installed shelf liners on 3 shelves in one of the bathroom cabinets. I also completely cleaned out two large corner kitchen cupboards, purged any expired seasonings, vinegars, oils etc. Cleaned them, washed every lazy susan/turntable, lined the shelves, and re-organized.
I made a trip to town to buy liner to finish the remaining shelves. I also invested in two more turntables to make life more organized.
However, between putting the roll of shelf liner on the check out, and then paying for it, apparently it never made it home. The drive back is not short. The remaining shelves will be waiting until we retrieve the roll. We are stumped at how we never got that long roll back into the cart.
Anyway, I have also done inventory to see what I need for this year's canning season. I, apparently, have enough celery seed to can items for the next two years (ha ha! Whoops!). The kids moved in and out, but left behind their huge supply of spices and seasonings (which of most were the ones expired).
We also replaced our paper shredder, so thanks for all your suggestions.
A question for anyone who pickles eggs - do you have a fantastic recipe, or do you just re-use juice from your canned beets? Which vinegar is better if you make your own pickling liquid? I have only pickled eggs with one recipe, using a jalapeno, and other spices.
Today I will be joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.
I will link up when she posts. Today's post is a doozy of a long one. Sorry for that.
The weather in our neck of the woods . . .
We are finally warming up, and we may even reach 50°F! It's going to melt all of this snow and ice, so it will also be a muddy mess, but a happy temperature.
As I look outside my window . . .
It's still dark out, but last night during dinner we watched two woodpeckers enjoying our bird feeder on a tree.
Right now I am . . .
Making our daily snack plans. Sipping hot coffee.
Something fun to share (blog, video or tip). . .
Tip: Use a mandolin to shred cabbage on the thinnest setting vs. using a food processor for either slaw or other meals. It creates a much thinner cabbage, which makes a better slaw or cook faster for a meal.
Thinking and pondering . . .
Possibilities I'm considering for this next garden season -
1. Dehydrating dandelion greens
2. Planting a new squash
3. Putting my shell pea/snow pea fence back up
4. Planting more fruit options
5. Looking for a new resource to buy tomato plants
6. I can't locate Jerusalem artichokes to try this year. Anyone have suggestions? I would like to see if they will grow here well. I tried Baker Creek and I think I looked at High Mowing, but can't remember ha ha! Not Amazon or Etsy please. I saw on Territorial they want $24.95 for one plant. Are they that expensive for organic/heirloom?
We have lacked in the way of sowing seeds in the house this past year, and I am way behind this year. I may go ahead and start beets, but it's pretty late for the rest I typically start early. We do not have a green house, and we lack space in the sunlight, so I have to use grow lights when we do start seeds inside. The lights have timers, but it does increase our very expensive electric bill.
On my bedside table . . .
-a few crochet hooks, notepad and pen
Listening to . . .
Nothing now, but maybe the radio during the day. The type depends on what I wish to listen to at the moment. Music anyway.
On the menu . . .
Focusing on the freezer and garden stash/pantry ingredients.
-pork chops with home canned BBQ sauce, quinoa and roasted beets
-cabbage wraps with Italian sausage (my own recipe, but uses meat from the freezer)
-stuffed bell peppers (made last summer with garden bell peppers), will side these with other smaller meals too
-summer vegetable spaghetti (uses frozen diced zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans from the garden, and a jar of home canned tomato sauce), with frozen homemade meatballs (made with oats and no bread crumbs)
-chickpea crust pizzas using home canned pizza sauce, and frozen bell peppers from the garden
Book I am reading. . .
A much different book, but reading no less.
On my TV . . .
Nurse Jackie Series 3, 4 and 5, DVD's borrowed from the library. However, if it doesn't get much better, we are abandoning the series and finding something new to watch.
On my to-do list . . .
-make a breakfast frittata, and turkey breakfast "sausages"
-make a jar of pickled red onions
-start more sprouts for the chickens -dishes, empty dishwasher -laundry -sweep and mop downstairs room
(my "possibility list" in other words)
Happening this week . . .
Ha! It all depends on the weather. I am hoping to get into town to retrieve the roll of shelf liner we paid for and somehow didn't get.
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating . . .
Another granny finished book means another finished granny square for my "book" blanket. I am not stressing about if the colors match "exactly" but close enough is enough for me. The new project is to use up scrap balls of yarn, and crochet a beautiful blanket for us. More granny squares to make.
Tuesday (1-14-25) we woke up to -3°F. It snowed the entire day, making all of the roadways slick. Accidents, multiple car pile up's, and my husband stuck in traffic on his way home (due to another pile up). I'm not kidding, it was that bad on the roads. I was out on them. The doctor found no fractures, but I have an injured hamstring. No wonder I have been in pain. My husband missed his own doctor appt due to the accidents delaying him.
Today we woke up to a brisk -7°F, and we are in for a really cold snap next week. Like below -20 or something. I had the delight to watch a herd of deer this morning, and will post those photos in another post.
We had a front porch visitor. A raccoon.
It's been fun with the snow on the ground lately. I can track the animals so easily. There are rabbit prints and deer prints all around the chicken coop, and all over the property. I see the fat squirrel often, and now we also have kitty cat tracks that lead to every door of the house. I actually saw the cat again Monday morning. It has been bedding down in one of our barns, according to the tracks in the snow.
On the handiwork front . . .
It may look like a lot, but it is winter, and the weather is too cold to do much of anything outside.
. . . finished three jar openers, using up some red thread, but I now have just small bits left from two. I'll do some research on what I can use it up with.
Any suggestions? Size 3 crochet thread. Not much left on them. I looked at 32 pages of patterns on Ravelry. It is not a thread that would work for scrap dishcloths either. Mini hearts, but for what? Earrings are not well accepted as gifts. I made my Mom a pair for Christmas one year, and she never wore them. Maybe donate it? I may try and come up with a small Christmas ornament to donate to nursing homes etc.
. . . made a few "sunshine" Christmas tree ornaments to use up some yellow cotton I had in my stash. These will be donated. Would you stiffen these? They are #4 worsted weight cotton. If you would, what would you use to stiffen them?
. . .blocking more crocheted baby washcloths, and using up some discontinued 2 ply cotton thread. When the thread is gone, these will be the last of the last of these.
. . .first granny square for my 2025 creative project (watch for a post on this soon!) I shared this granny square earlier.
. . . started another lap afghan. The colors were inspired by the latest granny square, and uses up some more stash yarn.
. . .started another baby blanket in blue and white. We have someone expecting, so I'm making sure I have a variety of color options to gift. Note: After I starting drafting this post, I found out she is having a girl now, so there is no rush on this one.
. . . started a knitted dishcloth. These are great gifts, host/hostess gifts, house warming gifts, and to use myself.
On the new purchase front . . .
I wanted crochet stitch minders, to help remind me what hook size I was using on projects like the granny square project. I went online and found exactly what I wanted, but it was over $30 with shipping.
I settled for these "knitting" markers, but will be writing the crochet letter hook size on the opposite side. Cost? $4.98 total cost. I could make my own, but this will do the job. The numbers are small and hard to read, so I'll use a marker to go over them. It will work for now anyway.
I could have also used letter beads slipped onto a safety pin, but guess what?? I donated those letter beads a few years ago, ha ha! Anyway, I wanted the letter of the hook and the size on the markers, because for some reason some newer hooks have not been the same coordinates. For example, I found an "I" hook to have other size numbers on them vs. the size 5.50mm.
By the way, I went to our nearest JoAnn Fabrics store, and they did not have any type of "hook" minders for projects. I was surprised. Also, I only had the time to check at Meijer, but to buy new "letter" beads it would cost $4.99 plus tax. If you make your own hook size minders to remind you of your hook size on patterns, let me know.
